Why Iraq…?

Several months before President Bush ordered the attack on the “evildoers” in Iraq, I was at a friends house for dinner and this friend, now retired, had some experience with the US military and with the goings on in Washington D.C. I asked my friend why we were going to war. I of course knew the answer in four simple words- its about the oil…

No my friend didn’t say we were going to war because of WMD, and he didn’t use the word “oil” at all. But that of course was understood. No my friend said, “We’re going into Iraq because the US wants a presence in the middle-east, for when the Saudi family falls”. Eight years ago, I don’t believe anyone outside the beltway was talking or thinking about the “Saudi family falling”.

The invasion of Iraq by US forces began with bombing, on March 18, 2003. Leading up to that moment, we had been sold a bill of goods, by the Bush Administration, about WMD. You do of course remember the ever dreadful, “Weapons of Mass Destruction”, which, with “slam dunk” certainty, were stockpiled in Iraq? We were assured that Saddam had them, that he was a very bad guy, and that the United States was  in “imminent danger”. And as Jack Nicholson once told us, when asked if the “danger was imminent”, his response was-“Is there any other kind”? Well, apparently, the US was in “imminent danger”, and the new Sheriff in D.C. was going out to get that no good varmint, Saddam Hussein, and that would be that. Full speed ahead.  

So here are a few things to consider while the war in Iraq continues, and is now our longest war:

1.  The United States had been operating a “no-fly zone” over Iraq since 1991- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_no-fly_zones. I believe I heard or read somewhere that the annual cost was around two billion dollars a year, but it appeared to be keeping Hussein & Co., in check. A BIG amount of $ for sure, but no where near what the war has cost since the invasion in 2003, and I’m not adding in the cost of stolen cash, weapons or supplies. And how do you place a price on the lives of the lost and wounded? Shouldn’t someone, somewhere be held accountable for lives lost due to the fabrication of circumstances? The bottom line- With the no-fly zone, Saddam was going no where and the threat of him actually going after the United States, Israel or any of his Arab neighbors seemed pretty remote.

2.  Within days of 09/11, American Special-ops troops in Afghanistan were making a pretty good go of it with regard to hunting down Osama Bin Laden. That is of course until they were called off. Somehow, all of a sudden, the real villain was in  Iraq. That Saddam Hussein sure was a really bad guy…

3.  Numerous American statesmen have been in bed with the Saudis for years, before, during and after “W”. It’s not just a republican thing; this one clearly crosses party lines. Please make a mental note- 15 of the 19, 09/11 terrorists were Saudis, and hours after 9/11, Bush helped fly Bin Laden family members safely out of the US and back to their mid- east homes. Since then, any number of known, or captured terrorists has been of Saudi decent.

4.  And lastly, let me suggest a book, for reading or reference:

The title, THE IRAQ WAR READER History, Documents Opinions,  is edited by Micah L. Sifry and Christopher Cerf, and published by TOUCHSTONE. While referencing this book some years ago, several chapters/”Documents” caught my attention.

a.  On page 199- An Open Letter To President Clinton: Remove

Saddam From Power. This letter was dated January 26, 1998, and was signed by Elliott Abrams, Richard Armitage, William J. Bennett, John Bolton, William Kristol, Richard Perle, Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz, to name about half of the signators. The letter to President Clinton urged him to “implement a strategy for removing Saddam’s regime from power.” Again, the letter was dated 01-26-1998.

b.  On page 222- An Open Letter To President Bush: “Lead The

World To Victory”. This letter was dated September 20, 2001 only nine days after the World Trade Center Towers fell to the ground… “We agree with Secretary of State Powell that the United States must find and punish the perpetrators of the horrific attack of September 11…” Another entry mentioned Iraq, “But even if evidence does not link Iraq directly to the attack, any strategy aiming at the eradication of terrorism and its sponsors must include a determined effort to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq”. Many of those who signed the Clinton letter in 1998, (but not all) also signed this letter, dated 09-20-2001.

c.  On page 243 is an article originally published in the Weekly Standard, on January 21, 2002, titled What To Do About Iraq, it was written by Robert Kagan and William Kristol. Mr. Kristol was then and remains today, the Editor of the Weekly Standard. Once again- more push about WMD, invade Iraq, oust Hussein, etc., etc., etc.

