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The Cunning Realist
(This is a reprint from THE CUNNING REALIST:
AN OASIS FOR THE INTELLECTUALLY HONEST IN A WORLD OF HIRED SPIN)
A bit about The Cunning Realist:
A lifelong conservative with a strong independent streak, I am a late-30's resident of New York City and an executive in the financial industry. I have a B.A., and an M.B.A. in International Business from Columbia University.
I've written a lot about Iraq in this space, but I want to fill in a few gaps that pre-date this blog's inception. First, I supported the invasion and removal of Saddam. I felt a twinge of disgust when I saw the first bombs fall on Baghdad and the computer screens in front of me at work showed that the reflexive reaction of many Americans to the carnage was to buy stocks. But that's another issue, and based on my professional experience it was both understandable and predictable. I had little doubt military action was necessary in light of 9/11 and the intelligence that was presented in the months leading up to the war. But there's the rub. Of course, we now know a fair amount about how the prewar intelligence---as well as the public debate via the Plame outing---was subverted, hand-picked, shaded, crafted, manipulated, or flat-out fabricated to support an objective that had been conceived well in advance. At this point, this simply cannot be denied by any reasonable, clear-thinking person.
I am certainly not an expert on intelligence issues, but I have read many excellent books on the subject, most recently James Bamford's Body of Secrets which I review here. Based on what I've read, it is utterly implausible that agencies like the NSA did not know the real deal about Iraq's WMD or lack thereof before the war. Our intelligence agencies can read a license plate or hear a mouse fart at 50,000 feet. The chasm between our capabilities and the shameful dreck that Colin Powell presented to the world at the UN is simply too great. (And by the way, if you know someone who is immune from feelings of regret or shame, sit them down in front of two televisions simultaneously showing a replay of Colin Powell's speech to the UN on one, and our initial "Shock and Awe" bombing of Baghdad on the other. We haven't seen too many replays of the latter in the mainstream media over the past two years, have we? Conversely, the opening salvo of Desert Storm was replayed in the MSM for years afterward.) Scott Ritter---ridiculed, attacked, and all by his lonesome---got it right, and our entire intelligence community and its hundreds of billions of dollars in annual budgets just got it wrong? Fascinating. And speaking of those who got it wrong, what memory hole have they been shunted down? Remember characters like Laurie Mylroie? Where is she these days? What about Khidir Hamza, a.k.a "Saddam's Bombmaker", who seemed like he slept on a cot at Fox News in the months leading up the war? Did he turn into a frog at midnight the day we started bombing Baghdad? Of course, the Richard Perles and the Michael Ledeens are still at it as we see here, plying their trade and using the same playbook for Iran that they foisted on us to justify Iraq.
I know two things with certainty: we cannot simply decamp from Iraq en masse immediately, nor can we sit in the desert for the next few years at our current force level losing dozens of troops each week to death and permanent injury. In my first job out of school, I had a boss who told me that there is nothing wrong with realizing one's career path is not the right one and taking action; only losers unhappily stay in the same job year after year, citing time already spent as justification for staying the course. Over the years I have learned this to be true and applicable in many other ways. So where do we go from here?
First, we must dispense with the myriad dubious and false assumptions that currently underpin both our conduct and our self-imposed options. Though I agree we cannot simply pick up and leave right now, I am wary of the assertion that doing so would result in complete chaos and a civil war. This may be true. But a full-blown civil war---essentially one step away from the low-grade civil war taking place right now---may be inevitable no matter what we do. And let's not forget that the "after us, chaos" argument was a favorite of both Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, and the Vietnam hawks used it to justify the last five years or so of that war. Want to see what eventually became of Vietnam after those pillaging hordes of communists poured over the border and into Saigon? Read a bit about it here. They magically figured it out for themselves, after we left and after we buried almost 60,000 troops. And thirty years later, Vietnam's five-star hotels and world class restaurants are stops on luxury tours of Southeast Asia. Not bad for a fallen domino. Conservatives traditionally have favored limiting welfare programs on the theory that welfare destroys the incentive to work and be self-sufficient. Does that argument somehow not apply when we are essentially supporting an entire foreign nation?
I am also wary when I hear the president repeat that "setting a timetable for withdrawal will send the wrong signal to the enemy." This is one of those mantras that threatens to gain acceptance through sheer mindless repetition. It is specious and irrelevant. It relies on the false assumption that the insurgents will fight less hard---or, to the extent they are foreigners, they will decide to pack up and go home---if they think we are in Iraq to stay. That's really credible, eh? Claiming that we shouldn't set a timetable because the "enemy will simply wait us out" is akin to someone whose house just burned down from a carelessly-placed cigarette not calling his insurance company because he's worried his rate will increase. It's citing an immutable but irrelevant reality to justify compounding past mistakes and enduring an even worse fate.
The choices we make in Iraq obviously must move us quickly toward the objective of bringing home troops in regular and significant increments. Two qualifications here. First, if it becomes absolutely necessary, we can send them back for specific operations. Second, if we continue to train and equip Iraqi forces for another six months or so and see little progress, our loyalty must be to ourselves and our own men and women in uniform. The goal for our military right now should be the four R's: rest, regroup, retool and recruit. For now, however, I agree with the Bush administration that a phased withdrawal should coincide with the training and readiness of Iraqi troops. That's precisely why there must be a measurable standard for this training, as well as public accountability for those responsible for overseeing it. But does this inexplicable disaster of a press gaggle demonstrate that any such accountability exists? Or, like so many other devil-is-in-the-details failings of this administration, is it a perfect manifestation of what former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill called "kids rolling around on the lawn"?
The kids-on-the-lawn syndrome may be as good an explanation as any for what ails us. In The Price of Loyalty, O'Neill describes how, during the Nixon and Ford administrations, a special department prepared well-researched and extremely detailed internal papers on major issues before policy was formulated. And everyone in those administrations---right up to the president---knew them stone-cold, front to back. The current administration represents the primacy of pure ideology over pragmatic, fact-based policy. But you can't fight a war (particularly a preemptive one in which every mistake is second-guessed and debacles like Abu Ghraib destroy the aggressor's moral high ground) and engage in nation-building on ideology and faith alone; it takes planning, and an obsession with and command of details. This is one of the reasons I voted Democratic in a presidential election for the first time in my life last year. Bush---single-minded, unwavering, "with us or against us"---was exactly what this country needed at a specific and extremely important moment in time. But it has always been obvious that the thirst for details is not in him. It wasn't in Ronald Reagan either, but the only war we fought under Reagan was ideological. This one's the real deal, with real troops and civilians dying by the thousands while the kids roll around on the lawn back in Washington.
Vietnam was a disaster, as was Lyndon Johnson. But at least Johnson and his top aides went to bed at night in full command of details like troops levels and bombing targets. Yes, that was symptomatic of the micromanagement of the war from Washington. But just as defeat can result from micromanagement, it can also be born of aloofness and detachment---not sending enough troops, not securing the major weapons caches, disbanding the Iraqi army, not paying the civil servants, and not planning for an insurgency. Oh, and throw in not knowing or not caring about how the one thing that will actually allow our troops to come home---yes, the training of Iraqis---is progressing. In this administration, carelessness and negligence wear the mask of "faith."
