There are lots of soliders who have no problem fighting in a criminal war; I'm glad these fellows feel that their morality can't be purchased by their government.

john michaels, toronto,

One does not like to get killed for the most part, but honor is honor. I don't think I would want anyone of them working for me. There is an old saying that when the going get tough, the tough get going. Enough said..

ben barr, cornwall, pei/ca

I find it heartening to hear Americans not blindly following thier President and just accepting that whatever he says, goes. At least these people are publicly being heard - it's just a shame some had to leave their country to do it.

The day will come when public dissent is open and welcomes in the States and then the power of their president will be dented somewhat.

Stuart Murray, Amsterdam, Netherlands

in 1944 i complained to my sgt-major when we were under fire
i dont like this sgt major i said---well son you should: nt have
joined he said laughing, but i was a conscript and had the
right to complain these blokes volenteered. -like a fireman that wont go to a fire but draws his pay

max bernstein, london, uk

Please do a similar story on the millions of men and women in our armed forces who also volunteered and have not run away when the reality of what they joined came as no surprise. Many of which I might add re enlisted.

This article really makes me laugh. If you take a million people who joined the armed services or even the peace corp. You're going to get a certain percentage that disagree with the mission....the job...the conditions etc. These same ones probably would find fault in civilian life with their current job...working conditions, and task. In the real world they would have quit or been fired. Unfortunatly I'd say these people have made yet another mistake in their lives and are now ducking the realities of there own decisions. You draw your own conclusions, but I say let them go. It only makes us stronger. As I'd rather have a committed force then one with total failures at life in our ranks

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

When I was 18 I joined the military, found out the truth, and found a way out. I took the back door, quietly, an administrative discharge and didn't even speak out. Instead I went to college and had a successful career.

These resisters are heros. The world should thank them for speaking the truth, instead of quietly slipping away.

TOdd Boyle, Kirkland WA, USA

To condemn an escape from tyranny and abuse is despicable. To do so from a position of comfort and safety even more so. To continue to support manifestly failed policies which brought death and suffering to hundreds of thousands of innocent people almost beggars belief, yet history shows such brutality is depressingly common. To those brave enough to follow their conscience and stand up against unthinking mass cruelty and stupidity - my heartfelt thanks, congratulations and best wishes.

Alan Wilkinson, Russell, New Zealand

Sir,
Can one imagine the bravery of men such as these, breaking the chains attaching them to an egoistic idol, the idol of the militarist nation state, ever hungry to sacrifice the blood of its & other nations' children for intangible national interests e.g. oil. Just as in Fascist Germany or Italy, the psychological peer pressure is huge, being seen as weak and a traitor to everything linking them with their self-identity. Surely if the GWOT is about values, than those values are our collective humanity, not about sacrificing cannon-fodder for control of cheap industrial resources, strategic lands or tribal pride?

SC, London, United Kingdom

Face the facts. Two jets were piloted into two buildings in downtown NYC - but several more were destroyed under dubious circumstances. The 'Powers That Be' (PTB) convinced these men and many others that full scale war was needed to avenge this 'attack'. Honorable men took up the call and enlisted to fight to 'defend their homeland' at the word of the 'PTB'. But gradually they and everyone else learnt of the lies and the profiteering behind this war BY the PTB.

Just as President Eisenhower warned - the US 'Military/Industrial Complex' and its propaganda machine set-up this debacle and THESE young men of honour (when is it honourable to perpetuate a lie?) took the only avenue they viewed as open to them.

Recall when Russian troops (stationed around THEIR 'White House') refused orders from coup leaders to fire on Russian civilians - cited their new constitution. THAT's 'honour'. How many US troops have that kind of courage? How many parents/friends would support them?

Larry, Middletown, USA/NY

It's not fair to these men to call them cowards, because they were strong enough to fight, however, one can fairly say they failed the people they swore to protect. Defecting from your country because you couldn't uphold your promise to protect it is quite selfish. Where would the U.S. be if troops of all wars deserted? Wars are not fought with the utmost honor, never have, never will. I don't recall reading calls to impeach Harry Truman for unleasing the bomb on Japan, murdering hundreds of thousands. I don't recall any wanting JFK impeached for the botched Bay of Pigs. The international public is caught up in a cynical blame game, and a thirst to make someone responsible.

Tim, Maine, U.S.

one writer once described patriotism as the pretext to line the pockets of the rich and the powerful.. what about patriots? what s a patriot? going to Iraq is serving America? or serving the rich and powerful? this is not America, Americans are being deceived and lied to, are being used and killed pointlessly. one thing about war, no matter what starts the war, once you start the war and start losing your friends in the war, you dont look for reasons anymore, you just look to find the enemy and kill them. there s no meaning no solution, it goes on like that until the rich and powerful decides that they have enough killings done both ways, world war I and II are the perfect examples of that... put your trust in God and never abandon reason for madness. war is madness.

