War Crimes

U.S. Soldiers admit to witnessing and/or commiting war crimes which, they say, they were encouraged to do by senior Officers.

"It was Unit Policy. Army Policy - Unofficial Policy, but Policy nonetheless."

The statements leave no doubt that the illegal occupation of Iraq has no hope of establishing a free and independent, democratic Iraq - nor was it ever intended to.

These young men - undoubtedly torn and damaged - will have to live with what they've done. Unfortunately, those they 'did it to' will not have that option. Iraq, as a nation and a people, are being destroyed, and the destruction, it seems, is systematic and intentional.

This insanity must stop. This genocide must end. And those who encouraged and condoned these actions must be held accountable - including this administration.

Click below to view video.

http://news10now.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=65836&sid=1083&rid=1013

The boy who cried Wolf (Blitzer)

A few days ago Mr. Blitzer announced on the ‘most trusted name’ newscast that al-Qaida was now possibly as strong, or stronger, than pre 9/11 strength. The words caught my attention and I paused, waiting for further information. I got a commercial break instead. When Mr. Blitzer returned to the screen he continued with his previous story – periodically repeating the announcement about the terrorist group's new found strength.

Another ‘stay afraid America’ scare tactic? I wondered, as Mr. Blitzer hyped the story yet again. Hmm... this was a potentially shocking bit of news, if true. If not true then...

How could we know this particular terrorist group's strength? How would that be verified? I didn’t know. What I did know, however, was this: If the statement was, in fact, true then this administration’s War on Terror has been an absolute and utter failure. After five years of weakening the Constitution, waging war, killing and maiming so many, destroying Iraq, weakening our Forces, trillions of dollars in debt, massive Corporate earnings, a hemorrhaging economy, and countless lies by our government – we had not made an inch of progress in combating al-Qaida? Not a single inch of progress in five years? Whoa! And again, Whoa!

What about it Mr. Bush? Hello?

It turns out that there was no big, in-depth story. Just the statements and the announcement that two (possibly three) suicide bombers had allegedly been dispatched from Pakistan to Spain ‘fresh from al-Qaida training camps’. They had, according to Court records, everything needed to accomplish their mission - except lethal explosive charges.

A link to the actual story is provided here: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/01/24/newton.uk.al.qaeda.reloads.cnn?iref=videosearch

Lesson learned? Wolf Blitzer could sell ice to Eskimos. He really could. The man has talent in hyping things. (Remember how excited he was to announce the results of his earth shaking poll about what potential Presidential candidate people would most like to have dinner with? (Jack Anderson must be spinning in his grave.)

But what about this ‘re-armed’ al-Qaida? Georgie? Yo, Georgie?

What happened to real, honest news? It died a long time ago. What we get now from mainstream media is nothing more than hype and propoganda - no more than a platform to distribute commercial advertisement and derisive, manipulative, misinformation.

Who would have ever thought that the Comedy Channel would be the place Americans would have to turn for objectivity and truth?

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Stewart_slams_media_for_provoking_campaign_0125.html

Funny? Not so much. As a reminder of what the Press should be, and what its responsibilities are, I offer the following:

http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-12-14T08%3A01%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7

Conflicted Faith

I recently spent some time perusing a few of the leading 'Christian' magazines and on-line 'zines. I saw a lot on politics, happiness, paths to take to ensure God's blessings, and reasons why 'Christian ministries' should not have to be transparent regarding their financial records.

I saw very little with regard to the war, injustice, hunger, missions which required service to others, or the central message of Jesus - "Love one another as I have loved you."

Before you think otherwise, I am not bashing Christianity, nor Jesus. I'm just wondering why the western world's concept of Christianity is so contradictory and self-serving.

Depending on what poll you choose to accept, between 71% to 83% of adult Americans claim to be Christian - to have a personal relationship with the Creator. Amazing when you think about it (and even when you don't).

One would think they would see some sort of indication (in tangible ways) of this prevailing faith in a country when so many profess such faith. Sadly, one doesn't.

I recently had occasion to hear a popular minister in America discuss 'American Christianity' and the motivations behind the faith. I found it interesting that he used the term 'American Christianity'. American as opposed to what? Non-American Christianity? Strange. Well, on second thought, maybe not. Is it possible that there is a unique brand of Christianity that is strictly 'American'? After some reflection I must concur that there is. Where else can we have such contradictions between what is professed and what is practiced but here in the good old USA.

I am by no means a scholar when it comes to scripture, but I can read. And I recognize the significance, and influence, professions of faith have in this country. (Could a professed athiest have a hope of winning a political seat at the national level in America? How about an agnostic? Or a Jewish President? A Muslim President? Doubtful. Seriously doubtful.) Professions of a personal faith are almost mandatory now for anyone seeking public office. (I suppose that's to reassure those they represent that they won't do anything remotely beneficial for 'them hom'sexual types'.)

