Jason Cardenas

I am an 8-year US Army veteran, with two deployments/occupations beneath my belt -- under the monikers Operation Iraqi Freedom (II) & Operation Enduring Freedom. Through my service, I've realized, early on, that the American people have been betrayed -- I've personally been wholly mislead. My perceived sacrifice for the greater good was a hoax, a scheme devised by the greedy and powerful few, to press their hegemonic agendas and expand their coffers with wealth acquired through visceral bloodshed. Also, I've realized, that war is one huge scheme -- a pervasive and divisive scheme to facilitate the aforementioned wills of the extremely wealthy. War is connected to the industrialization of our economy, and in turn this economy provides stability (in the form of wages and production of products that utilize wasteful methods [such as war] to maximize so-called efficiency). They are inextricably tied. However, there are other, more useful and practical ways to sustain and build a productive economy -- devoid of war and mismanagement of our finite resources. There are ways to bridge differences between human beings, even if their cultural and social beliefs don't exactly align. One way, in particular, is to really stand on the side of peace. This notion depends on not taking sides -- example, not standing with Israel or Gaza, but standing with their people (who really are the ones who suffer). Propaganda is a divisive tool and powerful weapon used against common people, and we as activist must try hard not to fall into its traps -- their biased traps. Bridging our differences and uniting in peace and harmony to promote peace and push for a declaration of collective consciousness, is challenging but wholly needed. Choosing sides perpetuates the war narrative, and we as activists must choose to stand on the side of peace. I hope to bring this type of consciousness to our organization, and continue to work towards brining people together, united to spread light and peace.