Kleinstein, Wichita Falls, TX

Why should Canada give refuge to these people when our boys are also serving and being killed in Afganistan???

Peter Andrew, Montreal, Canada

It seems to me that most if the writers opposing these men didn't bother reading the whole story, it was the armed forces, or at least these men's superiors, that reneged on the deal not these men. These men enlisted on the basis of being told the truth, not half truths or lies, and being able to act honourably. Politicians talk about their country paying a price in war, but the cost is being borne by the soldiers and their families, the rest of society can largely ignore it, some actually reap huge profits from it. How many of you have quit a job for much less of a reason?

If some soldiers make the hard decision to leave their homes (and the USA is generally a great place), Canada should accept them, or at least not bother them too much about staying. We have accepted "refugees" from many other countries with much less reason, and without the ability/desire to adopt our culture, so why not these ones who can make the transition seamlessly?

Greg, Orangeville, Canada

I'm not making excuses for those who desert but I would imagine that the randomness of the hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan doesn't help with morale. Basically they do a good job of securing their objectives (toppling Saddam) and then all hell breaks lose in the aftermath (the IEDs and suicide bombs).

The icing on the cake are revelations that Dick Cheney and his pals may have (certainly did) enter the war for false pretences (no WMDs, war as a business opportunity).

We're dealing with a handful of deserters -- not the same as Viet Nam.

terry, montreal, canada

When the US refused to sign a treaty relating to an international criminal court, Bush said it was to protect members of our armed forces from being put on trial for war crimes. One hardly ever hears of US Forces even being accused of war crimes, Lt Calley being a glaring exception . . . until recently. It is now obvious "circumstances" are making war criminals of some of our troops. But I rather like to believe the treaty was not agreed to to prevent The Village Idiot, "Halliburton" Cheney, Rummy, Rice and others from finding THEMSELVES in the dock - where, in my opinion, they richly belong.

Lynn, Portland, OR USA

I was one of the few that did not go to vietnam. I went to school, but then I could not afford it and had to get myself into the lottery. Luckily I missed the draft by 13 numbers. This is the same insanity going on for the sake of money. God, help all those that have defected to Canada. It is their right to do what their soul tells them to do. Where is our nation now? I don't know. I guess all they see is the continual mesmerization of people through the controlled media

akas, san antonio, Texas

"These people are a disgrace. When you swear to protect your country, and you leave in the midst of the very war you swore to fight, how can that be as an objector? You either agree or disagree.... To leave midway smacks of someone who was too freaked out to go back....a very different view...

John Smith, Leicester, UK"

If you were in this situation and discovered you were killing for a lie would you reconsider your commitment?

JimQ, Salford , UK

Having both a President and Vice President who were multiple draft dodgers by various means throughout the Vietnam War, you young men have done the right thing.

You did at least all go to Iraq and/or Afghanistan and face real action, thus learning the reality of what your President is inflicting on thousands of innocent others.

Were either of my own son's called up for whatever reason, I would do everything in my power likewise to get them out of the country.

When politicians own son's and/or relatives start coming home in body bags or mentally and physically destroyed, then something might change but the world knows full well that is simply not going to happen and why.

Good luck to you all, be safe.

Ken.H, , Harrow,, UK

To John Smith and other like-minded critics of these men: read your own history: start with Siegfried Sassoon's war poetry, his protest against WWI and his subsequent "deployment" to Craighlockhart. My family has served with honor in this country for 13 generations. My mother was a WWII US Marine; her brother and sister Navy and Marines. Ditto my father and two brothers: WWII Army, Marines, Navy. One brother a Viet Nam era vet. Countless classmates and friends ditto. Two cousins now in Iraq, one somewhere in the Pacific in a sub. Until the day I die I will honor every one of them. I worship the ground one uncle walks on: Guadalcanal to Japan, then Korea, then Nazi-hunting. But nowhere in my heart can I condemn these guys. The literal fact of their desertion is true. But atrocities and loyalty sometimes require protest: would you say the same if these guys had refused to fire at My Lai and deserted? Think harder, think deeper, and read Sassoon. This one has no easy answers.

Anne Armitage, Beverly, MA USA

Bob from Anaheim has missed the point.

Yes, "These adult men willingly signed a civil contract and knew full well what they were doing. They swore an honorable oath of office pledging to fulfill that contract and obey those appointed over him." - what they got instead was an unjust war.

When people fight for truth, defend their country for truth they will have no problems. When a war is fought for any other reason, doubts arise. Those who have the integrity to follow their conscious are the true heros, not those who are blinded by patriotism and misled into a war. You should be grateful that at least some soldiers have a sense of morality and you should pity the rest.

