A DUer in the mainstream news...

[IrateCitizen]

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050222/NEWS02/502220312/1022/NEWS06

Sharing his experiences
By SUSAN ELAN
[email protected]
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: February 22, 2005)


A former first lieutenant in the Army Reserve is helping spearhead a Web site to inform those who discover after enlisting in the military that they have deep philosophical and religious objections to war how to apply for conscientious objector status.

"I now feel free to live my life in accordance with my beliefs," said Chris Harrison, 31, of Mount Kisco, who received an honorable discharge from the Army as a CO in December. "I didn't do it to dodge a bullet. I reached a point where knowing what a negative influence the military has on our society, I couldn't do it anymore."

Harrison joined Perry O'Brien, a 22-year-old veteran from Peaks Island, Maine, who served a tour as an airborne Army medic in Afghanistan.

The pair set up the Web site www.peace-out.com, which offers information and online counseling. O'Brien gained an honorable discharge as a CO in November.

Both men stressed their respect for American troops and said the best way they could support them was by educating those who sought alternatives to combat on how to go about it.

MORE AT THE ABOVE LINK

[CatWoman]

1. Need I remind you

that I am *still* the president of your fan club???

:hi:

[IrateCitizen]

2. Thanks, Midori...

Although you might want to talk to Karenina about that, because I think she claimed the same a while back. ;-)

[noiretextatique]

16. congrats on the story

and the website is awesome. i am sending a link to a young man i know who is considering joining the army.

[Karenina]

27. We can share the title, Midori!!!

The MORE the MERRIER!!! :loveya:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Just did my college contact list!

:loveya: !!!LOVE YOU CHRIS!!!! :loveya:

[Tinoire]

31. Move over Midori! There's been a new sheriff on that committee

for the last 2 years ;)

Love both of you!

Way to go Chris!!!

:loveya:

[CatWoman]

38. LOLOLOLOL

See what Chris has started?????

Now we all have to battle "Sheena" style :D

[Mandate My Ass]

3. Tremendous!!

Congrats and kudos on a job well done. Good luck with the site and with your upcoming teaching gig. :toast:

[ClintonTyree]

4. Well done...............

this is a MUCH needed asset. After watching FRONTLINE last night, I kept asking myself the question, "some of these soldiers must have wised up to the bush agenda by now, what would they do if they didn't agree with his policies and wanted out"? Now I know. Thanks for posting this, it sets my mind at ease about these soldiers choices after enlistment. And a GREAT BIG :toast: to you, keep up the good work!

[nostamj]

5. bravo!

good luck with this! if you'd like a link on my site, let me know. I'd be happy to add it. (and I can whip up a simple banner for you too)

:thumbsup:

[IrateCitizen]

6. Absolutely! All publicity is good publicity! (nt)

[nostamj]

11. cool! here's a banner...

hope you like! if you'd like me to email the file, drop a PM or email (there's a link at the top of my homepage)

[Wind Dancer]

7. Congratulations!

So glad to hear you are getting publicity.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. I'm part of your fan club, too!

Does your wife know about all the DU ladies in your fan club? :-)

[IrateCitizen]

10. Shhh! That's to be kept on the down-low!

Otherwise, she won't let me come here anymore. ;-)

[blm]

9. Excellent citizenship, IC.

.

[Lin]

12. Warms my heart, thanks, keep up great work

[DinahMoeHum]

13. Great job!

:kick::kick::kick:

[nostamj]

14. kick

[nostamj]

15. poor little dead thread...

[Beetwasher]

17. Awesome!

Way to go bud!

[FreedomAngel82]

18. I think it's great

:) I saw a little bit of that "Frontline" (found out about it too late) and it was heartbreaking. :( I think most of them now are over there just to help their friends and fellow mates. Bush and company have ruined so many lives. *sigh* Here's to you and your good work. :toast:

[EFerrari]

19. Great story, really important for those caught in the net. Thanks!

[Wickerman]

20. !!

nice!

:kick:

[Window]

21. Wonderful...

Congratulations!

[DinahMoeHum]

22. Woohoo, IC !! CommonDreams just picked up this story !!

You've gone national/international !!

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0223-01.htm


:kick::kick::kick:

[blondeatlast]

23. Patriot: see IrateCitizen. Excellent, friend, excellent. nt

[myrna minx]

24. Wonderful!

Nominated!! :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[Corgigal]

25. Mount Kisco New York?

[Disturbed]

26. Excellent.

Another example of how one person can effect change and help their fellow beings. Hope is alive.

[IrateCitizen]

34. Yes... Mt. Kisco, NY (nt)

[Eloriel]

28. Congratulations

This is so wonderful. I posted this to your Editorials thread, but I'll repeat it here.

I remember well the soul-searching, the worry and anxiety that you went through, right here at DU and I'm sure even more on your own, in your private moments. Looks like it worked out well for you. I'm really glad and even more: I'm so very proud of you! Thanks for standing up for what you believe in and showing the way for others.

[newyawker99]

29. Congrats Chris!

I am happy for you! :-)

[Tsiyu]

30. We can each do something

Thank you for doing your something, Lt. Harrison.

(Wish there was a "salute" smiley...)

[Karenina]

32. Kick!

:kick:

[IrateCitizen]

35. Please don't call me "1LT Harrison" -- I'm a civilian now!

I still shudder every time I hear someone call me "sir" to this day!

[Tsiyu]

40. I can understand. Sorry

Irate Citizen

But thank you too.

[ulysses]

33. excellent!

Congrats on getting the CO discharge, Chris! Thanks as always for speaking out. :thumbsup:

[ArchTeryx]

36. Awesome job.

Warmest congratulations on the publication and web site. Alot of us may be using that site before too long.

[rbnyc]

37. So proud of you!!

WTG!

:loveya:

[Misunderestimator]

39. Excellent idea! Great job!

:toast: