Disgrace - Dishonor
submitted 6-04-07, by SW

Today is the fourth of July and there is a parade in my hometown. Along with local politicians and community service groups, rows of military vehicles roll slowly down the boulevard, cheered on by hundreds of smiling, healthy, happy people.

Like me, these people enjoy a rather priviledged lifestyle. Although we are not billionaires, we do take for granted many luxuries that most people in the world only dream about.

We live in a country that has wealth beyond imagination. Today, I will spend more than many world citizens will earn in a year. My holiday trash would support some families for a week or more.

I can't help feeling sick over the national pride I see displayed. Pride in military might is misplaced. Pride in national power is disgraceful.

In Iraq we are suppressing an entire nation. We occupy an alien land and we are determined to impose our western values on the entire nation.

The American government sends our young men and women into war with only our national thirst for oil as justification. This war is driven by Chevron and Enron as much as it is by generals.

As my friends and neighbors cheer, I can't help crying for the innocent we have murdered in the name of national defense.

Happy Fourth of July.