"We Will Not Go Down"

Zionists beware... the roar of Humanity.

The video is a mosaic of Palestinian animations found on YouTube. The music is composed and performed by Michael Heart

"We Will Not Go Down" by Michael Heart


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The Bullets in My In-Box

GAZA — Faisal Husseini, a Palestinian leader who died at the start of this decade, used to tell a story about his first visit to Israel. The 1967 war had just ended, borders were suddenly opened and he took a drive to Tel Aviv, where at some point he found himself detained by an Israeli policeman. Questions and answers ensued. At one point the policeman said to him, “As a proud Zionist, I must tell you ....” At which Mr. Husseini burst out laughing.

HOPE!!

Look – we believe that reaching President Obama with our message isn’t going to be easy. We know that. That’s why it is so very critical that you take that extra step of sharing our open letter with people you know. For every six people you tell, only one might join us – so please don’t hold back!

Ask President Obama to make good on his promise of hope.

Jewish Voice for Peace

Infamous Iraqi Prison Set to Reopen

They say a picture speaks a thousand words.

Well we got rid of all those Saddam pictures around the country, now didn't we!!

Abu Ghraib Prison To Reopen

Infamous Iraqi Prison Set to Reopen

Iraq's most notorious prison is almost ready to reopen for business.

Iraqi justice officials say Saturday the Abu Ghraib prison will start holding prisoners again in February.

Deputy Justice Minister Busho Ibrahim says the renovated facility will be renamed the Baghdad Central Prison and that it will eventually house up to about 14,000 prisoners.

How long will the memories last, and how many will be carrying the rage that may just grow inside of them!!

"enemy combatant" being held on the US mainland.

Brother campaigns for 'enemy combatant'

Mr al-Marri, a Qatari national, was arrested in the US in December 2001. He was charged with credit card fraud and lying to the FBI, but before his trial was due to start he was declared an "enemy combatant" and accused of being an al-Qaeda sleeper agent tasked with hacking into computers to disrupt the financial system.

"There was no contact with the outside world, no contact with lawyers, no contact with family, no contact even with the Red Cross and that's when the worst abuses went on.

"He was subjected to a barrage of interrogation techniques that bordered on, if not amounted to torture - painful stress positions, extreme sensory deprivation, extreme isolation, threats of violence or death."

Mr al-Marri's brother Jarallah is now campaigning for his release. Jarallah al-Marri was himself held at Guantanamo Bay for almost seven years. He says his brother's predicament is much worse.

"I think my brother has a really hard time. In Guantanamo I can contact anybody. I can yell at some people close to me, some detainees. My brother cannot yell to the other detainees at all. He's just by himself," he said.

He said his brother should either be charged or released.

Read this than think, Well if he wasn't before, Would he now be after 'Retaliation', if he is now even in a right mind after little to no contact and possible torture or gross mistreatment!

I Would Be!!

Paulson's $140 Billion Surprise

It's a little-known story about the financial crisis. During the frenzied events of the fall, Henry Paulson rewrote a piece of the tax code to expedite mergers. The quiet alteration amounts to an estimated $140 billion windfall for big banks. Some critics say Paulson's move was too autocratic, others argue that it was much more than that-that it was downright illegal. Will Tim Geithner and the Democrats attempt to correct the wrong?

The Global Flag Anthem

Found at the Peace Mural Foundation Site



They had a showing in Washington DC in December '08, the following is what is found under the Video at the Peace Mural, adding a couple of links that I found:

Teacher and musician Frances Rae Key, a descendant of Frances Scott Key, will present her Global Flag Anthem during ceremonies marking the Official Grand Opening of the DC Peace Mural Exhibition on Dec. 7th at 2pm. This song, put to video, is also part of her musical "The Mountain of Peace," to be presented during several performances on the weekend of Dec. 6-7. The Global Flag Anthem is a fitting tribute to her Francis Scott Key, whose name is memorialized on a Washington DC park and bridge just two blocks from the Peace Mural exhibition site. The Anthem broaden the vision of an America Dream that proclaims the One universal banner that waves equally above all the Earth. It is an Anthem which all the people of the world can share in common.

The Mountain of Peace Song


The Mountain of Peace Act I


The Mountain of Peace Act II Part One


The Mountain of Peace Act II Part Two


From the Anthem:
"If ever forgetful of her past and present glory, she will cease to be the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Francis Scott Key 1874

Let Me Get This Straight.......

With Guantanamo closing, where will the detainees go?

If not Guantanamo, then where? Anything but a welcoming party is forming at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. When President Barack Obama signed an order Thursday forcing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center within a year, he put in sharp relief the possibility that some of the world's most potentially dangerous terror suspects could be hauled to the military's maximum security facility in Kansas.

