Posted on 12/10/2005 3:45:17 PM PST by Fintan
An Open Letter
From John And Elaine Mellencamp
As the echo of the war drums fades away and the angry masses calling for blood slowly disperse, we, as a nation must now confront the truth. We face the unpleasant reality of an uncertain future, compromised safety, a failing economy, and the question of how a society of otherwise reasonable citizens was systematically lied to and manipulated into backing the political “hijacking” of Iraq.
Before a single bomb was ever dropped, some of us, formerly called the “anti-American and unpatriotic,” have questioned or opposed this war. Now, each day, as the dust settles and the truth slowly surfaces, more and more people come to the inevitable conclusion of what a debacle this whole war was.
39,000 bombs later, no weapons of mass destruction uncovered, no dangerous dictators captured, no connection to Sept 11. What have we gained but relentless media coverage of a fallen statue and some stolen oil fields -- the spoils of this misadventure. Not to mention lucrative corporate payoffs and an enormous price tag of over 80 Billion dollars . . . some tax cut.
But what have we lost? We have lost the lives of over 300 Americans. Approximately 2 U.S. troop deaths each day, 193 deaths since the war was declared over. In total, an estimated 20,000 people have died, thus far, in this conflict.
In addition to the lives given for this effort, our nation has suffered the loss of respect within the world community, particularly the United Nations. We have managed to squander any goodwill we once had to now succeed in solidifying our image as the globe’s leading bully. Arrogant and thoughtless.
The word Democracy means literally “by the people.” This is the basis of our government and society. It is what this country was founded upon and what makes us American. It is not just our “right” but also our duty to speak out and voice our thoughts and opinions. How, then, was it possible that, in the land of freedom, those who opposed the common opinion were called…“un-American?” Resentfully, we wonder.
The song “To Washington” was met with criticism and was labeled an anti-war song. That was not at all the case or intention; it was merely a report of the political climate, in the age-old tradition of the troubadour spreading the news through song and story. Professionally, we, the Mellencamps, have the opportunity to travel extensively, and we take full advantage of that by talking to, listening to, and experiencing the diversity our vast country has to offer. The lyrics of “To Washington” are not just a personal opinion, but also the view from a very wide horizon.
Who is to say what is or isn’t “patriotic?” Do the flags that wave from every minivan really offer any support? Where is the support for the thousands of service men and women who return to the states to see their benefits cut, their health problems ignored, their jobs gone and their families living in poverty? How are they repaid for their efforts; for risking or losing their lives? So far, dismally.
This nation was founded to enable freedom and diversity of opinion, and many lives have been lost to secure that liberty. Paradoxically, some still resist the open mindedness that is the very foundation of this country.
The Governor of California was removed from office based on finance troubles. And yet George W Bush has lied to us, failed to keep our own borders secure, entered a war under false pretense, endangered lives, and created financial chaos. How is it that he hasn’t been recalled? Perhaps this time we could even have a real election . . . but that wouldn’t fit the Bush administration’s “take what you want and fire people later” policy. Take an election; take an oil field; take advantage of your own people -- a game of political Three-Card Monte.
The fight for freedom in this country has been long, painful, and ongoing. It is time to take back our country. Take it back from political agendas, corporate greed and overall manipulation. It is time to take action here in our land, in our own schools, neighborhoods, farms, and businesses. We have been lied to and terrorized by our own government, and it is time to take action. Now is the time to come together.
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What's wrong with our country, from a B-list rock star and his ex-fashion model wife. |
Discuss.
Seriously, I can't even take this idiot seriously. The left for some reason doesn't understand there is a difference between dissent and sedition/treason, yet trying to hide it under the veil of patriotism.
Because we don't have a federal recall law?
I stopped reading....HERE:"As the echo of the war drums fades away and the angry masses calling for blood slowly disperse, "
C'mon now, you all know the tune.
I would say, "Shut up and sing", but his music is hurty.
Is this 'Elaine" Elaine Irwin? Didn't he file for divorce from her 'cause she beat the crap out of him a few years ago?
Go rain on someone else's scarecrow.
"One night me and my big mouth, some guys had to put me in my place..." Gee, maybe it's that time again. Why'd you have to go and ruin perfectly good music by showing us what a shmuck you are?
Hey John, around here, there ain't any auctions, this ain't the early '80's. Grandpa is selling the farm and moving to Fla with a fat portfolio. Hundreds of houses are going up in that cornfield.
"a failing economy" is as far as I went.
This from a couple of maroons who named their sons Speck Wildhorse and Hud.
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John & the wifey-poo. I don't know if she kicked his ass, but she is the step-grandaughter of my childhood friend. True story. |
Another sorry yuppie pop culture buffoon that will soon have a suprapubic urinary drain, a colostomy, and a sense of doom...
I guess for him, the economy does suck....He hasn't had a song worth listening to in 20 years....
A failing economy? I guess they didn't get the update.
And here's where I stopped reading.
John Mellonhead Cougarcamp?
I'm guessing the Kurds don't agree with Mr. and Mrs. Mellencamp on this one.
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