How I Became a Conscientious Objector

[lifequezt]

I'm totally late, but Joshua, you're a true hero... Takes a lot more guts TAKING OFF your uniform than putting it on... God bless

[Dokkasan]

I'm happy he was able to see the error of his ways and do something about it, but he is a bit too Christy about it.. u shouldnt need god to tell you killing people is wrong.

[flipya101]

@iloveOVIE8 Good call

[VirtuosoX1]

Fighting war with war is like trying to put out a fire with fire, it will never happen.

Conscientious objectors deserve an honorable acknowledgement.

[wahr25]

Very inspiring story; in the process of becoming a CO myself

[tainoaz]

We Kill People to 'show' People that (Oppressing People, Subjugating People, Torturing People, AND,) KILLING People is WRONG. Mmmm.. try explaining that to a 5 year old.

[retrospect1983]

@tainoaz easier than trying to explain how we allow Chritians into the military , knowing that at any moment in battle, they could decide to follow Jesus and not kill. possibly endangering their fellow servicemen , and hence the United States.

[iloveOVIE8]

War doesn't decide who is right... only who is left.

[dashing502]

co0l video.

[allknowfather]

w w w . watchtower . org / e / 20040101 / article_02 . htm In English

w w w . watchtower . org / q / jt / article_03 . htm ב עברית

[XtremePacifist]

Joshua has arrived at a place that most Christians never will.

He has made the connection between the teachings and commands of Jesus Christ, and his own personal life, his belief system and his actions.

This is true religion, a personal connection with your creator.

May many more soldiers and many more patriots arrive at this place in their journey

through life, peace.

[givebirthathome]

There's a lot of points of interest in this video. I'm chagrinned it only has 5,000 views. Can we help it do better?

[givebirthathome]

The points here about calm and politeness helping you keep in control of yourself even under the conditions of being a prisoner ...are something alot of youtubers could learn from ; )

And what a good example of the power of clarity and truth. If we're feeling alot of stress and failure, perhaps we should ask ourselves how much we're denying the truth.

[KayakCole]

Thank you for sharing this. This video brought tears to my eyes... Hearing your story has inspired me to make my own known. I, too, filed for CO status while deployed.

[govinylorgohome]

Hey man, I'm in the USMC right now, and you took the words right out of my mouth. You've got a lot of courage to come out and say those things. We are doing no more service for our country then they are for theirs, maybe thats the way it's been in every conflict, every war. All these people preach how much courage and bearing it takes to go to combat and pull the trigger, when it takes just as much, if not more, to say what you just did. Thanks.

[rea1001]

@govinylorgohome I am very glad to see more active duty grunts saying what you have just said.

[irendelle]

Absolutely faaantastic ... may many and all those who see this find it in their hearts to support your cause

[pleasantlyplump3]

a great story indeed.

all we need is to communicate and understand each other.

war and weapon will only bring more misery.

[joeblackforu2]

upps you are out thank you...

[bigb4199]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

[david85251]

You are brave. Thanks.

[BigHeadsDotCom]

These are animals we are dealing with. When an animal attacks there is the fight or flight reaction. You obviously chose the flight. Unfortunately, I am not looking to flee this country but perhaps you should. It makes me VERY nervous that someone like you has the job of interrogating suspected terrorists. You probably released the next suicide bomber who will kill Americans.

[BigHeadsDotCom]

You are a disgrace to our country. Why couldn't you simply do your job and interrogate this admitted jihadist so that the intel could save American lives? No, let them knock down some more buildings - which happen to be 400 feet from where I work, where my friend perished in a horrible death. If it wasn't for U.S. military action you probably would not have the LUXURY of choosing your own religion.

[bigb4199]

He's a disgrace? no, he served, he learned, he's enlightened. Your a caffeine addicted wimp sittin in an office all day chewin out people for no reason because you know your a wimp so that's all you feel you can do to avenge your friend's death. You buddy, would not have the LUXURY of talkin shit over the internet. you'd be in a tiny fightin hole 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

[Dracanon]

so, your friend died when you were fourteen? I am guessing you are refering to 9/11, even though everyone knows by now it was an inside job.....just look up nano thermite + 9/11

[Shratz]

Flush out your headgear new guy - You think we waste Hajji for freedom? This isn't a war - it's a slaughter.

