Over 1,700 Members, 61 Chapters, in 48 States. Find out how you can join our ranks!
 User login
|
Thomas J. Buonomo
Branch of service: United States Army (USA)
Unit: 304th MI BN
Rank: 2LT
Home: Denver, Colorado
Served in: U.S. Air Force Academy,
Ft. Sill,
Ft. Huachuca
I joined the military after September 11th, 2001 out of a desire to protect our country. I believed the President and his cabinet members when they claimed that Saddam Hussein posed a serious threat to the United States, and then was shocked to learn that Congress, the American public, and the international community had to one degree or another been deceived or frightened into supporting the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. After examining statements made by numerous journalists and public officials with firsthand information on these matters, I came to the conclusion that the Iraq war was not only irresponsible but illegal and immoral, and that it set an incredibly dangerous precedent in terms of international relations. It effectively sent the message that the United States government reserves the right to violate international law as it sees fit, whether or not an imminent threat to its national security exists. By invading and occupying Iraq without proper legal justification, the Bush administration severely eroded the rule of law, creating a disincentive for other countries to adhere to it. However imperfect and in need of improvement, international law helps prevent and mitigate conflict between nations and is critical to peace and stability in the world. We undermine it at our own peril. Through deception and brazen disregard for the rule of law the Bush administration also did great harm to our democracy and must be held accountable if we wish to restore vitality to our political system. The disinformation campaign waged against Congress to secure its support for the invasion of Iraq was a clear violation of the Constitution, considering that Article 1 Section 8 grants to the Legislative, not the Executive Branch, the power to declare hostilities. In order for it to do so responsibly it naturally follows that it must be accurately and honestly informed through independent intelligence assessments, untainted by political interference. If this remains unaddressed, future Executives will push further until Congress serves merely to maintain the illusion of democratic representation. What led me to openly dissent against the occupation of Iraq and call for the impeachment of the Vice President was not only the fact that the U.S. invaded on false premises, but that the invasion was also motivated by imperialist objectives. I believe that most Bush administration officials wanted a more representative government for the Iraqi people, but their overriding priority was de facto control over Iraq's energy resources. It may be justifiable to overthrow a government because it has suddenly cut off vital energy supplies to one's country, but this was far from the case with Iraq. The rationale in this case was to put in place a more dependent, pliable government that would open its oil sector to foreign control through investment. Iraq in this scenario might have retained the facade of national sovereignty but would have been under the de facto control of the United States government via international oil companies and financial institutions. Not only was this plan supremely immoral and a betrayal of America's founding principles, it was also highly unpragmatic and almost certain to fail. Such a weak and acquiescent Iraqi government would continue to have been viewed by the Iraqi people as illegitimate, leading to perpetual violence and instability. It is not an easy thing for any military member to dissent against their own government, particularly in time of war. Yet we took an oath to defend the Constitution. Under our Constitution no one is above the law- not even the President. I believe it is our duty as citizens and as military members to speak out publicly, within the bounds of pertinent laws and regulations, against the grave abuses of power which have been committed by Bush administration officials in the name of security and freedom. Our government has had to make many difficult decisions since September 11th, 2001 in the effort to protect our country against an enemy which is deliberately using our laws and political system against us. Acknowledging this, it cannot be allowed to disregard the system of checks and balances established by our country's Founders in order to preserve democratic accountability. If the Constitution is not upheld in these challenging times we will not have security or liberty- only fear and terror. Ultimately, if we want to see a peaceful conclusion to the "Global War on Terror", which is in fact a continuation of decades of covert wars, we must be willing as a nation to engage in some self-reflection. As an 18-year old I had no historical perspective with regard to the events leading up to September 11th 2001 but I have since come to understand that the array of conflicts we are faced with in the Middle East have been festering for nearly 60 years as a consequence of short-sighted decision-making. It cannot be solely attributed to Muslim extremism- not when our country's foreign policies are criticized all over the world, including throughout much of Latin America and even among our closest allies in Europe. We must ask ourselves whether we wish to uphold our values of liberty and equality under the law, or to become the British empire and make a mockery of our own Declaration of Independence. It is often painful to reflect upon the past, but I firmly believe it is necessary to the future of our democracy that we do so. For further reading, here is a list of names, organizations, and titles: James Bamford "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards of men." "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." Posts by Thomas J. Buonomo
|
