tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.comments2023-05-07T07:42:09.279-05:00For the Convenience of the GovernmentDaniel J. Lakemacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16352338989227731047noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-7287295940509137812010-04-14T12:12:45.210-05:002010-04-14T12:12:45.210-05:00Dan,
The short version is... of course I view mis...Dan,<br /><br />The short version is... of course I view miscreants the same all over including those of the same race as myself. Oddly enough I had a conversation with a fellow soldier about the changing ways of the military and society in general and we came to the chuckling conclusion that the infantry (perhaps military in general but there is a massive difference) is unique in the fact that if there is a death in the family of a soldier who is basically a "failure at life" or somebody who shouldn't be trusted to watch the backs of any of his fellow infantrymen; it isn't entirely appropriate to say "this changes nothing between us... but I am sorry you must mourn your loved one"<br /><br />I have often heard the oppinion voiced that there is an odd relationship between what is morally correct and what is legally correct, for example, one could take it upon ones self to destroy evil individuals in the US like habitual child sodimizing molesters and perhaps I would cheer loudly in utter agreement with said indivudal's actions... as he was promplty led to the slammer for murder in the 1st degree.<br /><br />Places like Afghanistan and Iraq and Somalia and Rowanda have a much much more primative understanding of justice if it is fair to call it that. Basically evil people can do whatever they want, unchecked as long as they have the power to do so. In these enviornments the aformentioned child sodomist continues to rape children and everybody is powerless to stop such a moral atrocity.<br /><br />Such people act this way regardless of what forgin army is "invading" their home. I don't think such people deserved to live. In the US we have a system in place that deals with such morally f---ed up persons making killing them harder to do freely in ths US. Which very well could be a good thing as Dan would no doubt love to point out the dangers in being "Judge, Jurry, and Executioner".<br /><br />To further expound... I have often times thought about why I have no serious problem offing your basic Arab cultures... here is my understanding. The Arabs continue to show little respect to each other let alone anybody else. Oddly enough the Kurds play nicely with others, but not the Arabs, and as a result the Kurds prosper. The Arabs keep ripping themselves apart. I find it so interesting that the people of the US want to take pitty on the Arabs. I do not see they diserve pitty. I promise you that although Dan's experiance in gitmo my have totally turned him away from the idea that the US respects anything about the Arab world, the US Army shows a hell of a lot more respect to the Arabs then they as a people deserve.<br /><br />And yes Dan... I have worked with plenty of soldiers I would have loved to shoot as they were really no more than a drain on the Army and humanity as a whole.N. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539920799827246288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-53113309128065817722010-04-11T16:46:57.249-05:002010-04-11T16:46:57.249-05:00In response to N. Morris, I want to be clear that ...In response to N. Morris, I want to be clear that I agree violence can be justified in defense, not that it is inherently justifiable.<br /><br />I also have no doubt that N. Morris has seen plenty of evil things in Iraq, as it is sadly a region occupied by an invading military. I wonder what criteria Mr. Morris uses to assess whether an individual is evil and thus worthy of destruction at his hands. Also, will N. Morris mete out this same destruction against evil individuals of his same skin color, or those wearing his same style of uniform, or only those of a darker hue who are not wearing an American flag? Finally, if N. Morris is so convinced about how he is justified in acting as detective, judge, jury, and executioner in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, why does he not behave in this same manner in his dealings at home?Daniel J. Lakemacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16352338989227731047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-66726260995583036552010-04-06T09:49:41.733-05:002010-04-06T09:49:41.733-05:00HeHe actually I think the same thing too!! There ...HeHe actually I think the same thing too!! There is always a difference between political polacy and what the local people actually want. Thing is, when is a human not human anymore? I think it is a valid question... Dan and I have discussed many a time about when violence is justified, and he agrees that violence is indeed justified. That being said, regardless of ones possision on war I think it is important to recogonize basic human nastiness. I have seen pleanty of evil things in Iraq and will be in Afghanistan soon enough. I do mean evil, not could be "oh their just reacting to your show of force..." sort of things. Do said evil individuals need to be destroied, seeing how I figure they don't add a whole lot to futher advance humanity. Of course I would also say why bother imprissoning such idividuals... lets not make it more painful then it has to be.N. