Many Americans would be amazed at the sacrifices WE HAVE MADE,...

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

,...to sustain the democratic republic so many take for granted.

No matter how big or small, share your sacrifices.

Most Americans 'believe' casting a vote is all the power they hold (they have no real-life experience associated with the aweful struggles for civil rights).

I'll start with my own personal sacrifices.

I sensed something wrong in September 2002,...something wrong with the sudden SURGE of demonization of the nation of Iraq. I studied Iraq and Hussein, carefully. By November 2002, I was certain this administration was lying to me and all the American people and the world.

I started sending emails to friends, family and associates about my belief including supporting material. I lost friends, was practically disowned by family and had no more associates. I lost my part-time business,...a business that was my only means of living. I lost my business because I felt OBLIGED to spread FACTS contradicting the LIES being IMPOSED in order to send our nation to war. I take responsibility for that. I should have kept my mouth shut to sustain a means of living.

I lost the life I had and adapted to a different life. The details don't matter. If I had it all to do over, again,...I would have been even MORE vocal, if possible. Presently, I have just enough money to continue to have internet access and sign petitions,...just enough to pay for stamps to mail my handwritten letters to Congress, beyond basic needs.

I have, well, nothing, in terms of 'contemporary' wealth or power,...but, I still have a voice. While friends and family and associates were busying themselves with 'buying into' a BushCO/neocon-sponsored propaganda (paid for by all taxpayers),...I used the muscle in my head and the love in my heart to warn ALL OF THEM about the betrayal being waged against us. I can ALWAYS find a way to express myself.

I doubt I'll ever get back the associates (that's fine), but have re-acquired some of the friendships I lost, have grown a closer relationship with my family, and have found the most fulfilling relationships, any human being could ever hope for. So,...no regrets.

What strikes me most about my own experience is this: anyone who has taken the time to sincerely invest themselves in the best interests of their own nation and destiny,...is humble about it,...unlike those who literally FOLLOW the likes of falwell or rush or bush or savage.

Well, anyway,...share your sacrifice to sustain a democratic nation you Love, no matter how big or small you may perceive it to be. Encourage others with your commitment to a nation, BY AND FOR AND OF "THE PEOPLE".

[poverlay]

1. I too have lost a great deal due to "truth-telling". It's very hard. If you haven't yet,

then you will, have some of those who disowned you come running back with, if not an apology, then at least a story about how they discovered the truth on their own.
It doesn't make up for all of the pain, but that's the price we pay to live free. Many others have died and that is why we must continue. Continue to tell the truth that they died for and not let knaves twist and distort it. That is a very important calling, but I'm sure you already know that. If it makes you feel any better, remember: we are here with you and many great others have gone before.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

2. None Really. Not Sure One Has To, To Those Degrees Anyway.

Sure, I've worked phone banks and drove vans of people to vote. I've spent time educating myself on what's real, much as most here, I've made it a habit to contribute to any political discussions I hear in order to perpetuate truth vs myth. But I don't consider any of those to be sacrifices really. I've lost no friends, family, acquaintances, or jobs over it. In fact, I see no reason why one would have to. From my perspective if you are losing all of those things while trying to educate, then you might want to evaluate your message and methods. None of those things should have to occur if done appropriately.