Justice and Peace

“Strategic Alliance” ~ US and Iraq

2008-07-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

In spite of the Bush Administrations attempts to keep up the appearance that the Iraqi Government welcomes the continued presence of US troops indefinitely, members of the Iraqi Parliament have made numerous attempts to assert the independence of Iraq.

Never has this been more obvious than in recent months where Iraqi leaders have made both public and written statements opposing the continued US presence in their country.

Iraqi’s themselves have long been opposed the presence of US troops, largely because they are seen as a destabilizing factor. According to a recent BBC/ABC poll, 69% of Iraqis believe that the security situation in Baghdad will improve or at least stay the same with the withdraw of US troops.

After the discovery of a secret plan to continue the US military presence in Iraq indefinitely, numerous Iraqi lawmakers have attempted with little success to make their wishes known to American lawmakers and the American public. Although the majority of corporate media sources refuse to give voice to the Iraqi’s themselves, the information can be found through alternative sources. For example, “On Tuesday, Democracy Now! spoke to visiting Iraqi lawmakers…in New York. Iraqi parliament member Khalaf Al-Ulayyan criticized the US proposals” stating,

“I believe the parliament will not ratify the treaty in its current form, because it harms Iraqi sovereignty. Based on the details that have been leaked to the media, it seems that the deal will make Iraq not just an occupied country but an actual part of the US.”

And, in a recent letter to the American Congress and Senate, Iraqi lawmakers pointed out that any deal signed solely by the Executive branch, would be both “unconstitutional and illegal” under the current rulings and laws of the Iraqi Republic. According to the Iraqi Constitution Article 61 Section Four, the Iraqi government’s legislative power retains exclusive rights to ratify international treaties and agreements.

Representing the majority of the two-hundred and seventy five members of the Iraqi Parliament, the letter goes on to state,

Likewise, we wish to inform you that the majority of Iraqi representatives strongly reject any military-security, economic, commercial, agricultural, investment, or political agreement with the United States that is not linked to clear mechanism that obligate the occupying military forces to fully withdraw from Iraq, in accordance with a declared timetable and with leaving behind any military bases, soldiers or hired fighters.

The Iraqi Council of Representatives is looking to ratify agreements that end every form of American intervention in Iraq’s internal affairs and restore Iraq’s independence and sovereignty over its land.

According to The Independent, in response to the resistance met by Iraqi lawmakers, United States negotiators “are using the existence of $20bn in outstanding court judgments against Iraq in the US, to pressure their Iraqi counterparts into accepting the terms of the military deal…The US is holding hostage some $50bn (£25bn) of Iraq's money in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York…” These funds continue to grow as the price of oil climbs, furthering the pressure on Iraqi Lawmakers to accept the deal. This hold on these funds also inhibits the ability of Iraq’s rebuilding efforts as these funds, which under the UN mandate, are specifically for the reconstruction of Iraq including “the wheat purchase program, the currency exchange program, the electricity and oil infrastructure programs, equipment for Iraqis security forces, and for Iraqi civil service salaries and ministry budget operations.”

As Americans continue to debate the continued military presence in Iraq, what seems to elude them is the absolute hypocrisy of claims made by the Bush Administration both in regards to Iraq’s sovereignty and “The War on Terror.” in which he claims, “The rise of a free and self-governing Iraq will deny terrorists a base of operation, discredit their narrow ideology, and give momentum to reformers across the region. This will be a decisive blow to terrorism at the heart of its power, and a victory for the security of America and the civilized world.” Considering that Bush’s solution to terrorism is the establishment of a “free and self-governing Iraq” one would think this issue would be moot. Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi people have shown with little doubt they wish us to leave.

It leaves one to wonder, when will we listen?

Ask not…

2008-07-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

…what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

~John F. Kennedy January 20, 1961

Close to two decades after this speech was made the concept of American self-sacrifice took hold in the form of a speech delivered by then president, Jimmy Carter. On April 18, 1977, Carter had an open and honest discussion with the American people about the ensuing energy crisis that would threaten our national security and well-being as a nation.

He warned us that in this century the energy crisis would likely get “progressively worse” and that, “we must balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources.”

Over thirty years ago, this was the message from our President and what have we done as a nation? We have annually increased our oil consumption and dependence on foreign oil. In spite of Carter’s calls and efforts to wean Americans off Middle Eastern oil dependence, European nations began conservation efforts that surpassed those of the Carter Administration…and some countries like Brazil and Sweden have either completely weaned themselves from oil dependence or have offered bold proposals to do so, proposals that are sustainable and do not continue the patterns of environmental degradation of nuclear and “clean coal” technologies.

Regardless of these blaring mistakes, no politician to date has addressed this issue as substantively as Carter has. This is not a partisan issue; under the administration of Clinton, we saw an encouragement to use more fuel through the simple act of raising the speed limit.

In his speech, Carter set out clear and obtainable goals…

--Reduce the annual growth rate in our energy demand to less than two percent.

--Reduce gasoline consumption by ten percent below its current level.

--Cut in half the portion of United States oil which is imported, from a potential level of 16 million barrels to six million barrels a day.

--Establish a strategic petroleum reserve of one billion barrels, more than six months' supply.

--Increase our coal production by about two thirds to more than 1 billion tons a year.

--Insulate 90 percent of American homes and all new buildings.

--Use solar energy in more than two and one-half million houses.

…in reaching these goals, President Carter laid out ten principles guiding energy policy…most notable, are Carter’s fifth and sixth principle where he states,

Our solutions must ask equal sacrifices from every region, every class of people, every interest group. Industry will have to do its part to conserve, just as the consumers will. The energy producers deserve fair treatment, but we will not let the oil companies profiteer.

…and the cornerstone of our policy, is to reduce the demand through conservation. Our emphasis on conservation is a clear difference between this plan and others which merely encouraged crash production efforts. Conservation is the quickest, cheapest, most practical source of energy. Conservation is the only way we can buy a barrel of oil for a few dollars. It costs about $13 to waste it.

The time has come for Americans to make small sacrifices in order to conserve; perhaps drive slower to work every day, take public transit or carpool once a week, buy food from local farmers, (in other words read the label of your food, was it produced in Mexico or China? Put it back!), buy your children’s clothing at a second hand store or look for that Made in America label, shop in small local businesses rather than shop online where your product is hand delivered using more fuel, reduce the amount of meat you eat, turn off the lights, take shorter showers, turn your refrigerator down, wash in cold water, buy energy efficient appliances, turn down your thermostat and put on a sweater, cook more using fresh fruits and veggies that do not require lots of unnecessary packaging, and if possible utilize alternative energy sources like solar power to power your home.

Certainly as Carter pointed out some thirty years ago, we as a nation will surely perish if we do not look to alternatives and conservation. Thirty years have been wasted in blood and national treasure and his promise, "Beginning this moment, this nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977 -- never. From now on, every new addition to our demand for energy will be met from our own production and our own conservation. The generation-long growth in our dependence on foreign oil will be stopped dead in its tracks right now and then reversed as we move through the 1980s..." has gone unrecognized and held in contempt by many, especially those in the oil industry.

This brings us back to the request from John F. Kennedy, the idea of personal sacrifice for the well-being of our country, and the world, where violence has now become the accepted means to secure energy resources. From Africa to the Middle East, people die and suffer needlessly in order to quench our bloody thirst for oil.

Convenient Crisis's

2008-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Think of it as the true test of the Western humanitarian impulse: The international effort that went into coordinating relief after the 2004 tsunami has to be repeated, but in much harsher, trickier, uglier political circumstances. Yes, we should help the Burmese, even against the will of their irrational leaders. Yes, we should think hard about the right way to do it. And, yes, there isn't much time to ruminate about any of this.

~Anne Applebaum

The situation facing the Burmese and the Chinese in the face of natural disaster is in dire need of attention. Some reports and media outlets are offering figures as high as 125,000 dead and 2.4 million at risk due to starvation and disease. The numbers in Burma alone are staggering. In fact, the amount of suffering civilians has led lawmakers including President George Bush to respond swiftly.

In response to these combined natural disasters, the United States has come forward with close to 20 million dollars in aid and the international community has “responded by offering over 100 million”

It seems as if the United States and indeed the world at large has taken the advice of Applebaum. Swift action in the face of “irrational leaders” will save lives and reduce the suffering of victims.

Sadly, Western media outlets fail to compare this humanitarian crisis to the US created crisis taking place daily in the Middle East, namely in Iraq, where over 4 million have been displaced and are living in squalid conditions. This humanitarian crisis has been named the largest humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world, and goes on largely unnoticed.

In a recently released report published by Refugees International, (Uprooted and Unstable, 2008) “the needs of the displaced are not adequately addressed by the Government of Iraq or the international community.”

Indeed, when compared to the billions of dollars (most recently 165 billion) President George Bush requests from US taxpayers to pay for the continued military presence in Iraq annually, a mere 35 million in humanitarian aid was requested for the fiscal year 2008. The report goes on to note, “This vacuum is quickly being filled by militias and other armed groups, who engage in hearts and minds campaigns and provide assistance as a means of building support for their political and military goals.”

The Iraqi government fragmented and corrupt has done little to assist their own people in providing basic services and aid, according to Refugees International, “It is unable and unwilling to use its important resources to respond appropriately to the humanitarian crisis.” However, in sharp contrast, as reported by Democracy Now! the Iraqi government “has now become one of the largest purchasers of US arms” worldwide.

Yet, in spite of the dire humanitarian situation in Iraq, the continued hypocrisies and politicization of convenient crisis’s, and the obvious blunder of pushing Iraqi civilians towards militias and radical groups, Western media and politicians will continue to distract voters from the real issues underlying continued destabilization of Iraq…the deliberate denial of Iraq’s humanitarian crisis.

One can easily take the words of Applebaum and make them apply to Iraq, “Yes, we should help the Iraqis, even against the will of irrational leaders like George Bush. Yes, we should think hard about the right way to do it. And, yes, there isn't much time to ruminate about any of this.

You can do something…here

MEND-The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta

2008-05-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

MEND-The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta

The oppressive and repressive activities of the oil companies and the Nigerian State [sic] impact women first and foremost. During military occupation of communities, the women suffer psychologically, emotionally, and physically. They are raped and maimed. They suffer as their sons get arrested and killed…and feel it most when their brothers, husbands and lovers are tortured maimed and killed. The military and armed police have brutalized and sacked whole communities, assaulting and beating indiscriminately. The objective is to humiliate, intimidate, and eliminate all those who resist oil exploitation activities.

~Emem J Okan

On November 10, 1995, a small group of ten human rights activists including Ken Saro-Wiwa was led to a prison yard to face punishment for their crimes. Ken Saro Wiwa was executed by hanging. The Nigerian military wanted to make an example of individuals who might consider further protest of the destruction of their land, the poisoning of their air and water, and the theft of their natural resources, namely oil.

In September of 1999, a group of journalists with the Essential Action and Global Exchange spent ten days in the Niger Delta meeting with community leaders, residents, and state and local officials. According to the report that subsequently followed released on January 5, 2000, “There is a long and terrible record of environmental destruction and human rights violations in the oil-producing regions of Nigeria. The gross level of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and extraction in the Niger Delta has gone unchecked for the past 30 years.” However, in spite of the atrocities committed by the Nigerian government, Shell, and other multi-national companies, the murder of Wiwa, environmental degradation, and civil unrest caused by oil exploration and drilling went unnoticed by Western audiences. Stories of celebrity drama continue to hold the attention of the American people, even as they pay close to three-dollars and fifty cents for one gallon of gas.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, has claimed responsibility for several bombings that have taken place in recent weeks that have forced oil conglomerates to shut down operations and have removed close to 164,000 barrels of oil a day from world markets. According to a recent article in the Tehran Times, “The latest wave of attacks and an eight-day strike by senior oil workers at U.S. energy giant Exxon Mobil which ended on Thursday, had slashed Nigeria's output by 50 percent, helping to push oil prices to new records.”

