A response to ex-Marine’s anti-war stance
Gazette-Times, a column By Pat Wray, May 8, 2009
Benjamin Lewis is walking back and forth before the OSU classroom. He has long hair and a beard and a large tattoo on each forearm, one of which is a peace symbol. His eyes are bright and he fairly hums with energy, giving his presentation a mildly manic feel. He has information he needs us to believe.
Lewis was, until recently, a United States Marine; a mortarman who served two tours in Iraq. He is most emphatically not a Marine now, having jettisoned the title in the most public way possible. When recalled from the Inactive Reserve and ordered to report again for active duty, he refused. And not just refused, but became a spokesman and poster child for organizations against the war, organizations which advocate actions ranging from conscientious objection to outright desertion.
The people in the classroom are a diverse group. The majority seem to be people in line with Lewis’ thinking. They nod their heads in agreement with his statements and murmur supportively to their companions. There are a few hard-eyed young men with short haircuts sitting very still. I suspect they are just back from Iraq or preparing to go. They are not Lewis supporters.
And here I am, conflicted and confused. I’m trying hard to be objective, trying not to hate this earnest young man in a visceral, gut-wrenching way I cannot begin to explain. After all, Lewis was a decorated Marine with an honorable discharge. He knows more about the Iraq War than most of us and certainly more than I. On that basis alone he has earned my respect.
And yet when his country called him, Lewis refused. Marines don’t do that. It does not compute. Marines always answer the call. At any cost. It is part of our history, part of our culture. Our motto is Semper Fidelis (Latin for Always Faithful).
Lewis takes particular aim at that culture; his description of boot camp emphasizes the degradation and physical demands. In his words boot camp sounds like a scene from the movie “Full Metal Jacket,” but is no less accurate for the semblance. Where others see a process that molds men and women into disciplined, capable Marines, Lewis sees training for mindless obedience and brutality.
Lewis points out that the Iraq War was spawned in deceit and nursed by greed. It cast American fighting men and women for the first time in the eyes of the world as occupiers, as bad guys. Tragically, many of our young soldiers have come to believe that description of themselves.
He presented a situation in which Marines were shooting near an Iraqi woman to keep her from approaching their position as an example of racism common to Marines. I don’t think so. Responding strongly in an uncertain environment to someone who might be trying to kill you is just good sense. If, after you return from the war you discriminate against and debase Iraqi people, that is racism.
It is obvious to me that Benjamin Lewis is a man of good heart and good intentions who is carrying an important message to the American people. Is it an accurate message? I don’t know, but I do know our country has benefitted immensely from courageous people who have spoken out against the popular view, often at great personal cost. I applaud Lewis’ decision to speak out; former Marines have at least as much right to speak as anyone else.
But his refusal to serve when his country called him, his willingness for someone else to go in his stead, is inexcusable something no Marine can ever forgive.
Semper Fidelis does not mean occasionally faithful.
Pat Wray is a freelance writer and longtime local resident. His general-interest columns can be found in this section on alternate Fridays. He can be reached at patwray@comcast.net.
