Asylum Update
Letter by US AWOL soldier André Shepherd
(10.04.2010) Hello Everyone:
I hope that you all are enjoying the wonderful weather that we are currently experiencing. Just in the last seven days the Harsh Winter finally released its grip and gave way to spring. I really love this time of year. It is a constant reminder that no matter how difficult a particular point in time might seem, things will always get better. So it is as well in our lives. After ten long challenging years it seems that there might finally be a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks in part to the Internet and strong efforts by very courageous and determined supporters around the world; the struggle for peace and common sense seems to have taken on a new dynamic among the population at large. In recent months support for Wars against Humanity (Also known as the War on Terror, Overseas Contingency Operations, or whatever names the Powers That Be give for their Illegal Genocidal Acts of Terrorism) have significantly eroded. The major media have also given more credence to our cause thanks to the acts of spirited individuals such as Joe Glenton. Unfortunately the media moguls did not feel that they were good enough to appear on the front page, but it is a marked improvement. In Joe´s situation the world saw firsthand the reluctance of the British Government to even discuss the legal aspect of the war, which tells me they are well aware that their actions are in Grave Breach of International law to say the least. Unfortunately they sentenced him to nine months in prison anyway for apparently breaking military rules. I wished he would have gotten off Scott-free since his actions were borne purely out of conscience and rational thinking. I urge you to support him. On the website www.Connection-eV.org you will find a link to send him solidarity letters - and to express your protest to the British military as well. Hopefully if there is enough pressure, Joe´s sentenced can either be reduced or overturned.
Turning our attention to Central Europe I regret to inform you all that as of the time of this writing there has been no word on a decision by the Federal Government in Germany. One can only assume that they are doing thorough research into the reasons leading up to the War in Iraq, as well as researching the credibility of my story. I would not worry too much about it though, since it is known that these types of cases have the potential to last many years for various reasons. I am a little bit confused though as to why the American Government has not responded at all. Given the potential for this case to set an international precedent, you would think that they would have said something to either defend themselves or to try and undermine my credibility as is the standard M.O. for things such as this. Although some bloggers have tried to do so by using dubious tactics such as twisting my words or even outright lying, there has been absolutely zero mention of this case in Washington. I wonder if they have something to hide, or else do they just do not care? Only time will tell.
The past three months have been very busy. I have spent the time doing more research for my case, as well as integrating into the German Culture. I have also started to write a book about my experiences, with the hope that one day it will be used to help other people in a similar situation. If things go well maybe I can find a publisher who will be able to distribute it, or else maybe I just make it freely available on the internet, I do not know.
I have received a letter for a long-time supporter who wants to do an action to protest the American Military occupation and is asking for help. I have looked over his proposal, and think it is a really good and novel idea. I am sending the details to Connection e.V. for their input, and am asking you all for your ideas on what we could do to generate more attention to this case and others. If anyone wants to make a suggestion, please contact Connection e.V. or the Military Counseling Network. These organizations are continuing to work hard to help soldiers and asylum seekers in many ways, and could use your help in continuing this fine work. I for one am open to suggestions, as we need to be dynamic and full of surprises if we are to get the upper hand.
Again I must thank each and every one of you for your love and support. If there are those out there who have heard about my case and would like to make a donation, please do so here. Every little bit helps in our continuing fight for justice and freedom. May the peace of God find each and every one of you.
Until next time, André Shepherd
This is a picture that I found on the web. It sums up my thoughts of War quite well. I wish that the governments of the world would only resort to War as only a final means of defense, since no one who participates in it are ever the same again.
Letter by André Shepherd, April 10, 2010
Keywords: ⇒ Andre Shepherd ⇒ AWOL ⇒ CO and Asylum ⇒ Germany ⇒ Objectors Report ⇒ USA