Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon
Jeff Key
We're getting ready for the Boston run of "The Eyes of Babylon" check out the website for details! www.TheEyesOfBabylon.com

Male
43 years old
Salt Lake City, Utah
United States



Last Login: 5/5/2009
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    Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon's Interests
GeneralJeff Key is a former Marine, speaker, writer, actor, activist and philanthropist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His war journals are the subject of his critically acclaimed, award winning play, "The Eyes of Babylon" and the gripping Showtime documentary, "Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey." His charisma, integrity and gripping life story make him an excellent choice as a speaker for any organization's special event or program. For more information about booking Jeff to speak at your school or event, please e-mail pa2jeffkey@gmail.com

     Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon's Details
Status:Married
Orientation:Gay
Zodiac Sign:Libra
Children:Someday
Education:College graduate



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   Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon's Blurbs
About me:
....
I'm a former US Marine and Iraq war veteran. I was an activated reservist and deployed to Eastern Iraq (the Iranian border) in March of 2003. Two months later I was medi-vac'd out and flew back to Camp Pendleton for surgery. My injury was not combat related. Upon returning from Iraq, because of my growing concerns about the war...how it was not making my nation safer, how the Iraqis were suffering horribly for no reason, because my fellow service members were being injured and dying in a country that had nothing to do with September 11th, and because of my strong convictions that the invasion was part of a plan that had more to do with corporate gains than thwarting terrorists...I made the difficult decision to exit the military. I could no longer be a part of a war that I knew to be illegal under the Geneva Conventions and wholly immoral. It was the most difficult decision of my life. I could not in good conscience apply for discharge as a contentious objector. To be a contentious objector, one has to believe that it is against his religious or spiritual convictions to take up arms against another human. I had been, up to the time of my return, and still was willing to kill to defend defenseless people, protect my nation and preserve the Constitution of the United States. Although it has taken me years to admit it, I probably would have relished taking the life of a tyrant who out of cruelty or greed had caused innocent people to suffer. I did have a way out. I was (am) gay and I knew that all I had to do was to admit that publicly and, since this nation still does not allow for openly gay men and women to serve in the military, unless they changed that (archaic and inane) policy, they would have to discharge me. It was a way out but it was not an “easy” way out. My straight buddies in the Marine Corps had known all along that I was gay. They knew, as they have told me over and over that my sexuality would never affect my commitment to them, to the Corps or my country. They knew that I would never do anything to compromise their trust of me and that I would give my life if called to, to protect them. That was not the only thing that made it difficult to use “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to be discharged and speak out in opposition to the war. I had known and been friends with other gay men and women who had served our nation valiantly in the military since WWII. My oldest friend, Al who is now 93, was a Navy corpsman and helped put marines back together in the Second World War. My dear friend (like an adopted grandfather) Eric, was a Marine Sergeant in Korea and fought at Chosin Reservoir. He was gay. I must say I’ve never met a marine more proud of his service than Eric. He lived with me for the last year and a half of his life until he died in our home on July 4th, 2005 (a patriot to the end!) And of course I have known many gay folk who served in Vietnam, the first Gulf War and in my war. For all of these I’ve known and for the hundreds of thousands of gay men and women who have fought and died for this country which did and does treat them like second class citizens, for all those who are fighting so hard to end the ban, I felt like I would be betraying them to actually use the discriminating policy purposefully. The way I thought about it when I joined up, the best thing we could do to end the ban is just keep serving in silence and doing our very best. If enough of us served our tours, excelled and lead other to excellence, then when enough of us said upon exiting the military, “Yes, and I’m also gay.” Then maybe, finally this nation would wake up when it comes to homosexuality and military service. Still, it was no easy decision. I called up all my buddies and told them what I was going to do. I knew that if I stayed in the Marine Corps I would deploy again. I already knew that BushCo had no intention of stopping with Iraq. I had been fortunate enough not to have taken innocent life during my first deployment and I wasn’t about to tempt fate. I knew that I could do more for the Iraqis, for America and for my fellow service members by speaking out than by staying in. If thought I could save one more life by keeping my mouth shut and marching forward, I’d be there today. I went on CNN as Paula Zahn’s guest and came out of the closet to five million people. To go back in the closet now, I’d have to go to another planet. That day I explained to the world what I had learned in Iraq; that this so called “War on Terrorism” was nothing more than a front to fill the pockets of the rich on the blood of the poor. You can’t fight a war on a tactic. There never has been, nor will there ever be a Country of Terrorism with a military and a leader who would someday sit down with our president and sign a treaty that says, “Alright, you kicked our ass. No more terrorism.” The invasion of Iraq and every single day of the subsequent occupation have made America and the dwindling number of nations who call us their allies less and less safe. That day on CNN, I announced the founding of a non-profit organization called The Mehadi Foundation (www.MehadiFoundion.org) and although my political opinions are now very widely known, the foundation is non-political and non-partisan. Our only purpose is to help retuning veterans and support philanthropic efforts in Iraq. The best thing we can do at this point to make ourselves safer is to let the rest of the world know that all Americans do not want to kill them and in fact many want to help people be they American, Iraqi or any other nationality. When I returned from Iraq, I was filled with anger and sadness. It almost consumed me. With God’s help, I was able to transform all those dark feelings into motivation to try and do some good with what’s left of my life. To my way of thinking, no dark room was ever made light by brining more darkness. Since that time, I stay busy with peace activism, veterans’ advocacy and running my foundation. While I was in Iraq, I kept a journal which I shared with my fellow marines as a form of entertainment and fellowship. When I got home, I developed those journals into a one-man performance piece called The Eyes of Babylon. It opened in Los Angeles in June of 2004. I have performed it in many different places around our great nation and it continues to tour. It is a wonderful way for me to be able to share my spiritual journey with others who are genuinely interested in what a returning veteran has to say. It has been a great way to open up dialogue about the war, to bridge gaps between those of varying opinions and for us all to try and heal our wounds, even as the injury continues. I am very blessed in my life. I am surrounded by angels. I have a wonderful husband whom I love and with his family, my family has doubled in size. Our friends are such a blessing, they seem more like family too. I still go through very dark times sometimes when I look at the news and see how little things have changed in the years since I first spoke out. But I have hope. Traveling through the cities and backwoods country of these United States, I have found the America that I had thought was lost. There are still wonderful people here who care about doing what’s right, even when it is unpopular. This is still the land of the free and the home of the brave and there are still folk who realize that great privilege and power come with equally great responsibility. I still believe in liberty and justice and no matter what “they” do to me, no one can steal that from me. I am so grateful for my relationship with God. That’s where my true joy comes from. There are those who hate me for what I have done. By grace, I’m able to see them through God’s eyes and I can honestly say I don’t hate them. In fact, I love them too. It’s easy to love those who love and admire you. The real challenge is to love those who’d just soon see you dead. They did not give me my joy so they can never take it away. Maybe someday we’ll all figure it out; that we are all connected, that there is really enough for everyone, that violence only breeds violence and that nobody wins a war. The Showtime Network has made a documentary about my story. It includes parts of my play and interviews with my family, friends and fellow Marines. It aired first on Showtime on Monday, June 25, 2007 at 8:30 pm and continues to run intermittently on their several networks (www.SemperFiTheMovie.com). I hope something about my journey can help you in yours.
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Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 163 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
william





