I'm not saying military service is for everyone, or that people who enlist are better people, or that you can't have an opinion without it, but I stand amazed at the site of so many tough talking politicians, political pundits, fox news journalists, right wing radio hosts, and just voters in general who continue to support an unnecessary war while trying to sell another one. If I thought being in Iraq was the right thing to do and that I was protecting citizens here at home from another attack, I would never come home. But don't expect courage from a conservative. They think the number of flags you own, and hating Mexicans, is what makes you a patriot. One can only imagine the spike in recruitment terrorist organizations gain each day American forces occupy Arabia. The key word is "occupy". If this were a war fought in the name of freedom, a healthy adult male like myself would not be sitting at the computer. Meanwhile, recruitment here in the states is at an all time low. Does that make sense with all the Bush stickers that are still left on cars? There is a name for people who love a good war as long as they or their kids aren't going: Chickenhawks.
As of this writing, 3,722 Americans have died in Iraq, but here in America you would hardly know it. This doesn't look like a country at war to me. When I look around on the streets, it doesn't seem like its on anyones mind. The average American isn't going to Iraq, nor do they have a close family member that is, so it doesn't cross there mind on a daily basis. I've read the names of every soldier who has died in this war of choice. They are real people with real families, not just numbers on the news. During the Vietnam War, citizens from all over the country stood and protested the unnecessary conflict. That is not happening now for one reason: there is no draft. This war is being fought by 1% of the population. In WW2, every man who supported that cause, as they should have, enlisted and fought. Now days, the hawks vote republican and go on with there life as if they have no conscience, while innocent men and women continue to die for there ignorance. I realize part of the nostalgia is self-inflicted. Many soldiers who return from Iraq are asked what it was like, and they reply, "its not that bad". This answer is given for either of two reasons: "They" were lucky and didn't have to see much action, so they present the war as though their experience was the norm, or they are simply lying in order to change the subject to a lighter topic. The latter is understandable but misleading, the former is down right despicable. If it weren't for the sophisticated armor and advaned medical technology, the death toll would be closing on 20,000.
I knew from the start there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. How did I know you ask? You don't invade a country who has the capability to destroy you. We have the most advanced satellite system in the world. Theres not a country in the world who has weapons we don't know about. Even as an un-enlightened man of 21 at the time, I found it odd that Bush started talking about Iraq almost immediately after 9/11. Either he is dumber than people think, or this was an elaborate plan from the beginning, as several leaked documents would indicate, along with testimonies from his former staff. Bush chose to invade Iraq, instead other countries in that region with nuclear capability, for imperialistic reasons: oil, no-bid contracts for his friends (halliburton/kbr), the ability to open Iraqs borders to free trade favorable to US interests, and to have the full support of citizens at home for whatever project he chose. The patriot act, tax cuts, appointment of religous supreme court judges, and privatization of social security come to mind.
While in Iraq I realized, not only was it wrong invade, but our continued presence was fueling the insurgency. There are far more attacks against coalition forces than you see in the so-called "liberal media", who never questioned while we invaded in the beginning. During my tour, my mission was to drive down the street and wait to get blown up by a roadside bomb. Foreign fighters account for only 4% of our enemies. If you find that hard to believe, ask yourself this: why hasn't this happened in Afghanistan? Our occupation of Iraq has been the best recruiting tool a religous radical could have asked for. Hearsay, is all one would know in that part of the world prior to 2003. Now the so-called "infidels" are driving down their streets.
At the end of my tour, I would often wonder how, or why, I made it home. Luck I guess, but one thing was for sure, I would not remain silent. I couldn't wait to tell the world the truth. The truth is that we are in the middle of a civil war, and only prolonging it. I debated and tried to change the mind of every one I knew, because public opinion is crucial. I honestly believed enough republicans would vote with the democrats to bring the troops home. I was wrong. The death toll continued to rise and I felt powerless. A couple of months ago my friend Justin, and former comrade from Iraq, informed me that he had joined a group called IVAW (Iraqi Veterans Against the War). Without much thought, I joined the group.
