“America Exists Today to Make War”: Lawrence Wilkerson on Endless War & American Empire

376,079

9,743 0

Published 2020-01-13

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, who served as Secretary of State Colin Powell’s chief of staff from 2002 to 2005, says the escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran today is a continuation of two decades of U.S. policy disasters in the Middle East, starting with the 2003 run-up to war with Iraq under the Bush administration. “America exists today to make war. How else do we interpret 19 straight years of war and no end in sight? It’s part of who we are. It’s part of what the American Empire is,” says Wilkerson. “We are going to cheat and steal to do whatever it is we have to do to continue this war complex. That’s the truth of it. And that’s the agony of it.”

#DemocracyNow

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on nearly 1,400 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9AM ET: democracynow.org/

Please consider supporting independent media by making a donation to Democracy Now! today: democracynow.org/donate

FOLLOW DEMOCRACY NOW! ONLINE:
YouTube: youtube.com/democracynow
Facebook: facebook.com/democracynow
Twitter: twitter.com/democracynow
Instagram: instagram.com/democracynow
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/democracynow
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/podcast/democracy-now!-audio/id73…
Daily Email Digest: democracynow.org/subscribe

All Comments (21)

@jossiesh7649 6 months ago

Thank you, Mr Wilkerson, for spreading the truth.
@chinhau8702 4 years ago

War: American way of life Cannot live without war
@kdeezo326 4 years ago

When Pompeo said, on national TV, “We lie, we cheat, we steal...” that confirmed it for me.
@HamidRHariri 4 years ago

This man is telling the truth. There seems to be no end to these wars.
@evelynbonner3908 4 years ago

A very honest interview with someone who obviously knows the truth. Great job, Amy. Thank you!
@eleanormattice3598 4 years ago

I totally agree with Mr. Wilkerson. What have we become? A lawless nation?
@kdeezo326 4 years ago

Wish we could get this type of honesty and integrity on mainstream news.
@lydiabell6218 4 years ago

I agree with the Colonel. Let's not forget the Korean War, and about 15 years later, the Vietnam War. What good did the latter accomplish other than over 50,000 dead and countless wounded, crippled and mentally damaged veterans.
@ayasharahla1205 4 years ago

Well DAMN, Wilkerson actually said it.
@nardusellis655 4 years ago

Nice to listen to somebody that is truthful and honest.
@ChristGodinyouItrust 4 years ago

The leadership in Iran is far more rational than we are." Thank you:)
@ouronlyhome2462 3 years ago

Thank you for telling the truth and the American people appreciate your effort.
@angelou2812 4 years ago

One of the best most honest interviews ever by an insider Well done Amy
@dw7312 4 years ago

I’m starting to realize why the Middle East is in shambles...
@francosoliman103 4 years ago

Not enough Americans watch Democracy Now.
@arashahad8733 4 years ago

USA to Iraq: we gave you democracy Iraq to USA: we have democratically voted to send your troops back to USA USA to Iraq: This is not what we meant US Government = State of Hypocrisy
@Hoireabard 4 years ago

It’s good to see someone in Washington speaking the truth frankly. Thank you Colonel Wilkerson!
@beesplaining1882 4 years ago

"The leadership in Tehran is far more rational than the leadership in Washington", Lawrence Wilkerson. That says it all!
@micmica1827 4 years ago

Someone liked your comment: "The only way to get educated and know the truth, is to stop listening to what the corporate media says and start listening and promoting Democracy Now
@emilyherman4483 4 years ago

I wish more people would watch this video