Red sez what??

[JSAautomotive]

Hey Red?? Who are you again?? A non Iraqi war vet?? Well.... Iraqi war vets seem to disagree with you pretty well. Are you going to call this guy a leftist and a traitor to this country too??

A Veteran's Response to the State of the Union Address

By Tim Goodrich, Iraq Veterans Against the War
February 1st, 2006

President Bush, as a co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, I feel that your State of the Union address left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding the war in Iraq. Although you spoke of your grand plan for victory in Iraq, I would like to know exactly what the plan is. Clearly, it hasn't worked so far and it isn’t working now. In the past three years, the number of attacks per day in Iraq has increased and the war is no closer to being finished now than when it started. There have been more than 2,240 dead and 16,400 Americans wounded. This doesn’t take into account those who have returned and faced an under funded Veterans Administration, homelessness, or post traumatic stress disorder. For a real victory plan, the best course of action would be an immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. Our continued presence only serves to fuel terrorism, not defeat it. Not only would an immediate withdrawal prevent the unnecessary deaths of more of our country's honorable military personnel, but it would also increase the security of our nation by allowing our troops to do what they signed up for; defending the country. Mr. Bush, even the conservative (and now broken) military has grown tired of your deceit, lack of planning, and arrogance. Your job as President is to serve the people. It’s time to heed their call and bring the troops home.

Iraqi Veterans against the war.
http://www.ivaw.net

More veterans against the Iraq war.
http://www.vaiw.org/vet/index.php

[Red Regal T]

Reminds me of other anti war organizations like Vietnam vets against the war organized by that famous, self proclaimed, war hero, John Kerry. Not widely known, but unnamed sources have said, John Kerry was indeed a veteran and did serve in Vietnam for four months. What he did there, we only have his word for it, and that is, he committed war atrocities for which he was never prosecuted.

[Skylark-69]

He later admitted he DID not participate in those crimes or even witness them. Don't forget his time in Cambodia during Christmas.

[JSAautomotive]

There's 5 more pages of this at this website. Red?? exactly where and what did you serve as??

Why veterans and families members opposed invading and occupying Iraq. For more a current discussion, go to our Forum.

I am a Vietnam Veteran (65-66) and I live in New York City -- 2 miles north of the World Trade Center. I saw them go down. I lost friends. Our city has received next to nothing for 1st responders; meanwhile Turkey is going to get 20-30 billion dollars. We have lost 150,000 jobs since September 11(remember that) and our jobless rate is close to 10%. Bush promised New York over 20 billion dollars and as of this date we've received a little over 5 billion. And off we waft to war. I'm tired of the lying, the broken promises and manipulation. If any more people die in this or any city, their blood will be on the heads of Bush, Chenny, et al. This is insanity!
--David H. Rigg, US Army, 1964-67


Thirty years ago I raised my right hand and took the oath to defend my country. I was proud to do it. Today I feel nothing but shame in the direction this country is headed. I have three sons who will soon be of age to serve -- I would feel proud if they refused.
--Thomas M Myers, US Army, 1974-1978


Presently I am being forced into serving under the stop loss! I cannot and will not support this war. I have asked for a discharge, but have been informed my views are wrong. So much for the land of the free.
--Robert W. Brown, US Army, 8 Years Active, Currently Prisoner of Air National Guard


There are times when we must fight. This is not one of them.
--Joe Cordileone, USMC, 1966-1969


In western Oklahoma, sometimes radio stations are few. Last night, while traveling, I was listening to a religious station in which Chuck Colsen was justifying this war. It seems to be a religious thing to this President and his followers, which is quite scary. The fact that we are creating hatreds among Allies that could lead to wars of the future does not bother them. They are fighting evil. Oh where were they when we fought?
--Joe Jackson, USN, 1964-1967


My Grandfather was at Midway. My father a Brown Water Navy Medic. I was in the Gulf War. I am proud to be an American. NO OIL WAR IN IRAQ! BACK OFF NORTH KOREA!
--Brad Powell, USN, 1990-94


Currently I'm serving in the 479th Engr Btn, and I feel mortified that I must put my life on the line to support this unnecessary and un-American war.
--Eamon O'Boyle, US Army Reserve, 6 Years


