tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31477159753461088582024-03-05T13:35:35.359-08:00Open Source RevolutionActivism from both sides. On the computer and in the streets.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-31537475311779858422009-03-01T17:18:00.000-08:002009-03-01T17:24:10.947-08:00Combat Boots (revised)i walk for miles, my boots are wearing thin<br />i dont know where im going, but i wont go back to where ive been<br />out in the desert, under the blazing sun<br />i though id found salvation, in the barrel of a gun<br />you swore to me, the my body you did need<br />for god and king and country, so that others might be free<br />what you meant was, to fill your coffers full<br />and the tax we paid, was out everlasting souls<br />late at night, as im lying in my bed<br />im forced to think of all the friends, ill never see again<br />why they had to die, i doubt ill ever know<br />but im done taking orders, from you generals and cos<br /><br />ill march for miles what ill find i couldnt tell<br />but anything is better then your everlasting hell<br />ill walk forever till i find my way home<br />i dont know what ill find there but it wont be a dog and pony show<br />and ive said it so many times before<br />im not your soldier anymore<br />no im not your soldier anymore<br />i said im not,<br />your soldier anymore...Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-41064383856643894592008-11-10T23:55:00.000-08:002008-11-10T23:58:14.405-08:00Veterans DayToday marks one of the biggest shams in modern day America. It's the day that the population pretends to give a damn about the veterans who have given everything. Stores throw sales. You can buy a cheap car. Spend, spend, spend, spend, spend.<br /><br />Right...<br /><br />Support the VA, IVAW, and the military project today instead of buying a new TV. Vets deserve more then the cheap parlor tricks of politicians and parades.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-76645413969499956592008-11-06T18:39:00.000-08:002008-11-06T18:44:00.255-08:00Wash, Rinse, RepeatWake up. Light Cigarette. Drink Whiskey Sour. Repeat.<br /><br />What do you do when your daily schedule has become an exercise in some sort of study of the typical American Veteran. <br /><br />No job. Disability pay. Alcohol. Cigarettes. Anger. Hatred. Repeat.<br /><br />When everything becomes nothing more then a minor blip barely noticed through the haze of intoxication.<br /><br />Drink. Smoke. Repeat.<br /><br />Comfort in a bottle. Comfort in a draw of tobacco. Asthma and COPD that I know will kill me if I keep smoking but of course I keep smoking. Addiction is harsh. Life is harsher.<br /><br />Wake up. Pretend that life is still there. Repeat.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-25639969711488698692008-11-05T01:10:00.000-08:002008-11-05T01:14:13.491-08:00Lost Hope and Found NeedI think I'm going to go to Utah and tell them that they _must_ abide by my religious (or lack thereof) standards. I'll forbid churches _and_ non same-sex marriage. All in the name of 'freedom' for only myself. <br /><br />Any faith I had left in humanity in this state is gone. The next time a Californian tries to tell me that they are 'liberal' or 'progressive' or anything even remotely like that I may just break their nose. <br /><br />Obama won in landslide.<br /><br />Justice lost by about 5%.<br /><br />Fuck this state. Seriously.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-56162668753716745762008-10-24T14:00:00.000-07:002008-10-24T14:01:34.363-07:00It's TimeAnyone who knows what I'm talking about will know damn well what I mean. No further explanation is needed.<br /><br />It's time...Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-26134353825405703022008-10-13T16:46:00.000-07:002008-10-13T16:48:13.123-07:00A Good DayI've been thinking a lot lately about why I do what I do. Why I fight. Why I yell. I yearn for something better in life. For myself. For everyone. Yet, at the root of it all, when you really get down to it; every day alive is a damn good day.<br /><br />Rest easy friends.<br /><br />Saber PrideAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-53094861601128445232008-10-01T17:45:00.000-07:002008-10-01T18:31:36.005-07:00On Democracy and Social ResponsibiltyDemocracy is a funny concept. It doesn't fit well with many other forms of government and it's implementation is challenging to say the least. For the duration of this piece democracy will refer to any form of government moderated and led by the people through the use of a majority vote except where otherwise noted.<br /><br />The first thing I'd like to into is how democracy works under capitalism. Based on the definition given above it's safe to say that democracy can not truly exist in a capitalist society. The reasons for this are rather straight forward.