This is most unexpected. According to CNN, sixty-five (65) active duty members of the US military (that’s right, active duty, not retired) will hold a press conference on Wednesday petitioning Congress to end the Iraq War:

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sixty five active duty service members are officially asking Congress to end the war in Iraq — the first time active troops have done so since U.S. invasion began in 2003.

Three of the service members will hold a press conference Wednesday explaining their decision to send “Appeals for Redress” under the Military Whistleblower Protection Act to their members of Congress. Under the act, National Guard and Reservists can send communications about any subject to their member of Congress without punishment.

These individuals, if they go through with this step, will be acting in the highest interest of their country, because they are risking their careers and possible court martials for taking a public stand in opposition to the Bush adminsitration’s policies on Iraq. I know that they assert the right to do so pursuant to the Whistleblower Act, but I doubt that will stop a vengeful administration from exerting every effort to make these soldiers pay for their effrontery. There are no truer patriots, and no braver men and women in the United States today. God bless them all.

The link to their press release is HERE.