Rumors have been floating about regarding accurate casualty counts. People are claiming that the 1,782 KIAs (number increases every day) in Iraq are ONLY those who actually die on Iraq soil. If they make it to Germany or America and then die from their injuries, they are not counted in the casualty lists. It's been stated that the numbers may be closer to 9,000 American deaths and citizens are looking into it.
In the meantime, to copy the actions of a dear friend of mine, I encourage all to contact their representatives in Congress (I suggest Congress.org) with the following request:
Please verify whether the following quote has some basis in fact. American citizens deserve to know if military personnel who die in German hospitals or en route to German hospitals are indeed excluded from the total number of fatalities of the Iraq occupation.
"U.S. Military Personnel who died in German hospitals or en route to German hospitals have not previously been counted. They total about 6,210 as of 1 January, 2005. The ongoing underreporting of the dead in Iraq is not accurate. The DoD is deliberately reducing the figures. A review of many foreign news sites show that actual deaths are far higher than the newly reduced ones. Iraqi civilian casualties are never reported but International Red Cross, Red Crescent and UN figures indicate that as of 1 January 2005, the numbers are just under 100,000."
I look forward to your response.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
Should we call him "Napoleon"?
In several posts, I've made references to the fact that I personally think that Bush is unbalanced--quite frankly he scares me. I've included a reading list in this blog which recommends White House Diary of a Sociopath and Of Course He Is a Psychopath ... .
I just found yet more references... which really reflect my own (untrained) impressions (that gut feeling). "Bush's Obscene Tirades Rattle White House Aides" contains items which are so outrageous that I truly pray that it isn't accurate. In another column, "Is Bush Out of Control?" contains a statement included which I consider especially accurate (IMHO):
...Dr. Frank diagnosed the President as a “paranoid meglomaniac” and “untreated alcoholic” ...
It's nice to find some confirmations to what my gut has been telling me for over five years!
[P.S. I strongly recommend reading other essays by Doug Thompson... he calls it like it is...]
I just found yet more references... which really reflect my own (untrained) impressions (that gut feeling). "Bush's Obscene Tirades Rattle White House Aides" contains items which are so outrageous that I truly pray that it isn't accurate. In another column, "Is Bush Out of Control?" contains a statement included which I consider especially accurate (IMHO):
...Dr. Frank diagnosed the President as a “paranoid meglomaniac” and “untreated alcoholic” ...
It's nice to find some confirmations to what my gut has been telling me for over five years!
[P.S. I strongly recommend reading other essays by Doug Thompson... he calls it like it is...]
The story of a conversion...
"My mom, not Cindy Sheehan, is Bush’s biggest problem"
By John Yewell/City Editor
This is a great column which explains the process of how the formerly unseeing can begin opening their eyes.
By John Yewell/City Editor
This is a great column which explains the process of how the formerly unseeing can begin opening their eyes.
What is the "Downing Street Memo" anyway?
I have to admit, I have no idea. I will be reading these sites to find out. It sure sounds official and serious though, doesn't it? It really requires our knowledge and awareness, so we can inform others. Thank God for Cindy Sheehan and her supporters for helping America to start out shouting "The emperor isn't wearing any clothes!"
Here are a couple of sites to look at:
Here are a couple of sites to look at:
- The letter to Bush with some specific questions about the situation. It seems as if the Memo itself is the "smoking gun" which shows that Bush had intended on attacking Iraq long before he was supposed to. This letter briefly summarizes the history and the questions we expect Bush to answer. You can sign it and send it to Bush from this site as well.
- Brits and Yanks Unite to Demand Answers to Downing Street Minutes
- Coalition of citizen groups seek formal inquiry into whether Bush acted illegally in push for Iraq war
Why do we want to impeach Bush?
Personally, I want him out of office because he's betrayed our trust, is an idiot and a lousy leader. I personally think he is a sociopath and he's lived his whole life with a "what's in it for me" attitude. It is unbelievable to me that someone with his history and lack of intelligence, ethics, morals and compassion is the one in charge of our country... and the one who is directing our military! For the sakes of the troops, we MUST provide a COMMANDER who has the skills and brains and experience to accomplish the mission!
Anyway, I digress...When I'm talking with people who don't agree with me, wishy- washy, touchy-feely, abstract mush like that just doesn't fly.
So I was quite pleased to see that Veterans for Peace put together a list of the laws violated by President George W. Bush, Vice-President Richard Cheney, public officials under their authority, and members of the U.S. military under their command, sufficient for impeachment.
There are other resources and information available as well.
If you decide you agree that Bush just needs to go away, here is a petition you can sign to make your opinion known to the representatives (i.e. the people who we elected to REPRESENT all of us, not just their party...).
Anyway, I digress...When I'm talking with people who don't agree with me, wishy- washy, touchy-feely, abstract mush like that just doesn't fly.
So I was quite pleased to see that Veterans for Peace put together a list of the laws violated by President George W. Bush, Vice-President Richard Cheney, public officials under their authority, and members of the U.S. military under their command, sufficient for impeachment.
There are other resources and information available as well.
If you decide you agree that Bush just needs to go away, here is a petition you can sign to make your opinion known to the representatives (i.e. the people who we elected to REPRESENT all of us, not just their party...).
How to Say "NO"
With the US military funneling millions of dollars into youth recruitment efforts, counter-recruitment projects are gearing up too. Find out how to "SAY NO" to the active recruitment of our children!
When I took the ASVAB or whatever, I remember recruiter after recruiter and letter after letter... it's similar to the credit card companies wanting your business!
When I took the ASVAB or whatever, I remember recruiter after recruiter and letter after letter... it's similar to the credit card companies wanting your business!
Very good question... what is the connection?
Letter to the Editor in Waco Tribune
Display Inappropriate
While visiting Crawford, I noticed a pro-Bush shrine set up downtown. It consisted of two large tablets of the Ten Commandments and a Liberty Bell. One of the people orchestrating this shrine was wearing a Confederate flag hat.
I would like to hear what connection these three symbols of the Confederate flag, Ten Commandments and the Liberty Bell have to do with celebrating George Bush's imperialistic policy.
Elliott Kralj, Austin TX
Display Inappropriate
While visiting Crawford, I noticed a pro-Bush shrine set up downtown. It consisted of two large tablets of the Ten Commandments and a Liberty Bell. One of the people orchestrating this shrine was wearing a Confederate flag hat.
