It Takes a Pillage

Hey, you. Yeah. You.

I got a tip for ya': careful starting your car.

The United States is coming across as just too friggin' annoying, having done nothing to assuage the world's virtually unanimous concerns about what ails it, starting with the biggies like a thoroughly destabilized middle east and a thoroughly destabilized climate, to say nothing of just being a swaggering, destabilizing, obnoxious bully in general. Led by the swaggering, destabilizing, obnoxious bully-in-general George "Dude, Where's My Codpiece?" Bush, this nation is cruisin' for a bruisin', an internationally funded coup d'ta-ta that finally lances the boil of America (read: Neo-Conservativism) throbbing on the global community's neck.

It's not so hard to ponder. America doesn't corner the market in mob hits or covert ops to take out a person or persons or organizations that have gone too far. Every country worth its salt has some covert corps smearing burnt cork on their faces, wearing stealth balaclavas and practicing killshots on watermelons. Each patriarchal nation has its Rambos, its Bonds, its Nick Fury: Agent of Shields. And each has a sense of their own place in the scheme of Things International. And their patience might be coming to, let's say, an end.

This is by no means an advocation of such executive action. Nor am I saying I myself would immediately roll over onto my back exposing my three rows of nipples and give permission to any real threat to my liberty to tickle my soft, pink belly while they rape and consume all I hold dear. It's merely a hypothetical postulation. But it can't be an idea that hasn't been floated by governments both friendly and unfriendly: to terminate us with extreme prejudice. It's had to be an option placed on the proverbial table. After all, if the increasingly tenuous balance is upset, if potential profits are hindered by the out of control, cut-and-run behavior of one of the corporation's key players, then all alternatives must be considered. It isn't personal. It's business.

What's even more distressing is that along with the naturally occurring bloat of intoxicating arrogance that comes with being a super power, its certain demise is most probably counted on, indeed a basic element of the plan formulated by its current leaders, who pride themselves in seeing clarity in chaos, profit in instability. It allows the said profiteers the opportunity to escape out the back while everyone else is frantically forming a bucket brigade.

9/11, Katrina, Osama, Global Warming: for Neo-Conservaties these events couldn't have come at a better time. Like Dr. Frankenstein flying giant kites to harness the lightning of an approaching storm, these men were ready, patiently waiting for the inevitable. And their patience paid off, successfully animating an unholy creation, a stitched-together terror of the worst pieces of human nature: war without end, profit without pause, intellect invalidated. Not that America has the corner on that market either. There are plenty of other societies that are far more brutal and far less subtle. But this country was always supposed to be better than that. It left such cynical acts to the despots and tyrants it professed to despise. It was born to set itself apart from the all too common temptations to control destiny, and the only way to do that was to wrest people's hopes for freedom and peace from the fists of the merciless and the arrogant (see "The United States Constitution").

But there are some who simply don't see it that way, who in fact feel the urge to control at all costs. It's not the so-called Islamo-fascists that hate our freedom, it's the Neo-Conmen who do. Because without a people enslaved by doubt and fear, their outdated but nonetheless effective manifest destiny tactics have little traction. Which is why they relish force majeure. God is their ultimate back-up plan. And since it's quite possible they have Him in the bag, too (the jury's still out but it ain't looking so good), then we might as well get used to the idea that the destructive actions of the few of them will have dire consequences for the compliant rest of us. And to look over our shoulders.

Comments

[RadRobin]

"But this country was always supposed to be better than that"

Actually, until we, the compliant masses, accept that the Great White Hat Wearing Govt isn't really doing anything different today than it has done day-in and day-out since 1945, we won't be able to even touch the idea of atoning for our sins since the New Millenium.

The only difference today is that the atrocities committed in our names is done out in the open in front of God and everyone.

Seriously.

As for the international community, there won't be any grand invasion or international action in concert to thwart the rogue US of A. Nope. Led by Russia and China -- with Japan having no choice but to join in -- will call in their loans and will stop buying t-bills. And that will be the day the US gets to stand amongst the ruins created by its "investments."

Then and only then will we finally have an opportunity to show the world what we are made of. I think we have the potential to be a great people and can be the force for good on earth. But not until we are forced to our knees. Kind of like a surly, out-of-control adolescent getting that lesson that finally catapults him into growing up because, well, h*ll, it's a lot nicer and easier being responsible and honest!

