J' accuse

It is despicable that the Bush/Cheney administration exploited the patriotism and fear of the American people, and our courageous men & women in civilian & military uniform in particular, as a pretext to expand our empire for the benefit of a few at the expense of the many.

Of course, we should defend and protect our country, but that was not and is not what invading Iraq (and soon Iran) is about.

It is about extending our and Israel’s further dominion and strategic control over the Middle East, not incidentally incorporating the coveted prize of the world’s second largest petroleum supply. These actions were taken by an administration dominated by oilmen and neo-con empire builders subsidized as usual by the blood and treasure of ordinary Americans who have nothing to gain and everything to lose as our leaders continue to bet up a five-year losing streak with the house’s (i.e., our) money.

The stupendous cost in lost, ruined and crippled lives, both American and Iraqi, in money, and to our international reputation is nearly incalculable.

At the same time they’ve used the same pretext, repeated over and over, with the cooperation and lack of oversight of a lazy and cooperative media, to consolidate and extend their unconstitutional power and control over the other two main branches of government.

Not to mention putting in place all the key components historically proven to close down a democratic society, paving the way for tyranny and the establishment of an American police state in partnership with big business.

And all this is in the interest of our country and its citizens how exactly?

“This and no other us the root from which a tyrant springs: When he first appears he is a protector”. PLATO