Memorial Day

[D_Raay]

Today is Memorial Day, the day we are taught to remember our war dead and to honor their sacrifice.

Except of course that for the most part, we don't remember them. Unless they were family or friend they are anonymous. We cannot know them in death for we did not know them in life. We do not see them, we do not gaze into their eyes at the moment of death. We replace them with sterile symbols, with headstones, flags, medallions, plaques, and other ritual cenotaphs. We gaze upon row after row of identical graves, devoid of identity as they are of life, and pretend that we remember the men and women lying underneath, even though we cannot know a single second of the lives they lived and lost.

So, why did they die? It is a very complex question and we are given simple answers, indeed single words suffice to explain the ending of a human life. The words are "freedom", or "democracy", but on reflection, the words do not explain the reality of death under gunfire.

The reality is that Memorial Day is a day when we are supposed to forget. We are supposed to forget those we knew and loved and how they were torn from our families then to be torn to bloody bits upon the field.We are supposed to forget the greed and avarice of our leaders masked in lies and deception that sent young men and women to be killed and crippled upon fields not covered with glory but with blood, fear, and savaged anatomy. We are supposed to forget all of that, and make do with those sterile and empty symbols that take the place of the truth, that we may close our eyes to the suffering and pain we create by closing our eyes to the greed and avarice of our leaders. We are never supposed to remember those who died in wars, lest we feel sympathy for them and their families, and falter as out leaders march our young people off to the next war.

So, on this Memorial Day, relax. Admire the plaques, enjoy the music, have your beer and hot dogs, go the beach or picnic, and forget. Forget that underneath each clean white headstone lies the remains of a real human being who died for reasons you were never told, and whose passing brought pain and anguish to a family that did nothing to deserve it.

Forget.

For that is what Memorial Day is truly for.

------
http://www.tbrnews.org/Archives/a1622.htm
The Bush Butcher’s Bill: Officially, 72 US Military Deaths in Iraq from 2 through 25 May, 2005 – Official Total of 1,735 US Dead to date (and rising)

U.S. Military Personnel who died in German hospitals or en route to German hospitals have not previously been counted. They total about 6,210 as of 1 January, 2005. The ongoing, underreporting of the dead in Iraq, is not accurate. The DoD is deliberately reducing the figures. A review of many foreign news sites show that actual deaths are far higher than the newly reduced ones. Iraqi civilian casualties are never reported but International Red Cross, Red Crescent and UN figures indicate that as of 1 January 2005, the numbers are just under 100,000.

by Brian Harring, Domestic Intelligence Reporter

Note: There is excellent reason to believe that the Department of Defense is deliberately not reporting a significant number of the dead in Iraq. We have received copies of manifests from the MATS that show far more bodies shipped into Dover AFP than are reported officially. The educated rumor is that the actual death toll is in excess of 7,000. Given the officially acknowledged number of over 15,000 seriously wounded, this elevated death toll is far more realistic than the current 1,400+ now being officially published. When our research is complete, and watertight, we will publish the results along with the sources In addition to the evident falsification of the death rolls, at least 5,500 American military personnel have deserted, most in Ireland but more have escaped to Canada and other European countries, none of whom are inclined to cooperate with vengeful American authorities. (See TBR News of 18 February for full coverage on the mass desertions) This means that of the 158,000 U.S. military shipped to Iraq, 26,000 either deserted, were killed or seriously wounded. The DoD lists currently being very quietly circulated indicate almost 9,000 dead, over 16,000 seriously wounded and a large number of suicides, forced hospitalization for ongoing drug usage and sales, murder of Iraqi civilians and fellow soldiers , rapes, courts martial and so on – Brian Harring

Haven’t we had enough of this?