The weekly Standard is a conservative magazine and blog

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weekly_Standard

I’m quite sure you get it by now- Neocons, continually pushing to go into Iraq. Well their dream came true when they got their paws/claws on “W”; they had the perfect vehicle to carry out their plan. They had young George, who might,  have felt he had a lot to prove. They had a master ventriloquist in Dick Cheney and that guy can say “W M D”, through his sneer, without even moving his lips. And they had Donald “The Fog of Ego” Rumsfeld as the Secretary of Defense and a signatory to the Clinton letter (above) of 01-26-1998.

So why Iraq? Maybe it was perceived to be a quick and  easy invasion because we so easily and successfully dealt with Iraq‘s military in Gulf War I, and the dangers seemed somewhat limited, especially knowing there was NO WMD! I assure you there are multiple answers to that question and none of the answers addresses accountability.

Well the Saudi family hasn’t fallen yet, but it could be in the works as the middle east, continues to rumble and tumble its way through change. I guess the best we can hope for is to keep our distance, let each country figure it out for themselves keep our guard up, and start taking care of America first, here at home.

Can you imagine how good it would be to have all those brave American men and women back home, where they belong? And wouldn’t reducing and eradicating the cost of the war(s) could bring more health, wealth and life to a struggling economy? 

Only one question remains- Who has the nerve to make that happen?

Thanx as always, and peace…,  bob

THE IRAQ WAR READER http://www.baycrossings.com/archives/2003/04_may/the_iraq_war_reader.htm

The bottom line…

Has anyone noticed that as Sarah Palin travels around in her vacation bus, that she makes sure to keep on moving- walking, turning around, shaking hands, greeting people, etc., etc. And her young daughter seems to even run interference for her, or at least remain close enough that Sarah can talk to her or try and engage her in the PR. Sometimes Todd is there, often her father and Sarah, well Sarah never stands still long enough to take a “serious” question. And when the time comes, if it ever does, she’ll not have a clue as to real answers to real questions, with out a wink, or a perky, slightly evasive retort,  

The bottom line… Sarah Palin sure knows how to work the press, and boy, should they be embarrassed. 

You’re not alone…

I am you…” that’s what Christine O’Donnell tried to impart to the voters of the state of Delaware, back on Oct. 04, 2010. In a 30 second political commercial, that led with- “I’m not a witch…” Ms O’Donnell assured the voters that “I’m you”, and if elected, she would go to Washington to address their concerns.

Ms O’Donnell didn’t make it to D.C., and that’s probably a good thing. But I’d like to take a few of her words and see if we can find a balance; a balance between what I feel and say, and what many of you might think, and sometimes say. It’s not about you or me running for office, but it is about having a voice. 

I am you… No, I really am! At least I feel that many of you will be able to identify with who I am, and what I have gone through, particularly these last four years, and still continue to go through, to some degree.

First, some common ground: I’m a registered Democrat, who, from time-to-time, has been known to vote for a Republican candidate (so far, only in an Illinois elections). 

I became a single parent (with sole custody) in 1985 and raised my then 3-½ yr. old daughter, by myself, until I sent her off to college. I totally get the “mom thing”, and have a great deal of understanding and respect for women and mothers.

I’ve been self-employed since February 1976 and although I worked out of my home for several years while being a full-time dad, and a part-time mom, I chose to go back into retail just prior to my daughter entering high school. I’ve never made a lot of money, but up until (maybe) four years ago, I always did okay. I’ve lived a comfortable and somewhat successful life and have had few complaints. The freedom that comes with being self-employed has always been a mainstay.

I do believe the events of 09/11 significantly changed the way we live our lives. Not just because of terms like Red Alert, or Orange Alert, or airport security and body scanners, but because our elected officials at that time (that would include both Democrats and Republicans), either perpetrated, or bought into one hell of a scam on America and the world.

Due to the lack of credibility and accountability at the highest levels of our government, during the Bush administration, the United States has taken a nosedive into economic and social hell. 

I believe we’re in an unjust war (or two). I also believe that by invading Iraq, the Bush administration, paved the way to the financial and social ills that so many of us struggle with today. Likewise tax breaks for the rich at a time when so many were hurting.  And I believe that Wall Street doesn’t give a damn about Middle America, or much of anything for that matter, other than padding their year-end bonuses.

