Reason #1968 to vote "NO" for McCain

America cannot afford more of the same.

America cannot afford to continue Bush's administration.

America cannot afford to continue Bush's war.

America cannot allow our military men and women
to continue paying the price for our ignorance.

Ask yourself:

How can we continue to fund the war, but not the casualties?

How can we continue to allow defense contractors to profit even beyond their OWN expectations? Especially after all of the misuse of the funds they've been given so far?

How can we pretend that the war in Iraq is about OIL and not 9/11?

How can we allow the war based upon lies to continue for the next ten years?

How can we continue to demand we "win" in Iraq... when we can't even define "win", are NOT winning, and have never even been CLOSE to winning?

How can we continue to send our damaged and broken soldiers back to the war zone? (At least the ones who haven't committed suicide...)

How can we continue to allow this administration to lie to us and bury information?

How can we continue to pretend that the financial and human price that we are paying for the war in Iraq is keeping America safe?

How can we afford the price we will be paying (and NEED to pay) to take care of our veterans?

How can we continue to say the surge is working when our troops still can't come home and are still being killed at alarming numbers?

How can we even consider a "pause" in troop reductions... haven't we been lied to enough?

How can we continue to deny that we are in another Vietnam?

How can we even THINK about starting another war?

When will America say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"?

In November 2008... VOTE OBAMA!

Why the waving of the flag doesn't impress me anymore...

It breaks my heart... I feel like I'm letting down people who I respect and admire deeply... but I can't stand the hypocrisy anymore...

"Support the troops" means "sacrifice more Americans"...
"God is on our side" means "I don't care if the government lied..."
"Look, I am wearing a flag pin!" means "I don't have to do anything else!"
"I'm a Republican" means "My head is up my tailpipe and I don't have to pay attention!"

Is anybody paying attention??? Idahoans don't seem to give a rat's ass about our Congressmen and how they FAIL to support our veterans...

Good grief, Senator Larry Craig (formerly Chair of Veterans Affairs) was given consistently FAILING grades by various veterans' associations for the past ten years... did anybody notice?? NO! As long as he was a Republican, Idaho trusted him... as offensive as his betrayal to our veterans should have been, people supported him... until he started playing footsie in a mens' restroom!

And now... their President who shall only be spoken of in reverent tones (or one shall be not "supporting our troops" or is "unAmerican") has committed yet another betrayal to the men and women who are risking their lives for his war...

During the State of the Union, to thunderous applause, Bush fed out more BS to America by stating that:

"Our military families serve our nation,
they inspire our nation,
and tonight our nation honors them."

That would be wonderful... IF HE ACTUALLY MEANT IT!!

He said that in reference to his proposal to allow our military men and women the ability to transfer their unused educational benefits to their family members.

Does anybody care that he neglected to include it in the budget he sent to Congress? How about a press conference where he can explain this to America, okay?? (He can add it to his explanation of all of the lies, where is bin Laden, and how does he define "Mission Accomplished" today.)

May I suggest that you contact your representives and ask them "WTF?"

No, don't do that...
Just ask them if how they plan on addressing this issue... if at all.
If you are an Idahoan, you know you're just going through the motions... but do it anyway!! Save their response letter for their next campaign!

Veterans: NO to McCain!!!

TO: Interested Parties
FROM: VoteVets.org
RE: Senator McCain’s Real Record on the War in Iraq
DATE: February 8, 2008

Senator John McCain presents himself as a maverick and a critic of the Iraq war. But a close read of his record indicates that his position on the Iraq war has consistently matched President George W. Bush’s.

Before The War:
McCain used many of the same arguments as Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Cheney and President Bush when advocating going to war with Iraq.

McCain co-sponsored the Use of Force Authorization that gave President George W. Bush the green light – and a blank check - for going to war with Iraq. [SJ Res 46, 10/3/02]

McCain argued Saddam was “a threat of the first order.” Senator McCain said that a policy of containing Iraq to blunt its weapons of mass destruction program is "unsustainable, ineffective, unworkable and dangerous."

McCain: "I believe Iraq is a threat of the first order, and only a change of regime will make Iraq a state that does not threaten us and others, and where liberated people assume the rights and responsibilities of freedom.” [Speech to the Center for Strategic & International Studies, 2/13/03]

McCain echoed Bush and Cheney’s rationale for going to war. McCain: “It’s going to send the message throughout the Middle East that democracy can take hold in the Middle East.” [Fox, Hannity & Colmes, 2/21/03]

McCain echoed Bush and Cheney’s talking points that the U.S. would only be in Iraq for a short time.

McCain: “It’s clear that the end is very much in sight. … It won’t be long…it’ll be a fairly short period of time.” [ABC, 4/9/03]

McCain said winning the war would be “easy.” “I know that as successful as I believe we will be, and I believe that the success will be fairly easy, we will still lose some American young men or women.” [CNN, 9/24/02]

During The War:

Senator McCain praised Donald Rumsfeld as late as May 12, 2004, after the Abu Ghraib scandal.

Asked if Donald Rumsfeld can continue to be an effective secretary of defense, McCain: “Yes, today I do and I believe he's done a fine job. He's an honorable man.” [Hannity and Colmes, 5/12/04]

Senator McCain repeatedly supported President Bush on the Iraq War – voting with him in the Senate, defending his actions and publicly praising his leadership.

