"The war in Iraq is in fact illegal. It is my obligation and my duty to refuse any orders to participate in this war. An order to take part in an illegal war is unlawful in itself. So my obligation is not to follow the order to go to Iraq." - Lt. Ehren Watada


Lt. Watada's pre-trial hearing for the charges brought against him by the US Army, will be on Thursday January 4^th from 8 AM until 11 AM. Please attend this rally and voice your support. This event is rain or shine. A carpool is being organized; stay tuned for more information if you have extra room in your vehicle or if you want to find a seat in one!

[edit:]Carpool Information: If you're driving to this event, and you have room in your car, please consider stopping by one of these two locations to see if there is anyone waiting for a ride:

1. Division and Harrison Grocery Outlet (et al.) parking lot - near the former Rainy Day location. Time: departure at 7:30 am (hopeful riders may want to arrive early.)

2. Martin Way Park & Ride (exit 109 off I-5). To depart at 7:40 am. Again, riders may want to arrive a little early.

If you want a ride, just show up, although there are no guarantees. And if you have space in your vehicle, please stop by one (or both) of these locations.

Hope to see you the day after tomorrow, Thursday Jan 4, at a carpool rendezvous location near you, and at the rally![/edit]

from email:

Join Lt. Watada's supporters including military families, veterans, youth and students, people of color, workers, religious communities and activists to rally at the gates of Ft. Lewis for a peaceful non-violent demonstration.

Speakers Program begins at 10 am

1. Bob Watada - Ehren Watada's father
2. Sara Rich - Suzanne Swift's mother
3. Darrell Anderson, Iraq War Resister, Iraq Vets Against the War (IVAW)
4. Chanan Suarez Diaz, IVAW, president of Seattle Chapter
5. Michael Cuzzort, IVAW
6. Pia Rivera, Anakbayan - Pilipino Youth & Students
7. Carrie Hathorn - Watada Support Campaign Mobilizer

We are excited to welcome several members of Iraq Vets Against the War who will arrive in the Northwest just in time for Lt. Watada's pre-trial hearing. This group of IVAW members has been traveling the country talking to students about military recruiters and educating the public about the realities of the war. They have begun passing out holiday gift baskets to GIs. If you are interested in supporting IVAW's efforts locally, please contact volunteer@ltwatada.org. To donate holiday treats and goodies for the gift baskets, please drop donations of 4-7 cookies or treats in plastic zip lock bags at the following locations:
Seattle
Tues. Jan 2, 6pm-9pm
2111 E. Union Street, in Seattle's Central District.
Tacoma
Sally Shawl
Tues. Jan. 2, 9am-5pm
1224 South I Street, Tacoma
Olympia
Traditions Cafe, in downtown Olympia
Tues. Jan. 2, 9am-6pm
300 5th Ave SW, Olympia

Let's show the military we support Lt. Watada!
Brave the rain and weather - wear your raincoat and bring an umbrella.
See you in the Streets!
www.thankyoult.org