SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

"Support Our Troops." Used early in the invasion and occupation of Iraq as a counter to the growing anti-war movement, this patriotic slogan has since undergone a metamorphosis. As the scores of injured and mentally disturbed soldiers return from the battle fields to their home-towns and try to re-integrate into society, their friends and families are learning that no amount of support can ever heal the psychological wounds that soldiers suffer.

Although I have respect for people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, I believe heroism should be associated with a just cause. The illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq has caused such widespread destruction that any glory claimed from taking part in cleaning up the mess, should be carefully examined. Don't tell me they are fighting for my freedom, because in my opinion that is pure garbage! The war was sold to the American people with lies and propaganda. Even among the right-wing there are few who will now deny that the invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan have had much more to with energy resources and geopolitical strategic posturing than anything else.

There is no justification for the illegal, immoral invasion and occupation of a peaceful country.

State Of The Union Address

During the President's speech tonight I noticed something that surprised me. Although, I always thought that illegal immigration was one of the right-wing's favorite personal peeve's, when the President talked about reforming our county's immigration policy, very few of the Republican attendees stood up to applaude; conversely, nearly all of the Democrat attendees were on their feet clapping immediately. The Republican side of the gallery only grudgingly stood up when the President spoke of ending the war in Iraq: why do Republican's love war so much?

Although it has long been my position that both parties have been ripping off the American public for generations, it has been demonstrated that the Democrat's policies lead to a healthier economy and a freer society. It is clear that the right-wing's bottom line is always profits; they appear to be against anything that might threaten corporate profits.

The President's speech was strong and well delivered; he made a lot of sense. By contrast the Republican rebuttal was weak: The Republican's complain a lot about the President's ideas, but they always seem to forget that it was their irresponsible fiscal policies that led to the economic disaster the world is now facing.