McCain maintains the war was a good idea.

At the 2004 Republican National Convention, McCain, focusing on the war in Iraq, said that while weapons of mass destruction were not found, Saddam once had them and “he would have acquired them again.”

McCain said the mission in Iraq “gave hope to people long oppressed” and it was “necessary, achievable and noble.”

McCain: “For his determination to undertake it, and for his unflagging resolve to see it through to a just end, President Bush deserves not only our support, but our admiration.” [Plain Dealer, 8/31/04]

Senator McCain: “The war, the invasion was not a mistake. [Meet the Press, 1/6/08]

Asked if the war was a good idea worth the price in blood and treasure, McCain: “It was worth getting rid of Saddam Hussein. He had used weapons of mass destruction, and it's clear that he was hell-bent on acquiring them.” [Republican Debate, 1/24/08]

McCain defended Bush’s rationale for war. Asked if he thought the president exaggerated the case for war, McCain said, “I don’t think so.” [Fox News, 7/31/03]

McCain has been President Bush’s most ardent Senate supporter on Iraq. According to Michael Shank of the Foreign Policy in Focus think tank, McCain was at times Bush’s “most solid support in the Senate” on Iraq. [Foreign Policy in Focus, 1/15/08]

McCain voted against holding Bush accountable for his actions in the war. McCain opposed the creation of an independent commission to investigate the development and use of intelligence leading up to the war in Iraq. [S. Amdt. 1275 to H.R. 2658, Vote # 284, 7/16/03]

McCain praised Bush’s leadership on the war. McCain: “I think the president has led with great clarity and I think he’s done a great job leading the country…” [MSNBC, Hardball, 4/23/03]

Senator McCain has constantly moved the goal posts of progress for the war – repeatedly saying it would be over soon.

January 2003: “But the point is that, one, we will win this conflict. We will win it easily.” [MSNBC, 1/22/03]

March 2003: “I believe that this conflict is still going to be relatively short.” [NBC, Meet the Press, 3/30/03]

June 2004: “The terrorists know that this is a very critical time.” [CNN, 6/23/04]

December 2005: "Overall, I think a year from now, we will have a fair amount of progress [in Iraq] if we stay the course.” [The Hill, 12/8/05]

November 2006: “We’re either going to lose this thing or win this thing within the next several months." [NBC, Meet the Press, 11/12/06]

Senator McCain opposed efforts to end the overextension of the military that is having a devastating impact on our troops.

McCain voted against requiring mandatory minimum downtime between tours of duty for troops serving in Iraq. [S. Amdt.. 2909 to S Amdt. 2011 to HR 1585, Vote 341, 9/19/07; S Amdt. 2012 to S Amdt. 2011 to HR 1585, Vote #241, 7/11/07]

McCain was one of only 13 senators to vote against adding $430 million for inpatient and outpatient care for veterans. [S Amdt. 3642 to HR 4939, Vote 98, 4/26/06]

Senator McCain has consistently opposed any plan to withdraw troops from Iraq

Senator McCain repeatedly voted against a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq. [S. Amdt. 3876 to S.Amdt. 3874 to H.R. 2764, Vote #438, 12/18/07; S.Amdt.. 3875 to S.Amdt.. 3874 to H.R. 2764, Vote # 437, 12/18/07; S.Amdt.3164 to H.R. 3222, Vote # 362, 10/3/07; S.Amdt. 2898 to S.Amdt. 2011 to H.R. 1585, Vote #346, 9/21/07; S.Amdt. 2924 to S.Amdt.. 2011 to H.R.1585, Vote #345, 9/21/07; S.Amdt.2 087 to S.Amdt. 2011 to H.R. 1585, Vote #252, 7/18/07; S.Amdt. 643 to H.R. 1591, Vote #116, 3/27/07; S.Amdt. 4320 to S. 2766, Vote #182, 6/22/06; S.Amdt. 4442 to S. 2766, Vote #181, 6/22/06; S.Amdt.. 2519 to S.1042, Vote # 322, 11/15/05]

Senator McCain has consistently demonized Americans who want to find a responsible way to remove troops from Iraq so that we can take the fight to al Qaeda.

McCain: "I believe to set a date for withdrawal is to set a date for surrender.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/07]

McCain called proponents of a congressional resolution opposing the troop surge in Iraq intellectually dishonest. [Associated Press. 2/4/07]

The Future:

Senator McCain now says he sees no end to the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq.

McCain: "[M]ake it a hundred" years in Iraq and "that would be fine with me." [Derry, New Hampshire Town Hall meeting, 1/3/08]

McCain on how long troops may remain in Iraq: “A thousand years. A million years. Ten million years. It depends on the arrangement we have with the Iraqi government.” [Associated Press, 1/04/08]

It must be a secret...

... because nobody seems to be talking about the twenty-three Americans where were killed so far in Iraq this year... at this rate, we'll hit 4,000 dead before Easter.

Please take a moment to pay your respects to Danny, David, John, Keith, Curtis, Todd, Sean, Christopher, Matthew, Jonathan, Zachary, David, Ivan, Phillip, Timothy, James, Jason, Menelek, Andrew, Thomas, Ryan, and Joshua. Send a special prayer to the family who is being notified today...

