In a "glowing" statement, perhaps meant to glorify the horrific deaths of the soldiers slain in Iraq, Vice President Dick Cheney offered, "I think it's a reminder of the extent to which we are blessed with families who've sacrificed as they have." The man who, in his youth sought five deferments in order to avoid service during the Vietnam War, went on to state, "A lot of men and women sign up because sometimes they will see developments." Richard B. Cheney helps us to recall the terror Americans felt as they witnessed the Twin Towers fall on September 11, 2001. He explains, this event and the thought of a terrorist threat "stimulated a lot of folks to volunteer for the military because they wanted to be involved in defending the country." "The thing that comes through loud and clear is how much they are committed to the cause, to doing what needs to be done to defend the nation," Cheney proclaimed. Yet, citizens cognizant of the reasons for a possible rise in recruitment remember more than a moment that changed the course of life for many young men and women.
On Saturday, the 22nd of March, Delaware Pacem in Terris organized a pair of vigils to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq. The theme of the events was remembrance of the fallen.
In March 2008, as Americans pay homage to the thousands of soldiers and civilians lost in five years of battle we discover that the Administration and the elite allied with earlier Executive Branches are more contemptuous of the citizenry than we ever thought possible.
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
They say life is cyclical. Peace prospers in a era. Epochs are filled with tales of war. Currently, in the United States, this is the political season. Issues are the topic of import. While at times, it seems rumors rule during the ritual run for the presidency, mostly, people want to speak of what affects their everyday life. Some say, "It is the economy, stu***." Others declare military defense and homeland security are the subjects we must speak about. A few say, we must secure our boarders. This theme ties the two aforementioned together. Jobs and terrorism are the greatest concern. Then there are those who inquire, "What happened to talk of the Iraq war?"
A few weeks back I did a cartoon asking why the war in Iraq had fallen off the table as a campaign issue. The real question should have been: "Why is the war in Iraq still an issue at all?" The answer to that question prompted this week's toon, "Disappointing Donkey Tales!"
Editorial columnist Bob Herbert of the New York Times wrote an interesting piece discussing the true cost of the Iraq War. According to a Nobel prize winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz and the vice chairman of Goldman Sachs International, Robert Hormats the Iraq War will cost at least 3 trillion dollars. This figure includes cost which are never reported by the media or discussed by politicians. The truth is that the cost of a war is more than the money spent on men and material, as if it were some business venture that can be tallied with a nice spreadsheet and budget. In today's world, war is packaged like a corporate enterprise complete with sanitized videos and reporting to make it more palatable to the disinterested masses.
Said Mr. Stiglitz: "Because the administration actually cut taxes as we went to war, when we were already running huge deficits, this war has, effectively, been entirely financed by deficits. The national debt has increased by some $2.5 trillion since the beginning of the war, and of this, almost $1 trillion is due directly to the war itself ... By 2017, we estimate that the national debt will have increased, just because of the war, by some $2 trillion." NY Times
Americans, mired in debt, desperate for adequate Health Care, fearful of foreclosures, and worried about a protracted war, cry out for change. Compatriots wish for a wizard, one who will work for the common folk, and not solely for self, a Commander-In-Chief who will acknowledge the current crises, and lead us into a Land like Oz. We want America to be the perfect country. We wish to be known as benevolent, caring, compassionate super power. We yearn to say aloud with conviction, "There is no place like home!"
The lovely and graceful Press Secretary Dana Perino stood before correspondents and the country. She stated, while at war the United States slaughters no guiltless men, women, or children. The innocent are not blameless. They are indeed, the enemy. Young, old, and middle age alike, all once thought to be above suspicion, are now considered terrorist. Friends are foe as Americans endeavor to spread good will and democracy.
We heard his message. The die was cast and many would perish. The safety and security of citizens within the United States was threatened. A defiant Saddam Hussein and arms in Iraq were the issues of import. Iraqi despot Hussein would not comply with demands to disarm. The Commander-In-Chief proclaimed Americans were patient; however, we could wait no longer.
Once again, all but one of our Democratic Congresspersons demonstrates that they do not fully understand what it means to represent Americans. Dennis Kucinich marches to the beat of a different politico drummer. This Presidential hopeful is a man of the people. Today as he presented a privileged resolution Kucinich echoed the concerns of America. This Administration has lied and caused many to die needlessly. They, the president George W. Bush and the most powerful Vice President ever, Richard Cheney, must be impeached. Nonetheless, fellow Democrats worked to avert the action and debate.
