Friends,
I am proud to post the following guest commentary from our friend Luis Moscoso:
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Sisters and Brothers in Democracy -
In the past few years that I have been involved as an officer of the Democrat Party I have seen so-called 'progressives' and Party regulars speak about this issue in terms that can only be described as patronizing. In fact, what I hear the most is that when "you people (of color) get your act together" you can really help the Party to defeat the Republicans. First of all, we must acknowledge is that the Democrat Party is an artifact of white institutional racism even though it has worked hard (at times) to fight racism at large in American culture.
Recently, I have been to a County convention where Platform language that was supposed to have been written for the now very important Immigration Issue was never submitted and a generic position was seen as sufficient. In fact, no one even noticed that this had happened.
I have also been contacted by elected officials and candidates about "talking points" re immigration. I wouldn't mind giving my opinion and concerns to anyone, if they had done some research on their own first. I'd rather help them process their thinking than just give them talking points that they think will resonate with the Latino community or the Party. (Remember: The Latino community is not of one mind about this issue. Just like Democrats.)
Politicos and others readily admit that Pres. Bush is the one who's made Immigration an issue at this time. A WEDGE issue meant to help the Republicans in upcoming elections. If we Democrats don't get our act together, the wedge will be between Democrats of color & their allies with the main body of Democrats (who are passively waiting for us to organize votes to return the Party to power.)
As long as we continue to ignore the "institutional racism" that afflicts our Party as well as our country, we will continue to fail to organize minority populations to join us. After all, what's in it for them/us?
- Luis Moscoso
State Party Secretary
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Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Monday, May 29, 2006
The Next Turning Point
Iraqi parliament, media largely ignoring Haditha killings
By Nancy A. Youssef
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Monday, May 29, 2006
BAGHDAD, Iraq - As one U.S. politician charged Sunday that U.S. Marines had murdered 24 Iraqi civilians last fall, and press reports seemed to support the claim, the story remained a non-starter in Iraq.
It didn't come up when Iraq's parliament met on Sunday. The talking heads on Iraqi television issued no new calls for a U.S. troop withdrawal, as often happens after U.S. forces are seen to have made big mistakes. Even local papers ran no stories about possible murder charges against Marines allegedly involved in the Nov. 19 shootings.
Senseless killings - whether at the hands of U.S. soldiers, criminal gangs or militias - have become everyday occurrences in Iraq, some residents explained
Murthada Abdel Rashid, 29, a Baghdad sandwich vendor, was beyond caring, however.
"I am not surprised by what happened in Haditha because Americans are terrorists and killers. And this is the way of life now," he said. "I don't care if they punish the American soldiers because they cannot bring back the lives of the dead."
George W. Bush speaks in glowing terms about the "turning point" that the appointment of a new Iraqi cabinet presents to the "forces of good". By my reckoning, we have now had enough "turning points" to simply point out that we have been traveling in circles in that country. The newly appointed Prime Minister Maliki has proclaimed (from behind the thick walls of the Green Zone) that he sees Iraqi forces being able to "stand up" sooner rather than later so that the American forces might "stand down". However Maliki apparently didn't check with Bush before making such comments. In the days immediately following the prime mister's remarks, Bush was quick to point out that American forces will leave in years rather than months. Unfortunately, much like the inhabitant of the Whitehouse, PM Maliki does not seem to have much of a grasp of the average Iraqi citizen and his view on the Iraqi government either.
"The Iraqi politicians have failed in every way. The Shiite politicians have shown that they work for their own interests and their parties. The same thing is true for the Sunnis and Kurds. They do not think about the country," said Ali al-Rubaie, a fabric-store owner in Baghdad
"There are so many problems in the daily life of the individual and so many casualties in towns like Haditha that it is sometimes difficult to track and talk about every one," said Hazim Abdel Hamid al-Nuaimi, a professor of politics at al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad.
So here we are, almost halfway through our "Year of Transition" and not only do we not have a fully trained and willing Iraqi military ready to "stand up" but, according to a recent report from the BBC "Electricity generation at best meets half of estimated demand and fell below pre-war levels in early 2006. A 2004 survey found just over half of households had a stable supply of safe drinking water."
Perhaps the real "benchmarks" for our withdrawal from Iraq will be how well the incumbent American government does in the November elections and how willing the American people are to stand up so that the Iraqi people may move on.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Sunday, May 28, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/28/06
Americans Killed: 2464
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,346
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Michael L. Hermanson, 21, of Fargo, N.D., died on May 23, in AL Abayachi, Iraq.
*Pfc. Steven W. Freund, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa. died May 23 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Robert G. Posivio III, 22, of Sherburn, Minn. died May 23 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin, 24, of Knoxville, Ill., died on May 25, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., of injuries sustained on May 4 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Capt. Douglas A. Dicenzo, 30, of Plymouth, N.H. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 25.
*Spc. Robert E. Blair, 22, of Ocala, Fla. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 25.
*Lance Cpl. Kevin A. Lucas, 20, of Greensboro, N.C., died May 26 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2464
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,346
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Michael L. Hermanson, 21, of Fargo, N.D., died on May 23, in AL Abayachi, Iraq.
*Pfc. Steven W. Freund, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa. died May 23 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Robert G. Posivio III, 22, of Sherburn, Minn. died May 23 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin, 24, of Knoxville, Ill., died on May 25, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., of injuries sustained on May 4 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Capt. Douglas A. Dicenzo, 30, of Plymouth, N.H. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 25.
*Spc. Robert E. Blair, 22, of Ocala, Fla. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 25.
*Lance Cpl. Kevin A. Lucas, 20, of Greensboro, N.C., died May 26 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Saturday, May 27, 2006
King George - Above the Law
White House invokes privilege in spy cases
By DAVID B. CARUSO
Associated Press Write
NEW YORK - The Bush administration has asked federal judges in New York and Michigan to dismiss a pair of lawsuits filed over the National Security Agency's domestic eavesdropping program, saying litigating them would jeopardize state secrets.
So here we have it. Not only can George Bush side step the laws passed by the congress to prevent him from illegally wiretapping your phone but now he claims that the one remaining check on his abuse of power, the courts, should be prevented from examining the suspected abuse.
In papers filed late Friday, Justice Department lawyers said it would be impossible to defend the legality of the spying program without disclosing classified information that could be of value to suspected terrorists.
National Intelligence Director John Negroponte invoked the state secrets privilege on behalf of the administration, writing that disclosure of such information would cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security...
...Shayana Kadidal, an attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, called the administration's motion "undemocratic."
"The Bush administration is trying to crush a very strong case against domestic spying without any evidence or argument," Kadidal said in a written statement. "Can the president tell the courts which cases they can rule on? If so, the courts will never be able to hold the president accountable for breaking the law."
Oh sure, the courts could reject King George's argument but that would simply lead to an appeal to the Bush appointed US Supreme Court. The congress could still make an effort in exercising the oversight they are granted by the constitution but I would not hold my breath. In an election year where the republicans are already accusing the Democrats of running for the sole purpose of impeaching the Commander in Chief during time of war; and when the majority of Democrats in the senate have just voted to confirm the architect of the NSA wiretapping program being challenged we are much more likely to see gay marriages in Georgia.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
By DAVID B. CARUSO
Associated Press Write
NEW YORK - The Bush administration has asked federal judges in New York and Michigan to dismiss a pair of lawsuits filed over the National Security Agency's domestic eavesdropping program, saying litigating them would jeopardize state secrets.
So here we have it. Not only can George Bush side step the laws passed by the congress to prevent him from illegally wiretapping your phone but now he claims that the one remaining check on his abuse of power, the courts, should be prevented from examining the suspected abuse.
In papers filed late Friday, Justice Department lawyers said it would be impossible to defend the legality of the spying program without disclosing classified information that could be of value to suspected terrorists.
National Intelligence Director John Negroponte invoked the state secrets privilege on behalf of the administration, writing that disclosure of such information would cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security...
...Shayana Kadidal, an attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, called the administration's motion "undemocratic."
"The Bush administration is trying to crush a very strong case against domestic spying without any evidence or argument," Kadidal said in a written statement. "Can the president tell the courts which cases they can rule on? If so, the courts will never be able to hold the president accountable for breaking the law."
Oh sure, the courts could reject King George's argument but that would simply lead to an appeal to the Bush appointed US Supreme Court. The congress could still make an effort in exercising the oversight they are granted by the constitution but I would not hold my breath. In an election year where the republicans are already accusing the Democrats of running for the sole purpose of impeaching the Commander in Chief during time of war; and when the majority of Democrats in the senate have just voted to confirm the architect of the NSA wiretapping program being challenged we are much more likely to see gay marriages in Georgia.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/24/06
Americans Killed: 2457
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,216
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Lance Cpl. Benito A. Ramirez, 21, of Edinburg, Texas died May 21, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. David R. Christoff, 25, of Rossford, Ohio died May 22, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. William J. Leusink, 21, of Maurice, Iowa died May 22, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
------------------------------------
Boeing unveils new light-weight bomb fit for urban combat
May 23, 2006
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) – Boeing Co. on Monday unveiled a line of small, lightweight bombs that the U.S. Air Force will use in urban combat situations like the war in Iraq.
The small-diameter bombs weigh 250 pounds and can be used by all Air Force bombers, according to Boeing. By using the smaller bombs, planes can carry about four times as many of these weapons and fire them from farther away. A B-2 Stealth bomber can carry as many as 80 of the small-diameter bombs.
The bombs will also help limit civilian casualties during airstrikes in urban areas, according to the military news Web site GlobalSecurity.org. Boeing said its own tests show the bombs hit within 4 feet of their target.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)
---------------------------------------------
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2457
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,216
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Lance Cpl. Benito A. Ramirez, 21, of Edinburg, Texas died May 21, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. David R. Christoff, 25, of Rossford, Ohio died May 22, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. William J. Leusink, 21, of Maurice, Iowa died May 22, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
------------------------------------
Boeing unveils new light-weight bomb fit for urban combat
May 23, 2006
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) – Boeing Co. on Monday unveiled a line of small, lightweight bombs that the U.S. Air Force will use in urban combat situations like the war in Iraq.
The small-diameter bombs weigh 250 pounds and can be used by all Air Force bombers, according to Boeing. By using the smaller bombs, planes can carry about four times as many of these weapons and fire them from farther away. A B-2 Stealth bomber can carry as many as 80 of the small-diameter bombs.
The bombs will also help limit civilian casualties during airstrikes in urban areas, according to the military news Web site GlobalSecurity.org. Boeing said its own tests show the bombs hit within 4 feet of their target.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)
---------------------------------------------
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/23/06
Americans Killed: 2455
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,216
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Cpl. William B. Fulks, 23, of Culloden, W.Va., died May 18, at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Lt. Col. Daniel E. Holland, 43, of San Antonio, Texas died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*1st. Lt. Robert A. Seidel III, 23, of Gettysburg, Pa. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Sgt. Lonnie C. Allen Jr., 26, of Bellevue, Neb. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Pfc. Nicholas R. Cournoyer, 25, of Gilmanton, N.H. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Petty Officer Third Class Lee Hamilton Deal, 23, of West Monroe, La., died May 17 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2455
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 42,216
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Cpl. William B. Fulks, 23, of Culloden, W.Va., died May 18, at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Lt. Col. Daniel E. Holland, 43, of San Antonio, Texas died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*1st. Lt. Robert A. Seidel III, 23, of Gettysburg, Pa. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Sgt. Lonnie C. Allen Jr., 26, of Bellevue, Neb. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Pfc. Nicholas R. Cournoyer, 25, of Gilmanton, N.H. died on May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Petty Officer Third Class Lee Hamilton Deal, 23, of West Monroe, La., died May 17 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Monday, May 22, 2006
Mushroom Condi Goes the School
Antiwar Protests Greet Rice at Boston College
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: May 22, 2006
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: May 22, 2006
"As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice prepared to accept an honorary degree from Boston College today, a small plane flew overhead pulling a sign that said, "Your war brings dishonor.""
"A letter written by two theology professors, and signed by more than 10 percent of the faculty kicked off the opposition to Ms. Rice.
"On the levels of both moral principle and practical moral judgment, Secretary Rice's approach to international affairs is in fundamental conflict with Boston College's commitment to the values of the Catholic and Jesuit traditions and is inconsistent with the humanistic values that inspire the university's work," the letter said."
Gee, it seems a good ole pro war gal can't catch a break these days.....
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Haditha - A Follow-up
Marines 'to face charges over the Haditha massacre'
By Toby Harnden
(Telegraph.co.uk)
(Filed: 21/05/2006)
"Pentagon officials confirmed that 24 civilians, rather than the previous given figure of 15, died in Haditha, in western Iraq, last November when troops from Kilo Company, of the 3rd Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, apparently ran amok after one of their men was killed."
While there will be some who will want to blame the troops, please remember that well trained, and disciplined troops, led by competent commanders do not "run amok". Blame here lies squarely on a flawed policy and failed leadership that starts at the top.
"Duncan Hunter, the Republican chairman of the House armed services committee, has said that he will hold public hearings on the incident, which appears to have been covered up initially by those involved."
While this incident will certainly cast an unfavorable light on the Marines and lead to questions about "command and control" in the field, the Bush Administration has an even greater concern:
"The Bush administration fears that the growing scandal over the shootings could lead to war crimes trials and a wave of international condemnation that will further diminish support for the Iraq war in the run-up to the mid-term congressional elections."
Stay tuned:
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
By Toby Harnden
(Telegraph.co.uk)
(Filed: 21/05/2006)
"Pentagon officials confirmed that 24 civilians, rather than the previous given figure of 15, died in Haditha, in western Iraq, last November when troops from Kilo Company, of the 3rd Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, apparently ran amok after one of their men was killed."
While there will be some who will want to blame the troops, please remember that well trained, and disciplined troops, led by competent commanders do not "run amok". Blame here lies squarely on a flawed policy and failed leadership that starts at the top.
"Duncan Hunter, the Republican chairman of the House armed services committee, has said that he will hold public hearings on the incident, which appears to have been covered up initially by those involved."
While this incident will certainly cast an unfavorable light on the Marines and lead to questions about "command and control" in the field, the Bush Administration has an even greater concern:
"The Bush administration fears that the growing scandal over the shootings could lead to war crimes trials and a wave of international condemnation that will further diminish support for the Iraq war in the run-up to the mid-term congressional elections."
Stay tuned:
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Friday, May 19, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/19/06
Americans Killed: 2454
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,344
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Brandon L. Teeters, 21, of Lafayette, La., died on May 12, in Ludwigshafen, Germany, of injuries sustained on April 20, in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Marion Flint Jr., 29, of Baltimore, Md. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 15.
*Pfc. Grant A. Dampier, 25, of Merrill, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 15.
*Maj. Matthew W. Worrell, 34, of Lewisville, Texas died on May 14, in Yusufiyah, Iraq.
*Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jamie D. Weeks, 47 of Daleville, Ala. died on May 14, in Yusufiyah, Iraq.
*Chief Warrant Officer 4, John W. Engeman, 45, of East North Port, N.Y. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 14.
*Master Sgt. Robert H. West, 37, of Elyria, Ohio died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 14.
*Capt. Shane R. Mahaffee, 36, of Alexandria, Va., died on May 15, in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, of injuries sustained on May 5 in Al Hillah, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Santiago M. Halsel, 32, of Bowling Green, Ky., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 16.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2454
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,344
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Brandon L. Teeters, 21, of Lafayette, La., died on May 12, in Ludwigshafen, Germany, of injuries sustained on April 20, in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Marion Flint Jr., 29, of Baltimore, Md. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 15.
*Pfc. Grant A. Dampier, 25, of Merrill, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 15.
*Maj. Matthew W. Worrell, 34, of Lewisville, Texas died on May 14, in Yusufiyah, Iraq.
*Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jamie D. Weeks, 47 of Daleville, Ala. died on May 14, in Yusufiyah, Iraq.
*Chief Warrant Officer 4, John W. Engeman, 45, of East North Port, N.Y. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 14.
*Master Sgt. Robert H. West, 37, of Elyria, Ohio died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 14.
*Capt. Shane R. Mahaffee, 36, of Alexandria, Va., died on May 15, in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, of injuries sustained on May 5 in Al Hillah, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Santiago M. Halsel, 32, of Bowling Green, Ky., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 16.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Mai Lai Iraq
On March 16, 1968, Lt William Calley brought his platoon from Charlie Company, 11th Brigade, Americal Division, into the village of Mai Lai, in pursuit of an enemy that was a master of guerilla warfare, adept at striking and then folding into the relative anonymity of the closest village. The inability to distinguish “Charlie” from the next person you met coming out of the jungle was one of their greatest weapons. American boys lost their lives to this invisible enemy every day in the jungles of Vietnam, adding to the daily stress of survival in a war zone.
On November 19, 2005, Marines from Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, drove down the road approaching the village of Haditha. Never considered a friendly environment, scores of bombs were uncovered every day along the roadside leading to the Marine camp. Watching the civilians along the way, they could never be sure who was a member of the insurgency or who was just a resident of the village. Such is the nature of the war for American troops in Iraq.
On the night before Charlie Company entered Mai Lai, they had been instructed to destroy the village. US Military Command had informed them that any genuine residents of the village should have departed for the marketplace by 7:00 AM and therefore they could assume that any persons remaining in the village were either VC or active VC sympathizers. On the morning of March 16, 1968, Lt William Calley led his platoon into Mai Lai. The initial investigation of the Mai Lai massacre was undertaken by the 11th Light Infantry Brigade's Commanding Officer, Colonel Oran Henderson, under orders from Americal's Assistant Commanding Officer, Brigadier General Young. Henderson issued a written report in late April claiming that approximately 22 civilians were inadvertently killed during the military operation in Mai Lai. The army at this time was still describing the event as a military victory resulting in the death of 128 of the enemy.
The IED was attached to a large propane tank and triggered by remote control. It hit the humvee, killing the driver, Lance Corporal Miguel (T.J.) Terrazas, 20, from El Paso, Texas and injuring two others. On November 20th a Marine communiqué from Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi reported that Terrazas and 15 Iraqi civilians were killed by the blast and that "gunmen attacked the convoy with small-arms fire," prompting the Marines to return fire, killing eight insurgents and wounding one other.
On the morning of March 16, 1968, in the village of Mail Lai, Vietnam hundreds of civilians – primarily old men, women, children, and babies died at the hands of Lt William Calley and members of Charlie Company. At some point, dozens were marched into a ditch and executed with automatic weapons. The carnage at Mai Lai might have gone unknown to history if not for another soldier, Ron Ridenhour, who sent a letter to President Nixon, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and numerous members of Congress. Ridenhour learned about the events at Mai Lai secondhand, by talking to members of Charlie Company while he was still enlisted. The copies of this letter were sent in March, 1969, a full year after the event. Most recipients of Ridenhour's letter ignored it. Calley was charged with several counts of premeditated murder in September 1969, and 25 other officers and enlisted men were later charged with related crimes. It was another two months before the American public learned about the massacre and trials when independent investigative journalist Seymour Hersh broke the Mai Lai story on November 12, 1969.
