Space Cadet

I am absolutely mortified at the idea of the United States government and "space policy", for a host of reasons. One- I would think that this country could find better use for funds, say to repair the education system, the horrific poverty etc. Two- I think that the United States has proven that in all its endeavors it has imperialist intentions, and there are limitless avenues for corruption in this area. And three, the most disturbing aspect is the potential for Space Nuclear Power- there needs to be environmental questions asked, potential human rights issues...like nuclear proliferation.

Military Presence in Okinawa

I thought one of the closing lines about the United States was humorous: " a nation known for its respect for democracy and human rights".

Humorous and ironic- it seems that the Okinawa government is requesting that the United States stops its imperialism on their country via military bases, and yet the US- respects democracy and human rights.

I am wondering if the United States has any redemptive qualities at this point...

I am also wondering what the punitive measures were done to the service men who committed the rape/ robbery and other crimes in the Okinawa community.. or if they were protected because they are not citizens of the country...

That would be disgusting.

Spin Zone

I am simply left to wonder where the madness stops. It is apparent that the people running the government are waging war and manipulating information for the sole purpose of economic gain..personal economic gain. There are hundreds of players in this game of deceit and it seems that as long as everyone is getting their cut of the action, then the violence, lies, death of democracy and power abuses will not end.

From the times article its I gathered that bottom line is to control perception, as to prevent a coup.Even the analysts who are supposed to be, at leas tin theory, after truth, and holding the government accountable, are willing to sacrifice this for "access". They are puppets and we eat the crap that they spew as if it is fact. Not be nihilistic but it seems as if objectivity and critical analysis has been lost in the bottom line.

..And we let it happen.

Private Sector

There is no accountability and it is not only disgusting but scary. It all seems like imperialism. These companies are trying to Americanize the Iraqi people, changing cultural norms, and deeming then inappropriate is insulting... especially the man who is spreading the homophobic attitudes that are rampant in American culture, as it pertains to male interaction.

With the private sector it seems that the line is blurred between citizen and military personnels... especially since they are doing the same job.

I am also perplexed as to why private sectors are doing jobs and fattening their pockets that the people of Iraq can do to rebuild their own community.

Immigrants in the U.S. Military...

I find the incentive wholly and horrifically offensive. A person is expected to fight and potentially die for a country that has been less than welcoming, to say the least, and then they are granted the 'privilege' of living there? The only reason immigrants are allowed to join the military is the same reason the poor, Blacks and Latinos are targeted for recruitment.. the reason is that in the eyes of society they are expendable. As the Moscoso article says, " we don't want our boy's getting killed, but if its someone else's boys, it changes the dynamic"...

I would never fight for the rights of the people that have oppressed me, my family and or my people. Its reminiscent of world war II and vietnam when African Americans fought in a segregated army for the rights of people they could not even enjoy in their country.

Despicable.

Mandatory Service

Rodricks has a brilliant idea. I think the intention behind it, to connect people to the war, connect people to the government, is necessary. The problem is the the general public allows the government to perpetrate violence on others because it really does not effect 7pm dinner or the Sunday game.A requirement may spark a revolt, or at least a much needed change. And Rodricks' offers options, not everyone needs to go to the front lines, their efforts could be channeled into community building with is also a worth cause.

I do not think that a military is necessary, but people assume that it is, perhaps if the general public were affected as a whole, at least with the threat of losing someone they know, then they would care. Maybe we would look to peace instead of 'shoot now, question' attitude.

Will Astore and the Short Sighted-ness of Progressives.

The argument that Astore makes just seems based on flawed assumptions. One, that the military is a necessity and a fact of life. Two- that males are inherently oppressed in a "feminized society". That the military is the most equal and diverse institution of power..when homosexuality is not allowed. The article is written with clear bias, so much so that I cannot take it seriously.

side note

within the Stahl article there is mention of *kuma/war, so I went to website to explore ..its intense, as the article mentions and website boasts kuma war is "real war news. real war games". http://www.kumawar.com

...this is ridiculous.

hollywood and the pentagon

i am more than disgusted at the level of involvement the government has in hollywood and vice versa. the relationship is more than inappropriate, it is incestuous. each has the power to heavily influence public thought, and are abusing that power to promote and agenda. for hollywood the benefit is making money, for the government the benefit is publicity. as if the government does not control the lives of its citizens enough. the documentary reaffirmed my theory that the government is a machine that operates on fear, oppression, ignorance and blind allegiance.

random notes to self from class: RE- the allure of war/military--> to me there is no allure in war. no mystery. no curiosity. i do not want to kill anyone. i do not want people to try and kill me. i could not function in the military because subordination and unquestioning loyalty is not something that i subscribe to. regardless of what history has reflected, war is not necessary, it is not innate, and it is not unavoidable. war is motivated by greed, hated and misunderstanding and is despicable to use human nature as a justification for any act of violence.