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Refuting Mellencamp by Jeff Jackson (11/11/03)
The Land of the Free - A Conservative Politics Web Site

“An Open Letter From John & Elaine Mellencamp":

Ok then here is a response to John and Elaine Mellencamp.

"As the echo of the war drums fades away and the angry masses calling for blood slowly disperse, we as a nation must now confront the truth.”

Wow. “Angry masses calling for blood” eh? Actually I recall it quiet differently. I recall it as angry citizens fed up with Saddam’s lying, cheating and continual refusal to abide by the cease-fire treaty that ended the first Gulf War. I recall it as angry citizens fed up with a United Nations unwilling to act against not only Saddam for such reckless regard for international treaties but also fed up with a United Nations unwilling to act against a brutal dictator that oppressed his own people year in and year out. I remember it as angry citizens fed up with a United Nations that was more interested in allowing such a brutal dictator to continue to have power than it was interested in the citizens of Iraq.

And what truth is it that we are to confront John? What truth indeed! The truth that we must confront is that there are evils in this world. The truth that we must face is that the international “community” doesn't give a damn about the citizens of its member states and only the welfare of their fellow dictators. The truth we must now face is that the United Nations is nothing more than an enabler for the evils of the world.

“We face the unpleasant reality of an uncertain future,”

John, buddy, pal, the future is always uncertain. It is that way by definition.

“compromised safety,”

And who is responsible for that? Try radical terrorists that think because we don’t worship the same God as they do that we must die. Try radical terrorists who are brainwashed into believing that the United States stole their wealth. Try rogue nations enabled by UN inaction.

“a failing economy,”

It’s getting better John. Read the paper. Watch the news. Get out and mingle with the common folk and ask businesses how hard it is to find quality workers to fill the many positions they have available.

“and the question of how a society of otherwise reasonable citizens was systematically lied to and manipulated into backing the political 'hijacking' of Iraq.”

What lies? Are you still on the media’s false claim that the only reason we went to Iraq was because of it being an “imminent threat”. Have you missed the reports from people like Mr. Kay that talk about the biological and chemical programs found since Saddam was ousted?

Who politically hijacked Iraq? Overthrowing a brutal dictator who ignored international agreements that ended the Gulf War was not ‘hijacking’ anything. It was holding people to agreements. That is usually a good thing John. Unless you think that not holding people to the agreements that they sign on to after being thrown out of a country that they maliciously invaded is a bad thing.

No John, Saddam hijacked Iraq long ago.

Of course if someone tried to feed your wife here through a plastic shredder feet first to cause a prolonged and excruciating death I am sure that you might understand this better. But alas some are so blinded by their own vision of the truth that they cannot see otherwise.

"Before a single bomb was ever dropped, some of us, formerly called the 'anti-American and unpatriotic,’ have questioned or opposed this war.”

John, let’s look at what you opposed. You opposed freeing a people that were subjected to some of the worst human rights violations since Adolph Hitler roamed this planet? You opposed upholding an international agreement between countries ending a conflict instigated by Saddam after he simply invaded upon the sovereignty of Kuwait? You opposed upholding UN resolutions that threatened “serious consequences” if Saddam did not comply with such agreements? You opposed disposing of a dictator who despite what you might believe has been shown time and time again to have dealings with international terrorists?

You seem to oppose everything. Everything, that is, except Saddam Hussein. Apparently you supported him and his right to continue his reign of terror.

“Now, each day, as the dust settles and the truth slowly surfaces, more and more people come to the inevitable conclusion of what a debacle this whole war was.”

Wake up John, you’re in a dream state. What is this distorted truth you continue to speak of John? The truth that Saddam is gone and no longer torturing his people? The truth that the Iraqi people can actually use the money from their vast oil reserves to better their own lives instead of building lavish palaces under threat of death? The truth that information is no longer being filtered to the Iraqi people through agencies and newspapers controlled by the state? The truth that women are no longer being raped and sodomized for the shear pleasure of members of this former regime?
Please John! Tell me what this whole debacle actually was!

