Saturday, November 04, 2006
War Criminals, Beware
The Subject title was posted at The Nation on November 2nd by Jeremy Brecher & Brendan Smith, and crossposted at Common Dreams.
It starts out with this:
{An article on the "Is Universal Jurisdiction an Effective Tool?":
FIDH supports war crimes lawsuit against US officers in Germany}
No matter what happens on Tuesday, the First Order of business, for the incoming new congress, starting even before sworn in with already public evidence collected and any not public, is to open Congressional Investigations and Public Hearings on Any Related actions, from the lead up to the Iraq invasion to the theft of the peoples treasury by War Profitteers through the No Bid Contract process and related thefts!
We already know that those 'Hired' by the people, calling themselves 'Republican', Refuse to Investigate and especially do their job of Oversight, while prrof also shows some were profitting themselves, on these matters and other corrupt practises while supposedly doing The People's work and defending the Constitution!
The Administration, Executive Branch, should not be the only ones investigated. At the same time Congress finally opens up their Investigative and Oversight responsibilities an Independant Investigative Committee, of Outsiders drawn from the best to be found, should open up an Investigation of Congressional Office Holders, both houses, into who know what and when and were enablers of the Executive Branch's actions, across the board, and why no Oversight and Investigations were allowed!
Things did change on 9/11, everyones right on that observation, but not as to the World as a whole but to this Country and Society! Taking a direction wanted by only a few but dragging us All into their twisted wants of a World Continuely at War with the Extreme Criminal elements that share the same wants, only in the latter theirs rose from the Failed Policies that have been practised by this Nation and other so called Western Nation collaboraters!
If we are to be, Ever, as we like to think we are, We must rid ourselves of the Apathy and Arrogance and Actually put Real Actions to our Over Used Descriptions of what America stands for, not just in words but Total Committed Actions! We 'Must' become the 'Real Democracy' example we think we are, Others will follow on their own, with no need to Blow Them Up into submission!
REAL JUSTICE must prevail!!
It starts out with this:
On November 14 a group of lawyers and other experts will come before the German federal prosecutor and ask him to open a criminal investigation targeting Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales and other key Bush Administration figures for war crimes. The recent passage of the Military Commissions Act provides a central argument for the legal action, under the doctrine of universal jurisdiction: It demonstrates the intent of the Bush Administration to immunize itself legally from prosecution in the United States, even for the most serious crimes.
The Rumsfeld action was announced at a conference in New York City in late October titled "Is Universal Jurisdiction an Effective Tool?" {pdf file-4 page description of conferance} The doctrine allows domestic courts to prosecute international crimes regardless of where the crime was committed, the nationality of the perpetrator or the nationality of the victim. It is reserved for only the most heinous offenses: genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture. A number of countries around the world have enacted universal jurisdiction statutes; even the United States allows it for certain terrorist offenses and torture.
{An article on the "Is Universal Jurisdiction an Effective Tool?":
FIDH supports war crimes lawsuit against US officers in Germany}
An earlier case against Rumsfeld was brought two years ago in Germany by CCR on behalf of four Iraqi victims of Abu Ghraib, drawing largely on documents and photos that revealed abuse at the prison. As the case was being considered, a security conference loomed in Munich. Rumsfeld, who could have been served papers or even arrested, refused to attend unless the case was dismissed. It was dismissed February 10; Rumsfeld flew to Germany the next day.
No matter what happens on Tuesday, the First Order of business, for the incoming new congress, starting even before sworn in with already public evidence collected and any not public, is to open Congressional Investigations and Public Hearings on Any Related actions, from the lead up to the Iraq invasion to the theft of the peoples treasury by War Profitteers through the No Bid Contract process and related thefts!
We already know that those 'Hired' by the people, calling themselves 'Republican', Refuse to Investigate and especially do their job of Oversight, while prrof also shows some were profitting themselves, on these matters and other corrupt practises while supposedly doing The People's work and defending the Constitution!
The case will draw on a powerful new argument. The Military Commissions Act of 2006, which the President promoted and recently signed into law, provides retroactive immunity for civilians who violated the War Crimes Act, including officials of the Bush Administration. Such an attempt to provide immunity for their crimes, it will be argued, is in itself evidence of an effort to block prosecution of those crimes. Indeed, according to Scott Horton, chair of the International Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association, when Yugoslavia sought to immunize senior government officials, the United States declared the act itself to be evidence of such a conspiracy.
The Administration, Executive Branch, should not be the only ones investigated. At the same time Congress finally opens up their Investigative and Oversight responsibilities an Independant Investigative Committee, of Outsiders drawn from the best to be found, should open up an Investigation of Congressional Office Holders, both houses, into who know what and when and were enablers of the Executive Branch's actions, across the board, and why no Oversight and Investigations were allowed!