In January, 2006, after Time Magazine presented military officials in Baghdad with a conflicting account of the Marines' actions in Haditha, the U.S. opened its own investigation, interviewing 28 people, including the Marines, the families of the victims and local doctors. According to military officials, the inquiry acknowledged that, contrary to the military's initial report, the 15 civilians killed on Nov. 19 died at the hands of the Marines, not the insurgents. The military has announced that the matter has been handed over to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), which will conduct a criminal investigation to determine whether the troops broke the laws of war by deliberately targeting civilians. Lieut. Colonel Michelle Martin-Hing, spokeswoman for the Multi-National Force-Iraq, told Time the involvement of the NCIS does not mean that a crime occurred. And she says the fault for the civilian deaths lies squarely with the insurgents, who "placed noncombatants in the line of fire as the Marines responded to defend themselves."
On March 17, 1970, the United States Army charged 14 officers with suppressing information related to the incident. Most of these charges were dropped. U.S. Army Lt. William Calley was convicted in 1971 of premeditated murder in ordering the shootings and initially sentenced to life in prison; two days later, however, President Richard Nixon ordered him released from prison, pending appeal of his sentence. Calley served 3½ years of house arrest in his quarters at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was then ordered freed by Federal Judge J. Robert Elliot. Calley claimed that he was following orders from his captain, Ernest Medina; Medina denied giving the orders and was acquitted at a separate trial. Most of the soldiers involved in the Mai Lai incident were no longer enlisted. Of the 26 men initially charged, Lt. Calley's was the only conviction.
Because the incident is officially under investigation, members of the Marine unit that was in Haditha on Nov. 19 are not allowed to speak with reporters. But the military's own reconstruction of events and the accounts of town residents —including six whose family members were killed that day— paint a picture of a devastatingly violent response by a group of U.S. troops who had lost one of their own to a deadly insurgent attack and believed they were under fire.
According to Eman Waleed, age 9, "We heard a big noise that woke us all up. Then we did what we always do when there's an explosion: my father goes into his room with the Koran and prays that the family will be spared any harm." Eman says the rest of the family—her mother, grandfather, grandmother, two brothers, two aunts and two uncles—gathered in the living room. Eman says she "heard a lot of shooting, so none of us went outside. Besides, it was very early, and we were all wearing our nightclothes." When the Marines entered the house, they were shouting in English. "First, they went into my father's room, where he was reading the Koran," she claims, "and we heard shots." According to Eman, the Marines then entered the living room. "I couldn't see their faces very well—only their guns sticking into the doorway. I watched them shoot my grandfather, first in the chest and then in the head. Then they killed my granny." She claims the troops started firing toward the corner of the room where she and her younger brother Abdul Rahman, 8, were hiding; the other adults shielded the children from the bullets but died in the process. Eman says her leg was hit by a piece of metal and Abdul Rahman was shot near his shoulder. "We were lying there, bleeding, and it hurt so much. Afterward, some Iraqi soldiers came. They carried us in their arms. I was crying, shouting 'Why did you do this to our family?' And one Iraqi soldier tells me, 'We didn't do it. The Americans did.'".
On April 7, 2006, the Marines relieved of duty three leaders of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, which had responsibility for Haditha when the shooting occurred. They are Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and two of his company commanders, Capt. James S. Kimber and Capt. Lucas M. McConnell. McConnell was commanding Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion, the unit that struck the roadside bomb on Nov. 19 and led the subsequent search of the area. The Marines' announcement didn't tie the disciplinary actions directly to Haditha, saying only that Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, had lost confidence in the officers' ability to command.
Is it fair to place these incidents side by side? Certainly the scale places them miles apart. The claims of self defense in Haditha are still officially under investigation** and therefore, left standing; separating the incidents even further. However it is not the outcome that brings these places together. Rather it is the harsh reality of war’s potential to fundamentally change – if only for a moment – the humanity of good people.
Much of the reporting on the incident at Haditha was done my Time Magazine reporter, Tim McGirk and appeared in his story published in those pages on March 19, 2006.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
** A more recent update on the incident at Haditha can be found by clicking on the title of this article.
On November 19, 2005, Marines from Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, drove down the road approaching the village of Haditha. Never considered a friendly environment, scores of bombs were uncovered every day along the roadside leading to the Marine camp. Watching the civilians along the way, they could never be sure who was a member of the insurgency or who was just a resident of the village. Such is the nature of the war for American troops in Iraq.
On the night before Charlie Company entered Mai Lai, they had been instructed to destroy the village. US Military Command had informed them that any genuine residents of the village should have departed for the marketplace by 7:00 AM and therefore they could assume that any persons remaining in the village were either VC or active VC sympathizers. On the morning of March 16, 1968, Lt William Calley led his platoon into Mai Lai. The initial investigation of the Mai Lai massacre was undertaken by the 11th Light Infantry Brigade's Commanding Officer, Colonel Oran Henderson, under orders from Americal's Assistant Commanding Officer, Brigadier General Young. Henderson issued a written report in late April claiming that approximately 22 civilians were inadvertently killed during the military operation in Mai Lai. The army at this time was still describing the event as a military victory resulting in the death of 128 of the enemy.
The IED was attached to a large propane tank and triggered by remote control. It hit the humvee, killing the driver, Lance Corporal Miguel (T.J.) Terrazas, 20, from El Paso, Texas and injuring two others. On November 20th a Marine communiqué from Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi reported that Terrazas and 15 Iraqi civilians were killed by the blast and that "gunmen attacked the convoy with small-arms fire," prompting the Marines to return fire, killing eight insurgents and wounding one other.
On the morning of March 16, 1968, in the village of Mail Lai, Vietnam hundreds of civilians – primarily old men, women, children, and babies died at the hands of Lt William Calley and members of Charlie Company. At some point, dozens were marched into a ditch and executed with automatic weapons. The carnage at Mai Lai might have gone unknown to history if not for another soldier, Ron Ridenhour, who sent a letter to President Nixon, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and numerous members of Congress. Ridenhour learned about the events at Mai Lai secondhand, by talking to members of Charlie Company while he was still enlisted. The copies of this letter were sent in March, 1969, a full year after the event. Most recipients of Ridenhour's letter ignored it. Calley was charged with several counts of premeditated murder in September 1969, and 25 other officers and enlisted men were later charged with related crimes. It was another two months before the American public learned about the massacre and trials when independent investigative journalist Seymour Hersh broke the Mai Lai story on November 12, 1969.
In January, 2006, after Time Magazine presented military officials in Baghdad with a conflicting account of the Marines' actions in Haditha, the U.S. opened its own investigation, interviewing 28 people, including the Marines, the families of the victims and local doctors. According to military officials, the inquiry acknowledged that, contrary to the military's initial report, the 15 civilians killed on Nov. 19 died at the hands of the Marines, not the insurgents. The military has announced that the matter has been handed over to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), which will conduct a criminal investigation to determine whether the troops broke the laws of war by deliberately targeting civilians. Lieut. Colonel Michelle Martin-Hing, spokeswoman for the Multi-National Force-Iraq, told Time the involvement of the NCIS does not mean that a crime occurred. And she says the fault for the civilian deaths lies squarely with the insurgents, who "placed noncombatants in the line of fire as the Marines responded to defend themselves."
On March 17, 1970, the United States Army charged 14 officers with suppressing information related to the incident. Most of these charges were dropped. U.S. Army Lt. William Calley was convicted in 1971 of premeditated murder in ordering the shootings and initially sentenced to life in prison; two days later, however, President Richard Nixon ordered him released from prison, pending appeal of his sentence. Calley served 3½ years of house arrest in his quarters at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was then ordered freed by Federal Judge J. Robert Elliot. Calley claimed that he was following orders from his captain, Ernest Medina; Medina denied giving the orders and was acquitted at a separate trial. Most of the soldiers involved in the Mai Lai incident were no longer enlisted. Of the 26 men initially charged, Lt. Calley's was the only conviction.
Because the incident is officially under investigation, members of the Marine unit that was in Haditha on Nov. 19 are not allowed to speak with reporters. But the military's own reconstruction of events and the accounts of town residents —including six whose family members were killed that day— paint a picture of a devastatingly violent response by a group of U.S. troops who had lost one of their own to a deadly insurgent attack and believed they were under fire.
According to Eman Waleed, age 9, "We heard a big noise that woke us all up. Then we did what we always do when there's an explosion: my father goes into his room with the Koran and prays that the family will be spared any harm." Eman says the rest of the family—her mother, grandfather, grandmother, two brothers, two aunts and two uncles—gathered in the living room. Eman says she "heard a lot of shooting, so none of us went outside. Besides, it was very early, and we were all wearing our nightclothes." When the Marines entered the house, they were shouting in English. "First, they went into my father's room, where he was reading the Koran," she claims, "and we heard shots." According to Eman, the Marines then entered the living room. "I couldn't see their faces very well—only their guns sticking into the doorway. I watched them shoot my grandfather, first in the chest and then in the head. Then they killed my granny." She claims the troops started firing toward the corner of the room where she and her younger brother Abdul Rahman, 8, were hiding; the other adults shielded the children from the bullets but died in the process. Eman says her leg was hit by a piece of metal and Abdul Rahman was shot near his shoulder. "We were lying there, bleeding, and it hurt so much. Afterward, some Iraqi soldiers came. They carried us in their arms. I was crying, shouting 'Why did you do this to our family?' And one Iraqi soldier tells me, 'We didn't do it. The Americans did.'".
On April 7, 2006, the Marines relieved of duty three leaders of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, which had responsibility for Haditha when the shooting occurred. They are Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and two of his company commanders, Capt. James S. Kimber and Capt. Lucas M. McConnell. McConnell was commanding Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion, the unit that struck the roadside bomb on Nov. 19 and led the subsequent search of the area. The Marines' announcement didn't tie the disciplinary actions directly to Haditha, saying only that Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, had lost confidence in the officers' ability to command.
Is it fair to place these incidents side by side? Certainly the scale places them miles apart. The claims of self defense in Haditha are still officially under investigation** and therefore, left standing; separating the incidents even further. However it is not the outcome that brings these places together. Rather it is the harsh reality of war’s potential to fundamentally change – if only for a moment – the humanity of good people.
