back to top
Where can US refugees go?
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
I’m writing concerning an article you had in your
June 11, 2003 issue, “The news no one is reporting: American political
refugees flee abroad.”
After reading that article, I got, and am still ,scared concerning what’s
going on with our country.
I am a poor person, just like many who read your weekly paper. How can
we move abroad? Where can we go? No one should have to live in fear
in our country. I want very much to leave before the next election.
What country will take me in?
I am an American, and yet I’m SCARED. WHY should I be?
I hope you can give me some advice on where I could go – and in
fact, let all your readers know.
I’m NOT a TRAITOR – so don’t get me wrong – but
I am scared and have been since I read your article.
Sincerely,
Dour Marion
Marshall, NC
back to top
Anti-war Marine needs help
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
My name is Stephen Funk. I am a Marine Corps reservist
who spoke out against the invasion of Iraq. Now I am being charged with
desertion, even though I returned to my unit after completing an application
for discharge as a conscientious objector. My military court date is
scheduled for Aug.11 here in New Orleans and I am facing two years in
the brig. Challenging the war from my position was extremely difficult
and I am very proud of my public stance, but now I need your help.
I was born and raised in Seattle where I joined protests against globalization
at the WTO. I moved to Los Angeles for college where I protested for
socioeconomic justice at the Democratic National Convention. I have
always considered myself an activist and stand with the oppressed peoples
of the world. Since high school I have worked with several campaigns
for the disadvantaged, political prisoners, and for peace and justice
in our communities. I left Los Angeles because I felt the school I attended
was too politically apathetic and moved to the Bay Area in hopes of
attending UC Berkeley. Despite all this, I was persuaded to join the
Marines. Out of school for the first time with depression from the lack
of direction and confusion in my life, a recruiter was able to sell
me on what I might learn in basic training. Leadership, teamwork, discipline,
and most importantly a sense of direction and of belonging are what
convinced me. It was a decision I made when I was 19 and in a clouded
state of mind.
The boot camp experience quickly snapped me back into reality, but by
that time it seemed too late to do anything. The purpose of military
training is to churn out non-thinking killing machines. All humans have
a natural aversion to killing, and being forced to shout out “Kill,
Kill, Kill” everyday is a major stress on the mind, body, and soul.
One must go through a transformation in order to accommodate the unnatural
way of life that the military teaches. I, however, resisted and as a
result my moral convictions against violence grew stronger. A marksmanship
coach told me that I had a “bad attitude”, that in a real
situation I wouldn’t score as well as I did. Without thinking I
replied that he was right, because killing people is wrong. It was as
if I had taken a deep breath after holding it for two months, and there
was no way I could ever go back and “go along with the program.”
I had figured out that war itself was immoral and could not be justified.
Yet everyone told me it was futile to try to get out. We were trained
to be subordinate in our thoughts, words, and actions. It’s hard
to go up against all that, even when you know you are right. In February
my San Jose-based unit was called up to support the attack on Iraq.
I could no longer just obey.
For the next six weeks I kept in contact with my command, explaining
why I had not yet reported. I completed my conscientious objector paperwork
that I had started earlier, and I attended anti-war protests with hundreds
of thousands of others.
In the face of this unjust war based on deception by our leaders, I
could not remain silent. In my mind that would have been true cowardice,
having a chance to do some good, but playing it safe instead. On Apr.
1, after a press conference in front of my base, I turned myself in.
I spoke out so that others in the military would realize that they also
have a choice and a duty to resist immoral and illegitimate orders.
You don’t have to be a cog in the machinery of war. Everyone has
the unconquerable power of free will. I wanted those who may be thinking
about enlisting to hear and learn from my experiences.
Under media attention, the military initially claimed my application
for discharge would be handled quickly and fairly, and that I would
likely receive only non-judicial punishment for my unauthorized absence.
Now that public scrutiny has died down the military says that I deserve
to be convicted. I feel I am being punished simply for practicing my
First Amendment rights, and they are seeking an unfit punishment to
dissuade others from becoming conscientious objectors.
On base I’ve been harassed a few times. Some people have told me
I’m a traitor, a coward, and unpatriotic. I have also had a few
death threats. However, I have also received tremendous positive feedback,
even from some of the enlisted people. As my commanding officer explained
to the press, “The Marine Corps understands there are service members
opposed to the war.” I am certainly not alone.
In writing my application for discharge, I was completely honest about
who I am. Part of that meant acknowledging that I am gay. I believe
that homosexuals should be able to serve if they choose, and that Don’t
Ask Don’t Tell is an awful policy that only helps the military
perpetuate anti-gay sentiment among its ranks. However, I am not an
advocate for gay inclusion in the military because I personally do not
support military action.
I have a great defender in San Francisco-based National Lawyers Guild
attorney Stephen Collier. He hasn’t demanded a bunch of money.
However, I need to quickly raise enough for travel, lodging, and research.
This will cost $10,000 at least. My family and I cannot afford that.
Thank you for your support and please forward this to others who may
be able to help.
Stephen Funk
stephenfunk@objector.org
Please send checks payable to:
The Stephen Funk Legal Defense Fund
1230 Market Street #111
San Francisco, CA 94102
