Wow, just wow. "West Point Graduates Against the War"

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

Just heard one of the co-founders speak about this. He said the Shinseki immediate resignation, after he spoke out, was a "body blow" to the Officer Corps.

When have you ever seen this many respected military people and institutions turn on a president?

Their purpose: (bolding mine)

Instilled by the Cadet Honor System with a fundamental, longstanding respect for truth, we graduates of the United States Military Academy believe that honor is a basic attribute of character. That we are no longer cadets is irrelevant. We stand appalled by the deceitful behavior of the government of the United States and, in particular, its widely known malefactors. Lying, cheating, stealing, delivering evasive statements and quibbling not only has demeaned these deceivers and the United States of America, but has placed vast numbers of innocent people in deadly peril. We will not serve the lies.

The war in Iraq was launched illegally. It has since killed tens of thousands of innocents, causing incalculable damage to Iraq and the Iraqi people, as well as the reputation of the United States of America. We will not serve the lies.

When we West Point graduates took our commissioning oath of office one past June morning, we swore to protect our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The deceitful connivances of the current administration have resulted in a war catastrophic to our nation’s interests: politically, economically, militarily, and morally.We now stand to protect our nation from these deceivers. We will not serve their lies.

We seek justice for all victims of this illegal war, both servicemen and servicewomen, and the citizens of Iraq.

To our purpose we invoke the words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence whereby we too “mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, & our sacred Honor.”

http://www.westpointgradsagainstthewar.org/

MKJ

[Kutjara]

1. If BushCo isn't very careful...

...their enduring legacy will be that they precipitated the first military coup in American history.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

12. I thought the same thing. As far as I understand, this is unprecedented in

American history.

Are there any other instances of this kind of "speaking out" to the PTB by retired military brass? MKJ

[libhill]

22. Smedley Butler in the 1930s - U.S.M.C. General

by that time he was retired, but he wrote a book entitled "War is a Racket". His premise was that war is a tool for capitalism and Wall Street bankers, and he remained an outspoken pacifist until he died. And this from a man who had served through the American "colonial wars" of the early 20th Century. The Boxer Rebellion, the wars in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, etc. It would have been interesting to get his take on U.S. entry into World War Two. He posited that war is only justified when defending our own shores from invasion. I believe he died in 1940.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

24. "War is a Racket" is the best book title by a retired General I could

imagine.

Thanks for the enlightening information. I would love to get my hands on that book. MKJ

[libhill]

26. Butler was a fascinating man, and true patriot -

he blew the lid off of a plot to overthrow the F.D.R. Administration, and I believe some of his writings are available in E-book form on the web. You can google the name and see what you come up with. :)

[ArbustoBuster]

35. You're in luck. It's available for free online.

http://lexrex.com/enlightened/articles/warisaracket.htm

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

36. This is why I love DU. I would have never known I could read this online.

I can't wait to read it. MKJ

:yourock:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

37. This piece should be plastered everywhere. It's as if the General

was sitting at the table when the IWR folks were meeting.

MKJ

[libhill]

41. It's brilliant, isn't it?

a little bit dated, but a lot of what he said still rings true today, just substitute a modern date, and then read in Iraq, or Iran, or Vietnam for Germany and Japan, and there you have it...nothing else has really changed, and the bankers and industrialists and the politicians are still at it.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

49. Exactly. The fundemental premise of war profiteering and using/abusing

the men and women who serve rings true today.

I really liked his observations about the lack of understanding leaders possess regarding the benefits of a "perpetual peace."

Thanks for steering this my way. MKJ

[Timbuk3]

51. Look here

I think this is the whole thing.

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/war_is_a_racket_033103.htm

[Media_Lies_Daily]

21. It may not be the first, but it may very well be the most.....

...publicly visible.

There have been three previous attempted coups that I know of, with two being successful:

1. Played an active role in a coup that failed against FDR:

2. Played an active role in the assassination of JFK (key Army security group told to stand down on November 22, 1963...military medical officers controlled and conducted the autopsy at a military hospital);

3. Played an active role in the events leading up to Nixon's resignation (nuclear codes removed from Nixon's side after 2-star General Al Haig became WH Chief-of-Staff).