Much of the reporting on the incident at Haditha was done my Time Magazine reporter, Tim McGirk and appeared in his story published in those pages on March 19, 2006.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
** A more recent update on the incident at Haditha can be found by clicking on the title of this article.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
More Cantwell Media Blitz
In the worlds of entertainment and politics (are they separate?), the adage goes something like this, "any publicity is good publicity". However it would be hard for me to believe Senator Maria Cantwell buys into that rationale these days. Take for example the two pieces in the May 16th Seattle PI here There's a disconnect between what Cantwelll 'sees' and reality - HOWARD J. GALE, GUEST COLUMNIST and here Cantwell can't dodge Iraq war mess - By ROBERT L. JAMIESON Jr. P-I COLUMNIST . The PI is not alone in the coverage of Senator Cantwell. There is this: Cantwell's stance on Iraq keeps volunteers away, party chief says - By David Postman, Seattle Times chief political reporter. In this May 5th article, State Party Chair Dwight Pelz is quoted as saying "Definitely right now there are a lot of activists who are not signing up to work on her (Cantwell's) campaign, and that's very clear,".
Now many will say that these "opinion pieces" are just beating the same old dead horse into the ground but I would suggest that they are just a continuation of the drumbeat that is beginning to define the Cantwell campaign to win her party's nomination in the September primary. One might call them the drums of war.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Now many will say that these "opinion pieces" are just beating the same old dead horse into the ground but I would suggest that they are just a continuation of the drumbeat that is beginning to define the Cantwell campaign to win her party's nomination in the September primary. One might call them the drums of war.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/16/06
Americans Killed: 2446
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,296
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Lance Cpl. Jason K. Burnett, 20, of St. Cloud, Fla. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. David J. GramesSanchez, 22, of Fort Wayne, Ind. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*2nd Lt. Michael L. Licalzi, 24, of Garden City, N.Y. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Steve Vahaviolos, 21, of Airmont, N.Y. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Spc. Armer N. Burkart, 26, of Rockville, Md., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Pfc. Eric D. Clark, 22, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Pfc. Stephen P. Snowberger III, 18, of Lopez, Pa. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Lance Cpl. Adam C. Conboy, 21, of Philadelphia, Pa., died May 12 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Spc. Ronald W. Gebur, 23, of Delavan, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 13.
*Lance Cpl. Richard Z. James, 20, of Seaford, Del., died May 13 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Jose S. MarinDominguez Jr., 22, of Liberal, Kan. died May 14 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby, 21, of Overbrook, Okla. died May 14 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2446
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,296
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Lance Cpl. Jason K. Burnett, 20, of St. Cloud, Fla. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. David J. GramesSanchez, 22, of Fort Wayne, Ind. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*2nd Lt. Michael L. Licalzi, 24, of Garden City, N.Y. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Steve Vahaviolos, 21, of Airmont, N.Y. died May 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Spc. Armer N. Burkart, 26, of Rockville, Md., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Pfc. Eric D. Clark, 22, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Pfc. Stephen P. Snowberger III, 18, of Lopez, Pa. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11.
*Lance Cpl. Adam C. Conboy, 21, of Philadelphia, Pa., died May 12 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Spc. Ronald W. Gebur, 23, of Delavan, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 13.
*Lance Cpl. Richard Z. James, 20, of Seaford, Del., died May 13 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Jose S. MarinDominguez Jr., 22, of Liberal, Kan. died May 14 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby, 21, of Overbrook, Okla. died May 14 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Monday, May 15, 2006
Scoop Cantwell?
In recent weeks there have been quite a few stories about Maria Cantwell and her position(s) on Iraq and her efforts to better explain herself to the "anti-war wing" of the Democratic Party in Washington State. These stories go back from her infamous "no regrets" quote from the Seattle PI to her most recent meeting with a small group of activists after her appearance at the King County Democrats Convention. The Arthur Ruger account of that meeting can be found here . While there can be much gathered from these various reports, the one piece of information that has absolutely jumped out at me from between the lines is that Maria Cantwell is a genuine Scoop Jackson Democrat.
For those who are not familiar with Scoop Jackson, a brief bio is in order:
Born in Everett in 1912, Jackson was elected county prosecutor before winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 1940.
A visit to the Buchenwald concentration camp after World War II cemented his lifelong advocacy of Israel and other Jewish causes. In 1949, he argued for the development of the H-bomb.
He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1952, and supported the troop buildup in Vietnam. In 1978, he fought President Carter's decision to forgo deployment of the neutron weapon, which could kill people while causing little damage to buildings and other structures.
By the 1970s, Jackson was one of the last Democratic Party standard-bearers of a get-tough approach to the Soviet Union. When President Ford announced he would not invite dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn to the White House in 1975 for fear of angering the Soviet Union, Jackson and a group of other senators asked Solzhenitsyn to speak at an office in the Capitol.
Such positions often placed Jackson at odds with members of his own party.
After the war in Vietnam, many prominent Democrats said the country's troubles abroad were caused by American belligerence and paranoia. Throughout the 1970s, Republicans wanted to control the Soviet Union through détente.
But Jackson opposed détente, never wavering from his belief that communism was inherently evil and needed to be confronted by American power. He attracted a group of like-minded people to work for him.
The list of former Jackson staff members reads like a who's who of foreign-policy experts.
• Richard Perle is an adviser to the Defense Department and considered a major influence on Bush administration foreign policy.
• Doug Feith is undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon.
• Elliott Abrams, special assistant to the president focusing on Middle East affairs, worked as special counsel to Jackson.
• Paul Wolfowitz, deputy secretary of defense and one of Bush's Iraq policy experts, never served directly under Jackson. But they had a long relationship that began when Wolfowitz, then a 29-year-old graduate student, helped Jackson prepare charts when the senator wanted to persuade fellow lawmakers to fund an antiballistic-missile program in 1969.
While this biography centers on Scoop's foreign policy stances, it is well worth noting that Scoop Jackson was one of the strongest environmental advocates in the United States Senate as well as a major expert on energy issues. Sound familiar?
So now we return to Senator Cantwell. In reviewing the positions that the senator has staked out on regime change in Iraq, supporting the resolution to authorize unilateral use of force in Iraq, and her recent co-sponsoring of a resolution on Iran, where she places sole responsibility for determining compliance with disarmament demands on the Executive Branch and expresses her support for regime change there as well, I see the ghost of Scoop. The question then must be asked: If Senator Cantwell is viewing American foreign policy through the prism of the neo-con/DLC (aka Scoop Jackson Democrats) and, with the potential for an endless "war on terror" that may keep us engaged militarily for years to come, is this the voice we want representing us in the senate? I ask this because so many have said that we should not fight to replace her in the upcoming primary but, rather, should wait until we have a safer Democratic majority in Congress. The folks who say this also suggest that this tactic would allow for more time to "work with" the senator to bring her thinking more in line with the Progressive view.
Friends, I believe the evidence is overwhelming that "what we see, is what we get" when it comes to Senator Cantwell and her views on the neo-imperialism of American foreign policy. To sit back and wait SIX YEARS for some hoped-for change in circumstance or attitude is pure folly. If Progressives want to see real change in this position, it MUST come via the primary in September. Scoop's time has passed. The cold war is behind us. American foreign policy must be based in diplomacy and the joining of the world community not on being the world's bully.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
For those who are not familiar with Scoop Jackson, a brief bio is in order:
Born in Everett in 1912, Jackson was elected county prosecutor before winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 1940.
A visit to the Buchenwald concentration camp after World War II cemented his lifelong advocacy of Israel and other Jewish causes. In 1949, he argued for the development of the H-bomb.
He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1952, and supported the troop buildup in Vietnam. In 1978, he fought President Carter's decision to forgo deployment of the neutron weapon, which could kill people while causing little damage to buildings and other structures.
By the 1970s, Jackson was one of the last Democratic Party standard-bearers of a get-tough approach to the Soviet Union. When President Ford announced he would not invite dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn to the White House in 1975 for fear of angering the Soviet Union, Jackson and a group of other senators asked Solzhenitsyn to speak at an office in the Capitol.
Such positions often placed Jackson at odds with members of his own party.
After the war in Vietnam, many prominent Democrats said the country's troubles abroad were caused by American belligerence and paranoia. Throughout the 1970s, Republicans wanted to control the Soviet Union through détente.
But Jackson opposed détente, never wavering from his belief that communism was inherently evil and needed to be confronted by American power. He attracted a group of like-minded people to work for him.
The list of former Jackson staff members reads like a who's who of foreign-policy experts.
• Richard Perle is an adviser to the Defense Department and considered a major influence on Bush administration foreign policy.
• Doug Feith is undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon.
• Elliott Abrams, special assistant to the president focusing on Middle East affairs, worked as special counsel to Jackson.
• Paul Wolfowitz, deputy secretary of defense and one of Bush's Iraq policy experts, never served directly under Jackson. But they had a long relationship that began when Wolfowitz, then a 29-year-old graduate student, helped Jackson prepare charts when the senator wanted to persuade fellow lawmakers to fund an antiballistic-missile program in 1969.
While this biography centers on Scoop's foreign policy stances, it is well worth noting that Scoop Jackson was one of the strongest environmental advocates in the United States Senate as well as a major expert on energy issues. Sound familiar?
So now we return to Senator Cantwell. In reviewing the positions that the senator has staked out on regime change in Iraq, supporting the resolution to authorize unilateral use of force in Iraq, and her recent co-sponsoring of a resolution on Iran, where she places sole responsibility for determining compliance with disarmament demands on the Executive Branch and expresses her support for regime change there as well, I see the ghost of Scoop. The question then must be asked: If Senator Cantwell is viewing American foreign policy through the prism of the neo-con/DLC (aka Scoop Jackson Democrats) and, with the potential for an endless "war on terror" that may keep us engaged militarily for years to come, is this the voice we want representing us in the senate? I ask this because so many have said that we should not fight to replace her in the upcoming primary but, rather, should wait until we have a safer Democratic majority in Congress. The folks who say this also suggest that this tactic would allow for more time to "work with" the senator to bring her thinking more in line with the Progressive view.
