Veterans Call to Conscience Comments, Feedback & Reports

February 2003

Feb. 26, 2003

I got your e mail address from vvawai@oz.net. I have been using some of my poetry and friends in the international writers community to send on your statement of conscience etc. Although I am not an American Citizen nor a vet I have worked in America and I was in Vietnam. Whilst there I donated blood to two Australian Observers who, I am happy to say recovered. There is much for the world to admire in American Life. In fact it could still be a model for the world. You have come so far so fast but.... To do this you must really live up to Your Constitution implement all these wonderful items in your Statement Of Conscience and of course dump G.W. Bush. Please count on my future support and thank Terri Allred for keeping me and my world informed as to the real news. John Missett, International Poet and Writer. D.E.E.L (Athens Greece.) P.s. Last Night Arthur Miller, Author of The Crucible and Anti MacCarthyist did a sterling job of putting Europe in the true picture re- war With Iraq. His programme was really well received and today parliament is not behind Tony Blair, President Bush's Puppet. First off, what a great statement. I am not a veteran, but as a human, I declare that I will never kill for my country; however, I am perfectly willing to die for my country. I would take the risk helping to alleviate suffering, or protesting in the streets; I would put my life on the line. I am an Eagle Scout, well trained in the citizenship of this country. I love it, and that is why I protest: because war is wrong for America. Now, to the soldiers, and especially those who still support the war: I wanted to read some comments by soldiers like you, because I honestly care for you and your families. I wanted to listen to your opinions, as we ask that you listen to ours. I am ashamed to find a series of insults, threats, irrational statements, and dogmatic pledges to the red-white-and-blue, no matter who's issuing orders. Most deride the protesting as cowards, turncoats, damned, even. How awful, when these veterans have only your safety and health at heart. How cowardly, to insult those who want to help you. Come home, and raise your children! Comfort your wives, and do not kill the fathers and husbands of Iraq, much less innocent civilians. They are not evil men like Saddam or W.; they are only soldiers, working like you to protect their country. Do you think Nelson Mandela is a coward? This is a man who fought terror and tyranny for twenty years from a prison cell. He helped to free his people, by expounding the ideals of equality and peace. Now he objects to the American war on Iraq. If this man could help to free his country while imprisoned, while committing no violent acts, think what the most powerful state in the world can accomplish with no weapons. We can disarm Iraq through peace, not war. War is only a good reason for Saddam to drag out those ol' weapons of mass destruction, which by the way, were sold to him by the US, represented by your boss Donald Rumsfeld. Did you realize that? If you still think I'm a faggot, or a coward, or un-American, you can go to hell. I tried. I really tried, but some people are assholes. Others will disagree, but support my right to speak freely. Thank you, fellow Americans. We will once again make this country great. We will rise above our darkest hour to become once again the image of freedom, equality, and justice in the world. Matt Stallworth Active duty SSgt This website is an outrage. You are advocating the military disobey orders that they have taken an oath to follow. If such an act should occur, this is a direct violation of Article 91 and 92, of the UCMJ. You are advocating is ok for young solders, sailors, airmen and marines to be court martialed. I am glad to see that the majority of the post to this message board are from level-headed veterans who disagree with your stance on this issue. Where were the outcries of protest when Clinton launched war on the "innocent" Iraqis, Yugoslavs, and Somalians. No one dared protest Clinton, as one famous actress put it " it wasn't cool to protest that president". As i it, this is a protest against Bush, not a protest against the use of force to enforce UN resolutions. I for one am glad to serve. I guess the military is getting back to the days of being "baby killers" I guess somethings never change. I just would like to congratulate you for your courage and your show of humanity. We must stop the tough-talking desk warmongers of the Bush administration. They don't care about sacrificing other people's children as long as they can have their profits and global power increase. Helena Dearnell I can't tell you of my disappointment in all of your names, if indeed, you are all military. It really wants to make me cry...cry when I think of what you are doing and knowing all of our troops who are being deployed now, when they need your support most of all, you are turning your backs on them...and I am the sister of a Viet Nam Vet and very, very, proud of him. He was wounded there and had a horrible time when he came home from people such as yourself. He is fine today, raised two wonderful sons as a single parent when his wife passed away...he is a terrific man, a proud veteran and proud of his country, and a man of strong character and morals, a heck of a lot more than any of you have. GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY, GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BUSH, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!! Ann Sisko Sir,Mam: You people are'nt really serious about letting a madman stay sitting on top of over one thousand tons of chemical and biological weapons are you? Vietnam was one thing, this is totally different, do you realize he has enough to kill everyone in the world five times over? Michael Ellsworth While I never saw combat in Korea, I did see the aftermath of the war in the winter of 1953/54, its effect upon the civilian population. Robert B Godwin I read your above eloquent message. God bless you and bless the Beautiful Honorable America that you represent. You may be aware of the following letter of resignation from a career American diplomat who obviously shares your views and ideals and cannot support the current policies of the Bush Administration which dishonor the best traditions and values of the United States of America. Anthony Joseph Geha Yuja Congratulations on getting this site going, you have taken a vital step in the right direction. Remember," never the wrong time to do the right thing", MLK, a new hero of our age has been found here on the site, Micheal Sudbury, that takes courage, he has my deepest Respect. One question to the many, When exactly was U S military doctrine changed to allow the killing of enemy troops under a flag of surrender, as happened in the first gulf war ? Fireman Jhon I am a Vietnam vet. I served with the 23rd inf at Chu Lai. I was a medic. I joined the Vietnam Vets Against the War and am currently a member of Vets for Peace. I intend to print and pass out the statement to active duty servicemen and women wherever and when ever possible. I went to Vietnam as an American fighting man an came home a human being. David M. Ionno

Feb. 21, 2003

As a Retired US Navy Veteran, let me start off by saying that I am deeply ashamed to find such a collection of cowards, wimps, and Communist-Inspired Liberal Pacifists such as yourselves. I question the validity of this website because I find it incomprehensible that Veterans would pull off something such as this. It astounds me to disbelief that my fellow Veterans would suddenly turn into whimpering, peace loving cowards, especially at a time when our nation prepares for war not only against Saddam Hussein, but against the biggest danger to all of us: Islamic Extremism. Although I do not necessarily support the results of war, I do support President Bush's decision to press on in ensuring the ousting of the Ba'ath Party and Saddam Hussein. I also hope that Bush's policies toward Muslim Extremism changes dramatically, because it is beginning to get out of hand. THE RESTRAINT MUST CEASE. It would be highly behooved of all of you to remember the blood, sweat, and tears all of us put into past conflicts with the mission to defend and uphold freedom of the people. Never before in history has America been so threatened, yet to witness the volume of turncoats and cowards in here make me want to vomit. Be ashamed of yourselves for turning your back on America. Perhaps you should go over to Iraq and join the so-called "Not In Our Name" Human Shield group. My bets are that, as soon as the tomahawks find their targets, we shall see these fools run for their very lives. If you are brave, join this outfit, and lead them into death. Maybe this is what all of you deserve. John Rudolph These lines that I received from a young friend, who wishes to take part in voluntary work overseas, got me thinking: "I agree that the governmental state in both my own country (U.K.) and the United States is a disgrace with all their talk of war and destruction. Having traveled before, I understand the international reputation of Americans in general is poor, so rest assured I will not be looking to work for a United States agency." Yours aye, James Thorlby

Feb. 20, 2003

The veterans are giants! Bush is a worm! Stop the war! Impeachment to Bush! Flamarion Freitas Cabral São Paulo - Brasil. Proud Navy Wife and Damn Proud American I am appalled at what you are doing in an attempt to undermine our country. I hope you realize that the U.S. is the only country in the world where you can say the things that you are saying and not find yourselves in prison or dead. Do you think that Saddam Hussein would allow you to agitate like this? My husband is on active duty in the Navy, and has never been ashamed to wear the uniform. In fact, he reenlisted after 9/11 specifically because he wants to help protect people like you, even though you don't appreciate the sacrifice he is willing to make. In fact, judging by the things you have written, you are calling him a murderer. He is willing to die if it means that one of you will be saved. Words cannot express how proud I am of him. If he actually did what you hope he will do (which will not happen, by the way, because my husband has honor), I would be ashamed of him. Your horrible statements are an insult and a betrayal to every man and woman who has ever served in the military, to their families and friends, and to the country that gives you the freedom to make these statements. If you think that America is such a horrible, warmongering, baby killing country with an illegitimate government, then why don't you just get the hell out. Go to Iraq, and see how long they put up with you there. Dear friends, We read the Italian translation of your call on the web page of the progressive magazine Carta (www.carta.org). The call is extremely impressive and inspiring. We hope it can help to stop the war. For us in Italy it is extremely encouraging: it such initiative is one of the reason to respect United States people. It is very important to know that not all the US citizens are supporting Bush and his gang. We are an antiracist association (Todo Cambia) involving immigrant workers of different nationality (many of them are Latin Americans, Arabs and Africans now living in Italy. We would like to let know your call to all the immigrants here with our multi-language bulletin for immigrants, antiracist and pacifist activists. For this reason we need the text of your call in several different languages (we already found a Spanish translation on the Mexican news La Jornada, the French translation on Indymedia Paris); may you help us in finding translations of the call in Arab and Russian? Thanks Paolo (Intercultural Association TODO CAMBIA - Milano - Italy) You guys are nuts. I served proudly in the Gulf and Somalia. My father served proudly in Korea and Vietnam. My grandfather and five great grandfathers served proudly. America, with all it's faults, is still the greatest country in the world. It exists only because brave people were willing to fight and die for it. Instead of writing petitions, why don't you try: 1. get a job to support the economy through your taxes 2. work in a service field to give something back to society (medicine, police, fire department, military) 3. participate in the electoral process 4. study history to understand where we have come from

