AND SO, IT BEGINS

     The tears well at the corners of my eyes. I am not ashamed. I AM an honorably discharged combat arms veteran of the U.S. Army which approaches its 250th anniversary. I WAS a member of the Initial Response Group of American Airlines on 9/11.  I have recited the pledge of allegiance, stood and sung the national anthem, saluted as the colors pass, read the declaration of independence and the constitution, familiarized myself with U.S. and world history. I love my fellows and wish upon them only peace, grace and mercy     

     I am aware of the rise and fall of the earth's empires. The geographically largest empire was the Mongol. Genghis Khan subdued tribes from Asia to thru eastern Europe. It existed from 1206-1368. The Roman empire followed the Roman republic and existed from 27 BCE til 476 CE, 503 years. The British empire, upon which the sun never set in its geographical but discontinuous expanse. They varied in their composition and duration. The characteristic they all share is their fall. 

     The emergence of the United States as a force to be reckoned with upon the international stage is commonly considered to be the Spanish-American war of 1898.  At its conclusion the U.S. possessed lands far beyond its contiguous boundaries, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Preceding this expansion the U.S. had expanded upon the continent thru conquest (genocide), war, and commerce (Louisiana Purchase, Alaska Purchase).

    Through industrial capabilities spurred by military actions and capitalist greed, the U.S. has come to be considered a superpower. The influence of the United States has ebbed and flowed. Generally, its course has been the expansion of influence and power through economic coercion, covert political action, and military force.

     During the 20th century, and now, with the first 2 decades of the 21st there have been those who have sought to emulate the influence and power of the United Sates. They have failed. They have shared a vision but have lacked scope or commitment to suffer for a goal.  Their primary choice to gain positions of authority and power was not to engage the voice and spirit of the people but to instill fear through police and military action.

     Joseph Stalin had millions imprisoned and executed. Mao Zedong practiced reeducation and capital punishment. Rodrigo Duterte, a man who Trump has professed to admire engaged in extrajudicial executions. He has praised the Chines President Xi JinPing as “an exceptionally brilliant individual who governs 1.4 billion people with an iron fist.”

     We must recognize our current President has no commitment to the maintenance of our republic but seeks to grasp and expand his personal power and fortune. 

     What is beginning in Los Angeles is just a starting point for martial law and fascist oppression.  He has historical figures upon which to derive methodology and cautions.  We have numbers and for the moment, the ability to resist this catastrophe.  Do not naively deny a lifetime of self-interest and narcissism. He has surrounded himself with those who are willing to act in any manner to accrue his approval. They will act as commanded.  Their role models are among civilization's worst. Prepare for the likes of this.

     Trump, a man previously endorsed by a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, David Duke. Trump, speaking of immigrants "poisoning the blood of our country", then denying he was aware Hitler has used the same words about Jews.

     Regarding previous protestors, “Can’t you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?”  This man is afraid to perform violence but is utterly comfortable in ordering others to implement it in his stead. Punishment, even torture is not so much the goal as instituting fear that others will not oppose him.

     He has contemplated shooting citizens who have not bent their knee. He has federalized the National Guard to force compliance with his desires. He has deployed active-duty Marines to "provide security". The Marine Corp mission is to close with and destroy the enemy, not to provide security.

     If you are old enough to remember Kent State, then you must know that 4 dead is not even a beginning.  The U.S. has previously exercised violence upon its citizens.  If you are not willing to resist the current regime at personal risk, you are complicit.  Will you act as an American patriot with rights and responsibilities, or will you pledge fealty to a King and assume you place as a peasant?

     Will I shed tears of joy or despair?

Whaduyathink?