Saturday, April 18, 2009

On The Anger Over The DHS Security Report {UpDated}

Yesterday I put up a post you can find here on the recent DHS report that came out and many were extremely angry about as to labeling OIF and OEF Veterans as possible recruits to fanatical rightwing hate groups. The spin being it was labeling All Returning Vets as a possible problem, it didn't, but a few Veterans Groups and The talking heads and Congressional members of the Republican party wanted the spin to come out as that.

Today a friend posted a link to editorial from a Vietnam Vet, at my facebook page, which hits on some of the winger responses himself, and I responded about a Real Incident of Actual Negative Labeling of Many Veterans, these with Honorable Discharges. As you all know less than already gives the negative in the civilian world.

There was a huge stink with us returning Vietnam Veterans when this was found out and there was a re-issue of new DD214's to any who requested or even found out about this.

What was done, well apparently there were embedded numbers in the DD214's, Spin Codes, numbers that were apparently based on what one might be perceived as by the military once back in civilian life. Some might have led to a positive but others apparently were to show a possibility of a trouble making, or anti-social, etc. etc. etc. etc..

These could supposedly be used by businesses, corporation, colleges, you get the picture, without the Vets knowledge that these numbers even existed.

Did a search to see if I could find some info for her to show what I was talking about, well apparently it's reared it's head again, I quickly was given this:

Injustice Exposed: The Secret Code on Veteran's DD214

Edwin H. Crosby III Vietnam Vet. explains the secret code on the 26,000,000 veteran's DD214 forms, and how it is used against the Veterans. Special Veteran's Forum April, 2007 Edwin H. Crosby III gave permission to upload this video.This is the site on more information The Secret Code on Veteran's DD214


The link is an hour and a half Video Discussion with the Vietnam Vet, who took this to the courts, about just this, the Embedded Code on DD214's.

And here I thought this was All Cleared Up years ago, apparently not!!

UpDate:

Military Separation Codes — Alphabetical Codes

Related Resources
• Numeric SPN Codes
• Alphabetic SPN Codes
• Army RE Codes
• Air Force RE Codes
• Navy/Marine/Coast Guard RE Codes

Hidden on practically every veteran’s DD-214 discharge papers are secret code letters and numbers called Separation Program Numbers (SPN numbers) that might make obtaining veterans benefits difficult if not impossible. Here are these secret alphabetic codes that may make a difference in your future.

These codes are contained in your military records and may be annotated on various military separation documents. These codes are subject to change, and the Department of Defense will no longer allow the military services to release the meanings of these codes to the general public. The below definitions were obtained before this prohibition went into effect.>>>>>For the List of Codes Click Here

Faces of Combat: PTSD & TBI

Faces of Combat: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury

Tune in to Voice America.com, Health and Wellness channel on April 20, 2009 to hear Eric Newhouse’s interview.

One Hour at a Time with Mary Woods airs Mondays at 3pm EST, with all previous shows available for download at any time. Have a question during the show? The listener call in number is 1-866-472-5792.

Newhouse won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for "Alcohol: Cradle to Grave" a 12-part series of stories that were published once a month throughout 1999. It was also honored by the NAADAC, the Society of Addiction Professionals; the Research Society on Alcoholism; and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

A second book, "Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans" was published by Issues Press in the fall of 2008.


Officials, veterans celebrate step forward for Waco PTSD center

About 100 dignitaries and veterans braved Friday’s storms to celebrate the Waco Veterans Affairs Hospital’s increased role in treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Once scheduled to be closed, the Waco Veterans Affairs Hospital is instead receiving a $9.8 million boost to help it become a Center of Excellence for war veterans suffering from psychological trauma. >>>>>More


Stimulus funds advance VA projects

The Tomah Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) will receive $5.8 million in stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has bumped up the timeline for several expansion and renovation projects at the VAMC.

Projects to renovate the Urgent Care facility and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services are two of several projects that will be taken on by the VAMC with stimulus dollars, beginning this spring.

“These projects were in our plans, and the stimulus money made it a lot easier and faster to get to them,” >>>>>More


Same is happening around the country, but true to form the now known as 'teabaggers' rally against. Most who cheered on or were silent as they're supposed fight against taxes was no where to be seen, nor their now found concern for the future generations, as their tax dollars blew up in their wars of choice they loudly and obnoxiously support, killing and maiming and destroying. But they are really silent when it comes to spending on Veterans Care, from these occupations, as they wrap themselves in the flag and hide behind lapel flag pins!!

Friday, April 17, 2009

The Crusade for a Christian Military

Much has been stated, angrily, since a Homeland Security Department Intelligence Assessment {pdf} report was released the other day on Rightwing Extremism. The report gives a window into the "Possibilities" in one segment the Military Veterans, especially, who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, "May Be" Recruited by extremist groups, known to already exist and growing.

