SoulForce activists join the National Guard

[tdogg]

As in the Equality Ride, if was said that if one GLBT student was touched/helped the ride to that school was worth it. I believe it's the same here - no matter where we stand on the issue of military or war, if this action can help our GLBT brothers and sisters who are already in the military, it will be worth it. If it can help those who are determined to enlist, it will be worth it.

I believe this action can be done without appearing to support the war in Iraq or any other war. Our country's military have traditionally been utilized for many services to its citizens other than war. I do not believe that should be discarded because of our current involvement in Iraq. There are many soldiers who are moral, upstanding, valuable people doing great things for their people. And we need to keep in mind, those soldiers in Iraq didn't all choose to be there fighting this war - they are 'owned' by the US government and go where they are told to go. They have no choice, as they gave up their free will when they signed on to their 'job'. If this Soulforce action can help them in any way, I believe it is worthy of support.

I'm not a supporter of this war our president has gotten us into. But I am a supporter of our troops and those people who have died, been injured, or put their lives on the line every second of every day they are over there. As well as those who are serving in other capacities and in other locations. I would hope SF will find a way to commence the activity while making it clear this war is not an incentive or being supported. You can make that happen, just make sure its well thought out and planned. You have my blessing, tho you certainly don't need it. Thanks for your bravery, compassion and most of all your will to get up and do something.

Please keep us posted on how this all plays out!

[Mia14]

Originally Posted by tdogg

I would hope SF will find a way to commence the activity while making it clear this war is not an incentive or being supported.

I know that during out training, it was made very clear that SF does not support the war. We discussed these topics and decided, although each city will depend on that individual organizer for details, that we would try to keep the current war separate from our cause. Most of us decided that when asked about the war, we'd state that SF was a nonviolent organization, but this campaign is not about this war - it's about civil rights.

I know we'll keep you all updated!