For months, Senator Hillary Clinton stressed, she and her fellow Democratic hopefuls agree on the issues. Clinton leads in the polls. Ultimately, she guides the electoral dance. The former First Lady steps to the Right and the rest stride with her. When Hillary courageously asserts, her companions perceive they too have permission to be bold. As the graceful "girl" glides, so too do the boys.
I am honored to present the work of an artist I admire. Storm Bear publishes and resides in a Town Called Dobson. I am privileged to offer his message at BeThink. I am often amazed by his quickness and quip. The wit and wisdom Storm Bear shares can captivate the mind and open a heart. I hope you will take pleasure in this political contemplation. Please ponder the words and pictorial perspective of Storm Bear.
Last evening Democrats debated in New Hampshire. The hopefuls shared their strategies. [Some refused to state their agenda.] Iraq was the issue of most import for many. The host, Tim Russert, inquired, 'If you were President when would you issue orders to bring our troops home.' An expectant audience hoped to hear when the candidates thought we might exit Iraq.
Artist and political analyst, Storm Bear heard the answers the aspirants offered and went to work. Please travel within and reflect as Storm Bear has.
In 1900, the US was the largest creditor nation: we loaned money to others, and invested both at home and overseas. We exported far more than we imported, in both raw and finished commodities. We were on our way to becoming the most powerful nation on earth - economically, militarily and morally. That is until the clowns with hatches entered into the midway.
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."
(On Saturday, September 8, 2007, I was honored to witness wisdom at work. According to the Palm Beach Post, Hundreds in West Palm Beach [came together to] protest the war. Those that stood silently, with fingers raised in the sign of peace appeared to focus on the current combative circumstances in Iraq. However, the marchers knew, peace throughout the planet was, and is, their truer vision.
Each advocate expressed his or her desire for global tranquility. They walked down Okeechobee Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue. Drivers passed by and honked their horns in support. Some waved expressions in-kind. Others voiced thanks to the marchers. Young and old, hiker and those in motorcars united in a common cause.
After the demonstration, the local activists quietly entered the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Their purpose was one. Protesters, myself among them, waited to hear the Ohio Congressman, and Presidential hopeful, a person like no other, Dennis Kucinich, present his plans for a permanent global peace.
Introducing the inspirational candidate was another wise and wondrous man, Jeff DeLuca. The young and impressive Mister DeLuca is kind enough to share his words here at BeThink. I hope you will find this missive as magnificent as I do. I think this treatise might advance greater thought and discussion. Please share your reflections.
I am pleased to present Jeff DeLuca.
I thank you Jeff for all that you are, share, and do. - promoted by Guest Author)
I want to start by thanking you all for braving the heat to be here and march with us for this important cause. The time has never been more urgent for us to hold events like these and to unify under that notion that that it is time to bring the troops home alive now.
We have watched the carnage unfold now in Iraq for four and a half years. Since George W. Bush told us we had accomplished our mission. We are here to let him and all his enablers know that we will not stand idly by as another 100, another 1000, of our family and friends dies as pawns in a bogus war waged for the Military industrial complex.
In times of war, it is often difficult to distinguish the wrongdoers from those in the "right." Each bumps and bruises the other. Frequently, both participants in a dispute share blame. However, there are those occasions where one party pounces, beats the other to a pulp, and then places the onus on the victim. The Iraq war may illustrate such a dynamic. Indeed, this conflict may be the epitome of what occurs when men and women justify their fight.
In 2003, American occupiers marched into Baghdad, and forcefully changed the Iraqi regime. United States officials proclaimed they took this action in the name of democracy. When, on April 9, the statue of the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein fell, American President George W. Bush [or the Navy] announced, "Mission Accomplished." The war was a success. At present, we cannot be certain who postulated the theory. The Administration tells us the Navy was responsible for this assertion. The maritime services say the White House made the banner famously seen in the background while President acknowledged a United States victory. Although, we do not know who avowed our triumph, we recall who contended the Iraq war was in its last throes.
Many of you may feel as I do. I wonder why does the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan continue. I feel hopeless, even now with a Democratic majority in Congress. In truth, I did not celebrate the Democratic win in November 2006. For me, until actions are taken, and policies put into practice, I feel no reason to rejoice. Currently, the Democratic majority is not doing much better than the Republicans did. Conservatives are not inclined to impinge on the power of the President. Centrists are concerned; dare they be thought too Left or Right. The anti-war contingent is anxious. Might they regret moving too far or too fast.
Each day while Congress patiently convenes, Americans sit comfortably in their cozy homes, apathetic or pounding away at the keys at their electrically powered computers, actively protesting the wars. Meanwhile, civilians, children, and soldiers are dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. As citizens in this country ponder the blood spilled and scream, 'We want justice,' life [or death,] in the Persian Gulf goes on as it has for years.
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