Feb. 19, 2003

I salute all of you men for your service in our armed forces. I don't understand what caused you to hate the country you served. Is it because the democrats are not in power? We will save a lot more lives by removing those in power in Iraq than are lost in the effort. Thanks, Roger Wilson I want this present administration to adhere to the standards set down by the Nuremberg Trials of WWII. Gary Bramstedt I am a Vietnam veteran and I am willing to help your organize and to speak at gatherings here in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Earl J. Sharp I believe you are the allies of terror and that you are the enemies of freedom. You support murder, and rape by your anti-american ways. I believe that your are liberals, seeking to make political hay at the cost of America lives. I am a veteran of Viet Nam. Post this if you dare! Phillip Rose

Feb. 18, 2003

War is no viable solution to world problems. Mr. Bush should be impeached for the crime of aggression. Roy A. Armstrong I am a disabled military veteran who served My Country in the U.S. Navy, at war on four separate occasions. I completed two full tours in Viet Nam for a total of 22 months of combat. I applied and was accepted for a voluntary recall to active duty for Operation Dessert Storm. I later returned to the Persian Gulf to participate in Operation Dessert Shield. Also, after the Viet Nam War, I was with the first ships My Country ever sent into a combat zone in the Persian Gulf (Indian Ocean) in 1973 to provide support for our effort in the Yom Kipper War. In addition, for three years I served in the Army National Guard, where I worked in support of the U. S. Border Patrol in its effort to defend our borders against the smuggling of illegal personnel and contraband (1994-96). I say all this to give evidence that there is hardly any one in this country who is more patriotic, or has more love for it and is willing to give more for it, and certainly no one who has served it more, except maybe Secretary Powell himself. Therefore, I think my two-cents are more worth hearing than just about anyone else's; and here it is: I never though that I could ever be as ashamed of and look upon My Country as lowly as I now do. You could never have made me believe that the leaders of My Country would be so willing, so eager to throw away the blood of its young men and women so that the extremely wealthy oil men of My Country (i.e., Bush I, Bush II, Chaney, and all the other oil men that were brought into the present presidential administration at its conception) could become even more wealthier. When Bush II began naming his cabinet prior to taking office, he chose the same men who had very effectively obtained victory in the Persian War; Chaney, Powell, Rumsfeld, etc. You should recall that during his presidential campaign, Bush II had no foreign policy, nor any concept of one. He couldn't even pronounce the names of some of the world leaders whose antics were in the media on a daily basis. So, all these ideas and perceptions that he presently has came from those who have impressed their own ideas upon him (i.e., those within his circle, both private and public). These people within this circle must be very close to President in order to have as strong an influence upon him in order for him to risk his political career, his party's standing, and of course, the blood of America's youth. As with most people, their own private circle consist of those whom they have developed a close relationship with, as one would a family member (i.e., Bush I), coworkers, and business associates. Bush II had no such relationship with DR. Rice or Secretary Powell prior to seeking the presidency; they had no common connection that would draw them close. But they did with other members of his circle, such as Bush I; who also had a close working relationship with Chaney, Powell and Rumsfeld; and other party members. These connections would not only be a strong influence, but a priceless asset if you plan to go to war against the same country in which they (Bush I, and others involved) were already victorious. For the most part, these are people who had developed a close relationship with Bush I, not Bush II. As for his circle of influence, well, he was a leader in the oil industry prior to entering politics. Being in that business he would have cultivated good working relationships with the industry's other leaders. These would be the extremely wealthy oil men whose best interest is served by My Country gaining control of its own oil-producing and exporting country; i.e., Iraq. For this purpose, the youth of My Country will have to give up their lives. This is the only benefit for My Country; to gain control over Iraq and take over it's oil industry by placing our own handpicked administrators at the top of its oil producing operations. And who would control those handpicked administrators? It would be the same people who would benefit the most -- the oilmen of the Bush circle. No one as ever mentions one word as to how victory over Iran would benefit the people of My Country. The reasoning the Bush II administration give for war against Iraq is that they have become a threat to us because they "probably have" weapons of mass destruction. Remember, we don't know for sure, we only assume based upon inspections held over twelve years ago. But, even given that assumption, I say so what. China has weapons of mass destruction. Russia has weapons of mass destruction. India has weapons of mass destruction. Pakistan has weapons of mass destruction. France has weapons of mass destruction. England and Canada may or may not have weapons of mass destruction. On October 8, 1945, President Truman announced that the secret of the atomic bomb would be shared with both these countries. But, in case they didn't bother to go to the tremendous expense of creating such an arsenal, they can surely count on us, because, as evidenced by that announcement, guess what; the United States of America, (My Country), also has weapons of mass destruction. One could also make the argument about Israel too, since, if need be, we would certainly use ours in defense of her. In all of this I am in no way referring to chemical or biological weapons, but rather to nuclear. There are a total of nine countries that currently have the capability to deliver a nuclear attack on their neighbors. North Korea, another country which has weapons of mass destruction, has also been identified as having missiles with the capacity of reaching the western coastline of the U.S. This capability has serve to ensure its place as the number one threat to this country; not just the rest of the world; not just to our allies. But it is the only threat to world peace that has the ability to threaten the people of the United States itself. Yet, the policy of the present administration is not to even use sanctions against such a country. In stead, it would rather throw the full force of our military might against a country which is barely able to contend with our forces. This administration acts as if we are cowards when faced with real threats. We don't know for sure if Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. If they do, we know for sure that they are of chemical origin only, for they have no nuclear capabilities as yet. And not in twelve years, since the Persian War, have they threatened anyone with the use of these chemical weapons. In fact, for the past twelve years we have maintained two no-fly zones over their country, which have successfully ensured Iraq's inability to use or threaten any country with these or any other weapons. Since the Gulf War and because of the efficiency of maintaining these no-fly zones, Iraq has not been a threat to anyone. They have not threatened any of its neighbors, nor have they threatened us. But, one thing we do know for sure is that of all the countries that do possess nuclear weapons, we; the United States of America; My Country; has been the only country ever to prove that they will use chemical (Viet Nam), nuclear (W.W.II), or any other has weapons of mass destruction. No other country has ever gone so far as to use a nuclear weapon. That's why they all fear us; and why we fear none of them, especially if all they have are chemical weapons. This administration is trying to use fear to stir up My Country against a country, which has only tried to accomplish the same as other countries, including us, have already done. The Bush regime is trying to convince the people of My Country to fear another country, in order to get My Country to do what none of its previous leaders has ever attempted to persuade it to do; and that is to perform an unprovoked attack against another country in an effort to steal it wealth for the benefit of a few, already wealthy men; through the sacrifice of the blood of our young men and women. I suppose that after they have accomplished their goal and take control of all the riches of Iraq, they will try to justify it all by pointing out how much My Country will benefit economically from cheap oil prices and such. And when they do, they should be reminded that if they would have made the necessary changes and pursued alternative forms of energy, they could have accomplished more, and without the cost of our young men and women who won't be here to enjoy the benefits of continued use of fossil fuels. Well, I must confess, if they did that, there would be no need for oilmen, would there. By the way, isn't this what they did to the American Indians. If they aren't careful, this concept of larger, stronger countries taking over smaller, weaker countries to gain their fruits might catch on; then where will we be. We might have to use our own weapons of mass destruction again. MattoxLD@aol.com

