November 11th was originally called Armistice Day, a day dedicated to peace on earth. It was the day that World War 1 ended, a war that everyone agreed was a waste and a horror.
After WW2, it was decided to set up a permanent war economy. So WW2 became the "good war," fought to stop facism. Armistice Day became Veteran's Day, the veterans were lionized and war became glorified. At the same time, "In God We Trust" was added to the money, and "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance. So the dream of the Founding Fathers was attacked on two fronts, a standing army was established, and the separation of Church and State was eroded. Interesting that Christianity was used to further the establishment of the military industrial complex!
Now we are continually told that "freedom isn't free." What hogwash! Freedom is the natural state of all. Even today there are tribes with no jails, no police, no military.
It's oppression that's expensive. We now have 700 bases, 2 hot occupations, and numerous special force operations going on. Thousands of people are engaged in researching and building new ways to kill people.
The prison industrial complex locks up more people than all other countries on Earth.
I am opposed to the bailout, but if we must pay the financial sector tax money, take it out of the oppressive part of the Federal budget, not the part that helps American citizens live decent lives.
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