As we work for peace, let us remember that we are engaged in a spiritual battle for the survival of our species, and perhaps for all life on the planet. With the spread of uranium dust and the inexorable buildup to thermonuclear war, with global warming, pollution and loss of resources, we are headed for a great disaster.
Let us acknowledge that our enemy, what Eisenhower called "the military-industrial complex", has no soul. In 2005, the leading corporations belong to the Bush and Cheney family interests (Halliburton, Carlyle), and are interested only in power and profit. They are ruthless, cruel, insatiable.
The preachers and politicians who represent them, like Falwell and Dubya, are liars and hypocrites. They have no goals other than their own advancement, and no concern for the millions who are killed or injured or starved to death because of their policies. Eisenhower's prophecy has come true.
Eisenhower's Farewell Address to the Nation- January 1961
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence - economic, political, even spiritual - is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
Let us realize that we spiritual progressives are unarmed and committed to pacificism, and are looking out for all of life, now and in the future. We try to put our own egos aside as we fight the good fight. We are indeed like defenseless sheep in the midst of wolves.
Jesus advises us "be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
The serpent is the symbol of the enemy, who knows how to "spin" words and orchestrate events in his favor. Our wisdom must match and even surpass that of the Radical Republican Right, with all their think tanks, as Lakoff points out. Our weapons are truth and justice. Our battles consist of exposing lies and demanding punishment of corrupt and treasonous officials.
The dove is the symbol of peace. Our harmlessness must protect us. If we do not engage in violence, no one can accuse us of being terrorists.
As we continue to spread the truth about the buildup to the Iraq war- "the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy." (Downing Street memo (DSM)), and demand justice in the form of impeachment of Bush and Cheney, let us be aware that we are threatening the powers-that-be, and that they have immense resources. They can distract us with the sudden resignation of a Supreme Court judge, or with "terrorist" bombs in London.
Let us continue to inform the people of the truth, and arouse them to demand justice. http://deependnews.com/memorandum.htm This link will take you to a good instrument for doing just that. It summarizes the DSM, and asks Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, to initiate a formal inquiry into whether impeachable offenses have been committed. Collect 15 signatures per page and fax them to the number at the top- Conyers' office. Get everyone you know to do the same. So far, Conyers' investigation is informal, although powerful, with 125 other Congresspeople signed on.
Impeachment of Bush and Cheney is the ONLY way to get rid of the military-industrial complex which is strangling the planet. Let us be as wise as the serpents who continue "to fix the intelligence and facts around the policy", and not be distracted from our goal.
The fascist noose is tightening in America and Britain, with ID cards, snooping without subpoenas, allowing the military more and more jurisdiction over civilians, etc. etc. This may be our last chance to derail the monster. Let us be as harmless as doves, as we peacefully collect signatures for impeachment.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Carol Wolman
