Posts with the tag soldiers

REMEMBERING HEROES AND HORRORS

Breeze Bryson — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:46:00 EDT

REMEMBERING HEROES AND HORRORS

One way to celebrate Memorial Day is to try to understand what war means to the soldiers on the front line. What keeps them there? What holds them together? How does it effect their families?

The YouTube reference I give below is just part one of a four part series. Each one has a difference subtitle: "We are Family," "He was my Friend" "Who are We Fighting?" "I Move On." The four are entitled "Killer Blue: Baptized by Fire."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPogyjv20Vk&feature=channel

These short videos are useful to those who want to recall the Heroes of war this Memorial Day. I suggest that we need also to remember the Horrors of war in fairness to all those who died for no reason except that they were there and, also, the atrocities committed in the name of war.

Here is an interesting essay stressing that point:

Louis Bickford is the author
Director, Memory, Memorials, and Museums program, ICTJ

MEMORY, WAR, AND THE MEMORY OF WAR

"Memorial Day is meant to remind us of the hardship of war, and on this Memorial Day I find myself asking how we will remember the "war on terror." What will our children's children know about this period?

We choose in the present how future generations will remember the past. One of the great contributions of the human rights movement is showing that how we remember and memorialize trauma in the past -- torture under brutal regimes in Argentina or during the apartheid era of South Africa, the evil committed during the Holocaust -- can help prevent abuses in the future.

What does it mean to choose how to remember? Memories come flooding back, often unwilled, sometimes unwelcomed. The raw material of memory resembles dreams, uncontrolled and full of non-sequiturs.

But consider the terrible affliction of "Funes the Memorious,"a character in a Jorge Luis Borges short story. He remembers everything, every shadow on every leaf on every tree, and he is thus immobilized and must sit in the dark to avoid sensory experience. In real life, societies, like individuals, cannnot remember everything. We organize collective memory, purposefully or not.

Imagining the future, we may choose to remember the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, for example, more in terms of heroism than error, since that is the tendency of all nations. We may remember the irreparable loss of life of those who went to fight, and we will think about their families and the suffering they endured. Our national memory may focus on the deaths of the Americans, in the same way that our memories of Vietnam focus largely on American causalities.

Will we remember that there was a place called Abu Ghraib on the dusty outskirts of Baghdad, and that torture took place there, for which we were responsible? Will we remember that we acquiesced to a terrible policy put forward by our leaders and with the endorsement of many -- Democrats, Republicans, journalists, legal scholars -- that allowed for us to ignore international and American law prohibiting torture?

If we care about the future, we must, first, clarify the truth. Second, we must find ways of clearly condemning torture wherever and whenever it was committed. Third, we must take steps so that we remember our rejection of those acts. Our thinking about future memory is one way of preventing torture in the future.

We need to know the full truth, including who among us was complicit in allowing this to happen, even if it means looking inward to our own communities. Why did not more of us protest more loudly and sooner? Why did so many permit government lawyers to pervert the law for dubious ends, making a mockery out of the idea of reasonable legal interpretation?

We must engage in a serious inquiry and introspection with the goal of accountability. Journalists and scholars should continue their investigative research and analysis of what has transpired. A nonpartisan commission of inquiry should also be a part of this picture, as should the continued declassification of government documents. We should also help others transform Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and other sites of torture into sites of learning for the future. Seen from the perspective of memory, fair trials of those most responsible for wrong-doing are essential. The documents produced by trials would be vital elements of a true historical record. And trials are the strongest way of representing moral condemnation of wrongful behavior.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher, identified three forms of history: antiquarian, monumental, and critical. The first sees history as quaint, curious, distant and irrelevant to our current lives. The second celebrates victory, heroism and tragedy in the past as precursors to current glory. The third suggests an engagement with the memory of the past, seeing the linkages between past, present and future and seeking to understand them.

Former Vice-President Dick Cheney is seeking to convince Americans that torture was justified. It is clear that he is interested in how this period is remembered; he is speaking both to us and to our progeny. He wants the history books and national memory to validate his time in office, and he is making active attempts to guarantee that they do. He wants to create a monumental history of the period.

If former officials succeed in making us forget that there was torture and that it was contrary to our values, they will establish impunity for the present and also for the future. That must not be allowed to happen. Extreme violations of human rights in any context, including a war, are too important to forget. We want future generations to remember that we insisted on accountability for them. Those are good reasons to have Memorial Day."

May we all learn something from these voices, something that makes every Memorial Day more meaningful.

I wish us peace.

Breeze Bryson

May 24, 2009

Prisoner of War (POW) Guantanamo Bay, The Geneva Convention

Queen E — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:22:14 EDT

Prisoner of War (POW) - Guantanamo Bay; The Geneva Convention for USA

This is just a suggestion; it’s only food for thought that I am imparting to our President.

Dear Mr. President Obama,

I know your plate is full of things to do and this Guantanamo issue seems to be a thorn in our side but I gotta say it; again we have the professional, experts, with degrees and ranks writing rules and regulations for others to follow. These experts fail to foresee that they too will have to apply that same regulation to themselves. And now it’s time to apply the Geneva Convention Law on ourselves to obey but instead the Naysayers want to ignore or re-write it.

Here is my common sense approach to where I think you should move the Guantanamo Bay occupants.

Throughout the USA, we have Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force bases; some bases are sitting idly and abandoned. My thinking is that why not move these prisoners of war to these bases. It is the Department of Defense’s shoulder of responsibility that is charged with the mission to search, rescue, defend and capture and imprison. Well, they are responsible for housing the prisoners too.

We also have the old American Civil War Camps throughout the USA that was used for POWs and some of them can be put to use. This list of cities with the camps are listed on the Internet. It names Union Camps and Confederate Camps and the cities they are located.

These bases and camps are perfect for the following reasons:

a. It is where our soldiers train; why not train them using real enemies in some scenarios, not all, and use them to deactivate, detrain, and heal both soldiers and prisoners who suffers with Post Traumatic Stress Syndromes.

b. It is where our returning and wounded soldiers can be employed to assist with the daily upkeep, maintenance and punishment, treatment and guarding of such prisoners of war,

c. And our Department of Defense budget should have a mandate and budget that includes this POW capture, placement and treatment.

I can’t think of a more appropriate placement for those POWs than in our own military camps and bases. This would mean Jobs for doctors, lawyers, nurses, psychiatrist, chefs, etc. etc. Jobs that will stimulate the economy in those cities.

Sincerely,

OBAMA SONG-17yr old positive lyricist

Fundamental — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:39:43 EDT

I'm a 17yr old positive lyricist out of Richmond,VA. i wrote a rap song about OBAMA. you can hear it at myspace.com/3rdeyeup
no cursing, no negativity. real positive, creative lyrics. hope you guys check it out. peace n bless

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:46:06 EST

AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY

If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS
Source: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD

http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9

MILITARY HERO - G.I. JOE

WEBMASTER — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:30:15 EST

In honor of military pigeons throughout history, I post on this Christmas Eve, information produced by Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Ret), and supplied by the ARPU, on the American Hero “G.I. JOE” -

“G.I. JOE”
American Hero

“G.I. JOE” is the most outstanding military pigeon in history and is credited with saving the lives of at least 100 British troops during World War II. The British 56th Brigade was scheduled to attack the city of Colvi Vecchia, Italy, at 10 a.m., October 18, 1943.

The U.S. Air Support Command was scheduled to bomb the city to soften the entrance for the British Brigade. The Germans retreated leaving only a small rear guard and as a result the British troops entered the city with little resistance and occupied it ahead of schedule.

All attempts to cancel the bombings of the city, made by radio and other means of communication, had failed. Little “G.I. JOE” was released with the important message to cancel the bombing. He flew 20 miles back to the U.S. Air Support Command base in 20 minutes and arrived just as our planes were warming up to take off. If he had arrived a few minutes later, it might have been a different story.

Gen. Mark Clark, Commanding the U.S. Fifth Army, estimated that “G.I. JOE” saved the lives of at least 100 of our British allies. In November 1946, “G.I. JOE” was shipped from Fort Monmouth, N.J. to London, England, where he was cited and awarded the Dickin Medal for Gallantry by the Lord Mayor of London. “G.I. JOE” is the only bird or animal in the United States to receive this high award.

“G.I. JOE,” a dark checker pied white flight cock, was hatched March 24, 1943, at the Pigeon Section in Algiers, Algeria, North Africa. Later he was taken to the Tunisian front, then to Bizerte, and from there to the Italian front.

After World War II, “G.I. JOE” was housed in the Churchill Loft, U.S. Army’s “Hall of Fame” at Ft. Monmouth, N.J., along with 24 other pigeon heroes. In March of 1957, the remaining pigeon heroes were placed with different zoological gardens throughout the U.S.A.

“G.I. JOE” was placed with the Detroit Zoological Gardens where he died June 3, 1961, at the age of 18. “G.I. JOE” was returned, mounted, and placed in the Historical Center, Meyer Hall, at Fort Monmouth, N.J.

--- Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Retired)
--- Former Commander of the U.S. Army Pigeon Service

I dedicate this inspiring story of courage and determination of the pigeon named “G.I. JOE” to the generations of troops that will secure the success of the 44th President of the United States.

May the message of peace come to The White House and spread throughout the land.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

David Apperson, Life Cloud Discussions

American Legion - member
ARPU - lifetime member
VFW - life member

Source: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxKt3

Cell Phone Recycling Program

Bob Tilden — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:55:41 EST

We may all have issues with the reasons we're involved in a Middle East war, but I think most agree that our soldiers are doing the best that they can and that they and their families are bearing the heaviest burden. President Obama will do everything he can to expedite the return of our troops, but for those who are still serving away from home, there's something we can all do to help connect them with their families.

You can provide these soldiers with a calling card so that so that every military member in Iraq can make a free 20-minute phone call home. If you have an old cell phone kicking around the house or office, you can recycle it in exchange for a calling card for soldiers serving away from home.

Articles for discussion: Telegraph & MSNBC.

EMK — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:13:52 EST

Whoa! The Pentagon seems serious about this: Pentagon to detail military to bolster security; Plan would dedicate 20,000 uniformed troops inside U.S. by 2011 -- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27989275/

What is Citigroup talking about with the gold??? Citigroup says gold could rise above $2,000 next year as world unravels -- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/3526645/Citigroup-says-gold-could-rise-above-2000-next-year-as-world-unravels.html. They've been bailed out already! *Errgh!*

See also: Vid clip from Democracy Now! Seriously??? (http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/emk/gGgYfB)

EMK

BAILOUT the VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION (VA) | URGENTLY |

NO A LA MARCHA EN CONTRA DE OBAMA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:55:01 EST

On Wednesday I receive one of the most heartbreak emails ever. A Heart Break E-mail and I posted the entirely email as it, as a proof of what is happen in the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA).

VA literally is broken in his finances and the bureaucracy in this department follow a steady course and this is the one of the principals motives of an unnecessary harm for to many of those VETERANS who is rightfully entitle to receive the assistance they deserve from the VA.

This soldiers practically are begging to the VA for solutions, THE ONLY THINK THEY WANT is receive a respectfully treatment, They want his payments on time and the necessary medical assistance they need, They want to be loved by his country as they much loved it.

Not enough was the discovering of the disastrous mistreatment they suffer in the Walter Reid Hospital, they receive promises and some improvement, just the necessary actions to calm down the media, but the really true is nobody is talking about the continue injustice this proudly HERO’S receiving every single day from the VA.

If there is some institution in this country need a BAILOUT is the VA, they has the great responsibility of taking care of all VETERANS?

Of course at this point there are not EXTRAORDINARY session of the CONGRESSMAN favoring any solution in this mess of the VA, NOT special declarations of the Speaker of the House, or the Majority Leader calling for immediate and expedite solutions of the SOLDIERS problems dealing with the VA, as they did easily in FAVOR of the corrupted institutions in wall street.........NO, there are NOT prefabricated NEWS CONFERENCE voicing for a quickly and smart solutions for the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION , there are NOT RUSH to solve his problems, NO pressure to the people and fancy explanations to secure VOTES.

At the end of the day nothing is going to happen, may be they think …….. THEY ARE TOO LITTLE AND TOO POOR.

It’s incredible and hard to believe, these two young soldiers practically begin for money because the VA unwariness’.