<br /><br />In a capitalist society the government protects the division of wealth along guidelines that favor a select few. Many times those few are wealthy at the start and this form of government protects that wealth from being disbursed among any individual or group of people. In this manner the government has abandoned democracy by enforcing the monetary conflicts of the private sector without popular approval. It is done without popular approval because there is nothing to suggest that a majority in the population would vote in favor of protecting a very small segment of the population and their extreme wealth. In many cases these situations are never brought to a vote in the first place.<br /><br />During the 1936 sit-ins at the GM plants the situation was played out through police intervention, government intervention and limited negotiation. The population as a whole was never given the opportunity to decide on the outcome of the conflict. Indeed it has been noted that the form of strike involved is illegal to this day (Obligation Ch2) despite this illegality being decided only by the courts and not the majority. <br /><br />This can not be taken strictly as evidence against democracy in capitalism, however, as it also involved the use of representation within the government, another government aspect that contradicts democracy. It can still be seen as a clear example of the ruling power in the state protecting the wealthy at the expense of the majority and without majority approval.<br /><br />Many politicians have referenced the idea of a silent majority. The reasoning seems to be that if the majority is not speaking up against something then they as a whole must be for it. This is an extremely fallible and risky view point to hold. The power of decision should never be granted based on the lack of vocal opposition by the majority. It should instead be granted only based on clear support.<br /><br />This brings us to social responsibility in this manner. Where do we fall in the pursuit of a democratic society? What are our obligations to this cause? Defining an obligation to a cause is troublesome to say the least. So for this lets assume that if we are unsatisfied with the lack of a democratic process then we are the ones obligated to change it. No one who is content with the current situation may be obligated to assist in the change except in rare circumstances (not discussed here). <br /><br />One of the primary needs of a democracy is a source of correct and unbiased information. This leads to severe complications over how that can be reasonable attained. Under the current American system, media and information are controlled by corporate entities and corporate interests. There can be laws passed that have the effect of providing resources for factual media sources but where would they come from? Is it within our range of natural rights (as cited by Locke) as individuals to appropriate funding for education by a people led government? Many would argue that it is as under many current systems (including in the United States) there exist levels of education which are funded entirely by the state through the appropriation of taxes. If the state can fund K-12 programs on tax money then what is there to stop the state from funding full blown media outlets with tax money? For the sake of this argument PBS and the like can not be counted as state funded informational resources. It should also not be assumed that the media outlet will be run by the state but by resources from an informational background who are simply being paid by the state. <br /><br />In this case we should have an informational outlet run by the state (on behalf of the people) which should provide a more unbiased and factual standpoint then those run by corporate entities with strictly monetary interests. Of course we know this to not be the case. State run informational outlets become just as corrupt as any other. So this is probably not a viable option in the long run for a source of proper information that can assist the public in forming opinions.<br /><br />Seeing as the two easy options for providing the recourse are systematically flawed; what does that leave us with? Small community based dissemination of information can solve some of these problems but not all. The situation therefore is one in which any individual or group wishing to dissent against the state must also be obligated to ensure that they have accurate sources of information. If one doesn't read more then one viewpoint on a particular matter it can difficult to justify any position taken. Of course reading strictly lies and propaganda by either side serves no real purpose except to examine what tactics they used to coerce a population into believing them. <br /><br />Democracy can only be truly obtained through responsible actions on the part of a majority population. Responsible actions can only be obtained through the distribution of accurate and fair information. There exists no readily availible solution to providing said information to the masses. Where does this leave us?<br /><br />Many would argue these as reasons against democracy. Saying that the population as a whole can never be intelligent or informed enough to make these decision and need leadership. However, if the population can not make good decision why should anyone think that they would pick a good leader? Who has the right to choose a leader for a population?