[warmperson2007]

It's always a pleasure to see and hear sane people talk.

[SquireDonCristobal]

Joshua Casteel IS a real veteran and anyone who takes a few minutes to enquire will find that out. I truly hope his voice and those like his are heard increasingly and that young people wearing uniforms do not continue to 'follow orders' beyond where their conscience tells them to stop. Too many of them either kill or die believing they knew all they needed to but were kept in ignorance for others objectives.

[swingofthecentury]

he starts getting really interesting at the 6:40 mark.

[ScarlettKnights]

123Ivansharpe:

Why don't you "cream yourself" over pictures of the Kurds that Saddam gassed, of Saddam shooting at our planes in the no fly zone, or the 17 resolutions passed but not enforced by the UN, or pics of the girl stalked by Saddam's son and upon her refusal of him savaged and thrown to his lion and eaten, I guess we should have just said pretty please to Saddam a few more hundred times.

Only a misogynistic coward calls women "f cunts" Here is a video for you: TG4fe9GlWS8.

[BigRichardBig]

well said, it's VERY nice to read a sane voice on here. Most of these tough-talking bullshitters have never been to war (probably none actually)so it's all T.V. video game level fantasy ideas of what war is. Most of what goes on in Iraq is nervous soldiers killing kids and innocent or frustrated bystanders waving their arms angrily and the soldiers itchy fingers pulling on the trigger.Pull a trigger,take a life: pretty easy. All these weapons have to be used so

they can keep making money off us

[BigRichardBig]

This country isn't so great first of all.Secondly I'll fight-I like to fight, but for me.Why would I fight for a bunch of sniveling rich cocksuckers like Bush and Cheney? Why would anybody be STUPID enough to fight for those guys profits?? I DON'T SUPPORT THE TROOPS> THis thing in Iraq isn't a war it's an occupation and occupations always fail and drain the country of all it's money.Study history. Being a mindless drone who takes orders from a bunch of dropouts is hardly heroic.War is STUPID

[scaliwag5]

The world needs more healers and fewer destroyers. Soldiers have always just been normal people who are told by an arbitrary force to hate and kill another person who is at his core just the same as he is. Two people who don't know each other from Adam are taught to hate and kill each other. This is the very definition of what is wrong with mankind. You people who just want to fight and kill, fight and kill are underevolved and the cause of the world's problems. You're disgusting.

[ScarlettKnights]

I am ashamed this person is part of our society, an in particular that he ever wore the uniform of a soldier, pure anti-American spew and dishonorable conduct.

[bsjaxtime]

Well when the liberals & then Muslims take over maybe someday you will have neither your God or your home. The freedom you use was won by people of strength & understood that evil sometimes needs to be fought. Sorry that when I read the comments here so many of you are weak & entirely naive. One of the symptoms of our success as a nation is the fact many of you do not understand the nature of evil & what they are willing to do to you & everyone you know. No peace offer will ever matter to them.

[hesedken]

bs,the neo-cons are more dangerous than the muslims. Don't be deceived, and especially by willful antiChristians (the Jewish).

[BigRichardBig]

Muslims won't take over dipshit.Everybody in this country has guns (3 for every household)NOBODY could successfully occupy this country so stop with the FEAR that someone is gonna take over this place and keep you from getting your precious slurpee from 7-11.One of the symptoms of a sorry-ass country is that people like you write illegible sentences that make NO SENSE.Read your own post outloud and SEE how stupid you sound. It's below 5th grade English. Learn ENGLISH grammar!!!

