Freedom and Liberty Watch

Wow what a gathering, The Freedom Rally was an incredible event. Mother Nature took a break from winter and made sure all the scoots could get out. 65 and sunny, compared to what it’s been like, made for a nice day. Pulled together in 3 weeks, the Cycle source Gang led by Monkey put together a great rally. Bikers from all avenues and regular folks converged on the Point in Pittsburgh to make a statement, and it was made big time. Whether you support the war or not, our troops need to see we support them. The anti war protesters could not rival this group in the thousands from all walks of life, who came took the mic and let their feelings be known. WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!! The local newspapers, radio and TV stations showed up and from what I’ve seen and heard did a pretty nice job. The news feed made it all over the country and was seen far and wide. I’m sure some video tapes will make their way into the Troops hands and give them the real sentiment at home. To anyone who took the time to work on this, pass out flyers or show up, a job well done…..Thank You! Maybe this is something that should be considered every year. Now lets take a look back at someone who’s still having problems after serving his country. Does anyone remember the name Michael New? I’m sure you’ll remember the story and for him it’s far from over. He’s the soldier who in Bosnia under the watch of former President Klinton refused to wear the UN patch on an American military uniform. Well just because you haven’t heard about him in the main stream media he’s still having problems and too many have forgotten about him. His mother recently took time to remind folks on the net about this. This saga has been going on for the last 7 years. Court Martialed out of the Army and a Bad Conduct Discharge, Mike has been trying to regain what was stolen from him and protect the sovereignty of the USA. For a refresher course on what’s been going on, 10/10/95 when Mike’s Battalion was called to attention in Germany all but 1 of the 550 soldiers was wearing the UN Cap and patch. Now when you are elected President, to Congress or enlist in the service you take an oath to defend the Constitution NOT the UN. Shortly after Mike’s unit was assigned to Germany, the unit was informed that by order of President Klinton they would be required to wear a UN Beret and Patch. Mike attempted to find the legitimacy of this order through Military Attorney’s, Dept. of Defense, and Congress. This went on for 2 months with no legal reason being presented. So on 10/10/95 the day they were supposed to show up in UN uniforms Mike did not. He was immediately removed and told he would be facing Court Martial. The remaining troops were turned over to the command of Gen. Engstrom of Finland. While over the next several months the legal wrangling is going on, in the end their defense is limited to arguing an “Obedience Issue”. Their hands are virtually tied now. In January of 96 Mike is found guilty of disobedience and given a Bad Conduct Discharge. Now over the next several years this is appealed to the US Court of Appeals and the Army Court of Criminal Appeals. As of January 1999 3 years later there are no answers, no denial ………. NOTHING. Finally in April 99 the US Army Court of Criminal Appeals affirms the conviction stands. Now over the next 2 years more legal wrangling is going on and Congressional Legislation is introduced. All in all the big question “Is a defendant in a Military Court entitled to all elements of defense”. In June of 2001 the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, releases its decision to reaffirm the verdict of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The US Supreme Court has refused to hear this case, and after years of going back and forth between Military and Civilian Courts this case is soon to be heard by the US District Court in Washington DC. I doubt without pressure from the current administration the verdict will change. Some letters to the President on this will not hurt. We do need to watch this UN propaganda and get the US out of the UN. For much more information on this case you can visit www.mikenew.com