MLK’s Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence
Relevance to U.S. Wars and Militarism Today
50 years ago, on April 4, 1967 at Riverside Church, in NYC, Martin Luther King delivered his powerful and most controversial speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence”. No longer willing to keep silent about the immorality of the Vietnam War, knowing the intense criticism he would receive for speaking out, he nevertheless was compelled to speak, “I am here tonight because my conscience leaves me no other choice”.
King spoke against war and its crippling effects on social progress. He denounced the death and destruction in Vietnam and the waste of billions on an immoral war. All this at the expense of the poor and those serving in the military. The destruction done to the Vietnamese is the same destruction we are doing to the Afghans, Iraqis, Syrians, Yemenis, Somalis, Libyans, Pakistanis, and others today.
“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”
I am as deeply concerned about our own troops there as anything else. For it occurs to me that what we are submitting them to in Vietnam is not simply the brutalizing process that goes on in any war where armies face each other and seek to destroy. We are adding cynicism to the process of death, for they must know after a short period there that none of the things we claim to be fighting for are really involved. Before long they must know that their government has sent them into a struggle among Vietnamese, and the more sophisticated surely realize that we are on the side of the wealthy, and the secure, while we create a hell for the poor.
King connected the inherit racism of killing the Vietnamese people with the killing of black people in America through dehumanization and contempt for “other” people.
King was greatly concerned that the war in Vietnam was destroying the soul of America. He called for an end to the war, detailing how a foreign policy based on violence and domination abroad, relates to the violence and problems we are afflicted with at home. He asked us to reassess our values to avoid future mistakes that could destroy our nation.
“We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”
King’s message was not heeded, and our problems have multiplied.
Since 1991 the U.S. has been at war in the Middle East, destabilizing the whole region. In 2016 the U.S. dropped bombs in seven countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Pakistan & Somalia.
The U.S. is the world’s #1 exporter of arms. We have more than 800 bases in over 70 countries. U.S. Special Forces have been deployed in over 105 countries. We have launched thousands of drone strikes.
Our Congressional representatives are cowards. They are willing to send ground troops into the war in Afghanistan, Iraq and now Syria, while refusing to debate and vote on the use of military force. Instead they shamefully forego their constitutional duty, to avoid being held accountable to their constituents.
Congress has voted to spend our taxpayers’ dollars on endless wars at the expense of everything else. Total defense spending costs our country approximately $900 billion (that’s almost $1 trillion) each year. This $900 billion pays for cost of war, 800 bases, nuclear weapons, intelligence agencies, homeland security, and veterans benefits. Economist Jeffrey Sachs stated “The U.S. is incurring massive public debt and cutting back on urgent public investments at home in order to sustain a dysfunctional, militarized, and costly foreign policy.”
The Cost of War project at Brown University reports that war costs since 2001 will run to nearly $5 trillion. “Yet the cost seems invisible to politicians and the public alike. The reason is that almost all of the spending has been financed through borrowing – selling US Treasury Bonds around the world – leaving our children to pick up the tab. Consequently, the wars have had little impact on our pocketbooks.” “As long as the cost of the war remains hidden from public view, there is no pressure to reexamine our military strategy.” (Linda Bilmes)
And now we have Trump’s budget proposal. He is asking for an additional $54 billion to the budget busting $596 million the Pentagon is already allocated. The Pentagon’s budget is larger than the budgets of the next 7 countries combined. That proposed increase alone is almost as large as Russia’s entire military budget. Trump proposes to finance his expanded war budget by making drastic cuts to the EPA, Dept. of Education, State Dept., the UN and its humanitarian aid, and social services.
These cuts will have devastating effects on the environment, our children’s education, the ability to prevent war through diplomacy with cruel cuts to social services for the poor, sick and elderly.
We have a choice about how this country spends our taxpayer dollars. We can remain silent allowing billions to be spent funding endless, futile wars or we can speak out, demanding our tax dollars fund healthcare for all Americans, support climate change initiatives, invest in solar and renewable energy, improve our educational system providing free college, rebuild our infrastructure and end extreme poverty in this country.
We can no longer remain silent. We must challenge American militarism.
MLK’s Challenge to Us
“Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism.”
“We still have a choice today, nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation. We must find new ways to speak for peace and justice throughout the developing world a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act we shall be dragged down the long dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.”
“Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter – but beautiful – struggle for a new world. Shall we say the odds are too great? Shall we tell them the struggle is too hard? The choice is ours, and though we might prefer it otherwise we must choose in this crucial moment of human history.”
MFSO Responds to President Trump’s Comments
MFSO is horrified by President Trump’s comments about “taking the oil” in Iraq.
President Trump, January 2017, at the CIA: “The old expression, to the victor belong the spoils…we should’ve kept the oil…But, okay, maybe we’ll have another chance.”
