Birth of Christ reminds US soldiers of their mission in Iraq

[Barrett808]

US soldiers in Iraq celebrated the birth of Jesus while eating Christmas dinner in full body armour, with many explaining how the nativity story continues to motivate their mission in the war-torn country.

Here, soldiers enjoying their traditional Christmas meal put on full head and body armour to eat, a requirement since this week's devastating bombing of another US base in Iraq.


The suicide bombing at a US mess hall in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Tuesday killed 22, including 14 US military personnel. That triggered a re-assessment of base security throughout the country and added further tension to the festive season.

Elsewhere on the base, a few dozen soldiers filed into the austere chapel on Camp Cuervo, a base on the northeastern side of Baghdad, where three long rows of bleached pews face a big wooden cross.

On the chapel's stage, five chaplains and soldiers begin playing guitars, an organ and singing in a gospel choir gathered for the start of a special Christmas Day service.

"The shepherds out there were much like we are, doing their job to make sure their flock is safe ... spreading the good news of Jesus," says Chaplain Tim Maracle.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/afp/20041225/pl_afp/iraquschristmas

[neuvocat]

1. So that's why they kill unarmed civillians.

Gee, I'm sure glad that I was set straight on that.

</sarcasm>

You know, I just wonder if the thick-headed writer of that article might not have realized that Christianity came from that area of the world in the first place.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

40. I'll say. The article should go on from the title like this:

"...and makes them desert in droves."

[jdj]

66. Saw a "who would Jesus bomb" sticker in Charlotte today

on a pick-up truck, next to one that said LIBERATE our troops.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

41. Classic psy-ops: Attacking is really defending 'the flock', your family.

(That's the Orwellification of murder into virtue every soldier must be sold in order for them to commit the atrocity called war.
War has always been sold as defending your own family from those evil-doers in another country. This war is also being sold as a hostage-rescue and a missionary expedition to raise the savages out of their own filth.)

"The shepherds out there were much like we are, doing their job to make sure their flock is safe ... spreading the good news of Jesus," says Chaplain Tim Maracle.

"We have helped them (Iraqis) go from where they had sewerage on the street to cleaning their own messes and helping them to get back on their feet," says Specialist Ronald Lindsey, 21, from Georgia.

This demonstrates just how well propaganda works. Extremely well.

This story is from Agence Presse France. France and the US have been in a Cold War ever since the end of WWII when the US started taking over its allies colonies at the same time it was offering the military protection from the Soviets, much like a gangster taking protection money from the shopkeepers in his territory.

The US stockpiled massive amounts of weapons in the Pacific Islands in preparation for a land invasion of Japan. When that didn't happen, those weapons were given to Ho Chi Minh so he could fight the French who occupied Vietnam.
http://www.hermes-press.com/impintro1.htm
http://207.44.245.159/article7158.htm


This is why the US has always used France as a punching bag in the press and vise-versa.

This is why you will see Agence Presse France stories that don't put the White House in a good light. They seem accurate to me but understand that there is a context for the subjects of their reporting on the US.

[PartyPooper]

2. Were the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and even baby Jesus in full body armor?

I don't think so.

:eyes:

[Newsjock]

3. Pure unadulterated propaganda

And I expected better from AFP. Perhaps it's time to take the rest of the day off from DU and go out and do something, because my tolerance for stories like this seems to be just about zero today. There can't be that many other heathens out on the highways and in the parks today, can there?

[Barrett808]

7. Hey, fellow heathen -- I'll be on and off DU all day

We can keep one another company.

[The Icon Painter]

44. Me, Too

Please include me in your number. I am disgusted to discover some of my favourite places (like Smirking Chimp) taking the day off. Why? What in the hell these Xians are scared of does a religious holiday have to do with keeping up the mockery of the current regime?

[lumpy]

46. This isn't propaganda

it's blasphemy.

[ilovenicepeople]

62. AMEN LUMPY

It's so sad how I seem to be getting used to being bombarded with Evil propaganda lately. I almost didn't notice it as propaganda:scared:

[Deja Q]

4. What a load.

And the only part of Jesus they're spreading is His dung.

Self-proclaimed shepherds. But by now they'd be believing what they're told or they'd be fleeing away or killing themselves.

