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.

Read more about Memorial Day from Huffington Post bloggers.

Comments

[biwee]

When the US started an unnecessary war of choice based on lies, distortions, and half-truths from the NeoCons who took control of the Bush administration, most in America let out a yahoo when the bombs and missiles began to rain down on Iraq. Remember..­...most felt "Gee, ain't this great".
Well, as a retired member of the US military, I saw the scam coming, and I opposed this war from the fall of 2002, just as now retired LTGen Newbold did (Ops officer for the Joint Chiefs). Now, after 5 years of this unnecessary war, over 4000 dead, over 30,000 wounded, hundreds of thousands of dead Iraqi civilians, and a bill for this war that will run between $2 and $3 trillion, it is TOO LATE to "get religion" on this war. The damage has been done. The sad thing is that the NeoCons who pushed this scam will go unpunished, as will the Smirking Chimp Bush and his cabal of fools. So, wake up America. And say "NEVER AGAIN". Still, there will be a lot of fools who will buy Bush's kool aid in the fall when he starts another unnecessary war of choice with Iran. Remember, the Shrub was twice elected. Bottom line, in a democracy, the people get exactly what they vote for.

[1LTUSMC]

We're kindred spirits! However, I disagree that there will be many who will accept another war with Iran or anyone else. I think there would be blood in the streets if it were to happen.

I support Obama because I am less interested in any specific policy than I am with the corrupt and jaded manner in which they are prioritized. Anyone can say I am against war (I do), but is far more important for someone to say let's find a way to resolve differences that doesn't involve killing those we disagree with.

Obama has offered to share the nation's decision making process with us. I for one accept his offer.

[Veri]

How many ex-cheerleaders of the majority of Americans who now disavow the war? Those weak fools. Only after the lies were exposed did they bother to even remotely begin thinking critically about the war. Hell, most people in America cannot even find Iraq on a map of the Middle-East. The damage is done. You are right.

Unfortunately, the same 'people who were for it the war before they were against it' will still be here, cheering on the next war for profit. Weak minds elect weak leaders. Weak minds allowed only nine votes in the entire country in 2000. The Supreme Court cast their votes and there were no repercussions.

[SouthpawSass]

Great article... I couldn't agree more.

[Crowhaul]

C'mon, people.

Is it not enough that Bush gave up golf for these lads?

Really, what more can we expect of him?

[SouthpawSass]

And what's even worse than him giving up golf, is the fact that after that report came out, he actually was seen.... golfing - the lying, stupid little man that he is.

[Angelaaaa]

Thank God for that! If he really stopped golfing, he would go back to running the country. Liar he may be but perhaps we deserve to be spared his diligence.

[frantaylor]

They say he started the war so he didn't have to play golf anymore.

[hawkeye58]

Let's not forget Dick Deferrment Cheney in this crime. He should be in the cell right beside George W. Bush, the chimpanzee and chief.

[hopelessobama]

you should be hating dems, consider the hundreds of thousands who have died under the watch or wilson-roo­sevelt-tru­man-kenned­y-johnson. that fab 5 have destroyed more military lives then every combined republican admin in our nations' history. open your eyes and recognize who truly has done what to our troops.

[mamacat]

Bush's war is a war of choice, based on lies and spin. Most people now understand that.

[Nova16]

Hey Hopeless dont forget Lincoln--650,000 killed, Mckinley Spanish American War, Teddy Roosevelt, the same war, Ronald Reagan, Granada, 1st Bush, Panama and Desert Storm and of course the biggest blunder of all, the Dolt and his phony war in Iraq. Some wars are fought for legitimate purposes others for greed and profit. I think the republicans own claims to the latter.

[wolf58]

As the son of a vietnam vet and a father of three Iraq war veterans and as a 100 percent disabled veteran your words have hit home. I could not have put it any better on this day of honoring those who have given their lives for country Bush after his supposed honoring of those who have fallen rush back to the White House to have a meeting with basketball coaches because it couldn't be done tomorrow.

