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Bush's 4th of July Celebration

by: John Scripsick, t r u t h o u t | Perspective

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Items commemorating the upcoming visit of former President George W. Bush are on sale at The Cowboy's Tack Shop in Woodward, Oklahoma. (Photo: AP)

    It's good to see that Woodward, Oklahoma, invited George W. Bush to their 4th of July celebration. Some days I feel sorry for this poor, lonely man. His dream of being rich and famous took him to be the leader of our great nation. My satisfaction as an Oklahoma farmer and rancher is the rain that comes in July or August to carry a cow herd 'till fall.

    I wonder what Bush will say in his 40-minute speech. I'm sure it will be sprinkled with patriotism, independence, and how we were only attacked once during his presidency.

    Maybe he'll talk about how going to war in Iraq helped move oil from less than $25 to $147 a barrel. If oil could go to six times it's price, maybe cattle could go to $6 a pound, or each cow could have six calves in one year.

    That $4 a gallon fuel put many people behind on their stretched mortgages and kind of turned our economy into a tailspin. That money ended up in the pockets of his campaign contributors, so it should be a fair trade.

    I doubt if he will talk about 4,300 American soldiers killed in Iraq or the 30,000 maimed for life. Or the haunting memories of thousands of others who watched it all happen.

    The Iraqi people suffered the greatest loss of property and life, but I doubt if there is time to mention them in a 40-minute speech.

    He could touch on torture for a few minutes. Bush said America did not torture, which is partly true because most Americans would not torture a fellow human being. Bush and Cheney had to torture to back up faulty intelligence and extract information to suit their story of why we invaded Iraq. So that must mean it's okay.

    I often wondered why a man would commit suicide to kill my son in Iraq. I guess if we treated his son, brother or cousin in a sub-human way with our torture techniques, it would compel him to take revenge on the first American he could find.

    The war is depressing to all but Halliburton, KBR, Blackwater and others who profit. So my guess is, Bush will stick to our independence or maybe mention SEC watching Madoff, or how he firmed up the banks with our tax dollars.

    The story of how the big banks failing would cause a major economic collapse reminds me of another story he told about weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

    On second thought, I've heard his stories before and I'm short one family member because of him. So, I'll pass on George's speech this 4th of July.

  

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John Scripsick, who lost his son Bryan in Iraq on September 6, 2007, lives in Norman, Oklahoma.

Comments

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Your choice of words to

Your choice of words to describe the behavior of Bush is too kind. The man along with his vice President Cheney, have literally illegally invaded two countries who were no threat to the USA, lied to the world, deceptively brainwashed the average U.S, soldier with the help of the military command officers so eager to please their nefarious commander in chief, into thinking they were actually defending the security of the USA, murdered hundreds of thousands of innocents, murdered 4300 American soldiers, along with the maiming of so many thousands more. The destruction of so many American families and of course the never mentioned destruction of Iraqi families, women and children. The killing of innocents continues to this day with the support of both political parties and the new adminstration. Bush & Cheney have overtly displayed their evil for even the blind and deaf to see and hear. And yet, why are they not in prison?? As I said at the beginning, you are too kind.

They have suffered the

They have suffered the highest cost and continue to love their country. Condemning those that lied to get us into a war of choice is the most patriotic thing Americans could do today. George W. Bush will choose to wrap himself in the flag and bask in the glory of his lies. It is up to each of us to choose weather to stand up for America continue to hide behind Bush's false patriotism.

No doubt there is a painful

No doubt there is a painful awareness to think that GWB has been invited to speak anywhere Today I sent messages to friends suggesting that this July 4th at least we are free of Bush, however not the tragedies of his legacies. Thank you for writing such a poignant piece, lest we forget that which we still are dealing with - his many failures. Harriet Smartt Isle of Palms, SC

I wonder how Dick Cheney is

I wonder how Dick Cheney is celebrating the 4th.

I am so sorry about your

I am so sorry about your loss...Bush, Cheney et al have been a pox on our country...and your family.

George W. Bush is a war

George W. Bush is a war criminal, a reality-denying liar, an ecoterrorist and a self-deluding sociopath who belongs in a maximum security prison for the rest of his life. I am deeply ashamed of our country for letting him steal two elections, ruin our environment, bankrupt our country and torture people.

Dear Mr. Scripsick, today

Dear Mr. Scripsick, today July 4th, I shall have a special thought for your son Bryan. I will try to have a regular thought for him in this coming year, and in those after, as for some other sons of friends. And I will add you to my friends to whom I often think with a broken heart about how they go on with their lives without their own children. Best, flo c.

