Yesterday I was speaking with an old friend, a man I've been to Iraq with twice and he is gearing up for his third tour.  In our conversation, another former compatriot's name came up, one Adam Kokesh.  Apparently Cpl* Kokesh has been making quite a name for himself in the anti-war circuit, being an Iraqi Veteran and all.  With Cindy in retirement, a number of wags have pointed out that the 'movement' needed another front-man, and Cpl Kokesh seems to fill the bill: Iraq veteran for credibility, a flair for the dramatic and, in my opinion, a craving for spotlight with a Kerry-like eye to the future (a la Summer Soldier/Winter Patriot).

In any case, he is in 'court' today, actually a non-judicial review of the status of his discharge.  It seems that the mean old Marine Corps takes some exception to members of the Reserve, of which Cpl Kokesh most certainly is, wearing uniform parts during protests.  This 'exception' the Marine Corps takes is no secret, and when I was a six-month PFC I'd have known at least enough to ask if such a question came up.  Though Cpl Kokesh is now a Corporal, he was once a Sergeant, and I'd say, having been in his non-judicial punishment that netted him his loss of rank and early exit from the Marine Corps, that the character of his discharge was never on the firmest of ground.

All that being said, take a look at his website: http://kokesh.blogspot.com/

My objections are not, actually, with his protesting, but rather with his arrogant, tantrum-like response to the predictable reactions to his protesting.  I do not believe he is a fool.  Here is my letter to him.  He hasn't answered yet, but then I only wrote it last night, and he has a big day in Kansas City today.  I will talk more about Civil Disobedience in the future, and, as you can see, will gladly engage in a dialogue with Cpl Kokesh

Adam,
 
Based on what I know of you from our time in 3rd and 5th CAG**, I am disappointed in your actions.  Not so much the protesting, mind you, but your responses to the official concern in the matter.  I have no respect for somebody that commits civil disobedience, and then complains when the punishment that they ask for is meted out.  I do not believe that you were unaware of the policies regarding Marine Corps uniforms or that you didn't hope to gain some advantage by wearing it in a protest, so I can only assume that you were hoping to be punished to help your new cause (the alternative is that you are ignorant and/or unable to anticipate obvious reactions).  Mandala going to prison showed character, Lt. Watada complaining when the rules he knowingly broke are enforced does not.  Neither does spouting off rude responses as you 'chastise' those executing their duties.  Perhaps the Marine Corps that you claim to love is different than the one I enlisted in back in 1981, but I see nothing admirable, in keeping with Marine Corps values, or even particularly manly in the tone, tenor or text of your responses to the Marine Corps.  This has, in my opinion, nothing to do with your love of the Marine Corps, your sincere opposition to the war, or your rights being violated, but rather your posturing for future political office.  Perhaps an effective tactic, but not one of which I would be proud.
 
I only just learned of your antics (and I can think of no kinder term for them), so haven't read all of your blog entries.  Perhaps in there, somewhere, are substantive, rational discussions of your opposition to Operation Iraqi Freedom (or perhaps to the whole GWOT... I have no idea) and your journey from striving to deploy with us 2006 to your current position.  I believe there ARE rational positions against the war, but protestors so rarely hold those positions or are able to articulate them, instead coming across as kneejerk doves with no context for their position besides their hearts.  If you actually have some real objections, I would be curious to hear them, but if it is merely more of the Code Pink "Impeach Bush" dribble, then I think I've heard enough (unless, of course, you can convince me that there are actual impeachable offenses involved).  I would suggest that alternative plans be advanced with criticisms, preferably with reasonable consequences and risks for recommended courses of action.  You always struck me as a rational, articulate man, so I look forward to hearing an interesting case against OIF.  Links to existing statements are fine, too.
 
I will likely publish this letter on my blog at http://mattchis.bravejournal.com (don't worry, it gets no more than a hundred or so hits a day, at most), and would be happy to post any of your responses or not, as you desire.  The opinions expressed in this letter and at my blog are my own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the United States Marine Corps or the government of the United States.
 
Sincerely,
[MDC], LtCol, USMC

* If, by some sort of administrative legerdemain, Adam Kokesh has regained his rank of Sergeant, I will gladly adjust my references back to the rank that he claims to hold.

** It is not clear to me if Adam Kokesh was with me in 2005, with 5th CAG.  It may be that he was in Fallujah while I was in Habbaniyah in 2004, rather than while I was in Haditha in 2005.  He was in my detachment when we began work-ups for our 2006 tour, until he was put on legal hold for the activities that would eventually lead to his early discharge from active duty.

Mad Dog, Just wanted to offer a belated congratulations on both your marriage & promotion. I remain proud to know a man of such good character. Take care of those Marines and your family. Semper Fi, Bravo V.

I would like to emphasize Kran’s point that he was not against civil disobedience. In fact, to my knowledge, Krans supports freedom of speech–he also supports personal responsibility. By that I mean he supports a U.S Citizen’s right to speak his or her heartfelt beliefs but expects said person to accept the consequences of his or her speech.
So do I.
I am a fellow officer (Navy instead of Marine Corps) and like my brother, I am a Mustang (Quartermaster in the Coast Guard). But before I enlisted, I was a Vietnam War Protestor. I was vocal and I campaigned for McGovern. But my position was a bit different. I was not against the war in principle, I was against fighting the war the way Washington was fighting it. My stance was either “shit or get off the pot.” In other words, “Fight to win, or don’t fight at all.” Once we stopped the draft (June 1972), I felt free to enlist (November 1972).
I never was arrested for protesting. But had I been arrested by police officers enforcing existing law, I would have accepted such arrest as in due course. I would have accepted the consequences of my actions. I fully believe this is what Krans is stating. I support his statement.
So, Adam Kokesh, though we have never met, I salute your service overseas; I support your right for free speech given to all Americans; and I fully expect you to accept the responsibilities and consequences of your actions as an American.
Grey Chisholm
Captain, USN
Master, U.S. Merchant Marine

I need to contact people that have served with Adam Kokesh. I need to verify some stuff that he is saying about his time in the 3rd CAG. My friend knows him and has heard some of the stuff that he is saying around campus. If someone would email me, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you