Feb. 16, 2003

Istanbul, Turkey BY THE SEA, BY THE SEA, BY THE BEAUTIFUL BOSPORUS By James Ryan The sky finally cleared after two weeks of misery from snow, sleet and rain. Today, the broad avenue leading down to the ferry pier at Kad‡köy, usually packed with taxis, cars, trucks, mini-buses, and intrepid pedestrians, was empty, barricaded by the ever-preventative Istanbul police. For today, on this blowing, fresh day, Istanbul would make its contribution to the worldwide demonstration for peace. But here, demonstrations for peace, thanks to the police, often mean quite the opposite. So I suspected this gathering might become "interesting," or worse. Below and far off, the majestic Bosporus glittered like a magnificent, shattered mirror. People, hordes of them, streamed downhill toward the demonstration beside the sea, dutifully submitting en route to a police frisking and bag search. Mine was rendered by a plainclothesman with a three-day stubble, wearing a windbreaker with "Narcotics Squad" written on the back, in English, another indicator of the American presence. Demonstrations here in Turkey, for peace or anything else, are not easy feats. A few weeks ago, the police disrupted a student peace march by efficiently grabbing the student's placards and beating their heads with them. This aggressive "police presence" somewhat dampens the Turks' enthusiasm for public self-expression, head beating here being exactly what it's cracked-up to be- brutal, humiliating, and a disgrace to the nation. But today, the swelling, good-humored crowd seemed undaunted by history. The Turkish press, lackeys of the establishment (except for one or two newspapers), later reported the crowd to number 10,000. To my neophyte's eye it seemed at least twice that, having witnessed the size of football crowds spilling into the streets after matches. And a mixed crowd it was. Students, babies in strollers, people from the outlying villages, women with head scarves, long-haired artists, middle-aged and older folks, in short, Turks of all stripes, and my Turkish wife, and me, an American. We merged into the gathering crowd at the foot of the hill and began to march or, more accurately, shuffle for peace. The crowd was vibrant. Everyone seemed to be carrying something: a banner, a red flag, a placard of a bloody-fanged George Bush, an Iraqi flag, a baby. The air was filled with chanting and the cadenced upthrusts of fists. The vast esplanade beside the sea was packed and shouting. Many climbed trees and lampposts to lead exhortations. The air was electric but we were no longer moving. My wife and I began to snake through the crowd, seeking the less claustrophobic space by the speakers' platform beside the ferry terminal. As we slipped our way through I felt eyes on me, not an unusual phenomena here for me, since I am taller by far than 99.9% of the Turks and have a decidedly un-Turkish aspect. But today was different. Today, these weren't looks of curiosity. One woman approached, spoke to my wife, and then shook my hand, appreciative of an American supporting peace. She patted my shoulder as we moved away. Suddenly, we could go no farther. There, dead ahead, was the phalanx of Turkish police. Ranked and filed like Caesar's legions, helmeted, body-armored, side-armed, club-fisted, all in black and definitely not glittering, they stood behind their shields, muttering and smoking, and waiting. Instead of a standard-bearer front-and-center proclaiming the glories of Pax Romana, there stood before each police detachment a black-armored dog-handler, leashed to his snarling, gnashing German shepherd-companion. I moved closer to snap some photos, the dog dutifully obliging by barking wildly and baring its fangs. I thought, this could be Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, and the dogs of police chief Eugene "Bull" Connor that tore into the black flesh of his fellow Americans. The cries of the dogs punctuated the pleas of the speakers as the crowd roared responses in a frantic, weirdly unifying jazz, an odd communion of man and beast. And I felt wonderful, alive in a common, though probably hopeless cause. For this was indeed a peaceful celebration of Turkish negation. A collective response to what, for the Turks, has been a preordained policy of their government to cooperate with the American cause, a cause rejected by 90% of the Turkish people. Which means exactly nothing in Turkey, for this so-called secular nation with a so-called democracy has a vast abyss between elected and electorate. Corrupt politicians and business people have systematically plundered the now largely impoverished electorate for decades. It was written a few years ago that the entire indebtedness of Turkey, both public and private, approximated the total amount looted, then estimated at around $185 billion. Now, fully in the grasp of the economic talons of the United States via its crushing indebtedness to the IMF and World Bank, coupled with the entanglements of the military alliance in NATO, there seems no way out for Turkey but to roll over and do its master's bidding. Indeed Turkey has a problem. The new government, the majority party with fundamental Islamic roots that become clearer and more ominous by the moment, has inextricably linked Turkey to the American war with its neighbor Iraq, a fellow Muslim state. So much for Muslim brotherhood. Moreover, at a recent conference of neighbor nations, Turkey, and indeed all the attendees- Syria, Egypt, Jordan and others- agreed that Iraq is NOT a threat to them. Yet contemporaneously, Turkey has been haggling with the United States over the price of support for its war. Oil and Mammon win every time. So much for Allah alla Turka. The placards and banners jumping before me and blowing in the wind told everything. Horror stories of CIA shenanigans here are legion, and while the Turks love Americans, they despise the CIA. But the world has changed. What was once covert is in plain sight. The CIA is a running joke. And the placards proclaim the truth about the United States, according to the people. The motives of this Bush-browbeaten war are writ large and caricatured devastatingly. This is indeed the people's truth, the world's truth. And this is terrifying in its aspect. Particularly for Turkey, now so firmly strapped atop the American tiger. The speeches ended and the police stood steadfast in ranks protecting the Republic, and the crowd began its slow drift to wherever home was, and I thought about another American president, this one eloquent, polished, witty, indeed a president from an "old" America. It was 1961, a freezing January afternoon. I know. I was there, a West Point cadet marching in the Inauguration Parade of John F. Kennedy. "Remember," Kennedy told the crowd in front of the Capitol, "in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside." And so, solidly on the back of the "new" American tiger, whither Turkey? Today is another world. The elegant political discourse of a John Fitzgerald Kennedy has vanished. But wouldn't Jack Kennedy be surprised by the stripes of this new American beast? Today, the Bosporus shone a particularly lovely shade of green as it flowed westward to the sea. Green, the color of Islam. Green, the color of hope. Green, the color of US dollars. And again, whither Turkey? Indeed, whither us all? James Ryan, graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a writer, lives in Istanbul.

Feb. 14, 2003

This is a wonderful message of hope and real honor. We Europeans are - in a huge majority - supporting initiatives in favor of peace, whatever the official attitude of our respective governments might be. Fortunately, in Belgium, we all fight for peace: our king, our prime minister, our minister of foreign affairs, and most of our population. Be sure your efforts are most appreciated. Thank you for encouraging your people in the good direction. Mr Bush, please do not insult the future. Bernard Servais Brussels, Belgium Dear Veterans, I deeply respect the care and concern that you demonstrate for all of humanity. I believe that all life should be honored, that all people, especially civilians, have the right to be free from attack. We have no right to cause a war that we know will kill many civilians, just as we know that our terrorist killers had no right to kill innocent civilians at the world trade center. How simple the phrase." two wrongs do not make a right". Why can our government not understand this? I lost many high school friends in the Vietnam war, and witnessed the horrors that the living, returning veterans deal with yet today. There are options to war.....thank God that you are willing to verbalize that fact. Many have fought and died for YOU to have the right to express yourself and I understand and support your right to do so. However, don't misrepresent me or state inaccurate statistics; "We stand with the majority of humanity, including millions in our own country, in opposition to the United States' all out war on Iraq.!" I was in the military for 7 years during the Vietnam era, so I've done my part to serve this country. A cancer left untreated spreads and becomes more powerful. Certain procedures to contain the cancer may delay the damage, but if there are no signs that the cancer is responding to the actions... or indications that the cancer is growing, removal of the cancer is required to save the body... Saddam is that cancer and his neighbors (the world community) is the body. Dennis Combs Civilians, I want to tell you all that I am doing what my boss president Bush is asking of me and the rest of the armed forces. The same president that a lot of you voted for! Veterans, You of all people should know that when you enlist into the armed services you do what you are told and as long as it is not an unlawful order you do it without question. All the veterans before us have paved the way for a new army and a new bunch of soldiers. Those of you who have fought before us and lost your brothers in arms know that we do not wish war on anyone, we just answer the call of injustice in the world. All people need to stop hating on us and start supporting the troops, it is a lonely and hard time for us and to have your countrymen and women turning their backs on you is not patriotic at all. The man who runs this country and his advisors have decided what happens will be the in the best interest of the world and the United States of America! If you don't like what is going to happen then turn off your TV's and radios and don't worry about us. but please, when you watch your kids grow and when you become grandparents thank a Veteran cause if they did not fight before me i may not be here to fight for your children's freedom.. Thank you Active duty Sgt As an 18 year veteran, disappointed is too soft an expression to describe my reaction to your statement, and betrayal is perhaps too hash to describe your actions. Either way, I can't see how you can look yourselves in the mirror each morning. Semper Fi means always faithful and I intend to support my brethren in arms to the last. You, on the other hand, have forsaken your honor, cashed in your courage and abandoned your previous commitment in succumbing to the mind-numbed narcissism of the America haters and Mercedes Marxists who hide behind ANSWER. For you, it is not about conscience, it is about a cave-in to the fuzzyheaded fell-good posturing that will ultimately undermine the Constitution you claim you once swore to support and defend. SHAME! Chuck Morgan URGENT URGENT Please, make every attempt to get this urgent communiqué to as many troops as possible. There is a reason for you to be leaving this Country "Our USA", It is not to fight for our country, My Brother and Sisters, it is your orchestrated death march. I make this statement from facts in the following listing. 01) You have been hood winked thinking you are going there to fight for this Country, the primary objective is to gain access of the control of oil for the rich and powerful, via killing innocent Christian/s, and Moslem/s GOD'S CREATION/S, and when you finish killing them and carrying out their mission, please circle your wagons, because the Corporate Government that sent you there, is not going to allow you to come home. 02) I trained in special weapons in the USAF, my job was Atomic, Nuclear, Thermo Nuclear, the Neutron Bomb, and among other matters. I share this with you to make you aware, before you arrive there. Or if you are there I share this with you also. These weapons are real, no toys. In 1961, the neutron Bomb was introduced in our offensive arsenal, in Europe during the cold war. However in 1980 Jimmy Carter stated that we had a brand new bomb called the Neutron Bomb. And right after his speech, we gave the weapon to Israel, my American Comrades, these weapons are there waiting for you. Please come home! 03) The neutron Bomb can be set to kill in areas as small as a foot ball field, and as large as Houston, a neutron Bomb kills by creating instant blood boiling "via instantly destroying the White Corpuscles" from within the body, the Neutron Bomb will have no radiation, after the time of 72 hours pass, the troops "people " remove the expired bodies via body bags, or cremations. How Large Is A Battalion? How large is a USAF Wing? A Neutron Bomb can be set to take out one Wing, Or one Battalion easy, or any small area. My Brother/s Sister/s why would one use a contaminated chemical, and contaminate the area, when they have a Neutron Bomb that will do a non contaminated clean area kill. 04) After you capture all the oil there for the Powerful, I predict that the crematory's set up there is to make sure you do not come back home, and if I am wrong about your not coming home, I'm sorry, "but should you come home" it will be you ashes in a plastic bag neatly sealed, not your complete body. 04) Ask your selves, " why have your elected officials approved to have your bodies cremated, Why did your elected President Bill Clinton, with his stroke of the pen via an "exe. order" have 25 million body bags built. 05) Some of us old Veterans will try to our deaths to protect "OUR Country", and it is important that you get your butts home, refuse to go, and if you are there , GET BACK HOME. God Bless each and every one of HIS, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jimmy Lee Ward Dear Friends, On Saturday last, when visiting the lone vigiler for Peace, Briean, in Parliament Square, Wesminister, London, I was given your two-page declaration. My other campaigners and I are very impressed by it. I'm a member of ex-services CND having served in the Merchant Service, throughout WWII. I'm now in my 80th year. We were not under the same discipline as members of the armed forces, but merchant were asked during the war and I gratify members hit of the ex-services branch of the campaign for nuclear disarmament I appreciate your call for peace, but appealing to the folks in the military is not a right thing to do. They are the obedient soldiers of this country, run by the lawmakers. I feel it is appropriate to convince the lawmakers to lead the country in the path of peace. I strongly oppose appealing to soldiers. Appealing to soldiers will only create, if any, anarchy among the obedient soldiers of this land. Do you want that ?! I will be surprised if you post my comments because usually your type is hell bent against anybody with an opposing view. Since you seem to be perched on such moral high ground in your own delusions I think you should also be morally consistent and if you are going to ask military personnel to opt out of going to war, than you should also demand that they immediately start refusing their paychecks and ask to be discharged. It is morally wrong and shameful for them to make their living on military pay and then turn their back on American citizens and run when needed most. The CIA, FBI, and Pentagon has mountains of evidence and info which cannot and should not be shared with you, me, or the irresponsible media. It is very likely and credible that this info indicates a clear and present threat from Iraq. It is our Commander In Chief's ultimate responsibility to act on this info and protect Americans and their interests in spite of their own ignorance. It is the Military's obligation and moral duty to respond in good faith when called. This is not another Viet Nam. Viet Nam was a mistake. This is a time for American fighting men and women to be proud that they can and will defend not just America, but the world from a dangerous, crazed evil dictator. If you really believe that Sadam is not a threat to us, Please post GPS coordinates to your house on the internet along with your son's, daughter's, and mothers full names and dare Sadam to attack if he can. You claim to be a peace loving anti-war activist, but I see your true colors. Just another sore loser, Bush basher. True American JoeNavy@Lifer.com

