Veterans Call to Conscience Comments, Feedback & Reports

January 2003

Jan. 31, 2003

SALAAM to all, I want to take this opportunity to officially endorse, support and applaud this "Call to Conscience" from veterans of the U.S. armed forces. This undertaking helps strengthen my reason to hope. As Tagore once said, "TAGORE: I believe the unity of human civilization can be better maintained by linking up in fellowship and cooperation of the different civilizations of the world." Thank you for taking a stand and trust that you have my complete support. Praying for peace, paz, paix, shanti, shalom and SALAAM, Geeta Citygirl 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 I'm not a veteran or a reservist; I'm a writer and anti-war activist in NYC. I was just talking to someone who said that maybe only veterans could turn the tide of public opinion, because they were the only ones with the authority. And the same day, someone else showed me your call to conscience, which I found tremendously moving. I didn't know about the number of suicides. Your statement that an errant bomb isn't collateral damage, but murder...there are many things in there that are powerful and clear. I wonder if the call is reaching reservists and what their reactions have been. I also wanted to pass along this poem that I wrote after reading it. What you're doing is so important; please let me know if I can help. Wade TO A RESERVIST I see myself in you I looked a lot like you     before the depleted uranium ruined me in so many ways so that    age 30     I will have to rest as I write this letter I saw our country as a young woman pregnant with even higher forms of democracy and it was my job to bring back whatever it was she craved be it oil    telecommunications concessions    or a dead dictator 20 years old     with a body like a swiss army knife I could stab     or I could plug a wound with my own heart I could slash crops     or I could spoon-feed I could cut an energy grid     I could splice it together whatever Bush needed but when I got home     this same hand that had dropped bombs with a fingertip now shaking put a gun to my wife's head    and then to my own I got help V.A. psych ward for awhile what had happened was the blood of others in me had finally risen as high as my eyes and it burned     and it struggled in me     it burned and the cells of cancer had faces and fled open-mouthed in me     screaming the cities had been so far below and the bomb was just a button it was about seeing the gray turn orange but then I felt that I had looked right at each civilian as Christ looked at the stranger and he told me how much he wanted to live and then I cut his throat that I had killed my friend in a fit of insanity that I had killed my wife and when I put the gun to my own head I had dressed like an Iraqi soldier and screamed     the bombs the bombs I guess I was pretty crazy by then but even their soldiers were innocent and even Saddam himself     doesn't deserve to die they will drill you into the blood-soaked sand and remove you filled with oil and shoot you into themselves your youth will vanish into their bank accounts and your peace of mind will lie     forever alive on the desert     for vultures this body that I now know is so human this mind that can think I put them at the service of a destroyer and I harmonized my will with a stone-cold killer's I know the pleasure of executing an order but if he should try to grasp me now he would find me only blade even as the bomb drops toward them the people are keeling over from dysentery I know the pleasure of executing an order but this is execution refuse to serve your leader is your real enemy 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! To JIMMIE SANDERS, VIET VET (STILL IN COMBAT). First, TRUE Americans were kill (by people like yourself) long-time ago. Second, if you have truly seen your buddies shot down during Vietnam War, how can you recognize that war is still necessary? You are not asking for justice but simply for vengeance. Third, the first people who are going to be kill during US bombing are plain people, not Saddam. By the way, I don't want Saddam nor I want George Bush either. You haven't lost your life in combat but...Have you lost your soul a well as your heart in Vietnam ?...And not I am NOT a Viet Vet. I am an unemployed freak living in Spain. I wish you to try to enjoy, at least, an happy life here in America or anywhere else. From Madrid, Spain : Love to all and each one of you. Fernando Ezequiel Roqueta, "The struggle for Peace, Freedom, Justice and Dignity still goes on" Hi, Vets, What a powerful message. I will pass this along to other anti-war groups so that this gets out far and wide. Thanks. Monica Moorehead 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. 29, 2003

Excellent. We in India, have to learn this and apply it to our own crazy situation! Noella de Souza

Jan. 28, 2003

A brave message courageously stated. What soldier, be he in a World War One trench or a Vietnam foxhole, has not been outraged by the scale of the brutality envisaged by politicians safely abed back home. But it's a brave man who says, "enough!" - so thank you. Peter Edington 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