The gopers who 'Rubber Stamped' these Illegal Policies and over and over...........,defended same, Are Now whining and screaming about Not In My Backyard????

UN 'shocked' by Gaza destruction

The UN's humanitarian chief has told the BBC the situation in Gaza after a three-week Israeli offensive against Hamas was worse than he anticipated.

Sir John Holmes, who visited Gaza on Thursday, said he was shocked by "the systematic nature of the destruction".

He said that the territory's economic activity had been set back by years.

Israel defends use of phosphorous


Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli strike over a UN school in Beit Lahia, 17/01
Some rights groups say images from the conflict prove the illegal use of phosphorus.

White phosphorus is legal for making smokescreens in open battleground. But rights groups and journalists say it was used in crowded civilian areas.

The weapon sticks to human skin and will burn through to the bone.

Veterans go Online for Help..........

Veterans Turn To Online Strangers For Financial Help

Morning Edition, January 22, 2009 · When Robert Sprenger's Humvee blew up in Iraq, the Army specialist was burned black over large swatches of his body.

After the Army transported him to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Sprenger spent months lying in his bed, wrapped in gauze, almost like a mummy.

When he was released, he moved back home with his mother to the farm town of Sleepy Eye, Minn., where they made a troubling discovery.

You Can Bring Up Player To Listen

More On Aid For Veterans
Organizations and other Web resources for veterans seeking financial assistance:

Click link for a list of the programs mentioned in the audio and the written report at site.

Gitmo: Ex-Detainee and Guard Answer Questions About

BBC: Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Chris Arendt, a former guard at the prison camp and Moazzam Begg an ex-detainee spoke to the BBC.



Three of the main points were:

1. It will be seen by many as "too little too late".

2. (Question: Do you think Guantanamo has radicalized them?) These people are just tired, they want to go home to their families and to children who they have in some cases never seen...

3. They had to pay the ultimate price because of a war that appears to have no aims or objectives.

Chris Arendt, Former guard on Guantanamo 'torture' Jan 9th '09

President Barack Obama Speaks at the 'Commander in Chief's Ball'

What: The Commander-in-Chief’s Ball, hosted by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden.

Who: Active-duty and reserve military and their families, 300 wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, families of fallen soldiers, spouses of deployed military. Translation: A sea of navy, white, and black-clad attendees, punctuated by tuxes and jewel-toned ball gowns.

{sorry guys and gals over at Army Times but your embed codes were broken and couldn't fix them and the links took one to the video site page but video wouldn't play}

President Obama speaks at the 'Commander in Chief's Ball' Washington DC Jan 20th 2009


Vice President Joe Biden Speaks at the 'Commander in Chief's Ball' Washington DC Jan 20th 2009


President Barack Obama and First Lady Michele Obama dance at the 'Commander in Chief's Ball'


President Barack Obama dances with Army Sgt Margaret Herrera and his wife Michelle dances with Marine Sgt Eliidio Guillen during the 'Commander in Chief's Ball'.



Army Sergeant Margaret H. Herrera called dancing with the President, "the opportunity of a lifetime." Sergeant Elidio Guillen of the Marine Corps said dancing with the First Lady was "an honor and a privilege."

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden dance at the 'Commander in Chief's Ball'

VCS Invites You to Meet Aaron Glantz

As He Launches Book Tour for "The War Comes Home"

January 13, 2009, Aaron Glantz Launches Book Tour for "The War Comes Home". Check to see if he'll be in your town soon! VCS urges our members to buy and to read Aaron's masterpiece effort to chronicle the plight of the veterans sent to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Our VCS review of his excellent book

Meet Aaron Glantz

THE WAR COMES HOME IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

On Wednesday Janury 28 at 7pm Aaron Glantz will speak at City Lights Books at Broadway and Columbus in San Francisco alongside San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar and Iraq war veteran Walter Williams. More info at City Lights

THE WAR COMES HOME IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

On Saturday January 31 at 8pm, Aaron Glantz will speak alongside media critic Norman Solomon and Bay Area Iraq and Afhganistan war veterans in a benefit for KPFA Radio. First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street

THE WAR COMES HOME IN DENVER, COLORADO

On Tuesday February 3 at 7pm Aaron Glantz will speak at the Mercury Cade alongside area Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans in a benefit for KGNU Community Radio, 2199 California St. More info at KGNU Community Radio

THE WAR COMES HOME IN BOULDER, COLORADO

On Wednesday February 4 at 7pm Aaron Glantz will speak at Boulder's First Congregational Church alongside area Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans in a benefit for KGNU Community Radio; Broadway at Pinel, More info at KGNU Community Radio

THE WAR COMES HOME IN LOS ANGELES

On Thursday February 12th at 7pm Aaron Glantz will speak at Skylight Books alongside area Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. 1814 Vermont Street. More info at Sky Light Books

Afghan views on new US president

Some Afghans Speak: Short Slideshow

Just a few of the comments

A Ghoayoar, 26, fruit seller

"Afghan people want three things immediately: no more civilian casualties, improvement in the lives of common people and help to develop the police and army. But this is our country and we must rebuild it ourselves. Our government must sack corrupt people and help low-level people with salaries."