Wolfgang Kaleck, a German human rights lawyer who is bringing the case in cooperation with CCR, FIDH and other groups, told the conference in New York that he is often asked, Do you really expect Rumsfeld to be arrested for war crimes? His answer is that he doesn't expect it immediately. "But we make it possible that someday Rumsfeld will be arrested," he says. According to Kaleck, the German government regularly receives calls from potential high-level visitors asking, "Are there any complaints against me?"
Things did change on 9/11, everyones right on that observation, but not as to the World as a whole but to this Country and Society! Taking a direction wanted by only a few but dragging us All into their twisted wants of a World Continuely at War with the Extreme Criminal elements that share the same wants, only in the latter theirs rose from the Failed Policies that have been practised by this Nation and other so called Western Nation collaboraters!
If we are to be, Ever, as we like to think we are, We must rid ourselves of the Apathy and Arrogance and Actually put Real Actions to our Over Used Descriptions of what America stands for, not just in words but Total Committed Actions! We 'Must' become the 'Real Democracy' example we think we are, Others will follow on their own, with no need to Blow Them Up into submission!
REAL JUSTICE must prevail!!
Recruiting:
Some Army recruiters say misleading things to reel in a new soldier.
ABC Undercover Video of recruitment spin!
Posted by Jon Ponder | Nov. 3, 2006, 6:22 pm
Breaking: On MSNBC, Keith Olbermann is reporting that on Monday, the day before the midterm elections, editorials will run in the most influential military newspapers calling on President Bush to fire Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
The editorials will say they are giving voice to a silent majority of uniformed personnel who are are prohibited from speaking because of respect for the office of the presidency.
The editorials will run in Army Times, Air Force Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times, which are privately owned and not affiliated with government.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Two New Ads and An Action Call
This New Ad Comes From:
Cutting Veterans Health Care-Hart
This one is geared to Colorado but could be used anywhere:
John Edwards-Get Out The Vote-Minimum Wage
You can visit this site link Ten Years With No raise for further information.
And this call for action comes from:
Sit Down for Change. Stand Up for Peace!
Sit Down for Change, Stand up for Peace!
Watch the YouTube message filmed by Arlington West film makers Peter Dudar and Sally Marr
Washington DC Nov.6th-9th
Cutting Veterans Health Care-Hart
This one is geared to Colorado but could be used anywhere:
John Edwards-Get Out The Vote-Minimum Wage
You can visit this site link Ten Years With No raise for further information.
And this call for action comes from:
Sit Down for Change. Stand Up for Peace!
Sit Down for Change, Stand up for Peace!
Watch the YouTube message filmed by Arlington West film makers Peter Dudar and Sally Marr
Washington DC Nov.6th-9th
Thursday, November 02, 2006
WHO SUPPORTS THE TROOPS and VETS!
LET'S SEE WHO ACTS IN SUPPORT OF TROOPS AND VETS
Posted By Corpsman1 at 4:13 PM
WHO IS RANKED HIGHER FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF TROOPS AND VETERANS?
Look at the ratings from Disabled Amercian Veterans (DAV) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA):
Kerry...75%...B
McCain..20%...D
Bush.....0%...F
Posted By Corpsman1 at 4:13 PM
WHO IS RANKED HIGHER FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF TROOPS AND VETERANS?
Look at the ratings from Disabled Amercian Veterans (DAV) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA):
Kerry...75%...B
McCain..20%...D
Bush.....0%...F
OLBERMANN'S LATEST- IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER...
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
If You Haven't Heard Gen. Batiste.....
Than take a trip over to 'Talk of the Nation' on NPR, if you missed todays, 11-01-06, show.
Retired Gen. Batiste on New Approaches in Iraq
You want Talking points, especially coming from a Self Proclaimed life long Republican General, than Listen To what the General has to say!
I only disagree on one point he kept making, and that is using American Forces to train the Iraqi's. There cannot be an American Face, nor present Coalition Military face In-Country! Why, because We Are The Reason For the Total Collapse of that Country and All of the Death and Destruction! Training, and reforming a stable government, and Security till stable, should be left up to the Countries of that Region and any other Countries forces that are Invited in by the Iraqi's and Regional Countries for Help!!!!
Signature: If the recent Lancet reports of 655,000 Iraqi deaths are true, a field of markers representing that tragedy 51’ wide (15.55 m) would be 21.14 miles (34.02 km) long.
(If markers were three feet apart in all directions, as in the Arlington Memorials around the Country)
Retired Gen. Batiste on New Approaches in Iraq
Talk of the Nation, November 1, 2006 · Our "Rethinking Iraq" series continues with retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste, commander of the Army's First Infantry Division in both Iraq and Kosovo.
You want Talking points, especially coming from a Self Proclaimed life long Republican General, than Listen To what the General has to say!