This careless statement, which has not been retracted, endangers the lives of our troops in Iraq and the region. ISIS has been losing ground in Iraq but this statement greatly assists ISIS’s ability to recruit, directly hurting the progress our troops have made in Iraq.
“There is nothing Trump could have said that would be more corrosive to our interests in the Middle East,” says Ryan Crocker, the distinguished former U.S. ambassador to Baghdad. And nothing that so displays the president’s ignorance of Middle East history and dynamics.
This talk of seizing oil is a clarion call to anti-U.S. forces,” Crocker told me, “because it plays to the myth that we were in Iraq to take their oil. Oil is the sacred touchstone of Iraqi sovereignty and independence. From 2003 all the way to Donald Trump we made clear that we understood that.
“Now Iraqis will believe that seizing oil is U.S. policy. Trump has made the myth come true.”
We strongly object to President Trump’s comments. Taking the oil is against international law and a war crime. These unthinking words also damage our standing in the world. We suggest that MFSO members write a letter to the editor or contact their Congressional members to demand that President Trump retract these comments which endanger our troops in Iraq as well as our troops stationed in the region.
References:
http://www.politico.com/story/
http://www.philly.com/philly/
Sign the Petition – End War in Afghanistan
The U.S. war in Afghanistan is well into its 16th year.
Unbelievably, Army General John Nicholson is requesting that more troops be sent to Afghanistan to “train, advise and assist” the Afghan forces.
Military Families Speak Out is also very concerned about the increasing discussion of ground troops not only in Afghanistan but in Iraq, Syria and now in Yemen. More troops are not the answer. War has not worked and will not work. Our government must now focus on diplomacy and negotiations to bring stability to these countries.
Please click here to sign the End U.S. War in Afghanistan petition directed to Donald Trump.
Highlights of this Petition:
During each of the past 15 years, our government in Washington has informed us that success was imminent. During those years, Afghanistan has continued its descent into poverty, violence, environmental degradation, and instability. The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops would send a signal to the world, and to the people of Afghanistan, that the time has come to try a different approach, something other than more troops and weaponry.
The United States is spending $4 million an hour on planes, drones, bombs, guns, and over-priced contractors in a country that needs food and agricultural equipment, much of which could be provided by U.S. businesses. Thus far, the United States has spent an outrageous $783 billion with virtually nothing to show for it except the death of thousands of U.S. soldiers , and the death, injury and displacement of millions of Afghans.
But the war has had a substantial impact on our security: it has endangered us. …terrorists targeting the United States have stated their motives as including revenge for the U.S. war in Afghanistan, along with other U.S. wars in the region.
It is important that we Speak Out by signing the End U.S. War in Afghanistan and by staying abreast of the new administration’s seemingly aggressive military direction.
Remembering Dede Miller
For 25 years, Dede worked at the Bellflower Kmart as Human Resources manager until she quit to work full-time for the peace and social justice movement after her nephew Casey was killed in Iraq in 2004.Dede will be remembered for her quick sense of humor and zest for life. She traveled the world with sister Cindy in her quest for peace and remarked “I’ve had a wonderful life” shortly before her transition.
Dede will be missed by many, but especially by those family members that survive her: sister Cindy Sheehan of Vacaville CA; brother Scott Miller of Bellflower CA; brother-in-law Patrick Sheehan of Fairfield CA; niece Carly Sheehan of Novato CA; nephew Andy Sheehan and niece Jane Henry both of Vacaville. In the final two years of her life, Dede found great joy and comfort in her great nieces and nephews: Jonah, Jovie, Jackson, Jillian Henry; and Cohen Sheehan, all of Vacaville. The friends and people she had a positive influence on and touched profoundly in her too short life are too numerous to list.
Dede was in home hospice care for her last days and was surrounded by love, peace, and her beloved family at all times.
(972) 924-4800President Obama Issues Condolence Letter
Military Families Speak Out’s (MFSO) last meeting at the White House was August 27th 2015. We discussed ending our military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, the high rate of military suicides and VA care. The very next morning we learned that Tyler Westbrook, son of WV MFSO representative, Marcia Westbrook, commited suicide at his home. Tyler was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.
We immediately informed our White House contact who was very sympathetic stating that a request would be made for a letter of condolence from the President.
A few days later, our contact informed us that this letter would not be sent because Tyler died “stateside”. We were informed that it is the policy of the Department of Defense that only active service members who die by suicide while deployed can be sent a letter of condolence from the President.
How can such a distinction be made? It is an obviously offensive and ill-conceived policy that is very painful to the families. This policy reinforces the stigma attached to suicide making these families feel less than, that their loved one’s service was unimportant and their sacrifice not respected.
MFSO diligently worked with our White House contact requesting the Defense Department’s policy be changed so that the President could send a condolence letter to the family.
After 16 months, to our surprise and with tears of joy and sadness, Marcia Westbrook received a signed letter of condolence from President Obama.
Thank you President Obama.