Mohammad Gul, labourer

"I work in a far-away village in northern Afghanistan. We want Obama to help Afghans with clinics, roads and other things. More troops, more war creates more war. But I have a lot of hope for Obama. Each time he talks on television, he seems like a honest person. Bush came across as bad guy in the movies."

Shamsudin, orange seller

"I want Barack Obama to stop the killings of the Palestinian people. Where is democracy and human rights? They must also stop killing our civilians. Democracy doesn't come with bombs and bullets. I don't expect any foreigner to rebuild my country for me - they can only help with things from time to time."

And in Iraq

Martin Chulov in Baghdad

Many Iraqis seemed nonplussed at the swearing-in of Obama, with some not knowing the inauguration was taking place and others consumed by the fall-out from the outgoing presidency.

Obama's messages of change and remaking America have yet to resonate in the country that will help shape the legacy of his first years in office. Some Baghdadis, however, were impressed by his inauguration speech.

"If he can do as well as he talks, then all our problems are over," said Abu Ali, the owner of a sparkling new restaurant, Shisha Cafe, in the city's Karada district. "I believe he is a good man, but many people in Iraq believe all American presidents are the same and that we are a playground for their interests," he added. "That's it."

Another cafe-goer, Haitham Sarkis, said that his family had long ago stopped listening to Bush and become dispirited by his last three years in office.

Iraqis expressed mixed feelings about the new president, with some saying Mr Obama represents a significant new page in US history and others questioning how much American policy will change in Iraq.

Muna Abdul-Razzaq, a 37-year-old primary school teacher in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, said Iraqis have bad memories of Bush "who destroyed Iraq", adding: "We hope that Obama will be more responsible".

In the northern city of Sulaimaniyah, dozens of Kurds and Arabs cheered Mr Obama's inauguration as they watched it on television. The crowd gave Mr Bush a thumbs-down when he appeared on the screen, then cheered for Mr Obama.

War and Natural Gas

The Israeli Invasion and Gaza's Offshore Gas Fields

The military invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israeli Forces bears a direct relation to the control and ownership of strategic offshore gas reserves.

This is a war of conquest. Discovered in 2000, there are extensive gas reserves off the Gaza coastline.

British Gas (BG Group) and its partner, the Athens based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC) owned by Lebanon's Sabbagh and Koury families, were granted oil and gas exploration rights in a 25 year agreement signed in November 1999 with the Palestinian Authority.

The rights to the offshore gas field are respectively British Gas (60 percent); Consolidated Contractors (CCC) (30 percent); and the Investment Fund of the Palestinian Authority (10 percent). (Haaretz, October 21, 2007).

Who Owns the Gas Fields

The issue of sovereignty over Gaza's gas fields is crucial. From a legal standpoint, the gas reserves belong to Palestine.

The death of Yasser Arafat, the election of the Hamas government and the ruin of the Palestinian Authority have enabled Israel to establish de facto control over Gaza's offshore gas reserves.

The Aftermath for Gaza, Jan. '09 Destruction Of!!

Gaza rebuild 'to cost billions'

BBC: Paul Wood sees the damage and possible evidence of white phosphorus use

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been left homeless and 400,000 people still have no running water, it says.

A Few Gaza Facts

Gaza: It is about 41 kilometers (25 mi) long, 6 and 12 kilometers (4–7.5 mi) wide, total area of 360 square kilometers (139 sq mi).

Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Population: 1,500,202 (July 2008 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 44.7% (male 343,988/female 325,856)
15-64 years: 52.7% (male 403,855/female 386,681)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 16,196/female 23,626) (2008 est.)

Median age: 17.2 years male: 17 years female: 17.4 years total (2008 est.)

PBS News Hour: Gaza Cease-fire Emerged Amid Mix of Political, Internal Pressures

Transcript at PBS Link: Israeli officials said their military has been ordered to pull out of the Gaza Strip by Tuesday, but only if Hamas militants keep their end of this weekend's cease-fire agreements. Analysts examine where both sides stand after three weeks of fighting.