[StClone]

5. I think most Soldiers

Don't think this way they want to get the hell out of there. This baloney about Peace on Earth and Free elections is transparent Pys-Op on the American Stooge Mentality.

[mitchtv]

6. yup, I can't decide who the remind me of more

Romans, or Crusaders. Yup , just like The origional Christmas story.( Maybe instead of a census like Herrod/Pilate we can have an "election" like Bush/ Alawi.)

[Chicago Democrat]

20. First Romans, then Crusaders now Americans...

utterly disgusting article.... shame on us.

[earthside]

8. They're confused.

Jesus birth and proclamation as 'Prince of Peace' and 'King of the Jews' was a pointed challenge to the legitimacy and power of the Roman Empire that was occupying Israel - and to Herod's puppet government.

The U.S. troops in Iraq are on the wrong side of the Christmas story.

But, of course, they have to delude themselves and be in denial about the immorality of their 'mission'. Otherwise, their morale would be so low that they would endanger themselves -- they would realize that their sacrifice is pointless now.

Which is why we should be asking them to resist any more orders that will result in the killing of Iraqis. It would be far more courageous of them to accept a year in the brig than commit anymore violent acts in someone else's country. A couple hundred troops finally taking a stand and saying 'NO' to this illegal war would bring this Bush misadventure to a screeching halt.

And that would be a modern day 'Christmas miracle'.

[CO Liberal]

9. So It's Official - This IS a Crusade

:puke:

[saigon68]

53. IT IS THE 9th CRUSADE

The gloves are off now.

The good peeple of Amerika will now CRUSH the Islamicist "Rag-Heads".

"Death to Satan and his followers", shouted the "CHIMPANZEE"

[The Zanti Regent]

10. Your Jesusistas in action.

My only child was brainwashed by the Jesusistas and he went off to die for them in Iraq.

Now I have an empty chair in my apartment that won't be filled again. I tried to go see my boy in the VA Cemetary today, but i couldn't open the door without breaking down and crying over what Christians did to me.

I want out of Jesusland.

[VegasWolf]

12. Very sorry Zanti, huge hug from me if it helps!!! n/t

[Maraya1969]

24. Oh I am so sorry!

I don't even know what else to say. I am just so sorry Zanti.

:hug:

[leftchick]

31. I am so Sorry Zanti but please know this...

Jesus is not pleased with the crusaders' murdering in his name. I consider myself a devout Catholic and what the US is doing is anathema to Jesus' teachings.

I pray you find peace in the new year. :(

[Barkley]

54. Zanti, have you visited Arlington West?

in Santa Monica, CA.

Arlington West is put up every Sunday by Vets for Peace.

I was so moved last week by a photo posted on the DU (posted by 'leftchick') of two troops dying in Falluja that I took the photo to Arlington West and taped it to a cross.

I was saddened and angry.

When I was there, I noticed other people grieving; it let me and others know that they are not alone in their pain and anger.

Also there last week was Mr. Fernando Suarez who lost his son in Iraq on the first day.

The gov't told him that his son died of friendly fire but it turns out that he died from a US cluster bomb; they didn't tell the truth because they didn't want the world to know that we're were using these kinds of weapons in Iraq.

Mr. Suarez has been to Iraq several times and he had a table at Arlinginton West, with photos of his son.

He's collecting money so that he can take medicine to Iraq.

He sad when he was in Iraq in Dec. 2003, that he saw 12 children die from diahrea that could be cured with $3.00 worth of medicine.

One pro-war person tried to start some mess with him but the other people their didn't let him even get started.

I also think Arlington West is a healing space for Vets (Viet Nam and Iraq).

I have no idea how you feel, but I do admire you for your love for your son.

I know that your pain will heal.

Peace and Blessings.

Everyone at DU loves you!

[0007]

56. My sincerest condolence Zanti

[JohnLocke]

63. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[Barrett808]

64. Inexpressibly sad.

Have you looked into Military Families Speak Out? Might be a little helpful...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MilitaryFamiliesSpeakOut/

Btw, "The Zanti Misfits" is one of my favorite eppies of Outer Limits. Scared the hell out of me when I was a kid.

[VegasWolf]

11. Here and I thought this was about Oil, not a Christian Crusade, poor

Fallujah!

[Delphinus]

13. How??!

Do these guys seriously not see the disconnect here??