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out the their families at home and their military families who are still serving our country...

Since they were willing to sacrifice their lives for our country, I hope the rest of us are willing to take a little time to become informed about our current candidates... and for God's sake, VOTE...

Today is Gold Star Mother's Day

Please take a moment to comfort and honor the families of those who have given their lives in the name of the United States of America...

Proclamation by the President of the United States

Whereas the preamble to Public Resolution 123, 74th Congress, approved June 23, 1936 (40 Stat. 1895), recites:

Whereas the service rendered the United States by the American mother is the greatest source of the Country’s strength and inspiration; and

“Whereas we honor ourselves and the mothers of America when we revere and give emphasis to the home as the fountainhead of the State; and

“Whereas the American mother is doing so much for the home and for the moral and spiritual uplift of the people of the United States and hence so much for good government and humanity; and

“Whereas the American Gold Star Mothers suffered the supreme sacrifice of motherhood in the loss of their sons and daughters in World Wars”and

Whereas the said Public Resolution 12 provides:

“That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the Government officials to display the United States flag on all Government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, churches, or other suitable places, on the last Sunday in September, as public expression of the love, sorrow and reverence of the people of the United States for the American Gold Star Mothers."

“Sec. 2. That the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” and it shall be the duty of the President to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.”

I have to ask myself... why is America not aware of this day of honor? Why is there no media coverage? Why are those who claim to "support the troops" by supporting this war not also supporting the Gold Star Mothers (and the widows and orphans...) by honoring them today?

Because it's easier for America to look away from our pain and ignore their role in causing it...

A lot of talk, a lot of BS

Support the troops, support the troops, support the troops...

It's on bumper stickers and car magnets, t-shirts and hometown banners...

I even see it on corporate advertisements... "We Support The Troops!!!"

When certain individuals want to condemn me for my beliefs and opinions, one of the "bullets" they shoot me with is how THEY support the troops and I don't... (Of course, these are the same people who elect representatives like Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, and Mike Crapo (who SAY they support our veterans but have failed them miserably!) ...

And now this...

Army Suicides Highest in 26 Years

WASHINGTON -- Army soldiers committed suicide last year at the highest rate in 26 years, and more than a quarter did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new military report… Last year, "Iraq was the most common deployment location for both (suicides) and attempts," the report said.

Why Isn’t the Press on a Suicide Watch?

You’d never know that at least 3% of all American deaths in Iraq are due to self-inflicted wounds. And that doesn’t include the many vets who have killed themselves after returning home.

{Thank you, Caro from MakeThemAccountable.com, for sharing this...}

I won't hold my breath waiting for mainstream media to provide coverage... not when "Support the Troops" is such a popular bumper sticker... but doesn't really mean anything real to the average American... who seem to follow the mindset of Barbara Bush:

“Why should we hear about body bags and deaths and how many, what day it’s going to happen, and how many this or what do you suppose? Oh, I mean, it’s, not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?” (ABC/Good Morning America)

UPDATE 8/17/07

The Times-News (local Magic Valley regional daily paper) DID insert an AP article in today's issue. Section C, Page 6.

On one hand, KUDOS for publishing this article and informing Americans about the tragic and painful consequences experienced by our brave men and women for serving our country.

On the other hand, SECTION C?? PAGE 6?? Personally, I consider our military men and women and their issues a HUGE priority for America, considering we are AT WAR and they are risking and sacrificing their lives for our country. Put the four losers who murdered their friend in the back pages -- they are NOT worthy of front page news. Yes, they are also someone's loved ones, but they chose to rob and murder others rather than bravely serve our country. Who do YOU think deserves the front page?

My opinion: If it has to do with our troops, it needs to be on the front page. Every time. No matter what.

Dropping the ball in Idaho...

Letter to the Editor sent to Times-News, March 21, 2007 originally posted March 2007.

Representative Simpson recently stated that “We must continue to support the troops and provide them with the resources they need to do the job so they can return home safely.”

However, this week he joined other Republicans opposing a requirement for our troops to be properly prepared for their mission and protected with armor.

This shouldn’t be surprising considering his record of supporting veteran issues and concerns. In 2006, Simpson received a “C” from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and a 66% rating from Disabled American Veterans. (He improved from 2003-2005--where he was rated ZERO each year.)

Senator Craig recently published a statement distancing himself from the Walter Reed situation. After reading it, one might conclude Craig is committed to veteran’s issues. It might be shocking to learn IAVA gives Craig a D- last year. DAV rated him 20% (2005 = 42%, 2004 = 0%). The Retired Enlisted Association also gave Craig a 0% rating for 2004.

Unfortunately, Senator Crapo repeats the pattern. In 2006, IAVA gave Crapo a D. Crapo followed Craig’s footsteps, earning the exact same scores from DAV during 2004-2006. Another repeat in 2004 with a 0% rating from TREA.

Idahoans need to ask themselves if this is acceptable. As our troops return from the Middle East, they will need our support. We cannot continue to slap happy yellow ribbons on our cars and claim we’ve have done our duty for our military. The Walter Reed situation proves that Americans have dropped the ball. We need to be involved, informed, and vigilant. We need to demand accountability from our representatives. If we fail that, we have failed our country and the men and women who so bravely and faithfully give so much of their lives in our name.

