Future for America - by Mike Adams

--by Mike Adams

As I listened to news reports of US bombs dropping on Baghdad, I reacted with sadness and revulsion. I thought that I and the rest of the peace movement had failed in our attempt to bring sanity to a situation brimming over with madness. I was horrified at the President’s decision to turn his back on the UN and to turn his back on the Iraqi civilians who will be slaughtered as the result of this unilateral war. Then I received an email with portions of a speech given by Dr. Robert Muller, former assistant secretary general of the United Nations.

Dr. Muller said: "Never before in the history of the world has there been a global, visible, public, viable, open dialogue and conversation about the very legitimacy of war". Indeed, the more I consider Muller’s words, the more I realize that despite the puerile behavior of my Government, the world community is waging peace. The beginning of the 21st century is indeed seeing the birth of a new collective consciousness in humanity.

In May, 2002, I woke up and ended a decade long indulgence in resignation, apathy and willful ignorance. I had been waiting for a great leader to follow. I wanted to be the ‘right hand man’ for the next Martin Luther King Jr. I realized that while waiting, I was doing nothing. I was hoping to some day fulfill on my dreams. I was hoping to someday act on my vision. I was dying…the wait was killing me.

I decided that humanity does not simply need another Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela or Mother Theresa. They are inspirational, great and finite. We need something more than the finite. I believe humanity needs a whole generation of people willing to independently stand for their principles. We need people to be their own leaders to put their freedom perhaps their very life on the line in support of personal convictions.

On March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie age 23 gave her life in Rafah while standing nonviolently for her convictions. She was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer which was aimed at demolishing Palestinian homes. Rachel Corrie is a war hero! The US Government should commemorate Rachel Corrie she exemplified the words of John F. Kennedy: “War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”

If we really want World Peace, we will stop applying the same demeaning terminology to Mr. Bush as he applies to Saddam. Although it feels good, it is immature and ineffective. We in the Peace movement must mature. We will call on our leaders to look forward into a future where we are bigger and more generous than we ever thought possible.

As Washington lawmakers plod along trying to outmaneuver each other, we the people might encourage them to stand for principles. We might say that the best way to support our troops is to get them out of harm’s way without ever fighting a battle. How might two hundred billion dollars affect our education system if we don’t spend that money on space weapons? How might two hundred billion dollars affect health care for veterans who are experiencing cuts in VA funding? Could we spend two hundred billion dollars and build a future for everyone on this planet. Our veterans need compassion. They suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Syndrome, radiation sickness, cancer and many other ailments.

Contact your Senator and congressional representative. Encourage them to increase funding for Veteran care and to bring our troops home.

It is time to support our troops. It is time to give them care. It is time to keep them safe. It is time to bring them home NOW.