01
Apr
2003
I am fascinated by the phenomenon that we as Americans are deliberately kept in a state of extreme fear.
Here is a quote from Hermann Goering during his war-crimes trial at Nuremberg.
"Why, of course, the people don't want war. Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship ... voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
Everybody supports the troops. That's a no-brainer. So lets stop questioning the patriotism of those disagreeing with the war, or the tax cut for the rich, or drilling in Alaska, or the appointment of extreme right-wing federal judges, or the shredding of the Constitution, or ... you get the picture.
Scott Morschhauser
Bettendorf
For the Families of Fallen Marines
There will never be anything anyone can do to mitigate the loss of a loved one. All we can do is to be there. One thing to keep in mind, as highbrow and prideful as it might seem, is that as a Marine, they'll never be forgotten. Individual names will fade with time, people will all leave us in time, and their memories will go with them when they move on to better things. We often say of fallen Marines that they have gone on "to guard heaven's gates" or they've been "transferred to Chesty's command." We know where Marines go when they leave us. We drink to their memory. We remember our Brothers and Sisters. In time we will be gone, and our memories with us. Take this comfort with you as you mourn your losses. The United States Marine Corps will never be forgotten. Your Brothers and Sisters will therefore never be forgotten. Your Sons and Daughters will never be forgotten. Your Fathers and Mothers will never be forgotten. They have passed into the legend and myth that is the United States Marine Corps. They will be remembered with the likes of Pharaoh's Army, The Hordes of the Khan's, Alexander's Armies, the Legions of Rome. Other armed forces across the length of time will be remembered as being less than our equals. Your loved ones have been a part of something special. Something that cannot be readily conveyed by mere words. It is scant comfort in this present time, but it is a source of quiet pride to those who understand. A Marine will live forever. God will not abandon those who have been willing to sacrifice so much for others. Your son, and the sons and daughters of so many others, will certainly never be forgotten, here on earth or before the throne of God. They are only words, but they are all I presently have to offer. Be at peace, Mother. Be at peace, Father. Be you all at peace, for your family member will most certainly be guarding heaven's gates upon your own arrival there in the fullness of time. Semper Fidelis, Marine family. Be Proud.
Warren Bonesteel
Rapid City, South Dakota
Everybody supports the troops. That's a no-brainer. So lets stop questioning the patriotism of those disagreeing with the war, or the tax cut for the rich, or drilling in Alaska, or the appointment of extreme right-wing federal judges, or the shredding of the Constitution, or ... you get the picture.
Scott Morschhauser
Bettendorf
For the Families of Fallen Marines
There will never be anything anyone can do to mitigate the loss of a loved one. All we can do is to be there. One thing to keep in mind, as highbrow and prideful as it might seem, is that as a Marine, they'll never be forgotten. Individual names will fade with time, people will all leave us in time, and their memories will go with them when they move on to better things. We often say of fallen Marines that they have gone on "to guard heaven's gates" or they've been "transferred to Chesty's command." We know where Marines go when they leave us. We drink to their memory. We remember our Brothers and Sisters. In time we will be gone, and our memories with us. Take this comfort with you as you mourn your losses. The United States Marine Corps will never be forgotten. Your Brothers and Sisters will therefore never be forgotten. Your Sons and Daughters will never be forgotten. Your Fathers and Mothers will never be forgotten. They have passed into the legend and myth that is the United States Marine Corps. They will be remembered with the likes of Pharaoh's Army, The Hordes of the Khan's, Alexander's Armies, the Legions of Rome. Other armed forces across the length of time will be remembered as being less than our equals. Your loved ones have been a part of something special. Something that cannot be readily conveyed by mere words. It is scant comfort in this present time, but it is a source of quiet pride to those who understand. A Marine will live forever. God will not abandon those who have been willing to sacrifice so much for others. Your son, and the sons and daughters of so many others, will certainly never be forgotten, here on earth or before the throne of God. They are only words, but they are all I presently have to offer. Be at peace, Mother. Be at peace, Father. Be you all at peace, for your family member will most certainly be guarding heaven's gates upon your own arrival there in the fullness of time. Semper Fidelis, Marine family. Be Proud.
Warren Bonesteel
Rapid City, South Dakota