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539920799827246288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-289432991730802482010-01-14T19:46:06.066-06:002010-01-14T19:46:06.066-06:00I have always thought that we wouldn't have th...I have always thought that we wouldn't have the vicious feelings of intense hate between nations that we have today if,"regular citizens" could speak informally to "regular citizens" in other parts of the world. The video that you posted spoke volumns about the commonalities that exist between all of us,and your thoughts in this blog reminded me of how often we do things that we would not normally do because someone in a "work" environment told us that we needed to. Thanks for consistently encouraging me to "think" Dan....Carrie Petersonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-45770096234767591722009-10-22T16:28:35.127-05:002009-10-22T16:28:35.127-05:00Well Heather, I perfer to think of it as taking ou...Well Heather, I perfer to think of it as taking out the trash *grin* but your logic is fairly good. Cheers!N. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539920799827246288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-78799697996076751972009-10-22T16:23:47.238-05:002009-10-22T16:23:47.238-05:00Well, consitering the fact that many people (most ...Well, consitering the fact that many people (most people to include our government and all) totally misunderstand that Afghanistan isn't exactly a totally functioning country and never has been I find the "Myth of Afghan Terror" very interesting. Sure thing that there were no Afghan's invalved in any of those acts of terror, but that doesn't mean terrorists and a whole lotta bad dudes head to that barren land to hide out, and given that there isn't a whole lot of country togethness there anyway it really tends to be using a piece of land for a battle ground rather than actually fighting against or in a country.N. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539920799827246288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-51550892174393579252009-10-22T16:11:55.210-05:002009-10-22T16:11:55.210-05:00Wow! BR and I actually agree on something! I woul...Wow! BR and I actually agree on something! I would have to agree with his assessment (unless I am looking at this totally wrong... I happen to know that my sarcasm has misled many a comment... sorry BR if I am not in step with your view) I think that many soldiers join the military more to figure out who they are as people rather than because they agree with whatever military action we (America) is currently invalved in. This may account for the relitivly short terms of enlistment that many soldiers serve.<br /><br />I have experianced in my life a much better understanding of how the world works since I have graduated from high school. I look back on my high school years and think "wow... was I stupid kid." Some young people go off to college, some go of and join the military, some work their asses off and try and find personal fufillment through economic will and drive, some through drugs... the list goes on and on.<br /><br />BR also mentions soldiers who join because of family tradition. I can't tell you how many young men I have asked "why did you join?" and their response is, "well every man in my family has." It apparently is a point of pride with them. Sorry Dan but your idea that the public school system is fueling my morbid job doesn't quite stand up.<br /><br />BR, again you have hit the nail on the head with your "manhood" comments. I wouldn't nessisarly go as far as to say violence is the American social makings of a man but facing danger certainly is. Our society cirtainly holds danger seekers as heroic icons and you had better believe that is a large ammount of recurits for the military.<br /><br />I also don't think this is anything new for humanity. Warriors and the like have always been looked at as heroes (Greeks: Achilles, Ajax, Odyssus Romans: Julius Caesar, Horotius, Harminius, Lartius Japanese: Tokugawa, Miyamoto Musashi, Kurosawa Chinese/Mongols: Gingus Khan, Yue Fei, Sun Tzu...) This is nothing new.<br /><br />Perhaps much of our (as humans) concept of Heroes comes from winning or at least competing in a great contest which war definately is (regardless of what moral quams you have with war it is a great contest and as a result those who excell at it tend to be recognized). BR I think you have pretty much nailed this one.<br /><br />In response to Anonymous' comment... given Dan's premis that government is evil and unessisary he follows a fairly valid stream of logic when he then says that all things spawning from the government are evil and thus the conclusion that public school is evil. As a result I am sure that Dan wouldn't have too much of an issue with any of your alternative methods of teaching. You do however bring up a good point. Religion (the church) is a huge private institution that educates. Now I happen to know that Dan has some pretty serious beefs with church and thus I am interested in assertaining weather or not he would validate such an option for education assuming that his world view is in fact correct and that government is evil.N. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539920799827246288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-86029941442218405842009-10-09T12:52:58.948-05:002009-10-09T12:52:58.948-05:00Some need to learn from experience, others can lea...Some need to learn from experience, others can learn vicariously. A successful method must incorporate both or determine which is necessary for each individual.Noah M. Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11715410531636930162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-24181433092418923142009-10-04T22:21:01.005-05:002009-10-04T22:21:01.005-05:00once again, congrats on the new freedom.