In an electronic communication released this week, the group stated, "The MEND command is seriously considering a temporary ceasefire appeal by Senator Barack Obama. Obama is someone we respect and hold in high esteem,"

In sharp contrast and in spite of the pleas of organizations and authors like Emem J, Okan, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam International, Amnesty International, and the Council of Ijaw Associations Abroad, the administration of Bill Clinton continued to allow the use of private military contractors in the Niger Delta. Regardless of the fact that the use of private military personal has become the focus of recent US attention, Mother Jones Magazine points out, "The use of private military companies, which gained considerable momentum under President Clinton, has escalated under the Bush administration.” Part of this escalation took place in the Niger Delta where companies like Shell and Chevron hired private military for ‘security’.

To further the power of multi-national corporations and military contractors, Clinton joined with these companies to overturn laws that allow states to use “selective purchasing” power. According to Corp Watch, “Selective-purchasing laws are designed to force companies to choose between continuing to do business with repressive foreign governments and bidding on often-lucrative state or local government contracts.”

Most recently in a press release dated February 2008, the Clinton campaign has said about military contractors in Iraq, “From this war's very beginning, this administration has permitted thousands of heavily-armed military contractors to march through Iraq without any law or court to rein them in or hold them accountable… We need to stop filling the coffers of contractors in Iraq, and make sure that armed personnel in Iraq are fully accountable to the U.S. government and follow the chain of command,” However, prior to Clinton’s most recent statement and in spite of sitting on Armed Services Committee no legislation has been presented by Clinton. When questioned about this contradiction, Clinton claimed she did not know about this problem, “Maybe I should have known about it; I did not know about it.” This in spite of well-documented human rights abuses around the world by the very contractors who contribute regularly to her campaign.

Juxtaposed with Clinton rhetoric is bill S.674: Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Act of 2007, submitted by Barack Obama in February of 07. According to the Obama campaign website, the bill would “require accountability and enhanced congressional oversight for personnel performing private security functions under Federal contracts, and for other purposes. The act would clarify the legal status of contractors, subjecting them to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) to ensure that all contractors working in war zones – regardless of contracting agency would be held accountable under U.S. law. Passed in 2000, MEJA says that contractors for the armed forces can be prosecuted under US law for crimes committed overseas.”

The potential for the United States to regain the respect and admiration of the world is within our grasp. As some elder statesmen have pointed out, as long as the United States continues to build relationships with foreign nations whose records on the democratic process are abysmal, we will continue to pay the price. A price paid at the gas pump and in innocent blood.

Women's Internatoinal Perspective ~ Uganda

2008-04-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Women’s International Perspective hosted its first ever speaker panel on Friday April 4, 2008, at the Monterey Institute of International Study. The organization, barely one year old at the time of the event offers a woman’s perspective of violence against women and children around the globe.

Joyce Laker, a human rights worker and women’s advocate in Uganda shared her experiences about violence against women and children. Uganda, known for its child soldiers
has been riddled with violence and conflict for decades. Forced to join the armed resistance of the Lord’s Resistance Army, children as young as ten years old are often forced to kill their own parents first, to sometimes drink their blood or cannibalize their bodies, and then enter into a never ending cycle of violence.

As sociologist and scholar Riane Eisler points out, violence against women and children around the world is actually, “normal,” and calls it, “the most ubiquitous human rights violation in the world.” As evidenced by Joyce Laker’s experience in Uganda, Riane Eisler’s point carries great weight.

Joyce Laker shared alarming statistics representing reported sexual violence. Throughout Uganda, anywhere from 26 to 52 percent of the female population has experienced sexual violence. However, as Laker points out, these numbers are likely not accurate as the reporting and investigation of a rape for women is costly and tedious at its best, and further degrading at its worst. Women forced to pay police to conduct the investigation at rates of 3.00 for the police to come and take the report, 10.00 to provide transportation for the police to come take the report and 20.00 to provide transportation for the perpetrator to the police station.

These human rights violations and atrocities are rarely, if ever reported in United States mainstream media and do not gain the attention they deserve. As American media outlets and politicians continue to ignore developments in Africa, the Bush Administration has dramatically ramped up the militarization of the continent since 2002, flushing the area with over $130 million dollars in military sales, financing, and training expenditures for what the US considers strategic for the “war on terror.”

However, as the think tank Foreign Policy In Focus rightly queries, the fundamental question for many is whether the US will utilize this increased military presence to support freedom, self determination, growth, prosperity, and accountability on behalf of the majority of nearly one billion people in Africa or if this new initiative will instead serve to oversee surrogate nations whose leadership is accountable first to U.S security and economic interest. (Gerald Le Melle, “Africa Policy Outlook 2008,” (Waahsington, DC: Foreign Policy In Focus, February 7, 2008).

Under the Bush administration, AFRICOM’s (Africa Command) structure would “place humanitarian work previously done by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development under the directive of the Department of Defense.” (Le Melle 2008) As evidenced by circumstances on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous countries around the globe, US interests rarely coincide with human rights, the sickness of the global society in regards to the rights of women and children around the globe should determine which countries the US does and does not call an ally.

As Le Melle points out in the Africa Policy Outlook conclusion, “Despite being the most stretched out campaign in American history, the 2008 presidential election is marked by the typical absence of any serious discussion of Africa. It is as if Africa has already been ceded to the Department of Defense and therefore out of the view of the American public. In contract with the accelerating militarization of the U.S Africa relations described above, this silence is deafening.”

The Constitution, John Yoo, and You

2008-04-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

The manner in which we seek justice against those accused of harming us will determine whether the United States will be seen at home and abroad as a nation of laws. We must decide whether we live the values of justice that make us proud to be Americans, or whether we will forsake those values and continue down a path of arbitrary rules and procedures more befitting those who are our enemies. Because we are a great nation, true to our founders’ vision, we must uphold our core values even in the toughest of times. The right to a speedy trial in a court of law before an objective arbiter; the right to due process; the right to rebut the evidence against you; the right not to be tortured or waterboarded, or convicted on the basis of hearsay evidence are what truly define America and our commitment to the rule of law and our founders' aspirations.

Anthony D. Romero~

John Yoo, the former Bush Administration lawyer and legal advisor, along with Alberto Gonzales have become infamous in the American psyche as the legal team who deliberately argued the support of torture as well as various Constitutional violations. Shortly after the events of September 11, Americans were told that this was a new kind of war that would require changes in the way America conducted itself.

For most legal scholars, constitutionalists, and human rights activists the ideas of having to redefine or to defend current definitions of torture, cruel and unusual punishment, and whether or not constitutional law applied during wartime became a kind of surreal nightmare that few understood. According to Mark Danner, once Alberto Gonzales had written that “this new paradigm renders obsolete the Geneva’s strict limitations on questioning enemy prisoners and renders quaint some of its provisions,” arguments among government officials broke out. The Department of Defense expressed grave concern stating that such a decision “will reverse over a century of US policy and practice in supporting the Geneva conventions and undermine protections of the law for our troops.”

As evidenced by photographs coming from Abu Ghraib and the “Torture Memo’s”, it has become apparent to any Americans listening that the torture that took place there as well as Gitmo was deliberate, and certainly conducted with the full permission of higher ups in the military and the White House.

In an interview with Phillepe Sands on Democracy Now! Juan Gonzales reported that, “The Bush administration’s treatment of prisoners and interrogation methods is coming under increased scrutiny this week following the declassification of a 2003 memo. The memo shows the Justice Department told the Pentagon that presidential authority overrode numerous laws banning torture or cruel treatment of prisoners in US custody. The memo endorsed assault, maiming and even administering mind-altering drugs on prisoners. The memo was written on March 14, 2003 by attorney John Yoo. At the time, Yoo was a deputy in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. Today, Yoo is a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

Meanwhile, the British attorney Philippe Sands has just published an article in Vanity Fair exposing new details about how Yoo and other high-ranking administration attorneys helped design and implement the interrogation policies seen at Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib and secret CIA prisons.

According to Vanity Fair, then-White House counsel Alberto Gonzales personally visited Guantanamo in 2002, discussed interrogation techniques and witnessed interrogations. Also on the trip was David Addington, then Dick Cheney’s chief counsel, and William Haynes, the general counsel of the Department of Defense.

Remarkably and under reported, disdain for the rule of law does not end on the soil of Iraq and Cuba, according to a recently released memo obtained by the ACLU, through a Freedom of Information Act request, evidence of White House officials contempt for the Constitution becomes more evident. In documents citing the Fourth Amendment (protections against unreasonable search and seizure), titled “Authority for Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities Within the United States.” authors point out, “our office recently concluded that the Fourth Amendment had no application to domestic military operations,”

Even more alarming however, is that this President and Vice President continue to hold their positions in office. It leaves this law-abiding citizen to stare in shock and awe as to how it is possible that United States citizens continue to allow this to happen.

Four More Years

2008-02-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

The illegality, immorality, and blunderings of the Bush Administration has, for the past seven years, angered a nation, shocked the world, and trumped the rules of law and justice like no other presidency in US history.

One of many illegal actions, the detention of “enemy combatants” including US citizens without legal representation, the denial of Habeas Corpus, the use of evidence obtained through torture and the denial of transparency during Military Tribunals where the defendant is not allowed to see evidence against him and in some cases not made aware of the charges brought against him. These trials have become reminiscent of the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692, where one more time a sentence of death can be handed down with little or no means to defend oneself. These practices violate international law and numerous treaties of which we are signatory to. Violation of these treaties denigrates the Constitution itself as it states in Article VI, Clause 2, “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby…”

Further violations of the constitution have come in the form of illegal wiretapping, the illegal monitoring of US citizen calls both within and out of the United States (all with no burden of proof for probable cause), and in the collection of personal data by private corporations, which is then used for domestic spying.

Remarkable to this administration is its continued references to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice, when these ideals are hardly promoted in US foreign policies. For instance, the claims of stability, freedom, and democracy for the Iraqi people while systematically displacing millions and killing innocent civilians by the hundreds of thousands brings new depth to the meaning of the word hypocrisy.

Even more alarming during the next few months the Bush administration will continue to thumb its nose at the rule of law, the balance of power, and the Constitution, while the world watches in an almost helpless stupor. Included in this power grab will likely be another preemptive attack on a nation accused of coveting WMD’s, Iran. Which, if carried out with the intent of destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities and any facility that may have nuclear knowledge (including universities), will lead to a “collateral damage” figure of 2.8 million deaths. This is of course, if the administration chooses the course of restrain, as these figures are for the bombing of only half of the suspected sites.

If one were to examine the Bush Administration closely, one could easily make the connection that the fundamental problem lies with its continued abuse of The Constitution. In fact, every illegal, immoral, and thoughtless action this administration has perpetrated on its citizens and the world can be traced back to its contempt for this document.

As Americans look forward to 2009, hopes of a collective sigh of relief are everywhere. The Democratic Party and Progressive Politics are swooning Independent and Republican voters with a sweet songs filled with change. Hopes for the restoration of Constitutional Law, elevated status in world opinion, and a time when we can enjoy freedom from corporate control are driving Americans to the polls this year.

Yet in spite of this passion and renewed hope, a close primary race, and calls for a change to the status quo, Americans continue to follow corporate media, never giving themselves enough time to digest what is happening in political arenas. Recently, The Nation reported, “Illinois Senator Barack Obama has finally signed the American Freedom Pledge, joining his fellow Democratic presidential candidates in encouraging the restoration of basic Constitutional principles after the battering they have taken during the Bush-Cheney era.

All the Democrats, that is, except New York Senator Hillary Clinton.”