[ericg]

The PBS sham. Pathetic. Hollow. Fake. Sham.. all in the country's face. I'm sick. It's been a sick night. I watched "Tarnation" too. It hurt. It hurts. In a world gone mad. AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Anyway, you know it's the end of justice when that fat bitch opened her fucking mouth and let our nation's anthem be bellowed. Disconcerting. Every American baby there had to be crying after that. What kind of dissonance is that. Fucking John Gotti wannabe hosting. Vanessa Williams? Damn, put us all out of our fucking misery if that shit's going to be tolerated to no goddamn end. Who is taking this seriously today. Quick somebody get a movement going before everyone puts it all in the back of their minds like it never existed. I can't stand it. I've been in the military and damn, how wrong they're being done. True, they should know better, but this whole damn thing is too much for anyone in their right mind. It just can't be helped it seems. Who do I fight? How do I do it. Who cares? WHO FUCKING CARES? WELLLLLLLLLLLLL??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get on it. Ah fuck. Who's up.

[Schmeltz]

Of course, rituals of remembrance and commemoration are performed more for the sake of the living than for the dead. Can you seriously expect people to choose a factual, realistic interpretation of the past over one that emphasizes the preservation and perpetuation of a mythic set of national values? Especially in America, the reality of modern warfare is of vastly less cultural importance than the mythic ideology constructed around it.

I don't see why this should come as a surprise; it's been an outstanding cultural feature of any and every civilization that's ever existed. The headstones, statuary, and cenotaphs are about preserving an idealized vision of the institutions of the state, not remembering the dead (with whom a real personal connection is at any rate allegedly impossible). Even if people have had enough of this kind of exploitation, how could they break free from patterns they themselves have created? Any replacement would simply make use of the same timeless mechanisms currently exploited so very efficiently and ably by the Bush administration; even if the aim was different it would all be the same system.

A completely new and different way of interpreting our societies is necessary for their reinvention. Otherwise we're doomed to a perpetuation of the cycle of history - a paralyzing stasis. Old forms simply won't do anymore - we need a remake from the ground up. But it's far simpler to say than to do.

[ericg]

Seriously expect...? That's the ONLY fucking serious expectation. What the fuck are you going on about. What is that? An excuse. You're going to give me a fucking expanation for it? And YES, everything would be alot better and simpler if things were done right. YES, it's as simple as it's said. Well it would take alot of work, you know, but what the fuck else is worth while besides the things that are worth while. Damn people. Fucking put acid in the water system. WAKE UP. What kind of unfortunate upbringing did people have to never be given the opportunity to learn from, or hone their persona in good time and motivation in order to take it all seriously? I don't even know what to say to that bullshit. You went off then tried to turn it around there at the end. I can still go off of that. Your acknowledgement of treason and overt sham is very distasteful. On a side note, I hate it when people put justice or fundamental things of this nature to a matter of taste. Like they can't tell the difference between apples and oranges. I bet they're fucking color blind too. I know worthy and good people are out there. That's why it pains me to no end to see no end to this dissolution.. like links getting weaker and weaker.. going along to get along... all over the place. Don't even get me started...

[Schmeltz]

Zuh?

[ericg]

What did you do a college paper on this, and yet have no fucking lasting or real idea of what the hell you were talking about. It's not what you said, it's how you said it. You meant practically nothing. No initiative. No motivation there at all. Call your recruiter today. Fight for some better sense if you have any to begin with.

[Schmeltz]

I have a very clear idea of what I'm talking about. Exactly what it is that you're talking about, however, remains an impenetrable mystery.

[D_Raay]

I have a very clear idea of what I'm talking about. Exactly what it is that you're talking about, however, remains an impenetrable mystery.
He speaks in sentence fragments. His overall point you can discern, however, if you ignore some the meaningless ones and song lyrics he imbeds in his every post.

[ericg]

"...If you want to battle me your in denial. Coming from your anus to check my style..."

Hahaha. Impenetrable? I see what the problem is. Your head's thick. In a sense perhaps it's not your fault. But that's not true.
"...Like that y'all and ya just don't stop..."

