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Open Letter from a USMC Harrier Pilot
Dear Americans,
What most of you do not realize is that this commentary was written many years ago. Those of us in military service have known about it for a long time.
Now Americans are flooding the Net with it as if it were new.
It is not.
When it was written, most Americans didn't read it because most Americans did not care. The tragedy that befell all of us on September 11th shocked America.
America no longer feels safe. Many of you have said, "The government should have known! $30 billion is spent on intelligence! What about the military?"
Just a reminder, America – you voted our government into office.
For years you allowed some dishonest politicians and twisted television media personalities to shape your ideas about the defense of your nation. Why? Because most Americans were too lazy to look beyond the three-minute sound bites on the evening news.
Here's a news flash not being broadcast much: "On September 11th, America had the exact level of protection, both militarily and intelligence, that it was willing to pay for."
Only yesterday, the House and the Senate approved $40 billion as a "down payment" to fight this war. A short time ago, our politicians said a $100 MILLION increase for the Navy budget was substantial. In that same bill they ordered the Navy to conduct an $85 million study on ... guess what, America? Missile defense? No. Desperately needed parts for our fighter aircraft? Wrong again. Training for Navy SEALs? Nope. They wanted breast cancer research. Yes, America, your elected officials decided that the U.S. Navy needed more mammograms and less missiles.
Was this an under-the-table, sneaky move? No, it was right out in the open. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy both opposed it. A New York senatorial candidate (yes, that one) was enraged that the military would be so sexist and irresponsible to the needs of civilians and wanted the Navy to give the money back immediately! But the media paid it little mind. So, America paid little attention.
Did anyone ever watch CSPAN? Particularly when the heads of our armed services essentially begged representatives to give the military more money to fight terrorism and maintain a strong defense? Did you see the debates by the heads of the intelligence services that terrorism was the new threat? They told the committees of Congress that the CIA, the FBI and the service did not have the money to build the necessary intelligence networks in the areas where terrorists were being harbored.
They warned again and again that there was clear and present danger within America's borders. America must have been watching one of the other 114 satellite channels.
The military said: "We need more money to maintain military readiness and combat training."
America answered: "What the military needs is sensitivity training! You're all sexist homophobes! I saw it on '0 Minutes'!"
The military said: "We need money to build ships, planes, tanks and improve our technology. America still has credible threats throughout the world. Terrorism will come to America's doorstep."
America answered: "You're all part of a vast right-wing conspiracy. There is no more Soviet threat! My senator told me so! He/she says we do not need such a big military! You're dinosaurs trying to hold on to the Cold War! We need social programs!"
The military said: "We need to recruit more Americans into the military. We need to increase our force."
America answered: "You're not taking my kids! We're going to shut down the ROTC programs at our high schools and universities because you discriminate against alternative lifestyles! ROTC teaches CHILDREN (under 21) how to shoot guns! You just want another Columbine! Rosie and Oprah say so!"
The military said: "We can't keep interfering in the civil wars of small, insignificant countries. It wastes our time, expends our resources, decreases training, and demoralizes our troops. The men and women of the United States are warriors trying to defend OUR nation, we are not the Third World's police force."
America answered: "You heartless bastards! Can't you see the tear in the eye of that starving child?! There are flies on her face, for Christ's sake! Get moving! Jesse Jackson on CNN said that is what we pay you for!"
The military asked: "Why isn't America enraged over the terrorist attack on the USS Cole that killed seventeen AMERICAN sailors? How about the Air Force barracks bombed in Saudi Arabia? The embassy staffs in Africa? The soldiers mutilated and dragged through the streets in Somalia?"
America answered: "We don't have time right now! We're busy defending animal rights! The federal government is discriminating against cross-dressing Bolivian hermaphrodites! The police are all members of the Ku Klux Klan! The lack of ozone is ruining my tan! If they cut deeper into food stamps, those poor women will have to move down to size 18/20 Chanel dresses! Corporations are raising the prices of their products sooo high I might not be able to afford the multi-disc DVD player for my 36" digital-ready TV! Besides, YOU GUYS ARE PAID TO DIE!"
So, America, while you sit on your couch or around your office coffee pots and ask, "Why did those terrorists kill innocent civilians? Why didn't they go after the military?" remember this: They already did, but America didn't care.
These terrorists realized that they needed to kill American civilians, and lots of them, before they could have their desired reaction from the people of this country. Well, now they have it.
Not a Dear Abby fan, but this is operation is truly a worthy one to participate in! Please consider it.
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