October Surprises.......

Pepe Escobar Commentary: Al Gore campaigns for Obama in Florida; Bin Laden still not heard from

For months there has been relentless talk of an October surprise capable of swaying the US presidential election - just as the Osama bin Laden video "Message to the American people" released in late October 2004. Possible October surprises include former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsing Senator Barack Obama and former vice-president Al Gore campaigning for Obama in Florida - the state that cost him the election in 2000. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda has vaguely endorsed Senator John McCain. But many - including top US government officials - are still waiting for an Osama bin Laden video.

Taking on the military-industrial complex



The Real News Network

D.N.C. Veteran Tribute Video & the Maj. Gen.

Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)

Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM

I’m honored to share the stage with those who have served our country with distinction, officers who share my pride and appreciation for our men and women in uniform and their families, veterans who share my commitment to making Barack Obama our commander-in-chief.

I know this stadium is filled with many veterans who have sacrificed for our country. I’d like to ask everyone who has worn the uniform of the United States to please stand and be recognized. Join me in a round of applause in appreciation for their service.

Thank you.

Before I go any further, I have a confession to make: until recently, I was a Republican. But you’ll be happy to know that I’m looking forward to voting for Barack Obama in November.

Let me tell you about the journey that led me to Mile High. I moved to Congo when I was a year old. My parents were missionary teachers. The first words I learned were in Swahili. My family had to be evacuated and we ended up as refugees. So I learned at an early age to value freedom and the ideals of America.

I am proud to have served in the United States Air Force for over three decades. I’ve served in combat with many who are here tonight. We know what America needs in our next commander-in-chief.

In 2005, I was director of strategy, plans, and policy at United States European Command. That’s when I met a leader unlike any I had met before. That’s when I met Barack Obama.

Senator Obama wanted to know what the military was doing in Europe, Eurasia, and Africa and he wanted to know why we were doing it. He asked tough questions, and he didn’t settle for easy answers. It was this same way of thinking that led him to get it right, when he opposed the war in Iraq, when he warned of its consequences. That’s the judgment of a leader.

In 2006, I went with Senator Obama to Africa, and experienced firsthand the leadership that America needs. In the shadow of Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, I saw a leader with the understanding to build new bridges over old divides. That leader is Barack Obama. In Nairobi, I saw a leader with the courage to confront corruption directly with the president of Kenya. In Chad, I saw a leader who listened to the stories of refugees from Darfur – a leader committed to end that genocide. In Djibouti, I saw a leader who relaxed with our troops on the basketball court, who won their respect and admiration in discussions around the dinner table, and who appreciates their service.

That leader is Barack Obama. Leadership does matter. And we can’t afford four more years of more of the same.

When I consider who should be commander-in-chief, I ask four questions.

First, who has the judgment to make the right decisions about when to use force? In his words of caution before the invasion of Iraq, and in his consistent calls for more force against al-Qaida and the Taliban, Barack Obama has shown the judgment to lead.

Second, who grasps the complex threats of the 21st century? Barack Obama understands these challenges. He has a strategy to use all elements of our power to keep America safe.

Third, who has the integrity, vision, values, and patriotism to inspire Americans to serve? I have seen firsthand this man’s capacity to inspire. It is second to none. I know he will inspire a new generation of Americans to serve our country.

And fourth, who has the dedication to take care of our wounded warriors, veterans, and military families? Barack Obama is a friend of our military. He improved care for wounded warriors. He fought to make disability payments fair. He took on the battle against homelessness among our veterans. As president, he will fully fund the VA and make it more effective.

This grandson of a soldier who marched in Patton’s army understands America’s sacred trust with those who serve. He will keep it as our commander-in-chief. Yes, leadership does matter. Our men and women in uniform perform superbly around the globe. We need a commander-in-chief who respects them as our most precious resource.

I cannot forget that night in 1996 when terrorists attacked our barracks at Khobar Towers. Nurses and doctors worked frantically to save lives. I remember seeing a para-rescue crewman putting stitches in a patient while a friend held a compress on the corpsman’s forehead to stop his bleeding. Our men and women at Khobar towers made me proud to be in the military, proud to be an American. Nineteen men died that night. Eighteen of them worked for me. It was a poignant reminder that “life itself is a gift,” and no, freedom is not free.

