"My moral and legal obligation is to the constitution and
not to those who would issue unlawful orders."

Aloha Dragonflyers,

In December, I had the honor of sitting beside Lt. Ehren Watada for dinner before his speech in Honolulu.

I was impressed with Ehren's calm intelligence, gracious manner and sincere humility.

I asked Ehren to please consider preparing himself for president of the United States. He thought I was kidding.

"I'm serious," I told him. "When this war is over, people will remember your courageous patriotism. Americans desperately want a president who is honest. The name 'Watada' will go down in history as standing for truth and morality." Ehren thought for a moment and then said he would give the idea some consideration.

The speech Ehren gave was remarkable. He had to stop and tell us that it was a long speech and we needn't clap after each sentence. But we couldn't help ourselves! Each sentence was written with keen awareness, deep consideration, and heartfelt sincerity. Ehren's entire speech was crystal clear and immensely profound. (Experience Watada's eloquence)

On Feb.5, Ehren is scheduled to stand before a kangaroo court (details of trial to date)

From Courage to Resist

NOW is the time to make your support of Lt. Ehren Watada VISIBLE. Ehren's court martial starts on Monday, Feb. 5 and will probably go on for several days. We know that Ehren will not get a fair trial because the judge is preventing Ehren from explaining why he made his decision of conscience, why he believes the Iraq War and Occupation is illegal and immoral, why he believes he will be ordered to commit war crimes, why he believes he would have to issue illegal orders to his own troops And we know that Ehren will most likely be incarcerated for 4 years in a military prison for his decision of conscience and exercising his right to free speech. Please do something each day (starting Feb. 4) to bring public and media attention.

On this day, in honor of this courageous hero, Americans across the nation are demonstrating support in different ways. The Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Center of Honaunau is hosting a luncheon with a labyrinth peace walk, showing of "Sir, No Sir" movie of Viet Nam, sharing of peace music and poetry with sign making to raise the awareness of this grave injustice happening to a man who should be given the medal of honor. It is unjust for Ehren to be a P.O.W. in his own country, by his own country. (In German, Ehren's name means Honor.)

Between 5 and 7PM, we intend to take our signs to the pier in Kailua-Kona where we will walk in solidarity of his stand against this immoral and illegal war that must be stopped. It is criminal that this brave soldier is looking at spending 4 years in prison for speaking the truth and refusing to kill innocent people by participating in Bush's illegal war to benefit his wealthy cronies.

PLEASE do what you can to can in your community to support Lt. Ehren Watada. Also, please send prayers for  Ehren's dear, stressed-out step-mother, Rosa (who was hospitalized recently). This is a noble family, doing a great service for our country.

Aloha and Happy Chinese New Year

Barbara Ann “Kenonilani” Moore