I can't visualize how this kind of differences could happen in this country?

Lawmakers know what happen in the VETERAN ADMINISTRATION, this is nothing new, this problem coming from years before. But always they couldn't find out the right solution, only promises and long time lapses and debates, until something special come out trough the media like this issue of the Walter Reid. I just wondering if someone of these busy lawmakers of Washington are going to read this: A Heart Break E-mail.

Why does the Congress ISSUE a rush and fair “BAILOUT” to the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) solving definitively and permanently all the PROBLEMS THEY SURELY HAS, as a real signal of gratitude for all what this soldiers did, after all is his responsibility's to do so.

Just am calling for some justice and sensibility to the attention of the President-Elected Barack Obama, I do not expect nothing being solve by the Bush Administration.

Just am calling to the leaders of the Congress for an EQUAL TREATMENT for these citizens, who with his WATCH’S and exposures in dangerous way are granting the LIBERTY AND SECURITY of his countryman and them as congressmen’s they fully enjoyed.

This proudly man’s and women’s of the United States Armed Forces, HERO’S of the past and present wars, deserved nothing less than EQUAL TREATMENT, quickly and expedites solutions for the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA), as others entitlements or institutions recently receive from the United State Congress.

Percy H Florez

Cindy McCain Doesn't Speak For This Mom of a Disabled War Veteran!

Holtlaw — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:07:19 EDT

My son served his country proudly, despite Bush's ultimate betrayal in sending him and his fellow soldiers to fight, and some of them to die, in a war based on greed and contrived evidence, while disregarding real threats to our country. My son toiled everyday in the heat and stiffling squallor of Sadr City, Iraq, based there at Camp War Eagle. The soldiers called it Camp Dirty Bird because of the sewage that flowed through many of the streets. From the day they rolled into Baghdad, they knew little but death, stench, and hate. Sadr City inhabitants hurled rocks, slurs, and taunts when my son went on patrols or missions; but, those were the good days. On bad days, which were most days,they endured day after day of bombings, sniper fire, and ambushes. On April 4th, when they had been there less than a week, they lost eight soldiers in a brutal ambush outside of Dirty Bird's gates. Mortar after mortar struck Camp Dirty Bird, day after day. They bravely endured it all because of their vow to serve when, where and how the president ordered them to serve.

My son and our family believe that one candidate, and only one candidate, will honor our troops and their selfless service to our country by ending a senseless war~ and by only sending them into danger when absolutely necessary to do so. That candidate is Barack Obama. An Obama presidency will follow through on the promise to provide proper care for my son and his disabled brothers and sisters from the Iraq debacle and the other wars before it. President Obama will act quickly to see that all of our troops (finally) have the equipment and armor they need to protect the troops from injuries they need not suffer, while bringing the war safely and honorably to its conclusion.

As a mother of a battered warrior from this war, I want Cindy McCain to know that SHE sent a frigidly cold shudder through MY soul's core when she dishonored our soldiers by using them as political pawns in her false attack last week on Senator Obama, based on ugly lies and invective. Shame on you, Mrs. McCain.

Victory in Iraq?

Charles from Hammond, IN — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:21:35 EDT

It's funny how Senator McCain says he'll "bring the troops home in victory not in defeat" but at the same time he boast of the success of what's happening in Iraq. Which is it? Is there success in Iraq now or not? Removing the troops RESPONSIBLY seems to resonate "Success" to me if the whole plan is to RESPONSIBLY turn control over to the Iraqi government.

Audacity of Hate

Colorado "Hussein" Mamma for Obama — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:25:44 EDT

Mayor Guliani's speech has brought me to tears, BUT NOT for what you may think. I have been brought to tears because I am just that offended. Please tell me that people know it was BIN LADEN who attacked us and he is in AFGHANISTAN. Iraq had nothing to do with it. HOW DARE HE use our attack as propaganda for his smear campaign. HOW DARE HE!

I am HOPE-ing and Praying that this horrible speech by Guiliani will only backfire.

Telling the audience that when we "gave up on Iraq, we gave up on America."

Excuse me?

Tell that to the thousands of mothers, husbands, wives, siblings and children of the 4000+ dead soldiers. Tell that to the thousands of soldiers who came back to get inadequate care, mental health, and support before they were deployed for their second, third, or even fifth tour of duty? Who gave up on whom?

Do not insult me, any member of the military, any citizen of the US who gives a damn about what has been happening overseas.

Shame on you, Guiliani. Shame on those who thought his speech was tolerable or acceptable.

McCain’s POW Defense: Devaluing Our Service and His Own

Richard Owl Mirror — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:23:24 EDT

We believe that Barack Obama is the right choice for us - for the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/26355081#26355081

~@~ McCain's POW Defense: Devaluing Our Service and His Own By Lt. Gen Robert G. Gard Jr., USA (Ret.) " It's time for the Senator to stop cheapening the war experiences of thousands of vets and his fellow POWs, and his own as well, by stretching the boundaries of logic to make his POW status a wild-card rebuttal to all accusations or an answer to all difficult questions.

We are veterans who like John McCain, who served honorably, but and we continue to serve our country honorably by not using our military experiences as unjustifiable necessary shields or stepping stones. John McCain has faced and will continue to face many difficult questions that he does not have an answer for, and problems to which that he will provide no solutions to, in the 70 days between now and the election. When he uses his status as a veteran to deflect legitimate questions and concerns, it devalues not just his service to our country but ours as well.

So today, we ask not as Veterans for Obama, but as Veterans of America that Sen. McCain respect the service of his fellow POWs and combat veterans, and stop cheapening their service by hiding behind his own."

~@~ http://vetsforobama.org/ ~@~

I endorse Barack Obama for President:

David Addlestone
U.S. Army
Vietnam Veteran
Washington, D.C.

John Bruhns
US Army Operation Iraqi Freedom
Philadelphia, PA

Dave Evans
US Marine Corps
Republic of Vietnam
Charleston, West Virginia

Robert G. Gard
U.S. Army
Vietnam and Korean War Veteran
Rockville, MD

Richard Klass
U.S. Air Force
Vietnam Veteran
Arlington, Virginia

Noel Koch
U.S. Army
Vietnam Veteran
Rockville, Maryland

Michael Leaveck
U.S. Navy
Vietnam Veteran
Washington, D.C.

Demond Mullens
U.S. ArmyOperation Iraqi Freedom
New York, New York

Bobby Muller
U.S. Marine Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Washington, D.C.

Jeff Peskoff
U.S. Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Fort Carson, Colorado

Garret Reppenhagen
U.S. Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Denver, Colorado

George Roberts
U.S. Marine Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Washington, D.C.

Lorin Walker
Daughter of Capt. Bruce Walker, MIA RVN
Preston, Washington

Tomas Young
U.S. Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Kansas City, Missouri

~@~ http://vetsforobama.org/ ~@~

I believe Senator John McCain should hold one of his famous Town Hall meetings with the individuals mentions above and their fellow soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen.

U.S. Soldiers Give More To Obama Than To McCain

Mark Ungemach (Democratic Committee Person, Franklin Township, Landenberg, PA) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:53:43 EDT

Friday, August 15, 2008

Military donations seen favoring ObamaAssociated Press

U.S. soldiers have donated more presidential campaign money to Democratic Sen. Barack Obama than to Republican Sen. John McCain, a reversal of previous campaigns in which military donations tended to favor Republican White House hopefuls, a nonpartisan group reported Thursday.

Troops serving abroad have given nearly six times as much money to Mr. Obama's presidential campaign as they have to Mr. McCain's, the Center for Responsive Politics said.

Troops vs. Soldiers

Tate from Lakewood, OH — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:57:13 EDT

I would advise the Obama campaign to change the term "troops" to "soldiers" in the text on this web page.

It may seem trivial, but you never hear anything about an individual "troop" ... but you do hear about a "wounded soldier". The term troop is a forced plurality that makes soldiers seem less important that the sum of their parts.

That's all I got for today.

Wounded Critters and Dangerous Storms

ZapDuff — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:09:19 EDT

The buzz this Wednesday (July 30, 2008) is the full tilt negative attacks from the McLimping campaign. Many of the Obama forums are transmitting messages of concern, if not fear and loathing, for the hostile tenor - coming before either of the major party conventions. About as scary as the powerful afternoon storms - common this time of the year in Florida. As I write this, I am tempted to advise: Stay safely inside and avoid indiscriminate lightning strikes and flying debris until it passes.

So it is with a 4th new anti-Obama political advertising appearing on all the news nets: Celebs today... in the wake of the dispicable Troops spot, attacking Obama with false claims that he skipped a hospital visit with wounded soldiers to go to the gym. But like a quickly fading storm, our exposure to the latter ended after a long front page story in the Washington Post that debunked the lie filled political ad.

O-Camp HQ: Please Target These Issues

ZapDuff — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:44:03 EDT

While the McDevious campaign ratchets up its Anti-Obama rhetoric, we have a couple signficant opportunities to tout Barack's positions AND record that validates who is better to lead our country. Assuming no one at the campaign HQ in Chicago has time to read these epistles, I hope fans of my scribbles with access to campaign decision makers can pass along my observations.

Public statements by the candidate and advertising messages should quickly give attention to falsehoods repeatedly turning up in McCaCa messages:

Counter McRanting claims that Obama is naive and does not understand international affairs...
Counter McLie2Vets&GIs bragging he supports both and Obama does not...

The Discrimination Veterans Face

Ash — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:50:53 EDT

If you go take a walk down many of our streets, most of the people you will run into are in some way tied to a veteran. They could be grandchildren of those who served in World Wars, parents of servicemen and women, brothers and sisters of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of them are veterans themselves.

Many of the veterans of our society have been trying for years to succeed. The country that they once believed in, the freedoms and liberties they fought for, the people they thought they could confide in, all of that seems to be some sort of fairytale of hopes and dreams to save the world and eventually realizing it was never saved to begin with.

I am a veteran of the Iraq war. I have seen many things, people and places that most will never have the opportunity to see. I chose to enlist because I felt I could make a difference, not only in myself, but in my country and the lives of others. I swore to defend my country as a Chemical Operations Specialist in March of 2003, the same day President Bush declared war on Iraq. I can remember watching the television screens as I sat in the MEPS station in Chicago, Illinois and thinking someday I am actually going to end up there. The attacks, the raids, buildings that were set ablaze, Saddam's regime was coming apart and we were all watching it on nationalized television.

I remember how happy the Iraqi civilians seemed to be that we had tore down his statues, his paintings, this world of torture he had created was about to crumble. It was all so reassuring that I was joining something of the greater good. I felt it was my calling, a mission in which I must complete. I had visions of where I wanted to go in my career, and who I wanted to be.

In July of 2003, I went to basic training confident and with pride. I thought that this was the life I was supposed to lead. I had finally found a way to secure my future, and to make my life better in some way. The challenges of basic training made me a stronger individual. I was able to experience true leadership, dedication and motivation from some of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers above me. The Drill Sergeants carried themselves with such a high standard that I was amazed at how much trust I had in them. I knew from that experience alone that I wanted to become one of the greatest, and most professional soldiers in the military. I wanted to become a Drill Sergeant.

I remember an event that occurred three days before I was supposed to graduate basic training. It was December 14, 2003, and I was currently in Advanced Individual Training. It was early morning and the time had come for us to hit the lines for breakfast chow. We were all waiting in the chow line and as I took my silverware and tray I could hear a round of applause and cheering coming from the tables that seated our soldiers. I got through the chow line pretty fast, grabbing a banana and some juice so as to find out what everyone was so happy about. "Look guys!" shouted a soldier, "Drill Sergeant they caught Saddam Hussein!" stated another. It was amazing, to see so many people who had no idea what was to come in their future military careers.

I served in Ft. Bliss for several months, but due to the fact that I was not happy with the unit, I continually called my branch manager to find a way out. The problem was I was "fenced" which means the Army basically has you locked into a unit. Finally, after months of calling, my branch was willing to work with me to get me out of there. I was sent to Ft. Hood, Texas in November of 2004, and nearly two to three weeks later, I was put on a plane to Taji, Iraq.

