The Pain of Protest

For the last five years, the implication coming from Washington has been-, it is unpatriotic to criticize the war or speak of wasted lives. The leaders in Washington today, are very similar to those who led during  the Vietnam era. Not only are they making many similar tactical mistakes, but their self-absorption, would indicate they feel no pain as they continue to make mistake after mistake as they “surge” on. While interviewing Vice President Cheney in Oman, recently, ABC News reporter Martha Raddatz stated- “Two-thirds of Americans say it’s not worth fighting and they’re looking at the value gain versus the cost in American lives, certainly, and Iraqi lives.” The Vice President answered, “So?”

To me, that kind or response, smacks on an uncaring and indifferent arrogance, that reeks from a lack of patriotism. Vice-President is clearly out of line and out of touch, with his one word proclamation. The real kicker was seeing that famous Cheney smirk, glowing with a patronizing stare at Ms Raddatz.

I deeply appreciate the feelings of the parents, brothers, sisters, loved ones and friends of all who have served and especially those who have sacrificed the ultimate. I do understand, to the best of my ability that they are in terrible pain, when faced with the words- “wasted lives”. We must also consider the troops, who have been to Iraq, have returned home and gone back, again and again, they too, recoil at such talk. And of course, there are the thousands and thousands, who have returned home, less than whole who tell us, it was all worth it. We must also consider their feelings.

Let us also consider another reality- Politics, is often a war of semantics. The war of using misspoken words against your opponent is an art unto itself. When Sen. Kerry flubbed a joke, the opposition was all over him. When Democratic Senator and presidential candidate Obama spoke of “wasted lives” the opposition immediately attacked. And last year, on the David Letterman Show, Republican Senator and presidential hopeful John McCain made a similar statement when he said that the lives of soldiers killed in Iraq were “wasted”. McCain’s exact quote- “We wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American lives over there.” As Senator McCain was being attacked, Senator Obama immediately came to his defense. They were both accused of speaking “politically incorrect.” But were they incorrect?

Throughout history, serving one’s country has always been a noble endeavor and giving up one’s life for one’s country is the greatest of sacrifices.  But like Senators Obama (who has not served in the military) and former US Naval aviator, McCain, I also believe, lives have been wasted during the last five years. And, there appears to be no end in sight.

It is common knowledge, that many at the highest levels of our government,  who supported the propagation of the let’s-go-to-war-WMD scenario, have never served in the military: VP Cheney, former CIA Director, George Tenet,  former Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz,  current Secretary of State,  Condoleza Rice,  former Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, former House Majority Leader, Tom Delay, former Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist and former Assistant Secretary of State and former head of the Defense Policy Board, Richard Perle. Not one C-Ration or Purple Heart among the lot.

As for the leadership and brains behind the charade- President George W. Bush was a pilot, in the Texas Air National Guard, 1968-1973, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, did serve as a Naval aviator from 1954-57. However, their service to our country apparently did not leave a lasting impression with regard to  sending (enough) troops into harms way, without proper planning, training, or equipment, not to mention- No exit strategy. Between the original sin of WMD and having no way out, our leaders have shown a lack honesty, a lack of integrity, credibility, and accountability. And their actions as well as in-action have caused thousands of lives to be “wasted”.

During the last (almost) eight years our leaders have committed crimes against a believing and willing nation, against humanity and against the world. They chose to ignore the requests of America’s allies as well as the words of experience here at home. Our troops were sent to war, based on a lie.

I mean no disrespect when I speak or write of “wasted lives”, but consider: The death toll continues to climb. Because of that, we must not be afraid to voice our opinions. We can cry, it’s okay to cry, but if we truly believe in ending this war, we must not let the sadness, and loss of life, deter our goal of speaking out. We must endure the pain of protest and speak loudly and often. We must speak loud enough to be heard and not back down, when thugs and bullies try and rough us up, with their shouts of “patriotic” fervor.

This war seems to be one of silent protest. Ask yourself why more Americans aren’t protesting in the streets and on college campuses. I suspect, because there is there is no draft. The threat to most families of becoming directly involved in this ill-conceived exercise is pretty slim. Because it will not likely affect you or yours, protesting has hardly been given a second thought. I guarantee that if one or both of the Bush twins or their cousins or the VP’s daughters were wearing camouflage, it would be a whole different war game. Don’t be afraid to protest, don’t feel guilty when confronted with accusations of “unpatriotic behavior”. Speak up, speak out and speak freely and don’t listen to that age old argument that our troops are in Iraq so we can “speak freely”. That’s hog wash…

A new presidential election is upon us and the time has come, to set a course that will return America to a position of leadership based on truth, understanding and respect. Please, speak up, support the troops, and bring them home.  

Peace. Bob

Contact Bob: info@thebobfiles.com