- This morning, listening to C-Span, I
was sickened at the inhumane remarks made by callers from across the country
(both parties). I would estimate that 90% of the people had no problem
with the recent massacre of civilians in Haditha. It was apparent, listening
to their comments that few had bothered to read the initial accounts of
this massacre. There was the usual lionizing of the military fighting
for peace, justice and the American way.
-
 Haditha: A roadside bomb
went off at 7:15 a.m. as local families were preparing for the day. They
had the bad luck of living adjacent to this incident which killed a Marine.
Immediately afterwards, Marines stormed the house directly across from
the attack, shooting as they approached though there was no gunfire
from any of the homes.
-
- A video shot by a local journalism student
shows the bloody aftermath of what happened. Inside this home (the first
one) was a 76 year old blind man in a wheelchair and his 66 year old wife
and nine of their sons, daughters- in laws and grandchildren. The
Corner's report obtained by NBC News reported that the wheelchair
bound, blind mean was shot in the stomach and head. The wife and five other
relatives were killed by multiple gunshot wounds.
-
- Ten year old Iman, who survived, told
news reporters "The Americans came into the room where my father was
praying and shot him. They went to my grandmother and killed her, too,"
Iman says. During this raid the house caught fire when a propane tank in
the kitchen blew up. Marines then moved next door. Nine people were inside,
and eight were killed, five of them children. Twelve year old Safa says
she hid under the bed. "They came in and shot all of us", she
says, "I pretended I was dead".
-
- Marines then moved to a third location
a taxi parked by the side of the road. In it, were four university
students and a driver. A witness watching from a nearby rooftop says Marines
took the five men out of the car and executed them. The driver was screaming
in English, "Please!, please!" but they shot him in the body.
-
 At approximately 10:30
a.m., Marines stormed the house of Eid Ahmed, where they separated his
four sons from the women and children before killing the men. Nine
year old Khalid was in the house. "This is my father!" he screamed,
"God will take my revenge!" Note: And we wonder how terrorists
are made (JM)
-
- If not for the story in Time magazine,
months after this event, it is doubtful it would have come to light. The
first reports from the Marines, were that these civilians had died when
the roadside bomb went off. Afterwards the story changed. It was then reported
that they were being fired upon from these homes and fired back.
Investigations proved that this didn't happen, as the bullet holes were
all within the homes, and not on the outer walls.
-
- Citizens calling into C-Span were as
cold blooded, as those who participated in this alleged attack on civilians.
They casually, some vindictively stated; "This is war, things
like this happen, everybody is the enemy, including women and children,
our troops have to protect themselves." The tragic thing is,
this event happened to get news coverage, most don't, including whole families
shot up at road blocks and the massacre at Fallujah (no media coverage)
where males from 15 -65 were not permitted to leave the city.
-
- Thousands of Iraqi citizens in Fallujah
died in the midst of napalm, bombing and phosphorous weaponry. Bodies were
found charred and melted; with the newest annihilating inventiveness of
civilized man! With the Geneva Convention mocked by top officials, as being
"archaic", the way has been paved for all kinds of mayhem. The
torture, humiliation, and deaths at Abu Ghraib, were for the most part,
reported by the American media, as nothing more than hazing! In this situation
only a few grunts were held accountable! Whatever the horror story,
over and over, we are given the "bad apple theory". It seems
apparent, that in this impossible madhouse of slaughter, this barrel of
apples is now fermenting. While there are (obvious) sociopaths in
ALL walks of life; from politicians to your local minister, the theater
of war is a Disney world of delight for these soulless ones, permitted
to kill legally?
-
- Marine General, Smedley Butler, a 34
year veteran of wars, stated upon his retirement, "All war is a racket".
He went on to explain that he until he was out of the service; he never
had an individual thought, but just followed orders. One can never excuse
indiscriminate slaughter, but you can understand how it can happen. Men
removed from the 'civilized' world; and thrust into a desert land thousands
of miles from home, certainly don't have the option of quitting or calling
their representative! Like any organized group of people; be it doctors,
lawyers, politicians, police, the workplace or the military there's
an unspoken code that the group mind rules! Rare is the person (sad to
say) who will step outside this cult like obedience, should anything
untoward occur. People basically have a herd instinct, fearful of facing
the wrath, vindictiveness, and isolation of being set apart from the group.
