How many Obama-ordered civilian deaths in foreign lands will you tolerate before speaking out and taking action? Three Pakistani children are three too many for me. FULL ARTICLE
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It seems to me that much of the antiwar movement has gone to sleep since the inauguration. As long as the president is a democrat, suddenly wars have a reason, and the old excuses are brought back out by the former opposition.
For years, people would attack those who opposed Bush’s wars as “unpatriotic,” or some other babbling nonsense.
Now, I’ve been hearing people giving excuse after excuse as to why “ending the Iraq war” really means keeping 50,000 troops….and how killing people in Afghanistan is ok. Or, how beefing up the rhetoric against countries like Iran is in our best interest.
But this is really nothing more than a continuation – an endless cycle of war, empire – and mass murder
It takes courage to stand up to the warmongers – especially when they’re popular as president. For that, Tom, I salute you!
While I couldn’t even IMAGINE a democrat congress impeaching Obama – since they’re not interested in going after Bush – I do believe that’s what is right is right, and the author is saying something that’s probably very unpopular, but quite true.
As long as the majority of people in this country believe that there is really a substantial difference in our two major political parties and that the political elite running this country do not really want an American Empire running the world, this will be the state of things. Ivan Eland’s book, “The Empire Has No Clothes” spells it out. We have the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned us against running our foreign policy, and BOTH parties have bought wholeheartedly into it.
I agree with you a 100%
there are only two ways to get rid of Obama
But that would be BAD for the already damaged U.S.A.
maybe next time the People twice before they Vote
As long as Bush, Cheney and their whole administration is prosecuted first, and duly punished for their war crimes, and the war THEY started, I would have no problem going after Obama as well. But only after! You can hardly hold Obama responsible for these acts if you don’t hold the prior administration responsible as well. Right?
#7An Old Hippie from the 60's on 03.06.09 at 5:44 am
Tom Santoni’s article is quite truthful, straight forward and depressing. As a long time activist from the 60’s who protested against the war in Vietnam and who supported equal-rights and civil-rights, and who supported and voted for Obama, it is somewhat disheartening to find out that our new president, who promised America such hope and change, is really not delivering upon his promises. In the 1960’s, the young people and anti-war activists of America, whom believed in world peace, stood up against our military-industrial controlled government of that time and helped to bring an end to the immoral and insane war in Vietnam. I wonder, if that is still possible today. Maybe what we really need is another American Revolution!
I graduated from High School in 1952. I questioned then how civilized educated Occupants of this planet could continue to kill other human beings, unless personally being attacked. I have not heard or read anything in this last 57-years to change my mind. Who is the enemy that has the capacity to attack the United States? Bring all our military personnel and their equipment home. Think what all those military people could do to protect/inspect our seaports, borders, airports, food-processing plants, etc. Their paychecks would be spent here and not in a foreign country. Let’s start acting like intelligent civilized citizens of the world!
#4 shill – I haven’t yet read Ivan Eland’s book, but have often read his articles at independent.org and antiwar.com. Thanks for the recommendation!
I totally agree that it’s not just a few bad apples doing things to keep this empire going – it’s part and parcel of the american system of government now.
I don’t understand the idea of having to go and prosecute bush and cheney first. Yes, they’re murderers, but does that mean we rely on a new murderer to go after the old ones? And should we tolerate more murder while begging the new murderer to prosecute his predecessor for something that he’s done?
It could go in circles forever. Like Bush, Obama is killing, and it’s just the beginning. Justice is what we need, not a first-come-first-serve policy!
As a member of the United States Army, I would just like to say this: It would be nice to see a withdrawal and let the citizens of these foreign countries take a stand for themselves against the atrocities that are happening to them.
I believe that when you see a bad guy doing a bad thing, you should stop them. But at what expense?
It is not my intention to die for my country, I intend to make the other bastard die for his… but not until he crosses my border.
I know it sounds as if I am contridicting myself, and that’s what happens when one is in a situation like mine. War is a nasty awful thing and soldiers are not all war-mongers, lusting for the heat of battle. Most of us would love to see the need for a smaller Army.
As a soldiers’ contract comes toward its end, we come to a decision: Do we want to continue working for the people we are working for (our boss changes every 4-8 years) or do we want to pursue other avenues.
What do you think, America?
What Santoni has said should be self-evident to all with eyes open. But he diminishes the breath of perspective with this comment: “Obama is making an honest attempt to deal with our many domestic crises…”
Obama is following the Bush storyline at home as well by expanding the largest distribution of wealth in American history from the people to the bankers and speculators and corporados. Impeachment serves no one, since the US government under whichever party is but a servant of the power brokers. And, since the financial elite need only one thing from the people – our money – the only way we’ll bring down the Empire is by ceasing to fund it.
If millions of Americans – both peace-wanting progressives and libertarian conservatives – would stop paying federal income taxes, the machinery of Empire would come to a screeching halt. Each of us who feed the Beast are personally responsible for its corporate crimes. Until we’re ready to “impeach” our own fear and paralysis and put our money where our minds are, we will continue to be pawns in an Imperial Chess Game.
Having followed Americas adventures in many lands for a long time I have concluded that, like Israel, the crazy actions that kill innocents and inflame hatred are deliberate. For most people this doesn’t make sense but if your first priority is to expand the military, steal resources or land then perpetual war is perfect. With your powerful military you will always win and along the way most people will bend to your way. The author William Blum sums it up, ” what the government is actually doing is worse than you imagine.”
Riversong – I think you make an important point about the economy. I strongly agree that what Obama is doing is only going to make things worse, and is a continuation and an expansion of the powers grabs that Bush did.
But as far as a stance against war, I think Tom really hit the nail on the head. We’ve had a number of angry emails in response to this article, like this one:
stick it where the sun don’t shine
I can’t even compare the number of Bush killings vs Obama
From this, I assume that killing is only bad when it gets to a massive number. And with that idea, it’s always bad to oppose killing at the beginning – because the numbers are low.
That’s the exact same idiotic mentality we had to fight against for the first 3+ years of Bush murders. All it does it enable the killing.
“When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.”
Plato
It’s time to begin to come together as a Moral force for this country. Prosecute Bush and Cheney. Obama too. The Tyrant is a runaway Imperialistic Government. A Government of Special Interests, not a Government to serve the people.
