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Camillo "Mac" Bica
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Camillo "Mac" Bica, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, a long-time activist for peace and justice, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and the coordinator of the Long Island Chapter of Veterans for Peace. His books include "Beyond PTSD: The Moral Casualties of War," (Gnosis Press, 2016), and "Worthy of Gratitude: Why Veterans May Not Want to be Thanked for Their "Service" in War" (Gnosis Press, 2015), "There Are No Flowers in a War Zone."
OpEd News Member for 934 week(s) and 6 day(s)
37 Articles, 17 Quick Links, 24 Comments, 4 Diaries, 0 Polls
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17 Quicklinks
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The People's Resolution SHARE
The "Peoples Resolution" is a saner, safer, and more reasonable alternative to S. RES. 380 and H. RES. 568. Further, it is an efficient means of responding to and resolving the Iranian "crisis" as it reflects the reality of the situation in the Middle East, is free of bias and prejudice, abides by the dictates of International and Moral Law, appreciates and respects the rights and dignity of all people, builds trust and mutual respect, and provides a reasonable framework from which to achieve a negotiated settlement.
The People's Resolution SHARE
The "Peoples Resolution" is a saner, safer, and more reasonable alternative to S. RES. 380 and H. RES. 568. Further, it is an efficient means of responding to and resolving the Iranian "crisis" as it reflects the reality of the situation in the Middle East, is free of bias and prejudice, abides by the dictates of International and Moral Law, appreciates and respects the rights and dignity of all people, builds trust and mutual respect, and provides a reasonable framework from which to achieve a negotiated settlement.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A New Resolve: Reflections for the New Year SHARE
We ignore or distort the lessons of the past at our peril. Had we learned from the debacle of Vietnam, for example, and of the anti communist hysteria that provided a "justification" for war, we would have realized that the exaggerated doomsday rhetoric that characterized the buildup to the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, and that we are hearing again with regard to Iran, is intended to incite a frenzy for war and to perpetuate a culture of fear and paranoia by exploiting and exacerbating the anxiety and vulnerability of our citizens regarding threats from enemies foreign and domestic. In the new year, let us reflect and learn the lessons of the present and the past . . . Let us resolve to reject a distortion of "patriotism" that requires blind allegiance and unquestioned support for, or participation in, unjust and immoral war -- aggression and murder
A New Resolve: Reflections for the New Year SHARE
We ignore or distort the lessons of the past at our peril. Had we learned from the debacle of Vietnam, for example, and of the anti communist hysteria that provided a "justification" for war, we would have realized that the exaggerated doomsday rhetoric that characterized the buildup to the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, and that we are hearing again with regard to Iran, is intended to incite a frenzy for war and to perpetuate a culture of fear and paranoia by exploiting and exacerbating the anxiety and vulnerability of our citizens regarding threats from enemies foreign and domestic. In the new year, let us reflect and learn the lessons of the present and the past . . . Let us resolve to reject a distortion of "patriotism" that requires blind allegiance and unquestioned support for, or participation in, unjust and immoral war -- aggression and murder
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Rich Man's War and a Poor Man's Fight Camillo Mac Bica SHARE
Despite the deep recession, not all segments of American society are suffering economically. Banking and corporate executives, for example, continue to enjoy lucrative salaries and bonuses. Under the war economy, Main Street struggles, Wall Street thrives and America suffers the largest income gap between its richest and poorest citizens in recorded history.The children of the privileged and the wealthy, uncoerced by economic need, feel no compunction to place their physical and mental well-being in jeopardy by enlisting in the military. As a result of this extreme economic inequity and the AVF's economic incentives, the modern equivalent of the substitution fee, once again the burden of fighting and dying falls upon the poor and working classes. Consequently, the AVF, not unlike the draft-military of 1873, smacks of classism and remains unrepresentative of American society.
Rich Man's War and a Poor Man's Fight Camillo Mac Bica SHARE
Despite the deep recession, not all segments of American society are suffering economically. Banking and corporate executives, for example, continue to enjoy lucrative salaries and bonuses. Under the war economy, Main Street struggles, Wall Street thrives and America suffers the largest income gap between its richest and poorest citizens in recorded history.The children of the privileged and the wealthy, uncoerced by economic need, feel no compunction to place their physical and mental well-being in jeopardy by enlisting in the military. As a result of this extreme economic inequity and the AVF's economic incentives, the modern equivalent of the substitution fee, once again the burden of fighting and dying falls upon the poor and working classes. Consequently, the AVF, not unlike the draft-military of 1873, smacks of classism and remains unrepresentative of American society.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Revitalizing the Anti War Movement Camillo "Mac" Bica SHARE
If it is truly our intent to revitalize the anti-war movement, we must begin a dialogue to redefine our goals and to re-evaluate and clarify our tactics and strategy. That is, we must become more focused on ending American militarism and imperialism, war and occupation, and we must build a coalition of voices by practicing tolerance and understanding for a diversity of views and opinions.