But we really do need to rid ourselves of the delusion that 'used to be' soooo good for the earth and humanity.

[dadw5boys]

Are the Christians with the CONCENTRATION OF POWER they helped to elect that is now destroying the USA?

[Stirner]

For Plato, the penultimate stage of political evolution was that period in which wealth controlled politics -- i.e., Plutocracy. It is followed by Tyranny. At present, we are at the "tipping point". I expect, what with the acceptance of such means as torture and media manipulation, along with the advent of inescapable electronic surveilance, our people will soon enough fall under the heel of a ruthless dictatorship -- but one always presented to them as but a beneficient force devoted to peace and justice. Perhaps it can be stopped, but I doubt it. Hail Caesar.

[GenericBlogger]

These times aren't looking good for freedom lovers but the sky isn't falling. History shows trends are cyclical for countries or civilizations that aren't at the end of their longevity. We are not at that point.

It's easy to predict a dire future based on dire present circumstances. By the same token, it's easy to predict a happy future based on happy present circumstances.

All these issues will eventually be sorted out. We have to be patient and diligent at the same time, making sure we elect politicians who are beneficial. More than ever, it's up to us to keep up to events and be more aware of our circumstances and choices.

[1love]

we all gotta be crazy not to see the wise vision of "george and them". but i was having a "conversation" with a past supervisor about that "big dummy george" in the vain of george not having the skill set of a president. he stated that he dide'nt need a particular skill set to be president such as: public speaking, networking, problem solving, business mgt., coalition building, an understanding of contemporary moral problems, public policy expertise, international relations awarness, resource management, and so on and so on....he stated the typical "daddy rush argument" that lil george dide'nt need a particular skill set to be president of the united states!!!! i responded that i had a high school diploma, some college, could properly use hand and power tools, could blow bubbles, mix mortar for various uses and though i only was a laborer for a masonry company but i wanted a job as a civil engineer! hou u during?????

[Karlita]

So I've been watching this cute little show lately called "Side order of Life" and of course, I frequent HuffPo constantly, so imagine my surprise to see you as cell-phone man on the finale!

Excellent turn of events! I read your witty blogs regularly and it was great fun to see you on the show.

Peace,

[OckhamsElectricRazor]

What power has law where only money rules.
Gaius Petronius (~66 AD)

[Purple Girl]

To prove to the world that these maniacs are not working for US, we must ask the UN to levy War Crimes charges against the Architects- Gov't & Coporate. Bush & what his name (Iranian) could have been carbon copies of each other during their UN addresses- both mindless puppets. Misery loves company- we've got an Retard for a Pres too. Your puppet master's the nasty old sh*t too, ah?

[GenericBlogger]

Steven your writing is eloquent as usual but you are stating the obvious in this article.

I disagree on your claim that Islamic fascists don't hate our freedom. Islamic fundamentalists have told Danish and Swedish in so many ways that they cannot draw the Islamic prophet Mohamed. Other fundamentalists sent the most serious and ultimate message to a famous Dutch film maker, a descendant of van Gogh.

If Islamic fundamentalists had a chance to be here on our own soil in great numbers as in critical mass, and run our lives, they would. But the Christian fundamentalists are doing that now.

[retarius]

Generic,
Don't be silly...they don't 'hate our freedom'...what they hate is our imperialist meddling in their affairs. Our profligate use of oil, means that we have to be involved in middle eastern affairs and instead of leaving them alone we constantly meddle in their affairs...­installing the Shah, selling arms to Israelis to crush the Palestinians, supporting numerous non-democratic states (like Saudi) whilst arbitrarily looting others (Iraq).
The want America out of the middle east, close your bases down, drive a sensible car, stop interfering and you won't need to deal with them.

[GenericBlogger]

retarius,

The Islamic FUNDAMENTALISTS hate our freedom. The Taliban, Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, Muktadar el Sadr's mob, other militant groups, clerics, terrorists, and their supporters actively oppose our interests with violent and non-violent means. The majority of Muslims are peaceful and don't agree with their fundamentalist cohorts but remain silent.

Energy efficiency was improved during the last several decades but we need to do more. We made egregious political errors in the Middle East especially with the Peacock Throne, Iraq War, and the Iraq-Iran War.

