The Military is a deadly tool; trained to fight and kill, their job is to eliminate enemies and enhance the negotiating power of our government by being ready and capable.  Yet, the past few years have seen our military fighting a guerilla war, against an indefinable enemy, hidden amongst a sympathetic population.  The last time we tried to “stay the course” was in a place called Vietnam.  While we have the capability to kill many more of the enemy than they of us, in this situation, we find ourselves winning every battle, but losing the war.  Certainly, the media plays a role, as it’s crucial in giving the public its perception of the war.  Advertising the American body count can have no other effect than to undermine support for the war—but we cannot complain, for while it’s not the duty of the media to dictate political or military strategy, it is their duty to report the news.  And one fact beyond question is the number of Americans being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

As a civilian and a taxpayer, I have as much right as anybody to suggest strategy, although I do not claim to have the best ideas.  I would however, suggest the following based on my philosophy. 

We are pitted against a ruthless enemy.  One cannot fight fair against such opposition, we will surely lose.  Instead of staying in a fight we cannot win, we should withdraw and use our advantages thus far negated by the tactics we currently employ. 

If Iraq wants civil war, let them have it.  If Afghanistan would welcome back the Taliban, then so be it.  If Iran or North Korea wants the bomb let them work away.  Leave these peoples to their own devices.  Do not foist upon them the gift of democracy, for they clearly don’t want it anyway.  It is not in our nation’s best interest to create free market democracies that will in five decades become great competitors against us in the free market, as Japan did in the 80’s.  Instead, allow them to remain as social backwaters, selling their oil at cheap prices to support their few ruling elites.  Let each nation have true self-determination, for freedom means letting others do things you do not like.  That includes choosing a government for which you may not appreciate. 

But also let them know this.  As Oliver Cromwell said, “A man-o-war makes the best ambassador.”  Let these peoples do what they will, but also take them at their word, and hold them to their deeds.  Tell them they will be fully respected members of the international community, and we expect them to behave as such, with all the fair rights and privileges as any nation in the international community.  But the first time one of their crazed dictators threatens our nation, fires a missile in our direction,  or strikes against us or one of our allies, let it be understood that we will retaliate with the full might and malice for which America is feared.  No, we will not invade or occupy.  But we will obliterate and otherwise destroy our enemies.  In this way, perhaps, we avoid war altogether, and that is the best way to wage war--where victory is achieved without battle. 

I think such a clear and pointed philosophy is what kept the peace between the USA and the Soviet Union for 50 years.  As other nations insist on joining the nuclear club, they must understand that joining carries both risk and responsibility. 

We will leave the people of the world alone, to do as they please, for that is the freedom we represent.  But if ever they threaten us, or our allies, we have a responsibility to use our military to protect our life, our property, and our freedom.  And we must understand that such an option is a terrible and deadly choice that should never be taken lightly. 

For now, enough of war, and rules, and body counts.  Let’s give peace a chance, and should it fail, lets have a short war so terribly and costly to our enemies, that the insane will think thrice before harming us or our allies. 

I’m Counting On Your Votes, (idiots), seems to be the prevailing attitude from our politicians. 

So I started this thing, the Middle American Party; dedicated to cleaning up the political process, willing to endorse any politician from any party that will run a “positive” campaign instead of one filled with hateful propaganda, designed to scare us into the polls.  Searching for the one good person who has an actual plan to articulate and implement.  Of course, we’ve returned 0% results on that . . .  And so, we’re prepared to get our message out, and someday perhaps run our own people, but that requires help.

So I turn to my friends.  Many responded favorably and joined up.  We have a whopping dozen members!  But I also had some friends decline to join.  In each case, I wanted to cry out of frustration and genuine sorrow.  One after another they said, “I’m not into politics, or I’m not smart enough to get involved in something like that.   

Wow, what a tragedy.