Thanks to Jimmie Sanders, the "Proud Vietnam Vet"! (Jan., 16, 2003) He confirms that one has no freedom of speech "while enjoying the freedoms veterans like me for hundreds of years have given you". This sort of privilege (freedom to waste energy, to torture enemies) is against the human rights proclaimed in Virginia in 1776. Human rights are for all mankind, they are no privilege of citizens of the United States. Walter Boehme Bensheim, Germany That's great! god bless you and yours peace first with robertīs compliments (n.army-gdr70/71) I live in Chicago as a full time pre-nursing/pre-med student so my time is very limited as of know. If possible, I would like to do a hotline for CO GI's. Just let me know what to do. M. Thank You, I learn the existence of just another USA. Dr.C.Seiler, Wuerzburg, Germany http://www.truthout.org/docs_02/012603A.mass.graves.htm This makes me sick. Talking about disposing of bodies as if they are nothing more than trash to be dropped off at a local recycling site. How sick are these people? Carol Carlisle - American Embassy - Saigon: 1968-70. Yes, a Saigon pencil pusher, perhaps, but I still VOLUNTEERED! Unlike the Chicken Hawks who are running the (side)show. "OUT THE DOOR AND UP YOUR STREEET" - Chicken Man Gentlepeople, Thank you for your great work! I don't have money, but I may be able to get enough contributions to pay for having a preprinted double-sided insertion in the local newspaper with your statement, contact info, and a brief description of the number and diversity of the signatories. May I have your permission to do this? Kathleen Kent Please provide your bank account, so I may have some money transferred to aid you in your campaign. Dr. Arnulf Lorentz 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 It consistently amazes me when a man can look another person in the eyes and say he has "given" them their rights! What fiction we create, what utter self-important diatribe we invent to make ourselves more than what we are. No one has ever given me my rights, I was born with them. Whether I were to have been born in Iraq, America or smack dab in the middle of Antarctica, those rights despite how well protected or tresspassed upon they are by others, are mine by nature. I am a veteran, but NEVER did any act, singly or collectively, during my service GIVE any American citizen any rights. Rights exist independently of my military action, or my government's political actions or any person's insignificant ability to add or detract from them. Rights and freedom can exist proudly in the midst of horrid oppression when and only when a person acts upon them, upon principle and despite consequence. Rights can only be expunged when a person relinquishes them of their own will, or chooses not to act upon them. Certain rights are "inalienable." Literally they are not subject to being taken away and are not given by any man. Those rights...which we can define loosely as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" as did Thomas Jefferson, are not given by any act of government, nor are they guaranteed by any act of man, they are bestowed by our "creator." At best military service as an institution can help to protect a person's rights within a community when they are directly threatened. This job however falls more directly under the auspices of law enforcement, and has fallen out of the scope of modern military parameters. At worst, military service as an institution can utterly trample upon the very rights many people like to pretend it upholds or "gives." 99.9% of all military action falls into the later category. The primary function of the military to which most governments adhere is known as the Clausewitzian theory of war, which states that "War is an extension of politics." Think about that! War does not defend your freedoms, you can do that every day by acting upon them...expressing your "malcontent", protesting and choosing not to acquiesce to injustice. War does not "give" you freedoms. War is not even inevitable or natural. Under Clausewitzian theory...war is initiated as a political tool to enforce a political will over that of another party. War is a creation of man. Conflict exists and will always exist, it is a natural imperative of free thought, but we have created modern war, and we choose to wage or not to wage it! War is not concerned with rights...war is concerned merely with subjugating others. As far as the claim to sedition and treason goes...all people including military personnel have the right to change their belief systems at any time. When a person becomes convinced that the killing they are doing