Tuesday August 9, 2011, 3:07 pm
You are so right!!!!!! This is spin to support the huge military spending that is breaking our economic back!! This country seems to think that we are the world police and we have to meddle into every country's business? And, what is the incentive? Most likely oil, and then there is strategic positions for military operations! I GET VERY ANGRY WHEN I HEAR THAT MANTRA - THEY ARE PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM! BIG LOAD OF BS! And, considering this is a volunteer military, these claims become even more disgusting - no one is forcing anyone to go to war - it is a choice, so, they know exactly what they are doing and it is NOT protecting our freedom or even defending this country against terrorists! The terrorists are nut jobs, many from within our very country! If we would butt out, then they would not have a beef with us!

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 3:07 pm
Interesting point of view on this tough issue.

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 3:13 pm

WHOA!

Now, THAT is a disturbing breath of reality . . . and I thank you for it, Michael.

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 3:20 pm
noted with thanks, Michael

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 3:43 pm
Funny thing but just this morning I was thinking about this again as our local news reported on military personnel who died recently to "keep us free." Just another blanket tribute to try to rationalize needless deaths. The real threats to our country and our freedoms are economic, environmental and a paralyzed Congress, not some rebel wannabe living in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 6:22 pm
I have always cringed when people pay lip service to this "defending our freedom" bit. I have felt a mixture of anger at this lie and sympathy for those who feed the death machine. A lot of people who join the military sincerely believe this hogwash.

Tuesday August 9, 2011, 11:59 pm
A GREAT POST THANK YOU MICHAEL

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 4:23 am
Spot on,thanks Michael.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 4:52 am
Thank you, Michael. We are being deceived by our government and the troops are victims of deception too.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 4:55 am
noted, thank you

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:38 am
Thank you Michael! Great post and so true. Our country must get over the notion that we can be the police of the world, too many of our men lost. I was saddened by the loss in Afghanistan the other day but at the same time, we are losing our men and boys daily both there and in Iraq and for what? So we can call ourselves some phony "super power". They need to get our people home and spend all the war chest $$ on in our own country.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:51 am
Excellent post.Thank you Michael.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:57 am
wow, thank you for this Michael. I am more upset now than I was before I read this, and I was pretty upset before.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:59 am
Bring the troops home, now!!!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:06 am
People who really are willing to threaten your country and freedom often are willing to travel.
The Spanish came to us to invade us so did the Brits the French and the Germans.
And they all where willing to travel and bring the fight right down to my doorstep.
Sofar the only thing on my doorstep is my neighbours cat crying if kitty will come out and play.
Have fun checking out what's on your doorstep :)

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:32 am
So true.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:35 am
Hard to see how having 900 military bases on foreign soils protects our borders and our country. More like it protects the global special interests who use the US military as the world's policeman to make it safe for them to exploit and pillage.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:40 am
So true. Too many "soldiers" have died in vain...

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:45 am
Noted and thank you for this interesting posting Michael.Liz

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:05 am
Thanks, interesting.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:12 am
Noted, thank you Michael. There has been no war (at least one fought in my lifetime) that protected MY freedom. Agree with Tony I....and everyone else.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:31 am
The world hates the US for their world domination policies. 900 military bases on foreign soils. A great many of these countries do not want our military bases there, so the federal government using your tax dollars to pay them off and keep them quiet. That is why they take our money and protect their own the best way they can (Bin). As Tony Isaacs says, our soldiers are being used to protect the global special interests who use the US military as the world's policeman to make it safe for them to exploit and pillage. In addition, it serves to help our politicians secure power within the new world order. This has nothing to do with our young men 'dying to protect our freedom'. It is an abominable lie after lie after lie after lie.........................

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:43 am
This is a real eye-opener and a very refreshing one at that....thank you, Michael

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:53 am
THANKS MICHAEL! VERY INTERESTING!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:30 am
All I can say is what an eye opener !! Brings the troops home.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:34 am
Thanks Michael for posting this. I think this issue is one that has been unsettling for many, but just not talked about. Nobody wants to criticize people whose true intentions are to "serve their country", but the idea of "defending our freedom" has become very questionable. Seems to me that in the last 10 years of wars, we have had more and more freedoms TAKEN AWAY from us. We need to remove our military presence in the approx 150 countries we are in. AND we need to look at and investigate the true intentions of politicians who put them there.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:39 am

"AND we need to look at and investigate the true intentions of politicians who put them there."

Excellent point, Judy!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:46 am
The families of the fallen soldiers need to speak out now, and demand that Cheney/Bush and their criminal gang be brought up on war crimes. It is long past due. So much suffering, for what? They are the ones who created the terrorism that they are making money from, sitting in their mansions, laughing at the fools who support their causes.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:48 am
You cannot currently send a star to Michael because you have done so within the last week.
Thanks Michael for this post: The article fairly well goes to the heart of the current Military Industrial Complex issue plaguing our country since WWII. To which I have repeatedly expressed my grave concerns, particularly since the demolition of Posse Comitatus Act by the Bush-whackers. Please note; I had no grand illusion that the continuance of the Act would stop or even slowdown the Plutocracy from sicing the military on the citizens of the US at the slights provocation of insurrection. But it was an unmistakable bell ringer as to how far the Right had swung in their preparations in accomplishing the coup of democracy. As the article points out in the first paragraph (c&p) “Let's make one thing crystal clear, no member of the US military contributes in any way whatsoever to protecting the freedoms of the American people. *As a matter of fact, they are more likely to turn their weapons on you than they are to defend your Constitutional rights.*” To this point in particular I have consistently opposed the All Volunteer Military post Vietnam. It was after all, more then all the anti war efforts here at home, the rebellion of the Armed Forces in country, fragging, insubordination, refusal to follow mission orders, etc. that brought that horror to its final conclusion. But a Volunteer, volunteers with the full understanding they will be required to follow orders and set aside the right to have conscious or any consideration for humanity that will inevitably result from their actions. That’s an entirely different breed of cat. And yes, before anyone jumps up on their pity the vets soap box, I’m fully aware many who join do so for a multitude of reasons other then wanting to blow things up and kill people, but the bottom line is still the bottom line. That’s what the military does and precisely what the more intensely psychopathic want to do, or it could not be sustained.
Again I take liberty to c&p from the article: “There is no honor in volunteering to go anywhere in the world and kill anybody you are told to, without question, without historical background and without verifying the stated reasons for doing so.”
I wish again that everyone in the country was made to read this article, though I’m fully aware the war mongers would dismiss it outright as they have always done because to care one must first have a soul they recognize as being human. For this I would go to my knees and pray if I thought there was a power that could hear it - to influence thinking by deflect the mindless grinding power of greed away from the human race. Before we achieve total self annihilation and wipe life from the planet. But then again a fresh start may be what’s called for now, because we sure as hell have f#*%@^ up our turn at bat so far. Based solely on current results.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 9:42 am
hmmmm interesting

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 9:43 am
We already have our freedoms since we are not a country that is being occupied by another. Thanks Michael.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 10:00 am
Another thought - if our troops are protecting our freedoms then why are so many of our freedoms being taken away and our government turning ever more into an Orwellian big brother?