Many may not participate and be quite outraged at some of the things they
witness but they remain silent nevertheless and therefore accomplices.
The military (and police) are especially close knit groups with a special
bonding taking place. They depend on each other for their very lives. The
whistleblower is seen as a 'traitor'. Society bears this out, when time
and time again, you read of the person who reported such and such a wrong
in the workplace/government/medical etc; being fired from their jobs and
black balled!
-
- Muslim cleric Abdul Al Kabaissi
stated, "The situation has reached a level when the U.S. soldier becomes
a professional killer, who kills with premeditation and deliberation".
It is simply comedic theater, to watch politicians or these paid
'expert' talking heads, who spend the days of their lives, in protected
gilded environments, giving their talking points on the inhumanities of
war. War, plain and simple, turns ordinary people into barbarians
it's the nature of the beast; when death and melted flesh are daily events!
FEAR has the soldier shooting, killing and destroying all who threaten
his existence! You don't experience this fly fishing, on a private
hunting preserve, bike riding in Crawford, or slurping it up, in
some Georgetown restaurant! Hell, someone drops a hammer in the Capitol,
and the Suits go scurrying like rats deserting a ship.
-
 None of
the callers to C-Span, it appeared, were able to relate to the terrible
ordeal that the Iraqi people are being subjected to. They are not safe
in their homes preparing breakfast, not safe on their farms (Ali had his
arms blown off), not safe in the Mosque or marketplace. Food, fuel, and
electricity are in short supply in the scorching desert heat. Their culture
was destroyed, on the first days of 'Shock and Awe', when museums, schools,
and libraries were allowed to be looted of their antiquities or destroyed.
Rumsfeld remarked "Stuff happens". With an attitude like that
in leadership is it any wonder that this surreal landscape, of a
Salvador Dali painting, resembles a maniacal video arcade with no exit
door! Every moment is a Dante's Inferno.
-
- The answer to the massacre at Haditha;
is to institute seminars on ethics! Is it any wonder that thousands
returning from war are mentally unhinged? How do you train youth from impoverished
America (the elite don't do war ask Cheney), to kill in the morning
and then teach 'ethical' killing in the afternoon? I fear we're creating
a generation of schizophrenics! Many returning from this bloodlust
are supposed to return to their, once upon a time suburban or rural environments,
and live happily ever after! Only thing is, once men and women have been
in the midst of war they are forever changed. War opens a dark chamber
in the recesses of man's psyche of the 'Silent Scream' that goes on forever.
-
- It is my opinion that many give no thought
to the war at all. I've met them. When I have attempted to broach it with
them, all I hear is "they should kill all those rag heads and turn
the place to glass nuke'em that's what we should do".
I once thought that if the war was brought closer to home outside
the media propaganda, that there would be an outcry of one accord, to stop
all war. I thought, if only they were witness to the children, shredded
and traumatized in the name of democracy they would care. I don't
think that way anymore. Ownership of an ideology no matter how perverse;
blinds men to truth. They adherents to war, and all its 'glory'; own
the crazed youth shooting up Iraqi homes, the dogs set on terrified prisoners
(caught up in village sweeps), the terror stricken children, the weapons
that melt flesh from bone, the blind man in his wheelchair (not seeing
his end coming), the pulverized cities, the poisoned land/water (depleted
uranium), the grotesquely deformed babies, the limbless soldier, grasping
his tarnished medals, the multitudes of gravestones, the echo of taps,
on a mountain top in Vermont, and the empty tortured eyes of the
conqueror and conquered ones unable to speak of that which is ever
before them.
-
-
- Comment
- R.S.
-
- Dear Judy,
-
- I just read the owner of war article on rense.