Bush has wagged the dog.
--Wesley Lanham, USN, 1964-68


As a Vietnam-era veteran, a Baptist minister, the son of a member of the 1st Infantry Div. in WWII and the father of a career soldier, I vehemently protest this preemptive war against Iraq.
--Rev. Dr. Al Staggs, US Army, 1965-67


I am proud of my country and my time in the service. I am ashamed of the people running our government at this time.
--Ken Hofgesang, USAF & US Army, 13 Years


The emperor is preparing to send our legions to war while domestic issues continue to burn at home and the people are lulled into distraction with games at the coliseum. Must we continue to repeat history?
--Robert C. Brubaker, US Army, 1989-93


I am a 23 year veteran of two branches of service, U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Navy (Active Duty). Each day I served and wore my uniform with great pride. As a retiree I am obligated to stand up for what is morally and ethically right. I must now stand in support of the thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who must stand by and obey orders while disagreeing with our posture of war no matter the cost. Yet as I do so I must stand in opposition to an unjustified war on a nation that is of little threat to our great nation. Yes, Mr. Saddam Hussein is wrong, but that does not mean that we are right to wage a war on the thousands of innocent people. Nor is it right to subject our own troops and those of our allies to the dangers of war. To use an old adage, "Two wrongs do not make a right." To the Senators, Representatives, and to our President, while you must stand in support of our nation - America, remember to stand in support of peace and a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Do not subject our nation to an unjustified war.
--James R. McCollum, USN & US Army Reserves, 23 Years


I support our troops. I do NOT support the government that sent them. This needs to stop, NOW.
--James David Reyome, USMC 4 years


For the first time in my life, I attended two anti-War protests! I was in Vietnam during the Vietnam war protest. I felt compelled to protest this war because it is something that only George W. Bush and his friends want. When the world tells you you're wrong, you better listen!
--Michael Arrington, US Army 20 years


My son was just shipped to Kuwait as a member of a Marine weapons company. Please reconsider - it's not an embarrassment to back out of a war. I want him to return shortly and safely to school to help him prepare for a productive life rather than being a participant in a slaughter which will be a scar on his mind for life.
--John G. Peterson, USN 1951-55


I am a combat veteran who is against this war. I also believe the administration is lying and the soldiers going there will suffer the “unknown” gulf war syndrome, i.e. depleted uranium exposure, as we did agent orange in Viet Nam. The government will refuse to take care of the troops and therefore I am staunchly against this war. Especially because I don't believe anything they or the media says. I have never joined any anti-war group before but this I believe in. Thank you.
--Miguel Gutierrez, US Army 1970-81


Listen to the vets not the Chickenhawks.
--Philip Wooldridge, USAF & US Army Reserve, 1986-1992


Thomas Mann, Nobel Prize recipient: "War is only a cowardly escape (by politicians) from the problems of peace." Bush certainly fits the role of coward, and liar. "I went to war," he said during the 2000 election campaign. The truth: He was a military deserter from the very National Guard unit that kept him out of harm's way. He dishonors the millions throughout history who actually did serve when our country called.
--Dale W. Shimko, US Army 1969-71


Notice that those who say "we gotta go to war in Iraq" are not going anywhere -- nor are their children! It is our children who are now in harm's way; our loved ones and hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians. We believe the most supportive thing we can do for our son, who is 25 years old, in the Marines and in the Persian Gulf, is to do everything we can to stop this war from happening -- to keep yet another generation from being put in harm's way for the wrong reasons.
--Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson, children of WWII veterans and parents of current Marine sergeant


I flew 65 missions in B25s against Rommel in the North African desert as a navigator, returned home and entered pilot training, returned to combat in B29s in the Pacific (Tinian Island) and flew the last 10 missions over Japan. As a navigator and a pilot, I went through the entire war without seeing a dead body -- as many of my comrades did. Those of you on the ground were not so isolated. However, in reviewing the photography of what our bombing of Japan did, and looking at the tragedy of Dresden, Berlin, London, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it has become clear to me that war has become completely immoral--witness the Shock and Awe plans to attack Iraq. Perhaps we veterans have remained too silent for too long. War is no longer an option for anyone in the world. Disarmament -- serious disarmament -- has got to take place, and we all need to push for it.
--Jack L. Cross, US Army Air Force 1942-46