I left the United States and got to see the airport of Shannon, Ireland. It was one of those moments where I actually remember thinking, "this is really happening, I am about to go to war," but I tried not to think about it to much. Shortly after our time in Shannon, we arrived in Kuwait. Camp Doha was the place, and I was so glad to see a Starbucks. It kind of gave me a little piece of home and I was already a little homesick as it was because I was missing many of the things I used to take for granted, such as a warm house, a bed, and sleeping peacefully. I went with a few soldiers to the dining facility and then back to the phones to make the calls to everyone who wanted to know I made it to Kuwait. Afterwards, I went to my sleeping area, packed my gear, spoke with a few people and waited for the next day.

The process of going to Iraq went smoothly, I remember sitting on the C-130, looking at the faces of fellow service members who showed an uneasiness about themselves. When we landed in Taji, Iraq it was kind of a shock to some. Others were nothing less than terrified. I on the other hand was simply without emotion at all. It was a feeling I have only felt one time. It was kind of like I had accepted the fact that this is what I was sent to do, or I just wouldn't be there. I remember trying to humor myself by saying "This is Baghdad? wow, it's flat and there's like nothing here!" The pilot of the plane then told me, no this is Taji, but you're right outside of Baghdad. Then my first sergeant came up to the plane and yelled out the names of myself and three soldiers. Both himself and my commander grabbed our bags and my first sergeant turned to each of us and said, "you'll see Baghdad soon enough, let's get you troops settled in your rooms."

The next day, I spent the whole day finding out that I was going to cross-train to work outside of my military occupational specialty. My military specialty was Chemical Operations, however, I was trained within days to work as a motor transport operator. My entire company was always on some sort of convoy. I was assigned under Bravo Company, 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood Texas. The experience was like nothing I had ever been through. Some of the things I had witnessed were like something off of a Hollywood film. It was shocking in so many ways, but in other ways very rewarding. I saw a lot of great things come of this war and a lot of bad things right along with it. It was surely an experience to see compassion in a war torn world of terrorism.

I returned from Iraq and served until April 27th of 2006. To say the least, my chain of command railroaded me out of the military. I was set to ETS in July of 2006 and was given a General under Honorable conditions discharge 3 months before the end of my term of service. I have since had difficulties obtaining a government job, and government funding. I reached out to several organizations to try to figure out what it was I needed to do. I was unable to draw unemployment, which ultimately resulted in the repossession of my vehicle. I have lived homeless, gone several days without food, and ultimately my faith in everything kind of went away.

I feel like my country had betrayed me. The country I believed in, that I fought for, the people I thought I was defending was ultimately a cold hearted world that didn't deserve much of anything. I think a lot of what is going on in our country is because the people who live in this nation are so selfish with what they have. There are not very many good, genuine people who are willing to help others, regardless of the outcome. It is rare to find a person that is not out to hurt you, or destroy your spirit.

I have heard from soldiers who have been unable to provide for their children when they have gotten out of the service. They are told such things as they should not expect special treatment because they are veterans. There are soldiers who cannot work at certain jobs, because they are considered to be unworthy of serving in their units based upon a discharge they may have received.

The thing that people need to realize is that not every soldier who has left the military, is a bad individual. Yes, soldiers did swear to defend their country by raising their own right hand and putting on a uniform. The problem lies in the fact that when people go into the military, it is usually because they have a need of some sort. For a lot of people it is the best way to pull themselves out of a situation. Some people join to feed their children, to pay off the thousands of dollars of college loans and debts they are facing, others may enlist because they need a place to stay, or they want to start over in some way. It is very rare that you will find someone who joins just to fight for their country. Although, it does happen in some cases.

Our soldiers are ridiculed, for joining, persecuted for leaving, and mostly forgotten by those they have to face once they are back in the civilian world. These faces, the ones you see, our veterans both old and new deserve more than this. Our society needs to work to find better care for veterans who are disabled. Society needs to work to help veterans who cannot eat, or sleep, or live comfortably in a home. Our government needs to focus on getting veterans back into jobs and take into account all facts of a discharge before basing an employment decision on them.

The bottom line is our country is ungrateful. Veterans deserve more in this world. However, it seems like with our nation being so caught up in their world in which most Americans think only of themselves, it will be extremely hard to change the world we live in. How many times do we pass by a person with a hunger sign and just keep walking? How many times is it going to take for us to look at children who have no home because their parent was killed in action? How many times are we going to allow soldiers who are severely injured both physically and mentally to go without federal aid? What is it going to take? When are we going to stop and care? These are all questions many of our soldiers, your veterans ask themselves everyday. So I believe it is time for everyone to stop, think, and to listen. To go out and make the world a better place even if it's just something as small as making a child smile for the day. We must change our ways for one day we all shall be judged for our actions.

-Ashley N. Miller OIF Veteran

Should the draft be reinstated?

Ms CYPRAH — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:59:42 EDT

In a word, YES, for a variety of reasons, not least the following:

1. Everyone, no matter who they are, would be eligible to do service for the country. It would be expected, accepted and be part of the national fabric of society. Drafting is good for building character, instilling discipline, self esteem and the confidence to lead others and also to take directions. It is a golden opportunity for young men to train to be more effective and socially aware people, which would lessen the emphasis on the current 'me' culture. It also helps each soldier to be more socially skilled at a younger age, especially in a multicultural group, and should help to break down interpersonal barriers much earlier in life.

2. Currently defence of the nation rests mainly on the shoulders of volunteers, men and women who are prepared to give their lives for their country, risking the ultimate for their beliefs etc, often with little thanks for that loyalty and patriotism. That is an unequal burden that keeps the number and availability of service manpower at the mercy of those who wish to take up the armed forces as a career. This is not the best situation for such a large country as the US, especially in times of conflict. It also encourages resentment among those whose sons and daughters are dying and the rest who have not contributed as much to keeping the country safe.

3. By having the draft back, everyone will be encouraged to participate in a shared purpose of national defence, while being encouraged to be better citizens. Most families will have greater understanding of the sacrifices involved and, above all, youngsters will be given a greater sense of purpose from an earlier age which should improve social behaviour, personal development and personal perception relating to their own value in the scheme of life, especially in relation to their peers.

WE CAN NOT AFFORD THE WAR - FUTURE BLEAK

Madera Strong - Team Co-ordinator For City of Madera — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:15:54 EDT

$536,458,000,000 spent on the war up to 7/13/08

How much does the war cost each of us?

$5,840 per household.
$2,147 per person.
$341.4 million per day.

Bush gave some people $600 in refunds, he spent millions to send out the notices and the money. Gas, food, and utility costs rise. Houses abandoned because there is not enough money. People can not afford to drive to work. Cities fail and dams burst, leaving floods behind.

We can not afford the financial cost of the war....so we borrow money from CHINA, with a substantial interest rate. China sends up poisoned medications, poisoned foods, and toxic toys. China gives some of the money or sells the loan notes to Arab countries for their oil. Our war is being financed by people who don't like us and by the people we are fighting in the war.

China, Arab-related countries and other foreigners buy large buildings in major cities all over U.S. Now that they own the properties, the owners and their employees can come and go in the U.S. at will. Bin Laden is a son of our Arab friends - so he could be receiving some of our U.S. money.

As Afghanastan revives its economy, it returns to heroin production and sales. Our soldiers get hooked and buy the drugs. Again, our money going to the people we are fighting and some of our soldiers return addicted.

Sound like a set-up for another massive assault on America?

EIGHTY-FIVE SOLDIERS DIED IN IRAQ OVER PAST TWO WEEKS- and how many more elsewhere?

Madera Strong - Team Co-ordinator For City of Madera — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:43:57 EDT

Eighty-five (85) American soldiers died over the past two weeks in Iraq. Did you hear this on the news? Do you know anything about these Deceased American Heroes? Has Bush said anything in appreciation of the people who died or were injured over the past months? He may have said something on the Fourth of July, but even that was not as elaborate as it should have been. Did he bring out wives/husbands and family to publicly say "thanks?"

Why did they die? Why are we in Iraq? What criteria need to occur in order to say that the war is over and we are victorious? Have you attended a military funeral for a soldier from your area? Can you tell me about one deceased or injured soldier based on information from the administration?

Were these soldiers fighting for oil so they can heat their homes and drive to Kmart when they come home? Who benefits from an oil fight? Would you die for some oil? Are the rich fighting for oil in the battlefields. Can the Bush daughters serve in Iraq? Can Cheney's daughter serve in Iraq?

How much "extra" money has Cheney amassed over the past eight years? Is it "blood" money?

Somethings to think about.

why we need to get out

A_Hussein_Jackson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:06:34 EDT

I think sometimes we are anesthetized. The big numbers are just so huge, somehow we can't really remember what they mean anymore - "3000 dead" then "4000 dead", now over 4,600 American troops have given their lives to this pointless, propaganda oil war.

This video is heart wrenching. I cried and cried watching the soldiers paying tribute to their fallen, their wounded.. the most striking images to me were the soldiers trying to save injured comrades in dire medical situations, and the guns with helmets wearing combat boots - almost caricatures of the men and women who once wore them. This video is not for a little light ire and anger at "the other side" of America. This video is about why we so DESPERATELY need to change the direction of this nation and our disastrous foreign policy.

If someone could tell me how to embed videos, I'll use that approach in the future, but all I got in my previews was html code, so here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIw-BP4zfW4

Tale of Two Young Black Men

Marjani — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:05:18 EDT

A Soldier and an Inmate - An Interesting, Unfair Tale

Posted Jun 3rd 2008 10:00PM by Madison J. Gray

This is the story of two young black men, aged 22. One is alive, one is dead.

Both of them came from humble circumstances and from single parent homes. Both, at least at some point, looked for ways to better themselves, and had dreams of the future.

But one has cost his community millions because he can't keep his nose clean, while the other gave his life for his country. The parallel stories illustrate what is wrong with a system that gives everything to someone who couldn't care less about second chances, but turns its nose up at someone who is looking for his first chance.

This is the story of Nathaniel Abraham, a man who failed society; and Darius Jennings, a man who society failed.

Nathaniel Abraham drew international attention when, at age 13, he became the youngest person in Michigan's history to be charged as an adult for murder, when he was accused of the killing of 18-year-old Ronnie Greene. He was sentenced to juvenile detention with a mandated release at age 21. While there, he earns his GED and starts college courses. Fast forward to 2007, when Abraham walks out of juvey wearing a fur coat and a dobb hat. He looked like The Avenging Disco Godfather.

The state actually gave him an apartment and free college tuition for up to two years after his release. A whole slew of social workers and community supporters stood steadfast in his corner. He expressed interest in a rap career, so a local label gave him a contract. In short, this brother got the hook up. Despite all that, he was arrested in Pontiac, Mich., with more than 250 Ecstasy tablets on him, this time charged with possession with intent to deliver.

Now, sitting at home with a tether on his ankle, Abraham is looking at 20 years in the clink.

*****

Darius Jennings was never on the media radar screen. His mom, Elaine Johnson works at a plant in Orangeburg, S.C. Described as a dapper dresser, Darius kept his nose clean his whole life. He never went to jail, he was like any other American young man. He seemingly was part of the solution. He wanted to go to college and become a photographer, and eventually mentor young people. But the money wasn't there, and like many young people looking for a way to supplement their college education, he looked to the U.S. military and rose to the rank of Army Specialist.

No government agency, community group or rap label pulled out all the stops to help Jennings. He could probably never afford a fur coat. He had to figure a way to make his future happen for himself. The streets were certainly there, all the trappings of hustling and thugging were absolutely available to him. But that's not what he was about. No one made excuses for him, so he never made any for himself.

The Chinook helicopter he was riding in over Fallujah, Iraq on Nov. 2, 2003, took ground fire, causing it to crash, killing Jennings instantly. That ended his dreams, any assistance coming to him or his family, and his mother was left to carry the torch as an outspoken protester of the Lie in Iraq.

*****

When I look at these two stories, there's something in my head that just ain't clicking.

I remember when Abraham was first charged, it was a huge controversy. Everybody said how society had failed this kid and how we should fall over ourselves to ensure that he has every opportunity to correct himself. More than $1 million was spent over most of a decade to straighten my man out. Even after that, there was so much outreach on his part that there was nothing he wanted for. Not a damn thing.

But until Cindy Sheehan began to speak up on behalf of mothers who had lost sons in Iraq, I'd never heard of Jennings. But his mom began to speak with Sheehan, giving voice to people in their situation. As I mentioned before, Jennings had every opportunity to become a delinquent, but chose the straight and narrow instead. He didn't get a media hurricane around him for it. He gets no points for being a good dude. And when he tried to exercise what options he had, he paid for it with his life.