Nice essay, we must extripate the international banker’s (the federal reserve) and israel (the israel lobby) from our government this is the only solution to stop the use of America as a proxy for these devilish entities. If this is done America will be good again and we can get back to were we left off; the adherence to the law and the foundational principles of America as outlined so eloquently by Rep. Ron Paul of Texas http://www.campaignforliberty.com/
Obviously this is getting quite heated…
I don’t know about prosecuting anybody right now. If you had seen what I have seen, what my Brothers and Sisters have seen, you’d have a different perspective. Don’t get me wrong, it is ugly some of the crap that is going on over there. We as soldiers follow the orders of our military leaders. There’s at least 15 people between me and the President…. The old phrase of, “I was just following orders,” is crap and is not tolerated. Soldiers who have screwed up and killed innocent people are being CONVICTED and JAILED as we speak! If an American Soldier does not follow the Law of War or the Rules of Engagement, they will be convicted and thrown in prison for a very long time. These offenses are taken very seriously. It isn’t the President murdering the innocent. It is some jerk-off with a screw loose who didn’t follow protocol. I am in no way trying to say I am supporting either former President Bush’s or President Obama’s theories or intentions or actions…. I’m just saying that you should know every side of the story before you accuse.
Edward – removing the power of lobbies, whether AIPAC or any other, is essential. The way to do that is simple. Remove the incentive. As long as the federal government is massive, as long as it has huge amounts of power, there will always be groups who try to infiltrate and/or exploit that for their own ends….often evil.
The “fix” ?? Restrain the government to strict limits on what it is allowed to do. And nothing more.
The fed is a bunch of criminal counterfeiters and enables the government to pay for all its expanses of power – which creates the incentives for the lobbyists, which in turn creates the need for the fed, and the circle goes on and on, and on.
Plato wrote many profound things. Most people don’t know that the Legend of Atlantis was reported by Plato in Timaeus. The story was given to him by Solon as given to him by the Egyptian Kings who told Solon they could trace their lineage back more than 10,000 years.
Lydia, the soldier is not the culprit here, although some are. I once wrote an article “Not all soldiers are Heroes”, and I did it because that was the mantra at the time.
The real criminals are the Politicians and Corporations who seek war and strife as a means to a profit flow. This is what happened in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In another thread I mentioned that the Taliban offered to give up Bin Laden – that was before the invasion, and that Saddam offered to go into exile to avoid the invasion of Iraq. Neither offer was accepted.
There was a reason for that. Those immoral politicians and War Industry Corporations were looking for a new profit stream and they got it.
In another thread I mentioned that Retired General Wesley Clark one night on Book TV ( C-Span ) while I was watching, said that he had discussed plans to invade 7 Arab Countries in I believe it was 1991. He discussed those plans with A Pentagon official and Rumsfeld.
Back to Plato for a moment. He said in one of his works ( don’t remember which ) that it was good for the State to lie to the citizen if it was for the good of the state. Plato believed in Reincarnation. He stated that the in each life if a person was good in the previous life he would come back at a higher life. The ultimate plateau to reach was - Politician.
It never ends, I wrote this in 2003
—————————————
His Last Question
I answered my country’s call
And blitzkrieged across Iraq.
The stench of burning flesh
Is seared into my brain.
We were liberators, I was told,
And would be greeted with joy!
The misery and hate in their eyes
Is burned into my memory.
The children sometimes smile,
But are quickly hurried away.
Weapons fire rips through the street,
My reflexes drop me to the dirt.
Ambulances, bodies, civilians, children,
And sometimes a buddy of mine.
Automatic weapons and RPG’s
Do not pick and choose.
My Sergeant says, “Don’t trust any of them,
Waste ‘em if they get too close.”
A sick baby, dead with its family, asking for help.
Despite this I’m a liberator, or so I’m told.
Explosions far and near disturb my rest.
The pervading heat dehydrates me.
Everyman’s hand is turned against me here,
And I’m to continue “liberating.”
It’s tough at home, the President says,
They’ve got to cut my pay.
My tour’s extended to a year.
I’ve never seen my son.
I’ve seen a lot of babies die
And heard the women cry
And seen my buddies blown apart
by “liberated” men.
I’ve tried to do my duty
But, Lord, it’s getting hard.
The war is over, the Prez has said.
Does he tell that to the body bags?
I joined to get an education,
Agreed to do what I was told.
Was assured I’d be greeted with flowers,
And cheers, and tears of joy.
What I’ve seen smacks of madness,
I’ll never be the same.
My life is one last question,
May I go home, now? Please?
And to think…Obama has only been in office for just 6-7 weeks now (?) Just imagine, what things will be like say in 2-3 years from now ? Will the same articles like mr. santori’s continue ? Or will there be a “revolution” where hard working middle class americans get fed up with those who have failed to represent the majority ( we the people) America had a chane to make history on january 20th…but were so caught up in seeing hisorty being made …they all forgot what being an American was all about huh ? So it is time to suck it up, quit our whinning as we sat on our hands and blessed assurances and did nothing for the last 15 -20 years now politically speaking…so as grandma used to say…you made your bed…sleep in it !!!
But when you have had enough…you know what to do…right ?
The question is, have we just added another to the long list?
———————————————————- Hubris Uber Alles
Astride the known world,
Filled with hubris
They marched in their turn:
Darius, Xerxes, Agamemnon, Alexander,
Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler and more
All their empires rising, conquering,
Their passing marked by mounds of skulls
And vainglorious boasts.
Their places taken in turn by others
as their empires rotted from within.
Now yet another warlord stands,
His nation’s proud banner, once a beacon
Of freedom and hope to all mankind,
Now a symbol to be feared
By friend and foe alike.
This, too, shall pass away
After adding its quota of skulls to the mountain,
While the common man around the world
Holds tight the dream of Brotherhood and Peace
Close to his breaking heart.
I wrote a book that expressed my opinion on GW. Bush, Dick Chaney and the war in Iraq and Afghanastan. Unfortunately, I used Authorhouse as my publisher. They butchered the book during editing and since they are handling its sale. I doubt that anyone will ever read it. The title is “Corporate America’s Final Solution.” Too bad, the book has quite a few good things in it. If you read it, you’d be as pissed off as I am.
My husband has a great job catching shoplifters. I was trying to explain the American political system as best I understand it. I started by explaining that poli- is the ?latin? root word for ‘many’. And tics, well, those are blood sucking parasites. Then, when he asked about Obama’s plan, I told him, “Oh, that’s simple. Next time you catch a shoplifter, pay for what he stole and let him leave with it.”
