Paul Boring did a good job of covering Lt. Watada’s appearance in Coupeville. I have little to add to his account. Clearly, “Coupeville supports Watada,” if you’re going by the event itself.

However, because I was aware of at least one individual in the audience who I felt pretty sure does not support Lt. Watada, I also found myself viewing the event from the other perspective.

I could see from the other perspective that it must look like the whole town went looney. We were “turning tail,” pure and simple.

To those who continue to support the war, and who think that Lt. Watada is much in error, I can only say that we have very different views of the world and the way it works.

In a meeting like the one our community just had, I think it will serve us all to keep in mind that there is a big picture behind each of our beliefs. While, as individuals, we need to call Iraq whatever we need to call it, we can respect other viewpoints.

Couldn’t we also benefit from having more mutual respect between the U.S. and most Middle Eastern countries, as well?

Agree or disagree with Lt. Watada’s view, I think all will respect him for his williness to take a worst-case decision from the military justice system.

Lee James

Coupeville