What the anti-war crowd has learned
Sergeant John Bruhns was with one of the first units into Iraq in 2003, the 1st Armored Division. He was also one of the first anti-war veterans. He began his career in VoteVets, the very overtly pro-Democrat party veteran organization. Bruhns stepped up to be the legislative representative of Americans Against the Escalation in Iraq – the umbrella group of VoteVets and MoveOn.org in May of 2007, but he left them behind in October because he claimed they were too partisan, leaning towards the Democrat party.
In March, 2008, he joined United For Peace and Justice, an organization founded by Leslie Cagan a staunch supporter of the Castros and former member of the American Communist party before they folded up shop. Bruhns left UFPJ in May. According to SourceWatch;
Bruhns enjoyed a good working relationship with the UFPJ staff in the organization’s New York headquarters. However, there were many individual members at the organization’s grass-roots level that were extremely intolerant of Bruhns’ moderate political and social views.
Well, Bruhns wrote an opinion piece in the Philadelphia Daily News yesterday that shows just how moderate he is;
Some Iraq vets will join this protest [on March 19th] out of a feeling of nostalgia for a time before they were even born. But it’s no longer the Vietnam war, civil-rights, military draft ’60s. Sporting a grungy military uniform is a tactic that the real policymakers can dismiss as a non-threat to their political viability. Even John Kerry quit that gig more than 30 years ago.
Over the life of the recent anti-war movement, the attempted revival of the ’60s was destined for failure from the beginning.
Too many other issues were dragged into the effort. What middle-of-the-road Americans would attend a demonstration against the war if they knew they’d be standing in a mob of Che Guevara T-shirts listening to chants of “Free Mumia!”?
He has a point. Who wants to associate themselves with the shrieking harpies of Code Pink, who wants to associated with the Jon deWalds and Adam Kokeshes? I’ve admitted here that any sympathy I had for anti-war Iraq veterans dissipated on the steps of the National Archives building last march when I was physically threatened by IVAW members for having a differing opinion, even though they knew I was a veteran. I’ve even seen a small group of perverts carrying a “Stop Circumcision” banner with the anti-war crowd (they told me that circumcision is child abuse – a subject they appeared quite familiar with).
Bruhns makes an observation I thought beyond the average anti-war clod;
I support people protesting what they think are injustices, but all issues aren’t linked. It’s not a good tactic to force people to stand under an umbrella of issues, all of which that they may not support.
By alienating the silent majority, the current anti-war movement has dealt itself a bad hand that essentially diminished its credibility.
In a democracy, strength is in numbers. This anti-establishment and absolutist view of the political process is likely to be the real cause of their implosion.
Bruhns has been inside the anti-war movement at various vantage points for the last four years and he has built himself a fine reputation among them. If his ideas catch on, it might be a whole lot harder to fight the next anti-war movement.
Proof that his ideas aren’t far off the mark would be GOE I. The anti-anti-war movement didn’t gain traction until our side had figured we’d been pushed too far when the Vietnam Memorial was threatened. If their side had been more civil and less willing to accept participation by the Black Bloc and anarchists and Truthers and Code Pink and any other number of Madhatters, they might still be a relevant voice and have no organized opposition.
Category: Politics
They have a choice: include the nuts, and demonstration “regulars” or have extremely small demonstrations.
What he wrote was astute and accurate and it is too bad that the rest of the anti-crowds don’t get what he does. I don’t have any respect for the linking of some issues the way the anti groups do. Zero.Zip.Nada!
Wow, conflicting emotions on this one.
While I’m happy to see an anti war vet who understands that it is wrong to dishonor the uniform, it could be bad for our side if guys like this and Army Sergeant were running the IVAW.
I wonder who wrote this? The John Bruhns I met was not quite as honest or knowledgeable regarding the WOT or his former employer AAEI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZVybeWKnI
Ask Bruhn’s how many times he has been to Walter Reed or West Chester for that matter:
Many of these “anti” protest groups are under the umbrella of the communists group, ANSWER and that includes the VVAW, IVAW, VFP and as of late, the Palestinian Hamas supporter protesting Israel’s defense of itself, quite the motley crew. Look at the organizers (ANSWER), they’re advancing a socialist/communist agenda. All of the groups that are under the umbrella either are also socialists or communists or at minimum, sympathizers (collaborators!). Communist and socialist governments murdered over 100 million of their own citizens in the last century. Communism and socialism is the antithesis of freedom. They are our enemies.
