Japanese Americans criticize Watada

As reported here, "Nine Japanese American veterans groups have publicly criticized Army 1st Lt. Ehren Watada for his decision to disobey deployment orders to serve in Iraq.

"Watada, an officer based at Fort Lewis, is trying to "make himself a martyr and a hero," said Robert Wada, a charter president of the Japanese American Korean War Veterans. He said Watada's actions disrespect a legacy of military service by Japanese American soldiers dating back to World War II.

""No Japanese Americans did anything like that, and that is why Japanese Americans are so upset," Wada said. "He is doing something that has never been done by Japanese Americans."

"The groups expressed their outrage at Watada this week in a public statement.

"The groups opposing Watada include the Japanese American Korean War Veterans, Americans of Japanese Ancestry WWII Memorial Alliance, five Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and American Legion post and the Nisei Veterans Coordinating Council of Southern California."

The nisei (Japanese Americans), once allowed to serve in the armed forces, served with distinction during WWII, suffering horrendous casualties, but making significant contributions to the outcome of that war. Although Seattle resident, Frank Abe, produced a documentary, "Conscience and the Constitution", showing that 315 nisei resisted serving until their families, who were in relocation camps, were released to go home, that is a mere pittance of the vast number of nisei who served honorably, willingly, and in many cases, with great distinction in the European Theater of Operations, and later, in Korea.

What Watada is attempting to do is both shameful, and without merit, and I applaud these veterans groups for their stand against what he is trying to do.

UPDATE: Army officer recommending trial for Watada

As reported here, "A report by the investigating officer, Lt. Col. Mark Keith, "does recommend that the case be tried by general court-martial," said J.C. Mathews, a civilian spokesman at the base.

"Watada has been charged with missing troop movement, conduct unbecoming an officer and contempt toward officials.

"The Army laid out its case against him at a hearing last week, showing video footage of the officer calling the Iraq war illegal.

"Keith could have recommended anything from dismissal of the charges to a general court-martial."

So, what happens now? "Keith's recommendation goes to Watada's brigade commander, Col. Cynthia Murphy, and finally to Lt. Gen. James Dubik, Fort Lewis commander, who has the final say on whether Watada should stand trial."