http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/07-10Published on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 by CommonDreams.org
Stop Being and Funding the Evil We Deplore
by Medea Benjamin
“Let us not become the evil we deplore”, warned Cong. Barbara Lee when she cast the lone vote against going to war in Afghanistan in September 2001. Well, it’s time to look in the mirror—and it’s not a pretty picture.
Just contemplate these two incidents, one that took place in Iraq in 2007 and has now gone viral on the internet, the other that took place in Gardaz, Afghanistan in February 2010.
Baghdad: U.S. aerial shooters chuckle as they let loose a torrent of bullets, killing over a dozen people, including two Reuters staff. Then they unleash another round on an Iraqi who—passing by in his van—tries to help the wounded. When the American soldiers discover they have hit two children in the van, they can be heard snorting, “It's their fault for bringing their kids into a battle.”
No one—from those who pulled the triggers to those who gave the okay—has been punished for the murder of these innocents. That’s because this blatant disregard for human life falls within the rules of engagement. And the only reason the incident came to light is thanks to Reuters for its persistence and to Wikileaks for procuring the footage and putting on their site.
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As Americans on conscience, we can’t stand by and allow these killings to continue. Here are some actions we should we be calling for:
--stop the air wars, including the deadly drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan;
--stop the night raids that sow terror and abuse;
--hold the soldiers and higher ups accountable for their actions, including General McChrystal;
--pressure Congress to hold hearings on these atrocities;
--organize teach-ins that educate the public and help build the anti-war movement.
These are all critical actions to engage in. But there is really only one way to stop the collateral murder by our military: stop the wars and bring our troops home. The Obama administration is now asking Congress for another $33 billion of our tax dollars for war. Enough is enough. These are wars we can’t afford, we can’t win, and we can’t condone on moral grounds. Call your representatives—202-224-3121—and tell them “No more money for war.” It’s time we stop being and funding the evil we deplore.