Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox: October 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier - The first anti-war hit record

Released in 1915, I Didn't Raise My Son to be a Soldier, sung here by the Peerless Quartet, was the first commercially successful anti-war record and featured prominently in the American anti-war movement opposing US entry in the first world war. The warmongering ex-president Theodore Roosevelt objected to the song's message of peace and its early feminism: "Foolish people who applaud a song entitled 'I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier' are just the people who would also in their hearts applaud a song entitled 'I Didn't Raise my Girl To Be A Mother."

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Imposing Harsh Austerity on the War Machine

Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox

October 28, 2012

Guest: Professor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer

Subject: Ending Our Participation in the War Machine

Jack is a member of Minnesota Arms Spending Alternatives Project

which was recently instrumental in a resolution that

the city of St. Paul, Mn passed denouncing

sending money to Washington DC for the wars while

schools, parks and other services are being cut and infrastructure is crumbling.

To get more information on the project and to find out how something similar can be accomplished in your community,

please click this link.

To listen to this informative show, please

CLICK HERE

OR LISTEN AT 2PM EASTERN TIME AT:

COMMUNITY PROGRESSIVE RADIO

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Stealing Rent Money from a Gold Star Mother by Cindy Sheehan

Stealing Rent Money from a Gold Star Mother

Cindy Sheehan

For a brief review, I have been a War Tax Resister since my son was killed in Iraq on April 04, 2004. My only regret was that I ever paid my taxes to this murderous, thieving government in the first place. After almost nine years, the IRS has finally decided to use their powers of thuggery to bring the full force of their illegal aggression upon me, a Gold Star Mother.

Before my son was killed, my family was living the American Nightmare. There were times when I worked two or three jobs just to keep our family covered with health insurance because my husband was an independent contractor. Even back then, our insurance bill was about a grand/month.

Casey joined the military in 2000, in part to help pay for his university education. He had already completed every credit he could at a local community college, but he was feeling the pressure of having a full-time job and going to school and didn’t want to burden the family further. Casey paid for his desire for a university education with his life and we buried him on April 13, 2004 and I vowed to never, ever again contribute financially or morally to the organization that killed my son.

The US attorney dragged me before a federal magistrate last April who seemed sympathetic to my cause. Then they dragged me back to answer questions to participate in incriminating myself, I refused and took the 5^th Amendment.

Since then, the IRS has been vigorously looking for all my millions of dollars that I must have hidden around in the Caymans or Switzerland and it has stumbled upon $13 in my PayPal account and today the IRS mugged $269 from my bank account that was being saved up for my November rent.

I live a hand to mouth existence and usually if I receive an online donation or payment for a book I go directly to the bank to remove it and save it in my sock drawer, but I am traveling on book tour and am in a strange city and my guard was lowered.

It infuriates me that corporations pay very little in Federal taxes and, in fact, at times, get exorbitant refunds paid for by you tax paying citizens.

It saddens me that US war criminals are not only not held accountable, but receive medals, great tax payer funded benefits AND secret service protection.

However, what I don’t think these people, (whether they are “elected” officials or wage-slaves petty thugocrats), sabé the fact that they can’t do anything worse to me than they already have. The tax collectors of the Empire rejoice in taking a “widow’s mite,” and bringing down enemies of the state with their thugocracy, but my son had his “last measure” stolen from him and I am still standing and resisting with all my might!

My son wanted a university degree and he got a grave and, for me, that’s not a movie, TV show, or a one-time 21-gun salute, it’s for real and the pain is forever.

I want peace and I want my government to stop killing and oppressing people all over the world and all I get is jail time, fines, persecuted by the IRS and a precarious life where I am one more stolen bike or stolen bank account away from penury.

I know that I am not the only one in the US who is living such a precarious existence and we have to recognize our enemies aren’t in foreign lands or the activists, homeless, single mothers, or immigrants; our enemies sit in the rotten marble halls of power and it’s time we made their very existence precarious and I am not talking about voting for Barack Obama—he’s had four years to prove he is not an able servant of the 1% and he has failed. I am also not talking about voting for Mitt Romney, he sits on the throne of the King of the 1%. I am talking about a revolution of values—what if everyone who feels the same way I do refused to pay taxes or otherwise financially support things that we don’t morally support?

