Truth Versus the Lie

http://www.911blogger.com/node/6171

Carol Brouillet on Mon, 02/12/2007

Reflections Inspired by 9/11 and American Empire:
Muslims, Christians, and Jews Speak Out (Volume II)
Edited by Kevin Barrett, John Cobb, Jr. and Sandra Lubarsky

9/11 and American Empire: Muslims, Christians, and Jews Speak Out (Volume II) builds upon Volume I-- 9/11 and American Empire: Intellectuals Speak Out-- expanding upon the evidence that 9/11 is a lie, that the foundational myth clouding the facts was constructed in service to the global American empire building project.

While there are obvious differences in the three religions represented in Volume II, they share a common thread, origins, prophets, and a belief in one supreme deity. Reading each chapter, and hearing each distinct voice, one can see beyond the differences and appreciate the ideas, the concern, that they hold in common. At the same time, each faith is confronted by different challenges in the face of 9/11, the obvious propaganda point of 9/11 being to create a division and a clash of civilizations, to demonize the “other” and elevate the goodness, nobility and righteousness of the “Christian response.”

Norman Finkelstein spoke at Stanford University recently, and clearly, calmly, articulated the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the human rights violations against Israeli and Palestinian children, international law regarding the situation, and the consensus among historians and human rights organizations on the record. The conflict seems readily solvable given the facts and international law, but a solution doesn’t appear to be “realistic” according to the media. Finkelstein argued that it should be possible to have a just, lasting peace and a resolution to the conflict, on the basis of truth and justice. This is the hope of most people in the world, but the obstacle continues to be “the proliferation of distortion masquerading as history,” the veil of contrived controversy, a “media campaign alleging a global outbreak of anti-Semitism.” Finkelstein received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium. His analysis, his belief in the power of truth, reality, international law and justice to overcome falsehoods and propaganda, and to resolve conflict, could also be applied to the issue of 9/11.

David Ray Griffin has taken on the task of meticulously examining the official 9/11 Commission Report and chronicling 115 of its most glaring omissions and distortions, dubbing the entire work a “571-page lie.” In 9/11 and American Empire, Volume I, his position is buttressed by reputable scientists and professors, who substantiate his analysis with basic facts that have not been well reported in the mainstream press. The latest film on David Ray Griffin, 9/11: The Myth and the Reality, which carefully explains what myths are, how they are used, and why the official story is “myth” rather than a “true and complete account of the events of 9/11,” prompted The Ashland Daily Tidings, the first American newspaper to pen an editorial on Veteran’s Day with an eloquent demand for 9/11 Truth:

“We call on our colleagues to join us in asking questions.

“Every single American daily newspaper must demand of our congressional leaders and those in the executive branch that an independent council be formed to completely and thoroughly investigate the deaths of nearly 3,000 American citizens in the attack of 9/11 ^ an attack that took place on American soil...

“This historic tragedy ranks among the worst days in American history. We owe it to every American ^ but especially those who do battle on our behalf at the behest of our leaders ^ to spare no expense and allow no party loyalty to dissuade us. The government works for us. If it failed us, either in malfeasance or incompetence, then we must know that. If our current actions around the world are shaped by misinformation, we must know that too. Finally, if what we now believe to be true is only further proven, we would do well to hear the evidence that confirms it. If the government's version of the events of that day are absolutely true, then scrutiny will amplify that truth and lay to rest the skepticism that remains to this day.

“If, however, the questions that remain serve to shed light on new information, that too serves the public. And it is the responsibility of this trusted media industry to dig, probe, investigate and uncover the truth behind government events and decisions that impact the public. On this Veterans Day, we can do no less on behalf of the brave men and women who have been sent to the Middle East based upon rationale that stems directly from the events of 9/11. While we pay homage to all veterans of the Armed Forces today, we are reminded of our duty to watch closely those leaders in the White House and Congress who make the decisions to send our troops to war.

“We invite every single American daily newspaper to join us in our demand for an independent council to completely and thoroughly investigate the deaths of nearly 3,000 American citizens in the attacks of 9/11.

“America will be better informed, and this is our job.”

Social movements historically have played an important role in raising issues, pointing out the disparity between “official myths and reality,” and pressuring for institutional change in laws and power-holders to stop injustices from continuing and to protect people and planet from further injustices. All movements have had to pass through a crucible that truths threatening the official order have had to face-- first they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win. Sometimes, like the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, it is a long struggle that may last for decades.

Kevin Barrett, the inspiration for, and editor of, Volume II writes in his introduction:

“The tendency of 9/11 to create enmity among the Abrahamic traditions increases the urgency for Christians, Jews, and Muslims to take the lead in speaking out about 9/11. We must, as David Ray Griffin argues, return to the basic moral values of our faith traditions. We must work together if our struggle is to succeed.

“It is not just that our faith traditions teach us to seek truth and abhor injustice, lies, murder, and plunder. The main function of 9/11 has been to justify American imperialist claims and actions, whereas our traditions are profoundly anti-imperialist…”

“Our three great faith traditions implore us to take the side of truth-tellers against liars, of persecuted people against their persecutors, and of justice-seekers against power-mongers. All three traditions embrace the prophetic voice that calls for a critique of power and injustice.”

At the heart of the Abrahamic religions, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and paganism, is a challenge to all “rulers” who believe themselves to be “God’s equal” and exercise divine rule over their subjects. The radical suggestion to “love one’s neighbor and one’s enemies,” to recognize the divine spirit in all human beings and all of creation, directly challenges the notion that any particular person is inherently superior to another and capable of deciding whether another person should live or die. While I would argue with Sun Tzu’s classic-- The Art of War-- there is no doubt that his thoughts have been foundational to the military mindsets that have dominated the planet for thousands of years.

The inherent assumption in “The Art of War” and in the increasingly complex psychological operations being directed against Americans, and other countries, is that a “superior being, a ruler,” has the right, and perhaps obligation, to sacrifice lives, to deceive, and to wage war for the benefit of those that he rules, and himself. While Sun Tzu states “All warfare is based on deception,” he overlooks the self-deception of rulers who believe in their divine authority and moral superiority over others.

Psychological warfare, including terrorist attacks against innocent civilians, is being used to extend and maintain the power who command intelligence agencies and military forces. 9/11 was not unique, nor the most recent in a long historical list of state-sponsored terrorist acts, deliberately engineered to frighten and infantilize the public. The fear is used to generate support for the “protective” functions of the state and to demonize opponents, or in the case of “false flag operations,” to justify military action against another country. General Smedley D. Butler famously proclaimed that “War is a racket.” When directed against one’s own country or citizens and used to direct greater resources towards a police state it becomes a “protection racket.” Mobsters might break a window or two to frighten business owners into paying them “protection money” to ensure that their windows aren’t broken, again, and their buildings aren’t burned to the ground. “The war on terrorism” is a facade of the real “war of terrorism” being waged against people by governments.

End Part I