You're like a cop that is always bereft of ideal measures... You can't function properly in your position 'cause you're really not properly serving anyone as it is with the state and amount of corruption in the capitol, not to mention your own force. Well, fall in line. Turnin' you people out is funny. You never want to turn over do you. I'm practically giving you a leaf. Piss on it if you want. Just don't play dumb. I'm all out enraged about today, so stop taking what I say to the head. I call 'em as I see 'em.

Ooh and D_Raay says you can discern but he's still on the fence to appease the other 5 morons that frequent. That's dumb, pathetic and sad. If you're not pissed, you're not paying attention. So again, discern and don't get your head in a bind over what I say. Look at the big picture. Take the fucking idea of what I'm saying and explain yourself better if you can. If not, fuck you.

[Ace42]

His overall point you can discern.

Shame they are meritless and not worth the effort, really...

[ericg]

You're speaking for yourself. You don't have what it takes. Fools can't see me... Yes it is a shame. You too are dumber than the day. It would take you another lifetime or 10 to have the merit I've got. Mock it, then you stock it.

[D_Raay]

Ooh and D_Raay says you can discern but he's still on the fence to appease the other 5 morons that frequent.
I am on no fence. Certain posters I have a great deal of respect for, hence even if I don't agree with them I certainly give them the benefit of the doubt. I am not one to argue normally, only to educate or enlighten if i can without being boisterous or obnoxious. I am as enraged as you are eric, probably more so for I work amongst the Capitol Hill fucks and am privy to some more sensitive information than hits the mainstream media. I don't agree with your attack on Schmeltz or Ace they are both intelligent concerned human beings...

[Schmeltz]

I couldn't possibly get my head in a bind over what you say since I have no idea what you're saying to begin with. I'm only getting more and more confused as this discussion wears on.

Would D_Raay or Ace or somebody with an actual handle on the concept of self-expression like to return to the original topic of conversation?

[ericg]

So we got 'shameful and not worth the effort' missing 10 cards, 'not on the fence but privy' working amongst Capitol Hill giving the benefit of the doubt, and 'no idea but more confused' needs a handle on the original conversation.. You are all pathetic. You give a bad name to yourself and this board. And don't even know it yet. Think what you like. If you don't like it then Hey Fuck You!!!!!

[bb_bboy]

It seems as though the people who truly have something to remember will not need a reminder to do so.

[ericg]

Of course, rituals of remembrance and commemoration are performed more for the sake of the living than for the dead. Can you seriously expect people to choose a factual, realistic interpretation of the past over one that emphasizes the preservation and perpetuation of a mythic set of national values? Especially in America, the reality of modern warfare is of vastly less cultural importance than the mythic ideology constructed around it.

I don't see why this should come as a surprise; it's been an outstanding cultural feature of any and every civilization that's ever existed. The headstones, statuary, and cenotaphs are about preserving an idealized vision of the institutions of the state, not remembering the dead (with whom a real personal connection is at any rate allegedly impossible). Even if people have had enough of this kind of exploitation, how could they break free from patterns they themselves have created? Any replacement would simply make use of the same timeless mechanisms currently exploited so very efficiently and ably by the Bush administration; even if the aim was different it would all be the same system.

A completely new and different way of interpreting our societies is necessary for their reinvention. Otherwise we're doomed to a perpetuation of the cycle of history - a paralyzing stasis. Old forms simply won't do anymore - we need a remake from the ground up. But it's far simpler to say than to do.