Inaugural Addresses & Presidential Poetry

We have a new curricula module ready for the historical inauguration of Barack Obama. Inauguration Speeches and Poetry offers activities that can be incorporated into the classroom but the material is for all our readers.

Read selected excerpts from past speeches and all of the poems commissioned to be read at the inauguration of U.S. presidents. The poetry section of the module includes poems written in honor of Obama's presidency by a number of U.S. writers including former U.S. Poet Laureate, Billy Collins.

Here's one from Derek Walcott:

Forty Acres

Out of the turmoil emerges one emblem, an engraving --
a young Negro at dawn in straw hat and overalls,
an emblem of impossible prophecy, a crowd
dividing like the furrow which a mule has ploughed,
parting for their president: a field of snow-flecked
cotton
forty acres wide, of crows with predictable omens
that the young ploughman ignores for his unforgotten
cotton-haired ancestors, while lined on one branch, is
a tense
court of bespectacled owls and, on the field's
receding rim --
a gesticulating scarecrow stamping with rage at him.
The small plough continues on this lined page
beyond the moaning ground, the lynching tree, the tornado's
black vengeance,
and the young ploughman feels the change in his veins,
heart, muscles, tendons,
till the land lies open like a flag as dawn's sure
light streaks the field and furrows wait for the sower.

Voices Education Project

Voices in Wartime

National Inauguration Ad

Iraq Veterans Against the War

Iraq Veterans Against the War's "End the War Now" ad, will air once coast to coast on NBC during the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009

"I Pledged Years Ago!" Will You Now?

Celebrities come together to pledge their service in 2009 - Will You!

MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge

Hollywood heavyweights made their pledges to Barack Obama in the video below. Directed and edited by Demi Moore, it features celebrity pledges by Cameron Diaz, Hayden Panetierre, Laura Linney, Dakota Fanning, Jaime Pressley, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Ashton Kutcher, Tobey Maguire, Diddy, Alyssa Milano, Marisa Tomei, Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette, and others.

From MySpace Celebrity:

Reflecting Barack's call for change, the film features over 50 of the biggest stars in Hollywood revealing how they plan to personally participate in keeping America strong, proud and green. The clip will be presented to our new President during his inaugural celebration.


"There's an assumption that this one man is going to take on his new job full-time and somehow wave a magic wand of change, and I don't believe that to be true," Ashton tells Reuters. "I think that we have to be the leaders, and that's not celebrities--I think that we as citizens have to be leaders of the movement that we want to create."

Change of Culture at VA Called For

From: Veterans for Common Sense

During Confirmation Hearing for New Veterans Secretary

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned Retired General Eric Shinseki, President-elect Barack Obama's nominee to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, about challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and an outspoken leader in fighting for veterans' benefits and care, discussed changing the overall culture at the VA, improving care for women veterans, and working to make the VA a more proactive agency. Secretary-Designate Shinseki"s nomination is expected to be voted on by the full Senate as part of a package of Obama administration nominees on January 20th.

January 14, 2009 - Murray invites Secretary-Designate Shinseki to visit Washington state veterans facilities

Calls for proactive approach to meeting long-term challenges, better care for women veterans, and warns against increased fees and co-pays for veterans

Listen Now:

Senator Murray's Opening Statement


Senator Murray asks about changing the culture at the VA


Senator Murray asks about improving care for female veterans and invites Secretary-Designate Shinseki to visit VA facilities in Washington state
Senator Murray is the author of legislation that would expand and improve health care services to women veterans, particularly women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Changing the Culture

Senator Murray began her questioning of Secretary-Designate Shinseki by highlighting some of the major failures that the VA has attempted to downplay under the Bush administration and how he would work to change the culture at the VA.

"Over the past 8 years, the VA has developed a track record and culture of downplaying some potentially embarrassing internal issues," said Senator Murray. "Whether it's budget shortfalls or inaccurate suicide data, and this has come at the expense of the veterans we're serving."

Senator Murray went on to ask Secretary-Designate Shinseki how he will go about building a VA that "focuses on providing for veterans needs rather than avoiding public relations disasters."

Listen to Murray's question on changing the culture at the VA and Secretary-Designate Shinseki's response.


My added note

Any reports you may read or hear about as to how this previous administration, and the republican controlled congress as they wage two conflicts, raised the funding for Military Care and Veterans Care are Not Truthful Statements!

Extra monies were needed, desperately, as we had returning Soldiers of Both Occupations returning and needing costly treatments, that's where any extra money went!

The same thing happened after 'Nam leaving Veterans from before lacking while also not injecting enough money to care for the returning Vets.

Reason we've also seen, once again, the attempts to denie claims under false rhetoric and accusations to those seeking their needed care!