Blood sucking parasites! Might as well say it how it is. Probably not an analogy that people like to hear, but makes sense. A long, but good excerpt from Lysander Spooner:
“The highwayman takes solely upon himself the responsibility, danger, and crime of his own act. He does not pretend that he has any rightful claim to your money, or that he intends to use it for your own benefit. He does not pretend to be anything but a robber. He has not acquired impudence enough to profess to be merely a ‘protector,’ and that he takes men’s money against their will, merely to enable him to “protect” those infatuated travellers, who feel perfectly able to protect themselves, or do not appreciate his peculiar system of protection. He is too sensible a man to make such professions as these. Furthermore, having taken your money, he leaves you, as you wish him to do. He does not persist in following you on the road, against your will; assuming to be your rightful ’sovereign,’ on account of the ‘protection’ he affords you. He does not keep ‘protecting’ you, by commanding you to bow down and serve him; by requiring you to do this, and forbidding you to do that; by robbing you of more money as often as he finds it for his interest or pleasure to do so; and by branding you as a rebel, a traitor, and an enemy to your country, and shooting you down without mercy if you dispute his authority, or resist his demands. He is too much of a gentleman to be guilty of such impostures, and insults, and villainies as these. In short, he does not, in addition to robbing you, attempt to make you either his dupe or his slave.”
Good quote, Spoonerite! Thanks. Sort of analogous to the current “pirates” that Blackwater and several governments are worried about now. They take a ship, hold it for ransom and, when paid, let it go.
For these crimes, the whole might of governments and mercenaries are poised to descend upon them in their villages, no doubt to either imprison and enslave them or destroy them to teach them a lesson; that you cannot rob and pillage unless you are a government, or hired by a government to do so. (or a member of a business cartel)
#26 David – that could make a great case for publishing everything open source. I’ve heard too many stories about publishers doing things like that. Good anti-war writing is something that’s always needed here, maybe you should consider putting out a few short essays and submitting them to this site?
Hi David. If you go to the Populist site and check Steve Osborn, you’ll find close to a hundred articles posted. That is not the total of the anti-war writing I’ve done in the past eight or nine years, but it is much of it.
Unfortunately, few listened. I’ve been thinking of posting a few of them on the blog, as we seem to be starting it all over again. Likewise, Poets Against the War has some of my anti-war poetry.
Steve, I’ve read a lot of great antiwar articles on this site, many of them have been yours. This is one of the primary reasons why I support this group here – because of the antiwar stance, that’s consistent! Too many places oppose bush’s wars, or now, obama’s wars, but rarely all of them.
Why is it so much easier to condemn war when it is committed by the other political party than by one’s own? Innocent spirits, including those who look for joining the military to improving their chances for a better life, are killed (or worse) in either case. I believe that our beloved country is the captive of two factors. One is what Plato called timocracy and Eisenhower would have called the military, industrial and “congressional” complex had not a speechwriter deleted “congressional” at the last moment in January, 1961. Since then, for nearly a half century, the war profiteers has slithered its way throughout our economic system — the system that dominates our political one. The so-called “defense” industry sucks the life from our body politic. The other factor is our insidious two-party system. Imagine a democracy as large as ours — the third most populous country in the world — having only two political parties! The absurdity is palpable to all but us. Our election laws (plurality winners/single member districts) are at the bottom of it all. This electoral process is the consequence of an 1841 federal law governing how congressional elections are held. For a century and a half the vaunted two-party contagion has infected most of our state and local elections as well. Do we need reminding that there are far more than two sides to every important question? Needless to say, our vaunted free press — the electronic media that occupy publicly-owned airwaves and the newspapers that are dying — will never single out either of these faults of our democracy. Perhaps the young and the internet can save us yet!
Beverly. You bring up super points. The bane of our Democracy is the Party First mentality when it should be America first. But the fact is , the party member will lie and obfuscate for their party over and over again and again.
The Democrats did it for Clinton and the Republicans did it for Bush. What we need to do if we ever plan to return to a moral and ethical society is get rid of the Party First sickness.
So many think it can’t be done, but I do. I believe in the American people, I distrust our current Washington crowd.
The American people can take back our Government simply by blocking out Party First politics. If the majority of Americans would simply choose a party and shun them, never vote for one of their candidates again, the remaining parties would take note and they would either begin to represent the people or they could face the same fate as the now defunct party.
The point is, no one can stop the individual American Citizen from tossing the corrupt party. I suggest the Republicans since they were the last to have an opportunity to serve Americans and they refused to do so.
For a half-century, I’ve eschewed parties with the intent of voting for the most qualified candidate. What I’ve wound up doing, for the most part is the same as a cotton boll in the South. Look for the lesser of two weevils. Often I’ve been wrong in my choice. I think, primarily, becasue they are all controlled by the oligarchy, so it doesn’t make much difference.
Take our “change man” Mr. Obama. Who did he pick for his cabinet? the same old neocon hawks that have been advisors through several presidencies, advising the same old crap.
“Change” in Iraq. Transfer some grunts to Afghanistan and reclassify the remainder from “combat troops” to “advisors.” Voila! No more combat troops in Iraq! Just thousands of advisors kicking in doors and shooting the terrified.
Afghanistan, send in the drones. Kill anybody who seeks to regain his country for himself and his people with a helfire missile and call him a terrorist. Collateral damage? Pay the survivors a few hundred bucks a head and that makes it OK. Move on to the next village.
Perhaps we’ll find out what it is all about when the skys over us contain Blackwater drones under contract to HS. When NorthCom sends its combat brigades in to pacify American protestors. When the no-bid KBR camps are opened for business, staffed with Blackwater guards, contracted to HS. When, to eat, you are marched or trucked out to do forced labor.
Read the Executive Orders! It is all there in place, awaiting the time. Mr. “Change” doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to re-establish the Constitution, or strike out the various excesses of the Cheney/Bush administration upon our freeedoms.
Frankly, there is only a timy bit of positive change I’ve seen in the last two months that distinguishes the Obamanation from CheneyBushCo. I think those are just peanuts, thrown to us to keep us hopeful and quiet while the job is concluded.
Now it is Pakistan, same old, same old. Our government reminds me of Mort Sahl, an ascerbic comic who would say towards the end of his show, “Is there anybody I haven’t offended yet?”
I ask this more as a rhetorical question, but still think it’s important. When, or what, can we expect to bring some real change? Voting is a foolish thing to rely on, especially when both major parties in charge of this country are warmongers, calling reps doesn’t work, marches, etc?
a 2 party system ?? what system…and yes there are 2 parties…Us verses Them…when will AL of US quit fooling around…get together as the millions did to see History 7 week ago…to go and Make History…before the Easter recess…or did US give up Political Activism for lent ?
Steve, I think you make a great point here – us vs them. We outnumber them by a great deal, but they have the security forces, they have the cloak of legitimacy with elections, they have the force of taxation, and most importantly, they have the education system which has been teaching generations of children that they’re eternally necessary.
Maybe I’m rambling. Some great comments on this post!
