You give partial blame on our poor choice of leaders. When you say "our" I assume you mean the voting electorate. The problem here is that the voting electorate isn't given many choices and, in fact, the choices are usually reduced to tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum by the time it gets to vote. (Just look at the choices we've had recently - Hillary vs Donald, Joe vs. Donald, Kamala, vs Donald.)
The choices are made (rigged) for us by the ruling elite - it's not "our" choice. (Witness Bernie Sanders who was "unchosen" for us.) We, the voting electorate, really don't get to choose except between two alternatives, both of which are bad.
When was the last time, wrknight, that that voting electorate DEMANDED and ACTED TO GET different choices than those offered by America's Ruling Political Class/Caste and its Deep State? Any time in Your or my lifetimes?
"To come back to the U.S. military: First, troops are trained to obey, not so much educated to think,"
That's what I was taught during my time in the Navy - which always made me wonder, how is it that you are conditioned to obey and not think for years on end and suddenly, when you acquire a certain rank, you are supposed to think? (Like turning on a light.) After some pondering on that issue, I finally concluded that regardless of rank, they don't ever think. They just react. Like robots. What comes out of the Pentagon, has no connection to any logical thought process. It's just more of the same. The answer to every question, every threat is more. More, more and more more.
What comes out of the Pentagon is directed and controlled by the MICCIMATT-SHT, that wholly owned and operated branch of the Ruling Caste's Deep State.
All the folks at the Pentagon do is follow orders. And if they don't, they are replaced. Just like elected politicians at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Such a humble but honest post. I never did military service. I think if I had been born five years earlier, I would have gone to nursing school and volunteered for service, but as a 1975 HS grad, the Viet Nam conflict was winding down. But all Americans are beset by some similar issues. We want to believe our country gets it right. We also want to stay in our lane. I have often kicked around not paying taxes as a war protest but it's not easy and an awful lot to ask of your husband, etc. So much conspires to make us "go along and get along".
You raise an interesting point, Janet H: What if every American who was opposed to America being a War Mongering Empire was against it strongly enough to refuse to pay their taxes?
First of all, would the number of those refusing be significant enough to make any difference at all?
i don't know anything about Canada's tax system, Ray. But i do know that there are a significant number of Americans who are able to totally eliminate or minimize their taxes. And they do it perfectly legally.
But You ask The very good question: How could Americans organize to refuse to pay taxes in sufficient numbers to challenge and change anything?
"I did not speak out against the Iraq War until 2007 (I retired in 2005). Some profile in courage!" Reading this line you wrote reminded me instantly of a quote by Barbara Hannah (Jungian author, analyst):
"It is perhaps difficult for those who have not themselves experienced it to realize how 'blessed' it is to face the truth about oneself and what a 'cursed' state it is to cherish illusions."
Nice Post Bill Astore... If Mad King DJT initiates a Regional War with Iran, we will all be tested... OBW: How is Venezuela going?... It cost tens of Billions of $ to snatch Maduro, and still no Oil... Gas Prices at the Pump have risen, not fallen.... More DJT Success!!!... ;-)
Einstein viewed these three traits as the primary obstacles to global peace and rational governance. Here is how he typically framed them:
Stupidity: Einstein famously lamented that "the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." In a political sense, he saw stupidity as the inability of the masses to think critically, making them easily swayed by propaganda.
Fear: He believed fear was the tool used by governments to keep citizens compliant and to justify the build-up of massive armaments. He often noted that "fear of the neighbor" drove the irrationality of the Cold War.
Greed: This referred to the economic interests—specifically the "military-industrial complex" (before the term was even popularized)—that profited from international tension and the manufacturing of weapons.
Joining the military since 1945 was based on a sickly attraction to nationalism based on patriotic propaganda of being better than other nations othering other people. America never was threatened by communism but corporate America based on might is right based on the advantaged taking advantage of the less advantaged feared other nations not allowing American corporations control exploit their resources. A more socially evolved nation would not fear a sharing of national wealth that America incorporated does at home and abroad.
It's wonderful that Bill and other retired Military men like Larry Wilkerson have stopped taking marching orders. But they would not have joined the military the first place without buying into the evils of nationalism-might makes right against the ethics- philosophy and logic of-Einstein- Gandhi- MLK...
I never knew anyone that served in the military who was looking to "Kill a Commie for Christ" (as the joke was when I served).
There were many reasons people joined the military - family history of military service; hopes for education through the GI Bill; no other economic opportunities; a chance for travel and an adventure (at least during the periods when there were tensions but not hot wars); even blind patriotism and a sense of duty to the country.
