"Heroes" (the American right's strange choice in martyrs)

[marmar]

from OurFuture.org:



"Heroes"
By Rick Perlstein

February 26th, 2008 - 9:35am ET


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Last June, in the context of neocon apologist Fouad Ajami's characterization of convicted perjurer Scooter Libby as a "fallen soldier" in the Iraq War, I talked about the American right's strange choice in martyrs—specifically, Lieutenant William "Rusty" Calley, convicted by a jury his military peers of the murder of twenty-two women, children, and old men in the village of My Lai. One conservative minister proclaimed: "There was a crucifixion 2,000 years ago of a man named Jesus Christ. I don't think we need another crucifixion of a man named Rusty Calley."

And, as I have written: "Computers have cut-and-paste functions. So does right-wing historical memory."

Now that that Marines are finally being charged with voluntary manslaughter for the Haditha massacre in which up to 22 Iraqi civilians died (murder charges were dropped in January), I got an email from Newsmax. No, they're not calling these guys Jesus—not yet. They're just "heroes." As in: Help the Marine Heroes of Haditha." (And get "a free 4-month subscription to Newsmax magazine, a $20 value" as a special bonus!).

Two Marines face maximum charges of fifteen years. Newsmax's email gives us their profiles:

Lance Cpl. Tatum hails from Oklahoma City, Okla. He graduated from the Putnam City public schools, playing sports in grade school followed by football in high school.

His parents say Stephen has always had a positive attitude, and was well liked by his teachers and friends. Stephen, they told Newsmax, is a religious young man who enjoys going to church with family and friends. He always wanted to be a Marine and has served his country with great pride, honor, and dedication.
Staff Sgt. Wuterich was an honor student in Meriden, Conn., an active sportsman who played the trumpet in the school band, and performed with the drama club.

While still in his senior year of high school, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
For the past eight years, he has been an outstanding leader with many decorations and commendations.
Ironically, before being charged with murder, he had been recommended for the Bronze Star for the very actions at Haditha that resulted in the charges.

Then, the "ask":

Newsmax will send all donations — every penny — to the aid of the Marines. Newsmax will even pay all the credit card processing costs that will incur.

Help us show America's appreciation for these fine young Marines and their selfless service to our country

(Strangely, Newsmax is not raising money for a third Marine in the case, battalion commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani, facing charges that he was derelict in his duty for failing to ask for an investigation. Maybe because he was neither an honor student nor a "religious young man"? I have no idea.) ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/heroes

[zbdent]

1. reminds me of the failed joke by Sally Field in "Punchline" -

about how Davey Berkowitz was good with dogs ...

[sinkingfeeling]

2. While I will admit I don't understand why any person would want to serve in the American

Empire, I accept these men and women's decisions to join. But I almost get sick when my local TV station goes on and on about 'our local heroes' in their stories about the Guard being in training in Oklahoma before being shipped to Iraq.

Guess it's because I remember when their were really heroes from WWII, who showed unbelievable courage in their actions. Now days, anybody that wears the uniform (even if they might be an ex-con, high school dropout, or gang member) is a 'hero'. And of course, no one is 'patriotic' without those stupid American flag pins. Both words have become cheap.