my advis...once again, congrats on the new freedom.<br /><br />my advise for the future: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPdbb7vJw8k" rel="nofollow">get hungry</a> & <a href="http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2009/07/abl.html" rel="nofollow">stay hungry</a><br /><br />wish I could be more specific :)jp3khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10896490554494195592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-43849354418623708822009-10-02T01:28:11.020-05:002009-10-02T01:28:11.020-05:00So now you're attacking the public school syst...So now you're attacking the public school system. That would leave what? Homeschooling and Private schools most of which are "church" based? How you going to wrestle that out?? No military, no discipline, no education, no values... so, what?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-76550358147519838382009-09-28T13:49:30.546-05:002009-09-28T13:49:30.546-05:00"...without waging war we'd all be saying..."...without waging war we'd all be saying 'Heil Hitler' or speaking Japanese, there would undoubtedly be few people so willing to risk their lives on command."<br /><br />I also think that fear of The Other is a factor in voluntary military service, but I think a much larger factor is that of American male identity. Men who fight and win are worshipped in our society. Men who are appropriately violent in any socially acceptable manner are sexy, virile chick magnets. Boxers, ultimate fighters, hockey players, gang lords, soldiers, body builders, bouncers, cops, firemen (who aren't necessarily violent, but run into danger for heroism), etc.<br /><br />Men in general crave heroism, and especially physical heroism. Being a soldier and fighting an easily-identifiable enemy who looks different and comes from a more primitive culture gives them an opportunity to test their manhood in a special club of approvingly-violent men.<br /><br />Furthermore, many men join the military because it's what their fathers and grandfathers did. Again, this points to a man's identity rather than the brainwashing of government schools and government/corporate media propoganda. The terrorists allegedly behind 9/11 were just a chance to test American manhood once more.brmerrickhttp://www.strike-the-root.com/archive/merrick.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-90938274481532568102009-09-19T16:30:23.195-05:002009-09-19T16:30:23.195-05:00Congratulations Daniel!Congratulations Daniel!Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07639215330146004282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-9011986138034101042009-09-12T15:37:26.500-05:002009-09-12T15:37:26.500-05:00I'm very glad you're no longer being force...I'm very glad you're no longer being forced to serve, Daniel. Your efforts have paid off in this regard. But as you noted, the meme of involuntary servitude is still intact; true justice still remains in the shadows of most people's conceptual awareness. In America, as in any other place where "government" holds sway--essentially any society where there are people who presume to be "rulers" over others (children and grown adults)--the main "crime" is disobedience. The way to rewards and riches is through compliance, after all, and that is how people sell their souls to the 'devil,' the authoritarian/obedience devil, the slave/master meme that requires individuals to sacrifice their mind, volition, and life to "others" and various invalid, collectivistic abstractions.<br /><br />Regardless of how many are freed in the future from this immoral and unjust situation, the root-striking and moral nature of your arguments for freedom is key. As Thoreau elequently put it: There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root. I suspect that this is predominantly why they released you from their threats and impositions: You've been damaging to their public relations scheme. After all, the perceived legitimacy of authoritarian sociopathy via "government" always hangs in the balance of public opinion. The more that our fellow political slaves wake up and come to terms with the nature of their enslavement, the more hope there is for true freedom in "the land of the free."<br /><br />Love of domination ("Do this because I said so!") and the fear it induces in people (as well as the fear from which it stems) are the main psychological deterrents to complete liberty. Intellectually and technologically, a voluntary society of independent and respectful people has all the answers that are constantly missed (and thwarted) by central planning mentalities who seem to relish being in control of others' lives.<br /><br />Unfortunately, even though you've been allowed to leave one specific form of involuntary servitude, you'll continue to experience--like the rest of us--the coercion and threats of coercion that is "government" in general (be they people at the city, county, state, or national level). Of course, only a logical philosophical perspective and peaceful actions will free us from this terribly deficient state of humanity.