At first I was not an active member; however, that would soon change. The same guy informed me about an upcoming convention in St. Louis. I agreed to join him. We were welcomed, and felt great cameraderie by all of the other vets and members. Its not as now I will only be debating some chap in a bar, but marching through the streets as a show of solidarity. We spent most of the convention strategizing about how to end the war. As a man who grew up in the south, this was the first time I've ever been surrounded by other progressive minded individuals. I gained some new ideas and met some interesting people. Presidental candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich gave an excellent speech. The veterans for peace co-sponsored the event. The organization is made up of a very diverse group, with various political views, but we all have one common interest: ending this war! We are calling for an immediate withdrawal, not a gradual one, as the cowardly moderates have suggested. It doesn't not appear that civilians will end this war, so I strongly urge more vets to join this group. We signed an oath to protect the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, not to enrich neo-conservatives. Go to IVAW.org to do your part for your country and humanity. I would like to give a special thanks to the civilians and Vietnam vets who helped put this event together. And I would also like to give a special shout out to my brother Jason Cobb who is currently serving in Iraq.
Patriotism is loving your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. -Mark Twain
Conservatives Without Conscience
Current mood: enraged
Category: News and Politics
Conservatives Without Conscience
The second democratic debate was held sunday night. Once again, the most popular topics to discuss were: how to get out of Iraq, universal healthcare, global warming, the economy, and what to do about the genocide in Darfur. The second republican debates will be held tonight. The first debate was among conservatives in South Carolina on fox news. So I guess you could call it a triangle of idiots. If its anything like the first one, and it probably will be, the most popular topics will be the candidates personal values and torturing detainees. Not opposition of torture, but in favor of it.
All but two candidates came out in favor of torturing detainees. Torture is the most in-humane activity ever established. The majority of detainees get released back into society when their guilt is not proven, then they become insurgents after their captivity. These are the people who think Abu Graihb was no big deal. This is the party who considers themself morally righteous. They like to call themselves "pro-life". Pro-life my ass! These people support the death penalty, and they've never met a war they didn't like. Where is their pro-life attitude when it comes to providing health insurance for the poor, or food stamps for the single mothers? When these conservatives have raised three kids by themselves on minimum wage, I'll listen to what they have to say about this issue. No one likes abortion, but thats not the issue, and their is no such thing as "pro-life". Your either pro-choice or anti-choice. While I'm on the subject, have you ever noticed the people who don't support a womans right to choose, are people you wouldn't want to fuck in the first place? Maybe I went to far with that one.
Another technique you will notice on tonights debate is fear mongering. The best way to get someone on your side is to scare the shit out of them. It certainly worked for Bush in the last election. It is important to remeber not only our current crises, but the ones America faced in the past. This country has been through: WW1, WW2, the great depression, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Cuban missle crises, and Vietnam, and the bombing in Beirut. Not one of our presidents during those years used fear to win an election. Franklin Roosevelt once said "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself". George Bush is constantly telling us about "dirty bombs", and what would happen if a terrorist got his hands on a nuclear weapon. He tells us if we leave Iraq, their civil war will follow us home. Of course its not true, but if it was the message is that we should keep the soldiers within arms reach, so everyone else can shop in peace. Anyone with any sense of the truth can see that our occupation of Iraq has created more enemies than it has destroyed.
Among our current fear mongering, idiotic, republican candidates, Guiliani has to be the worst. 9/11 occured in his city on his watch. He was seen at Ground Zero with a mask on, so now he has a reputation for being tough on terrorism? Sometimes I don't understand the people in this country. He was on the street because he went against the advice of law enforcement and put the command an control center in the World Trade Center, instead of underground. He was down on the street doing photo ops because he didn't have a fuckin office! He consisitently links Iraq with 9/11. You know what the worst part about it is? It fuckin works. People still believe there is some kind of connection. If this guy gets elected some of us we'll be in Iraq for at least ten more years. This idiot had a low approval rating before 9/11, but afterwards he's a hero? He hasn't done shit to make us safer, and neither has Bush.
There is a commerical, which airs on tv alot, where Mitt Romney says "now is not the time for America to abandon its conservative values. Whats my problem with this? There was no such thing as a conservative before the 1950's. The conservative movement spawned after F.D.R's New Deal alleviated poverty during the Great Depression, and then they contiued to challenge womens and civil rights. So basically, these conservatives want government out of the economy, but inside a womans uterus. They don't want the government helping the poor, but they can tell consenting adults who they should be with. America's tradition is a very liberal one. We were the first modern country to have a secular constitution with a bill of rights. There is nothing conservative about freedom of religion. There is nothing conservative about about revolting against a Monarchy, and demanding equal rights for all. Consertives call themselves traditionalists, but America was founded on confronting the status quo, not conforming to it.