Friends, I believe the evidence is overwhelming that "what we see, is what we get" when it comes to Senator Cantwell and her views on the neo-imperialism of American foreign policy. To sit back and wait SIX YEARS for some hoped-for change in circumstance or attitude is pure folly. If Progressives want to see real change in this position, it MUST come via the primary in September. Scoop's time has passed. The cold war is behind us. American foreign policy must be based in diplomacy and the joining of the world community not on being the world's bully.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Saturday, May 13, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/13/06
Americans Killed: 2437
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,296
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Aaron P. Latimer, 26, of Ennis, Texas, died in Mosul, Iraq, on May 9.
*Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro, 28, of Bethesda, Md., died May 10, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Staff Sgt. Dale J. Kelly Jr., 48, of Richmond, Maine died in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, on May 6.
*Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka, 25, of Jamestown, Pa. died in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, on May 6.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2437
Americans Wounded: 17,869
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,296
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Spc. Aaron P. Latimer, 26, of Ennis, Texas, died in Mosul, Iraq, on May 9.
*Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro, 28, of Bethesda, Md., died May 10, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Staff Sgt. Dale J. Kelly Jr., 48, of Richmond, Maine died in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, on May 6.
*Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka, 25, of Jamestown, Pa. died in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, on May 6.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Ring Ring....Who's There?
TLS: "Hello?"
Phone: "Is this the The Left Shue?"
TLS: "Yes. Who is this?"
Phone: "This is the NSA. We are just doing a check of your line."
TLS: "The NSA??? What the hell are you doing on my phone line?"
Phone: "Why we're protecting America Mr. Left Shue."
TLS: "How are you protecting America by listening in on my phone line?"
Phone: "Oh, we're not really listening to your end of the call; that would be against the law. We only listen to whoever may be on the other end of the line, and only if we suspect them of being Al Qaeda."
TLS: "Wait! How does that work? I mean how do you only hear them and not me? Do you have some fancy electronic device for blocking out my end of the call?"
Phone: "Well not exactly. We sorta hum while you're speaking so we can't make out what you say."
TLS: "What?? Does that really work?"
Phone: "Well most of the time. Of course, if you are a loud talker, we sometimes have to do 'la la la la' or some other such thing. If you are really loud we sometimes just set the phone down and turn our backs."
TLS: "Well ok, but tell me, how do you decide if the person on the other end is Al Qaeda? While I'm thinking about it, what would make you think Al Qaeda would be calling me?"
Phone: "Oh, we've read your Blog. Those five hits you had yesterday?"
TLS: "That was you ?" Damn, I thought I was finally getting some traffic." Wait! You haven't said how you can tell if the person on the other end is Al Qaeda."
Phone: "Well, actually we are still working on that part. You see with all the good translators in Iraq, we kinda just listen for code words or suspicious sounding names."
TLS: "Whoa! That means you have to listen to all my calls just to make a guess about who might be on the other end."
Phone: "Well yeah but we really do try to be discrete. I mean we only listened to your mother for a few minutes before realized that she was probably no risk - by the way, you really should call her more often. We did catch that call yesterday from that Minchew guy. We're not too sure about him; what kinda name is Minchew anyway. Oh well, we have him on our watch list for now."
TLS: "Well I am really uncomfortable with this. Is there anything I can do to stop it; like call, or better yet, email my congressman?"
Phone: "No, I think we have pretty much taken care of that angle. We sorta have them convinced that we have super duper secret powers. Now, just between you and me, there is a rumor going around that you could switch to Qwest for your phone service. Apparently they won't give us their phone listings so we're kinda screwed there."
TLS: "Ok, that's enough. I'm calling Qwest. Good bye."
TLS: "Hello, Qwest?"
Qwest: "Yes. Thank you for calling Qwest. This is Emir, how may I help you?"
Phone: "Hmmmmmmm Hmmmmmm Hmmmmmm"
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Phone: "Is this the The Left Shue?"
TLS: "Yes. Who is this?"
Phone: "This is the NSA. We are just doing a check of your line."
TLS: "The NSA??? What the hell are you doing on my phone line?"
Phone: "Why we're protecting America Mr. Left Shue."
TLS: "How are you protecting America by listening in on my phone line?"
Phone: "Oh, we're not really listening to your end of the call; that would be against the law. We only listen to whoever may be on the other end of the line, and only if we suspect them of being Al Qaeda."
TLS: "Wait! How does that work? I mean how do you only hear them and not me? Do you have some fancy electronic device for blocking out my end of the call?"
Phone: "Well not exactly. We sorta hum while you're speaking so we can't make out what you say."
TLS: "What?? Does that really work?"
Phone: "Well most of the time. Of course, if you are a loud talker, we sometimes have to do 'la la la la' or some other such thing. If you are really loud we sometimes just set the phone down and turn our backs."
TLS: "Well ok, but tell me, how do you decide if the person on the other end is Al Qaeda? While I'm thinking about it, what would make you think Al Qaeda would be calling me?"
Phone: "Oh, we've read your Blog. Those five hits you had yesterday?"
TLS: "That was you ?" Damn, I thought I was finally getting some traffic." Wait! You haven't said how you can tell if the person on the other end is Al Qaeda."
Phone: "Well, actually we are still working on that part. You see with all the good translators in Iraq, we kinda just listen for code words or suspicious sounding names."
TLS: "Whoa! That means you have to listen to all my calls just to make a guess about who might be on the other end."
Phone: "Well yeah but we really do try to be discrete. I mean we only listened to your mother for a few minutes before realized that she was probably no risk - by the way, you really should call her more often. We did catch that call yesterday from that Minchew guy. We're not too sure about him; what kinda name is Minchew anyway. Oh well, we have him on our watch list for now."
TLS: "Well I am really uncomfortable with this. Is there anything I can do to stop it; like call, or better yet, email my congressman?"
Phone: "No, I think we have pretty much taken care of that angle. We sorta have them convinced that we have super duper secret powers. Now, just between you and me, there is a rumor going around that you could switch to Qwest for your phone service. Apparently they won't give us their phone listings so we're kinda screwed there."
TLS: "Ok, that's enough. I'm calling Qwest. Good bye."
TLS: "Hello, Qwest?"
Qwest: "Yes. Thank you for calling Qwest. This is Emir, how may I help you?"
Phone: "Hmmmmmmm Hmmmmmm Hmmmmmm"
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
DL Monroe and Scott Olson
Tonight Steve and Carol Galea hosted the second monthly Drinking Liberally in Monroe. It was a great success. Having not been to the first edition in April, I have no real base for comparison except to say, after Bill Phillips showed up and saw that I was there with the Galeas, he declared that they had "already doubled the attendance from last month." In addition the those I have already mentioned, we were joined by, Missy Luft, Regional Coordinator for the Coordinated Campaign, Valeria Rae, Vice-chair of the 39th, Mark Hintz, Sno-Co Dems Chair, Sally Hintz from the Everett Office of Senator Maria Cantwell, and Cliff Wells, PCO from the 21st LD and active member of Veterans for Peace.
The conversation was lively and entertaining, Bill and Mark made snide remarks about visiting the crew at Montlake last night (only joking) but most of the conversation centered around slamming Bush Co. and about the prospects for reclaiming the majority in at least one house of Congress this year. I won't go further into this as I have asked Steve Galea to post more on the evening's festivities when he gets a chance.
Of course we couldn't venture in the 39th LD without enquiring about Scott Olson, candidate for 39th LD State Rep this year. As Scott works just down the street and the Sailfish Bar and Grill, Mark, Steve, Cliff, and I decided to form an ad hoc campaign committee and stag---er I mean walk down the street to visit with Scott and ask how the campaign is coming.
Scott is in great spirits and is gearing up to start his doorbelling efforts. His printed material is due in at the end of the week so he will be going out (with the support and company of Steve and whatever volunteers they can muster) beginning this weekend. Obviously his job behind the bar at the Sailfish allows him the opportunity to meet and talk with Monroe locals and he has been promoting himself to folks in his day to day trips to the grocery store and the like. Mark Hintz, being our "Great and Noble Chair" could not emphasize enough the importance of doorbelling to Scott and suggested that he was going to be expecting daily updates on the number of voters Scott contacts. I expressed my concerns to Scott that his website is not up and running yet so that I might be able to direct traffic his way. He apologized (not necessary) for the delay saying that he is relying totally on volunteer labor and is partly left to the time schedules of those volunteers. He does expect the site to be up within the week and, when that is done, I will pass the info along.
It was a great night and I am looking forward to doing it again next month.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
The conversation was lively and entertaining, Bill and Mark made snide remarks about visiting the crew at Montlake last night (only joking) but most of the conversation centered around slamming Bush Co. and about the prospects for reclaiming the majority in at least one house of Congress this year. I won't go further into this as I have asked Steve Galea to post more on the evening's festivities when he gets a chance.
Of course we couldn't venture in the 39th LD without enquiring about Scott Olson, candidate for 39th LD State Rep this year. As Scott works just down the street and the Sailfish Bar and Grill, Mark, Steve, Cliff, and I decided to form an ad hoc campaign committee and stag---er I mean walk down the street to visit with Scott and ask how the campaign is coming.
