We Go on Record

APPLICATION FOR CONTIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

The religious denomination or sect of both parents: Both Christian, non-denominational.

11.Was application made to the Selective Service System (local board) for classification as a conscientious objector before entry into the Armed Forces?: No

Was any previous application made in service for classification as a conscientious objector?: No.

13. N/A I have served more than 180 days.

Training and Belief

I am 58 years old.
I teach “Religion” at a Catholic high school and have done so for over 30 years.
From 1969 to 1973, it was only my deferment as a college student that kept me from the horrors of the war. It kept me, as well, from having to summon the courage to publicly declare myself as a Conscientious Objector. Perhaps it is too little too late, yet I rectify that today.

"Be compassionate as your God is compassionate," so teaches Jesus. Living as a disciple of the compassionate Christ calls forth from me an irrevocable committment to live non-violently, to be a instrument of care and peace, and not an instrument of rancor, division, hatred, or violence under any condition. War, in a particular way, is a violation of the command to be compassionate for it induces suffering and misery; compassion seeks to relieve it and address the causes of violence and suffering.

Things have changed since I was a applying for conscientious objection. I grew up under the draft and registered at 18. My draft card was 16-98-50-537 Which means that I was the 537th registrant for the year 1950 at draft board 98 in area 16 which was probably for Louisiana.

Having been through Catholic school through high school, including 3 years of diocesan seminary training, I felt that no one had overruled the commandment that said "Thou shall not kill" or Jesus' commandment to love my enemies as God loved me.

I hereby declare that I do NOT believe in war as a means to solve any problems or conflicts. I declare my status as a 'concientious objector', this ninth (9th) day of September in the year 2008. To whom it may concern, I do not support violence of any means to reach any outcome.

In World War II I was stationed at Alamagordo Air Force base (NM) next to White Sands where the first atom bomb was tested on the early morning of July 16, 1945. Could anyone really dream of its hellish, destructive power?

Pretty clear.

Because of my beliefs I cannot fight or kill any human being in any circumstance. I have been taught to turn the other cheek and to love my enemies through the teachings of the Catholic Church, and I refuse to aid in any kind of warfare or violence because it is not my choice who lives and who dies it is God's. No act, as seen in the eyes of God, is so terrible that it is beyond forgiveness, and would necessitate a counterattack of violence. So, for me associate myself with any act of violence would prove to be detrimental to my psychological welfare as well as my eternal soul.

My Catholic faith informs my conscience on the place of war in the world. There is such a thing as a "just war" and within a perfect context, war is an acceptable option.

The Living Spirit works in the world to give life, joy, peace and prosperity through love, integrity and compassionate justice among people. We are united in this Power. We acknowledge that paying for war violates our religious conviction. We will seek ways to witness to this religious conviction in each of our communities.
New York Yearly Meeting, (NYYM) Religious Society of Friends, Minute April 2006