My sadness comes from realizing the politicians are counting on most American to have that attitude about themselves and the political process.  If we think ourselves to be too dumb to participate, or to participate along party lines (they can take us for granted then) or to respond favorably to their propaganda, then they have it made.  And they do.  Time and again we reelect repeat offenders to government and think nothing of it until they have been caught in a scandal.  Then we replace them with more of the same. 

BUT IT’S OUR FAULT FOLKS!  WE ELECT THEM! 

Time and again, we turn off our critical thinking abilities and get on back of the donkey or elephant and ride with the herd.  It doesn’t occur to millions of Americans that they’re being driven off a cliff in the process.  People complain all the time, but impose a willing paralysis on themselves when it comes time to do anything about it. 

The politicians know they can count on you to either vote along party lines, not vote at all, and least of all to exercise any critical thinking abilities before you go into the polls. Boy, do they have it made.

Of course, I’m preaching to a choir here.  Most bloggers are critical thinkers in the first place.  But how many more people out there aren’t?  Enough for the country to make the same mistake time and again it seems. 

I want people to overcome their paralysis and self-defeating mindset.  I want people to understand that they do have enough IQ to make informed choices.  It’s a matter of choosing to be active rather than inactive.  And people are active when they realize their self-interest is at stake.  But why not when it comes to politics?  Perhaps we have been conditioned to turn off our thought process when it comes to politics.  Sounds like a good sci-fi novel idea . . .

Well, I have my work cut out for me, don’t I? 

Here’s my link, if you agree and would like to participate!

http://groups.yahoo.com/gro...

Marshall Neal

If you’re not on the MAP, where are you?

If you're as tired of the sleaze and negativity as I am, consider joining our group!  We're not about hating "the regime" or "resisting" a liberal takeover.  We're not about scare tactics and anger.  We're about sincerity and integrity, and above all, intelligent government.  See for yourself!


The Middle American Party

http://groups.yahoo.com/gro...

Who are we and what do we represent?

We are ordinary citizens drawn together from across the political spectrum to achieve the goal of improving the electoral process by encouraging and eventually offering candidates to office that provide voters with clear choices. 

There’s a terrible malaise affecting our nation today, and it’s seen in the cynical commentary offered by people on political issues, and the general lack of participation in the political process on behalf of the American people.  We believe most Americans have little confidence in our government, whether led by Republican or Democrat. 

This is a dangerous situation, as fewer people participate in the political process and many shun politics altogether, quite disgusted (and rightly so!) with what they see, read, and hear about our leaders.  It is out of such apathy however that tyrants arise, and we of the MAP are dedicated against tyranny and despotism for as in the words of President Johnson, “Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigorously, more vigorously, and more severely, than by one.” We believe such a threat is real as our civil liberties and freedoms are slowly eroded by government corruption.

The MAP believes in preserving the life, liberty, and property of every American citizen.  We believe in individual freedom and choices of conscience.  We believe the US Bill of Rights is a most sacred document, with the first and second amendments as key to the preservation of a free state.  However, in spite of our strong positions on these issues, members of the MAP are allowed to disagree with each other, and are not expected to tow a “party line” on hot topic issues such as abortion, gay rights, and the death penalty and so on.  Members who run for office are expected to be forthright and honest with the people, and to act as model citizens and exemplary politicians when elected.  They must be incorruptible and resist the temptations of special interests and power.  They must be straightforward and clear, so voters know exactly who is asking to represent them and how they will handle the issues of the day.  They must shun the negative campaign tactics scare tactics that are so prevalent in the politics of today, and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.  Rather than trying to scare voters to the polls, the MAP wishes to entice them with clear choices and sincere candidates who believe in hard work and integrity. 

If you agree that it’s time for a change, consider joining the Middle American Party.  It does not matter if your background is conservative, progressive or somewhere in the middle.  It’s okay to disagree.  It’s okay to be free and to exercise one’s freedoms and natural rights.  We are working right now to be the change that is so desperately needed in our system and we hope you’ll join us in our efforts.  We are not asking for money, or even votes, we simply want you to stand with us in demanding a better, more secure political future for all Americans that can be achieved only through dedication to these principles.

http://groups.yahoo.com/gro...