Scott is in great spirits and is gearing up to start his doorbelling efforts. His printed material is due in at the end of the week so he will be going out (with the support and company of Steve and whatever volunteers they can muster) beginning this weekend. Obviously his job behind the bar at the Sailfish allows him the opportunity to meet and talk with Monroe locals and he has been promoting himself to folks in his day to day trips to the grocery store and the like. Mark Hintz, being our "Great and Noble Chair" could not emphasize enough the importance of doorbelling to Scott and suggested that he was going to be expecting daily updates on the number of voters Scott contacts. I expressed my concerns to Scott that his website is not up and running yet so that I might be able to direct traffic his way. He apologized (not necessary) for the delay saying that he is relying totally on volunteer labor and is partly left to the time schedules of those volunteers. He does expect the site to be up within the week and, when that is done, I will pass the info along.
It was a great night and I am looking forward to doing it again next month.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/10/06
Americans Killed: 2428
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,258
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*1st. Sgt. Carlos N. Saenz, 46, of Las Vegas, Nev. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Spc. Teodoro Torres, 29, of Las Vegas, Nev. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Sgt. Nathan J. Vacho, 29, of Janesville, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Sgt. Matthew J. Fenton, 24, of Little Ferry, N.J., died May 6 at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq on April 26.
*Lance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps, 19, of Jamestown, Mo., died May 6 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Cory L. Palmer, 21, of Seaford, Del., died May 6 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Staff Sgt. Gregory A. Wagner, 35, of Mitchell, S.D., died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8.
*****************************************************************
1,091 killed in Baghdad in April: Iraqi president
Wednesday, May 10, 2006. 8:01pm (AEST)
"At least 1,091 people were killed in Baghdad alone last month in ongoing sectarian violence, President Jalal Talabani said in a statement.
"We received a report from the morgue about the deaths in Baghdad that 1,091 people were killed between April 1 and 30," Mr Talabani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.
He said "we are shocked and angry at the daily reports of unidentified bodies being discovered and of people killed on the basis of their identity"...."
ABC News Online
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2428
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,258
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*1st. Sgt. Carlos N. Saenz, 46, of Las Vegas, Nev. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Spc. Teodoro Torres, 29, of Las Vegas, Nev. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Sgt. Nathan J. Vacho, 29, of Janesville, Wis. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5.
*Sgt. Matthew J. Fenton, 24, of Little Ferry, N.J., died May 6 at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq on April 26.
*Lance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps, 19, of Jamestown, Mo., died May 6 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Cory L. Palmer, 21, of Seaford, Del., died May 6 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, from wounds received in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on May 1.
*Staff Sgt. Gregory A. Wagner, 35, of Mitchell, S.D., died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8.
*****************************************************************
1,091 killed in Baghdad in April: Iraqi president
Wednesday, May 10, 2006. 8:01pm (AEST)
"At least 1,091 people were killed in Baghdad alone last month in ongoing sectarian violence, President Jalal Talabani said in a statement.
"We received a report from the morgue about the deaths in Baghdad that 1,091 people were killed between April 1 and 30," Mr Talabani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.
He said "we are shocked and angry at the daily reports of unidentified bodies being discovered and of people killed on the basis of their identity"...."
ABC News Online
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Diepenbrock For Auditor
I have just been reading that there may be a question of continuing leadership at the Snohomish County Auditor's office when current Auditor, Bob Terwilliger, leaves for a new job in January. With his departure the Snohomish County Council will be in the position of appointing an interim replacement. Carolyn Diepenbrock, the current head of the Auditor's Elections Department has expressed her interest in the position and apparently Mr. Terwilliger agrees and has recommended her to the Council. I whole heartedly concur!
According to the article in the Everett Herald , the County Council has not had an opportunity to discuss the situation yet. However, Council Chair Kirke Sievers is not sure that there is a need to fill this position before the election in 2007. WRONG!!!! The Auditor's office fills many needs in the county with elections being a major responsibility. The staff deserve to have someone with the knowledge of the operation while the Council and the Executive need a point person they can also rely on to manage that important office and bear the burden of accountability. I cannot imagine a time when there was an easier decision to make. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the county more qualified to fill the position of County Auditor than Carolyn Diepenbrock. Carolyn has been doing an outstanding job in her current position as Elections Manager and has the respect of both the staff and the County Council.
I urge you to take a minute to drop an email to the members of the County Council letting them know that you believe that this position is too important to leave vacant for more than a few months and that they already have an excellent replacement in Carolyn Diepenbrock.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
According to the article in the Everett Herald , the County Council has not had an opportunity to discuss the situation yet. However, Council Chair Kirke Sievers is not sure that there is a need to fill this position before the election in 2007. WRONG!!!! The Auditor's office fills many needs in the county with elections being a major responsibility. The staff deserve to have someone with the knowledge of the operation while the Council and the Executive need a point person they can also rely on to manage that important office and bear the burden of accountability. I cannot imagine a time when there was an easier decision to make. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the county more qualified to fill the position of County Auditor than Carolyn Diepenbrock. Carolyn has been doing an outstanding job in her current position as Elections Manager and has the respect of both the staff and the County Council.
I urge you to take a minute to drop an email to the members of the County Council letting them know that you believe that this position is too important to leave vacant for more than a few months and that they already have an excellent replacement in Carolyn Diepenbrock.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/09/06
Americans Killed: 2426
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,258
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Pfc. Benjamin T. Zieske, 20, of Concord, Calif., died in Kirkuk, Iraq on May 3.
*Pvt. Alva L. Gaylord, 25, of Carrollton, Mo., died in Qasr Ar Riyy, Iraq on May 5.
**********************************************************
First Stryker Brigade Returning To Iraq
May 8, 2006
By Associated Press
TACOMA - The Army's first Stryker brigade that spent a year in Iraq is headed back next month. ...The Third Brigade, Second Infantry Division is finishing training at Fort Lewis. Nearly half of the soldiers went to Iraq in 2003 for the first time...
...They'll replace the 172nd Stryker brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, that has been in Iraq since September at Mosul and on the Syrian border...
**********************************************************
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
...
Americans Killed: 2426
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 39,258
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Pfc. Benjamin T. Zieske, 20, of Concord, Calif., died in Kirkuk, Iraq on May 3.
*Pvt. Alva L. Gaylord, 25, of Carrollton, Mo., died in Qasr Ar Riyy, Iraq on May 5.
**********************************************************
First Stryker Brigade Returning To Iraq
May 8, 2006
By Associated Press
TACOMA - The Army's first Stryker brigade that spent a year in Iraq is headed back next month. ...The Third Brigade, Second Infantry Division is finishing training at Fort Lewis. Nearly half of the soldiers went to Iraq in 2003 for the first time...
...They'll replace the 172nd Stryker brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, that has been in Iraq since September at Mosul and on the Syrian border...
**********************************************************
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Renewable Energy is Sexy?
I had the honor, at last Monday’s 38th LD Meeting in Everett, to sit on a panel with Rich Feldman, Washington Coordinator for the Apollo Alliance, and Maryn Wynne, co-founder of the Shoreline Solar Project. The topic, of course, was renewable energy. I expressed at the time, and emphatically repeat now, my highest regard and utmost respect for both individuals and what they represent in the renewable energy field. But I would understand if Mr. Feldman thought I sounded just a little snarky in saying so.
You see, I kept bringing up issues that Mr. Feldman, and pretty much the entirety of officialdom, would prefer never to have to face head-on. But believe me, my respect and admiration for the Apollo Alliance is real, just as is my respect and admiration for the good folks at Washingtonians for Energy Security. The work these two organizations are doing is important, even essential. I so strongly support their efforts that I am scheduled to spend two hours tomorrow gathering signatures for I-937, and I urge you all to contact them at www.yeson937.org and volunteer to do the same, even if only in your immediate neighborhood or at work. But the truth is, they are only working the sexy side of the issue.
(By the way, just in case anyone thinks Rich Feldman is only about the Apollo Alliance, check out this little bio: http://www9.seattle.gov/climate/bios.htm. The man’s got some serious credibility! And, since I am already parenthetical, allow me to apologize, Mr. Feldman, for any discomfort I may have caused you with my comments. I meant no harm and, for what it may be worth, I promise never to call you Rick again.)
Now, let me try to explain my “sexy side of the issue” comment if I can. But be warned! It is not a simple issue, and I doubt if I can pull off a simple explanation.
For openers let me say that, unlike certain editorial boards that endorse candidates on the basis of “pragmatic, short-term questions,” I try to take the long view. In so doing, I believe the basic issue is one of securing the long-term sustainability of life (especially, but by no means exclusively, human life) on planet earth. The success of this effort depends upon a three-part equation which, in the broadest possible terms, consists of: 1) available resources, both renewable and non-renewable, with energy being only one of many; 2) total population and; 3) per-capita consumption of said resources. (You may wonder where global warming and other degradations of the environment fit in here? I put them under #1)
Taken in reverse order, we begin with consumption. All who consider the matter responsibly will agree that, at least in the “developed” countries (some might say “over-developed”) we consume too much of nearly everything. Now, take a moment and envision the ad campaign you might design to reverse this problem. Did you anticipate the possibility of a firestorm of opposition to the idea? Okay, then. Not the sexy side of the issue, agreed?
Now let’s take up the population part of the equation. It seems I have been hearing about over-population all my life. A quick glance at wikipedia shows me that, sure enough, global population has grown from something like 2.5 billion at my birth 56 years ago to around 6.4 billion today. Does that sound sustainable to you? Now, brainstorm a couple of ideas for reversing this situation. It doesn’t take more than a second to see why we aren’t talking about this one in any meaningful way. But, sexy or not, we will have to address it one way or another, somewhere down the line.
Which brings us to resources. This issue is more easily quantified. We can name them, categorize them and strategize around them. In the realm of energy, we can see how money might be made from the development of certain kinds of renewable alternatives to the non-renewable sources like crude oil and natural gas. People can get enthused about them, especially if their development will allow us to continue having babies and consuming mass quantities. Nearly everyone is willing to discuss one aspect or another of this issue. But don’t kid yourself. It’s a very complex matter. Tendrils of one issue become tightly entwined with those of several others. It’s a bloomin’ tapestry, folks.
