Re: How to approach the troops?

[Charles Jannuzi <b_rieux@xxxxxxxxx>]

While they are on active duty, it's mostly a
waste of time. Reserves and Guard are more active
in the political scene and in local communities.
My hunch from experience in 5 Guard and Reserve
units over 9 years is that their politics pretty
much reflect the working class of the US: some
Dem depending on whether or not the area is a
'right to work' one or not (meaning no unions) ,
surprising strength for Repugs (but also cynicism
about them because they are rich), and a lot of
right-wing independent.

I see three things that would screw up the war
plans now that the war is on:

1. a strike of US federal workers
2. a general strike in the UK to force Blair out
of office
3. Saudi outrage at civilian deaths in Iraq
leading them to turn off the oil

About number 1, on many lists I'm periodically
reminded how I'm supposed to support the federal
workers as their Republican heroes try to bust
their unions and put their jobs out to
contractors (often employee owned companies of
ex-military, or just flat out defense parasite
companies owned by the likes of the Bushes and
Cheyneys).

How about an appeal to the federal work force to
show some spine. The left is supposed to listen
to them whine about the Republicans, yet they
almost universallly support the war cabinet. At
least the illogic of their position could be
pointed out to them.

As for 2 and 3, I'm hoping and praying.

Finally about the troops, about the only thing to
be done is to remind them some of the world knows
about the atrocities committed last time and ask
them to not obey unlawful orders.

C. Jannuzi
Fukui, Japan


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