I would like to hear what connection these three symbols of the Confederate flag, Ten Commandments and the Liberty Bell have to do with celebrating George Bush's imperialistic policy.
Elliott Kralj, Austin TX
GEORGE BUSH’S SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE
With no public debate, to compensate for inadequate troop strength in Iraq, the Bush Administration has contracted with tens of thousands of mercenaries, who operate outside U.S. control and undermine military morale. For the full story, see George Bush's Soldiers of Fortune.
Question: When they get killed, are they counted as "casualties" or does Bush get to sweep those numbers under the rug? Just wondering...
Question: When they get killed, are they counted as "casualties" or does Bush get to sweep those numbers under the rug? Just wondering...
90% believe in free speech? I would HOPE so!
From The Ed Shultz Show [Thanks, fizz, for pointing that out!]
(08/26/2005 ) Poll: Many Back Right to Protest Iraq War
"An overwhelming number of people say critics of the Iraq war should be free to voice their objections."
Nine of 10 people surveyed in an AP-Ipsos poll say it's OK for war opponents to publicly share their concerns about the conflict. With the U.S. death toll in Iraq climbing past 1,870 with an especially bloody August, the public's opinion of the Bush administration's handling of the war has been eroding over the past two years .
The poll found that 53% of the people disapprove of the Bush administration's conduct of the war and think the war was a mistake. That level of opposition is about the same as the number who said that about Vietnam in August 1968, six months after the Tet offensive.
Various polls have shown that erosion of war support has been faster in Iraq than during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Half of those polled believe the war has increased the threat of terrorism. Public doubts about the war have gotten new attention since Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son Casey in Iraq last year, took her protest to Crawford.
The poll found that 37 percent approve of the way the Bush administration is conducting the war. Overall attitudes about the war — while negative — haven't changed dramatically through the summer and a solid majority, 60 percent, want U.S. troops to stick it out until Iraq is stable.
{But we are still FREE to voice our opinions... God Bless America!}
(08/26/2005 ) Poll: Many Back Right to Protest Iraq War
"An overwhelming number of people say critics of the Iraq war should be free to voice their objections."
Nine of 10 people surveyed in an AP-Ipsos poll say it's OK for war opponents to publicly share their concerns about the conflict. With the U.S. death toll in Iraq climbing past 1,870 with an especially bloody August, the public's opinion of the Bush administration's handling of the war has been eroding over the past two years .
The poll found that 53% of the people disapprove of the Bush administration's conduct of the war and think the war was a mistake. That level of opposition is about the same as the number who said that about Vietnam in August 1968, six months after the Tet offensive.
Various polls have shown that erosion of war support has been faster in Iraq than during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Half of those polled believe the war has increased the threat of terrorism. Public doubts about the war have gotten new attention since Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son Casey in Iraq last year, took her protest to Crawford.
The poll found that 37 percent approve of the way the Bush administration is conducting the war. Overall attitudes about the war — while negative — haven't changed dramatically through the summer and a solid majority, 60 percent, want U.S. troops to stick it out until Iraq is stable.
{But we are still FREE to voice our opinions... God Bless America!}
Another voice of Idaho Democrats!
Check out 43rd State Blues (wow, does that hit a chord or what?)!
Democracy for Idaho is a website of, by and for Democrats and those who lean towards Democratic, progressive causes.
Between this site and Red State Rebels (are there more out there?), it gives me hope for Idahoans and the future of Idaho!
Democracy for Idaho is a website of, by and for Democrats and those who lean towards Democratic, progressive causes.
Between this site and Red State Rebels (are there more out there?), it gives me hope for Idahoans and the future of Idaho!
If they keep telling us "it's fine", does that mean that it really is "fine"?
For the last few months there has been a running debate about the US economy, more or less like this:
The administration and some political commentators seem genuinely puzzled by polls showing that Americans are unhappy about the economy. After all, they point out, numbers like the growth rate of GDP look pretty good. So why aren't people cheering? For the rest of the article, see "Summer of Discontent".American families: "We're not doing very well."
Washington officials: "You're wrong - you're doing
great. Here, look at these statistics!"
Tell me again why Idahoans support Bush?
Has he really helped us out that much?
Joan Wallace, vice-chair of the Ada County Democrats, had this to say in an opinion column in the Idaho Statesman.
"Idaho, ..., is among the per capita leaders in a category that no state will brag about," wrote reporter Timothy Egan. "(Bankruptcy) filings were up 11 percent for July over the same period last year — on a record pace for the year."
"...the state received a "D" overall, with a failing grade for health care and barely passing marks on education and worker financial security."
"Idaho, like the rest of America, is belatedly waking up to the idea that we can't afford Republican reign any more."
Read the whole opinion column here...
Joan Wallace, vice-chair of the Ada County Democrats, had this to say in an opinion column in the Idaho Statesman.
"Idaho, ..., is among the per capita leaders in a category that no state will brag about," wrote reporter Timothy Egan. "(Bankruptcy) filings were up 11 percent for July over the same period last year — on a record pace for the year."
"...the state received a "D" overall, with a failing grade for health care and barely passing marks on education and worker financial security."
"Idaho, like the rest of America, is belatedly waking up to the idea that we can't afford Republican reign any more."
Read the whole opinion column here...
My Grandmother's Prayer
This is one of my Grandmother's favorite prayers. One of her well-known statements was "Why don't we have a Department of Peace?" She was an awesome woman!
“A Prayer for the World”
Written by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
Author, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”
Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges,
the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations.
Let the rain wash away the memory
Let the rain wash away the memory
of the hurt, the neglect.
Then let the sun come out
Then let the sun come out
and fill the sky with rainbows.
Let the warmth of the sun heal us
Let the warmth of the sun heal us
wherever we are broken.
Let it burn away the fog
Let it burn away the fog
so that we can see each other clearly.
So that we can see beyond labels,
So that we can see beyond labels,
beyond accents, gender or skin color.
Let the warmth and brightness of the sun
Let the warmth and brightness of the sun
melt our selfishness.
So that we can share the joys
So that we can share the joys
and feel the sorrows of our neighbors.
And let the light of the sun be so strong
And let the light of the sun be so strong
that we will see all people as our neighbors.
Let the earth, nourished by rain,
Let the earth, nourished by rain,
bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty.