One can only wonder, how with the experience of a tramped upon constitutional document, the one Democratic presidential hopeful who will not make a commitment to its restoration is even close to taking the White house. Perhaps, after four more years of the shredding of this document Americans will finally wake up to the powers at be, and realize our country’s two party system is preparing, one more time, to sell us, the world, and our freedom to the highest bidder.

We Must Remain Vigilant

2008-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

I, like so many other Americans, was sadly lulled into a state of complacency during the eighties and early nineties. All seemed well in America, the economy was “strong”, the civil rights movement was fizzling out, the women’s rights movement appeared to have been appeased, and the deaths of millions around the globe due to our foreign policy was shielded from out eyes by a complicit media, eager to place it’s corporate agenda before its responsibilities to journalism and democracy. Yes, those were the good old days, when Americans had no clue how little our government actually represented us and how much it represented the desires of big corporations. The Cold War was over, and now the world was safe from Communism and tyranny.

I remember being at an event called Sol-Fest about six months before the 2004 election. I was deeply concerned that Kerry might loose because I was certain he would change the direction of this country. At such a progressive event, I assumed many Kerry supporters would be there. This was perhaps the beginning of my awakening, looking back now, I see how truly complacent I was.

I overheard a woman speaking to some workers at a Democratic booth. “Quite frankly, I am not sure who I am voting for, John Kerry is just as bad as Bush. I am not happy about the prospects of either one.” My ear perked up and I wondered what she meant. Before I could discover more, she had moved on to the next booth, but I kept her statement filed away in my brain.

The 2004 election came and went, and despite serious voting discrepancies, John Kerry and the Democratic Party rolled over like a beaten dog. Considering the mess that Iraq was and the photos coming out of Abu Ghraib, I was astonished that the election was stolen and subsequently given away one more time. However, more troubling to me was the very real fact that after the release of these photos, the re-election of George Bush would let the Iraqi people themselves know that we, as Americans, cared little for democracy, the rights of humans, and least of all, them.

The more involved in politics I became, the more I was able to research and uncover the very real fact that the invasion of Iraq, the rise of the Taliban, and the funding and support of bin Laden did not occur in a vacuum, but rather with the assistance of my very own government. Even more alarming was the knowledge that this was not the first, nor would it be the last time, that members of my government would sell people around the globe and me down the river in order to pursue an agenda that usually led to the deaths, torture, imprisonment, and suffering of millions. From Iran to Chile US foreign policies have been the bane of modern man’s existence. In fact, after September 11, 2001 many historians and scholars surmised that the terrorists might have been from South America rather than the Middle East. The date September 11, 1973 the date the US backed coup put Pinochet in power was the main factor turning eyes to the south.

With the primary elections underway, my ability to write and participate has diminished greatly. What is it that we, as Americans, do not understand about our government? For all the voices, expressing discontent with the status quo support does not waive for those who will simply continue our horrid policies. Furthering anti-American sentiment around the globe, continuing to oppress and exploit those too poor to fight, we continually sell our democratic ideals and ourselves down the river by settling for a candidate rather than picking someone who actually represents the democratic ideals we claim to love and care for so much. We condemn the likes of Ralph Nader for “splitting the democratic vote” or support Hillary Clinton “because she is a woman.” While we never really acknowledge the fact that our past is catching up with us in the form of 9/11, the mortgage crisis, the loss of independent media, the huge influx of immigrants (Mexican economic refugees due to NAFTA), sky rocketing health care, and the stagnant wages of the Middle Class.

Sadly and the main reason for my silence, is that for all the facts presented, Americans will lazily continue to assume this is a partisan problem. When in reality it is the fact that our democracy has been lost to us and in its place, we are now seeing a fascist corporate agenda shaping our foreign and domestic policies, and due to our lack of vigilance, it will simply get worse.

Sometimes I cannot help but wonder if this is exactly what we need in America, a taste of reality and some humility. Perhaps if we learn what it feels like to be them, we will learn what it is like to fight for democracy. As evidenced by the support I have been witness to for candidates the media continues to tell us to vote for, we have a long way to go.

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Voices from Gaza

2008-01-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

The dream they had dreamt of being free and separate people, with their own right to self –determination in their own national state in southern Africa was the ideal to which I myself had clung until I finally concluded, after a long process of deep introspection, that, if pursued, it would bring disaster to all the peoples of our country, including my own.

~F.W. DeClerk

Ideas of nationalism and racism have long been ingrained in the very essence of humanity. History has shown us the horrors created when one ethnic or religious group claims themselves to be in some way superior or more righteous than another. Across the globe, indigenous people fight for basic necessities, equality, and the right to freedom. As this historical story repeats itself and unfolds, the voices that speak for justice are the strongest, yet they are rarely heard.

This horrific story of oppression and violent resistance is repeating itself now in Gaza where day to day control of Gazan borders belongs to the Israeli government (Human Rights Watch 2008). Control of these borders has left Gazan residents impoverished as the ability to export and import goods and services has been severely limited. These limitations have led to 80% of Gazan residents dependent on aid from the United Nations, 79% of the population living in poverty, and to the collapse of 90% of Gazan businesses, simply furthering hardships for civilians. Human Rights Watch has condemned the Israeli Government citing numerous violations of the Geneva Conventions and calls Israel's actions collective punishment. In combination with this condemnation, Human Rights Watch has warned militants that the relentless rocket attacks raining down on Israeli civilians are in clear violation of international law. However, in sharp contrast to 10 Israeli injuries, over 40 Palestinian deaths have been reported in the past few days alone.

As these populations live in fear of retribution and continued violence, the situation is deteriorating. One Gaza resident recently wrote, "As anyone living under military occupation at any time I am awaiting my death, any time maybe the helicopter can bomb any place, I don't know it…" and yet in spite of this fear, he goes on to recognize that living side by side with those he is at war with is the answer, "The best thing is for there [sic] to be one multinational state…and to let the people live in peace, far from all things political [sic]…believe me, Palestinians and Israelis want to live in peace." And as the situation in Gaza becomes more unstable, so does civil strife. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans crossed the Egyptian border last week in an attempt to restock essential food and fuel supplies constituting almost half of the entire population of Gaza.

Regardless of the continued violence there are many who speak for reconciliation and peace; however, these voices continue to be marginalized by mainstream media and those who seek to profit from war. In a recent interview with Democracy Now's Amy Goodman, members of the group Combatants for Peace described in detail their reason for seeking reconciliation through non-violence. As former fighters for both the Israeli military and the militant faction of Fatah, members of this group have come to understand how their continued violence against each other has only resulted in more violence with both sides losing life and freedom. In an open letter written by Yonatan Shapira, he, along with other Israeli soldiers, expressed their refusal to participate in what they considered to be war crimes. The expression of this sentiment has joined forces with the non-violent Palestinian movement creating a viable option for peaceful resolution.

Sadly, these voices, which represent the majority of Israeli's and Palestinians who wish to live in peace are continually stifled. Yonatan Shapipra states, "I don't think you have to be a military expert or have a Ph.D. in political science and to be one of these fancy scholars in Washington institutions to know that the results of this scientific experiment that we have in Gaza, for example, locking millions of people-million and a half people without food, electricity, medicine-no one can go out, no one can go in…It's obvious that you're going to have people resist. And I grew up, you know, learning the history of my people and how they resisted in Warsaw Ghetto, where they didn't have any choice…I'm against what Hamas is doing…people are getting killed…all of us in our group are against that. But what can you expect from people when you treat them like that, in such a brutal occupation, such a brutal situation. What do you want them to do?"

Apparently the answer to the question of how the Palestinians living in Gaza should respond to occupation will remain elusive, especially as long as the word terrorist is equated to Palestinian, and violence is seen as the only solution. Sadly, as noted by F.W. DeClerk this can only lead to the destruction of both.

The Integrity of Hillary Clinton

2008-01-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

Integrity

Inּtegּri|ty n. 3. the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity

The meaning and definition of the word integrity seems simple and straightforward, but in the world of American Politics, it is perhaps the most misused, abused, and elusive word spoken. However, the majority of Americans believe, that among desirable personality characteristics in those running for and holding political office, it is by far the most desired.

If there is one particular trait missing from the Hillary Clinton campaign, it is indeed, integrity. On both national and international issues, Clinton is simply one more piece to the Bush/Clinton political sandwich that has destroyed the majority of American ideals. Clearly calculating and career driven, Clinton is obviously not the candidate who will restore America’s reputation in the world as the beacon of freedom, humanity, and all that is right but will rather lead this nation down its continued path to Imperialism through Corporatism.

For any American genuinely concerned about these issues to hear support for the Clinton campaign based on Clinton’s sex is truly concerning. In spite of her voting record, continued elusive language in terms of the occupation of Iraq, the shrinking middle class, the value of the dollar, increasing power for corporations, illegal detention and torture of detainees, repeated violations of the Constitution, and her position on energy independence, she continues to enjoy broad support among some in the Progressive Movement. One only need look closely at Clinton’s choice of language to determine that she continues to address these issues in a rather superficial way, lacking the integrity that America so badly needs.

Immediately before the primaries in New Hampshire, American media outlets focused the world’s attention on the fact that Clinton showed some emotion during a question and answer period.

Reminiscent of the absurd question asked during the Democratic debate in Nevada, where a young college student inquired as to whether Hillary preferred pearls or diamonds, a woman in New Hampshire asked, “As a woman, I know it’s hard to get out of the house and to get ready… and my question is very personal: how do you do it? How do you keep upbeat and so wonderful?” To this, Clinton answered, “It's not easy, and I could not do it if I just didn't passionately believe it was the right thing to do…I have had so many opportunities from this country - I just don't want us to fall back. This is very personal for me ... it is not just political... I see what's happening... we have to reverse it.”

Sadly missing from any emotion Clinton has ever shown are tears for fallen soldiers or their families, the destruction of the entire society and nation of Iraq, which has killed thousands, and made millions homeless and impoverished, and the continued assault on American civil liberties.

In fact, it is on these very important issues that Clinton continues to lead the American people towards the Bush doctrine. This is evidenced by her support of Imperialistic Bush policies to date, including the Iraq War, a possible attack on Iran and The Patriot Act. Even those who approve of Clinton’s stance on these issues or those finding themselves forgiving of her apparent Bushesque blunderings, an alarm should sound at the clear contradiction between her words and actions.

In her victory speech, Clinton showed a real lack of integrity when she spoke of all that ails America, “The oil companies, the drug companies, the health insurance companies, the predatory student loan companies have had seven years of a president who stands up for them. It’s time we had a president who stands up for all of you. I intend to be that president, to be a president who puts you first, your lives, your families, your children, your futures.”

Nowhere, does Clinton acknowledge that the very corporations she criticizes here are funding her campaign. A short list includes; 18.36 million (representing the largest contributions) from the financial sector, 14.3 million from lawyers and lobbyists representing oil, insurance, pharmaceutical, and lending companies, over 8 hundred thousand from the energy industry, and close to 2.2 million from the military industrial complex and construction companies combined, many of whom are currently operating in Iraq.

If the staggering numbers alone are not sounding the alarm bells enough for Americans to realize Clinton plans on using her power to enrich the elite in this country further, perhaps a look at Clintons funding in comparison to other presidential hopefuls will. Clinton willingly accepts funds from the defense industry where only John McCain outranks her. In the Oil and Gas industry, Clinton enjoys another cool second place, from lobbyists however; she takes first place leaving all other candidates behind with second in line taking close to half of the funds she has received to date.

Clearly, Clinton’s actions and words do not match, leaving this writer to wonder how any one who wishes the direction of this country to change does not recognize these obvious warning signs. Perhaps the last seven years have left Americans so desperate and dumbfounded; they have decided lies from the mouth of a woman are perhaps easier to swallow, especially if they are followed by a shot of tears.

Cowardly or Complicit?

2007-12-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

I remain hopeful that Americans can still rouse themselves to save our democracy. But the time in which to head of financial and moral bankruptcy is growing short.