I am grateful for my colleagues who give me moral and, at time, financial support to help resist the Behemoth monster of the Empire and I am grateful that I have a roof over my head and every picture I see of the devastation caused by Hellfire missiles, I am grateful that not one penny of my money goes to help fund it.

We live in a thugocracy where every word, thought, action, and inaction is monitored. We are being folded, spindled and mutilated in a neo-fascist slow dance of spiraling oppression. Keep smiling; keep singing; keep dancing; keep speaking; keep thinking and, most importantly of all, keep resisting!

Illegitimi non carborundum. We shall prevail.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Our Vaginas are not WMDs by Diane Gee

I take the murder, rape or abuse of women seriously. I do. But, I really, really tire of our female gender being used to ramp up the wholesale slaughter of humans of any gender for the purposes of the Profiteer Class.

Like the missing white girl syndrome, this entire Malala Yousefzai story is wholly disproportionate to the reality of the World at War. The women raped, boys abducted, orphans and abandoned elderly of the Congo comes to mind. Or the effects of Depleted Uranium on a whole generation of children born in Fallujah. If the malnutrition and suffering of the Palestinian people as a whole isn't enough to garner outrage, what of the use of White Phosphorus targeting civilians and even a school in Gaza melting people right on the spot?

What of Nadia?

Nadia, age ten, whose mother and father were both killed in a US drone strike on their house, why no outrage for Nadia? What of the other young girls, who are left homeless, have to grow up without parents, without food, let alone education because the rain of bombs from the sky under our reign of terror over their lives? They grow up in constant fear, total uncertainty. The linked report to the The Civilian Impact of Drones has many stories like Nadia's.

One glance through Afghanistan After Democracy's page will chronical story after story like Nadia's.

A man from Kunar in Eastern Afghanistan: this man lost ever member of his family in 2006. "my name is Abdul Karim. I lost every member of my immediate family. I lost my wife and five children. The American bombers destroyed my house completely. The Americans reported that they killed large number of insurgents when in reality they killed civilians. After the bombing I have developed breathing problems. I went to local government hospital and the doctors said to get medical care for which I have to go to Pakistan, how could I go to Pakistan for medical care when I can not afford three meals a day. I really do not feel like living any longer. The Americans have taken everything from me and I will never forgive them for their crimes against my family." He said the following when asked what message he had to the American people: "what can I say to people who applaud their airmen and soldiers when they killed my family members. I am tired and very emotional, please do not ask me any more."
An orphan girl: this child lost her father to the US bombing. This girl is from Maidan Province located 20 KM southwest from Kabul.
"The Americans killed my father. My father went to Kabul to get medicine for my brother who had pneumonia. When the Americans bombed, my father was killed. He did not return to bring medicine for my brother. So my brother who had pneumonia also died." This young girl said the following when asked if she had any message to the American public: "do American children love their fathers? I miss my father very much. Every night I cry and my mother tells not to cry because my father is in paradise, but I still miss him. I don't like the Americans."
She, her mother, and her siblings live in abject poverty.

We seem to be able to ignore all this, the very fabric that creates radicals - radicals that we fund and train when it is useful to us.
What of a young boy, who wished only to go to school and become a doctor, who is now blind and crippled because of the drone hit "double tap" we inflicted on him as he came to try and aid the injured from our bombing?
"Oh, that's tragic too," you may sigh, "but they oppress women there. And something about Malala's story just speaks to me..."
It got me thinking. Wondering. Why?
Why is it that we value stories of young girls over that of young boys? Why is it that a young mother isn't as tragic? Why is it that the stories that go viral are always about the plight of a young and virginal girl? Especially one trying to become "Westernized?"
It speaks directly to our need to "protect" a being with a vagina over one with a penis. It says women are weak and helpless. It triggers a Pavlovian response in us that belies our Patriarchal brainwashing at such a subconscious level that we rarely can see it in ourselves.
They are selling us Malala's "plight" like a child bride for sale, like a marriage dowry, like a vaginal pawn to make us rush to War in her defense. Worse? Her story is suspect.
Of all the injuries in Pakistan on a daily basis, how did this one get rushed to a British hospital and immediately make International News? How did the Taliban, trained soldiers, miss at such close range?
Why is she seen walking with her father to the waiting helicopter, bandages on her shoulder, not her head? Why, post-surgery, does she have a full head of hair - not a sterilized, clean shaven pate, as would be in a head injury?
Before you accuse me of donning the heavy duty tinfoil, remember this has been done before:

1990 Testimony of Nayirah: A 15-year-old girl named "Nayirah" testified before the U.S. Congress that she had seen Iraqi soldiers pulling Kuwaiti babies from incubators, causing them to die. The testimony helped gain major public support for the 1991 Gulf War, but - despite protests that the dispute of this story was itself a conspiracy theory - it was later discovered that the testimony was false. The public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, which was in the employ of Citizens for a Free Kuwait, had arranged the testimony. It turned out that she had taken acting lessons on request of the CIA and was actually the niece of a major politician in Kuwait. Nayirah was later disclosed to be Nayirah al-Sabah, daughter of Saud bin Nasir Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti ambassador to the USA.

So, lets talk about Malala and our rush to War.

Veteran's Today reports: (worth reading in its entire)

We have a New York Times reporter throwing the limelight on Malala just a month after her blog entries for the BBC -> the young girl becomes a celebrity overight -> Pakistani media gets abuzz with the student -> NGOs, etc. come in -> too much exposure -> then there's a continued development, in between we have Generals Allen and Dempsey pressurizing General Kayani for an unwanted offensive in North Waziristan -> sudden new wave of terrorist attack "traced to TTP militants" and finally -> attack on Malala and classfellows, out of nowhere a minister traces the leads to North Waziristan, exactly where the Pentagon and Langley want Pakistani forces in.

Scott Creighton did some investigative journalism and found her father is invested in for-profit private schools with western investors, and far from being a progressive man, would not allow his wife to be present or spoken to by anyone.
And I find this image disturbing in many ways, not the least of which is the blue outfit and red outfit changes on the girl in the stretcher, but the fact that the stretcher is empty heading to the plane, the girl walking in it. I wish I read the language. The poster of this image said this:

Kishver Niazi "It was all staged she never got shot and recovered very quickly tongue no one from the media saw her and the bullets fired at her neck and head at such close range well funny how there is no visible wounds on her neck and even the dressing is on the wrong side.....oh and it even gets better she walked with her father to the helicopter, nice one by the Obama and Zardari to divert the attention of the world for their election campaigns and operation in Waziristan."

Back to the title of my post.
It is common practice to use Children in Propaganda.
But using young women has become the real clincher. The Left is easily drawn into the need for War by the meme of "women are repressed there," as justification for "saving them" by bombing them.
Think about that. Every single nation that embraces Islam have become MORE radical, rather than less, after our interference. OUR actions have caused the fire and brimstone nut cases to be their only hope against our invasions.
Of course, with our mindset, we refuse to think that these women embrace their love of God with the same passion as a Catholic Nun in her habit. I had one woman tell me that while she does not, cannot drive? By Islamic law her husband must see her every need provided for, and if she needs to go to the store, he will leave his work and attend to her desire to shop. She laughed and said she lives like our rich, with a "limo" in essence at her command. Her daughters are more Western than she, some choose the hajib, other's do not, and all were attending University in Iran. She fears that destabilization will cause that to come to an end, like it did in Afghanistan.
So, here we are, being called to War over a little girl who may or may not be CIA connected, to "help" her crusade for Charter Schools run by the West. And somehow, by killing their men, bombing their homes, leaving women and girls with no income or food, we will be "saving" her from the Taliban?
The Taliban WE created?
I have a son. I have no daughter. I would like to think that if I did, that her life would not be more valuable than his; that her story would not mean more than his.
I'm sorry, no matter how easily we are manipulated by the Virgin Girl-Child in distress propaganda? We should not, as women, allow this crass and sloppy "smoking gun" to provoke us into supporting another war.
Yes, the gender war is real... but we cannot claim our power as females as long as we allow our gender to be used as a pawn for men to start wars. Our Vagina's are not WMD's.
Our vaginas are bringers of life, and as such? No life should be less sacred. Every child, every woman, and every man young and old should be under our protection. Feminism must embrace all life.
So, I plead to you.... stop talking about Malala and get back to the ANTI-WAR movement. Do not let one girl's name become the curse of generations to come because the US used her as a champion and lie to kill her Nation.
Protest war, protest drones, protest military spending. Those are the REAL WMD's.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Talking Flapping Pie Holes and the Damage They Do by Cindy Sheehan

War Pundits and Platitudes

Cindy Sheehan

Frequently, I watch the Propaganda Media because I want to know what is the current propaganda of the Empire.