Something is tragically wrong with a society that spends money on a cat who can't get his #### together, but tells the square kid that the only way he's going to get ahead is if he risks his life, and in this case loses it.

The problem with Nathaniel Abraham's case is that, looking back in restrospect, there was too much intervention. So many people bent over backwards for him that he didn't even lean forward for himself. Trust me, a dude who walks out of juvenile hall with a cream white suit and a mink on does not strike me as humbled by his experience.

Now, I'm not saying Jennings should have become some charity case. People shouldn't turn to him saying "look at the poor, black boy, he needs our help." No, that's just as bad. After all, joining the Army is what he chose to do, knowing the risks involved. He served and died with honor. What I am saying is that the expectation of personal responsibility thrusted on Jennings -- which he met -- should have also been thrusted on Abraham.

If it had, maybe Abraham would not have let down every single person he had in his corner, from politicians, to social workers, even relatives of the man he was convicted of killing.

A few days after Jennings was killed, President Bush came to South Carolina for a $2,000-a-plate fundraiser. Not once did he so much as offer his condolences to Johnson for her grief. The message this sends is that being a drag on the system gets rewarded with pimp outfits, but taking personal responsibility means nothing.

If we want to change things for black folk, then the man who steps up should be the man who gets the prize, not the other way around.

Hillary Censors Comments & Write to Puerto Rico Now!

Hans from SE PDX — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:09:17 EDT

I tried commenting nicely on the official HillaryClinton.com site on their blogs and they censor every comment I add to it!

They are currently blogging in mass on a site in Puerto Rico, to make it look like the all the people in on the mainland support Hillary.

The site is http://www.boricua.com/dc/botn/default.asp?PN=1 and everyone should go to it and prove the Hillary supporters wrong as they cannot censor there!

Puerto Ricans cannot vote, but they can send their brave men and women to war and the latest numbers I found were ~50-60 PRs had died in Iraq as of last year, so the war is an important issue to them. Remind them Hillary voted for it, while Obama was against it to begin with.

There is a 500 character limit per message but I split this up into 3 posts and completely ommited the part in English.

Hello Amigos y Amigas!

Pleas do not believe all this propoganda you are hearing from the Clinton supporters. They do not have the popular vote, they censor all their website blogs so no one can get a dissenting view in. Hillary Clinton is running a campaign of lies & changes rules. If she does not allow free expression of views on her own website, then what makes you think she cares about you any more than your "popular" vote now? She doesn't, she only cares about herself and she wouldn't care about you either if you couldn't be used to "manufacture" a reality that does not exist. She agreed to take her name off the ballots in both Michigan & Florida before it, and now that she is not winning, she changes her mind.

Hillary no dice la verdad! Ella habla con lengua cortar! Ella votar para la guerra cuando sabia no le tienen armas grandes. 4100 soldados se muerten ahora, cerca de 70 hombres solemente de Puerto Rico! Ella prometia 200,000 trabajos para Neuva York 7 anos pasado, pero ahora nada. promesas, promesas, totalimente para nada! No creo Hillary Clinton, nada mas!

Yo creo en Barack Obama, el dice la verdad sin lengua dividir. Obama es de los gentes, no de los ricos. Yankee, si, pero no Yankee tipico. Yo creo Barack es de las gentes como Evo Morales en Bolivia. Mi esposa es de Argentina, y ella cree en Barack. Barack quiere cambiar, cambir para el mejor de totas, no solimente de los hombres cerca de el, para todo el mundo. Yo creo es posible a cambiar bueno con Barack Obama.

Me quieres a hablar sus amigos y familia tambien, "Barack Obama es de los gentes y el quiere in cambiar bueno para todos, no solemente de el.

Yo recomiendo para vos a miras a mi pagina, y a mirar a las picturas con todos los gentes le sostienen Obama in Portland, Oregon donde me vivo. Setenta mil gentes en un lugar solimente a ver y a escuchar a Obama. Setenta mil gentes, estaban fantastico!

ciao mis amigos & amigas.

Obama es para mi, y es para tu tambien!

:)

good luck and lets stop this Hillary propoganda!

Soldiers, the GI Bill, and Suicide.

Dana A — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:43:17 EDT

A few weeks ago I watched the Iraq Veterans Against the War testify before the Congressional Progressive Congress on CSPAN, and I remember the one vet. (forget his name) who made it a point to mention his belief that the government denies veterans adequate benefits after they leave the service in order to scare them into never leaving, in order to fuel our wonderous illegal war.
So, of course with the recent GI Bill Obama/McSame WAR OF WORDS, the same opinion has been expressed... Only this time it's coming from the President, and the presumptive Republican Nominee, and they're using it as a reason to KEEP neglecting Veterans.
Am I the only person that sees some sick irony in this? After that vet. sat there in congress spilling his story, in an effort to raise awarness about this issue and hopefully encite action, what's the response he gets? 'Oh, of COURSE we're denying you proper benefits to force you to serve repetetive tours of Iraq until you die. And we're going to talk about it, like it's totally NOT WRONG. Get over it.'
I understand, that in order to continue the war we need to maintain a certain number of troops, so that we can continue to have an "all volunteer army" (of course, we could solve the problem by ENDING the war), and I understand wanting to retain membership. There comes a point where it becomes inhumane though, and that's when former soldiers are living on the streets, or are mentally ill and can't afford healthcare, or can't afford college for themselves to better their families.
And they justify it by saying we will lose too many members if we make their lives livable after serving. So we just have to make it so unbearable for vets that current soldiers are scared to leave. It's great, remove their freedom of choice so we can keep the war going FOREVER.
And, of course that makes me think about the people they're actually sending over there. Last night on CNN I saw the coverage on Anderson Cooper about the soldier who killed himself in Iraq, and was denied the proper treatment because his psychologist said he was just faking it in order to not have to serve, so the Army made sure to punish his strange behavior and mock his personal problems, since after all he was JUST FINE and faking it. Yeah, I'm sure he was thinking about it when he put the gun in his mouth.
They wouldn't even send the family his suicide note.
I know they're lowering the bar on who can go into combat, especially with medical problems. I could understand, if I wanted to serve or got drafted, why the army wouldn't care about my eczema, or my mild asthma. But since when is someone who is so depressed and ill that they want to commit suicide fit to serve? How is this beneficial to anyone? It's a disgusting situation for the soldier, a violation of his/her human rights to take advantage of him/her and deny them medical care just to keep them overseas. And the family on CNN, who didn't even get to read their sons own suicide note because the army forgot to send it. And what about the other soldiers? Not to assume that a mentally ill or depressed soldier would necessarily be violent, but even if they are not, they likely will not be able to do their job right (through no fault of their own) which will inadvertantly put others in danger.
Sorry for this excessive length, but THIS is another reason why I support the end of this war, and improved veterans benefits, and why I support Obama. And McCain criticizes him because he never served, then turns around and votes to deny them adequate benefits, most of which were falsely promised to them when they joined! (Most recent HS graduates here will remember being told they can go to college, be a popstar, or a MLB player if they sign up by the recruiters in the cafeteria...)
I still can't REALLY wrap my head around it.

I Remember

J.W. — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:32:28 EDT

Over 4,000 Americans soldiers killed. Over 1 million Iraqi dead. Over 900 billion spent. And still no end in sight.

As we celebrate Memorial Day tomorrow – as we grill our food, gather with family and friends, and take time off from work – let us not only remember those past who have given their lives for this country during times of war, but let us also remember those who continue to be in harm’s way in this unjust war. Remember the families who can’t spend tomorrow together because their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and sisters and brothers are serving in Iraq.

For our young soldiers, there are no days off. There is no time with family. There are no barbeques. There’s just death, fear, violence, turmoil, car bombs, land mines, suicide bombers, guns, and bullets. There’s just the reality of not knowing whether you’ll make it out alive to see your family again. There’s just the knowledge that your service to this country may cost you the greatest price that any one could pay – your life.

And we’re supposed to feel better when President Bush says we’re making progress in Iraq? Or John McCain promises to get us out of Iraq by 2013?

By 2013, the Iraq War would have lasted longer than World War I and Civil War combined. It would have lasted longer than World War II and the Revolutionary War. And we’re supposed to be proud of that when the very reason we invaded in the first place has proven to be false? When there was no imminent danger?

So as we remember those who paid the ultimate price, say a special prayer for our country’s leadership. Pray that they would consider the lives that are destroyed by the decisions they make. And say a prayer for those who, instead of spending the day with their families tomorrow, will still be in harm’s way. May God bless our courageous troops for their service to this country.

Peace,
J.W.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
http://youtube.com/watch?v=45IpBTJBObs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=f6ul9iMgmOw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3U5KZzgaB2k

A Moment of Silence....Happy Memorial Day!

Jerone from Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:57:53 EDT

Hello,

It is now 3:00pm EST. Could you please take a moment of
silence for the brave men & women who have sacrificed there lives
for their country. It only needs to be for 1 minute. If you're
reading this after 3pm, then that's ok, you can still take a moment
of silence....it will be ok.

Now for my little War story ...

When I was in the Military, fighting in Iraq & Kuwait for the first
time, was a strange experience.

Imagine being 19yrs old, millions of miles of way from what you
know as civilization. Imagine leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend
(now wife) and seeing the tears roll down her face, as you drive
away (maybe forever), and being told that you'll get to see her
soon, there's a War to fight!

Imagine seeing and hearing about soldiers dying everyday, knowing
you might be next.

Imagine hiding under bunkers everyday because of incoming scud
missles soaring in from above. The only warning we got, was some
guy on the loud speaker saying, LIGHTNING, LIGHTNING, LIGHTNING!

Some soldiers didn't even get a warning...

Imagine working with the locals of Iraq & Kuwait for the first
time, wondering if they were going to turn on you, or if they were
talking about you in there own languge. (By the way, I befriended
many of them.)

Imagine your Commander in Chief standing in front of America
saying, "Mission Accomplished"!! Then 2 months later you get
military orders extending you for up to 1 year. Then your superior
tells you, looks like you're not going to be able to be there for
the pregnancy. Sorry...

Imagine after the "Mission being Accomplished", hearing more and
more soldiers dying ever day and watching the news only report half of
it.

Imagine standing in a long line for literally hours, just to make
a 15 minute phonecall, to hear...It's a Boy!

Imagine soldiers asking you, "Hey SGT, when are we going home." and
all you could say was, "Soon..."

Some may think I'm complaining, but I'm just letting you know what
it's really like. We sacrifice more than just our lives, but we
don't hold it against anyone. We don't go around bragging or
throwing it in your face. It wouldn't be right for us to do that.

I along with other soldiers, took every mission they threw our
way with care & passion because we knew the rest of America and our
families were counting on us.

Although I didn't WANT to DIE for America, I was willing to, if
that was what it took to protect the freedom of America.

We accepted Death as a price to pay, just to protect your freedom!
Many people think we're crazy, and maybe some of us are :-), but we just want your Support!

In reality, we took an oath and we stand by our word.

This We'll Defend!

Army Strong.

Happy Memorial Day!

Bring MY TROOPS HOME OBAMA!

Former SGT Jerone L. Ferren, Sr.

Ps. I got out the Army because my obligation was complete and for
various other reasons, but I will never regret the experience I
had...and I will Never Forget those who payed the ultimate price...

Memorial Day Celebration

bekehangel — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:01:50 EDT

Our celebration of Memorial Day is a reminder of the lives of the many men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. We also remember our loved ones who have died. In many parts of the world today, millions of people are living under political and economic bondage. There are people who are still enslaved today and there are those who have been denied the choice to make decisions for themselves. The government decides for them and usually this is not good for them. We have been so privileged in this country to have freedom.

my Blog

coba11 — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:45:40 EDT

I encourage everyone to visit my blog I will have an important post about McCain tomorrow and I urge everyone who care about the troops to presure McCain as to why he did not vote for the G.I. bill Its at sensico.wordpress.com

A Dollar Fifty Patriot

Michael Kotyk — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:33:11 EDT

A Dollar Fifty Patriot

(or why I don't celebrate memorial day)

Monday is officially Memorial Day. This weekend, however, our nation's beaches will be full of laughing half-naked tourists looking to shake that pale, white tone of skin they earned through a winter full of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Superbowl dinners. The stores will be full of shoppers eager to make a penny on a buck savings on cheap, dime-store plastic items they really don't need. Backyards will be spent grilling and barbecuing cholesterol laden foods which will inevitably cause a night's worth of painful indigestion. Alcohol will be consumed by the gallons to be rewarded by a Monday or Tuesday morning hangover. All to remember our fallen dead.