~ Chalmers Johnson

With the Democratic Congresses approval rating at an all time low, one must wonder, “What are they thinking?” If the Democrats were holding to any kind of democratic philosophy, their direction in government should be clear. The House Speaker herself has stated on many occasions that the Democrats were given a mandate in 2006…to end the Iraq occupation. We should all keep in mind that this mandate includes the cessation of spending like a bunch of drunken sailors on holiday leave.

Yet their contempt for “the will of the people” continues to stand. Americans are no better off than they were under a Republican held majority. These circumstances beg the question, are the Democrats cowardly or complicit? In order to answer this question one must only look to some of the driving forces behind the continued failed policy in Iraq, namely that of private American defense contractors. This particular industry has exploded in recent years, in not only profits, but also the power it wields in politics. During the 2006 election cycle, defense contributions (totaling 17, 923, 5552 dollars) and lobbying efforts (over 40, 000, 000 dollars) has reached an all time high, this number shows a sharp contrast to figures collected as early as 1990 where total contributions equaled 7,069,584 dollars. As the rhetoric continues, around the Iraq debate, the developing pattern is quite clear; as defense spending has risen so have the contributions to candidates.

Interestingly, it appears from current figures the defense industry carries with it one more asset…a crystal ball. In both the “Defense” and “Miscellaneous Defense” categories, lobbying efforts and contributions have shown clear favorability towards Republican candidates. However, this is no longer true. For the 2006 election cycle Republicans acquired approximately 65% of contributions where as Democrats received only 34%. Already for the 2008 election cycle, Democrats are gaining strength in this sector. As of today, December 29, 2007, Democrats have received 52% of the contributions from defense contractors. In contrast, the Republicans have only received 48%.

Perhaps we can surmise that Democrats are neither cowardly nor powerless as so many would have us believe. With a majority in both house’s, and more members of the Republican Party recognizing support for this endless war is political suicide, clearly a solution exists. Just as money and greed are justifying the continuance of the Occupation of Iraq, it can end it as well. Democrats have the ability to end this occupation; it appears they simply lack the will to do so. With the presidential election around the corner, it would behoove all of us who wish to see this war end to examine the candidates and their loyalty to defense contractor profits. To date, every candidate both Republican and Democrat have accepted money in the thousands from this industry. That is every candidate save two: Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel.

As evidenced in recent years, money wields greater power than the will of the American people, however, the people continue to hold the power of the vote, perhaps it is time we used it wisely.

2007-12-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Funston's example has bred many imitators, and many ghastly additions to our history: the torturing of Filipinos by the awful 'water- cure,' for instance, to make them confess -- what? Truth? Or lies? How can one know which it is they are telling? For under unendurable pain a man confesses anything that is required of him, true or false, and his evidence is worthless.”

~Mark Twain

“The Army exists, not just to win America’s wars, but to defend America’s values. The policy and practice of torture without accountability has jeopardized both."

~David R. Irvine
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) USA

Defined by Theodore Roosevelt as "an old Filipino method of mild torture" the debate about the use of waterboarding continues in this modern age. Seen by most as a brutal form of torture and intimidation the question of its use and legality is now an issue that is openly debated in American politics. It should be noted however, that the current debate shares its roots in a long and shameful history of US policies based in imperial desires and blatant racism dating back as far as 1898.

As Americans approach the 110 the anniversary of the “water cure” being used by US interrogators, a glance at 18 U.S.C 2340 2(a) which clearly defines torture as, the intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering, shows us that the use of waterboarding is indeed considered torture. Notably, in a letter written by a US soldier deployed in the Philippines, he had used the water cure on 160 people and only 26 had survived. In a report released by Human Rights First, documentation of over 100 murders of detainees in US custody have occurred. However, these numbers alone cannot be entirely trusted because most autopsy reports of detainees are kept classified by the CIA where any agents may be implicated in the murder investigation. Regardless of this secrecy, investigations into the murders of several detainees reveal the role of water in the victims death. In light of these deaths, both present and past, the argument that waterboarding is not torture looses significant ground.

As recently as 2002 the Department of Justice stated that physical pain had to be equivalent in intensity to the pain accompanying serious physical injury, such as organ failure, impairment of bodily function, or even death to constitute torture. By this logic, forced digit removal, broken limbs, and beatings would not be considered torture. The DOJ itself has since denounced this memo, yet the debate surrounding the use of torture and waterboarding continues.

One would think that a look at recent US history could settle this question for us as well. Remarkably, the United States convicted Axis officers of war crimes for organizing and participating in military tribunals that relied on evidence obtained by torture.

As noted by the ACLU, fifty years later, it ill-suits this country to conduct war crimes trials of Guantanamo detainees under rules structured to allow admission of the same type of evidence.

Losing the War on Terror

2007-11-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

“This is not for that purposes of killing Americans…this is for the purpose of driving them crazy. They are cowboys and will react without thinking”.

~ Abu Mus’ab al Zawahiri

Immediately following the events on 9/11, Americans were asking the question of ‘Why?’ Like so many who watched the twin towers fall, I found myself asking the same question. In response to this question, media talking heads and political pundits gladly and simply answered this question by telling us, “They hate us because we are free”. In combination with the use of the word they, this statement fails to address the complexities of US history and the Arab world. Little did the American people understand the implications of what this talking point meant at the time, it was imperative that the Bush Administration dehumanize the entire Arab world so rather than discuss bin Laden or al Zawahiri and give us the entire history of al Qadea, the people who committed the crimes of September eleventh became people without families, lives, names, faces, or real complaints against US policies…the people who committed these crimes became They.

In most societies, dropping bombs on and dismembering innocent little girls whose mothers take them to preschool everyday, love their daddies, like to eat bananas, and dream of becoming a doctor or teacher someday is unacceptable. If the American people were told the truth about the military engagement we were about to embark on, they never would have supported it. For example, during the bombing campaign that started in October of 2001, over twenty thousand civilians were killed in Tora Bora. Out of this bombing just one Taliban leader was killed (The Secret History of al Qaeda 2006). While conducting “The War on Terror”, it is imperative Americans only think of Them or They rather than to think of the hundreds of thousands of people brutally murdered by cruel and ruthless weaponry, including little girls like the one described above.

Also important to note (and what the Bush Administration does not want you to think about) is exactly how, the use of our military has allowed bin Laden to successfully take on the most powerful and wealthy nation in the world, and all while living in the mountains of Afghanistan, with little to no financial means, primitive use of technology, and pathetic amounts of weaponry compared to the military arsenal the US possesses. It appears that bin Laden understands the reality of human nature far better than we. He understands that if we brutally and repeatedly murder, maim, and dismember civilians in the Arab world, especially the most vulnerable, women and children, people will rise up against us and resist. Bin Laden can continue his successful war of attrition without ever lifting another finger, issuing another fatwa, or releasing one more video tape. As evidenced by intelligence reports released from the United States itself, the occupation of Arab lands and continued bombing of innocent civilians is recruiting jihad fighters faster than we can kill them.

According to journalist and author Abdel Bari Atwan, “The insurgents are not only winning this bloody war, but winning it spectacularly .No matter how many insurgents coalition forces kill, the are always faced with a new wave of young men longing to be martyred and take as many of their enemies with them as they can…The popularity of the insurgency among ordinary Iraqi civilians is another sign of US failure.” And it continues to grow; anti-American sentiment among Muslim populations and sentiment around the entire world have continued to deteriorate. In a paper released in July of 2005 by Chatam House, International security experts noted that the situation in Iraq has provided ‘a boost to the al Qaeda network’s propaganda, recruitment and fundraising, caused a major split in the coalition, and provided an ideal targeting and training area for al Qaeda-linked terrorists’.

Included with American intelligence reports connecting the US Occupation with an increase in terrorism and radicalism around the globe are two studies released by the Saudi government and an Israeli think tank, both show that the majority of foreign fighters were not jihadis before the Iraq war, but were ‘radicalized by the war itself’ (Abdel Bari Atwan 2006). The radicalization of the Arab world is not successful because of the ideology of radical Islam or al Qaeda, it is so successful due to the needless death, economic hardships, and continued marginalization of an entire group of people that is being imposed by US policy and the “War on Terror”.

The American Government calls them They, as Americans, it is time for us to start recognizing Them for who They actually are. Human beings, with hopes, love, and dreams. In fact, They are just like Us.

The Fall of Baghdad and One Woman’s Voice

2007-11-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

In times of war, the definition of patriotism becomes a matter of life or death for Americans and the world. Instead of being feared for our military prowess, we should want to be respected for our dedication to human rights. I suggest that a patriotic American who cares for his or her own country might act on behalf of a different vision.

~Howard Zinn

The soft, drawling voice on the other end of the line belongs to Marty. Military mother, Peace Activist, and Christian, she defies the stereotypical raving hippie often depicted by the US media as war opponents. Her only son, like many Americans signed on the dotted line shortly after September 11, 2001. Honorably discharged, he served two full tours in Iraq and is currently in the I.R.R (Individual Ready Reserve) list. As recently as just a few short months ago, he received Muster Orders requesting that he “update” his contact information; however, Marty suspects there may be other reasons. Muster Orders came despite the fact that he had filed for disability (denied by the military). Her son is not alone in this experience, as reported in The Washington Post, many soldiers are re-activated and re-deployed with known disabilities ranging from PTSD to limb amputation. In response to this Marty points out that with organizations like the IAVA they are finding the support they so badly need.

His injury occurred during his first tour of duty when the skirt of an M1A1 tank fell on top of him while he was performing maintenance on the machine. Immediately following the accident, he was unable to move. Once he regained some mobility, the doctors prescribed pain medication and he was sent back to work. Before her son was deployed to Iraq the second time, he was weeks away from fulfilling his obligations under his active duty contract. He was stop-lossed and had an appointment to appear before the medical review board. Marty writes to me, “Depending on his medical condition, he may have been discharged. But the army sent him to Ft. Erwin California to sit in a tent…in the desert…for 30 days…for “training”. He didn’t train. Neither did the 200 other broken soldiers in this tent. Some of them had just recently had surgery.” Now home, he is facing a continued struggle for benefits, health care, and possible re-activation. With the denial of his disability claim he is considered a “reinforcement asset.”

For Marty, the idea of her son’s possible re-activation is concerning for many obvious and not so obvious reasons. For example, Marty’s faith and her understanding of scripture has been a powerful force in her belief that the killing of innocents can never be justified. She is a devout Christian and peace activist, two roles that since the invasion of Iraq, have not always been congruent for her.

Like many Americans, Marty, cautiously supported the idea of military action in Iraq, however, that began to change when she received a solitary letter from her son dated June 3, 2003. Of the letter she says, “That letter will be in my mind until the day I die.” The letter, a response to Marty reporting what she was seeing on the news was a wake up call for her and, she hoped, a wake up call for every American.

Her son’s truth was very different from the truth on the television set. As Video News Releases, planted by at least twenty different government agencies across the country, (VNRs are pre-packaged "news" segments and additional footage created by broadcast PR firms, or by publicists within corporations or government agencies. A VNR presents a client's message, using a format and tone that mimic actual TV news. Nothing in the material for broadcast identifies the PR firm—or, more importantly, the paying client or clients—behind the VNR.), were helping to spin Americans to death, Marty read the letter with a feeling of incredulity.

Most remarkable in the letter is the sense of shock communicated by his words as he rolled into Baghdad, where he states, “My stay in Iraq has opened my eyes to just how brutal a country we are.” This statement made in reference to the destruction of the country after years of crippling sanctions. He writes, “Baghdad from what I can tell was at one time a flourishing city. Highways, markets, industry, and neighborhoods. They say it’s the most Westernized city in the Arab world. That was until economic sanctions were brought to this place by our country…That is what economic sanctions do, they bring a country to its knees.” With over five million Iraq children starved to death during this time it was estimated that with the planned US military action, another one million would fall into the malnourished group placing them at risk of premature death. Current numbers however, show that these estimates were low, far too low. In fact, after four years of occupation UNICEF reports over one-third of Iraq children are currently malnourished, and as the occupation drags on, the future for these children is bleak.