<br /><br />Communism has at times been hailed as an excellent substitution for the capitalist representative form of government. It too, however, can not be implemented along a democracy without creating a conflict. The problem with communism is much the same as the one with capitalism. That is, intervention of behalf of the state in regards to the distribution of wealth. Albeit in this case the distribution is far more likely to find favor within the majority and would therefore be allowable under a democracy. <br /><br />It's that all and said what's needed is community level democracy. That is, a democratic process carried out only within the affected populations. In a corporate environment this ought to mean that decisions regarding the treatment of workers can only be decided by the workers and that the state should have no right to intervene on either sides behalf. Where the state would intervene would be if the corporate entities did not allow the workers their natural right to self determination. If the president of a company were to physically attack a worker or indeed if one worker were to attack another (on either side) then there has been a breach of the rights involved and only then should the state be permitted to get involved. <br /><br />Of course a true democracy may not be the best form of government. Many people advocate limiting democracy in certain aspects (such as in the United States, and for that matter every other supposed democratic nation that exists today). It is not my intent to suggest what may be the best in either direction.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-42047703353748760772008-09-28T03:47:00.001-07:002008-09-28T03:57:59.453-07:00Disecting the HateWatching Bill O'Reilly talk is, to me, an educational experience. Before the second part of his interview with Senator Obama he called the AP and NBC left wing and dishonest and biased. He also refused to acknowledge that he had been shouting at the senator. He did this all with a self righteous air to him that one would imagine the pope must have. <br /><br />Watching someone like that complain about media bias is entertaining but disturbing. It serves as a prime example of manipulation by the media on an almost 1984 level. Even more so when you consider what they say.<br /><br /><i>"We went into Iraq to liberate the people and get rid of Saadam"<br /><br />"We have always been at war with Eurasia"</i><br /><br />What's worse is how many still don't seem to know that both quotes are a matter of pure fiction.<br /><br />These shows, networks, et all; they pander to the anger and fear in people. A recent study found that people who startled easily were more likely to vote Republican. No surprise to me. People are angry, and they should be. There is an awful lot to be angry about. However, there anger becomes misplaced as a result of people like O'Reilly telling them they should.<br /><br />A guest on the show called people offended by racism 'pansies' in front of his ten year old son. The anchors encouraged his behavior. I couldn't help but be reminded of the man who took it upon himself to insult me and, ironically, call me ignorant (fucking ignorant actually) in front of his teenage son at a small demonstration by a recruiting station not long ago.<br /><br />They are teaching there children to hate. <br /><br />And for some reason so many people seem to think that it's perfectly ok.<br /><br />Final note. Remember when Hannity flipped out on air? He was trying to convince the audience (and maybe himself) that the economy was great. I don't question in the least that if I were to turn on his show tonight he would be saying that we could have seen this coming a mile away and all the Democrats fault.<br /><br /><i>We have always been at war with Oceania</i>Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-65596235537211764982008-09-26T23:59:00.000-07:002008-09-27T00:03:16.225-07:00The Debate? The Sham.If John McCain said the word 'veteran' one more time during the debate I figured my head would explode.<br /><br />How can someone who has opposed helping veterans tooth and nail keep a straight face while he talks about how much we need to help them?<br /><br />He opposed the post 9/11 GI Bill that many desperately needed. He opposed raising funding for the VA several times. Who does he think he's kidding?<br /><br />What scares me is that I know that he still stands a good chance of winning because this country can't seem to think for themselves. They listen to these lies and they believe them and they get scared and they vote for these assholes that make them feel good.<br /><br />Obama is barely any better, but at least he's not saying stupid shit like "We are winning in Iraq and we will come home with victory"<br /><br />Oh yeah McCain? I'll settle for the troops coming home alive.