One cannot "offensively" conduct an act of self-defense. The idea that Iraq (or its operatives) "may someday" attack the US cannot be called self defense any more than if one murders the guy next door and claims self defense because he "might someday" kill. Murder is simply murder. An attack on Iraq at this point indeed turns our President into a war criminal, and those that support him are accomplices to the crime. Remember that Germans who were against Hitler also suffered as a consequence of his actions. I gave 4 years of my life swearing to uphold the Constitution. In that Constitution only Congress can declare war. The President’s function is to carry out that order without further consideration. He may also act in self-defense. The attack on Iraq is
clearly illegal.
--Al Sledge, USAF 1965-69


I am so angry. It is all true about chicken hawks, lack of intelligence of the Commander in Chief, war for oil, war for vengeance, etc. What is beyond comprehension is that there are people who believe the trumped up justifications for Bush's war. And what is more disturbing is the acquiescence and even participation of news analysts, reporters, supposedly objective observers and reporters of events, in legitimizing this scam on the American people by the Bush administration. I, for one, will protest until they slap me in jail against the insanity of a foreign policy that describes as holy the right of a superpower to invade and conquer any nation it decides it has a right to invade and conquer.
--Sheila Jackson, USAF 1956-59


As the wife of a disable Viet Nam veteran, I plead with the President to please do everything possible to NOT go to war. We don't need innocent people, women, children, elderly to die for a reason I'm still not sure of. I personally think it's about oil. It's not worth the heartache or the destruction. We are a noble country, I want it to stay that way.
--Marcy O’Brien, USN 3 years


Isn't it interesting that no one in the current Bush administration but Colin Powell has ever been in combat? Most of these Chickenhawks have never been in the military. Once you unleash the dogs of war you never know who the dogs may bite.
--Stephen Heck, US Army 1971-73


United Nations inspections need more time and more inspectors. This is a grand opportunity for the US to show that we are capable of peaceful diplomacy and that we can be world leaders in moral and ethical global cooperation.
--David Rosen, USAF 1951-52


If we have to go to war with Iraq because of the possible threat of weapons of mass destruction, then why don't we go to North Korea where we know these weapons exist. I think there are hidden agendas concerning Iraq.
--Audra Paiva, daughter of veteran


If the administration wants this war so badly, let the senators and all the other members of our government send themselves and their children to be in the first wave to attack. They must believe in this war very much, so let them support it in this way.
--Venkadathu Alexander, USN 4 years


I am proud of my dad and what he has accomplished in the Army. I appreciate the sacrifices that the many people made to secure our freedom. I disagree with the government’s policy, not only on the war, but also on its treatment of Veterans. I believe that our government is making a mockery of our Veterans by pursuing its current policy. I won’t vote for Bush again, no matter what Tax Cuts he tries to bribe me with. A government of the people, for the people, by the Rich really should listen to what its people have to say.
--Shane Radford, son of veteran


This isn’t about weapons of mass destruction, it’s about oil. That drug-soaked, fascist frat-boy in the Oval Office wants us to pay the price of stealing Iraqi oil for his supporters . . . a price we will pay with higher taxes and American lives. They will get rich, we will all become accessories to murder for profit and some of us will become dead. Remember, any complacency on your part is the equivalent of complicity in this despicable business. Do something!
--William B. Cushman, USN 1961-64


Containment brought down the USSR, a vast empire of a super-power. It took time, and real leadership in both political parties, and wisdom, and patience, but it is a fact: containment brought down the USSR. Containment can bring down a tin-horn dictator in Iraq.
--Tim Lally, US Army 101st Abn Div 1962-65


My father served 13 years in the Army Air Corps and the Air Force. My son is a Marine EOD and I am quite proud of him. I support the US Armed Forces and believe that they are necessary to PROTECT America. I do not think they are at arms to further the interests of meglomaniacs, corporations and chickenhawks. This War is being waged for the ego of George Bush and his cronies and their plans to subjugate the world for their own profit. It is not about protecting America and it is against everything my Dad and my Son served for. I am sick with fear for the future of America when war is viewed as entertainment and when our fellow citizens do not see that war is going to destroy innocent people and maim even more. How can America be seen as any different than WW II Germany when it declares war based on the propaganda spewed by its self serving leaders? My son is on a ship headed to the Middle East and I'm sick about it. When he returned from the Gulf War he said then that that "campaign was a joke" and he was disillusioned by what he had witnessed. He serves in the Marines because he believes in defending his country from aggressors not as Smedley Butler put it "as a hired gun for corporate interests."
--Nick Roberts, son of WWII vet and father of Gulf War vet


I am a 77 year old former W.W. II U.S.M.C. machine gunner who spent 2 1/2 years in the Pacific jungles fighting Japanese SOLDIERS (not children, women and noncombatants like AWOL Bush does)to preserve America’s Constitutional liberties. It is refreshing to learn there are NOW more of you Americans, combat vets, who have known the tragedy of combat coming forward and telling dumbo Bush and his chicken hawk friends, who think war is a child's game or like it is viewed on T.V., that war is not the answer.

