A Memorial
May 29, 2005
7:41 a.m., MT

I heard only a little about him before I met him. While that bit was factually accurate, it didn't fully prepare me for how delightful he is. A warm, kind, quiet man -- one who's easy for many people to overlook; for those who are more observant, the spark in his blue eyes hints at the interesting character behind the unassuming mien. In our time together, he's been uninterested in political discussion, almost invariably bowing out when the conversation lingers there for more than a few minutes.

Yet he himself took decisive political action, at a time when few were probably doing likewise. I haven't spoken with him about this episode in his past -- only heard about it from the dear friend who introduced us. What his motives were I do not know. They matter less to me than his actions.

In a time before it was fashionable to burn draft cards, when likely only a few were questioning the morality of the draft and organizations like the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors didn't exist to let young men know they weren't alone in their reluctance to become part of Uncle Sam's war machine -- in other words, well before any Gulf War or Vietnam -- he refused to go.

I know few details. It's my understanding he was drafted, and declined the invitation. Years later, the grinding gears of the state caught up with him, and made him pay for that choice. He was imprisoned.

For all I know he regrets the action that led to his being jailed. But, remembering that twinkle in his eyes, I doubt it. Today, I remember and honor his choice: a choice to say, "No, I'm not" when the government tried to tell him, "You're our boy"; an action that, along with others like it then and since, has helped create a more questioning attitude about war and the involuntary servitude of young men in the military machine, particularly with regard to this country's current jihad.

Thank you. And thank you also to all the kindred spirits who refuse to feed the state's war machine. It is you whom I honor this weekend.

Sunni

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