They deserve better from us.

Our local paper DID provide coverage...

Last night's demonstration felt rewarding to those who were there. I don't think I'm the only one who wishes there were more of us participating but the fellowship and support was still energizing even among our small number.

I think that we had about 30 participants, if we include those who were not able to stay the whole hour. It was great to see some familiar faces and really great to see some new ones.

What was even MORE wonderful was the responses from the people who drove by... we received many honks and waves. My favorite was the guys in desert camo (National Guard?) who hollered and gave us a "thumbs up"! THAT IS WHY MANY OF US WERE THERE... to protect those who have sworn to protect US.

Yeah, we had a couple negative reactions. A "couple" means literally that! TWO. (That I saw anyway...) One guy gave us the bird and another guy hollered "California is THAT way!" Ummmm... yeah, really intelligent response, "dude". Whatever.

The saddest part for me was the drivers who avoided eye contact with us. They were deliberately ignoring our presence and our signs and our message. To me, they symbolize the many Americans who have turned their backs on our troops, who have ignored truth and reality, who are unaware of our soldiers' sacrifices and how many of our politicians... our IDAHO politicians ... are betraying our military and our veterans in the name of pride, arrogance, and blind loyalty.

Like I told the Times-News reporter, you don't have to agree with me... just make the effort to be aware and informed. Don't turn away from the issues because you are too lazy, too selfish, too "busy", or too arrogant.

Speaking of the Times-News, I am pleased to say that the reporter spent a lot of time talking to us about our concerns and our reasons for being there. The photographer also visited with us. Both were respectful and considerate. The article seemed accurate in my opinion and they both respected my "off the record" requests.

And if you ever visit Mr. Greenwood, attorney at law, please pass on our appreciation for sharing his parking lot with us. Maybe that will make him a bit happier than he was last night...

In closing, our signs last night reminded the public about the 3616 casualties (which means dead American soldiers and Marines...)

Since then, our numbers have increased to 3,619 confirmed casualties.
There are four waiting to be confirmed "pending notification" (totaling 3623 casualties).

As you read this, there are four families whose lives are being shattered forever. There are four mothers who are screaming. Four fathers who are crying.

How many more days... months... years... will this be acceptable to the American public? Call your senator and representatives NOW... before another mother gets "the visit" that will break her heart and shatter her life.

Right now, please pray for the families of Jeffrey Chaney and Patrick Wade. They were killed today...

Anti War Protest in Twin Falls

{For those of you NOT in the Magic Valley,
please pass this on to your friends who are...

\check to see if you have a local event in your area or host your own...
or blog about it!}

Please consider joining us in an anti-war event:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17 5-6 PM

WHERE: 202 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls (Senator Crapo's office--the nearest cross street is Monroe. There is parking in the CSI parking lot across the street.)

WHY: On Monday or Tuesday, the Levin-Reid amendment to begin troop pull-out from Iraq will be presented in the US Senate. Republican Senators intend to filibuster the bill. We will hold a counter (citizens') filibuster on Falls Ave. We will be reading real letters from US troops for our filibuster. It would be just great to have more than a puny turnout. We need to get word to our senators and to Magic Valley citizens (and other Idahoans) that we give them permission NOT to be the last two supporters of the Bush war.PLEASE try to help, even if protests are not your favorite thing to do.

The war is four and a half years old, no end is in sight, we've lost over 3600 troops, and the cost is more than one billion dollars per week.

Think of the horrible misery in Iraq.

If you think that participating in this event is "inconvenient"... think of the sacrifice being made by our loyal and brave troops and their families as they obey the call to serve our country. I'm sure they all have things they would like to be doing tomorrow night as well, but instead our administration sent them to Iraq...

Bring some friends, bring water, and shade for your head, and a sign if possible. Pass this on via e-mail and pick up the phone and call your friends. If we don't protect our troops, who will?

This is a Move-on event. (Sign up to encourage others!)

Citizen Counter Filibuster
to US Senate Republican sponsored filibuster
of Iraq war pullout bill

Address: 202 Falls Ave. (Map)

Location: Twin Falls, ID 83301

Host: Jeff Ruprecht, 733-9639

It's pretty outrageous: Senate Republicans are planning to block key votes to stop the war this week because they know they'll lose.

You read that right: with the Democratic majority plus three key Republicans ready to vote for an exit strategy for Iraq, the Senate has enough votes to pass legislation that would force President Bush to bring most troops home by April. But the Republicans are trying to stop that vote.

We have a plan to fight back. Tomorrow night, as Republicans try to block the vote, we're holding citizens' counter-filibusters to remind Republicans and the media that this isn't about partisan games—it's about peoples' lives.

At the events, we'll gather in towns and cities across the country with candles and signs to read first-hand accounts from Iraq vets and their families about the true cost of the war. This is a key moment.

The timing couldn't be better. We're at a cross-roads in Congress—the Republican stonewall is starting to cave (see below for some examples).
This fight comes at a critical time.

Republicans are abandoning President Bush on Iraq. For the last two weeks Republican support for the war has crumbled in Congress.1 Prominent Senate Republicans like Senators Lugar (IN), Voinovich (OH) and Domenici (NM) have called for a change in course while others, like Senators Snowe (ME), Hagel (NE) and Smith (OR) have co-sponsored Democratic legislation to bring our troops home.

