The war-makers demand a blank check

[TBF]

Today in France, the New Anti-capitalist Party says, "Their wars. Our dead."

Danny Katch ~ November 18, 2015

THE MORNING after the deadly attacks in Paris, the Economist took the fact that trains and planes were mostly running on schedule as evidence that the mood among ordinary Parisians was one of "defiant normality." This idea of Western civilization maintaining a stiff upper lip against the barbarians at the gate has become a cliché of the "war on terror." George W. Bush went so far as to advise the American people to keep shopping after the September 11, 2001, attacks, or the terrorists would win.

Of course, people understandably hope for "normality" in the wake of a crisis. I worked in the vicinity of the World Trade Center when the September 11 attacks took place, and in the days afterward, some of my co-workers were relieved to get back to the routines of daily life--and somewhat thankful, since thousands of our neighbors no longer could.

< snip >

In the days after 9/11, the U.S. ruling class feverishly planned wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, expanded government surveillance programs and pushed through the civil liberties-shredding USA PATRIOT Act. This week, the French government escalated its participation in the U.S.-led war on ISIS, declared a three-month state of emergency and began considering a range of drastic changes to the constitution that will weaken basic democratic rights ...

Much more here: http://socialistworker.org/2015/11/18/the-warmakers-demand-a-blank-check

[guillaumeb]

1. Excellent article from an excellent site. Recommended.

The "normality" we are praised for in these situations is better described as passivity--not mobilizing opposition to our rulers even when it's clear that they are pursuing more of the same violent and oppressive policies that are root causes of terrorism in the first place.

This analysis by Danny Katch is an excellent summary of all of the post-Sept 11 anti-Democratic nonsense that has been promoted by Presidents Bush and Obama.

Two countries that have interfered in the affairs of countries all over the planet, all in the name of freedom.

When the President pursuing these fascist policies was a Republican, there was much opposition from the Democrats and from the peace movement. Under a Democratic President who pursues essentially the same goals, with essentially the same tactics, the criticism and protest is minimal.

[TBF]

2. And when they say "freedom" they are not talking

about you and me. They are talking about economic freedom for the owners.

[guillaumeb]

3. Unexpressed but understood.

I have been at DU for a short time, and just today I noticed this group. It is now on my subscription list.

I have had a number of commenters reply to some posts by attacking my sources as too progressive. Funny, but I thought that Democrats were supposed to be the left part of the left-right political spectrum.

[TBF]

4. Solidarity -

I'm glad you found us.

[Powers Hapgood]

5. Relevant Words from a Century Ago

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and all to lose — especially their lives."

-- Eugene V. Debs, Canton, Ohio, 1918.

[TBF]

6. Exactly.

And thank you for joining us!

[Powers Hapgood]

7. You're Welcome!

. . . from a long time member of Democratic Socialists of America.