- If we are to believe the latest horror story out of Foggy
Bottom, the abuses in Iraq are merely a sequel to Dueling Banjos. Here
we go again. Nobody knew anything. Well I can better understand how one
could lose track of over 11 million illegals, when they don't even know
what's happening in a secure facility. Interesting, that the cast of characters,
thus far, are from rural America. Seemingly uneducated, we are led to believe
that leaving their banjos behind they picked up M-16s, leashes and cameras,
and simply did a little hazing, never having had the experience in secret
societies or schools of higher learning.
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- We are furthermore told that these abuses, not "torture",
are uncharacteristic of the values of American society at large. Really!
In a few days we'll see the anniversary of the bombing of the Move organization.
In the city of brotherly love, on May 13, 1985, hundreds of police armed
with assault weapons surrounded the home of Move. The crime? Move had refused
to respect present-day America and its prevailing "values."Thousands
of bullets poured into the home. At 5:25pm a helicopter dropped a bomb
on the roof of Move's home, packed with C-4 military explosives. Nearby
row homes quickly caught fire. Firefighters were ordered not to extinguish
the flames. 61 homes burnt and 200 people were instantly homeless. All
but two of the Move members were killed. Sniper fire kept them from escaping
the inferno. In all 6 adults and 5 children died. America paid little attention.
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- Yes, America's values. James Byrd a Black, man was dragged
to his death in Texas, tied to the bumper of a pickup. His head, neck and
torso were found a mile from his mangled body. This week it was discovered
that his tombstone had been desecrated and a racial epitaph carved on the
metal marker. Then there's young, 22 year old University of Wyoming student
Matthew Sheppard. His crime? Being homosexual. Depravity in this instance,
(1998), tied his burned body (found still alive) to a fence. This in supposedly
enlightened Laramie, Wyoming not Butcher Holler.
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- Kent State, Ruby Ridge, Waco, school shootings, police
sodomizing Abner Louima (NYC) in 1997, and Amadou Diallo, shot 41 times
in the hallway of his apartment. Amadou was shot by undercover cops who
thought he was reaching for a weapon. It was his wallet. Just a guy going
home from work. Wrong place, his apartment lobby. Then there's the Rodney
King beating, the murders of celebrity wives, sports star rapes etc. Seattle
and Miami Florida, saw helmeted police, in flak jackets, with mace, stun
guns, shields and clubs beating on citizens (students-senior citizens)
simply demonstrating for their jobs being outsourced due to Draconian trade
treaties. No, this never made the "news". Nor has there been
any investigation as to why $8 million dollars out of the recent $87 billion
voted for Iraq, outfitted Sunshine Police? Little wonder family members
are having to buy flak jackets for their youngsters being sent to war.
Yes, our values.
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- Missing in all these telling of attack dogs, naked pyramid
building, hooded prisoners, sleep deprivation, nakedness, beatings, humiliation,
and God knows what else; are the military intelligence people and contractors
ordering 'grunts' to "soften up these prisoners." Many of these
people imprisoned are guilty of the crime of being "camel jockeys,
sand niggers, towel heads, or rag heads". Citizens swept up in night
time village sweeps and off the street. In a atmosphere of hostility, fear,
riots, bombings, etc., everyone is suspect. Everyone is the enemy. Everyone
is sub-human.
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- We would like to congratulate ourselves on our moral
certitude that we would never be caught up in a "just following orders"
scenario. Who would imagine that professionals, doctors, businessmen and
politicians at one point in our nation's history would don hoods and robes
and go out killing, terrorizing, and burning, innocent Black citizens homes?
Who would imagine in a land of such values- that churches would be bombed
killing little children, and snarling dogs would be set on those wishing
to vote?
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- We are far more barbaric than we would like to imagine.
Be it war, a prison, an institutional setting, politics, or even corporate-world,
people find themselves caught up in a 'go along to get along' mentality.