I have been writing and complaining to Bush and our elected representatives, both Democrat and Republican, ever since Bush went on his rampage for oil, money and power, at the expense of us grunts. Think about it, you war mongers--children, women, noncombatants killed, cities, homes, infrastructure destroyed. Are Iraqi children less precious than American kids? Please, if you are an American mom, try to place yourself in the place of an Iraqi mother. How would you feel knowing in minutes your home, husband and children would be incinerated by a bomb carrying depleted uranium.

I do understand how Bush can be so callous, because he is dumb and unfeeling, but it is mystifying to me how a woman, especially with children, cannot be painfully hurt for the Iraqi mothers. Finally, no country is a threat to America, so we should be a peaceful nation, and concentrate using our tax dollars on providing those social services needed by millions of American citizens instead of on war.
--Albert C. Mezzetti, USMC 9 years


I was witness to the lies and misinformation concerning the U.S. bombing in Laos. I watched Nixon lie night after night, on the evening news. I've read excerpts of the Pentagon Papers. Do the American people think that the U.S. government has really changed the policy on foreign affairs? We are a nation of well intended individuals being led into a direct conflict, with the entire free thinking world. Our weapons can’t win that one.
--Larry D. (Dan) Pruitt, USAF, 1967-1974


I have served with the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve since I enlisted while still a senior in high school 27 years ago. I have trained all of my adult life to defend my country, and will gladly do so if called upon today. However, the actions of our leadership compel me to tender my retirement from uniformed service eight years prior to my mandatory removal date. I choose not to participate in a unilateral war of first strike aggression against an "enemy" which poses no threat to the people of the United States of America. Some may call me naive, or worse, yet I equate the President’s actions with "blitzkrieg."
--Mitchell E. Green, U.S. Army, ARNG, USAR, 1976-2003


I am appalled at the unconstitutional way that President Bush is proceeding on his way to avenging the ego of his father. The coming war with Iraq will be neither just, nor constitutional. Our "leader's" actions are immoral, unethical, unconstitutional, and the antithesis of the principles upon which our republic was founded.
--Andrew J. Miller, USAF, 1977-1990


Do not allow our military to police the world. Do not allow our military to become pawns of corrupt and arrogant politicians and corporations. Peace is patriotic.
--Ronald Mauer, US Marine Corps, 4 Years


Since the Revolutionary War, and even before it, my ancestors gladly
took up arms to fight against oppression. I sign this petition in my name, but I believe they would stand proudly beside me in opposing a war that is unnecessary at best, immoral and illegal at worst.
--Quimby Masters, Daughter, Grandaughter, Niece, Great-Niece


I'm very proud of my military heritage. Both my mother and father are veterans. This family has always served in the military proudly and with the knowledge freedom is worth defending. I feel we can support our men and women in uniform and still question our governments choice to send them to war. I think we can ask what we expect to achieve by these actions and more importantly what other steps are available. 100 billion dollars gives our military a lot of options -- besides war!
--Sara Goodwin, Daughter, Sister, Granddaughter, Great-Granddaughter, Wife


I'm a combat vet(1/9 1st Cav). To my brothers and sisters in the military, I would like to say my protest against this war is not against you. This war of the BUSH and the DICK is going to get you and
the world screwed! IT'S ABOUT THE OIL!
--James (Jim) H. Golden, US Army, 1970-1972


America needs to return to our founding fathers vision of a nation
at peace with the world. Look to George Washington's farewell address. Ours is a limited-government democracy. Reject President Bush's imperialist ambitions and foreign adventurism. Instead, concentrate on the domestic economy and the well-being of the heartland.
--A E Molina, U S Army, 1969-1971


