An Open Letter
From John And Elaine Mellencamp
As the
echo of the war drums fades away and the angry masses calling
for blood slowly disperse, we, as a nation must now confront
the truth. We face the unpleasant reality of an uncertain future,
compromised safety, a failing economy, and the question of how
a society of otherwise reasonable citizens was systematically
lied to and manipulated into backing the political “hijacking”
of Iraq.
Before a single bomb was ever dropped, some of us, formerly
called the “anti-American and unpatriotic,” have questioned
or opposed this war. Now, each day, as the dust settles and
the truth slowly surfaces, more and more people come to the
inevitable conclusion of what a debacle this whole war was.
39,000 bombs later, no weapons of mass destruction uncovered,
no dangerous dictators captured, no connection to Sept 11. What
have we gained but relentless media coverage of a fallen statue
and some stolen oil fields -- the spoils of this misadventure.
Not to mention lucrative corporate payoffs and an enormous price
tag of over 80 Billion dollars . . . some tax cut.
But what have we lost? We have lost the lives of over 300 Americans.
Approximately 2 U.S. troop deaths each day, 193 deaths since
the war was declared over. In total, an estimated 20,000 people
have died, thus far, in this conflict.
In addition to the lives given for this effort, our nation has
suffered the loss of respect within the world community, particularly
the United Nations. We have managed to squander any goodwill
we once had to now succeed in solidifying our image as the globe’s
leading bully. Arrogant and thoughtless.
The word Democracy means literally “by the people.”
This is the basis of our government and society. It is what
this country was founded upon and what makes us American. It
is not just our “right” but also our duty to speak
out and voice our thoughts and opinions. How, then, was it possible
that, in the land of freedom, those who opposed the common opinion
were called…“un-American?” Resentfully, we wonder.
The song “To Washington” was met with criticism and
was labeled an anti-war song. That was not at all the case or
intention; it was merely a report of the political climate,
in the age-old tradition of the troubadour spreading the news
through song and story. Professionally, we, the Mellencamps,
have the opportunity to travel extensively, and we take full
advantage of that by talking to, listening to, and experiencing
the diversity our vast country has to offer. The lyrics of “To
Washington” are not just a personal opinion, but also the
view from a very wide horizon.
Who is to say what is or isn’t “patriotic?” Do
the flags that wave from every minivan really offer any support?
Where is the support for the thousands of service men and women
who return to the states to see their benefits cut, their health
problems ignored, their jobs gone and their families living
in poverty? How are they repaid for their efforts; for risking
or losing their lives? So far, dismally.
This nation was founded to enable freedom and diversity of opinion,
and many lives have been lost to secure that liberty. Paradoxically,
some still resist the open mindedness that is the very foundation
of this country.
The Governor of California was removed from office based on
finance troubles. And yet George W Bush has lied to us, failed
to keep our own borders secure, entered a war under false pretense,
endangered lives, and created financial chaos. How is it that
he hasn’t been recalled? Perhaps this time we could even
have a real election . . . but that wouldn’t fit the Bush
administration’s “take what you want and fire people
later” policy. Take an election; take an oil field; take
advantage of your own people -- a game of political Three-Card
Monte.
The fight for freedom in this country has been long, painful,
and ongoing. It is time to take back our country. Take it back
from political agendas, corporate greed and overall manipulation.
It is time to take action here in our land, in our own schools,
neighborhoods, farms, and businesses. We have been lied to and
terrorized by our own government, and it is time to take action.
Now is the time to come together.
Source: http://www.mellencamp.com/peacefulworld/index.html
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