I am not unsympathetic to those who are working on this every day. Unlike those in the oft-snarky blogosphere opining about this stuff with the benefit of distance as well as frequently utilized hindsight (and I include myself in that group), our political and military leaders toiling on this in the maw of the beast have an extremely tough job. It is indeed "hard work" as President Bush is fond of saying. But that does not absolve them of the responsibility for getting us into this mess in the first place, nor does it obviate the need for accountability that thus far has been sorely lacking. In my world, even a relatively minor mistake can mean losing one's job; a single sufficiently serious one can be career-ending. In this administration, committing a series of colossal historic blunders is a prerequisite for receiving an Orwellian, Soviet-style "Freedom Medal." This, from the MBA president who promised to restore an ethos of corporate accountability to the White House. By the way, this is the main reason I support Cindy Sheehan. I don't agree with everything she's saying. But she represents the ability of the average citizen to hold our highest elected officials to account for their actions; since this administration has proven itself unencumbered by self-evaluation or introspection, now more than ever this must be done. Exactly who has been publicly held to account for the utterly improbable series of intelligence and policy mistakes of the past few years? And has a physicist been consulted yet about the memory hole---apparently stronger than any black hole in the cosmos---in the basement of the White House?
That's the crux of my criticism of this administration. The ones who got us here are mostly still running the joint, some have actually been promoted, the ones who were proven right were fired early on, and the few who left did so with medals on their chests. That gives me zero confidence in the ability of this bunch to pull off Iraq, Iran, or anything more challenging than organizing the White House's annual Easter egg hunt. And if its continued unforgivable reliance on mantras, platitudes and bromides is any indication, our political leadership has about the same level of confidence in its own ideas and abilities that I do.
Yeah, what the realist said.
Dubya - doing for America what he did Harken and Arbusto.
Arrests, rhetoric highlight protests
By Thaddeus DeJesus and J.B. Smith
Waco Tribune-Herald staff writers
Sunday, August 28, 2005
CRAWFORD -– With five days left until the end of anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan's vigil near President Bush's ranch, Crawford became protest central Saturday as supporters and opponents of the Iraq war rallied, marched and simmered in 101-degree heat.
A handful also got themselves arrested, including a protester whose anti-Sheehan sign was deemed unnecessarily offensive by organizers of a large pro-Bush rally. The man carrying the sign became violent when he was asked to put it down.
Ken Robinson, of Richardson, Texas, who described himself as a Vietnam veteran, was carrying a sign at a “You Don't Speak for Me, Cindy!” rally. The sign read, “How to wreck your family in 30 days by ‘b**** in the ditch' Cindy Sheehan.”
Kristinn Taylor, an event organizer with FreeRepublic.com, heard about the sign and rushed up to Robinson.
“This is our rally and you can't do that here,” he said, only for Robinson to insist he was within his rights.
Camera crews rushed in and Taylor turned to face them.
“To all the media here, this sign is not representative of the crowd here today,” Taylor announced. Some of the crowd around Robinson came forward to shake his hand, while others chanted, “Idiot, go home.”
The two men then squared off and raised their voices.
“Just get outta here!” Robinson yelled, and aimed a kick at Taylor's midsection. Taylor called for security, and a young Woodway policeman quickly showed up.
“I have the right to freedom of speech,” Robinson said.
Robinson continued to protest loudly as police handcuffed him and led him away.
Much of the media focus Saturday was on Sheehan's two peace camps just beyond Crawford -– one on the side of Prairie Chapel Road, the other in a field temporarily donated by a local landowner – and yet other anti-war protesters at the Crawford Peace House in town.
In addition, however, there was a pro-Bush camp that sprouted alongside a souvenir shop specializing in President Bush dolls, T-shirts and coffee cups; a West Coast caravan dubbed “You Don't Speak for Me, Cindy!” that took over the football stadium Saturday afternoon to rally on behalf of U.S. troops; and Operation Iraqi Hope, made up of family members who have lost loved ones in Iraq but still support the war.
more... http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/08/28/20050828wacarrests.html
The Dumbest Iraq Statement Yet
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 - With lawmakers facing tough questions at home about the war in Iraq, Senator John W. Warner, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, says he intends to summon Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld quickly for a hearing when Congress returns next week.
Mr. Warner, a Virginia Republican who is one of the most important Congressional voices on military policy, said mounting numbers of dead and wounded Americans, the contentious process of drafting an Iraqi constitution and the economic cost of the war were adding up to new anxiety in Congress.
(You might think bloviate Warner is now about to say something however-remotely-critical about the Three Stooges administration responsible for the greatest military/political f*ck-up in U.S. history...but of course you'd be wrong!)
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"The level of concern is, I think, gradually rising," Mr. Warner said in an interview on Friday. "Our nation has given so much to the Iraqi people, and what are they giving us in return?"
And just when you thought you'd heard it all...
Next week, even as the national debt grows by another $11 billion and military recruiters scramble with ever-mounting desperation to fill their quotas, the Senate will reassemble to take up the proposal, already passed by the House, to permanently eliminate the estate tax, thereby shifting some $1.5 billion a week—about the same as the Iraq war—from the public treasury to the bank accounts of the heirs to the nation’s twenty thousand biggest fortunes.
http://www.asticles.com
Jeb Bush taking the photo-op already this morning with a press conference... even though Florida is getting the least of Katrina.
Look for the Brother's Pander Bare this week at a natural disaster near you.
Godspeed NOLA
Lugar & Obama detained temporarily in Russia - White House & Pentagon had to get involved. Odd.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2005-08-29T130052Z_01_SCH946810_RTRIDST_0_POLITICS-RUSSIA-USA-DC.XML
Great political "what if" argument going on & participants are somewhat articulate. Fun little caffeine-fueled blog where people rehash the past but can't go back, but this one is fairly productive & good thought-fodder for thinking ahead. (warning: former political candidates are mentioned)
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/8/28/144933/728
Thread running thru discussion I just posted link for is whether Kerry should have called for withdrawal (even timed) from Iraq and what if he had?
This was my favorite comment:
I think you're right, in a lot of ways, that the focus on Iraq is detrimental because there are other problems that need solving. I remember folks getting so angry when Kerry pointed out that we're building firehouses in Baghdad and shutting them down in the US. But it is rather perverse that we can find $300 billion to spend there but that we can't just inject some money into the Social Security system to make it solvent.
People keep saying "Iraq is the number one issue." But, before we invaded the place, it wasn't. The public wasn't clamoring for action in Iraq. If people had been asked, "What's the best use for $300 billion?" I doubt Iraq would even make the top ten.
American Progress mailer today headline:
Iraq De-Constituted
(Thanks to W, we have fighting factions in both Crawford and Basra)
I'm back home now with a huge case of culture shock. I have many things to share about this weekend and how it has changed me. Right now, I'm having a very difficult time re-adjusting to "reality." As soon as I get my little act together, I'll put my thoughts to words, and hopefully in some cohesive and articulate manner...
Here's a photo from the Wash. Post from yesterday's silent meditation walk among the crosses that my sister and I participated in...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/28/AR2005082800882.html
I know that New Orleans is getting pounded and we all have priorities to deal with, but when you have a minute, please go to this blog from Waco's newspaper and voice your pro-peace opinions...
http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/sheehan/
I can't believe I'm going to say this...but I'd rather be back in Crawford, Texas right now than anyplace in the world.
And I absolutely detest Texas...
NOLA newsblog:
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/
Madame D
Thanks - will check that blog.
"A survey conducted last week by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. has Warner leading Allen by 5 percentage points in a hypothetical matchup of popular politicians, with independent voters leaning strongly in Warner's direction. Warner polled at 47 percent and Allen at 42 percent, with 11 percent undecided."
Lot's of great pics from Camp Casey
http://www.alaskagyrl.blogspot.com/
Posted by: monkey at August 29, 2005 12:16 PM
Alaska Gyrl has done a remarkable job of capturing the essence of the attitudes at Camp Casey I & II...
