Democratic Underground - He sure did break those rules. He said things like:

Doubts are growing day by day concerning the United States occupation of Iraq. Even some of the firmest supporters of the invasion are given pause at the 87 billion reasons being offered for furthering the certainty of more casualties - for Iraqi citizens and occupying soldiers alike - plus dealing with the grave pratfalls in restoring stability and administering self-government, or any kind of government at all. The word "quagmire" is back in the national vernacular, after three decades of rest. The fence-straddlers who blurred the true definition of patriotism with nationalist loyalty and reluctantly supporting the invasion may be coming down on the side of peace. Maybe.

What does this mean for the dedicated peace activists here and abroad?

First, this is a time for asserting our values, which oppose the chest-beating of pride as much as these values likewise oppose the drum-beating of war. The toll on human lives, increased environmental degradation, and global economic disruptions mounting each day make our work harder than ever. But work we must, even harder than in the months leading to the war. The usual grassroots efforts of writing, faxing, and phoning our elected officials, discussions with family, friends, and co-workers, or whichever method preferred for communicating the message now needs more attention from all of us.

Some problems are ongoing too, when it comes to the stigma many still all too eagerly affix to pacifism. We acknowledge that the culture of war runs deep in our social fabric. There is still far too much romanticizing and masculinizing rite-of-passage myths attached to war.

Ask a veteran about the glory and romance of combat. There is a reason that they make some of the best peace advocates, and we should always welcome their insight.

Do not forget in the weeks and months leading up to the war, beginning late last summer, and reaching a feverish crescendo as the one year anniversary of September 11th rolled around, of the neo-conservatives spewing their toxic bellicosity - assigning all manner of accusations of treachery and foulness to pacifists.

We, of course, responded with strength. Not of force, but in numbers. Millions strong worldwide hit the streets, and opened the lines of communication.

We know we have a powerful global presence. We can, and we do make a difference.

The current crisis shall pass, but we are yet to know the cost. It certainly is not 87 billion dollars, nor any figure from the halls of bureaucrats and war profiteers. The cost lies in our spiritual health, as we stumble into the looming election year. Peace must come to Iraq, and to people everywhere. It must.

Please, work hard to help this happen. Let the cause of peace be the legacy of September 11th.

Reply #6: He sure did break those rules. He said things like: [View All]