I'm cross-posting, but this deserves your attention as the BS in this political world is astounding.
Got a phone call this week from my soldier. This time it was a request for his dress uniforms to be sent in time for an inspection coming up now that he has his 'permanent' post. By the way, he's in climate shock since he's used to Southern winters and is on a base in the North. When you're accustomed to 80-degree temps in April, it's hard to experience mid-40's for several days. That's what I like about the South, as someone used to sing ... thanks, Phil Harris.
The last time we talked, he mentioned that he would be deployed to Afghanistan next year. Now it seems that Africa is in his future.
So let me get this straight ... the drawdown in Afghanistan is really so that we can divert thousands of troops to Yemen, or Syria, or Egypt, Somalia (again) or someplace else and continue to do what we Americans seem to do so well these days -- foment ill will and acrimony across the globe. We learned nothing the first time in Somalia, so what's a few more Ranger or Delta troops, right?
It brings to mind a Mark Twain joke I heard years ago but which is relevant today: "how can you tell when a politician is lying? When his mouth is open." Only this is no joke, and I find nothing funny about it.
For once, I would like someone, anyone, to be brutally honest with us as taxpayers and just fess up that this is war (or wars) is based solely on economics/profits/oil, and that we are willing to put the lives of our citizens on the line so that the rich can get richer. Because of the industry I'm in, I know with confidence that moving from the Middle East to Africa is an oil-based decision. Africa is the next big thing when it comes to exploration and production, and so what if a few thousand troops have to die. It's not like they're the sons/daughters/husbands/wives/friends of anyone in Congress. They have no skin in the game because everyone they are connected to gets a pass.
What if they didn't? What if they had to experience first-hand the physical, mental and emotional damage that these brave souls have or will experience? Make no mistake, everyone who serves will be changed by their experience in the "theatre of war." That's why they call it theatre -- there is major drama, and tragedy.
Sometimes there is no other way to say it. This shit is fucked up. My son is now in the middle of it. Afghanistan ... Africa ... it doesn't even matter anymore.
My head is about to explode. Peace out.
Congratulations Carol. You are my tipping point. I've officially given up on the American People to ever reform our Government. After thirty years of voting for third parties, namely Socialists and Greens, I've come realize that our problem is not our politicians, but our public.
We will never get good politicians because the public does not demand it, even in the face of Climate Change which threatens to possibly kill us off.
Even when we have War Criminals who send our children into wars not for defense, but to make money. People don't care, and now I don't care about them. We are a sick sick species.
I will never vote again, and I am done being politically engaged. Thus I have no reason to contribute my opinions to this little blog either.
Goodbye Hurricaners.
Lord, Voice.
Doug, who would you have us vote for? Romney? I think not. That, to me, would be Bush Part Deux, and that I can not do.
Where has everybody gone, who use to contribute here in the comments section? It's feeling very very lonely.
Very good post Voice.
PART of the problem is that we as American citizens continue to voice our approval of wars of choice by supporting the political class that puts us in these wars. I really don't see how anyone has anything to complain about if they go into the voting booth next year and vote for Obama. Especially if there are other choices on the ballot. If we vote for these people WE are to blame. Period, end of story.