But I'm not sure it's fair to expect a nuanced view of the world from an 18 or 22 year old who has been marinated in a lifetime of very slick and all encompassing culture of American exceptionalism. That was true 50 years ago as it is now.
Like Einstein I want no complicity and compliance with might makes right. Einstein: "the worst outcrop of herd nature, the military system, which I abhor. That a man can take pleasure in marching in formation to the strains of a band is enough to make me despise him"
The American military provides satisfaction of needs not met readily in American society . Many joining the military for a sense of purpose-meaning- belonging- for a way to get education to climb within the ranks to achieve security...because social security is not ready found in the American society.
There's hope for the likes of Bill to evolve. But unlikely because his status security lies in climbing the ranks of militarism...MLK expressed similar sentiments as Albert in his twenties.. Many of my high school friends agreed with MLK Gandhi....
I don't think you will-devolve. Don't forget I am Canadian and had far more social security and more opportunities-a more worldly education-a far lower percentage of Canadians look to the military as a way to security or a way to get ahead or a way to live. The Government is trying to change that now. With adds to join the military...we are actually planning to counterattack your potential invasion! Not Kidding! Trump has us armed against you. So, we are becoming more socially insecure taking funds away from Health care...social goods into armament...I am like Einstein "not patriotic to any country but will go where my well-being is nourished" The only thing great about Canada is its higher social security-universal services-mutual shared security from not being militaristic. If we lose that I say we lose our reason for not being the 51st state! Today you won the Gold medal in hockey-that's fine with me. Canadians should be celebrating Universal Services more than hockey! That's the only Canadian identity that matters.
I think you are honest Bill. It’s too bad that you did not or possibly could not find that sense of belonging in something more constructive and not in something so mightily destructive. And in any truly constructive democratic enterprise there is no coercion against speaking out against offering other ways-Being a company man is to give up your freedom for a sickly security-whether you’re company man at corporate GM or the corporate Military in company C...
Having joined the Army in 1965 specifically to go to and fight in Vietnam, i know exactly what You are talking about regarding the mind of a marinated 20 year old.
The propaganda is convincing and powerful, or else they wouldn't use it. The Horatio Alger myth is reused over and over again. Blaming the poor, the immigrants, those with a different religion for their own poverty and the impoverished state of a country racked with obscene amounts of wealth inequality - is as old as the Dark Ages. The use of young men in wars of choice by old men goes back to the days of Julius Caesar. I guess it's true, the more things change - the more things stay the same. All but the splitting of the atom - which may soon end this whole tragicomedy of human civilization. We may even have front row seats to that nuclear armageddon - any day now.
Another incisive, insightful, sobering piece. A few concise, connect-the-dots footnotes:
Of course everyone familiar with Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove,” but also see his “Paths of Glory” with Kirk Douglas.
The Tonkin Gulf Resolution.
What’s the budget for the Pentagon’s publicity office?
“Thank you for your service.” Is there a more cynical, calculated, exploitive piece of propaganda than that?
I believe that in both the UCMJ and in international law (as a result of the Nuremberg trials) there is a superseding duty to disobey. Don’t know how that has played out since then. I think I came across in the news a mention of two Air Force pilots who refused to fly supply flights to Israel, or to Italy prior to shipment to Israel. Haven’t done any further research.
I was drafted into the Army towards the end of Vietnam War and after the My Lai Massacre. In basic we were taught that you suppose to disobey what you think is an illegal order. But also was told, there will be hell to be paid if you do disobey.
This is how Google AI Mode answered the question: "Did any Americans refuse to participate in the My Lai massacre?"
Yes, several American soldiers refused to participate in the 1968 My Lai massacre, with some even taking active measures to stop the killing.
Individual Refusals
While many members of Charlie Company followed orders to kill civilians, a few individuals explicitly refused:
Private Michael Bernhardt: One of the most prominent refusers, Bernhardt refused to fire his weapon throughout the entire operation. He later became a key witness in exposing the massacre.
Private Robert Maples: Maples refused an order from his commanding officer to fire his machine gun into a ditch filled with people, even after the officer threatened him with his own weapon.
Specialist Four Gary Whitmore: Testimony indicates he refused to fire on unarmed villagers.
Other Soldiers: Several other soldiers later testified that they deliberately fired away from civilians or avoided shooting entirely because they recognized the orders as illegal.
The Active Intervention
The most significant resistance came from a helicopter crew that witnessed the killings from the air and intervened:
Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson Jr.: He landed his helicopter between U.S. troops and fleeing Vietnamese civilians. He ordered his crew to fire on fellow American soldiers if they continued to shoot the civilians.
Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn: As Thompson’s crew members, they supported his stand, helped rescue survivors from a ditch, and provided cover during the evacuation of roughly a dozen villagers.
Consequences for Refusing
Refusing to participate or reporting the event often led to severe social and professional backlash:
Retaliation: Private Bernhardt reported being treated with "carelessness" for his life, such as being repeatedly sent to the front of the line during enemy fire.
Ostracization: Hugh Thompson was labeled a traitor by some in the military and government for decades; it wasn't until 1998 that he and his crew were formally recognized with the Soldier's Medal for their heroism.
Isolation is another problem. When deployed at sea - the only communications from the outside world are what the command allows. In the submarine force, we knew nothing about anything going on until months later - as the CO himself only knew what came in on the radio. That insularity stayed with you - even when back in port. As a very tiny example, I only learned about Saturday Night Live in 1978 (three years after its debut).
About the Felon...."instead, he was elected and reelected."
I submit that we don't really know if that's true in either case, especially in 2024. It's what we were told, but the lies we're regularly told by the government and MSM have reached astonishing numbers.
And now, it's looking as if we're about to be lied into another war, possibly as early as tomorrow. Calls to my POS GOP senators are useless, so I, like the rest of the country, am helpless to stop it.
Thank You, Bill, for what has my vote as one of ~ if not The ~ most important posts You have shared since i started hanging out here at BV 4 or 5 years ago.
Lots to confront and reckon with, ponder and reflect upon, and ultimately, intelligently and positively react and respond to.
The world is already close to that - with autonomous lethal drones in development now. The word of Terminator is coming and humanity will rue that day.
You give partial blame on our poor choice of leaders. When you say "our" I assume you mean the voting electorate. The problem here is that the voting electorate isn't given many choices and, in fact, the choices are usually reduced to tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum by the time it gets to vote. (Just look at the choices we've had recently - Hillary vs Donald, Joe vs. Donald, Kamala, vs Donald.)
The choices are made (rigged) for us by the ruling elite - it's not "our" choice. (Witness Bernie Sanders who was "unchosen" for us.) We, the voting electorate, really don't get to choose except between two alternatives, both of which are bad.
When was the last time, wrknight, that that voting electorate DEMANDED and ACTED TO GET different choices than those offered by America's Ruling Political Class/Caste and its Deep State? Any time in Your or my lifetimes?
"To come back to the U.S. military: First, troops are trained to obey, not so much educated to think,"
That's what I was taught during my time in the Navy - which always made me wonder, how is it that you are conditioned to obey and not think for years on end and suddenly, when you acquire a certain rank, you are supposed to think? (Like turning on a light.) After some pondering on that issue, I finally concluded that regardless of rank, they don't ever think. They just react. Like robots. What comes out of the Pentagon, has no connection to any logical thought process. It's just more of the same. The answer to every question, every threat is more. More, more and more more.
What comes out of the Pentagon is directed and controlled by the MICCIMATT-SHT, that wholly owned and operated branch of the Ruling Caste's Deep State.
All the folks at the Pentagon do is follow orders. And if they don't, they are replaced. Just like elected politicians at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Such a humble but honest post. I never did military service. I think if I had been born five years earlier, I would have gone to nursing school and volunteered for service, but as a 1975 HS grad, the Viet Nam conflict was winding down. But all Americans are beset by some similar issues. We want to believe our country gets it right. We also want to stay in our lane. I have often kicked around not paying taxes as a war protest but it's not easy and an awful lot to ask of your husband, etc. So much conspires to make us "go along and get along".
You raise an interesting point, Janet H: What if every American who was opposed to America being a War Mongering Empire was against it strongly enough to refuse to pay their taxes?
First of all, would the number of those refusing be significant enough to make any difference at all?
In CanaDa taxes are deducted at source. How can anyone refuse to pay taxes?
i don't know anything about Canada's tax system, Ray. But i do know that there are a significant number of Americans who are able to totally eliminate or minimize their taxes. And they do it perfectly legally.
But You ask The very good question: How could Americans organize to refuse to pay taxes in sufficient numbers to challenge and change anything?
Definitely worth a ponder.
Businesses and the rich hire accountants to minimize their taxes, but the average worker have their taxes deducted from their pay by their employers
That's true. But can the "average worker" ~ whatever that is ~ minimize those deductions?
And after minimizing those deductions, what if those folks took an extension on filing their taxes, and then never filed them?
How do You think the IRS would react and respond to that? Particularly if it was done by several millions of fed up Citizen/Taxpayers?
Sub-contract some ICE Units from DHS?