Feb. 12, 2003

Even though I am not a veteran, that letter expressed my deepest thoughts. We as a nation need to really think about why we are doing what we are doing. Thank you for expressing it so well!! Erin Prellwitz Dear Veterans, Thank you for your paper with the call to conscience, so we know here in Germany, that there is indeed another peaceful America! I found your declaration in translation in a small newspaper "The Stachel" in Oldenburg (Germany). I am now 50 years old and haven't been in the army at all. But I think it's never too late to say NO! I hope with you together that the war on Iraq will not start. I am proud of that part of America which you represent. Good wishes for the future Dieter Reichardt, Oldenburg, Germany As a member of the WI Army National Guard... I pisses me off to hear that veterns, the people who should support fellow soldiers the most, are protesting like a bunch of hippies! I am ashamed of each and everyone of you, and I would never refer to any of you as a brother-in-arms! Damn all of you to hell!!! Your country needed you to defends it's rights and freedoms and to help spread those rights around the world! Now you turn your back to your country! Travis Arnold you all disgust me...you don't have your facts straight and you know you don't since you don't cite your sources...but you know what lets dissolve the army...so when that smoking gun does appear, and we have to scramble and try to protect ourselves from the nuclear rain above, when our shadows are burned into the little bits of wall that still continue to stand...let's then try and defend ourselves...but then again maybe we shouldn't because someone might get hurt... my late uncle was a POW, he saw and experienced some horrible things, but he supported this potential war...and he would have some choice words for you... what would have happened if people like you hadn't made life difficult for you when you came back from what little service most of you had...what if you had been heroes...would you still be simpering like this...i doubt it...don't undermine the military by making them scared of what it will be like when they come home...don't make them face what you did...or maybe you dont remember... and for the man, i use that term loosely, who is scared that his niece is going to go untrained to the front lines...two things...you go no where untrained these days...if you don't know what you're doing you are a liability...combat is not a time to have a liability...second, she will not go to the front lines...for special reasons, we wont go into why, women are not allowed on the front line, just like they are not allowed on subs...at least last time i looked into it i could be wrong though...i will not commit myself to facts im not sure of...*cough*...unlike other people... this is not the same military...it is trained and knowledgeable... we, as humans, are not peaceful by nature...who gave you that idea...by birth we are end justifies the means...this is why we always remind childeren its not nice to fight and we have to share...we cry to get what we want or need... sometimes peace is begotten through war...you need to remove an irritant in the body before it can heal... and if war doesnt solve anything...lets think about a war we fought against ourselves, while it was not the only reason why the civil war was fought, slavery was dissolved due to war...so then some people would own each other...is that right? bush is our rightful leader...doesnt it say something for him that people who would not normally vote for his party voted for him...if you don't like it go someplace else...stop whining do your protests...sane-minded people will just feel stronger about their beliefs and the insanity of yours... love does not mean you always like...sometimes things that we don't like need to be done and if for a moment i can lower myself to your standard...imbeciles mary nonmilitary, nonwhiner

Feb. 10, 2003

10 reasons why many Gulf War veterans oppose re-invading Iraq. I signed the statement, but I'd like to clarify my position with a few comments. Now, while I don't support disobeying a lawful order, I do support the right of any servicemember to file for conscientious objector (CO) status as they see fit. There are just wars and there are unjust wars. And this is an unjust war if I ever saw one. It is not a war for American freedom. It is not a war to liberate Iraq. It is a war to control the biggest reserve of gas and oil on the planet. When was the last time any of you heard the President mention Osama bin Laden? HE's the one we are supposed to be fighting...and I'm not convinced he's dead! Are you? Now to the nay-sayers who think we are cowards: Being female, I went on deployments but never saw combat. Sorry if that disappoints the real combat vets who have posted here in opposition, but that was the regulation at the time I served. At least I volunteered to serve my country (unlike many right-wing chickenhawks) and I think that gives me the right to speak my piece. It might interest you to know that several men in my family served in WWII (glider pilot), Vietnam (chopper pilot) and Korea (Chosin Reservoir), were obviously not REMF's and NEVER bragged about "confirmed kills." They just did what they had to do and came home. N Mrazik "We are veterans of the United States armed forces." Probably former members of the Coast Guard band. Dennis Tester I have come to realize that the ramifications for troops inactions may be worse than if they were to do as they are told. This has troubled me and I would like to have my name removed from your list of signers. I would rather use more traditional methods to oppose the impending war. Thank you, William Saenz, USN 1989-1993, Brownstown, Michigan. Is there an outpost in New York City? If not, is there anyone out there who might be interested in forming one? Juliet Jacobsen jj2085@columbia.edu Thank you for your site, and your call to conscience! Do Nothing for Peace I just learned of this action via an email last week - It seems like it may be the only way to stop a war that is not needed - will result in the deaths of citizens and soldiers, will further destroy our economy and incite additional terrorist attacks on the US. Please help us spread the word - Time is short and we must ACT NOW! Greetings: Anti-War movements generally begin after the fact - thus lives are lost before a movement gains momentum or is able to influence the actions. This time we have taken to the streets, written letters and articles and generally done all possible to stop this war on Iraq before it begins. Still Washington ignores and dismisses us. Now a number of the "leaders" of this peace movement are calling for a general work strike as soon as bombing starts. Others believe that that too will be too late, and acknowledge that lives will already be lost. Consequently we are asking people to "Do Nothing" on Feb 14th. This is a real grassroots movement and there is not much time. So we ask you to help promote and spread the word. We the people can stop this war, but we cannot wait for it to start. The organization link is at:  www.warstrike.org Thank you for your consideration and any assistance in letting others know about this strike that you can provide. Please spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, members of associations you belong to or represent. Join us in making our feelings about this "Push towards War" FELT. Claudia Slate An Individual working against a preemptive strike on Iraq I think it's asking too much to expect troops to disobey orders simply because they are opposed to a war. If they oppose a war, they are free to write to their congressional representatives and the President, participate in demonstrations, and do other things short of violating the oath they took when they joined the service. Of course, troops can and should refuse to follow orders to do things clearly contrary to international law, such as the My Lai massacre, etc. -RD Thank you for lending your names to this voice. I myself am not a veteran, though my father fought in World War I, and my brothers served in Panama and the Dominican Republic during the 1960s, respectively (82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne) With your active duty, and your willingness to put your name on the line, unlike many who post on the BBSs where I found this, you have a credibility that even our President lacks. Please continue to fight for decency. This nonsense about Iraq is not about freedom and democracy, it is about free trade and unbridled capitalism, with oil as the main product, and revenge as the trigger. Unfortunately, many Americans, following in the footsteps of the pundits of the press, are too frightened to contemplate that their country is being led to ruin and disgrace. Richard Champlin What a bogus site. Are you going to pay for the imprisoned 18 year olds who heed your call and are court-martialed? No, because your belief only goes as far as lip service. Your dedication to them is as shallow as your cause. How tough it must be to create a website, make up a bunch a fictitious "veteran" names, post a controversial subject, and then sell the email list of all those who respond. This has nothing to do with Americanism - it is about your pursuit of a quick buck. I saw a recent comment from a Marine "officer" who doesn't capitalize "Marine" ... clearly a hoax letter. For those who are veterans and agree with this bogus site, I'm glad you are no longer serving in uniform and getting those around you killed with your indecisions. If you are on active duty and you agree with this site, you need to admit that you're in the wrong business and request immediate transfer to the nearest mess hall. If you can't serve your country, at least you can serve breakfast to the real Americans. Then get out of the military as soon as possible. American taxpayers don't want to pay your salary when you should be running a flower shop. Then you should ask yourself - should we just ask criminals to stop being so mean and never go after them either? Get a spine. SSgtD With Over 3,000 innocents lying dead in America, massacred in terroist attacks on Americans own soil and with the possibility of further attacks it infuriates me how you people have the gall to say preventing a possible chemical/nuclear/biological attack is wrong. You are the very ones who if an attack occurs will be berating the government and demanding to know why measures werent undertaken to prevent this. I know there has been liberals like you since the beginning of time and I know this will always be the case, but deserting your country now, more than ever before in the face of aggression from an unseen and cowardly enemy has stooped to a new low. The very future and exsistance of America depends upon the citizens of this country having the stomach to stand up to cowardly enemy who dosen't care about you or me but only about achieving a goal of mass destruction of Americans and all things American. Are you willing to betray your country to stand up for an ememy who would kill you without a second thought about it or even any feeling of remourse? You berate George W Bush for wanting to start a war, but let me tell you it was Osama Bin Laden, Saadam Hussein and other thugs who wanted war and I hope to God that President Bush gives them their wish and Obliterates those cowardly thugs who challenge the very freedoms our fore fathers fought for before us. Lee Mackin Aged 18 Just some comments: First of all what you are asking these fine young men and women to do is to disobey lawfull orders that they agreed to obey when they signed their contract with the military. If they disagree with the orders given, they are still obligated to follow these orders. The only orders that they can ignore are ones that are clearly illegal, such as purposely killing civlian non-combatants, or prisoners of war etc. If they didn't want to possibly go to war, they should never have joined up! Secondly, I served honorably for twenty years. I my self praise God that I never had to go to war. Although I new that my going was a possibility and was quite aware when I signed up at the end of Vietnam that I might have to go there. I am against war, but there are times when war is the only way. Please give us some valid alternatives to war in this case, to force Sadaam to live up to his agreements and disarm! Don't just say that war is wrong and tell our Servicemen and Women to desert their country and their comrades during a time of crisis! Dave Your slogan about being a citizen of the world taking precedence over being a soldier of a nation is not based in the reality of the times. Until one can tell the military where to stick it and at the same time not lose their ability to provide for their family, then being a citizen of the world instead of a soldier of a nation is not a viable option. I've a friend who'd like nothing better than to not participate in this particular fiendish plan of the bush regime, and if it weren't for the family he must support, he'd be in the wilds of Alaska by now. Consciencious objection is not an option either, for as I'm sure you are aware, selective objection to specific conflicts doesn't qualify U.S. military personnel for conscientious objector status. I hope that you are working toward making selective objection a valid means of gaining conscientious objector status in the U.S. military. I would, but I'm not a veteran and will not ever be one, since my conscience would never allow me to get involved in the military in the first place, so my sentiments likely carry less weight with the people who'd make these decisions. Yorick