as a member of the military is morally wrong, they are entitled to act upon such convictions and to cease any inconsistencies between their beliefs and the actions they are obligated to commit under military law. They are not seditious or treacherous actions, and in fact are helpful to the military, since obviously they don't want people around who aren't interested in killing unjustly anymore. In fact, they are provided for in U.S. and military law, by the requirements set for by the Universal Military Training and Service Act, Supreme Court case laws in United States v. Seeger, 380 U.S. 163 (1965) and Welsh v. United States, 398 U.S. 333 (1970). Department of Defense Directive 1300.6, Army: AR 600-43, Personnel-General; Conscientious Objection [September 1, 1983]; Navy: MILPERSMAN (NAVPERS 15560 C) §3620250, Naval Military Personnel Manual [Through Change 15, February 28, 1997]; Marines: MCO 1306.16 E, Conscientious Objectors [November 21, 1986]; Air Force: AFI 36-3204, Procedures for Applying as a Conscientious Objector [July 20, 1994]; and Although Conscientious objection is recognized, political objection is not, although both are rights that should be inherent rights unobstructed by law. They must be done in accordance with the regulations, but they are not seditious. For those out there who understand that their service (past or present) in our modern military is more concerned with the destruction of rights than their protection, for those who have the "balls" to stop hiding behind their uniforms, their weapons, and the false glorification of combat and war. For those who have stopped lusting after "confirmed kills" body counts or colorful decorations to boast about. For those who are ready to stand alone if need be against injustice, whether initiated by others or by his fellow countrymen, as true men do...without weapons of war, without imposing upon others...for those of you who "get it"...act upon what you know to be right...act upon your conscience and you will be giving yourself true freedom which no man but yourself gives. "Action from principle, --the perception and the performance of right, -- changes things and relations; it is essentially revolutionary, and does not consist wholly on anything which was. It not only divides states and churches, it divides families; aye, it divides the individual, separating the diabolical in him from the divine." ~Thoreau "War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses." General Smedley Butler USMC. A.J. It would be a good idea to get the names and addresses of every serviceman call to serve in the ME and send him/her a copy of your ctc. Why not send Pres. Bush's daughters for active duty in the front lines in the Middle East? Good luck. Joe Stern Little has been said about this but I bring it to your attention. I was watching C-SPAN one afternoon and I listened to the manufacture, the supplier, and the distributor of 250,000 BIO-CHEMCIAL units (because there's more than one part) actually stated that there were DEFECTS in each and every one of these units or suits. If used during an attack in the Gulf or in your back yard certain Death would accrue within minutes. These suits have vanished, disappeared. All three men at this Hearing stated live on C-SPAN, These units (suits) have been sent out to our Troops and service men and women over seas have no protection using these suits. Manufacturer said these suits could not be replaced in time for bushes war on iraq. Not enough time. Now the supplier says there's no way to identify these units because there's no unit numbers no ID's what so ever. Ten one day afterwards I saw Ms Connie Rice on face the nation or something and Ms rice stated they had taken these units off the line all 100'000 of them. But wait, there's still 150'000 of these units still out there. I hope our Boys over there are getting themselves into, listening to our leaders and not the public demands. It's important that we all understand this. Roger C. Pulaski, VA GOD BLESS YOU GUYS (AND GALS)! I would send you a bunch of money if I could, but my husband is recovering from brain surgery and we barely survive, on $600 a month. But just think of it -- what if the military re-think their duty, and refuse to fight an unjustifiable war? What a way to absolutely CHANGE THE WORLD! And no one could be prosecuted, because Bush deserted the National Guard during Vietnam and was never held accountable. Thank you for your brilliant and moral work -- your Call to Conscience. This is the spirituality and goodness -- and patriotism -- at its highest level! Gratefully, Connie Cook Smith Canton, Illinois

