Bert wrote on Jun 19, 2006 8:50 PM: The US Service men who have applied for refugee status in Canada are deserters and they know it. They are trying to find some kind hearted people in Canada that will support them in their efforts as military deserters. They are trying to avoid the responsibilities of fulfilling their contracts with the US Government. It is simple as that. They made an agreement with their government, accepted the benefits as long as they didn't have to deploy. There are always some weak kneed slobs in just about every organization, so these people are no surprise. According to the UCMJ if you have been missing from your place of duty or assignment for more than 30 days you are a deserter. If you are missing less than 30 days you are "absent without leave" (AWOL). These people are running around in Canada before the media cameras saying that they are not coming back and that leaves no doubt as to their status. Frankly, they don't deserve to be allowed back except to fill a jail cell and they know that also.

Craig H. wrote on Jun 21, 2006 2:04 AM:As an ex Huey Crew Chief , the deserter's that are in Canada from the Iraq War and Vietnem war are cowards. I mince no words. The freedom i enjoy in America, the greatest country on earth, is because of the sacrifice Military people made to their oath's of loyalty and duty. I am 49 years old and volunteerd for the current war in Iraq. I was told I was to old or I would be in the door of my helicopter right now. You deserters disgust me. Taking full advantage of all the liberties of America until called on to serve in a war you didn't like. Thanks God their are men like me willing to fight to maintain our freedoms in America , even for cowards like you.

Ken W wrote on Jun 21, 2006 9:02 AM:The comments and words that come out of Cindy Sheehan's mouth don't match what her son stood for which is freedom for this country. Nobody forced him to serve as she suggests. He served our country because he wanted to not because he was forced to.

Alisha T. wife of Soldier serving in Iraq wrote on Jun 22, 2006 4:58 AM: As a human being, wife and mother she quite simply makes me sick. As for the deserters who cares if they come back unless they will be serving time. I doubt very seriously her son would be proud of what she is doing. I think she is disgracing him, herself and this country. Young or old you know what is going on in the world,and when you sign up to serve in whatever branch you are taking a chance on getting deployed. This is just a pathetic attempt on their part. I am ashamed for them since they do not seem to be ashamed of themselves. It is a slap in the face to my husband, and the rest of the men and women serving this country in the US and abroad!!

Kathy D. wrote on Jun 22, 2006 6:46 AM:I'm serving my country right now. I raised my right hand and committed myself to service. I've reaped the benefits and now it's time for me to do my part. Backing out now isn't even an option to me and I have to wonder about the character of someone who would even consider running an option. As for Ms. Sheehan, the less press she gets, the quieter she'll get. Let's try that.

JUDITH wrote on Jun 30, 2006 8:28 AM:CINDY SHEEHAN ALONG WITH OTHER PROTESTER IN THE PAST PRESENT OR FUTURE ARE KILLING OUR TROOPS. THE TERRORIST FEED OFF THEM PROTESTING. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALOUD IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. IF IT WASNT FOR OUR SOLDIERS ALOT OF AMERICANS WOULD BE DEAD, BECAUSE THE TERRORIST WOULD HAVE ATTACKED AGAIN. MY HUSBAND AND OTHERS WENT BACK IN THE MILITARY AFTER 9-11 TO STOP THE TERRORIST.

Brandon wrote on Jul 2, 2006 9:13 PM:While I don't necessarily support the idea of fleeing to Canada to avoid a jail cell; I support the deserters in their choice not to fight. I believe that the war in Iraq from its inception was seriously misguided and all innocent life that was lost is a serious tragedy. I think that people need to respect the opinions of others including Cindy Sheenan. She is publicly mourning her son, not speaking in his absence. She is protesting a war that cost her son's life. His decision to serve his country cannot be expected to temper her outrage. A war that is seriously misguided as the front in the "war on terror" cost her something dear to her. It is THIS issue which she is protesting, THIS issue which she is angry about, not her son serving in the military. I think that people should try to listen to words more carefully before completely writing someone off. While this is "the greatest country on Earth" the American people are easily fractured and need to find solidarity. Everyone cites why we're the greatest but seemingly jump at the opportunity to call names when the very freedoms that we enjoy are used in ways that some disagree with.

concerned American wrote on Jul 6, 2006 9:11 AM:The people of America, today, are clearly not of the same character fabric of those who suffered to give birth to the U.S.A.in the days of the founding visionaries, forefathers and "Sons of Liberty". I fear for the future of the U.S.