Tell Us The Mission (Accomplished) Tell Us the Mission.
© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Please accept my apology for what might seem to be an oft, or for some, an overused video. Perhaps, my missive is my response, the reasoning, and rationale for my submission or an answer to the question. "What, exactly was accomplished?"
Today, as I awoke, I was reminded of the date. The radio broadcaster shared the history of May Day and spoke of how the events of the past are playing out in the present.
Workers are uniting as they have done for centuries. Americans are declaring their loyalty. Children are signing and dancing 'round Maypoles. Immigrants are gathering together showing their allegiance to the States, and George W. Bush is presented with a Bill to fund the war that he will not sign.
Although, four long years ago the President proclaimed an end to the Iraq war, the combat continues. It worsens. Currently, the Commander-In-Chief wants no closing date recommended or imposed. He prefers the legacy of this protracted effort.
You dear reader recall. It was May 1, 2003, a day that lives in infamy. It began as every May 1 has since man created the calendar. It was a day of reflection, realization, and of course, realities revealed. Americans were thanked and told, the Iraq war had come to a swift and welcome close. The President of the United States, standing aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln proclaimed his gratitude and relief. A large banner, not so subtlety placed, screamed, "Mission Accomplished." Commander-In-Chief, George W. Bush said . . .
Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans:Now, four years later, the message is massaged again. Days ago, White House spokesperson, Dana Perino, Deputy White House Press Secretary stated . . .
Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. Now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country.In this battle, we have fought for the cause of liberty, and for the peace of the world. Our nation and our coalition are proud of this accomplishment — yet it is you, the members of the United States military, who achieved it. Your courage — your willingness to face danger for your country and for each other — made this day possible. Because of you, our nation is more secure. Because of you, the tyrant has fallen, and Iraq is free.
Operation Iraqi Freedom was carried out with a combination of precision, and speed, and boldness the enemy did not expect, and the world had not seen before. From distant bases or ships at sea, we sent planes and missiles that could destroy an enemy division, or strike a single bunker. Marines and soldiers charged to Baghdad across 350 miles of hostile ground, in one of the swiftest advances of heavy arms in history. You have shown the world the skill and the might of the American Armed Forces.
This nation thanks all of the members of our coalition who joined in a noble cause. We thank the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland, who shared in the hardships of war. We thank all of the citizens of Iraq who welcomed our troops and joined in the liberation of their own country. And tonight, I have a special word for Secretary (Donald) Rumsfeld, for General (Tommy) Franks, and for all the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States: America is grateful for a job well done.
I would just remind you that I know that our opponents for years have tried -- have misconstrued that speech. I would encourage anybody who's actually going to write about this to go back and read that speech and what it was about and what the USS Abraham Lincoln was doing, how long they had been gone, way past their six-month deployment. I think they were gone nine to 10 months. They were expanded, and their mission was accomplished. The President never said "mission accomplished" in his speech.Nevertheless, the meaning seemed clear at the time. On reflection, it still does. Victory belonged to the triumphant, those that toppled the regime and the brought down the statue of Saddam Hussein. However, we will never know what the Commander meant on that infamous day. We can only wonder does he. Nor do we fully understand why the President would withdraw billions in cash allocated for the war effort and claim Congress made him do it. Tonight the Commander-In-Chief vetoed the Bill that designated dollars for the troops. Life, death, war, and peace are not as they appear to be since George W. Bush took office.
As the day dawns, as dusk turns into dark, we can only reflect, as we must.
Nationally renowned spoken word artist Steven Connell, Robert Greenwald, and Brave New Foundation are reviewing the same circumstances for us, and with us. They came together to ponder the reactions of this President and assess his policies. They query "what, exactly, was ever accomplished." These renowned artists, and their organization request that we, the people, consider the Double Speak, the combat, and our hope for tranquility. Rapping on reality reminds us of what is and never was.
For me, what might be of greater consequence is not whether the mission was accomplished or when. I wonder, what was, what is the mission. Is the intent to triumph over others, to be victorious while victimizing life.
Soldiers and Iraqi civilians die with honor for they are valued persons, not necessarily, because they are engaged in a principled war. Yet, we as a nation, as a world do not show them the respect that all life forms deserve.
Please consider the Tell Us The Mission petition. This document asks us all to fly the United States flag at half-mast when a service man or woman passes. Oh, were we to do the same when Iraqi and Afghani civilians pass. Think about the manner in which we revere the fallen when they pass on American soil, particularly at the hands of a gunman. Sigh, if only we had shown our respect for the shooter when he was alive. Then ponder the unceremonious respect we show to those that pass fighting to protect us. Please show "Support for the troops" fully, in life and as they pass.
"Mission accomplished" is more than a phrase. I believe that the truest mission is our vision to venerate our brethren. We know not whether the brutal battle will ever be over. Nevertheless, I think we will continue to fight as long as we avoid showing our admiration for those that lose their lives and those whose lives are lost in an attempt to preserve ours.
What exactly have we accomplished? I believe we have advanced fear and given rise to greater terror. For me, the banner might read, "Envision a Mission of Peace. Accomplish It!" Perchance these words will inspire each of us to eliminate war from our vernacular. In time, possibly, if we allow ourselves to believe in harmony, war will never again be an option.
Sources of Pain and Truth . . .
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