The Military-Industrial Complex: It's Real

The "Military-Industrial Complex". It characterizes one of the most influential (and terrifying) undercurrents of power in the United States government, and conceptualizes the fusion of government and military business. The term, immortalized by President Eisenhower in his farewell address, refers to the dangerous relationship between government and "for-profit" business, which fuels "for-profit" conflicts and wars. And what a perfect example we have in front of us!

On the Iraq war, author and journalist Naomi Klein said on Democracy NOW:

And one of the things that I think is most important for progressives to challenge is the discourse that everything in Iraq is a disaster. I think we need to start asking and insisting, disaster for who [?], because not everybody is losing. It’s certainly a disaster for the Iraqi people. It’s certainly a disaster for US taxpayers. But what we have seen—and it’s extremely clear if we track the numbers—is that the worse things get in Iraq, the more privatized this war becomes, the more profitable this war becomes for companies like Lockheed Martin, Bechtel, and certainly Blackwater. There is a steady mission creep in Iraq, where the more countries pull out, the more contractors move in...

Do you know how many American troops are currently stationed in Iraq? Answer: 160,000

Do you know how many Blackwater-soldiers-for-hire (aka mercenaries...not all BW) there are in Iraq? Answer: 180,000 (highlight to see answer... so you can guess) ...source.

And guess how many Blackwater mercenaries have been prosecuted for crimes in Iraq? Answer: 0!

Moral implications aside (like how the war has cost probably over 1 million Iraqi lives), let's try to bring this back to the economy. Francis Ferguson, phD economist, explains his view:

As the US slides into recession, economists wonder why the massive government spending on Afghanistan and Iraq provides so little economic stimulus. World War Two brought an immediate end to the Great Depression, yet a current $600 billion dollar defense budget (not counting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) does little to stop the emerging recession. Part of the minimal effect results from the fact that we were already spending well over $300 billion on the military prior to 9/11, whereas the US defense budget was trivial prior to the beginning of World War II. The other reason for the minimal economic stimulus lies in the fact that so much of the expenditure goes to fund wages and corruption in Iraq and Afghanistan, and so much flows as excess profits to American corporations rather than into the pockets of American workers who would have a greater tendency to spend those earnings here. Finally, even the portion of war spending that does flow to American workers has, today, a very high probability of being used to buy imported consumer goods, providing stimulus, ironically, to our friends the Chinese—the very people who fund our wars (but that's another story).

So why do I bring this up today? Well it's still quite relevant, and I think people should be concerned about it and the effects upon the country and world. But the New York Times actually brought me back to this important issue in their 11/29 article entitled "One Man’s Military-Industrial-Media Complex"--which places special emphasis on the media's role is fueling the MIC. It's long, but important... please read. Thanks.

Eric Holder: Legit Attourney General for Once?

Last semester, John Ashcroft spoke at Denison--he was the former Attourney General under President Junior, and a big supporter of the War on Terror, warrantless wiretapping, torture, etc. He spoke the typical rhetoric of spreading "freedom" and protecting Americans at whatever cost. I found him to be naive in his assumptions, and heartless in his justifications for revoking civil liberties. A Jordanian classmate of mine asked him what "freedom" truly meant, and if it was indeed democratic to impose our values on another people. He dodged the question.

And of course, our next AG was Alberto "I cannot recall" Gonzales--and because my words can hardly do these guys justice, I'll hand over the reigns to the Daily Show team:



It will be vital for the integrity of the nation that President Obama restore the justice to the Justice Department by appointing a passionate, honest, and talented Attourney General. One that will restore law and order, and resurrect Habeas Corpus. One who will lead the charge for human rights and end torture. One who will hold our leadership accountable. Eric Holder is the man President-Elect Obama has chosen, and I think he could be the man for the job--though I shall reserve my judgment until he proves himself as the nation's lawyer. There are critics of the man--in particular, Progressive critics on the left--but I'd like to show you an excerpt from Glenn Greenwald's reaction to the nomination:

The bulk of what I've read about and from Holder suggests, with a couple of ultimately marginal exceptions, that this appointment would be a very positive step. Digby yesterday quoted at length from an impassioned speech Holder gave in June of this year in which he condemned Guantanamo as an "international embarrassment"; charged that "for the last 6 years the position of leader of the Free World has been largely vacant"; complained that "we authorized torture and we let fear take precedence over the rule of law"; and called for an absolute end both to rendition and warrantless eavesdropping. He proclaimed that "the next president must move immediately to reclaim America's standing in the world as a nation that cherishes and protects individual freedom and basic human rights."

