From the newsletter of March Forward! We join the military for many different reasons. Some of us want to have access to a college education. Some of us want job training and a steady paycheck. Some of us join to get U.S. citizenship. Some of us need to get out of debt or need to get off a destructive path. Some of us join out of pride, patriotism and a genuine desire to be a part of some greater, collective good. Many of us made the decision early-while still in high school, enticed by recruiters' promises of cash bonuses, adventure and opportunity-while some of us joined after years as a worker, drawn by the military's full health care and housing benefits.
Whatever the reason, we all found ourselves wearing the uniform of the U.S. military. What did we actually join? What is the role of the U.S. military in the world? What does it mean to be a soldier following the dictates of U.S. foreign policy? When we sign ourselves away to the military, what are we being used to do?
In recent years, many of us ended up in Iraq or Afghanistan. We are told that as a soldier in the U.S. military we are defending the interests of the United States. This does have an ounce of truth-but only an ounce. We are defending the interests of a particular class in the United States. It is only a wealthy minority whose interests are being defended in Iraq, Afghanistan and the more than 130 countries where U.S. troops are stationed.
Only end of occupation can restore self-determination! The author is an Iraq war veteran.
On the heels of the Status of Forces Agreement, the Iraqi flag was raised for the first time since the 2003 invasion in a symbolic handover of the Green Zone to the Iraqi government.
The Green Zone is a 5.6-square-mile community along the west side of the Tigris River in central Baghdad. It is home to roughly 30,000 residents, including 14,000 U.S. and coalition forces. For nearly six years, the Green Zone has been used to paint a picture of stability and U.S. success in Iraq. When U.S. and foreign politicians visit occupied Iraq, they stroll around the Green Zone, being shown beautiful gardens and lavish palaces that paint a picture of a safe and successful occupation.
But the Green Zone itself is nothing more than a public relations prop and a headquarters for the military brass, private military contractors, and Western corporations to conduct their affairs in luxury. It is off limits to most Iraqi citizens.
A soldier's story is our story. On this April afternoon, I attended a memorial. Americans in my local community, as well as those in every other region of the country, mourned the recession. People pondered the reality; this war affects our daily lives and our fiscal stability. In my neighborhood, Michael Prysner, an Iraq War veteran offered his theory on the theme, Recession and the Iraq War; A Soldier's Story. I share an introduction to his tale and an invitation. Please peruse the musings of Michael Prysner.
A mail entered my electronic inbox. The title was "Five years later in Iraq." As the anniversary of American led attacks in the Middle East approached, and passed, many messages referenced the subject. The correspondence from Cathy struck me. This communication was a personal plea. As the mother of a former American soldier, Cathy shared her sorrow. She spoke of hope, and told readers of her son. Cathy, Mom, also mentioned why she would support Barack Obama in 2008.
Millions of Americans awoke to the news; Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack. The daughter of a former Prime Minister, and twice Prime Minister herself, Bhutto, months ago returned to her homeland, after a self-imposed eight year exile.
Please View the Video. Bush declares, "I understand." Pardon the Prologue Commercial. Bush; "It's Bad In Iraq!"
President Bush repeatedly tells us he understands. He understands that we, as a nation, have a responsibility to lead. Mr. Bush believes that he as a man must guide his "broad" coalition, regardless of its size. The alliance consists mostly of one country, the United Kingdom. Bush tells, his citizens that there is a job to "do" and some his job is to make war in the name of peace.
Prime Minister Blair and I understand that we have a responsibility to lead and to support moderates and reformers who work for change across the broader Middle East.
We also recognize that meeting this responsibility requires action. It will take concerted efforts to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.
We stand together because we understand the only way to secure a lasting peace for our children and grandchildren is to defeat the extremist ideologies and help the ideology of hope and democracy prevail.
King George W. understands "peace" and how important this prospect is for our children and grandchildren. Does he understand that if "defeat" is part of your vocabulary than peace is not what you are proposing? Tranquility is the understanding that comes with talk. Calm, caring conversation gives birth to peace.
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