I am an "arch-conservative" and opposed to what the UN has become. Nonetheless the UN was created for no other reason than to avoid war, not to start one. The French-German plan is the most sensible of all so far. Under no circumstances should the US become an aggressor nation. The military-industrial complex about which Eisenhower warned so long ago is alive and well and out of control.
--Jack Van Dien, US Army, 2 Years


My father, Oliver Wilton Orson, was a POW in the Philippines in WWII.
He was very lucky to survive that experience. His closest friends all died. We were so close that I could tell you his opinion on any subject. He was a conservative, flag-waving Republican. If he were alive today, he would be marching in the streets to oppose this war. He would want to tell our leaders that the lives of young Americans and Iraqis should take top priority, and diplomacy, inspections and enforcement should be the means to solve this problem.
--Marion Alsup, Daughter


Only OK to intervene within umbrella of UN and approval of the Security Council.
--John C. Groos, US Army, 1951-1953


One year at Tan Son Nhut Airfield in Saigon and several nights and days during the Tet Offensive told me all I needed to know about wars that have no good, right or just purpose. I would not wish that experience on anyone, including Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Perle, Ashcroft and the rest of the Chickenhawk cabal whose war whoops ring very hollow against the backdrop of their cowardice. Of course, when they had the opportunity to actually serve their country, they somehow could not find the courage to serve. Now that those times are long past, they have mustered an excess of bold courage, strength, and firm and patriotic resolve to send others off to kill and be killed. Pathetic.
--John H. O'Leary, USAF, 1964-1968


We have madness at the helm.
--Willard D. Gray (Ret), US Army, 1944-1964


Our military is to protect our country and our people, not to police the world. Use it to fight terrorists that threaten us, not to be the cops of the world.
--Deanna Ashmore, Ex-wife Sister of veterans, & future Mother of Officer


Where in the Constitution, or the mandate given to Bush by Congress
to conduct a war on terrorism, does it state that he has the right to declare war on another country without the approval of Congress?
--Thomas Bankston, USN, 1971-1982


I am not a pacifist and served two tours of duty in Korea and one in Vietnam. Vietnam was a calculated adventure into lunacy which ruined many lives and destroyed families. Don’t make the same mistake again!
-- Joseph Moore, US Army, 1958-1966


Our military is here to ensure the peace and safety of America, not to
bolster the Chickenhawks manhood!
--Ben Larson USAF, 1968-1992


I believe that war is too serious a commitment to be left to an
elite few to decide on. I believe that we should have full and open debate before acting. This debate should include full disclosure of the facts and history of the conflict, before the people make the decision. We Americans need to realize that Truth is the first victim in any war and then the soldiers and civilians and the earth. We need the facts about the goals and costs before such a commitment is approved.
--Stanley (Stosh) Comisiak, US Army, 1965-1968


I fought in one senseless war that wasted 58,000 American lives. Those lost lives were poor and middle-class kids. The privileged were excluded. Now they, the privileged, are sending another generation of poor and middle-class kids to die in vain again. If these CHICKENHAWKS had to send their kids there would be no war.
-- Robert Myers, USN, 1966-1970


I believe we need to stop Saddam. But there are other ways. I believe the last attack on Iraq in 91 is the reason for so much terrorist activity since.
--Kevin Hutchcraft, USN, 1970-1974


I am a Vietnam vet. I did not go to Canada; I did not join the Reserves or the Guard because all those slots were filled with people like Bush. Bush did not want to fight for his country then, but he wants others to fight for him now. North Korea presents a bigger threat than Iraq, but Iraq is the weaker country. I have no respect for Bush or any of his followers and will oppose this war till the cows come home.
--Jim Keen, US Army, 1966-1968


If the president and his buddies had to go, they would think twice before charging in. Instead, they will be sitting in their comfortable chairs while our young men and women lose their lives, even some who make it back home: my husband died from Agent Orange on 9/29/00.
--Pat Walley, Widow of Tom Walley


I consider "preemptive attack" to be unprovoked aggression. If the administration goes forward with such an attack, for the first time in my 67 years, I will be truly ashamed of my country!
--Christine E. Campbell, US Army, 1955-1960 & 1973-1975


Drop Bush not bombs.
--Joel Wendland, US Army, 1991-1993


I was in Vietnam -- I was a combat medic -- so I know what the color of war is. It's red. I have seen and smelled too much of this red.
--Wm. Bryan Turner, US Army -- 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1969-1972