[madrchsod]

14. that`s just fuck`n sick

spreading the good news of Jesus? where in the bible did Christ say we should murder the innocents in his name? fuck you tim marsacle, your Christ is be a murderous thug..mine isn`t

[The Zanti Regent]

15. Here's where the so-called Word of God said to kill

Check out the BRICK TESTAMENT and see many examples of God's Real Love:

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/prisoners_of_war/dt21_10a.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/when_to_stone_your_children/dt21_18a.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/false_prophets/dt13_01.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/when_to_stone_your_whole_family/dt13_06-08.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/religious_tolerance/dt13_13-15.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/racial%20tolerance/dt23_03a.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/how_long_to_hang_somebody/dt21_22.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/the_occult/lv19_26.html

http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/why_to_keep_the_law/dt28_15.html

[Maraya1969]

25. Why does the "false profit" look like an Arab?

I think he should have big ears, wearing jeans and cowboy boots and standing in front of an American flag.

[The Zanti Regent]

26. oh no, remember the person you describe is GAWD's MAN...

...spreading the special love of Gawd in the form of mass murder and extermination!

[Khephra]

16. Hey, they're close

According to one of the books of the Bible (but not others) the male children under 2 were ordered put to death.

This time we're just not being so picky about the age or sex of the innocent people we kill.

[NYC]

17. Did the shepherds bomb the creche?

"The shepherds out there were much like we are, doing their job to make sure their flock is safe ... spreading the good news of Jesus," says Chaplain Tim Maracle.

[Gregorian]

18. Hahaha. It's hilarious.

The absolute ultimate hypocracy. One simply must not take these creatures seriously.
Remember, Jesus taught hate, murder, and theft. There is no denying.

As I said to myself while looking out over the ocean waves, yesterday, we are a nation of petroleumaholics. And as a result, we are lazy, and greedy. And lazy and greedy people must use others in order to sustain their lifestyle. (Funny how the beach I was at was in Loleta, at the end of a road called Cannibal Road.)

Furthermore, I have identified why the God Bless America phrase bothers me so. Because God blesses the world. Not just America. In fact, right now God is pissed as hell at this thing called America.

[Maraya1969]

28. It bothers me also

That everyone says to pray for "our troops". Personally, I do pray but I pray for everyone, including the militant Islamics and Osama Bin Laudin. Think of me what you may but I was taught to send love in the presence of hate and I try and do that.

To pray only for the soldiers on our side seems very hypocritical. It also enforces the belief that is clung to by many Americans that WE are somehow better than THEM.

And you are right about the "God bless America" thing. We should be saying "God bless the world" or, in the great words of Tiny Tim.....

"God Bless us EVERYONE!"

[Rose Siding]

30. This ungodly MISSION has nothing to do with the birth of Christ

Nothing. That premise is a delusion.

[GreenArrow]

38. God bless AMERICA

And to hell with the rest of you lot.

[saigon68]

52. SAIGON AWARD FOR POST OF THE DAY

DECEMBER 25, 2004 ANNO DOMINI

[Barrett808]

61. Thanks, Saigon

Will wear this with pride.

[VegasWolf]

19. Spreading christianity one bomb at a time. n/t

[Maraya1969]

21. AARRRGGGHHHHH!!@!@!!!!

They are trying to liken our attack on Iraq as if we are doing the work of God?????????? We are the Light that is supposed to shine down on this "dark world" with our firepower??????????

I am convinced now that these right winged evangelicals are psychotic narcissists who should have never been allowed out of their cribs.

I've never heard of a Shepherd blowing the heads off of sheep from another field! As a matter of fact, real shepards still do not carry weapons. They carry staffs to guide the sheep.


These people sound more and more like the Taliban everyday.




"The shepherds out there were much like we are, doing their job to make sure their flock is safe ... spreading the good news of Jesus," says Chaplain Tim Maracle.


According to Christian belief, an angel appeared to shepherds in fields near Bethlehem to tell them about the birth of Jesus. The shepherds were at first terrified by the glow of the angel, but then went to see the baby for themselves and began spreading the word of Christ's birth.


"Lord, protect every one of us here from the enemies of this dark world throughout the next year, help us to successfully accomplish the mission that our nation has sent us here to do," says Chaplain Steve Prost.


"Ultimately, we do this in service to you as we attempt to shine your light in a dark world until you come again."


