Jonathan Brown

Joined the USAF out of Mississippi to fight the war on terror, because I believed in it. After moving to California, I was exposed to the peace movement, and began exposing myself to the philosophy of non-aggression. I was heavily influenced by the music of Derek Webb (who I highly recommend). I came to the conclusion that our undeclared wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not only unconstitutional, but highly immoral by Christian standards. Unfortunately I still had 4 years left to serve in the Air Force. I was also still highly conservative, and was elated to find Ron Paul, early in 2007. I campaigned vigorously and made a full conversion to libertarian political philosophy and free market economic theory. I volunteered to deploy to Baghdad in 2009 as an Intel Analyst. I wanted to see for myself, to verify the ideas that I had formulated in my mind. I wanted to validate my convictions. Everything I saw was waste and devastation. I was fortunate enough to develop relationships with my Iraqi counterparts, and I hope to go back one day in an aide capacity. I am joining IVAW because while I was afraid to before, I am now convinced that the work is too important and needed for me not to take part.