And let the mountains teach our hearts
And let the mountains teach our hearts
to reach upward to heaven.
Amen.
“A Prayer for the World”
Written by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
Author, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”
Earned the right to his opinion, don't you think?
Quote of the Day [thanks to Left I On The News ... GREAT SITE!]
"It is time to pull out now. As you said, no one needs to die for others who have died. Everybody has their sacrifices. And we do not need to sacrifice more people."- Spec. Jeans Cruz, one of the American soldiers who captured Saddam Hussein, now retired and now unemployed (both Cruz and Hussein), on Keith Olbermann's Countdown show
"It is time to pull out now. As you said, no one needs to die for others who have died. Everybody has their sacrifices. And we do not need to sacrifice more people."- Spec. Jeans Cruz, one of the American soldiers who captured Saddam Hussein, now retired and now unemployed (both Cruz and Hussein), on Keith Olbermann's Countdown show
Presidential Tax Returns
I won't even pretend that I would understand anybody's tax returns, much less the presidents'. I don't even understand my own.
But for those who can understand, if you see anything of interest, please post comments for the rest of us!
But for those who can understand, if you see anything of interest, please post comments for the rest of us!
Viet Nam Vets/KIAs: DISHONORED!!??
If criticism toward Bush and Co. and the war in Iraq is DISHONORING our current troops and our Fallen Heroes...
Then any opinion that the Viet Nam war was a mistake must also be DISHONORING all of our military veterans who served in Viet Nam and those who died in Viet Nam.
How can people not see the hypocrisy in this type of thinking?
Then any opinion that the Viet Nam war was a mistake must also be DISHONORING all of our military veterans who served in Viet Nam and those who died in Viet Nam.
How can people not see the hypocrisy in this type of thinking?
Who "flip flops"?
I wish the mainstream media would address the following statements with the individuals who made them. The following are all quotes from when President Clinton was committing troops to Bosnia:
Governor George W. Bush (R-TX):
"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."
April 9, 1999
Rep Tom Delay (R-TX):
"You can support the troops but not the president."
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA):
"[The] President...is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy."
Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) :
"I had doubts about the bombing campaign from the beginning...I didn't think we had done enough in the diplomatic area."
[on "Late Edition"]
There are even more more Republican comments of interest... and more. Another essay, "Yankee Go Home: Who's leading the anti-war movement? Congressional Republicans" dated May 7, 1999, discusses in depth the comments being made by Republicans when President Clinton was addressing the situation in Bosnia.
Perhaps we should contact these individuals and ask them to explain their change in thinking? You can write letters to them at Congress.org . Write letters to the editor for your local papers and THEIR local papers as well. Let their constituents know about how they "flip flop". We MUST start speaking out!
Governor George W. Bush (R-TX):
"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."
April 9, 1999
Rep Tom Delay (R-TX):
"You can support the troops but not the president."
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA):
"[The] President...is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy."
Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) :
"I had doubts about the bombing campaign from the beginning...I didn't think we had done enough in the diplomatic area."
[on "Late Edition"]
There are even more more Republican comments of interest... and more. Another essay, "Yankee Go Home: Who's leading the anti-war movement? Congressional Republicans" dated May 7, 1999, discusses in depth the comments being made by Republicans when President Clinton was addressing the situation in Bosnia.
Perhaps we should contact these individuals and ask them to explain their change in thinking? You can write letters to them at Congress.org . Write letters to the editor for your local papers and THEIR local papers as well. Let their constituents know about how they "flip flop". We MUST start speaking out!
A Variety of Essays...
Rather than cutting and pasting links to the many inspiring articles from this website, I urge you to jump over to the Dissident Voice and spend some time reading.
There are some wonderful points being made and it is quite inspiring and energizing and comforting to recognize how many others see that the emperor is not wearing any clothes...
There are some wonderful points being made and it is quite inspiring and energizing and comforting to recognize how many others see that the emperor is not wearing any clothes...
Withdrawal Pains: Recovering from Dope
Polls show a majority of Americans have had it with George W. Bush and the war. While I’m usually wary of such reports (especially since in the last two American presidential “elections”, exit polls, which for decades were unfailingly accurate, have been so strangely incorrect), I nonetheless think these numbers reflect some truth.
If so, there has (finally) been some consciousness-raisin’ goin’ on in our beleaguered, buggered nation, which means, in turn, that as people horrifyingly begin seeing the blood on their hands, America’s collective stress level will continually elevate ever higher....
(For the full article, see "Recovering Bush Fiends: Withdrawing from a Dope is a Bitch" by Mark Drolette)
Government by Dirty Tricks
George W. Bush is the kind of guy you remember if you happen to cross his path -- at least his economics professor at Harvard Business School thinks so. Bush, you will recall, was at Harvard immediately after he left the Alabama National Guard -- if he was ever there to begin with. He openly boasted to Tsurumi about using pull to get into a champagne unit, and Tsurumi was shocked. Most people wouldn’t do that, especially back then.
Tsurumi has an even lower opinion of George Bush than Bush’s commander in the Texas Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Jerry Killian, did:
Tsurumi has an even lower opinion of George Bush than Bush’s commander in the Texas Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Jerry Killian, did:
For the full article, see "Government by Dirty Tricks" by Patricia Goldsmith.He showed pathological lying habits and was in denial when challenged on his prejudices and biases. He would even deny saying something he just said 30 seconds ago. He was famous for that. . .
Students who challenged and embarrassed Bush in class would then become the subject of a whispering campaign by him, Tsurumi said. “In class, he couldn’t challenge them. But after class, he sometimes came up to me in the hallway and started bad-mouthing those students who had challenged him. He would complain that someone was drinking too much. It was innuendo and lies. So that’s how I knew, behind his smile and his smirk, that he was a very insecure, cunning and vengeful guy.
Prayer To Live With Grace
May we discover through pain and torment,the strength to live with grace and humor.
May we discover through doubt and anguish, the strength to live with dignity and holiness.
May we discover through suffering and fear, the strength to move toward healing.
May it come to pass that we be restored to health and to vigor.
May Life grant us wellness of body, spirit, and mind.
And if this cannot be so, may we find in this transformation and passage moments of meaning, opportunities for love and the deep and gracious calm that comes when we allow ourselves to move on.
- Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro
[My dear friend sent this to me today... I love you too, Renee!]