The letter continues, “After all, we just liberated the Iraqi people from a horrible dictator. Go ahead and let your newspapers and television news tell you all the latest and greatest propaganda. The only people smiling for the cameras are the children and the people that got left with nothing after years of oppressive sanctions. Even a dog that’s been beaten still wags it’s tail when his owner brings him food…The older one’s the ones that probably had a nice cush life before the sanctions, they don’t smile. Their eyes stare at you like daggers, piercing you with deep hatred.”

It is the plight of these innocents and the future of her son that Marty thinks of most these days. As always, she is active in church and occasionally participates in the local and national activities of Military Families Speak Out, a non-profit organization giving the families of military personal a voice. She takes part in organized action, protesting the occupation in any way she can. For her, it is simply what she must do, as a mother, a Christian, and a patriot.

Al Gore and the Nobel Peace Prize

2007-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Nobel Foundation, in existence now for more than one hundred years, was established when Alfred Nobel requested the foundation’s creation in his last will and testament. Nobel, after receiving criticism for his invention of dynamite, determined that he preferred his legacy to contribute to rather than detract from humanity. After lengthy discussion and argument as to the intent of his will, the Nobel Foundation was established years after his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize, as determined by Nobel’s own words, should be granted, “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". Al Gore hardly fits this requirement; however, this argument will not analyze or critique his behavior for the jets he fuels on his journeys throughout the world, nor the distribution of a film that discussed his life more than the issue it purports to tackle (Global Warming), it will examine some of the events that unfolded during his Vice-Presidency under Bill Clinton. In fact, according to Edward S. Herman the office of Bill Clinton was responsible for some of the most horrific war crimes and abuses of international law, such as the Geneva Conventions and The Hague in the history of the United States. The Bush Administration has simply furthered the abuses of power that Clinton et al reigned down upon poor nations. The list of abuses includes the carrying out of wars of aggression, the use of poison gases and other inhumane weapons, deliberately killing and starving civilian populations, and the use of force beyond military necessity. None of which Al Gore ever used his power to deter or extinguish. As stated by the International Criminal Court, any crime against peace is namely, planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression, or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances, or participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the forgoing…War Crimes and Crimes against humanity. Considering the long list of civilians enslaved, oppressed, starved, and violently murdered during the Clinton Administration, Mr. Gore surly should stand trial as an accomplice along side Clinton.

The list of crimes against humanity committed by the US under Clinton and Gore is gruesome indeed. Included are the genocide in East Timor, the illegal and unwarranted bombings of Sudan, Iraq, and Afghanistan, coupled with aid to Turkey and Columbia, where the civilian casualties from counterinsurgency warfare and death squad operations…exceeded the pre-NATO bombing deaths in Kosovo by a large factor. None of this, of course, includes the brutal sanctions imposed on Iraq, which, had it not been for the power the US wields on the UN Security Council, would have been prosecuted as war crimes under international law.

According to UNICEF, in 1999, years into the Clinton/Gore administration, sanctions in Iraq were killing close to 5,000 children under the age of 5 monthly far beyond normal death rates. Several reports from the United States Defense Agency show that contrary to the Geneva Convention, the US government intentionally used sanctions against Iraq to degrade the countries water supply after the Gulf War. The United States knew the cost that civilian Iraqis, mostly children, would pay, and it went ahead anyway. (Jeff Lindemyer, November 2001). Other DIA documents (dated January, 1991, February, 1991, and March 1991) showed that not only was the Clinton/Gore Administration knowledgeable about how the sanctions would impact civilians, they monitored the situation closely. A charismatic statesman, Clinton repeatedly cited abuses of the “Oil for Food Program” by Iraqi leaders as the cause of civilian casualties and suffering, of course avoiding the fact that the devastation of sanctions was being felt by Iraqi’s as early as 1991 and the “Oil for Food Program” did not start until December of 1996. As the “Oil for Food Program” got underway, the US continued charges levied at the Saddam regime, with no basis in fact. According to the US State Department, Holds on inappropriate contracts help prevent the diversion of oil-for food goods to further Saddam’s personal interests. However, Jeff Lindemyer shows that requests for urgent assistance were repeatedly delayed to the point that Secretary-General Kofi-Annan along with Benon Sevon wrote numerous letters decrying the excessive holds placed on items ordered under the program, not by the Saddam regime, but by the UN Security Council.

Remarkable to the Clinton/Gore Administration was its ongoing relationship with President Suharto, the person responsible for genocide in Indonesia, East Timor, and West Papua. Clinton brokered weapons deals and trade agreements, which enslaved an entire people for companies such as Reebok and Nike, while US bought weapons were used to exterminate any people who resisted. Against the will of the Administration and the corporate controlled media, it was the actions of a few brave journalists who brought this tragedy to light. American journalist Amy Goodman was severely beaten by US supplied weapons when she captured the murder of innocent civilians in East Timor. Upon her return to the United States, she worked tirelessly to bring attention to the matter through US media outlets who finally after intense international coverage could no longer ignore the story, however, the coverage the genocide did receive was minimal and no mention was made of US involvement.

Some other notable war crimes and immoralities committed by the Clinton/Gore Administration include the use of DynaCorp, a private “security firm” that at the time Clinton and Gore were lobbying Congress heavily for their use in South America was in the midst of an investigation for participation in a child sex-slave ring. Regardless of this knowledge Clinton/Gore continued to offer DynaCorp military contracts and relied on the firm heavily to carry out illegal military operations. The people of the Delta Niger suffered and continue to suffer horrific environmental degradation, mass murder, and torture at the hands of the US backed government, which Clinton/Gore did not hesitate weaponizing and training at the time of these known abuses.

Clearly, Mr. Gore, if he had any redeeming qualities at all, would apologize for his active role and participation in these war crimes and crimes against humanity, and return the Nobel in order to be awarded to someone more deserving.

Narcissistic Holidays and the American Way

2007-10-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

The essential feature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts.

~DSM-IV-TR

One must wonder how it is that Americans celebrate a day like Columbus Day. Even worse, one wonders how Americans do not demand that it be stripped of its place in the American cluster of days to be celebrated. Only a country with a collective Narcissistic Personality Disorder would dare honor this day.

Unlike the propaganda taught in American schools of how the natives welcomed us and offered their generosity in assisting us with the growth of corn, the reality of "American Discovery" is brutal, barbaric and just plain gross. Yet Americans seem to wonder about content to honor the likes of Christopher Columbus, the early colonizers, and the great aptitude they apparently had in the realm of survival. It is as if in the American collective conscious the millions of natives living here did not exist at all.

Many will argue that the people of today can not be held to account for the sins of their fathers, and to a certain extent there is some truth to this premise; however, Americans continue to honor this day and the acts of Christopher Columbus as if it they are actually something deserving of our praise. Even now, the state of natives living in America is bleak. As one example, Amnesty International recently released a report highlighting the sexual assault and rapes of natives living on reservations, where the perpetrator rapes with impunity and confidence, knowing no one will investigate the crime, no one, including Federal Authorities.

If historians are correct and the cumulative statistics of European conflict and conquest are assessed with any honesty, Columbus Day would need to change its name to something like Genocide Day. According to author and historian Mark Cocker, …eleven million indigenous Americans lost their lives in the eighty years following the Spanish invasion of Mexico. In the Andean empire of the Incas the figure was more than eight million. In Brazil the Portuguese conquest say Indian numbers dwindle from a pre-Columbian total of almost 2,500,000 to just 225,000. And to the north of Mexico it has now been widely accepted that Native Americans declined from an original population of more than 8,000,000 to 800,000 by the end of nineteenth century. For the whole of the Americas, some historians have put the total losses as high as one hundred million.

True to form, Americans tend to have a short attention span and certainly lack in their ability to empathize. The continued oppression of indigenous peoples around the globe is more than enough evidence to support such a charge. Paul Farmer, human rights activist, physician and author documents this continued oppression well in his most recent book Pathologies of Power-Health, Human Rights and the New War on the Poor, where he rightfully charges …structural violence, which influences the nature and distribution of extreme suffering as oppressions main cause. The most basic right, "the right to survive" continues to be trampled on by those in power. He argues: "Human rights violations are not accidents; they are not random in distribution or effect. Rights violations are, rather, symptoms of deeper pathologies of power and are linked intimately to the social conditions that so often determine who will suffer abuse and who will b shielded from harm."

Of course we can not lay the blame for the suffering of all indigenous people both present and past solely on the shoulders of Columbus, but certainly we can discontinue our celebrations of his genocidal actions. Are the Arawak Indians who Columbus contemptuously kidnapped, enslaved, and subsequently wiped out not deserving of our remembrance? According to historian Howard Zinn …the Indians were taken as slave labor and on huge estates, known as encomiendas. They were worked at a ferocious pace, and died by the thousands. By the year 1515, there were perhaps fifty thousand Indians left. By 1550, there were five hundred. A report the year 1650 shows none of the original Arawaks or their descendants left on the island.

Indeed, only a country with no conscious at all could honor the man responsible for committing genocide, especially in the name of progress. It is this continued lack of empathy that has allowed the oppression and death of millions, simply for the sake of furthering our own agendas. Zinn continues: This learned sense of moral proportion, coming from the apparent objectivity of the scholar, is accepted more easily than when it comes from politicians at press conferences. It is therefore more deadly.

Certainly all indigenous peoples around the globe who struggle against America's continued hegemony can testify as to how this deadly attitude and apathy has impacted their life, suffering, and death. Sadly, it will be up to the snoozing populace of Americans to wake each other to the atrocities being committed in their names – perhaps then, the indigenous people around the globe will finally have justice.

Invisible People of the Middle East

2007-09-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

“We’re talking about a clear message to Iran -- Israel has the right to self-defense -- and that includes offensive operations against WMD facilities that pose a threat to Israel. The United States would justify such attacks.”

~John Bolton

de∙fense 1 the act or power of defending, or guarding against attack, harm, or danger 2 the fact or state of being defended 3 a) something that defends: means of or resources for protection b) a plan or system of defending 4 justification or support speech or writing; vindication 5 self-protection as by boxing 6 the side that is defending in any contest 7 a)the arguments in behalf of the defendant in a law case b) the defendant and his or her lawyer or lawyers, collectively

of∙fen∙sive 1 attacking; aggressive 2 of or for attack 3 designating or of the side that is seeking to score in any contest 4 unpleasant, as to the senses; disgusting; repugnant 5 causing resentment, anger, etc.; insulting

It appears Mr. John Bolton has either mastered the art of doubletalk or has confused the simple definitions of these words. Perhaps the words themselves have taken on new meaning. One can only wonder how the argument of “self-defense,” when no attack ever took place, would hold up in a court of law. Only the savviest of jurists could ever defend the argument successfully, yet we hear no questioning of the Israeli/US policy when these terms distort the discussion of an attack on Iran.

Dr. Dan Plesch and Martin Butcher recently released a discussion paper exploring the realities of an attack on Iran. The document discusses the prospect of the possible attempted destruction of the Iranian regime and state by the United States and its allies. The report definitively concludes the US has made military preparations to destroy Iran’s WMD, nuclear energy, regime, armed forces, state apparatus, and economic infrastructure within days, if not hours, of President George Bush giving the order.

Remarkably, the Democratic Congress who was given a directive to end the Iraq Occupation by the American voters in the 2006 election recently refused to insist on being consulted before any attacks on Iran. As Senator and presidential hopeful Ron Paul has rightfully argued, “Congress is the only US entity that can declare war.” Despite this obvious constitutional authority and the abuse of power that President George Bush has exercised with the pre-emptive attack on Iraq, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are prepared to attack Iran if necessary.

