Hellacious Wars Will Be Our Downfall
MAR 17, 2026
Here’s a recent podcast I did with Jim Wohlgemuth and Harvey Bennett, Vietnam War veterans both, about the Iran War.
With a bonus song at the end.
Here’s a different link if the above doesn’t work:
My thanks to Jim and Harvey for having me on their show.
*****
In other news, Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center in the Trump administration, has resigned in protest against the war with Iran. His resignation letter is well worth reading.
Many Trump loyalists are mystified by the president’s tight embrace of Zionist Israel and his pursuit of war against Iran. Whatever Trump is up to, it’s not MAGA.
Bracing Views 
Excellent resignation letter by Joseph Kent. As a pacifist, my only rejoinder is that perhaps he might have recognized the trap sprung on the U.S. (and the Oval Office in particular) long before this latest escapade. It doesn’t take the brightest bulb to oppose optional wars reflexively (as contrasted with others who have never witnessed a war they couldn’t support from a safe distance).
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I just returned from voting for the only avowed anti-Zionist of 15 people running the IL-9 House seat. Outside Rachel Ruttenberg, a person running for Illinois state senator was passing out her literature. She is one of the many, many politicians who returned silence after a letter I wrote asking them to indicate if they stand for liberty and justice for all or ethnic cleansing Israel.
After voting I stopped to tell her of my experience letter writing and of my terror over the control Israel maintains over US politics. I did not tell her that she was one of those refusing to answer my letter but I did impress upon her that Israel is a parasite that must be removed from the body of America and that to be an American who “stands with Israel” is hypocrisy that should be called out. She had nothing to say in response but she got the message.
The letter from Kent is an example of what should be written when anyone leaves office with a full explanation rather than “I need to spend time with family”. I am encouraged that the move to break the grip of Zionism is underway. Though I am no fan of Tucker Carlson, I applaud his too-long-delayed stand against Israel.
PS – I understand you and XK live in the same community! What a nice surprise.
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[From my entry on Substack]
Had to ask just what is meant by “the American Experiment,” did a quick search, got back from the Bill of Rights Institute and the American Historical Association “The American Experiment refers to the unique attempt by the United States to establish a government based on democratic principles, liberty, and the idea that authority comes from the consent of the governed. It explores whether a society can maintain a government without privileged classes and uphold the rights of all individuals.” Sounds good to me.
It has failed. That cause of failure – death – is chronic, progressive economic, political, social, and moral collapse. The manner is gross economic and social inequality; underinvestment in public welfare and services; underfunded government; a political and judicial system catering to corporate interests; the pursuit of empire, militarily and coercively, in league and complicit with a genocidal entity; and a capitalist and neoliberal reduction of human beings to economic entities.
To reiterate from earlier postings. Chris Hedges’ ventured in “America, the Farewell Tour,” that the United States would collapse in twenty years time. It was published in 2018. Thus far his timetable right on schedule.
Also, the Congressional Budget Office says that by 2036, just ten years from now, the debt-to-GDP ratio of this country will reach a historical 120%, with implications including, in no small part due to putting $1+ trillion per year in “defense” spending on the credit card:
• Higher interest rates
• Weaker economic performance
• Inability of government to perform its duties (in general, “provide for the general welfare,” e.g., infrastructure)
• Strains on Social Security and Medicare trust funds
• Decreased(ing) funding of social welfare programs
• Decreased standard of living
• Inability to address disasters, natural or otherwise, such as consequences of global warming
One definition of a failed state is: “A failed state, often referred to as a fragile state, is a political entity that has experienced a breakdown of governance, leading to severe instability characterized by conflict, poverty, and corruption. Such states typically have lost the ability to provide basic services and security to their citizens, resulting in a power vacuum often filled by rival factions through military means. While these states may retain their external borders, internal divisions can create regions controlled by different groups, some of which may achieve a semblance of stability amid the chaos.”
We’re not there yet, but it can be seen on the horizon.
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It is hard to see how the American Experiment has been a success when it doesn’t represent the people and is now at war for a foreign country.
After 18 months on the street, I finally get some media exposure, though to a very limited extent in a journalism school newsletter. Take a look.
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great to see you in the news!
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Sadly Illinois primaries were corrupted by dark money…. not only in one district……
https://archive.ph/GW0B3
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Good to see you in the news, Clif. Well done.
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Thanks, Bill. Unfortunately, Israel is not touched on, only AIPAC, nor is there any mention of the daily hatred I have faced, the death threat, the assault. Not a word regarding the fact that I am standing in front of a synagogue. And to top it off, comments are not allowed. It is about as light and easy as a story could be only good in that it is better than nothing but very close to it.
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