This report Does Not Label Military Veterans as Radical Rightwing Fanatics, as a security report it just points out the possibilities this country may be facing, and not only by the recruiting of a few of the tens os thousands who have served Honorably under orders of the CiC in these two occupations, Right or Wrong in policy they may be.

But that seems to be how the so called "Strong on National Security" political party wants to spin it, it is a security report, which was headed by a bush appointee, pointing out that there may be a few who, without the proper help they may need from their experiences in these Wars/Occupations may be easy prey to the fanatical side of this society, and having the training most of those that belong to these groups don't!

Republicans on Wednesday said a Homeland Security Department intelligence assessment unfairly characterizes military veterans as right-wing extremists.

House Republican leader John Boehner described the report as offensive and called on the agency to apologize to veterans.

The agency's intelligence assessment, sent to law enforcement officials last week, warns that right-wing extremists could use the bad state of the U.S. economy and the election of the country's first black president to recruit members.

The assessment also said that returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their home communities could be susceptible to extremist recruiters or might engage in lone acts of violence.

"To characterize men and women returning home after defending our country as potential terrorists is offensive and unacceptable," said Boehner, R-Ohio.


There's a report coming out in the May Issue of the Harpers Magazine which tells of what has already been well known and lobbied to stop, Religious Fanaticism, the extreme fringe of the evangelical christian movement here.

This is just a few cuts to point you to the announcement about this issue

Harper’s Magazine Cover Story: Evangelical Proselytization Still Rampant in U.S. Military

The May issue of Harper’s Magazine reveals the continued practice of Christian evangelical proselytization in the American military and a lack of recourse within the Obama administration, according to a leading civil rights watchdog group prominently featured in the magazine’s cover story.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation MRFF and its founder and president Mikey Weinstein were profiled by Jeff Sharlet in his piece for Harper’s Magazine, “Jesus Killed Mohammed: The Crusade for a Christian Military.” Mr. Weinstein is the nation's leading advocate for the protection of individual soldiers’ constitutional rights to religious freedom and a frequent critic of the U.S. military hierarchy’s blind eye to efforts to evolve the nation’s military into a modern day band of Christian crusaders. >>>>>Rest Here


We've already had an awful lot, finally coming out, about what the possibilities may be, from what's already going on within the military, and the possibilities of what the multiple tours and two theaters may do do to some.

Once again those especially who don't receive the proper care for what they've experienced. Add in a collapsed economy, a divided country that's lost it's moral compass and refuses to hold those that led it down that path to be accountable.

We already experienced what just a couple of fanatics can do in Oklahoma City Bombing long before what other fanatic's did on 9/11, the first from the inside the second from outside of the country.

The follow is another Intelligence Assessment this one from 12 January 2007:

Gang-Related Activity in the US Armed Forces Increasing - PDF UNCLASSIFIED//LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE, the link is from the Military Times.

(U) Scope Note
(U) This intelligence assessment addresses standing FBI gang intelligence requirements set Part I.B.1.2. The assessment also addresses the Military and Civilian Infrastructure (INFR) requirements of the National Intelligence Priorities Framework.
(U) This assessment explores the prevalence of US-based street gang members serving in the US military. Data for the report was obtained from FBI information, open-source documents, and the following law enforcement sources:


This report came out on June 30th 2008:

Gangs Increasing in Military, FBI Says

A group of nine gathered, ready for an initiation.

Juwan Johnson of Baltimore, Md., willingly took a savage beating to join the Chicago-based gang Gangster Disciples. He was punched, kicked and stomped until he was barely conscious. After the beating, his new brothers put Johnson back in bed where he later died from his injuries.

This did not happen in a back alley of a gang-infested urban city. It took place at Kaiserslautern Army Base in Germany.

In 2005, the decorated 25-year old Army sergeant was killed after completing a tour of Iraq because he wanted to join a gang -- one he found while in the military.


You can do searches yourself and research, what started slowly, on the reports of what war and occupation can do for some, even highly trained and disiplined military personal.

This Country cheered on these occupations with high percentages, than sat back as soldiers were sent for extended multiple tours in either just one or both theaters, than sits on it's collective hands, once again, not wanting to pony up the costs of what's needed to care for the results of these now long running occupations!

I'll leave you to actually think of what the Possibilities are now forth coming, and not only from within but the huge numbers of possible others, from outside our borders, seeking retaliation and retribution for what we've done and created!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

What The Hell Has Been Going On In Iraq????

$40M fuel theft from Army prompts global manhunt

A former Army contractor convicted of stealing $40 million worth of fuel from a military base in Iraq is helping authorities search the globe for other suspects in the case.

The thefts occurred in 2007 and 2008 from Camp Liberty in Baghdad.>>>>>>More


We didn't have this much crap War Profiteering during 'Nam, and that was bad enough!!