American Morality

Morality is important.  Common morals unite people and allow them to work together and thereby achieve common success.  Yes, morals are a yoke, but the yoke unites and allows all to work for a common goal.  One of the problems our nation faces is that we are no longer yoked together.  This comes from our general lack of morality. 

Since the start of the post-modern era, morality has been shunned as oppressive, a destroyer of individual rights and freedom.  It certainly can be, but it does not have to be.  Morality has been systematically removed from our government and schools.  The Bible and prayer are banned, and even the word “God” is under assault.  Worse, government officials don’t lead exemplary lives, as we are often reminded as scandal after scandal spews forth from the halls of government.  Our children, who follow so well the doings of athletes and celebrities find no moral compass there either. 

The result is the general malaise and decay that we all sense, but cannot put a name or cause to.  The “Pax Americanna” is coming to an end; our golden age has passed.  All that is remains is the gradual erosion of our society as apathy and cynicism become the dominant emotions in the hearts of the youth.  Consider what Socrates (as quoted by Plato in “The Republic”) says on the matter and draw your own conclusion.

At last the citizens become so sensitive that they resent the slightest application of control as intolerable tyranny, and in their resolve to have no master, they end by disregarding even the law, written or unwritten.  Such then, I should say, is the seed, so full of fair promise, from which springs despotism.” 

I see despotism and tyranny in our future.  The good news is this frightening trend can be reversed. 

We need to introduce back into our classrooms and the nation itself a sense of morality.  Rather than attacking arcane references to spirituality in our government, spirituality that clearly no longer exists (and perhaps never did!), we should expend our efforts on the development of a secular morality based on principles that will strengthen the state.  Foremost is patriotism.  Teach pride for the flag, the pledge, the nation itself, in spite of its past ills and evils.  The second is integrity.  One must always be taught to do right, no matter who is looking or what pressure and temptation is applied.   Third is respect, respect of self, for others, and respect of differences.  When we disagree, we must disagree respectfully, granting our opponent the dignity they are entitled to as human beings, and we must respect dissent as both valuable and natural.  Fourth, is honesty.  As we teach children to be honest, our leaders must be honest with the people.  There will always be secrets of state that must be preserved for security’s sake, but otherwise, the people deserve a forthright and transparent government.  Fifth is courage.  We must have the courage to be honest, to represent ourselves, to state our names when asked and to own the things we say and do.  We must have the courage to do right, when faced with fear.  The final moral is freedom for it is truly sacred, but bears responsibilities and cost.  Freedom isn’t free, and even in the free society, can never be absolutely unrestricted, if such a society wishes to remain free.

Patriotism

Integrity

Respect

Honesty

Courage

Freedom

These are the moral values I think we should teach our children and adults alike. 

None this is to mean that additional morals or values do not exist.  Indeed, any person may add to this list those values they find just and sacred.  But such values must serve to unite people, not divide them.  If one wishes to follow a greater moral code, there should be no impediment offered by the state, unless those practices conflict with the natural rights of others, which are life, liberty, and property. 

And additionally, because these values are “secular” all Americans alike, regardless of creed, should embrace them. 

By teaching these to our children, reminding our adults, and living the example of these values, we will create a unifying bond between all Americans.  This does not mean that all differences will vanish and we will march in lock step toward every goal imposed by the government.  But it does offer hope that we can end the cynicism, the apathy, and the poor attitude that so many have towards the state and government.  I do not blame those who take no interest in our government, nor trust what it does.  Our government lost such trust decades ago, and its continuing assault on morality, both in open policy, and in secret scandal, serves to hasten the decline of the American nation and brings us ever closer to despotism.

Our only hope then, is to excise the sick government we have and replace it with the healthy.  This need not be some kind of bloody affair, for our founding fathers, in their wisdom, created a mechanism by which we are allowed to stage a peaceful revolution every four years.  It is first by this mechanism then by that which I outlined here, that I propose we become the change our nation so desperately needs.