I have served under six commanders-in-chief. My journey led me here because I know that leadership does matter. That is why I am enthusiastically supporting Barack Obama to be our next president. He is the leader our military needs. He is the leader our country needs.

Thank you, and may God bless America.

Remarks of Two OEF and OIF Veterans, DNC 2008, and Success!

In case you missed these powerful words from Two of our Countries Dedicated Veterans of the Current Occupation Theaters.


Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan can be Proud of these two, your brother and sister Veterans, as can the Families of All who are Serving and have Served, for You All are the Only Ones Sacrificing as this Country refuses to understand that Sacrifice!


The 'Honorable Cause' is the protection of your brother's and sister's as they protect you, in any conflict theater this nation sends those that serve it, wrong or right!


This Country must Now make it Right for All of You, it has Shirked It's Full Responsibility for far too long, from Korea to the Present Day, that must End!!


Tammy Duckworth

Four years ago, I was co-piloting a Blackhawk helicopter north of Baghdad when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the cockpit. My buddies carried my body out not knowing if I was dead or alive. They knew the soldier's creed: never leave a fallen comrade behind. They lived up to it. They risked their own lives to save mine. Because of them, I am here today, an Iraq war veteran, a female helicopter pilot and a wounded warrior-living in a country where people with disabilities have rights. Because of them, I am here today, an Asian American, a Daughter of the American Revolution as well as a daughter of an immigrant.

Acts of courage like theirs happen everywhere American troops serve. They are happening right now. I know that-so does my family. My father served in Vietnam, my brother served in the Coast Guard, my husband just returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. We served because we believe in this great nation and the opportunities it has given us. And because our service members support us, we must always keep the faith with them.

The administration of George Bush-supported by John McCain every step of the way-has let our warriors down. Our troops are courageous, strong and fierce. This administration has re-deployed them until they are overstretched, stressed and strained.

Our warriors should fight in Afghanistan where al-Qaida and the Taliban are on the offensive.

But instead of destroying the enemies who attacked us on 9/11, we have diverted our military might to Iraq, which had nothing to do with 9/11. When our warriors come home they deserve the best VA medical care, but too often they get bureaucracy, not benefits. They find inadequate access, inferior facilities and infuriating paperwork.

And now, John McCain wants to ration care. Under his plan, the VA will serve combat injuries, but everyone else gets an insurance card. Barack Obama and the Democrats have a different idea. Barack Obama will live up to their tradition of honor and sacrifice. Barack Obama will use war not as a first choice, but a last resort. Barack Obama understands that for a commander-in- chief to support the military, he needs more than a "Mission Accomplished" banner, more than wearing a borrowed flight suit, and definitely more than four more years of the same failed foreign policy.

President Obama will restore the might of the military, invest in our troops and only send our sons and daughters to war if they have a clearly defined mission and the tools they need to succeed.

I speak from more than a gut feeling on this. I know Barack Obama. I met him when he visited me and other wounded troops at Walter Reed. He came without reporters. He wasn't looking for credit. He just cared about how we were doing. He knew that wherever you stand on the war, you must love the warrior, and he does.

I testified before his committee; I listened to him talk, but then I watched what he did and how he voted. As a Senator, Barack Obama worked to improve the lives of all our veterans. He fought to fix our rundown hospitals. He fought to cut through the red tape. Unlike John McCain, Barack Obama fought for a new GI bill-and won-so that every veteran has the same opportunity to pursue their American dream just like his grandfather had after World War II. So I know what he'll do as president.

An America with President Obama will have a 21st century VA. He'll improve access to health care. He'll speed up disability claims. He'll increase services for nationwide post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries as we have already done in Illinois under Governor Blagojevich's leadership.