For example, if the Propaganda Media is telling me that I should focus on one really (but, really not) juicy trial, or that I should be consumed by the autopsy report of the latest celebrity death, or what was in her refrigerator when she died, then I know those are things that I don’t need to know and I refuse to be distracted by the shiny keys of the Propaganda Masters.

Lately, I am particularly struck by a rather difficult “shiny key” distraction named Malala Yousufzai, the young female Pakistani who was allegedly shot by the Taliban for being vocal about her rights to an education. Malala is right and whoever shot her is wrong—period. However, the situation is tricky, because I don’t support ANYONE shooting ANYONE—but especially I abhor the shooting of a young lady who is fighting for her rights. However, all of the news coverage she is getting and celebrity support NEVER points out how many children are killed by the US in Pakistan by Obama’s abominable aerial assault campaign. According to the very comprehensive and current wiki page: Drone Strikes in Pakistan, these are the statistics of the immoral US policy:

Total strikes: 347

Total reported killed: 2,572 – 3,341
Civilians reported killed: 474 – 884
Children reported killed: 176
Total reported injured: 1,232 – 1,366
Strikes under the Bush Administration: 52
Strikes under the Obama Administration: 295

Other reports claim that the percentage of civilians killed in these strikes is 98%!

Pakistani Child Savagely Attacked by US

I posted this picture of a Pakistani toddler on the twitter-facebook-osphere the other day and the comments were unconscionably callous, but they all boiled down to this sentiment: “I am glad the president is bombing people who would shoot a young girl for going to school.”

I was watching the Propaganda Media show with the letters CNN this morning and the moderator’s shall remain nameless, but her initials are CC and she is an especial cravenly war supporter on a cable network chock full of them. Anyway, there was a lovely young lady on a panel filled with other perfectly coiffed, suited, tied, and made-up Talking Flapping Pie Holes. The discussion was about the upcoming foreign policy debate between the Red Tie Scoundrel and Blue Tie Scoundrel presidential candidates.

I always notice the mental and logical gymnastics that the panels on these pre-debate discussions have to go through to distinguish and then expand upon the miniscule differences between Blue Tie Scoundrel and Red Tie Scoundrel—but the lovely young Talking Flapping Pie Hole made one egregiously false claim and one dismissive claim.

First, she claimed that Obama “ended the war in Iraq like he promised during the 2008 campaign.” Actually, A: It ended because of an agreement that was entered into between the US and the Puppet Government of Iraq before George Bush left office; B: the Obama administration did everything it could to NOT have to leave Iraq; and, C: the occupation continues to this day with tens of thousands of independent contractors and thousands of other civilian employees staffing the enormous embassy and consulates around the country. But, the above are inconvenient facts that we are supposed to forget so we can triumphantly trumpet: “Vote for Obama, he ended the war in Iraq!”

Secondly, Ms. Talking Flapping Pie Hole said that the Obama administration is trying to end the “engagement” in Afghanistan. Excuse me, this article just came out today saying that the Obama regime is doing the same thing in Afghanistan that it tried to do in Iraq—extending its unwelcomed stay—AND “engagement?” That is the most innocuous platitude that I have heard in a long time for an illegal occupation and devastating war!

Obama to Afghanistan: “Baby, I know we have already been engaged for eleven years, but, even though I know you don’t want to be engaged to me, I think we should be engaged for at least 10 more years, baby! Oh, come on baby, I promise you it’ll be different this time! I can’t live without your mineral wealth…ahem, baby, I mean I can’t live without YOU!”

With “reporters” and “pundits” like these, is it any wonder that on November 6, those Americans who do find the time, energy, or remember to vote, will sludge down to his/her polling place like The Walking Dead and fill in the bubble for one of the Red Tie or Blue Tie Scoundrels? Having fulfilled ones "patriotic duty," The Walker will sludge back out with vague feelings of disgust and unease?