We have a duty and obligation to defend and protect ourselves from those who pose a threat to us, whoever they are, wherever they are. Fighting the wrong war, the wrong way, only strengthens their cause, and as the recent reports show, terrorism has actually increased since 9/11, the current approach isn't right.

Farrukh, Woking,

Did the negative posters on here actually read this story? These guys have done their bit but are expected to keep fighting for a further 5 years. No way. Not for this joke of a war. Good luck to them. I only wish we could give them asylum here in the UK. We let everyone else in so why not?

Andy Hardy, Newcastle, UK

When a man who has volunteered to serve his country violates his oath to serve and runs away, of course, if he hasn't the courage to admit his lack of moral fibre, he is going to try and wrap his decision in moral terms. These men are not children and they are not conscripts. The Canadians should send them home to face the music.

David Allen, Marietta, USA

Great that there are Americans who have the guts to speak up, and send clear messages to their country and the rest of the world. Appreciation for the US and US foreign policy is likely at an all time low, and those people do send the message that there are human beings in the US and the US military who do care, and who are strongly opposing current US practices and US politics.

So likely those War Resisters are doing their country a favour, and actually help improve the image of the US abroad. Now I do doubt that many US officials will see things that way...

Forrest G, Vienna, Austria

We don't want them!

Eric, Ottawa, Canada

To John Smith and other critics of these men: read some history. Start with Siegfried Sassoon's war poetry, the public denunciation of WWI written while he was a serving officer, and his "deployment" to Craighlockhart. My family has served this country with honor for 13 generations. My mother was a WWII US Marine; her brother and sister Navy and Marines. Ditto my father and two brothers: Army, Marines, Navy. One brother a Viet Nam era vet. Countless cousins and friends ditto. Two cousins now in Iraq; one somewhere in the Pacific in a sub. Until the day I die I will honor every one of them. I worship the ground an uncle walks on: Guadalcanal to Japan, then Korea, then Nazi-hunting. But nowhere in my heart can I condemn these guys. The literal fact of their desertion is true. But atrocities and loyalty sometimes require protest: would you say the same if they had refused to fire at My Lai and deserted? Think harder, think deeper, and read Sassoon. This one has no easy answers.

Anne Armitage, Beverly, MA USA

To John Smith & Benjamin.
Each man no matter how well intentioned has a limited pot of courage to dip into. Every experience out in hell holes like Iraq and Afghanistan removes a little of that pot, until finally there is no more left, oh and you can't more from the PX no matter how much you want to. Get yourself out here and have a look for yourself, put yourself in their shoes if you can.
I don't think you deserve the right to criticise soldiers actions from the comfort of your armchair. Men like these should only be judged by their peers.

Mac, Baghdad, Iraq

Well when you have a head of state and the armed forces who not only avoided Vietnam by pulling strings but also avoided the part-time stay-at-home role he was given instead can you blame these people? My only question is, "If Bush isn't subject to five years in prison for clearly avoiding service in a war he agreed with why are these people subject to five years in prison for a war they disagreed with?"

John, Dundee, UK

OK, they volunteered. Yes, they promised to fight for their country. But do these two things mean that they had to do as they were told, no matter what? The Army and its commanders - including its commander-in-chief - also have obligations. For example, they should have clear military objectives which are winnable. Unlike the First Gulf War, the current war in Irak does not have clear and winnable military objectives. Should we expect soldiers then to follow orders from commanders who can not do their jobs? The contract between a volunteer soldier and the army is two-sided. Here, the commanders have made the wrong calls, so the soldiers are no longer obliged to follow these wrong calls.

jimbo, Oslo, Norway

Great, more deserters from the US that are probably the same quality as the ones that were coming up 40 years ago.

warren, calgary, alberta

Generally speaking, Americans are showing signs of feeling highly misled about the reasons for entering and continuing this war. The comparisons to the ill-fated Vietnam War run higher and higher. Though only history will make the final judgement on the validity of this war and President Bush's overarching "rule", I think it has become quite obvious that opinion of our role and right in this war is extremely low. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to leave everything behind and defect to another country - that a soldier would choose to do so can only lend to the firm resolve created by a drastic string of events in which there was obviously no other choice left. There is a reason why the military has not made its new enlistment quota recently.

Andrea, New York, USA

These adult men willingly signed a civil contract and knew full well what they were doing. They swore an honorable oath of office pledging to fulfill that contract and obey those appointed over him. The fact is, they deserted. Period. They did not even follow the honorable path of turning themselves over to authorities and taking the punishment the courts would hand out. No, they simply ran away like a coward.

The question that must be asked if there was any attempt to verify the story of these three most biased individuals? How is anyone to know from this one-sided story?

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

These men are protecting the future of the United States by showing how the country had been misled by the Cheney-Bush administration

George Purnell, Caistorville, Canada

To John Smith: War is an educator. And when you learn that a war's supposed justifications and practices are a sham, that realization can be much more than a "freak out." Moreover, the war in Iraq, anyway, is hardly about protecting one's country.