Our President is a Christian. He's also a liar. Apparently that's an acceptable mix in America. As are Ministers who preach happiness and personal growth, and wealth and prosperity (and amass great wealth and political influence in the process) but make no mention of 'denying oneself' and following Jesus in a ministry of 'service to others'. It's a perplexing thing this contradictory faith. But, then again we are a contradictory society. We're Christian, but believe in capitalism (even though Jesus said "You cannot serve God and money both"). We say we love peace but wage (or support) more war than any other nation. We claim freedom but submit to near dictatorial control for safety. We claim to support human rights, but we torture others. What is one to think of this?

Could it be that some of those 71% to 83% of Americans are deceived? Or, like our President, are they just lying?

Jesus once said that 'you will know His followers by their fruits'. Just as apple trees don't produce oranges, Christians (regardless of what they 'say') do not pursue wealth over justice, nor war over peace. And they certainly don't torture.

"If any man says he loves God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. And the truth is not in him."

Aah! It just dawned on me... Perhaps, just perhaps, the term 'American Christian' is used to differentiate between them and real Christians. What do you think?

"Narrow is the way, and few there are that find it."

See: http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/2008/01/martin.html

America's Shame

I recently commented on the efforts of the ACLU to secure documentation regarding the treatment of detainees held by the American government. During my research I discovered that children were also being held in confinement, and that allegations of abuse (including rape) had been leveled against those in charge of the detainees. The thought of children being used and abused in order to force information from their parents was not only startling, but nauseating as well.

I admit that I didn’t want to believe the allegations, but – as the old adage goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. Here then are three thousand words to consider:

With the News focusing on the economy and the upcoming election it is important that we do not allow other issues to fall by the wayside. This issue is of paramount concern and must be addressed. Emperor Bush may ‘say’ we do not torture, but he lies. We have, shamefully; and we do. But children? Children? What sick minds can even think to defend this barbarism?

For those (and sadly I find the number growing) who say they’re tired of hearing about the war in Iraq, I would suggest you take another look at these pictures. And consider how tired those depicted are of the war. And of us.

This is Democracy in action? This is what America does? And we wonder why they call us ‘the great Satan’?

It is time for Americans to take back our government and our country from the sicko’s who have usurped it. It is time to restore our civil liberties, quit living in fear, and (above all else) hold our government accountable for these crimes against humanity.

Broken Government

For some time now I’ve said that the Government is broken; broken and, possibly, beyond repair. This morning the House of Representatives passed an economic stimulus package and were quick to proclaim that it proved the government was not broken. Rep. John Boehner was front and center on CNN proclaiming just that. Ridiculous. What the quick action proves is that our Representatives can act when they want to – or are pressured to – which is, among other things, a rare occurrence.

Whether the economic stimulus package is a viable action or not is not the issue. The issue is that our ineffective, do-nothing Congress, gets no accolades for getting off their collective, self-serving asses, and finally doing (once) their job. It’s what they’re paid (well) to do. Do the citizens of this country pat themselves on the back and grin and postulate – have a photo-op - and applaud themselves for doing their jobs? No. And the average American does his job every day. What’s the real lesson learned here? Elected officials can function when necessary; when pressured? No. It underscores the fact that the Congress (which should have seen the economic mess coming months ago) is a knee-jerk, too little too late, out-of-touch group of elitists idiots. They’re ‘band-aid providers’ in an economy that is beginning to hemorrhage – an economy they created by the way.

Leading economists have expressed serious doubt as to the long-term effectiveness of this stimulus package, and I tend to agree with them. But Pelosi and Boehner, with big smiles and pat’s to their own backs, act as if they accomplished a great thing. I suppose, after crawling on their knees behind Emperor Bush for so long, they’re just excited to realize they actually have feet to stand on.

And the catch phrase of the day – “Right or wrong, at least give us credit for doing ‘something’” – is as stupid and revealing a statement as I’ve ever heard.

Our government is broken – and remains broken. Can we fix it? Yes. This November send everyone in Washington DC home – permanently. It’s time to take back our government, and our country.

Martin

Civil Rights Leader. Nobel Prize Laureate. These are just two of the more common titles used to describe Dr. King. But they, like most others, fail to adequately describe the man. Certainly he was these, but more.

In reflecting on Dr. King’s life I find one thing which (to me) seems to far outshine any accolade or title that can (and has) been bestowed on the man: Minister. It was what he was and, more importantly, what he did.

