April 27, 2011: Fund Supporting ‘Birther’ Army Doctor Convicted of Disobeying Orders and Sentenced to Prison Says Obama Could Have Avoided Situation by Releasing ‘Long Form’ Certificate Earlier

Officials of the Terry Lakin Action Fund, a group that funded and supported former Lieutenant Colonel Terry Lakin when he refused orders to deploy to Afghanistan because of his doubts about President Obama’s citizenship (see Before April 13, 2010), now say that had Obama released his “long form” birth certificate before Lakin’s refusal to follow deployment orders (see April 27, 2011), Lakin would have obeyed those orders and thusly never would have been court-martialed and dishonorably discharged from service (see December 16, 2010). The Action Fund demands that Obama issue Lakin a “full and complete presidential pardon” for his conviction of six months, “including restoration of pay, benefits, and service.” The Action Fund statement reads in part: “This document which was so casually dropped on the news corps could just have easily been provided 12 months ago or two years ago. Even six months ago, it would have prevented LTC Lakin being manacled and hauled away to Fort Leavenworth prison for standing up for the Constitution, consistent with the oath he took as an officer, and the rule of law.” The statement continues: “Had the Obama administration agreed to allow the document unveiled today and other related documents as requested for discovery in Terry Lakin’s first pre-trial hearing, the matter would have been resolved and soldiers assured their military orders were lawful, given by a lawful commander in chief. A good soldier, having played his part in this issue, would have returned enthusiastically to the service for which he is so ably trained.” The statement also questions the authenticity of the “long form” certificate, demanding that it be “submitted for forensics testing to determine its authenticity.” It continues, “[S]imilarly, the Kenyan birth certificate that has been widely circulating on the Internet and on Capitol Hill—should be tested” (see August 4, 2009). [TPM Muckraker, 4/27/2011; Terry Lakin Action Fund, 4/27/2011] The Action Fund, on its Web site, calls itself “[t]he only site designated by Terry Lakin and his family to assist with direct support of Terry’s legal defense and his family’s needs. Terry is standing up for the nation. He needs the nation’s help.” The site features a statement by Lakin’s wife that reads: “My husband is going to prison because of Barack Obama’s birth certificate. I’m sure you agree that’s a heavy price to pay for standing up for what is right.” [Terry Lakin Action Fund, 4/27/2011]