Memorial Day Notes
Today I sat through the annual Memorial Day service here in town, and listened to a local prominent veteran berate flag-burners, and talk about a Montana man who died fighting the "Iraqis".
Of course, my thoughts, which I kept to myself were that I thought we were fighting to save Iraq, not 'fighting Iraqis'. And I think flag burning is the biggest red herring ever invented by the right wing. The idea that we need a flag burning amendment to the constitution is the stupidest thing I ever heard. I'm 47, and I have never seen anyone burn a flag except in respectful flag retirement ceremonies. It is simply a non-existent problem, one invented by the right wing.
It is sad to see people care more about the symbol of democracy than democracy itself.
I deeply appreciate that our military has done their job, and done it very well. I honor the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands of service people. Thank you!
However, the rest of us have failed in our job. We have allowed King George to take us into a war in Iraq, without good or true reasons. We are mired in a quagmire every bit as bad as Vietnam. We have allowed the erosion of our rights through the 'Patriot Act'. We have lost the right of habeas corpus. Wiretaps continue without warrants. The political process has undermined neutral law enforcement at US Attorney's Offices.
In response, we have elected a Democratic Congress. What has that gotten us so far? A little more oversight, and that is all. Bush continues onward, barely slowed down.
I'll say what I've said before: we need to speak up! Raise some Hell! Write letters to the editor. GO beyond our comfort zone and talk to others. Call our Senators and Congress. We can't just stand back and leave our Veterans in harms way for no good reason.
As John Kerry said in 1971 about the Vietnam War, "How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?”
Of course, my thoughts, which I kept to myself were that I thought we were fighting to save Iraq, not 'fighting Iraqis'. And I think flag burning is the biggest red herring ever invented by the right wing. The idea that we need a flag burning amendment to the constitution is the stupidest thing I ever heard. I'm 47, and I have never seen anyone burn a flag except in respectful flag retirement ceremonies. It is simply a non-existent problem, one invented by the right wing.
It is sad to see people care more about the symbol of democracy than democracy itself.
I deeply appreciate that our military has done their job, and done it very well. I honor the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands of service people. Thank you!
However, the rest of us have failed in our job. We have allowed King George to take us into a war in Iraq, without good or true reasons. We are mired in a quagmire every bit as bad as Vietnam. We have allowed the erosion of our rights through the 'Patriot Act'. We have lost the right of habeas corpus. Wiretaps continue without warrants. The political process has undermined neutral law enforcement at US Attorney's Offices.
In response, we have elected a Democratic Congress. What has that gotten us so far? A little more oversight, and that is all. Bush continues onward, barely slowed down.
I'll say what I've said before: we need to speak up! Raise some Hell! Write letters to the editor. GO beyond our comfort zone and talk to others. Call our Senators and Congress. We can't just stand back and leave our Veterans in harms way for no good reason.
As John Kerry said in 1971 about the Vietnam War, "How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?”
posted by Mike Grayson @ 4:42 PM
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