May we discover through doubt and anguish, the strength to live with dignity and holiness.
May we discover through suffering and fear, the strength to move toward healing.
May it come to pass that we be restored to health and to vigor.
May Life grant us wellness of body, spirit, and mind.
And if this cannot be so, may we find in this transformation and passage moments of meaning, opportunities for love and the deep and gracious calm that comes when we allow ourselves to move on.
- Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro
[My dear friend sent this to me today... I love you too, Renee!]
Thursday, August 25, 2005
The Peace Movement
It has now been almost three weeks since Cindy’s vigil in Crawford began with a small group of people marching to the President’s ranch on that hot day in the ditch. Since that day so much has changed, not just at Camp Casey and not just the new Camp Casey II.
Cindy’s vigil has accomplished so much more than any of us on that day could have ever dreamed of.
What Cindy started that day, August 6, 2005 (remember this date) is something that will continue for a long time to come. America is finally starting to wake up from a long, deep sleep. The American people, whether they agree with the war and with Cindy or not, is starting to have an active, open, healthy public debate about this war. More and more people every day are becoming aware that there really is a war going on and that America’s sons and daughters are dying every single day. The Peace Movement is gaining a momentum is has not had since Viet Nam. The American media is starting to cover both sides more and more every day.
Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles whose family members died in this war and who were previously afraid to say anything if they disagreed with the war are finding their voices and learning that it’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to voice for them to stand up and be heard and demand the answers they have not been getting. They are no longer alone.
This is what America is about, and I think that for too long Americans have forgotten that. It is the American way and the civic responsibility of every citizen of this country, to speak against the wrongs and to help make them right. It is our responsibility, as Americans, to make sure that our leaders act in ways that are responsible and are for the good of our country.
Our leaders, the politicians especially, need to listen up. Cindy and the rest of the Gold Star Families for Peace have started something. We are holding you, the leaders of this great country, responsible for your actions. We are demanding accountability from you and will no longer accept laziness and selfishness from you.
George Bush still hasn’t granted Cindy an audience and I doubt he ever will. He has a long track record of never listening to people who disagree with him, a record which has been well documented over the years. From his phony “town hall” meetings with hand picked audiences and scripted question and answer sessions to his speeches in front of the military (with captive audiences) and their families, also hand picked, as supporters. Yesterday’s speech in Idaho was a perfect example of that. Afterwards Bush met with family members whose loved ones have died in the war. This was only a publicity stunt carefully orchestrated to drum up support for his war. He does not meet with families who disagree with his policies of war, especially those who disagree with him publicly.
King George is running scared, and he should be. So should the rest of the politicians and corporations in this country who support his war mongering and are profiting from it.
One of the lessons our leaders have not learned very well is that if you are going to take our country to war and ask our sons and daughters to give their lives, the war had better be for a damn good reason. You had better be able to explain yourselves and your actions a lot better that King George has. Most of us know by know that 9/11 and terrorism have little to do with the war in Iraq. History has shown that King George wanted revenge on Saddam and he has plotted this revenge for years, even before he stole the election the first time.
Last week I got a condolence card from my own local Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison, eighteen months after my son’s death. This is the first time I have heard from her and I can’t help but wonder, what was the hurry? Maybe she is only just now paying attention and learning there is a war going on and her constituents are dying. I don’t know.
The time for accountability is now. Keep the pressure on so we can get our answers and end this war. Our sons and daughters need to come home so they and their families can get on with their lives.
Peace & Solidarity,
Amy Branham
Mother of Sgt. Jeremy R. Smith, US Army Reserves
Nov. 1981 , Feb. 2004
Houston, TX
Gold Star Families for Peace
abranham@houston.rr.com
Cindy’s vigil has accomplished so much more than any of us on that day could have ever dreamed of.
What Cindy started that day, August 6, 2005 (remember this date) is something that will continue for a long time to come. America is finally starting to wake up from a long, deep sleep. The American people, whether they agree with the war and with Cindy or not, is starting to have an active, open, healthy public debate about this war. More and more people every day are becoming aware that there really is a war going on and that America’s sons and daughters are dying every single day. The Peace Movement is gaining a momentum is has not had since Viet Nam. The American media is starting to cover both sides more and more every day.
Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles whose family members died in this war and who were previously afraid to say anything if they disagreed with the war are finding their voices and learning that it’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to voice for them to stand up and be heard and demand the answers they have not been getting. They are no longer alone.
This is what America is about, and I think that for too long Americans have forgotten that. It is the American way and the civic responsibility of every citizen of this country, to speak against the wrongs and to help make them right. It is our responsibility, as Americans, to make sure that our leaders act in ways that are responsible and are for the good of our country.
Our leaders, the politicians especially, need to listen up. Cindy and the rest of the Gold Star Families for Peace have started something. We are holding you, the leaders of this great country, responsible for your actions. We are demanding accountability from you and will no longer accept laziness and selfishness from you.
George Bush still hasn’t granted Cindy an audience and I doubt he ever will. He has a long track record of never listening to people who disagree with him, a record which has been well documented over the years. From his phony “town hall” meetings with hand picked audiences and scripted question and answer sessions to his speeches in front of the military (with captive audiences) and their families, also hand picked, as supporters. Yesterday’s speech in Idaho was a perfect example of that. Afterwards Bush met with family members whose loved ones have died in the war. This was only a publicity stunt carefully orchestrated to drum up support for his war. He does not meet with families who disagree with his policies of war, especially those who disagree with him publicly.
King George is running scared, and he should be. So should the rest of the politicians and corporations in this country who support his war mongering and are profiting from it.
One of the lessons our leaders have not learned very well is that if you are going to take our country to war and ask our sons and daughters to give their lives, the war had better be for a damn good reason. You had better be able to explain yourselves and your actions a lot better that King George has. Most of us know by know that 9/11 and terrorism have little to do with the war in Iraq. History has shown that King George wanted revenge on Saddam and he has plotted this revenge for years, even before he stole the election the first time.
Last week I got a condolence card from my own local Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison, eighteen months after my son’s death. This is the first time I have heard from her and I can’t help but wonder, what was the hurry? Maybe she is only just now paying attention and learning there is a war going on and her constituents are dying. I don’t know.
The time for accountability is now. Keep the pressure on so we can get our answers and end this war. Our sons and daughters need to come home so they and their families can get on with their lives.