What's notable about this speech, in my view, is that the points he's making go well beyond standard Democratic Party boilerplate on these issues. More revealingly, the rhetoric he used is rather unconstrained for Washington, suggestive of actual passion and conviction on these matters.

Sound promising to me. But we shall see.

For more on Holder (positive and negative reactions) see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/19/reaction-round-up-eric-ho_n_144996.html

It's About the Kids

As I read and watch the crazies who vehemently supported Proposition 8, the most overwhelming reasoning is that we must ban same-sex marriage for the sake of the children. Because kids with two dads or two moms will have "dysfunctional" upbringing. Well here are some of the Prop 8 campaign commercials... do you think these kids are being used (the young ones)?



To put such a cozy and innocent spin on a Proposition of Hate just seems wrong... this girl surely has no idea of what she is really doing... hopefully she'll look back in disgust of her parents:



I was going to let the Mormons get by this time without mention, but when I found out they used a theme song from the show LOST to put as the background of a loony Prop 8 commercial (loony because of the scripture... and because the LDS Church believes in magic underwear... and a man in the sky) I just had to rip on them:



Oh please, your scriptures are silly. And by the way, marriage was around long before religion was... and it's been changing throughout history. Religious people don't have a monopoly on social concerns of others, and they should have no say on state constitutions.

And to think, in England, it's actually an embarrassment for politicians to speak about their religion. Why? Because them Europeans actually understand that religion is insane!

PS: where's that black dude we just elected?

Wise Words

Dante once said that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.

-JFK


You're afraid of making mistakes. Don't be. Mistakes can be profited by. Man, when I was young I shoved my ignorance in people's faces. They beat me with sticks. By the time I was forty my blunt instrument had been honed to a fine cutting point for me. If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.

-Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451


The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

-MLK

About Prop 8...

Those of you who read my 11/6 post know how revolutionary I believe the election of Obama is for the civil rights movement. The most white position of power in the world has gone black, and history has been... well you know. I've heard several black people on the news talk about how amazing it is to be able to say to their children: "Today, you can be anything you want to be." And this truly is amazing. But lest we forget, that on November 4, 2008, the gay community was told by mandate of the people, that they are to be society's lesser humans.

Why is it that the United States rejoiced in the glory of breaking such a monumental race barrier, yet largely ignored the passing of Proposition 8--the ballot initiative, which called for the banning of gay marriage in California? Furthermore, where was Barack Obama to promote this basic civil liberties cause? He could have reached out to those black and Hispanic communities that voted overwhelmingly for Prop 8--but he didn't. Obama should not be blamed, but he should have been there.

Not only did the most progressive state in the union vote against the rights of an entire people, but so did Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas. In fact, Arkansas banned gays from adopting! But what conclusions can be drawn from these staggering civil rights defeats? I am confident that the day will come when gay marriage is legalized once again (perhaps sooner rather than later), but it is quite clear that the nation is still overwhelmingly homophobic, and too many gays are fearful of advocating for their own cause (the No On Prop 8 campaign rarely even used the word).

What is good about Prop 8 is that it has sparked a bit of a national dialogue--not a very big one, but significant nonetheless. Protests in California are growing, and outrage amongst many prominent people in the straight community are voicing their opposition (see Keith Olbermann). The campaign against Prop 8 was poorly organized and largely ineffective in many communities (particularly black and Hispanic ones). But the proposition has also exposed another dastardly foe to civil rights: organized religion.

What organization provided the most support for Prop 8? The Mormon Church, of course. Perhaps the most discriminated religion in American history (the ironic part) has disregarded the plight of fellow human beings, and ensured the passing of this mandate of intolerance (providing nearly half of the funds). Organized religion claims they must protect the "sanctity of marriage," but we must remember that this "sanctity" once prohibited inter-racial marriage. It should be clear who is on the wrong side of this issue.