I only disagree on one point he kept making, and that is using American Forces to train the Iraqi's. There cannot be an American Face, nor present Coalition Military face In-Country! Why, because We Are The Reason For the Total Collapse of that Country and All of the Death and Destruction! Training, and reforming a stable government, and Security till stable, should be left up to the Countries of that Region and any other Countries forces that are Invited in by the Iraqi's and Regional Countries for Help!!!!
Signature: If the recent Lancet reports of 655,000 Iraqi deaths are true, a field of markers representing that tragedy 51’ wide (15.55 m) would be 21.14 miles (34.02 km) long.
(If markers were three feet apart in all directions, as in the Arlington Memorials around the Country)
Just a reminder
Of who are the ones leading the Charge against Kerry!
Chickenhawk n. A person enthusiastic about war, provided someone else fights it; particularly when that enthusiasm is undimmed by personal experience with war; most emphatically when that lack of experience came in spite of ample opportunity in that person’s youth.
About the Chickenhawk Database
Where's Clinton?
Chickenhawk Headquarters
Barking Head Brigade
Bureaucratic Battalion
Chaplain Corps
NH Notables
Politicans Platoon
Propaganda Platoon
Sui Generis
The Legal Department
Than of course we have their Minions, The 101st Fighting Keyboard Brigade, of which all they, and the famous 'Chickenhawks', are doing is reminding us Who Avoided At All Cost Serving in the Military, especially at times of Conflicts, who 'Cheerleads' as others Kill and are Killed, Maim and are Maimed!
These are the same who Laughed while brandishing 'Purple Heart' Bandages, a Slam on the Purple Heart recipients of this Nation and it's many Conflicts!
They are the same that Excuse, without a whimper of Outrage, the lack of funding for Veterans and Especially returning Vets in a time of Two Conflict Theaters!
They are the same who except the Lies, and ignore the growing pileof proof, while ignoring or excusing a Commander-In-Chief who hasn't attended One Funeral of a Fallen Soldier!
I could go on but need not do so.
Who Owes Who An Apology?
Bring The Home, NOW! And take care of them when they return!!
Signature:If the recent Lancet reports of 655,000 Iraqi deaths are true, a field of markers representing that tragedy 51’ wide (15.55 m) would be 21.14 miles (34.02 km) long.
(If markers were three feet apart in all directions, as in the Arlington Memorials around the Country)
Chickenhawk n. A person enthusiastic about war, provided someone else fights it; particularly when that enthusiasm is undimmed by personal experience with war; most emphatically when that lack of experience came in spite of ample opportunity in that person’s youth.
About the Chickenhawk Database
Where's Clinton?
Chickenhawk Headquarters
Barking Head Brigade
Bureaucratic Battalion
Chaplain Corps
NH Notables
Politicans Platoon
Propaganda Platoon
Sui Generis
The Legal Department
Than of course we have their Minions, The 101st Fighting Keyboard Brigade, of which all they, and the famous 'Chickenhawks', are doing is reminding us Who Avoided At All Cost Serving in the Military, especially at times of Conflicts, who 'Cheerleads' as others Kill and are Killed, Maim and are Maimed!
These are the same who Laughed while brandishing 'Purple Heart' Bandages, a Slam on the Purple Heart recipients of this Nation and it's many Conflicts!
They are the same that Excuse, without a whimper of Outrage, the lack of funding for Veterans and Especially returning Vets in a time of Two Conflict Theaters!
They are the same who except the Lies, and ignore the growing pileof proof, while ignoring or excusing a Commander-In-Chief who hasn't attended One Funeral of a Fallen Soldier!
I could go on but need not do so.
Who Owes Who An Apology?
Bring The Home, NOW! And take care of them when they return!!
Signature:If the recent Lancet reports of 655,000 Iraqi deaths are true, a field of markers representing that tragedy 51’ wide (15.55 m) would be 21.14 miles (34.02 km) long.
(If markers were three feet apart in all directions, as in the Arlington Memorials around the Country)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
And not a moment too soon...
From Eric @ BushFlash
OCTOBER 31, 2006
AS THE BLOODIEST MONTH IN OVER A YEAR ENDS, THE PENTAGON SWINGS INTO ACTION...
And not a moment too soon...
Apparently, the Bush bowl has figured out the true problem vis-a-vis the Iraq war: there aren't enough bloggers spreading the "good news" coming out of Iraq. Yep- you heard it here- rather than address the tremendous failure that the Iraq war is, they've once again decided that the solution is to smear another layer of lipstick on the pig.
Apparently, they believe that there are a lot of "inaccuracies" here on the internet, and are going to send forth a legion of geeks in uniform to counter salacious rumors surrounding the glowing success that Iraq has become.