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-30955595342828095252008-09-25T20:49:00.000-07:002008-09-25T20:52:44.374-07:00WAMU HAS FAILED!The banking giant Washington Mutual (WAMU) has failed and was bought out by JP Morgan (Chase Banks) in a deal brokered by the US government Thursday night. Washington Mutual is the largest bank failure since 1984. This failure also signals the end of Independence for one of the oldest banks in American History. The bank was roughly 115 years old at the time of the failure. <br /><br />As more and more large financial companies fail I can't help but feel that the time for moderation has failed. The bailout will only make things worse while protecting the wealthy and we have no Roosevelt style leaders today.<br /><br />The only good thing I see coming of this is that the revolution will be that much faster. <br /><br />Now would be a good time to buy a gun and learn to use it.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-4562556075684832008-09-24T22:18:00.000-07:002008-09-24T22:40:07.846-07:00Blank Facesblank faces, cold cases, minorities imprisoned to placate the racists.<br />tell yourself that your not one of them but you cringe at the sight of a crowd of black men, on the corner in your white neighborhood, you think you know they must be up to no good. terror lies, terrifies, and racism is institutionalized, we see it in our school in our courts in our jails and tell ourselves that in the end its all fair, because we have we have affirmative action, civil rights, petty handouts to quiet the waves of revolution, gifts from the whites. what's equal anyways? what do you say to a child no older then ten who gets called worse things then you've ever been. the schools hide it as they talk about change from king to another things are still the same, washington and jefferson saying all men are equal, if your a rich white male that is, and this is how people live. decked in fear of change and freedom chains, black white hispanic and asian, right wing prophets scream of an immigrant invasion, working class poor hysterical ranting for restrictions, wheres the freedom promised in that deceleration? wheres the justice and liberty for all mankind? torture cells for terrorist cells dreaming of ways to make things right, that man you call haiji is fighting for his family as was i, i thought, until i saw the light, drinking hard to forget as if i actually might, sharing stories with dark skinned soldiers fraught with racists intent and sacrament to the imperial ways of american might.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-86002045379396185342008-09-09T22:20:00.000-07:002008-09-09T22:31:56.672-07:00RELEASE THE RNC 8 NOW!!!!aside from the obvious fact that all 800 some odd protesters arrested should be released immediately and on charges dropped I'm going to focus on the RNC 8. Eight members of the welcoming committee who are being charged with terrorism.<br /><br />I have said it before and I say it here again. Every day that goes by brings us closer and closer to a true police state. We find ourselves now in a situation reminiscent of the May Day massacre several decades ago. Where people who were either not present or not able to carry out the attack were charged and convicted of the murders of police officers killed when a bomb was thrown.<br /><br />These are the times we find ourselves in. <br /><br />When to utter the word anarchist is to be immediately looked down upon by even the so called liberals as condemnable. Blamable. <br /><br />We will not be blamed. We as a whole will not be blamed because we didn't do anything wrong. As an anarchist I call for non-violence in all but the most harrowing of situations. Of course if a police officer is about to kill somebody I think someone ought to step in but short of those circumstances individual acts of violence are to be frowned upon.<br /><br />Those arrested committed no acts of violence. <br /><br />They weren't there.<br /><br />This is our May Day.<br /><br />One of those arrested was tortured with tasings, beatings, and chemical weapons for asking for food as he had not eaten in over 12 hours.<br /><br />This is how the police in our country deal with dissent.<br /><br />One of the few industrial countries to officially sanction the use of torture.<br /><br />This is our May Day<br /><br />These injustices are being ignored by the media at large.<br /><br />These problems don't fit neatly into there sound bytes about how everything is ok except everything's not ok and make sure your scared enough to wave the flag.<br /><br />And sing the anthems.<br /><br />And call for victory in the war on a definition and a word.<br /><br />'I declare war on ignorance, let's occupy the senate!'<br /><br />This can't be won.<br /><br />It's not meant to be won.<br /><br />It's hardly able to be called a war because in a war two armies or more fight each other.<br /><br />Not one army and a world of civilians.<br /><br />This is our May Day.<br /><br />It's getting to be about that time.<br /><br />Revolution never felt so close.<br /><br />Unwarranted violence is never ok.<br /><br />But when it's to defend yourselves no man or woman or child should be able to stand in your way.