Religions are beneficial but when they come with their own terrorists and terrorist cells, they cross the line. When they settle in other countries which practice freedom of speech and inform authors, poets, artists, film makers, cartoonists what they can and can't express via protests, death threats and murder, they cross the line. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

The most conservative or fundamentalist Muslims oppose secularism and push for Sharia Law. That's not the choice of the majority of the world. Some Muslim countries wants us in the Middle East. Some are pro American even if they disagree with some of our policies.

The Israeli/Palestinian problem is dicey. The majority of Arab nations are at peace with Israel. Peace settlements were offered, made, and failed because the fundamentalists don't want to co-exist with Israel. Political leaders who secured peace were assassinated.

Don't delude yourself that departing from the Middle East as you suggest, will relieve tensions. Expecting our departure from the Middle East to resolve issues is a pollyannaish outlook. The fundamentalists aren't just against America, they are against the West and against infidels. The conflict is beyond disagreements regarding energy, Palestinians, etc., it extends to a clash of civilizations. Look at the history of the Ottoman and Persian empires. Islam expanded during the last several decades and the expansion continues. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.

If you still think we should pack up and leave the Middle East, will they agree to stop the militant spread of Islam? Of course not.

[Lamplighter]

"It is the absolute right of the State to supervise the formation of public opinion. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State." - Dr. Joseph Goebbels, German Minister of Propaganda, 1933-1945

[jimpryor99]

Yep, when I want political commentary, I always turn to a television comedian.

[bookish]

How do you feel about mo-vee stars as Prez?

[project]

The same jerks that talk about movie stars just luv ron reagan the second worst president America ever had!

[rovezaleeker]

Great post Steven. Vincente Fox, Hugo and Fidel have the idiot pegged. The "folks" who never bought into the "shock and awe" "bring it on" "mission accomplished" propaganda machine have been smelling sulfur for a long time.

[Bad actor]

Instead of pissing and moaning, BOYCOTT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. It will do more good than harm.

[itmaybetoolate]

So Steven, what do we do about this? I have contacted Reps. and Senators, signed petitions, sent/given articles and links to friends and family, debated with Neanderthals on blogs,and participated in public demonstrations. What is there to do now? Another question that I would love for you(or anyone else) to answer - do you believe that george bush will willingly give up power in 2008? Frankly, I don't.

[FlyingDutchman]

Ya know, I wouldn't bet the farm on trying to answer that question. After six plus years of this criminal administration, I'm convinced that this junta will do just about anything to retain power, because that is all that matters to them.

[oafishcad]

As long as the members of Congress are compliant to the lobbyists, George Bush the evil leader can leave power and the evil remains.

[opines]

Fly Dutch:

The Bush Administration and their confederates, guilty of war crimes and other capital offenses, cannot surrender power.

To believe that they would allow an election result which would place in power successors who would prosecute them is absurd.

Nor can they be forced from office because they possess too much destructive power.

Only if they are pardoned in advance from the crimes they have commited can we hope to free ourselves from their rule.

[chinohillster]

" I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away."

Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley

[HamletsMill]

" I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away."

Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley

Yes. "Lone and level sands" ... indeed...

[fetchezlavache]

Does the "frown/And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command" remind you of anyone? Perhaps a certain vice-president?

[NewAmericanCenturySucks]

Thank you.

Solutions? Words - and votes - have yet to make a dent. I suggest forcing into the public domain stark images of the business end of current U.S. foreign policy, in order to jolt moderates out of their pop-culture-induced stupor. Channel the resulting indignation into boycotts targeting key drivers of the War Machine.

Since I have been rigourously boycotting the entire U.S. economy since March 20, 2003, I have no economic levers left to pull. However, I suspect many HuffPo readers still do.

[nihilon x]

"I suggest forcing into the public domain stark images of the business end of current U.S. foreign policy, in order to jolt moderates out of their pop-culture-induced stupor."

They learned after Vietnam to never televise or show these images in our press, however thanks to the internet we can still view them at will.

Propaganda is a dangerous thing, and you are right about the best solution lies in learning to be less of a consumer -- of both propaganda and material goods.

The basic logic behind the neocon push for this war was that America needs oil (energy resources) and that America needs to push its influence onto other nations, by force if necessary -- I know by your screen name that you already understand this, but it still bears repeating.

Obviously, not everyone agrees with this agenda.