From the Captain Obvious Files: Wrong is Wrong!

Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox
Sunday, October 21, 2012

I had a busy week this past week--trial in Santa Barbara for the Vandenberg 15 (of which I am a proud member), which got dismissed by request of the US attorney!

(Read an account of the dismissal of charges, here)

Then, I flew to Philly where I had a wonderful book event for Revolution, A Love Story sponsored by
many peace groups here in Philly and dear friends of mine.

(Watch the video of my book talk here)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

I am on my way to Cleveland for two book events there and then to NYC for
two book events AND a conference.
(I need housing--contact me: CindySheehansSoapbox@gmail.com)

For the schedule of my Cleveland/NYC events, please

CLICK HERE

*****************************************

WRONG IS WRONG: OBAMA AND THE NDAA

Because of my crazy schedule this past week, I was not able to record a new show, so guest host, Diane Gee (of Wild, Wild Left Radio and Soapbox blogger), filled in for me and interviewed NDAA lawsuit (against Obama regime) plaintiff,
Tangerine Bolen.

Please CLICK HERE to download the very informative show.

Next week's guest:
Actor/Author, Richard Belzer!

A Wonderful Colleague needs help!

Anita

Anita Stewart has been my friend for several years, now.

Anita has been working in 3rd party politics as a member of the Green Party for years now and she is dedicated to peace and, as a member of CODEPINK in her home in Florida, she is a tireless worker against the military industrial complex.

Regretfully, she became involved in the primary campaign for the nomination of president for the Green Party for Roseanne Barr as press secretary and social media coordinator. She was promised a certain amount of money and, for whatever reason, Ms. Barr is not only refusing to pay her, but is now also threatening to sue her for "defamation of character," because, due to circumstances, Anita had to go public (read story here) with the information that Barr is not fulfilling her end of the agreement.

Anita is a CNA who has been working in home health care, but the worsening situation in our country regarding health care has severely affected her livelihood. I spoke to Anita last night and she has had an infection in her tooth for weeks, now, and as a veteran, Anita can't even get dental care at the VA. Also, even if the VA did have dental care, it's 50 miles from her home and her car is falling apart and gas (as we all know) is prohibitively expensive right now. As a Green, Anita would love to take advantage of a great public transportation system, but in most places of this country, that does not exist.

Of course, Anita's story is one in millions, but I think it's a horrible shame that someone who has dedicated her life to making the world a better place has to suffer physical and emotional pain like this.

It will cost about $200 for Anita to get her tooth pulled and over $1000 to help fix her car so she can keep working.

I don't have much money myself, but I am going to give Anita $20---if many of us could chip in a little, I think keeping Anita afloat is a good investment!

Anita's PayPal account is:

anitamstewart@yahoo.com

That is also the email that you can send her comments or questions.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Cindy Sheehan On "15 Minutes Of Fact" - 10/16/2012

Source: wgrnradio.com

Today’s guest turns that premise upside down. Her name is Cindy Sheehan. She is not voiceless, and she is her own soapbox – literally. He Internet radio show is called Cindy Sheehans’s Soap Box and can be found at www.cindysheehanssoapbox.com/.

Comments From The "Statement For 9/11 Justice" Part II

The following are some of the comments left by people that signed the "Statement For 9/11 Justice." Here is Part I. If you haven't signed it, why not?

"I wholeheartedly support any action that will help to get the truth out there for Americans - they deserve to know the truth."

"All of us must support this petition, now!!"

"I just want to know the TRUTH...that's all, simply the TRUTH of 9/11!"

"For the last 30 years, going back to the Iran/Contra Israel/Lebanon days, things have been steadily going to hell in this country and throughout the world in general.. America has become a shadow of her former self and her reflection is SHAMEFUL! Her Shame has become infamous! "We" Americans demand the truth of 9/11. We demand that our leaders no longer take the rest of US, some 80%, for suckers anymore.. ENOUGH!"

"Where's the transparency about 9/11? Tell us the truth."

"It's time for the truth."

"A thorough investigation is long overdue, the families of the victims deserve the truth!!"