<br /><br />I defend myself today<br /><br />This is my May Day<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-62021309917105088472008-09-09T00:06:00.000-07:002008-09-09T01:51:13.403-07:00Ten Ways to Tell If You're Part of the Problem1.) If you voted for Bush the first time it's excusable. We all make mistakes. If you voted for him the second time you're borderline, after all even he kind of meant to say that we all get fooled once or twice. If you would vote for him a third time if you could, You are part of the problem.<br /><br />2.) If you live in any state that borders Mexico and think that immigrants from said country don't have a right to live here even though all of those states used to be Mexican property, You are part of the problem.<br /><br />3.) If you shop at Wal-Mart, well... enough said there, You are Part of the problem.<br /><br />4.) If you support a war that you have never fought in, You are part of the problem.<br /><br />5.) If you criticize veterans of said war who dare to speak out, You are not only part of the problem, you're an asshole to boot.<br /><br />6.) If when asked what the difference is between a Sunni and a Shiite you answer with 'Who cares lets bomb em all!', You are part of the problem.<br /><br />7.) If you think that religion and science should have equal footing in a science class, You are not only part of the problem, you're an idiot.<br /><br />8.) If you think that there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats past the campaign slogans and party colors, You are part of the problem.<br /><br />9.) If you have ever read any of the following authors, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coutler, and didn't want to strangle them after words, You are part of the problem.<br /><br />And finally...<br /><br />10.) If you are or you're related to Bush, Cheney, Rove, McCain, Obama, Biden or Palin, You <i>are</i> the problem.<br /><br />Of course there were a ton of people that belong on that 10th item but I just can't fit them all.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-41004733297864877322008-09-06T04:01:00.000-07:002008-09-06T04:05:25.860-07:00Take that Asshole!Well in case any of you missed it or haven't heard about it by now a member of IVAW, Adam Kokesh, rocked the RNC during McCain's speech by shouting... well something, it was hard to hear, and raising a banner that read "McCain Votes Against Vets."<br /><br />The mainstream media has been ignoring the massive protests going on outside the convention in St Paul but they sure as hell didn't ignore this one. Several of the news stations even zoomed in on him and clearly showed both the banner and his Iraq Veterans Against the War t-shirt.<br /><br />According to an interview he gave shortly after being released by the police he said that a Ron Paul supporter was the one who gave him the guest pass.<br /><br />Sweet...<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-30136996221273897202008-09-04T02:24:00.000-07:002008-09-04T02:29:53.822-07:00Cohen for CongressI suppose it's a bit early but then again I figure there will be some hefty planning and preparation involved. What I am referring to is my decision to run for Congress in the state of California (as to the exact district I'm not sure yet) in 2012.<br /><br />This is not a joke.<br /><br />Even if I don't even come to close to winning I'm sure the experience will be a worthwhile one. A chance to potentially reach a national stage and do some real good. Of course this could all backfire on me but I guess we'll have to see.<br /><br />I figure I need some catchy slogan first and foremost. I should have no problems packaging my views for consumption by the public.<br /><br />Vote Cohen in 2012!<br /><br />If you are interested in participating drop me a line.<br /><br />There will be mass amounts of fund raising required to say the least.<br /><br />In the meantime I have my sites set on a council position or something similar.<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-43405029560232507372008-09-03T22:24:00.000-07:002008-09-03T22:31:17.933-07:00On Palin...Isn't it funny how all of a sudden the Republicans support pregnant teenagers and abhor the so called 'vetting' process done by the media and the public?<br /><br />I guess your only an abomination to family values if your a Democrat or worse a Commie! A good old Christian who gets knocked up at seventeen by an eighteen year old boyfriend is just a little darling who needs our care and support. Hey at least she's not gay right?<br /><br />Also if your a right winger people arn't allowed to dig into your personal background but it's quite all right to accuse the other party's nominee of being, among other things, not born in the US and a Muslim (As if that should really matter). But NO! Good conservative Christians are all perfect in public and what happens in private should stay in private, even as it shows there utter lack of ability to give a flying fuck about the American public.<br /><br />Oh you grand old party sticklers and your wily ways. What will you think of next. Let me guess, if Arnold wants to run for president suddenly the foreign born issue goes away too.