I need some input on an idea.

[DarkPhenyx]

I downloaded several "peace" songs and poems from a website. I'm going to be putting them on a CD and leaving copies around town, passing them out at rallys, that sort of thing. Now the isn't a copyright issue as the pieces in question were donated by the artists. If the site is to be believed anyway, and considering the sources I think it is highly probably.

Now...my issue. I was thinking that making several copies and sending them to "Any Soldier Iraq/Afganistan" sounded like a good idea. Then I started wondering if it really was. I mean, I know there are soldiers over there who really hate it. Folks that disagree with the entire war. Then again I don't want to start damaging the morale more than Bush and company have already.

What do ya'll think?

[ComerPerro]

1. Thats a good idea

Maybe some DUers might know some soldiers who would like to recieve this CD

[UDenver20]

2. Maybe not

Maybe not such a great idea...

I like it, but it could very easily be misconstrued.

[DarkPhenyx]

3. I'm planning on including a note...

something patriotic but peace loving. let em know I'm a soldier too and hate that they got stuck in this shit.

I dunno. Just feel like I haven't done anything lately.

[newyawker99]

19. Hi UDenver20!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Lars39]

4. If they feel helpless about their circumstances, it could be a bit dicey.

You don't know the mental condition of those receiving. Would depend on the songs, too. Dunno :shrug:

[DarkPhenyx]

5. Well, one of them is...

..."Idiot Son of an Asshole". I was thinking the Ani DiFranco pome "Self Evident" and the Saul Williams poem "anti-War Freestyle" would fit nicely too.

[julka]

6. a banner, perhaps?

[DarkPhenyx]

8. Naaaaaaaaaaa...

...my connections at the Whitehouse left with Bill. yeah, I really used to have some. :)

[Lars39]

7. Not familiar with them,

but that's just me. :) Is it anything that would/could get them in trouble with their higher-uppers?

[DarkPhenyx]

10. Oh really? Well go here...

http://www.benfrank.net/nuke/Free_Peace_mp3s.html

and here...

http://www.protest-records.com/mp3/index.html

and here...

http://www.notinournamemusic.com

It looks like "not in our name" music is down right now. You should try them later.

[Lars39]

12. Thanks for the links! The first one wouldn't display, though.

Lots of talented folks out there.

[DarkPhenyx]

13. Try the link again.

I fixed it in the post.

[Lars39]

14. neat!

and yes, I live in a cave...:)

[grasswire]

9. from what I have read on message boards...

...it isn't a good idea to send anything that's critical of the military or president unless it is in a news magazine with other articles. Idiot Son of an Asshole is cutting edge.

[DarkPhenyx]

15. Yeah. I guess it is.

might have to replace it with something on the "Desert Bound" copies. Then again Ani and Saul aren't exactly complimentary.

[VelmaD]

11. I think it's a wonderful idea...

as long as you include a note explaining why you're sending it. If you need any help covering postage and whatnot just ask.


P.S. I'm back from the gym. Drop me an IM. :-)

[TreasonousBastard]

16. Dunno if that's such a hot idea.

A part of me likes it a lot, but you're dealing with volunteer soldiers in a combat zone.

I know people dealing with conscientious objectors, and discussing any anti-war positions with the military is problematic, even moreso when they are in action. They have seen their brothers and sisters wounded and killed, and they have done some killing themselves. They might need healing, but not something so in-your-face. They have seen the blood, and don't need it described to them.

These people are under fire, and peace may be on their minds but there isn't a damn thing they can do about it except watch their asses and shoot back when they can. They may want stuff, but music or literature telling them what they're doing is wrong could just add to the frustration and cause vast problems with those in the unit who agree with the mission. Aren't there enough suicides over ther already? Enough despair and depression?

And, there are the commanders, who will likely not look very kindly on anyone with this stuff.

Be careful. Be very careful. They need hope and a message of confidence in themselves from home.

[Tinoire]

17. I kind of agree with Treasonous Bastard though slighly different reasons

As a soldier, I would have LOVED to have those songs there but I knew what our military was about the entire time I was in. Many of these kids are in absolute shock over what they're seeing and I'm not sure what this would do to already fragilized minds.

The tapes could send some of them over the edge. I would hate to see that... Especially music because the tunes stay in your head all day... Let's see what other DUers have to say. You know who would be good to ask? TahitiNut- he's a moderator here but served in Vietnam and is a very level-headed person. Irate Citizen is also another good one to ask. If you want, I can scout this out a little for you with some of my friends who have more combat experience than I.

Maybe, as an alternative, you could approach Occupation Watch (www.occupationwatch.org ) and ask if they would be interested in distributing them for you because they're already over there and dealing with soldiers who have reached out for help and support to become conscientious objectors.

Medea Benjamin heads it and I have several contacts there. If you want to pursue this, let me know... You can call them up yourself too, they're very friendly people who appreciate support.

Peace

What songs are on your tape?

[TreasonousBastard]

18. Our reasons are not all that different...

I was an ROTC dropout and then a draftee who spent the Viet Nam years in Germany smoking dope and listening to Dylan, the Dead, and Grand Funk Railroad. Once, we played "Up Against the Wall, MuthaFuka" for reveille, and they didn't try too hard to catch who it was.

It was a very different Army back then.

These kids share at least one thing with the Viet Nam vets-- not only would they like some kielbasa, a Hershey bar and clean socks, they want the message that they will be welcomed home and appreciated for their sacrifices. A message that they'll actually get home would be nice, too. It's a message that could save their lives, or at least their sanity.

However, here's another set of possibilities for anyone who wants to send them some Rage Against the Machine...

http://www.quakerhouse.org/rights.html

I don't think any of the counselors are really all that interested in sending CD's, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

There are plenty of organizations sending the Hershey bars, of course. They're not difficult to find.

[DarkPhenyx]

22. What songs...

Well...there is "To Washington" by JC Mellancamp.

"Code Pink" by Pat and Sandy

"Freedom Isn't Free" by Jessie Dyen

Several others. I posted a couple links to some websites with the downloads if you are interested.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

20. NOFX ...has a great CD "The War on Errorism"...ya may wanna include a few

of their tunes like: "Idiots Are Taking Over" or "The Irrationality of rationality" or "American Erroist
(I Hate Hate Haters)" :7

and it is a WONDERFUL idea

[ElsewheresDaughter]

21. War on Erroism...NOFX

[HFishbine]

23. Bad Idea

What would be your intention? I won't leap to conclusions and put words in your mouth, but at best, I would hope your intention would be to lift their spirits or show them some support. Do you think such a CD would do that?

[DarkPhenyx]

25. Yes. I do.

That is my intent. If produced properly, and with the right songs, it would have exactly that effect. Nothing "evil baby killing soldiers". No "go Saddam, win Saddam". Just some "hey, Bush is an idiot, you shouldn't be there, and we know, we're working to get you home soonest possible".

having been in their place I know that anything that can make you laugh will help more than a candy bar.

[DarkPhenyx]

24. Well, I can see I need to think a bit more about it.

Unfortunately ya'll are having the same issues and questions about it. I do want to thank Tinoire for the link to Occupation Watch. I think if I do execute this plan I'll work with/through them.

In the meantime if you start finding CD's sitting in strange places pick it up and listen. If you like it make copies and carry on the action.

Power to the people! Spread the word!