"Thirty-nine-thousand bombs later, no weapons of mass destruction uncovered,”

Get your head out of the sand and read the most recent report from Mr. Kay please instead of getting your news from NPR.

“no dangerous dictators captured,”

You’re right. We killed Uday and Qusay. Good riddance and Saddam is next.

“no connection to September 11th.”

Hello, Earth to John. I don’t think that once you will find the President ever even made such an assertion. I think though that you will find that he did link them to terrorism in general. Don’t make a fool out of yourself by trying to state false claims as proof of anything.

“What have we gained but relentless media coverage of a fallen statue and some stolen oil fields--the spoils of this misadventure.”

Your mind is wandering again John. Misadventure? Again, you state by this that Saddam should have been left in power to threaten his people, threaten his neighbors, violate international agreements, submit the populace of Iraq to poverty while he lived in splendor, continue with weapons programs now proven to have existed, allow terrorists to train at Salmon Pac, etc etc etc.

“Not to mention lucrative corporate payoffs and an enormous price tag of over $80 Billion...some tax cut.”

What does the fact that someone had to rebuild Iraq after the war have to do with tax cuts? Answer: Nothing. Who was going to rebuild Iraq’s oil fields if not Haliburton? You perhaps? Don’t make me laugh.

"But what have we lost? We have lost the lives of over 300 Americans. Approximately two U.S. troop deaths each day, 193 deaths since the war was declared over.”

John, lest you forget, we lost around 3,000 people on 9/11 thanks to terrorists and the regimes that support them.

“In total, an estimated 20,000 people have died, thus far, in this conflict.”

Mostly enemies there John; mostly enemies. That is how you win a war. You kill the enemy. You don’t throw flowers at them or appease them so that they can break promises and continue doing the same bad things that they did before.

A good question to ask yourself is how many people did Saddam kill BEFORE this conflict?

"In addition to the lives given for this effort, our nation has suffered the loss of respect within the world community, particularly the United Nations.”

We lost the respect of an organization that allowed Saddam to rape, torture and murder his own people despite their continual lip service against his actions? Why should we care? The United Nations did nothing to help Iraq and it’s people except ultimately give the United States the power to do what it did when they would not lift a finger.

Tell me again why we should care what people who don’t care about a brutal dictator like Saddam think.

“We have managed to squander any goodwill we once had to now succeed in solidifying our image as the globe's leading bully. Arrogant and thoughtless.”

John, the UN has used us as the “globe’s leading bully” for years. We provided the vast majority of troops for UN actions. We supplied the money for UN actions.

I find it completely dishonest of you to claim that the United States is the “leading bully” of the world when we had nations such as Iraq and North Korea threatening to harm others if they don’t appease them in their conquest of regions.

Clearly it is quite clear that you support these types of dictators and their actions above the United States.

"The word Democracy means literally 'by the people.' This is the basis of our government and society. It is what this country was founded upon and what makes us American.”

No John, Democracy means literally ‘majority rule’. Dictionaries are wonderful things. Perhaps with all your millions you should find ten bucks and invest in one?

We’re not a pure Democracy. 6th graders know this so why don’t you? We are a form of Democracy called a Representative Republic. Read the Constitution sometime.

“It is not just our 'right' but also our duty to speak out and voice our thoughts and opinions.”

Very good John. After all that gobbledygook you final made a truthful statement. But I am perplexed as to why you debase other people that speak their minds because they disagree with you?

“How, then, was it possible that, in the land of freedom, those who opposed the common opinion were called...'un-American?' Resentfully, we wonder.”

I refer you to the first part of your letter. You have been stating through roundabout statements that you believe that liberty, life, and a right to pursue happiness are not unalienable rights to all mankind. You do this by showing an uncaring at best and supportive at worst attitude towards the actions Saddam Hussein against men and women clearly violating the tenants of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of this great nation.