Jonn wrote: UFP&J was formed to put a more moderate face on the anti-war movement in contrast to ANSWER. The fact that it was founded by Cagan to that end kind of conflicts. In other words, UFP&J was a deception from the beginning. The only way that we can combat a more moderate appearing anti-war movement is to become more moderate and mainstream ourselves. Otherwise, we’ll be the shrill ones that no one wants to associate themselves with.
I was at GOEI and I can say with certainty that it was the first time I saw these anti-“fill-in-the-blank” groups show fear. This was the first time that these folks has seen others with opposing views stand up to them, en masse, and with a single purpose, and it scared them something fierce. They had to walk a very long gauntlet of folks telling them exactly what they thought of them, and in numbers greater than their own. There were many examples of the differences between the two groups. The veterans policed their area and left the place as clean as when they arrived. the protesters left a trail of refuse in their wake. For folks who claim to care about the environment, there was litter everywhere. they literally dropped water bottles, food wrappers, even signs, where they stood and walked away, leaving it for someone else to clean up their mess. On the way home, my bus full of veterans was at a rest stop when a busload of ANSWER folks pulled in. It was interesting inthat their dear leader decided to take “action” against us, by loudly shouting invectives, calling us war criminals, and trying to rally his folks. His people didn’t seem in the mood, and pretty much headed for the Starbucks to get their fix. Many of us headed FOR the fellow making noise, and he made a swift retreat to his bus, where he remained inside, shouting through a window in his shrill little voice. What a maroon. What GOEI showed was that, with proper planning and a single mission, a single theme, huge numbers of veterans and like-minded folks could turn out and get their message across plainly and forcefully. Make a plan. Stick to it. Don’t go off on tangents. KISS. Use proper tactics: Weight of force on the weakest point. Bring more than they do. Act responsibly. I don’t expect the leftists to do much better than they are at present. They can bring the numbers, but it isn’t coherent. It’s not an army but a mob. There are too many… Read more »
Jonn said: Otherwise, we’ll be the shrill ones that no one wants to associate themselves with.
Profoundly true!
Keep in mind, though, that our side is also made up of different groups. I was privy to some discussions of tactics during the run up to GoE I, and it was amazing that we pulled it off. We have our share of screamers.
Point is… I hope folks do hear what you’re saying, and take it to heart.
“Jonn wrote: UFP&J was formed to put a more moderate face on the anti-war movement in contrast to ANSWER. The fact that it was founded by Cagan to that end kind of conflicts. In other words, UFP&J was a deception from the beginning. The only way that we can combat a more moderate appearing anti-war movement is to become more moderate and mainstream ourselves. Otherwise, we’ll be the shrill ones that no one wants to associate themselves with.”
This in line with what I’ve said numerous times but for some reason it has fallen on deaf ears. So, the more observant everyone is of this Bhrun cat, the better.
The NVA were that way of their enemies. Keep in mind, once they saw that the USSR’s anti war propaganda machine was working in their favor, they kept the pressure up as evidenced by Joe Galloways weekly commentaries.
He and I had a real spat going after one of his commentaries ripped on the 2/7 US Cavalry a unit the dude helped make legendary. He has most of the vets of the 7th Cavalry dumbed down to not being in support of the young men and women of the present day, US 7th Cavalry.
And he sits (or did) on the board of directors of the 1st Cavalry Association. Go f’ng figure.
As far as A/S goes…..she might be getting *snipped* right about now. Don’t know about you guys but when I was in, the LAST thing f’ng you did was associate with criminals, gangs or anyone or group that was subversive of the US Government.
Communist Party, USA included. I love my country. I enjoy the freedoms we have and am not above doing what it takes to preserve them.
Snipped? What, someone recommended me for ANOTHER effing CID investigation?