When the backlash comes, and I think it will someday maybe sooner than later, and we demand our rights and our country back, I only hope that our troops will choose to protect us and our rights to change the government instead of the powers they now unwittingly serve. Maybe it is a good sign that the military is waking up that Ron Paul leads all other candidates combined, including Obama, in military donations.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 11:02 am
Thanks, a real eye opener. These troops are killing machines; deployed to torture, maime and murder innocent men, women and little children; How can these soldiers not know, that it is totally wrong and evil, to kill little Children; no matter who instructs them, to Murder. Common sense and human values, is the little voice, that whispers to one, what is a right act and what is a wrong act. No one has to be taught, Not, to kill innocent people, especially little children.

How can they even call these, patriotic wars; when neither iraq nor afghanistan attacked america? What are the troops defending, in foreign countries, ,(definitely not you) except Foreign Interests, of the Elite Few, in government? How can these soldiers, be given a 'Heroes' welcome, when they return, as 'Murderers of innocent human beings'?

Perhaps, the reason, for so many soldiers, committing suicide, is because they are eaten up, by their inner guilt, of how they murdered UNARMED Innocent men, women and children.

They are plain and simple 'Murderers' and their evil deeds, will come back to haunt, if not them, then definitely their future generations. Forgive me for being harsh, but think of the million iraqi widows, they left behind, as a aftermath, of these, senseless massacres, under the false pretext, of 'war on terror'. Its heartwrenching! all the orphans, all the widows, all the old people, without their breadwinners, for the rest of their earthly lives!!!

If, the american people, truely love and care for their own children, they will, NOT allow them, to join the ARMY of MURDERERS!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 11:43 am
very good article, thank you

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 12:19 pm
Bring the troops home NOW!!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 12:24 pm
THANK YOU Michael. I couldn't agree more. Mary P.~ I LOVED YOUR POST. HARSH is what we need at this point. MORE THAN HARSH!
It is HeartBreaking that so many men and women think they HAVE to enlist due to the BS and LIES as stated.
TOO MANY HAVE TO ENLIST to survive. BUT DO THEY? PTS and TOTAL TRAMA destroys the Spirit~ Bodies in too many cases.! I've NEVER known one person to return from war that wasn't SEVERELY damaged. Guilt is an understatement.
The 9/11 date of two HORRIFIC Tragedies~ DECADES APART~ gives me the creeps. My Heart stoped beating and I couldn't breathe. WTF??? is all I can say.
Unfortunately I couldn't open "the whole story". MAYBE THAT IS A GOOD THING as I am so disgusted and embarrassed to be a US of A citizen.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 12:26 pm
Send a Green Star to Michael Dewey
Sending a Green Star is a simple way to say "Thank you"
You cannot currently send a star to Michael because you have done so within the last week.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 12:29 pm
I forgot to acknowledge Judy B's post. THANK YOU.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 12:51 pm
TU Michael...don't quite understand how imperialistic wars, police actions, operations...or whatever you want to call them, protected any of my freedom...

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:05 pm
Thank you for saying the same thing that I have been saying for a long time now. I thought I was the only one!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:05 pm
thanks

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:20 pm
I agree with most of the article. Our biggest threat to our freedom is actually from big corporations and the billions they spend to buy politicians. They are slowly eroding our pay, our workers rights, healthcare and even our voting rights with "smoke and mirror" tactics. What we need is a national referendum on REAL campaign finance reform. The money flow HAS TO BE STOPPED! The well being of our people and the planet has to be #1 and Big Business interests need to be put in their proper responsible place. There are too many rotten apples in the barrel.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:28 pm
i think it's offensive. blast the decision-makers all you want, but not the people who risk their lives to serve their country. you can't have a military wherein every soldier questions orders.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:32 pm
All that the over 700 Military Bases of America protect, is Corporate Empire.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:32 pm
Just recently ,as well as farther back, I have posted comments somewhat along this articles line/opinion/message when it comes to troops and our so called defense, but in, shall I say ..a less raw and up front manner to the degree this author has. I am in awe as well as all inspired by the direct approach this person took to say what he did...that alone gives me encouragement as well as hope in that...perhaps... more and more people are waking up to this 'fact' as it relates to our troops and our corporate military and so called defense. As to our troops in the corporate military I now refer to their situation as just another corporate job...a dangerous one and one that habors crimes against humaity to boot..but nothing more than just another corporate job. That did upset some on care2 and my guess is this one has caused a real 'S storm' on and off care2. That in itself is a good thing as that means people read it and had to think regardless if they wanted to do so or not. My hat is off and I stand applauding this author and his message. The problem is that too many are blinded by the flag waving and false patritism that our troops represent for them. That encourages the blinder of our young of military age to join under the wrong impression as to what their 'job' really is all about and too many from there are sent to die for profits. That is what breaking the chain of false hero's and false patriotism in the name of defense can do for our young men and women of military age and those to come...keep them aware of it just a job and nothing about our defense and they take that job well aware of that fact. That should help save lives as mentioned as those might have joined under the wrong impression will not join.

Unfortunately the second page nor the authors site..will open for me and from what I am reading on other sites...others are also finding that to be the case.My guess is that there are those out there who did not want this article read by others nor his site viewed. The first page said the main points probably so at least that much remains on line...A copy of the articles first page is also in hand now...should the link become totally unaccessable...and ready for the posting if need be.