[libhill]

27. I remember that press conference -

"Who is in control here?" Haig - "I am". Very chilling -

[WinkyDink]

29. That was after Reagan was shot.

He was criticized in 1981, after the March 30 assassination attempt on Reagan, for asserting before reporters that "I'm in control here" as a result of Reagan's hospitalization. The quotation became seen as an attempt by Haig to exceed his authority. The full quotation, which has often been overlooked, is:

Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the president, the vice president and the secretary of state, in that order, and should the president decide he wants to transfer the helm to the vice president, he will do so. As for now, I'm in control here, in the White House, pending the return of the vice president and in close touch with him. If something came up, I would check with him, of course.

Wikipedia

[libhill]

32. You are correct, ma'am

thanks for the clarification, It's hell getting old. And there was something fishy about the Reagan shooting too, albeit I'm no fan of Raygun.

[IndyOp]

23. But not the first coup -- the first coup is the

assassination of JFK...

Just sayin' --

:hi:

[cyberpj]

50. Glad someone posted that one. Thanks. nt

[Mr_Spock]

52. Gives me a cold chill as I realize the seriousness of this situation

This administration deserves all the opposition - they are simply obcessed with killing innocents.

[yurbud]

2. post this where knuckledragging freepers can see it

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

18. It appears someone has done just that.

To: Sub-Driver
What's up with this website...

West Point Graduates Against the War...they are referencing the Cadet Code of Conduct...

http://www.westpointgradsagainstthewar.org/



62 posted on 05/06/2006 3:58:01 PM PDT by patriotvet
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse >
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1627947/posts?q=1&&page=62#62

MKJ

edited to add a response...

To: patriotvet
This West Point Site looks like the typical propaganda out of the Murtha /Kerry camp. Why are these media whores still spewing?

66 posted on 05/06/2006 4:20:21 PM PDT by zoomie81 (zoomie81 ( the nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten))
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies | Report Abuse >

[libhill]

28. They just don't get it -

actually, I think "knuckle dragging" would be an evolutionary step up for these clueless cretins -

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

38. Another response....

To: patriotvet
They won't say who they are. I am sure that Weasley Clark is one of them.



75 posted on 05/06/2006 5:09:31 PM PDT by wmileo
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies | Report Abuse >
MKJ

[yurbud]

39. more words of wisdom from the barcolounger brigade

[CrazyOrangeCat]

3. Like Autorank sez,

"We are witnessing the start of a velvet revolution."

:woohoo:

[Grateful for Hope]

4. It is so refreshing

to see truth spoken paticularly from a source one would least likely expect.

[Greenpeach]

5. This should be all over the front page...

But will anyone ever see it?

[paul_fromatlanta]

11. Not if the page won't load

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

14. see post #9. :-)

I can vouch for the veracity of the site and I hope they figure out how to handle more than 2 hits at one time. :)

MKJ

[mdmc]

6. they just got sued by west point

[Media_Lies_Daily]

7. And......??

[mdmc]

47. and they need a great civil rights attorney to help them out

luckily, Michael Sussman lives in the area. Let me find a link to the story...

[flyingfysh]

8. How can the Army own the name "West Point"?

Didn't the name exist long before the Army was created?

[Kutjara]

13. So did the concept of 'windows'...

...but try naming a product or service that.

[dogday]

15. More Importantly, I thought by completing

the program, honoring the system, and graduating from West Point, that it gave entitlement to one to say that they are a West Point graduate, and in that thinking, they are being truthful.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

16. The entire premise is based on the Cadet's Code of Honor. n/t

MKJ

[dogday]

46. That is what I meant by honoring the

system... The cadet's code of honor says: A cadet shall not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those that do....

[libhill]

31. What? Free speech?

Where do you think you are, America? Oh, yeah - :(

[mr_hat]

9. I can't get the site to load.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

10. LOL, based on my extemely limited knowledge of websites, I thought,

when I first pulled it up, that one of the grads must have designed the site, per mid 1990's specs.

I wouldn't be surprised if our hits overwhelmed the site. I hope they can leverage their own Elad, EarlG or Skinner to help fix that problem.

That said, their passion and willingness to put their necks on the line, so to speak, shines through. MKJ

grammer edit.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

17. It's loading now, necessary adjustments have, apparently, been made.

:patriot: MKJ

[Hubert Flottz]

19. I believe that way of thinking goes right on up the chain of ...

command.

I remember taking that oath and I've been pissed off ever since the CiC lied to America too. I knew, or at least thought I knew I was not the only one who was pissed!

I salute my brothers in arms, for their patriotism and their love of their country. God bless them and God bless America, the REAL America! If 9/11 changed everything as Bush claims, then the terrorists WIN.



