To the Editor: Let's get something straight, those who died in Iraq did not die for their country or in defense of it. They died for an empire challenging its imperial rivals for control of wealth, resources and markets. Khizr Khan asked Donald Trump,
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
To the Editor:
Let's get something straight, those who died in Iraq did not die for their country or in defense of it. They died for an empire challenging its imperial rivals for control of wealth, resources and markets.
Khizr Khan asked Donald Trump, "What sacrifices have you made for this country?" What sacrifices have ever been made by the ruling elite, and the corporatist duopoly of war and Wall Street, who send our children to fight and die for parasitism and plunder?
Over and over, like trained monkeys, we recite the scripted bromide, "Thank you for your service," as we help to prepare and train the next generation to kill and be killed.
What honor is there in giving one's life invading, subjugating and unleashing unspeakable horrors and suffering on the people of the Third World – who have done nothing to us – under the pretext of keeping us safe from "enemies" created by our imperial meddling, invasions and occupations?
Those who serve our expand-or-die economic system and give the orders are responsible for the deaths of millions and are war criminals under international covenants and law. And the soldiers who make the "ultimate sacrifice" and die in defense of hegemony and oppression, unfortunately, have made their lives and deaths meaningless and as light as a feather.
Cold truths, but liberating truths.
John St. Lawrence
Johnston
Editor’s note: The writer was drafted. He served in Vietnam in 1969-70 with the U.S. 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
davebarry109
John.....you are a bitter Vietnam Vet. I served in Iraq and I knew what I was getting into. We were all volunteers. No one was complaining about being 'sent there'. As a soldier, I didn't care one whit as to why we were fighting. My country was at war and I was a volunteer so I went where they sent me. Simple as that. Throughout history, we have sent young men to fight and die...sometimes for worthy causes, sometimes for foolish. A good soldier does his duty and never has to contemplate the 'why' but takes pride in serving. We will always fight stupid battles on occassion. Such is history. Look at the millions who died over the centuries over women, kings desires, emperors idiocy. At least WWI, WWII, and a few other great wars were legit.
Thursday, August 18, 2016 Report this
davebarry109
John.....you are a bitter Vietnam Vet. I served in Iraq and I knew what I was getting into. We were all volunteers. No one was complaining about being 'sent there'. As a soldier, I didn't care one whit as to why we were fighting. My country was at war and I was a volunteer so I went where they sent me. Simple as that. Throughout history, we have sent young men to fight and die...sometimes for worthy causes, sometimes for foolish. A good soldier does his duty and never has to contemplate the 'why' but takes pride in serving. We will always fight stupid battles on occassion. Such is history. Look at the millions who died over the centuries over women, kings desires, emperors idiocy. At least WWI, WWII, and a few other great wars were legit.
Thursday, August 18, 2016 Report this