Great read for as much of it as I was able to read...thanks for the sharing Michael...that in itself I feel was one very brave thing to do :-). I stand with you on this choice to post it and for what the author said on the first page.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:36 pm
Nobody has ever won a war.. everyone loses.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 1:54 pm
Now the author's website is inaccessible. I'd say some powers that be don't like seeing a message so clear, blunt, concise, and mainly, true, being put out there for anyone to read.

This is exactly what Jae and I have been saying for years to anyone who would listen. We support the individuals within the military who've joined for reasons other than wanting to go to war and kill like a real live video game. We know that many joined because they have no viable options at home.

But the fact is that a whole lot of the young men in the military are very rightwing and militaristic, love killing the "bad guys", and YES, as I have been saying, the soldiers as well as the police forces of this country WILL shoot you and I rather than defend our Constitutional rights if it came down to us really actively protesting in the streets on a massive scale, even peacefully, because we would still be labeled rabble rousers and hooligans by our politicians and police forces and the media.

Jesse Richard is absolutely right on track with everything I was able to read in this commentary. (Could not get to the rest of the article)

The public tends to (largely because of the way the media frames every damn thing) lack the ability to see anything as other than black and white, one thing or the other. They rarely are able to see or comprehend the shades of gray in very complicated issues. It's time to acknowledge that NONE of us wants to see soldiers or civillians die, and we want everyone to come home alive, but at the same time we must say out loud that what they are doing is WRONG.---- Yes, they have no choice and were sent there by the people this article excoriates, but the fact is, these sons and daughters volunteered to go kill for the corporate machine, and as the author repeats, there is no honor in that. Yes, many of them are brainwashed that they joined up to "protect our freedoms" but once they're there and living the nightmare they have to see (aside from the really slow minds) what a farce this meme is. Once they get into having to murder civillians, women and children, which happens every single day nonstop, they either wake up and want out, or they get caught up in the killing frenzy, as soldiers throughout history have done.

If they can't get out once they see the reality, then they have to convince themselves that they are doing something noble. Good luck with that. Most people are well equipped to deny reality in stressful situations and believe the propaganda our "leaders" and the media shove down our throats on a daily basis.

I read a piece the other day that talked about how the anti-war movement (which was woefully weak already) in this country completely fell apart once Obama was elected, even though he is no less a war hawk than Bush. We have been lied to again and again and again. Wake up and DO something about it! This president is just another corporate whore and war hawk for the military industrial complex and it's up to us to turn this country around......... if it's not too late already.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:03 pm
Well said!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:06 pm
Jay I TOTALLY believe you are right in saying ".My guess is that there are those out there who did not want this article read by others nor his site viewed". I felt the same way when I couldn't open the "whole story". I see this happening more and more on a daily basis. I also feel you are dead on correct with this quote "The problem is that too many are blinded by the flag waving and false patritism that our troops represent for them. That encourages the blinder of our young of military age to join under the wrong impression as to what their 'job' really is all about and too many from there are sent to die for profits...false hero's and false patriotism in the name of defense..." I wish I could STAR you.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:24 pm
I had no problem opening the story and found it every bit as disgusting as the headline post. I have family and friends serving overseas, some in combat zones and all I can say if you believe this of those men and women you have not only my disgust, but my pity as well.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:44 pm
I believe you are correct and so is the op-ed piece, but I still honor those who fight and die in our name. These wars were, indeed, unfortunate. All based on fear.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:52 pm
Noted.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:55 pm
You are absolutely right. If the Shrub (Bush) hadn't started these wars maybe we would not have all these people dying while fighting for our "freedom". I get so tired of nationalists and their damned flags on their cars and houses. Pride in one's country is fine but these gung ho Americans go too far. Morris, I are not criticizing those fighting. They are fighting an unnecessary war though that should never have started.. My way of supporting them would be to bring them home. This was has cost too much in too many ways.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 2:56 pm
I completely agree!! They are not fighting for our freedom at all. Sad thing is, most of them actually think they are. They are fighting for money and power, not freedom. But we can't blame the soldiers (well, a lot of them), it's the people in charge, who of course aren't killing and being killed.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 3:30 pm
I don't respect the troops. No matter where they are, bring them home !!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 3:38 pm
thanks for sharing!!!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 3:44 pm
What a load of anti-American, fascist, ignorant drivel. The military defends our rights all the time. Perhaps while giving you half thought about Heils to the reich or bowing to Tojo, or paying your tea tax to the king, you forgot all of that. Remember the War of independence, WW1 or WWII? No, of course not. The fascist that claims that soldier are as likely to turn our weapons on the people has never served a day in their life and does not know the soldiers oath of enlistment: Here it is for all of you gullible fools:

"I, ______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Take note that the oath is to defend the US Constitution, not the government, nor is it an obligation to comply with unconstitutional or unlawful orders. If one is going to bash our military, then they should have at least served and taken that oath.

Maggie S; you have no clue about what the military does, to lump it in with the M/I complex ignores the thousands who have died because they were let down by that M/I complex. As President Eisenhower warned us about that. Blame it on the GOP warmongers, not on the soldiers. They are the military arm for political decisions. They neither make nor direct policy. Do your homework.

As a veteran, I gave some, some gave all and people like you are the ones who spit on those same solders by blaming them for the decisions of politicians that YOU allowed to get into or stay in office.