I am always amazed to read your thoughts. I was a youth in germany during
and after WW 2 . As such I experienced all the horrors that the People
of Iraq now endure.Had the crooked media of the 1940 and fifties reported
the excesses and the brutality of the allied troops toward the defeated
Germans things might have turned out differently in the sixty years after
WW2.
-
- Thousands of the troops saw the crimes commited but were
sworn to silence as condition to have a honorable discharge. To my dismay
almost none of the US soldiers had the decency and honesty to report what
they did or witnessed with their own eyes. I, personally, at age 14 saw
the German POWs in their barbed wire cages starved to death at the hands
of eisenhower's soldiers. My own father, after 4 months in the US-run camp
in Heilbronn was released to work as barber for the US army. When he got
out he weighed 90 pounds and looked like Mahatma Ghandi. The brutality
we see in Iraq is nothing new for the conduct of US troops. It's just a
repeat of brutal crimes that started already with the American Civil War
in 1863. It is no wonder that the United States have such a high
murder and incarceration rate. The violence starts at the very top. I have
many Americans as friends but they are almost all in denial. Please
keep up the good work.
-
- Sincerely Yours,
- R.S.
- Canada
-
-
- Comment
- J. Kiso
-
- Hi, I'm an American living and working in Europe. I can
only hope that your article and others like it wil be understood by the
people of the US before it's too late to say 'I'm sorry'...If it isn't
already. I hope thet men and women like you will soon be leading
the people back to a healthy and good life, and that these sick people
who are now in power get some kind of help and treatment. They
are sick and are spreading an epidemic of evil throughout the world.
These sick people are giving the rest of us a terrible name in the world.
-
- I also used to believe that , given the information and
awareness that the American people would not stand for the horrible things
happening today, but this is just another example of the extent of control
that can be exercised on the population. It's happened before and
will probablly happen again. I personally am praying for a sunami
of goodness enlightening the people , and showing the extent of this sickness.
I can't say and don't know how to change what is going on, but I do know
that nature and the power of good, will ballance this terrible journey
to darkness and destruction that we are now experiencing. Sometime
soon these lost souls will not look so powerful but will seem small and
weak, sick with all of the negative and cruel thinge that are following
them, about to swallow them up. You are a very fine writter and I'm
proud to see that some people are aware and involved .
-
- I wish I could do something to help. Our newspapers
and media here in Europe are reporting more and detailed information about
these terible times, but it doesn't get much attention or real concern.
I can't understand how our so called leaders are able to do so many things
that are destroying all of the principles of goodness, right and wrong
as defined by the law, and any sense of moral or spiritual understanding.
this sickness has been terrible before infecting millions of people. I
cannot and do not believe that these sick people are very many of the worlds
people. I have traveled to many countries in my life, and I'm sure that
most of the people are busy trying to care for their families and are victims
of a few ugly and powerful slime who are able to control us through
fear and lying. I am hoping and praying every day for an end
to this storm. Even one more day is unthinkable.
-
- JOE
-
- Thanks again for the strong words. Please keep
up the good work. Here are some Questions that need to be asked.
What have these people done to deserve such treatment? Do you think
that a fear of the truth means that someone is lying? Can we live
in a world where we can't trust one another? How long can we pretend that
we don't know the extent of the sickness? When will the people of
the US pull together without fear and say no ?
-
-
-
- Response from Judy Moriarty --
-
- Thank you for your heartfelt words. I have received
many responses to this article (one quite hateful shrug). I
regret that the photographs included with this article were not printed.
I am a strong believer that we are, due to 'programming' (TV
movies), a people impacted more by graphics, than words (shockingly
many do not read today, and illiteracy is high in our nation). Like you
I too believe implicitly that the greater majority of the world's
people; are loving, hard working, gentle of nature, wanting nothing
more than to raise their children free from want and perpetual war and
FEAR. Due to the corporate control of our media (I read your European/other
papers for real news), we get a daily dirge of fluff and nutter nonsense!
There is basically no in-depth reporting of the war (absent a high profile
terrorist killed).
