My best wishes are with you every step of the way in this journey of hope and discovery. I am moved by your vision and your courage. Please do keep me posted.
I loved reading your story. It’s great to hear of someone’s transformation from soldier to peacemaker. Have you heard of Peace Pilgrim? She was a spiritual woman who walked the length and breadth of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, spreading her message of peace. Since you are doing something similiar, you may be interested in reading one of her books. Just google Peace Pilgrim and you should find a way to get her books. If not, try Amazon. I very grateful to hear of your mission. I feel the same way you do about peaceful and loving solutions for world peace. If You plan to come through Long Beach, California, let me know. I belong to two peace groups and would be happy to organize a welcome for you in Long Beach or nearby communities.
All Best,
Leonard Baric
Long Beach Area Peace Network
Veterans For Peace, Chapter 067 (supporter)
I look forward to hearing about your experiences as you travel. You know that Mike and I are here for you, just let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
I heard about your Love Experiment through my girlfriend Nik Sushka at Montgomery College. This is a great idea.
What exactly are you thinking as far as walking versus bicycling? When I was seventeen I bicycled 2.800 miles across the United States for the Route Six Tourist Association. It was a couple years after the Association had sponsored a man named Joe Hurley to walk the same route.
Anyways, I’m in the Maryland area, I love bicycling and have two older brothers that are Army Rangers. If I can be of any assistance, great, if not I’d still love to do lunch sometime. My e-mail is dlkunes@gmail.com
My name is Jonathan and I work with a group called Peace Action. Jean Athey let me know about your situation and I’m happy to support you. I also work with a group called DCOI, and we work with soldiers and veterans organizing against the war. If you need a place to stay in Baltimore, you’re welcome to stay with us. We also have connections all over the country that may be able to offer support. Send me an e-mail and let me know. Jean has my cell phone number as well. Good luck and congratulations on achieving CO status!
We will keep track of your journey. We hope you’ll get to know us and about Our Journey to Smile in Afghanistan,which has LOVE as its foundations too ( in this part of the world, this principle is almost a ‘ridiculous’ laugh ).
And if Love or Life allows, we’d be glad if you could join us and others in Afghanistan on International Peace Day, as one of your ‘unusual stops’ in this journey of yours.
I had a similar experience when I went into the Air Force back in 1970 during the Vietnam war. It was a draft number of 24 that forced me into joining the military. I wanted to be a medic and help people instead of being part of the killing force. They put me into an air intelligence tech school which was interesting until the ending course was plotting the bombing runs. The thought of planning the path of destruction made me not want to be involved in this action. I again requested to be a medic and was moved into fueling aircraft instead. I was in for 21 months until I received a CO discharge after many obstacles including an eight month application and interview process. The most interesting interview was with the chaplain. I thought if anyone would be understanding in my views it would be this person. The guy was very critical and completely opposite of what I expected. At one point I asked him how he could be involved with the military as a man of God. He side stepped the issue and went on with his questions. He was the only one that said I was insincere. Even the base commander gave me a positive response suggesting an honorable discharge. I wish you much luck in your travels and searching for the positive and good things in life. Sorry you had to be exposed to the military and their focus of death and destruction.
You wrote ” At one point I asked him how he could be involved with the military as a man of God.”
I had asked a sincere, kind, ‘born-again’ American believer and practitioner-of-‘love for his neighbor’ if he could imagine himself becoming a soldier in Iraq who may have to pull a trigger on a stranger, he replied ‘yes!’ without deliberation and awareness of any discrepancy.
I agonized, thinking,” How can Man dismantle this illogic when an all-powerful God can’t seem to or perhaps, the all powerful God is the cause of this deception’s assembly?”
I go to a church where a large portion of the people love war and may even be guilty of idolatry, by the way they worship all soldiers war, etc. I have a bible in pdf format and e-mail it to people in my church who want it. The example of how to use it, I use a search for the words (innocent blood). GOD sure deplores it; I have opened a few eyes.
Josh, with people like you out there, maybe everyone will see that what we are doing in Iraq and elsewhere is just wrong.
Thank you for trying to open up there eyes.
Good luck to you.
Peace…
My son was in Iraq as a mental health worker with the Army reserve. Now he is in Afghanistan as a medical trainer. I know how difficult it is for a person with a kind heart and mind to keep his values in these situations. I hope you will plan to come to the Boston area. You would be very welcome to stay with us. I belong to Military Families Speak Out and your link was sent me by another member of our organization. Your courage and clear vision are very beautiful gifts. Your commitment to tell your story will open many hearts and eyes to the pain we are causing the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and our soldiers. Thank you many times over, Sarah in Mass.
Dear Josh,
I really think you are doing a great thing.I’m one of the 4th graders at davenport.I hope one day I could do the same thing your doing.Thank you for coming in to share some of your experience with us.
This is a brave and difficult thing you are doing and I thank you so much for your act of courage. I look forward to meeting you and hearing you speak at our tentative event at the Peace Abbey in Sherborn on the 27th. There will be other hospitality invitations but I would give high recommendations to my friend Sarah Fuhro. Safe travels and thank you so much for your voice.
That’s some heavy material man, I’ll have to let you know how everything is this next deployment. It’s one of the few honest accounts of what it’s like.
I don’t know what route you’re taking, but if you need a place to crash in Kansas City, STL, or Chicago my family would be more than happy to let you crash with them.
I still have that book of yours, let me know an address where I can get it back to you.
Josh,
I met you after speaking in Cambridge, but only breifly to say thank you. You’re incredibly inspiring. What you said made me want to go out and make the world a better place… NOW!
I love all your views on non-violence, peace and love. All your wonderful views lead me to think you would be in support of gay marriage. I was just wondering if you were?
It doesn’t directly connect to your point but overall, to me, it’s something that is important to me. Just as spreading peace and love, I also want to bring justice and equality for all.
Thanks again for your inspiring words!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Emma
Hi Emma,
Thanks for coming tonight. If you’re looking for a good place to start changing the world, I’ve put together many of the inspiring communitry-building ideas that I’ve been learning about on my trip up on a practical ideas page. If you have any other good ideas, please let me know!
So there’s the verse in the Bible about homosexuality being an abomination. I’ve been thinking about that lately actually… obviously I can’t go back in time and say exactly what the author was thinking, but other parts of the Bible accept slavery whereas we would be shocked if someone actually owned a slave today. So it seems like culture had a huge influence on these ideas. From what I understand of homosexuality back in the time that line was written, it was an under-the-carpet, often extra-marital situation. So if this is getting down to beliefs, I believe in commitmed and honest relationships and the culture back then, in relation to homosexuality was counterproductive to those relationships. The writer of that verse probably was more concerned with one’s spiritual growth than with creating a political movement. That idea can be a can of worms, I hope I making logical steps here… But in this culture, I think it is entirely possible to have a healthy homosexual relationship… especially if the sacred institution of American marraige is the standard of healthy relationships.
BUT, in any case, even if that idea was still culturally applicable today, demonizing homosexuals as God-hating, values-trashing, whorish scum is definitely not the right answer. I’ve seen friends who are gay treated like this by “respectable citizens” and I’ve seen “respectable citizens” absolutely offended and self-victimized when they take that common humanity that they deny someone who thinks differently than them.
Whatever you believe and however you live, seek inner-peace and let love shine into your actions and far be it from me to judge. I’ll be busy doing my best to live in that manner and if for some reason I do disagree with anyone, I hope my life and my example will be the most compelling reason for somebody to think differently.
This is something I still need to think through, what do you think?
Thanks!
Josh
By: contagiousloveexperiment on July 1, 2009 at 3:38 am
I’m enjoying what you and others have written as you continue your voyage of discovery. As always, I feel blessed to count you as a dear friend–and fellow biker! I see you progressing and thank God
for your presence. Looking forward to your return to Kansas… –Dave
Wow, Josh, this is awesome. It was great to meet you at Bikes Not Bombs the other evening. I had no idea of the depth of thought or intense openness to life and hope for our country you embody or I would have done significantly more talking (and, alas, probabaly less bike-part-sorting). I wish you the best of luck and hope that somewhere down the road our paths cross again. Truly, I am finding our country (and our world) to be at once both large and surprisingly small. Be well, Ibti
Dear Josh,
I would like to invite you to stay with my family while you’re in the Albany, NY area. Rest up and have some good food. I also have a youth group I really wish you would be able to speak with on the topic of CO. Is this possible? Email me directly if you wish-Eli
You are a sad individual. As you protest the US Military across the US for their so called atrocities you should remember your brothers in arms who you turned your back on and deserted.