I, for one, am not dismayed by this development. After almost four years of countering the flaccid, tired talking points of the right wing echo chamber, I find the prospect of going mano-a-mano with the spinmeisters of the Department of Defense a worthy challenge.
I'll start this new chapter in the popular discourse, with the following:
See the list below? These are the names of the american soldiers who have been killed so far this month, in Iraq:
Lance Corporal Eric W. Herzberg
Sergeant 1st Class Tony L. Knier
Corporal Joshua C. Watkins
Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Manoukian
Lance Corporal Nathan R. Elrod
Lance Corporal Clifford R. Collinsworth
Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Witte
Lance Corporal Edwardo Lopez Jr.
Staff Sergeant Patrick O. Barlow
Sergeant 1st Class Daniel A. Brozovich
Jose R. Perez
Staff Sergeant Jesus M. Montalvo
Specialist Daniel W. Winegeart
Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Paulsen
Specialist Joseph C. Dumas Jr.
Corporal David M. Unger
Corporal Russell G. Culbertson III
2nd Lieutenant Christopher E. Loudon
Staff Sergeant Ryan E. Haupt
Sergeant Norman R. Taylor III
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan J. Frigo
Staff Sergeant Garth D. Sizemore
2nd Lieutenant Joshua L. Booth
Sergeant Jr., Lester Domenico Baroncini
Private 1st Class Stephen Bicknell
1st Lieutenant Joshua Deese
Sergeant Jonathan E. Lootens
Captain Mark C. Paine
Sergeant Brock A. Babb
Lance Corporal Joshua M. Hines
Private 1st Class Keith J. Moore
1st Sergeant Charles M. King
Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Kane
Specialist Timothy J. Lauer
Sergeant Jonathan J. Simpson
Airman 1st Class Leebenard E. Chavis
Lieutenant Johnny K. Craver
Private 1st Class Kenny F. Stanton Jr.
Private 1st Class Thomas J. Hewett
Lance Corporal Christopher B. Cosgrove III
Corporal Aaron L. Seal
Sergeant Gene A. Hawkins
Sergeant Justin T. Walsh
Captain Shane T. Adcock
Sergeant Nicholas R. Sowinski
Private 1st Class Shelby J. Feniello
Lance Corporal Jon Eric Bowman
Private 1st Class Phillip B. Williams
Sergeant Julian M. Arechaga
Lance Corporal Derek W. Jones
Captain Robert M. Secher
Private 1st Class Shane R. Austin
Lance Corporal Stephen F. Johnson
Lance Corporal Jeremy Scott Sandvick Monroe
Specialist Timothy Fulkerson
Specialist John Edward Wood
Sergeant Lawrence Parrish
Corporal Carl W. Johnson II
Sergeant Brandon S. Asbury
Lance Corporal John Edward Hale
Corporal Bradford H. Payne
Corporal Nicholas A. Arvanitis
Corporal Benjamin S. Rosales
Lance Corporal Edward M. Garvin
Staff Sergeant Christopher O. Moudry
Specialist George R. Obourn Jr.
Specialist Timothy Burke
Private 1st Class Dean Bright
Staff Sergeant Jonathan Rojas
Staff Sergeant Daniel Isshak
Sergeant Joseph W. Perry
Private 1st Class Michael K. Oremus
Specialist Justin R. Jarrett
Staff Sergeant James D. Ellis
Specialist Raymond S. Armijo
Specialist Kristofer C. Walker
Private 1st Class Satieon V. Greenlee
Staff Sergeant Joe A. Narvaez
Sergeant Denise A. Lannaman
Sergeant Mario Nelson
Corporal Chase A. Haag
Captain Justin D. Peterson
Now- truth be told, the list is incomplete- there's still one day left in October as of this writing, and two of the names haven't been released by the DOD.
However, I guess I'll just go ahead, and present my first "Inaccuracy": that these men and women would still be alive, today, had not Bush pushed us into war with Iraq- a nation that had never threatened, nor attacked us. Furthermore, I'll recklessly suggest that perhaps the families of these people would be looking forward to a holiday with their beloved children, husbands, and wives, had they not been blown into red mist in this war of choice.
I'll further state that Monkeyboy obviously has serious unresolved issues with his father, that he sought to resolve, by "finishing daddy's business" in Iraq. Perhaps, had Bush Jr. been able to stay away from the bottle long enough to get counseling, when he was a young man, these people would still be with us today.
There you have it, DOD- tell me where I'm "inaccurate." Just be warned- I'm not gonna accept the same bullplop talking points that we've been fed, for the past three and a half years- the good lord (and the congressional budget oversight committee) only knows how much you're being paid, so I expect something novel, here.
OCTOBER 31, 2006
AS THE BLOODIEST MONTH IN OVER A YEAR ENDS, THE PENTAGON SWINGS INTO ACTION...
