Dead Troops Remembered By President Who Had Them Killed
Read more about Memorial Day from Huffington Post bloggers.
Yes, that's a harsh headline for this piece.
But I'll ask you to forgive me because, as a Veteran, there isn't a day on the calendar that causes my hatred -- and I do indeed mean hatred -- of George W. Bush to bubble over the top more than Memorial Day.
"On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who have laid down their lives in the cause of freedom, resolve that they will forever be remembered by a grateful Nation, and pray that our country may always prove worthy of the sacrifices they have made," reads Bush's official Memorial Day proclamation, issued by the White House on Thursday.
The Chickenhawk-in Chief says a lot of things that make this Vet's blood boil but stuff like saying that he prays "...that our country may always prove worthy of the sacrifices they have made" is almost vomit inducing.
This statement comes from the same man who himself began dishonoring the sacrifices of all Veterans in such huge ways in March of 2003, when he invaded Iraq behind a veil of lies and deceit and started spilling barrels of military and civilian blood to start a war with a country that posed no threat whatsoever to our national security. These stirring words of remembrance come from an administration that began with a stolen election in 2000, which goes entirely against what I was taught way back when I was in the U.S. Navy, which was that part of the "way of life" we were protecting was symbolized by the ability of all of our citizens to have their votes counted.
"These courageous and selfless warriors have stepped forward to protect the Nation they love, fight for America's highest ideals, and show millions that a future of liberty is possible," continues Bush's proclamation. "Americans are grateful to all those who have put on our Nation's uniform and to their families, and we will always remember their service and sacrifice for our freedoms."
The words Bush puts forth are true -- it's him being the one to say them that I find so sickening and personally offensive.
It is positively nauseating to have George W. Bush ever talk to us about "America's highest ideals" when his administration has started a bloody war for no reason, imprisoned those suspected of being "terrorists" without trial or benefit of legal counsel, tortured prisoners in America's name and done everything but grab the original U.S. Constitution from the National Archives and run it through a paper shredder.
I also don't believe for one minute that the majority of the planet now holds our country in such extreme contempt because we're right and they don't understand our "highest ideals." This Veteran will go to his grave believing that the years 2000 through 2008 were a dark time in our history when much of what I believed when I served in uniform was made invalid and debased.
According to the Defense Department, we have now lost 4,082 men and women in Bush's war of choice in Iraq and we should not allow the man who sent them needlessly to their deaths to lead our nation today in mourning their loss. Make no mistake about it, George W. Bush is as responsible for the deaths of those men and women as if he himself had fired the bullet or set the IEDs that ended their lives.
And before the right-wing hate mail starts flowing in my direct I'll admit that, yes, you are probably right that if Bush said nothing today I might notice that as well. But here's the thing with so many of us Vets: Memorial Day is not an abstraction to us. Too many of us knew personally and can remember the faces of a few whose untimely deaths we mark today. Some of us actually even saw them killed in battle.
So, we do indeed take Memorial Day very personally and I for one would rather that Bush say nothing at all than to issue hypocritical pronouncements and give an insincere, flowery speech in honor of our war dead when he is personally responsible for the most recent we mourn today.
Even a garden-variety murderer would be unlikely to make an appearance when the victim's family is observing the anniversary of a loved one's death.
The least Bush can do is stay in the White House today, keep his lying mouth shut and understand deep in his craven soul that the next day the Congress should declare a national holiday is January 20, 2009, the day he leaves office and his days of dishonoring our war dead are forever done.
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Yep, he's a phony relying on symbolism of patriotism. He doesn't know the real stuff, not when he went AWOL, not when he invaded, not when he's worked to send soldiers with PTSD back on another tour, not when he fails to ensure medical help at places like Walter Reed, not when he apposes the GI Bill.
Turns my stomach to hear of his coopting the language of patriotism to cover his criminality.
To, Lisakaz2; You put the hammer on the nail, GW BUSH IS AS PHONY AS A THREE DOLLAR BILL
You are right on all accounts Bob! I believe with all my heart that Bush and Cheney and the rest of his gestapo will have their day of reckoning! They will be held accountable for each and every death and for the life altering injuries that tens of thousands of our kids have suffered. If it doesn't happen in this life, it will be waiting on the other side. My hopes are that they all have a preview of their eternities each and everytime they lay down to sleep, are alone driving in a car, watching a movie or TV program with sights and sounds to trigger their guilts, Life with a guilty conscience must be a hell like no other!
To Aanya; I don't believe GW Bush has a conscience,I think he sleeps just fine, he will be held accountable by GOD
Mr. Geiger, I agree with you 100%.
After Bush started this illegal and immoral war in 2003, I resolved I would not fly my American flag on any of the normal flag days, with the exception of Memorial Day and Veterans Day and only because I honor my fellow veterans, not Bush's Chickhawk flag-waving. Bush has cheapened patrirotism and I refuse to glorify this sorry spectacle.
Is it just me, or is there something sick and unsettling about a man who deserted his post in time of war, desecrating the grave of the unknown soldiers by placing a wreath on it with his cowardly hands? Perhaps he could have had his vice president do it--but wait a minute--isn't Cheney the guy that whimpered and whined for and got 5 draft deferments?
Thank you for speaking out and for your service.
** look nihilism in the face **
And there are 7+ months of damage coming. Expect a marked worsening. Every dirty trick, every big lie, every act of revenge and hatred Bushite monsters can concoct.
Bush has long had a death wish: it’s behind his alcoholism and his conversion to the least intelligent most hate-filled version of xian bibliolotry. He lives to negate what is wise and good.
What other conclusion can you draw after experiencing the last seven biblical years of moral famine?