Blind Amputee Iraq KBR Worker Fights AIG

Blind Amputee Has to Fight AIG for New Plastic Leg, Wheelchair

While Executives Get Bonuses, John Woodson Gets "Cheapest They Could Get Away With"

An Oklahoma man who lost an eye and a leg in Iraq says the giant insurance company AIG refused to provide him a new plastic leg and fought to keep from paying for a wheelchair or glasses for the eye in which he has 30 percent vision.>>>>>More with Video Report

The Female U.S. Soldiers.......

Book tells of female U.S. soldiers raped by comrades

Female U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have more to fear than roadside bombs or enemy ambushes. They also are at risk of being raped or sexually assaulted by fellow soldiers.

"The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq" a book based on 40 in-depth interviews, recounts the stories of female veterans who served in combat zones and tells of rape, sexual assault and harassment by male counterparts.

Some were warned by officers not to go to the latrine by themselves. One began carrying a knife in case she was attacked by comrades. Others said they felt discouraged to report assaults. >>>>>Read More

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"The Eliminationists:"

"""For most of my life, even into the 1990s, it was fairly easy to distinguish eliminationists from mainstream conservatives. Conservatives were people who welcomed the advances of science and education, were generally civil in their dealings with political opponents, shunned conspiracism and outrageous paranoia, and were not constantly sounding the alarm about the impending end of civilization. Religious beliefs always played a role in traditional conservatism, but the old consensus held by both liberals and conservatives--that religious freedom meant the freedom of every citizen to choose their creed without coercion--still held sway for the most part.

That began to change, though, in the mid-1990s. And by the first few years of the 21st century, the differences between the mainstream Right and its fanatical fringe became thin indeed.


Dave Neiwert,The Eliminationists: How Hate Talk Radicalized the American Right (Paperback)"""

THE GARDEN

They call it the Garden, our national shrine, Arlington National Cemetery—and even now, on the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq, the bodies keep coming in, thirty a day. For the men who do the burying, who actually touch the grief, grave digging is more than a job. It’s a way of reckoning with who we are now as a country
By Michael Paterniti; Photograph by James Nachtwey

We dug a hole in the Garden and laid the first body in. The sun rose, and we dug another in the clay. Put the second body in. Leaves bloomed and we dug a third, buried the body. The sun burnt everything brown in the Garden, and there were more bodies that went into the ground—on the hill, by the river, beneath the trees. We buried them through the swelter of summer and kept on when the leaves expired in the clutch of the first fall chill, through winter snow when our shovels sparked on the hard ground, until the spring rains, when the earth gave like pudding again.>>>>>Rest Here


***************

Ceremony to Recognize Vets

Not Eligible for Vietnam Wall Inclusion

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2009 One-hundred twenty-three American heroes from the Vietnam War era will be honored posthumously this month during the annual In Memory Day ceremony, according to Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.>>>>>>

A list of the honorees and their hometowns is available here

The Forgotten Iraqi Genocide

Iraqi cardiologist’s Speech to European Parliament

Below is the transcript of the “Occupation year 7” speech by Iraqi cardiologist Dr Omar Al-Kubaisy to the European Parliament, 18th March 2009, about the horrendous consequences of the illegal, war criminal and genocidal US, UK and Australian invasion and occupation of Iraq*.

This transcript was forwarded to me by the eminent BRussells Tribunal – both Dr Omar Al-Kubaisy and myself are members of the Advisory Committee of the BRussells Tribunal, together with many distinguished, anti-racist, pro-peace, humanitarian scholars and professionals from around the world (notable people associated with the BRussells Tribunal include many academics, Nobel Laureates the late Harold Pinter and José Saramago, many other eminent writers such as Eduardo Galeano, John Pilger, Professor Howard Zinn, Stephen Lendman and William Blum, distinguished public figures such as Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Dennis Halliday, and eminent human rights lawyers such as Dr Curtis Doebbler (see Brussel Tribunal ). >>>>>Read More

War-shocked Gaza children 'want to die'

Caught in the middle: Palestinian boys wounded by an Israeli tank shell wait for treatment at Shifa hospital in Gaza in January (Reuters: Suhaib Salem)


Little has changed in Gaza since the war in January, with thousands of families still living in tents and homes and schools still just rubble and ruins.

But life for many children has never been the same since Israel launched its offensive three months ago.

In January, Israeli bombs flattened the main building of this school in northern Gaza, destroying eight of the school's 20 classrooms.

The students had already evacuated but the three-storey block was crushed; the top floor still dangles dangerously over the schoolground and giant slabs of jagged concrete hang precariously in mid-air.

And the 22-month blockade imposed on Gaza means few if any materials are getting in to rebuild shattered areas.>>>>>Rest Here

Audio: Gaza struggles after war

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Cost of Iraq war will surpass Vietnam's by year's end!

If Congress approves the latest funding request, as expected, the Iraq war will have cost about $694 billion, making it the second most expensive conflict in U.S. history behind World War II.>>>>>As They Say the Rest of the Story Here


Graphic can be Downloaded Here