The White House is panicked. Last week, ABC News ran a report with the headline "'Crack in the Dike': White House in 'Panic Mode' Over GOP Revolt on Iraq."2 The report indicates that the White House is looking for ways to "appease Democrats and keep wobbly Republicans onboard."

Editorial boards across the country are pushing for exit from Iraq. Just last week the New York Times—a bellwether newspaper with an influential editorial board—officially endorsed withdrawal from Iraq. The New York Times now joins papers like the Portland Press Herald—which helped swing key Maine Senator, Olympia Snowe to support exit plans, the Los Angeles Times and others in saying it is now time to leave Iraq.3

The Iraqi Prime Minister says U.S. troops can leave. Polls of Iraqi public opinion have shown that Iraqis want American troops to go home.4 And on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the press that his government is capable of taking care of Iraq and American troops can leave "any time they want."5

All these recent developments around the war have contributed to the Republican collapse on Iraq. This filibuster is a desperate attempt to stall progress on ending the war.

On Tuesday night we're going to show the Republicans in the Senate that blocking the will of the people from even being voted on won't work. If they keep siding with the president over the voters, they're going to feel a real backlash at home.

If you aren't near Twin Falls, click below to host your own counter filibuster on Tuesday night.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2783&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=3

The ground is shifting in the fight to end the war and we're closer than we've ever been to turning key Republicans in Congress against the war. Tuesday's events could help push them over the top. We need your voice with us to do it.

Sources:
1. "Reid Reaches Out to GOP Defectors to Vote for Change in Iraq," ABC News, July 11, 2007.http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3359845&page=1

2. 'Crack in the Dike': White House in 'Panic Mode' Over GOP Revolt on Iraq, ABC News, July 9, 2007http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3359764&page=1

3. "The Road Home," The New York Times, July 7, 2007http://www.blogger.com/
"Bring Them Home," The Los Angeles Times, May 6, 2007http://www.blogger.com/
"Blunders Leave Troops With No Hopes of Success," Portland Press Herald, April 29, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2784&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=4

4. "Democracy's support sinks," USA Today, March 19, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2785&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=5

5. "Al-Maliki dismisses doubts about Iraq government," Associated Press, July 15, 2007.http://www.blogger.com/

Pssst! Look behind you!!!

Bush is whining about "POLITICAL THEATER"...

"Just over an hour later, Bush appeared at the White House alongside veterans and family members of troops to accuse Democrats of staging nothing more than political theater that delays the delivery of resources to soliders fighting in Iraq. "

I was under the impression that active duty soldiers appearing IN UNIFORM at a political event was a violation of the military's rules of conduct. Maybe I'm wrong... but when one thinks about how important it was to President Eisenhower and President Truman to emphasize the civilian aspect of control of the military, Bush using soldiers as stage props is the the utmost insult to our brave men and women of our military.

Call the White House [202-456-1111]
and tell them what you think
about his version of political theater
and (mis)use of troops.

Lead, follow, or get the f*** out of the way...

Across America, citizens are discussing the actions of the GOP representatives who must have fallen asleep last November and are still sleepwalking through legislation, blindly following the map of their dark prince and NOT listening to their constituents or making choices in the best interest of our military.

It started this morning over at DailyKos and continued after lunch... citizens who support the troops and have high expectations from our representatives... blogging all over the place!

Here in Idaho, Red State Rebels has linked to Idaho bloggers who are expressing their frustration with Mike Simpson's hypocrisy and poor record of supporting our military and our veterans.

Simpson conveniently issued a press release today, continuing his verbal commitment to fully fund the troops. Similar to his testimony before Congress on February 16, 2007, he reminds us:

"...the one thing we must not do is cut off funding for our troops. Americans will not stand for it as our Armed Servicemen and women deserve better.”

Idahoans, join me in reminding Rep. Simpson that the troops also deserve adequate armor and weaponry, responsible leadership from Congress, a defined mission and an EXIT PLAN, and appropriate resources when they come home!

Join me in reminding Simpson that as an elected Republican representative from the beginning of this war, he's had plenty of time and funding to provide for our troops and our veterans... and he's FAILED.

Join me in informing Simpson we will no longer allow him to continue representing Idaho like he has been. He needs to realize that America gave GOP four years to accomplish their mission in Iraq and they've failed to do so. This administration has failed our country and our military in oh-so-many ways...

Simpson's had his chance to lead... he now has two choices remaining... what's it going to be?

Mike Simpson does NOT support troops OR Veterans

March 21, 2007

Dear Representative Simpson,

“Supporting the troops” is more than a bumper-sticker phrase. It actually requires action which DO support our troops during and AFTER deployment.

On February 16, 2007, you expressed shame about congressional “posturing” and “hyperbole”. You stated that Congress owes honesty to their constituents and “to the men and women fighting this war.”

I agree, Congress owes honesty to all Americans. That is what we’ve been asking from you for years now: Honesty and accountability.

• Honesty about why we are in Iraq.
• Honesty about the mission, the plan, the exit strategy.
• Accountability to the military, to the generals, to the taxpayers, to the voters.
• Honesty and accountability about how well our troops are prepared.
• Honesty and accountability about their needs for armor, weapons, and troop numbers.
• Honesty and accountability regarding the private subcontractors providing supplies, etc.