And Barack Obama will have a simple principle for homeless veterans: zero tolerance, because we are all dishonored when those who've worn the uniform sleep on our streets. But here's what he won't do: President Obama will reject John McCain's plan to privatize the VA system. We won't force veterans to search for medical care with nothing but a plastic card and the promise of payment. We won't have means testing for access to the VA. Why? Because Barack Obama knows this: no one asked us where we lived or how much money we had when we enlisted, and no one should ask us that after we've bled for our country.

Fellow Democrats, fellow Americans: I believe in this nation that I love more than my own life.

Today we have an opportunity to honor our military men and women by living up to that soldier's creed. Today we have an opportunity to give our veterans the benefits they rightfully earned. Today we have the opportunity to change our relations with the world.

I believe that America will elect the leader who has always fought to keep our nation's promise to our veterans. I believe America will elect the leader who can best keep this nation strong.

Barack Obama is right for our military. Barack Obama is right for our veterans. Barack Obama is right for our country. And that's why Barack Obama will be our next commander-in-chief.

God bless you, and always, God bless America.

The Honorable Patrick Murphy, Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, August 27, 2008


Patrick Murphy

We called it fire month. It was 138 degrees inBaghdad in August of 2003, and my fellow paratroopers and I were running convoys up and down Ambush Alley. We were scouting for roadside bombs and rooftop snipers while riding in a humvee without any doors.

One day, my gunner said to me, "Sir, what are we doing here?"Baghdad was a stop on a journey that began for me 15 years ago when I first put on the uniform of the United States Army. My journey took me from ROTC cadet to West Point professor to captain in the 82nd Airborne Division and eventually to the United States Congress. For me, a blue-collar kid from a row house in northeastPhiladelphia, this was the chance to not only serve the country I love, but to live the American dream.

When I returned fromIraq, I realized we didn't just need change over there, we also needed to change how we treat our veterans here at home. For eight long years, we've had a president who rushed to stand with soldiers at political rallies but abandoned them at Walter Reed. We've had a president who spent billions on private contractors but not on body armor for our troops. We've had a president who was there for the photo ops, but AWOL when it came to doing right by our veterans. It is time for a change.

In the Army, we have a saying: "Lead, follow or get out of the way." It is time for a president who leads. And it's time for a commander-in-chief who knows that leadership means serving our troops as well as they serve our country.

Barack Obama will be that commander-in-chief. With a grandfather who marched in General Patton's army, Senator Obama understands the needs of our nation and our military. That's why he led the fight to end the injustice at Walter Reed and end homelessness among our veterans. That's why he led the fight to make sure that returning veterans get the mental health care they deserve. And that's why I am proud to stand with him as he leads the fight for a smarter and tougher foreign policy, so that we can finally end the war in Iraq, go after the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 and defeat them where they are strongest, inAfghanistan.

Our brave men and women in uniform and our great country cannot afford more of the same. It is time for the change our troops, our veterans and our country need. It is time for Barack Obama.

As many have already found out the Battles Aren't Over and we Veterans of our past conflicts and failed leadership policies are there with you, fighting alongside!!


And Success


Veterans March, Deliver Letter to Obama Campaign
Member of Rage Against Machine join procession as it makes four-mile, four-hour trek to Pepsi Center

“We’re unique,” Earl said. “We have the credentials to back us up. We’re soldiers.”
Members of IVAW said they were committed to having a peaceful protest. Earl said the groups was lucky that the police were willing to work with them and escort them throughout the march.

Word soon circulated that Obama’s campaign agreed to meet in a more strategic place.

Lt. Vince Porter of the Denver Police Department said the department coordinated the meeting with the secret service and Obama’s office.

The two sides finally met about half an hour after plans for a meeting were announced to a chorus of cheers, Porter said, at the same intersection where the protest ended.

Matt Chandler, spokesman with Obama For America campaign in Colorado, confirmed that campaign's veterans outreach director did meet with representatives from the march.

"He was able to accept the letter from them," Chandler said. "He was able to talk to them a little bit."

And so the march, the largest protest of the DNC so far, came to a peaceful conclusion.

"A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words"



A Soldier and Child


Do We Need Change, You're Damn Right We Do, And The World Needs Us To Change, Now!!