Feb. 7, 2003

We received the following message from Military Families recently. We got permission to share it with the rest of you, with identifying information removed. The note speaks for itself. We can make a difference, we must make a difference. I am a female in the Marine Corps reserve. I am going to be deployed in a few days. I signed the contract and I love the USA. I would have gone to Afghanistan if they would have sent me in a heart beat. I do not believe in this war with Iraq. I am a police officer at home. I have little girl and a wonderful man I love very much. I have dedicated my life to serving others. I am person and a citizen. I am not just an expendable pawn in bush's chess game. I will fight for my country with a smile and a willingness to serve any time my country needs. That is what I signed up for. I did not sign up to give my life for a personal grudge between two dictators. I have been amazed at just how many military members have suddenly become a democrat here recently. And we are very scared that this will be like Vietnam all over again. We are afraid that we will come home and be called baby killers and warmongers. We need more sites like yours to help make sure that the people know that we did not ask for this job. We signed up to serve the United States and instead we serve the personal interests of bush. Please let the people know we are forced into this we have no choice. If I were not in the military I would be chaining myself to the front gate of the white house protesting. Unfortunately being in the military I would be court marshaled for it. I cannot sign any books, pledges or post my name because I am not allowed to disagree with my commander-in-chief. I did not realize when I joined the military that I gave up my basic right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. So thank you for delivering our message for us..... the silenced few, the proud the marines Sorry, can't support what you people are doing. You are not the only veterans of the United States armed forces that served this nation. Don't act as if you are the majority. H. Pettigrew Dear friends, I read the Italian translation of your call on the web page of the progressive magazine Carta (www.carta.org). I want to congratulate and support your effort. The call is extremely impressive and inspiring, I hope it can help to stop the war. For us in Italy it is extremely encouraging: it such initiative is one of the reason to respect United States people. It is very important to know that not all the US citizens are supporting Bush and his gang. I'm member of an antiracist association (Todo Cambia) involving immigrant workers of different nationality (many of them are Latin-Americans, Arabs and Africans) now living in Italy. We would like to let know your call to all the immigrants here (we are preparing the anti-war demonstration of the 15th of February in Rome and we publish a multi-language bulletin for immigrants, antiracist and pacifist activists) . For this reason we need the text of your call in several different languages (we already found a Spanish translation on the Mexican news La Jornada); may you help us (translation of your call in French, Arab, Russian etc would be very useful). I wish you every success for your initiative. Paolo Buffoni (Chairman of the Intercultural Association TODO CAMBIA - Milano - Italy) I would die for my country if it meant my children were safe and they will grow up in a free world. We live in a small town and all i can think about is taking my kids out of school and hiding out in the woods until we as in the Gov't figures out what they plain on doing to make this world a safer place for me and my children. My comment is STAND TOGETHER AND STAND STRONGE tina Dear Men and Women of Conscience, Thank you for being exemplary. Showing the way as veterans--those-who-know--of war-should, and showing the utter necessity of anti-war work now. I am writing in appreciation and with a request to join an effort to build a peace strategy, an action plan. Do you think Bush is hell bent on war? I do. Are we just as obdurately HEAVEN BENT FOR PEACE? I am suggesting: Peace is a human necessity not a luxury. It is legally enforceable under international human rights law if we call it. But we can do more than 'take it to court'. We can enforce it first and have the courts back us up. We can take it to Iraq. People are already doing that. They wish to stop the war with their own presence on the ground. Imagine that they succeed. Imagine with all our support, WE succeed. Imagine we stand off war. Imagine we stand off war with peace. Then What? Imagine a global peace force with an action plan. Mahatma Gandhi did not have a blue print, he made the road by walking. Imagine a Global Peace Force --all of us, represented physically in Iraq (by those among us who go). All the worldwide array of anti-war activists from the POPE to the CONGRESSMAN represented in Iraq. Imagine the ex-general, Jessie Jackson, the business leader, the sustainable developer who works to make another world possible, the ecovillage designers and sister city people, the alternate currency people, alternative healers and the cultural exchange people, philosophers and video makers all in Iraq, busy as bees. We could bring alive a whole another way to be in Iraq and upstage the coerced killers. If we could do this, COULD THERE BE A WAR? The UN Weapons Inspection process is working. OUR PEOPLE'S PEACE FORCE CAN observe the conduct of the inspectors and Iraqis. We could facilitate communication assisting all sides. The Hague Appeal For Peace has outlined a blueprint for how it can be done; other plans also exist. While this process is underway, what should happen to the Iraqi people? It is simple. We must open up access to resources for the Iraqi people. We must do more of what Voices in the Wilderness, Global Exchange and others have already started. As co-founder of Voices in the Wilderness Kathy Kelly said and set her own example: "refuse to participate in group murder." She went to protect those being murdered with her life. Imagine Kathy Kelly multiplied --by people like Prime Minister Gro Harlem Bruntland, or the veteran from Texas the computer skills teacher form India. Imagine all the many United Nations agencies mobilizing staff to take our lead. COULD THERE BE WAR? PEACE HAS A DYNAMIC POWER OF ITS OWN; BUT ONLY IF IT IS ACTED UPON. It is being acted upon in millions of little pockets all over the world. We now need to direct it to where it is most needed. From Iraq to Afghanistan and Israel...may not be seven easy steps, but steps. Just like a massive military force is marshaled to wage a war in Iraq, on Iraqi lives, a massive peace force must be marshaled to wage peace in Iraq, to bring peace to Iraqi lives. Let us bring carnivals, conferences and tourism to Iraq, let us clean up depleted uranium in Iraq, let us bring peace to Iraq. Would the Veterans like to work with us to put out a global call to this effect? These are not "normal times". If we make believe they are, and hang on to a false normalcy, we will pay the full price of war further down the line. The world has paid such a price too many times. In the 20th century, we killed more of each other in 100 years than we killed in wars in 2000 years of human history; yet our population has multiplied during the same 100 years exponentially and just as unprecedented. A sane mind would look at the phenomenon and call it the life and death struggle of a species. The question is, have we reached the watershed moment when the choices we make will be decisive. I would like to take a bet on life and move on it. I do not need my own life directly disrupted by the fire in order to act to stop the fire that could engulf us all by and by, in it's multiple ways. When has war ever been a good answer, except to kill a mayhem it conflagrated in the first place? Corporate wars of hegemony trigger military wars and vice versa, military wars build corporate hegemony. The evidence is everywhere. Hans Blix is going to Iraq, according to Truthout, on February 14, and then again on March 1. That gives us the window of opportunity to be organized with a response we can act on. We don't need to invent something only coordinate a joint and directed effort. I have a plan of action I have been circulating for comments and endorsements. If you send me an e-mail for someone to reach, I could send it to you, your membership and network. The original has been modified for style. Content suggestion is welcome. It will only work if we make a workable plan. And a workable plan is one that is mutually developed by a global coalition of peacemakers. We ought to ACT as obdurately for peace as Bush is prepared for War, and more. We must do the unprecedented. As I noted earlier, Gandhi did not have a blueprint. He made the way by walking. This is OUR GOVERNMENT. This is OUR MILITARY. It is OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REIGN THEM IN to save ourselves and the world's people from their runaway power. (Imagine if it was our runaway dog biting our neighbors. Would it be up to our neighbors to bear its brunt or fight it off?). We cannot allow for yet one more time---and for endless war-other people of the world sacrificed to (SOME) AMERICANS FALSELY CLAIMED "NATIONAL SECURITY INTEREST". If the truth be told - with no countries bullied - not a single government, nor most people across the globe, except Mr. Blair and a few of his loyal men, are open to go to war. Most think war is not the answer. That means WE are a whole wide world. Let us make it plain IN ACTION as well as in our speech. Americans bear a special responsibility to mobilize this peace force. To not allow any further war on Iraqis nor militarization of the region. Best Wishes, Premilla Dixit 718-694-9212 Women's International League For Peace and Freedom NY (Eleanore Roosevelt was a member of national WILPF). Courage and Patience Maria Gavriel Cyprus Dear friends, We read your statement and we think it's very good, interesting and Brave in this general world situation and particularly in USA. We would like to publicize and support it in Italy, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France and Germany: countries in which we are engaged in the struggle for peace and against war. Your statement has a more general value for all people engaged in building a future of peace. As you stated "We stand with the majority of humanity, including millions in our own country, in opposition to the United States' all out war on Iraq." There are other valuable points you wrote that could be quoted. We would like to contribute to extend a feeling for peace between young and many people that are mobilizing against war on Iraq in these months. As we did supporting the initiative "volunteers for peace" in which young Israeli refusenik and Intifada people dialogue gathering last December more than 10.000 people in different Italian towns. We would like to publish your statement on our press and we would ask you if you have the possibility to come in Italy for a round of meeting. In the case we might organize it with other groups in order to reinforce a common struggle against war and for peace. We are with the international current "socialist utopia", a new international current founded around two years ago. We are engaged particularly in a struggle for peace as a way for self-transformation of the human species, a way to begin a new historical era of emancipation from violence, egoism and exploitation, an era in which women and men might live for the mutual good. In this perspective we would like to meet you and support your struggle. Waiting for a your answer, a warm greeting to all of you. For Socialist Utopia Claudio Guidi Hi there Thank you for your post on http://paris.indymedia.org. The call has now been translated into French (http://paris-indymedia.ouvaton.org/article.php3?id_article=117) JJ Twiki: http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Local/ImcIdf