You should remember the millions of Iraqis who are now free to vote, to speak out and to live in what ever way they see fit. Are you too ignorant to realize that life there is better now than prior to 2003? Have you forgotten your basic 7 Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor and Integrity? You are NONE of the above and a disgrace to the uniform. You are the type who should have never joined.
I wish you all the best in your journey of “peace” but always remember the soldiers who died so you could bash us in public and tell the world how wicked we are – while keeping you free.
I appreciate how deeply held your beliefs are and for seeking to live by these values.
I would ask though that before you accuse me of certain things, you learn more about what I’m saying and don’t categorize me as simply anti-war or whatever other stereotype I may resemble. My message has never been about how wicked soldiers are. If anything, I have made the effort to communicate to the peace community the good intentions and dedication soldiers and my dedication to learning about and promoting ways of solving problems that don’t involve war-if that is anti-American, then we need to reevaluate our values. My 1SG initially said similar things to me and called me a traitor and a terrorist, but as he got to know me better, became supportive of me and we left on good terms. My goal is not to make citizens hate soldiers.
I do have a problem with the system that takes the values which soldiers try to live out and twist it to have people put their life on the line for their economic benefit. The US is 6% of the world’s population but consumes 60% of it’s resources. That is not a prowar or antiwar statement, that is a simple mathematical fact. But that fact is the root behind the majority of our nation’s international strife. There is no glory or bravery in perpetuating this. The longer these policies go on, the more we are at risk, so speaking out, in my opinion, is not betraying the soldiers who have died, it is an attempt to wake up to what is really going and seeing who is causing the real problems and not simply taking things the military says at face value.
I don’t know what your experiences in Iraq were, I’d definitely be interested in hearing more about them. But I can say of mine that even the most dedicated of soldiers, with very few exceptions, acknowledged not only that what we were doing was futile, but that if the roles were reversed, they would become insurgents also. Loyalty, Integrity, and Honor do not mean simply believing everything the military says or that saying something contrary is despicable. And I’ve felt disgrace for the uniform, but I can tell you it was not from applying as a conscientious objector. The description of Iraq that you gave is very foreign to my experience and understanding. If you want to add me as a friend on facebook, I can show you the video of the town I was in in Iraq when they came out to protest our moving in to their neighborhood. I’m wondering if you know the civilian death toll from this war and whether their families consider their lives better off. The progress that I did see was when we sat down and negotiated with known insurgents which breaks down the idea so boldly proclaimed that “we will not negotiate with terrorists”. We did this on a day-to-day basis which makes me question whether or not war was necessary to begin with. And the “peace” that exists now, from my study and experience, seems more to be a case of not eliminating the “bad guys”, but of legitimizing them and putting them on government payrolls… compromise, not violence, made the change.
Like I said, I’ve had my experience and have tried to do my best to study other people’s, but I’m sure there are things I haven’t considered. Please share more about your experience if you think there’s something I’m missing. And I ask you to consider just thinking about the conclusion that violence has really solved the problem. Killing produces short-term results, but it is never the only option and I am doing everything I can to work for those other options in hopes that war won’t be considered the only means of action.
With respect,
Josh
By: contagiousloveexperiment on July 4, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Your comment is disturbing, and the sort of judgemental or close-minded type of ignorance that keeps our country from the progress of change that it needs to survive. The things that you said are exactly why I still don’t support what the military is doing and why I promote peace.
You would think that after hundreds of years of this sort of violence that we would know better by now, but it is this type of brainwashed ignorance that keeps our country in the business of war and more of the same.
Your statement is typical, but Josh and Conor give me hope. Don’t kid yourself, David. You earn respect by giving respect. It does not come with a military title. I respect the people who can say no to war. No to guns. No to killing. That’s all it takes.
Choosing NOT to kill. That is honor. Choosing to promote peace and equality. That is integrity. Service to our country would be helping save lives, not take them. We cannot force our “freedom” on others.
The only TRUE freedom is our own freedom of THOUGHT. It is the only thing that NO ONE can take from us or fight for. It is yours. It is the ONLY thing that you have that is real freedom. Everything else is freedom as far as the people in power let us have or is written into law. Freedom of thought is the only thing that has no cost. You have the freedom to think as you want to. Action is different, don’t get me wrong. Just because you may have negative thoughts does not give you the right to act on it. Once it’s turned into an aciton, it is something else entirely. You only have the freedom to think. And…you have the freedom to learn and to change your thoughts.
You lose that freedom of thought when you join the military. You do what you are told to do. For whatever reason they give you; honor, integrity, etc- the only freedom that you truly have is gone. They put their thoughts, ideas, choices into your head, thus taking your true freedom away. Where is the honor in that? Is that integrity? Is that respect? No. It is similar to a cult. An organized religion. It is brainwashing. It is wrong. Don’t justify. Don’t make excuses. If you still think using force on people and killing is okay, then continue your path. Just don’t kid yourself and sugar-coat the truth. Be real. If you are acting on what YOU think is right (and not what someone is telling you is right) then more power to you.
Josh is not “bashing” anyone in public. He is not a disgrace to anyone. They turned their backs on no one. That is all brain-washed military rhetoric. Dying and killing for freedom? Pul-eeeze. Rhetoric. They have to make you believe that or no one would sign up, would they? Stop with the guilt bullsh*t that you are laying on them. That is part of the brainwashing process.
I serve my country. I serve all countries. I help build wells in Africa where the water is limited. I sponsor a girl’s education in Tibet who would not get to go to school otherwise. I volunteer with Hospice, St. Jude’s, and animal shelters across the country. I run an animal sanctuary (and rehab) to help sentient beings in need. I educate the children about kindness and peace. I shop Fair-Trade and live eco-friendly. I don’t eat meat. I am in the business of saving lives, not taking them. Yes, I also “serve”, but in a non-violent way. I have friends in a hundred other countries and hope to meet more. We all do our part to “serve” by promoting peace and understanding.
Funny, that people call me anti-American and non-patriotic because I choose not to harm. Because I spend my time helping anyone no matter the nationality or race or species. If that makes me anti-American (in your eyes), then I’m okay with that. You won’t find an American flag at my house. I have an Earth flag. It shows that we are all from the same place and everyone is equal. It does not excude anyone.
When we know better…we do better.
“Service” is not about joining or leaving the military. That is just a personal choice. There are greater ways to serve and do good without the violence. I hope for you, David, that it doesn’t take your whole life to figure that out. No one is calling the military “wicked”, but the actions of the military as it is today is pretty disturbing. I’d rather see the military helping out during the wildfires or natural disasters. Train to save lives, not take them. Put the guns down. That would be much more of what I expect from our “service” people.
Kudos to Josh and Conor for “getting it” early on! I am proud of them and so happy that they will help to enlighten others. We need more people such as them.
By: Michele McCowan on October 1, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Hi, Josh.
A friend of mine posted your blog link on Facebook today.
I haven’t read all your posts, so I don’t know if you’re toying with the prospect of relinquishing your Christian faith or not. I certainly see a great deal of disillusionment with what you learned at a young age.
I’d like to share with you a book that has made a great difference in my own faith. It’s SURPRISED BY HOPE by N.T. Wright.
Wright describes how most Christians have gotten some things wrong — e.g., what the resurrection is all about. He points out that what we believe about life after death has direct implications for what we believe about life before death. If we have got it right, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the beginning of God’s renewal plan, then what we do here and now is of great importance, as our job as Christians is to bring healing and hope in ALL that we do.
I’ve been a Christian since I was a teen ager and have always had enormous respect for Noam Chomsky. I met him briefly when I was 20 at a linguistics lecture. The man has more integrity in his little finger than most people have at all. Christians should care deeply about the injustices that Mr. Chomsky highlights, as the Lord cares even more deeply about these injustices!
I hope you will check out the Wright book.
I wish you the best in your love experiment.
-Constance
Constance, you are that rarest of people; a Christian who accepts that America is not perfect and needs a course correction ASAP. Good on you, I just wish there were more like you.
If you get a chance to meet any Christian leader or Muslim leader in the States, could you please ask if they think that the war in Afghanistan is spiritually and religiously or conscientiously ‘just’?
Hi Josh,
Love the new bike pic! Hope all is going well and it was good to see the OMB link. I’m looking forward to getting a copy of the Cambridge Cable recording from MA Peace Action. Don’t know if you had the link to the Metrowest Daily News article on July 3rd, so here it is: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x735580818/Former-soldier-is-walking-away-from-the-war
Still raining a lot hear, hope you are walking into sunshine.