Thank the soldier, not the orator for your right of free speech.
Thank the soldier, not the preacher that protects your right of religious freedom.
Thank the soldier, not the journalist, for a free and unfettered press.
Thank the soldier, not the politician, for your right to vote. Balme the politician, not the soldier for your disenfranchisement. All that the soldier does is to protect the Constitution

Do your homework. Start by visiting a VA clinic before you support ignorant lies about those who are sworn to protect your right to say stupid things.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 3:48 pm
I couldn't connect to the entire article either. Just know that there are actually groups like Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and others telling truths like these. I was thrilled to watch Sen. Dick Durbin on The Daily Show this week state to Jon Stewart that the Republican party wants wars; and why they want more--he was very specific. You can go to The Daily Show website and watch the extended interviews with him. Also saw Rep. Barney Frank on some afternoon cable news show yesterday saying exactly the same thing. They noted that there are a few Republicans hopping on board the "get out of war" bandwagon. Finally, some members of Congress speaking out and being covered by MainStreamMedia! I'm hoping to watch a media explosion of Congress critters speaking "truth to power" in the coming months pushing to bring our troops home from not only Iraq & Afghanistan--but also Germany, Japan, and many, many other countries we have bases in. They also explained how bringing home our troops and closing many overseas bases would give much needed money back into the American economy--funding infrastructure, education and jobs. Let's keep this momentum up! Congress is out of session now, and we can make appts. with our members to tell them what we think and what we want on these and other issues.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 3:52 pm
Many thanks to Jesse Ridhard for having the guts to write this article. And Michael D., thank you as well for posting it.
It's a scary article, of course, and applies to Canada as it does to America. Our PM Harper simply wants to be a big leaguer, so if the US says, 'Jump', he doesn't say 'Why?'. but instead says, 'How High?'
This is the kind of article that just might lead more and more of us to probe our respective governments for truthful accounting. Of course it'll require a lot of persistance.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 4:26 pm
I had hoped that after Korea and Viet Nam we would have learned our lesson. But I guess are success in invading Granada made us think we were invincible again.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:02 pm
This is a crock. I suggest that you quit dodging the draft or whatever you did to avoid service.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:04 pm
i been saying this time and time again: the u.s. military is the largest, lowest paid mercenary force on the face of this planet.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:16 pm
"I, ______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

the first duty of the military is to support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies, foreign AND DOMESTIC. if this were actually true, then the pentagon would never have let bush jr occupy the white house because the election was stolen. he was never voted into office and that is a fact. when the supreme court stopped the recount with a difference of only 538 votes, the leader in the pentagon should have insisted on continuing a count because everyone has a right to have their votes counted, which is constitutional law. the military should be prepared to remove any president from office that jeopardizes our constitutional freedoms, period. our constitutional freedoms are being taken away every single day and the military has done nothing to stop the crimes.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:22 pm
I was recently on a bus tour. We stopped for food at a McCruelty's, in a town with a large military base. Some young people dressed in Army garb looked at us customers with an expression that said 'Thank me for serving.' Sure thing I would never thank them. Quite the opposite. I say they are wasting too many precious $ and subsequently polluting the air. Enough nonsense--it is all about profiteering and egos.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:36 pm
It didnt take much to connect the dots after 9/11 and war declared to find one man-Osama bin Laden. One man who was the Antichrist and mastermind of everything evil. So now that he is dead, uh do we go home? No, we will continue the sequel: Son of Osama, Osama Returns, Ghost of Osama, etc. until what? the last whoever is killed?
We are getting more freedoms taken away every day and there are shadows in the corner waiting to take away our right of choice, our right of choice of religion (dont think there arent folks who would be overjoyed to convert us all and ban Wicca, Muslim, you name it), our freedoms to not be strip searched (TSA),wiretapping, freedom to photo factory farms and publish the results. Who is fighting for those freedoms?
It is claimed that we are hated because we have freedom. No, we are hated because we occupy other countries (we would hate to be occupied, no?) and our corporations are polluting the planet by throwing money in people's faces. Maybe they hate what we have: stuff. junk food. obesity while others in 3rd worlds are starving, more clothes than any villager could wear out in a lifetime. stuff. not liberty, stuff.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:41 pm
I am so disgusted to be an American, seeing some of these comments. I do not believe in the war, and feel our troops need to come home. There is a way to debate issues in a way that doesn't trash the memory of every person that has died in the military. What if a Veteran that was an amputee was reading these comments? If you hate America and it's policies so, I suggest you move to a Middle Eastern country and attempt to see how much freedom you have there. Perhaps we should reflect on how things would've been if Hitler had gone unchallenged by the military.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 5:48 pm

Well said, Gloria.

As long as they can create an "outside enemy," they can have us in-fighting and/or gladly paying our taxes, and offering our children as sacrifices, to defeat their latest, concocted bogeyman.

We have no one but ourselves to blame for our own insatiable gullibility. We've become lost souls in a lifeboat, too afraid to accept the obvious: that we were placed in that boat by our own mutinous captain and crew (elected officials, who are actors/slaves serving corporations, while pretending to be representing us).

We haven't really evolved much from so-called savages.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:12 pm
There aren't nearly enough stars Michael. Thank you for saying what I've been saying for years.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:35 pm
thank you and thanks to people who realize this truth....

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:40 pm
Thanks, Michael.

I would not go so far as to criticize the members of our armed forces, as they are just doing their job, and a highly dangerous one at that, but I do get tired of hearing the politicians thanking them for "protecting" our country. World War II was the last war fought to "protect" North America. Since then, we've been sacrificing our soldiers needlessly to forward a political agenda. This has to stop.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:42 pm
Agreed , thanks !

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 6:53 pm
Sending soldiers out to be killed and maimed in a senseless war is a very odd way to "support" them.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:01 pm
"There is no honor in volunteering to go anywhere in the world and kill anybody you are told to, without question, without historical background and without verifying the stated reasons for doing so. In this modern age of information we now know that time and time again our military have been deployed into battle, to kill and be killed, for reasons that in no way shape or form resemble the reasons for which they, or we were told at the time. This is no secret, although many Americans refuse to take off the flag that is wrapped around their eyes and see American history as it really happened. They blindly believe what was told to them by the people who have a vested interest in maintaining myths and misconceptions."

YES!!! It's finally being said!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:13 pm
I have to argue that those who serve in the military allow others the freedom not to serve.
I also believe that the present is much like the past.....poor people fight wars for the rich.
So to say that the military has "nothing" to do with freedom is not the whole story.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:23 pm

Incitement to Disobedience

I wish that I were able to incite
Young men in every land to disobey
For wars will cease when men refuse to fight.

To kill our brothers for a nations right
Is not a method we can use today.
I wish that I were able to incite.

When leaders threaten to resort to might,
I know that idols all have feet of clay.
For wars will cease when men refuse to fight.

The cause of peace is shared by black and white
And freedom fighters show a better way.
I wish that I were able to incite.

Non-violent resistance has no bite
While undecided pacifists delay.
For wars will cease when men refuse to fight.

With power to reinforce in what I write
The things that protest-singers try to say,
I wish that I were able to incite

For wars will cease when men refuse to fight.

