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Should a Soldier Who Changes His Mind About War Have a Right to Status as a Conscientious Objector?

by Staughton Lynd
Mr. Lynd ran for president of the American Historical Association in 1969 on a program of opposition to the Vietnam War. His most recent book is Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising (Temple University Press).

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*HNN received the following message via email from Camilo E. Mejia on March 7, 2005:

To Whom it May Concern:

This is about the article Should a Soldier Who Changes His Mind About War Have a Right to Status as a Conscientious Objector?, published March 7, 2005.

My CO application wasn't forgotten. A hearing was held at Ft. Sill's confinement facility in, I believe, June of last year. Some of the people who testified during the hearing include Bishop Gumbleton (from Pax Christy), Nancy Lessin (from Military Families Speak Out), Daniel Ellsberg (The Pentagon's Papers), and Lewis Randa (from The Peace Abbey). An observer from Amnesty International wasn't allowed to stay for the hearing. My chain of command was also interviewed by phone. The hearing officer recommended disapproval of my claim, but there is no definite answer yet.
Also, I wasn't part of a sniper team. We were providing overwatch security when the young man threw the grenade. Everything else is pretty much accurate. Please tell Mr. Lynd that I enjoyed his article.
Sincerely,
Camilo E. Mejia

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