A U.S. Marine speaks out, says what others are afraid to say

Philip Martin has been a Marine for 2 years. He is 21-years old and spent 7 months in the al-Anbar province of Iraq. He was part of over 180 combat patrols in and outside of the city of Fallujah, where he saw heavy combat and the reality of war.

He is currently stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA, and due to return to Iraq for a second deployment in April 2007.

Martin says, "I'm sick and tired of this patriotic, nationalistic and fascist crap. I stood through a memorial service today for a young Marine that was killed in Iraq back in April. During this memorial a number of people spoke about the guy and about his sacrifice for the country. How do you justify 'sacrificing' your life for a war which is not only illegal, but is being prosecuted to the extent where the only thing keeping us there is one man's power, and his ego. A recent Marine Corps intelligence report that was leaked said that the war in the al-Anbar province is unwinnable. It said that there was nothing we could do to win the hearts and minds, or the military operations in that area. So I wonder, why are we still there? Democracy is not forced upon people at gunpoint. It's the result of forward thinking individuals who take the initiative and risks to give their fellow countrymen a better way of life."

I commend Philip for speaking out, I couldn't agree with him more. We all need to support people like him. Please take the time to read the rest of Philip's thoughts at Information Liberation.

Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR): Bush’s Iraq Policy ‘May Even Be Criminal’

Really, Bush criminal? No...who would have thought? On Thursday night on the Senate floor of the 109th Congress, Republican Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon stated, “I, for one, am at the end of my rope when it comes to supporting a policy that has our soldiers patrolling the same streets in the same way being blown up by the same bombs day after day.” Smith added, “That is absurd. It may even be criminal.”

My only complaint is that he is just another whore to the "War on Terror", I just want to find one politician that knows the "War on Terror" isn't a war, it's not even a battle, it's a fraudulent and complete waste of time - sort of like the "War on Drugs". When will people realize this.

Dubya 'Naval Aviator' Action Figure. WTF.

Just when we thought propaganda couldn't get anymore creative, look what we have here.

As Wonkette says, " Now you or your loved one can also pretend George W. Bush was a Naval Aviator and led the nation to victory in Iraq! " $24.99 at Sears!

Wonkette via Think Progress

Axis of Justice: Fighting for your rights

Axis of Justice was formed by Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave) and Serj Tankian (System of a Down). Their reason is simple: "to bring together musicians, fans of music, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice."

I first heard about Axis of Justice when I saw Tom Morello on Real Time with Bill Maher. Morello is a superb artist, as well as Tankian. Their music has moved me in the past and it still does today, I recommend it to anyone.

The Axis of Justice site is filled with resources, from books to films and music. They also have a kick ass radio show and podcast for you to listen in on. Rock on guys! Revolt.