~ Tom Earley ~

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:29 pm
Noted, thanks.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:35 pm
"Americans have swallowed whole the concept of our troops "protecting our freedom" without ever once asking "how, how does killing foreigners in Iraq or Afghanistan protect our freedom?" Maybe if they asked that question just once and really waited for an answer, a real answer that actually really made sense to them, they would realize there is no answer - because troops killing foreigners have no impact on the freedoms of the American people, and they never will."

Protect my freedoms my a**...they're protecting neither.

"It is sad that I will be lambasted for speaking the truth about this sensitive subject, but someone has to. The saddest truth however, is that the members of the US military serve today with no honor. They are dangerous and a threat to all free people, here and abroad. In plain terms - they volunteer to kill at the behest of people who have lied to them for generations about why they are being sent to kill. Generations of lies be dammed, they still follow orders, and kill, without question. I repeat - as a human being I see no honor in this."

"America is not yet a totalitarian dictatorship, but it is clearly on the way to becoming one. And our beloved troops are doing nothing at all to stop this. What is worse is that some day they may actually be the ones to stop you from doing anything about it. They are already practicing to do so."

"So if you want to thank people for protecting your freedom...thank journalists...real ones, not establishment hacks, who try to inform you about what is taking place while you are distracted by nonsense. Thank civil liberty lawyers and staff who don't use their education to make it rich charging criminally high fees for their services. Thank whistle blowers. Thank people who risk a backlash of threats and worse to finally speak the truth to people who simply don't want to know there is a truth beyond the myths that have comforted them throughout their lives. And while you do this I'll thank you for at least listening to these uncomfortable words. Reality is not pretty, but if we all open our eyes to reality maybe we can stop those who make it so ugly."

"I don't know about you, but I want to be proud of my country for real reasons, not mythical ones."

AMEN!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:41 pm
I agree with most of what Jesse Richard has pointed out. I do not understand how people can be honored for killing, then returning home traumatized and damaged, or with a strangely inflated ego for being a non-civilian. Uniting people and all sentient beings and Nature is honorable. Karma involved in making innocent life bleed or suffer in any way is something we should be more educated on. I am definitely glad to know that Saddam Hussein and his depraved sons are dead now, and I am also absolutely fine with the knowledge that Osama Bin Laden is dead as well as Taliban and Al Quaeda who are bent on destruction of rights for women, children, free thinking, equal rights, etc. We ought to be allowed to target only those who harm instead of bombing the hell out of entire regions! To expose people and animals to depleted uranium, then leave them, contaminate our own people both mentally and with these toxins is deplorable! l I do know that we make huge mistakes whenever we support regimes, and we must stop spreading our tax dollars throughout the world. Corporations are the biggest threat to us now, globally. I have to say that when I see those VETERAN license plates, I immediately wonder if they have killed another person, and if so, if they are destined to suffer in a future lifetime for this decision to enlist! I do not have the same outlook on thse who were drafted, as they did not CHOOSE to sign up for the potential to kill, damage, be killed and be damaged.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 7:42 pm
There are many people who disagree with these and every other war that has occured, it was the making of the dumb stupid polititians. Our troops are soldiers, they have to follow orders. This article should had been directed at the politicos, not our troops, and they do protect us. The writter of these article is lucky he's not in front of me, he would be checking into the nearest emergency room, for I served 4 years in the marines and 2 in the green berets, never saw action, I came 1 week close to being shipped to Nam, but the war ended, I thank God for this, and I bless and thank every veteran that ever served, living or in heaven.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 8:31 pm
The whole go*damn system is set up to glamorize war and killing, and brainwash our children into worshipping our soldiers as heroes and believing that they too can grow up and be a fighter for freedom. It makes me sick to see the recruitment ads.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 9:01 pm
Our military are made up of helpless young people who are being murdered and murdering for oil and special interests.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 9:43 pm
EXCELLENT POST!!! Thank you Michael! I see that many of us have felt this, and wished someone else would say it. Thank you for posting it. I agree that we still must support our returning veterans, as THEY believed they were doing what was right, whether it was a lie or not. But half of my tax dollars are being spent for a war I do not believe in, and it's wrong!! Our troops are protecting OIL for CHEVRON, so they can continue to post billion dollar profits while our children are broken and killed overseas. Our military functions only to protect the billions of dollars our top 1% is making. It has Nothing to do with Freedom! Our people have been lied to for decades, which is why they send their children to die. My own son was discharged after a Brain Injury that left him permanently altered. He, too, joined "to protect and serve America". What he did was kill people far far from home, get injured in the process, and never protected a damn thing American! Now he's fighting to get continued care of his broken brain. Just like our 911 heroes, our veterans are being abused.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 10:12 pm
""I, ______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God"

How did the Innocent men, women and little children, of Iraq and Afghanistan,
Become the ' ENEMIES' of the AMERICAN CONSTITUTION??? They
Were NOT wearing the enemy uniforms; neither were they carrying
Weapons; WHY, then were they brutally Murdered, by your troops,
For no reason whatsoever??? They had Nothing to do with the 9\11
Bombings; neither did Sadam Hussein!!!

How can any soldier, OBEY, the Orders of a State Terrorist like President
Bush(Mass Murderer of Million innocent human beings)??? And Why
Would any Soldier, OBEY, officers who, instructed them to 'make
Their first KILL of a CIVILIAN' and come back, with a human finger, as a 'Soveniar'

Is that what the American Constitution means to these 'Patriotics'
Who are on a 'False Mission' of 'Serving Your Country', and
Protecting Your Freedoms'. If they really want to serve Your
Country and Protect Your Freedoms, then they ALL should be
Deployed in Your, OWN Country and destroy the Terrorists Leaders
In Your Own Government and Congress!!! They are YOUR
Real Enemies; of your Constitution, your Freedoms, your Rights,
Your Futures and the Futures of Your Generations,
not innocent human beings, of Foreign countries!!!

BTW, wasn't Osama caught and killed by a handful Seals; there
Was no Need for 60,000 troops; there was no need for a WAR; there
Was no need for this carnage against Humanity!!!