The most disturbing trend of these conservatives without conscience, is the way they continue talk about our current war as if its a football game. Americans, mostly from poor families, continue to die every day in Iraq. What do they say? We can't leave without victory. I'm not only talking about the politicians, but the right radio personalities as well. Any person with a conscience knows there is no winning or losing in war. You go to war as a last resort, and once you realize your doing more harm than good, you end it. There is no such thing as victory when lives are lost.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Our society currently lacks truth. "Double Think" occurs when someone wants to believe something false so bad, they are willing to tell themself something over an over until they actually believe it. People lie to themselves for one main reason. It makes them feel better. Most lies are harmless; however, today thats not the case.
Many Americans still believe Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Why do they believe that? Because they want to. It provides a sense of patriotism. If you believe we are doing the right thing in Iraq, you feel better about your country and better about yourself. Any intelligent person knows thats not true. We bombed Iraqs nuclear site in 1998 and they never recovered. An intelligent person knows the CIA sent Iraqi exiles to Iraq to talk with relatives in Saddams regime about WMD's in 2002, and they all came back with the same answer, "there is no weapons program"(after the invasion the only thing we found in Iraq was expired muster gas). Some point out that Saddam killed a lot of people during his 30 year reign. This is true and non-excusable, but more than ten times that amount have died in Africa as a result of genocide. We have not intervened over there. They have no oil. If you deny the connection you are lying to yourself. Everyone knew Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein were enemies, but many americans wanted more retribution for 9/11 so we lied to ourselves. The result is 500,000 dead Iraqis and over 3,200 hundred dead Americans in counting(if you continue to be brainwashed into believing in this war the blood is on your hands). In the midst of one of the worst disasters in history, many continue to fall for the same propaganda. We are told if we leave now thousands of innocent Iraqis will die. This is a horrible argument because its happening now! Because of our invasion, millions of Iraqis are going to die with or without our intervention. We our told if we don't fight them there we will fight them over here. This is just fucking stupid. An Iraqi has never tried to attack America(Al Qaeda has). An intelligent person knows the sunnis and shia's will not swim across the atlantic to restart their civil war after we leave, but if you admit that you admit we are wrong. If you can't admit that you have been brainwashed.
It is important to remember that Adolf Hitler took over a democratic government in Germany when he was elected in 1933. He mis-led the German people into believing the Austrians, Polish, French, and Jews were out to get them. Were they out to get the Germans? No, but by brainwashing the public he was able to gain a sense of patriotism an nationalism that was other wise impossible. The trick is to make the majority feel like an oppressed minority. Some of that occurs here today. Millions of white males believe they are at a disadvantage compared to women and blacks in the workforce. Is that true? No, but aren't there millions who think that way? Many Christians say they are persecuted in America. Is that true? No, 90 percent of America believes in Christianity, but aren't there millions who feel that way? It is much easier to blame your own misgivings on illegal immigrants, than it is to blame corporate America for hiring them. Why is it easier? By lying to yourself you maintain a sense of nationalism. The point is that it is very easy for a good government to become a bad government if you allow yourself to be brainwashed. The number one cause of death in Iraq is roadside bombs. As a soldier we can't fight against what we can't see. Many come back from Iraq and blame the Rules of Engagement on our failure. Is that true? No, the ROE has nothing to do with getting blown up, but we lie to ourselves because we need an excuse for our failure when the failure is not our fault. Conservatives blame the media for our failures in Iraq. Is that true? No, cameras aren't killing our soldiers, nor are they stopping our soldiers from killing the enemy, roadside bombs buried into the ground are. If you can't see that you have been brainwashed.
A roadside bomb almost took my life in Iraq. A fellow soldier said to me "God must have been watching out for you". I am offended by statements like this. It implies that my life is more important than the thousands that have died before an after me. Half the people in this country believe in angels, despite the fact that innocent people are killed an raped everyday without the help of divine intervention. Why do we believe this? It takes the stress off of us when we believe in a divine plan. Why is this important? Many people deny the obvious evidence that global warming is taking place because there Bible does not mention it; furthermore, it allows them to live there luxorious lifestyle by denying the truth. Many people say "God" has blessed this country, but doesn't that deny the fact that it was taken from the Indians and founded upon slavery? This ideology has brainwashed millions of Americans into thinking we are in a "holy war" with islamic fascists in Iraq,( islamic fascism is a very serious threat to us in other parts of the world) when in reality it was a war of choice for the neo-conservative agenda.