Revitalizing the Anti War Movement Camillo "Mac" Bica SHARE
If it is truly our intent to revitalize the anti-war movement, we must begin a dialogue to redefine our goals and to re-evaluate and clarify our tactics and strategy. That is, we must become more focused on ending American militarism and imperialism, war and occupation, and we must build a coalition of voices by practicing tolerance and understanding for a diversity of views and opinions.
(1 comments)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
An Open Letter to President Barack Obama SHARE
Afghanistan is the good war, you tell us, necessary to ensure that it not again become a training ground and base from which al-Qaeda can launch attacks against the United States. This is also what we heard from the Bush administration war criminals . . . President Obama, before you decide whether to send 40,000 additional troops into harm's way, I respectfully request that you answer several common sense and simple questions.
An Open Letter to President Barack Obama SHARE
Afghanistan is the good war, you tell us, necessary to ensure that it not again become a training ground and base from which al-Qaeda can launch attacks against the United States. This is also what we heard from the Bush administration war criminals . . . President Obama, before you decide whether to send 40,000 additional troops into harm's way, I respectfully request that you answer several common sense and simple questions.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Moral Character of Our Country, Camillo "Mac" Bica SHARE
President Obama must realize that morality and our moral character as a people and as a country is determined as well by how we conduct ourselves in our relations with other nations, by when and how we utilize military force, and by whether we abide by the moral (and legal) criteria for waging war.
The Moral Character of Our Country, Camillo "Mac" Bica SHARE
President Obama must realize that morality and our moral character as a people and as a country is determined as well by how we conduct ourselves in our relations with other nations, by when and how we utilize military force, and by whether we abide by the moral (and legal) criteria for waging war.
(1 comments)
Friday, May 29, 2009
If Iraq was a Mistake, Why are We Still There? SHARE
However one frames the debate, it is apparent to any fair minded and rational person that the invasion of Iraq, based as it was on misinformation at best, lies and deceptions at worst, was a mistake and should never have occurred. Certainly President Obama has made this claim on numerous occasions as well as many who had previously supported (and voted for) the war.
If Iraq was a Mistake, Why are We Still There? SHARE
However one frames the debate, it is apparent to any fair minded and rational person that the invasion of Iraq, based as it was on misinformation at best, lies and deceptions at worst, was a mistake and should never have occurred. Certainly President Obama has made this claim on numerous occasions as well as many who had previously supported (and voted for) the war.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
War Crazy SHARE
One veterans account of living with the effects of war. An insightful description of the use and exploitation of members of the military.
War Crazy SHARE
One veterans account of living with the effects of war. An insightful description of the use and exploitation of members of the military.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
This Is Not the Change We Hoped For: House Concurrent Resolution 362 SHARE
In this article, Professor Bica analyzes H.Con. Res. 362 and expresses disappointment and frustration with the democrats in Congress.
This Is Not the Change We Hoped For: House Concurrent Resolution 362 SHARE
In this article, Professor Bica analyzes H.Con. Res. 362 and expresses disappointment and frustration with the democrats in Congress.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Whether to Achieve Victory in Iraq or "Surrender" SHARE
Professor Camillo "Mac" Bica argues that "victory" in Iraq, however defined, is neither a legal nor moral option.
Whether to Achieve Victory in Iraq or "Surrender" SHARE
Professor Camillo "Mac" Bica argues that "victory" in Iraq, however defined, is neither a legal nor moral option.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Does Protest Embolden the Iraqi Insurgency? SHARE
In this essay, Dr. Bica considers the National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper entitled "Is There an "Emboldenment" Effect? Evidence from the Insurgency in Iraq," (Iyengar and Monten)and challenges its conclusions that open debate about the war gives hope and encouragement (aid and comfort) to the insurgents thereby prolonging the conflict, threatening America's ability to achieve victory, demoralizing the troops . .
