MoveOn.org presents this production with a desire to seek donations. This self-proclaimed "Progressive" organization hopes to advance the Democratic candidate, and look for dollars to do so. In essence, MoveOn would wish the public to think that if we advocate for Barack Obama then the Party platform will be fulfilled. As one who does not necessarily see these two entities as equivalent, I offer this audio-visual presentation more as a tool to inform than a request for a contribution.
Three words inspire us all. There are "Gonna be wars," and yes, we are going to "Bomb, bomb Iran." As every inhabitant of the globe knows, "withdraw [from Iraq or Afghanistan] means chaos." If Americans and citizens around the world think things are bad now, you ain't "seen nothin' yet." "It, [this war and that one] was ugly." However, each of us can be assured the combat will continue. Engagement may be impossible to escape. The fight may flourish for "maybe a hundred" years. As Presidential hopeful so eloquent stated, that is "fine with me." However, a perpetual war is not satisfactory for those who advocate for peace.
There is a story taking place in America that is being buried by the media, the armed forces, and the politicians. This story is so frightening that no one wants to address it or even talk about it. This story has the potential to bring more violence to the streets of America than any terrorist attack. The frightening tale that is being ignored is the fact that we have ticking time bombs within our midst. They do not belong to al Qaeda or any other shady terrorist cell, they will not be profiled because they don't have Mid-Eastern ancestry, nor are they Muslim extremists. These ticking time bombs are our own sons, daughters, fathers, and brothers. They are the returning soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.
He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. ~ Martin Luther King, Junior
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King, Junior.
Days from now America will commemorate an anniversary. On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Junior was brutally assassinated. Citizens will recall the wisdom of a man who lived for peace and yet, fell victim to violence. Homage will be bestowed. The American people will praise the preacher, the teacher, and the man who taught us all to speak of what remained tacit for too long. In the United States of America, all men are not equal. As a country, we do not treat people well. Nor do government officials lead us to the promised light of world harmony.
(Tis in the news once again. Our troops take their own lives.
During the month of January, more soldiers committed suicide (24) than were killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan and Iraq combined (16). This is unusual, but--amazingly--not unique. In fact, the problem of military suicides is growing much worse, as Army Chief of Staff George Casey said yesterday in Hawaii.
Casey claimed to be mystified by the suicide rates:
"The fact of the matter is, we just don't know" why suicides have increased, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said Friday. "It's been very frustrating to me with the effort that we made over the last year, and we did not stem the tide."
"Supporting the troops means more than slapping a bumper sticker on your car" ~ David Berry, 26, Iraq Veteran
They say the soldiers fight for our freedom, and while many may argue the truth of this statement, no one can dispute that we must support our troops. Today, citizens have a chance to demonstrate that we, the people care about those who serve our country in combat. Please reflect on a reality too terrible to ignore, soldier suicide. Then, if you choose telephone, or write, your Florida State Representative. Express your desire to endorse State Bill 2554, Prevention Services for Veterans and Their Families, submitted by Senator Ted Deutch. If you are not a Florida resident, please ponder what you can do within your home region. The tales and the tears of those torn from within tell an unforgettable story. Will we listen, and look for ways to help those hurt by our war?
Today's New York Times magazine section has a firsthand story about the horror of fighting in Afghanistan. Entitled "Battle Company is Out There" the author, Elizabeth Rubin, relates the tale of Capt. Dan Kearney and his troops as the effort is made to occupy and pacify a bit of the Korengal Valley. Many previous stories tell of the dangers inherent in the valley and in surrounding territory. This account offers a personal and stirring account of one platoon and their adventures in a very short period of time.
Republicans rant. It is our patriotic duty to support the war. Every citizen must fund murderous actions and accept more soldiers, and civilians will fall. Our countrymen need to devote millions, billions, and trillions of dollars to the cause. We, the people have no choice. Our image is at stake. The world's greatest superpower must win! Americans must never say die. We must only discuss victory.
In this nation, might makes right. It is it not this war it will be another. Americans will remind people throughout the globe, we are strong.
Americans acknowledge "The sky is falling." We, the people must unite and take our country back. Democrats must choose the most desirable candidate. The best candidate is defined as the one who can win the White House. The Top Three are fine; perhaps, not as good as, they could be, but they will do the job. Dennis Kucinich, for many is ideal. His proposals are well thought out and he fully addresses the issues that affect the common folk. However, Americans hear at every turn, Dennis Kucinich does not have a chance.