People in this country like to complain about politicians, but politicians come from American homes, American schools, and American churches. We the people control our own destiny. So maybe its not the politicians, or the media. Maybe its the people. We have the best constitution in the world. Only us, if we are brainwashed, can ruin it.
You can't choose to be a cheap whore at only one specific time and place. If you show your breasts for beads at Mardi Gras, then upon request, you must show them at your local grocery store.
New Rule
Everyone must be aware of current politics. People say politics are to boring. You know whats exciting,when politicians get drunk with power because no ones watching them. Hey, you want exciting? No one expected we would retaliate for 9/11 by attacking ...Iraq! Unpredictable and exciting!
New Rule
Tipping is for waiters and lap dancers only! Whats with the tip jars everywhere? Waiters get tips because they wait on you. If your standing behind a bar pouring drinks or cutting hair, your not waiting on me. I'm waiting on you.
New Rule
Don't try to talk to me about Desperate Housewives. If I had any interest in other people's sex lives, I'd be a Republican!
New Rule
Having "no carbs" doesn't necessarily make something good for you. This new rule has no carbs and its not funny.
New Rule
Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it, it doesn't make you spiritual. If its right above your ass, I'm guessing the last time you prayed, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant.
New Rule
No more urban slang from white people. Attention all real rappers - you have guns for a reason. Use them!
New Rule
Stop voting for candidates based on "morals and values". I don't understand this country. The air is poison, all of the jobs are gone, and some of us have to spend time all over a desert you can't find on a map, but what really matters is boys kissing.
New Rule
Stop telling me not to talk to you until you've had your coffee. I'll make a deal with you. I won't talk to you before you've had your coffee, if you don't talk to me after you've had your coffee.
New Rule
No more tv gambling! First it was celebrity poker, then celebrity black jack. Some things are meant to be done an not watched. The next step is watching celebrities scratch lottery tickets.
New Rule
The next reality show must be called "Americas Stupidest State". We'll start at 50, and each week if your state does something stupid with, say, evolution or tries put the 10 commandments on the flag, you'll move on to the next round. Of course the last five will always be Alabama, Texas, Florida, Utah, and Kansas. Sorry Virginia.
New Rule
Your hamburger can't be bigger than your ass! Your portions are to large if your health risk includes a back injury.
New Rule
If you have to tell me what portion of you is Native American, your not really an Indian.
New Rule
You can stop releasing Star Wars now. I don't care if its in a box set, remastered or redigitized, bonus scenes or director's commentary. Its still a space movie for nerds!
New Rule
Theres no such thing as "flavored water"! I've accidently bought this crap. Its water, but without the watery taste. You want flavored water? Pour some Jack over ice and let it melt. Theres your flavored water!
New Rule
In fat ass, stomach-stapling America, stop focusing on the three people in this country who don't eat enough! They shouldn't have banned Ephedra, they should have banned chocolate!
New Rule
Credit or debit cards cannot be used for small purchases. I thought I was going to the "convenient" store to quickly by cigarettes, but now I'm standing behind someone who is waiting to get approved for a bag of cheetos and a Dr. Pepper.
New Rule
No more typing "lol" unless you actually laugh out loud!!!
According to inflation and the value of a dollar, minimum wage is equivalent to what it was in 1954. The only problem with that is that the cost of living is a lot higher. That is why minimum wage usually goes up every few years.
When clinton was in office it went up twice. The last time it was raised, in 1997, put it at 5.15 an hour. He tried to raise for a third time, but could not get the votes from the republican congress. As I'm sure you are aware, it still sits at 5.15.
In the 2004 election John Kerry stated over and over again that he planned to raise the minimum wage to 7.00 an hour. Bush never talked about minimum wage. I considered that a key reason to vote for Kerry. Apparently alot of people would rather vote on pointless issues like gay marriage and abortion.(I say abortion is pointless because the president has no power to change the law) These are the so-called "morals and values" issues. I consider paying people a decent wage so they can support themselves and their family a morality issue.
Republicans believe in free enterprise. That means they would like to pay their workers whatever they want.(below minimum wage) Since they can't do that in America, they send the jobs overseas, or hire illegal immigrants. Somehow their thought of as being more Patriotic? Thats why George Bush is the first Prestident to preside over a loss of net jobs since Herbert Hoover.