Carol
Hi Josh
Do you want to come to Ithaca while you’re in the neighborhood. We could arrange a a gathering on short notice
I could pick you up in my van, return you to your next destination.We could put you up.
My cell phone is 607 592 7692
Call or write
Bob Nape
Peace-Now-Ithaca
[...] Featured Event: Iraq Vet turned conscientious objector Josh Stieber 21-year-old Josh Stieber, an Iraq vet turned conscientious objector, was deployed to Baghdad as part of the Surge from Feb 07 to Apr 08. He'll be in Ithaca on Friday and in Trumansburg on Saturday as he travels across the country, sharing his experiences and learning everything he can. Check out his blog at Contagious Love Experiment. [...]
Hi Josh,
I heard about you because I am a member of the Ithaca Friends Meeting where you will be Saturday. You may want to stop by on Sunday when we gather in silence to worship from 10:30-11:30 at the meeting house.
Good luck with the walk. There was a woman in the early 80′s who walked across America with a similar message-of peace. She called herself the “Peace Pilgrim”.
It takes courage to speak the truth.
Erica Weiss
It is a huge obstacle to overcome the brainwashing of the US military. I hope you can muster up whatever it takes to talk to other veterans and even current soldiers. Tell them about how you got out and the steps you took. Tell them about the powerful words that made you see the people of Iraq as human beings rather than “insurgents” to be disposed of. Our government was once a beautiful thing; it was conceived to protect us from the very people who stripped it of its heart that are now in power. When we wrote the declaration of independence, we declared independence from an oppressive empire on the other side of the sea, and this is what we have become.
What you are doing is excellent. Tell everyone you meet about the power of love, but also bring to their attention the grim reality of the powers that be. You are brave indeed. I believe a soldier fights with his sword for an outside power, and a Warrior fights with his head, heart, and his hands for his own. You are a wandering Warrior. Use your training to help the resistance.
Find a copy of the book called “The Coming Insurrection” by the Invisible Committee. You’ll see that what they tell you about the French was never true. I also recommend Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I think you’ll find relevance to your ideals in there, as well a pleasing read.
My blog is at elevationisperspective.blogspot.com. Check it out if you get the chance.
Josh- enjoyed meeting you and your talk in Erie Pa July 28th! I give you credit for responding so truthfully and with great calmness to those who say and or write spiteful things. I pray daily for all the vets coming home from war for that is when the war begins here. The number of brain injuries, disabilities and more is devastating. Even the pro war folks didn;t think we’d be in Iraq for so long…..what happened to Bush declaring “victory” “mission accomplished”…think he used those words in 2003.
I just read your story due to a Michael Moore posting on Facebook. Your journey through life and the development of your faith is truly inspiring. I was wondering if you’ve ever read the series books by Neale Donald Walsh called Conversations With God?
Also, I must say, I am truly impressed by the love and kindness you have shown in answering some of the nasty comments people have made here.
Best of luck and blessings to you. I think you are a very courageous man for finding your truth and being willing to live it.
Looking forward to your arrival in Kansas. Now there are two of you to double my pleasure! Conor, I enjoyed reading your story and I am so glad you and Josh have joined forces. I plan to join you in your first day of biking from Manhattan.
We’re excited about you speaking to our youth group and joining us for a “Lock-In” on the evening of Friday, August 28! It’ll be exciting to have you tell your story to our kids and we look forward to a good discussion!
Josh and Connor:
I really appreciate you guys participating in our conference yesterday (8/15). You have a great story to tell and I certainly hope you have a chance to repeat it as you move across the USA. I was a CO in WWII and share your views on the futility of war and the actually more practical way of accomplishing good through nonviolence. Blessings on your efforts!!
[...] across the country. The two are sharing their experience as Iraq War vets and talking about how love conquers fear and hate. Even in the Obama era, there message is important and urgent. They are calling this quest [...]
Thanks for your blog and for such keen insight into war and the practice of faith. It reminds me of a documentary by John Campea I watched a while back. It’s called Prince of Peace, God of War. Not sure if you’ve seen it but it’s available here–> http://www.themovieblog.com/2008/10/download-prince-of-peace-god-of-war-for-free.
It was a pleasure to meet you both and listen to your ideas. I find your courage inspiring. Please carry on. I’ve added you to the blog roll at divestfromdeath.wordpress.com
It was so awesome to meet you both in Indianapolis. The conversation I had with you was one of the best conversations of my life–you inspire me so much! Thank you for your courage, open-mindedness and wisdom. What you passed on to me has shaped my perspective and enriched my life since I’ve met you. Best of luck in your travels!
Email me for names & addresses: Cynthia Gregg, Oshkosh; SCOTTSBLUFF: Shirley Flack, Jennifer Rogers, Sandy harrach, Angie McGrew, Jean Vancil. I will email them your information.
Best of luck. You lighted up my life. No pun intended.
Marion Wed 9/23
By: Marion Bahensky on September 16, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Thanks for making time with our kids at Manaia. My apologies for spacing the coffee promise, but I hope the other “Joe” made up for it. Happy Travels!!
By: Laurie Bishop on September 30, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hey guys!
As one cross-country walker to another, good luck and good work! You are almost there.
Enjoy what you’re doing for as long as you can.
Would love to talk to you after you finish and compare notes! – BJ Hill http://www.walkamerica2008.com
Hey guys from one cross-country walker to another, good luck and good job. Enjoy the moment while it lasts. After you finish and come back, would love to talk to you and swap some stories.
Peace – BJ Hill
Hey Josh and Conor – I am amazed and delighted and moved to hear of your Contagious Love Experiment coming after your tours in Iraq. I wish you love and power (the good kind) and success in your endeavor and in life! I guess I also want to say that what you are doing is in a way, radical (again a good way!) and something I have fervently and increasingly believed. I can’t say enough how happy I am to learn of your endeavor. Take care.
[...] high school, and sure enough, by 2007, he was deployed to BaghDad. What he saw transformed him: I had grown up hearing ideas like “love your enemies”, “return evil with [...]
Josh,
Just heard you being interviewed on our Air America radio station in Santa Fe (11/30/09 9:20pmMT) . . . and I was really impressed by the transformation you experienced! Your consciousness and the positive action that you came up with to express that consciousness gives me great hope for the future.
Josh, you were traveling through Painesville, Ohio and requested to couchsurf back in July…I didn’t get the request and am disappointed – you are amazing! I love the mission and your willingness to be open to the truth of love rather than the conditioning they were imposing upon you. You – and your mission – are awesome!!!
Bless your heart Josh. Bless your bless too. The religions have so much in common. We both revere St. Mary. There is a chapter dedicated to St. Mary. Another often overlooked common information: we are both human. Why do people forget that? As humans we cannot afford to be reactionary anymore. We must not let politicians or militants or big company do the thinking for us. Let’s think and act like humans again. Don’t give up this journey my friend. This is so important for the world. Love is the only way. All you need is love – John Lennon.
So many of the things I have read here remind of Buddhism. I trust you have looked into it, if not, stop by a Dharma one day and have a look. And if the first one doesn’t work for you, try another. Or just read up on it.
Dear Josh and Conor,
I heard about Conor at the Unity Church that I go to here in Eugene, Oregon. I was deeply moved and made sure I got Conor’s name right and the name of your movement so that I could come home and google away. I listened to your interview on the veteran’s for peace website with Chuc. I love you both so much. Thank you for spreading peace and love across America. I hope that someday we can have a Department of Peace as Dennis Kucinich has envisioned. The way to world peace is through love not force. I know that world peace is inevitable and hearing about what you two are doing solidifies that for me. I would like to share your stories and movement on my website if that is okay with you. Please let me know. Bless you both!
Namaste, Lynnette
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the all-too-ordinary events shown on the WikiLeaks “Collateral Murder” video, the video’s failure to show the ground patrol units being protected by the helicopters, soldiers who are trained to shoot first and ask questions later and why criticism should be directed at the policy of occupation instead of the actions of individual soldiers. [...]
Josh – I know there are more people in this world like you who believe in fairness, justice and peace for all humanity than those fewer evil doers who prey on weak and vulnerable fellow human beings for greed. God pointed out them very clearly in the Quran that they say that they are doing good and spreading fairness in the world but in fact they are the ones who are spreading corruption on earth.