You asked your “colleagues to put themselves in the positions of the thousands of soldiers on the ground in Iraq.” You were trying to make a point that criticism of the war is sending a “terrible message” to those “brave soldiers”.

What kind of message do you think our soldiers receive when they are lacking appropriate armor, weapons, training, and medical care? What kind of message do they receive when their food is spoiled and their water is contaminated? What kind of message did we send them with the Walter Reed situation? What kind of message do they receive when they needed more troops and were denied over and over and over again…until this pitiful, too little, too late “surge”?

In particular, you state that the two things that keep them going is the “thought of returning home” and the “knowledge that you are doing something to protect your nation from terrorism”.

How do you think they feel about returning home in a casket due to inadequate armor and exhausted, poorly trained, and limited troops? How do you think they feel about returning home and having to fight the bureaucracy for their benefits and medical care? How do you think they feel about returning home to shattered families due to their long seemingly unending absences after their third and fourth deployment? How do you think they feel when they are reminded that the 9/11 terrorists were from countries OTHER than Iraq and you played a “bait and switch” game with their lives and loyalty?

You then state that “While our brave military men and women are putting their lives on the line every day in Iraq to preserve our freedoms, Congress is debating a resolution designed to do nothing more than embarrass the President.”

Is THAT what you think this is about? Embarrassing the President? With all due respect, sir, but are you really this out of touch? The majority of Americans do NOT support this war or this administration. The majority of Americans believe they have been deceived about the purpose of the war in Iraq. The majority of Americans want our troops home as soon as possible because they do not believe there is any further purpose for them to stay and die in Iraq. This is NOT about the President. This is about our BRAVE SOLDIERS who need to be brought home—safely and quickly.

“I believe that we should be above playing politics with war. We must continue to support the troops and provide them with the resources they need to do the job so they can return home safely.”

Those are YOUR words, Mr. Simpson. You claim that you want to provide the troops with the resources they need to do the job.

Then PLEASE explain to your constituents why you were among the Republicans who opposed requiring that the troops sent to Iraq be properly prepared for their mission and protected with armor.

"As you know, you go to war with the Army you have. They're not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time."

Rumsfeld's statement was UNACCEPTABLE in 2004 and it is even MORE UNACCEPTABLE today. As we are now entering the fifth year of this war and we are sending yet more troops into battle, you CANNOT allow us to send them without what they need to survive the fight!

In addition, I have learned that:

• In 2006, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave you a grade of C and you supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans only 66 percent of the time.
• In 2005, you received a ZERO rating from the Disabled American Veterans.
• In 2004, you also received a ZERO rating from the Disabled American Veterans. For that same year, on the votes that The Retired Enlisted Association considered to be the most important, you voted their preferred position ONLY 33 percent of the time.
• In 2003, on the votes that the Disabled American Veterans considered to be the most important, you voted their preferred position ZERO percent of the time and you received a 50 percent rating from American Veterans.

You moralize about congressional “posturing” and “hyperbole”. You cry out that Congress owes honesty to their constituents and “to the men and women fighting this war.”

As far as I can tell, you do not support our brave men and women while they are bravely serving our country nor do you support them after they return home to their families. Pretending otherwise as you lecture the Democrats is dishonest and hypocritcal.

Shame on YOU.

{FAXED to Twin Falls and DC office on Wednesday March 21, 2007 at 12:00pm. You can contact Rep. Simpson here.}

Abandoning the troops... isn't that a crime or something?

Why were so many people "shocked" about the Walter Reed situation under Republican leadership in the executive and legislative branches?

Because we're lazy and not paying attention.

Why do so many Americans stereotype the Republicans as being the party that supports the troops?

Because we're lazy and not paying attention.

Too many Americans are not doing their "homework" and are relying on "stereotypes" and assumptions.

This laziness is doing a HUGE disservice to the Americans who are risking and sacrificing their lives, their physical and mental health-- as well as the traumatic impact it has on their families during and after deployment.

To put it mildly, it is unpatriotic to consider this "acceptable".

To be blunt, it is treasonous.

Even AFTER the last election, where Americans attempted to get the message across to our elected officials that we wanted change, Republicans are still not getting it.

Ask yourself...

• Do you have a "Support the Troops" bumper sticker on your car?
• Do you ever say the words "I support the troops"?
• Do you have a child, parent, spouse, lover, friend, or neighbor who served in the military or is currently serving in the military?
• Do you vote?
• Do you pay taxes?
• Do you consider yourself a Christian?
• Do you consider yourself compassionate?
• Do you consider yourself a patriotic American?

If ANY of these apply to you, then you have an OBLIGATION to do the following (it will take much less time than an 18-month deployment, I promise!):

• Watch this video. (Come on, it's ONLY 30 seconds long, you can give that much time to our troops, can't you?)
• Check out the grades given to our Congressional representatives by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Don't just take a minute or two and just scan the last two columns (even though that alone will shock most people!)... but TAKE THE TIME to contact your own representative and either thank them for supporting our veterans... or demand an explanation! (One of my own state's senators was the head of Veteran's Affairs and HE received a D-!!)
• Find out which Republicans STILL unanimously opposed requiring that the troops sent to Iraq be properly prepared for their mission and protected with armor. {Idahoans, MIKE SIMPSON IS ON THIS LIST!!! Is this acceptable to you???} They say they "support" the troops and then they vote to kill them by continuing to vote unanimously to send unarmored, untrained, unrested (and even, Salon and the Hartford Courant tell us, wounded and mentally unstable) troops to Iraq. This is unacceptable to me and should be unacceptable to EVERY American no matter WHICH political party they belong to...