Feb. 6, 2003

where were you guys w/sudan, iraq, yugo, etc.? For regime change in Yugo, did Pres Clinton go to u.n?------ The point is, President Bush went to congress, went to the U.N, did everything by the book. This current administration has been neither impatient or bellicose. Your problem isn't w/war in Iraq. Your problem is w/Bush, you people couldn't stand him when he was campaigning, couldn't stand it when he won(don't bring up Florida, mid-term results showed where the people of that state stand voting wise)and now that he has proven his case and has outmaneuvered and outsmarted his opponents---well, that really makes you angry. I am sure I will get angry responses, maybe some name calling, go ahead, I would expect nothing less from American hating, misinformed people like yourself. God bless the USA. william hudgens

Feb. 5, 2003

Does Anyone Know Who We're Bombing Today? Evidence is gone with melted flesh, bones turned to dust, villages disappeared, cries of pain lost in clouded explosions, generations Flow faded to crumbled hope, does anyone know we fill nights' sky, targeting the untargetable, did any of us get to vote on this homicide, are we the shadow of violence, slipping into dark corners, scalpel in hand, choosing victims for the cut of death, are we the locust that consumes human fields, does our hunger covet this earth, does anyone know what's going on, we are armed and ready, stealth is a dance we know so well, under cover of flag we are genociders, media puppets are fed on schedule, they throw up a killer's meal, masked to hide the stench annihilation, does anyone know who we're bombing today, who we bombed yesterday, who we have in mind for tomorrow, what do the killers tell their grandchildren, do they give them toy guns with live ammunition, hide them in lead lined shelters, explain to them why they have no playmates, why air is poison, why windows are plastered with secrets, ghost committees of oil drinkers, munition makers, earth thieves, meet behind our troubled eyes, we don't realize a need for vision of discovery, to question unknown moves of elected liars, walking blind in patriotic mist, over mass graves covered with plastic flowers, does anyone know who we're bombing today, do we accept there is danger of our execution, do we let this deceptive shade fall across our heart, does any one know extinction will be our gift, chain reaction of false leaders hate, their quest for power and elusive crowns, what do we tell our grandchildren, what do we say when they ask for toy guns and live ammunition, does anyone know who we're bombing today, does anyone no where, are we so sure our leaders don't have us in their sites, does anyone know, does anyone know. ~ Phil Goldvarg One small Swedish voice thinks it's beautiful that veterans and all other people are thinking in humanitarian ways. The reports in Sweden about the coming war is almost about how the influence of the stock market, and what the shareholders is gong to get or loose. Nothing about human suffering, terror, so on. Therefore I thank you all. Johhny Johansson I am an older veteran (in the Korean War) and wish to support what you are doing. Sincerely, Norman Linton

