There’s been a lot of reckoning about the cost of Bush’s illegal war in Iraq. That’s right, as of two days ago, when the public withdrew support for Mr. Bush’s war (not President Bush, as he stole that, too) More than 50% of the population says that it was Mr. Bush who provoked Saddam into war. More than 50% of the population do not support him. This should be an interesting night.
When reckoning the cost of the illegal war in Iraq, we count 1,700 US killed in action, more than 25,000 Iraqi civilians killed, and a cost to US taxpayers of something to the tune of $200 Billion. But there are more costs people don’t consider, especially the American people.
But there are some other costs. Ireland pays 10,000 Euros a day for military overflights. Ireland has paid grandly for the US use of Shannon Airport for its illegal CIA torture flights — in complete violation of our neutrality. The US has cost Ireland plenty, sending its uniformed soldiers on holidays in County Clare in complete violation of our neutrality. Ireland has paid and paid. 10 Million Euro over the past five years for military overflights. That’s right FIVE years. How can that be? We were told the war started in March 2003. Maybe it’s time to go over the books again. Maybe there’s more information to come from an island nation of 5 million souls who have watched in horror as their country was used to facilitate George Bush’s illegal war.
Mr. Bush’s War
For More On This Story:
“Shannon””overflights””IAA””US””military””Eurocontrol”: 10
Google Web Search Shannon overflights US military Eurocontrol
“Shannon””CIA””US””military””Iraq”: 43,100
Google Web Search Shannon CIA military Iraq
For More On This Story:
“Shannon””overflights””IAA””US””military””Eurocontrol”: 10
Google Web Search Shannon overflights US military Eurocontrol
“Shannon””CIA””US””military””Iraq”: 43,100
Google Web Search Shannon CIA military Iraq
Anti-War Group Stands Trial
By Mairead Carey
Have a nice night, Mr. Bush
Somehow I don’t think you’ll be clowning around tonight, Mr. Bush. Something gives me the idea you won’t be laughing about clemency for Navy Seals that murder prisoners of war. I have a feeling that we will be listening to Bob Dylan tonight, and not the Stars & Stripes. It’s time to pay up, Mr. Bush. The whole world is watching.
Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You that never done nothin’
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it’s your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain
You fasten the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people’s blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
You’ve thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain’t worth the blood
That runs in your veins
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I’m young
You might say I’m unlearned
But there’s one thing I know
Though I’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
And I hope that you die
And your death’ll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I’ll watch while you’re lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I’ll stand o’er your grave
‘Til I’m sure that you’re dead
copyright 1963 Bob Dylan
Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat
Right – that is how I’ve always referred to him. Or then just Bush.
Gaellic-impaired, please?
Thanks a million very much (West Co. Clare)
God.
Those pictures. That Dylan song. They get to me every time.
I am one who believes that casualties of war ought to be disseminated by the media for all to see. It’s so damn easy to look the other way when it is half a world away and when no one you know personally is fighting and bleeding and dying for this president.
I don’t know if I will watch tonight. I don’t know if my blood pressure, or my heart, can stand it.
President Bush, who took their country to war with Iraq on the basis of lies, last night repeated the biggest whopper of all: that Iraq had something to do with the September 11 attacks.
Iraq not only had nothing to do with September 11–something the 9/11 Commission made clear–but Mr. Bush’s decision to invade that country made another terrorist attack more likely, not less. The Iraq war has damaged the effort to find Osama bin Laden and roll up al-Queda, done serious harm to our military, strained our relations with our allies, poisoned Arab and Muslim opinion against us, divided Americans, and used up money and personnel needed to shore up anti-terror defenses at home.
After such a breathtaking display of incompetence, is it any wonder that the president wants to blame his critics, not his own pig-headedness, for the mess in Iraq?
I’m going to try to watch, really I am. If it starts to make me ill, which it probably will, I will rely on the LIVE blogging of others to stay informed. I believe it’s going to be a regurgitation of the usual: “it’s hard work,” “we must stay the course,” “we are fightin’ for freedom.” Oh, nevermind, I’m already feeling sick…
On the other hand, I’d really like to be watching if/when some of the military boo’s his insipid lines. That would be a great moment in history. Can’t you just imagine it: a group of uniformed soldiers suddenly standing up and flourishing a hand-made banner saying, “Liberal and proud of it!” Or, “Liberal, armed and dangerous!” <sigh> I can dream, can’t I?
Also any word when Conyers plans on taking the floor for his speech?