"I did not speak out against the Iraq War until 2007 (I retired in 2005). Some profile in courage!" Reading this line you wrote reminded me instantly of a quote by Barbara Hannah (Jungian author, analyst):
"It is perhaps difficult for those who have not themselves experienced it to realize how 'blessed' it is to face the truth about oneself and what a 'cursed' state it is to cherish illusions."
Thx for a great article.
Thanks Bill.
"And, let’s face it, “our” government treats we the people like mushrooms, keeping us in the dark while feeding us bullshit."
👍🫶
Nice Post Bill Astore... If Mad King DJT initiates a Regional War with Iran, we will all be tested... OBW: How is Venezuela going?... It cost tens of Billions of $ to snatch Maduro, and still no Oil... Gas Prices at the Pump have risen, not fallen.... More DJT Success!!!... ;-)
I can't believe how much we're "winnng"! I'm already tired of it.
1. The "Three Great Forces"
Einstein viewed these three traits as the primary obstacles to global peace and rational governance. Here is how he typically framed them:
Stupidity: Einstein famously lamented that "the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." In a political sense, he saw stupidity as the inability of the masses to think critically, making them easily swayed by propaganda.
Fear: He believed fear was the tool used by governments to keep citizens compliant and to justify the build-up of massive armaments. He often noted that "fear of the neighbor" drove the irrationality of the Cold War.
Greed: This referred to the economic interests—specifically the "military-industrial complex" (before the term was even popularized)—that profited from international tension and the manufacturing of weapons.
Joining the military since 1945 was based on a sickly attraction to nationalism based on patriotic propaganda of being better than other nations othering other people. America never was threatened by communism but corporate America based on might is right based on the advantaged taking advantage of the less advantaged feared other nations not allowing American corporations control exploit their resources. A more socially evolved nation would not fear a sharing of national wealth that America incorporated does at home and abroad.
It's wonderful that Bill and other retired Military men like Larry Wilkerson have stopped taking marching orders. But they would not have joined the military the first place without buying into the evils of nationalism-might makes right against the ethics- philosophy and logic of-Einstein- Gandhi- MLK...
I never knew anyone that served in the military who was looking to "Kill a Commie for Christ" (as the joke was when I served).
There were many reasons people joined the military - family history of military service; hopes for education through the GI Bill; no other economic opportunities; a chance for travel and an adventure (at least during the periods when there were tensions but not hot wars); even blind patriotism and a sense of duty to the country.
But I'm not sure it's fair to expect a nuanced view of the world from an 18 or 22 year old who has been marinated in a lifetime of very slick and all encompassing culture of American exceptionalism. That was true 50 years ago as it is now.
Like Einstein I want no complicity and compliance with might makes right. Einstein: "the worst outcrop of herd nature, the military system, which I abhor. That a man can take pleasure in marching in formation to the strains of a band is enough to make me despise him"
The American military provides satisfaction of needs not met readily in American society . Many joining the military for a sense of purpose-meaning- belonging- for a way to get education to climb within the ranks to achieve security...because social security is not ready found in the American society.
I only point out that Einstein wrote that when he was 51 - not 18.
There's hope for the likes of Bill to evolve. But unlikely because his status security lies in climbing the ranks of militarism...MLK expressed similar sentiments as Albert in his twenties.. Many of my high school friends agreed with MLK Gandhi....
As long as I don't devolve ...
I don't think you will-devolve. Don't forget I am Canadian and had far more social security and more opportunities-a more worldly education-a far lower percentage of Canadians look to the military as a way to security or a way to get ahead or a way to live. The Government is trying to change that now. With adds to join the military...we are actually planning to counterattack your potential invasion! Not Kidding! Trump has us armed against you. So, we are becoming more socially insecure taking funds away from Health care...social goods into armament...I am like Einstein "not patriotic to any country but will go where my well-being is nourished" The only thing great about Canada is its higher social security-universal services-mutual shared security from not being militaristic. If we lose that I say we lose our reason for not being the 51st state! Today you won the Gold medal in hockey-that's fine with me. Canadians should be celebrating Universal Services more than hockey! That's the only Canadian identity that matters.
I think you are honest Bill. It’s too bad that you did not or possibly could not find that sense of belonging in something more constructive and not in something so mightily destructive. And in any truly constructive democratic enterprise there is no coercion against speaking out against offering other ways-Being a company man is to give up your freedom for a sickly security-whether you’re company man at corporate GM or the corporate Military in company C...
Well said, TomR. Very well said.
Having joined the Army in 1965 specifically to go to and fight in Vietnam, i know exactly what You are talking about regarding the mind of a marinated 20 year old.