Presidential aspirant Kucinich was excluded from the American Association for Retired Persons [AARP] debate in the Hawkeye State. In Granite country, ABC News declared Dennis Kucinich would be barred from the dialogue. Silver State voters were not able to see the profound Presidential hopeful on stage. He was relegated to the streets allowed to speak only to the neon lights. The Palmetto State decreed, "Dennis, this is not your kingdom." Indeed, you are locked out in this land of liberty. Now, Texas tells its tall tale. Dennis Kucinich will not be the hero in the Lone Star State.
This morning, as I approached the peace corner, two of my fellow demonstrators made mention of the soldiers across the street. Weekly, a throng of Iraq war dissenters stands and pickets on the south side of the street. I position myself on the North end of the avenue. I stand alone. On this afternoon, two young men dressed in Army fatigues, soldiers, situated themselves on the median, yards from where I position myself. They carried plastic bins; patriotic banners were pasted onto these containers. American flags and pamphlets graced their station. The military men collected money from passers-by. They distributed literature. They did their work from the same side of the street I favor.
"The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live and fear breeds repression.
Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-Communism
[terrorism, nationalism, or compassionate Conservatism.]
It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."
~ Adlai Stevenson. 1952 [Governor of Illinois, Democratic presidential candidate]
It was a quiet day in America; yet, the feeling of fear was palpable. Oceans away, in Baghdad, the air was filled with the smell of napalm. Frightened, as the young contemplated their future, seventy some courageous and committed students filed into the Morton West High School cafeteria in Berwyn, Illinois. Trepidation for their lives, and the lives of friends, family, and those innocent Iraqi citizens they never met prompted these pupils to take action. The young and eligible enlistees protested the war in Iraq.
I hear the claims and the clamor. "This is George Bush's war!" This Administration instituted a "war on science." Federal funding for research was reduced in recent years. Laws meant to protect the environment were repealed. I would love to say that much of what occurs in America today is not done in my name. It is not my fault or folly. However, I cannot make this assertion. I am an American; I am culpable.
I apologize Sir. I voted for you in two Presidential elections, and while on the first occasion you were not my first, second, or third choice, by the time I cast my second ballot, I was proud to do so. I admire your scholarship and some of what you did while in office. However, I must admit there are times, this being one of them, when I question your wisdom, or at least I realize I do not relate to your impression of "truth."
President Bush and members of the administration continue to say America must stay the course in Iraq until victory is achieved. At what cost will that victory be gained one should be moved to ask. As of this morning 3665 American casualties have been reported. Recent reports put the cost of the continuing occupation of Iraq at near $12 billion per month. In addition there are cultural costs with
the disappearance of some of the most important archaeological pieces of all time
and the displacement of various populations within Iraq.
He is bold. He is brilliant. He is our President, George W. Bush. This chap interprets the law and framed the Courts. There is even talk of his attempting to change the Constitution. Perhaps the term "Executive Branch" no longer includes the Vice President or the Commander-In-Chief. At least, guidelines and laws do not apply to those currently occupying the offices.
In recent years, on each official holiday America seems to commemorate conflict. In this nation holidays are not Holy Days, although they are treated as such. Citizens ask G-d to bless our battles. Today, as I read the text of the President's speech and listened to sermons delivered by dignitaries, I wondered. I repeatedly inquired; "Are we acknowledging Independence Day or Memorial Day" Our President spoke in memorial. He asked that we pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. Mister Bush went on to honor the multiplicity of wars. We, as a people, seem to remember the events that take the lives and limbs of many worldwide and not the reason we observe a date.
This week I had reason to reflect on passion. While what I feel cannot compare to what those in the Middle East experience, I think the analogy is subtly apt. I have long theorized that wars are never won. Death and destruction do not give rise to winners, only losers. Nonetheless, if combat could produce a champion, passionate persons always prevail. Since childhood, I thought this theory true. From the Revolutionary War to Vietnam, America has been given opportunities to assess. History teaches us that those that fight for personal freedom will triumph.
Tell Congress to "Support our troops. Bring them home!"
MoveOn.org and soldiers far from American shores are asking for your assistance. Families here in the States hope that you will help. We, the public understand the hurts these persons experience. We feel them too. Americans long for a return to calm. Iraqis do as well. There is much evidence that this battle did not need to be. I invite you to speak your mind, talk from the heart, and do whatever you can to help our troops and to free the citizens of Iraq.
"Standing on the corner watching all the girls go by. I recall the tune; it rings in my head as I position myself at the intersection. I plunk myself there each Saturday pleading for peace. Today was the second time that I stood alone.
The other protesters remained across the street.
As I held up my index and middle fingers in the sign harmony, I thought of how I am not observing fancy, flashy, or forlorn females pass. I am interacting with my community. Men, women, the elderly, the young, and the middle age. I cannot tell who will acknowledge me or how they might react to my request for an early exit from Iraq, Afghanistan, or war.
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