We don’t yet know if the Department of Defense changed its policy or if President Obama signed this letter because he agrees the policy is ridiculous and hurtful, causing more pain. We are in touch with the White House hoping to learn that the Department of Defense changed this awful policy so that every family whose military member dies by suicide is entitled to receive a presidential condolence letter.
MFSO Members On CCTV
Sally Zhang of CCTV sent the video she did with two member of Military Families Speak Out (MFSO), Mary Hladky and Marcia Westbrook. She wanted MFSO’s input on the Iraq War. WATCH HERE! The video is 6 minutes long and starts out in Mandarin for the Chinese audience. (Note: The interview portions are in English).
MFSO Opposes Nomination of General Mattis
Military Families Speak Out opposes the nomination by Donald Trump of General James Mattis for Secretary of Defense. Mattis retired from the military in 2013. That means Congress needed to waive rules that require defense secretaries to be civilians for seven or more years after leaving the military to ensure civilian control over the armed forces. The Senate has already voted to waive that requirement. Civilian control of our military is fundamental to American democracy.
Donald Trump introduced General Mattis by the nickname “Mad Dog” as if this is someone “cool,” someone to be revered. According to journalist Dahr Jamail, over his career Mattis has shown “callous disregard for human life, particularly civilians, as evidenced by his behavior leading Marines in Iraq and comments he made about enjoying fighting in Afghanistan because ‘it’s fun to shoot some people. You know, it’s a hell of a hoot.’.” (James Mattis Is a War Criminal: I Experienced His Attack on Fallujah Firsthand. Truthout. December 6, 2016, D. Jamail)
“Mad Dog” was a name Mattis received after the 2004 battles of Fallujah in Iraq. More than 5700 civilians were killed. More than 100 U.S. troops died. At that time, white phosphorous, a weapon which, like napalm, burns all the way down to the bone was used. Its use is a violation of international law, as it was used in a city with thousands of civilians. So many U.S. service members who participated in the battles of Fallujah still reel from physical and moral injuries.
In a speech in 2003 Mattis spoke to soldiers about how to behave in Iraq. He said, “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.” The consequences for this hideous attitude have been drastic –widespread hatred toward our service members, hatred toward America – and moral injury for our soldiers and Marines.
Under General Mattis’s authority in 2005 US Marines massacred 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians in Haditha. Many members of Military Families Speak Out remember these battles personally because it impacted our own families or families of friends and neighbors. Many of us in MFSO remember when our loved ones were trained or were under the command of General Mattis and deeply resent his cavalier attitude.
Our troops deserve moral leadership. We call on MFSO members and friends to call your Senator today to tell them to oppose the nomination of James Mattis for Secretary of Defense. 202-224-2131.
Spread the word!
Military Families Speak Out at the Women’s March
On Jan 21, MFSO will join with veterans around the country sending the message to our new President that women rights are human rights. Military Sexual Trauma is at epidemic levels in the U.S. Military and MFSO is appalled that our new Commander and Chief will be a man who has shown himself to disregard women’s rights by his own misogynist behavior.
We urge you to find your local MFSO and VFP members and march together. Please join other MFSO members in DC, Los Angeles or Santa Ana CA, New York City, Denver CO, Charleston, WV, Kansas City, MO, and Trenton, NJ. If you would like your area listed please contract us right away.
Washington DC
Starts at 10am at Independence Ave and Third St SW. We will be marching with VFP, IVAW and others. Call Marcia Westbrook at 843-274-0785 for any questions and meet up location. You can also sign up on thehttp://www.VeteransforPeace.
Los Angeles CA.
Meet up at the NE corner of West 6th Street and South Olive Street, Pershing Square by 9:30am Look for the VFP Flag and MFSO banner. Call Pat Alviso 562-833-8035 or Jeff Merrick 562-522-4241 for any questions.
Santa Ana CA.
Starting point for the march will be 4th and French and ending at the old OC Court House. March will start at 9amand end by 1pm. Call Ed Garza at 714-317-3969 for MFSO and VFP meet up point.
New York City
Meet up at First Ave and 47th Street between 12:15-12:30. Look for the VFP Flag, Call Bob Keilbach at 347-645-1052 day of event.
Denver CO
Parade starts at 9am, Denver Civic Center Park Colfax and Bannock. Meet up at 9am at 15th and Cleveland.. Call Vrnda Noel 720-299-8781 for meet up location.
Charleston, WVA
Meet up on the river side of the Charleston State Capitol Building at 1pm. Call Marcia Westbrook at 843-274-0785 for any questions.
Kansas City, MO
March starts at 9am Main and Cleaver Blvd, then at 10:15move on to All Souls 4501 Walnut for excellent speakers. Call Mary Hladky at 937-926-0589 for any questions.
Trenton, NJ
Meet up at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey, at10 a.m. Call Paula Rogovin at 201-248-3169 for any additional information.