The Effects of War

f you've watched the media's account of the war, America in its might and sovereignty has secured the entire country of the Republic of Iraq in less than a month and brought liberation to that country.

As I view this "war," as main stream America describes it, to me it's more like a carnage and Americans everywhere should be embarrassed and ashamed. I've not seen one Iraq soldier prepared for this battle; no body armor, helmets or boots.

One CNN reporter exclaimed that the Iraqi soldiers are dressed like civilians. That's probably because their government did not or could not afford appropriate wear for this war. Most of their firearms looked to have been at least thirty years old. They don't even have air support. To date, there has not been one mention of the Iraqis initiating an air attack or committing an offensive attack.

We should be asking Bush and every elected politician, why Iraq? My friends, I believe the answer is quite simple -- oil. In Iraq right now, people are stealing at will. Several leaders of Middle Eastern countries have asked America to police the country. America's response has been, "We are too busy liberating the country, once complete liberation is in place then we'll look at policing the country." That's strange they are policing the oil refineries. They have 24 hour security around every oil field that has not been destroyed. Bush has said that the oil belongs to the Iraqi people and the Iraqi people will decide their own fate and the fate of their oil. Once this war is over and the business people from the West (Bush and his posse) establish their influence and power in Iraq, those same poor Iraqi people will still be the same, poor.

You might recall William Taylor Johnston's theory: The might and money captivates might and money absolutely. By-the-way, in early 1853, Mr. Johnston rounded up several hundred slaves in northern Shelby County (Memphis, TN.) and elicited their services to build downtown Memphis, TN. He promised them freedom and land in the north end of Memphis, you think they received freedom or land?

If Bush is so concerned about liberation, maybe he should start in downtown Memphis, TN or any major city in the US where drugs are the main theme of the day. Or maybe he should start with fixing our public school system or asking Congress to pass legislation creating a national health plan for all Americans. Or maybe he should liberate and stimulate the economy and create new jobs. In 2002, we lost over 600,000 jobs. Last month America lost 105, 0000 jobs and the month before that 303,000 jobs were lost. Maybe the people who are unemployed would like some liberation.

In the next presidential election, let's liberate this country and elect someone who will liberate home and more specifically the poor and the elderly.

This is my first commentary. You can expect more! My next commentary will outline the problems as I see them with the social service system in this country. The commentary will be entitled," Its Time to Hold Them Accountable.”

If you don't agree with my thoughts, please send me a note, maybe I'm off base or miss informed.

These are my personal thoughts and opinions. They do not represent Northside High or those individuals associated with the planning and creation of the Alumni website. Nothing in this commentary was intended to embarrass or offend anyone.