Feb. 4, 2003

by CONSERVATIVE (God, I hate that word) estimates the pentagon EXPECTS 12% casualties in this war. Since they expect to have 350,000 troops in place and ready to attack 12% of that is 42,000 dead and that is if everything goes WELL! --coinsaver Visiting the Armed Forces Recruiting Center where Ken was distributing "War is a Racket" flyers today I was reminded of my 1st experience with a recruiting office. In 1995 my family had just moved to Federal Way, a town near Tacoma in Washington State. I was 16, pushing 17, at the time, and thinking I would follow in the proud military tradition that my father had been a part of as a Marine during WWII. Mark, a young guy that I had only recently met, went to the Federal Way Army Recruiting Office with me one Saturday. I didn't know Mark very well, so there was absolutely nothing in the world that would have warned me that Mark was about to ask a totally off the wall & crazy question. As the recruiting sergeant gave us a pitch for the carefree military life & all the benefits that one gets when they join Mark suddenly announced that he "had just one question." The sergeant stopped & gave him his full attention, no doubt thinking he was ready to close the sale & at least one of us was going to seriously consider a military career. Looking totally serious & sincere Mark asked, "If I join the Army can I rape women?" My shock at Mark's question was actually physical, & I was sure the Army sergeant was going to either tell us to leave right then & there or he was going to smack Mark a good one. Neither of which happened. My shock was not shared by the sergeant. He didn't miss a beat as he replied, "Son, you sign-up for the Army. We'll send you to Viet Nam & you can rape all the women you want." I didn't know a whole lot about Viet Nam at that time, but the sergeant's recruiting pitch seemed to bode ill. It inspired me to begin studying Viet Nam. Not long after that Green Beret Don Duncan came through the Puget Sound area on a speaking tour. He had just written "I Quit!" for Ramparts Magazine, explaining why he could not continue in the military in good conscience knowing what he knew about the war in Viet Nam. I had received my induction notice the same day Duncan was going to speak, so I took it along & showed it to him afterwards. Don Duncan's words were the catalyst that convinced me there was no good reason to join the military and that set me on an almost four decades long involvement in the antiwar movement: Duncan said, "Go to Canada; go to jail; go underground. Go anywhere, but DON'T got to Viet Nam - We have no business being there." If I had a way to contact him I would love to thank Don Duncan for that excellent advice - and if I had a way to contact the recruiting sergeant that I saw way back in 1965 I'd like to thank him for shocking me into wanting to know more about the wars our country fights and why it fights them - and why we must oppose them. -Geese 4 Peace Dear Fellow American, It is obvious you have moral fiber and I thank you for your service to me and my country. Do not doubt that many share my feelings. Your email shines light on an age old debate. Should soldiers behave as mindless automatons, robots without a conscience? Should they do whatever they are told? Should the Germans be praised for baking Jews in ovens because as they said "Were only following orders?" Let's get extreme so you can see the logical end to this argument. Should a soldier kill his family if so ordered? There comes a time when the orders are so outrageous and immoral that the soldiers must decide if their duty is more important than their humanity. It comes down to this; Should soldiers behave inhumanly? That is for each individual to decide. Without knowing, or understanding, due to his renown limited intellect, Bush will plunge this world back into a new Dark Ages. His insane religious fundamentalism, brought on by years of alcoholic behavior and use of cocaine is the center of his personality. Coupled with his elitist upbringing, lack of education in history, inability to understand complex situations, and almost total vulnerability to the influence of those surrounding him, the man is clearly a danger to the world. Mr. Bush has divided the world in two, with us, or against us. He is on record for a desire for Americas right to shape the world, and he has made no bones about employing American military might to achieve what he views as his destiny. The man is crazy, weak and dumb. His greedy corporate advisors take advantage of this simpleton. His road is a road of death, destruction and greed. I will not follow Mr. Bush blindly into this insanity. I will do what I can to save my beloved country, for it is mine just as much as it is his. I will protest "his" war now, and I will protest against "his" war after "he" starts it. And I will continue to join my brothers and sisters around the world who stand against him as one human family. Stand with us now my brother, and stand with us after he unleashes his death machine upon the world. Peace is worth fighting for... God bless America? God will not bless the warmongers. He blesses the peace makers. Political slogans will not save America from the evil of men like Bush. You, me, and our citizen soldiers must resist, in order to take the government away from "We the corporate elite" and return it to "We The People." I don't want our boys to die on the sands of Iraq for Big Oil and Israel. -anonymous all of us do not feel that way, its like this, I BLAME BUSH and the presidents who started and then continued the Vietnam war, not the soldiers who answered that call and did WHAT THEY WERE TOLD! by the powers that be, those men deserve better than they got, they deserve respect for putting their lives at risk for the powers that be who told them they were fighting for a just cause, doing it for AMERICA! I REFUSE to blame a soldier for doing his job anymore than I blame a man who builds a car for me wrecking it! I will protest this war peacefully and by whatever means I can! But if the war happens anyway, I pledge my support to the soldiers who must die and be maimed for the cause that Bush has in his evil dictatorship brought about!! I respect the men and women who fight for God and Country, regardless of the cause, I will dispute the cause to the government and to the fullest extent of my abilities!!!! The old men start the wars and then send the young me and ladies to fight them! God Bless you All and God Bless America! --anonymous we don't need 58000 bodies bags to come home war no more!! -rd1064 That's what Bush is counting on. Let's not give him support for war now, of after he starts. We have just witnessed the largest World-Wide war protests before a war has started. The people of America are slowly waking up. There will continue to be more and more protests, all growing in strength each time. As with Viet Nam, the protests will continue, both before and after the Bush war commences, until the voice of reason fills the now "Empty Warheads of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield and Rice. Bush is tearing the world in half, and his war will tear this country in half. We now are under a regime "Of the Corporations, By the Corporations and For the corporations." We must return our government to "We The People..." Eventually Bush will follow the will of the people. Like Lyndon Johnson before him, eventually he will have no choice. How effective our protests are now, will determine how many less are killed. CudjoeKeyJerry People say: "Let's not give him support for war now, of after he starts". Well that's what you did for us in Vietnam you creep, do you have any idea what its like to see friends die day after day while morons like you are back home saying we are baby killers, and worse. We didn't want to be there but once there we expect Americans to give a dam.......killing isn't a normal thing, killing a women or child is even harder, but you do it and you would to, don't abandon your men and women once the war begins, support us, right now I am against this war 100 p/c but once it begins its to late, to live, you fight, and at home you support us, or you do not deserve what you have in this country............ rd I'll sleep better knowing that none of you pansies is wearing one of MY country's military uniforms! You have lovely ideations of a peaceful world where everybody says "please" and "thank you" and "would you please refrain from terrorizing the free world." Look, nobody enjoys war, but history shows it is necessary. And there is no such thing as a sanitary war. Without a fighting force, you'd be speaking some other language right now. If your message is so profound and your arguments so convincing, then take them to our leaders. But you are requesting our military troops to commit treason and abandon the protection of our country. What good is a fair weather military? I'm expecting maybe your next site to be about the inalienable rights of germs and how we should stop killing them too. "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong." (Stephan Decatur) Choose which country you serve. I choose America. Semper Fi. Scott DuPree I read with great interest your statement asking military personal to follow their conscience and oppose this war. I myself am a Vietnam Veteran and saw combat there and although I do have to wonder if we did the right thing I must humbly disagree with asking our troops to disobey their commander in chief. That bush is a moron with no conscience is a given but to ask troops to disobey would be setting a precedent that could have dire consequences in the long run. To be effective in battle our men MUST fight as one and be able to trust and rely on each other. Dissention in the ranks would only cause friction and get MORE men killed. I also question the wisdom of asking men to disobey their oaths that they took when they joined and last, to ask everyone to follow their own conscience would cause MOST men to never defend this country. War is a horrible thing and we do horrible thing in it to win. To win WWll we killed civilians and bombed whole cities. That is what happens in war and very few people really understand that you have to put morals away for awhile to have a chance to win. In war both sides are guilty of excesses, but only the loser must face trial. To ask our troops to ignore their duty and decide what is best for them means that as a fighting unit the military will fold and we will be unprotected. These men and women can not be allowed to "decide" if a war is moral or not because it would tear them apart just when they need the trust of their brothers and the moral conviction that they do what they do for a higher purpose. Without that most men I know would have killed themselves long ago and a few I was proud to know over there did so anyway. These brave people have no choice BUT WE HAVE!. They are willing to put it all on the line to protect us so it is up to US to protect them by fighting to make sure IF they have to fight that the cause is just and that IF they pay the ultimate price or suffer when they come back at least the reason they went was worth the pain. -coinsaver50 Realizations The U.S accounts for 45% of the total military spending of the world. In other words, the U.S spends on its military and weapons almost as much as the whole world combined. What does that say about us? Does it mean that we are just being careful? What does this fact mean to the rest of the world? Current U.S policy is that of dictating terms to the rest of the world. " You are with us or against us", Mr. Bush said. The current administration insists that it does not need the United Nations approval in order to wage war on other nations. The same administration declares that Americans will not answer to the newly created international court. It also refuses to accept international treaties on the environment and the removal of chemical weapons around the world. What does that say about the U.S, particularly in light of its approach to the crisis with Iraq? The foreign policy of the U.S towards the Middle East has always been one sided in support of Israel. This policy has caused the Palestinians and other Arabs a great deal of suffering at the hands of Israel and its American made weapons. This biased policy continues today. Does it benefit America to be disliked by the hundreds of millions of people who sympathize with the Palestinian people? Mr. Bush gives speeches where he labels other nations as evil. Does a person, regardless of who they may be, have the right to declare a nation evil? Did God die and leave humans in charge? Mr. Bush claims that U.S actions are motivated by the highest morals human beings can hope for. He suggests that war, including preemptive attacks and the use of nuclear weapons do not contradict moral human behavior. How many people agree with this view? Can such killings be ever justified on moral grounds? The U.S presents itself to the world as having the right to police it and guide its social ways. It insists that Cuba, Iraq, North Korea, Palestine, and many other nations have the wrong type of government that must be changed. Does the U.S have the right to dictate to other people the way they should live and run their affairs? Is the U.S government so pure, peaceful and angelic that all people everywhere should emulate it? Is it to the advantage of the American people for their government to continue with their massive spending on weapons and military related issues? Is it to the advantage of the people for their government to isolate them from the international community by declaring that they do not have to join in the treaties and organizations that guide it? Are there any true visions or principles that are guiding our nation today? Love and Peace Nobel I have been talking to folks about the petition that you put together. It would be helpful to me and to my credibility and to all people who are trying to sort out all of the facts that are out there today if you could provide the souces of the facts that you have presented. One of the facts that I found particularly disturbing and which I was challenged on was: "More of us took our own lives after returning home than died in battle. " Thank you In Peace, Jan Cranston Dear sir/madam, My name is Marike Popma, producer for RTL Dutch Television, located out of New York. Our highly acclaimed daily newscast is seen by over 2 million people in The Netherlands. We are working on a television item about the current anti-war movement. We would love to speak with a WWII (or Vietnam war) veteran that is now an active member of a peace movement and opposed to the possible war against Iraq. I hope you can help us locate somebody in the New York area. That would be highly appreciated and would significantly contribute to our story. Sincerely, Marike Popma Producer RTL4 Dutch Television This certainly does NOT indicate the upcoming war of self defense is about oil, only that those countries who courageously place their sons in harms way in the War Against Terror and War Against WMD can expect to reap The Spoils Of War, a standard protocol after every war for the past 5000 years. "To the victor go the spoils" is an imperialistic concept. --Boat America

Feb. 3, 2003

I totally agree with what you are standing for. As a wife of a Marine and mother a son in the Army (currently awaiting exact dates of deployment), my heart weeps for all concerned. I love America and am happy to be living in one of the greatest nations on earth but I HATE what is happening now. Am I to loose my son for what? My husband is no longer active duty (not as mean, not as lean but, still a Marine!) so my fear of loosing my husband isn't there but, gee's he's my only son and the last of his "namesake." I read in the paper that Sadam gave a challenge to Mr. Bush to a dual...Why not that instead? Why all the death and destruction. I have friends that went through The Gulf War and many are dead and many are SUFFERING terribly. Humanity is more valuable than that. How can I make a difference? What do I do??? How do I protest these days? It seems that anyone who stands against this crazy "war on terroism" makes themselves known...they're branded as America Haters or worse yet, treasonist. What can I do to help? Point me in the direction and I will go. I try to educate people but their response is "We have to make a stand, he's out of control." Better yet is the one that says, "We will get hit first." As one voice crying out in the wilderness...prepare, the battle cry has been heard and it seems the beating of the war drums will not be silent until blood has been shed. Thanks, Sonya Dermody Utah As I read your message, the tears did not stop streaming down my face. We have relatives in Iraq who have been deeply affected by the first Gulf War and are watching with fear and terror the signs of an upcoming second imminent war. We would like you to know that you honor your country with this call; you speak with honor, compassion, dignity, and integrity. You stand tall for the true values of what was once a United States that could have really made a difference in this world. We pray that many millions join you. Keep reaching out and do not stop. This war is stoppable if we all keep speaking out, demonstrating, sending emails, writing letters, and crying out loudly: NO! NO! NO! Take to the streets, march on demonstrations, go to Washington; tell Mr. Bush that this war does not represent what the United States people want or stand for. May God bless you, and may the power of the Word be mightier than the sword. Our prayers are with you; we can all make a difference. May wisdom prevail. Samia Costandi Hello, I am with Riverside Church of New York City, a progressive Christian church with a history and tradition of disarmament activity in the New York City area (theriversidechurchny.org). We are sponsoring an event on draft resistance on Thursday, Feb. 13, and was wondering if you could put us in contact with any of your members in this region. We'd like to invite them to participate. Please contact me as soon as possible. Thanks, Natalie Bell Global Justice & Peace Ministry of The Riverside Church Phone 212-865-7317 I am writing on behalf of the Upper Valley Peace and Justice Group based in Thetford, Vermont. This past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we held a "Bridges for Peace" vigil on three local bridges that span the Connecticut River, but when the day came, the word had spread and there were people demonstrating on over a dozen bridges as far south as Massachusetts and Connecticut! We are planning another "Bridges For Peace" vigil as a local alternative to the upcoming international demonstrations for peace this February 15th, and we are wondering if people all over the country may be interested in joining with us by gathering on a bridge in their community from 12- 2:00pm the same day, forming a national, unified stance for peace. Not everyone can get to NY or San Francisco, but every community has a bridge and I'm sure people who would welcome the opportunity to stand on it in opposition to this unjust war. Any help you can offer to make this happen would be appreciated, and please let us know if you know of someone that is interested in organizing a vigil in their area. Thank you. Sincerely, David Moonan (802) 457-1797 Thank you for having the courage to speak out. I am not a veteran, but lost the first man I ever loved to the Vietnam action. C Slate i have a very hard time beliving that vets would actualy post this kinda crap advocating service men and women to disobey orders. really? what are they going to do? say no we aren't going? lets get real about that now people. matt lentz