And not a moment too soon...
Apparently, the Bush bowl has figured out the true problem vis-a-vis the Iraq war: there aren't enough bloggers spreading the "good news" coming out of Iraq. Yep- you heard it here- rather than address the tremendous failure that the Iraq war is, they've once again decided that the solution is to smear another layer of lipstick on the pig.
Apparently, they believe that there are a lot of "inaccuracies" here on the internet, and are going to send forth a legion of geeks in uniform to counter salacious rumors surrounding the glowing success that Iraq has become.
I, for one, am not dismayed by this development. After almost four years of countering the flaccid, tired talking points of the right wing echo chamber, I find the prospect of going mano-a-mano with the spinmeisters of the Department of Defense a worthy challenge.
I'll start this new chapter in the popular discourse, with the following:
See the list below? These are the names of the american soldiers who have been killed so far this month, in Iraq:
Lance Corporal Eric W. Herzberg
Sergeant 1st Class Tony L. Knier
Corporal Joshua C. Watkins
Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Manoukian
Lance Corporal Nathan R. Elrod
Lance Corporal Clifford R. Collinsworth
Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Witte
Lance Corporal Edwardo Lopez Jr.
Staff Sergeant Patrick O. Barlow
Sergeant 1st Class Daniel A. Brozovich
Jose R. Perez
Staff Sergeant Jesus M. Montalvo
Specialist Daniel W. Winegeart
Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Paulsen
Specialist Joseph C. Dumas Jr.
Corporal David M. Unger
Corporal Russell G. Culbertson III
2nd Lieutenant Christopher E. Loudon
Staff Sergeant Ryan E. Haupt
Sergeant Norman R. Taylor III
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan J. Frigo
Staff Sergeant Garth D. Sizemore
2nd Lieutenant Joshua L. Booth
Sergeant Jr., Lester Domenico Baroncini
Private 1st Class Stephen Bicknell
1st Lieutenant Joshua Deese
Sergeant Jonathan E. Lootens
Captain Mark C. Paine
Sergeant Brock A. Babb
Lance Corporal Joshua M. Hines
Private 1st Class Keith J. Moore
1st Sergeant Charles M. King
Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Kane
Specialist Timothy J. Lauer
Sergeant Jonathan J. Simpson
Airman 1st Class Leebenard E. Chavis
Lieutenant Johnny K. Craver
Private 1st Class Kenny F. Stanton Jr.
Private 1st Class Thomas J. Hewett
Lance Corporal Christopher B. Cosgrove III
Corporal Aaron L. Seal
Sergeant Gene A. Hawkins
Sergeant Justin T. Walsh
Captain Shane T. Adcock
Sergeant Nicholas R. Sowinski
Private 1st Class Shelby J. Feniello
Lance Corporal Jon Eric Bowman
Private 1st Class Phillip B. Williams
Sergeant Julian M. Arechaga
Lance Corporal Derek W. Jones
Captain Robert M. Secher
Private 1st Class Shane R. Austin
Lance Corporal Stephen F. Johnson
Lance Corporal Jeremy Scott Sandvick Monroe
Specialist Timothy Fulkerson
Specialist John Edward Wood
Sergeant Lawrence Parrish
Corporal Carl W. Johnson II
Sergeant Brandon S. Asbury
Lance Corporal John Edward Hale
Corporal Bradford H. Payne
Corporal Nicholas A. Arvanitis
Corporal Benjamin S. Rosales
Lance Corporal Edward M. Garvin
Staff Sergeant Christopher O. Moudry
Specialist George R. Obourn Jr.
Specialist Timothy Burke
Private 1st Class Dean Bright
Staff Sergeant Jonathan Rojas
Staff Sergeant Daniel Isshak
Sergeant Joseph W. Perry
Private 1st Class Michael K. Oremus
Specialist Justin R. Jarrett
Staff Sergeant James D. Ellis
Specialist Raymond S. Armijo
Specialist Kristofer C. Walker
Private 1st Class Satieon V. Greenlee
Staff Sergeant Joe A. Narvaez
Sergeant Denise A. Lannaman
Sergeant Mario Nelson
Corporal Chase A. Haag
Captain Justin D. Peterson
Now- truth be told, the list is incomplete- there's still one day left in October as of this writing, and two of the names haven't been released by the DOD.
However, I guess I'll just go ahead, and present my first "Inaccuracy": that these men and women would still be alive, today, had not Bush pushed us into war with Iraq- a nation that had never threatened, nor attacked us. Furthermore, I'll recklessly suggest that perhaps the families of these people would be looking forward to a holiday with their beloved children, husbands, and wives, had they not been blown into red mist in this war of choice.