Soldiers to Deploy to Iraq in the Fall

Karen in St. Joseph, Missouri — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:45:45 EDT

More than 3,000 Fort Carson soldiers will leave for Iraq in the fall

Associated Press

Fort Carson's 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, a unit of about 3,800 soldiers, will ship out to Iraq in September.

Pentagon officials issued the orders Monday, formalizing a decision that's been expected for months.

Members of the unit recently wrapped up pre-Iraq training in California's Mojave Desert. When the unit, one of two based at Fort Carson that include M-1 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, is deployed to Iraq it would increase the number of Fort Carson troops
there to more than 10,000.

Hundreds of the unit's soldiers will begin their third tour in Iraq.

WE MUST BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, NOT SEND THEM OUT.

VOTE BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT; WE CAN WIN THE ELECTION... YES WE CAN... AND WE WILL BRING OUR TROOPS HOME...

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT '08

Memorial Day

Disabled Vet 2000 — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:41:54 EDT

In honor of our troops I thought I would give you guys some info on some great organizations that are picking up the slack until Obama can get into office and fix the broken VA system.

This organization helps troops with Traumatic Brain Injury which will probably this war's Agent Orange:

http://www.avbi.org/

The Wounded Warrior Project helps soldiers in the hospital, those that have gotten out of the military and are waiting for VA benefits, and helps to pass legislation to better serve America's Veterans:

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,840/

Please volunteer or donate and make sure you let people know why Veterans are supporting Barack Obama. Ask them to vote for the candidate that will bring our troops home!

NUMBER 1 REASON WHY TO VOTE FOR OBAMA!

Mary — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:38:24 EDT

Pro-Obama Video with scenes of soldiers and children and here are the lyrics for that video as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ByCpyK5Yg

The Dream Within by Lara Fabian

Free
The dream within
The stars are crying
A tear
A sigh
Escapes from heaven
And worlds end
Breathe
The dream within
The mystifying

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Look beyond
Where hearts can see
Dream in peace
Trust the belief

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Free
The dream within
The voice is calling
A song
A prayer
From deep inside you
To guide you
Be
The dream within
The light is shining

A flame on the wind
Salvation begins

Look beyond
Where hearts can see
Dream in peace
Trust the belief

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Free
The dream within
The stars are crying
A tear
A sigh
Escapes from heaven
And worlds end

OBAMA VOTED NO TO THE WAR IN IRAQ! LET US JOIN IN HIS DREAM FOR PEACE AND BRING THE SOLDIERS HOME AND END THIS WAR! Share this video please.

The Great Virtue of Ending War: Another Barack Obama Campaign Video!

Mary — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:43:44 EDT

The Great Virtue of Ending War: Another Barack Obama Campaign Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz2TZ6FvIvg

The Dream Within

Mary — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:51:54 EDT

Pro-Obama Video with scenes of soldiers and children and here are the lyrics for that video as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ByCpyK5Yg

The Dream Within by Lara Fabian

Free
The dream within
The stars are crying
A tear
A sigh
Escapes from heaven
And worlds end
Breathe
The dream within
The mystifying

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Look beyond
Where hearts can see
Dream in peace
Trust the belief

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Free
The dream within
The voice is calling
A song
A prayer
From deep inside you
To guide you
Be
The dream within
The light is shining

A flame on the wind
Salvation begins

Look beyond
Where hearts can see
Dream in peace
Trust the belief

We tremble and spin
Suspended within

Free
The dream within
The stars are crying
A tear
A sigh
Escapes from heaven
And worlds end

Also: Keep Holding On End War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS6iGKvlQiI

Gen. Odom Tells Senate Rapid Withdrawal Only Solution in Iraq

Michael Kotyk — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:42:16 EDT

Another general, this time, Gen. William Odom, has spoke to the Senate to say that the surge is not working and only a withdrawal of troops will bring any type of resolution to Iraq.

Bad Voodoo's War

Michael Kotyk — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:33:24 EDT

Bad Voodoo's War is a follow up episode of Frontline which focuses, primarily, upon a National Guard Unit fighting in Iraq. The video for the piece has been provided by the soldiers themselves which details the private struggles and strain long deployments have brought down on them.

You can view the entire video online here.

Barack Obama and Iraq War

Peter from Portland, OR — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:38:40 EDT

Barack Obama and Iraq War

Alltough there was a certain justification for it, namely the removal of the cruel dictator Saddham Hussein, the bloody war in Iraq was yet a big mistake from the beginning, carried out by the unscrupulous Bush government, who had no plan for the time after, and a bunch of false arguments and alleged reasons, like the "weapons of mass destruction", which so far have not been found, or the alleged connection of Saddham Hussein to Osama Bin Laden, which could not be proved either, or other alleged threats, which turned up after 911. So Bush could inforce his Patriot Act and go to war in Iraq, the results of which we are facing now very clearly: 4000 dead US Soldiers and ten thousands of Iraqi victims, war and post-war costs of $ 3 TRILLION, paid by the American tax payer, who, if we remember, had not really elected Bush in 2000 ! - The situation in Iraq seems to improve a little bit right now, but this could change very soon again. So what was all the sacrifice of this war good for ? - In Iraq Hussein was removed, but religious fanatic groups could take his place in the future and a civil war could break out. The worldwide terrorism, or Bush`s proclaimed "War on Terror", has not declined, it became even worse. In post-war America the economic recession has allready begun, and that was not only caused by the crisis on the real estate market, it was mainly the consequence of the super expensive Iraq War, which takes away the money from more useful and necessary projects in the USA, this money is simply missing ! And by printing more and more US Dollars, the inflation is also turned on, the green-back is losing its value and recession is what we have right now. But this scenario is not a new one: America has had the same problems after the Vietnam War in the 1970ies and 80ies. Now history is repeating ! - Barack Obama saw all these things ahead and that´s why he did not say yes to the war in Iraq. He had warned of its consquences in 2003, but hardly anyone believed him. Today we see that Obama was right, and he wants to withdraw our troops from Iraq soon as possible - I think, Obama is a wise leader and the right man for the job in the White House. He could bring real change and lead America and the world to a better future. Let us all do this change, or, as Obama says: YES WE CAN !

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To young to drink

Chip Roberson in Sonoma, CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:09:04 EDT

As I was writing my last post, a story on the US hitting the 4000-casualty mark in the Iraq war ran across my screen. There were 3 salient points that are worth sharing:

1 in 6 was not old enough to drink
Average age was 21
Almost 700 were guard or reservists

Show us the interest you profess

KAEL — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:27:51 EDT

I am a mother of a solider in harm's way in Diyalu Province. Having found some faith in Obama's views on the war and the miliary in his 2007 Foreign Policy article, I was surprised to see that the Military or Miliary Families was not an Issue on this site.

I contacted the Obama campaign to ask why. Instead of an answer, I received numerous fundrasing e-mails. How does one get the attention of the campaign on issues related to the military?

Real Help Will Come From Barack

Michael Kotyk — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:21:48 EDT

Back during the 2000 election, then Gov. George W. Bush, spoke to active duty and veteran military telling them to 'hold tight' that 'help was on the way'. Seven years later, both military and veteran alike have seen the 'help' given to them by both the Republican Party and the Bush Administration. Personally, if we could have had it our way, it would have been better if both had not helped us at all.

For our loyalty in voting Mr. Bush into office we have been sent into two wars. Going to war, of course, is part of the requirements of being a serviceman. I do not criticize, nor will many, that we had to go I do question, as many others are, about both the motives for sending us and for the apparent lack of support given by the current administration to both active duty and returning veterans.

In a nutshell, Mr. Bush and his friends in the Republican party have let us down.

The War Comes Home

Mary from Vermont — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:55:50 EDT

About "The War Comes Home"

Dear Reader,

More than 1.6 million Americans have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As of August 1, 2007, 67,000 of them had been killed or wounded. In addition, more than 250,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans had been treated at Veterans Administrations hospitals since their return home from combat.

KPFA launched this website in an effort to put a human face on the conflict. Only by truly listening to the stories of soldiers who've come home, can we appreciate the realities of war and what we can do to help.

Sincerely,
Aaron Glantz

http://www.warcomeshome.org/

Obama He Is That Man

Cecil from Hobart, IN — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:49:48 EST

I wrote, recorded, and posted in as many places as I can for Senator Obama this morning. I have also been fighting the lies about Senator Obama over in Craig's List, let me tell you all, there are some mean and nasty people over there. I attend college, and have spoken to most of my fellow students in the mortuary science program about Senator Obama. Some were going to vote for round two of the Clintons, but I have since told me they have changed their minds about it, and have been working for Senator Obama.

If any of you would like to hear the song I wrote for the Senator, it is located on you tube at the following link;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-N_ixSJn60

Concern mounts over rising troop suicides

Jen Rencher from Jersey City — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:34:06 EST

The next time McCain talks about how "the surge is working" in reducing violence (ummm....to what? pre-2006 levels???), Obama should respond with this. How is the surge taking a toll on our soldiers?

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Every day, five U.S. soldiers try to kill themselves. Before the Iraq war began, that figure was less than one suicide attempt a day.

The dramatic increase is revealed in new U.S. Army figures, which show 2,100 soldiers tried to commit suicide in 2007.

"Suicide attempts are rising and have risen over the last five years," said Col. Elspeth Cameron-Ritchie, an Army psychiatrist.

Concern over the rate of suicide attempts prompted Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia, to introduce legislation Thursday to improve the military's suicide-prevention programs.

"Our troops and their families are under unprecedented levels of stress due to the pace and frequency of more than five years of deployments," Webb said in a written statement.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, took to the Senate floor Thursday, urging more help for military members, especially for those returning from war.

"Our brave service members who face deployment after deployment without the rest, recovery and treatment they need are at the breaking point," Murray said.

She said Congress has given "hundreds of millions of dollars" to the military to improve its ability to provide mental health treatment, but said it will take more than money to resolve the problem.

"It takes leadership and it takes a change in the culture of war," she said. She said some soldiers had reported receiving nothing more than an 800 number to call for help.

"Many soldiers need a real person to talk to," she said. "And they need psychiatrists and they need psychologists."

According to Army statistics, the incidence of U.S. Army soldiers attempting suicide or inflicting injuries on themselves has skyrocketed in the nearly five years since the start of the Iraq war.

Last year's 2,100 attempted suicides -- an average of more than 5 per day -- compares with about 350 suicide attempts in 2002, the year before the war in Iraq began, according to the Army.

The figures also show the number of suicides by active-duty troops in 2007 may reach an all-time high when the statistics are finalized in March, Army officials said.

The Army lists 89 soldier deaths in 2007 as suicides and is investigating 32 more as possible suicides. Suicide rates already were up in 2006 with 102 deaths, compared with 87 in 2005.

Cameron-Ritchie, the Army psychiatrist, said suicide attempts are usually related to problems with intimate relationships, but they are also related to problems with work, finances and the law.

"The really tough area here is stigma. We know that soldiers don't want to go seek care. They're tough, they're strong, they don't want to go see a behavioral health-care provider," Cameron-Ritchie said.

Multiple deployments and long deployments appear to exact a toll on relationships, thereby boosting the number of suicide attempts, she said.

Traditionally, the suicide rate among military members has been lower than age- and gender-matched civilians. But in recent years the rate has crept up from 12 per 100,000 among the military to 17.5 per 100,000 in 2006, she said. That's still less than the civilian figure of about 20 per 100,000, she said.

The "typical" soldier who commits suicide is a member of an infantry unit who uses a firearm to carry out the act, according to the Army.

Post-traumatic stress disorder also may be a factor in suicide attempts, Cameron-Ritchie said, because it can result in broken relationships and often leads to drug and alcohol abuse.

"The real central issue is relationships. Relationships, relationships, relationships," said U.S. Army Chaplain Lt. Col. Ran Dolinger. "People look at PTSD, they look at length of deployments ... but it's that broken relationship that really makes the difference."

