Muhamed Ali went through the same sort of ordeal when he refused to fight. He eventually regained his reputation where Watada probably will not. Of course he didn’t have to put up with the internet either.
While I certainly can’t say that I support his decision, he is showing some sort of courage. He may or may not be afraid to fight in Iraq, but he obviously isn’t afraid to fight here.
I remember the Ali thing well. While I could not agree with him about his refusing to serve and considered him cowardly at the time, I came to respect him for accepting the consequences.
Watada is not accepting those consequences.
Watada joined the U.S. Army during a time of war. Then he began protesting the war and refused to obey lawful orders. He is a liar and an opportunist. He should be tried for treason and sedition.
As far as I recall Ali was drafted. There’s a huge difference.
Comparing apples and oranges. Ali was drafted! Watada joined the military and became an officer. No comparison whatsoever!