Notable in the paper is a quote from Philip Giraldi in the American Conservative who notes, The Pentagon, acting under instructions from Vice President Dick Cheney’s office, has tasked…STRATCOM) with drawing up a contingency plan in response to another 9/11 type terrorist attack on the United States…As in the case of Iraq, the response is not conditional on Iran actually being involved in the act of terrorism directed against the United States. Several senior Air Force officers involved in the planning are reportedly appalled at the implications of what they are doing—that Iran is being set up for an unprovoked nuclear attack—but no one is prepared to damage his career by posing any objections.

Much like US policy in Iraq, the post-war planning in Iran does not exist. As John Pike of the indispensable global policy forum puts it, “They think they can just bow up want they want to blow up and let the ant heap sort itself our afterwards.”

The discussion explores the possibilities of varied military strikes, ranging from limited strikes to target suspected nuclear facilities to the escalation of targeting all areas needed for the Iranian government and civilian populace to function listed above. The Administration as well as the Israeli government both understand the importance of preventing any possible retaliation from Iran. The paper states, There would be provisions for assaults to prevent Iran striking back in any significant manner. These would involve US forces in Iraq and Iran, protection for the Straights of Hormuz and oil facilities in the Gulf States, disruption of Revolutionary Guard, and other elite forces loyal to the current government.

The discussion of possible Iranian retaliation in the case of a pre-emptive strike concludes that the only way to avoid escalation is to completely destroy Iran’s capacity to retaliate. This includes the bombing of all suspected WMD sites, civilian and military infrastructure, military bases, economic infrastructure and state apparatus.

The plans to launch a pre-emptive military strike on Iran have been in the making since March of 2003. British Military sources stated on condition of anonymity that “the US military switched its whole focus to Iran” from March 2003…and continues…this focus even though it had infantry bogged down in fighting the insurgency in Iraq. As one anonymous Iraq veteran wrote while serving in Iraq, I sat in a meeting in Baghdad when I was last there over a week ago to discuss this very matter before Ambassador Bremer left for Washington and the U.N., and it was apparent that everyone is really grasping at straws when it comes to understanding Sistani. More importantly, none of the real differences of opinion about what kind of influence and control a fetwah in his name condemning the process would mean in terms of popular reaction is based on more than conjecture.

In any case, what don't seem to register right now are the real reasons why we don't want to have direct elections in the near future. Yes, certainly we're concerned about the mechanics (though the Green Zone notion that ration cards won't work appears to have been based on completely flawed information provided by so-called "experts"), and our fear that imperfect elections might yield catastrophic results is genuine. But the catastrophic result we're worried about isn't women being disenfranchised or election results being contested -- it's that, in the short term, the best organized party and thus the most likely winner is the Iranian-backed SCIRI. We've got big fears about the Iranians projecting power all the way through the southern region of Iraq to the border with Saudi Arabia, and so we should, because that's exactly what they're aggressively seeking to do. People who speculate about whether we'll take on Iran in the next round don't realize that the battle is already more or less underway here in Iraq.

The paper discusses at great length not only potential targets in Iran but the varied weapons of choice, which includes the use of nuclear weapons. The paper points out, It is not responsible to argue that they will never be used and that there is not need for public debate. The weapons exist. The military personnel trained in their use exist. The political policy describing their possible use exists. What is lacking is a public discussion amongst those who support present policies of the realities of putting these policies into practice.

Perhaps the most alarming analysis of the paper is the discussion of civilian casualties. Using Department of Defense methodology for attacks of 3x10kt ground burst weapons per location, the paper concludes that approximately 2,816,000 civilian casualties will occur. However, this number is only inclusive of attacks of less than half of the suspected WMD sites. This number of casualties also does not include the effects of the inevitable fallout from the use of nuclear weapons, of which it is certain, radiation from these explosions would reach the upper atmosphere and be carried across much of the earth. In the early 1960’s public concern over detected concentrations of radioactivity in cow’s milk produced the public pressure that led to a US, UK, Russian ban on testing in the atmosphere.

After reading this blog and the contents of this discussion paper, I have only one small favor to ask of you. Please, for the love of humanity, your country, and God, call your representatives today and demand and end to this madness.

Tell them to vote NO on the Kyl-Lieberman Amendment (No. 3017), a provocative measure that will only undermine efforts to resolve tensions with Iran through diplomacy. Talking points: No more blank checks for this administration. Rather than escalating tensions, the U.S. should pursue smart, tough-minded dialogue and diplomacy, which are far more likely than force to produce a satisfactory resolution in the case of Iran. Iran’s gains in Iraq are largely due to the Bush invasion and subsequent mishandling of Iraq. By rushing to war without a strategy for winning the peace, we opened the door for Iran to connect with the Iraqi Shiites in power to engender discord. Let’s stop a war with Iran
before it begins. Call your senators at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121, and please call them today.

A Test of Iraq’s “Democracy”

2007-09-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

“We fight for the possibility that decent men and women across the broader Middle East can realize their destiny -- and raise up societies based on freedom and justice and personal dignity. And as long as I’m Commander-in-Chief we will fight to win.”

~ George Bush

de.moc.ra.cy 1. government in which supreme power is exercised directly by their people or their elected agents. 2. a state having such government 3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.

The continued denial by this President that the US presence in Iraq is liberating continues to astonish even the most hardened followers of politics. In June of 2007 the democratically elected Parliament of Iraq voted to have the US set a timeline for troop withdraw. This resolution has been ignored.

Recently, the focus of US attention has been drawn to the alleged crimes of Blackwater. However, what is more remarkable is that once again US leadership continues to undermine the democracy that Bush continues to proudly speak of.

In regards to Blackwater and its operations in Iraq, immediately after the 2003 invasion, new laws were drafted to protect members of any private contractor working in Iraq from any investigation or judicial system, both in Iraq and in the US. Despite numerous complaints among the civilian population and Iraqi officials, the company continued to operate without any means for justice.

According to the Washington Post, Senior Iraqi officials repeatedly complained to U.S. officials about Blackwater USA's alleged involvement in the deaths of numerous Iraqis, but the Americans took little action to regulate the private security firm until 11 Iraqis were shot dead last Sunday, according to U.S. and Iraqi officials. Until recently, alleged random killings and abuses by Blackwater have gone unnoticed by the media and the American populace. The article goes on to state; the lack of a U.S. response underscores the powerlessness of Iraqi officials to control the tens of thousands of security contractors…

Despite the current investigations under way and the repeated attempts by the Iraqi government to regulate Blackwater’s activities (including attempting to revoke Blackwater’s license), the company began operations this past week.

The actions of Blackwater and the US’s reluctance to allow Iraqis justice under these circumstances continue to demean the authority of this fledgling democracy. If the Bush administration is genuine in its efforts to assist Iraq with the establishment of a democracy, it must respect the legislative acts of that government. However, if the administration continues to undermine the Iraqi governments authority, our goal of a democratic Iraq will never appear. The only outcome from this type of cold arrogance will be a further deterioration of the circumstances there.

September the 11th and the Voices You Will Never Hear

2007-09-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate only multiplies hate, violence only multiplies violence, and toughness is a descending spiral of destruction…The chain reaction of evil – hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars – must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”

~Dr, Martin Luther King Jr.

“I have yet to have anyone explain to me the moral superiority of someone who drops bombs on the heads of innocent school children to people that cut off the heads of others.”

~George Carlin

Shortly after the events of September the 11^th, the calls for vengeance and retribution bombarded the American public and citizens around the world through corporate media outlets. Repeatedly viewers found themselves exposed to images of planes crashing into Buildings One and Two at the World Trade Center always followed by grief stricken citizens whose look of horror showed us only a fraction of the true feelings that engulfed people that day.

The Bush Administration who loudly demanded greater death, destruction, and murder of innocents quickly shadowed the same demands made through the actions of the few who flew those planes. In the course of events that have taken place since September the Eleventh, it appears these demands have been met with great success. Of course, we cannot blame the Administration alone, a compliant and submissive media whose message was swallowed with little or no questioning by a fearful population who stood idly by, with mouths agape stunned into silent acquiescence by the events was also necessary.

This series of circumstances easily allowed the Bush Administration to implement its plan “to take out seven countries in five years, starting with Iraq, and then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and finishing off Iran.” (General Wesley Clark)

Seven countries, untold numbers of dead, maimed, disabled, and damaged in exchange for the deaths of 3,000 Americans. “Collateral Damage,” the sterile name we are given for our justified vengeance that according to Bruce Wallace (September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows), does not include “the parts about the people who are damaged by the horrors of political violence, but do not die from it. They live through it, and are changed forever.”

Mr. Wallace, like many others hear the voices of “collateral damage,” unbeknownst to war supporters and those seeking revenge, they can speak, read, write, and feel. He writes of an Iraqi who he has had contact, “H may be ‘collateral damage’ to the minds-without-compassion behind the war, but he is a brother to me.”

Numerous members of the organization who lost loved ones visited Afghanistan shortly after the US led military campaign and in a letter dated February 14^th, 2002, implored the President to assist in the establishment the Afghan Victims Fund. However, of more importance to note, is what can be found in the text of the letter,

Several of us recently traveled to Afghanistan and met with Afghan families that were accidentally affected by the US military campaign. We talked with widows who were forced to send their children to beg, families who could not afford to rebuild their homes destroyed by US bombs, children who lost limbs to cluster bombs, and visited children so traumatized by the bombing of their neighborhoods that they had stopped talking…We would like to extend the spirit of compassion and understanding to those families of Afghanistan. We believe this an important way that we can illustrate to the people of Afghanistan and the people of the world that Americans are a caring and generous people. We are eager to help in the fight against terrorism by promoting this spirit of compassion and understanding.

To this day, they have yet to receive a reply.

Sadly, a day that should be remembered for what it had to teach us will simply be used by those in office to further the agenda of a few murderers who happen to sit in the White House.

Palestinian's Suffer Yet Another Blow

2007-08-30T01:07:00.000-07:00

US Backed Palestinian Authority to Close 103 NGO’s

The people of Palestine and Israel have suffered greatly from poor leadership, an apathetic and uninformed American populace, a compliant international community, and endless war. Combined with a restless Arab population who has watched their basic human rights dwindle away through illegal American and Israeli Occupation, the Middle East is ready to explode.

The instability raging throughout is neither good for Israel or the US. History tells us that military might alone and occupation has always led to the destruction of those in power. The oppressed inevitably rise up against the oppressor.

However, any revolution, whether it be for equality, justice, or basic human rights has the potential to be either violent or peaceful. As the US has created and re-created itself over and over again, it has seen both types. America’s resilience and ability to evolve is precisely what has drawn billions of people from around the globe to its shores attracted by promises of peace and prosperity. It has been this very foundation that has created an environment for some of the worlds most profound and powerful movements forward.

The ability and freedom to organize, speak one’s mind, and assist our fellow American for the betterment of us all is a remarkable aspect of American life that has allowed us to take leaps towards enlightenment and greatness.

While visiting Palestine, I visited many such organizations. Groups who have found ways to uplift themselves and others in the region imitating peaceful movements that are an integral part of American history – for true stability to flourish in the region the work of such groups must be nurtured and supported.

And yet, in spite of these values and our own progress, one can only feel shame at the news that the US supported Palestinian Authority has ordered over 100 Non-Governmental Organizations to cease all operations immediately as part of a “State of Emergency” declared on June 14, 2007.

In response to the recent announcement, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights submits the following:

Affirms the right to form associations as a basic human right protected by the Palestinian Basic Law.

Points out that this decision is a violation of the Benevolent Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations Law No. 1 for the Year 2000 that states in its Article 37 that all violating associations must be given a written notice by the Ministry and to be given the legal timeframe to correct its conditions.