American power houses were long been hijacked by these Zionist merciless evil doers who have no respect for humanity; for them everything else is Goya, worth destroying; they are rampaging everywhere inside and outside of US and around the world to make more profit and achieve more power and capture more resources of other peoples while destroying everything in cold blood that comes in their way. In fact they are enemy of God and His people – they are brethrens of Devil.
However, as opponents to injustice and tyranny we the humane people of the global community should unite together and oppose them in every corner we find them and confront them and expose them. You did a good job exposing army’s killing mentality but a lot more needs to be done since they give a damn what we say as they don’t care because they have all the control in their hands. But there is hope. God works slowly but firmly and brings fruits of joy and happiness to downtrodden, poor and uprooted ones and smites evil doers as truth always triumphs; but as usual at the end.
God’s work is already in making; plenty of Americans are joining a future fighting force by converting to Islam in thousands every year and many more times globally. They [evil doers] knew it very well that only Islam can stop them since they have destroyed Christianity by buying Christian priesthood long time ago and Islam is the only threat to them so they have started a pre-emptive strike on Islam but evil is always short sighted and stupid; they failed by creating 9/11in achieving their goals as it stated an unstoppable process of conversion that will ultimately bring them down. As God said in the Quran about that they hatch a plan and God plans, too but God is the best planner.
I would suggest you and all your commentators to read the Quran with an open heart and it will change your life completely in just one sitting. The truth speaks for itself and I warrantee that if you are unprejudiced and ready to accept truth then it is time. In other words this is the way to undo what you have been through by accepting the truth and strengthening your stand.
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the all-too-ordinary events shown on the WikiLeaks “Collateral Murder” video, the video’s failure to show the ground patrol units being protected by the helicopters, soldiers who are trained to shoot first and ask questions later and why criticism should be directed at the policy of occupation instead of the actions of individual soldiers. pp_flashembed( 'powerpress_player_5563', {src: 'http://www.scotthortonshow.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/FlowPlayerClassic.swf', width: 320, height: 24, wmode: 'transparent' }, {config: { autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: false, initialScale: 'scale', showFullScreenButton: false, showMenu: false, videoFile: 'http://scotthorton.org/radio/10_04_13_stieber.mp3', loop: false, autoRewind: true } } ); [...]
It is sad that truth is always suppressed and withheld from reaching out some times by the very people who claim to be torch bearer for it – that is all I have to say after you removed my comment, Josh.
Anything, if there was disputed could have been debated rather than silencing me all. Which side of the fence you are Josh?
I like to think that we can reach for a future that doesn’t rely on fences, that doesn’t pit religion against religion or people against people. I know that decisions I have made have pushed that future further back, but as I’ve sought to transform how I live, I’ve seen that as dark and hopeless as the world can seem sometimes, that deep down the hate stems from fear and pain and the way I hope to overcome that is not by fencing it off, but by removing those fences that perpetuate the fear and hatred to begin with.
I do not pretend to know your pain or the journey you’ve been on, but if you’d like to share some aspects of how your spiritual experiences have blessed you, I’d appreciate learning from your thoughts and experiences. Sorry for the slow reply.
By: contagiousloveexperiment on April 23, 2010 at 6:22 pm
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the explicit direct order from Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich (featured in David Finkel’s The Good Soldiers) to open fire on any Iraqis in the vicinity of an IED attack, the “magic 8-ball” type randomness to daily patrols in 2007 Baghdad, soldiers who resisted or refused orders that imperiled civilians and where veterans and active duty soldiers can find support groups. [...]
Dear friend Josh–
My best wishes are with you every step of the way in this journey of hope and discovery. I am moved by your vision and your courage. Please do keep me posted.
Peace,
Dave
By: Dave on March 10, 2009
at 2:29 am
Josh,
I loved reading your story. It’s great to hear of someone’s transformation from soldier to peacemaker. Have you heard of Peace Pilgrim? She was a spiritual woman who walked the length and breadth of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, spreading her message of peace. Since you are doing something similiar, you may be interested in reading one of her books. Just google Peace Pilgrim and you should find a way to get her books. If not, try Amazon. I very grateful to hear of your mission. I feel the same way you do about peaceful and loving solutions for world peace. If You plan to come through Long Beach, California, let me know. I belong to two peace groups and would be happy to organize a welcome for you in Long Beach or nearby communities.
All Best,
Leonard Baric
Long Beach Area Peace Network
Veterans For Peace, Chapter 067 (supporter)
By: Leonard Baric on June 25, 2009
at 6:51 am
I look forward to hearing about your experiences as you travel. You know that Mike and I are here for you, just let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
By: Krista on March 22, 2009
at 5:50 pm
Hey,
I heard about your Love Experiment through my girlfriend Nik Sushka at Montgomery College. This is a great idea.
What exactly are you thinking as far as walking versus bicycling? When I was seventeen I bicycled 2.800 miles across the United States for the Route Six Tourist Association. It was a couple years after the Association had sponsored a man named Joe Hurley to walk the same route.
Anyways, I’m in the Maryland area, I love bicycling and have two older brothers that are Army Rangers. If I can be of any assistance, great, if not I’d still love to do lunch sometime. My e-mail is dlkunes@gmail.com
Take care,
Dave
By: Dave Kunes on April 28, 2009
at 10:39 pm
Best of everything on your journey. I hope you’re checking out couchsurfing.com to find some lodging along the way.
By: Nik on April 29, 2009
at 1:48 pm
Couchsurfing.com has been a great program! Thanks for the encouragement : )
By: contagiousloveexperiment on April 29, 2009
at 3:19 pm
Hi Josh,
My name is Jonathan and I work with a group called Peace Action. Jean Athey let me know about your situation and I’m happy to support you. I also work with a group called DCOI, and we work with soldiers and veterans organizing against the war. If you need a place to stay in Baltimore, you’re welcome to stay with us. We also have connections all over the country that may be able to offer support. Send me an e-mail and let me know. Jean has my cell phone number as well. Good luck and congratulations on achieving CO status!
In solidarity,
Jonathan
By: Jonathan Williams on May 12, 2009
at 4:00 pm
Dear Josh,
Thanks for your act of love!
We will keep track of your journey. We hope you’ll get to know us and about Our Journey to Smile in Afghanistan,which has LOVE as its foundations too ( in this part of the world, this principle is almost a ‘ridiculous’ laugh ).
And if Love or Life allows, we’d be glad if you could join us and others in Afghanistan on International Peace Day, as one of your ‘unusual stops’ in this journey of yours.
Thanks and Peace!
Hakim
On behalf of Our Journey to Smile
http://ourjourneytosmile.com/blog
By: Our Journey to Smile on May 25, 2009
at 4:45 am
Josh,
I had a similar experience when I went into the Air Force back in 1970 during the Vietnam war. It was a draft number of 24 that forced me into joining the military. I wanted to be a medic and help people instead of being part of the killing force. They put me into an air intelligence tech school which was interesting until the ending course was plotting the bombing runs. The thought of planning the path of destruction made me not want to be involved in this action. I again requested to be a medic and was moved into fueling aircraft instead. I was in for 21 months until I received a CO discharge after many obstacles including an eight month application and interview process. The most interesting interview was with the chaplain. I thought if anyone would be understanding in my views it would be this person. The guy was very critical and completely opposite of what I expected. At one point I asked him how he could be involved with the military as a man of God. He side stepped the issue and went on with his questions. He was the only one that said I was insincere. Even the base commander gave me a positive response suggesting an honorable discharge. I wish you much luck in your travels and searching for the positive and good things in life. Sorry you had to be exposed to the military and their focus of death and destruction.
Best wishes,
Don
By: Don Olliff on May 26, 2009
at 4:04 am
Dear Don,
You wrote ” At one point I asked him how he could be involved with the military as a man of God.”
I had asked a sincere, kind, ‘born-again’ American believer and practitioner-of-‘love for his neighbor’ if he could imagine himself becoming a soldier in Iraq who may have to pull a trigger on a stranger, he replied ‘yes!’ without deliberation and awareness of any discrepancy.
I agonized, thinking,” How can Man dismantle this illogic when an all-powerful God can’t seem to or perhaps, the all powerful God is the cause of this deception’s assembly?”
Thanks and peace!
Hakim in Afghanistan
http://ourjourneytosmile.com/blog
By: Our Journey to Smile on May 27, 2009
at 7:51 am
I go to a church where a large portion of the people love war and may even be guilty of idolatry, by the way they worship all soldiers war, etc. I have a bible in pdf format and e-mail it to people in my church who want it. The example of how to use it, I use a search for the words (innocent blood). GOD sure deplores it; I have opened a few eyes.
