Americans pay price for speaking out

[Judi Lynn]

Aug. 9, 2003. 12:48 PM


Americans pay price for speaking out
Dissenters face job loss, arrest, threats
But activists not stopped by backlash


KATHLEEN KENNA
STAFF REPORTER

He's a Vietnam War hero from a proud lineage of warriors who served the United States, so he never expected to be called a traitor.

After 39 years in the Marines, including commands in Somalia and Iraq, Gen. Anthony Zinni never imagined he would be tagged "turncoat."

The epithets are not from the uniforms but the suits — "senior officers at the Pentagon," the now-retired general says from his home in Williamsburg, Va.

"They want to question my patriotism?" he demands testily.

To question the Iraq war in the U.S. — and individuals from Main St. merchants to Hollywood stars do — is to be branded un-American.

Dissent, once an ideal cherished in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, now invites media attacks, hate Web sites, threats and job loss. (snip/...)

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[sasquatch]

1. This administration hates the military

They cut Veterans benefits, They cut pay to soldiers and they lash out at them when they speak out. What the GP doesn't understand is they hate the troops they show about as much respect for them that I show raccoons. I at least have the decency to put raccoons out of their misery, they continue their misery on their familys'. These are sick people:(

[0007]

6. Raccoons love cherries!

junior loves his job so much he believes he has the power of GOD.

[ClintonTyree]

2. Welcome...................

to Bush's America. Life in the United States at the moment is a pregressives hell. Conservatives control everything; all three arms of the government, TV, press............ I fear if the direction is not reversed in the 2004 elections, The United States of America will be forever lost to these lunatics. This is so sad........our once great country reduced to this.

[dfong63]

3. clark fans, take note

being a general doesn't immunize you against attacks on your patriotism.

if they can do it to zinni, they can do it to wesley clark too.

[Aaron]

5. And McCain and Cleland too (n/t)

[WindRavenX]

4. This is how the Bush Admin. works

You disagree with them, they question your patriotism. Vile, dirty, dishonorable politics.
They even spit on those who serve in the military.
The hypocrisy never ends with this administration.

[pansypoo53219]

7. as if

the bushivics are patriots.
FEH!

[rasputin1952]

8. And the vitriole comes from those that found ways to get out of serving...

Look what they did to Bob Kerrey. He lost a leg, was awarderd the MOH, and they tried to portray him as a monster because of a midnight firefight!

These bastards are heartless and cruel. They are used to having others do the dirty work, while they bask in unearned 'glory'. I have heard the lonesome notes of Taps far too many times to see these disgusting hypocrites have any respect from me.

I will fight them with every fiber of my being, and push to have them placed on the list of traitors they truly are. It is the duty of every American to expose these people as the frauds they are, by whatever means necessary. If it were in my power, I would deport them, freeze their assets and leave them on an island with nothing but some very pissed off land crabs.

For the life of me, I cannot understand how Colin Powell can look this bastard in the face; or how bush could even be in the presence of anyone who served. bush is a pissant...and his day is coming.

:grr: :nuke:

[PROGRESSIVE1]

9. I too will fight to rid us...

of this SCUM!!!! Those who accuse are the real Traitors. Where the HELL do they get the right to be the patriot police???

[rasputin1952]

10. "Patriot Police"...LOL...

Even the repug's have to be wondering why when anything happens, these disgusting individuals run off to bunkers to hide.

Just like the vermin they are...they seek refuge under rocks!