Bellingham Sanctuary City

Hello CFL friends,

I wanted to take a moment to discuss with you the idea of AWOL soldiers in Bellingham. In my opinion, there are several reasons why the idea of Sanctuary for GI's in Bellingham fits with the Liberatrian perspective.

1) The freedom to change your mind. Soldiers are human beings, and they should have the right to change their minds. A military is only as good as its soldiers, and if an army refuses to let its soldiers change their minds on important issues like war, peace and violence, then that army is not really "all-volunteer."

2) The freedom to quit your job. In a capitalist system, things are done by consent for mutual benefit. The way the US military works now is exactly the opposite; once the contract is signed, these people loose all their rights, including the right to quit their job when they choose. Why is it that the most Socialist institution in America is the American Military?

Anyway, just some things to ponder. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Sanctuary idea, please visit http://www.sanctuary-... . Thanks!

In solidarity,

Evan Knappenberger
SPC, US Army, retired.

Thanks Evan,

I am flying to New Mexico so I can't make it to the meeting on Monday. I would like to have my statement submitted to the council and added to the record. My name is Justin Mckay. I served eight years in the Army and National Gaurd. When I enlisted, I knew what I was serving. I served the Constitution first and foremost. When the President or Congress are in violation of the Constitution then under UCMJ soldiers are obligated to disobey unlawful orders.

http://usmilitary.abo...

Furthermore if the military branches cannot police their own, I do not want my taxpayer dollars used to propagate a failed foreign policy. Are borders are overun. Prisons are filled with political dissidents and drug offenders. How many violent criminals wander the streets as harmless resistors sit in prison? The real criminals are in the White House and Congress. When are we going to arrest these liars, thieves and murderers? This illegal occupation will eventually end just like Vietnam did. As in Vietnam the occupation will end when the soldiers lay their weapons down.

Justin Mckay
4700 Sucia Dr
Ferndale WA
360-927-5479