Peace & Solidarity,
Amy Branham
Mother of Sgt. Jeremy R. Smith, US Army Reserves
Nov. 1981 , Feb. 2004
Houston, TX
Gold Star Families for Peace
abranham@houston.rr.com
What part of CRIME do they not understand?
Summary of “The Bombs in the Basement” by Ernest Partridge
The Bush administration has reasons to be nervous. Not just because of mismanagement or incompetence, although there is certainly plenty of that. But they are guilty of criminal activity – indictable and impeachable violations of the law.
Among these open and confirmable crimes:
The Bush administration has reasons to be nervous. Not just because of mismanagement or incompetence, although there is certainly plenty of that. But they are guilty of criminal activity – indictable and impeachable violations of the law.
Among these open and confirmable crimes:
- Lying to Congress is a crime.
- Disclosing the identity of a covert intelligence agent is a crime.
- Perjury is a crime.
- Influence peddling ("graft") is a crime.
- Torture of prisoners and violation of the Geneva Conventions is a crime.
- Violation of civil liberties (denial of rights to counsel, trial, etc.) is a crime.
- Failure to obey a court order (i.e. of the Supreme Court) is a crime.
- Misprision (i.e., incitement) of a felony is a crime.
- Voting fraud is a crime.
- Obstruction of Justice is a crime.
Congress refuses to investigate, and the mainstream media refuse to investigate and report, which means that the Congress and the media are (in an unindictable sense) "accessories" to these crimes.
Can the public be aroused from its slumbers? On that question, history will turn.
We, the public, need not sit silently, as helpless spectators, hoping for a reversal of fortune while our democracy is being taken from us. In fact, a significant and growing portion of the public is taking action, as the Bush administration and its bodyguard media lose credibility. The mainstream media remains answerable to its stockholders. That media might thus face the choice of either becoming irrelevant or, to avoid bankruptcy, practicing honest journalism again.
Thus it remains the responsibility of each private dissenting citizen to join the struggle – a thousand, better millions, of "points of light," to use George H. W. Bush’s metaphor in a manner he never intended. The citizen can act with boycotts, letters to editors, demonstrations, and by supporting progressive voices in the independent media and the internet. The citizen can act by being heard in public meetings and private conversations, and, if sufficiently resourceful and courageous, with acts of civil disobedience.
But can private citizens make a difference? Ask that question of the protesters at Camp Casey, and you will find your answer. Joseph Wilson made a difference. Cindy Sheehan made a difference. Colleen Rowley made a difference. Who’s next? Maybe you.
As Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
The Bush Administration is engaged in a contest against the truth and against reality, as it spins out lie after lie, and as it rewrites and censors scientific reports. This is a contest that it must eventually lose. Our job as responsible citizens is to pull away the curtain and expose the wizard as soon as possible, to minimize further damage to our country – to its economy, to its international reputation, to its honor.
For, to quote the late physicist Richard Feynman in his dissent to the Challenger Disaster report, "reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled."
Read your Bible some more, George!
George W. Bush loves to go on and on about how about how the Bible is his source of morality, and how it's important for Biblical standards of morality to be protected by the government. That is, after all, why Bush says he pushed so hard for an amendment to the Constitution to keep gay people from getting married. It's puzzling, then, why George W. Bush hasn't pushed for other moral standards clearly spelled out in the Bible to be enacted in law. Let's take, for instance, usury: the lending of money at high rates. The Bible clearly states that usury is a major-league sin:
Leviticus 25: 35-36 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
Ezekiel 18:5-8 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right... And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he sh all surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
Exodus 22: 25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury.
Matthew 21: 12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
In recent years, the United States has been beset by the proliferation of predatory lending operations that offer desperate people short-term "payday loans" to tide them over for a week or two, but that charge huge interest rates for the "favor."
Of course, George W. Bush being the upstanding Biblical man that he is, you'd think he'd be doing something to combat the sin of usury. But you'd be wrong. He's signed two proclamations declaring "National Consumer Protection Week," but those proclamations don't do anything but encourage Americans in words to be careful when they go about getting usurious loans. No new laws, no new bills, no executive orders, nothing. Outside of those two empty declarations naming a symbolic week, there's not even a single mention of "payday loan" operations in any speech, press conference or document coming from the White House.
Biblical sins that benefit rich corporations while crushing the lives of the dispossessed are not, apparently, George W. Bush's concern. The private acts of consenting adults must be regulated first.
(Source: www.whitehouse.gov)
Leviticus 25: 35-36 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
Ezekiel 18:5-8 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right... And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he sh all surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
Exodus 22: 25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury.
Matthew 21: 12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
In recent years, the United States has been beset by the proliferation of predatory lending operations that offer desperate people short-term "payday loans" to tide them over for a week or two, but that charge huge interest rates for the "favor."
Of course, George W. Bush being the upstanding Biblical man that he is, you'd think he'd be doing something to combat the sin of usury. But you'd be wrong. He's signed two proclamations declaring "National Consumer Protection Week," but those proclamations don't do anything but encourage Americans in words to be careful when they go about getting usurious loans. No new laws, no new bills, no executive orders, nothing. Outside of those two empty declarations naming a symbolic week, there's not even a single mention of "payday loan" operations in any speech, press conference or document coming from the White House.
Biblical sins that benefit rich corporations while crushing the lives of the dispossessed are not, apparently, George W. Bush's concern. The private acts of consenting adults must be regulated first.
(Source: www.whitehouse.gov)
How many members of the Bush Administration does it take to change a lightbulb?
Ten.
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the light bulb or for eternal darkness;
5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner 'Bulb Accomplished';
7. One administration insider to resign and in detail reveal how Bush was literally 'in the dark' the whole time;
8. One to viciously smear No. 7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
{I only wish this was truly a joke...unfortunately, it smells like reality to me.}
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the light bulb or for eternal darkness;
5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner 'Bulb Accomplished';
7. One administration insider to resign and in detail reveal how Bush was literally 'in the dark' the whole time;
8. One to viciously smear No. 7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
{I only wish this was truly a joke...unfortunately, it smells like reality to me.}
Something is Wrong in America
"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."
-Noam Chomsky, linguistics professor and political activist (1928- )
There's something that George Bush just doesn't understand, that Cindy Sheehan is trying to teach. Cindy Sheehan is trying to teach him, and many others, that you don't stop being a mother when your child dies.