So here we are, talking about renewable energy. And it is certainly an important issue, worthy of careful consideration. Indeed, I not only support the Apollo Alliance and the Shoreline Solar Project in their efforts, I am working with some friends here locally to elevate the discussion in our own locality.
Democracy for Snohomish County, a progressive political action committee, has scheduled a Renewable Energy Symposium and Expo for August 18 & 19, 2006. Julian Darley, Founder and Director of the Post Carbon Institute (www.postcarbon.org) has agreed to deliver the keynote address at our opening session. Put the dates in your calendar and keep your ear to the ground. More info should be available very soon.
But don’t be surprised to hear me (and others) raise some of these less sexy issues from time to time. If we don’t deal with them ourselves, in an intelligent and responsible fashion, I fear ecological constraints or governmental policies will deal with them for us. And I don’t think either of the latter two options will be pretty.
You see, I kept bringing up issues that Mr. Feldman, and pretty much the entirety of officialdom, would prefer never to have to face head-on. But believe me, my respect and admiration for the Apollo Alliance is real, just as is my respect and admiration for the good folks at Washingtonians for Energy Security. The work these two organizations are doing is important, even essential. I so strongly support their efforts that I am scheduled to spend two hours tomorrow gathering signatures for I-937, and I urge you all to contact them at www.yeson937.org and volunteer to do the same, even if only in your immediate neighborhood or at work. But the truth is, they are only working the sexy side of the issue.
(By the way, just in case anyone thinks Rich Feldman is only about the Apollo Alliance, check out this little bio: http://www9.seattle.gov/climate/bios.htm. The man’s got some serious credibility! And, since I am already parenthetical, allow me to apologize, Mr. Feldman, for any discomfort I may have caused you with my comments. I meant no harm and, for what it may be worth, I promise never to call you Rick again.)
Now, let me try to explain my “sexy side of the issue” comment if I can. But be warned! It is not a simple issue, and I doubt if I can pull off a simple explanation.
For openers let me say that, unlike certain editorial boards that endorse candidates on the basis of “pragmatic, short-term questions,” I try to take the long view. In so doing, I believe the basic issue is one of securing the long-term sustainability of life (especially, but by no means exclusively, human life) on planet earth. The success of this effort depends upon a three-part equation which, in the broadest possible terms, consists of: 1) available resources, both renewable and non-renewable, with energy being only one of many; 2) total population and; 3) per-capita consumption of said resources. (You may wonder where global warming and other degradations of the environment fit in here? I put them under #1)
Taken in reverse order, we begin with consumption. All who consider the matter responsibly will agree that, at least in the “developed” countries (some might say “over-developed”) we consume too much of nearly everything. Now, take a moment and envision the ad campaign you might design to reverse this problem. Did you anticipate the possibility of a firestorm of opposition to the idea? Okay, then. Not the sexy side of the issue, agreed?
Now let’s take up the population part of the equation. It seems I have been hearing about over-population all my life. A quick glance at wikipedia shows me that, sure enough, global population has grown from something like 2.5 billion at my birth 56 years ago to around 6.4 billion today. Does that sound sustainable to you? Now, brainstorm a couple of ideas for reversing this situation. It doesn’t take more than a second to see why we aren’t talking about this one in any meaningful way. But, sexy or not, we will have to address it one way or another, somewhere down the line.
Which brings us to resources. This issue is more easily quantified. We can name them, categorize them and strategize around them. In the realm of energy, we can see how money might be made from the development of certain kinds of renewable alternatives to the non-renewable sources like crude oil and natural gas. People can get enthused about them, especially if their development will allow us to continue having babies and consuming mass quantities. Nearly everyone is willing to discuss one aspect or another of this issue. But don’t kid yourself. It’s a very complex matter. Tendrils of one issue become tightly entwined with those of several others. It’s a bloomin’ tapestry, folks.
So here we are, talking about renewable energy. And it is certainly an important issue, worthy of careful consideration. Indeed, I not only support the Apollo Alliance and the Shoreline Solar Project in their efforts, I am working with some friends here locally to elevate the discussion in our own locality.
Democracy for Snohomish County, a progressive political action committee, has scheduled a Renewable Energy Symposium and Expo for August 18 & 19, 2006. Julian Darley, Founder and Director of the Post Carbon Institute (www.postcarbon.org) has agreed to deliver the keynote address at our opening session. Put the dates in your calendar and keep your ear to the ground. More info should be available very soon.
But don’t be surprised to hear me (and others) raise some of these less sexy issues from time to time. If we don’t deal with them ourselves, in an intelligent and responsible fashion, I fear ecological constraints or governmental policies will deal with them for us. And I don’t think either of the latter two options will be pretty.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
A Year of Endless Transition
As you know, I have been a bit critical of the Democrats’ election year message on Iraq: 2006 – A Year of Transition. Now I like a good slogan as much as the next guy, but a slogan should never take the place of a real policy. At a time when the majority of Americans disapprove of the way the Bush Administration has handled the debacle that is Iraq, they are looking for an exit strategy. When 72% of the troops believe they should be out of there by year’s end, they deserve more than “We’ll think about it.” Imagine you are one of the brave Americans serving and willing to die for your country. You have done what your country asked in toppling a brutal dictator to prevent him from distributing WMD to his Al Qaida allies. You now find yourself caught up in a civil war in that same country because your civilian “leadership” at home failed to plan for the power vacuum that would result from the invasion. Rather than gratitude and a solid plan to bring you home safely, the news from home looks like this:
Recently, Senator Maria Cantwell submitted an Op-Ed to the Seattle Times in which she gives her explanation of “Year of Transition.” In the piece, she says, “President Bush must act with urgency. He must provide the leadership necessary to make sure that 2006 is the year that the new Iraqi government succeeds and our troops can begin to come home.” However, when he was asked just weeks ago about troop withdrawal from Iraq, President Bush said, “…the decision about when to withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq will fall to future presidents and Iraqi leaders…” I don’t hear much of a sense of urgency there.
The senator states, “The president also needs to recognize that the U.S. cannot and should not rebuild Iraq alone. We can and should enlist international cooperation in that effort. Getting the rest of the world more involved in Iraqi reconstruction may cost Halliburton and others some contracts, but it will benefit Iraq while saving American taxpayers billions.” Apparently the good senator believes a leopard can indeed change its spots. For the entirety of his presidency, George W. Bush has shown nothing but contempt for the diplomatic route in any endeavor; most especially when it comes to Iraq. From the time preceding our invasion, Bush has been totally unwilling to work with any country that did not support our pre-emptive strike. By installing John Bolton (a man who probably can’t even spell diplomacy) as UN Ambassador, Bush has sent a signal to the rest of the world about his approach to that effort.
Finally, Senator Cantwell says,“we must ensure that Iraqis assume control of their own security. At present, only approximately 96,000 Iraqi security forces (both military and police) are fully independent and in a lead role, even though 250,000 are now trained and equipped. While that is a significant increase over the past year, the number of fully independent Iraqi troops and police is far from sufficient. Without more support for training Iraqi security forces, the sectarian militias grow stronger every day.” Now any American GI, veteran, or family member of an American GI, knows that we send our troops off to fight and die with as little as 3 months training. We have been in Iraq for over 3 years and we are still unable to turn the security of their own country over to the Iraqis themselves. As if timed to drive home this point with absolute clarity, the following video is just coming from Iraq. After you watch it, decide for yourself what sort of transition our brave troops deserve.
As for me, I believe we need to transition from a party that repeats slogans to a party that stands up for our values and honors the sacrifices of our troops by providing genuine leadership.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/05/04.html#a8166
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Recently, Senator Maria Cantwell submitted an Op-Ed to the Seattle Times in which she gives her explanation of “Year of Transition.” In the piece, she says, “President Bush must act with urgency. He must provide the leadership necessary to make sure that 2006 is the year that the new Iraqi government succeeds and our troops can begin to come home.” However, when he was asked just weeks ago about troop withdrawal from Iraq, President Bush said, “…the decision about when to withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq will fall to future presidents and Iraqi leaders…” I don’t hear much of a sense of urgency there.
The senator states, “The president also needs to recognize that the U.S. cannot and should not rebuild Iraq alone. We can and should enlist international cooperation in that effort. Getting the rest of the world more involved in Iraqi reconstruction may cost Halliburton and others some contracts, but it will benefit Iraq while saving American taxpayers billions.” Apparently the good senator believes a leopard can indeed change its spots. For the entirety of his presidency, George W. Bush has shown nothing but contempt for the diplomatic route in any endeavor; most especially when it comes to Iraq. From the time preceding our invasion, Bush has been totally unwilling to work with any country that did not support our pre-emptive strike. By installing John Bolton (a man who probably can’t even spell diplomacy) as UN Ambassador, Bush has sent a signal to the rest of the world about his approach to that effort.
Finally, Senator Cantwell says,“we must ensure that Iraqis assume control of their own security. At present, only approximately 96,000 Iraqi security forces (both military and police) are fully independent and in a lead role, even though 250,000 are now trained and equipped. While that is a significant increase over the past year, the number of fully independent Iraqi troops and police is far from sufficient. Without more support for training Iraqi security forces, the sectarian militias grow stronger every day.” Now any American GI, veteran, or family member of an American GI, knows that we send our troops off to fight and die with as little as 3 months training. We have been in Iraq for over 3 years and we are still unable to turn the security of their own country over to the Iraqis themselves. As if timed to drive home this point with absolute clarity, the following video is just coming from Iraq. After you watch it, decide for yourself what sort of transition our brave troops deserve.
