Nicholas Kramer

Nicholas Kramer is a former associate investigator for an oversight & investigations (O&I) committee in the United States Senate. He no longer lives or works in Washington, D.C. He may be reached through his website at TakingResponsibilityForEmpire.com.

Are We Gods?

This holiday season, as you walk through a public area (any mall, grocery, or restaurant will do), start counting the people you see. Look in their faces, listen to their conversations, and try to appreciate each of them not just as strangers, but as fellow human beings. When you get to 40 (making sure to … Continue reading “Are We Gods?”

Libya: Military Success Doesn’t Erase Moral Questions

Shortly after the first U.S. cruise missiles fell in Libya on March 19, 2011, signaling the start of the seven-month NATO campaign to “protect civilians” by dropping bombs on that country, I wrote that even if we reduced our moral standards to those of Osama bin Laden, the murder of even one Libyan in the … Continue reading “Libya: Military Success Doesn’t Erase Moral Questions”

Supporting Torturers Against Torturers

I have authorized a small number of combat-equipped U.S. forces to deploy to central Africa to provide assistance to regional forces…. On Oct. 12, the initial team of U.S. military personnel with appropriate combat equipment deployed to Uganda. During the next month, additional forces will deploy…. These forces will act as advisers to partner forces … Continue reading “Supporting Torturers Against Torturers”

Murdering Some to Save Others

In a recent New York Times op-ed titled “Is It Better to Save No One?,” liberal columnist Nicholas Kristof implicitly attacks the critics of the U.S. intervention in Libya as being heartless and/or immoral. Though he acknowledges the hypocrisy and inconsistency of U.S. foreign policy and the potential for the intervention to damage U.S. national … Continue reading “Murdering Some to Save Others”

The Immorality of ‘Humanitarian’ Military Intervention

I am sorry to report that I must add to my already considerable moral burden yet another set of murders committed by the U.S. government, funded by my taxes, and allowed by my complacency. As of March 19, 2011, I have fresh Libyan blood on my hands and on my soul. The U.S. (and U.K.) … Continue reading “The Immorality of ‘Humanitarian’ Military Intervention”

Occupy Washington to End the Wars

Dear American antiwar community: As I wrote previously, I am a former congressional aide. I worked for a United States senator from 2006 to 2008. During that time, as an employee of the legislative branch of the U.S. empire, I directly contributed to the oppression, torture, and murder of people I never met. While I … Continue reading “Occupy Washington to End the Wars”

The Immorality of Empire

As I watch the popular uprisings unfold against brutal dictatorships supported by my own government, I cannot help but reflect upon the moral implications of my participation in the American empire. My crimes began almost before I can remember, but I will address only the most immediately pertinent of them here. I am a citizen … Continue reading “The Immorality of Empire”