Iraq is and has been cowed since the Gulf War. No, they haven't done everything we've asked of them. What a surprise? Why, in the midst of last summer's national outrage over corporate malfeasance, did it suddenly become important to go after Saddam Hussein? I can't help but feel like I'm watching a real-life version of "Wag the Dog." I'm a liberal, and a Democrat, and I'm proud of it. And I can't help but feel that the President used our national disdain for Saddam to his own benefit in the off-year elections. I hope at some point we'll find out what really happened in the White House to catapult Iraq into a top priority.
--Lin Lofley, USMC, 2 years, 10 months


President Bush, for the sake of our son, please reconsider. It would be evil to waste the lives of our service men and women in a war that could be prevented.
--Don & Helen Klopfenstein, Parents


My grandfather served in the Marines, his "old war stories" aren't the most exciting thing to hear. He still has his tags and everything, and keeps telling me about how he served. My grandma lost her brother in World War II when she was 12 years old. She has his letters and it has never stopped hurting her.
--Megan, Granddaughter


No war unless supported by the United Nations. No war with Iraq until proof of possession of weapons of mass destruction is shown.
--Marnix A. van Ammers, US Army, 1966-1970


America doesn’t start wars, America ends them.
--Bob Sakowski, USAF, 1959-1966


No war unless supported by the United Nations. No war with Iraq until proof of possession of weapons of mass destruction is shown.
--Marnix A. van Ammers, US Army, 1966-1970


I feel frustrated. What I had to endure when I was a young man my son will possibly have to experience too. He is a Marine and has been sent to Kuwait. You would think that by now our elected leaders would have gotten smarter. But then again we are talking about Bush. What did we do to deserve him?
--Don Robertson, US Army, 1968-1971


Some of my friends think that we are not supporting the men and women in uniform if we protest the war. I tell them we are supporting them in the only way that shows we value their lives more than we want to stroke the ego of one spoiled rich kid.
--N. Dale Thompson, US Navy, 1957-1979


That's right!!!! We have had enough of these politicians caring only about their power and money and never a thought about WE THE PEOPLE! Who, by the way, is suppose to be running this country? It is far past the time for us to command this bunch of idiots to sit down and shut up!!!!!!!!!!
--Lois Richey, Wife and Mother of Veterans


Bush needs to understand that we will not sacrifice our children’s blood to line his pockets.
--Sewell E Peckham, US Army, 1963-1967


I am extremely concerned about our representatives’ disregard for the will of the MAJORITY of the American people and our leadership’s apparent disregard for the opinions of many friendly nations.
--Terrance Hill, US Navy, 1986-1992 USS FIFE (Gulf War)


My first husband was killed in Vietnam, in 1968. I was not enlightened enough to oppose that war and trusted the decisions of people in power. I am a different woman now. I have talked to many people from all walks of life and have found that no one believes a war with Iraq is justified. The people in Washington must be in some sort of cocoon that they do not realize just how sparse the support for war is.
--Linda Edwards, Wife of KIA Veteran


I oppose unilateral military action against Iraq or any nation unless that nation threatens the security of the US (such as Cuba 1962). I further support the reinstitution of the draft that will bring home to every American family what it means to make war. Old men make war and young men die in these wars. Rumsfield said I added no value because I was a draftee. We old soldiers protected this country, didn't complain, many of us died and came home with broken bodies. It should not happen again unless we are directly threatened.
--Joseph Lubell, US Army, 1951-1959


As President Eisenhower said in his former capacity as Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, European Theater during WW II: "No one more than the soldier prays for peace." That is a phrase that is lost
on these criminal, thieving warmongers running our Nation, who have all but gutted the Constitution and The Bill Of Rights, and scream "TRAITOR" when anyone dares question their motives for a replay of Desert Storm. Their false patriotism and hideous supplication to the value of monetary profit above all other human values sickens me to the depths of my heart and soul. THESE PERSONS ARE THE TRAITORS! OUT WITH THEM!
--Joseph Micciche, Son of Veteran


I think that this war is mostly about oil. I served my country, and would again in a legitimate W.W. II type of war, but not in a Vietnam or 2003 Iraq type of war.
--Stanley Ray Turpin, US Army, 1987-1992