To my brothers and sisters
I think of you
I drink to you
I honor you
I miss you
Thank you

[anfractuous]

Hey, give the guy a break, he gave up a bike ride to make that speech!

[Yohomegirl]

AND he gave up golf altogether, plus I cannot believe that the rest of the pastel plaid pant wearing club swingers didn't show their patriotism by giving up their little balls in a unified stance not to grieve the mothers of those Bush sent of to be slain as well.

[anglohistorian]

To burnt and disgusted citizen- yes ,yes.
The lies and hypocrisy continue- where are those WMD that were the supposed reason for invasion and occupation of Iraq?
The despicable treatment of wounded, maimed and emotionally damaged veterans by the Bush-Cheney
"administration" , the VA, the 5-13 discharges, show the real contempt that Bush-Cheney have for veterans except as a political tool.
Now we have Iran, or another "intelligence failure" leading to an "October Surprise", assassination talk, and electronic vote fraud staring us in the face.
Is this the USA anymore?
And Congress is failing to do its Constitutional duty of impeaching the gangsters in the White House.
No it isn't the USA I remember or at least envision and hope for -.

[aleco]

With great sadness and regret history will remember George Bush as America's "war for profit" president. My deep sympathy to the families of those who have fallen in the service of their country.

[Lt]

as a vietnam Vet, I agree, completely and entirely,

bush belong in prison, along with those that helped him,

and those of you who still support him, and have yallow ribbons on your cars

you should be ashamed, support the troops by ending this needless war.

[sophistwatch]

Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for having the courage to say what is on the minds of many who are serving, and have served, in uniform and all the civilians who love this country and are equally saddened by the events that have gotten us to were we are on this Memorial Day.

It is ironic that on the same day you write this peace that the chairman of the JCS is asking men and women in uniform not to get involved with politics. Given the recent scandal with the Pentagon sending out PR teams, it seems a tad disingenuous and hypocritical.

Memorial Day has always had a special meaning for me. My grandfather was in the Navy for 31 years. He served in the Pacific theater as a corpsman before becoming an NCO. As a young lad, I heard countless tales of WWII and his exploits while sitting next to him in his favorite recliner or while we were fishing.

Over the years, he never once wavered in his support of the Republican party until GW took office. He tried his best to support him, but it was not long before his tolerance shifted toward contempt.

He has passed on recently, but I suspect that if he would have had the chance to read your article, he would have responded with a his typical crusty, curse word filled, approval.

[Yohomegirl]

Okay, I thought the golf thing was beyond ridiculous, but if Bush reads this and decides that he needs to shed tears on TV it will only serve to fill the ER's across the country with citizens experiencing convulsive vomitting. I don't mind seeing a grown man cry, but the sight of Bush crying repulses me beyond. He will ask for his blankie, or his teddy, through the side of his mouth because his thumb will be stuck in it. It will be disgraceful, and I bet you didn't consider this possible repercussion when you submitted this article, now did you?

[burnt]

"Yes, that's a harsh headline for this piece."

Not harsh enough. That war criminals continue to desecrate the honor of our fallen and injured, is despicable.

[disgustedcitizen]

It sickens me the see all those dead and badly wounded young men and women coming back from Iraq, knowing that their sacrifice was not so much in the cause of defending the freedom for our great country as it is to line the pockets of the corporations and oil companies that own our government today.

I hope there is a special place in Hell for people like bush and cheney and the greedy bastards at Halliburton, KBR, Exxon/Mobil, and the rest. God forgive them, because I won't.

[Colmore]

I could not agree more with every single sentiment of this piece. He is a disgrace, has caused more destruction to the country than any other president. Cost more young lives, both US and foreign in a war that was completely unnecessary. What bothers me, also, is that he really believes that most citizens are too dumb to see the truth. How are we safer now that Sadam is gone? We were never in danger from Sadam. Truth be told, we are in more danger from the "leaders" in Washington than we ever were from any foreign leader.