The Deserter's Tale: The Story of an Ordinary Soldier Who Walked Away from the War in Iraq

An interesting book-- maybe should be read with a grain of salt b/c it's just one man's account of the war-- but I also think it's something every American should read.

Many soldiers get so caught up in the accolades and self-identity of a military career that they become blind to the evil of war. Joshua Key breaks from that habit with this important and disturbing book. Key was featured in a cover story in the Denver Post (April 15, 2007) about the growing number of soldiers going AWOL. They are giving up their steady paychecks, the benefits and other enticements, to turn their backs on America's aggression and war profiteering. After being involved with or witnessing endless violence, Key had had enough. He writes, "It struck me then that we, the American soldiers, were the terrorists. We were terrorizing Iraqis. Intimidating them. Beating them. Destroying their homes. Probably raping them (as in the case of the four soldiers who confessed to raping and murding a 14 year-old girl, and killing her family). The ones we didn't kill had all the reasons in the world to become terrorists themselves. Given what we were doing to them, who could blame them for wanting to kill us, and all Americans?" While some reviewers prefer to dismiss Key, there are plenty of other soldiers speaking out against similar brutality. Their stories can be found in books like Mission Rejected: U.S. Soldiers Who Say No to Iraq and DVDs such as The Ground Truth While the US psyche becomes ever more militarized through the vast Pentagon PR infotainment complex, it's worthwhile to keep in mind the words of Clarence Darrow who, in Resist Not Evil, wrote, "The ability and inclination to use physical strength is no indication of bravery or tenacity to life. The greatest cowards are often the greatest bullies."

When Joshua Key enlisted in the Army it was with a belief in his country and government. It wasn't until he was sent to Iraq that his convictions were shaken: once he realized the war he was fighting wasn't against the terrorists he had expected - and once he saw Iraqi civilians being beaten and killed for no provocation, he determined to leave and never return. His decision to desert recounts human rights abuses, issues of responsibility, and a family man and patriot who decided he could no longer serve his country. A hard-hitting autobiography which offers first-hand observations from the unusual perspective of a deserter.

I recommend reading this book, but at the same time I don't quite know where to place it or Mr. Key. Let's say it's a very long way from Stephen Decatur's famous toast, 'Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong.' Instead, as even the title says, Mr. Key deserted from the US Army, then fled the country with his wife and family. He reports that he couldn't stand the inhumanity of the war our Army was waging against the Iraqi people. This makes me want to ask him (or others in his unit) several questions: He was with 43rd Combat Engineer Company. It's not the normal engineer activities to go do the kind of patrols. Why weren't they doing engineering jobs like bridges and waterworks? Why didn't he report these atrocities to his commanders, his congressman, the press. He was taught in basic training that he should have refused to obey unlawful orders. Why didn't he simply refuse to obey orders, get court martialed and explain why? All in all, Mr. Key comes out as not the brightest bulb in the string. I don't know Lawrence Hill, but his list of publications seem to indicate a far left wing orientation.

This book has an impact that reverberates long after the story has been told -- you don't have to be up on politics or current events in order to relate to Joshua's life experiences. It's quick reading, as the narrative is articulate, simple and honest, without the verbosity and vernacular that could sometimes hinder -- especially given the technical jargon or lingo that I would expect with military. Instead, it felt like I was having a personal conversation with Joshua. The ease in which it's written is belied by the horrors and tragedies he's witnessed & participated in. It really does make one stop and wonder, "who is terrorizing who?" and "what will be the consequences of all this, in the years to come?" and just as importantly: "what the heck are we really doing over there in Iraq?" It's amazing that this resilient man has allowed his conscience & humanness to break forth to scream, "no more" and take the necessary & courageous risks to save his sanity, knowing he was putting his family & self in serious danger by doing so. After all he's been through ( & is still going through), it's heart-breaking that he can't be given the reassurance of amnesty & making a safe home in Canada as of yet. It makes me wonder what it is that I could actively do to help. The courage to stand up for what one believes sounds simpler than it really is, yet Joshua insightfully reminds us: "We damage ourselves each time we violate our own true beliefs." I wish him & his family all the best. This is one story that everyone must read ... anyone who has ever experienced loss (and grief) on any level will undoubtedly relate.