I'll further state that Monkeyboy obviously has serious unresolved issues with his father, that he sought to resolve, by "finishing daddy's business" in Iraq. Perhaps, had Bush Jr. been able to stay away from the bottle long enough to get counseling, when he was a young man, these people would still be with us today.
There you have it, DOD- tell me where I'm "inaccurate." Just be warned- I'm not gonna accept the same bullplop talking points that we've been fed, for the past three and a half years- the good lord (and the congressional budget oversight committee) only knows how much you're being paid, so I expect something novel, here.
Monday, October 30, 2006
‘SHARED SACRIFICE'
Monday, 30 October 2006
ABOUT TIME SOMEONE IN CONGRESS QUESTIONED NO ‘SHARED SACRIFICE'
Posted By Robert Hanafin
IT IS WAY PAST TIME SOMEONE IN CONGRESS QUESTIONED THE LACK OF ‘SHARED SACRIFICE’ IN OUR NATION
Specialist-Major Hanafin was part of a group in Ohio of politically middle of the road Veterans and Military Family members with relatives in Iraq who way back in May 2005 formed Americans for Shared Sacrifice.
We formed this group with the sentiments that you see on the website at the LINK above which is just NOW being embraced by someone of influence in Congress. Congressman Lane Evans on the House Veterans Affairs Committee is no Charles Rangel from New York just throwing out the Draft raft to see if it will float in a Congress set a drift.
Last I heard, unless he turned the website over to someone else, our brother Lee Kneiss in Columbus, Ohio, also a member of Veterans for America, was still administrator of the site. That is not the point. It matters not who started the concept of patriotic national shared sacrifice during ANY war “our government” commits THE NATION to, what is important is that the concept and obligation has been around FOREVER and NOW someone in Congress is just getting to it.
The American Sheeple has been USING the All-Volunteer military force to avoid THE DRAFT. The Congress has been USING and ABUSING the cop out of an All-Volunteer military force to avoid Selective Service, and most of all the Bush Administration has been USING and ABUSING the All-Volunteer Military as a cop out in order to avoid THE DRAFT the same way that most of THEM avoided it during the Vietnam War. Let the Specialist-Major hear a few Amens to THAT.
Guess one could say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. However, I am going to give it to you straight. This is a tactical move to corner the NEOCONs into blatantly appearing publicly to be abusive to our troops. Keep in mind that no member of Congress has thus far called into question national shared sacrifice, which smacks of what? You got it THE DRAFT! This Press Release in from the Office of Congressman Lane Evans, senior Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, on the need for a new direction of shared sacrifice that lives up to the efforts of our men and women in uniform.
If the American Sheeple do not want to commit to national shared sacrifice then the collective YOU (and that includes our government) has no right sending others (voluntarily or not) to do your dirty work.
If veterans, service members, and military families cannot depend on the rest of the American public for shared sacrifice then it is time for the American sheeple and our government to out source someone else to fight YOUR wars for YOU!
Bobby Hanafin
News From Congressman Lane Evans
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
October 27, 2006
Contact: Geoffrey Collver, (202) 225-9756
Evans: 'Shared Sacrifice' a Concept Long Overdue
"It is long overdue for the nation's political and government leaders to come together, change course and begin to implement policies that more fairly allocate the burden of the war effort on our citizens.
The nation is engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; clearly the time is right to appreciate the need for a national sacrifice to help pay and support such endeavors. Less than one percent of our citizenry volunteers to defend the remaining 99 percent. Yet, this notion of shared sacrifice is not embodied in the Administration's domestic policies that unevenly spread the burden of the war effort by giving tax cuts to the wealthiest among us while shortchanging programs that benefit veterans and the middle class.
Current policies under the Republican-controlled government expects veterans to sacrifice twice - once when they serve their country in uniform, and a second time after they return to civilian life - in the form of higher health care fees, pared-back health care budgets, and delayed and denied access to care.
"Throughout our short but noble history, this country has come together under the principle of 'shared sacrifice' during times of war. Whether it be purchasing of liberty bonds, planting "victory gardens," rationing of goods, entering military service, or perhaps volunteering at a VA hospital to assist a wounded service member, or advocating for adequate funding for veterans health care services. I am confident that we as Americans are capable of joining together for the common good and begin to share in the sacrifice that our service members, veterans, and military families are currently experiencing. "I am so very proud of the men and women who make up our military, and how they continue to serve professionally and sacrifice greatly in challenging times.
However, I am concerned that many in our society are without any connection to those serving in the military today and are left without any understanding of the sacrifices our service members, veterans and military families are currently experiencing. It is too easy for those without loved ones in the military, without a personal connection to the hardships of war, to become detached and begin to take for granted the efforts of our all-volunteer military force. "I am concerned that this Administration also appears to be disconnected from the harsh realities facing our service members, veterans, and military families.
