Scott writes for Examiner.com. Read his other articles at http://www.examiner.com/...
When "patriotic" politicians or political commentators, in referring to foreign policy, use phrases such as "cut and run," or foster beliefs that anyone who wants our troops out of the Middle-East hates America or, even more astoundingly, somehow wants our efforts to fail, are guilty of the most unpatriotic rhetoric imaginable.
They use the citizen's inherent civil obedience towards nationalism to further their own self-interests. They, in effect, prey on the country's desire for peace by corrupting the citizen's capacity for rational thought through pro-war slogans and fear mongering. They attempt to escalate a war, for profits and power, by tapping into the public's lack of knowledge and rallying them with false patriotism.
Since the political fallout during and after Vietnam, Washington and the media have worked to silence real discourse regarding truth and information about the wars they wage. An ignorant population cannot come to a rational conclusion and, therefore, cannot oppose immorality if they don't truly understand the issue. The American public cannot think clearly while being draped in a flag and bashed over the head with a bald eagle.
And so it goes in Afghanistan.
July of this year, 8 years after the invasion of Afghanistan, became officially the bloodiest on record(1) for the U.S.-led coalition. 55 service members lost their lives in July, eclipsing the previous mark of 46 suffered in June and August of 2008.
So what are we fighting for? Different people in varying positions of power have lots of opinions, but nobody seems to have an coherent answer. It certainly isn't about Al Qaeda anymore. The Taliban, who was so successfully dismantled and destroyed back about, oh, 6 or 7 years ago, now have a "permanent presence" in 72% of the country(2).
Are we there to protect their vast opium crops?
Are we there to protect the Afghan people from a regime that can't be destroyed?
Are we there to "defeat Al Qaeda?" Really? Who have no permanent residence there?
Who are we fighting? Why are we fighting? Why can't we "cut and run?" Why can't we leave the people of the Middle-East alone?
Money.
Power.
Oil.
For those three things our soldiers are sent to slaughter. For those three things innocent civilians(3) maimed or murdered by airstrikes are labeled "Collateral Damage."
And we're supposed to be the good guys.
I don't hate America, I love America. But I hate what this rich and powerful nation, when allowed to be run by politicians and corporate interests with no scruples or ethics or morality, but lots of back-scratching "friends," is capable of.
Then they call it Patriotism.
Links:
(1) http://www.newsobserver.com/...
(2) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
(3) http://therealnews.com/...