Bush’s death impulse has catalyzed, not caused, decay of the body politic. American hubris inflected it long ago. And, enough of "we the people" approved nihilism. John McCain's liability to cancer, his mental lapses and mood disequiliibria, symbolize advanced political senility.
How many millions have ceded their reason to faith-based fast food like 'intelligent design.' The ancient Romans knew all about us: “Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make demented.”
bipolar2
bipolar2..
I listened to Bush's speech today. I contained all the usual references to heroism, sacrifice, service and honor that the day calls for. And coming from Bush, it does stick in the back of one's throat.
But what really bothered me about it was that it didn't contain a single wish or prayer that we could end this and future wars, and stop filling up graveyards with young soldiers.
The New Aristocracy is not done, yet, with spilling our blood for their profit (prophet?).
I understand and appreciate this post; even on a good day Bush is the master at pissing us all off.
Here is what I don' t understand:
http://www
I don't understand veterans or troops of this war. I don't understand why there isn't a mass resistance on their part to continuing to kill and brutalize and torture Iraquis. I don't understand why AMerica pretends that Iraquis are not being brutalized. The death of the 4400 plus troops is a tremendous lost but the death of close to one million Iraquis and the displacement of three million is unpardonable not honorable. Bush and Company are the catalyst but the executioners are the troops.
The military is not a democracy. We do the fighting and dying. If we were a Democracy, we'd be nothing more than an armed mob. An armed mob with high tech weapons. Our duty is to disobey illegal orders. However, experience shows that you are on the receiving end of a prison sentence, dishonorable discharge, or other adverse action. This is a failure among our leadership.
For instance, Congress has done nothing to deter the nightmare. Congress controls the purse-strings. They are but one part of a now obvious military-industrial complex. Neither the Democrats nor there counterparts, the Republicans, wish to end this war until it is advantageous to do so.
As for your understanding how these crimes continue, because most do not directly experience the horror. To most, Iraq is an abstraction in their mind. If more Americans visited Iraq, if more Americans experienced suffering, then there would be real change. Hell, if more of the world's people experienced the sorrow and destruction common throughout our world, there would be change. Alas, this is wishful thinking.
Well, it's pretty simple. If you are a solider, you don't have to resist the killing, brutalizing, or torture of Iraqis - if you don't want it to happen, just don't do it. Simple.
I've done two tours myself, and never tortured any Iraqis, nor seen any tortured or brutalized by coalition forces. Nor would I ever do that even if I was ordered to. The "I was told to" defense doesn't work - everyone tried that during the Abu Gharaib trials, and they all failed.
Additionally, most soldiers know that the vast majority of killings and torture in Iraq are Iraqi on Iraqi - exactly the behavior that we are trying to prevent.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for serving, you guys are the real heros!
Powerful stuff ... simper fie.
Dear Bob Geiger,
Thank You so much for this. It is healing for those of us who are dismayed beyond understanding. I am so glad to see you back on the scene. Your authenticity is truly a gift in the midst of such protracted, twisted, deceitful abuse of power, hideous horror and ghastliness.
To, xs1oshl1; You must have read my mind
Thanks Bob for writing this. I know it can't have been an easy to do.
Absolutely nailed it.
War, as a political tool, is no longer an option for the United States of America in the 21st Century.
Pass it on.
Make it stick.
NEVER AGAIN.
PS: Hillary does not 'get' this. Damn chickenhawk.
War is a political tool. The tool of last resort. Only the weak foolishly use it to achieve an end before exhausting all other avenues of approach to a problem. President Bush is a weak man, as has been demonstrated time and again. But there are those foolish 28-percenters who view him in terms of his religion. Too them, abortion and political power to impose their version of the Christ-cult onto others is more important than their own well-being. Or yours. Or mine.
Terrifying, isn't it?
Special Election on Iraq War Funding
Congress’ Memorial Day recess gives constituents a one-week window of opportunity to let their representatives know their thoughts on Iraq war funding (HR 2642) before the House votes again on this issue after the recess. This is the closest we’re going to get to having a special referendum on whether to continue the war in Iraq.
Anti-War Toolbox:
http://www
http://www
http://www
Numerous national polls show that a supermajority of 62% to 68% of voters oppose the war in Iraq. http://pol
This May 2008 poll shows that 85% of Democrats want U.S. troops home within six months. Furthermore, only 23-33% of Republicans polled favored funding the war in Iraq for another year! http://www
http://www
The current war funding debate will likely be our last best chance to cut Iraq war funding for another year.
Special Election on Iraq War Funding
Congress’ Memorial Day recess gives constituents a one-week window of opportunity to let their representatives know their thoughts on Iraq war funding (HR 2642) before the House votes again on this issue after the recess. This is the closest we’re going to get to having a special referendum on whether to continue the war in Iraq.
War Funding Recommendations for Congress:
1. Reduce Iraq war funding to HALF of the requested amount for FY2008 and continue to dial down spending in successive years. This will send a clear signal that we don’t intend to occupy Iraq indefinitely.
2. Fund only FY2008 Iraq war operations (instead of combining funding for FY2008 and FY2009) so that the people don’t lose their chance to participate in this funding debate again in September.
3. Put war funding on a pay-as-you-go basis, so that deficit funding for the war doesn’t further weaken the dollar, thus increasing the price of gas, etc. If our wars are important enough to ask our troops to fight and die for, we should at least be willing to bear the burden of financing them on a cash basis.
4. Congressional votes on Iraq war funding should reflect the widespread popular opposition to the war (62-68% opposed). Even if the President doesn’t listen to the people on this issue, Congress should.
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