Feb. 1, 2003

I don't want war, but I understand the history of this conflict and those of the 20th Century very well; for my survival depends on it. Many of your stats and opinions are skewed, exaggerated or wrong. Over 500 murdered in My Lai? Veterans who were there (who stopped it and recently went back to visit those they saved) told of just over 300. Most literature on the subject states the same figure. Where do you get your info? My "call to conscience" orders me to support the removal of Saddam Hussein and I, along with 70% of the U.S. Army, will follow the orders of this President. He at least has made the case for war, your organization and others have only twisted the truth and flat out lied to the general public. Disagreeing with our Government is the right of every citizen, but when you distort the facts for your own political gain, you have gone too far. Gary

Jan. 31, 2003

I see all of you have never served more than 8 years in the military. Some not even in the American military. How many of you saw combat? I am betting most of you are draftee REMFs you have never done a thing for their country except push paper. The marines of the Chosin Resivoir, Washingtons Army's at Valley Forge, and the brave freedom fighters of Operation Enduring Freedom would be ashamed to have you and you organization associated with them. Get a real soldier to sign your propaganda The thousands of Veterans Who Love this country What a bunch of whiny, disloyal, seditious, bed-wetting crap. Do us all a favor and go on over to Iraq and become a human shield. I'll clear a few off the rack for ya. Go stand next to the scud that Saddam put near the mosque, or one of the SA-3s that he's parked in a few different school yards, or man one of the AK-AKs that he's mounted on hospitals. You really don't have a clue what this is about. ROMAD Cleared hot to sparkle.....SEE YA! Greetings: You need to re-look your stance. You had the opportunity to take a stance when you were in the service. It is one thing not to have the courage to take a stand when you were in and risk a court-martial as well as brige time and suffer the consequences of a less than honerable discharge. Murder is murder whenever and under all forms of Justice it is never permitted. However, from the safety of civil life to promote others to risk court-martials, jail time and less than honerable discharges is in itself less than honerable. Especially when you did not live up to the same standards or so it appears from your literature. So, tell me: what is your plan to compensate others that answer your call and find themselves with court-martials, jail and less than honerable dischanges. Yours in the Dharma KC A soldiers job is to do his duty for his country. Where would this world be if the men and women of world war 2 decided to stand up and resist the superiors. Nazis would be ruling the world and you would not even have a voice. Instead of six millon jews dead there would be billons of every race. Soldiers do there duty weather they like it or not. When the bullets start flying you are not thinking of what the peace niks think or what the war mongers think. You are thinking of the guy standing next to you (your buddy). And that is the only thing that matters. Thomas Arellano

Jan. 28, 2003

During the Vietnam War we were ordered to destroy Vietnam from the air and on the ground. At My Lai we massacred over 500 women, children and old men. This was not an aberration, it's how we fought the war. We used Agent Orange on the enemy and then experienced first hand its effects. We know what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder looks, feels and tastes like because the ghosts of over two million men, women and children still haunt our dreams. More of us took our own lives after returning home than died in battle. Thats bullshit 200 at My Lai Now if you want a slaughter try the NVA at Hue 5,000 plus, song Be,. My Lai was an Isolated incident. The VC and NVA did it every damned day. It was their mode of operation..daily! As far as more of us killing ourselves since we came home is also bullshit...I ask for proof, not jest and left wing statements you can't back up. More war protestors commited sucicede than vets out of guilt. Ron Leonard You don't have the moral to fight for the country when you are called; but you have the moral to gladdly accept, when there is no sign of war, the good check and many many benefits for being part of the army that you accepted to serve. So convinience!? Do not join the army just to get de financial benefits when not in war, join to serve your country and get paid. Don't get paid and refuse to do for what you are being paid. Stone Tim

Jan. 27, 2003

Just a quick note: I am a Viet vet (1967-1968) and am opposed to the forthcoming war with Iraq. But I find it impossible to support what you are doing when you include statements like this: "At My Lai we massacred over 500 women, children and old men. This was not an aberration, it's how we fought the war." This statement is, as you should know, total bullshit. There were other atrocities, but there is no way they could be defined as "normal practices of the war." Your claims are as grotesque as George Bush's. So, while I oppose the "war this government is preparing against Iraq," I also oppose the kind of simple-minded and propagandistic statement made above. H. Palmer Hall Vietnam, 1967-1968

Jan. 26, 2003

most of the veterans that signed your statement werent even over in the gulf I am 100% disabled from the gulf and you all need to get your facts right. I was with 2/11. You should be ashamed for spining this the way you did. Troy

Jan. 16, 2003

Anti-Americans, I am a real Vietnam Veteran. I am proud of my service. My Father was also a Vietnam Veteran. Together we served 6 tours. I am a combat vet and was wounded and am ill from serving my country and I hold no animosity toward Her. I doubt that there is a combat vet among you cowards. If there were, you would know where I am coming from. You make me sick to the stomach. Did you know that the original VVAW became the Vietnam Veterans of America?? They are turds as well. How about providing me with some honest combat vets who are your members to explain your purpose. I don't want a Vietnam Era puke or a REMF to convince me that you are right and I am wrong. I will accept a true combat vet's comment who has actually been there loaded his buddies into bags, was shot down in their helicopter as I was eight times, or had their best friend's brains splash onto them while having a conversation. Do I think war is good? Of course not. Do I love my country and enjoy the freedom She brings me? Absolutely. If you people truly beleive the crap I've read on this site why don't you leave this country? Hell, then I will accept that you now have the right to speak your venom, but not while enjoying the freedoms veterans like me for hundreds of years have given you. Show some true bravery and live in one of the third world countries you are defending. BTW, I returned to Vietnam in 1994 with 75 lbs of medical supplies and three suitcases of clothing for the children in the orphanages. This is what a true American does. Jimmie Sanders Proud Vietnam Vet 56 confirmed kills....wishing it was 56,000 remember Sept. 11th 2001, I watched as two jet airliners hit the World Trade Center killing thousands of innocent people. People who were not Military, men, women, Americans, British, German, from all walks of life. and countries. No one race, no one religion. Just people going to work and doing their jobs. Expecting to come home that day after a days work, to their wives, children, girlfriends. In 1991, Gulf War, Desert Storm, what ever you want name it. I did not see one American invading Kuwait, or the country of Saudi Arabia. Launching Scud missiles into Israel or any other country for that matter. I also must have missed the part when the American as they were pulling out of Kuwait, burning the oil fields. I also haven't seen where any monies have been taken out of our tax money to support, hijackers, suicide bombers, killing of innocent children standing at bus stops, or at the local teen dance. But of course I do miss the news every now and again, and it must have been on one or more of these occasions that this slipped past me. As far as you being past veterans, I am ashamed to even think of you as comrade-in-arms. Since the only thing that I can get out of this line of BS is you do not care for the American people or the American way of life, and are only interested in you own pathetic selfs. Getting right down to it you are a bunch of malcontents. Please feel free to ask Suddam Hussein if you can come to his country and fight for his way of life, since you are so disgusted with us Americans and our way of life and country. As you can see isn't FREE SPEECH great, try writing your dribble in a Middle Eastern country and condemn their military or undermine their leaders. You see, they practice, and have open public executions there. That's if they don't gas you or use you as a guinea pig. And if you think this is about oil, please don't use that as an excuse for you being in your own little "Eden." This world isn't perfect, man is not perfect, you definitely are not perfect nor am I. This country is not perfect, but as far as my travels go, I haven't found the perfect place. But it's this country that I have chosen to live in, and will defend it to keep it free from terrorists. And, Yes, even defend your right to be a malcontent and protester. Why, because my fore-fathers fought and died to give me that RIGHT and that FREEDOM!!!!! Even though you and I disagree we have the "RIGHT to do that. Ask yourself why you as an American have these rights and freedom. Then ask yourself how many people have paid the ultimate price defending your FREEDOM. Try saying Thank You some time, really it don't hurt, it may give you a better prospective on life. Please feel free to pass this letter around and get signatures. If you have the "gonads." There are people who love this country. I being one of them and I am not ashamed to admit it. Cecil Hamilton, US Army 173rd Airborne Rangers and DAMN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN AND A VETERAN I am a 20-plus year veteran. I retired honorably from the US Army. I am absolutely proud of everything I did while on active duty. I have no regrets and would do it all again. You people are fostering sedition and treason. Active duty military are under oath, to take orders and execute those orders, regardless of how they feel about the orders. You bunch of silly-ass, simpering, ball-less buttheads are attacking it in the wrong way. Start with your elected representatives and go from there. Don't undermine the morale of the troops. If I see one of you ass-clowns passing this crap out on a military reservation, I will remove you and your crap. Do it at the gate, cowards.