Calls upon the government in Ramallah to rescind this decision that will cut off humanitarian and emergency aid to thousands of Palestinian families.

Calls for keeping Palestinian civil society out of the ongoing power struggle, and to protect the independence of civil society and its work.

Stresses the importance of the role of civil society during the ongoing crisis, especially in the provision of humanitarian, emergency, and medical aid to Palestinian civilians.

With little in the way of resources and living under constant military threat this action can only serve to further civil unrest and discord. Many of these NGO’s provide humanitarian relief in the way of food and medical supplies, offer alternative activities for young children, education, and social programs.

Of course both Israel and the US will likely argue that these NGO’s have suspected “terrorist” ties, however what is more likely to appear is a lack of evidence and further violations of human rights, creating yet one more swirl in the endless cycle of violence that robs us all of our own freedoms.

The Trial of Saddam Hussein

2007-08-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

For the people of Iraq, justice was not served with the trial and execution of Saddam Hussein. Why? Because all Iraqi's especially the Kurds know that it was US companies who knowingly sold the Chemical Weapons used to murder them. In fact, after the US toppled Saddam, a memorial was built by the US to commemorate the gassing of the Kurds. It was quickly torn down by the Kurds themselves in protest to the hypocrisies of the US. The motivation for the speedy trial and execution of Saddam without International oversight, was indeed the complicity of the US in these crimes. The following documentary you will never see discussed in the US media.

He Just Keeps on Surging….

2007-08-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

One would think with the current status of the Iraq Occupation certain people, namely those in the Bush Administration would just sheepishly sulk around the White house until the end of Bush’s term. Regardless of the obtuse, thick, gross, malfeasance that currently dictates the decisions of “The Decider,” he continues to speak publicly.

Even worse, Americans continue to listen, actually engaging in the discussion as if any words that slip from his beak shaped mouth actually bear consideration! The only dialog that our “liberal” media should be engaged in with the President is that of a constant stream of questioning as to why it is we stay in Iraq when the Iraqi Parliament voted for a US troop timeline withdraw in June of this year!

The vote itself is reflective of Iraqi sentiment, the very same people Bush swore earlier this week to allow to choose their own Prime Minister, because, "It's not up to the politicians in Washington, D.C., to say whether he will remain in his position. That is up to the Iraqi people who now live in a democracy and not a dictatorship." And yet, we hear nothing of the majority vote in the Iraqi Parliament from an acquiescent media whose main job these days is to discuss only the political drama stirred up in Washington.

The current dialog only serves to further the imagery of Washington as an absurd political soap opera set during the early 1970’s in which Nancey Pelosi and Hillary Clinton play the emotional starlet’s, who willingly take on the role of helpless female victim while the male characters like Karl Rove and Donald Rumsfeld flee the scene in order to enjoy a life of adolescent freedom. And with great fanfare, of course, no soap opera would be complete without our hero’s, who enter the scene filled with Narcissistic promises of security and peace.

And while this drama unfolds before the American people, more Iraqi’s are dying and losing their homes, fighting a powerful military force for the small pieces left of their country. After executions of military assaults called such names as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Spring Cleanup, which in reality is a nice way of saying, “We are here to kill you,” the few people who are left actually attempting to use the Democracy that was so rudely shoved down their throats are the very people who have the smallest, quietest roles in our little American production.

True to the consistent hypocrisy of United States foreign policy, both the Democratic and Republican parties shout the most critical statements directed at Iraq’s inability to pass US directed “benchmarks”, namely the oil law generously drafted for Iraq by International Oil Companies.

Regardless of the latest 2007 Oil poll by KA Research, that clearly shows Iraqis oppose plans to open the country's oil fields to foreign investment by a factor of two to one (63% oppose to 31% for), this is the one issue Democrats and Republicans are able to set aside their staged spectacle only to once again, ignore the wishes of the Iraqi people. While Americans attentively follow the words of political pundits it is Iraqi voices that disintegrate into a fine mist, lost in the incessant rumble of meaningless political promises and words.

And George Bush keeps on surging…

“Like our enemies in the past, the terrorists who wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places seek to spread a political vision of their own -- a harsh plan for life that crushes freedom, tolerance, and dissent.”

…one must wonder exactly what “freedom” he is referring to here. It is indeed a harsh life that the Iraqi people find themselves living where their own political vision for Democracy is crushed by a military occupation that has no respect for Iraqis. With no potable water, little in the way of electricity, and increasing rates of disease, as an occupying force, it is the US, not the Iraqi government, that is accountable under the Geneva Conventions for supplying these services. We can add this digression as one more unspoken failure on the list of many.

…as the surge continues, Bush dares to discuss women’s rights…

“Others critics said that Americans were imposing their ideals on the Japanese. For example, Japan's Vice Prime Minister asserted that allowing Japanese women to vote would "retard the progress of Japanese politics."

“It's interesting what General MacArthur wrote in his memoirs. He wrote, "There was much criticism of my support for the enfranchisement of women. Many Americans, as well as many other so-called experts, expressed the view that Japanese women were too steeped in the tradition of subservience to their husbands to act with any degree of political independence." That's what General MacArthur observed. In the end, Japanese women were given the vote; 39 women won parliamentary seats in Japan's first free election. Today, Japan's minister of defense is a woman, and just last month, a record number of women were elected to Japan's Upper House. Other critics argued that democracy…”

…in a recent article by Global Research, Gahli Hassan discusses the plight of Iraqi women, “Under previous governments, “Iraqi women have enjoyed some of the most modern legal protections in the Muslim world, under a civil code that prohibits marriage below the age of 18, arbitrary divorce and male favouritism in child custody and property inheritance disputes”, as accurately described by Pamela Constable of the Washington Post. “Saddam did not touch those rights, but the U.S.-appointed IGC have voted to wipe them out”, added Pamela Constable. It is noteworthy that due to women’s participation in the Iraqi society, modern Iraq was an important cultural powerhouse before the invasion. It exported education, including arts and sciences to the rest of the Arab World.”

…the “surging” includes memories of Vietnam…

“…Vietnam is that the price of America's withdrawal was paid by millions of innocent citizens whose agonies would add to our vocabulary new terms like "boat people," "re-education camps," and "killing fields."

…however the “surge” never provides facts and figures. According to UNHCR approximately 1 million refugees earned the title of “boat people” over a five year period. This of course occurred, after a US military withdraw. In sharp contrast, while a US military presence has been in place, over a three year period UNHCR reports close to 4 million have been displaced. Perhaps the next surge should include the realistic term, “sand people.” Images of “killing fields” and “re-education camps” rightfully invoke feelings of disdain, disgust and despair, however, we are never asked by the American media or political talking heads to feel the same for our Arab neighbors.

…and of course, George Bush’s “surging” would not be complete without invoking memories of our own victim hood…

“There was another price to our withdrawal from Vietnam, and we can hear it in the words of the enemy we face in today's struggle -- those who came to our soil and killed thousands of citizens on September the 11th, 2001. In an interview with a Pakistani newspaper after the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden declared that "the American people had risen against their government's war in Vietnam. And they must do the same today.

If we were to abandon the Iraqi people, the terrorists would be emboldened, and use their victory to gain new recruits. As we saw on September the 11th, a terrorist safe haven on the other side of the world can bring death and destruction to the streets of our own cities. Unlike in Vietnam, if we withdraw before the job is done, this enemy will follow us home. And that is why, for the security of the United States of America, we must defeat them overseas so we do not face them in the United States of America.”

…however, the one point Bush fails to grasp is that comparing historical wars especially that of WW II to our invasion and occupation of Iraq after 9/11 would have been the equivalent of invading Venezuela after the events of Pearl Harbor.

As evidenced by his continued public presence, it is apparent that these simple truths remain habitually elusive to George Bush and his administration.

Occupation 101

2007-08-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

How to Destroy the Cradle of Civilization Part Three

2007-08-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

This is part three in a blog series highlighting aspects of the report recently released by the Global Policy Forum.

For a copy of the full report, you can find it

HERE

Also provided are links back to previous blogs in the series if you are inclined to read.

PART 1

PART 2

During the lead up to the war, I was dinning at a friend's house. One of the few politically aware friends I have, we discussed the possibility of invasion, what the consequences may be, and the dangers of pre-emptive war. As we sat in the living room discussing these issues, a picture flashed on the muted television of an Iraqi woman's body collapsed on top of her infant, melted together in a death grip, perpetrated upon them by chemical weapons.

For the next two days, I questioned my anti-war position; perhaps we were doing the right thing after all. During the six months after the invasion, I held my breath in hope. Upon my final exhalation, I was more convinced than ever we had not only done the wrong thing, but our tactics were just as bad as Saddam's, if not worse.

Weapons of Mass Destruction, Chemical Weapons, or WMD's, the name does not matter, the results are all the same. Innocent civilians killed mercilessly, with needless suffering and pain, and without discrimination. Napalm, White Phosphorous, Depleted Uranium, and Cluster Munitions, these are the names of Weapons of Mass Destruction. In the same way Saddam's use of chemical weapons during the 1980's and early 90's killed thousands of innocent civilians, so have the weapons of choice used by Coalition Forces; the one glaring difference, our use of these weapons have killed more than double that of the Iraqi Regime.

Napalm

Napalm is an inflammatory mixture of fuel and sticky

materials, employed in a firebomb. The US armed forces

use a modern form of napalm, known as the MK-77 Mod 5.

Naplam-type bombs ignite on impact, creating a fireball.

The burning gel sticks to structures and the bodies of victims,

killing them immolation and asphyxiation. Victims who survive

usually sustain extremely severe burns and body trauma. Many

die after periods of intense suffering and pain.

White Phosphorous

White Phosphorous is a wax-like incendiary agent used for

signaling, smoke-screening, and incendiary purposes. When

exposed to oxygen, WP ignites with a bitter garlic-like smell

and burns until the oxygen supply is cut off. It burns the skin

of the victims through their clothes, resulting in deep injuries

and in abdominal pain, jaundice, necrosis of bones and multi-

organ failure (mainly liver and kidneys), after which very few

survive. US troops used WP against ground targets during

initial combat in 2003 and in the battle of Falluja in

November 2004.

Depleted Uranium

Depleted Uranium is a toxic and weakly radioactive waste

product from the process of Uranium enrichment, used in

a range of weapons to penetrate the armor of tanks and

other armored vehicles at a great distance. According to the

Guardian, experts have calculated that Coalition forces

used between 1,000 and 2,000 tons of depleted uranium

anti-tank shells during the 2003 invasion and the immediately

subsequent fighting. A United Nations Environment Program

report tallies with this assessment.

Leading health experts have stated that powder from exploded

DU weapons may cause long-term negative effects on human

health. While the US military insists that DU does not pose a

health threat, many US and UK veterans from previous exposure

have suffered from unexplained illness including fatigue, sleep

disorders and memory loss (referred to as 'Gulf War Syndrome').

In Iraq, increases in cancers and birth defects have been reported

In areas where DU munitions had been used.

Cluster Munitions

Cluster Munitions contain hundreds of "bomblets" or sub

munitions designed to explode on impact. When hitting victims,

cluster munitions blast successive waves due to their

fragmentation effect. Fragments penetrate the body, creating

small often internal injuries. "Fragments travel through the

skin and muscles and hit a bone sending pressure waves into

the body and causing internal bleeding… During the 2003 air

campaign, US and British forces reportedly dropped thousands

of cluster munitions "in many populated areas throughout

Iraq, including Baghdad, Basra, Hillah, Kirkuk, Mosul,

Nasiriyah and other cities and towns."…The targeting of

residential neighborhoods with these area affect weapons

represent one of the leading causes of civilian casualties

in the war."

Take a look at this photo, one might suppose this was provided as evidence of the crimes committed by Saddam Hussein…think again, this photo was taken in 2004…..

