You have to listen very closely when President Obama talks about Iraq or Afghanistan. In a recent speech to disabled veterans in Atlanta he said, "America's combat mission in Iraq" would be over by the end of August, to be replaced by a mission of "supporting and training Iraqi security forces." He said the combat mission would end, he did not say the troops would be withdrawn because the 50,000 troops that will remain will simply have their role changed to one of "advice and assistance" to the Iraqi government. What a beautiful example of the art of "doublespeak" as practiced by Big Brother in the novel 1984.
As Eric Margolis recently put it, "U.S. troops may have to remain to protect (my italics) America's oil companies and prevent Iraq from disintegrating." So, the real point is this: since we have spent hundreds of billions in our invasion and continued occupation of that nation, doesn't that give us the right to control Iraq's oil reserves, estimated to be over 100 billion barrels, second largest in the world? Why, of course it does; it's only fair that we get a generous return on our massive investment.
Let's just say this. The idea of all U.S. troops exiting Iraq by the end of 2011 and that same process taking place in Afghanistan is a myth, a fairy tale. Many knowledgeable analysts are certain that the U.S. will maintain a presence in both countries far into the future, adding to the multi-thousands of troops now stationed at more than 700 military installations in 135 countries; Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, the UK, France, Spain among many others.
The problem for any large, industrialized nation that is highly dependent on oil for its energy is how to guarantee a supply into the future. And there are two notable ways of accomplishing that. Take China, for example. It has been extremely active in every region of the world loaning nations billions of dollars for development, engaging in negotiations and making long-term contracts for their oil needs. No bullets, no bombs, no massive military costs to sap their economy. China's financial condition is excellent and, in fact, they hold about $1.7 trillion in U.S. debt.
Contrast that with America's way. Build a massive military empire, forget negotiations, contracts and the like; use our military to conduct resource wars around the world and spend $1 trillion of taxpayer dollars annually to fund that empire. Totally refuse to take a few hundred billion of that funding and use it for domestic purposes; for innovative and creative programs to develop new sources of energy to offset our dependence on oil. So, when you hear President Obama and the many other voices in America continually refer to America's vital interests, remember just what these code words mean.
But let's talk about what America's vital interests should
be: job creation, restoring our economy with new manufacturing, protecting and
educating our children, maintaining the jobs of our teachers, our police and
firefighters all these positive things represent our vital interests not
perpetual war, not building an empire.
Are you listening, Mr. Obama? Do you not hear the voices of the American people?
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
2
2
1