It has been hard being proud

It has been hard being proud of our country for the last eight years. On this fourth of July I do feel like celebrating a little more, knowing we have the potential of things getting better. Mike Malloy of Air America had a good point, he said to focus on celebrating the original revolution as this holiday should be and not the typical propaganda we hear on this day. For all those that have lost someone because of Bush's stupid decisions, you have my thoughts today.

BuSh A Name or an

BuSh <===> A Name or an Abbreviation..?

I am so very sorry for your

I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are feeling, but your article doesn't sound as bitter as I have been. I don't feel sorry for Bush, I revile him. I still have my son, although completely blinded due to the inept handling of his injury by the VA. Bush has already been awarded the 'Worst President Ever' tag. I wonder what reward his God will give him for his actions during his lifetime.

Dear Mr. Scripsick, My

Dear Mr. Scripsick, My oldest lies buried at Arlington. He died on his way home from the Sinai 24 years ago. A different context, but the same malady. It is an impossible pain to bury one's child. Yet Afghans, Iraqis and, yes, Vietnamese continue to bury their children. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I tremble for my country when I consider that God is just." The Bushes, the Cheney's, the Rumsfelds and the Rices continue to dance on all our children's graves. I can no longer call myself a patriot. Bill Hansen, Yola, Nigeria

Poor lonely man? That's

Poor lonely man? That's got to be sarcastic, no? The guy is very wealthy, he's got excellent health care & security (of his body) for the rest of his life, courtesy of the US taxpayer--despite what he, Cheney, et al, did to the US. He has people who like him so much he's getting speaking engagements (paid, I'm sure). He's probably getting two taxpayer paid for pensions--from TX and from the US. And a town in OK invites him to give a 4th of July speech--do you think that anyone will even dare to boo the guy? I would imagine that Bush thinks he's done just great. Until he's impeached, he'll continue to think so and there are plenty around to tell him he's right. Just like the banksters who the taxpayer, courtesy of the Bush & Obama administrations, keep bailing out, doesn't matter how badly they perform or how corrupt they are.

Bush is the worst, but check

Bush is the worst, but check out our history. We have invaded many countries, killed many people and it does not stop. We have 2 wars, a third in the making (Iran) and probably supported or started the coup in Honduras. We are a right wing terrorist country and support such governments throughout the world.

Mr Scripsick: I feel for

Mr Scripsick: I feel for your loss. My only son was killed on his way home from the Vietnam war. "it is an impossible pain to bury ones child."God help us all, parents around the world,protect us from the likes of Bush, Cheney & Co.

Hi John, Your comments

Hi John, Your comments confirm my feeling that the false dichotomy set up by the railing evangelists and the FOX news crowd to the effect that the coasts and the heartland are natural born enemies is completely, utterly false.

Incredibly there are those

Incredibly there are those who even now feel that George W. Bush did the right thing..."the best he could" and would willingly extend his term indefinitely for what they feel is ultimate patriotism. I scratch my head and wonder at this surreal counterpoint to truth and history. Still others who idealize Michael Jackson never tire of coverage which blankets the news machine channels. If Independence Day is to be celebrated may our forefathers know that at least some understand their vision but we as a nation must integrate with the rest of the world...seamlessly. The flag ain't gonna help.

Mr. Scripsick -- I feel the

Mr. Scripsick -- I feel the same way as you do about George Bush. That some people in Oklahoma want to hear him speak doesn't reflect well on them. I bet there'll be some protest to his appearance, maybe some boos. Thank you for your poignant testimony about your son Bryan. When will we ever learn?

I am proud to be a retired

I am proud to be a retired US militay officer because our country stands for so much more than the crimes against humanity, foreign and domestic, that Cheney (the real decider), W, Rumy, Rice, et al have perpetrated against all who inhabit this earth. We followed their orders, as all who have served before have, usually before we could understand what they meant and why for. We will rise again, against the profiteers, those who would use our greatness to line their coffers and serve their narrow interests. None of them served in this way. Soldiers, sailors and marines, and their extended families, were pawns to whom they served lip service to the rest of the country... while screwing those who lived... and died. We are better than that.

The nightmare's not even

The nightmare's not even close to over until people are brought to justice for their crimes. Even as we speak, people like palin are eagerly waiting to pick up where bush jr. left off. When they say the other 80% of us "pal around with terrorists" for disagreeing with them we need to call them out and force them to account for their words as well as their actions. Our country means too much to let it just go to waste at their hands.

i don't understand how

i don't understand how anybody with half a brain would consider the cheneybush anything but the worst sort of pond scum. that was a beautiful sentiment, i'm sorry for your loss

I cant express How Much

I cant express How Much Better I Feel Now that Error Of Life Is Over .For the First time The 4th Of July Has really Meant Something to Me .