Indeed, while many members of our military have been called to fight in Afghanistan or Iraq, many for second and third tours, the Administration appears unwilling to ask the American people to sacrifice in any way. The Administration promotes tax cuts for the elite while shortchanging funding for programs upon which servicemen and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are depending upon.
My Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives have tried to increase funding for veterans' health care to adequate levels, expand TRICARE health care for the members of the National Guard and Reserves and worked to defeat Administrative efforts to raise health care fees on veterans. "Clearly, the time is right to change course, head in a new direction, and begin asking the nation to share in the sacrifice during this time of war. I am confident the American public is willing to participate in this necessary effort and answer the call to truly support our service members, veterans, and military families. Our comfort, peace, and security depend on them; they should know they can depend on us."
Posted by: Bobby Hanafin
Specialist Five, U.S. Army (69-76 You know where)
Major, U.S. Air Force (77-94) Retired, Gulf War Veteran
ABOUT TIME SOMEONE IN CONGRESS QUESTIONED NO ‘SHARED SACRIFICE'
Posted By Robert Hanafin
IT IS WAY PAST TIME SOMEONE IN CONGRESS QUESTIONED THE LACK OF ‘SHARED SACRIFICE’ IN OUR NATION
Specialist-Major Hanafin was part of a group in Ohio of politically middle of the road Veterans and Military Family members with relatives in Iraq who way back in May 2005 formed Americans for Shared Sacrifice.
We formed this group with the sentiments that you see on the website at the LINK above which is just NOW being embraced by someone of influence in Congress. Congressman Lane Evans on the House Veterans Affairs Committee is no Charles Rangel from New York just throwing out the Draft raft to see if it will float in a Congress set a drift.
Last I heard, unless he turned the website over to someone else, our brother Lee Kneiss in Columbus, Ohio, also a member of Veterans for America, was still administrator of the site. That is not the point. It matters not who started the concept of patriotic national shared sacrifice during ANY war “our government” commits THE NATION to, what is important is that the concept and obligation has been around FOREVER and NOW someone in Congress is just getting to it.
The American Sheeple has been USING the All-Volunteer military force to avoid THE DRAFT. The Congress has been USING and ABUSING the cop out of an All-Volunteer military force to avoid Selective Service, and most of all the Bush Administration has been USING and ABUSING the All-Volunteer Military as a cop out in order to avoid THE DRAFT the same way that most of THEM avoided it during the Vietnam War. Let the Specialist-Major hear a few Amens to THAT.
Guess one could say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. However, I am going to give it to you straight. This is a tactical move to corner the NEOCONs into blatantly appearing publicly to be abusive to our troops. Keep in mind that no member of Congress has thus far called into question national shared sacrifice, which smacks of what? You got it THE DRAFT! This Press Release in from the Office of Congressman Lane Evans, senior Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, on the need for a new direction of shared sacrifice that lives up to the efforts of our men and women in uniform.
If the American Sheeple do not want to commit to national shared sacrifice then the collective YOU (and that includes our government) has no right sending others (voluntarily or not) to do your dirty work.
If veterans, service members, and military families cannot depend on the rest of the American public for shared sacrifice then it is time for the American sheeple and our government to out source someone else to fight YOUR wars for YOU!
Bobby Hanafin
News From Congressman Lane Evans
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
October 27, 2006
Contact: Geoffrey Collver, (202) 225-9756
Evans: 'Shared Sacrifice' a Concept Long Overdue
"It is long overdue for the nation's political and government leaders to come together, change course and begin to implement policies that more fairly allocate the burden of the war effort on our citizens.
The nation is engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; clearly the time is right to appreciate the need for a national sacrifice to help pay and support such endeavors. Less than one percent of our citizenry volunteers to defend the remaining 99 percent. Yet, this notion of shared sacrifice is not embodied in the Administration's domestic policies that unevenly spread the burden of the war effort by giving tax cuts to the wealthiest among us while shortchanging programs that benefit veterans and the middle class.
Current policies under the Republican-controlled government expects veterans to sacrifice twice - once when they serve their country in uniform, and a second time after they return to civilian life - in the form of higher health care fees, pared-back health care budgets, and delayed and denied access to care.
"Throughout our short but noble history, this country has come together under the principle of 'shared sacrifice' during times of war. Whether it be purchasing of liberty bonds, planting "victory gardens," rationing of goods, entering military service, or perhaps volunteering at a VA hospital to assist a wounded service member, or advocating for adequate funding for veterans health care services. I am confident that we as Americans are capable of joining together for the common good and begin to share in the sacrifice that our service members, veterans, and military families are currently experiencing. "I am so very proud of the men and women who make up our military, and how they continue to serve professionally and sacrifice greatly in challenging times.