By: Gary on May 4, 2010
at 4:53 pm
[...] Visit The Contagious Love Experiment [...]
By: Next Left Notes (NLN) on June 14, 2009
at 5:04 pm
Josh, with people like you out there, maybe everyone will see that what we are doing in Iraq and elsewhere is just wrong.
Thank you for trying to open up there eyes.
Good luck to you.
Peace…
By: Addie on June 14, 2009
at 6:07 pm
I meant their!!
By: Addie on June 15, 2009
at 1:01 am
actually you were correct the first time.. I am looking forwaard to joining you in your walk around Boston soon
By: ray on July 3, 2009
at 3:17 am
Wishing you well!
By: keepleftnyc on June 15, 2009
at 5:04 am
My son was in Iraq as a mental health worker with the Army reserve. Now he is in Afghanistan as a medical trainer. I know how difficult it is for a person with a kind heart and mind to keep his values in these situations. I hope you will plan to come to the Boston area. You would be very welcome to stay with us. I belong to Military Families Speak Out and your link was sent me by another member of our organization. Your courage and clear vision are very beautiful gifts. Your commitment to tell your story will open many hearts and eyes to the pain we are causing the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and our soldiers. Thank you many times over, Sarah in Mass.
By: Sarah Fuhro on June 15, 2009
at 7:09 pm
Dear Josh,
I really think you are doing a great thing.I’m one of the 4th graders at davenport.I hope one day I could do the same thing your doing.Thank you for coming in to share some of your experience with us.
Thank You,
stefanie
By: stefanie on June 18, 2009
at 7:02 pm
This is a brave and difficult thing you are doing and I thank you so much for your act of courage. I look forward to meeting you and hearing you speak at our tentative event at the Peace Abbey in Sherborn on the 27th. There will be other hospitality invitations but I would give high recommendations to my friend Sarah Fuhro. Safe travels and thank you so much for your voice.
By: Carol Coakley on June 20, 2009
at 12:27 am
Just in case you are ever in San Diego, I would be happy to have you stay here.
All these Veterans are our Sons and Daughters.
We MUST take care of them.
I am Robin Long’s adopted mom here, he is in the Brig @ Miramar and even though I have now two active duty and one IRR I fully support your CO status.
Peace and
SEMPER FIDELIS
Always faithful
NOT to a Political Party
NOT to a Man
Not to an Ideology
BUT TO MY COUNTRY
and its Vets
Dawn O’Brien
MFSO San Diego Chapter Leader
VFP SD Board Member
By: marinemomof3 on June 23, 2009
at 4:43 pm
Thank you Josh, for the witness you are making in the cause of peace. I admire your commitment, your courage and your truth.
maxine
By: maxine parent on June 26, 2009
at 5:20 pm
That’s some heavy material man, I’ll have to let you know how everything is this next deployment. It’s one of the few honest accounts of what it’s like.
I don’t know what route you’re taking, but if you need a place to crash in Kansas City, STL, or Chicago my family would be more than happy to let you crash with them.
I still have that book of yours, let me know an address where I can get it back to you.
By: Drew (2-16 RTO) on June 27, 2009
at 7:27 am
Josh,
I met you after speaking in Cambridge, but only breifly to say thank you. You’re incredibly inspiring. What you said made me want to go out and make the world a better place… NOW!
I love all your views on non-violence, peace and love. All your wonderful views lead me to think you would be in support of gay marriage. I was just wondering if you were?
It doesn’t directly connect to your point but overall, to me, it’s something that is important to me. Just as spreading peace and love, I also want to bring justice and equality for all.
Thanks again for your inspiring words!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Emma
By: Emma Munson-Blatt on July 1, 2009
at 1:12 am
Hi Emma,
Thanks for coming tonight. If you’re looking for a good place to start changing the world, I’ve put together many of the inspiring communitry-building ideas that I’ve been learning about on my trip up on a practical ideas page. If you have any other good ideas, please let me know!
So there’s the verse in the Bible about homosexuality being an abomination. I’ve been thinking about that lately actually… obviously I can’t go back in time and say exactly what the author was thinking, but other parts of the Bible accept slavery whereas we would be shocked if someone actually owned a slave today. So it seems like culture had a huge influence on these ideas. From what I understand of homosexuality back in the time that line was written, it was an under-the-carpet, often extra-marital situation. So if this is getting down to beliefs, I believe in commitmed and honest relationships and the culture back then, in relation to homosexuality was counterproductive to those relationships. The writer of that verse probably was more concerned with one’s spiritual growth than with creating a political movement. That idea can be a can of worms, I hope I making logical steps here… But in this culture, I think it is entirely possible to have a healthy homosexual relationship… especially if the sacred institution of American marraige is the standard of healthy relationships.
BUT, in any case, even if that idea was still culturally applicable today, demonizing homosexuals as God-hating, values-trashing, whorish scum is definitely not the right answer. I’ve seen friends who are gay treated like this by “respectable citizens” and I’ve seen “respectable citizens” absolutely offended and self-victimized when they take that common humanity that they deny someone who thinks differently than them.
Whatever you believe and however you live, seek inner-peace and let love shine into your actions and far be it from me to judge. I’ll be busy doing my best to live in that manner and if for some reason I do disagree with anyone, I hope my life and my example will be the most compelling reason for somebody to think differently.
This is something I still need to think through, what do you think?
Thanks!
Josh
By: contagiousloveexperiment on July 1, 2009
at 3:38 am
Hi Josh–
I’m enjoying what you and others have written as you continue your voyage of discovery. As always, I feel blessed to count you as a dear friend–and fellow biker! I see you progressing and thank God
for your presence. Looking forward to your return to Kansas… –Dave
By: Dave on July 2, 2009
at 1:36 am
Wow, Josh, this is awesome. It was great to meet you at Bikes Not Bombs the other evening. I had no idea of the depth of thought or intense openness to life and hope for our country you embody or I would have done significantly more talking (and, alas, probabaly less bike-part-sorting). I wish you the best of luck and hope that somewhere down the road our paths cross again. Truly, I am finding our country (and our world) to be at once both large and surprisingly small. Be well,
Ibti
By: :)Ibti on July 3, 2009
at 5:23 pm
If you get to New Orleans look me up. We would be happy to put together an event.
By: Gordon Soderberg on July 4, 2009
at 12:33 am
Dear Josh,
I would like to invite you to stay with my family while you’re in the Albany, NY area. Rest up and have some good food. I also have a youth group I really wish you would be able to speak with on the topic of CO. Is this possible? Email me directly if you wish-Eli
By: Eli on July 4, 2009
at 11:02 am
You are a sad individual. As you protest the US Military across the US for their so called atrocities you should remember your brothers in arms who you turned your back on and deserted.
You should remember the millions of Iraqis who are now free to vote, to speak out and to live in what ever way they see fit. Are you too ignorant to realize that life there is better now than prior to 2003? Have you forgotten your basic 7 Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor and Integrity? You are NONE of the above and a disgrace to the uniform. You are the type who should have never joined.
I wish you all the best in your journey of “peace” but always remember the soldiers who died so you could bash us in public and tell the world how wicked we are – while keeping you free.
By: David McDougle on July 4, 2009
at 5:16 pm
Hi David,
David,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I appreciate how deeply held your beliefs are and for seeking to live by these values.
I would ask though that before you accuse me of certain things, you learn more about what I’m saying and don’t categorize me as simply anti-war or whatever other stereotype I may resemble. My message has never been about how wicked soldiers are. If anything, I have made the effort to communicate to the peace community the good intentions and dedication soldiers and my dedication to learning about and promoting ways of solving problems that don’t involve war-if that is anti-American, then we need to reevaluate our values. My 1SG initially said similar things to me and called me a traitor and a terrorist, but as he got to know me better, became supportive of me and we left on good terms. My goal is not to make citizens hate soldiers.
I do have a problem with the system that takes the values which soldiers try to live out and twist it to have people put their life on the line for their economic benefit. The US is 6% of the world’s population but consumes 60% of it’s resources. That is not a prowar or antiwar statement, that is a simple mathematical fact. But that fact is the root behind the majority of our nation’s international strife. There is no glory or bravery in perpetuating this. The longer these policies go on, the more we are at risk, so speaking out, in my opinion, is not betraying the soldiers who have died, it is an attempt to wake up to what is really going and seeing who is causing the real problems and not simply taking things the military says at face value.
