United Nations, New York
May 16, 2008
On my birthday last year, I declared my independence from a national
leader****p that, through its votes in sup****t of the war machine, is
now complicit in war crimes, torture, crimes against humanity, and
crimes against the peace.
I declared my independence from every bomb dropped, every veteran
maimed, and every child killed.
I noted that the Democratic leader****p in Congress had failed to
restore this country to Constitutional rule by repealing the Patriot
Acts, the Secret Evidence Act, and the Military Commissions Act.
That it had aided and abetted illegal spying against the American
people. And that it took impeachment off the table.
In addition, the Democratic Congressional leader****p failed to promote
the economic integrity of this country by not repealing the Bush tax
cuts. They failed to institute a livable wage, Medicare-for-
all health care, and gave even more money to the Pentagon as it
misuses our hard-earned dollars.
We can add to that list, too, an abject failure to stand up for human
rights and dignity.
If the Democratic and Republican leader****p won't respect the right of
return for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors, how can we expect
them to champion the right of return for Palestinians?
If this country's leader****p tolerates the wanton murder of unarmed
black and Latino men by law enforcement officials=97extra-judicial
killings=97how can we expect them to stop or even speak out against
targeted assassinations in the Middle East?
If the Democratic and Republican leader****p accept ethnic cleansing in
this country by way of gentrification and predatory lending, why
should we expect them to put an end to it in Palestine?
If the leader****p of this country impedes self-determination for
native peoples in this country, why should we expect them to sup****t
indigenous rights for anyone abroad?
And sadly, the sensationalist cor****ate media would rather trick us
into thinking that re****ting on a pastor, a former Vice Presidential
nominee, and a former cable TV magnate constitutes this country's
much-needed discussion of its own apartheid past and present, so why
should we expect an honest discussion of apartheid and Zionism?
I hope by now it is clear. Our values will never be reflected in
public policy as long as our political parties and our country remain
hijacked.
Hijacked by false patriots who usurp the applause of the people and
all the while betray our values.
I've decided that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans will
operate any longer as business as usual=97not in my name.
That Democrats and Republicans will use my tax dollars and betray my
values, not one day longer=97not in my name.
That neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have earned my most
precious political asset=97my vote.
And that now is the time to do some things I've never done before in
order to have some things I've never had before.
And so here today, I declare my independence from weapons transfers:
including Apache Helicopters; F'16s; sidewinder, hellfire, and Stinger
missiles.
I declare my independence from occupation, demolished homes, political
prisoners, and babies dying at checkpoints.
I declare my independence from UN vetoes, expropriated land, stolen
resources, and the installation of puppet regimes.
I declare my independence from all forms of dehumanization and am not
afraid to speak truth to power.
And I am happy to join with peace-loving people around the world who
know that there can be no peace without justice.
Let us never tire in our work for justice.
Thank you.
____________________________________________
Mirelle
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