"This has to be the most important petition I have ever signed."

"The Truth will come out and the world will change for the better..."

"I will not condone the 9/11 cover-up!"

"I agree wholeheartedly with the above statements and believe that as a patriot and Christian, I have an obligation to seek the truth about what really happened on this horrible day."

"I have waited for ten years to hear this truth to be told. Thank you."

"It's high time people were brought to justice for this atrocity. We were lied to from day one."

"Bless your heart :)"

"Thank you for the chance to voice these concerns."

"It has been 10 years and few credible answers. It is time for an truly independent investigation. Despite vicious, biased and slanderous attacks from the mainstream media and corporate- bought politicians accusing anyone who dares question the official report of being a "crazy conspiracy theorist", the people, not the powerful few, will not let this die. We, unlike them, value democracy and justice and we will not end our struggle for these principles and for real, rational and scientifically based answers to these crucial questions until justice is served."

"When we find the truth of, 9/11, and we will, it has the potential to change the world for the better unlike anything ever in my view... We can end living the "BIG LIE" which hurts all of us in more ways than one..."

"I fully support the victims of the 9/11 attacks' families. I was appalled to discover that some of the victims families felt there has not been a full investigation. I support them in every way."

"It's clear that there's been a massive failure to investigate important information. This calls into question the motivation of those who have held "official" inquires. Why have these people falied to look at compelling evidence? Why have they failed to interview people with first hand knowledge of facts surrounding this? Why have they invented elaborate rationalizations for what cannot be hidden?"

"Hi, The complete TRUE story has to be told now. I can't live with the fact that my children, when they're old enough, are taught about Al Qaida and 911 in history lesson. I don't know what's the real truth, but I know for sure that there's more going on then we were told."

"There are far too many inconsistencies in the official story. I believe that any rational person who studies the facts will see this. I wholly support an independent investigation into the events of 9/11. The victims, their families & loved ones and all those who have died as a result of 9/11 and its consequences deserve nothing less!"

"Why have the American people not stood up collectively and demaded an impartial and comprehensive investigation. This inaction defies belief. Something must be done."

"The collective slumber has to end some day, I pray. Thanks to Cindy and all her amazing efforts to help wake up all dozing americans. Open your eyes and think for yourselves please!"

"Justice for all the victims of 9/11 is best served with a real investigation into the crimes committed that day. The American people demand an independent investigation."

"People around the world have the right to know the truth about 9/11, especially after the subsequent effects on world policies, regarding war against Muslims, Guantanamo, etc."

"The changes implemented since 9/11 are inexcusable violations of our privacy."

"Time to clear the air. It's long overdue."

"I, like so many other American patriots am so overwhelmingly appalled that we still have no justice for the real perpetrators of 9/11. It affects my very being, every day, like a toxic substance inside me. I pray this country, and indeed the world will one day be told the TRUTH and this corrupt system we exist in can be exposed and become a part of mainstream knowlege. Only then, after realization of this well-crafted horror, and overturning of it's resultant police-state environment can we ever recover as a democratic nation. No one deserves to live in fear from anyone, especially our own "leaders". WE, THE PEOPLE did not sign up for any oligarchy!"

"I feel that we have a duty to those murdered on 911 not to let their deaths be used to support a monstrous lie, that is in turn being used to murder thousands more."

"I stand with my fellow citizens in search of truth."

"Those who have something to hide fear a close examination of events. Those who seek truth desire a close examination of events. The victims and families of 9/11 deserve a close examination of all aspects of the tragedy. The American people do, also. If we have to fight to find the truth- let's fight to find the truth."

"May the 9-11 victims, their families and everyone affected find some peace through truth."

Sunday, October 14, 2012

A Briefing On Iran's Nuclear Program

http://www.inceptionhouse.com

A briefing on Iran's Nuclear Program. From the discovery of atom power, the utilization of this new science for the bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki and the resulting "nuclear dilemma." Covering the institutions created in answer to the nuclear dilemma: the United Nations (UN), the "Atoms for Peace" initiative, the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). After this a look at the history of Iran's nuclear program and the current standoff: the West's demands that Iran cease enriching, and Iran's refusal citing its inalienable right to a peaceful nuclear program under the NPT. And finally a look at the intelligence about Iran's nuclear program, and a little rhetorical jab at the end.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Duh, My Response to the VP Debate

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By Cindy Sheehan

CLASS-LESS CLOWNS

Last week, I commented on what I called, “The Greatest American Scoundrel Show," otherwise known as the “Presidential Debates” and I gave the Socialist response to each of the questions that Scoundrel A or Scoundrel B answered—now I would like to present the same for the recent Vice-Scoundrel Debate.