As I have mentioned a few times in the past, the tax revolt idea is great, except that those of us who would refuse to pay taxes for more war and to give to the bankers and Wall Street gamblers have already had it withheld. BB already has our tax money. All we get from refusing to file is yet another huge fine.
The only people who have the loopholes to not pay are perfectly happy with the system the way it is. They not only get their taxes back, they get ours, too. Such a deal!!
The oligarchy has tried for many years to scuttle the Constitution, but could only manage a little erosion, until CheneyBu$hCo. Give all the treasury away to the wealthy, promote wars and weaponry, and one day, there is no money to help the people, no jobs, no health care, just millions starving in the street, willing to work for pennies to try to afford a little food for their families. Then, the government says, “Have we got a job for you! Join the army! Good pay and you can keep the enemies of our country at bay while feeding your family!”
Hell, that worked great in the Roman Empire, for a while.
The same henchmen that got us into this quagmire are still in charge. Only the figurehead names and faces change. Only the propaganda shifts and moves to keep the people quiet or compliant. And all the while, the rich and powerful get richer and more powerful, and We the People foot the bills and provide the muscle.
Those guys in Washington are just puppets, folks. They’ve sold their souls to the hight bidders and have become traitors to the American people. I would probably guess that most of you do not know who the “bidders” truely are? If ya’ haven’t figured that out by now then all I can say is good luck boys! Let give you a clue. That bunch of “bidders” are also the so-called “terrorist” but they do not reside in Iran, Iraq, or Afganistan–etc., etc.,–get my drift? As for you Christians–at least the most part– that same “bunch” is also your Anti-Christ in waiting, and you’ve already accepted the mark and you don’t know it,yet. Need any more clues, people? Most of you need to wake up!
So, J Phillips, are you saying that there’s a secret group of people behind the us government that pulls the strings? If that’s the case, does that mean that those government officials who actually carry out these evil acts of war and murder are not responsible for their own actions? That’s what it seems you’re saying to me – please clarify.
Dave
I agree with JPhillips. There is a “Shadow Government” that actually runs our country. They are the people who have bought off our Political Parties. And not all of them are American.
And also the fact that our “Leaders” have committed atrocities but are directed by the SG does not absolve those evil people of their complicity in the crimes.
I’ve heard much about a shadow government, and I have no doubt that there are very powerful people behind the scenes in both business and government itself that have an extremely heavy influence on what happens. Could that be called a shadow government? Sure.
But, I would also take the position that almost the entire “non-shadow” government, except a few people like Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, are part of this same evil cabal.
The prime criminal in so many acts of murder are the people who committed the crimes first hand. Others are complicit as well – those who fund, who give orders, and the like. We’ve got a lot of criminals running around this country under the cloak of legitimacy these days.
I agree Michael. To me the Shadow Government is composed of rich and powerful Internationals. They are the first tier.
The Second Tier are those who have sold their soul to the SG and are the front for the SG. We call those people corrupt Government officials and it includes most of the powerful people in Government.
The Third Tier is the Powerful people in Media ( The 4th Column ) who have sold their soul for the thirty pieces of silver.
And that is the simplistic picture, the view from 50,000 feet if you will. A picture with granularity will be much more complex.
Its kind of like a Corporation. You have the Top Management, the Board, and the Stockholders.
That’s also simplistic.
The point is that they are very entrenched. And they also have the 5th Column – The Powerful of the Two Parties.
When the movie Network came out, I was stunned to see that this scene was ever on the screen. Here you see the whole story. Just watch this little clip and all the above is explained. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOXjqFxM8bg
Those are the people that are running things and to them…well, just watch the clip.
Tom, I;m with you. Three is too many. In fact I’m sure you’d agree even one is too many.
I think the problem is less with Obama than with us. I say this for two reasons. First, Obama is failing to meet our expectations for peace onlybecause we believed the campaign rhetoric and thought he was serious about change. He is singing from the same hymnal used by Bush2, Clinton, Bush1, etc. So he is totally consistent with the absurd foreign policy of disaster capitalism we’ve pursued for at least 20 years. And some thought we would get change.
The other reason I think the problem is ours is that we should be demanding an end to the wars. In fact, we should have been doing this since at least 2003, or to make it easy to agree with at least since whatever point we realized that Bush lied us into Iraq (which for many of us was the start of the war in 2003 but for some came later). We should be demonstrating in the streets, burning up the blogs, pressuring our elected “representatives”, and doing anything we can do to make our voice heard. As others have observed, the anti-war movement must be on vacation.
If you can get a copy of this, read it. THE UNDERGROUND EMPIRE WHERE CRIME AND GOVERNMENTS EMBRACE by James Mills. It is not light reading, being 1164 pages, but it certainly tells it like it, unfortunately, still is. Every few days, as Adrienne and I have watched the news and scoured the internet for the last ten or fifteen years, we far too often just look at each other and say, “The Underground Empire.” This was published in 1986, and damn little has changed since then. There are copies available through bookfinder.com if you can’t find it in your library or local used bookstore. Verrry educational.
Steve. You remind me that it was you who told me where to get a copy of “It Can’t happen here”. I wound up buying two copies, one for me and one for my son. I am going to get a copy of the underground empire.
I had seen the video you posted sometime back and it reminded me of my reference to the Shadow Government that I have often written about.
One of the more interesting things that I have read in the economic realm is by Wilfred Pareto, who is one the great economists of history. And every business and engineering concern in the world is familiar with his 80/20 rule.
Intrestingly, an amazing few are aware of his most important (to me) observation – The distribution of wealth once it gets imbalanced to where only the few, the elite, hold nearly all the wealth, will involve only the elite in decision making. There will be change, but only among the factions of the elite.
When I say that we must git rid of our Shadow Government, the Big Two Political Parties, its akin to my saying I am going to eat an elephant. Most people think that to be an impossible task. But the fact is , anyone can eat an elephant if they do it one bite at a time.
This is why I call for causing the demise of one party at at time.
“Obama is failing to meet our expectations for peace onlybecause we believed the campaign rhetoric and thought he was serious about change.”
I think that really was worth repeating here. Why do we keep falling for the lies? Well, then again, only about 25-30% of all the people really do. The rest voted for the other liar, or better yet, neither of them.
50 comments ↓
It seems to me that much of the antiwar movement has gone to sleep since the inauguration. As long as the president is a democrat, suddenly wars have a reason, and the old excuses are brought back out by the former opposition.
For years, people would attack those who opposed Bush’s wars as “unpatriotic,” or some other babbling nonsense.
Now, I’ve been hearing people giving excuse after excuse as to why “ending the Iraq war” really means keeping 50,000 troops….and how killing people in Afghanistan is ok. Or, how beefing up the rhetoric against countries like Iran is in our best interest.
