U.S. War Logic
“It became necessary to destroy the town to save it.” —U.S. officer, speaking of Ben Tre, 1968 We had to burn their huts to protect them from the Communists. We had to napalm the people…
Category: The War-making State
Awakening to the Reality of Suffering in the World
Dear Friends, The original 4th precept of the Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing reads, “Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of…
Tiger Tiger Burning Bright
They’ve got to be late 60s Some early 70s Same age as Gary Roi— Now what was Gary doing back in 1968 When the men of Tiger Force went about their war? How many of…
Because We Say So
Dear Kelley, I’m delighted that you inquired about where to start with reading Noam Chomsky. I look forward to discussing Hegemony or Survival with you in a couple of weeks. Back in 1986—those horrid years…
The Judge and the Jesuit
Judge: “Father Berrigan, regardless of the outcome of these hearings, will you promise the court that you will refrain from such acts in the future?” Berrigan: ”Your honor, it seems to me that you are…
The Way It Looked in 1986
The United States was deeply committed to the French effort to reconquer their former colony, recognizing throughout that the enemy was the nationalist movement of Vietnam. The death toll was about half a million. When…
Drop the MIC!
Dear Friends, Join me in supporting the Drop the MIC project of Iraq Veterans against the War. Every little bit helps to reach the goal by Veteran’s Day.
How Much John Kerry Learned to Forget
John Kerry, Winter Soldier Hearing, 1971: The country doesn’t know it yet, but it has created a monster, a monster in the form of millions of men who have been taught to deal and to…
Face to Face with Elie Wiesel
This short review was originally published in the bulletin of the Center for Ethics and Social Policy in Berkeley, April 1993. My book, Elie Wiesel and the Politics of Moral Leadership, was published in spring 2001….
Our Gifts to the World (A Very Partial List)
Please remember Victor Jara, In the Santiago Stadium, Es verdad – those Washington Bullets again —The Clash Washington Bullets (We’re still making the world safe for democracy) Washington Little Boy and Fat Man (We stand…