During the interfaith service yesterday when I was particularly overcome with emotion, she came over and just hugged me...
And her simple loving action was a very common occurance at both camps & at the Peace House...
Accountability....it is the lie underlying corporate behaviour for years and clearly the lie for this administration....disagree with anything and we'll show you accountability...we'll draw & quarter you...that'll show you how "right" we are...
During coverage of Katrina on CNN, had to show us a quick shot of W arriving in Arizona, greeted on the tarmac by a beaming John McCain and others... Laura and Turdblossom in tow.
Shrubs gotta heck of a tan for a guy who was supposedly not on vacation.
He's got that LiePro Glow.
I guess what I don't understand is why some people don't get that one can be patriotic, fervently support our troops, pray for them, send them supplies and still be against invasion/occupation of Iraq and the mis-management of the situation by the Bush administration.
The soldiers, marines and sailors who've put themselves on the line and their families who've sacrificed a great deal to allow them to do so have all my respect and support. I know that so many of them work so hard to bring peace wherever they are.
But indicating that I disagree with a President and administration that have lied to the American people and the world, in no way, denigrates or takes away from the brave individuals in our armed services. Rather, I want our armed forces people protected, not put in harm's way, for an invasion which had nothing to do with the pursuit of Osama Bin Laden and our response to September 11th.
Instead, this administration has split our forces and our focus, dropped the ball in pursuit of Osama, and turned the name of the United States and its armed forces into that of a nation rated as dangerous to the world community as North Korea. Some accomplishment... and nothing that I would lay at the feet of our armed forces but solely on the shoulders of George Bush and his administration.
Accountability....
Posted by: mkh at August 29, 2005 12:28 PM
The top U.S. Army contracting official who first raised criticism over Halliburton's no-bid contract in Iraq was demoted Sunday for what the army called poor job performance -- the first time her performance was rated low in 20 years.
Today, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) blasted the Bush administration’s decision to fire the lead government whistleblower.
“Secretary Rumsfeld has lowered the axe on someone courageous enough to speak the truth about an abuse of taxpayer dollars," he remarked. "Ms. Greenhouse was simply being honest, which seems to be enough to get you fired in this Administration.
"This action is meant to send a chilling message to other federal workers: keep your mouth shut," he added.
Lautenberg has repeatedly called for Senate hearings to investigate Halliburton’s contracts, but the Republican leadership of Congress has declined to hold any inquiries.
“Instead of getting to the truth of these contracts, this Administration wants to get rid of anybody who tells the truth,” Lautenberg said.
more... http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Senior_Democrat_says_decision_to_demote_Halliburton_worker_will_chill_whisteb_0829.html
I have yet to see ANY clear rationale for Bush's Invasion of Iraq from anyone,least of all from the president.
What do these "pro-war" supporters say to justify their support for the war? There is nothing factual out there that supports the invasion of Iraq. Nothing. How can anyone support it?
This is the biggest farse in our history.
Posted by: dwahzon at August 29, 2005 12:54 PM
So well said...amazing, powerful words.
And how is it unpatriotic to want to bring our soldiers home now, safe & alive?
What difference will it make if we stay one more day, one more month, one more year, five more years? Will the outcome be any different?
So tell me why we are there?
Posted by: dwahzon at August 29, 2005 12:54 PM
dwahzon,
Excellent points.
Furthermore, what I have a hard time understanding is how people can say, "The anti-war people may not use the name of MY son to support their position!"
So let's see...we divide the country even further:
1. pro-war/anti-war.
2. pro ignoring lies and incompetence/asking for accountability and better mission plans.
3. son or daughter kia to support Bush/son or daughter kia to ask for Bush to explain his lies and end the war.
4. patriots/nonpatriots
5. good religious 'folk'/ baaaad religious liberals.
6. abortion/anti-abortion
7. rich/poor
8. winners/whiners
9. Americans who can see Bush at rallys/Americans who can not see Bush at rallys
10. Americans who see Bush 'cause they donate BIG BUCKS to him/Americans who can not see Bush becuase they only sacrificed their children to his greed and endless war.
And on that note: Check out what afterdowningstreet just posted.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2364
1. pro-war/anti-war.
Posted by: sparrow at August 29, 2005 01:51 PM
Reframe:
pro-war/pro-peace
BTW, let it be known far and wide... we were NOT the protesters at Camp Casey. We were the peacemakers.
The photos are the evidence, as well as the 2500+ people...
Reframe:
pro-war/pro-peace
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 01:56 PM
Got me!!!!
And...Blessed are the Peacemakers!
Buchanan suggests impeachment: Soon...
http://www.rawstory.com/
A rumor too good to be true?
Not to correct the Madame but...
We made it through due to the efforts of not only the volunteers (no it was NOT run by all women) of all races and creeds and socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
When those of us who see with a broader perspective voiced our concerns and disappointment in the way things had been run in Cindy's absence...things began to change.
Ahem...Madame...I believe I started the Pro-peace and pro-war arguments...I have been spreading that little gem for two weeks at Camp Casey I, II and the Peace House.
Many of the "leadership" were beaten and battered because of the infighting and egos ever the course of the last two weeks, however, We the People still managed to build a strong community which spread out beyond the barking from the loudspeakers screaming for volunteers, spewing out rules and regulations...
And what many of those in charge did not see is the cooperation, compassion, tolerance, and yes...love that so many shared and enjoyed basking in the warm glow of people of like conscience coming together.
We had each others' backs...as we all have Cindy's back.
Vive la Revolution!!!
And Peace, Love and Compassion to all of my expanding American Family from Crawford...
Mari, Bily, Kim, James, Jesse, Fish, Mary Ellen, Spider, Lauren, Cindy, Jeff, Whitney, Saif, Dot, Andrew, and Madame and her sister...yes Madame too...even though she is double dipping...we'll let you get away with that Ms.M...for now! ;-]
Sparrow
Yes Buchanan wants to impeach Bush but only because Buchanan thinks too many immigrants are coming in. Buchanan is hip to the neocons from day one, being a paleocon himself - but he's also a flat taxer, anti-immigrant zealot. Being "strange bedfellows" with Buchanan is a risky venture and any alliance with him strictly for convenience. On the other hand, the end might be worth the means.
Re. patriotism - I cannot call myself a patriot as presently defined in this country, where Christian God is on the side of the US specifically and waving a flag on a heavily-mortgaged house and sporting a magnet on a gas-guzzling SUV can be called patriotism. The military is a killing machine no matter who it fights and troops and their families make some choices when they get involved. I feel bad for every individual killed regardless of origin & particularly civilians. & more journalists have now been killed Iraq than in 20 years in Vietnam.
I feel shame not patriotism. As for protecting our freedom, I have never bought that line. War is to protect the money of the rich.
Posted by: sparrow at August 29, 2005 02:36 PM
Pat Buchanan, a leading conservative pundit and former presidential adviser, quietly suggested House Republicans mull impeaching President Bush -- though not for the liberals' cause celebre, Iraq -- but rather for what he sees as Bush's 'criminal' failure to stem the tide of illegal immigrants.
Nutty Buddy
Awesome Crawford gallery
http://www.pbase.com/lscottpht/cindy_sheehan_crawford_texas
When those of us who see with a broader perspective voiced our concerns and disappointment in the way things had been run in Cindy's absence...things began to change.
Posted by: Indy at August 29, 2005 03:02 PM
Indy's right...and on to something - as opposed to on something ;)
There is a much broader perspective that we need to take now. While Cindy started this -- or at least gave all of us a reason to come together -- we need to take the energy she has created and build on it, spread it, live it, breathe it. We need to move the message from beyond one grieving mother to a message of a grieving nation and a grieving world.