<br /><br />Here's to your determined root-striking, Daniel,<br />Wes<br /><br />P.S., For those who want a glimpse into the magnificent future of freedom, of the possibilities of a voluntary society (in our lifetime), I invite you to read the short section in Complete Liberty:<br />Imagine A Free World<br />http://completeliberty.com/chapter4.php#91Wes Bertrandhttp://completeliberty.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-20016381550883103132009-09-12T06:52:38.592-05:002009-09-12T06:52:38.592-05:009/11: The day they lied us all into war. Now it&#...9/11: The day they lied us all into war. Now it's the day Mr. Daniel J. Lakemacher is free from the lies. The irony is truly compelling.brmerrickhttp://www.strike-the-root.com/82/merrick/merrick4.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-6309579320615572222009-09-11T17:47:34.716-05:002009-09-11T17:47:34.716-05:00How interesting that you would be discharged on Se...How interesting that you would be discharged on September 11th... Hope any others who don't want to be there can follow in your wake. There's no doubt war is immoral but we live in a country that tolerates immoral behavior on many fronts. Difficult to define morality for everyone, and harder yet to enforce it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-29685273008107400102009-09-10T12:03:10.544-05:002009-09-10T12:03:10.544-05:00“Unemployed” is a much better condition than “ensl...“Unemployed” is a much better condition than “enslavement.” Not all of us need a nanny state caretaker.Enlightened Roguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15149639674145482725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-22472485319749783362009-09-09T22:38:45.175-05:002009-09-09T22:38:45.175-05:00So, what's next? Am guessing this means you a...So, what's next? Am guessing this means you are also "officially unemployed?" I don't suppose there are "unemployment" benefits?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-40722394129081937582009-09-06T20:20:36.859-05:002009-09-06T20:20:36.859-05:00In response to Anonymous above ...
Actually, I...In response to Anonymous above ...<br /><br />Actually, I'm quite sure that Daniel would NOT agree to any sort of a gag order BECAUSE he is a man of integrity. The idea that people within the "military" would try to stop him from speaking out about their despicable actions (an abhorrent but not inconceivable thought) just goes to prove that there is no moral justification for war. If their response to his critiques amounts to nothing more than "Shut up or we'll hurt you," they are tacitly conceding that they have no arguments in defense of themselves that will stand up to intellectual scrutiny.<br /><br />As for the idea that Daniel's "efforts and patience have been rewarded," there is no evidence to support that assertion. This isn't like the "Supreme Court" where the reason for a decision has to be explained. For all any of us will ever know, MILPERSMAN (whoever or whatever that may be) might have flipped a coin to decide whether or not Daniel's request for discharge would be approved. We are talking about an organization that spends months intentionally subjecting its members to arbitrary punishments and rewards for the sake of ensuring that people stop believing that there is a connection between their behavior and the outcome of their behavior. It's called boot camp, and this psychological abuse is necessary to ensure that individuals will commit murder without question on demand.<br /><br />Additionally, it is quite possible for people who hold a wide array of diverse opinions about how to best order their lives to coexist peacefully. Human variation is practically infinite and makes for interesting and enjoyable interactions. However, it's ludicrous to say that morally contradictory explanations of the same behavior can simultaneously be held. Conscientious objectors assert that the military exists for the fundamentally immoral purpose of committing systematic murder and destruction of private property and the means by which this is accomplished is fraud and theft. On the other hand, military servants assert that they are providing a valuable protection service for other individuals within a specific geographic location. Both explanations of the actions taken by the group that calls itself the military could be wrong, but they cannot both be right. Either military members commit murder (as conscientious objectors assert) or they don't (as military servants assert). To say that you support both is to say that you support committing murder and you support not committing murder. Which is it?