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opi

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=62&articleid=20090702_62_A12_hUnwel676943 Unwelcome visitor By Staff Reports Published: 7/2/2009 2:22 AM I am Warren L. Henthorn, father of lost soldier Jeffrey S. Henthorn, lost in Iraq on Feb. 8, 2005. I understand former President George W. Bush is coming to Woodward on the 4th of July. Should he be welcomed? No. This president led our military forces into a war of choice, a war that should not have happened, a war that has cost the lives of more than 4,300 U.S. soldiers, more than 35,000 injured, some hurt for the rest of their lives, and countless thousands of Iraqi people killed and wounded. Does anyone remember the Vietnam War? Another war of choice: 58,000 dead, countless lives ruined to this day. Should we celebrate President Bush's legacy? I think not. If you think you have no involvement in this folly because you have no family members in this war, guess again. Where do you think our current economic problems came from? Ten billion dollars a month that you and your children will have to pay for sooner or later to support a war that should never have happened. Soldiers walking our streets with mental problems from the horrors they saw, wounded soldiers dependent for the rest of their lives on us. You and yours will be paying for this also. It's time to think about the reality of Bush's time in office, the military and economic mess he got us into and hold him responsible for it. Warren L. Henthorn Choctaw, OK

And still no investigation

And still no investigation into 9/11 Thats what made all this possible! That was the emperors new suit and still nobody dares to acknowledge the obvious, instead hiding behind a baseless concoction of lies because the truth will hurt too much. Land of the brave - Oh please give me a break!!!

celebrate July 4 by

celebrate July 4 by arresting the guy for war crimes when he comes to speak next year maybe.

Your post goes to the center

Your post goes to the center of my heart. To have lost your son so needlessly, there can be no comfort...only memories of the love you shared back to his birth. And Bush--I, too, see him as a lonely man, glawing on his knuckles, happy to be invited, to be remembered by anyone these days, lying in his sheets, in his shirt, in the flag in which he wraps in himself, while Laura murmers, come to bed, Kitten, it's dark now.

Saw a bumper sticker I so

Saw a bumper sticker I so agreed with today, to wit: Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of reasons will somehow work for the benefit of all. (John Maynard Keynes) Bush and Cheney and their ilk in my opinion are the ultimate capitalists and definitely the nastiest. Socialism is supposed to be SO BAD. Well, yeah, it's really bad for Bush and Cheney and their ilk, and they've bamboozled the majority of Americans into believing it. Until Americans wake up and change the system we live under, we'll continue to have stupid wars and all the accompanying horrors you write about. I am truly sorry for your loss! Thank you for writing this article. I also thank the man who wrote to the Tulsa World and sorry for the loss of his son as well.

As an Oklahoma ex-pat, I am

As an Oklahoma ex-pat, I am pained to hear the soulful pain expressed by both the author of this piece,John Scripstick of Norman, and Warren L. Henthorn of Choctaw. I am also relieved that my fears that all Oklahomans had drunk the Koolaid of the Bush/Cheney/Faux News propaganda machine. I grew up in a small town not so far from Woodward, where Bush will be speaking. It is not likely, but I would hope that someone there has the courage to call that liar out in front of God and all sensible Okies.

I just hope that some of the

I just hope that some of the good people of Iraq, Iran, syria, Egypt, Lebanon, etc., read such as is offered here in response this gentleman's pain and goodness. It is not the "just plain people" anywhere in the world who cause these tragedies, the crimes of inhumanity of humans. It is ALWAYS out of "leadership" where the insanity comes. Those who answer the calls of the insane, such as the Tiller Killer and the idiots who called for that kill are basically innocents. It never originates at the "grass roots." Most of the world's people are good people, religious or not. Most want to live their lives, rear their children, with enough to eat and clean water to drink. Most wish not to die of disgusting, human-created or allowed disease--or wars. Most want a chance to leave something to their kids, if it be only a few goats. For most, enough is enough. But for a few, nothing is enough. As we have witnessed of late, not even way too much is enough for some. So the world continues on, with the greedy inciting the enoughites to become greedy too. With the religious inciting the just plain people to believe that God requires violence to acquire the peace they so desire. Nowadays, we really do have the ability to communicate, those of us who seek no more than enough, those of us who know that we couldALL have enough, but for the greedy assholes who want OUR ENOUGH, so that they can have their "way more than enough." Now we CAN talk to each other, and we'd better consider our quest as a global one, stop allowing the leaders to turn us against each other, because the trouble-makers in our seats of power will always have us at each others throats if we don't undercut their ability to do that. Think about it. For every child lost, whether the suicide bomber or his/her victims, I cry. NONE of us are at fault, and all of us suffer. We need to solidify our will and refuse to fight.