Jan. 26, 2003

Thanks for the eloquent effort to educate and warn our current women and men in the armed forces of the truths and lessons we have learned from the study and waging of war. If war is the answer then, I say, we are asking the wrong question. In his booklet and speeches titled "War is a Racket" USMC General Smedley Butler hits the nail on the head. After 33 years of service, several wounds, and two Congressional Medals of Honor, he came to realize that he had been "..a high-class muscleman for Big Business....a racketeer for capitalism." "War like any other racket pays high dividends to the very few. The cost is always transferred to the people who do not profit..." Jerry Thank you for being strong enough to voice your opinions against the war this un-elected administration is insisting on fighting. You've lived through the hell of war and those of us who protest for peace gain strength from you. Chriss Slivinski The importance and timeliness of reaching out to members of the armed services is illustrated by a quote from a larger story by Steve Schifferes, BBC News, recently posted on the Veterans for Common Sense website, "Military Voices of Dissent": "Jeff McKenzie, another member of Military Families Speak Out, is an anti-war activist from New York state. His son, Jeremy, is an Army captain who flies medical evacuation helicopters and is currently being deployed to the Gulf. He said he encountered sympathy with his views among some of the soldiers when he visited his son in Fort Benning, Georgia, especially those who were nearing the end of their tours of duty." An excellent, very readable guide to how GI's organized inside the Army to stop the war in Vietnam is Chapter 5, "The GIs' Revolt" in the book: The American War: Vietnam 1960-1975, by Jonathan Neale, $18 from Haymarket Books, PO Box 16085, Chicago Ill 60616, or in some civilian libraries. As for the value placed on the lives of the enlisted personnel by the brass since Vietnam? Try this on: "The great thing about a soldier is if he doesn't show up, you can shoot him. You can't shoot contractors." Jayson Spiegel, Executive Director, Reserve Officers Association explains why he dislikes using military contractors. Nation & World, US News and World Report, 11.4.02 Thomas Barton NYC (East Coast Organizer, Vietnam GI, 1968-72) 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 Tonight I was given one or your 'Call To Conscience' handouts at the Seattle peace parade by a fine young Marine. What you have organized is what I have been wanting to see happen. I believe our veterans are going to be a major necessary ingredient to awaken the citizens of the USA, who are supporting war, to the evil and wrong of war. I know of a good man whose life is so troubled and tattered by his Vietnam experience and not even the VA or civilian services in this state want to extend themselves for him. Yet he is almost the most decorated Marine of Vietnam with five purple hearts and more. I am a retired Air Force daughter and former wife to career men. I am also a healing minister and know you cannot make anything better by pushing against it. God doesn't work that way. Peace, peace, let there be peace. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you. Judy Mangina I am doing my best to distribute the statement to as many AD troops and reservists I can. When I was in Vietnam I use to ask "What are we fighting for?" and the usual reply was "We are fighting for freedom and democracy." Now that I am older and wiser I know exactly what we were fighting for. Were fighting for the welfare of the industrial military complex and the corporations that are part of the American war machine. One of the regrets that I have in my life is that I participated in the genocide committed against the people of Vietnam by my country. Former President Carter in his acceptance speech for the Peace Nobel Prize said that war is the scourge of the earth and I agree with him. Major General Smedley Butler said to HELL WITH WAR, because war to him was a racket. I also say: TO HELL WITH WAR. Victor L. Ortiz