But this is really nothing more than a continuation – an endless cycle of war, empire – and mass murder
It takes courage to stand up to the warmongers – especially when they’re popular as president. For that, Tom, I salute you!
Makes me think of a great book that was recently released – “We Who Dared Say No to War: American Antiwar Writing from 1812-Now“
While I couldn’t even IMAGINE a democrat congress impeaching Obama – since they’re not interested in going after Bush – I do believe that’s what is right is right, and the author is saying something that’s probably very unpopular, but quite true.
Powerful! Thank you for writing this!
As long as the majority of people in this country believe that there is really a substantial difference in our two major political parties and that the political elite running this country do not really want an American Empire running the world, this will be the state of things. Ivan Eland’s book, “The Empire Has No Clothes” spells it out. We have the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned us against running our foreign policy, and BOTH parties have bought wholeheartedly into it.
I agree with you a 100%
there are only two ways to get rid of Obama
But that would be BAD for the already damaged U.S.A.
maybe next time the People twice before they Vote
As long as Bush, Cheney and their whole administration is prosecuted first, and duly punished for their war crimes, and the war THEY started, I would have no problem going after Obama as well. But only after! You can hardly hold Obama responsible for these acts if you don’t hold the prior administration responsible as well. Right?
Tom Santoni’s article is quite truthful, straight forward and depressing. As a long time activist from the 60’s who protested against the war in Vietnam and who supported equal-rights and civil-rights, and who supported and voted for Obama, it is somewhat disheartening to find out that our new president, who promised America such hope and change, is really not delivering upon his promises. In the 1960’s, the young people and anti-war activists of America, whom believed in world peace, stood up against our military-industrial controlled government of that time and helped to bring an end to the immoral and insane war in Vietnam. I wonder, if that is still possible today. Maybe what we really need is another American Revolution!
I graduated from High School in 1952. I questioned then how civilized educated Occupants of this planet could continue to kill other human beings, unless personally being attacked. I have not heard or read anything in this last 57-years to change my mind. Who is the enemy that has the capacity to attack the United States? Bring all our military personnel and their equipment home. Think what all those military people could do to protect/inspect our seaports, borders, airports, food-processing plants, etc. Their paychecks would be spent here and not in a foreign country. Let’s start acting like intelligent civilized citizens of the world!
#4 shill – I haven’t yet read Ivan Eland’s book, but have often read his articles at independent.org and antiwar.com. Thanks for the recommendation!
I totally agree that it’s not just a few bad apples doing things to keep this empire going – it’s part and parcel of the american system of government now.
I don’t understand the idea of having to go and prosecute bush and cheney first. Yes, they’re murderers, but does that mean we rely on a new murderer to go after the old ones? And should we tolerate more murder while begging the new murderer to prosecute his predecessor for something that he’s done?
It could go in circles forever. Like Bush, Obama is killing, and it’s just the beginning. Justice is what we need, not a first-come-first-serve policy!
As a member of the United States Army, I would just like to say this: It would be nice to see a withdrawal and let the citizens of these foreign countries take a stand for themselves against the atrocities that are happening to them.
I believe that when you see a bad guy doing a bad thing, you should stop them. But at what expense?
It is not my intention to die for my country, I intend to make the other bastard die for his… but not until he crosses my border.
I know it sounds as if I am contridicting myself, and that’s what happens when one is in a situation like mine. War is a nasty awful thing and soldiers are not all war-mongers, lusting for the heat of battle. Most of us would love to see the need for a smaller Army.
As a soldiers’ contract comes toward its end, we come to a decision: Do we want to continue working for the people we are working for (our boss changes every 4-8 years) or do we want to pursue other avenues.
What do you think, America?
What Santoni has said should be self-evident to all with eyes open. But he diminishes the breath of perspective with this comment: “Obama is making an honest attempt to deal with our many domestic crises…”
Obama is following the Bush storyline at home as well by expanding the largest distribution of wealth in American history from the people to the bankers and speculators and corporados. Impeachment serves no one, since the US government under whichever party is but a servant of the power brokers. And, since the financial elite need only one thing from the people – our money – the only way we’ll bring down the Empire is by ceasing to fund it.
If millions of Americans – both peace-wanting progressives and libertarian conservatives – would stop paying federal income taxes, the machinery of Empire would come to a screeching halt. Each of us who feed the Beast are personally responsible for its corporate crimes. Until we’re ready to “impeach” our own fear and paralysis and put our money where our minds are, we will continue to be pawns in an Imperial Chess Game.
Having followed Americas adventures in many lands for a long time I have concluded that, like Israel, the crazy actions that kill innocents and inflame hatred are deliberate. For most people this doesn’t make sense but if your first priority is to expand the military, steal resources or land then perpetual war is perfect. With your powerful military you will always win and along the way most people will bend to your way. The author William Blum sums it up, ” what the government is actually doing is worse than you imagine.”
Riversong – I think you make an important point about the economy. I strongly agree that what Obama is doing is only going to make things worse, and is a continuation and an expansion of the powers grabs that Bush did.
But as far as a stance against war, I think Tom really hit the nail on the head. We’ve had a number of angry emails in response to this article, like this one:
stick it where the sun don’t shine
I can’t even compare the number of Bush killings vs Obama
From this, I assume that killing is only bad when it gets to a massive number. And with that idea, it’s always bad to oppose killing at the beginning – because the numbers are low.
That’s the exact same idiotic mentality we had to fight against for the first 3+ years of Bush murders. All it does it enable the killing.
“When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.”
Plato
It’s time to begin to come together as a Moral force for this country. Prosecute Bush and Cheney. Obama too. The Tyrant is a runaway Imperialistic Government. A Government of Special Interests, not a Government to serve the people.
Nice essay, we must extripate the international banker’s (the federal reserve) and israel (the israel lobby) from our government this is the only solution to stop the use of America as a proxy for these devilish entities. If this is done America will be good again and we can get back to were we left off; the adherence to the law and the foundational principles of America as outlined so eloquently by Rep. Ron Paul of Texas http://www.campaignforliberty.com/
Obviously this is getting quite heated…
I don’t know about prosecuting anybody right now. If you had seen what I have seen, what my Brothers and Sisters have seen, you’d have a different perspective. Don’t get me wrong, it is ugly some of the crap that is going on over there. We as soldiers follow the orders of our military leaders. There’s at least 15 people between me and the President…. The old phrase of, “I was just following orders,” is crap and is not tolerated. Soldiers who have screwed up and killed innocent people are being CONVICTED and JAILED as we speak! If an American Soldier does not follow the Law of War or the Rules of Engagement, they will be convicted and thrown in prison for a very long time. These offenses are taken very seriously. It isn’t the President murdering the innocent. It is some jerk-off with a screw loose who didn’t follow protocol. I am in no way trying to say I am supporting either former President Bush’s or President Obama’s theories or intentions or actions…. I’m just saying that you should know every side of the story before you accuse.