And something is very wrong in America with people who want to insist you should.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can meet with large campaign contributors but not the mother of a fallen soldier right at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can leave his vacation to sign an energy bill that he himself admits will do nothing to either lower gasoline prices or reduce our energy independence, but can't meet with the mother of a fallen soldier sitting at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can take a five week vacation, while giving a speech that reminds the country no less than eight times that "We are at war", and ignores the tragic and inevitable consequence of that war, even as she is sitting at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the phrase "We are at war", means the death of a child for some people, and "let me hold your coat while you go and fight a war that I started" for other people. And the people who started the war refuse to acknowledge the injustice of that choice, even as it sits at the end of the driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when people think that sacrifice means a magnetic yellow ribbon, when it actually means a combat ribbon. And the cars embossed with those magnetic ribbons drive right by the mother of the fallen soldier who got his combat ribbon posthumously as she sits at the end of the driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President who claims moral authority, from a party that touts the moral high grounds at every opportunity, and yet refuses to recognize the absolute and unrelenting moral authority of the mother of a fallen soldier. Even as that mother is sitting at the end of his driveway. Every day. Every night. In the rain. In the cold. In the heat. In the dark.
Something is very wrong in America.
And Cindy Sheehan is working to make it right.
Because you don't stop being a mother when your child dies.
God Bless You, Cindy.
And who is on the front page of the Post-Gazette today just laughing it up like he is doing a great job for our country?
{I don't know the author... please let me know if you know the source!}
-Noam Chomsky, linguistics professor and political activist (1928- )
There's something that George Bush just doesn't understand, that Cindy Sheehan is trying to teach. Cindy Sheehan is trying to teach him, and many others, that you don't stop being a mother when your child dies.
And something is very wrong in America with people who want to insist you should.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can meet with large campaign contributors but not the mother of a fallen soldier right at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can leave his vacation to sign an energy bill that he himself admits will do nothing to either lower gasoline prices or reduce our energy independence, but can't meet with the mother of a fallen soldier sitting at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President can take a five week vacation, while giving a speech that reminds the country no less than eight times that "We are at war", and ignores the tragic and inevitable consequence of that war, even as she is sitting at the end of his driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the phrase "We are at war", means the death of a child for some people, and "let me hold your coat while you go and fight a war that I started" for other people. And the people who started the war refuse to acknowledge the injustice of that choice, even as it sits at the end of the driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when people think that sacrifice means a magnetic yellow ribbon, when it actually means a combat ribbon. And the cars embossed with those magnetic ribbons drive right by the mother of the fallen soldier who got his combat ribbon posthumously as she sits at the end of the driveway.
Something is very wrong in America when the President who claims moral authority, from a party that touts the moral high grounds at every opportunity, and yet refuses to recognize the absolute and unrelenting moral authority of the mother of a fallen soldier. Even as that mother is sitting at the end of his driveway. Every day. Every night. In the rain. In the cold. In the heat. In the dark.
Something is very wrong in America.
And Cindy Sheehan is working to make it right.
Because you don't stop being a mother when your child dies.
God Bless You, Cindy.
And who is on the front page of the Post-Gazette today just laughing it up like he is doing a great job for our country?
{I don't know the author... please let me know if you know the source!}
Quotes to remember
"Patriotism demands that people speak out when we see our government officials acting in such anti-democratic and deceitful ways to the people of our country…It's not just we have the right to speak out, but we have the obligation to speak out when we see misconduct on the part of the government. The most patriotic thing we can do is stand up against the misuse of governmental power…The veterans of foreign wars are heroes in my view. To stand up against government misconduct is in no way expressing a lack of support for those who defend our country."
Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City, UT, 8/22/05
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole.
Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile.
To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
Theodore Roosevelt, "Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star", May 7, 1918
Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City, UT, 8/22/05
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole.
Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile.
To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
Theodore Roosevelt, "Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star", May 7, 1918
READING LIST
If you wish to argue with those of us who believe Bush is not working in the best interest of the United States of America, our troops, our citizens, our elderly, our children, etc. then PLEASE read the following essays and additional websites with an open mind before you voice your opinion in this blog.
We are not stumbling around blindly and we wish the same for you…
Vets Aren't Buying Bush's B.S
Vets see protests as attack on policy—NOT Troops!
Abu Ghraib General Lambastes Bush Administration
A “must” read: What Bush Should Know About Cindy Sheehan
Shame on you, Congress… You never said a word!
White House Diary of a Sociopath
Of Course He Is a Psychopath ...
Bush cannot grieve because he doesn't know what death is.
America Used to Pride Itself on Championing Success.
My Private Idaho [By Maureen Dowd]
All the President's Lies, Part 1: Better Late Than Never
All the President's Lies, Part 2: Bring ‘em On!
U.S. Diplomat's Letter of Resignation
2004 Reasons to Boot Bush
Sign Up or Shut Up
Blood Runs Red, Not Blue
Someone Tell the President the War Is Over
Why we must leave Iraq
Tell us about women’s rights in Iraq again, George.
What the London Terrorists Were Not
Cindy Sheehan’s Tragic Critics
What Does Cindy Sheehan Really Want?
The Swift Boating of Cindy Sheehan
'Why do conservatives hate veterans and Gold Star Mothers?'
We are not stumbling around blindly and we wish the same for you…
Vets Aren't Buying Bush's B.S
Vets see protests as attack on policy—NOT Troops!
Abu Ghraib General Lambastes Bush Administration
A “must” read: What Bush Should Know About Cindy Sheehan
Shame on you, Congress… You never said a word!
White House Diary of a Sociopath
Of Course He Is a Psychopath ...
Bush cannot grieve because he doesn't know what death is.
America Used to Pride Itself on Championing Success.
My Private Idaho [By Maureen Dowd]
All the President's Lies, Part 1: Better Late Than Never
All the President's Lies, Part 2: Bring ‘em On!
U.S. Diplomat's Letter of Resignation
2004 Reasons to Boot Bush
Sign Up or Shut Up
Blood Runs Red, Not Blue
Someone Tell the President the War Is Over
Why we must leave Iraq
Tell us about women’s rights in Iraq again, George.
What the London Terrorists Were Not
Cindy Sheehan’s Tragic Critics
What Does Cindy Sheehan Really Want?