[BreakingTheMatrix]

You know, its funny, everyone here seems to have an expert opinion on Saddam, but what they don't tell you is that Saddam was put into power by the CIA to fight against Iran at the time. Also, Saddam changed his oil exchange from Dollars to Euros which pissed of the Bush NWO. The CIA was set up by Nazi's and all the intelligence they are giving us is as accurate as Groebels propaganda tank. If Saddam had any weapons its because CIA sold them to him. Does that not make the CIA the enemy? Think!

[MILITARYEX]

powerful video. the chosen different path is your destiny. you moral identity and doing the right thing comes before being a follower & supporting killing others. there is a higher duty available and that is to follow your spiritual beliefs or religious beliefs and do what is right! We'll show this to our children and force our active duty military husbands to watch it also. God Bless You.

[MILITARYEX]

MilitaryEx supports you! Glad you had the courage to not only save your life, limbs & sanity but you salvaged your morals & conscience to do what is right! Bravo!

[ssaalltru2]

Hello Josh... Now you've begun thinking & reflecting I-invite you to check my Windows Live Spaces site called "supanova-survivor" (Note the spelling) & especially use a word search tool in the archives on "BIN-LADEN" or "OSAMA" & "PETER WILLIAM VANSTONE" & be prepared to have your beliefs questioned even more... I-grew up in a bona-fide CIA black-op & in a way was forced into Christ's arms as a total wreck of a man by 20yrs! It's not a pretty story until you get to Christ's grace & mercy in-it!

[MGK78]

This kid is not a C.O. I was his roommate during my freshman (plebe) year at West Point; he lasted all of about a month. He did not drop out due to any idealogy, but due to the fact he could not handle it. He cried much of the time because it was "too hard," and he quit not long after Labor Day of that year. I will be the first to admit that West Point is not that hard, and that his weak character is why he quit. Josh, remember this: YOU ARE A WEAK COWARD.

Matt Killian

[MILITARYEX]

We'd say you're the weak one. Easily brainwashed & following orders to kill for profit. All officer war colleges are a joke! Know how we know?LOL Our husbands & many of our members attended them all.Military members are underpaid hit men.You're the ignorant ones, killing & supporting the killing of others for profit$ of War Biz, Inc. Destroying your own morals & conscience if you ever even had them to begin with.Now you're a serial killer in training.Being punked & used to do their bidding.BULLY

[MILITARYEX]

I'm going to look you up in Bupers Matt Killian. I personally think these comments that just so happened to show up on these posts to discredit these prior military who WOKE UP from their brainwashing by the military cult, are strategically placed their by U.S. Military themselves! To discredit. But what you idiots don't realize is that ppl like this who also denounce the U.S. Military, your chuckie cheese meaningless ranks, worthless war college degrees & b.s. military doctrine- this gives hope

[bsjaxtime]

Coward! Just means someone else has to work harder to make up for his yellow ass!

[Neglected21]

Because you are so tough and are over there right now right?

Stfu.

[bsjaxtime]

No not right now but I have been. How about you oh tuff one? Military Poilce for 13 years and still kicking!

[Neglected21]

Must be fun working to cover up all the crap going on over there.

[bsjaxtime]

You sure that's what we die for. Just another weak lib angry with America and those that defend it. Maybe you did not get hugged enough or maybe you where dropped as a baby?

[Neglected21]

Defend? Watch more Fox News.

Attacking a country who had nothing to do with anything is not defending.

Now wasting lives on both sides for a war only a few people are making profit from, that's more like it.

[bsjaxtime]

Yes Defend. Clinton said Saddam had WMD. We have video of it on CNN. We had inspectors recording it, sampling it. Then Saddam threw them out. Inspections he agreed too after the 1st war he started! After 10 years & 17 UN resolutions telling him to let the inspectors back in + many delegations to talk about it he refused. After 911 we just could not take the chance if he did or did not. Funny no one gives any credit for the fact we have not been attacked since! No 1 thought that possible on 9/12

[Neglected21]

American Govt knew exactly what Saddam had in his inventory all along since it was Rumsfeld who sold it all to Saddam in the past.

Saddam hated Terrorists. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

Wake up already geez. How many lives do you want lost in the desert before you realise a few rich men getting richer isnt worth dying for.