Jan. 17, 2003

A Commitment to Peace September 18, 2002 As I sit here tonight unable to sleep, my mind is considering the ramifications of potential and ongoing military actions and economic sanctions. As a disabled warrior with combat experience in two wars, Vietnam and Desert Storm, I can only hope and pray that the outcomes of these actions do not leave another trail of adverse health and environmental problems. I have concluded that we must unite in a concerted effort to prevent additional suffering. Throughout the history of the world those who make a commitment to peace have endured isolation and retaliation when they challenged the individuals and governments seeking economic and political advantages. A vision of peace where all nations can live together for the common good is an ideal dream but may be unrealistic. War is the ultimate weapon a nation or leaders can use to control the allocation and use of food, water, terrain, shelter, and mineral resources. War occurs when nations or individuals fail to reach a satisfactory compromise on sharing of these limited resources. Today we are reaching another crossroads in history where we must decide which road we follow. We can select peace or go to war. One means life the other means death! The prevalent modus operandi at this time of those seeking power and control is to threaten economic sanctions or military attacks in order to achieve their goals and objectives. This is unacceptable. We must act to with a unified and strong voice to prevent nations and leaders from imposing their demands on others. At the same time we must make sure that those nations and leaders who pose a viable threat to peace are checkmated. But that does not mean that we result to military force. There are many options but only wise persons are willing to discuss and mutually select the option most beneficial to all. Today information control is used to prevent discussion and debate. If a person does not have adequate and validated information they will be unable to contribute to the resolution of serious problems. We just ensure the complete dissemination of information even if that information reveals illegal or disturbing actions by our own or any other nation. These ways to achieve peace will require a commitment of time, financial resources, knowledge, attitudes, life, liberty, and willingness to endure isolation and retaliation by any person who wishes to contribute towards the resolution of local, state, national or international problems. The choice is ours. We can select a life as a mushroom or we can select to act. I select action for if peace is to be achieved then I must "let peace begin with me" Major Doug Rokke, Ph.D. We Americans have not seen any war on our soil in our lifetime. So we do not know first hand what war is. That is why a lot of us are supporting the war efforts out of ignorance. People who have seen war know what war is. That is why almost all Europeans are against war. In pre-modern wars only soldiers were killed. In modern wars more innocent people, including women and children, are killed, directly or indirectly, than soldiers. There is no ethical or religious principle anywhere in the world that justifies this killing of innocent people for any reason whatsoever. The killing of just one innocent person is one too many. We already killed too many innocent babies, children, women and men. No cause can be great enough to justify this. If there is a God, he will punish up for these crimes. Instead of preparing for further killings, we should seek God's forgiveness for our past murders of innocent people in the name of safeguarding the so-called "American interests" and do everything to stop repetition of it. The people of rest of the world are also children of God. There are no American interests above the interests of humanity. There is no patriotism above morality. Anger begets anger, hatred begets hatred. Only love can neutralize hatred. Hi, I'm a Vietnam vet, with nine years of active duty -- Navy (70-74) and Army (79-83) -- I was on CVA-63, KITTY HAWK, in the Tonkin Gulf, bombing in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. We were told not to say anything to the folks back home what we were doing on a daily basis. -- We weren't supposed to be there. --- Afghanistan was/is all about OIL, and who controls it. The Taliban refused to put in a pipeline for OIL, and the contrived 'war' started, Osama bin Laden is still out there. The Afghanis deal with our depleted uranium shells, and continued destruction. -- Baghdad has millions of innocent people, all under the threat of annihilation by our robot drones and other 'remote' killing technologies, including those in orbit over our heads. -- Dr. Tom Bearden posted his paper on the outlawed Scalar beam weapons now in orbit, over at his site , along with a new technology to remediate nuclear and biowarfare materials. He was recently granted a U.S. Patent for MEG (Motionless Electromagnetic Generator) technology, a means to generate clean power without the use of fuel, and without moving parts. -- Free Energy systems exist now, capable of rendering OIL, Coal, Nuclear and Hydropower energy systems obsolete. This is why we don't see them applied now. Too many power mongers want to control the bloody profits from these obsolete, and toxic technologies. - Active coverup and suppression has been going on for over 50 years, as documented by Dr. Steven Greer -- Check out his posted paper, "When Disclosure Serves Secrecy", to learn more about the secret doings of the Pentagon. -- Another item of serious concern, unexplained energy spikes were detected in the vicinity of the WTC towers, just before they collapsed. The energetic signatures of these spikes are consistent with the probable use of Scalar beam weaponry. Still unexplained is the cause for the large pools of molten metal found at the base of the WTC towers, these would require intense levels of heat, or directed energy to produce, where did that come from? -- The Pentagon has beam weapons in orbit capable of precise targeting at ground level, and the imaging capability to focus their orbital weapons on targets of opportunity. - Were the WTC towers a target of opportunity? There is reason to believe this is the case. -- WE should be actively campaigning for answers to 9-11, and holding the Shrub responsible for his role in causing that needless destruction, and loss of life. -- He is guilty of violations of constitutional and international law, which are grounds for his immediate impeachment on grounds of treason against our nation, and against the community of nations. ----- Those of us who swore to defend our country against enemies, both foreign and domestic, owe it to our nation to rally against contrived 'war' over OIL, and to defend our country from our domestic enemies now in power, put there by OIL interests. -- Finally, our government is guilty, along with the Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff, for their role in the development and deployment of the HIV/AIDS retrovirus , as a bioweapon of mass destruction. They are guilty of causing the deaths of millions of people globally, and threatening the lives of millions more. --- This is an abominable act against the global community of nations, and must be tried under International Law in the World Court. --- This critical information must be gotten out far and wide NOW. --- The fabricated 'war' on terrorism, and against Iraq, must be stopped NOW. This is the time for all vets, and active duty service members to work together to bring an end to global war, and to bring about global Peace, for our children, and grandchildren. God bless you for the courage to speak the truth! People need to know that our government does not consist of knights in shining armor marching to liberate people from opression, and promote democracy everywhere. People need to leave the tra-la-la land and know the real story! Perhaps this will motivate them to take action against the evil in our midst. Love, Peace and Truth Nina Danko