To reduce suicides, the Army said it is targeting soldiers who are or have been in Iraq for long periods and teaching them to notice signs that can lead to suicide.

That training came too late for Army Specialist Tim Bowman. The 23-year-old killed himself in 2005 after returning from Iraq.

"As my family was preparing for a 2005 Thanksgiving meal, our son Timothy was lying on the floor, slowly bleeding to death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound," said his father, Mike Bowman, in testimony to a House Veterans' Affairs committee hearing in December. "His war was now over."

He said veterans return home to find an "understaffed, under-funded, under-equipped" Veterans Affairs mental health system.

"Many just give up trying," he said.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/01/military.suicides/index.html

Voices from Iraq

Champ25 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:25:48 EST

I am originally from Gulfport, MS and will definitely be doing an absentee ballot. I just wanted to say to the group all the way from Hawaii and later Iraq to keep on keeping on and speak for the people who can't. Now is the time for change. Not everyone will have a voice in this election and it's so vital that every voice gets heard. Last, the message I'm am urging as far as military personnel is that we know what we enlisted for, we know what our job asks. All we want is the correct reason and the best strategies when we deploy. Honestly, I don't know why I'm going into combat. Iraqi Freedom, Al-Queda, oil, I really don't know anymore but as a soldier I don't get a chance to ask that question I just complete missions and follow orders. So, when you do go out and volunteer your time take advantage of it and don't let our fallen comrades voices be lost. Thank You Gulf Coast. Obama 08.

The Greatest Resource in America

Military Officer for Obama — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:55:03 EST

I remember my first day back from Iraq. I flew through Atlanta's airport. The group I was traveling with like all groups traveling through the Atlanta airport were greeted with thunderous applause as we were lead through the airport's main lobby. I remember flying to the Philly airport 1st Class because a gentleman had given up his seat for me, a returning soldier from Iraq.

But more memorable was the small crowd of family members who greeted me at the State College airport and the hug I received from my mom and dad on that warm day in the summer of 2005.

Below is a link to one of many reunions that happen daily:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kerMm0HG1mk

I am mostly proud as a service member for those Americans who continue to give their respect to our greatest resource in America. Our men and women of the Armed Services.

Please share your stories, if you have one. If you don't, look for an opportunity to share in the scarifice that millions of Americans make daily for supporting the soldier, not necessarially the war.

Bring home my soldiers and lets go after the real terror targets in Afganistan!

Blood and guts

George W. Heath, R.N. — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:14:35 EST

Please meet our three sons:

Our Oldest is SSgt. George E. Heath who was with the 3ACR twice in Iraq. To quote him, "The best two years of my life." to which he quickly added, "Not counting the time since I got married!" He is now in Recruiter's School at Fort Jackson.

A year and a half younger, we have identical twin sons, Pete and Repete. NOOOO! We named them Joseph and David. They are very close, which is to be expected since they started life as womb mates. :)

SSgt. Joseph A. Heath has been to Iraq twice. Once was with the 325th AIR of the 82nd Airborne Div and the other was with 11ACR. Since Joe and his twin wanted to be soldiers since they were 13, it was what he and his twin wanted. He will be going to recruiter's school in April.

Specialist David P. Heath has had two visits to Iraq but not a full year. Both time it was with the 325th of the 82nd. David became part of the 325th after Joseph left. The first deployment was for six months, as planned. The second deployment was for six moths but due to him earning a Purple Heart six months ago and being sent home.

At one time, all three sons were in-country. Talk about a time that was a reasonable motivation for the consumption of Prozac and Prevacid! David believes he has done enough so he will leave the army in April.

Dee, my wife, and I have been publically protesting the Iraq war before it began. Makes for some interesting conversations at family gathering, no doubt. :) We want a president unequivocally committed to remove us from this quamire, AKA Viet Nam II. That person is Obama.

Any other will be playing Ol' blood and guts. Their guts. Our flesh and blood.

George W. Heath, R.N.

A tribute to our Veterns

Pandora — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:00:32 EST

I created this video as a tribute to my husand and in extension to every soldier who has ever had to leave their family in the service of duty. To remind everyone that each soldier is a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a son and a daughter, they are our brothers and sisters, and each of them should be remembered.

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2666113

A Soldier supports Obama

Larry — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:43:22 EST

After some research I found out yesterday of what I can and can't do as a Soldier, I talked to the Military advisors and they basically said "as long as I'm not in uniform", "as long as its not on base", seems pretty fair to me. I will now do what I can to help Barack win this election, I will devote my off duty time to spread the word to the people of Colorado and in my home state of Florida.

When I saw the post about offices opening in Colorado I immediately signed up and offered my help. Granted my military job comes first but on my off time I will be standing proud to support Barack Obama. I wonder if there are other Soldiers out there like me who want to be a part of Soldiers for Obama?

When its time for Colorado's voice to be heard I will be waving my banner and cheering "YES WE CAN!!" as I welcome change into my life.

Am I the Only One?

Patti — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:59:36 EST

Hi, this is going to be long but please read and comments are truly welcomed.

I have a few questions and a couple of comments; one of my main questions is, all this money Bush has asked for this “war” (which he has gotten) and continues to ask for more, seriously where has it gone?

A limited amount has gone to our troops who are the ones fighting this “war in Iraq” and the war in Afghanistan, they are the ones putting their lives at risk, on the front lines, extended tours, a lot are coming home with medical problems and still to this day they are not being attended to, what their families have to endure (what the soldiers have to endure), they do not have the proper equipment nor the proper military vehicles, frightening salaries, horrible healthcare, etc. Billions upon billions of dollars per year Bush has spent on this war, WHERE IS THAT MONEY? And now, once again demanding for more money, who or what is he paying off this time or buying? It’s not China, nor is it Japan, etc. This war is not in any way shape or form costing the government the astronomical amount of money he states it is costing us.

Take a look at other wars, where they used airplanes, ships, tanks, helicopters, etc. I know we have some of this equipment there – however very minimal. Where are the rest of the MRAP vehicles that were promised to our SOLDIERS, why don’t our soldiers have the proper equipment to fight this war (Cher [the singer/actress] sent vests and helmets – I believe both, to our soldiers). Why did she have to do that (which we should all be so thankful she did)? When Bush and his cronies should have equipped our soldiers with everything before sending them off to fight! I don’t even want to think about what Rumsfeld said before the war began – how ignorant and he was in charge, the government frightens me more and more everyday due to their lack of leadership, respect, morals, laws, work ethics, dignity, and experience, etc. I am sorry to the H. Clinton supporters, but she is a part of all these problems as well, which saddens me and now she wants to pretend she is the “best” choice. How? Truly what has she done in her REAL time in office? As they (the Clintons) have the audacity to put Barack down – ENOUGH! B. Clinton is no longer our President I personally believe he should not be running as the nominee for his wife, she needs to do it on her own. Why is this being allowed? In my opinion this says a lot about her as a candidate.

Another comment regarding our soldiers, which really annoys me so I will simply put it this way; let’s not even get into the Hummers they are still using. Yet when I or/and my son watch on television (channels 13, 21, C-Span, the Discovery channel and of course the internet – I would have included CNN but they have changed), that the mercenaries are well beyond equipped, well paid (very well paid), great health insurance and NO rules to follow plus we do not truly know what they are doing. Yet our soldiers (especially the very young – losing their lives, limbs, etc.) and Bush has allowed all of this to happen (including suicide – how DARE the government allow this to happen and not help prior). Soldiers please do not give up we ARE ALL behind you, support you please do not allow this government to get you to that point – PLEASE DON’T.

So, once again I ask where is ALL this money going to and why aren’t we told where it is being spent? Oh, that’s right at one point we were told they lost 12 billion in cash, then it went down to 8 billion in cash – just one example of the continuous lies (how does this government LOSE Billions of dollars? We should all request a list as to where this money is going…we need to we MUST protect and take care of our troops and the U.S. I am so ashamed of the lies this administration has told us AND the WORLD, do they truly think we are ignorant? Then to top it off we still have some of the Senate and Congress voting yes to his “majesties” request of BILLIONS more (do remember this is ground warfare).

And then we have some like H. Clinton that voted yes to Iran’s National Guards calling them terrorists. Leaving it completely open for Bush to start a war with Iran, if he “(his majesty)” so chooses. Has any one noticed that H. Clinton has changed the way she has been speaking in the current days? She sounds more and more like Barack Obama everyday!

I just want to add one more thing on H.C. how can anyone vote for H. Clinton when the majority of the Middle East does NOT like to do business with women. Seriously, no one has brought this issue up and in my opinion this is a CRUCIAL point, VERY CRUCIAL! Again I apologize, Clinton supporters, NOW is NOT the time to have a woman as president in the U.S., you must think about this.

I know I am somewhat all over the place, however I still want to know where ALL of this money has gone, isn’t there a journalist out there that has the courage to write that list and explain who is benefiting from our soldiers blood and allowing the middle and lower class to sink (faster and faster)? Why can’t we the American people do more for our soldiers? Due to the fact that we are being exploited by our OWN government and stop saying that Bush doesn’t know what the middle and lower class are going through, because aren’t his Father and B. Clinton out there seeing what is happening? Which this is a new problem I see coming; B. Clinton said the other day that he would work with Bush Sr. if his wife becomes President (as he continued to put down Barack), again more of the same Bush/Clinton years. Let them work together if they want, but we need true change this is REALITY folks and Barack is the one to do it, he is the right person to elect as President for so many, many reasons mainly people will work with him and I believe so will the world (which is SO important at this stage for us all).

Hear ye, Hear ye GOVERNMENT you MUST LOWER prices, especially GAS and HEATING and I don’t mean by 2015. I mean NOW, as some would say YESTERDAY!

When will he (Bush) and all of this going to stop? Change the way we are doing things over here and over there, help their government fix their problems – STOP blaming them! I can’t stand the fact that the Iraqi government is “knew” and this (U.S.) government is putting them down, because “they” are not doing things right – well, what would one expect? Enough with the games, enough with the blaming – let’s get in there and help put their government in place, start giving the people that are left there jobs, oh etc., etc., etc.

Folks the more I hear from Barack, it is definitely a no brainer, he is the one WE NEED!

Comments are truly welcomed.

Obama for President - From young to our elders!

Patti — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:54:13 EST

Where’s congress? – This was an article my son wrote in ’06, that was published from his journalism class. He is attending a Community College for now (age 20). I am hoping for a better future for him, one example being able to attend a great University or a Private University in N.Y. – where he will be able to learn so very much more. Prior to everyone reading his article, I would like to say something; all this money Bush has asked for this “war” (which he has gotten) and continues to ask for more, seriously where has it gone?

A limited amount has gone to our troops who are the ones fighting this “war in Iraq”, they are the ones putting their lives at risk, on the front lines, extended tours, a lot are coming home with medical problems and still to this day they are not being attended to, what their families have to endure (what the soldiers have to endure), they do not have the proper equipment nor the proper military vehicles, frightening salaries, horrible healthcare, etc. Billions upon billions of dollars per year Bush has spent on this war, WHERE IS THAT MONEY? And now, once again demanding for more money, who or what is he paying off this time or buying? It’s not China, nor is it Japan. This war is not in any way shape or form costing the government the astronomical amount of money he states it is costing us. Take a look at other wars, where they used airplanes, ships, tanks, helicopters, etc. I know we have some of this equipment there – however very minimal. Where are the rest of the MRAP vehicles that were promised to our SOLDIERS, why don’t our soldiers have the proper equipment to fight this war (Cher [the singer/actress] sent vests and helmets – I believe both, to our soldiers). Why did she have to do that (which we should all be so thankful she did), when Bush and his cronies should have equipped our soldiers with everything before sending them off to fight! I don’t even want to think about what Rumsfeld said before the war began – how ignorant and he was in charge, the government frightens me more and more everyday due to their lack of leadership, respect, morals, laws, and dignity. Let’s not even get into the Hummers they are still using.

Yet when I or/and my son see on television (channels 13, 21, C-Span, the Discovery channel and of course the internet) that the mercenaries are well beyond equipped, well paid (very well paid), great health insurance and NO rules to follow plus we do not truly know what they are doing. Yet our soldiers (especially the very young – losing their lives, limbs, etc.) and Bush has allowed all of this to happen (including suicide – how DARE the government allow this to happen and not help prior). Soldiers please do not give up we ARE ALL behind you, support you please do not allow this government to get you to that point – PLEASE DON’T.