I'm not here to fight. I responded to this the way I did because although you gave a framework to some extent.. it seemed you took everything personal and put it with a blatent and heartless motif, like it's all immaterial and just the way it is. I appreciate the gravity of it all to the last drop of my being, so when you say the sky is falling for natural reasons, I see that as part of the problem. Ya dig? Like revelations only happen if fools don't get a handle on it. They've been given all the time in the world, and yet their grades only fall for the passive obfuscations and subtle but macro distortion and ill timing... It's enough to make any sane man go insane trying to make sense of a world that's so judgement impaired. Where truth is abandoned, nothing is left to live for. As any homeless veteran can attest to... not to mention the rest of the world. So a purposed lack of resolve is the problem. Like what's worse, the crime or the cover up. Civilization's fall for lack of integrity. That's the real history. A crime ignored is a crime bound to cripple a nation in the long run. At this point, we got a nation full of cripples tryin' to get over on prosthetics and for what. We'll never get anywhere playing with that kind of senseless handicap. Our very being... soul and spirit's been dilluted and drained and for what? The masses still filed into the system's scam and can't see the devastation of the forest for a tree, and yet chop it down thinking they'll get a look. Anyway, I'm all about the brass tax. I've made too much sense for it yet still bereft of stock in it all. I don't even want to go over and through all the shit again. Who's got the manifesto people? Where's the mandate? Why won't an ek'spoza at large eradicate the overt corruption once and for all on the appropriate stage? Integral beams are no longer. We need a Class Action. Turn this dull, baron, hyena prone land into the pristine benign ecosystem it's really meant to be. The know how is out there. Degeneration X can never seem to figure Y and what it means. How is that even possible? You do the math. What are you equivalent to? Stop building SUV's strung out on OPEC. In all practical aspects. Who in their right mind doesn't know all the difference down to it? Come to my theme park and I'll show you how small the world is after all. Like old school is a testament. Like that's all folks.

I really should stop there. Now you want to get down to the reasons. It's almost like wanting to go into length on what a bolt does on a time machine. Just get there. Follow me. The light and the dark side is so primitive. Get a grasp on what the fuck man 'cause I'm tellin' you what. 'Carrey' to the 'Senate in general' (The Magestic). 'Hughes' to 'Senator Brewster'. Show another. World, why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through. Why isn't it getting through... I can't wash my hands enough. Why is life's lived and died for potential given to premature death handed out by the very negligence and abuse of resources and wherewithal. Yes D_Raay, I've had exponentially more than my share of enough!!! Hell it's taken a year to be processed back into the military.. 1 year, 3 recruiters later and incompetence galore.. in last attempts to make the best of it and get better training in another MOS, college etc... and only this week told that I'm barred due to possesion charges which I won't even get into. Cops wouldn't know better if it hit them on the head at this point. Our recruiters are nothing more than car salesmen who advocate oil and much much much worse. That's the point they never get while going along to get along. It's pathetic. Redford, where are you? Too much radiation getting through. We need a rain dance and our independence on matters of truth back. If they had a clue at all and any integrity whatsoever on how to judge character, where and how my initiatives, motivation and loyalties have kept true with me and what I'm or it's all about..... All I got in response to laying the facts down for the Station Commander was "That's between you and your president." My life was practically hanging on that. I've been cross country and beyond paving every route out there is in my circumstance. Maybe a one way ticket to Amsterdam to end it is due. But I digress. I couldn't do that, but how the hell can I live this way. I can't! It's been made practically impossible. Blood clot all around. Locked with the keys in latch. And no Apollo rally or Democratic rendezvous in DC is going to change a damn thing. It is in vain. Like punishing a murderer and rapist for spitting on the sidewalk. In fact, they're not even seeking indemnity, reparations, much less accountability etc... They're taking a bitch slapping glove to the beginnings of a nuclear war. They're spinning a controlled opposition on a platform way beneath the stage. I've said too much.. Tell me it's not getting through. Here of all places. I gotta go buy milk before the store closes.

Don't even get me started...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[ericg]

BUMP
Still hunting...
Remember me? I pulled your number. Flipped your script. How'd you like them apples, again?

[freetibet]

Isn't Memorial Day a time to show some RESPECT?

Soon You'll say Korea and Europe in 1944 were also American war crimes. (n)

[ericg]

If you could tell me who and what you're addressing exactly... it may save time. Then again, it may not.

[ericg]

Edit: Could you tell me who and what you're addressing.. exactly? Is that a rhetorical question? For what purpose? What direction? I'm not able to track your second statement.