Jan. 16, 2003

Thank-you, My name is James C. Johnston, draftee of Viet Nam era, and Sgt. of the Adjutant Generals Deployment Agency. l've been involved with Brownie Braunsteiner who recently passed away. He was with MlA-POW, VFW, Lions, Veterans Groups and we were in the process of setting up talks with a Dr. M. Said, diplomat and l996 candidate for Governor. He knows ALL of the Middle East dictators and leaders and was in the process of sending a peace delegation when Brownie died. l worry about what is going to happen to the vets when they get out as the Veterans Administration does not help those who need it except mostly with experimental drugs. l handled the press and direction of various veterans movements, brought the first waterbeds and foosball tables into Washington state, involved in rock festival, tax deductions for corporations, activists for medicine to Africa, clothing to Mexico, food to our local food banks and other movements such as AlM of the Native American Movement. l feel your approach needs some honing to be more effective to draw more people. The impression from the public needs to be one of support and not against your group and there are ways to obtain this fairly easy but l would like to attend a meeting and get a better understanding of your direction. l handed out your flyers, was interviewed on tv, gave flyers to the police (not all accepted one), but forgot to get some for myself. My phone number is XXX XXX XXXX.. l will be back after noon today, Thursday and am looking forward to helping against the "Bush Oil Folly" as it well be known. PO'd at Bush and wanting to activate attention of Americans and other peaceful people throughout this earth. So, Here is an update regarding my niece's enlistment status. She claims the recruiter told her that she is obligated to the Army after signing the papers. I have informed her that is not true. In addition, he told, this is the kicker, that she would not be going to war. I dropped to the floor! When I tried to explain to her that it was all lies, she went into this diatribe about being capable to fight for freedom. Why should others do it when she has two hands, two feet, two legs? What the hell are these guys telling these impressionable kids? They seem to have more influence over them than family members. It is imperative that we get out to rallies, forums, anywhere where you are gathered to inform them of these lies. In my niece's eyes, I am the enemy. She longer wants to discuss this issue with me. Boy George talks about the nation needing to be unified, but what he has effectively done is turned us against each other, brother upon brother, sister upon sister, etc. This is the man who espouses family values. George is worse than the backdoor man. He's the front door man coming right into homes while the fooled public welcomes him with open hands. With empty pockets, he walks out with a big smile, filling his pockets with the youth of the nation leading them down corridors into the valley of steel. andres 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 War is the violent rejection of words in favor of weapons. It eliminates debate and negotiation by offering only death and submission. War is the tool of weak men to make themselves appear strong. Jerry Brooks I have the feeling that the Nazi bastard is going to start his war on Saturday, Jan. 18. It will divert attention from the massive antiwar protests and will give him a pretext to arrest large numbers of antiwar people as "unpatriotic undesirables." I wonder if you guys have some way to head him off. Jerry G. 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. My younger brother died at age 42 from complications caused by Agent Orange during his tour in 67. His first-born was born without any joints. I served in the Cha Rang Valley near Qui Nhon from Dec 69 til June 71 Too many of our politicians do not have any first-hand experience with war. Ralph O.

Jan. 14, 2003

I am not a veteran, and live in England, but I fully endorse your statement on your web site and just wanted to express my solidarity with your aims and purpose. We in Britain are doing our bit to stop this criminal aggression, although our own Prime Minister seems to be as hell-bent as your President. We all deserve much, much better. Good luck, and keep up the good work. Sincerely, Dave Godin (Sheffield, England) Each day the news says that the inspectors in Iraq have found no "smoking gun". Each day the news tells of more troop buildup, freezing of discharges, training of media people in preparation for war. People are not stupid. The war efforts are about dominance of oil supplies. Is Saddam evil? Absolutely! But with the present world scrutiny, just how dangerous can he be to our security? Now is the time to set up permanent surveillance and work out oil use. Then let the people of Iraq live and work on their economy. As a Vietnam Veteran, I have seen that war is not the answer. Bill Pingree I agree with what you have written. Hope people who make these decisions consider the humanitarian aspect of war. Husena Dalal 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 I was a female employee who worked at the American Embassy in Saigon from 1968-1970. Perhaps you can't add my name to your since I am not a veteran; but I feel that I have a special "kinship" with you. Both my brother and cousin were in Vietnam the same time I was. Like many of you, I did volunteer to go, which is more than I can say for our illegally appointed commander-in-chief and all his Chicken Hawk Cabinet members. By an accident of gender I was spared combat duty. But I saw the "collateral damage" and "wrecked souls" all around me. You, alone, know the truth about war'; you, alone, are the most qualified to speak about war; and you, alone, should be the loudest voice against war; for you, alone, have been there, seen it, done it, and know what it is REALLY all about. Bless you all for speaking truth to the Chicken Hawks as well as to all the young men and women who believe the propaganda about glory of war and "serving their country." Sincerely yours, Carol A. Carlisle "V"