Jul 5 2009 3:24 PM

I Am the Flag of the

Of America

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
william





Jun 30 2009 8:23 PM


Liltrampster10





Jun 15 2009 1:55 PM

Good Morning Studmuffin;PhotobucketWhat you say we curl up together & spend the day in bed??PhotobucketHave a great week & I'll take a rain check YOU HOTT ASS Lil STUD you!!!!"MMM,MmmmMuah":JIM

P.S. Check out my other site the link is on my profile page for my Group:MenLivn4LuvnMen, HOT FREE ADULT VIDEOS, & THE MEMBERS ARE GETTING ALMOST AS HOT AS "YOU"!!!
william





Jun 9 2009 3:25 PM

$*William-Josiah*$





Jun 1 2009 4:05 AM


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Ray D





May 27 2009 4:08 PM


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1 1 3





May 25 2009 11:30 AM

Just wanted to say that I hope you have a great Memorial Day. It’s this day that we get to honor true American Heroes who have served, continue to serve, and who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There is no greater sign of patriotism and courage than to voluntarily arm up to defend your country and her interests. You are not forgotten and the amount of respect I have for you goes beyond what you could imagine. Whether you have served, are serving, are stateside, or overseas…walk with your head held high…you’ve earned it. Proudly thank those who are here and solemnly honor those who are not. The men and women of the United States Army, United States Marines, United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, United States Air Force, and the reserve branches thereof are truly American Heroes and definite role models for all.