For the three billionth time, IVAW is not subversive, I’ve checked with JAG multiple times, hell, I can go down and check AGAIN just to make sure that the law hasn’t changed in the last six months. When I talk to the nice camera, I use a disclaimer. I don’t have any close and continuing associations with foreign nationals, because there’s not a single one I wouldn’t cheerfully wave goodbye to on a minute’s notice.
The rules are on extremist groups, which IVAW doesn’t fit the definition. Though many of you wish it were otherwise, I know.
Army Sergeant: IVAW is funded by and walks arm and arm with extremist groups.
@Army Sergeant:
Really? Tell that to the IVAW pukes who hooked up with Darnell Stephen Summers, whoi intends to create mutiny and subversion within the U.S. Armed Forces. The IVAW is a fucking buglight for miscreants, disgruntled kids, and extremists looking for a boost.
You don’t vet your members very well.
Here’s what Darnell Stephen Summers posted to me:
rochester_veteran wrote:</b? “Sounds like mutiny and treason to me.”
Darnell Stephen Summers: My friend, I do in fact call on the troops to mutiny against tyranny and If that is treasonous then so be it. I’ve been advocating that before, during and after my time in the US Army. That’s no big secret. Report me.
Here’s a VVAW member willfully (and proudly, I must add) assisting IVAW members to commit mutiny and treason.
Darnell Summers at no time there mentions IVAW-also, he is VVAW-AI, not VVAW. VVAW-AI has, to date, not funded IVAW to my knowledge. VVAW-AI is the splinter group that left VVAW because they deemed VVAW too conservative.
Obviously, I do not endorse mutiny. Unless it’s on the Bounty.
Jonn wrote: Is this Darnell Stephen Summers with his arm around Chris Capps, the regional director of IVAW in Germany?
And the AI stands for Anti-Imperialism, doesn’t it? VVAW-AI and Darnell Summers is more than just “more liberal” than VVAW, isn’t it?
Ahhh…yes, the AI does stand for Anti-Imperialist. Which I also don’t endorse. However, I would say that just because they work together on some cases doesn’t mean IVAW supports mutiny. It does not.
ArmySergeant,
I was at the Eagles Muster rally and parade, which stood in opposition of the IVAW Winter Soldier rerun. I was there only for a day. I spent more time traveling to get there than I spent in DC, but it was worth it. I met alot of good people, folks who love their country and are/were willing to sacrifice for it. We Veterans of previous generations stood for the warriors of your generation, so you wouldn’t be vilified like my generation of warriors (Vietnam Era) was. The assclowns led by Kerry and Fonda (VVAW) branded my generation of warriors as wanton killers and psychopaths. Don’t do the same to yours…
Ok, I’ve gotten the attention of the VFP, specifically Jim Starowicz, a 60 yo Carpenter, member of chapter 150, who claims to be a Navy GMG3 Viet Nam Vet from 70-71.
Aside from his crazy allegations quoted here http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/01/welcome-veterans-beware-false-accusations-and-assumptions.html and the information above, what can y’all tell me about the loon?
And can some Navy type tell me what a GMG3 is?
I ain’t a Squid, but that sounds to me like Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class…
Navy ranks have always confused me, but I was guessing that and E3 but that seems awful low for 4 years in the Navy, especially during War.
“Ok, I’ve gotten the attention of the VFP, specifically Jim Starowicz, a 60 yo Carpenter, member of chapter 150, who claims to be a Navy GMG3 Viet Nam Vet from 70-71.”
Huh…I got the big bean for action himself, Bill Perry, lmao!
@ArmySergeant Says:
The IVAW doesn’t support mutiny? Then why are members of your illustrious organization cavorting with radicals who do? With big grins, no less.
Your vetting process, like the IVAW, is a failure.
WOTN,
Gunners Mate Third Class, E-4
All,
How long before Army Sergeant re-enacts Barry Romo’s colaborating with the enemy?
http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=921
Army Sergeant,
What law are you talking about?
Huh? Law? And the answer is never.
It is difficult for me to comprehend why even the most ardent liberal/democrat/veteran would support the current crop of “leaders,” particularly of the IVAW/VFP/VVAW when they ally themselves with Code Stink, SDS, and the HuffingPost and in their loving embrace stick the cold knives in their backs, calling those with PTSD and other combat veterans “crazed killers.”
