Originally posted from 09-12-04 to 09-19-04
Sorry Charlie, I Don't Buy Your Bovine Scatology
by Dr. M. Sidney Wallace

I read an editorial by Charley Reese this past week in my local toilet paper subscription. The title was “Our soldiers again dying for nothing, or Don’t Waste The Blood.” In the editorial, Mr. Reese draws what he sees as a strong parallel with the Iraq War and the Viet Nam War.

Mr. Reese, like other famous war protesters, must have spent many years “in country” in both wars. This is the only way he could have such an understanding of each country. From his writings, it is very obvious that Mr. Reese has detailed first hand knowledge of both wars.

He opens with, “All of those young lives were sacrificed by blundering civilian politicians and bureaucrats who made their deaths meaningless. They died because of the posturing and ineptness of politicians in Washington who sent them to war for no logical reason…”

Mr. Reese surely must have conveniently forgotten about the leaders of the peace movement lead by questionably decorated war veteran John Kerry, and world-renowned military strategist Jane Fonda.

He goes on to describe how his “first hand” knowledge of the circumstances of South Viet Nam made no difference in the outcome of the war. He must have personally interviewed tens of thousands of people in Viet Nam to come to his conclusion.

Mr. Reese next goes on to explain how the situation in Iraq is almost the exact same circumstance to Viet Nam. Again, this knowledge could have only been obtained from months in the cities and villages of Iraq conducting personal interviews.

He closes by saying, “In the end, the American who die in Iraq will, like their brothers who died in Vietnam, have died for nothing.” It is simply remarkable how one individual in South Florida could have so much first hand knowledge of world events in his head.

Never fear Charlie Reese, “Mighty Mouse is on the way to save the day," again. When John Kerry gets elected to the office of President of the United States of America, his first act will be to collect all his medals from the lawn of the White House and pin them on Saddam for his time spent as a captive of the United States. He will immediately order that all citizens of Iraq return to their previous positions in the Iraqi society. He will demand the congress appropriate at least $87 billion to pay Saddam for his loss and turn over all American military equipment to Saddam’s new army. He will insist that all of our troops march at least to Turkey as a punishment for their “war crimes.”

Mr. Reese closes by saying, “No American soldier should ever die, except in defense of his or her own country. Period. End of story. And every politician who wastes American blood should be thrown out of office.”

Sorry, Charlie. Your rhetoric is worn out after 40 years, and the American public is wise to the excrement that you and “Frenchy” are peddling.

Originally posted from 07-04-04 to 07-11-04
Let Freedom Reign
Happy Fourth of July
by Kerry L Marsala

The glorious day of handing the "reign of freedom" over to Iraq has come and gone. Their day of Independence causes me to reflect back in time to the beginning of America. Iraq is but a babe in democracy, but she now has the chance to stretch and grow her own wings, and soar to the heights she desires.

The hand over of sovereignty to Iraq from coalition forces took place quietly and two days ahead of schedule. There wasn’t a great deal of fan fair, or press coverage. It was a time to reflect on where Iraq had come from, and an occasion for pondering future hopes and dreams. The birth of democracy is a time for celebration, but it should give pause for repose.

Congress appointed a committee of five (Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Sherman, and Livingston) to draw up America's declaration. Jefferson was given the duty of being the one who penned the papers, with Franklin and Adams deleting, changing, and adding here and there. When Congress reconvened on July 1, 1776 they set the documents of declaration before Congress. Until the eve of July 4th a number of changes and debates occurred. Over sixty changes were made, but not one of the "ancient principals'' our Declaration was based on was taken away. According to historians, the agreement on the Declaration was done quietly and without fanfare.

Congress continued on with the next item after all the documents were satisfactory. In fact, the first public hearing of the Declaration of Independence wasn't read till July 8th, 1776 to a cheering crowd of Philadelphia people. Our founder's documents of declaration were not even signed until many months later. Furthermore, the names of the delegates who signed were also kept concealed. There was fear of retaliation.

Iraq has quietly signed her papers. She has announced to her people Iraq's sovereignty, and there is a mixed sense of elation and fear. Just as America's journey towards becoming a free people was met with gun battle from our enemy, Iraq's too is being met with insurgents who hate the idea of someone having a voice. The terrorists don't desire their people to be free. The murderous thugs don't want the Iraqi people to build a better life.

Iraq has discovered there are three very important things to the happiness of humankind. First of all, humankind desires freedom-both personally and nationally. Secondly, all humankind desires prosperity- both personally and nationally. Thirdly, all humankind longs for peace and the means of escaping from the horrors of anguish, brought on by the plague of war.

The Iraqi's day of 'Let Freedom Reign' has just begun. There will be hard and bloody days ahead. Remember in America's beginning we didn’t just sign a document and not have to pay a price. We fought side by side, all races, all faiths, all ages- for what all humankind dream of. The Iraqi's days are just beginning, their fight, their stand, their "Declaration of Independence" from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, al Qaeda, and other militant groups, who scream in the name of Allah, as they blow up, gas and behead their own people. The Iraqi citizens must find their own formula for freedom that works within their society.

America, Britain, and their allies who believe in these principals will be supporting them, side by side with Iraqi soldiers, police, government officials, and parents alike to assist them and be a friend to the Iraqi people who have finally tasted the sweetness of freedom.

May they keep freedom close to their hearts, and remember as Jefferson so solemnly stated, " If a nation expects to be ignorant and free as a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be…if we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed." May Iraq heed these words and make application to their country as well.

Happy Fourth of July America, remember who you are and where you came from. Happy journey Iraq, may your country be filled with rich blessings. Remember who you are and how your freedoms began.