Keep calling me a coward

Keep calling me a coward.
by Jim Nichols
June 21st 2008

In 2002 and 2003 I joined with men and women of all and ages and walks of life–young and old, conservative and liberal, veterans and wide eyed college kids–together we worked hard to organize and educate on the catastrophic foreign policy of the Bush/McCain ilk. We spoke out on how their approach, their faith in bombs and war rather than diplomacy and calculated toughness, instead of blind force would undermine our national security, overextend our military unnecessarily, and strengthen our adversaries.

Beyond the policy itself, the fundamental principles, the essence of our American way of life: sound economic footing, respect for human dignity and the innate value of human life; would be at best strained beyond necessity and at worst fundamentally ignored and discarded. For our efforts to participate as an active citizenry that involves itself in public policy–something our Founding Fathers expected of us–we were labeled childish, naive, un-American...cowards.

Now the question must be asked–who was wrong on the policy? Who was truly putting American security, American lives, Americas future at risk? Who upheld the standard of our Founding Fathers and the millions of nameless hero's throughout our history who stood with integrity and fearlessness to protect our nation from those who want to take, waste or relinquish the gifts we have been blessed with? Is Iran not rising? Is the middle east more secure? Was Iraq producing the oil to pay for this war that was fought on slam dunk evidence that would cost next to nothing for American taxpayers?

The economist Joseph Stiglitz recent found that nearly 40% of our solder are coming home needing long term physical and mental care for the rest of their lives–and that we are not budgeting for these obligations we owe to them. The efforts of Republican Chuck Hegal and Democrat Jim Webb to get our solders the money they need to get a college degree was opposed by a shockingly large number of elected officials. Why were the likes of John McCain and my congressman Lynn Westmoreland deciding that we need to be stingy with the budget when it comes to our troops?

Osama Bin Ladin is still on the loose, Afghanistan is neither stable and secure, and Al queda is on the rise rather than on the run. America has lost its footing and the public has lost faith in the essence of American resolve. 6 years later I hope that others have learned what I have from this period, these policy, this environment. I no longer pause and question my own patriotism when I am challenged. I want to improve our way of life and I am proud of that fact. I stand my ground and work to organize an active citizenry who believes that our Government is supposed to protect and empower its citizens rather than divide the public and enrich the few.

Even though attacks on my character continue because of my belief that every American deserves affordable health care and that our solders deserve only the best after their service–one and only one tour of duty with no obligation to ever do more, is that too much to ask?

Keep calling us un-American, keep calling us cowards. American's aren't stupid, they see who is truly fighting for them and who is simply pandering fear and hopelessness–and it only makes people like me work that much harder. To those younger than I who wonder what their elders have handed to them. Don't let the talking heads and community curmudgeons fool you. Register to vote, participate in the process, and never say our people can't achieve whatever they put there sights on. And let us learn from our history so that we never ever repeat this sad chapter.

Jim Nichols lives in Stockbridge GA and is an undergraduate at GA State University.