Much has changed since September 11, 2001 and as a result of all that followed many lives and many businesses have taken some rather significant hits.  More people are out of work, banks have failed, foreclosures are always in the news, and in general, life kinda sucks for a whole lot of people, and that struggle continues.

I can be counted among those who have struggled. My struggles have been more in the last four years, with each year being worse than the year before. Much has been due to the faltering economy. Without going into details, I can tell you that the security I knew just a few short years ago no longer exists. I have experienced the idiocy of an unjust legal system, my business struggles each year, I almost lost my home, and I resent the way “business as usual”, in Washington, D.C.  continues to rob from the poor and middle class, and reward the rich.

So, when I say “I am you…” I mean it, I really get it and I find it very disconcerting that so much, seems so wrong, for so many, good, well intentioned, hard working people. There are many variables that play into where our joint and individual issues take us, but be assured, our lives are intertwined and we are in it together. That said, the more of you who can muster the wherewithal to speak out, please do.

Oh the issues may vary, and they can change and compound, but in any given week, month or year, the good, the bad, and the ugly get spread around and not always evenly. We’ve all had our share of all three, and now that cycle, for whatever reason(s), has decided that "bad" and ugly are mine to deal with. But I’ll get through it, I hope, I suppose, I must (pick one). That’s what I do.

As for you, please understand, there are many others out there like you, and like me, with downsides we can’t even relate to. So it’s about survival. It’s about doing what you need to do to make it work, and not giving up. It often begins with speaking out. I know I’m not the only one listening… Speak out!

Thanx, and as always, peace…  bob

info@Op-Ed1.com

It's time to speak out...

On April 01, 2008, seven months before the election to choose our 44^th president, I started writing this blog. I only posted three or four columns, when I decided I didn't really want to do it. But I continued to read, and watch and listen to all that was swirling around us at that time. That said, I have decided to give it another go, and I hope you'll go with me. Please give me a chance, and follow what I have to say. You don't have to agree with me, but follow along, and maybe you’ll be encouraged to speak out as well. 

The point of my effort- We all have the right to speak out, and in today's world, it is so very important that free speech be a guiding light. And by continuing to speak out, the endless possibilities that are found as a result of free expression only guarantee that, that "light", never be snuffed out. What follows, summarizes what Op-Ed1 is all about.

This column will appear one or more times a week for your consideration. Op-Ed1 represents the thoughts, ideas and commentary of Bob... No brain surgery here, I’m just an average, everyday kinda guy. I’m not an academic, nor an intellectual and I have no insider connections. I am however, a bit of a news/politics junkie and I make a point of reading, watching and listening to the events of the day, as they are presented by the numerous and various mediums, which seem to rule our daily lives.

During my meandering “research”, I have often wondered why so many of the political pundits fail to ask the really tough questions. And when they do, or come close, they often get the pat-answer-run-around-brush-off-two-step, thereby falling appreciably short of the real answer, to the original question. I think, too many interviewers fear losing access, and their efforts, too often fall short of satisfying this inquiring mind. I want that next, tough, obvious question to be asked, and answered. And as for “access”, well, my gut tells me there is more to be gained through the courage of conviction.

At Op-Ed1, your  access is my access. I draw my conclusions, from everyday sources, while I continue making an effort to dig still deeper. Yes, there is a moderate to liberal bent in my opinions, but I assure you, I am probably more like you than almost anyone on radio, television or in print. I'm just an average guy, some rough edges for sure; but no frills, bells or whistles, just an inquiring mind. And regardless of my politics, I'm tired of being misled, and misinformed by the news media and politicians of both parties. It is my turn... it is our turn. It is time to speak out…

To the right, I have listed various links that will tell you more about me, links to other blogs I like, and some I'm not too crazy about. Under the heading of "Sorry Old Bloggers", you'll find the so-called opposing point of view. I list their blogs because I think it's important to know what the other side is thinking and saying. Also, you'll find what I refer to as the "Ugh Pacs"; you can judge for yourself what that’s all about. Ugh!

Well, that’s it. So please, read on, and if there is a particular topic you’d like addressed, please let me know.

Thanx, and as always, peace..., Bob