So what is the big deal about marriage exactly? Do gay people really "deserve to be miserable like the rest of us" (Bill Maher)? Well this issue really is not about "marriage" per se. It is about taking away the freedoms of people who are different. The ferocious campaign to take away given rights ought to disgust any decent person--and the hateful "Pro-8" celebrations that took place should be condemned by our society. But in the words of Kevin Sessums: "Race has always—up until this point—trumped sexual orientation as a socially accepted civil rights issue." This, I believe, will be a turning point of the LGBT rights movement--when the word "gay" entered the national conversation of civil liberties.

I heard Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (an opponent of Prop 8) say that the "people of Cali-forn-i-a have spoken"--that this is the nature of democracy, and the will of the majority. Well, is our court system not designed to protect the interests of minorities? If we operated under mob rule, how many millions would be disenfranchised? In this instance, it will be up to the courts to re-establish that majorities cannot determine the limitations of liberty upon minorities. Example: Brown v. Board of Education (the controversial ruling to desegregate schools).

But in closing, I have a question for those who believe in equality: are you a true advocate for the cause? To the minorities who have suffered throughout history, but have gained significantly in the past 50 years: do you feel no responsibility to stand with your brothers and sisters in their own quest for the Dream? Who are we to sanction freedom? Who are we to treat others as lesser beasts who must adhere to the law of religion and prejudice? I do not believe that I have been a good enough an advocate, but now is the time to endure... to pursue what is right and noble; for we must come together for the pursuit of happiness of all.

Do not be afraid. Be human.

Change.gov: Your Administration?

I know that I just posted something new, but something ELSE has just come up that ties in very nicely to what I was saying!

My post-election theme is grassroots organization and how important it is that we form a progressive coalition for true change.  Well, there is already a massive coalition in place--that being the Barack Obama campaign.  What I have just seen is change.gov-- a President-elect Obama site dedicated to citizen involvement and transparency on the transition.  This is extremely promising.

Here are some of the site's objectives:

• up-to-the-minute updates and information about all aspects of the transition
  
• offers an opportunity to be heard about the challenges our country faces and your ideas for tackling them
  
• people united around a common purpose can achieve great things
  
• innovative approaches to challenge the status quo in Washington and to bring about the kind of change America needs
  
• The story of bringing this country together as a healed and united nation will be led by President-Elect Obama, but written by you

The potential this has to truly change the face of democracy is staggering... I'm very excited.  We must keep a careful eye on this form of communication, and see how it develops.  Could this be the end of government secrecy?  Will this be the medium for progressives to push our vital agendas?  Will this be a way for the people to overpower the lobbyists and corporate power-hold on government?  Is this the next revolutionary step to create our perfect union?

We shall see.  The SkyeWire is on the case.

Unity, Organization, HOPE

Two months ago, Ron Paul appeared alongside Ralph Nader on CNN to discuss their plans for a third party/independent presidential debate.  The debate is irrelevant at this point, but I want to convey the united message that the two shared as a continuation of the message from my last post.

They agreed that immediate action must be taken on the following issues:

A.) Foreign Policy

-We do not want the empire! 

-We cannot afford the empire!

-No more unjust wars!

-Cut the outrageous military budget!

-The President cannot declare war without congressional approval (see Constitution)!

-Bring our military home!

B.) Civil Rights

-Abolish the Patriot Act!

-No more torture!

-Appeal FISA!

C.) Federal Deficit ($56 trillion)

-Stop using the deficit for reckless government adventurism!

-Control the spending!

D.) Reform or Abolish the Federal Reserve

-It is funded and controlled by the banks!

-Totally out of control!

So these are 4 issues that are critical to the survival of our country, and activists on all sides need to come together to push them into the Obama agenda.  Somehow the millions of activists around the country MUST come together for common cause.  People need to be thinking about this and leaders must begin establishing the framework for grassroots organization.  The Congress is only 535 people... they have lives and personalities just like you and me... they can be persuaded. Imagine the possibilities.  

But this week we rest to admire the remarkable history that has been made.  By electing a man whose ancestors we once called "slave," we have proven once again that the American Dream is real.  The age of cynicism and fear has come to an end, and the world can once again look to the United States as a beacon of hope and leadership.  We must remember that in no other place in the world could this have happened.  It is like the French electing a citizen of Algerian descent to their highest office!  Ce n'est pas possible!