And now that I've filled up with peace, love, compassion, tolerance, spiritual energy, I'm ready to start kicking some butt. I'm no longer afraid now to show my anger & lack of trust at this regime and make that be known.
Along that line, I think we need to channel our anger, frustration, lack of trust, etc. and get down and dirty like they do. Play hardball, damn it! Why are we as progressives so afraid to play dirty politics too? We don't have to compromise our values & moral integrity if we're speaking the truth with the facts.
I AM mad as hell and I WON'T take it anymore!
(Indy -- and you thought I was such a sweet, peaceful little suburban mom...)
Monkey
friend of mine when told about Buchanan in Raw Story:
If the fringe right begins attacking Bush, I'm all for it. It almost takes someone from his side to bring him down -- the left has no power.
The right will cut him off if it looks like their power is waning with his popularity ratings. I like the Santorum quote that he hasn't supported
everything Bush has done in the war, but his office staff have been unable to find the quotes.
Watch for it next week, the Paris Hilton Tax Cut
Next week, even as the national debt grows by another $11 billion and military recruiters scramble with ever-mounting desperation to fill their quotas, the Senate will reassemble to take up the proposal, already passed by the House, to permanently eliminate the estate tax, thereby shifting some $1.5 billion a week—about the same as the Iraq war—from the public treasury to the bank accounts of the heirs to the nation’s twenty thousand biggest fortunes.
-- my husband just asked where the nearest Citgo station is, owned by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We go there now.
Remember that Bush is still trying to sneak private accounts for Social Security in, as cutting taxes for the rich hasn't even helped the stock market. He is still doing the speaking tour. Think what they can sneak through with any diversion, such as the hurricane.
Posted by: dwahzon at August 29, 2005 12:54 PM
Good point, dwahzon!!!
In a local in-state interview done before Colleen Rowley and MN State Rep Becky Lourey left for Camp Casey, Lourey (whose son was killed in Iraq a few months ago) said (to paraphrase) that she supported the troops, and said they are not responsible for the bad decisions of the Bush administration. Lourey has been criticized for not supporting the troops because she never did support Bu$h's decision to invade Iraq, and the reporter was questioning her about that stance. Her response, I believe, was quite concise and clear.
I support the troops one thousand percent (at least the ones who did not participate in torturing people!). I have ancestors and relatives who have honorably served in the US military. And my youngest nephew who is in the Guard will be deployed to Afghanistan next year....
The SEPARATE issue is the fact that I do NOT support Bu$hCo, his administration, their policies, and I most certainly do NOT support the unjustified invasion of another country who did not attack us. That decision was/is illegal, immoral, and unethical, and Bu$h's decision to deliberately send the men and women of the US military (and reserves, and guard units that belong here at home to help us in times of disasters!) to Iraq to be killed for the sake of oil and corporate greed is an unconscionable decision. Their deaths and injuries are on his head, done on his watch, and he is responsible for his foolhardy actions - which (IMHO) constitutes war crimes on several levels. He broke it; he owns it.
The military personnel are not responsible for the stupid decisions of the politicians in this country..... but they can (IMHO), as a few have done, refuse to follow immoral orders given them by their commanding officers. The judgement of Nuremburg said that following immoral orders is not an adequate defense for war crimes that were committed during WWII, and to me, "doing the right thing" can involve refusing to fight an unjustified, illegal, immoral, and unethical war for the sake of oil and corporate greed, so I also support conscientious objectors.
Just because one does NOT support Bu$h and his insane decisions, it does NOT logically follow that one does not support the military personnel who serve this nation honorably. They are two SEPARATE issues.
Our military personnel were sent to Afghanistan after 9/11 to find Osama Bin Laden (whose Saudi Arabian family has business ties to the Bush family, and most of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudis). If our spy satellites can see a dime from outer space, why haven't they seen/found OBL??? (Heck, the map satellites for the internet are now just as clear as spy satellites!) Osama bin Forgotten because of Bu$h's stupid insistence on invading Iraq for the sake of oil and corporate greed.... but Bu$h's insane insistence on needlessly invading Iraq was the perfect response for OBL to recruit more terrorists to his side.....
Mission NOT accomplished in finding OBL. Mission fatally mucked up in Iraq for no good reason whatsoever....
There is no reason to believe that the Iraq war is any different from anything else Bush has done. Lie to get what you want, smear anyone who speaks out and protect and augment your own pecuniary interests. Same old. Same old.
Iraq Worse than Vietnam in Number of Journalists Killed
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082905Z.shtml
US Forces Kill Reuters Journalist
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082905I.shtml
The death brings to 66 the number of journalists and their aides killed in Iraq since the start of the invasion in 2003, said Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based news media rights group. That surpasses the 63 journalists killed over 20 years of conflict in Vietnam, the group said.
Crawford, Texas: A Divided Nation Bares Its Pain and Fury
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082905L.shtml
Camp Casey "is the road from Baghdad to the airport and he won't go down it," Cindy Sheehan proclaimed. "He didn't even know there were people in the country who opposed him until we came down and ruined his vacation. This is America standing up and saying: we've had enough."
Tom Engelhardt | Catapulting the Propaganda
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082905N.shtml
As his poll figures continue on a downward spiral, Tom Engelhardt says Bush has found it necessary to put extra effort into "catapulting the propaganda." Though he struck a new note or two in each speech, these were exceedingly familiar, crush-the-terrorists, stay-the-course, path-to-victory speeches.
{{{ Deconstructing the repetitive speech of propaganda! Good read!}}}
Halliburton Whistle-Blower "Removed" by Army
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082905J.shtml
A high-level contracting official who has been a vocal critic of the Pentagon's decision to give Halliburton a multibillion-dollar, no-bid contract for work in Iraq was removed from her job by the Army Corps of Engineers, effective Saturday.
{{{ Cyrano put this on the previous thread last night, but it's worth re-posting the link - this is what happens to anyone who disagrees with Bu$hCo about his administration's monstrously stupid decisions and actions....}}}
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ranch29aug29,0,7479493.story
Burnishing an Image at the USA Corral
CRAWFORD, Texas — President Bush calls his Prairie Chapel Ranch "a slice of heaven," a special place where he can ride his mountain bike, fish his man-made pond and clear brush to his heart's content.
But is it really a ranch?
Here's a clue: The Secret Service agents now outnumber the cows.
Hey, this "freedom" we're fighting for in Iraq, which one is it that was so imperiled... in Iraq, specifically?
I speak no evil, but I sure see & hear alot.
The Round Table Wrap Up
Great to hear Sweet Kim made it back safely...Dot and I were concerned...I miss you terribly...all of you.
Mari, Bily, Kim, Jesse, Fish, James, Mary Ellen, Dot, Madame and Andrew.
Before James goes blabbering on about it...yes it is true, the defiant one (your humble orator and instigator in chief) did volunteer for traffic duty yesterday, greeting and sending off van-loads of protestors and visitors alike with laughs and smiles while coordinating the vehicular traffic of an ABC camera crew, two wedding parties and the near arrest of a Bush infultrator.
Strange flyers appeared on many of the tables yesterday evening...written upon them were what appeared to be testimonial statements such as:"I (name here) am in league with Osama bin Laden and am a member of Al Quaida."
Yeah...right! In their sick little Neocon dreams...
This is what the WAY FAR right thinks we believe. Neocon operatives did manage to distribute their ridiculous propaganda, but we quickly disposed of the materials we could find.