So, once again I ask where is ALL this money going to and why aren’t we told where it is being spent? Oh, that’s right at one point we were told they lost 12 billion in cash, then it went down to 8 billion in cash – just one example of the continuous lies. We should all request a list as to where this money is going…we need to we MUST protect and take care of our troops. I am so ashamed of the lies this administration has told us AND the WORLD, does he truly think we are ignorant? Then to top it off we still have some of the Senate and Congress voting yes to his “majesties” request of BILLIONS more (do remember this is ground warfare), and then we have some like H. Clinton that voted yes to Iran’s National Guards calling them terrorists. Leaving it completely open for Bush to start a war with Iran, if “he (his majesty)” so chooses. I just want to add one more thing how can anyone vote for H. Clinton when the majority of the Middle East does NOT like to do business with women. Sorry Clinton supporters, NOW is NOT the time to have a woman as president in the U.S. I still want to know where ALL of this money has gone, isn’t there a journalist out there that has the courage to write that list and explain who is benefiting from our soldiers blood and allowing the middle and lower class to sink (faster and faster)? When is he going to stop? Change the way we are doing things over there, help their government fix their problems – STOP blaming them!

Now here is my then 19 year old son’s article from 2006: Where is Congress?

As most media networks will discuss our current situation in the war daily, I never seem to here much positive talk. Not only in recent times when our plan has hit rock bottom. Few critical mistakes were made, which we never hear in major media, unless someone else makes the story public, they need to jump all over it. The focus should be more on questions and answers rather than harsh criticism after the mistake and damage has been done. The bigger picture should be why the policies of our war failed have, and where we went wrong. There seems not to be an ounce of optimism left, while we are currently spending and sending more and more troops and equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan. While politicians discuss there opinions, and voice loudly why we should or should not be at war. Senators and politicians, who do not support and help our war efforts for success, seem to play in the gray. There complaints are the same as the American people, the November congressional election clearly expressed how America feels. We needed change, stability, and truthful leaders. Complaining of the administrative mistakes months after they occur and not saying how we can fix our current problems, or solutions to major issues. Major complaints heard of often are budget spending and the serious increase of troops.

Amounts ranging from millions a day to billions a week presented through the media make this amount seem astronomical. (This war has cost 282 billion dollars from 2003 to 2006, compared to other wars such as the Korean war which cost 373 billion from 1950 to 1953. source: Yale University Prof. William Nordhaus) Senate will discuss a record $106.5 billion emergency spending bill that includes $72.4 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the House has already passed a $92 billion version of the bill last month that included $68 billion in war funding. This funding is added on top of $50 billion already accounted for the war this year. Although the amount of the war has increased from $48 billion in 2003 to $94 billion in 2006. The invasion's "shock and awe" of high-tech laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles and stealth aircraft has long faded. It seems as if we are paying for the shock and awe campaign now instead of in the beginning of the war. This is one of the reasons for our high war bill. Where was our congress to intervene with this costly campaign, which in all reality failed, the mission was to shock the enemy to equal an easy quick success. Years later here we are, citizens of Iraq still with limited water and electricity, the enemy has not stopped for that matter has increased attacks all around.

Where was congress during the first years of our wars in the Middle East? Its seems as time narrows down to the 2008 presdential elections harsh debates are occurring weekly. Everyday harsh critics and some supporters are viewed on major media networks daily. Where were these men and women to debate the critical decisions that were made during this war? Instead a three day debate in the senate occurs to pass a non-binding resolution to oppose the Presidents current new strategy and troop increase. On one hand every senator had the chance to voice their opions and point out where things went wrong. Then as the debate continued, the surge and new strategy was taking place as was the debate. Also as congress continues funding the war some call a failed policy. Critics of the war should come to the American people when the critical decisions needed to be made. Such as the disbanedment of the Iraqi army. Leaving thousands of men who had fought there entire adult lives off to civilian life with no jobs to look forward too. Idle soldiers against the coalition would mostly likely not sit silently. Then releasing all political leaders and replacaing the Iraq government with the Coalition Provisional Authority which had complete conrol of the executive, legislative, and judicial authority from April, 21, 2003 until June, 28, 2004. With hundreds of weapons cache hidden underground all around Iraq to be used by the insurgents. Just as the location of these buried ammunition is still unkown, 250,000 tons of weapons and ammunition was stolen from the Iraqi army bases. As all the problems in Iraq continued the coalition forces seemed to be closing in on Saddam (remember the government knew what Saddam was doing, due to the simple fact that we never stopped watching). Once this was completed on May 1 2003 president Bush stages a dramatic speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. With a large banner with” Mission Accomplished” written across it above President Bush while his speech express the same view. As media coverage ran with this story continuously. As President Bush gave his speech which was misleading, the fight in Iraq continued to escalate.

Soldiers supporting Obama

Jared — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:18:57 EDT

I am a soldier in the US army currently serving our country overseas. My support for Obama has been very strong from the beginning. I feel that Obamas ideas and policies show strong support for the soldiers by fighting for just causes and ONLY those causes that are justified. Like most US citizens I do not agree with the reasoning behind our invasion of Iraq or the longetivity of our occupation there. My point is not whether we intially invaded Iraq for legitamate reasons or not. President Bush reacted from the events of 9/11, and as a Soldier in the Army, it is my duty to follow the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. I serve our country with pride and honor no matter where I am and what I am doing. This is the reason I see it so important to elect a President/Commander-in-Chief that is competent, rational and does not have a personal agenda when dealing with International affairs and war in general.

My concern is that many of my fellow soldiers do not have the same support for Obama that I do. I don't identify myself as either a Democrat or a Republican but as someone that supports the politician that is, as previously stated, competent and rational. Nonetheless their views must be somewhat concurrent to my own and must be a strong supporter of the Military. The problem is that a lot of soldiers identify themselves as Republicans and I feel that most of them view Obama as another Liberal with anti-war views. I do my best to shed light on the issues and portray Obama for what he truly does stand for, however I think it is important that Obama reaches out more to the soldiers by communicating a strong support for the Military.

The best thing that could happen to this country is having Obama in office. As we all know our country is at a critical point and a wrong move could cause our country even more severe problems. I have never felt so strongly about a candidate before Barack Obama, and I have great hope that my fellow soldiers and servicemen can share this great hope for a change in our country. A change in politics and a change in the direction of our country. A President that has not only hope for a better stronger America but also a logical and attainable plan to achieve that hope.

Phila Suburbs: www.delcotimes.com FOCUSING ON REAL THREATS To the times: My letter date september 19, 2007

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:46:48 EDT

FOCUSING ON REAL THREATS

To the times:

I am a vietnam veteran. I know how our soldiers feel to be in a war we should have never been in. Please tell your readers that we need to get out of Iraq and do what Barack Obama says. Barack says our real enemy is Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. Tell your readers to do a search on A.Q.Khan, the real threat.

DANIELLE CLARKE

Springfield

PS: This article doesn't seem to be online accessable, However, it does come after another writer who says protestors need to call their representatives and not just get people to honk horns.

That article is listed as: "DEMONSTRATION FOR PEACE IS NOT ENTERTAINMENT"

S T O P T H E W A R

NO A LA MARCHA EN CONTRA DE OBAMA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:37:01 EDT

Stop the War & Bring Troops Home
The Live of one Soldier is worth more than anything else

Percy H Florez

NH Vets come out strong for Barack! ! ! : And Other Veteran Links

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:58:17 EDT

NH Vets come out strong for Barack!: http://nh.barackobama.com/page/community/post/johnmitchell/CWgN

Ya gotta check out what the collaboration between the Veterans for Obama Steering Committee and the New Hampshire campaigns top notch New Media Staff are coming out with.

After weeks of listening to the veterans on the committee, the staff has put together some poignant stories that really show how Senator Obama is dedicated to honoring the service of those that are currently under arms, veterans of all generations, and the families that have stood by our fine men and women in uniform. The words “sacred trust” are not merely words of triangulated political rhetoric to the New Hampshire Veterans for Obama Steering Committee and they can sense in their bones that Obama is a man of honor, a man of conviction, and of moral certitude. They can sense with hearts that have been touched by fire, that Senator Barack Obama is ready to be the next president of the United States . For a veteran, the Office of the Presidency is also the Command and Control Center of the Commander in Chief. Enough said!

Hit the links provided below and then, go out and let others know that Barack Obama is completely “squared away”.

Ne Desit Virtus – Let Valor Not Fail

Introducing Our Veterans for Obama Steering Committee

The Silent Scars of Battle

Serving Those Who Serve—Mary Morin’s Story

Heeding the Call of Duty - Ryan Gray's Story

Returning Wounded Veterans to Normal Lives

S T O P T H E W A R

NO A LA MARCHA EN CONTRA DE OBAMA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:47:52 EDT

Stop the War & Bring Troops Home

Percy H Florez

Numbers that never add up!

Leo — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:07:43 EDT

I am watching Gen Petraeus report to Congress on C-SPAN. Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was brown-nosing the success in Iraq. As I listen the numbers that she regurgitated and then as I hear our Generals regurgitate the numbers of "progress", I keep thinking to myself, "We at the lowest level in the Army, can't report solid numbers"

The reason I say this is because, I've noticed that my time in the Air Force and Army,we report numbers that may or may not be accurate. I've noticed that people in general like to exaggerate to make them self look better or used as a tool to defend their actions.

Every time I hear reports, Its hard for me to believe reports of Data that reflect numbers because as the numbers make it up the chain of command, the numbers gets skewed. I currently deal with numbers and data that is reported to me and then to higher levels. I never feel comfortable with the data that I collect from the lower levels.

There are so many things that I wish was done right but I believe this war is going to be reported by numbers as to show progress. Remember Vietnam, that was all about skewed victories measured by enemy casualties.

Let me know what you guys think about the data that is reported on TV. Talk to you soon.

“Leadership it is not the position it is the action"

NO A LA MARCHA EN CONTRA DE OBAMA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:47:05 EDT

This morning I woke up thinking about my problems and how to solve them. I walked to the other room where I do have my belongings and I saw one of those inspirational portrait That I just to have hanged on my wall with my others certificates surround that portrait and stared to the picture with the magnificent picture of our eagle flying across the sky which represent our endurance, loyalty and freedom of our nation to it's people.

But this sense of freedom, endurance and loyalty has been compromised by our own administration that will not stand for the rights of our own people especially for those we went to fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Read This Link

Just For Your Sacrifice and Forever!

NO A LA MARCHA EN CONTRA DE OBAMA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:41:13 EDT

A Soldier's Perspective on the Iraq Situation

Aaron from Saint Louis, MO — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:19:35 EDT

What some of the 82nd airborne soldiers in Iraq have to say about the realities of the tactical and strategic situation there.

The War as We Saw It

Some excerpts,

[As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day. ]

War is so f stupid.

Adam — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:43:28 EDT

A few Sunday nights ago, my Dad and I were watching a program on channel 13 about Iwo Jima which, presumably as intended, sparked me to think about war. The aged military man in his button shirt and typical old man khakis recalled how he had, more than once, seen a dead Japanese soldier on the ground at Iwo Jima. Looking for a souvenir of sorts on this particular occasion, the younger version of this man approached the body and upon seeing the soldier's wallet falling out of his pocket, bent down and opened it. He immediately found a photo of this now dead man with his wife and two boys. The American soldier says he paused, prayed and then proceeded to close the wallet, putting it back deep inside the other's pocket.

I say again, war is so f stupid. And here's a few reasons why.

COME TO ME/LADY LIBERTY/some poetic thoughts on Illegal Immigration

armymomchris — Sun, 13 May 2007 10:48:43 EDT

COME TO ME

I am the Lady Liberty/

Come to me,

With a willingness

To learn/ to work/To be free/

I remind you, now,

That all of this Comes with a heavy price:

Responsibility.

When you sail into my harbor

From your country

Near or far ~

Make sure you know

What you are coming for

Many a good man

And a good woman, too,

Left this harbor for foreign Lands

To protect me and you.

So, enter ~This is a wonderful

And complicated place

I will welcome you

With seasoned grace

And ask that you

Do the things that are right, and true

Come to me

Come

With what you can give,

Not what you can take

From me

If you agree,

You are the people

We are looking for;

Come from across the sea

And help to keep this

country free ~would you die for me?