I don’t know what your experiences in Iraq were, I’d definitely be interested in hearing more about them. But I can say of mine that even the most dedicated of soldiers, with very few exceptions, acknowledged not only that what we were doing was futile, but that if the roles were reversed, they would become insurgents also. Loyalty, Integrity, and Honor do not mean simply believing everything the military says or that saying something contrary is despicable. And I’ve felt disgrace for the uniform, but I can tell you it was not from applying as a conscientious objector. The description of Iraq that you gave is very foreign to my experience and understanding. If you want to add me as a friend on facebook, I can show you the video of the town I was in in Iraq when they came out to protest our moving in to their neighborhood. I’m wondering if you know the civilian death toll from this war and whether their families consider their lives better off. The progress that I did see was when we sat down and negotiated with known insurgents which breaks down the idea so boldly proclaimed that “we will not negotiate with terrorists”. We did this on a day-to-day basis which makes me question whether or not war was necessary to begin with. And the “peace” that exists now, from my study and experience, seems more to be a case of not eliminating the “bad guys”, but of legitimizing them and putting them on government payrolls… compromise, not violence, made the change.
Like I said, I’ve had my experience and have tried to do my best to study other people’s, but I’m sure there are things I haven’t considered. Please share more about your experience if you think there’s something I’m missing. And I ask you to consider just thinking about the conclusion that violence has really solved the problem. Killing produces short-term results, but it is never the only option and I am doing everything I can to work for those other options in hopes that war won’t be considered the only means of action.
With respect,
Josh
By: contagiousloveexperiment on July 4, 2009
at 11:45 pm
David,
Your comment is disturbing, and the sort of judgemental or close-minded type of ignorance that keeps our country from the progress of change that it needs to survive. The things that you said are exactly why I still don’t support what the military is doing and why I promote peace.
You would think that after hundreds of years of this sort of violence that we would know better by now, but it is this type of brainwashed ignorance that keeps our country in the business of war and more of the same.
Your statement is typical, but Josh and Conor give me hope. Don’t kid yourself, David. You earn respect by giving respect. It does not come with a military title. I respect the people who can say no to war. No to guns. No to killing. That’s all it takes.
Choosing NOT to kill. That is honor. Choosing to promote peace and equality. That is integrity. Service to our country would be helping save lives, not take them. We cannot force our “freedom” on others.
The only TRUE freedom is our own freedom of THOUGHT. It is the only thing that NO ONE can take from us or fight for. It is yours. It is the ONLY thing that you have that is real freedom. Everything else is freedom as far as the people in power let us have or is written into law. Freedom of thought is the only thing that has no cost. You have the freedom to think as you want to. Action is different, don’t get me wrong. Just because you may have negative thoughts does not give you the right to act on it. Once it’s turned into an aciton, it is something else entirely. You only have the freedom to think. And…you have the freedom to learn and to change your thoughts.
You lose that freedom of thought when you join the military. You do what you are told to do. For whatever reason they give you; honor, integrity, etc- the only freedom that you truly have is gone. They put their thoughts, ideas, choices into your head, thus taking your true freedom away. Where is the honor in that? Is that integrity? Is that respect? No. It is similar to a cult. An organized religion. It is brainwashing. It is wrong. Don’t justify. Don’t make excuses. If you still think using force on people and killing is okay, then continue your path. Just don’t kid yourself and sugar-coat the truth. Be real. If you are acting on what YOU think is right (and not what someone is telling you is right) then more power to you.
Josh is not “bashing” anyone in public. He is not a disgrace to anyone. They turned their backs on no one. That is all brain-washed military rhetoric. Dying and killing for freedom? Pul-eeeze. Rhetoric. They have to make you believe that or no one would sign up, would they? Stop with the guilt bullsh*t that you are laying on them. That is part of the brainwashing process.
I serve my country. I serve all countries. I help build wells in Africa where the water is limited. I sponsor a girl’s education in Tibet who would not get to go to school otherwise. I volunteer with Hospice, St. Jude’s, and animal shelters across the country. I run an animal sanctuary (and rehab) to help sentient beings in need. I educate the children about kindness and peace. I shop Fair-Trade and live eco-friendly. I don’t eat meat. I am in the business of saving lives, not taking them. Yes, I also “serve”, but in a non-violent way. I have friends in a hundred other countries and hope to meet more. We all do our part to “serve” by promoting peace and understanding.
Funny, that people call me anti-American and non-patriotic because I choose not to harm. Because I spend my time helping anyone no matter the nationality or race or species. If that makes me anti-American (in your eyes), then I’m okay with that. You won’t find an American flag at my house. I have an Earth flag. It shows that we are all from the same place and everyone is equal. It does not excude anyone.
When we know better…we do better.
“Service” is not about joining or leaving the military. That is just a personal choice. There are greater ways to serve and do good without the violence. I hope for you, David, that it doesn’t take your whole life to figure that out. No one is calling the military “wicked”, but the actions of the military as it is today is pretty disturbing. I’d rather see the military helping out during the wildfires or natural disasters. Train to save lives, not take them. Put the guns down. That would be much more of what I expect from our “service” people.
Kudos to Josh and Conor for “getting it” early on! I am proud of them and so happy that they will help to enlighten others. We need more people such as them.
By: Michele McCowan on October 1, 2009
at 10:11 pm
Hi, Josh.
A friend of mine posted your blog link on Facebook today.
I haven’t read all your posts, so I don’t know if you’re toying with the prospect of relinquishing your Christian faith or not. I certainly see a great deal of disillusionment with what you learned at a young age.
I’d like to share with you a book that has made a great difference in my own faith. It’s SURPRISED BY HOPE by N.T. Wright.
Wright describes how most Christians have gotten some things wrong — e.g., what the resurrection is all about. He points out that what we believe about life after death has direct implications for what we believe about life before death. If we have got it right, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the beginning of God’s renewal plan, then what we do here and now is of great importance, as our job as Christians is to bring healing and hope in ALL that we do.
I’ve been a Christian since I was a teen ager and have always had enormous respect for Noam Chomsky. I met him briefly when I was 20 at a linguistics lecture. The man has more integrity in his little finger than most people have at all. Christians should care deeply about the injustices that Mr. Chomsky highlights, as the Lord cares even more deeply about these injustices!
I hope you will check out the Wright book.
I wish you the best in your love experiment.
-Constance
By: Constance Semler on July 5, 2009
at 5:05 pm
Constance, you are that rarest of people; a Christian who accepts that America is not perfect and needs a course correction ASAP. Good on you, I just wish there were more like you.
taylor
heat6622@yahoo.com
By: Taylor Bullard on December 19, 2010
at 12:27 pm
Dear Josh,
Press on!
If you get a chance to meet any Christian leader or Muslim leader in the States, could you please ask if they think that the war in Afghanistan is spiritually and religiously or conscientiously ‘just’?
Thanks and peace!!
Hakim in Afghanistan
By: Our Journey to Smile on July 6, 2009
at 6:29 am
…or spiritually and religiously or conscientiously ‘loving’?
By: Our Journey to Smile on July 6, 2009
at 6:32 am
Hi Josh,
Love the new bike pic! Hope all is going well and it was good to see the OMB link. I’m looking forward to getting a copy of the Cambridge Cable recording from MA Peace Action. Don’t know if you had the link to the Metrowest Daily News article on July 3rd, so here it is: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x735580818/Former-soldier-is-walking-away-from-the-war
Still raining a lot hear, hope you are walking into sunshine.
Carol
By: Carol Coakley on July 9, 2009
at 5:01 am
Hi Josh
Do you want to come to Ithaca while you’re in the neighborhood. We could arrange a a gathering on short notice
I could pick you up in my van, return you to your next destination.We could put you up.
My cell phone is 607 592 7692
Call or write
Bob Nape
Peace-Now-Ithaca
By: Bob Nape on July 13, 2009
at 4:15 pm
[...] Featured Event: Iraq Vet turned conscientious objector Josh Stieber 21-year-old Josh Stieber, an Iraq vet turned conscientious objector, was deployed to Baghdad as part of the Surge from Feb 07 to Apr 08. He'll be in Ithaca on Friday and in Trumansburg on Saturday as he travels across the country, sharing his experiences and learning everything he can. Check out his blog at Contagious Love Experiment. [...]