Dot and I reluctantly packed our gear as person after person kept coming by our table with best wishes and hugs for all...even Whitney had great big hugs for both me and Dot and a message for all of us..."Y'all are so cool. Thank you for all of your help." Many tears were cried and you all have GREAT BIG HUGS coming to you in D.C. from many admirers and those who participated in our Round Table discussions. (wink wink...nudge nudge...say no MORE!)
Lokken was so exhausted from her two weeks of activism, she fell asleep sitting up in the car on the way to Crawford from Camp Casey II!
Dot and I stopped by the Peace House to drop off the phone and grab some water for the road, and as we looked around the little tent, we saw two seats were available at the front table. We sat and had a smoke and drank a couple of bottles of water, reminiscing about all of the wonderful and historic moments we have all shared and had been blessed to bear witness to...and then it dawned on me...
Dot and I realized we were sitting in the exact spot we were the night we met in Crawford. As Dot and I sat in that very spot on that fateful Friday night, Mari, Bily and Kim came literally walking into our lives. As we then caravaned out to Camp Casey II and met Fish, Jesse, Mary Ellen and Andrew and then later James...as we discussed last night, we could not feel more blessed in getting to know you all.
The mystery and beauty of why seemingly random things happen for a reason...and we are so grateful for all of the 'happy accidents' and incidents that have brought us all together forming bonds of friendship, hope and love between all of us who support this great and noble cause.
Though Casey Sheehan died for greed, the current administration's lust for natural resources and strategic geographical location we who have witnessed the awakening of America can say with proud voices and conviction that for us...Casey Sheehan's life and death have profound nobility and meaning.
He and his mother Cindy have brought us all together in forging a new American Family...our family...our family of passionate, genuine, talented, generous, like-minded, vastly individual, caring people who will continue to reach out and fight for that which we all hold so dear...
The restoration of our beloved America and Her people and in reaching out to all of humanity to bring the world a just and lasting peace.
With the deepest love, admiration and respect I salute the Round Table Warriors for Peace and all who have participated in the beginning of this great movement of conscience whether in body or in spirit or both.
Cindy is the Dreamer...it is now up to all of us to make that dream a reality for all.
Namaste to all of my Brethren...I bow to your inner light.
Peace.
Indy,
That is a very lovely remembrance. I hope the perspectives and relationships you forged over the past two weeks carry you forward thru the coming struggles...
(Indy -- and you thought I was such a sweet, peaceful little suburban mom...)
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 03:25 PM
Keep replacing the caddy with the unconditional love...
You are half-full...let's see if you can make room for the rest by the time we are in DC.
Credit Where Credit is due:
James from the Round Table Warriors came up with the following:
"Camp Casey 3-DC"
The extra letter gives the idea multi-dimentional properties greatly expanding the probability of success.
In average American terms:
Power to the People!!!
Mission NOT accomplished in finding OBL. Mission fatally mucked up in Iraq for no good reason whatsoever....
Posted by: NonnyO at August 29, 2005 03:40 PM
At Camp Casey I on Saturday, where we were separated by 10 feet across the road, someone from the pro-war side starting chanting "Where's Cindy?"
While we were asked not to engage them in cross-banter, one of our guys just could not help himself and chanted "Where's Osama?"
How true, how true.
As Rev. Al said yesterday... "Quit dragging up Cindy's quotes and start digging up the lies that got us into this war."
NonnyO
I'm with the old lady with the sign that says "Support the Troops - Help them go AWOL" or the many on cars & houses in Seattle - "Support the Troops - Bring Them Home." I have never supported the mission because I have not seen diplomacy thoroughly tried & have witnessed bad policy by our "leaders" since I was a child. So my ribbons say "Support Diversity" "Support the Environment" and "Peace". I work with Vets for Peace but that's because they are more steadfast in their beliefs than W ever will be. We are seeing peer pressure to be nationalistic in the name of patriotism (ala the reporters' stupid questioning of Colleen Rowley) once again. I don't believe we have to justify anything and the questioning of patriotism is what was used against people like John Kerry and Max Clelland. It's a big trap.
Karen,
thanks for the great thread topic. It did my heart good to see a former republican from the financial business come around and see the light. I will send to my brother the neocon. They speak the same job language, maybe he'll listen to the author - he sure doesn't listen to me!
"Camp Casey 3-DC"
The extra letter gives the idea multi-dimentional properties greatly expanding the probability of success.
In average American terms:
Power to the People!!!
Posted by: Indy at August 29, 2005 04:04 PM
Camp Casey 3-DC
D.C. - Direct Current, in other words...
CHARGE!!!
You are half-full...
Posted by: Indy at August 29, 2005 04:04 PM
The question is...half-full of what...
Right now it's one big mish-mosh of emotions that need sorting out and focus...
BTW, great wrap up. Good karma to good people.
(And he wasn't kidding about the round tables...they really were round...)
As the (other) wise Rev. Al said as he spoke to Cindy..."We wish we had done what you have done. The least we can do is join you."
Ted Rall 14 March 2003
We find ourselves facing the paradox of the "good German" of the '30s. We're ruled by an evil, non-elected warlord who ignores both domestic opposition and international condemnation. We don't want the soldiers fighting his unjustified wars of expansion to win--but we don't want them to lose either.
Our dilemma is rendered slightly less painful by the all-volunteer nature of our armed forces: at least we aren't being asked to cheer on reluctant draftees. Presumably everybody in uniform knew what they might be in for when they signed up.
"I'm horrified by this war," a friend tells me, "but once it starts we have to win and win quickly." For her, as for Kerry and Dean, our servicemen are people performing a job. They go where the politicians send them.
The thing is, we don't really have to win. Losing the Vietnam War sucked, but not fighting it in the first place would have been smarter. Losing to Third Worlders in PJs led Americans to decades of relative humility, self-examination and taking the moral high ground in conflicts such as Haiti and Kosovo. Our withdrawal from Nam was mainly the result of antiwar protests and public disapproval that swayed our elected representatives. It also saved a lot of money that would otherwise gone to save more "domino" dictatorships from godless communism.
Karen,
My strength is in imparting the Truth to others. I had a long discussion with the next Attorney General of the State of Texas, Democrat David Van O's...he was most impressed with my perspectives, honesty, candor and wit...I may have to go into politics full time.
The hard part is getting those who THINK they know it all to open their minds, eyes, ears and hearts to the truth.
Posted by: not my president at August 29, 2005 10:40 AM
Thnx for the heads up about the goings on at TPM Cafe today. The link & discussion you mentioned was OK. Although, as many pointed out, how productive are rehashes? But, most of the comments were pretty well written and considered. In blogworld, there's always at least one who has to write something absurd, e.g. DLC = neocons.
I thought the reponses to Wes Clark's first posting at the Table for One was very imformative.
Lot's of great pics from Camp Casey
http://www.alaskagyrl.blogspot.com/
Posted by: monkey at August 29, 2005 12:16 PM
Thanks so much for this link. Incredible photography and clear, concise, ego-free journaling.
Check out alaska gyrl's blog.
BradBlog:
"U.S. Army Specialist Tomas Young has some questions for George W. Bush. He's never met with the Commander-in-Chief who sent him into Sadr City, Iraq in a canvass covered truck during a massive uprising in that city on April 4, 2004. The same city on the same day that Cindy Sheehan's son Casey was killed.
"Tomas was lucky. He was only paralyzed from the chest down. Amongst other things he'd like to ask of Bush, is why he won't allow funding for stem cell research which might eventually restore the spine that he lost in Bush's War. A spine, as Tomas explained to us yesterday on The BRAD SHOW, which apparently Bush has never had."