The Swift Boating of Cindy Sheehan
'Why do conservatives hate veterans and Gold Star Mothers?'
Home Delivery
This is what goes through our minds every time we hear Bush say:
"We must fight them over there so we don't fight them over here!"
What country is next?
If over 1862 lives [current casualty list] can be lost for democracy for a country that wasn't asking for our help, and that wasn't even the mission until enough people started complaining that the "War on Terror" belonged in different countries—not Iraq, and now we are saying that liberating these poor people is a "noble cause", then please tell me which country we will be liberating next from the horrible leadership of THEIR dictators: Sudan, North Korea, Burma, China, Saudi Arabia (!!), Libya, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Zimbabwe, or Equatorial Guinea? Saddam was only #3 on the list in 2003, there were two dictators WORSE than he was... why didn't we go after them? #1 was North Korea, and #2 was SAUDI ARABIA. The country who provided the 9/11 TERRORISTS.
If being "noble" means going into other countries, capturing their dictator, and helping them rebuild... and this is NOT a personal agenda for on Bush and cronies, then tell me which country is next... and then tell me what happened to the "war on terror" because that is what has been shoved down my throat since 9/11 and I'm still waiting to hear how we are winning that. bin Laden was more of a threat to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA than Saddam was... how did we get off track?
The World's 10 Worst Dictators
By David Wallechinsky Published: February 13, 2005
1. Omar al-Bashir, Sudan. Age 61. In power since 1989. Last year’s rank: 7
2. Kim Jong Il, North Korea. Age 62. In power since 1994. Last year’s rank: 1
3. Than Shwe, Burma. Age 72. In power since 1992. Last year’s rank: 2
4. Hu Jintao, China. Age 62. In power since 2002. Last year’s rank: 3
5. Crown Prince Abdullah, Saudi Arabia. Age 81. In power since 1995. Last year’s rank: 5
6. Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya. Age 62. In power since 1969. Last year’s rank: Dishonorable mention
7. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan. Age 61. In power since 1999. Last year’s rank: Not mentioned
8. Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan. Age 64. In power since 1990. Last year’s rank: 8
9. Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe. Age 80. In power since 1980. Last year’s rank: 4
10. Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Equatorial Guinea. Age 62. In power since 1979. Last year’s rank: 6
If being "noble" means going into other countries, capturing their dictator, and helping them rebuild... and this is NOT a personal agenda for on Bush and cronies, then tell me which country is next... and then tell me what happened to the "war on terror" because that is what has been shoved down my throat since 9/11 and I'm still waiting to hear how we are winning that. bin Laden was more of a threat to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA than Saddam was... how did we get off track?
The World's 10 Worst Dictators
By David Wallechinsky Published: February 13, 2005
1. Omar al-Bashir, Sudan. Age 61. In power since 1989. Last year’s rank: 7
2. Kim Jong Il, North Korea. Age 62. In power since 1994. Last year’s rank: 1
3. Than Shwe, Burma. Age 72. In power since 1992. Last year’s rank: 2
4. Hu Jintao, China. Age 62. In power since 2002. Last year’s rank: 3
5. Crown Prince Abdullah, Saudi Arabia. Age 81. In power since 1995. Last year’s rank: 5
6. Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya. Age 62. In power since 1969. Last year’s rank: Dishonorable mention
7. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan. Age 61. In power since 1999. Last year’s rank: Not mentioned
8. Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan. Age 64. In power since 1990. Last year’s rank: 8
9. Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe. Age 80. In power since 1980. Last year’s rank: 4
10. Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Equatorial Guinea. Age 62. In power since 1979. Last year’s rank: 6
Letters to Bush via The Idaho Statesman
The Idaho Statesman asked readers to write letters to Bush, send them in, and the paper would publish them. Some are HILARIOUS, some make very good points, and some make you want to cry (because the writer is so STOOPID!). Overall, the letters give me great hope for our state!
Here is an example of one funny letter (it made me snort!):
Questions for the president:
1. How come every time we get a president from Texas, the price of oil goes through the roof?
2. What will you and your administration do if China moves to reclaim Taiwan?
3. Mr. President, can you point to Iraq on the map?
4. How come you are the only person in your family who talks like a hick?
5. When gas costs $6 a gallon, will you consider adding three more hours to daylight saving time, or will you simply raise the air-pressure guidelines for tires?
6. When gas goes to $10 a gallon, which oil-producing country are we going to invade?
Jim Spicka, Boise
Great job, Jim!! More are available online!
Here is an example of one funny letter (it made me snort!):
Questions for the president:
1. How come every time we get a president from Texas, the price of oil goes through the roof?
2. What will you and your administration do if China moves to reclaim Taiwan?
3. Mr. President, can you point to Iraq on the map?
4. How come you are the only person in your family who talks like a hick?
5. When gas costs $6 a gallon, will you consider adding three more hours to daylight saving time, or will you simply raise the air-pressure guidelines for tires?
6. When gas goes to $10 a gallon, which oil-producing country are we going to invade?
Jim Spicka, Boise
Great job, Jim!! More are available online!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
ATTN: Mr. Bush
TO: president@whitehouse.gov
Mr. Bush:
When you are finished with your vacation, it would mean a lot to me if you could start focusing on some Presidential business.
Please focus on gathering information from qualified and ethical individuals who will provide honest, valid, and factual information regarding the needs of America's various military missions instead of regurgitating the facts created to match your agenda. Bring back the people you fired because they said things you didn't want to hear... they may have information that you desperately need to hear.
Please make an effort to use this accurate, valid information to develop a plan to efficiently and quickly finish your mission in Iraq (again). After that, put as much focus as you can over in Afghanistan so they can get that business taken care of promptly and correctly to TRULY protect America from the REAL terrorists. Then you can bring our troops home for good (unless you have other plans we don't know about?).
Please schedule as much time and energy as is needed toward providing the necessary resources for our men and women who are courageously risking their lives in your name and the resources to repair their physical and emotional damage when they come home broken and battered.
Please arrange your schedule to allow some time to publicly explain the connection between 9/11 and Iraq.
Please allow for additional time to explain to Americans what is happening with the REAL "War on Terror" and the status of our mission of "hunting down bin Laden".