<br /><br />Of course we should never forget the real situation. Both parties are ultimately the same and should be treated as such<br /><br />It is funny as fuck to watch them bicker though ain't itAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-24635478193271413202008-09-02T15:50:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:01:05.452-07:00This Is What A Police State Looks Like!It's expected at protests like those happening at the RNC that people will get arrested. Many who attend know that risk and take it. It's not ok that false arrests are made but at least they normally target protesters and only at the protest site. The police in St. Pual have really crossed the line now.<br /><br />The arrest of Amy Goodman and other journalists along with bloggers and photographers is beyond reprhensible. I'm not saying that they have more rights then protestors do but sometimes protestors break the law commiting civil resistance. It happens and arrest is expected. A journalist should not be expecting arrest. They are not breaking the law or demostrating or doing anything else to deserve being held other then maybe holding opinions that differ from the ruling class.<br /><br />Likewise the raids on private property are out of line even more. Plenty of people have a lot to say about the occupation and the goverment and the sorry state of affairs that is the police state we live in these days. Most of those people don't face having there homes raided by police for doing nothing other then talking about being angry. The homes were raided BEFORE the protests really began. They didn't do a damn thing.<br /><br />Over 290 arrests have been made according to the last reliable statics I saw. Several of them are being charged with crimes ranging from obstruction to, get this, felony riot. Felony riot! You have got to be fucking kidding me! I was unaware that when police start attacking you it means your rioting.<br /><br />You know what?<br /><br />Fuck the State. Fuck the Police. Fuck the Ruling Class.<br /><br />By the way, handy as google analytics is I have knowledge that my site is read by people accessing computers at the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington D.C. So if you cronys of the state are reading this now then Fuck you too.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-36855350865680088902008-08-29T23:31:00.000-07:002008-08-29T23:34:07.444-07:00DNC Let DownAnother convention gone and done and another moment of history ignored by both the media and the politicians. At the moment I have nothing more to say being too disappointed to really form the words. Coming up though will be a comprehensive plan for a campaign of direct action I am calling 'Break the Chains.' Our voices will not fall on deaf on ears much longer for we as a people will make them listen.<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-84345334942246922352008-08-23T03:54:00.000-07:002008-08-23T03:56:34.866-07:00Obama's VPAn <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/23/politics/animal/main4376565.shtml">unconfirmed source has announced that Obama has chosen his running mate</a> for the election. According to the article Obama has chosen Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware as his VP. The report comes courtesy of CBS news but to the best of my knowledge the decision has not yet been officially announced. This information may therefore be inaccurate.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-59318122732669561302008-08-22T23:08:00.000-07:002008-08-24T01:51:11.546-07:00The FBI and Terrorism Part 2Now that I've had a chance to analyze the <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g07mkwmsp4l_Q5H-YBiHq6phbimgD92M9AP00">situation we find ourselves in</a> I've decided to write a more comprehensive article regarding the matter of the FBI. I feel a need to do this for a couple of reasons. The first is that I want to exercise my freedom of speech while I still can. The second is that what little I have left of my rights I dearly wish to maintain and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this ruling may have a direct impact on me due to my background and <a href="http://angryveteran.blogspot.com/search/label/Anarchism">political inclinations. </a><br /><br />Every month that goes by I see this country look more and more like the nations of Sudan or Zimbabwe. Rigged elections, suppression of the freedom of speech, a dangerously unrestrained police force and rampant disregard for it's own citizens.<br /><br />When I joined the army I swore <a href="http://www.history.army.mil/faq/oaths.htm">an oath</a>. "...To support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." Now many people know how I feel about the idea of needing a piece of paper to tell me I'm free. That does <b>not</b> mean that I don't think that we ought to protect what rights we do have. If I, or any other soldier for that matter, is going to uphold that oath then we need to start doing what we were taught to do.