Coming of age during perhaps the most cynical period of American history prevented me from recognizing why our country truly is special.  It is because of this nation's ability to change that gives me newfound hope.  Today let the world know that the United States can be better, and I believe will.  

And to the Americans who have been disenchanted by our nation's failures and betrayals: I ask you to believe once more in the Dream that is our legacy, and in the government that we cherish so deeply.  Do not let it fail.

Much work is ahead of us, but it can be done.

Next Steps: the November 5th Plan of Action!

November 4, 2008 is past, today is a new day with new challenges.  If you think that electing Barack Obama was the ultimate goal, you are so wrong.  Today ought to be a day of celebration, for history has been made.  Yes, just 7 years after the attacks of 9/11, we have elected a black man with the middle-name of "Hussein" as President of the United States.  What a monumental declaration!  But the game board has only been reset... now we must change the game altogether.

The purge of the Republican extremists and the Neo-Con philosophy has nearly come full circle.  No more Cheney.  No more Rove.  Bush will eventually be gone.  Today the progressives of America must begin the massive organization that will be necessary to enact true change.  For change is merely a political device if there is no pressure on the promises.

It is time for the millions who share common goals to unite and show how people can put democracy to action.  Yes, I am calling out to the democratic idealists, the environmentalists, the peace advocates, and the anti-imperialists to rise up together!  To the Ron Paul Revolutionaries and the Ralph Naderophiles, today is your day!  To the consumer advocates who fight the abuses of corporate power, the time is now!  To every single person who understands that our nation must radically reform our way of governing for there to be a future United States of America, it is time for your voices to be heard!!

What I am saying is that the energy of this amazing election must continue into a new era of populist activism.  If Obama doesn't have the mandate and the external push for change, he will not succeed as we all want him to--as the country needs him to.  Do not be fooled, readers of SkyeWire: there are very powerful forces that are against a new progressive era.  They supported Barack Obama because he ran an extremely moderate campaign... he was a safe bet.  But this must not stand.  Barack Obama promised MAJOR CHANGE, but he cannot do it without the political capital.  In other words, it is up to powerful and clever organization--based in grassroots--to come together on major issues and demand change.  The country has given the Democrats one last sweeping leap of faith--to let them try, once last time, to make good on their failed promises of the past 40 years.  Now we must hold them accountable.

So what to do?  I have some preliminary proposals, but these will obviously develop in the coming months and years.  

A.) Join the Revolution: yes, I am talking about Ron Paul's "Campaign for Liberty" ... You do not need to be a Libertarian to understand that the American Empire must come to an end, the tax system must be radically reformed, and civil liberty must take precedence!  Ron Paul's dark horse campaign showed that millions (liberals, conservative, moderates, etc.) are dissatisfied with what our nation has become, and to support this cause is noble.

B.) Join the November 5th movement: The final presidential campaign of Ralph Nader has become a major advocacy group dedicated to urging the Congress to pursue a progressive agenda and to fight the corporate stranglehold.   Based on the powerful idea of grassroots organization, November 5 calls upon citizens in the 435 congressional districts to fight for the next 100 days for major reform within the country's most powerful institution: the Congress.

C.) Be well informed: this does not mean CNN or FOX News This does not mean just CNN and FOX.  I am talking about developing a broader understanding of issues, which means expanding from your primary sources.  As citizens we must train ourselves to rely on solid and independent news sources in order to make sound judgements, while also keeping up on what the mainstream networks are saying.  Readers will see that to the left of the page, I have listed some of my favorite news sources... independent, liberal, conservative, and moderate ones alike.  The point is to have an open mind and not to dismiss certain sources based on bias.

D.) USE THE FRIGGIN INTERNET: Don't take my word for anything!  Solid information and organization is available on the internet if you are will to seek it out.  Connect with those who share your plight, communicate, and plan for action.  If people use this revolutionary resource to its fullest potential, they will discover that there are millions of like-minded activists.

There will be more in the coming days, but the main idea is that we mustn't relent from this grand opportunity to change the country and determine our future.  This thing ain't over!  We can still take back our country...it is within reach!  We now have an administration that is receptive to change... now we must follow through.  The fight will be long.  It will be demoralizing at times.  No one said democracy is easy, but in the words of Winston Churchill:

Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.

With optimism and resolve.