Walter Reed at 100

Walter Reed celebrates 100 years at forefront of medical research.

At a time when many hospitals operated with few resources and in unsanitary conditions, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center was a state-of the-art facility — boasting electricity, indoor plumbing and an elevator.

Since the facility opened its doors in 1909, it has treated six U.S. presidents and thousands of injured people from conflicts dating back to World War I. On Friday, the hospital marked its centennial anniversary.

The institution’s involvement in medical development is "profoundly important," said Dale C. Smith, a medical historian and professor at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. >>>>>Rest can be found Here

Remember when Reed was going to be closed down, remember also the repug meme that That Was The Reason They Didn't Put More Money Into The Housing and Other Issues At, when the problems at Walter Reed Hospital hit the news, While Waging Two Occupations!!!

May 1st Around the World

May 1st 2009: 6th Happy?? "Mission Accomplished Day??"

I would be remiss in not pointing out that this is the sixth anniversary of "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq.

Meanwhile, in the real world:..........

97 percent of U.S. deaths in Iraq have occurred after George W. Bush declared an end to "major combat."
”Mission Accomplished!”

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A 6th Anniversary Look Back at Media Coverage of 'Mission Accomplished

On May 1, 2003, Richard Perle advised, in a USA Today Op-Ed, "Relax, Celebrate Victory." The same day, exactly six years ago, President Bush, dressed in a flight suit, landed on the deck of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and declared an end to major military operations in Iraq -- with the now-infamous "Mission Accomplished" banner arrayed behind him in the war's greatest photo op.

Britain ends Iraq mission

British combat operations in Iraq are officially over.

American forces took control of operations in southern Iraq at midday. The move came a month earlier than expected and represents a continued pattern by coalition forces to try to mislead potential insurgents who may have been plotting attacks.

Earlier a memorial service was held to remember the 179 British personnel and 55 foreign servicemen and women who died in combat operations in southern Iraq. Defence Secretary John Hutton was in attendance.

Three US soldiers killed in Iraq

BAGHDAD, May 1, (Agencies): Three US troops have been killed in fighting west of Baghdad, the military said Friday, making April the deadliest month for American forces in Iraq since September. At least 18 US soldiers died in April, a sharp increase from March’s total of nine — the lowest since the war began in March 2003.

In Baghdad, dread grows with death toll

A string of devastating attacks mostly targeting Shiites has residents fearing a return to the sectarian warfare seen in 2006-07. The planned U.S. military pullback is adding to concerns.

The crowds at the restaurants are thinning out. Parents have started to escort their children to school again. And cellphones are ringing more often than usual, with family members checking in just to ask, "Are you OK?" or "Is everyone safe?"

U.S. says troops may have to stay in Iraq's Mosul

U.S. troops may have to stay in Iraq's third largest city, Mosul, beyond a June 30 deadline, the spokesman for U.S. forces in Iraq said on Friday.

A bilateral deal reached last year calls for all U.S. combat troops to pull out of Iraq's towns and cities by June 30 and for all U.S. soldiers to leave Iraq by the end of 2011.

Iraqs Refugee's

Urge President Obama to Support Iraqi Refugees

Overview
Five years into the US military intervention in Iraq, the country is dealing with one of the largest humanitarian and displacement crises in the world. Millions of Iraqis have fled their homes – either for safer locations within Iraq, or to other countries in the region – and are living in increasingly desperate circumstances. Failure to address the needs of Iraqis will have dramatic impacts on security inside Iraq.>>>>More

Iraq: Preventing the Point of No Return

The number of displaced Iraqis remains high, both inside the country and in neighboring ones. They remain reluctant to go back due to lack of security, the creation of ethnically cleansed neighborhoods, and poor government services. However, since the only realistic solution for the majority of displaced Iraqis is to return, the Government of Iraq, the United States, and the United Nations need to work together to establish safe conditions. The government needs to increase the effectiveness of education, health care, and employment programs. The U.S. and the UN need to maintain funding for humanitarian programs, while the UN expands its presence in the country significantly.>>>>>More

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

“Long Time Passing: Mothers Speak Out About War and Terror"

Courage to Resist and Susan Galleymore. April 29, 2009

Courage to Resist co-founder Susan Galleymore made international headlines by taking the extraordinary and even dangerous step of traveling to Iraq to visit her US Army son stationed on a military base in the so-called Sunni Triangle, north of Baghdad. She is now on tour to promote her new book "Long Time Passing: Mothers Speak about War and Terror".