'So Help me God',
Does anyone, in their Right Mind, actually falsely
believe that God ,is Pleased with Your Troops, for these Brutal
Murders of HIS Innocent Creations??? Neither Bush nor the Officer
In charge, will take the rap or be of help to the soldier, on the Day
Of Judgement, before the Lord, when the Soldier will be questioned
For all his brutal murders of innocent civilians. Patriotic Claims,
Will NOT suffice in the Hereafter, for these senseless massacres.
BTW these Murders were committed, to Expand the Empires of the
Elite Rich and there is nothing PATRIOTIC, about that!!!

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 10:25 pm
I also wanted to share this, as it indicates why some of us were unable to get to the entire article previously. I guess it also shows us just how well our military is "protecting" our right to free speech! Maybe protecting from foreign and domestic should include protecting us from themselves!

UPDATE: 08-AUG-2011 - 1:40 PM ET - Interestingly enough this site is being attacked right now...and the first attack came from jacksonville.nmci.navy.mil.

AND 10 minutes ago a barrage of Chinook military helicopters flew over my home in waves. I grabbed my camera but I missed them. I was on the phone when it happened and the other person could hear them. Not very comforting. What the hell were they doing here? Just in case I vanish...

UPDATE: 08-AUG-2011 - 6:57 PM ET - Our site is being attacked big time. Attacks started coming from jacksonville.nmci.navy.mil and have come from there several times throught the day (we apply temporary blocks when this happens). They are perfoming something called SYNFLOODs but they are not alone. Attacks are coming from all over now, some familiar sources and some not so familiar. Wellsfargo.com, baesystems.com and fidelity.com are a few sources that I recognize. This does not mean that these organizations are attacking us but their IP addresses and/or networks are being used in this attack. If you try to reach us and can not try again later. We have backed up the entire site in the event it is taken down.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 10:32 pm
This is a very serious and sensitive issue --and not one from which we should shy away. I have never had anything but the utmost respect and appreciation for our troops but, after reading this article, I have to wonder if it's true that our government's motives aren't quite as pure as they would have us believe.

I'd hate to think that our government is using our troops to protect corporate interests overseas, while masterfully playing with our emotions so that we don't dare to question their motives without having our patriotism questioned or being made to feel like enemies of the state. But if they are, it has to stop and the injustice has to be dealt with! If they are, we've failed our troops, because we didn't put a stop to it. Big business is much too powerful. They've destroyed so much of this earth; they've polluted our air and water; they've taken control of our government by "purchasing" politicians; they continue to amass incredible wealth without having to pay taxes at the same rate as the middle class and, in some case, are even tax exempt. Considering all they get from us, do we really owe them the lives of our children?

At this point, I'm just thinking out loud (or online). I don't know if this is actually happening, but if it is, it represents a major breech of trust and needs to be dealt with.

Thanks for the post, Michael! And thank you to its author, Jesse Richard. I'm sure it took a lot of courage to submit this article for publication.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 10:38 pm
They just bluff, the poor Parents and the suffering families, of the dead
Soldiers, with grand funeral ceremonies, and the American Flag(false pride)
Do they ever take an interest in supporting you; help you through
Your immense, lost of your loving son\husband\father; do they help you with
Your orphaned childrens futures; DO THEY EVEN CARE, how you
Survive, after losing your loved ones, who SACRIFICED their PRECIOUS
LIVES, for the Rich to grow Richer. The Rich are sitting pretty cozy
With all the WEALTH (in their Bank Accounts), which BTW your dead
Sons helped them achieve, while YOU and those that are left behind,
SUFFER in Silence, All ALONE. No President or Officer, in charge,
Will ever MAKE UP, for the LOSS of YOUR, PRECIOUS LOVED ONES.
Once Gone, they will Never come back. Was such a great Sacrifice
Worth it??? And honestly ask YOURSELVES, For WHAT??? You
Will find the True Answers in your Hearts.

Wednesday August 10, 2011, 11:34 pm
Lisa H, sorry about your son's injury. I feel your pain. He can never be himself again;
Lead a normal healthy life; enjoying a good and carefree life with his family and friends.
Its all so sad; and what a waste of young lives; Destroyed, due the the GREED of these
Power Hungry Demons; who selfishly only care about themselves and their Own. Here, you
Now have to battle on your own, to help your beautiful child heal and recover, from
His traumatic experiences in a Murderous War, on defenceless and innocent people.

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your son. I pray that he heals quickly and
Completely, by the Miracle of GOD Almighty, Inshallah Ameen. Take care. Lots of love.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 12:01 am
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
I read the blog Fight To Survive before the military stop the soldiers from posting it on the web.
http://www.ftssoldier.blogspot.com/

http://blip.tv/iraq-veterans-against-the-war/winter-soldier-ivaw-the-future-of-gi-resistance-garett-reppenhagen-855190

They lied to these kids now just like they lied to them during Vietnam. Many joined after 9/11, then it came to them joining because there were NO jobs:( Not all these soldiers are murdering people. There are good ones, & then your cowardly sob's that have a chance to kill somebody & get away with it. Please don't EVER say all our soldiers are killing innocent people. They are not. The psychos are in uniform though. Please watch the video. My years of talking to Vietnam Vets would bring tears to your eyes. They lied to them, the suicide rate of Nam Vets was huge, the ones from the Iraq war have out done those. And let's not forget the garet trooper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8uIwi1oHuw

Now for the ugly, those who profit off the killing & blood of wars.
http://www.hereinreality.com/carlyle.html
Meet The Carlyle Group
Former World Leaders and Washington Insiders Making Billions in the War on Terrorism

Thursday August 11, 2011, 2:59 am
Very sad indeed but how true. And unfortuantely it's not only a question of US. All the West is heading in the same direction (and obiously following the US example). In Europe we are seeing our liberties eroded day by day and the political figures grow more and more arrogant. The US is much stronger so it can make much more damage, but the trend is everywhere. Really scary.
The person who wrote the article is very brave.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 7:44 am
War is big business and to many people stand to profit that is why the troops won't be coming home until the money is completely gone and the country is bankrupt - what a waste and so sad!