Removed from outside influence or scrutiny makes it even easier. While
many may not partake of grave abuses, their silence equals consent. Power
corrupts. A position of authority over someone, or a group less powerful,
or voiceless, does strange things to people. It's been said that the concentration
camps made saints of some and sinners of others. Some gave their lives
for others. Some sold fellow prisoners out for an extra crust of bread.
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- Yes, it's easy to say what we would do; far removed from
a prison, institution, secret society oaths, or a war situation. Many veterans
have called into C-Span recently and told of terrible atrocities they witnessed.
They remained silent out of fear for their lives. Who can forget the case
(1964) of Kitty Genovese. This young woman was stabbed repeatedly and raped,
over a period of some time, in a fashionable part of New York City. Though
there were 38 witnesses to this continuing crime, not one person looking
out their windows, called the police. Not one. Police said at the time
that people had become too selfish and frightened to help another. Here
we are 40 years later, not only onlookers but participants either first
hand or by our silence.
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- In 1971 an experiment took place called the Stanford
Prison Experiment. The question? What happens when you put good people
in an evil place? Does humanity win over evil, or does evil triumph? The
experiment was planned for two weeks. It had to be ended after only six
days because of what the situation was doing to the college students. In
only a few days, the guards (all students) became sadistic and the prisoners
showed signs of extreme stress.The film, Das Experiment is another look
at what happens when people are thrown into situations of dark evil.
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- This film taken from the idea of the Stanford Experiment
shows mans' inherent brutal nature, mans' underlying sadism. A world, be
it in a desert prison; holding the ghosts and sadism of a Saddam, or many
of our nation's institutions and prisons, is a world that lies between
fantasy and reality. In the experiment volunteers are divided into two
groups; guards and prisoners. The situation quickly deteriorates. Soon
the experiment spins totally out of control from the scientists conducting
it, as the guards debase the prisoners with various forms of brutality.
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- You are shown how ordinary people degenerated into nearly
inhuman monsters. The vicious humiliation to which the prisoners are subjected
is horrifying. Sound familiar? Many experiments have taken place over the
years, such as the effects of sensory deprivation and the like. Why has
all this work been done? One important cause is that military agencies
have pumped a considerable amount of money into the research, for obvious
reasons. Some of the more blatant examples are the book by Biderman and
Zimmer (1961) devoted to research on interrogation methods which was sponsored
by the U.S.Air Force, and Vernons, 'Inside the Black Room.' The entire
project was made possible by a generous-grant-in-aid of research given
by the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army, and by the National Science
Foundation.' We've seen the hoods on Iraqi citizens and have probably given
it little thought. Hooding causes an imbalance in the ratio of oxygen to
carbon dioxide in the air breathed and this causes mental confusion. The
restricted and in some cases non-existent diet also cause great harm. The
brain needs three things if it is to function efficiently, sensory stimulation,
sugar and oxygen. Perceptual judgement is impaired and the person becomes
apathetic and unresponsive.
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- Lack of exercise increases the bad effects. Prolonged
sleep deprivation ensures a progressive disintegration of personality and
rational behavior. Paranoid symptoms emerge and at the same time powers
of rational perception appear to be disturbed. It must also be noted, that
in the investigations of battle fatigue, after an average of fifty days
of severe combat, the majority of soldiers lost their ability to distinguish
the different noises of combat. They became easily startled and confused
and became tense. They were irritable and frequently 'blew their tops'
over-responded to all stimuli. This is followed by 'emotional exhaustion'.
This was accompanied by indifference and apathy. In such cases bizarre
contradictory behavior could occur. It is worthwhile considering that
soldiers and prisoners alike, (Iraq) in this sordid, obscene, scandal were
all guinea pigs? We have yet to hear from those trained in these barbaric
treatments of fellow human beings? Perhaps in this atmosphere of savagery,
lust, and blood soaked walls, filled with the anguish of untold deaths,
they too lost all control? Maybe their depravity and enjoyment came in
ordering others around and watching the humiliation? Evil affects all-from
top to bottom.