However, I am concerned that many in our society are without any connection to those serving in the military today and are left without any understanding of the sacrifices our service members, veterans and military families are currently experiencing. It is too easy for those without loved ones in the military, without a personal connection to the hardships of war, to become detached and begin to take for granted the efforts of our all-volunteer military force. "I am concerned that this Administration also appears to be disconnected from the harsh realities facing our service members, veterans, and military families.
Indeed, while many members of our military have been called to fight in Afghanistan or Iraq, many for second and third tours, the Administration appears unwilling to ask the American people to sacrifice in any way. The Administration promotes tax cuts for the elite while shortchanging funding for programs upon which servicemen and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are depending upon.
My Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives have tried to increase funding for veterans' health care to adequate levels, expand TRICARE health care for the members of the National Guard and Reserves and worked to defeat Administrative efforts to raise health care fees on veterans. "Clearly, the time is right to change course, head in a new direction, and begin asking the nation to share in the sacrifice during this time of war. I am confident the American public is willing to participate in this necessary effort and answer the call to truly support our service members, veterans, and military families. Our comfort, peace, and security depend on them; they should know they can depend on us."
Posted by: Bobby Hanafin
Specialist Five, U.S. Army (69-76 You know where)
Major, U.S. Air Force (77-94) Retired, Gulf War Veteran
The Corporal's Boots
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Real 'Honor' for the Fallen - 'Peace In The World'
True 'Honor for the Fallen', of All Nations:
Would be policies that do not support those who Oppress their, or other, peoples, nor help to install them into leadership positions!
Nations taking the Leadership in talking Peace and Tolerance, not just empty rethoric and actions that are the opposite of!
Ridding the World of the most dangerous Weapons systems, Nuclear, and Outlawing others, such as Landmines and Cluster Bombs!
And a Strong 'World Court' to prosecute All those who wage Illegal Invasions on others, and their own, that are not Threats to themselves!
There are so many ways to attain a 'Peaceful World', yet Man Shuns instead of Seeks, only giving Lip Service to the Word!
I have put together a Video Presentation of a recent one day Project of the Caring to 'Honor The Fallen', Oct. 14 2006, at Arlington East on Cape Cod National Seashore. You can leave a Message at above link if you visit to read about the project and view the photo's posted.
You can download it directly, Real 'Honor' for the Fallen - 'Peace In The World', it's in Windows Media Player.
Or you can view the video here at YouTube, or at Google Video
I have included photo's of an exhibit at Arlington Midwest - Kent State University campus as part of the 36th Commemoration of the May 4th shootings.
There are also photo's of the Arlington West Chapter 54 Santa Barbara CA Crosses Project, of Veterans For Peace, put up to 'Honor' the fallen of 'Another Conflict that should Never Have Happened', and is already approaching a size that will outgrow the beach it is Lovingly, in Sadness, Honor, Brotherhood/Sisterhood by Veterans and Friends, constructed on each weekend and visited by hundreds/thousands.
There are a few other photo's, as well as a couple of editorial cartoons, in the presentation, and at the end a Stunning Statement that is posted on the Arlington East site.
There are more Arlington's as well as other projects giving 'Honor' and 'Sad Reminders' of those Killed in these present destructive actions of man, such as:
Visions of Peace Garden at Camp Casey 3
There are many Memorial's to 'Honor' and for 'Peace', many led by Veteran's of previous conflicts in coalition with many others, as well as individual Memorials of 'Honor' and 'Peace', those who sent them into these conflicts Hide the 'Fallen's' Return, leaving an already Apathedic Society even More So!
There are also many groups, of caring individuals, who have come together, under various banners and actions, trying to bring about a Peaceful, Understading, Tolerant World:
CIVIC the campaign for innocent victims in conflicts. RIP Marla
Womens International League for Peace and Freedom
I have a number of other links, if anyone feels like commenting and has links to other groups, or are a part of, feel free to post them.
If you have the time you might want to view this short documentary of how this Government, YOU, treat the returning Veterans of these recent conflicts:
"When I Come Home" - a powerful 13 min documentary on homeless vets!
Description:
"When I Came Home" is a documentary which follows the lives and struggles of several homeless veterans who have recently returned home from the war in Iraq. Director Lohaus is a graduate of The School of Visual Arts in New York City. He has worked with documentary filmmakers Les and Harrod Blank and was the assistant editor on the film On The Ropes, which was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2000 Academy Awards."
This coming election is Not only about Changing the Destructive Direction, those in Washington, have been leading this Nation on, by changing Political Party Control. It's about the American People, no matter what party or non affiliation they may be, Finally Waking Up and Demanding that those 'We Hire' do the jobs they are supposed to do and that's 'Represent' those who Hired Them as well as those who Voted Against that Hiring! It's about 'America' the People, not 'America' the Corporation, on Domestic and Foreign Policies of what this Country 'Really' Stands for, Not just what we Say we are about!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)