If Gandhi’s search for truth saw “God as Truth”, then it is possible for the “non-believer” to approach Gandhi, with the search for truth as a common ground. But because Gandhi was aware that he could not be certain that he was right, he was not willing to destroy others in his test of truth. Himself, yes, but not others. He was aware that his perception of reality was always, and by the nature of things, “partial and incomplete”. And he knew that his opponent also saw a part of the true reality. This is terribly hard for us to admit or recognize. The General sees a part of reality? Nixon saw a part of reality? Yes.
David McReynolds, nonviolence activist
I am always searching for perspective, as I am not going to be cowed into championing religion, morality or service as defined by those who support war. Supporting peace means philosophy and self-examination because it requires taking a moral position. This is very serious.
--
Peace is more than the absence of conflict. And peace making is more than stopping war. It encompasses democratic ideals and protection of human rights. Not only does the lack of peace often lead to poverty, it is as well one of poverty's many symptoms. Building peace and promoting democracy prevents conflict and instability, improves governance, and strengthens the rule of law. When citizens are empowered, they use their voices to influence policy, protect human rights, and hold their governments accountable. (Carter Center)
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 04:07 PM
Good retort!!! :-) I condone one exception to the rule of not responding to ignorant hecklers who are not fully informed about the issues and are blindly following into the dark abyss of Bu$h mentality where no one should go....
W's attention to OBL was a brief nanosecond's worth of an itty bitty sound byte just after 9/11. Then he immediately(!!!) switched the bait topic to Iraq.... and the rest is horrible history still in the making as of this moment.... Bad karma will follow Bu$h's infantile decisions because of his insane megalomania. He never had any "leadership" potential to exploit because he has no mature adult ability to think things through to their logical conclusions. Why anyone thought a "man" with a spoiled brat mentality had the ability to lead this nation is beyond my ken.
Rev. Al has a point that should be heeded by our politicians....
I'm with the old lady with the sign that says "Support the Troops - Help them go AWOL" or the many on cars & houses in Seattle - "Support the Troops - Bring Them Home."
"Support Diversity" "Support the Environment" and "Peace"
Posted by: DiAnne at August 29, 2005 04:13 PM
All things which I also support wholeheartedly....
In view of Hurricane Katrina, knowing there's another tropical storm forming in the Atlantic which may also turn into another hurricane - and we're only half-way through hurricane season... (and remembered past times locally when the Guard helped so much in the '97 flood disaster in this state and the neighboring states affected on both sides of the Red River, and with forest firest out west, etc.), I'd also add another one:
"Support the National Guard - Keep them at home where they belong!"
We had no valid reason to invade Iraq, and everyone knows it. There is no good reason our regular military or Reserves and Guard troops are dying in Iraq for the sake of greed....
Our dilemma is rendered slightly less painful by the all-volunteer nature of our armed forces: at least we aren't being asked to cheer on reluctant draftees. Presumably everybody in uniform knew what they might be in for when they signed up.
......
The thing is, we don't really have to win. Losing the Vietnam War sucked, but not fighting it in the first place would have been smarter.
Posted by: DiAnne at August 29, 2005 04:21 PM
Ted Rall has it right....
I might bicker about the 'we don't really have to win' part. We couldn't win in Nam, we won't win in Iraq 'cuz the politicians haven't even studied the history of the crusades... it's impossible to win in Iraq, which was something learned a thousand years ago.
The best we can do now is pull out of Iraq as quickly and gracefully as possible and give them money to rebuild their own country that Bu$h's insane decision to invade was destroyed by our military. Guilt money to atone for Bu$hCo's sins.
NonnyO
No one really ever wins any war.
This is from a Vet for Peace that I ran these ideas by (about supporting the troops but not the war):
The right is correct sometimes. Many on the left are using the troops to promote their own causes. I support the troops in that they many are victims who didn't have other opportunities. Like the one who died from El Salvador. WTF is El Salvador doing sending troops to fight in Iraq.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ from the US
---
Exploitation is just wrong.
& people need to think before they participate.
WTF is El Salvador doing sending troops to fight in Iraq.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ from the US
CHA-CHING, You are right, little lady! Step right over here, for your prize.
(Hey, he forgot about El Salvador.....Don't forget El Salvador!)
FUNNY MONKEY, knows about Bears. Pander Bares.
WELCOME HOME, DEFARGE! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Here's a well-written post I found on the Waco Tribune blog... BTW, if you have time, please post something over there. There are many thoughtful posts and we can show them what rational people think... (For some reason, commenting is only open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. M-F)
http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/sheehan/
***
It is a three-legged stool, but only to the war supporters. Each leg represents a fundamental portion of their belief structure. Tear one out from under them, and they no longer know what to make of the world around them.
This war has brought out the inner id of a self-conscious people so terrified after 9/11 that they simply no longer cared whether we bombed the right targets or not, just as long as we were bombing something.
I just finished reading an article about the protest sponsored by Free Republic. Has anyone here actually read that site? If you want to see the ugly side of humanity in its natural state, that’s the place to look.
These are not people who look at facts and actually dissect the issues before making an informed comment.
This is what it looks like when the guy who makes a fool of himself at the ballgame by painting his team’s colors on his beer gut and dancing in the bleachers latches onto a politician.
These people need the three-legged stool analogy like the rest of us need oxygen. They’re invested in this. Bush is their home team. It doesn’t matter that his team is incompetent to the point of running the ball into their own end zone more often than not. They need to symbolically fuse the commander in chief to the soldiers that he fraudulently sent into harm’s way. After all, they’re largely not informed enough to defend his actions on their merits alone.
Funny, to hear people such as the Freepers tell it, liberals try to make emotional appeals while conservatives stick to facts. But by and large, the conservatives’ “facts” come out of op-ed media — you know, the kind you don’t have to fact-check. They make raw, emotional appeals based on innuendo and seem to have an allergic reaction to the facts.
In the words of the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, “You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.” The fact is that whether it was intentional deceit, willful disregard for the truth or sheer and utter incompetence, nothing we were given in the buildup to the war was accurate.
And Cindy Sheehan does deserve an answer as to why her son was killed when the worst thing he ever did was what every soldier should be able to do — believe in his commander in chief.
Other families may not wish to question him about it. Whether it’s unquestioning allegiance to whoever sits in the Oval at a given time, or whether it’s easier for them to cope with their loss by believing that there really was some dire threat posed by Iraq — that is their option. I want them to do whatever is right for them.
But any family member that has lost a loved one in this deserves better answers than we’ve been given. In January 2004, the president thought the fruitless search for weapons of mass destruction was funny enough to make light of during his speech at the White House Press Correspondents Dinner. I didn’t think it was so funny. I was watching the death toll climb.
I support the troops. I didn’t want them sent into harm’s way until we had the facts. That’s not what happened.
Other people supported a reckless president and a reckless policy that sent our military personnel into harm’s way without knowing the facts or having a realistic idea how to bring them home afterward.
Isn’t it funny that the people bellowing the most about how they “support the troops” are the ones who sent them to get killed capriciously, while the rest of us are accused of not being supportive because we want our military personnel safe at home?
Yes Buchanan wants to impeach Bush but only because Buchanan thinks too many immigrants are coming in. Buchanan is hip to the neocons from day one, being a paleocon himself - but he's also a flat taxer, anti-immigrant zealot. Being "strange bedfellows" with Buchanan is a risky venture and any alliance with him strictly for convenience. On the other hand, the end might be worth the means.
As for protecting our freedom, I have never bought that line.
