Category: Iraq

Unlike, say, the network television news programs, the print media still makes sporadic bids at covering the Iraq war. (All praise be unto the McClatchy chain, of course).

Last week the Christian Science Monitor carried an interesting piece by Sam Dagher, about a married couple who works as interpreters for the US occupation. They are, unsurprisingly, desperate to get out of the country and into the US. The two, whom Darger calls Chris and Sarah, have completed their paperwork, which requires, inter alia, a written recommendation from a US general (!), but nothing much seems to be happening.

Unlike, say, the network television news programs, the print media still makes sporadic bids at covering the Iraq war. (All praise be unto the McClatchy chain, of course). Last week the Christian Science Monitor carried an interesting piece by Sam Dagher, about a married couple who works as interpreters for the US occupation. They are, unsurprisingly, desperate to get out of the country and into the US. The two Iraqis, whom Darger calls Chris and Sarah, have completed their paperwork, which requires, inter alia, a written recommendation from a US general (!), but nothing much seems to be happening.

The money quote comes near the end of the article:

Both describe the frequent arguments they have with US soldiers stationed in Iraq who do not believe they are fighting for a worthy cause and speak disparagingly of Bush.

There’s the story for you, folks. One more bit of evidence that the troops too have turned against Bush’s sucking chest wound of a war.

Many thanks for the tip to Tom Barton, the indefatigable compiler/editor of the (almost) daily email digest G.I. Special, widely read in the Armed Forces. Check it out here.

This report from Judy Miner of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice (WNPJ):

WNPJ and People for Peace in Waupaca promoted the Iraq Moratorium at their PANCAKES for PEACE breakfast June 20 in Custer, WI. Black Iraq Moratorium ribbons were handed out to 350 exhibitors and visitors to the largest Renewable Energy Fair in the country, as they came through the pancake line and visited the WNPJ table in the exhibition hall. That's Louise Pease of People for Peace in Waupaca  pictured, greeting people and offering Iraq Moratorium ribbons at the pancake breakfast.

Deb from Wausau had never heard of the Iraq Moratorium – and was thrilled to put on her black ribbon – asking then for 10 extra ribbons and information sheets about the Moratorium to take back to her workplace in Wausau. [Note to Deb: If you read this, please email bill@iraqmoratorium.org your contact information so we can help with your efforts.]

So many of the 20,000 participants at the MREA Fair understand the message that “War is NOT the Answer” and that “The Answer….is Blowing in the Wind”….and how the use of clean, renewable solar and wind energy promotes peace by ending wars for oil. And they are taking this path to peace, putting up their own wind turbines – solar panels – living off the grid – insulating – conserving……

The first dozen reports from last Friday's actions, including some from Milwaukee and Hayward, are now on the Iraq Moratorium website. Some are inspirational.  Check it out.  

That the Violence is down in Iraq, leaving many who get their news in the states thinking things are just rosy.

And what Anniversary would that be, you ask, Well:

Of President Franklin Roosevelt’s signing of the GI Bill, which enabled millions of veterans to go to college, and is credited for sparking the post-war economic boom.

US soldiers assigned to guard a crucial part of Iraq’s oil infrastructure became ill after exposure to a highly toxic chemical at the plant

They were bleeding from the nose, spitting blood.

There apparently were hundreds of American soldiers at this site that were contaminated.

And who do they and others accuse

Another cave-in by Congressional Democrats.  Another deal to keep the war going, in exchange for a few crumbs.

Today is Iraq Moratorium day.  Do something to let them know what you think.

It’s true that 151 Democrats voted against the war funding.  So, if you want to thank them, go ahead — but don’t thank them too much, David Swanson  says.  Here’s the roll call.

“Not a single one of them did a damned thing more than vote no,” Swanson (left), of Democrats.com, ImpeachCheney.org and , AfterDowningStreet.org said in a Milwaukee appearance Thursday night.  They didn’t issue public statements to the media, write their colleagues, or do anything to press to defeat the bill.  “They voted no, knowing it would pass.”

That’s not why Americans elected a new Congressional majority in 2006, Swanson said.  We elected them to end the war in Iraq.  Instead, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Dems like David Obey are happy to have negotiated a bill that the Republicans would vote for and pass. “They are hiding behind the troops,” Swanson said, when a majority of Americans in a Democrats.com poll said they would stop funding the war and bring the troops home within six months.

Democrats say we have to keep funding the occupation because it’s dangerous “to do what the majority wants” in an election year, Swanson said. They want us to elect them again so that they can do what they didn’t do last time we elected them.  But by spring, it will be only 18 months until the next election, so it will be dangerous again to vote to end the war, he said.

The fact that the House also voted for money for new veterans benefits, for unemployment benefits, and for flood relief is no consolation for funding the war.

Who wouldn’t support those items if they came up as separate bills, Swanson asked.

Instead, the veterans benefits are attached as an amendment to a bill that will result in many more deaths, physical and psychological injuries to American troops and Iraqis, and damage the US economy.  

Will we see any change?

Funding for Iraq groups phasing out

Or will the situation that exist now stay pretty much the same?

And if change, how serious?

It’s such a “business as usual” story that the NY Times relegated it to page 21.

House Democrats have made another deal to fund the war in Iraq.

They’re voting today to give the Bush administration another $162-billion for Iraq and Afghanistan.

In return, Bush and the Repubs have apparently agreed to a better, expanded GI bill for veterans, extended unemployment compensation, and some helped to flooded areas.

A bad deal.

Call your House member today — right now — and say that.

It seems like the fix is in.  The deal is probably done.

But let’s not let it happen quietly on page 21.  Speak up.

The Washington Post says there will be two votes, one on the domestic spending and one on the money for the war.

Tell them to just say no.  Call now. The House switchboard is 202-225-3121. Or find your member here.

And on Friday, take some action yourself to end the war and occupation.  It’s Iraq Moratorium day, a day to take some action, individually or collectively, to interrupt your normal routine and make a statement.  

A postscript: Mission Accomplished:

BAGHDAD – Four Western oil companies are in the final stages of negotiations this month on contracts that will return them to Iraq, 36 years after losing their oil concession to nationalization as Saddam Hussein rose to power.

Exxon Mobil, Shell, Total and BP – the original partners in the Iraq Petroleum Company – along with Chevron and a number of smaller oil companies, are in talks with Iraq’s Oil Ministry for no-bid contracts to service Iraq’s largest fields, according to ministry officials, oil company officials and an American diplomat.

This is an FYI for everyone.  For those who did not hear Gore’s speech lending his support to Obama, here it is — Gore speaks so strongly, eloquently — a mentor for Obama!  Goose bump speech by Gore!  SPIRIT APLENTY!

Listening to this — you must FEEL BETTER!  

This Friday, June 20th, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day in the year.

Unfortunately, it will be just one more grueling day in what is already the third longest war in US history.

June 20th is also the tenth monthly observance of the Iraq Moratorium, held on the Third Friday of each and every month until this horrific war is over.

“It’s got to stop! We’ve got to stop it!” has been the watchword of the Iraq Moratorium from Day One. The majority of this country’s people want this war over, pronto. But the politicians keep hedging, media coverage keeps shrinking, and US troops and Iraq men, women and children keep dying.

It really will take all of us, acting together, to force an end to the tragedy. On Friday, please break your daily routine and take some step to end the war. You can act with others-there are around 100 scheduled events taking place from coast to coast listed for Moratorium Day #10 at the Iraq Moratorium website website. You can act on your own – there’s a list of things you might want to do linked from the home page as well. Or use your imagination, but do something.