I Am Seriously Pissed (This is a Long Rant)

[cadfael]

I am disgusted with the Republican's vicious attacks on John Kerry's Vietnam war record. Yes, I understand that W's official campaign machine is not directly responsible for the Swift Boat Veterans For Truth (SBVFT) ads. But, does anyone truly believe that they are not coordinated, or at least condoned?

It is wildly ironic that John Kerry, a genuine war hero, is being portrayed as a liar and a cheater, as well as being accused of embellishing his service record for his own interests by a guy who didn't even show up for stateside duty in the National Guard.

Anyone who was in-country during the war was in danger. As an example, any of the thousands of locals hired to work on basecamps could have, and sometimes did, carry explosives to detonate someplace where soldiers congregated.

Those of us who carried weapons, obviously, were in greater danger. We all did things we would rather forget, saw things we never should have seen. I am sure that Kerry is no exception. At least he had the balls to perform the duty that he agreed to do when he took the military oath. Strikingly in contrast to the incumbents.

The current VP is also an asshat. He talks real tough about kicking Iraqi asses! I am reminded of a scene in the movie "Patton," circa 1968, where General Patton, in a jeep, rides past two walking soldiers. One soldier says to the other, "There goes old blood and guts." The other soldier says, "Yeah, our blood, his guts." The current VP remarked when asked about his five deferments during the Vietnam war, "I had other priorities."

I wonder of the 58,000 men and women who died in that awful fucking place had other priorities. Those who came back a bit less whole probably had other priorities as well. I don't have the callousness to look a war amputee in the eyes and say, "I had other priorities."

I am angry! I am angry about being lied to regarding WMD, the obvious profiteering by Haliburton and other companies and those people who run them. I am also angry by their assumption that you, me, and everybody else will simply accept the bullshit that they are handing us disguised as our (don't look now, non-existent) tax cuts.

I am so incensed by his "other priorities" comment. Every day, repeat, every day I am reminded that I spent a year in that place, doing things that nobody has any business doing. I guess I am also intensely jealous that by virtue of birth into the "right" family, he could pursue his "other priorities" while I and others had to pursue other human beings.

Any sane person who has actually been in a war will never want to go back into one, willingly. Yeah, I know that there are exceptions to the "sane" issue, a few sane people do want to go back. (I did for a very short time, for revenge.) However, I would rather be sent to a war by someone who has tried everything else first. That didn't happen for me, and it didn't happen in current history.

Thank you.

Comments

[jlhlinnell.livejournal.com]

Wow. I don't know what to say beyond "amen."

I couldn't begin to imagine your perspective on these matters, but I am moved and thankful that you shared as much as you did.

[faedaughter.livejournal.com]

I have only this to say... it is an honor to know you Mr. M. I hope you know how much I value your experience and your willingness to share it.

[hypatia42.livejournal.com]

*hug* Thank You. For being who you are and being willing to share that and so much more.

I love you so much it hurts sometimes

[elphaba-of-oz.livejournal.com]

I don't know how to show it. I'm a neglectful friend. Self absorbed. I'm awkward. When I'm with you, I don't know what to say to you.

You are an amazing, beautiful man.

I often wonder how different these last few years might have been if you and your beloved spice had stayed in my city. I've know a lot of different people in my adult life. Some have had no effect on me at all. Some have influenced me in such a way that I would go into my mind and expunge all memory of them if such a thing were possible.

I am really blessed to know you and Ingrid and your little pumpkin.

Yes, the VP is a big asshat. They are all asshats. They are worse. They are shape shifters, capable of appearing as "nice guys with good, Christian values." That is what makes them so dangerous.

I met a man in Belize a few weeks ago who has written several books on foreign policy and the Muslim world. He thinks they're all asshats too. He believes, as I do, that the effect of the war on "terror" has been to whip the middle east up into a more intesne frenzy of USA hating. We have been lied to and manipulated by the organized crime family that runs this country.

The worst part, in my opinion, is that the American electorate doesn't see it, or doesn't understand just how dangerous this regime is. Most American's vote for the guy they like, not the guy who is the most capable or the one most closely aligned with their own interests.

I've sent away for the "Republicans for Voldemort" bumper stickers. They might be a few weeks in coming though. I got extras, in case you want one.

Re: I love you so much it hurts sometimes

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

Thank you Sweetie. I am not special. Most of us came back and got on with our lives. I said that I am reminded every day, but I do not live the war every day; its just a bad memory that keeps coming back.

I am very afraid that the vast majority of voting Americans do not even have a clue how dangerous those asshats are. Its as if they are trying to fulfill the prophesy of Armageddon.

[willowoak.livejournal.com]

darlin', I will just say that you are, and always have been, one of my heroes. For your courage, your fierce patriotism, and your capacity for love.

And, yeah, the current regime are all asshats who don't care who they send to war, so long as it serves their interests. I'm not enamored of Kerry, but I would rather almost anyone but who we've got right now.

apropos of that..

[elphaba-of-oz.livejournal.com]

The local, pro-Kerry activist group started out, some time last year, as a loose conclave of the alienated who called themselves ABBA, or "Anybody But Bush Again."

So mote it be.

Thank you

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your kind thoughts, they are appreciated.

They are only serving themselves and their own kind. I agree that Kerry might not be the best, but he's a better alternative than W for four more wars, I mean years.

Heros!

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

I am starting to see Kerry as the real thing. I just learned that he and another VV started the Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA. I was amember for a while; I may rejoin. The VVA is the only worthwhile veteran's organization out there. Kerry and a few others actually accomplished something good.

Love ya!

[amber-phoenix.livejournal.com]

Thank you for writing and posting this!

[viewoftheworld.livejournal.com]

I was refered to this entry by krkhst. I thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hopefully more will listen. Being the wife of a serviceman (Navy) I'd like to thank-your your service to this country, and not having other proirities. I know it wasn't our country's shining moment but keeping your oath of duty and serveing deserves a thanks.

KRKHST Referral

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

I appreciate your sentiments, thank you. My prayers go to all servicemen and women and especially their families who wait at home. Often its easier to be the one in danger, rather than the ones who wait and worry. If you ever need a word of encouragement, send a note.

Re: KRKHST Referral

[viewoftheworld.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Currently he's on his two weeks active duty. In three years he'll retire. Luckily he's in Norfolk and not on a sub so I do get to talk to him every night.

[sunflowerbutt.livejournal.com]

I was also referred by krkhst and all i can say is...


RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thank you

Right On!

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

Thank you. If the current administration weren't so scary it would be tragic. I am worried about the upcoming election.