To me, it’s amazing that few people seem to really listen to what the Scoundrels say, but how what is said, is said. Even though I think the consensus from the presidential debate was that Romney slaughtered Obama, the “winner” of the Vice Scoundrel debate seems to divide along partisan lines, but I know I saw less eye-rolling and heard less sniggering when I coordinated an afterschool program for at-risk middle school students.

Biden and Ryan fought over who was the biggest friend of the War Machine and Wall Street and I believe we need a change--that’s why I agreed to run for Vice President. Here are the questions and how I, and my party, the Peace and Freedom Party, would answer:

Wasn't the assassination of the U.S. Ambassador in Libya a massive intelligence failure?

Actually, according to recent testimony on Capitol Hill, it was revealed that State Department personnel in Libya had repeatedly asked and been denied more security forces. So, surprise, the Vice President lied through his teeth when he said that the Obama administration was “unaware.” Last time I looked, the State Department, including the Secretary of State, is a cabinet level institution that definitely is part of the administration.

I was against the “humanitarian intervention” in Libya from the beginning and am appalled that in the interest of global resource extraction, tens of thousands of innocent Libyans were killed. The attack that unfortunately killed the ambassador and three other Americans was in reaction to the invasion and corporate occupation of Libya: it’s called, Blowback.

Was it appropriate for Romney to criticize president Obama during Libya crisis?

Which Libya crisis? The one where the US collaborated with NATO to murder tens of thousands of innocent Libyans or the one where four Americans were killed? Besides that clarification, I think any criticism of the President of the USA is valid and necessary, unless it is used for purely partisan political posturing as it seems was Romney's intention.

How effective would a military strike against Iran be?

I, and my party, are adamantly opposed to violating the sovereignty of any country and believe that a military strike against Iran would be disastrous and lead to further unnecessary civilian deaths and would obviously lend greatly to further destabilization of the region.

I call for an end to the current wars and closing the approximately 900 bases the US maintains on foreign soil and using the trillions that would be saved on education, health care, infrastructure, clean energy, and housing, (among other things).

What's worse: another war in the Middle East or a nuclear-armed Iran?

The Prime Minister of Israel and politicians in the US are lying when they say that Iran is “months” away from a nuclear weapon. There have been numerous intelligence estimates and independent reports denying these specious claims.

Having said that, the country in that region that actually possesses hundreds of nuclear weapons is Israel and Israel has demonstrated repeatedly that it is a paranoid state that has no bottom limit to the lengths it will stoop to destabilize the region to protect its colonial project.

This one is a no-brainer to me: Another war in the Middle East would be far worse.

Can you get unemployment below 6% and how long will it take?

The Peace and Freedom has a comprehensive program that, if implemented, would bring full-employment for those that seek it and a Basic Guaranteed Income for those who need time off for whatever reason: childbirth, childcare, disability, age, etc.

We demand a socially useful job at union pay levels or a guaranteed dignified income for everyone.
We support the establishment of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to alleviate poverty and homelessness.
We call for a 30-hour work week for 40 hours' pay and abolition of forced overtime.
We demand a legally mandated annual paid vacation of at least 4 weeks.
We demand expansion and enforcement of job health and safety laws. We call for the restoration of all labor rights previously won by women and their extension to men as well.
We demand paid parental leaves and time off work for childcare.
No prison labor for private profit. Living wage and full union rights for any prison labor.
Defend workers' rights to organize, form union caucuses, strike, and boycott.
No replacement of striking workers.
Federally funded public works programs to rebuild the nation's infrastructure and restore the environment.
International solidarity of workers against international capitalist schemes such as NAFTA and WTO in defense of jobs, wages, working conditions and environmental laws.
International trade agreements must guarantee the protection of workers and democratic rights in all participating countries.
A rank and file socialist-oriented labor movement to mobilize working-class people to assume ownership and control of the economy.

