HELIOLITH

We interrupt this week of perpetual studies with the following news: Mark Wilkerson is badass. He deserted the US Army for Canada after being denied concientious objector status, and has just returned to turn himself in after a year and a half. I listened to his story this morning on WNYC. He talked about his choice to leave the Army with integrity and pride. He acknowledged that others he served with made a different choice and remained in Iraq, and he respected that choice. But he asserted his personal choice to follow his conscience in what I hope will be a gesture of hope and esteem to others who may feel inclined in the same direction. It is easy to imagine that many soldiers have grave doubts about the nature of our war in Iraq, but feel trapped or coerced by a culture of silence and obedience. It is a source of inspiration that a man could speak out and face the moral heat of his country and his heart. Mark Wilkerson holds up a flag of individualism. It is no small comfort to see one man make a big difference.