Mike Prysner: Inspirational Anti-War Iraqi War Veteran

The following correspondence originally took place on my Facebook wall, upon my post, “Stirring Speech by Iraqi War Veteran Mike Prysner“…

RaynStirring Speech by Iraqi War Veteran, Mike Prysner:

[youtube_sc url=”akm3nYN8aG8″]

The above clip is an excerpt of speech that was delivered by Mike Prysner at the Winter Soldier event, organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War. It was held in Washington, D.C. from March 13 through March 16, 2008.

Mike is a veteran from the Iraq War, and an outspoken opponent of what he sees as the military occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq. He is very convicted in his beliefs, and has written many scathing articles, deconstructing the myths associated with our military’s current war efforts, and revealing the true reality of our government’s involvement in the Middle-East.

Ready to effect real changes in policy and government, he even ran for Congress in 2008 as a third-party candidate in Florida’s 22nd congressional district election (though he did not win)!

Mike’s perspective is important, and should not dismissed!

“If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy… The loss of Liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or imagined, from abroad…” – James Madison

(For a transcript of the entire speech, along with accompanying video, go here: A Soldier’s Story: http://www.bethink.org/diary/876/)

Sara: Wow this is very stirring and moved me. I believe that racism has been prevalant in every war but it’s always been one of those things that nobody wanted to talk about, well I’m glad that Mike Prysner was a whistle-blower here, it took a lot of bravery, and he makes me very proud. Thank you for posting this.

Discussing My Artwork, “Torture is Terrorism”

The following correspondence originally took place on my Facebook wall, upon my artwork, “State-Sponsored Torture is Terrorism“…

Rayn: Created in January of 2009 using Photoshop.

"State-Sponsored Torture: Just Another Form of Terrorism" (by Rayn)

“State-Sponsored Torture: Just Another Form of Terrorism”
(Artwork by Rayn, and originally located here)

Sara: This makes me sick but sends a message that everyone needs to hear!

Rayn: Sickening, indeed. I started making this when Bush was in office, but didn’t finish until Obama was in. I wasn’t sure if I should put it up, at first, as I had a small twinkle of “hope” that things would “change.” However, I decided that, if anything, the timing was fine because this piece might inspire people to push our new president to investigate, prosecute and cease all abuses occurring at Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray, as opposed to the “under rug swept” mentality that might perpetuate these war crimes in future possible war scenarios.

Sadly, Obama did very little to change the situation, and later, began actively involving himself in the cover-up, by refusing to authorize the release of many more photos of abuse that were discovered after the original scandal broke headlines.

Jordan K.: jesus….

Discussing My Artwork, “The Gift of Democracy…“

The following correspondence originally took place on my Facebook wall, upon my artwork, “The Gift of Democracy…“…

Rayn: Created in December of 2008 using Photoshop.

“Be Grateful, Citizens of Iraq! America has given you the gift of Democracy!” (by Rayn)

“Be Grateful, Citizens of Iraq! America has given you the gift of Democracy!”
(Artwork by Rayn, and originally located here)

Sara: Yes! Nice job! I’m sure Iraqis everywhere are thanking their lucky stars for our precious gift!

Rayn: Yes… Their coveted dream of democracy is now a reality…

Jordan K.: lol ya – and now….back to afghanistan!!!

Discussing My Artwork, “Spreading Democracy…”

The following correspondence originally took place on my Facebook wall, upon my artwork, “Spreading Democracy…“…

Rayn: Created in December of 2008 using Photoshop.

“I’m doing my part to help spread democracy! Are YOU?” (by Rayn)

“I’m doing my part to help spread democracy! Are YOU?”
(Artwork by Rayn, and originally located here)

Sara: America: Helping spread democracy one explosion at a time! Great work here!

Rayn: Thanx! Democracy at Gunpoint! The American Way!

Discussing My Artwork, “The P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act…”

The following correspondence originally took place on my Facebook wall, upon my artwork, “The P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act…“…

Rayn: Created in December of 2008 using Photoshop.

"The P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act: Because, Sometimes, America Does Negotiate with Terrorists (Especially When They Hate Us for Our Freedom)" (by Rayn)

“The P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act: Because, Sometimes, America Does Negotiate with Terrorists (Especially When They Hate Us for Our Freedom)”
(Artwork by Rayn and originally located here)

Sara: Excellent work and sadly, true!

Rayn: Thank you! And, you are correct. It is sadly true…