Today's immoral war demands accountability
Accountability. That's what I want the Congress to obtain from this administration. Hearings, investigations, special commissions — whatever it takes to ferret out the whole truth of how we were led into war in Iraq dishonestly, illegally and immorally. And then I want justice.
Many are saying that what's important is not how we got there but what to do now in Iraq. That is important, but it's more important for us citizens to understand precisely how and why it happened so that we might prevent another repeat.
I say "another" repeat having in mind Vietnam, where I served as an Army officer. That war, too, was based on lies. When the debacle was finally over, we seemed to have learned the folly of such military misadventures, but all too soon we forgot. And after Sept. 11, understandably fearful and confused, we fell for the empire-building designs of the neocons — giving away our democracy for phony security.
We need to pay more attention to our history and learn from our mistakes. We need to keep closer tabs on our politicians (whose interests may be quite different from our own). And we must never again be cowed into silence.
Paul Mitchell
Greensboro
Comments (7)
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Amen, Paul.
Posted on December 3, 2006 4:48 AM
Another good letter. Since you served in Vietnam, hopefully that will give you credibility to some who post.
Posted on December 3, 2006 7:13 AM
I've heard many Vietnam vets express this feeling. The only ones I've heard who are gung ho for the war in Iraq are the ones out there on the fringe--equating anything other than Bush as a vote for the terrorists. Looks like all of us who were in favor of change are continually being vindicated by news out of Iraq, AND out of Rumsfeld's memo!!!
"Blind faith in a Failed Policy is NOT Patriotic"
Posted on December 3, 2006 10:39 AM
"That's what I want....Hearings, investigations, special commissions"
I'm sure you'll get it but I'm guessing you have some sadomasochist tendencies if that's what you really want.
Posted on December 4, 2006 9:37 AM
BTW, I liked your conditioner but your shampoo isn't any better than Johnson and Johnson's.
Posted on December 4, 2006 9:38 AM
In the final analysis, I would settle for people who are bright, competent and tell the truth.
In the last major hearing, we paid 44 million to find out about cigars.
Posted on December 4, 2006 1:07 PM
Mr. Mithchell, while as a pacifist who abhors ALL war, as a soldier I feel that you did your duty.
As for the US learning its lesson from Viet Nam, I disagree. If a lesson had truly been learned, there would be no US military personnel in Iraq today or EVER!
Sadly, Viet Nam did not leave a "tender enough bruise" on the American psyche. That is the tragedy and poor testament to the 58,000+ lives sacraficed for Johnson & Nixon.
War is NOT the answer; All we are saying is give peace a chance!
Shalom
Posted on December 4, 2006 3:40 PM