By: Iraq Vet turned conscientious objector Josh Stieber, Ithaca & Trumansburg on July 16, 2009
at 3:16 pm
Hi Josh,
I heard about you because I am a member of the Ithaca Friends Meeting where you will be Saturday. You may want to stop by on Sunday when we gather in silence to worship from 10:30-11:30 at the meeting house.
Good luck with the walk. There was a woman in the early 80′s who walked across America with a similar message-of peace. She called herself the “Peace Pilgrim”.
It takes courage to speak the truth.
Erica Weiss
By: Erica Weiss on July 18, 2009
at 2:16 am
Josh,
It is a huge obstacle to overcome the brainwashing of the US military. I hope you can muster up whatever it takes to talk to other veterans and even current soldiers. Tell them about how you got out and the steps you took. Tell them about the powerful words that made you see the people of Iraq as human beings rather than “insurgents” to be disposed of. Our government was once a beautiful thing; it was conceived to protect us from the very people who stripped it of its heart that are now in power. When we wrote the declaration of independence, we declared independence from an oppressive empire on the other side of the sea, and this is what we have become.
What you are doing is excellent. Tell everyone you meet about the power of love, but also bring to their attention the grim reality of the powers that be. You are brave indeed. I believe a soldier fights with his sword for an outside power, and a Warrior fights with his head, heart, and his hands for his own. You are a wandering Warrior. Use your training to help the resistance.
Find a copy of the book called “The Coming Insurrection” by the Invisible Committee. You’ll see that what they tell you about the French was never true. I also recommend Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I think you’ll find relevance to your ideals in there, as well a pleasing read.
My blog is at elevationisperspective.blogspot.com. Check it out if you get the chance.
A.Fox
By: Acorn Fox on July 28, 2009
at 5:06 pm
Josh- enjoyed meeting you and your talk in Erie Pa July 28th! I give you credit for responding so truthfully and with great calmness to those who say and or write spiteful things. I pray daily for all the vets coming home from war for that is when the war begins here. The number of brain injuries, disabilities and more is devastating. Even the pro war folks didn;t think we’d be in Iraq for so long…..what happened to Bush declaring “victory” “mission accomplished”…think he used those words in 2003.
praying, working and striving for peace! Lora
By: Lora on July 29, 2009
at 8:42 pm
[...] Read More @: http://contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com/about/ [...]
By: SANDUSKY, OH – Josh Stieber: Conscientious Objector Speech « The Erie Wire on August 10, 2009
at 8:58 am
Hi Josh,
I just read your story due to a Michael Moore posting on Facebook. Your journey through life and the development of your faith is truly inspiring. I was wondering if you’ve ever read the series books by Neale Donald Walsh called Conversations With God?
Also, I must say, I am truly impressed by the love and kindness you have shown in answering some of the nasty comments people have made here.
Best of luck and blessings to you. I think you are a very courageous man for finding your truth and being willing to live it.
By: Cinnamon on August 11, 2009
at 11:06 am
Josh, I heard you speak in Erie, may God bless you as you continue your journey of Peace
By: maggie on August 14, 2009
at 8:09 pm
Dear Josh and Conor–
Looking forward to your arrival in Kansas. Now there are two of you to double my pleasure! Conor, I enjoyed reading your story and I am so glad you and Josh have joined forces. I plan to join you in your first day of biking from Manhattan.
Peace,
Dave Redmon
By: Dave on August 15, 2009
at 1:54 am
We’re excited about you speaking to our youth group and joining us for a “Lock-In” on the evening of Friday, August 28! It’ll be exciting to have you tell your story to our kids and we look forward to a good discussion!
- Jess
By: Jess on August 16, 2009
at 1:17 pm
Josh and Connor:
I really appreciate you guys participating in our conference yesterday (8/15). You have a great story to tell and I certainly hope you have a chance to repeat it as you move across the USA. I was a CO in WWII and share your views on the futility of war and the actually more practical way of accomplishing good through nonviolence. Blessings on your efforts!!
By: Ernie Barr on August 16, 2009
at 7:30 pm
[...] across the country. The two are sharing their experience as Iraq War vets and talking about how love conquers fear and hate. Even in the Obama era, there message is important and urgent. They are calling this quest [...]
By: Back from a War, Two vets walk/bike/ and catch rides across the country for love « The New Methodists on August 25, 2009
at 9:30 pm
Hey Josh and Connor,
Thanks for your blog and for such keen insight into war and the practice of faith. It reminds me of a documentary by John Campea I watched a while back. It’s called Prince of Peace, God of War. Not sure if you’ve seen it but it’s available here–> http://www.themovieblog.com/2008/10/download-prince-of-peace-god-of-war-for-free.
cheers,
Mighty
By: Might on August 31, 2009
at 7:28 am
[...] You can read more about their ideas and intentions here: http://contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com/about/ [...]
By: Contagious Love « Divest from Death on September 3, 2009
at 9:13 am
It was a pleasure to meet you both and listen to your ideas. I find your courage inspiring. Please carry on. I’ve added you to the blog roll at divestfromdeath.wordpress.com
By: Jim Davidson on September 3, 2009
at 9:23 am
It was so awesome to meet you both in Indianapolis. The conversation I had with you was one of the best conversations of my life–you inspire me so much! Thank you for your courage, open-mindedness and wisdom. What you passed on to me has shaped my perspective and enriched my life since I’ve met you. Best of luck in your travels!
By: Annie on September 8, 2009
at 10:37 pm
Thanks, Conor, for sharing in our Sunday School class at Bethel College Mennonite Church last Sunday. Keep up the good work!
By: Jeanette on September 12, 2009
at 7:51 pm
Email me for names & addresses: Cynthia Gregg, Oshkosh; SCOTTSBLUFF: Shirley Flack, Jennifer Rogers, Sandy harrach, Angie McGrew, Jean Vancil. I will email them your information.
Best of luck. You lighted up my life. No pun intended.
Marion Wed 9/23
By: Marion Bahensky on September 16, 2009
at 4:26 pm
Thanks for making time with our kids at Manaia. My apologies for spacing the coffee promise, but I hope the other “Joe” made up for it. Happy Travels!!
By: Laurie Bishop on September 30, 2009
at 3:26 pm
Hey guys!
As one cross-country walker to another, good luck and good work! You are almost there.
Enjoy what you’re doing for as long as you can.
Would love to talk to you after you finish and compare notes! – BJ Hill
http://www.walkamerica2008.com
By: BJ Hill on October 3, 2009
at 6:38 pm
Hey guys from one cross-country walker to another, good luck and good job. Enjoy the moment while it lasts. After you finish and come back, would love to talk to you and swap some stories.
Peace – BJ Hill
By: BJ Hill on October 3, 2009
at 8:16 pm
Hey Josh and Conor – I am amazed and delighted and moved to hear of your Contagious Love Experiment coming after your tours in Iraq. I wish you love and power (the good kind) and success in your endeavor and in life! I guess I also want to say that what you are doing is in a way, radical (again a good way!) and something I have fervently and increasingly believed. I can’t say enough how happy I am to learn of your endeavor. Take care.
By: kathleen foley on October 5, 2009
at 4:24 am
[...] high school, and sure enough, by 2007, he was deployed to BaghDad. What he saw transformed him: I had grown up hearing ideas like “love your enemies”, “return evil with [...]
By: Two Marines on a Contagious Love Experiment « beFirZst.com on October 22, 2009
at 12:20 pm
not to be nit-picky, but I was Josh was in the army and Conor was in the marines. Thanks for linking us!
By: contagiousloveexperiment on October 23, 2009
at 12:19 am
Best thing I’ve read since the last time I opened the Bible.
By: aforestcreature2 on October 27, 2009
at 5:32 am
Josh,
Just heard you being interviewed on our Air America radio station in Santa Fe (11/30/09 9:20pmMT) . . . and I was really impressed by the transformation you experienced! Your consciousness and the positive action that you came up with to express that consciousness gives me great hope for the future.
Best to you on your journeys,
By: Max August on December 1, 2009
at 6:44 am
[...] Read more… [...]
By: Contagious Love Experiment | Teach Empathy on December 11, 2009
at 7:26 pm
Josh, you were traveling through Painesville, Ohio and requested to couchsurf back in July…I didn’t get the request and am disappointed – you are amazing! I love the mission and your willingness to be open to the truth of love rather than the conditioning they were imposing upon you. You – and your mission – are awesome!!!