Money isn't the only

Money isn't the only motivator but it seems to me it is so often the motivator that it is always appropriate to ask. I wish some reporter would ask how much Bush Sn, GW and Cheney profited. Very simply what was their net worth before 9/11 and what is it now.

Why is justice such an

Why is justice such an elusive hope? To think that it once inspired character away from self-interest and proponed service to the good of others as at least a conflict some of the time. What now will make us proud of a Pat Tillman or an Audie Murphy? Whom can we use to remember a Nathan Hale to tell us we are not fools to follow him? What Banker can we hear instead the Heroism of GW Bush from:--the Tergiversate who nearly destroyed the country in the name of his Texas Fiends et al.? --the AWOL Cocaine Progeny of an ex President, whom he never warned us about...George Herbert Walker Bush...aka known as the Son of Prescot Bush,collaborator .

Excellent article by John

Excellent article by John Scripsick. It is gratifying to see so many, like-minded, intelligent, heartfelt comments too. I say let the investigations begin into the misdeeds of the Bush/Cheney/Rice/Rumsfeld regime and 9-11 conspiracy. Unfortunately, Obama feels that prosecutions would be a distraction from the many things he wants to achieve. ..............................................................

Mr. Scripsick, Mr. Henthorn,

Mr. Scripsick, Mr. Henthorn, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your losses, and my gratitude for your strength and patriotism for speaking out. I can only imagine your pain, and only try, in some small way, to share it -- your eloquent statements have brought this old man to tears, and to a renewed commitment to push for holding the perpetrators of this outrage accountable. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Powell, Wolfowitz, Perls, Feith, et al, are not only war criminals, but have committed treason against our country and its Constitution, and must be brought to justice. Surely, there are enough of us left who truly care about our nation and its heritage of honor and duty that we can unify our efforts and overcome the fascist corporatists who evidently have seized control of our government while we each pursued our "other priorities." This July 4th, perhaps we can reclaim the legacy of Thomas Paine, and generate sufficient "people power" to effect the recovery of our democratic republic from those who have so callously subverted it. Again, thank you gentlemen, for your courage and patriotism, and for allowing us to share your pain, however symbolic that sharing may be.

I'm sorry for the writer's

I'm sorry for the writer's loss, too. I have a son and I am afraid of the military path our country has been going down since GWB. In x number of years, not far from today, when I wake up in the blink on an eye tomorrow and mine is grown, and the military industrial complex, as ever, wants their cannon fodder for their dollars, will we be drafting young men and women in an involvement ever greater and ever more complicated to extricate ourselves from? I, too, think you're too kind to GWB, but I imagine, if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't be able to bear what I might feel towards this individual -- who treated the responsibility of the Presidency of our nation as he were in a t.v. cowboy routine.

I agree with everything that

I agree with everything that has been said [but] wonder where were all these voices during the build up to March 2003. How do we explain that only 23 United States Senators voted NAY?

Bush let the richest people

Bush let the richest people in the world destroy America for profit.

Cowards die many times

Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once. Shakespeare, (1564-1616) Julius Caesar II,iv,427

To respond to the above

To respond to the above post: "I agree with everything that has been said [but] wonder where were all these voices during the build up to March 2003. How do we explain that only 23 United States Senators voted NAY?" I was one of the opposing voices out there on the streets, protesting the buildup to the war in the months before March 2003. During that time, it was quite clear to me that Bush wanted to go to war. I highly doubted there was a good reason, but I knew he knew (intelligence wise) more than I did. It became clear to me, however, that he was putting up a front by going to the U.N. - even cutting short the U.N. inspections. The inspectors where protesting, saying he was misleading us, including inspector Scott Ritter. So, in the end, I didn't believe him, though I still did have my doubts. His lies were a horrible breach of my trust, and our trust, in government. When I watched him on t.v. - his defensiveness, sarcasm, insistence on adherence to his viewpoint, all spoke volumes about who had "won" the U.S. election. In my view I, and we as a country, did not protest that election enough and also we did not demand better proof for something as irreversible as a major war. Now I, and we, will continue to pay the price for our misplaced trust and unassertion in many painful ways, including the anger and sadness of all the families of soldiers who died and were damaged, the still unrestored and horrible injustices promulgated on the Iraqi people, not to mention the economic burden that now falls on us and will in the future continue to fall on the backs of our children and grandchildren.

Does anyone have a

Does anyone have a transcript of what Bush the Lesser said in OK on the 4th of July?