Posted by: not my president at August 29, 2005 03:21 PM
As for Buchanan suggesting the impeachment of Bush, GOOD. Here is one conservative shooting himself in the foot AND doing something I want done fast - cutting out the flow of pro-Republican immigrants from the Third World. If he can cut out Korean immigration and save Los Angeles from becoming the next Miami, I will owe him greatly. (And I never thought I would owe Buchanan anything in my life.)
And I've never bought that "protecting our freedom" line either. Patriot Act has pretty much destroyed the "freedom" that we were supposed to defend in the first place.
Indy and Madame...
"Where's Osama?"
Gosh, I though he slept in the west Wing waiting for the next terror alert.
Along that line, I think we need to channel our anger, frustration, lack of trust, etc. and get down and dirty like they do. Play hardball, damn it! Why are we as progressives so afraid to play dirty politics too? We don't have to compromise our values & moral integrity if we're speaking the truth with the facts.
I AM mad as hell and I WON'T take it anymore!
(Indy -- and you thought I was such a sweet, peaceful little suburban mom...)
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 03:25 PM
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *** ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MADAME DEFARGE,
AMEN, SISTAH.
Someone on the blog last night said something about maybe being an elitist, but they just did not want to lower themselves to the level of these thugs.
As someone who took the high road for over 30 years, and kept a gentle peaceful loving demeanor MOST all of the time, regardless of what other people around me were acting like, I have changed in the past two years.
Truly evil mean people do not care whether you meet them or not. They don't care how loving you are, or kind. They care about one thing, and one thing only - WINNING, and controlling, and power and money and greed. If you "take the high road" with these kinds, they see it as stupidity, weakness, and as their change to pillage some more. Meet fire with fire with these kinds. The only thing that EVER makes people without consciences back off is to get THEIR BUTTS KICKED!
Normal people, with consciences, yes you can deal with them by appealing to their sense of right and wrong, morality, and conscience. The people we are dealing with now DON'T HAVE ANY.
They care about one thing, and one thing only - WINNING, and controlling, and power and money and greed. If you "take the high road" with these kinds, they see it as stupidity, weakness, and as their change to pillage some more. Meet fire with fire with these kinds. The only thing that EVER makes people without consciences back off is to get THEIR BUTTS KICKED!
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 29, 2005 06:33 PM
Absolutely correct point made here, and I can't agree more. This is what we need to do against the neocons.
And this is also what I'll ask the gay community leaders to do as they fight the upcoming gay marriage ban in California, because the anti-gay forces (churches, immigrants, you name 'em) on the other side will pull out all the stops and will fight dirty. If they'll smear us, I will make sure to smear them as the Third World barbarians they truly are.
"Where's Osama?"
Gosh, I though he slept in the west Wing waiting for the next terror alert.
Posted by: sparrow at August 29, 2005 06:32 PM
He's practicing for his next "commercial".
Good stuff to come back & read!
What a great group!! Keep it coming!
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 29, 2005 06:33 PM
Truth knows...
Now we have to convince our progressive leadership of this. I want to see progressive leaders with cajones.
The right gets away with doing all kinds of crap and no one calls them on it. The progressives merely say something -- something that's supported with facts -- and we get nailed on it. And what does our leadership do? We back off, say we're sorry -- because we're respectful, decent citizens. Well, maybe it's time our progressive leadership stops being so respectful and decent to those who don't treat us with respect & decency.
We back off, say we're sorry -- because we're respectful, decent citizens. Well, maybe it's time our progressive leadership stops being so respectful and decent to those who don't treat us with respect & decency.
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 06:48 PM
Yes, Madame Defarge, a better group of decent people you would travel far and wide to find. Kerry was a gentleman, still is. That's good, we can play bad cop good cop as well as the next group...but to Senator Kerry it wasn't a game, it was a way of life, for him. I watched him early on, and saw him come up against the evils of the Slime Voters and the purple band-aid creeps.
We need a few good men. A few good men (or women) who will stand up and call it like it is.
If love means doing what is in the best interest of all concerned, how can politely keeping quiet while these thugs steal and kill and scoff and slander be doing anything that is in the best interest of anybody? There is no crime, no sin, in speaking truth to power. Cindy is doing it. So must we all.
The right gets away with doing all kinds of crap and no one calls them on it. The progressives merely say something -- something that's supported with facts -- and we get nailed on it. And what does our leadership do? We back off, say we're sorry -- because we're respectful, decent citizens. Well, maybe it's time our progressive leadership stops being so respectful and decent to those who don't treat us with respect & decency.
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 06:48 PM
Gosh, Madame,
I have this image in my head of our Democrat Representatives (and their talking head consultants) sitting on CNN and FOX and calling them out IMMEDIATELY upon the anchorman' (or woman's) misrepresentation.
I have this image of them saying, "Wolfe, you and I both know that's not true. NOW, I expect to see some honest reporting if you and your network want to have my respect and the viewer's respect.
Or maybe a comment like this:
"I expect RESPECT and HONESTY when I come on this show!"
Just saw a woman's car with a Kerry/Edwards sticker on it, then right underneath is another that says "If I die, let it be by chocolate."
I was hoping to catch a glimpse of her - probably a fellow traveller ..
Posted by: sparrow at August 29, 2005 07:03 PM
Power through truth. Power through respect. Power through honesty.
Are there any progressive leaders listening? How do we get these messages to them??? (I'm serious...they need to know what we expect and want!)
Lot's of great pics from Camp Casey
http://www.alaskagyrl.blogspot.com/
Posted by: monkey at August 29, 2005 12:16 PM
Really great pics, allright. Captures the essence of the spirit that was there (okay, a tiny bit of it). The pictures of the crosses with the roses on them brought tears to my eyes.
What has man done to these?
How do we get these messages to them??? (I'm serious...they need to know what we expect and want!)
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 07:15 PM
I'm goin' to DC to tell them UPFRONT and personal!
We need to contact our representatives. I write letters to mine often. I praise their efforts, for they are praiseworthy! (I have two great Senators - Dorgan and Conrad!). I also write to the media.
Madame, there is power in numbers. I really believe, until we join our voices together and make our cry heard across the mountains and plains, we have no power. We have purchasing power, we can choose who to boycott. Until we band together, and take major stands that affect with money, we will be but a few bleating protestors. I has to be done on a large scale, and once started, not stopped until we are heard, and answered, and things change!!!
Here's two great articles on the IRAQ situation and asking( begging) for DEM leadership. Both well worth the read and need to be taken to our dem leadership.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0825-27.htm
http:www.commondreams.org/views05/0828-24.htm
nuff said already!
OOPS!!!
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0828-24.htm
What everyone at Camp Casey II Gets...
The protestors, especially the Veterans "Get it".
The evil that the Greatest Generation fought and died for in World War II was Fascism.
The Bush Supporters and sponsors are supporting the same Economic Fascism promoted by Benito Mussolini.
Therefore, when someone calls you a traitor for showing your dissent, simply point this fact out calmly and quietly...
"I am sorry that you are a fascist sympathizer..."
Watch the eyes roll back in the head and spin.
Then offer to send them this link:
http://www.aapsonline.org/brochures/fascism.htm
Oh, and just for sh*ts and giggles...Liberal means: of or pertaining to a free man or woman.
Ask them if they are a free man or woman...
Got Empowerment?
Indeed...fully charged.
The evil that the Greatest Generation fought AGAINST and died for in World War II was Fascism.
Sounds just a little better eh?
Indy
We do not have a clear statement like that for what is going on now - not from the government.