Am I being too sensitive or is this BEYOND offensive?

UPDATE [10:50AM, 12/20/2006]:
When I started this post, I was really upset at the insensitivity of whoever designed this item and at the company for selling it. I couldn't imagine what type of person would actually PURCHASE it!

Within an hour, there were several hits on this post from the company. In less than two hours, the item "is no longer available". I don't know when/who brought concerns like mine to their attention, but the most important thing is that they RESPONDED.

Please let Oriental Trading Company know that you appreciate their prompt response to our concerns...

To those of you from Oriental Trading Post, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for listening to us...
==============================================
Original post:

As the rest of America is either slapping "Support The Troops" magnets on their cars or sending care packages to Iraq...

...while over 200,000 families prepare for holidays without their loved ones (either their soldier is deployed over the holidays or is one of the 2,952 Americans who have been killed or one of the 22,300 injured men and women)...

...while our politicians bicker over strategies for the war in Iraq...

...The Oriental Trading Company provides a PINATA in the shape of an Army Humvee filled with soldiers... !!!! What were they thinking??

And who would BUY one of these?? What kind of sick and twisted person would feel pleasure while taking a stick and pounding at this pinata? Am I missing something here??

If this bothers you, as much as it bothers me... let them know.

H/T to Steve O., for the post at Bring It On...

In honor of my brother...

This is a re-post... just in case someone needs an end-of-the-year tax write-off! For the sake of this scholarship, I have NO pride!! (except the pride I feel for my brother...)

On my blog, per my family's request, I have deliberately tried to avoid any mention of my brother, especially by name. The following request has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans, but it is to honor my brother, his memory, and one of his passions.

My brother, Major Alan Blake Rowe, was killed in Iraq on Sept. 3, 2004. It was his fourth deployment and he'd been "in country" less than a week. He left behind a wonderful wife and two precious children.

One of my brother's serious interests (along with Broncos!) was Political Science. One of our favorite family stories is about the luncheon Alan attended with my father around age 6, where he sat next to then-Governor of Idaho, Cecil Andrus. From what I've been told, he chatted with Governor Andrus throughout the meal.

In the early 1990s, Alan worked as an intern for Idaho State Senator Laird Noh:

"He was interested in natural resources and natural resources management," Noh said. "He worked under my supervision. He was a marvelous human being and extremely motivated."

"At the time, Idaho was beginning to awaken to the implications of the Endangered Species Act," Noh said. The Legislature and the public didn't have a thorough understanding of the act, he said, so he tasked Rowe with writing a research paper on the potential listing status of various plants and animals in Idaho and what the implications were because of the provisions of the law.

"He just dug into it," Noh said. "He did a very professional job. We circulated it to all the members of the committee and media. I still refer to it periodically."

"He read newspapers and was very interested in the world around him," Noh added. "He was very mature. I was kind of hoping he was looking toward a career in natural resource management. But he was also oriented to a career in the military. He was a class act and a great citizen."

Alan received his Associates at the College of Southern Idaho and his Bachelor's at Boise State University, majoring in Political Science. After his death, one of his professors at CSI started a scholarship fund, "The Alan Rowe Memorial Political Science Scholarship". The only guideline attached at this point is that it will be used to fund a scholarship for a student studying political science at CSI.

No funds have been distributed because we need to raise the balance to a $10,000 endowment level. Since my brother was killed, our first concerns were for the educational fund for the children, then a fundraiser for families of local (Magic Valley) deployed Guard members, and then another fundraiser for TAPS (for families of other KIAs), so this is our first major request for donations.

Please consider supporting this opportunity to continue my brother's memory and honor his commitment to education and Political Science.

Thank you.

Donations should be made out to:

The College of Southern Idaho Foundation, Inc.

MEMO: Alan Rowe Memorial Scholarship

And mailed to:

CSI Foundation

P.O. Box 1238

Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238

Thank you so very much,
Diana Rowe Pauls
Very Proud Sister of Major Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding, Idaho
KIA 9-3-2004 in Iraq

Supporting the troops...

On Friday, I was invited to speak to my daughter’s high school Speech class. The topic I chose was “Supporting the Troops”.

I began by mentioning the negative opinion by some regarding the “yellow ribbon magnets” which we see on cars everywhere. Of course, that surprised them … why would that be viewed negatively?

Because Americans slap those magnets on their cars…and that is as far as they are willing or able to support the troops.

I asked the room (most students, a few adults) if they knew the name of the young man who graduated from their high school and was later killed in Iraq. Only one person raised her hand… my daughter—because it was her uncle, my brother, who was killed. I enlightened the others about their fallen alumni, who he was and who was left behind. I told them that being aware of this loss… to never forget… is one way to support the troops.