Edward – removing the power of lobbies, whether AIPAC or any other, is essential. The way to do that is simple. Remove the incentive. As long as the federal government is massive, as long as it has huge amounts of power, there will always be groups who try to infiltrate and/or exploit that for their own ends….often evil.
The “fix” ?? Restrain the government to strict limits on what it is allowed to do. And nothing more.
The fed is a bunch of criminal counterfeiters and enables the government to pay for all its expanses of power – which creates the incentives for the lobbyists, which in turn creates the need for the fed, and the circle goes on and on, and on.
Cliff – awesome quote from Plato!
The most important question, in my opinion, comes from Lydia’s comment, #17.
WHO exactly is responsible for the murder of innocents in Iraq, Afghanistan, elsewhere?
Is it the leader who ordered the killing, directly or indirectly? Or is it the person who did the killing?
Both maybe?
Tough questions. Important moral principles.
Plato wrote many profound things. Most people don’t know that the Legend of Atlantis was reported by Plato in Timaeus. The story was given to him by Solon as given to him by the Egyptian Kings who told Solon they could trace their lineage back more than 10,000 years.
Lydia, the soldier is not the culprit here, although some are. I once wrote an article “Not all soldiers are Heroes”, and I did it because that was the mantra at the time.
The real criminals are the Politicians and Corporations who seek war and strife as a means to a profit flow. This is what happened in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In another thread I mentioned that the Taliban offered to give up Bin Laden – that was before the invasion, and that Saddam offered to go into exile to avoid the invasion of Iraq. Neither offer was accepted.
There was a reason for that. Those immoral politicians and War Industry Corporations were looking for a new profit stream and they got it.
In another thread I mentioned that Retired General Wesley Clark one night on Book TV ( C-Span ) while I was watching, said that he had discussed plans to invade 7 Arab Countries in I believe it was 1991. He discussed those plans with A Pentagon official and Rumsfeld.
Back to Plato for a moment. He said in one of his works ( don’t remember which ) that it was good for the State to lie to the citizen if it was for the good of the state. Plato believed in Reincarnation. He stated that the in each life if a person was good in the previous life he would come back at a higher life. The ultimate plateau to reach was - Politician.
It never ends, I wrote this in 2003
—————————————
His Last Question
I answered my country’s call
And blitzkrieged across Iraq.
The stench of burning flesh
Is seared into my brain.
We were liberators, I was told,
And would be greeted with joy!
The misery and hate in their eyes
Is burned into my memory.
The children sometimes smile,
But are quickly hurried away.
Weapons fire rips through the street,
My reflexes drop me to the dirt.
Ambulances, bodies, civilians, children,
And sometimes a buddy of mine.
Automatic weapons and RPG’s
Do not pick and choose.
My Sergeant says, “Don’t trust any of them,
Waste ‘em if they get too close.”
A sick baby, dead with its family, asking for help.
Despite this I’m a liberator, or so I’m told.
Explosions far and near disturb my rest.
The pervading heat dehydrates me.
Everyman’s hand is turned against me here,
And I’m to continue “liberating.”
It’s tough at home, the President says,
They’ve got to cut my pay.
My tour’s extended to a year.
I’ve never seen my son.
I’ve seen a lot of babies die
And heard the women cry
And seen my buddies blown apart
by “liberated” men.
I’ve tried to do my duty
But, Lord, it’s getting hard.
The war is over, the Prez has said.
Does he tell that to the body bags?
I joined to get an education,
Agreed to do what I was told.
Was assured I’d be greeted with flowers,
And cheers, and tears of joy.
What I’ve seen smacks of madness,
I’ll never be the same.
My life is one last question,
May I go home, now? Please?
31 August 2003
Steve Osborn
And to think…Obama has only been in office for just 6-7 weeks now (?) Just imagine, what things will be like say in 2-3 years from now ? Will the same articles like mr. santori’s continue ? Or will there be a “revolution” where hard working middle class americans get fed up with those who have failed to represent the majority ( we the people) America had a chane to make history on january 20th…but were so caught up in seeing hisorty being made …they all forgot what being an American was all about huh ? So it is time to suck it up, quit our whinning as we sat on our hands and blessed assurances and did nothing for the last 15 -20 years now politically speaking…so as grandma used to say…you made your bed…sleep in it !!!
But when you have had enough…you know what to do…right ?
The question is, have we just added another to the long list?
———————————————————-
Hubris Uber Alles
Astride the known world,
Filled with hubris
They marched in their turn:
Darius, Xerxes, Agamemnon, Alexander,
Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler and more
All their empires rising, conquering,
Their passing marked by mounds of skulls
And vainglorious boasts.
Their places taken in turn by others
as their empires rotted from within.
Now yet another warlord stands,
His nation’s proud banner, once a beacon
Of freedom and hope to all mankind,
Now a symbol to be feared
By friend and foe alike.
This, too, shall pass away
After adding its quota of skulls to the mountain,
While the common man around the world
Holds tight the dream of Brotherhood and Peace
Close to his breaking heart.
Steve Osborn
9 August 2003
I don’t know if we really have another 2-3 years. I’m sure ObamaCo would sure love to keep these wars going for as long as possible.
But, how can we afford this much longer?
Crystal. It’s really simple. We can’t afford it for three more years.
It’s time to do something.
We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I wrote a book that expressed my opinion on GW. Bush, Dick Chaney and the war in Iraq and Afghanastan. Unfortunately, I used Authorhouse as my publisher. They butchered the book during editing and since they are handling its sale. I doubt that anyone will ever read it. The title is “Corporate America’s Final Solution.” Too bad, the book has quite a few good things in it. If you read it, you’d be as pissed off as I am.
My husband has a great job catching shoplifters. I was trying to explain the American political system as best I understand it. I started by explaining that poli- is the ?latin? root word for ‘many’. And tics, well, those are blood sucking parasites. Then, when he asked about Obama’s plan, I told him, “Oh, that’s simple. Next time you catch a shoplifter, pay for what he stole and let him leave with it.”