They would have to incriminate themselves and admit that they are in some ways on the same level as what they think they are fighting. I think we need a third way. We must not take sides in a religious war of fanatical extremists nor should be support exploitation of teh world's resources (including oil theft), either through supporting unjust wars or through unnecessary & frivolous consumption. This is why I have trouble being anything but a world citizen. I can't find that we (our government) is in a morally superior position so can't support this mission as it stands.
For those talking about pressuring their representatives, I feel honored and lucky to have Congressmen Jim McDermott and Congressman Jay Inslee close at hand. It is not so hard to have a personal dialogue with them several times a year, basically whenver they are back in town. McDermott is especially endangered by the right, even in his "safe" district, because he helped take down Newt Gingrich. We'll be having house parties for him same time as the Sept. protests in DC.
Hey,
Anyone know how I can get my resume to the "executive in the financial industry" who wrote this blog entry?
Thanks to the Bush economy, I'm still unemployed due to layoffs last year by my former employer.
- Mary from Manhattan (unemployed Wall-Streeter)
Mary from Manhattan
When I read this article, I had the same thought (that you should work for them!)
Someone on the blog last night said something about maybe being an elitist, but they just did not want to lower themselves to the level of these thugs.
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 29, 2005 06:33 PM
It was me. I think we need to be tough on these crooks & liars but I also think kids/families are off bounds. I'm disappointed to see one faction of the anti-war in Iraq movement go in this direction.
I believe this has the potential to backfire.
Example: Look at President Reagan's kids, especially Ron Reagan Jr. Back in the 80s it would have been easy to assume he was a spoiled rich kid who was just as conservative as his father. Turns out he's a pretty cool guy who would have never have deserved to be attacked publicly for his father's political ideology.
No one's kids should be urged to sign up for this war even if it's just to make a point.
The case against this administration and the occupation of Iraq can be made in other ways.
http://niteswimming.blogspot.com/
Did I read right over at Huffington Post? Is the Washington Times going to sponsor the Pro-War party that Rumsfeld is plannig for Sept. 11?
Amy
Probably - Washington Times is owned by Reverend Moon, cult leader, South Korea, along with United Press Interntiona & he's "in with them"
Here's an interesting article about Weldon on d.u.
Check it out. It really leads to multiple questions and possible misconduct. (surprise, surprise!)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4500623
Posted by: cali dem at August 29, 2005 09:32 PM
Loved the "moran". ;)
http://niteswimming.blogspot.com/
Posted by: cali dem at August 29, 2005 09:32 PM
Sorry, I still disagree. I want to make something clear.
I did not, and am not urging anyone's kids to go to war. I am not after anyone's kids. I do want the neocon's and the religious leaders to put their money where their mouth is, and their follower's too.
I myself have seen a big difference in the way people approach this war. If they have children or grandchildren who either serve or will serve if this war continues, they take the time to reflect, and realize the price it will cost them.
If they have no children or grandchildren that will ever be affected, they are nonchalant, flippant, even.
I am tired of priviledged kids sitting out wars while the less fortuned pay the price. I'm tired of this country being led into war by a cabal of which 98% of the members in it are our "fearless" leaders who found a myriad way of escaping paying the price in their youth, and now BEAT THE TOM TOM the loudest while watching kids fall rank and file and be led straight to their death. We know their stories - George was apparently AWOL, Dick had "better" things to do and thus his five deferments, etc. Their right wing political story pushers, too. (Rush Limbaugh and his pilonidal cyst kept him out of Viet Nam.)
The children are not the target. People who beat the drums of war are supposed to be leaders. Let them lead us by showing us that they believe that this war is noble and just. Let them back that rhetoric up with deeds. If it's good enough for our kids, it's good enough for theirs. I want to see them lead by example. They need to lead by example. Surely if it is so noble they would be proud to have their own flesh and blood lead the pack to the war zone. They say it is noble to get blown up because you don't have protective gear because somebody spent the 80 billion somewhere else? Let them lead!
I think people who sit around and are too tired or too lazy to research should consider themselves fair game also. Whether they are rich neocons or not. All church people who file into churches one day a week only to be spoonfed (many put less time into their "religion" than they do brushing their teeth every week) need to realize that there may some day be a very great cost for them being sheeples who find it easier to let the preacher do their thinking for them than to read and research and study and think for themselves.
I am tired of those with the least to lose acting macho and like little Napoleans. This little "Rich-Man-Itis has to reap what they sow. It must cost them something, and until it does, they will never stop.
Of course, Cali Dem, that is what we are here for. To agree, to disagree, and to agree to disagree. As we all put our thoughts out there, it helps us to process all this and help one another process issues, and then effect a change.
I am glad you are here!
Peace activists... beware! You are now part of Bush's terror list according to the ACLU.
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/ACLU_reveals_FBI_labeled_peace_affirmative_action_group_terrori_0829.html
Posted by: sparrow at August 29, 2005 10:24 PM
The secret service already has our photographs from this weekend...
I think people who sit around and are too tired or too lazy to research should consider themselves fair game also. Whether they are rich neocons or not. All church people who file into churches one day a week only to be spoonfed (many put less time into their "religion" than they do brushing their teeth every week) need to realize that there may some day be a very great cost for them being sheeples who find it easier to let the preacher do their thinking for them than to read and research and study and think for themselves.
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 29, 2005 10:20 PM
That's true, Truth, but it's deeper than that. People just want the easy answers and our media is more than happy to give them 10 second "shallow propaganda" to make them think they're thinking for themselves, or getting knowledge, when in fact they simply got 10 seconds of garboleegoook! (I felt like making up a word!)
The sad thing is is that many people think they're doing the right thing to listen to the news, but they have no clue what it's become.
Found this anti-war video at DU...here's what the author (soup) says...And it is definitely worth the download time...
Felt like I needed to do something constructive, so I made a video from a collection of pictures gathered from the internetS, using the song 'Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)' by Melanie.
I need to give credit and thanks to everyone who kindly shared their pics from Crawford and their beautiful vigil pictures this week. Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes by using them.
This is the first time I've tried anything like this, so please be gentle. Hours and hours poured into this little 3min. 55sec. piece. Unfortunately, the darn file is HUGE (11.54mb), and I'm not sure how to make it smaller, or format it to anything other than a WMV (Windows Movie something or other).
Anyway, for what it's worth - it's here for downloading:
http://savefile.com/projects.php?pid=281090
Of course, Cali Dem, that is what we are here for. To agree, to disagree, and to agree to disagree. As we all put our thoughts out there, it helps us to process all this and help one another process issues, and then effect a change.
I am glad you are here!
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 29, 2005 10:20 PM
There's much of what you've written that I'm in total agreement. We'll just agree to disagree when it comes to whther or not it's a good idea to point out chickenhawk hypocrisy by making examples out of the kids of Bush regime officials. If nothing else, maybe these ads will knock some sense into the people who *still* believe there is little or no difference between Dems & Repubs.
And, thank you very much for welcoming me here. Means a lot... :)
Loved the "moran". ;)
Posted by: madame defarge at August 29, 2005 10:19 PM
I just laughed and laughed over that photo. Good freakin' grief.
Look at this rockin' blog my Republican uncle sent me - you won't believe it!!
http://www.flaregun.org
Got word on a couple of people from where the hurricane passed:
Michelle Lindsay is on & off without power but they're ok. She says, "The power kept going on and off until around 8:00pm last night, when it blew out for good. It came back on a little while ago. The devastation throughout this state, and, of course, Louisiana and Alabama as well, is just catastrophic."
Sandra Dearie of the old John Kerry Forum is in
Houston with her family & they're ok too. She says "I'm in Houston; we've been here since Saturday. We don't know when we will be able to go back home, but at least my family is safe. There are so many people who have not been as fortuna