"When taking your oath, you accept the challenge to exhibit candor -- honesty in what one says in addition to how one acts. The Profession of Arms leaves no room for half-truth. The accuracy of information exchanged by the Army team must be absolute."

http://www.stayarmy.com/theoath.htm

What if the troops all lied to their commanders like Bush lied to the troops?

Bush swore that:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

[Ilsa]

20. I know someone graduating from one of the academies this year,

but not West Point. I wonder if his classmates will do something similar. I doubt he would. I think he is ultra conservative.

[The Wielding Truth]

25. Speaking Truth to Power.

:kick:

[Little Star]

30. K&R

[The Wielding Truth]

33. They vow to truth.

:kick: :kick:

[AbsoluteArmorer]

34. Out Frickin' Standing !!!!!

Music to my ears! Dissent against our govt lies from the younger warriors!!!! BEAUTIFUL!

[OneBlueSky]

40. Army cracks down on Web site name . . .

By Greg Bruno
Times Herald-Record
[email protected]
Saturday, May 6, 2006

http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2006/05/06/news-gbwebsite-05-06.html

West Point - Delis are OK. Car washes and dry cleaners, too. There's even a "West Point" real estate agency for the patriotic home buyer looking to relocate.

But creators of an anti-Iraq war Web site have learned the hard way: Army trademark czars don't like politics.

A trio of 1962 U.S. Military Academy graduates have been told to stop using the words "West Point" on a Web site that harshly criticizes the Bush administration's justification to go to war.

The warning was first made in an April 12 letter from a lawyer, days after the site, www.westpointgradsagainstthewar.org, became active.

- more . . .

http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2006/05/06/news-gbwebsite-05-06.html

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

48. I love this quote from the article...

"Even if it was West Point Graduates for the War," D'Aquino said, "they still would have gotten a letter" to stop using the name.

:rofl: MKJ

[Rosemary2205]

42. This is meaningless

3 guys - only 2 of which claimed to have graduated from West Point - ony 3 guys. If a whole batallion of Iraqi soldiers whipping off the uniforms don't phase the RW what makes anyone think 3 "measley" West Pointers will. (that how they look at it, not me)

The thing we have to understand is that those still backing Bush are hardcore and nothing said will phase them. However, on the boards, most are just part of the 101 Fighting Keyboarders and are nothing but fools playing little kid games.

Now having said all that, these 3 guys are doing something important IF they can bend one soldier at a time toward leaving the military ASAP or just not joining up at all. Unfortunately, most who will enlist at this point generally don't spend much time online - IF they have access at all.

[walldude]

43. You saying it's meaningless, makes it not meaningless...

Sometimes all it takes are 3 guys. BTW these aren't just 3 guys, these are 3 WEST POINT GRADS. These are 3 out of the elite. The site was worth it for these Eisenhower quotes alone:

"When people speak to you about a preventive war, you tell them to go and fight it. After my experience, I have come to hate war." (2)

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its stupidity. War settles nothing." (3)

"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion." (4)

"If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison. They’ll have enough to eat, a bed and a roof over their heads. But if an American wants to preserve his dignity and his equality as a human being, he must not bow his neck to any dictatorial government." (5)



Dwight D. Eisenhower

34th President of the United States

(1953-1961)

Almost a warning...

And on edit, one post above you links a story that the army is suiing to have the site taken down. Still think it's meaningless?

[Rosemary2205]

44. it's only meaningful to people who care

The RW that needs to be reached the most will not care. IMHO of course. Always, just MHO.

[walldude]

45. Hmmm maybe it's perspective, have you seen this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1122312

I saw the West Point site right after I saw this thread, maybe it changed my perspective a bit...

[tired of the right]

53. One of the slogans of the '60's was...

"What if they gave a war and nobody came?" Maybe Bush has inadvertently led the way. Wouldn't that be ironic?

[Breeze54]

54. Didn't this hit the news LAST week??

:shrug:

I know I read about this a week or more ago...
Just asking!

http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0421-05.htm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 21, 2006
10:21 AM


CONTACT: West Point Graduates Against the War
914-772-2310

West Point Graduates Against the War Launches Campaign Against the Deceit of the US Government

NEW YORK - April 21 -
Three alumni of the United States Military Academy at West Point have launched
a grassroots movement to convert the disgrace of governmental lies and evasions
about the assault on Iraq into a force to redeem the honor of their country....

;)

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

55. The first I heard was when one of the founders was interviewed on a show

on Sirius Left. It was Tim Ryan.

He was genuine and informative. I hadn't seen anything about this before.

MKJ