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John He Is As Are Americans At War

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copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

It has long been said, "war is the last [best] option." Human beings, in an attempt to appear rational, reason that of course, diplomacy is preferred. Man-kind [sic] says he will do all in his power to pursue peace. Once domestic tranquility is achieved, two-legged mammals will do what they must to preserve harmony. Then this logical creature claims he must defend himself against all enemies. He will fight for what is right. Man forgets; what is ethically essential to gain and retain peace is the principle, "War must never be an option."

Giuliani Attacks Ron Paul; Disputes Theological Theories

Ron Paul on CNN talking about the debate 5-16-07.mpg

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

I marvel at the ignorance, the ability to "ignore" information or the lack of knowledge expressed by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. While the Mayor may wish to accentuate his actions during the September 11, 2001 clean-up operations, how can he negate a lesson that we all learn over time. "What we do unto others, will be done unto us." Rarely, if ever does any being attack another without what they believe to be reason.

Bush Boasts of Military Service, Gerald R. Ford's ©

This morning I stood in the kitchen and watched the ceremony. Former President Gerald R. Ford was laid to rest. Dignitaries spoke in memorial. Of course, the current President of the United Sates was asked to address a mournful audience. His words surprised me and did not.

Days earlier, at the first official commemoration of President Ford, there were no signs of George W. Bush. Our nation's leader was busy planning his war. Finally, he decided to fix a strategy in stone. Sadly, the plan is surge. This decision flies in the face of a Ford proposal released last week. However, that matters not. George W. Bush trusts that history will receive him well. Bush will be considered steadfast as he "stays the course" regardless of success.

Bush Wins His War Against Saddam Hussein. Hang Him High ©

As a child, when one of our playmates was known to be typically stubborn, a bully, or infantile we would accept that he or she needed to have his or her way. When confronted with unnecessary conflict, those wiser and more evolved would look longingly at each other and say, "Let the baby have his bottled!" We would give in to immature desires and walk away shrugging our shoulders as we passed the selfish monster.

As adults, we forget. Frequently, we give in. When President Bush ranted and raved, "You are either with us [the United States led by this silly imposter of a man] or against us," we, as a nation, accepted that he was correct in taking that stance. We played along and "followed our leader." Grown men and women in Congress relented.

They decided against further diplomacy with Iraq and its leader, Saddam Hussein. Lawmakers signed on to policies not worthy of an elder statesman. Perhaps, our representatives were reluctant. They did not wish to do battle with a bully, particularly one known as "President of the United States of America." Thus, our legislators approved the Bush war and the hunt for Saddam Hussein was on. On December 30, 2006, it ended in a hanging. [See video above.]

President Ford Proposes No "Justifying" Iraq War ©

Please forgive the prologue advertisement. Please select the link and view President Ford Remembered CBS News.

Among the present peace activist, we might include former President and World War II veteran, Gerald R. Ford. Though the words are muffled and very difficult to hear, the transcripts are clear,

"Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction," Ford said. "And now, I've never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."

Gerald Ford spoke openly with Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward in 2004. The two agreed; the text of this conversation would not be released until esteemed author Bob Woodward released a book he was planning, or perchance upon the former President's passing.

No Graceful Exit For The Bully George W. Bush ©

"All cruelty springs from weakness." ~ Seneca, [Roman Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist 4BC-AD65]

"The truth is incontrovertible; malice may attack it,
ignorance my deride it, but in the end, there it is."
~ Winston Churchill [Statesman, Author, Prime Minister 1874-1965]

A glimpse into the younger years of Baby Bush's life speaks volumes. Without a deep desire, few of us ever change. We may leave old habits behind. Those behaviors take a toll on our physical well-being. our psychological transgressions might also cause us to pause. We may wish to tweak our choices. Nevertheless, the substance of who we are lingers and often looms larger.

There are exceptions. Some totally transform themselves; still these individuals are few and far between. The need must be stark. When a person is born with a silver spoon is his mouth and is handed many more, he can and often does continue to do as he has done. The past is often the present and we see ample evidence of this. Consider this character . . .

Give Thanks for Genocide. Thanksgiving, National Day of Mourning ©

The day is done, bellies are bloated, and now, rather than pretend to give thanks, we can reflect. Might we mourn our motives, the message, and the myths of Thanksgiving Day?

We are not vanishing. We are not conquered. We are as strong as ever."
~ United American Indians of New England.

As a child, I felt as my Mom did in her earliest years, "What are we giving thanks for on this holiday, hurting a loving native nation?" In the first grade, she was sent to the principal's office for questioning the "accepted" truth of Thanksgiving. She understood the tales taught to schoolchildren; however, my Mom contrasted these with what she knew of the Indian people. In my youngest years, I could or would not tolerate "Cowboy and Indian" games or the genre in films. I saw the slaughter of a loving people and wondered, as I do now, "Why do we allow this to happen?" Why would we celebrate such carnage?

Bush To Iran. “Do What I Say; Not What I Do!” ©

I am the least or perhaps among the most qualified to speak on America’s nuclear weapons policy. It is not that I have much information. Facts and figures are not flowing from my fingertips. I am admittedly naïve and proud of it. World harmony is the melody I hum. I never thought that war was an option. For me, battles are not the first or last resort. I am against all aggressions, nuclear or otherwise.

I am a peaceful person in my proclamations; I prefer gentle, caring philosophies and practices. I denounce the use of artillery. I want no armaments or ammunition. I see no reason for manufacturing these. Yet, we do. Americans produce more powerful arsenals than all other countries. We do this as we denounce other countries for even considering the same, though some of us do not want it done it in our name. For the United States, for this Administration, war is often the preferred policy. We prepare for it and work to ensure that others will not.

Iraq, Israel, Lebanon; Trees of Life in a Wilderness of War. ©

Our countrymen see the diseased and devastated trees and speak of the color of the leaves. People in the United States ponder the slow death of the foliage. They think caterpillars are the cause. Others, here and abroad dispute this theory and say, “No, it is blight.” A scientist enters the scene and voices his hypothesis. His neighbor started the spread of this syndrome; yes, that man is to blame. Had the national not introduced the dynamic of destruction, all would be well.

Another quiet dissenter enters the fray. She says, “This virus has existed for centuries.” No one can change what is and has always been. A group gathers and grows. They all argue amongst themselves. Finally, there is a loud explosion, or was it an implosion. The tree and all those surrounding it are engulfed in flames. Within minutes, there is silence. This world exists no more.

For well over a week now I have witnessed the whirlwind of discussions, disagreements, and dialogues pertaining to rhetoric, religion, and rage. People are discussing the crisis in Lebanon and Israel.

Assertion: To Defend America, We Must Attack Aggressively ©

Americans were under attack. It was September 11, 2001. Ultimately, this peace-loving country initiated all out war. The United States sought a broad coalition; however, the President and others were willing to go it alone. This nation, its leaders, and citizens concluded their safety and stability were being threatened. Our countrymen thought enemies were everywhere and thus, the battles began. Policies were adopted. The idea of privacy was altered. The Patriot Act was drawn and passed. The National Security Strategy for the United States of America was accepted.

People throughout America were ready to protect themselves no matter what the cost. Aggressive reactions were booming. Americans declared loudly, “You are either with us or against us.” If you choose to terrorize me or mine then you will be taken, “Dead or alive!” Thus, the cycle begins again. America believes, we must aggressively attack.