5 Years of Iraq: Activism Needed

Today is the 5 year anniversary of Bush's unprovoked war against Iraq. After the American media abandoned their crucial role of informing the people and decided to instead sell this war, it took years for the full scope of Bush's lies to emerge. Now that we know how he deliberately misled us into this war, it is mind-blowing to see the utter lack of accountability which has followed. Impeachment proceedings should begin immediately, but we must not lose sight of an even greater responsibility - ending this war. Today should be a day of reflection for what we as individual Americans can do to make this happen.

I have already provided a reasonably thorough account of my thoughts on Iraq and what we must do to end the war. To that, I will add here that each of us bears some responsibility for the continuation of this war. I realize Bush started it and Congress continues to allow it. But our representatives in Congress are supposed to be accountable to us, even if it is clear that Bush is not. We are complicit for not demanding that they represent us. We share responsibility for not demanding an immediate end to this unjust war.

The November election provides an excellent opportunity for us to make our will known. McCain represents unending war, and both Democratic candidates promise to end hostilities. The catch is that electing one of them will not be sufficient. We must be prepared to demand follow-through on their promises. The time for patience is long behind us, and activism will become increasingly important. It is up to us now.

Tags: Iraq, Iraq war, Bush, Congress, accountability, war, McCain, Democratic, politics, activism, media