Not Elective
Some people aren't cheering as loudly as other people at the news of the Iraqi elections. Cindy Sheehan lost her son Casey in Iraq:
My son, Spc. Casey Austin Sheehan (KIA, Sadr City, 04/04/04) enlisted in the Army to protect America and give something back to our country. He didn't enlist to be used and misused by a reckless Commander-in-Chief who sent his troops to preemptively attack and occupy a country that was no imminent threat (or any threat) to our country. Casey was sent to die in a war that was based on the imagination of some neo-cons who love to fill our lives with fear.Casey didn't agree with the "mission"; he believed in being the courageous and honorable man that he was. He knew he had to go to this mistake of a war to support his buddies. Casey also wondered aloud many times why precious troops and resources were being diverted from the real war on terror.
Casey was told that he would be welcomed to Iraq as a liberator with chocolates and rose petals strewn in front of his unarmored Humvee. He was in Iraq for two short weeks when the Shi'ite rebel "welcome wagon" welcomed him to Baghdad with bullets and RPG's, which took his young and beautiful life. I think my son's helmet and Vietnam era flak jacket would have protected him better from the chocolates and flower petals.
Casey was killed after George Bush proclaimed "Mission Accomplished" on May 1, 2003. He was also killed after Saddam was captured in December of that same year. Casey was killed before the transfer of power in June of 2004 and before these elections.
Four marines were tragically killed after the election. By my count about five dozen Iraqis and coalition troops were killed on Election Day. Is this the definition of "Catastrophic Success?" Is that a good day in Iraq? Hundreds of our young people and thousands of Iraqis have been needlessly and senselessly murdered since George Bush triumphantly announced an end to "major combat" almost two years ago now. All of the above events have been heralded by this administration as "turning points" in the "war on terror" or as wonderful events in the "march of democracy." Really? I don't think, judging by very recent history, the elections will stop the bloodshed and destruction.
I would have asked Larry King (she was bumped for news of the Michael Jackson trial) if he would want to sacrifice one of his children for sham elections in Iraq. Would he or George Bush send their child to be killed or maimed for life for a series of lies, mistakes and miscalculations?
This war was sold to the American people by a slimy leadership with a maniacal zeal and phony sincerity that would have impressed snake oil salesmen a century ago. The average American needs to hear from people who have been devastated by the arrogance and ignorance of an administration that doesn't even have the decency or compassion to sign our "death" letters.
In the interest of being "fair and balanced" (oops, wrong network), I would have been pitted against a parent who still agrees with the "mission" and with the president. Although I grieve for that parent's loss and I respect that parent's opinion, I would have defied Mr. King or that parent to explain the mission to me. I don't think anyone can do it with a straight face. The president has also stated that we need to keep our troops in Iraq to honor our sacrifices by completing this elusive and ever changing mission. My response? Just because it is too late for Casey and the Sheehan family, why would we want another innocent life taken in the name of this chameleon of a mission?
At Casey's page, you'll see Cindy's letter to George Bush.
When I read this, it reminded me of a quote located on the first page of "When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?" by George Carlin (who would have my vote in '08--if only he ran):
“Of course the people don’t want war. But after all, it’s the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it’s always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it’s a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the peope can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and for exposing the country to greater danger.”
--Hermann Göring, at the Nuremberg Trials
Lawaneke at February 9, 2005 12:13 AM
There's a saying that states that while a person who's lost their parents is an orphan, and a person who's lost their spouse is widowed, there is no word for a person who's lost a child because English doesn't have one sufficiently terrible. Losing parents and spouses is bad enough, but no one expects to bury a child.
Patrick at February 9, 2005 1:34 AM
Dear Michael !!!. He will be not forgotten forever. A unquestionable lord of pop.
penis stretcher devices at August 11, 2010 7:12 AM
Leave a comment