NCRR took a position against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and submitted a statement to the Rafu Shimpo in the hopes that others would also write their congressperson. Our statement was addressed to Senators Feinstein and Boxer and cautioned against war hysteria and political expediency. “We now witness President Bush exercising political expediency as well in his call for possible preemptive military action against Iraq. But the preemption principle, striking first based on a perceived threat, is so dangerous to our democratic system, our nation of laws.” NCRR organized a contingent in the early marches against the war and joined with other Asian Pacific Islander organizations to build opposition to the war. NCRR also marched in anti-war marches in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood.

In preparation for the court martial of Lt. Ehren Watada in February 2007, NCRR and the Asian American Vietnam Veterans Organization (AAVVO) organized the largest march of youth, Nisei, Latino, and Asian Americans in Little Tokyo since the 1970’s. With Helga Aguayo, wife of Agustin Aguayo, and Carolyn Ho, Lt. Ehren Watada’s mother, in the lead, the marchers chanted, “Drop the Charges Now” and “Free Aguayo” all the way to Higashi Hongwanji Temple. The standing-room only crowd gathered there to give more encouragement to Helga and Carolyn and to send off the four NCRR representatives who would attend Watada’s court-martial at Ft. Lewis.

Support for Augustin Aguayo
In October 2006, at an NCRR program, Helga Aguayo, wife of Agustin Aguayo, eloquently explained how her husband, a medic, had served in Iraq but could no longer kill or participate in a war in good conscience. She and her daughters won the hearts of the audience. Both NCRR and Asian American Vietnam Veterans Organization (AAVVO) supported Agustin Aguayo and Ehren Watada equally.

At the 2007 Day of Remembrance, Helga Aguayo, talked about how Agustin’s request for conscientious objector status had been denied and how he was facing a court martial for his refusal to fight in any war.

In July 2007, NCRR had a “welcome home” fundraiser for Aguayo, who had been released from the army. The fundraiser was to help pay for legal fees. Aguayo feels determined to educate the public about the war in Iraq and to support other resisters of conscience.

Support for Chaplain James Yee
As NCRR’s concern for our own civil liberties increased, so did our shock at the continued abuses of prisoners and innocent people of Iraq. In October 2005, the NCRR September 11 Committee organized a week-long speaking tour for Chaplain James Yee, the Chinese Muslim chaplain who had written a book, “For God and Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire.” He has been charged with spying and possession of pornography after serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His duties were not only to minister to the religious needs of the detainees but also to recommend changes that would help the prison run more smoothly.

He worked with the high command, including Major General Geoffrey Miller of Abu Graib fame and was given high evaluations, yet he was charged with espionage and thrown into prison for 76 days. Eventually all the charges were dropped but his military career was destroyed. Chaplain Yee spoke to college campuses and to an overflow crowd in Little Tokyo who learned about the abuses at Guantanamo and the fact that many of these prisoners had committed no crimes, yet were being held without the right to an attorney or a trial.

Support for Lt. Ehren Watada
When NCRR heard that Lt. Ehren Watada, a commissioned officer, had refused to go to Iraq because he believed that the war was illegal and immoral, we were eager to offer support. Though most of the country knew that the reasons for invading Iraq were false ones (there were no weapons of mass destruction) and that Saddam Hussein had no connections to Al Queda, the movement against the war was not very strong.

In late summer 2006, NCRR was asked to coordinate a southern California speaking tour for Watada's father and stepmother, Bob Watada and Rosa Sakanishi. They came not only to ask for support for their son, but also to build a stronger movement against the war. Watada and Sakanishi spoke to colleges, the media, and religious leaders. They also spoke to a thousand high school students in Oxnard and to junior high students who asked very sharp questions.

Close to 200 people welcomed the Watadas to Little Tokyo at a reception sponsored by NCRR and the Asian American Vietnam Veterans Organization (AAVVO). The AAVVO is composed of former Vietnam veterans who have taken a position opposing the government's policies in Iraq and supporting the soldiers stationed in Iraq.

Court Martial in February 2007
The NCRR delegation, June Hibino, Kimi Maru, and Kathy Masaoka, was joined by Robin McClaren, of the Whittier Peace Coalition. They attended all three days of Lt. Watada's trial in Ft. Lewis, where they made connections with others from across the country. They were also able to meet with Lt. Watada, express support from the community, and renew their friendship with Bob Watada and Rosa Sakanishi.

Where We Are Now
A year later, Lt. Ehren Watada awaits a second court martial under the objections of his attorneys who are arguing that this constitutes “double jeopardy” or trying a person twice for the same offense.

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