What Susan found in Iraq – the horrors of war which was at once heartbreaking and compelling - challenged her to continue her journey interviewing mothers in war zones including Iraq, Israel and the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan and the US. These powerful first-person stories offer dramatic insight into the impact of war on mothers, families, communities, and cultures around-the-world.

Susan shares:

As I wrote in "Long Time Passing", when "my son was deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 I awoke from nightmares almost every night: the knock on the door, uniformed military personnel on the doorstep, “We’re sorry to inform you…,” images of my son disabled like the soldier in Johnny Got His Gun, bombs raining on a family’s home while a mother screamed out her children’s names….

My first real encounter with the vast horror that is war was meeting Holocaust survivors when I was a child. Then I had reacted by imagining how I would steel myself for hearing the worst news. But now, try as I might, I couldn’t hold for more than a few seconds the thought of my own child’s direct involvement: the pain was overwhelming. I couldn’t imagine how mothers could—how I might have to—adjust to the unthinkable: the death or maiming of a beloved child, the nightmare vision of that child killing or maiming others."

As an adult immigrant to the United States I didn't grasp that my own children were candidates for military recruitment. Surely, I thought, a volunteer military was, well, voluntary. I was unaware of, so did not consider, the marketing efforts and exorbitant amounts of money the US military poured into maintaining the veneer of "volunteer".

Mothers Speak About War and Terror

Aaron at Erbil

On CAN TV Chicago cable tv Channel 19:
Thurs., April 30, 9:30 pm
Fri., May 1, 4:30 pm
Thurs., May 7, 9:30 pm
Fri., May 8, 4:30 pm

On Evanston Cable Channel 6:
Mon., May 11 , 5:30 pm
Wed., May 13, 9:00 pm
Sat., May 16, 12:30 am
Mon., May 18, 5:30 pm
Wed., May 20, 9:00 pm
Sat., May 23, 12:30 am

On March 13-14 an important International Labor Conference was held in Erbil, Iraq, which is in the Kurdistan region. Along with the 200 delegates from Iraqi trade unions and international unions, attending was a delegation from the U.S., comprised of representatives of U.S. Labor Against the War, and 2 representatives from Iraq Veterans Against the War. Among those IVAW attending was Aaron Hughes, the subject of this 25 minute video. Aaron explains why he attended the Conference, and places his return to Iraq as an anti-war veteran in the context of a similar visit by Vietnam Veterans Against the War to North Vietnam. At the center of Aaron's experience in Erbil is his short speech to the delegation apologizing for his role in the US military in oppressing the people of Iraq. This video is a documenting of that speech and the reactions of the audience, as well as Aaron's anxiety about what the reactions would be. The work of the Conference is also summarized by Aaron, enhanced with footage from Iraq Peacetv in Japan and Aaron's own footage of the event. The experience of the Conference provides the basis of the IVAW delegate's re-dedication of their goal of war reparations for the people and workers of Iraq.

Labor Beat is a CAN TV Community Partner, for Info

Military Spouses Deserve a Special Nod

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10, 2009. If you need a reminder just check your calendar.

What you might not find on that calendar, however, is that the Friday before Mother's Day is designated as a day of remembrance for another very special group — it's called Military Spouse Day.

Military Spouse Day was first celebrated 25 years ago. President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation assigning the Friday before Mother' Day as a time to honor and commemorate the contributions of military spouses. It is likely that few people are even aware this special day exists.
Military families clearly live a different life then their civilian counterparts. The military family might have the opportunity to travel to wondrous places they might never had a chance to visit as civilians. Their duty stations could be in Europe, the Far East, the South Pacific, or even beautiful areas of this country. But, there is another side to being a military spouse. >>>>>Rest Here

Abit More

Military Community to Celebrate Military Spouse Day May 7

U.S. military installations worldwide will host a wide range of activities from receptions to workshops to "pampering parties" -- in observance of Military Spouse Day, May 7.

Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother's Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation's defense.

Military Spouse Day or Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day in the United States. United States citizens take this day to acknowledge the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of their Armed Forces.

Military Spouse Day has been observed since May 23, 1984, when a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. The US Secretary of Defense standardized the date by declaring the Friday proceeding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day.

Each year, the US President normally commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech and proclamation.

On 'Torture', 'Torture Team' and the 'Torture Memo's'

Spanish Court To Investigate Bush's 'Torture Team'

A book about the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay has led to an investigation by the Spanish court. In Torture Team, Philippe Sands alleges that high-ranking members of the Bush administration were responsible for instituting harsh interrogation tactics.

