(The following article is from theSeptember 1-15, 2009, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers and  overseas readers - $50 per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

People's Voice recently interviewed U.S. war resister Joshua Key, who is preparing for a speaking tour across western Canada to draw attention to the ongoing campaign for himself and others to remain in Canada.

In two years, your book A Deserters Tale has been translated into twelve languages. It is an international bestseller that defines the U.S. occupation of Iraq in a way that will be long remembered. The covers of glossy magazines such as GQ, interviews by papers of record in the world's capitals... Were you surprised by the response?

     Well, I was very surprised about the response to the book. I'm very happy that so many countries took the whole subject seriously, with interviews, magazines and everything of that nature. I still get requests from countries where the book is coming out, also other countries that want follow‑ups and interviews that I did before just to see how things are going now. I only do the interviews that I consider worth it and that are going to change something. I'm glad after this year things have calmed down.

     Where did you learn the moral values that made you decide not to return to Iraq in 2003?

     I was born and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in a very conservative, Republican way of thinking. I mostly remember my grandfather, although he was a very racist man. He still in a very big sense taught us how to be men and how to live up to our responsibilities, to know the difference between right and wrong. In Iraq I don't know exactly what it was. I just know that in many ways I was very brainwashed. Then you realize you still have a conscience and know the difference between right and wrong ‑ and I always say that goes back to my childhood just the way my grandfather was. You know, there was a fine line.

     What response has your book received in the United States? What do government and military officials think about it?

     My book in the United States I would say has done its job as far as getting the word out. But when the book first came out there were interviews conducted with CNN, People magazine and others, I was told by my editor in New York that the reason the interviews did not appear was these media were threatened with lawsuits by the U.S. government. So I didn't get publicity that I hoped for because of that. Since that time the attitude has very much changed. I mean some people will always consider it "These are lies. No way things went that way." But anyone can get a textbook, look at military law, and think they know the answer to it all, that I have lied. Only people that have been in the military and especially those who were with me know the truth and know the way things were conducted.

     Do they want to punish you more for the book if they get their hands on you?

     Yes, yeah. You know, as far as the military goes I think I have done the worst of the worst. That is, I fought in war. Then I published a book exactly about my experiences in the war. A big no‑no, and I am sure it would cost me much more time in prison. I know it will.

     You came to Canada in 2005 after living underground in Philadelphia for over a year. Where are you at in your efforts to stay in Canada as a political refugee?

     I applied for refugee status in 2005 when I came. I was denied. I won my appeal then I went back to the Immigration and Refugee Board last June and had another hearing which I would say went very well. I don't know the verdict yet. But I think I did the best I could as far as telling the courts the truth, as well as explaining that with people like myself being sent back to the United States its just not as simple as "Oh well they didn't do anything" or "They are only going to receive a little time in prison" or whatever they might think. Previous cases show that those of us who have spoken out received the harshest punishment of all.

     You will be soon on tour, campaigning to let war resisters stay and to end the wars, both in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why is this tour needed now? Why Manitoba to the interior of B.C.? What do you hope can be accomplished by the tour?

     The reason for the tour is I don't think anything can be won just by Toronto and Vancouver. There are millions of people all across this country that all have to be informed of the situation, why we are here. And not only that but to put a face to the story and understand the reasons why we are here.

     How do you explain to people why the Harper government opposes war resisters' claims, denies humanitarian relief, and deports them to lengthy prison sentences in the U.S.?

     Twice now there's been a motion passed in the House of Commons for people like me to stay in Canada. Because the Harper government won't implement those motions, people are getting deported and having a very rough life. You are in limbo, waiting until the time you are deported.  It's quite staggering, but the Harper government is not agreeing with the will of Canadians, through their votes and their MPs. It's the government itself that still supports Bush's policies; that's the reason they don't want us here.

     Has the election of President Obama affected the soldiers who oppose the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan? Are anti‑war views among soldiers growing now that the conflict in Afghanistan shows no sign of ending?

     With Obama taking power everyone hopes for the best. I know we all do. But as far as soldiers go nothing happens until it's happened. Anyone can say many things and promise many things, but it doesn't mean that it's going to happen like that. We've all learned that, especially in the last presidency. Hopefully it will be done as stated. I can't see the military changing its way, especially now. The attitudes of people like myself are probably the least concern and the least worry to the administration in the United States.

     Has your view of Canada changed since you first arrived?

     I would say my view of Canadians hasn't changed at all ‑ still very gracious and kind, and the greatest people. As far as attitudes to the government, it makes it a little hard when you have to fight to stay somewhere and live in peace, and one man in charge of the government right now can halt the majority of Canadians who want us to stay here. So it is quite disturbing. But I still keep hope.

     How have your mother and other family members responded to your decision to leave the United States? Will they see you in Canada? What do you wish for when you think about them?

     Well I wish that I could see my brother and my mother. I mean my mother is terminally ill so it's very difficult for her getting the authorization to travel. It hasn't happened yet but I hope it will. My brother and my cousins I hope one day will come to visit me. The attitudes in my family of course change. I'm sure some still consider me a coward and a traitor, but that just depends on... I had a little cousin that was just in Iraq and I think when he came back for them to see exactly how much he's changed... I don't think they can say too much to me, especially because of what my cousin went through there.