Unless you work for Blackwater. In which case disregard all comments and go on fleecing everyone.

[curtmastor]

Saddam hated terrorists? hahahahahah wow thats the funniest shit ive heard. ever hear of Abbu Nadal? he was only the biggest terrorist ever. and was harbored in Iraq by Saddam.

[Neglected21]

Ah you retarded?

Islamic Terrorists = Extremists who want all Muslim Nations (and one day the world) to live under Sharia Law.

Saddam was a Secular Dictator of an Arab Nation and therefore could not be in power if Terrorists held any sway in his country. (otherwise it would be like Afghanistan with the Mullah's and the Sharia Law making all women covered in burkha blankets)

As such he was opposed to them. He couldnt exist side by side with them. They would overthrow him.

[Neglected21]

Stop watching FOX News and use the internet to actually do some reading.

Bet you also believed the State of the Union Address that said America's economy is not about to shit itself.

Canadians love the dollar exchange rate, all thanks to wars that should have never been fought, and definitely not continued for pride's sake ;)

[ssaalltru2]

There are none so blind as they who will not see... Do you love the military...? Enough to care about ATTA & RUMSFELD being in the same suburb on the same day in 1984 within hours of each other & both busy arranging what became the Ganda obscenity on the Canadian border a few months after... Then CIA lost ATTA for 17 years...? Oh-Crap... They don't lose nobody... Do you care about the Special Forces men on that flight who were talking up Rumsfeld arranging the Iranian Embassy Rescue Sabotage...?

[MILITARYEX]

Please review Confessions of An Economic Hit Man

and War Made Easy. Get up to speed on the facts. It will hurt yet you'll realize that you have been lied to.

[MILITARYEX]

According to DOD & other published research & statistics by medical professionals, the U.S. Military members who are easily brainwashed are the ones who primarily come from bottom feeder dysfunctional homes steeped in ignorance, mass programming & physical or sexual abuse or neglect. Most military come from homes with an absent father. Either Dad left Mom or he was off playing GI Joe as well. Either way the families are weakened by this career. The men are weak, submissive insecure nit wits!

[bsjaxtime]

Insecure America hater in your under wear in your filthy hovel. If you get the world you want one good thing will come of it, Muslims will wholesale kill little panty wastes. Rome & many other civilizations where no different. They got comfortable & too self absorbed to bother themselves with defending their freedom so they lost it. One other thing our brave troops that I had the honor for 13 years to serve with are nothing like you portray regardless of some Clinton hack appointee at DOD says.

[bbukfan]

Yeah, every Muslim wants to kill Americans. Are you that stupid to believe that??? We're fighting a war against less than 1% of the population. We kill hundreds of thousands of civilians in a year. It's cruel torture and murder. Why can't Bush fight the fucking wars that he creates.

[bsjaxtime]

1% I disagree, but not all. There is a much greater % that believe in a world dominated by Islamic Law. Many supporters actively or passively support the so called extremists. Frankly they are just the ones with enough guts to fight it out at least. Many Muslims are cowards hiding in the shadows sending money threw charities they know are going to terrorists. If you made bullets for the Nazis where you less a Nazi then the solder in the field? They both need each other to carry out the mission.

[cdickwrstle215]

Yeah, he was my T.A. last year!

[PhouFoo]

you can be proud of yourself

[gjhagedon]

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!

[quetzelcoatle]

Thank you.

[baptistfundie]

That was a very intelligent, moving testimony. God bless him.

[CultureDump]

it all boils down to this. a story (for me) and experience (for the man in the video) so strong and simple that it makes its point so inevitable no book or analysis could ever do. thanks.

[gerry301]

I'm sure its obvious to most people that the prisoners at AG were mostly selling girl scout cookies. The evil interrogaters often broke down during the questioning of those who only sold girl scout cookies. We need to start a fund to help the interrogaters who have been subjected to this trama help recover.

[marceloearth]

Thanks for sharing that with us.