Please take the time to explain the lack of action toward Saudi Arabia --a country that not only has more ties to the terrorists of 9/11 than Iraq does, but is also listed as #5 on the 10 Worst Dictators list according to the Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders. If America is committed to the "War on Terror", we would like to know what the plans are to address Saudi Arabia's involvement in 9/11. If America plans to bring democracy and liberation to other countries who are suffering from malevolent dictators, we would like to know how America plans to assist Saudi citizens in our "noble" efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
If you are unable to attend the funeral services of the men and women who died for you, then we request that you at least have enough respect for their families to reschedule various campaign fundraisers and vacation time to days other than those of funerals for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for your "noble cause".
It would also mean a lot to me that, while we are at war, if you could please call it the "War on Terror" ONLY when you are referring to the actual military actions which are related to the terrorists (i.e. bin Laden, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, etc.). I'm sure you can come up with another name for the actions in Iraq which would more accurately reflect your goal in that country.
Hopefully, if you can focus on the above tasks for a while, America will be able to return to its former status of a country at peace. Our country can start keeping its dollars within our own borders and you will then be able to focus on domestic issues such as health care, education, immigration, Homeland Security, the energy crisis, employment, economics, and poverty.
I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but it seems as if your advisors are unable to do so themselves and somebody needs to do it.
Mr. Bush:
When you are finished with your vacation, it would mean a lot to me if you could start focusing on some Presidential business.
Please focus on gathering information from qualified and ethical individuals who will provide honest, valid, and factual information regarding the needs of America's various military missions instead of regurgitating the facts created to match your agenda. Bring back the people you fired because they said things you didn't want to hear... they may have information that you desperately need to hear.
Please make an effort to use this accurate, valid information to develop a plan to efficiently and quickly finish your mission in Iraq (again). After that, put as much focus as you can over in Afghanistan so they can get that business taken care of promptly and correctly to TRULY protect America from the REAL terrorists. Then you can bring our troops home for good (unless you have other plans we don't know about?).
Please schedule as much time and energy as is needed toward providing the necessary resources for our men and women who are courageously risking their lives in your name and the resources to repair their physical and emotional damage when they come home broken and battered.
Please arrange your schedule to allow some time to publicly explain the connection between 9/11 and Iraq.
Please allow for additional time to explain to Americans what is happening with the REAL "War on Terror" and the status of our mission of "hunting down bin Laden".
Please take the time to explain the lack of action toward Saudi Arabia --a country that not only has more ties to the terrorists of 9/11 than Iraq does, but is also listed as #5 on the 10 Worst Dictators list according to the Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders. If America is committed to the "War on Terror", we would like to know what the plans are to address Saudi Arabia's involvement in 9/11. If America plans to bring democracy and liberation to other countries who are suffering from malevolent dictators, we would like to know how America plans to assist Saudi citizens in our "noble" efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
If you are unable to attend the funeral services of the men and women who died for you, then we request that you at least have enough respect for their families to reschedule various campaign fundraisers and vacation time to days other than those of funerals for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for your "noble cause".
It would also mean a lot to me that, while we are at war, if you could please call it the "War on Terror" ONLY when you are referring to the actual military actions which are related to the terrorists (i.e. bin Laden, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, etc.). I'm sure you can come up with another name for the actions in Iraq which would more accurately reflect your goal in that country.
Hopefully, if you can focus on the above tasks for a while, America will be able to return to its former status of a country at peace. Our country can start keeping its dollars within our own borders and you will then be able to focus on domestic issues such as health care, education, immigration, Homeland Security, the energy crisis, employment, economics, and poverty.
I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but it seems as if your advisors are unable to do so themselves and somebody needs to do it.
ATTN: American Legion
My response to Resolution 3.
Dear Honorable Commander Cadmus,
I learned today that the American Legion passed Resolution 3, which states: "The American Legion fully supports the president of the United States, the United States Congress and the men, women and leadership of our armed forces as they are engaged in the global war on terrorism and the troops who are engaged in protecting our values and way of life."
I would like to bring to your attention a previous position from the American Legion.
In 1999, the American Legion wrote the following letter to President Clinton:
The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization of nearly three-million members, urges the immediate withdrawal of American troops participating in "Operation Allied Force.''
The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in Indianapolis today, adopted Resolution 44, titled "The American Legion's Statement on Yugoslavia.'' This resolution was debated and adopted unanimously.
Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:
- That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities;
- Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;
- That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; and
- That it be made clear that U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers whom we acknowledge are superior military leaders.
It is the opinion of The American Legion, which I am sure is shared by the majority of Americans, that three of the above listed conditions have not been met in the current joint operation with NATO ("Operation Allied Force'').
In no case should America commit its Armed Forces in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States.
Can you honestly state that the current President has made a clear statement of why it is in our vital national interest to be engaged in hostilities?
Can you honestly state that guidelines have been established for this mission, including a clear exit strategy?
Can you honestly state that the American people support this mission?
Can you honestly state that the U.S. officers are superior military leaders -- especially in the light that our top leaders made deliberate efforts to avoid service to our country during Viet Nam and high ranking military officers have been demoted or fired when they provided information to the President that he disagreed with?
How can such honorable individuals as members of the American Legion who have willingly risked their lives for our country and our freedoms be able to change their values and priorities in such a few short years? I am truly hoping that the American Legion is not vulnerable to biased allegiance for particular political individuals rather than following the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence which they had sworn to uphold and all American citizens which they had sworn to protect.
In addition, as you state that you believe that “public protests against the war here at home while our young men and women are in harm's way on the other side of the globe only provide aid and comfort to our enemies", please keep consider the damage to our troops by:
- those in charge who chose not to provide adequate armor.
- those in charge who are not providing adequate VA services for those injured.
- those responsible for the faulty WMD intelligence.
- those who decided we didn't need an exit strategy.
- those leaders who decided against deploying an appropriately-sized force in the first place.
- those civilian commanders ignoring demands for more troops.
- those who are refusing to punish high ranking officers for Abu Ghraib and other leadership mistakes while allowing lower-ranking men and women be scapegoated.
It is my opinion that the above actions are MUCH more damaging to our troops and their morale than the knowledge that there are some Americans who are fighting FOR them at home to ensure their safety and protection by our elected representatives.
I sincerely and humbly request that you look deep with in your conscience and heart and seek the answers to these questions before you continue supporting this resolution.
In addition, I wish to remind you of this statement was made in 1918 by Theodore Roosevelt:
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole.
Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right.
Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.
Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
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