If not showing support for the founding principles of the nation is not ‘un-American’ I have no idea what is John. Perhaps a little more thinking and a little less blabbing would be good?

“The song 'To Washington' was met with criticism and was labeled an anti-war song.”

Never heard it. Can’t comment.

“That was not at all the case or intention--it was merely a report of the political climate, in the age-old tradition of the troubadour spreading the news through song and story. Professionally, we, the Mellencamps, have the opportunity to travel extensively, and we take full advantage of that by talking to, listening to, and experiencing the diversity our vast country has to offer. The lyrics of 'To Washington' are not just a personal opinion, but also the view from a very wide horizon. Who is to say what is or isn't 'patriotic?'”

Ah, I see. What is going on here is that people disagree with you. So instead of accepting that people will disagree and hold their own opinion and being unable to convince them otherwise you cry foul.

It’s called debate and argument John. See people do these things in a free nation like ours. Who indeed is to say that it is or isn’t unpatriotic? I’ll tell you John. Each and every person in this nation has the right to call it what they see fit. If proven wrong they will be ignored. If proven right they will be listened to.

Your opinion is that people should have no opinion it seems. That is except you. Strangely I get the feeling that this has something to do with the fact that people disagree with you on this. If everyone were to call it a ‘great and patriotic song’ I somehow doubt that you would be here complaining and questioning who has the right to “say what is or isn't 'patriotic’”.

It’s called the 1st Amendment John.

Once again you complain about being labeled ‘un-American’ yet you seem to have a great failure to grasp the basic concept of what it is to be an American.

“Do the flags that wave from every minivan really offer any support?”

Are you implying that they don’t? Are you implying that military service personnel don’t get a warm and fuzzy feeling in their gut when they see an American flag flown by citizens to support them?
I know I get a sense of pride in America when I see people proudly displaying the American flag, for whatever reason.

“Where is the support for the thousands of servicemen and women who return to the states to see their benefits cut, their health problems ignored, their jobs gone, and their families living in poverty? How are they repaid for their efforts, for risking or losing their lives? So far, dismally.”

Hey! Way to go John! Finally something I can agree with you on. You’re absolutely right, our men and women that risk life and limb each day are indeed underpaid and under supported by our government.

But I hate to tell you this John, that is not because of the President. See, the President doesn't make laws or ultimately pass budgets. That is the role of the Congress. And it is completely unrelated to the war in Iraq or Afghanistan.

We might be able to afford higher salaries for our armed services personnel if in fact Congress were not mandated by law to spend money on programs that are at dubiously constitutional at best. We can only spend so much money each year and unfortunately without either raising taxes, getting government out of the way to let the economy surge ahead and grow the tax base, or cutting spending we aren't going to get much more money to spend on them.

Sure we spend in deficits each year. Sure we could recklessly plow ahead and spend ourselves even more into debt by increasing pay and benefits but that won't help the country all that much.

"This nation was founded to enable freedom and diversity of opinion, and many lives have been lost to secure that liberty. Paradoxically, some still resist the open mindedness that is the very foundation of this country.”

Like you who question the absolute right of persons to criticize you when they disagree with you? Pot, meet kettle.

"The Governor of California was removed from office based on finance troubles.”

No, he was removed because 1) he deceived the people of California to get elected 2) the people of California recognized him as a snake and 3) California had a mechanism for such a removal.

“And yet George W. Bush has lied to us,”

Everything is a lie to those that can do nothing but spin until their dizzy.

“failed to keep our own borders secure,”

Again, there is only so much money. We could perhaps reinforce our boarders if the government was not mandated to spend on programs that serve to enslave certain segments of the American populace and create wards of the state.

On top of that we have lawsuits filed and court orders for watering stations in the desert so that such illegals don’t perish once they have entered this country illegally. Tell me John, how can the President right this wrong when the courts and activists like yourself oppose him at ever a turn? How can he help keep our borders secure when the government is ordered by the courts to help illegals enter the country?

