Comments on: The Imperial Class, Revisited

By: Kenneth

Kenneth — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:36:54 +0000

Aye. A military in the hands of a corrupt elite is much worse than no military at all.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:49:56 +0000

What matters is not every American, but every American establishment official

By: Nike

Nike — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:55:06 +0000

We schmucks on our keyboards can unite on ending the war in Iraq until the cows come home, but neither my opinion nor yours will make one whit of difference to those in power. Until The People are ready for some real change and give a man like Ron Paul a chance, it seems likely that the future holds only more of the same…or worse.
On the other hand, it sure would be funny to witness the scene when AIPAC showed up with giant cheque for Congressman Raimondo…

By: brad smith

brad smith — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:27:42 +0000

You have a good point, but it seems more likely for the Republicans than the Dems. But who knows. Hiliary does get much of her support from Isreal. I guess I would trust Obama the most of the “front” runners. However, that is saying much.

By: peace

peace — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:10:55 +0000

Thank you, Rick.

By: peace

peace — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:10:20 +0000

We should unite on the issue of ending the war in Iraq, not try to divide the vote against Pelosi.

By: peace

peace — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:08:15 +0000

Don’t you think that Hillary plans to bomb Iran?

By: peace

peace — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:05:52 +0000

The US soldiers are not doing the job of protecting the USA. I part company with Raimondo re his first sentence in his second paragraph above. I call on my fellow Americans to presently stop enlisting in the US military.

By: Chip

Chip — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:59:51 +0000

If one has ever been in the military, he or she would readily understand why the troops and the officer corps will not throw down their weapons and refuse to deploy. The potential penalties for such a resistance is not only life altering, but criminal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Like many ideals, the suggestion of insubordination by the military is far easier said than done and would require a most uncommon degree of moral courage. Why should anyone expect an individual service member to risk so much, when the citizenry, generally, refuses to risk so little by exercising their most basic rights of free speech and informed and vigilant political activism?

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:01:30 +0000

“the rank-and-file military are not automatically inducted into the ranks of the imperial class..”

If the military is so opposed to the government’s policy, but chooses to carry it out anyway under the excuse of “serving the country”, then what difference does it make if they are opposed to it? They are the ones carrying it out.

I believe if the military was REALLY OPPOSED to the govt.’s policies, they would rebel. Throw down their guns. Refuse to deploy…

By: Chris Baker

Chris Baker — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:40:00 +0000

Sheehan has a better chance at beating Pelosi than Justin does.

By: matt fay

matt fay — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:53:18 +0000

Thought your article was great and this follow up was even better. Having many friends who serve in the military I do think people often ignore the distinction (sometimes out of ignorance, other times to further their own agenda [i.e. if you don't support the war you undermine the troops, and that sort of BS]). John McCain tries to act like he represents the “avergage American” but he is an elitist who cares more about protecting America’s “status than protecting America.