The “blood of generations” which Obama speaks of may have been something to proud of during the Revolutionary War. But, the “blood of generations” also includes the slaughtering of Native Americans, the brutalizing of African and African-American slaves, the exploitation of immigrants, a Civil War, two World Wars, a Korean War, a Vietnam War, wars and conflicts in the Persian Gulf, a war in Kosovo as well as covert or overt U.S. interventions which were operations meant to sustain American empire.
Change will not come from recalling the bloodletting that Americans have engaged in. Justified or unjustified, the goal of “change”---whatever that nebulous end may be---will never be reached if America continues to be, as Dr. King said decades ago, “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world.”
“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Obama seems to half get it. My gut is that he fully gets it but publicly, he will never state that he fully grasps the fact that America has conducted itself in ways that have sowed the seeds of hatred---seeds which have spawned extremism that plagues the world.
Many have had the courage to admit that the 9/11 attacks (if you believe the official story) was what one could call “blowback.” Chalmers Johnson has detailed how America creates blowback through his Blowback trilogy, which consist of Blowback, Sorrows of Empire, and Nemesis.
All Americans should read these books published by the American Empire Project
We need a president who will read something more than the Bible and My Pet Goat so if any Americans find these books for cheap, send them to Obama and ask him to read these when he isn’t playing Nintendo Wii, shooting hoops, or going over the memos he receives in economic or intelligence briefings.
The onus is on Obama to speak truths. Truths must be told if "change" is to be achieved.
“As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.”
Those fighting in the desert do have something to tell us. The soldiers tell us that they love their country and have a desire to serve it. That’s why it is so sad that leaders would squander their urge to “serve” humanity by manipulating them into becoming killing machines which commit murder, rape, torture, and other acts of war.
Some soldiers know they are doing more damage than good. Some soldiers have responded to this knowledge and engaged in G.I. resistance.
“Change” will not come from finding meaning in something greater than one’s self by fighting terrorism. Terrorism is a tactic.
One would never think to wage a war on flanking. America would never pursue a war against flankers. It would never wage a war against trench warfare and seek to kill all trench warriors.
This section and other sections similar to this allow for the phony and inhumane “war on terror” to continue. Americans should think about how this widens the gulf between hope and change and then take action from the “bottom-up” to call for a policy of peace and sustainability that is far different than the American triumphalism Obama wishes all Americans to engage in.
The Ugly
“That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.”
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
