Aggression Quote by Ehren Watada
“I refuse to be silent any longer. I refuse to be party to an illegal and immoral war against people who did nothing to deserve our aggression. My oath of office is to protect and defend America's laws and its people. By refusing unlawful orders for an illegal war, I fulfill that oath today.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Record, 2007
Refusing to follow illegal orders is a moral duty that aligns with one's oath and conscience.
In simple terms: Standing up against an unlawful war is a moral responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Uphold ethical principles over wrongful commands.
Themes
law
morality
military
conscience
patriotism
Mood
determined
serious
conflicted
Type
Aggression:0
America:0
Deserve:0
Illegal:1
Immoral:1
Law:0
Oath:1
Oath of office:1
Office:0
Order:0
Party:0
Patriotism:0
People:0
Protect:0
Refuse:1
Silent:0
Today:0
Unlawful:1
War:0
Refuse Silent:1
Aggression Oath:0
Fulfill Oath:1
Refusing Unlawful:1
When to use this quote
- military service
- policy debate
- public testimony
Key Concepts
ethics
civil disobedience
duty
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it always right to disobey orders?
- How can one protect oneself when dissenting?
A Different Perspective
Potential personal risk and legal consequences.
![“The duty imposed upon him [the president] to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, follows out the strong injunctions of his oath of office, that he will 'preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.' The great object of the executive department is to accomplish this purpose; and…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97d/joseph-story-11919_accomplish_the-duty-imposed-upon-him-the-president_1660822.jpg)
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