<br /><br />Heather LakemacherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-49860694302414811152009-09-04T10:58:50.470-05:002009-09-04T10:58:50.470-05:00Am sure Dan would honor any gag rule as he is a ma...Am sure Dan would honor any gag rule as he is a man of integrity! Congratulations on achieving the discharge you desired! Your efforts and patience have been rewarded. I believe there's room for both viewpoints - conscientious objector and military servant. As an American I support you both! That's what freedom is all about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-7931037466488820142009-09-04T10:32:57.862-05:002009-09-04T10:32:57.862-05:00I don't know what kind of value this verbal an...I don't know what kind of value this verbal answer has, but if it means you're actually going to be discharged, congratulations and kind fighting for freedom. You're doing an amazing job at educating people.Arnaud M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02855606936452424408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-27712229776369347852009-09-04T06:19:21.137-05:002009-09-04T06:19:21.137-05:00Excellent, Mr. Lakemacher. Well done.Excellent, Mr. Lakemacher. Well done.brmerrickhttp://www.strike-the-root.com/archive/merrick.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-68415125820926361832009-09-03T19:07:24.334-05:002009-09-03T19:07:24.334-05:00FAR OUT! Just make sure you read that paper wor...FAR OUT! Just make sure you read that paper work you’re signing very closely. Make sure it doesn’t have any gag rules about not continuing to speak out against the War Beast.Enlightened Roguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15149639674145482725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-41734710404376514232009-09-02T00:38:54.410-05:002009-09-02T00:38:54.410-05:00Your peers would VOTE you be discharged...
"...Your peers would VOTE you be discharged...<br /><br />"If he/she cannot perform his/her duty in an instant without hesitation, he/she should apply for the c.o. status and be willing to accept what comes with it. Now let me unpack that a little.<br /><br />As members of the uniformed services it is our obligation/job/responsibility/duty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. At the end of the day, that is the bottom line. Period.<br /><br />One thing we should have learned from the last sixty-eight years (December 7, 1941, October 23, 1983 and most recently, September 11, 2001) it is that any time, anywhere, at a moments notice we can be confronted by our enemies and action/response/reaction will be necessary. Sometimes as instantaneous reflex, sometimes methodically and deliberately. As one who will be on the "front lines" in the relatively near future where rounds travel up and down range I want airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines next to me that will do what is necessary, when it is necessary without having a personal ethical crisis. If someone cannot perform their duties up to this standard, they need to take the appropriate steps to remove themselves from these situations and obligations.<br /><br />The best way to do this (ideally) is to get out of the military. Now, I realize that contractual obligations may very well prevent this from being an immediately available option. If that is the case, an application for conscientious objector should be submitted and the remainder of the contract should be served with honor."<br /><br />P.S. I am concerned part of the reason you have not received an answer to your application is you did not do as the recomendations that were given to word carefully and with respect your request. Sweetened fruit is more palatable than sour.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-39461622964188064342009-08-31T08:16:45.745-05:002009-08-31T08:16:45.745-05:00Dear Petty Officer Lakemacher,
Please choose from...Dear Petty Officer Lakemacher,<br /><br />Please choose from the following. Would you prefer to have your left lower leg blown off in:<br /><br />A. Afghanistan<br />B. Iraq<br />C. Pakistan<br /><br />The above choices are a pretty good summation of the voting process. Why this didn't dawn on me sooner is beyond me. If government truly derives its "just" power from the consent of the governed, then all those that didn't vote, as well as those who voted for the losers, did not give their consent. Therefore, government can never have any power whatsoever, as it continuously wields that unjust power over those who consented AND those who did not.brmerrickhttp://www.strike-the-root.com/archive/merrick.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635980474215393761.post-81271723645809276902009-08-31T00:21:36.883-05:002009-08-31T00:21:36.883-05:00What a travesty! Another 'wonderful' exam...What a travesty! Another 'wonderful' example of our government in action and the waste it produces. I can't wait until we all have government healthcare, can't you? YIKES! I hope you send a 'postage due' reply with the entire contents of your application again. Perhaps the person receiving it will give you more of an ear than the whole hearing you had to go through. Beth ProppAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com