At what point does it take for the “rational” members of the IVAW, those that joined out of allegiance to the DNC, to realize that the DNC is using them? What does it take for their membership to realize that they are being used against the interests of the Nation?
And now that the Petraeus Plan has provided us the Sustained Successes and Victory in Iraq, is there really any purpose for the IVAW? What exactly are they going to complain about? Will they protest that Obama isn’t pulling out of our peaceful democratic ally Iraq quick enough?
Army Sergeant,
[For the three billionth time, IVAW is not subversive, I’ve checked with JAG multiple times, hell, I can go down and check AGAIN just to make sure that the law hasn’t changed in the last six months.]
That law. What law are you talking about?
Oh. I meant ‘the law’ as in ‘the general body of the law’, but there are specific regulations governing which organizations Army members are forbidden from participating in. It essentially boils down to extremist groups and anyone on the Attorney General’s list of subversive organizations.
Considering the ideology and stated goal of many IVAW members and associates it SHOULD be included on the AG’s list of subversive groups.
You are more than welcome to exercise your democratic right as a citizen of this country to write in and request it.
@ Army Sergeant,
Glad to see you excercise your freedom of speech. Tell me, what have you done besides join the IVAW from the safety of a CONUS assignment?
You piss and moan and bitch about the war on terrorism, yet you’ve never actually been there.
Do us a favor, AS. Do your homework about muslim terrorists, their methods, where they are, and the reasons we have to fight them on their own turf. While you’re at it, try serving in the Theater of Operations to get a good look at the enemy and what we do to stop their jihad-based mission toward a world Caliphate.
You look less and less like a Soldier and more like a snarky little problem child.
Mutiny I guess you have to be in a certain state of mind to mutiny. Since the very beginnings of warfare there were those who questioned and those who didn’t. Mutiny is the other side of blind discipline. Especially in IMPERIALIST WARS. Some commanders throughout history have had to worry about whether the troops would or would not fight. Even Hitler’s own henchman tried to kill him, their commander-in-chief. The question comes up, now and then. I used to watch a TV program, ‘Combat Theater’, every Saturday afternoon with my friends in the neighborhood. We were just kids, young, black, impetuous and impressionable. There was also an Army sponsored program we liked called ‘The Big Picture”. They showed the nation the latest weapons and technology. We also saw the “what-to-do Nuclear Attack” training films, you know, “duck and cover”. They also depicted Communism, inching across Europe in one big flushing red blob, consuming all in its path. You know the films I’m talking about. We saw a lot of war films too. John Wayne(Back to Bataan & countless other Civil War, Western and Indian killing b-movies ), Lew Ayres( All quiet on the Western Front), Kirk Douglas(Paths of Glory), Humphrey Bogart(Casablanca), Marlon Brando(The Young Lions), Cliff Robertson and Raymond Massey(Naked and the Dead), Woody Strode & Gregory Peck(Pork Chop Hill), too many to name. There is one war movie, one of my favorites, that fascinates me to this very day. When you see a film the first time, it’s something special. There you are, captive in every sense of the word, not knowing what comes next or what the outcome. You want to become one of the Heroes, one of the good guys. Get the girl at the end. You know what I mean? Jack Palance, Eddie Albert, Lee Marvin in the starring roles. Three of Hollywood’s best. They made Classics. Jack was a platoon sergeant; Eddie, a captain, was his company commander. Lee Marvin, a light colonel, was running everthing , down at the front. Jack, with his platoon, was ordered to take a small village. No one knew… Read more »
Well, well, It’s amazing what a little research will get you.
Attack(Jack Palance, Eddie Albert, Lee Marvin in the starring roles):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxs23JREqeY
You guys are really not heavy in the brain department but nevertheless I’d like to see you try to dance around this one. You can dance, can’t you?
Dismissed !!!
You really are a fucking moron Darnell.
Darrell’s motto: So many drugs, so little time….
[…] buddy, John Bruhns arrived at that conclusion back in 2008 when he left VoteVets and the United for Peace and Justice […]