As for me, I believe we need to transition from a party that repeats slogans to a party that stands up for our values and honors the sacrifices of our troops by providing genuine leadership.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/05/04.html#a8166
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/06/06
Americans Killed: 2417
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Pfc. Christopher M. Eckhardt, 19, of Phoenix, Ariz., died in Taji, Iraq on May 3.
*Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke, 32, of Pueblo, Colo. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 4.
*Spc. Bryan L. Quinton, 24, of Sand Springs, Okla. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 4.
*Sgt. Elisha R. Parker, 21, of Taberg, N.Y., died May 4 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2417
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Pfc. Christopher M. Eckhardt, 19, of Phoenix, Ariz., died in Taji, Iraq on May 3.
*Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke, 32, of Pueblo, Colo. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 4.
*Spc. Bryan L. Quinton, 24, of Sand Springs, Okla. died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 4.
*Sgt. Elisha R. Parker, 21, of Taberg, N.Y., died May 4 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Friday, May 05, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/05/06
Americans Killed: 2411
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Sgt. Steve M. Sakoda, 29, of Hilo, Hawaii, died on April 29 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Cpl. Robbie G. Light, 21, of Kingsport, Tenn., died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 1.
*Lance Cpl. Robert L. Moscillo, 21, of Salem, N.H., died May 1 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor, 38, of Indianapolis, Ind., died May 3 in Tammin, Iraq.
*Capt. Brian S. Letendre, 27, of Woodbridge, Va. died May 3 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Stephen R. Bixler, 20, of Suffield, Conn. died May 4 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2411
Americans Wounded: 17,649
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Sgt. Steve M. Sakoda, 29, of Hilo, Hawaii, died on April 29 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq.
*Cpl. Robbie G. Light, 21, of Kingsport, Tenn., died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 1.
*Lance Cpl. Robert L. Moscillo, 21, of Salem, N.H., died May 1 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor, 38, of Indianapolis, Ind., died May 3 in Tammin, Iraq.
*Capt. Brian S. Letendre, 27, of Woodbridge, Va. died May 3 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Cpl. Stephen R. Bixler, 20, of Suffield, Conn. died May 4 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/03/06
Americans Killed: 2406
Americans Wounded: 17,648
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*1st Sgt. Bobby Mendez, 38, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 27.
*Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 27, of Alden, Iowa, died in Mosul, Iraq, on April 27.
*Sgt. Edward G. Davis III, 31, of Antioch, Ill., died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2406
Americans Wounded: 17,648
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*1st Sgt. Bobby Mendez, 38, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 27.
*Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 27, of Alden, Iowa, died in Mosul, Iraq, on April 27.
*Sgt. Edward G. Davis III, 31, of Antioch, Ill., died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Wilson Gains LD Endorsement!
On Monday, May 1st, after a sometimes heated discussion, the 38th LD Democrats voted to endorse the candidacy of Mark Wilson for US Senate. The vote was very close (the abstentions could have easily turned the outcome) but, in the end, the 38th became the first LD to endorse the controversial challenger to incumbent senator Maria Cantwell.
The pre-announced agenda for the meeting featured a panel discussion on renewable energy to be followed by the regular LD business of E-board reports, old business and, under new business, a note that mentioned “endorsements may be considered.” When that portion of the meeting came, the motion was made and seconded to consider the endorsement of Mark Wilson for US Senate. The ensuing discussion was very much in line with what I have come to expect on the blogs and other message boards. While those who stood in favor of the endorsement spoke of their values and how they felt they had been betrayed by the incumbent over some very important issues, the two persons who spoke in opposition to the endorsement centered most of their argument on being caught off-guard by the motion and felt that there should have been a broader announcement of the motion to endorse Wilson (I am assuming that this would have produced a larger turnout by the folks who normally come out just for these occasions – to staunchly defend the status quo). There was one comment about not trusting Wilson to remain loyal to the Democrats because of his previous 3rd party affiliations and the assertion that “we” already have a good candidate. At no time did I hear any quarrel with Wilson’s platform. Once again to her credit, 38th LD Chair Marian Harrison (who, as is her habit, was one of the abstentions) allowed all who requested time to speak the opportunity to do so. When she finally called for the vote the motion carried by two votes (As I mentioned, the three abstentions could have easily turned the vote).
What this means for the Mark Wilson campaign, first and foremost, is a sense of legitimacy within the “party machine”. With this endorsement, Wilson gains access to the 38th LD website and, via links, the Snohomish County Democrats website and beyond. Being endorsed by the LD also allows the inclusion of Wilson’s campaign literature in future doorbelling of the precincts within the LD for so long as he is a candidate. I have contacted Missy Luft, our Regional Coordinator for the Coordinated Campaign to see if the endorsement by the 38th LD will entitle Mark access to that office as a place to distribute literature and other campaign materials. I have not heard back from Missy as of yet.
Whether or not this endorsement will lead to others is anybody's guess but I believe it is fair to say that it takes the pressure of any other LD that was concerned about "being the first."
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
The pre-announced agenda for the meeting featured a panel discussion on renewable energy to be followed by the regular LD business of E-board reports, old business and, under new business, a note that mentioned “endorsements may be considered.” When that portion of the meeting came, the motion was made and seconded to consider the endorsement of Mark Wilson for US Senate. The ensuing discussion was very much in line with what I have come to expect on the blogs and other message boards. While those who stood in favor of the endorsement spoke of their values and how they felt they had been betrayed by the incumbent over some very important issues, the two persons who spoke in opposition to the endorsement centered most of their argument on being caught off-guard by the motion and felt that there should have been a broader announcement of the motion to endorse Wilson (I am assuming that this would have produced a larger turnout by the folks who normally come out just for these occasions – to staunchly defend the status quo). There was one comment about not trusting Wilson to remain loyal to the Democrats because of his previous 3rd party affiliations and the assertion that “we” already have a good candidate. At no time did I hear any quarrel with Wilson’s platform. Once again to her credit, 38th LD Chair Marian Harrison (who, as is her habit, was one of the abstentions) allowed all who requested time to speak the opportunity to do so. When she finally called for the vote the motion carried by two votes (As I mentioned, the three abstentions could have easily turned the vote).
What this means for the Mark Wilson campaign, first and foremost, is a sense of legitimacy within the “party machine”. With this endorsement, Wilson gains access to the 38th LD website and, via links, the Snohomish County Democrats website and beyond. Being endorsed by the LD also allows the inclusion of Wilson’s campaign literature in future doorbelling of the precincts within the LD for so long as he is a candidate. I have contacted Missy Luft, our Regional Coordinator for the Coordinated Campaign to see if the endorsement by the 38th LD will entitle Mark access to that office as a place to distribute literature and other campaign materials. I have not heard back from Missy as of yet.
Whether or not this endorsement will lead to others is anybody's guess but I believe it is fair to say that it takes the pressure of any other LD that was concerned about "being the first."
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
IWR News
Iraq Body Count: 5/02/06
Americans Killed: 2405
Americans Wounded: 17,648
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Sgt. Matthew A. Webber, 23, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on April 27, in the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on Nov.21, 2005.
*Cpl. Brandon M. Hardy, 25, of Cochranville, Pa. died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. Lea R. Mills, 21, of Brooksville, Fla. died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Bryant A. Herlem, 37, of Copperas Cove, Texas died in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 28.
*Sgt. Jose Gomez, 23, of Corona, N.Y. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 28.
*Sgt. Steve M. Sakoda, 29, of Hilo, Hawaii, died on April 29 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Americans Killed: 2405
Americans Wounded: 17,648
Iraqi Dead: Est.: 38,861
http://icasualties.org/oif/
.......................................................
Latest Confirmed Casualties:
*Sgt. Matthew A. Webber, 23, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on April 27, in the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on Nov.21, 2005.
*Cpl. Brandon M. Hardy, 25, of Cochranville, Pa. died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Sgt. Lea R. Mills, 21, of Brooksville, Fla. died April 28 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
*Staff Sgt. Bryant A. Herlem, 37, of Copperas Cove, Texas died in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 28.
*Sgt. Jose Gomez, 23, of Corona, N.Y. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 28.
*Sgt. Steve M. Sakoda, 29, of Hilo, Hawaii, died on April 29 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
Monday, May 01, 2006
Drinking Liberally in Monroe Makes Change
Drinking Liberally in Monroe which held its kick-off event on April 13th will be moving to the second Wednesday of the month beginning on May 10th. Steve Galea, Chair of the 39th LD Democrats and his better half, Carol, will be hosting the events at Eddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill , 214 N. Lewis Street, Monroe. The change of night should allow for greater participation, especially by members of the 44th LD who hold their LD meetings on the second Thursday of each month.
In addition to the Galeas, some of the others who have announced their intention to attend the May 10th Drinking Liberally are Mark Hintz, Chair of the Snohomish County Democrats, Jackie Minchew, Vice-chair of the 44th LD, and yours truly. Invitations have been extended to Snohomish County Councilman, Dave Somers and Hans Dunshee, State Rep. 44th LD.
If you would like to join in the festivities at Snohomish County’s first venture into the world of Drinking Liberally, join the Galeas and the rest of the group at Eddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill , 214 N. Lewis Street, Monroe at 7:00PM on Wednesday, May 10th. For more information, contact Steve at: asgalea@gte.net.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
In addition to the Galeas, some of the others who have announced their intention to attend the May 10th Drinking Liberally are Mark Hintz, Chair of the Snohomish County Democrats, Jackie Minchew, Vice-chair of the 44th LD, and yours truly. Invitations have been extended to Snohomish County Councilman, Dave Somers and Hans Dunshee, State Rep. 44th LD.
If you would like to join in the festivities at Snohomish County’s first venture into the world of Drinking Liberally, join the Galeas and the rest of the group at Eddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill , 214 N. Lewis Street, Monroe at 7:00PM on Wednesday, May 10th. For more information, contact Steve at: asgalea@gte.net.
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue
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