Thursday August 11, 2011, 7:59 am
Excellent article, thank you!!
If people are too blind to realize the biggest threat lies from within, and from those funding their elections then they are mere sheep.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 10:23 am
This is nothing new. Hiowever, I do feel sorry for the men (boys) that have given their lives, believing that they are doing the right thing. As, I have said before, war is a money making proposition for some. What a shame. signed and noted.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 10:32 am
I agree that our brave men are not fighting for our peace but they believe they are fighting for the peace of the world. I wrote the following piece in 1999 but the ideas are the same, the countries are different:
Peace or War?
1999
We are faced with this dilemma. It seems barbaric in our sophisticated times to wage war against any country, any people.
Our latest bombing of Yugoslavia makes me cry. Not because I am a pacifist but because with all of our diplomatic forces, it feels like the progression of ‘talks’ and sanctions against that country were not taken. Cannot NATO announce to the world the countries that are practicing genocide or ‘ethnic cleansing’ and give them ultimatums FIRST before bombing them?
In our small town of Petaluma, California, I am sure there are those hot heads who want to wage war at any cost as well as those who want peace at any cost. As for me, I do not fall into either category. If my children were in jeopardy, I’d fight for them. If my country was under siege by a hostile force, I would fight and I would want a gun, but for no other reason. If I had a gun, it would be because I planned to use it!
It amazes me that there are people in this town who yell obscenities at those who ‘march for peace.’ It seems only logical that everyone should want peace. Protestors to war are not against the poor unfortunate men and women who are fighting; they are not against the men and women; they are against the fighting! They don’t want anyone to get killed.
Unfortunately, there are some very bad people in this world who really ought to be eliminated for the safety of the whole. It is contradictory of me to believe in one thing and advocate another, but the truth is blaring loud and clear: there can never be peace when madmen run countries and advocate terrorism.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 10:37 am
How many are familiar with Courage To Resist?
http://couragetoresist.org/

Bradley Manning?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-P3OXML00s&feature=player_embedded#at=18

Lt. Ehren Watada was when I became familiar with Courage to Resist, This kid stood up for his unit and the Constitution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehren_Watada

I'm just saying you would have to walk a mile in their shoes to understand the pressures they are under while under orders. This in NO WAY excuses those who have murdered innocent civilians & laugh, joke about it. We are NOT talking about real solider when we are talking about these low lives. They are scraping from the bottom of the barrel to put them into uniform. David Mortari wearing a marine uniform throws a innocent puppy off a cliff. Hell, I led the charge to get him thrown out of the Marines. We started a letter writing campaign to the highest ranking Marine General at the time. I used my family's history of Marines. My father's favorite Marine motto "Death Before Dishonor" Mortari was thrown out. I'm just saying our soldiers are a pawn in this bloody world to make the rich richer. You don't have to thank them. But please don't slap the good ones in the face. Thank you

Thursday August 11, 2011, 10:54 am
important understanding of how we are manipulated by our patriotism into going along with whatever the gov says is right,just etc..all like to believe that our children are not dying for a unjust cause..but I who have family members over there...cannot abandon them ..I have to honor their choice ..for it is a volunteer armed forces unit we have...It is my dream that they while they are there come to understanding of what it is all about..and it is not freedom for us..they either will know that or they won't...I just want Americas children to come home...alive and well...I am grateful that there are many who are willing to serve to protect us..even though protecting America is not the reason we are at war.. many of.those that joined up believe it...and i thank their willing misguided hearts...however again I say...bring em home

Thursday August 11, 2011, 11:04 am
Thanks very much Michael, my friend :)

I love the poem Just C. put up and I wholeheartedly agree. The last sentence says it all.

"For wars will cease when men refuse to fight".

It's really that simple and I too wished I could 'incite to disobedience'

So let's INCITE to STOP THE WARS!

Thanks Carole for the forward.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 11:57 am
thanks.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 12:00 pm
The article makes some interesting points, though sounds more like a rant to me, especially towards the end. One thing I do agree with; we need to be more aware, more educated, and do a little more research before making decisions that not only affect ourselves, but will affect generations to come. As for those in the military; they take an oath, they work for the government, and they (for the most part) believe what they are doing is helping their country. I can't fault them for that. Those who go in the military may not know all of the history or specifics of why they are fighting, but they believe it's for the better good, and for that I thank them.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 1:08 pm
Absolutely brilliant post from Michael!!!!!!.... and so the truth keeps pouring out........ There are many excellent comments posted here and I can only say how happy I am that the advocators of peace are multiplying in leaps an bounds. Passive resistance for peace. We will win.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 2:32 pm
Wow, this article really got those 'ol keyboards flying. Agreed, this is a myth the American public has swallowed for far too long. When Bush II invaded Iraq, it just threw gasoline on the fire of Muslim hatred of the U.S., and justifiably so -- Bush & Obama have created more radical Muslim terrorists than Al Queada could dream of.

I favor returning to the isolationist policy of the late 19th century -- leave us alone and we protect our shores, period. Think of the money (more than $1.5 TRILLION so far just in Iraq & Afghanistan) we could save and use to balance our budget, reduce the public debt, invest in education, health care, and JOBS! Butter, not guns.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 5:29 pm
Thanks Michael for this great post, I have been saying this since I protested Vietnam War, The only ones taken away our freedom is our own government, If wars protect our freedom then why are our freedoms being taken away all the time, I really don't blame the soldiers I blame our government for starting these wars by their lies.

Thursday August 11, 2011, 8:01 pm
I believe you have a lot of courage or a lot of anger or maybe both to come on so strong.

Both courage and anger are needed, in the right place in the right time in the right amount as directed by reason.

You know what, some of us have sons and daughters serving in the military!
I am grateful that I don't.

Most of what I would like to say shall remain unsaid.

But I leave the inference.

On your side, I will say war causes more problems than it solves.

And I am angry also. I am angry that we are spending money we don't have on wars that are none of our business.

I do not always have to be clear.

Life isn't.

Friday August 12, 2011, 12:46 am
Soldiers who have fought in a war will always say "they HATE war".

Friday August 12, 2011, 3:02 pm
Send the troops home, they don't belong in other countries.

Friday August 12, 2011, 3:23 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Jae because you have done so within the last week.

Friday August 12, 2011, 6:48 pm
And that is the TRUTH!!!

Friday August 12, 2011, 8:44 pm
This had the exact effect that I thought it would ~ it deeply offended many veterans that are dedicated Care2 members. Perhaps next time people will choose their words more carefully. This was like directly spitting on someone. I truly can't believe it.