Blood sucking parasites! Might as well say it how it is. Probably not an analogy that people like to hear, but makes sense. A long, but good excerpt from Lysander Spooner:
“The highwayman takes solely upon himself the responsibility, danger, and crime of his own act. He does not pretend that he has any rightful claim to your money, or that he intends to use it for your own benefit. He does not pretend to be anything but a robber. He has not acquired impudence enough to profess to be merely a ‘protector,’ and that he takes men’s money against their will, merely to enable him to “protect” those infatuated travellers, who feel perfectly able to protect themselves, or do not appreciate his peculiar system of protection. He is too sensible a man to make such professions as these. Furthermore, having taken your money, he leaves you, as you wish him to do. He does not persist in following you on the road, against your will; assuming to be your rightful ’sovereign,’ on account of the ‘protection’ he affords you. He does not keep ‘protecting’ you, by commanding you to bow down and serve him; by requiring you to do this, and forbidding you to do that; by robbing you of more money as often as he finds it for his interest or pleasure to do so; and by branding you as a rebel, a traitor, and an enemy to your country, and shooting you down without mercy if you dispute his authority, or resist his demands. He is too much of a gentleman to be guilty of such impostures, and insults, and villainies as these. In short, he does not, in addition to robbing you, attempt to make you either his dupe or his slave.”
Good quote, Spoonerite! Thanks. Sort of analogous to the current “pirates” that Blackwater and several governments are worried about now. They take a ship, hold it for ransom and, when paid, let it go.
For these crimes, the whole might of governments and mercenaries are poised to descend upon them in their villages, no doubt to either imprison and enslave them or destroy them to teach them a lesson; that you cannot rob and pillage unless you are a government, or hired by a government to do so. (or a member of a business cartel)
#26 David – that could make a great case for publishing everything open source. I’ve heard too many stories about publishers doing things like that. Good anti-war writing is something that’s always needed here, maybe you should consider putting out a few short essays and submitting them to this site?
Hi David. If you go to the Populist site and check Steve Osborn, you’ll find close to a hundred articles posted. That is not the total of the anti-war writing I’ve done in the past eight or nine years, but it is much of it.
Unfortunately, few listened. I’ve been thinking of posting a few of them on the blog, as we seem to be starting it all over again. Likewise, Poets Against the War has some of my anti-war poetry.
Steve, I’ve read a lot of great antiwar articles on this site, many of them have been yours. This is one of the primary reasons why I support this group here – because of the antiwar stance, that’s consistent! Too many places oppose bush’s wars, or now, obama’s wars, but rarely all of them.
Hi Frank. War is not the answer, but the Neocons and the Ziocons seem to think it is way ahead of whatever is in second place!
Just like the cartel’s stand on the environment. “No green without long green.) i.e., “What’s in it for us?”
GREED uber alles!
Why is it so much easier to condemn war when it is committed by the other political party than by one’s own? Innocent spirits, including those who look for joining the military to improving their chances for a better life, are killed (or worse) in either case. I believe that our beloved country is the captive of two factors. One is what Plato called timocracy and Eisenhower would have called the military, industrial and “congressional” complex had not a speechwriter deleted “congressional” at the last moment in January, 1961. Since then, for nearly a half century, the war profiteers has slithered its way throughout our economic system — the system that dominates our political one. The so-called “defense” industry sucks the life from our body politic. The other factor is our insidious two-party system. Imagine a democracy as large as ours — the third most populous country in the world — having only two political parties! The absurdity is palpable to all but us. Our election laws (plurality winners/single member districts) are at the bottom of it all. This electoral process is the consequence of an 1841 federal law governing how congressional elections are held. For a century and a half the vaunted two-party contagion has infected most of our state and local elections as well. Do we need reminding that there are far more than two sides to every important question? Needless to say, our vaunted free press — the electronic media that occupy publicly-owned airwaves and the newspapers that are dying — will never single out either of these faults of our democracy. Perhaps the young and the internet can save us yet!
Beverly. You bring up super points. The bane of our Democracy is the Party First mentality when it should be America first. But the fact is , the party member will lie and obfuscate for their party over and over again and again.
The Democrats did it for Clinton and the Republicans did it for Bush. What we need to do if we ever plan to return to a moral and ethical society is get rid of the Party First sickness.
So many think it can’t be done, but I do. I believe in the American people, I distrust our current Washington crowd.
The American people can take back our Government simply by blocking out Party First politics. If the majority of Americans would simply choose a party and shun them, never vote for one of their candidates again, the remaining parties would take note and they would either begin to represent the people or they could face the same fate as the now defunct party.
The point is, no one can stop the individual American Citizen from tossing the corrupt party. I suggest the Republicans since they were the last to have an opportunity to serve Americans and they refused to do so.
For a half-century, I’ve eschewed parties with the intent of voting for the most qualified candidate. What I’ve wound up doing, for the most part is the same as a cotton boll in the South. Look for the lesser of two weevils. Often I’ve been wrong in my choice. I think, primarily, becasue they are all controlled by the oligarchy, so it doesn’t make much difference.
Take our “change man” Mr. Obama. Who did he pick for his cabinet? the same old neocon hawks that have been advisors through several presidencies, advising the same old crap.
“Change” in Iraq. Transfer some grunts to Afghanistan and reclassify the remainder from “combat troops” to “advisors.” Voila! No more combat troops in Iraq! Just thousands of advisors kicking in doors and shooting the terrified.
Afghanistan, send in the drones. Kill anybody who seeks to regain his country for himself and his people with a helfire missile and call him a terrorist. Collateral damage? Pay the survivors a few hundred bucks a head and that makes it OK. Move on to the next village.
Perhaps we’ll find out what it is all about when the skys over us contain Blackwater drones under contract to HS. When NorthCom sends its combat brigades in to pacify American protestors. When the no-bid KBR camps are opened for business, staffed with Blackwater guards, contracted to HS. When, to eat, you are marched or trucked out to do forced labor.
Read the Executive Orders! It is all there in place, awaiting the time. Mr. “Change” doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to re-establish the Constitution, or strike out the various excesses of the Cheney/Bush administration upon our freeedoms.
Frankly, there is only a timy bit of positive change I’ve seen in the last two months that distinguishes the Obamanation from CheneyBushCo. I think those are just peanuts, thrown to us to keep us hopeful and quiet while the job is concluded.
Now it is Pakistan, same old, same old. Our government reminds me of Mort Sahl, an ascerbic comic who would say towards the end of his show, “Is there anybody I haven’t offended yet?”
I ask this more as a rhetorical question, but still think it’s important. When, or what, can we expect to bring some real change? Voting is a foolish thing to rely on, especially when both major parties in charge of this country are warmongers, calling reps doesn’t work, marches, etc?
a 2 party system ?? what system…and yes there are 2 parties…Us verses Them…when will AL of US quit fooling around…get together as the millions did to see History 7 week ago…to go and Make History…before the Easter recess…or did US give up Political Activism for lent ?