The proposed Iraq war is even more senseless than the Viet Nam War. This one is being led by a group of thugs in the White House none of whom have any personal experience in war!
--Robert L. Mason, USN, 1966-1970


I, unlike our cowardly so called leaders, was one who actually enlisted and served in Vietnam. To defend our country I regard as honorable. To defend an oil company's opportunity to make even bigger profits is not honorable. Not with our blood!
--Bruce A. Pierson, US Army, 3 Years


The President has failed to complete the war on terrorism by maintaining focus on Afghanistan and has failed to capture bin Ladin which the administration now claims is not important. They lack consistency by appeasing a nuclear risk in strong North Korea and seem to try to create a scapegoat diversion by attacking the weaker country Iraq. In spite of all the canned phrases they have presented NO NEW FACTS about the "weapons of mass destruction." An occupation of Iraq will galvanize the Islamic nations behind the Fundamentalists and create the situation of worldwide estrangement that Governor Dean of VT has discussed. The armed children of Iraq and Arab suicide bombers will attack our troops causing suffering on both sides that will bring back the divisions we knew in the Vietnam war. But then what would the President and his staff know about that, most of them never served!
--Bill Jessberger, USN, 1962-1966


My ex-husband of 32 years was in the Army, he retired after 26 years of service, my daughter is now an Air Force Pilot. I love my country, and I am against the war with Iraq.
--Sema Richards, Mother of Veteran


Who was recently awarded huge construction and oil contracts in Saudia Arabia, the true subsidizers of al Qaeda? None other than Halibruton! If we look back to Vietnam, who received most of the large contracts to build runways, airports, harbors and highway projects? None other than what is now called Brown and Root. Not only is Brown and Root the world’s largest nonunion construction company, it is a subsidiary of none other than Halliburton.
--Mark James Hankins, USMC, 1977-81, 1984-91


I say make the leaders get down and dirty and fight it out amongst themselves -- then see how quick they call for peace!
--Sheryl S Groves, Widow of Veteran


My service included a year at Pearl Harbor during WW II and I was there when the war with Japan ended. Violence only leads to more violence, and this is particularly true when nations don't go to the trouble to understand each other. The current president has only succeeded in uniting the Arab world against us. Our children and grandchildren will reap the whirlwind of his reckless policies. This president wants to scare the American people into going along with endless war. He is merely succeeding in frightening many of us in his willingness to desecrate the Constitution and spy on innocent Americans. Sadly, many of our children's generation do not "get" this and would unwittingly go along with this administration's destruction of everything our soldiers stood and fought and died for in WW II.
--Dorothy Rioux nee Glasscock, USNR (WAVES), 1943-1946


I hate Chickenhawks! I left a wife and infant son to serve my country; fought on Iwo Jima, was wounded and decorated. Had 3 sons who volunteered for for Vietnam and served their country there, 2 Marines and 1 Army. It's not idle chatter on my part, unlike Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and company. The Whelan's served their country proudly and willingly!
--John R Whelan, USMC, 1943-1946


I served as a Capt. in the USMC during Desert Storm with the 1st Mar. Div. I can't believe that our foreign policy has returned us to the point where we are massing our armed forces to invade Iraq. I'm a voting man -- and will vote. I'm also a praying man -- and will pray. Semper Fi.
--David W. Brown, USMC, 4 Years


I'm a firm believer in the judicious use of military force when the welfare and safety of the United States is in peril. However, President Bush's misguided policy on Iraq is unquestionly a big mistake. His insidious sword rattling and bellicose rhetoric is not gaining the United States any political, economic nor strategic advantage. As a Republican and a Texan, I am appalled by his lack of judgement and vision.
--Larry G. Hammer, USAF, 23 Years


Although our family has always believed in military service, we oppose a war in Iraq. I sign this in memory of my grandfather Fred Griffiths who was in the US Army during WW I, my dad A. Stanley Griffiths who was in the US Navy during WW II, in support of my daughter Jennifer who is currently on active duty in the US Army and her brother John who is also currently on active duty in the US Army.
--Wayne A. Griffiths, USAF, 1965-1969


Many of the hawks (Cheney, Wolfowitz, Perle, Adelmann, Limbaugh, O'Reilly to name but a few) avoided military service during Vietnam, and almost none of them have a son or daughter in uniform. So much for the concept of shared sacrifice!
--Thomas J. Whelan, USMC, 1968-1971


