How can we be proud of Iraq?

Whilst being subjected to an even bigger display of mindless flag waving this past ANZAC Day, I couldn’t help reflecting how badly things are going in Bush’s War. It seems the less justified the war the more jingoism is cranked up to hide the bleeding obvious. The “over the top” rubbish from the AFL is a prime example. Since when does sport equal war? A classic example can sometimes be heard in commentary when an opposition goal is called the “ultimate penalty”.

Guys. DEATH is the ultimate penalty. Although coming home a quad runs a close second.

On the matter of pride. Yes, you can (and should) be proud of your kids on an individual basis but in the overall scheme of things we should feel ashamed of our behaviour. Abu Graib was bad enough but far far worse has been the handling of various acts of murder.

Particularly at fault has been the Marine Corp hierarchy. Finding several shocking examples of outright murder within the Rules of Engagement has dishonoured all those fine soldiers who display courage and discipline under fire.

Abu Graib was some folk breaking the rules whereas the Rules of Engagement decisions condone what should be illegal behavior. Not only does it discredit America (and Australia when we say nothing) but it does the exact opposite of what Bush claims to be about. Ending terrorism.

Australia can’t wash its hands of involvement here. Riding shot gun for an inept Bush simply isn’t good enough. If we were involved in propping up Robert Mugabe there would be an outcry. Currently we are training up the combatants on all sides for the Civil War already underway. I don’t see too much credit in helping everyone increase the death toll on their opponents. One might even call it immoral.

With the US Voter having got sick of Bush’s War and his gang of experts who have consistently got it wrong, perhaps we are about to enter a new world (order) where the States returns to pre WW2 thinking and stays at home. After WW1 there was a reluctance to get involved in European in-fighting. It wasn’t such a bad idea.

You can’t solve other people’s problems when it comes to real Democracy. It’s up to them. But you can end up being everyone’s punching bag. That’s a hell of a price to pay for some President trying to prove he’s a tough guy.