I have a two friends, in particular, who basically said “STFU” about my recent bashings of America. One made the argument I was against giving the Iraqi people the same freedoms I have to which I have a few responses.

If you are so much for these said freedoms, which 38% of Americans favor limiting, then why are you against allowing me my expression of said freedoms? I think America, on paper, is the greatest nation on earth, but in practice sucks.

People often misconstrue my critical stance of the US government as unpatriotic when in fact I’m fulfilling my patriotic duty to do just that. When they ask why I am critical I ask them why they aren’t in the face of such mounting evidence. I say shame on them for not being critical of their government. Our nation was founded by dissenters who were scared to death of government, which is why I’m so worried that the majority of Americans placate to the federal government now.

I’m not against dethroning Saddam. I’ve said it many times before that he’s dangerous and, in the interest of peace in the Middle East, something should be done. But that something should include unilateral support, solid evidence presented to the United Nations (or at least the American people), and a valid declaration of war.

I finally got around to seeing Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine today. I’m speechless. Combine the content of this movie with Against Empire, Shrub: The short, but happy political life of George W. Bush, and Stupid White Men makes for a sobering realization: America really does suck!

Horrific foreign policy that has seen us support murderous dictators such as General Agusto Pinochet and Saddam Hussein. Black Americans earned 61% less than white Americans, which, incidently, is the same earning rate recorded in 1880 (no that’s not a typo). We kill over 10,000 of our neighbors each year with guns, while Japan kills about 60 (remember the Japanese bring us Mortal Combat and the crazy Anime). The richest 1 percent of the country is making 157 percent more than they were in 1979, while those Americans in the bottom 20% are actually making $100 less per year (adjusted for inflation). To top it off we have a President who has threatened to shut down the White House AIDS office, denied college aid to drug offenders (murderers are still eligable), despite being a drug abuser himself, and cut $39 million in aid to libraries.

Yup, it’s a great time to live in America. We’re a bunch of peace loving, caring people aren’t we? If you are as mad as I am please contact your Senator or Representative.

Some one sent me a great link to what the flag stands for. It’s a great cynical critique of America using our, arguably, most cherished symbol.

I just ran across an amazing recount of media censorship during the first Gulf War. Evidently, Cheney, our current Vice President (has anyone seen or heard from this guy lately?), was ruthless in managing the media during the first Gulf War.

As Applewhite photographed the carnage, he was approached by U.S. Military Police who ordered him to leave. He produced credentials that entitled him to be there. But the soldiers punched Applewhite, handcuffed him and ripped the film from his cameras.

The article also mentions how the Pentegon repeatedly touted a 98% success rate of the Tomahawk missle and the precision of “smart bombs.” What they neglect to say is that only 6% of the munitions dropped during the first Gulf War were smart bombs and that in 1999 the Navy confessed the Tomahawks were, in reality, only about 10% effective.

Something I’m just now realizing is that GWI was ran by the same people in charge of GWII. I suppose their still pissed they didn’t get the oil the first time around.