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- Mixed in with this psychological drama, of mankind reaching
for the stars, and practicing barbarism here on earth, there are other
considerations. Our culture is filled with hundreds of ready-made stereotypes.
Prejudice, in the form of negative put-downs, justifies oppression. Prejudice
(in this case against all Iraqis) can be a hostile, resentful feeling-an
unfounded dislike for someone, an unfair blaming or degradation of others.
It is this that helps us to feel superior. Our culture? Why our culture
harbors a multitude of prejudice. We have prejudice against blacks, women,
Jews, Arabs, rich, homeless, rednecks, white trash, obese, handicapped,
elderly, atheists, homosexuals, Latinos, American Indians etc.
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- Once others are seen as the 'enemy' they become sub-human
and any atrocity is permitted. Approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians
were put in internment camps. In the U.S., approximately 120,000. Many
of these people were native born. It shows you how suspicion, prejudice,
and fear, can lead to hysteria. After 9-11 and up until today, many people
of Arab descent, in fact anyone with a swarthy complexion, be they from
India, Pakistan, Egypt etc., came under immediate suspicion. Muslims practicing
their religion were fearful, and many of mid-eastern descent were rounded
up and disappeared. With all of our technology and access to the great
teachers of history, we have learned very little. How many caged in Cuba
are innocent, having been swept up in the fanatical hysteria of it all?
We don't know? They have no rights. When you speak or condone the removal
of rights for one group of persons, you have at the same time removed
your own. People don't think of this. It's always the other--never oneself.
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- When we are prejudiced, we violate three standards; reason,
justice, and/or tolerance. We are unreasonable. We judge others negatively
without evidence or in spite of positive evidence or use stereotypes without
allowing for individual differences. We violate all three of these standards
when we have a scapegoat (a powerless prisoner!). It has been found, for
example, that persons who are low in socioeconomic status or have lost
status are more prejudiced, perhaps because they look for people to blame--for
scapegoats. Prejudice attitudes are learned via several processes. Slave
owners profited greatly from slaves. Factories profit from low paid workers.
Industry profits from locating polluting factories in poor communities.
It can also be inherited. Children identify with bigoted parents and adopt
these attitudes without thinking. They may hear the poor or working class
referred to as "simple-white trash-bums-useless breeders etc."
No, people aren't born prejudiced, it is a learned and cultivated attitude.
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- Many people are simply followers. They have been conditioned
the whole of their lives to obey authoritative people. Thus, this obedience
to 'just following orders' in a military setting is predictable. In case
you haven't noticed, rare is the person who steps outside his/her station,
or packaged image, to question. They may disagree but they do it silently.
The person who screams, "My country-right or wrong" or "Pack
your bags and leave" may be a patriotic speech-making politicians
who is secretly an antidemocratic authoritarian. For the authoritarian
the values of respecting and caring for others are not as important as
being a good American, a good Christian, a good Republican etc.
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- Values important to the authoritarian personality are;
cleanliness, success, denial of emotions, (especially anger and even love),
firm discipline, following the rules or the process. The unquestioning
follower stores up unexpressed anger at authority. They take their anger
out on someone safe (like an inmate-prisoner-or resident of an institution
etc). It can't be expressed towards the authority (especially in the military),
so it is displaced to an outsider who is different--a scapegoat. The 'good
cause' to which one is dedicated often dictates who to hate, and who to
be prejudiced against. Authoritarian personalities don't trust people.
They believe people who are different are no good. Everybody should cheat
if they have a chance. Such negative views leads people to the conclusion
that more laws and a strong police and military are necessary. Cameras,
retina scans, body searches, urine samples, triple ID etc.