Someone who had left a nasty comment to me personally on here has had the comment removed. It must have been flagged. I appreciate all who respected me by flagging it. Because I had the nerve to bring up that a veteran, especially one that may have missing limbs, may be hurt, I got a nasty comment, and I was said to be part of the problem. I can tell you ~ if hating and disrespecting is part of the solution, then you are right ~ I want absolutely no part of it.

Friday August 12, 2011, 11:34 pm
The troops are sadly used for imperialist reasons to get hold of resources such as oil in foreign countries.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 3:36 am
Thanks for the article.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 5:32 am
If our country were in real danger we would unite to defend what is ours. We are using money to some ideological myth that we are the saviors of the world. If we are all supposedly entitled to equal rights under the rule of law then there should be a law that all, men and women must be in the military to defend and protect our country. Not from imagined enemies, or possible enemies but those that have tried to destroy us such as Ben Laden. We must limit our fight to known terrorists, not to rebuiild countries or try to institute Democracy all over the world.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 5:35 am
I would not condone taking out our anger at government on any individual that does serve in the Military. They are risking life and limb for the ideals of our politicians that are masters at brain washing the public.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 7:32 am
As a former military wife and DoD civilian employee, I completely agree with Camila that the Bush syndicate needs to be brought to trial in the international war crimes court for lying us into multiple wars (starting with Desert Storm) that have kept our country in a stranglehold to the military industrial complex since 1991. Our economy is in a shambles mainly due to the obscene amounts of taxpayer money used to perpetuate war and global "military readiness" while our young military men and women are killed and maimed for no reason, families are broken apart, innocent victims of war count in the multi-millions, our global reputation is forever tarnished, and the US middle class is being crushed under ever mounting debt. It's time to vote out the warmongers in Congress and elect a true peacemaker like Dennis Kucinich to the highest office of the land. We need to establish a federal-level Department of Peace, end the wars, bring our troops home and begin the healing process for our country and the world.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 7:36 am

Kudos, Anne! VERY well said.

Saturday August 13, 2011, 8:44 am
Thanks. Good article

Saturday August 13, 2011, 10:24 pm
Interesting view on it... I've long said that our military isn't fighting for OUR freedoms, because, it's all about going against apartheid, or communism, or dictatorship... Those aren't MY freedoms they're fighting for, those are the victims of apartheid, communism and dictatorship.

But yeah, with stuff like the patriot act and what have you, our constitutional freedoms ARE being scaled back, and the military is being trained and told what to do by the very commander in chief we vote for at each election. That's not very smart, and so I think we need to make our voices heard, and make sure we get those who want to give freedom back to the people without committing acts of abuse.

Sunday August 14, 2011, 2:43 am
The corporations are making their play for the country. They have the Republican House already, some of the Democrats & The Supreme Court. All those fools at The Republican run off in Iowa just eating and cheering. They sure enjoy being screwed by their ex politicians, they don't know the politicians don't work for them anymore. It's happening all over the world. The mega rich want it all, nothing for the peasants. They use the military and anything else they want. I think the USA will riot like the other countries are doing sooner or later. Some people still won't admit it's going on. It could be the end of life as we've known it Michael. I agree. It might be the end for everyone.

Sunday August 14, 2011, 7:42 am
Have you heard how many soldiers are coming home saying, they didn't agree with what they were doing, & how wrong it is they were there.. ONLY to take over a country, for the (wealth, power, & control) the "top" wants, and who are willing to do anything to get it, no matter what ?

It doesn't matter which side- they both work for the world corporations.

I think the soldiers are being USED & manipulated

Thursday August 25, 2011, 3:55 pm
I joined the US Navy at age 17. I singed a contract and the addendum. The addendum states I was pledging to protect this country from our enemies both foreign and domestic. The only time we came close was the civil war. However, the fact remains that it is in my contract. A foreign power could launch an attack and we very well could be told to answer the call to arms and fight it out on American soil. Of course, this may not ever happen in the future. However, it very well could happed. I served in the Navy for 21 years.I was in Vietnam from 1968-1974. I did'nt agree wih our involvement, but I had to go anyway. Thank God you have a military force available.
Dennis C. Cooney, US Navy Retired, Vietnam Veteran, 3 tours

Thursday August 25, 2011, 4:45 pm
Dennis, I would say that you missed the entire point of the article, but something tells me that you didn't even read it.

If you did read the article, then it's obvious that you are saying that any and all atrocities commited in the name of Corporate profits are justified, if only to keep, in your words, '..a military force available.'

It's that blind allegiance that has gotten us into wars all over the planet, all for the sake of corporate profits.

I see you don't mind playing soldier boy for all of the wrong reasons.

Thursday August 25, 2011, 4:49 pm
Try reading the WHOLE article.

Our Troops do NOT Protect Our Freedom and We Should Stop Thanking Them for Doing So

Thursday August 25, 2011, 5:04 pm
"There is no honor in volunteering to go anywhere in the world and kill anybody you are told to, without question, without historical background and without verifying the stated reasons for doing so. In this modern age of information we now know that time and time again our military have been deployed into battle, to kill and be killed, for reasons that in no way shape or form resemble the reasons for which they, or we were told at the time. This is no secret, although many Americans refuse to take off the flag that is wrapped around their eyes and see American history as it really happened. They blindly believe what was told to them by the people who have a vested interest in maintaining myths and misconceptions."

Thursday September 15, 2011, 10:18 am
This is a complex issue but I agree with most of you. I believe that much, not all, of the time the military is not only protecting corporate interests but creating them. My dad served 5 yrs in WWII. It's a different world now and power and greed have filled the cup of mercenary politicians. My pride is waning and my fear for the US freedoms grows. Were it possible to achieve peace in all corners of the world, the immoral military stalwarts would be bored and perhaps as poor as we are...

Monday October 24, 2011, 9:18 pm
Please sign petition and reshare far and wide>>>Nationwide! Its time to stop the inappropriate behavior exhibited by our troops serving our country.
http://www.petition2congress.com/5414/hold-department-defense-accountable-inappropriate-actions-done-by/

Thursday December 8, 2011, 9:00 am
God bless the soldiers. Bring them home soon.