New Appeal Opens in Sovereignty Case

• The courageous former Army medic who challenged orders to fight for the UN had a day in court.

Michael New and his lawyer appeared in Washington at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on September 26 in an attempt to have his bad conduct discharge from the Army reversed.

New's "crime was refusing to add UN insignia to his U.S. Army uniform and to place himself under the command of foreign officers. For this he was drummed out of the Army.

New's attorney, Michael Farris, explained his legal strategy after the initial hearing before the three-judge panel. He said it's a matter of national sovereignty.

Farris spoke to a crowd of New supporters who gathered outside the courthouse waving small American flags. From the court, New, Farris and a contingent of patriots adjourned to a caucus room at the Cannon House office Building on Capitol Hill for a reception hosted by Rep. Helen Chenoweth (R- Idaho).

Howard Phillip, leader of the U.S. Taxpayers Party, acted as master of ceremonies at the rally/reception. He emphasize the steady erosion of U.S. sovereignty.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) sent a statement commending New, noting the former Army medic had been afforded "less rights than those of a conscientious objector."

Another speaker, author Cliff Kincaid, offered the opinion that, "It isn't Michael New who should be put on trial, but President Clinton ... for violating his oath of office. New should be given the Congressional Medal of Honor and promoted."

The three justices of the appeals court -- Harry Edwards, Douglas Ginsburg and David Tattel -- expressed skepticism New's complaint could be handled outside the military "at this point."