Steve, I think you make a great point here – us vs them. We outnumber them by a great deal, but they have the security forces, they have the cloak of legitimacy with elections, they have the force of taxation, and most importantly, they have the education system which has been teaching generations of children that they’re eternally necessary.
Maybe I’m rambling. Some great comments on this post!
As I have mentioned a few times in the past, the tax revolt idea is great, except that those of us who would refuse to pay taxes for more war and to give to the bankers and Wall Street gamblers have already had it withheld. BB already has our tax money. All we get from refusing to file is yet another huge fine.
The only people who have the loopholes to not pay are perfectly happy with the system the way it is. They not only get their taxes back, they get ours, too. Such a deal!!
The oligarchy has tried for many years to scuttle the Constitution, but could only manage a little erosion, until CheneyBu$hCo. Give all the treasury away to the wealthy, promote wars and weaponry, and one day, there is no money to help the people, no jobs, no health care, just millions starving in the street, willing to work for pennies to try to afford a little food for their families. Then, the government says, “Have we got a job for you! Join the army! Good pay and you can keep the enemies of our country at bay while feeding your family!”
Hell, that worked great in the Roman Empire, for a while.
The same henchmen that got us into this quagmire are still in charge. Only the figurehead names and faces change. Only the propaganda shifts and moves to keep the people quiet or compliant. And all the while, the rich and powerful get richer and more powerful, and We the People foot the bills and provide the muscle.
Those guys in Washington are just puppets, folks. They’ve sold their souls to the hight bidders and have become traitors to the American people. I would probably guess that most of you do not know who the “bidders” truely are? If ya’ haven’t figured that out by now then all I can say is good luck boys! Let give you a clue. That bunch of “bidders” are also the so-called “terrorist” but they do not reside in Iran, Iraq, or Afganistan–etc., etc.,–get my drift? As for you Christians–at least the most part– that same “bunch” is also your Anti-Christ in waiting, and you’ve already accepted the mark and you don’t know it,yet. Need any more clues, people? Most of you need to wake up!
So, J Phillips, are you saying that there’s a secret group of people behind the us government that pulls the strings? If that’s the case, does that mean that those government officials who actually carry out these evil acts of war and murder are not responsible for their own actions? That’s what it seems you’re saying to me – please clarify.
Dave
I agree with JPhillips. There is a “Shadow Government” that actually runs our country. They are the people who have bought off our Political Parties. And not all of them are American.
And also the fact that our “Leaders” have committed atrocities but are directed by the SG does not absolve those evil people of their complicity in the crimes.
I’ve heard much about a shadow government, and I have no doubt that there are very powerful people behind the scenes in both business and government itself that have an extremely heavy influence on what happens. Could that be called a shadow government? Sure.
But, I would also take the position that almost the entire “non-shadow” government, except a few people like Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, are part of this same evil cabal.
The prime criminal in so many acts of murder are the people who committed the crimes first hand. Others are complicit as well – those who fund, who give orders, and the like. We’ve got a lot of criminals running around this country under the cloak of legitimacy these days.
I agree Michael. To me the Shadow Government is composed of rich and powerful Internationals. They are the first tier.
The Second Tier are those who have sold their soul to the SG and are the front for the SG. We call those people corrupt Government officials and it includes most of the powerful people in Government.
The Third Tier is the Powerful people in Media ( The 4th Column ) who have sold their soul for the thirty pieces of silver.
And that is the simplistic picture, the view from 50,000 feet if you will. A picture with granularity will be much more complex.
Its kind of like a Corporation. You have the Top Management, the Board, and the Stockholders.
That’s also simplistic.
The point is that they are very entrenched. And they also have the 5th Column – The Powerful of the Two Parties.
Yes I do believe in Cabal’s.
When the movie Network came out, I was stunned to see that this scene was ever on the screen. Here you see the whole story. Just watch this little clip and all the above is explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOXjqFxM8bg
Those are the people that are running things and to them…well, just watch the clip.
Tom, I;m with you. Three is too many. In fact I’m sure you’d agree even one is too many.
I think the problem is less with Obama than with us. I say this for two reasons. First, Obama is failing to meet our expectations for peace onlybecause we believed the campaign rhetoric and thought he was serious about change. He is singing from the same hymnal used by Bush2, Clinton, Bush1, etc. So he is totally consistent with the absurd foreign policy of disaster capitalism we’ve pursued for at least 20 years. And some thought we would get change.
The other reason I think the problem is ours is that we should be demanding an end to the wars. In fact, we should have been doing this since at least 2003, or to make it easy to agree with at least since whatever point we realized that Bush lied us into Iraq (which for many of us was the start of the war in 2003 but for some came later). We should be demonstrating in the streets, burning up the blogs, pressuring our elected “representatives”, and doing anything we can do to make our voice heard. As others have observed, the anti-war movement must be on vacation.
If you can get a copy of this, read it. THE UNDERGROUND EMPIRE WHERE CRIME AND GOVERNMENTS EMBRACE by James Mills. It is not light reading, being 1164 pages, but it certainly tells it like it, unfortunately, still is. Every few days, as Adrienne and I have watched the news and scoured the internet for the last ten or fifteen years, we far too often just look at each other and say, “The Underground Empire.” This was published in 1986, and damn little has changed since then. There are copies available through bookfinder.com if you can’t find it in your library or local used bookstore. Verrry educational.
Steve. You remind me that it was you who told me where to get a copy of “It Can’t happen here”. I wound up buying two copies, one for me and one for my son. I am going to get a copy of the underground empire.
I had seen the video you posted sometime back and it reminded me of my reference to the Shadow Government that I have often written about.
One of the more interesting things that I have read in the economic realm is by Wilfred Pareto, who is one the great economists of history. And every business and engineering concern in the world is familiar with his 80/20 rule.
Intrestingly, an amazing few are aware of his most important (to me) observation – The distribution of wealth once it gets imbalanced to where only the few, the elite, hold nearly all the wealth, will involve only the elite in decision making. There will be change, but only among the factions of the elite.
When I say that we must git rid of our Shadow Government, the Big Two Political Parties, its akin to my saying I am going to eat an elephant. Most people think that to be an impossible task. But the fact is , anyone can eat an elephant if they do it one bite at a time.
This is why I call for causing the demise of one party at at time.
“Obama is failing to meet our expectations for peace onlybecause we believed the campaign rhetoric and thought he was serious about change.”
I think that really was worth repeating here. Why do we keep falling for the lies? Well, then again, only about 25-30% of all the people really do. The rest voted for the other liar, or better yet, neither of them.
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