Posted on 07/11/2010 2:18:32 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
“Today is a Great Day to Smash Imperialism”
It was an old poster – “Today is a Great Day to Smash Imperialism” – in 1989 when I saw it on the refrigerator in a doctor friend’s kitchen. It made me incredibly nostalgic because it captures so perfectly the boundless optimism, exuberance and irreverence of a movement led primarily by people under 35. To me that was the magic of the sixties – young people were at the forefront of the revolution that was drawing the masses into the streets throughout the western world. The magic of being in your twenties is that it’s still possible to wake up every morning and fully believe you can change the world.
In 1989 “imperialism” was one of those naughty words progressives didn’t use in mixed company. However with the widespread dissemination of the neocons’ Project for a New American Century, there seems to be consensus that the primary goal of US foreign policy is to establish and maintain a vast military empire. The claim, by both Republicans and Democrats, is that the purpose of such an empire is to protect US “strategic” (political and economic) interests. Fortunately an increasing number of Americans – on the right and the left – are recognizing that US military policy only protects the interests of multinational corporations. If anything it hurts ordinary Americans – by increasing their taxes, by incurring a vast public debt that only further destabilizes the US economy, and by putting them at increased risk of terrorist attack by foreign extremists bearing the social and cultural scars of decades of this failed policy.
US Out of Afghanistan – and Iraq, Germany, Japan, Somalia, Greenland, the Netherlands, Sudan and 20+ Other Countries
When I awoke this morning to learn (from CNN) that Republican Congressman Ron Paul and progressive Senator Barney Frank are teaming up to introduce legislation to end the US occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan and 30 plus other countries, it was the first time in a long time I felt empowered by the sense that years of sustained, gruelling organizing by antiwar progressives and libertarians was finally paying off. That real change is definitely possible.
US Militarism is Destroying the US Economy
Fortunately Paul and Frank aren’t the only opinion leaders calling for an immediate end to the war in Iraq or an orderly (in away that protects US troops) pull out from Afghanistan. In the past week Republican National Chairman Michael Steele and conservative pundit Ann Coulter seem to be singing from the same hymnal. Perhaps in response to predictions from an increasing number of US and international economists that collapse of the US dollar is inevitable (the only disagreement is whether it will take two or five years) if Obama fails to reign in military spending.
They Can’t Do It Alone
It’s now vitally important for the majority of Americans who oppose the war in the Middle East to support these incredibly brave men in their efforts. Both Frank and Paul are up for re-election this fall and are certain to come under attack by a well funded and oiled corporate media machine that will most likely do everything possible to eject them both from government (Paul has lost his seat before for speaking out against US militarism).
So has Rep. Cynthia McKinney: Coincidence?
The war in Iraq was won a long time ago. Now we are just hanging around waiting for a chance to lose it again.
Anything that has Barney Fran involved will fail.....imperialism is safe and secure. =.=
http://stuartbramhall.aegauthorblogs.com/about-the-author/
This woman's is a literal mental case. (Spent time in a mental hospital, one would assume for acute paranoia. She was NOT cured.) But she still works as a child psychologist!!! Sees secret government agents everywhere. Thinks Reagan killed a friend of hers. Aids was created in a lab. Was a Black Panther Party patsy back in the 80's.
That 'house of ill-repute' ain't operating anymore in his basement?
How is militarism destroying our economy???
I like paul but anyone agreeing with Butt Boy is off his rocker.
Simple,we are the most in debt nation in the world and our GDP won’t be able to sustain the national debt.
Ron. You’re on the wrong side when you stand behind this homosexual creep!
Ron. You’re on the wrong side when you stand beside this homosexual creep!
Second one better. No one wants Barney Fag standing behind them.
Here is a simple solution. Cut the entitlement programs, if we are still in debt, then I will support Ron Paul position..
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