<br /><br />Fight tooth and fucking nail.<br /><br />I am not one to suggest violence and almost everyone I know knows that I condemn all acts of terrorism and unwarranted vanguardian retribution. Indeed I am not saying that violence should be needed or used at all in this conflict that the FBI and other government entities have forced upon us. Not when we have so many other resources at our disposal.<br /><br />A voice alone is a target. A voice in unison is a revolution.<br /><br />At this time every veteran of this nation should be cocking an eyebrow and giving some time to some deep thought. What is the notion that we were told we were fighting for? If not freedom and liberty and justice for what did we lay down our lives? If any duty we have as veterans is still owed to the people of this nation it is to protect them from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and right now one of those enemies is the FBI.<br /><br />The guidelines have not been officially released. The scary part is that they most likely will not be released to the public until they are actually implanted. So we won't know until it's too late what they have decided they can do. It is known that the primary thing they want to be able to do is investigate American citizens without any clear evidence that they have committed a crime. Times like these I think maybe we should simply decide that next year should be 1984 instead of 2009.<br /><br />Some of the more notable concerns being raised involve the nature under which people could be investigated. Race, ethnicity, political affiliation, military experience, ties to foreign countries, etc. Go down that list one more time before you continue. Sure you read it all? That comes from an <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g07mkwmsp4l_Q5H-YBiHq6phbimgD92M9AP00">AP article</a> regarding this matter. I didn't just pull it out of my ass. Mind you in the same article Attorney Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse says in one part that "an investigation would not be opened based solely on a person's race, ethnicity or religion." However, later in the article it's noted;<br /><br /><b>"The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the rules, said factors that could trigger an inquiry would include travel to regions of the world known for terrorist activity and access to weapons or military training, along with the person's race or ethnicity."</b><br /><br />Lie much Mr. Roehrkasse?<br /><br />Given the nature of what we're currently staring down the barrel of I think I can justly say that we are, as a nation, approaching Third Reich status. It is only a matter of time from here before people are openly murdered over there race, ethnicity, or political beliefs. If you think that's a stretch just remember. We've done it before! Or have we all forgotten such timeless events as the labor and anarchist executions of the early 20th century late 19th century, the needless bombing of civilians in um... well, every fucking war we've fought?<br /><br />There is no stretch here, this is what we're heading towards and the general public seems oh so unconcerned. Of course this is of great concern to me because as an anti-war anarcho-communist military veteran I'm a false arrest waiting to happen as it is. Under these new guidelines I don't know that I could safely reside in the country anymore. Which as it turns out, may be half the point.<br /><br />Actually, quite a few members of groups such as IVAW and ISO would be heavily affected by these new guidelines. Not to mention VFP, Code Pink, ANSWER, CFI, and countless others mostly manned by well meaning social liberals who have probably never held a gun let alone considered terrorism as an option.<br /><br />Of course that won't be a concern to the heads of state as dissenters are locked away systematically. When the people start to buck the system the system knows it must buck back.<br /><br />So this is my final plea for this article. If you love freedom, your rights, your family, your friends, your country, your life then let them know. Let them know that this can not and will not be tolerated. Let them know that this may be the straw that breaks the camels back. Veterans especially, remember what we were told we were fighting for and fight for it now.<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-90418279332498364882008-08-21T22:43:00.000-07:002008-08-21T22:45:29.169-07:00FBI and Terrorism? Maybe not....The <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g07mkwmsp4l_Q5H-YBiHq6phbimgD92MSAR81">FBI</a> seems to think that military training and race are grounds to investigate and potentially arrest someone on suspicion of terrorism. I suppose that means that with a military that is over 30% minorities we are an army of terrorists... I won't necessarily debate that point but really. Some people need to take a step back and ask if they're ready to live in the Reich. If they're not they better start making a fuss because it may already be too late.Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-33687770537762580512008-08-17T04:50:00.000-07:002008-08-17T04:53:07.856-07:00Perfect Logic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/voting_machines.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/voting_machines.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, it's been a while since I've posted to this blog. I have been remarkably busy with work and such lately. Anyways I found this <a href="http://xkcd.com/463/">comic online</a> and I really really think you ought to check it out. It's hysterical and it's perfect logic.<br /><br />- Peace and Unity<br /><a href="http://xkcd.com"><br />http://.xkcd.com</a> - thanks guysAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-65563444228501559042008-08-05T19:58:00.000-07:002008-08-05T20:02:30.531-07:00New Tech Blog for all your Open Source NeedsI decided that including heavy technical articles on this blog would distract from it's primary aim. Although I see technology as essential to activism I understand that many people who read these posts are not so technically oriented or for that matter want to receive tech articles through the list serve that are not expressly activist related. So there is a new blog up called <a href="http://opensfreedom.blogspot.com">Free as in Freedom</a> that will host all open source and computer related articles from now on. It can be found at <a href="http://opensfreedom.blogspot.com">opensfreedom.blogspot.com</a>. There will no longer be technical articles written to this blog.<br /><br />Thank youAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-55249378846062333722008-08-04T20:05:00.000-07:002008-08-04T20:07:40.491-07:00The Linux TrapSo I couldn't sleep last night thanks to this bizarre work schedule they've got me on lately. Anyways I decided that since I was awake and had nothing to do I was going to work on my kernel. I've been merrily hacking away at some source and decided now was the time to compile and give it a test run. I worked on that for something like six hours straight. This morning I come across this<a href="http://xkcd.com/456/"> comic from Xkcd</a>. It's like he knew.....Another Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147715975346108858.post-12398351710579538622008-07-31T21:44:00.001-07:002008-07-31T21:56:35.161-07:00I Am An American SoldierI was almost everything they could want in a soldier.<br /><br />I had pride and honor. I was loyal. I would work hard to prove my worth.<br /><br />I was disenfranchised with my home town, with my life. A high school drop out I needed a place to belong.<br /><br />I told my wife after about a year in that I loved it. I didn't always agree with how things were done and I hated the war, but I could deal with that. I told her that I was going to be a soldier until the day I died or they told me I couldn't do it anymore.<br /><br />There was just one thing that kept me from being what they truly wanted.<br /><br />It wasn't that I questioned things. They could deal with that and my better leaders learned to use it. I would figure things out and notice things that nobody else would or could.<br /><br />It was something that had been ingrained in my from childhood that kept me from being what they truly wanted in a soldier.<br /><br />A love of freedom. True freedom, not democratic republic bill of rights constitution four more years pretend your free freedom. I was taught never to let anyone take away the rights that I had and to be willing to fight for the ones that I didn't have but knew I should.<br /><br />And somebody crossed the line. I threw everything I had at him. I read the manual of courts martial and quoted obscure rulings and appendixes. I read DOD and Army regulations about everything. Every single time he tried to do something illegal I would do everything in my power to stop him.<br /><br />He swore that I would never get promoted. That he would see to it that I was dishonorably discharged. That I would never get an award.<br /><br />Well in the end I won.<br /><br />I was promoted once after he told me that. I was honorably discharged for medical reasons. Right before I got out I received an award for doing his job while he was gone. The commander allowed it even though I was flagged due to pending discharge. He couldn't stop me from getting what I deserved.<br /><br />After it was all said and done I had lost my sense of my place. The time when they told me I couldn't be a soldier anymore came far sooner then I wanted it to. But that's ok.<br /><br />I found something in myself that no one can suppress. That beating core of life and freedom and justice and love that makes me who I am, makes me fight for my brothers and sisters of the world, makes me know that we may not win today but we can not lose. Even if the battle rages a thousand years we can not lose. Because we have that core and nothing can crush it.<br /><br />I am an American Soldier<br />I am a guardian of freedom and ... life<br /><br />Just not the way they wanted me to be<br /><br />Peace and UnityAnother Angry Veteranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469375116383500504noreply@blogger.com0