I am thoroughly pleased to see so many veterans taking part in this movement, but what I would like to see is more people like myself on active duty to stand up and speak out. It is us who will be directly affected by this atrocity of arrogance and belligerence. When I signed a contract to defend my country, that is what I signed. I did not sign a contract waiving my consitutional right to free speech and I certainly didn't sign a contract agreeing to aid one simple-minded man's bid to spread his corruption across the globe.
--Robert Ferriol, USMC, 7 1/2 years, Still Active


I am a Gulf War Vet, but I did not serve in country. I had been out of active service (IRR) for 18 months and then received orders and an airplane ticket to report to Camp Pendleton. My family has a long record of military service dating back to the Civil War. I now have my own family and understand there is no glory in war. I can't imagine the pain of losing my family. Nor can I imagine bringing that unimaginable pain to a family on the other side of the world. Mr. Bush's bloodlust and inflammatory rhetoric will lead us to conflict where none should exist. His "with us or against us" rants are unnerving. My generation has never experienced such troubled times. It must be our turn. "Peace"
--Curtis Berg, USMC, 4.2 Years


My brother, Pitt, a Navy pilot, was killed in service to our country on June 20, 1985 when his jet crashed. I don't want to see more lives lost. War against Iraq is not justified at this time. Maybe it was in 1991 when Iraq invaded our ally Kuwait but it definitely is not now.
--Paul Rutter III, USN, 1978-1987


My husband John R. served his country well as a Marine Lieutenant on Iwo Jima, was wounded and received a Silver Star for his actions. Three of our sons volunteered to serve their country with pride and honor in Viet Nam. Whelan's were no "Chicken Hawks", as are Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld (who was in the service, but saw no combat). I cannot believe their boldness and audacity to want to send our youth today where they were not willing to go yesterday.
--Helen Whelan, Wife and Mother of 3 veterans

http://www.vaiw.org/vet/modules.php?...rticle&sid= 9

[GrnNatlFan]

That has now got to be the longest cut and paste job I have ever seen. Your intelligence is beyond me. I shall now take my own life!

[JSAautomotive]

What was it?? A year or so ago?? On Washington DC where the anti-war protestors came in massive numbers?? 100,000-200,000 was it??

Then I saw on CSPAN.... the pathetic showing of the pro-war protestors. I think there were maybe 300 people??

Those tiny tiny tiny amount of pro war people were your people there Red. The ultra minority of America.

Again?? Where did you serve?? You did serve right??

[JSAautomotive]

Originally Posted by GrnNatlFan

That has now got to be the longest cut and paste job I have ever seen. Your intelligence is beyond me. I shall now take my own life!

I was wonder what it was going to take. Whew!!

[Red Regal T]

Originally Posted by JSAautomotive

What was it?? A year or so ago?? On Washington DC where the anti-war protestors came in massive numbers?? 100,000-200,000 was it??

Then I saw on CSPAN.... the pathetic showing of the pro-war protestors. I think there were maybe 300 people??

HIPPIES AND OTHER LOSERS, DON'T WORK!

[Skylark-69]

JSA, if you tried to post a list of vets/family's in support of the war you'd crash the site due to it's size. The only person you are proving things to is yourself-because it's what you want to believe.

[JSAautomotive]

Red?? Your military service?? You bragged about it at one time?? You were where and when??

[Red Regal T]

Originally Posted by JSAautomotive

Red?? Your military service?? You bragged about it at one time?? You were where and when??

Who do you think you are? You're nobody, and definitely nothing to me. I told you before, it's none of your business.

[weester87]

"Who do you think you are? You're nobody, and definitely nothing to me. I told you before, it's none of your business."

JSA,

I think you hurt his whittle feeelings.......waaaaaaaaa.....

There are many Vets including myself that were against this war from day one! They saw the same situation in Vietnam and knew where this mess was heading...Doesnt make them a lib, just exercising their right to protest!

But in Comrade Red's world, that makes you a traitor.....small people with small minds..

[JSAautomotive]

Originally Posted by Skylark

JSA, if you tried to post a list of vets/family's in support of the war you'd crash the site due to it's size. The only person you are proving things to is yourself-because it's what you want to believe.

Oh yeah.... (yawn).... it was really obvious in Washington DC how many people supported the war by the turnout. 300,000 protesters to your 300 pro-war people.