Thank You for everything!

--Erik
John Witt





May 20 2009 10:05 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Big Mac Daddy.


Send me a drink back!

william





May 19 2009 9:10 AM

my best to you on this memorial day weekend my friend.
freedom is not free
James





May 8 2009 7:52 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Blow Job.


Send me a drink back!

Gabriel Jude™





May 2 2009 12:10 AM

1,300
[LIVES]
1,300
[CANDLES]

Project:1200 invites you to a candlelight vigil for World No Tobacco Day for the lives lost in Utah every year due to tobacco. Gov. Huntsman will be a guest speaker along with Representative Paul Ray. A Rememberance wall will be provided for you to bring the photos, names, or stories of your loved ones.
Date: May 30, 2009
Time: 8:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Utah State Capital (300 N. State St. Salt Lake City, UT)

Got a Facebook? RSVP to this event online. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97561964465
~BAM-BAM~





Apr 27 2009 8:11 PM


Showin Love!
Grab a new Myspace Layout


James





Apr 3 2009 3:20 AM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Screwdriver.



Send me a drink back!

James





Mar 27 2009 7:17 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Banana Split Shooter.



Send me a drink back!

James





Mar 20 2009 6:20 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Budweiser.



Send me a drink back!

Renee [his wifey]





Mar 17 2009 12:50 PM

MyHotComments.com
MyHotComments
william





Mar 17 2009 9:42 AM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Green Beer.



Send me a drink back!

Faber Optimé


Online Now!


Mar 12 2009 1:53 AM

Hey there,

Here's one from left field...

Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?

A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:

Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella

Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.

Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.

I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here:
http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4

Help to raise awareness.

Say have you checked out my web site recently?

Take care and keep in touch.

Best,
Faber.

"Just a guy trying to make the world a better place.
"

william





Mar 2 2009 12:47 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Side Car.



Send me a drink back!

william





Feb 28 2009 8:30 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Jager Bomb.



Send me a drink back!

OUR BOYS IN IRAQ WILL BE HEADING HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONE OBAMA WILL BE ENDING OUR WAR EFFORTS BY AUGUST 31TH 2010.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

James





Feb 18 2009 6:28 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Jager Bomb.



Send me a drink back!

(it's O's war now) Worldwide Progressives





Feb 18 2009 1:32 AM

Thanks for the add. ¶ Watching, shopping, voting are not enough. The ideological battle between love & fear shapes the world, and its outcome is still being written, so every one of us may be needed. People hear only what they want, so facts alone won't wake them; they'll need inspiration too. What is human nature? Our task is not just to describe what we see, but to choose what we will become. An echo of an echo of Buddha or Jesus, encrusted in ritual, loses context & content. Still, we write what we can. Try to hear the deeper questions. ¶ This world's diverse evils have a common root: Bullies, liars, thieves, & murderers — in market, government, & elsewhere — believe we're all separate, motivated only by greed. They want us to share that belief, for they use it to justify themselves, to keep us apart, to control politics & the economy, perpetuating war, poverty, ecocide. Their power comes not so much from cabals as from ubiquitous propaganda, implicit in their framing of the news. But they're mistaken about our motives. You & I have found empathy inside ourselves & our friends. It's in everyone, even the bombers, if only we can wake them, for we're all one flesh & blood. Let's spread that vision, for until we do our other advances will be minor & temporary. The bureaucracy of brutality cannot stand if we open the eyes of its workers. ¶ If you haven't already, join the global conversation, in whatever way feels right for you. Merge the revolutions of enlightenment & class struggle. Worldwide understanding has no precedent; we must discover & erase its rules en route. Make love not war is as serious as Orwell & as light as "Chocolat." For a start, just talk with people — that may not sound like much, but really it's huge. Spread the word. Each of us knows only part of the song, but keep singing, hoping, resisting, questioning. Hand in hand, we may heal this world.
¶ Eric
James





Feb 14 2009 4:03 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a Cranberry Surprise.



Send me a drink back!

James





Feb 12 2009 4:56 PM

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Hey Semper Fi/The Eyes of Babylon, I am sending you a On the Rocks.



Send me a drink back!

ATOM





Feb 12 2009 1:57 AM

Hi Jeff:

Hope you enjoy your upcoming retreat and also wishing you and your partner a Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxox

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