Does Protest Embolden the Iraqi Insurgency? SHARE
In this essay, Dr. Bica considers the National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper entitled "Is There an "Emboldenment" Effect? Evidence from the Insurgency in Iraq," (Iyengar and Monten)and challenges its conclusions that open debate about the war gives hope and encouragement (aid and comfort) to the insurgents thereby prolonging the conflict, threatening America's ability to achieve victory, demoralizing the troops . .
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thoughts of an Ex-Marine Officer Turned Peace Activist SHARE
In this article, Dr. Bica, himself a former Marine Corps Officer, ponders whether his activism for peace is a betrayal of some sacred trust and bond.
Thoughts of an Ex-Marine Officer Turned Peace Activist SHARE
In this article, Dr. Bica, himself a former Marine Corps Officer, ponders whether his activism for peace is a betrayal of some sacred trust and bond.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Beyond PTSD Part Two: The Moral Casualties of War, Programming Our Children to Kill SHARE
In this essay, I will argue that moral injuries are primarily the consequence of late adolescents/young adults having undergone the sophisticated psychological and emotional conditioning regimen of basic training/boot camp – being programmed to kill – and then, upon experiencing the horror and insanity – the reality – of war, suffering the realization of the moral gravity of their actions on the battlefield.
Beyond PTSD Part Two: The Moral Casualties of War, Programming Our Children to Kill SHARE
In this essay, I will argue that moral injuries are primarily the consequence of late adolescents/young adults having undergone the sophisticated psychological and emotional conditioning regimen of basic training/boot camp – being programmed to kill – and then, upon experiencing the horror and insanity – the reality – of war, suffering the realization of the moral gravity of their actions on the battlefield.
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Brotherhood of the Warrior: The Love that Binds Us SHARE
We talk often of military service in war as a civic and patriotic duty. But as the realities of combat and of the battlefield become apparent, patriotic sentiments, political ideologies, and mythologies fade quickly beneath the screams of the unbearable pain of the mutilated and the dying. Ultimately, warriors fight, kill, and accept injury and death, neither for god nor for country, but from a personal code of honor.
The Brotherhood of the Warrior: The Love that Binds Us SHARE
We talk often of military service in war as a civic and patriotic duty. But as the realities of combat and of the battlefield become apparent, patriotic sentiments, political ideologies, and mythologies fade quickly beneath the screams of the unbearable pain of the mutilated and the dying. Ultimately, warriors fight, kill, and accept injury and death, neither for god nor for country, but from a personal code of honor.
(1 comments)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Mythologizing War: The Hidden Abuse and Exploitation of Members of the Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families SHARE
Sometimes mistreatment, even exploitation, is not as apparent to the casual observer as are walls covered with fungus and rooms infested with vermin. The abuse of which I speak, the mythologizing of war, is far more subtle, hidden within a tangle of political deceit and manipulation, but equally as harmful, malicious, and disgraceful.
Mythologizing War: The Hidden Abuse and Exploitation of Members of the Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families SHARE
Sometimes mistreatment, even exploitation, is not as apparent to the casual observer as are walls covered with fungus and rooms infested with vermin. The abuse of which I speak, the mythologizing of war, is far more subtle, hidden within a tangle of political deceit and manipulation, but equally as harmful, malicious, and disgraceful.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Collateral Damage: A Military Euphemism for Murder SHARE
Inherent in modern war-making practice is the conviction that there is a significant moral difference between killing innocent civilians in an attack such as that on the World Trade Center or on a bus filled with college students and killing noncombatants during a military response to such an attack.
Collateral Damage: A Military Euphemism for Murder SHARE
Inherent in modern war-making practice is the conviction that there is a significant moral difference between killing innocent civilians in an attack such as that on the World Trade Center or on a bus filled with college students and killing noncombatants during a military response to such an attack.
Friday, May 18, 2007
On the Duty to Counter Recruitment SHARE
Counter recruitment is a strategy for bringing attention to deceptive recruitment practices and to the immorality and illegality of the war in Iraq. Its ultimate goal is to discourage enlistment into the military, primarily through counseling and educating prospective recruits and by denying recruiters access to our schools and to our children.
On the Duty to Counter Recruitment SHARE
Counter recruitment is a strategy for bringing attention to deceptive recruitment practices and to the immorality and illegality of the war in Iraq. Its ultimate goal is to discourage enlistment into the military, primarily through counseling and educating prospective recruits and by denying recruiters access to our schools and to our children.