Prost tells soldiers they are much like the shepherds "responding to the light and spreading the light in a powerful way."

[VegasWolf]

22. Cluster bombs "shine a lot of lights." n/t

[ogradda]

23. yes, we might as well openly make this

a religious conflict - i'm sure they're not pissed off enough already.

[sam sarrha]

27. Only the Troops are the Roman Occupiers...

[Zenlitened]

29. Everything reads like a page from The Onion these days...

I mean, is that article really NOT satire?

:wtf:

[TankLV]

32. I shudder to imagine what it might be with all the crazy fundies

in charge in all branches over there now.

Don't forget the "can't have any drinking water until you are baptised" fuck of a commander WHO IS STILL IN CHARGE AND HAS NEVER BEEN REPRIMANED!

[rocktivity]

33. Here's their e-mail page--SIC 'EM!!!

http://www.afp.com/english/afp/?cat=contact
Now is the time for all good Christians to come to aid of their religion!!!

:headbang:
rocknation

[belab13]

34. Can you spell Crusades children?

[depakid]

35. I honestly don't know how some of these people think

There must be some kind of pathology going on that's beyond any adaptive behavior. I wonder whether this has ever been studied?

Quite aside from the individual psychology, I wonder if it has ever occurred to the people who write and approve this sort of copy that it would be difficult to conceive of better propaganda- for the other side?

[rocktivity]

36. No book of Revelations? What a gyp!!!

:headbang:
rocknation

[NorthernSpy]

37. Don't worry. It's safe to print inflammatory crap like this...

... because we all know that Moslems don't pay any attention whatsoever to the news. So don't worry about this sort of thing convincing more of them that the Americans really are just modern day Crusaders. That can't happen.

/sarcasm

:eyes:

[Chicago Democrat]

39. I had a big dump this morning which reminded me of our mission in Iraq!

;)

[foo_bar]

42. Camp Cuervo?

[Skittles]

43. I think this is a bit sick

don't bring Jesus into this illegal, immoral piece of SHIT war.

[lumpy]

45. That is just one of the most

disgusting articles I have read. "bringing peace and safety into the world"...The Fundy chaplain's referencing/comparing Christ's birth to bring light into the world with the mission of destruction that has been inflicted on Iraq by thugs. "doing their jos to make sure their flock is safe..spreading the good news of Jesus" says chaplain Tim Maracle. The devil's own.

[this_side_up]

47. The Crusades return to the movie screen

http://www.tribute.ca/synopsis.asp?m_id=8632

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

50. My oh my. It seems the Christian invaders will be painted as the bad guys

as they should be. Ooooo, little dominionist heads exploding all around! Me like.

[shrike]

48. "We have helped them (Iraqis) go from where they had sewerage

on the street to cleaning their own messes."

Who do you think put that 'sewerage' on the streets, genius? We did, by bombing their infrastructure into oblivion.

[Erika]

49. Bush & corporate globalists spit on Christ's Golden Rule

They attacked a country who was never a harm to us.

[autorank]

51. Erika states the simple truth!!!

[mitchum]

55. Who Would Jesus Kill?

[Disturbed]

57. Slaughter and torture in the name of...

Jesus Christ has been popular for centuries.

[tiredofthisstuff]

58. I feel warm and fuzzy, Don't you?

It was the night before X-Mas and all through the tent, not a creature was stirring, not even a desert scorpion. With Rumsfeld in his cozy hotel room and myself on a cot. Visions of dead Iraqi children danced in my head........

I think the Christian Right should take a step back and think about using religion in reference to this war. The Muslim population can only cringe when they hear of our wonderful x-mas celebrations going on right in their backyard. The backyard we stole from them:puke:

[htuttle]

59. This is the most blasphemous thing I've read in a long time

Where in the teachings of Jesus does it suggest he'd endorse an aggressive war?

Claiming to slaughter Iraqi children in the name of Christ is vile and evil.

2 Pet 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.
2 Pet 2:2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

[onebox30]

60. It reminds me that religion

is the ultimate WMD. It is unnatural for human beings to commit violent acts against each other. "God" makes it much easier.

[genieroze]

65. Um, the birth of our Lord motivates them to kill people? eom

[brentspeak]

67. You've heard of the "Children's Crusade" in Medieval Europe

Welcome to the "Chimp's Crusade" in 21st century America.