Our current president was the first ever to cut taxes in a time of war. Its no wonder the gap between the rich and the poor is forever widening. Who do you think the tax cuts benefit? People making over 200,000 a year. With the billions of dollars being spent on Iraq, taxes should have gone up, and the rich should be the ones paying the bill, but instead they profit off of it. If someone tells you the economy is improving, hit them in the face! The stock market is up, so the rich are getting richer. Thats all that means. Tax cuts for the rich don't help the economy, because they just put the money in the bank. If the money was given to the middle class they would have bought things they needed, therefore putting the money back into circulation.
The other day I heard the worst argument ever in favor of not raising minimum wage. A lady on tv, republican of course, said " not that many people make minimum wage". Not that many means that some do, and maybe we should try to help them out. An that doesn't take into account all of the people that make barely above minimum wage who benefit from its raising.
I know this was more about the poor than the middle class. I titled it "War on the Middle class" because no one cares about the poor anymore. I don't make minimum wage and you probably don't either, but some people do. Now that the democrats have taken over congress they will try to raise it, with strong opposition from Bush. This is just something to think about next time your in the voting booth.
Its playoff time which means everyone wants to make a prediction. Since I am no better I will give it a shot.
Lets start with the NFC. Basically there aren't any good teams in the NFC. They are all average at best and none of them would have made it in the AFC, but since they are in they all have a shot. The Bears are the favorite with a solid defense even though they didn't play well late. However with their current quarterback they probably have the worst offense in the league. The Saints have the best offense and the worst defense. The cowboys looked like the team to beat a few weeks ago. Now they look like they don't belong there. The only team that is hot right now is the Eagles, but when you think about it they really never beat a good team when they made their run. Aside from that I don't think there very good. Just lucky. Everyone says the Giants have alot of talent and their underachievers. I don't see it. I think they are what they are. Average. I didn't mention the Seahawks. Why should I?
In the AFC there are a few good teams. The Ravens are playing well on both sides of the ball, but their strong point is their defense which is number one in the league again. This year they finally have a proven quarterback in Steve Mcnair. The chargers have a solid defense and the best running back in the league. They will probably have the offensive and defensive player of the year with Tomlinson and Merriman. The Patriots are playing well on both sides of the ball. They also have the most postseason experience. Tom Brady plays his best in the playoffs. The Colts may have the best quarterback in the league on paper, but he has choked in the playoffs every year. Combine that with their horrible run defense and they should be one and done. The chiefs have a solid offense, and an average defense. Good enough to get to the second round but thats about it. I didn't mention the Jets. Why should I?
Predictions: I'm going with the two best defenses.
This ones for conservatives
Current mood: disappointed
Category: News and Politics
You know what you see alot of these days? Guys that are pro-war but never enlist themselves. They talk alot about who we should go after. They won't give diplomacy a chance. I guess thats easy when your life is not at stake. These are the same people who put support the troops ribbons on there car, but vote for a guy who deploys them continuously for an un-just cause. You know who I think has my back? The war protesters, the so-called tree huggers, the people at moveon.org, the ones who use their voice to try to save innocent American lives. The ones who want to stop a failing war even though they have no family deployed. Not the conservatives who say they pray for us. You did this is! You knew there were no WMD's, you knew their there was no link between Iraq and the terrorists. You allow private contractors, and special interest groups to make money at the expense of innocent lives. You support your party for two reasons; greed and stupidity. There is no such thing as a christian conservative. Jesus would not privatize social security. How can you preach about morals and values, but support tax cuts and complain about welfare? Do you know who lowering taxes hurts? The ones you call heroes. The teacher, the cops, the fireman, and the soldiers. I keep hearing alot of whining about illegal immigrants taking away jobs. Who do you think benefits from that? Republicans. The rich and greedy people that own all the businesses. Think about it. For six years republicans have had both houses of congress and the presidency. Why hasn't this problem been solved? The same reason as the Iraq war. MONEY.
I am an outsider by choice, but not truly. Its the unpleasantness of the system that keeps me out. I'd rather be in, in a good system. Thats where my discontent comes from: being forced to stay outside. My advice: keep movin straight ahead. Every now and then you find yourself in a different place.
Burnin in hell, but don't deserve to be, got people I don't even know that wanna murder me, just becuase they heard of me, and they no that the dark is for real , the bark is for real, when you see that spark it will kill. Look through my eyes and see what I see, do as I do, and be as I be. Walk through my shoes and you'll hurt your feet, and you'll know why I keep it real in the street.
aggravated
determined
enraged
annoyed
angry
disappointed
cynical
contemplative