“entered a war under false pretense,”

Again John, let’s go over this one last time. Saddam was a bad man. I am using small words like “bad” because perhaps you don’t understand larger words like “dictator” or “tyrant”.

The United Nations condemned him, yet allowed him to continue to abuse his own people and threaten his neighbors. The links between Saddam and terrorists are quite well seen to those that wish to see them and invisible to the willfully blind. And now we have evidence from Mr. Kay that there are in fact weapons programs banned under UN Resolution.

The only false pretense here is that you are actually thinking before speaking.

“endangered lives,”

That happens in war John.

“and created financial chaos.”

Huh?

“How is it that he hasn't been recalled?’

Ok, John, see there is this document called the United States Constitution. Perhaps you should try reading it? After you have done that perhaps you can tell me where such a thing is allowed? Do you advocate simply rewriting the Constitution to suit your own desires? And if so, how would you feel if someone did the exact same thing and oppressed you?

The best you can do is impeach him. Go ahead and try it.

“Perhaps this time we could even have a real election...but that wouldn't fit the Bush administration's 'take what you want and fire people later' policy.”

What the heck are you on about? Florida? Hey John, how many recounts were done? How many of them STILL showed that George Bush won the election. Why do you feel the desire to rewrite history? Is that the only way you can get your ideas to be approved? Now that is sad.

“Take an election;”

He won. Prove otherwise. If you can’t you look foolish.

“take an oil field;"

Where? Iraq? Last I saw the oil in Iraq was being used by the Iraqi’s; not the evil, oppressive Americans.

“take advantage of your own people--a game of political Three-Card Monte.”

Again John, me thinks you are drifting a bit off topic. You are becoming reminiscent of ole Teddy Kennedy or Robert Byrd on the Senate floor droning on and on about everything is wrong with the world.

"The fight for freedom in this country has been long, painful, and ongoing.”

Yes, and thank God we did not succumb to the attempts by the vile communists of the Soviet Union that infiltrated our government and even when found out were often promoted, rewarded and defended by those of dubious patriotic beliefs.

“It is time to take back our country.”

Still sore that you lost in 2000? Come on John. Be a man and take it. Don’t make an ass out of yourself.

“Take it back from political agendas,”

You mean political agendas that don’t agree with yours.

“corporate greed,”

You mean that people who ban together in order to make their lives better and turn a profit? Oh that is so EVIL just on it’s face that we don’t even need to look at each individually. They are all EVIL. Plain and simple in your world.

John, when you give up all your worldly possessions and live as a minimalist I will take what you say about corporate greed more seriously.

Coming from someone that has profited through "corporate greed" I don't take this comment by you at all seriously.

“and overall manipulation.”

That’s what I am doing here by pointing out your flaws.

“It is time to take action here in our land, in our own schools, neighborhoods, farms, and businesses.”

Yeah! Another statement I can agree with. However sadly for you I don’t hold the same beliefs as to the problems that cause us to have to do such things. We have been overrun by petty bureaucrats who’s only desire is to control us. Those are the problems that we must address.

“We have been lied to and terrorized by our own government, and it is time to take action.”

Wait a minute here. So what you are saying is that George Bush flew the first plane into the World Trade Center? You are saying that Cheney flew the second? Perhaps it was Haliburton that hijacked the plane that crashed into the Pentagon?

No you nit, it was international, Islamic fundamentalist terrorists acting upon perceived and imagined wrongs visited upon them by the United States, but truthfully visited upon them by their oppressive leaders.

“Now is the time to come together."

I agree. Now is the time to come together. But for the right reasons and against the right foes. Not to tilt against windmills and phantoms designed by the mind of John Mellencamp because he has been disagreed with and in a childish act of a tantrum looks to blame someone else because his ideas are not accepted as gospel without question.

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