In his speech against the war in Vietnam he stated “I am determined to take the Gospel seriously". It was a profound and revealing statement which gave us a brief glimpse into the core of this dynamic man. It was a statement of purpose, and a pronouncement of faith. “I am determined to take the Gospel seriously”. These words are powerful words. They are both a declaration and explanation: a declaration of faith in God and an explanation as to why he did what he did and how he did it. Like the Apostle Paul, following his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, I think Dr. King had no choice when it came to involving himself in matters of justice and equality, and peace. Having ‘seen the light’ he could not remain in the dark, silent and uninvolved. It’s not what men of faith do. But, unlike many Ministers of modern times (if, in fact, Ministers are really what they are), he did not preach to manipulate and sustain a political force, nor preach a gospel of self-enrichment. Instead, like a New Testament Apostle, he preached justice and mercy and grace, and love. And with a power and strength which could only have come ‘from on high’, and through submission, he, like the patriarch of old, also cried “Let my people go” to an oppressive and unjust force. With a boldness and courage no less evident than Daniel when faced with the lion’s den he stood and proclaimed the truth – the truth of the injustice and inequities which abounded, and the truth of the oppressive and dictatorial practices of his own government.

He is most often remembered for his “I have a Dream” speech – which is, of course, remarkable. However, it was his speech against the war in which his words were lifted far above national boundaries and race and economies to a universal level and beyond – a level above the control of governments and powers made by men. “I have determined to take the Gospel seriously” required Dr. King to take the burdens of man to a realm where men ceased to be the ultimate power. “I have determined to take the Gospel seriously” allowed Dr. King to take his concerns and burdens into the very ‘Holy of Holies’ and cry “Abba, Father”. His declaration, “I have determined to take the Gospel seriously” also forced others to recognize that there exists a power, an authority, above that of man – or to reject that authority.

“I have determined to take the Gospel seriously” is a statement that demands a response; a response which requires more than a simple affirmation or consent to a creed. It demands a response by action and deed.

“Why call me Lord if you do not what I say?” Jesus once asked. It is a question which remains as valid today as then. And, requires more than a self-justifying belief which focuses more on what the believer receives than what the believer is required to give.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

It is, perhaps, impossible to define Dr. King in a word or a multitude of words. To me he is many things, but nothing he was exceeds that which he himself proclaimed to be: a man who “determined to take the Gospel seriously”.

Hear the speech here:
http://geekmetv2.blogspot.com/2008/01/live-stream.html

2008

Man of peace?

Georgie-porgie recently acknowledged that he knows many consider him to be a war monger, but – he considers himself a man of peace; a peacemaker. That, of course, explains the $20 Billion arms deal he took to the Saudi’s recently in order to help negotiate lower oil prices. Nothing screams peace like cluster bombs and missile systems.

The advent of 2008, like most new years, offers a chance (a hope, a wish, a prayer) of change. And though a fresh start may be the wish, new beginnings rarely prove fruitful when governed by old tactics and desires.

As the celebration of the new year fades I wonder just how much change will be realized. Can America do the right thing? Will it? We live in a society that is motivated by financial markets and financial gain. The saddest thing about that is that most see no problem in that belief. Capitalism, it is thought, is the ideal. But is it?

(Recommended reading: Capitalism and Schizophrenia is a two-volume theoretical work by the French authors Deleuze and Guattari. Bloodthirsty Bitches and Pious Pimps of Power by Jerry Spence.)

I suppose it’s a matter of how much more we deem our value over the value of others. And make no mistake, we do – as a society – view ourselves as ‘more valuable’. It doesn’t sound nice, but it’s true. And I find that interesting considering we view ourselves to be a Christian nation. Doesn’t the Scripture tell us to ‘esteem others over ourselves’? It’s the classic ‘do as I say, not as I do’ syndrome. Something Americans have refined to a fine art. We proclaim high ideals, however, in practice we deceive ourselves. In short, we choose to believe the lie. Why? We do not torture. It’s a lie, but we continue to perpetuate that lie. Again, why? Mr. Huckabee promotes a Constitutional Amendment ‘more in line with God’s will’ (according to him) which completely sets aside the great theological issue of grace vs. works, showing himself to be a very poor biblical scholar but a good polarizing politician. And some accept his proposal as good and moral. Why?

I recently looked through a widely used history textbook used in American public schools. I found it interesting to note that not once was there cited any occasion in which America made a mistake. Interesting. Not once since our inception as a free nation have we erred or done a wrong thing. Believable? No. But each year we continue to teach our children the same (ridiculous) stories. Why? Because the stories are more palatable than the truth. If we taught our children the truth, we might find a generation of Americans standing up in unison screaming “Stop. Wait. Unfair”. That, of course, would be unacceptable.

I know many might claim I’m off on another diatribe of America-bashing, but that would be simplistic and untrue. What I am doing is calling for Americans to be honest, to tell the truth. Didn’t Jesus tell us that the truth would set us free? (Us and a great many others around the world who are currently suffering under the weight of American intervention.) Oh, in case you didn’t know, He also said “You cannot serve God and money both.” Was he lying? Or just a poor capitalist?