I believe if these programs were implemented, full-employment could be reached within the first two years of any administration that did so.

Will benefits for Americans have to change for Medicare and Social Security to survive?

I say that they had better NOT change unless it’s to ensure that our seniors and disabled are taken care of in the best way our society is capable.

Of course, if the vast wealth and resources of this Empire were re-prioritzed to serve human need instead of the War Machine and corporate greed, there would be enough money for compassionate and fully funded social programs.

If your ticket is elected, who will pay more in taxes, who will pay less?

Since the US has the largest income disparity of any “industrialized” nation, I believe that the tax codes, from taxing real property to taxing unearned income should be eliminated for middle and low income earners and a greater burden should be placed on corporations that steal from the public good but don’t give anything back. Unearned income should be taxed at a rate that would contribute to a more just distribution of wealth.

I also advocate taxing churches and taking the cap off of social security taxes so more of the burden falls on the wealthy.

Why not leave Afghanistan now?

Yes, why not…and a better question might be, “Why did we go there in the first place?” Afghanistan did not attack us on 9/11 and that country and its people have paid a high price for the fact that their country is in the way of a gas pipeline and has vast precious metal resources.

The resources of Afghanistan belong to the people, not the US Empire and other multi-national corporations.

What more can the U.S. really accomplish?

What “more” can the U.S. accomplish? What has it accomplished except for further destruction of that country, more violence, the rebirth of the opium industry and increasing tensions with Pakistan?

What conditions could justify U.S. troops staying in Afghanistan?

None.

What was the military reason for bringing surge troops home from Afghanistan?

What was the military reason for sending the surge troops? Besides the uncounted civilian casualties, more US troops have been killed there since Obama has been president for less than four years than the entire time Bush was in office.

The U.S. assisted rebels in Libya; why doesn't the same logic apply to Syria?

Is this question for real? The US has been supplying aid to the Syrian “rebels” since at least August 1^stof this year when it was widely reported that: “President Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorizing U.S. support for rebels seeking to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government, U.S. sources familiar with the matter said.”

Furthermore, there does not seem to be a consensus on the composition of the so-called Free Syrian Army which could have elements of our supposed mega-enemy, Al Qaeda.

What happens if Assad does not fall in Syria?

We respect the sovereignty of Syria.

But, again, is this question for real?

Assad was a major US ally and Syria was a rendition spot for the US until it became inconvenient for the Empire and Israel to have him continue as this ally and torturer. Now, after dutifully performing his lackey duties for the Empire, Assad is called a “tyrant” and “vicious enemy.”

Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Moammar Qaddafy, etc, should have been a big warning to Bashar Assad—the US will use you to commit its dirty work and be your friend until it’s more fun or convenient to demonize you and remove you from power.

What is your criteria for intervention in Syria?

No criteria for military intervention or “crippling sanctions.”

What role has your religion played on your personal views of Abortion?

None. And I don’t think “personal views” are relevant in something that is a right: a woman’s full reproductive control over her own body. It doesn’t matter what Ryan or Biden, or even I, think. It’s up to each individual woman.

If the Romney-Ryan ticket is elected, should those who believe abortion should be legal be worried?

I don’t think so since George W. Bush and every Republican president since the Roe v. Wade decision has been opposed to abortion and it still stands.

In our administration, abortion would be available on demand and included in a national health care program.

Closing Statement.

The Obama administration has been a disaster for world peace and our economy here at home. I am not willing to give Romney/Ryan a shot at these important matters, either.

True change will not and cannot be achieved in the institutions that created the problems, or with voting for the twin-evils that permeate our lives.

We now live in a dictatorship of the one-percent with a seemingly peaceful transition of power every four to eight years. Nothing changes except the face and continuing to vote for the twin-evils thinking anything will change is Einstein’s definition of sanity.

A vote cast for Romney or Obama is a vote for war and economic austerity for us. If you support war, then vote for Romney or Obama.

If you support harsh austerity measures, then, by all means, vote for Romney or Obama.

If you support the rise of Police State American---then—you know what I am going to say.

Send a message to the oligarchy this November—vote 3^rd party or independent.