-
- I believe that a person should be an active citizen involved
not only in their own pet causes but in all aspects of their town/state/domestic
issues. I am adamantly opposed to welfare (having been a social worker
advocate for those in institutions etc). This misguided philanthropy
of tax monies does nothing but force dependency and apathy on people. I
am of the mind that if the Church were not intent on filling their own
coffers and building their mega ministries, etc; that the widow,
the orphan, the elderly, and those with special needs (without family -
or financial means) would be adequately cared for within the community.
-
- I believe, that ever so insidiously and diabolically;
these past decades (while the populous was distracted with the superfluous)
, that a breed of men, with financial means, power, and titled influence
(insane as it sounds) believe that they alone are the keepers of
the world and all that is within it. Their goal, is nothing short
of building themselves a global plantation (thus trade treaties), with
multi national companies, (World Bank IMF various influential
groups - absent any allegiance to any country Economic Summits)
enslaving the multitudes and controlling the resources (gas, oil, water,
timber, food, minerals) of every land.
-
- How foolish (ignorant) people are to think that the pawns,
the political hacks, in the public eye, hold any influence or power! They
are a pitiful lot not even reading the bills put before them (or
treaties). I don't see them as 'evil' or of a malignant nature. They simply
made the 'choice' to indulge themselves at the public trough, relishing
their minuscule influence/titles/perks/and security if they play the Game
according to the rules. The real power is not seen on the public stage
those of a psychopathic nature; who charm, manipulate and ruthlessly
(thus war) plow their way through life without the slightest sense of guilt
or regret. There victims (consciously or unconsciously) ask, "Who
are these people?" People (wrongly) are made to believe that
psychopaths are the disturbed criminals who capture the headlines (and
some are). But not all psychopaths are killers (at least not in the sense
that we identify killers). They are more likely to be men and women who
move through life with a supreme self confidence (answerable to no
one) but without a conscience (which greater society cannot relate to
themselves in possession of a conscience).
-
- Your Questions: "What have these people done to
deserve such treatment?" Well Joseph, history proves, that the people
of the world the 'common man', have done nothing to deserve genocide,
famine, shredding, nuclear melting, shattering et al, other than to be
in the way of a greater agenda; of psychopathic mayhem seeking to
control and rob a region or county of its youth, resources, and land. In
these elite circles, if perchance, you read some of their ego-centric
writings the masses are referred to by these 'self appointed' gatekeepers;
as "the herd, cattle, useless eaters, human resources, acceptable
risks, collateral damage etc." Fact is, if they (various statements)
had their druthers, billions should be done away with to make the world
more habitable and manageable by 'them'.
-
- "Do you think that fear of the truth means someone
is lying?" For those in positions of power (corrupted power),
I don't believe that TRUTH ever enters the picture. Life to them, in the
public arena, is a continual PR campaign distracting, patronizing,
and presenting the disinformation newspeak, scripted message of the
hour. The 'common man' is not thought intelligent enough, or genetically
qualified; to absorb anything more that Simple Simeon BS. Only those most
qualified are to be the Keepers of the Crypt's secrets.
-
- FEAR of the truth for the ordinary man is another matter.
Men fear the unknown and they fear change. They fear that educating themselves
seeking objective truth, in a matter, will set them apart mark
them as 'other'. Group think is in individuality is passé.
They fear being alienated by the 'group', isolated and labeled.
Man is a social creature and seeks approval above truth. I once worked
in an institution where work a day people from the community,
was witnessed the most of horrific of abuses, against helpless residents
and said NOTHING. They would whisper to me in the hallways on the way to
another court hearing etc, "We're with you" (I reported everything)
but they were paralyzed with FEAR; of being set apart, from those who intimidated
them, through physical threat etc. They finally did get the courage, after
a long period (another story).