By: Holly on March 6, 2010
at 4:08 pm
Bless your heart Josh. Bless your bless too. The religions have so much in common. We both revere St. Mary. There is a chapter dedicated to St. Mary. Another often overlooked common information: we are both human. Why do people forget that? As humans we cannot afford to be reactionary anymore. We must not let politicians or militants or big company do the thinking for us. Let’s think and act like humans again. Don’t give up this journey my friend. This is so important for the world. Love is the only way. All you need is love – John Lennon.
By: Aftab on March 11, 2010
at 11:21 pm
So many of the things I have read here remind of Buddhism. I trust you have looked into it, if not, stop by a Dharma one day and have a look. And if the first one doesn’t work for you, try another. Or just read up on it.
Krisnhamurti’s words are so true.
Thank you for all you folks do, don’t give!
By: Markus on April 10, 2010
at 11:06 pm
Dear Josh and Conor,
I heard about Conor at the Unity Church that I go to here in Eugene, Oregon. I was deeply moved and made sure I got Conor’s name right and the name of your movement so that I could come home and google away. I listened to your interview on the veteran’s for peace website with Chuc. I love you both so much. Thank you for spreading peace and love across America. I hope that someday we can have a Department of Peace as Dennis Kucinich has envisioned. The way to world peace is through love not force. I know that world peace is inevitable and hearing about what you two are doing solidifies that for me. I would like to share your stories and movement on my website if that is okay with you. Please let me know. Bless you both!
Namaste, Lynnette
By: Lynnette on April 11, 2010
at 9:19 pm
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the all-too-ordinary events shown on the WikiLeaks “Collateral Murder” video, the video’s failure to show the ground patrol units being protected by the helicopters, soldiers who are trained to shoot first and ask questions later and why criticism should be directed at the policy of occupation instead of the actions of individual soldiers. [...]
By: Josh Stieber « Antiwar Radio with Scott Horton and Charles Goyette on April 15, 2010
at 7:11 am
Josh – I know there are more people in this world like you who believe in fairness, justice and peace for all humanity than those fewer evil doers who prey on weak and vulnerable fellow human beings for greed. God pointed out them very clearly in the Quran that they say that they are doing good and spreading fairness in the world but in fact they are the ones who are spreading corruption on earth.
American power houses were long been hijacked by these Zionist merciless evil doers who have no respect for humanity; for them everything else is Goya, worth destroying; they are rampaging everywhere inside and outside of US and around the world to make more profit and achieve more power and capture more resources of other peoples while destroying everything in cold blood that comes in their way. In fact they are enemy of God and His people – they are brethrens of Devil.
However, as opponents to injustice and tyranny we the humane people of the global community should unite together and oppose them in every corner we find them and confront them and expose them. You did a good job exposing army’s killing mentality but a lot more needs to be done since they give a damn what we say as they don’t care because they have all the control in their hands. But there is hope. God works slowly but firmly and brings fruits of joy and happiness to downtrodden, poor and uprooted ones and smites evil doers as truth always triumphs; but as usual at the end.
God’s work is already in making; plenty of Americans are joining a future fighting force by converting to Islam in thousands every year and many more times globally. They [evil doers] knew it very well that only Islam can stop them since they have destroyed Christianity by buying Christian priesthood long time ago and Islam is the only threat to them so they have started a pre-emptive strike on Islam but evil is always short sighted and stupid; they failed by creating 9/11in achieving their goals as it stated an unstoppable process of conversion that will ultimately bring them down. As God said in the Quran about that they hatch a plan and God plans, too but God is the best planner.
I would suggest you and all your commentators to read the Quran with an open heart and it will change your life completely in just one sitting. The truth speaks for itself and I warrantee that if you are unprejudiced and ready to accept truth then it is time. In other words this is the way to undo what you have been through by accepting the truth and strengthening your stand.
By: Abdul on April 17, 2010
at 3:38 am
for now i am too tipsy to read all of this, but i suggest you contact me if you think a bike ride through eastern europe is the next chapter.
By: bob d on April 17, 2010
at 5:32 am
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=17762&id=npfy
that could be a blast!
By: bob d on April 17, 2010
at 5:47 am
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the all-too-ordinary events shown on the WikiLeaks “Collateral Murder” video, the video’s failure to show the ground patrol units being protected by the helicopters, soldiers who are trained to shoot first and ask questions later and why criticism should be directed at the policy of occupation instead of the actions of individual soldiers. pp_flashembed( 'powerpress_player_5563', {src: 'http://www.scotthortonshow.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/FlowPlayerClassic.swf', width: 320, height: 24, wmode: 'transparent' }, {config: { autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: false, initialScale: 'scale', showFullScreenButton: false, showMenu: false, videoFile: 'http://scotthorton.org/radio/10_04_13_stieber.mp3', loop: false, autoRewind: true } } ); [...]
By: Antiwar Radio: Josh Stieber | ScottHortonShow on April 17, 2010
at 7:07 am
It is sad that truth is always suppressed and withheld from reaching out some times by the very people who claim to be torch bearer for it – that is all I have to say after you removed my comment, Josh.
Anything, if there was disputed could have been debated rather than silencing me all. Which side of the fence you are Josh?
By: Abdul on April 23, 2010
at 4:53 pm
I like to think that we can reach for a future that doesn’t rely on fences, that doesn’t pit religion against religion or people against people. I know that decisions I have made have pushed that future further back, but as I’ve sought to transform how I live, I’ve seen that as dark and hopeless as the world can seem sometimes, that deep down the hate stems from fear and pain and the way I hope to overcome that is not by fencing it off, but by removing those fences that perpetuate the fear and hatred to begin with.
I do not pretend to know your pain or the journey you’ve been on, but if you’d like to share some aspects of how your spiritual experiences have blessed you, I’d appreciate learning from your thoughts and experiences. Sorry for the slow reply.
By: contagiousloveexperiment on April 23, 2010
at 6:22 pm
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: No One Cares by Chris Hedges « Dandelion Salad on May 3, 2010
at 9:47 am
[...] Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: No One Cares. « The Oldspeak Journal on May 3, 2010
at 5:43 pm
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: Fold/Spindle/Mutilate 2.1 » Blog Archive » No One Cares on May 4, 2010
at 4:54 am
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: It’s Not All About Propane-Packin’ Pakistani-Americans « Left, Right, and Centered on May 4, 2010
at 5:22 pm
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: No One Cares, by Chris Hedges « The Gitmos on May 4, 2010
at 5:44 pm
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: Hedges: No One Cares « Dr Nasir Khan on May 4, 2010
at 7:53 pm
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: No One Cares | no cure for that on May 6, 2010
at 11:21 am
[...] Jeremy Scahill, writer/activist David Swanson, retired Army Col. Ann Wright and Iraq war veteran Josh Stieber to the [...]
By: No One Cares on May 6, 2010
at 11:28 am
[...] Josh Stieber, conscientious objector and former U.S. Army Specialist, discusses the explicit direct order from Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich (featured in David Finkel’s The Good Soldiers) to open fire on any Iraqis in the vicinity of an IED attack, the “magic 8-ball” type randomness to daily patrols in 2007 Baghdad, soldiers who resisted or refused orders that imperiled civilians and where veterans and active duty soldiers can find support groups. [...]
By: Josh Stieber « Antiwar Radio with Scott Horton and Charles Goyette on August 17, 2010
at 8:34 am
Dear Josh and Companions,
I just wanted to express my support for your campaign to spread love, even though we live in opposite sides of the globe.
We share the same notion that love is the most powerful thing in the world.
We Chinese have the following sayings (rough translations):
-”There is only a hairline of difference separating love and hate.”
-”Blood cannot wash away blood.”
-”There is no end to the begetting of hatred with hatred.”
-”Sometimes, taking steps back is needed to advance.”
-”Saving a life is better than building a seven-storied pagoda.”
I wish you and your companions all the best. Stay safe, stay strong, and spread the radiance of love to the world.
May God walk with you.
By: Jackson on August 24, 2010
at 9:43 am
Hey Conor. Haven’t heard from you since last year when we talked on the phone after Levi died. That was a hard one. Hope things are well for you.
I like you bio pic. I remember that day very well…
Stay safe,
Mike
By: Mike Leisure on November 5, 2010
at 4:22 pm
I am a member of Couchsurfing.com, in Tampa Florida, in St Petersburg is “Radiant Peace”.
In Peace Pat
By: PAT on November 7, 2010
at 7:54 pm
[...] Read More @: http://contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com/about/ [...]
By: SANDUSKY, OH – Josh Stieber: Conscientious Objector Speech | The Erie Wire | Beta on November 24, 2010
at 2:00 pm