Rest Here with Audio to Listen

His Book ' Torture Team '

Reporter Scott Shane On 'Torture Memo' News

New York Times writer covers national security issues; he discusses what the newly discovered documents reveal about Bush Administration policy, and what the fallout from their release may be.

Rest Here with Audio to Listen

The 'Torture Memo's'

Memo to President Obama on Torture

By Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity
April 29, 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR: The President

FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity

SUBJECT: Torture

This memorandum is VIPS’ first attempt to inform you on a major intelligence issue, as we did your predecessor; thus, some background might be helpful.

Five former CIA officers established Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) in January 2003, when we saw our profession being corrupted to justify an attack on Iraq. Since then, our numbers have grown to 70 intelligence professionals, mostly retired, who have served in virtually all U.S. civilian and military intelligence agencies.

In our first Memorandum for the President (George W. Bush), dated February 5, 2002, we provided a same-day commentary on Colin Powell’s U.N. speech. We warned the president that “an invasion of Iraq would ensure overflowing recruitment centers for terrorists into the indefinite future [and that] far from eliminating the [terrorist] threat, it would enhance it exponentially.”

We strongly urged the former president to widen the discussion on Iraq “beyond the circle of those advisers clearly bent on a war for which we see no compelling reason and from which we believe the unintended consequences are likely to be catastrophic.” >>>>>Much More Here

Tortured by the past

There's a disturbing link between Gitmo and the interrogation tactics I used in Vietnam.

When Bush administration lawyers wrote their memos authorizing extreme interrogation tactics at Guantanamo, they had to conjure up horrible images: Prisoners gagging and sputtering as their interrogators reproduced the sensation of drowning. Human heads slammed repeatedly into walls. Insect-phobic prisoners cowering in fear in 8-by-10-foot cages.

How can the lawyers live with those images? And what damage did the interrogators who used the techniques sustain to their souls? >>>>>Rest Here

Torture Advocates Will Set the Military Back for Generations

Know what these photos are?



These are Iraqi troops surrendering by the thousand to U.S. forces during the first Gulf War in 1991. These drafted Iraqi fighters chose to turn themselves over to Americans in droves because they knew they'd be treated better by U.S. troops than by their own government. They had faith in us that we wouldn't execute them, that we'd feed them and give them water, and that we'd provide them with shelter. >>>>>Rest Here

The 'Architects' The CIA's $1,000 a Day Specialists on Waterboarding, Interrogations

As the secrets about the CIA's interrogation techniques continue to come out, there's new information about the frequency and severity of their use and a new focus on two private contractors, Bruce Jessen ...

"War/No More Trouble"

Playing for Change



"Songs Around The World (CD + DVD)"

2nd Annual CIAV Conference May 4-8, 2009

Washington DC

“I ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their community and their country. We’re going to have to take responsibility – all of us.”

- President Barack Obama

General Session: The Coalition Reports from the Field

The Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are at the forefront of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of military, veterans, families and survivors. Member organizations work in a diverse array of fields from employment and housing assistance to mental healthcare to policy advocacy. We welcome the opportunity during this general session to highlight the latest issues facing our military veteran community and demonstrate the innovative work of CIAV organizations. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will discuss obstacles faced during transition and we will share a special screening of the groundbreaking documentary series In Their Boots profile of Project Victory’s extraordinary Traumatic Brain Injury treatment center.

Topics - Agenda:

Outreach and Support for Military Children

No one feels the burden of deployment more than military children. Emotional and educational support is crucial to helping these children cope with the stress and anxiety of having a parent deployed overseas in a war zone. Panelists:

Suicide in the Military: Caring for the Surviving Families

Today’s military members are enduring multiple deployments, extended tours, combat fatigue and losing buddies all while trying to maintain their relationships and lives at home. The costs of war are taking a toll on the military family which unfortunately is resulting in a drastic increase in the suicide rate among service members both at home and abroad. Panelists:

Public, Private, and Community Partnerships

This panel illustrates how collaborative efforts between government, private, nonprofit organizations, and the community strengthen the system of care and support for those who serve. Panelists:

Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Pain: Treating the Whole Person

Not all physical injuries and wounds are visible and often the development of mental health issues begin with untreated or under-treated pain related to combat and the physical stress of military life. This panel will address the importance of addressing the physical as well as emotional wounds of combat. Panelists:

Physical and Mental Healthcare: Access to Services and Amplifying Needs

Accessing care is the first step in the journey of coming home. This panel will address the importance of quality treatment and access to services for service members and veterans. Panelists:

Peer Support: Helping Each Other Find A Way Home

Peer support is an integral component for many CIAV organizations in helping veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This panel will discuss what peer support is and how it contributes to the veteran’s well being. Panelists will discuss how to develop a wellness model and integrate peer support into ongoing services and programs. Panelists:

Economic Welfare: Access to Benefits, Housing and Employment

This panel will discuss the economic components of transition for the OIF/OEF veteran. CIAV panelists will address housing, access to VA compensation, legal services, and employment and training programs. The dialog will also touch upon homelessness, military discharge status, and mental health as job readiness, and other issues that complicate the transition process. Panelists:

Engaging the Media: A Look Inside Coverage of the War and Where We Go Next

How can two media outlets tell one story so differently? With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan we have seen our news outlets arrive at different conclusions and shape the opinions of the American public. For nonprofit organizations and activists, it is important to recognize how the stories of these two wars are shaped and to be aware of how journalists shape their stories. This panel will consist of renowned journalists including:

The First Annual Conference

The First Annual Conference helped us to utilize our collective resources and embark on a long-term strategic planning process with simple goals: to ensure access to appropriate quality resources for military, veterans, families and survivors. Moving forward, we hope to capitalize on our individual strengths and work together to break down barriers between the military and civilian community to build a stronger, more effective, more efficient, more caring and more comprehensive system of care for decades to come.

For a full report on the 1st Annual Conference, read:

“Moving Forward: Strengthening Services for our Military, Veterans, Families, and Survivors” (pdf document).

To find out more and sign up Visit Site

Playing For Change: Album Release

Songs Around The World CD/DVD In Stores Now!!

Introduction:

The Latest Song: Chanda Mama

This Song Around The World is a folk tune from Chennai, India. We started the track in New Orleans and added musicians from the across the globe before finally delivering it the people of it’s origin. We ended up in Chennai recording and filming the vocals from the Oneness Choir. The track has a feeling of perseverance and joy and features vocalists from four continents.

Today, April 28th, 2009 is a big day and has been a long time coming. After 4 years of filming and recording musicians around the globe, we are finally releasing our album "Playing For Change: Songs Around The World" featuring a 10 song CD and 7 track DVD. This is a collection of songs and videos featuring over 100 musicians from around the world that have never met in person, but have been brought together through the power of music

Click here to visit the site or visit your favorite Starbucks location to pick up a copy in person!.

Today is our chance to show the world that independent projects designed to connect and inspire people can be successful. If you have been moved by the music you've heard or the videos you have seen from Playing For Change then I encourage you to purchase the CD/DVD for yourself and/or give it to a family member or friend as a gift. Our continuing journey is not possible without your support.

The album demonstrates that regardless of our religion, race, gender, or political views we can unite through music. The time is now to unite as a human race and this global collaboration driven by your love and encouragement is designed to lead us in that direction.

After supporting the movement, take your own online journey and get to know the musicians through our new site (which will be updated regularly with new videos, songs, photos and much more ... ).

Thank you for your help and keep your thoughts, questions and advice coming. Together, we will continue to connect the world through music.

One Love,
Mark Johnson

Stand By Me:


"Songs Around The World (CD + DVD)"

April 28, 2004: Abu Ghraib

The first photos of the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal were shown on CBS's ''60 Minutes II.'' The photos had been taken by U.S. military personnel responsible for detaining and interrogating Iraqi prisoners arrested following the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Article by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, Torture at Abu Ghraib
American soldiers brutalized Iraqis. How far up does the responsibility go?, who helped break the story.

About Standard Operating Procedure, a new documentary by Erroll Morris on Abu Ghraib

A transcript follows.

Morris directed the Oscar-winning "The Fog of War," " Fast, Cheap and Out of Control," "The Thin Blue Line" and other noted documentaries.

About Standard Procedure - Trailer


Mary Mapes: Looking Back at Abu Ghraib 5 Years Later

We had gathered interviews, anecdotes and documents that indicated American soldiers there were regularly committing acts that violated military law, international treaties and moral boundaries. More ominously, there were signs that these men and women were acting on orders from higher ups.

All we needed to prove the story were the awful pictures we'd heard so much about.

Atrocities In Theaters of Occupations get your brothers and sisters killed, long before the outside world learns of them!!

"Where Everyone Knows Your Name....."

The faces of former Icelandic bankers adorn urinals in a bar



Reykjavik, Iceland, Photograph: Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images