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- Authoritarian personalities relish being the strongest
nation on earth, the best corporation, living in the best part of town,
socializing with the in-crowd, etc. Simple minded thinking, leaves our
leaders and our enormous government, to tell us what to do. We just do
as we are told. And, in general, we, "the masses" are given simple
explanations by authoritarian leaders. "The terrorists hate us because
they are jealous of our freedom. This abuse is just a few rotten apples.
The economy is rounding the bend on recovery. Re-training will soon see
you on your feet. God is on our side." The authoritarian personality
feels that only they have the answers. They need no advice. They believe
an original thinker is dangerous; he/she will think differently. It is
estimated that at least 80% of us have prejudices. A study of obedience
suggests that 65% of us would physically hurt someone if told to do so
by an AUTHORITY. Most people conform to social pressures in dress, in opinions
and in behavior. For man obedience is a deeply ingrained behavior tendency,
overriding training in ethics, sympathy, and moral conduct. Major General
Smedley Butler USMC, who served for 33 years in the military, and was one
of our most decorated Marines, stated; "So vicious was this war propaganda
that even God was brought into it. With few exceptions our clergymen joined
in the clamor to kill, kill, kill. To kill the Germans (now Iraqis). God
is on our side....it is His will that the Germans (Iraqis) be killed."
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- This Abu Ghraib prison, by the President's own account,
was a place of great depravity with it's rape and torture rooms. In such
a blood soaked environment of evil, why should we imagine that the worst
in man wouldn't continue? Darkness is ever so more inviting than the light,
for the works of evil. The blood of the innocents permeates the grounds
of this place and will influence all who enter in. The walls themselves
bear witness to past and present horrors no matter man's attempts to hide
his deeds. All things done in the darkness shall be brought into the light.
If man will not speak the very walls will cry out!
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- Removed from the familiarity of home town streets, fenced
yards, and friendly neighbors, in a distant hostile land, how would we
respond to the brutality around us? Not as civilians, but as military personnel,
who are conditioned to not question? Are these people trained in when to
"not follow an order?" We are awash in various financial scandals.
Many in these situations didn't question various decisions, altered books,
or kept silent. Men compromise on votes, business decisions, or political
favors. Ministers, teach a gospel of compromise or avoid love of neighbor
altogether. People remain passive, acquiescent , silent; out of fear for
their jobs, their image, their monetary gain, promotions, political re-election,
or fear. Fear, of being an individual. You can not honestly say how you
would react in a situation, where you are alienated from society, as you
know it. Not in a prison, a institution, or the military. You don't prepare
for a crisis in the midst of one. Who you are, is formed well before a
life's crisis of conscience.
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- I once worked in an institution in a distant state. I
was much like the people in the photographs being shown. An ordinary person
thrown into extra-ordinary circumstances. I saw people who worked in this
hidden mountain facility, committing the most heinous of acts; on helpless,
voiceless, powerless people.These abusers were people that I saw at
church, at the grocery store, and on downtown streets. I desperately needed
the job to help pay our mortgage. This was one of the only places of employment
in this rural community. People come to what I refer to as "crossroads
decisions" in their lives. "Crossroads decisions", are life-altering.
I needed to know who I was more than the money. There are times, when you
can't remain silent, no matter the threat. People hear the voice of conscience,
and most times pretend otherwise. Many make excuses to themselves-monetary
and otherwise. If they choose to remain silent, or partake in such abuses,
they give over a part of their humanity that can never be recovered. The
abuse at this institution was systemic, with many in positions of authority
(including ministers) turning a blind eye, with some participating. A long
story and a long battle. Yes, there were the threats, hearings, lie detector
tests, court hearings etc. A three year nightmare. The best part of my
entire life. I won every court action against these abusers of the helpless.
We ended up losing our house and having to move. I would, even with all
I know now, of the emotional trauma etc, I would do it all over again.
I don't want to be made a part of evil by my silence or otherwise. Dr.
King said, "There's nothing worth living for unless there's something
worth dying for." These people should have followed their conscience
and their hearts and refused to "follow orders". We all should.
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