-
- "Can we live in a world where we can't trust one
another?" Trust involves emotion and logic. Emotionally it is where
you expose your vulnerabilities to people believing they will not take
advantage of your openness. Logically we predict the actions of another
based on past actions words promises etc. We really don't have
a choice of whether we can live in a world where we can't trust one another
we simply have to work around those who have proved untrustworthy
and align ourselves with those we do trust. There will never be a
time (man being who he/she is) when we are not gravely disappointed in
another in whom we placed great trust, i.e. a doctor, spouse, alledged
friend, politician, minister etc. We have to on guard against harboring
bitterness, and un-forgiveness, thus tarnishing all future
relationships. Trust is hard won and once lost harder to regain.
-
- "How long can we pretend we don't know the extent
of the sickness?" The question should be, how long can people deceive
themselves to the extent of the sickness? Funny thing about deception
people do not recognize it. Many die 'pretending' or 'deceiving' themselves.
I have dealt with some pretty rabid (to be expected) people in my writings
I would estimate, that I have (with some patience), managed to convince
about 20%, to view things from a different perspective but
it's worth it. It's a tedious, one by one endeavor. But that one
will influence how many others? Given the times the 'sickness' may
impact them sooner than they realize despite their denials. It's
called a "rude awakening".
-
- "When will the people of the U.S. pull together
and say no?" Don't be fooled on the 'no' aspect. Remember one thing
the media here is very controlled and one sided. There are many people
saying 'no' in their own unique ways yet it is never reported. In
our town, every Sat, without fail, a small group of people gather with
their signs on a main thoroughfare, with their "NO"in NYC last
month, approximately 350,000 marched saying "NO" (not reported
on any station). The "NO" is gaining momentum listen can
you hear it? I'll leave you with a more uplifting article http://www.rense.com/general56/placse.htm
-
- Warmly yours,
- J. Moriarty
- USA
-
-
- Comment
marco51
-
- The Owners Of War
-
- What a powerful piece of writting Judith Moriarty! I
am feel it is only the beginning of war and the end of the USA home of
the brave. As a Vet I am very saddened by the turn toward Fascism.
-
- Last Sunday, the Seattle Times printed my letter in the
lead position. Take Care!
-
- Dear Editor -
-
- Zarqawi Jr.
-
- A billion dollars a week for a total of a quarter of
a trillion dollars to kill the boogey man Al-Zarqawi? He may a have been
a real scary guy, but what about the ten thousand potential Zarqawis being
allowed over the USA border everyday?
-
- I suppose that thousands of violent drug-peddling, South
American gang members aren't nearly as scary as Zarqawi was. They just
lack the proper media attention, that's all. Fox News, where are you on
this?
-
- We will most likely be getting a new boogey man soon,
just tune into Fox News and CNN. Don't worry. You won't be long without
someone to fear! A billion dollars a week guarantees it. You can bet there
is a Zarqawi, Jr. out there ready for prime time.
-
- Mark Lemmon
-
-
- Comment
- Root Man
-
- Hello, I read your piece on war.
-
- You are right.
-
- Don't judge the US population by the callers that were
screened and let on that stupid show.
-
- Most people are good. Most people know it is wrong. They
have been dumbed down and filled with lies and fear so they do not want
to admit what they know.
-
- The soldiers are volunteers (at least at first) they
will reap the results of their actions in this life and the next.
-
- These things do happen in war but the good thing is that
with this war it is taking far less time for the truth to come out.
-
- Eventually, war will not be possible the only problem
will be the iron fist of the world police state.
-
- The only solution is for everybody to look within themselves
and try to reduce their anger, greed and delusion by cultivating ethics,
concentration and wisdom.
-
-
- Comment
- Anthony Joseph Geha Yuja
-
- Dear Judith,
-
- Thank you and kudos to you for your beautiful and powerful
writing on the horrors of war in Iraq and God bless the honourable America
you so eloquently represent that has not lost its humanity or ability to
see beyond the hypocrisy and lies of this so called War on Terror, initiated
at the behest of Israel's friends in Washington and which has conveniently
shifted attention away from their protegé's daily atrocities
against entire Palestinian populations under occupation.
-
- With best wishes.
-
- Sincerely,
-
- Anthony Joseph Geha Yuja
- Florence, Italy
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