Bergen County Group Supports Librarian, Army Officer

by: dfa_lewis

Sun Jul 09, 2006 at 05:07:26 PM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bergen County—Michele Reutty, the embattled Hasbrouck Heights library director, has gained the support of Bergen Grassroots, a public interest group headquartered in Teaneck. (Text of resolution)

In a separate resolution, Bergen Grassroots announced similar support for Lt. Ehren Watada, who has refused orders to go to Iraq and is now facing a court martial. (Text of resolution)

In its resolution, Bergen Grassroots pointed out that disciplining her “would have a chilling effect on all patriotic Americans who expect law enforcement authorities to obey the very laws they are expected to protect and defend.” The resolution concluded by urging the library board to “reject any governmental pressure that seeks to punish her for obeying the law.”

Lt. Watada, who now awaits trial in the State of Washington’s Fort Lewis, spoke publicly in opposition to the war even before receiving orders. He has said that his refusal to accept “unlawful orders for an illegal war” represents fulfillment of his oath to “protect and defend America’s laws and its people.”

The resolution says the group members “recognize the necessity for a military to protect and defend our country, yet we share with Lt. Watada the belief that the war in Iraq is illegal…”
It continues by commending his courage “as he becomes a symbol for millions of patriotic Americans who perceive the war as a tragic mistake that has cost our nation blood and treasure, as well as our role as a moral force for good in the world.”

The resolution concludes with a pledge to continue supporting Lt. Watada “as he faces the wrath of an administration committed to pursuing this illegal war and occupation.”

Both resolutions were presented with a unanimous recommendation from the group’s 6-member Steering Committee and passed without a dissenting vote, according to Lewis Miller of Mahwah, who drafted them.

According to its statement of policy, Bergen Grassroots is a public interest group whose members include Republican and Democratic Party members as well as unaffiliated voters. Bergen Grassroots supports candidates for office, sponsors forums to educate the public on political and social issues, engages people in the political process, and seeks to bring its influence to bear—in support of its policies and platforms—on lawmakers and other officials at every level of government.

Bergen Grassroots, which is affiliated with Democracy for America, meets the first Wednesday of each month in the Ethical Culture Society building at 687 Larch Avenue, Teaneck.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Members of the press are welcome at all Bergen Grassroot meetings.