I will welcome you

With my lamp held high

With my arm upraised

To the heavens and sky

Will my borders

Be more secure

Because of you?

If you can answer

In the affirmative

Then I will welcome you.

As other people

Were before……..

You may enter

Through the harbor door

And spend your life

Working for this Country

and herFreedoms,

fromShore to shore……

This country,

with all Her flaws

Is worth defending

In any cause.

So, Come to me,

But legally;

Decide to make a home

Raise your children

Be a citizen;

fightThe fight to remain free.

Come to me.

Christina 5/12/07
ArmyMom's Safe Haven Link

Humankind: Be Both

Speaking Out for Veterans

Jim — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 23:36:12 EST

And this article, posted on http://billgeiger.com, talking about Senate Bill 713, introduced to help our returning veterans:

In the wake of the scandal surrounding the conditions endured by some Veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) introduced two pieces of legislation last week to create a more suitable level of care for wounded troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama introduced, S. 713, the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, legislation written to "ensure dignity in care for members of the Armed Forces recovering from injuries," which has been referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee for review.

"Last week, the Nation learned of the serious problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center including decaying, cockroach-infested facilities and an overwhelmed patient-care bureaucracy," said Obama in introducing his bill last week. "As described in a series of articles in the Washington Post by Dana Priest and Anne Hull, wounded soldiers are returning home from the battle in Iraq only to face a new battle to get the care and benefits they have earned."

The Democratic presidential candidate's legislation is already cosponsored by 23 Senators, with only three of those -- Kit Bond (R-MO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) -- coming from the Republican side of the aisle.

Obama's legislation would fix conditions at outpatient VA residence facilities by setting higher standards -- such as stipulations that recovering soldiers' rooms will be as good or better as the best standard rooms for active-duty troops -- and increasing administration accountability. The bill also provides for expedited repair of maintenance problems in the facilities and, as Obama put it last week, "zero tolerance for pest infestations."

The bill would also mandate that emergency medical personnel and crisis counselors be available to recovering troops 24 hours a day.

"The stories out of Walter Reed last week did shock my conscience because, like many Senators, I have made the half-hour trek from the Capitol to visit Walter Reed. And I saw what the Army wanted the world to see: a shining world-class facility where the wounded can heal with state-of-the-art care," said Obama. "I never saw mold growing on the walls, or broken elevators, or the lack of adequate support for soldiers and their families. Walter Reed was supposed to be the flagship of military health care. Instead it has become an emblem of much that is wrong with the system, and a harbinger of more severe problems that may be hiding at other military hospitals and facilities that are not in the spotlight."

In addition to providing for greatly streamlined administration and reduced paperwork for wounded troops upon returning to the states -- "there's no reason why a soldier with a gunshot injury to the spine should face the same procedural hurdles in order to prove his injury was service-related," said Obama -- the bill has interesting provisions to protect family member who are suddenly faced with the full-time job of caring for an injured loved one.

(MORE)

Irans' unofficial declaration , and I agree. Iran is not what the media plays it to be.

Kat — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 21:59:21 EST

Link would like my fellow americans to see this site above, and also there are many wonderful things about Iran that nobody tells you, so I would like help in fighting an unecessary war, that will only ruin lives. Pre-emptive strikes, are like saying your guilty before your innocent, and we have always held the rule in our country that we are innocent until proven guilty. I realize others think its a heavy risk, but, I think that another war is to much of a burden. I did not even vote for George Bush, and I live with the deaths of innocent Iraqis everyday. We have dissension in the ranks, and a civil war breeding at home. Is this really what american people stand for ? No, it isnt. Stand up for our constitution, and use it for the good of others also. Fear, or apprehension, shouldnt make us choose the wrong over the right. If you search for Iran photos, you can find some great ones out there on this grand internet.

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- As I sat down recently with a senior Iranian government official, he urgently waved a column by Thomas Friedman of The New York Times in my face, one about how the United States and Iran need to engage each other.

''Natural allies,'' this official said.

It was a surprising choice of words considering the barbs Washington and Tehran have been trading of late.

"We are not after conflict. We are not after crisis. We are not after war," said this official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "But we don't know whether the same is true in the U.S. or not. If the same is true on the U.S. side, the first step must be to end this vicious cycle that can lead to dangerous action -- war."

He confided that what he was telling me was not shared by all in the Iranian government, but it was endorsed so high up in the religious leadership that he felt confident spelling out the rationale.

"This view is not off the streets. It's not the reformist view and it's not even the view of the whole government," he replied.

But he insisted he was describing the thinking at the highest levels of the religious leadership -- the center of decision-making power in Iran.

I asked whether he meant Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself.

"Yes," he said.

The rhetoric between the United States and Iran has intensified of late, with Washington most recently blaming Tehran for funneling weapons into Iraq. Tehran vehemently denies this. Washington has also accused Iran of building up its nuclear program, with the ultimate goal of making a nuclear bomb -- something Tehran has long denied. Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian nuclear power.

Indeed, this senior government official told me the first step between Iran and the United States must be for each side to accept that the other is secure, and to say so.

"We do not want to have to prove that we are strong. Our nuclear program is not to show the U.S. we are strong. It is because of our previous centuries of threats and invasions," he said.

Aha, I intervened, "so you do want the bomb?"

The official replied: "No, our nuclear program is not about the bomb it's about power. We want to say -- that without the UK, U.S., France, Russia, Germany -- we have done this ourselves [set up a peaceful nuclear program].That is our strength."

He said the need to show power was "just common sense after 300 recent years looking over our shoulder," running through the list of those who have sent armies into Iran -- from Alexander the Great to the Mongols to the Ottomans to Russia to Saddam Hussein.

Then he paused. "The one country that never invaded us was America."

Face-to-face dialogue
He said the time is right for the United States and Iran to sit down and talk directly -- to say "we recognize each other." He said neither side has done this so far "because of the mentality on each side."

"Each of us is afraid of looking weak if we take the first step," he said. "We have this fear in common with America. Before contemplating recognition, each side feels it necessary to convince the other side that 'I am not weak.'"

When the official waved the column by Friedman in my face at the start of the conversation, his point was this:

That despite disagreement over Iran's nuclear program, despite accusations that Iran is supporting anti-American killers in Iraq, despite even the 1979 hostage crisis, Iran and America are "natural allies" and the time has come to restore relations.

"We are natural allies. Why?" he said. "Because now the major threat for both Iran and the U.S.A. is al Qaeda."

He said al Qaeda had attacked the "symbol of our faith" when it struck the Golden Dome mosque -- the Al-Askariya Mosque -- in the Iraqi city of Samarra last February, setting off much of the sectarian violence that has plagued the war-torn nation over the last year. Similarly, he said, al Qaeda struck the "symbols of American power" on 9/11.

"Why is the U.S. forcing us to enter a struggle with them that is only in al Qaeda's interest?" he said.

I pressed him about Iran's sudden interest in extending an olive branch. "Why now? What's motivating you?" I asked.

"Peace for the Iranian people," he said. "But not only peace, peace with security. Peace based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and mutual security."

Mindful of the heated rhetoric flying between Tehran and Washington -- between both presidents no less -- this official said: "If we give the impression that we welcome a battle, this is not because it is our first option. It's our final option."

The official then spoke of some other issues of concern to the United States, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the war it provoked with Israel last summer when it captured and killed Israeli soldiers.

"Hassan Nasrallah miscalculated Israel's response to the kidnappings," he said of the Hezbollah leader. When I pressed him, he admitted Hezbollah also miscalculated Israel's need to project deterrence and identity.

I asked him why Iran helped Hezbollah in the war. "We helped Hezbollah in order that they not be wiped out," he said. "We helped the enemy of our enemy [Israel]."

I told him many Israelis believe the war's end was inconclusive and fear they face another challenge from Hezbollah this summer. The official replied: "We do not believe Hezbollah will do that again."

And then he turned back to his main point, about America. "Americans must not make the same miscalculation about us."

Like almost every Iranian I met, he fulminated against the infamous "Axis of Evil" reference made by President Bush during the 2002 State of the Union address. Iranians -- from the everyday man and woman on the street to the highest government official -- simply scratch their heads at that, especially since Iran had just worked in partnership with the United States bringing down the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan and bringing that country a new democratic government.

And on that note, another senior Iranian official working closely on the Afghanistan issue told me that, after a recent trip there, he was alarmed to conclude that as much as 50 percent of Afghanistan is now once again under control of a resurgent Taliban, al Qaeda and forces of another radical Islamic leader Gulbeddin Hekmatyar. This Iranian official told me the United States must again engage to prevent disaster from overshadowing the success that was made in Afghanistan after 9/11. He said Iran is ready to do its part.

Formula for the future
My 90-minute conversation with the senior Iranian government official ended with him describing a way forward between the United States and Iran.

"Everything with Iranian engagement. Everything with U.S. engagement," he said.

In other words, instead of the United States saying, ''Iran out of the Persian Gulf, Iran out of Lebanon, Iran out of Iraq,'' the United States should welcome Iran's presence and work with Iran to help keep the region stable, he said.

The question now is which country will take the first step and show they're not being weak by putting diplomacy back on track.

History awaits the answer.

Taking Care of our Heroes

Misty F — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:02:59 EST

Obama has a strong opinion that America needs to take better care of her veterans. On a related note, the Washington Post recently reported:

Seizing on an investigative report by The Washington Post's Dana Priest and Anne Hull, Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) will introduce legislation next week to require more frequent inspections of hospitals providing treatment to active-duty military personnel.

This is another reason I want Obama as our next president. Because our current president is allowing the situation at Walter Reed to get worse than what has already been reported. Soldiers recovering there are being silenced, and even punished, because of the news of deplorable conditions at the facility.

One Million Signatures: Greeting Card for our Troops

Terry Danielson — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:29:11 EST

Will you take 10 seconds to participate in a project that could change the world?

Here it is:

"The World's Largest Greeting Card" signed by over one million people then sent to our troops serving in Iraq.

The card is designed to show support and welcome them home. Many of us disagree about when our brothers and sisters serving overseas should come home - some believe two weeks while others say two years, but we all want them to come home safe regardless of the time.

Author and musician James Twyman will present the card at the United Nations in New York when he performs there on April 4th. (James is currently performing 64 concerts in a row during "The Season for Non-Violence," www.64daysofpeace.com) The large card will then be broken up into tens of thousands of smaller versions that will be sent to individual troops serving in Iraq.

Here's how you can add your name to the card:

It takes only 10 seconds.

Using the form on the site listed below type your name and where you're from. You'll then be given a choice of ten fonts that most closely resembles your personal signature. Choose one and send hit "send."

That's it!!!

Your name will be added automatically to the large card and will later be added to one of the thousands of smaller cards that will be sent to an individual soldier.

Imagine an idea that could bring people of every backgroundand belief together - liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats.

There are two motivating factors behind this card:

To show our support to the troops who are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
To have a project that will bring people together regardless of their political beliefs.

We live in one of the most polarized times in human history. Won't it be wonderful to come together for one moment on a project that will bring comfort to tens of thousands of our troops?

Go to:

www.BigCardForTroops.com

On the plane back from Springfield, Illinois yesterday

Kris Schultz — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 23:39:47 EST

I sat next to an Air Force Staff Sgt on his way to Afghanistan. Wow. I have relatives and friends who've served in Iraq. I've learned that you really shouldn't pepper a soldier with questions about their service, but let them speak of it their own way and on their own terms, so I was reluctant to bug him. So, I waited for most of the flight to ask him if he's based at Andrews Air Force Base, and he says no, he's based out of Colorado Springs.

I told him what I tell all soldiers I see or meet, "Well, you know we're all real proud of you and all you are doing in service to our country." He thanks me humbly. I ask him where he's headed and that's when he tells me he's going to Afghanistan. He says they'll take commercial flights all the way to Turkey, then a cargo plane the rest of the way.

He's a Military Policeman, and would be guarding someone important of higher rank. He liked his assignment. He was glad it was just for six months, and not the year assignment too many soldiers were getting if they go to Iraq. He said the Army and Marines get it much rougher in that regard, and that he felt badly about their assignments. His was a relief to get the orders he got, but that he'd miss his wife and kids, of course.