NationStates Jolt Archive

Most of you have probably never heard of Eddie Slovik so I will briefly summerize a sad story. Eddie Slovik was a man drafted into the army during WWII. He did not want to fight and he tried other methods to not fight before resorting to desertion. Even when he did desert he made sure his command got a note and they offered to tear it and pretend that it never happend however he said "Ive made up my mind, I'll take my court martial." They eventually ended up deciding to execute him and on January 31 1945 he was killed by firing squad. He had a wife that after that incedent has tried to had him pardoned but sadly it has never happend (she died in 1979). This story made me very sad and I have even decided to start a petition to send to the government myself to get this man his long deserved pardon. Look folks I deeply regret joining the navy and I feel I can relate to Eddie. A big difference however his I volenteered and he was drafted. I will admit I have considered desertion myself (keep in mind if the military finds out I said that I could get in serious trouble). But the idea of having to live in Canada and never be able to see my home for 40 years is kind of stopping me from doing that. Anyway what is your opinion on Eddie Slovik and military desertion in general?

Oh here is a link to my petition by the way. Please sign it.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/pardon-eddie-slovik