David Kurrah, Cleveland, OH, USA

A tough decision, indeed. Some Americans are over-the-top in their patriotic fevor (as in total pro-America extremism) and, being ignorant of the true meaning of democracy, have total hate for these people.

As for me, I feel for these men. Doing the wrong thing is easy. Doing othing is simple. Doing your duty when it conflicts with your morals and/or sense of personal honour, is incredibly difficult, and not something I'd want to have to go through, myself.

When standing up for your beliefs means leaving yourself open to arrest, hate, and becoming a national outcast--and leaving all you know and love behind--that every bit as corageous as staring down the barrel of a gun, or having bombs dropping around you...just a different kind of courage.

"Political dissent is the highest form of patriotism."---Thomas Jefferson, American president and patriot.

NBG, Glens Falls, USA NY

O tempora, o mores. It is really sad that people who act as decent human beings, who resist being dragged into senseless violence and crime without hurting anybody, must hide and fear, while those, who are responsible for crimes against humanity, enjoy power, and wealth. One of the greatest lessons of WWII: resisting criminal orders is not crime.Hopefully Canada will become your new and happier homeland. Good luck, kids!

Alex, Budapest, Hungary

So a guy has served in Iraq for reasons based on solid lies, witnessed horrendous violence and suffering from Iraqis and his fellow soldiers, learned more about those lies hence realised what a terrible thing they were doing in Iraq so decided that he should no longer be a part of it. You can't blame him for volunteering when he was endlessly told to believe that his government would not needlessly put his life and others in harms way, merely for extending US hegemony in a region with the most oil reserves in the world. Least of all when the military is often a way out of poverty, and recruitment is carried out with lofty promises of college scholarships. Refusing to kill or be killed in a place where the locals don't want them while enormous oil and construction contracts are handed around to close friends of the Bush administration is the compassionate and sensible human choice. This is true regardless of when the soldier learns why what he is doing is a mass waste of human life.

anna, London, UK

So these people volunteered, so what? They signed up to tales of WMD and fixed-term tours of duty. If our country can deal with them in an honest way then we can't blame them from reneging on a dishonest deal.

Mike Call, Madison, Wisconsin

Visualize Bush tried for war crimes.

Greta G., Boulder, USA, Colorado

Yes, these men made a bad decision to sign up, but how could any of them have known the horrors and atrocities that they would be expected to be complicit in? And how can any of you who so easily condemn them possibly imagine what they have gone through already? If they have taken this huge step, and if so many others are ready to do the same thing, there must be a very good reason for it. Try going out there yourself sometime before condemning them, I'll bet you'll feel differently.

Jennie F., Dinan, France

See Ya!

Steve Real, Hollywood, USA/California

It's easy to call people who've witnessed the horrors of war a disgrace from the comfort of Leicester, UK.

Frederick Brown, Zurich, Switzerland

Absolutely disgusting! Like most Americans, I hate this Iraq War; but it is completely unacceptable to desert your country after having VOLUNTEERED to protect it. These men are not men at all; they are cowards. The job got tough so they quit. Don't they wonder what their comrades who are still in Iraq and Afghanistan are thinking?
Return them now, Canada, so they can be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Benjamin, Franklin, USA/ Ohio

I am Canadian and a strong opponent of the Iraq war. Nevertheless, I do not think Canada should offer these deserters sanctuary. They were not drafted, they volunteered to wear the uniform and kill people at the President's command. This was their choice. What of all the refugee claimants in Canada already, many of whom have been tortured and persecuted at home, who wait years to have their cases heard? How can a volunteer soldier presume to be deserving of sanctuary for a choice he made freely? These young men should have exercised their critical faculties before they joined up, not after.

Ronald T. Rump, Vancouver, Canada

The military was lied to just as the rest of America
and the rationale for the war kept changing every time Bush opened his mouth. The were sent to Iraq or Afghanistan, did their time and were told, "Sorry your enlistment is extended you have to back again and again', whilst the rest of the country is no required to make any sacrifice for Bush's folly and ego. To decide one's country is wrong, turn their back on it leaving behind home, family and friends, maybe to never see them again requires courage.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

These men are protecting their country by showing how it has been misled by the Cheney-Bush administration.

George Purnell, Caistorville, Canada

It's not such a bad thing to be weak. The job didn't turn out as they had hoped, at another time it might have. I hope they can bounce back in some way, but they really need to fully consider the possible implications of their life choices in future, and they probably will.

Roger Cole, Carson City, Nevada.

These people are a disgrace. When you swear to protect your country, and you leave in the midst of the very war you swore to fight, how can that be as an objector? You either agree or disagree.... To leave midway smacks of someone who was too freaked out to go back....a very different view...

John Smith, Leicester, UK