I asked them if they knew how many Idahoans were killed in Iraq (16), how many Americans have been killed in Iraq (2,939), and how many have been wounded (21,778)… nobody knew, most were not even close. Again, being aware of the sacrifice being made by our troops… is one way to support the troops.

I discussed the need for citizens to keep open minds about what they hear. I reminded them to research and confirm “sound bites” before believing them. I told them how important it was that they develop their OWN opinions rather than blindly follow others. For an example, I read them the following quote:

“We are also here to ask, and we are here to ask vehemently, where are the leaders of our country? Where is the leadership? … Where are they now that we, the men whom they sent off to war, have returned? These are commanders who have deserted their troops, and there is no more serious crime in the law of war.”

I let them know these words were spoken during Vietnam by a soldier as he testified before Congress, then I asked if they thought the speaker was a traitor to our country… or did he support the troops? They seemed to agree that he sounded like he supported the troops… and seemed to be surprised that the words were spoken by John Kerry.

I also encouraged the students to research candidates and politicians to see how well THEY support the troops. I informed them about Vote-Smart.org and how voters can learn how current politicians vote and how certain issue groups "grade" their actions. For example, I wanted them to know that our esteemed Senator Larry Craig was given a grade of D- from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. I didn’t have enough time to tell them that he only supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 20 percent and the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 42 percent. (And he's the CHAIR of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in the Senate!) I wanted them to know that being aware of how our reprentatives support the troops is yet another way WE support the troops.

I don’t know if I made much of an impact, but I tried.

We have failed our duty...

When I speak about how I feel about the war in Iraq, I am told I dishonor the military and my own fallen hero with my "lack of support for the troops". I'm told that our troops feel betrayed and insulted by people like me. I'm told that our military believes in this "noble cause" and any criticism of the war or our president is "unpatriotic" and "treasonous" to our country.

I've tried to explain my belief that our troops have no other choice but to obey their commander-in-chief. They are not allowed to disagree with their orders or express contrasting opinions or criticize their commanding officer. That is how the military is designed, that is how it should be, and that is why we have the best military in the world. Our troops have pledged loyalty to our country and they are willing to sacrifice their lives for us. Their job is to protect America and its citizens.

It is OUR job to protect THEM. It is our duty to protect them by intelligently and diligently electing ethical and diligent public servants to run our government. It is our responsibility to hold these officials accountable for their decisions and to demand honesty from them.

I named my blog "We have failed our duty as citizens..." because I believe WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect our troops. We have failed to demand responsible decisions from our government. We have failed to demand accountability from their commander-in-chief and his administration. We failed by allowing our government to get our country into this war, by allowing them to lie to us, and by being too stupid and lazy to demand honesty and accountability. As a result, our troops are left without OUR protection while they sacrifice their lives for us. I had hoped that the election in 2004 would provide some hope for our men and women in Iraq but Americans let them down.

Now, two years after I started my blog, two years after Bush was supposedly re-elected, two years after Cindy Sheehan went public with her questions... our military men and women have finally ended up in not only fighting "them over there" but having to defend themselves from our own government here at home.

We have failed Kyle Snyder, Ivan Brobeck, Agustin Aguayo, Suzanne Swift, Ricky Clousing, Lt. Ehren Watada, Darrell Anderson, Mark Wilkerson, and Katherine Jashinski. These brave and honorable men and women depended on Americans to protect them... and we failed. Now some are AWOL and some are being court-martialed. Whether or not you support their actions, it still remains that WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect them by allowing Bush to "stay the course" despite all efforts to influence him to make changes (increase troops, etc.).

There is now An Appeal for Redress from the War in Iraq which states that:

"Many active duty, reserve, and guard service members are concerned about the war in Iraq and support the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The Appeal for Redress provides a way in which individual service members can appeal to their Congressional Representative and US Senators to urge an end to the U.S. military occupation. The Appeal messages will be delivered to members of Congress at the time of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2007."

The wording of the Appeal for Redress is short and simple. It is patriotic and respectful in tone:

As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq . Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home.

Americans should be ashamed of themselves... we have deserted our troops, and "there is no more serious crime in the law of war".

We have failed our duty...

Saying "Thank You"...

Here is a wonderful opportunity to tell a soldier or Marine "Thank You" for their sacrifice and bravery. As many of us have stated before, no matter how we feel about the war in Iraq or the current administration, we truly appreciate and support our troops.

Stop by Let's Say Thanks and pick out one of the precious "thank you" cards (with artwork by children across America). Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier serving in Iraq. It's FREE and it only takes a second.

Here is the card that I sent...



At the same time, don't forget to send a note to your own soldier/Marine. If you don't have one, find one! Ask your friends, co-workers, local church, veteran's organization, or recruitment office etc. for the name of someone to "adopt". They are sacrificing and risking so much in the name of our country... let's all join together and show our love and appreciation for them.

Truly thankful...

Thanks again to Carolyn Kay at MakeThemAccountable.com for passing on another gem...

Why friends shouldn't let friends vote stupid...

On Saturday, Spc. James Lee Bridges of Buhl, Idaho was killed while conducting a mounted patrol in the Iraqi city of Baghdad. He was 23 years old. His enlistment would have ended in two weeks -- but he was called back to serve another deployment.

I am praying for his family and his fiancee.

Support the troops... bring them home.