The propaganda is convincing and powerful, or else they wouldn't use it. The Horatio Alger myth is reused over and over again. Blaming the poor, the immigrants, those with a different religion for their own poverty and the impoverished state of a country racked with obscene amounts of wealth inequality - is as old as the Dark Ages. The use of young men in wars of choice by old men goes back to the days of Julius Caesar. I guess it's true, the more things change - the more things stay the same. All but the splitting of the atom - which may soon end this whole tragicomedy of human civilization. We may even have front row seats to that nuclear armageddon - any day now.
Another incisive, insightful, sobering piece. A few concise, connect-the-dots footnotes:
Of course everyone familiar with Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove,” but also see his “Paths of Glory” with Kirk Douglas.
The Tonkin Gulf Resolution.
What’s the budget for the Pentagon’s publicity office?
“Thank you for your service.” Is there a more cynical, calculated, exploitive piece of propaganda than that?
I believe that in both the UCMJ and in international law (as a result of the Nuremberg trials) there is a superseding duty to disobey. Don’t know how that has played out since then. I think I came across in the news a mention of two Air Force pilots who refused to fly supply flights to Israel, or to Italy prior to shipment to Israel. Haven’t done any further research.
I was drafted into the Army towards the end of Vietnam War and after the My Lai Massacre. In basic we were taught that you suppose to disobey what you think is an illegal order. But also was told, there will be hell to be paid if you do disobey.
This is how Google AI Mode answered the question: "Did any Americans refuse to participate in the My Lai massacre?"
Yes, several American soldiers refused to participate in the 1968 My Lai massacre, with some even taking active measures to stop the killing.
Individual Refusals
While many members of Charlie Company followed orders to kill civilians, a few individuals explicitly refused:
Private Michael Bernhardt: One of the most prominent refusers, Bernhardt refused to fire his weapon throughout the entire operation. He later became a key witness in exposing the massacre.
Private Robert Maples: Maples refused an order from his commanding officer to fire his machine gun into a ditch filled with people, even after the officer threatened him with his own weapon.
Specialist Four Gary Whitmore: Testimony indicates he refused to fire on unarmed villagers.
Other Soldiers: Several other soldiers later testified that they deliberately fired away from civilians or avoided shooting entirely because they recognized the orders as illegal.
The Active Intervention
The most significant resistance came from a helicopter crew that witnessed the killings from the air and intervened:
Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson Jr.: He landed his helicopter between U.S. troops and fleeing Vietnamese civilians. He ordered his crew to fire on fellow American soldiers if they continued to shoot the civilians.
Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn: As Thompson’s crew members, they supported his stand, helped rescue survivors from a ditch, and provided cover during the evacuation of roughly a dozen villagers.
Consequences for Refusing
Refusing to participate or reporting the event often led to severe social and professional backlash:
Retaliation: Private Bernhardt reported being treated with "carelessness" for his life, such as being repeatedly sent to the front of the line during enemy fire.
Ostracization: Hugh Thompson was labeled a traitor by some in the military and government for decades; it wasn't until 1998 that he and his crew were formally recognized with the Soldier's Medal for their heroism.
Thank you for this very valuable information. I'm glad to read of instances when troops refused to commit barbaric acts.
"But also was told, there will be hell to be paid is you do disobey."
How could it not be the case... ?
"Thank you for your servileness" is the real meaning, unfortunately.
Thanks for decoding it for me.
As Matt said, thanks Bill.
Isolation is another problem. When deployed at sea - the only communications from the outside world are what the command allows. In the submarine force, we knew nothing about anything going on until months later - as the CO himself only knew what came in on the radio. That insularity stayed with you - even when back in port. As a very tiny example, I only learned about Saturday Night Live in 1978 (three years after its debut).
About the Felon...."instead, he was elected and reelected."
I submit that we don't really know if that's true in either case, especially in 2024. It's what we were told, but the lies we're regularly told by the government and MSM have reached astonishing numbers.
And now, it's looking as if we're about to be lied into another war, possibly as early as tomorrow. Calls to my POS GOP senators are useless, so I, like the rest of the country, am helpless to stop it.
Thank You, Bill, for what has my vote as one of ~ if not The ~ most important posts You have shared since i started hanging out here at BV 4 or 5 years ago.
Lots to confront and reckon with, ponder and reflect upon, and ultimately, intelligently and positively react and respond to.
Maybe we could send robots to do the fighting in the not-too-distant future, if there's anything left to fight for.
The world is already close to that - with autonomous lethal drones in development now. The word of Terminator is coming and humanity will rue that day.
Rock'em Sock'em Robots!
Ours not to reason why, ours but to rue and die.
Good read and great points, Bill. Sometimes you have to be blunt. Linking as usual @https://nothingnewunderthesun2016.com/