At this point it is anybody's guess which government will invade US soil for our government's use of illegal, illegitimate, indiscriminate, and especially injurious Weapons of Mass Destruction. Maybe we will get lucky and the Bush Administration will save us from ourselves.

This report offers an important, in depth, perspective of the US occupation and our responsibility in following international law and basic human rights.

With an out of control Commander in Chief, a pathetically ineffective Congress, we need as much information as possible to make sound choices for the upcoming 2008 elections. All change in this country has begun with grassroots campaigns, if we can manage to pull our heads out, come together, and support candidates who reflect the direction we want this country to move, there is no reason we can't stop this madness!

How To Destroy the Cradle of Civilization Part Two

2007-08-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is part two in a series of blogs highlighting aspects of the recently released report by the Global Policy Forum.

For a copy of the full report, click HERE, also provided are links back to previous blogs in the series if you are inclined to read.

PART 1

Shortly after the invasion of Iraq, I recall sitting outside, in the sun, reading National Geographic. I came across an article reporting on the destruction and looting of Iraq's most precious resource, its history. Seared into my memory was the figure of a man with his head collapsed between his hands, crouched among the ruins of the National Museum. At one time this man was charged with the responsibility of caring for some of the worlds most prized and priceless artifacts. His posture as communicated by the photo spoke of his own grief and despair, and the despair of the world. These artifacts not only represented the history of Iraq, but ours as well; although known in America for an occupied country, a deposed dictator, and oil, Iraq is so much more. It is the very cradle of civilization; the beginnings of the civilized world as we know it originated on the land we now call Iraq.

Eight thousand years of history in the fertile valley of

Mesopotamia produced some of the world's greatest

cultural treasures and sites,

In recognition of this precious resource,

a delegation of scholars, museum directors, art collectors

and antique dealers me with officials at the Pentagon to

discuss the implications of the invasion. They warned that

Baghdad's National Museum was the single most important

site in the country.

Numerous warnings and pleas to honor the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Properties in the Event of Armed Conflict were issued as the fall of Iraq seemed imminent. The creation of this Convention was inspired by the destruction of Jewish art and cultural artifacts, motivated by genocide and perpetrated by the Nazi's during WW II.

The fall of Baghdad presented as victory for American audiences was quite something else for those concerned with these precious resources. As a signatory to the convention, US and coalition forces were bound by international law to protect these sites; however, once the looting and destruction began, US troops stood idly by participating in these crimes as passive observers. But we can not fault them, they were, after all, following orders, as they should. These orders included armed protection of the oil ministry, "but the soldiers said their orders prevented them from getting involved," in the protection of the museums and libraries. "Having demobilized the Iraqi army and police force, Coalition commanders exposed Iraq's cultural treasures to great danger and almost certain damage."

One can only wonder how on earth, we could have allowed this to happen, defying our responsibilities as occupiers under the rule of law.

Meet our friends at The American Council for Cultural Property. Interestingly enough, this group formed in 2002 and specialized in Middle Eastern art and antiquities.

One must wonder why this group would have formed at this point in American history.

Ashton Hawkins, president of The American Council for Cultural Property, enjoyed the company of George Bush. According to the report, he argued that, "legitimate dispersal of cultural material through the market" was "the best way to preserve it."

When considering the wealth of artifacts available, the question of profit motive and Mr. Hawkins true intent bears consideration.

With days of freedom handed out to looters and thieves, when they were done raping Iraq's history, "Coalition forces finally came to secure the premises."

The report goes on to cite numerous discouraging stories of the destruction and theft of Iraq's cultural heritage. The events are the same, US violations of treaties and laws deliberately and with mal intent perpetrated by the Bush Administration. The report concludes, "The Coalition has ignored and violated these international laws, resulting in great and irreparable damage to the cultural heritage of Iraq and all humanity."

The report offers an important, in depth, perspective of the US occupation and US responsibility in following international law and basic human rights. For the sake of stabilization and reparation, the US must first admit its wrongdoings and then take the next step. The denial of these crimes only serves to fuel anti-American sentiment in the Arab world.

How to Destroy the Cradle of Civilization Part 1

2007-08-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Stuff happens…Freedom is untidy"

~Donald Rumsfeld

More bits of wisdom from our friend Rumsfeld. Do you think at this point most Iraqi's agree? Is it possible that Iraqi's see their freedom as "untidy?"

This is the first in a series highlighting aspects of the recently released Global Policy Forum report on Iraq.

HERE

The introduction briefly describes the report overall, however there was one point I wanted to touch on that struck me. The concept that somehow the coalition forces are somehow innocently caught up in a civil war seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout media coverage, political rhetoric, and America's collective consciousness. This idea, although appealing to most patriots, places the responsibility for the violence in Iraq squarely on the shoulders of the Iraqi population, leaving the coalition forces and their leaders free of all responsibility.

This is the only aspect of this occupation, which is indeed, tidy. Media pundits and talking heads continually dismiss all coalition responsibility with the use of catch phrases like, "This is a religious war driven by different interpretations of Islam." And "There has been fighting between the Shi'a and the Sunni forever."

Handy… isn't it? This has been an issue that has bothered me for quite some time, and I was never quite able to place my finger on the source for my discomfort. After reading the report and considering a comprehensive evaluation and examination in the role the occupation has played in the violence has set this wondering to rest. Clearly lacking in discussion is the responsibility of the United States and UK leadership or lack thereof in the violent situation millions of Iraqi's are currently living under.

The report states:

Most public discussion of Iraq today-especially in the United

States-focuses on inter ethnic conflict among Iraqi's, the

"civil war," ethnic cleansing, terror bombing, and the like.

Commentators often blame these tragedies on flawed

concepts such as Iraqi's age-old ethnic hatreds, the extremes

of Islam, or the meddlesome impulses of neighboring countries.

Anything but the occupation itself.

It is imperative to note that the report critiques the US Occupation of Iraq from the perspective of international law. Regardless of what Bill O'Reilly tells you, we are accountable and expected to obey these laws.

It draws extensively on information in the public domain-

reports by governments, the United Nations, human rights

organizations and other NGO's, as well as journalists'

accounts.

The report continues:

The US and the UK are powerful nations that claim to

defend and promote the global rule of law. As permanent

members of the United Nations Security Council, they present

themselves as the guardians of order and justice in the world

insisting on the "rule of law," and chastising others for violations

of law and breaches of the peace.

I find it disturbingly interesting that everywhere in the Middle East, where the US and UK claim to be promoting Democracy and peace there is nothing by murder and chaos. You don't suppose this may be our fault…do you?

Contributors to the report include:

Arab Commission for Human Rights • Center for Constitutional Rights•
Center for Development of International Law • Code Pink
Council on International and Public Affairs • Fellowship of Reconciliation
Global Action on Aging • Global Exchange • Global Policy Forum
Hague Appeal for Peace • Instituto del Tercer Mundo • Institute for Policy Studies
International Center for Law in Development • International Women's Tribune Center
Iraq Analysis Group • Jewish Voice for Peace • Lawyers' Committee on Nuclear Policy
Mennonite Central Committee • Middle East Research & Information Project
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation • PLATFORM • Presbyterian United Nations Office
Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the Arab World • Social Watch
Tavola della Pace • Transnational Institute • United for Peace & Justice
United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society
US Labor Against the War • Weltwirtschaft, Ökologie & Entwicklung (WEED)
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

Palestine Day Nine

2007-08-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been hectic around here the past few days, we are gone all day talking with various NGO's and touring the West Bank. Unfortunately "touring" is not really the appropriate word...more like seeing the facts on the ground here.
Life for these people is hard, very hard...in fact, because of the construction of The Wall, for many it is impossible. Israel has cut off every possible connection from city to city and movement is difficult at best.
Yesterday, we had to walk through a checkpoint. It was disturbing...I can not imagine having to do it every day. As we passed, a large group of women and children were in front of us. I snapped as many photos as I could..one in particular was a beautiful shot of a woman with her newborn baby. She did not know I was taking it and I was able to capture her in a moment of motherly bliss. It was easy to recognize as I have felt it myself.
We went into Nablus, a city in a desperate state. There is little in the way of medical care, no cars can pass through on the main road. Israel has numerous blockades and checkpoints blocking movement from Palestinain city to Palestinain city. I suppose much like the walls and checkpoints set up through Baghdad they are in place so they (we) can protect them from themselves. Of course, no discussion of the fact that the occupation itself is the cause of violence, social discord and difficulty is ever brought into the fray by those who do not wish us to see the truth.
Once we had visited the organizations we were scheduled to see, we took a taxi back to the checkpoint, exited the cab, passed through security, only to enter another cab to finish our journey. The people we left behind are like caged animals, never allowed to leave.
As we passed through, in order to protect my precious photo I slipped my memory card in between my sock and my shoe...somehow it was lost. I can not help but feel I have somehow let the woman and her baby down...they, like the people of Nablus were left to rot in the heat and sand.
Tomorrow I am leaving the delegation in an attempt to meet with and interveiw a woman who was trapped at a checkpoint and forced to give birth there. I can only hope she will speak with me...no one can really understand the feel of these places without having been there...they are harsh and brutal. Even the woman on the loudspeaker screamed at us like we were trash. I do not even need to speak the language in order to detect the bile spewing forth. The tone of her voice, the dejected faces of the men, and the fear of the children was more than enough.
The wall they are building here is so sinister in its nature, not even I could imagine the truth...I hope many of you will take the time to read what is actually happening here. The Wall has little to do with security and everything to do with oppression and segragation. Eventually there will be "Jew" only and "Palestinian" only roads. The area between The Wall (the buffer zone) will become an industrial area where Palestinians can only enter with a work permit. The land itself is called a "no man's land" and according to Israeli rational will not be under the jurisdiction of Israeli law or International law, allowing Israeli corperations to operate freely and without responsiblity to environment or their slave labor force, the facts are all here, all one has to do is look.
The thing that shames me most, is that many of us don't care enough to look....they are after all just "terrorists."

The "Convergence Plan" Map - reframing the Palestinian ghettosMaps, Palestinian Grassroots Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, May 17th, 2006 The map shows the “new” Occupation scheme to ensure Palestinian rights continue to be negated and violated: the “Convergence Plan”. The plan is Israel’s latest attempt to legitimize the Palestinian ghettos, to permanently annex territory in the west of the West Bank, seal Palestinians in from the east, and surround a series of Palestinian Bantustans. Within the ruins of these leftover territories is to be found the future “state” of Palestine. The project - for which the Occupation now seeks the complicity of the international community – will:• annex all territories and resources west of the Apartheid Wall.• consolidate the annexation and ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem by confining further Palestinian residential areas outside the Wall. • create 3 Bantustans and 5 ghettos in and around Jerusalem for Palestinians which fall dramatically short for providing the means by which development can occur, whilst denying Palestinians the right to a dignified life • cover up a further 20% increase of settlement capacity within the West Bank.• bypass the ICJ decision on the illegality of the Wall, as well as numerous international laws and the UN resolutions• continue to deny Palestinian refugees their legal and just right of returnThe territory to be under Palestinian “administrative responsibility” reveals the same structures of miserable ghettos evident in all previous plans: Palestinians will have no control over borders. Living between razor wire fencing and the Apartheid Wall means a prison remains a prison regardless of its size.• Gaza has shown that the redeployment of settlers cannot be equated with achieving liberation and justice. Over 80% of Gaza’s population are refugees, still awaiting the implementation of their right of return to the 1948 areas. Palestinians have no authority over their borders with Egypt, the coast remains in the control of the Occupation, while the Palestinian population has become an easier target for Israeli military attacks and policies of starvation.For a complete analysis see:The Occupation's "Convergence Plan":Legitimizing Palestinian Bantustans

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2007-07-31T02:39:00.001-07:00

Ibda'a--"to create something out of nothing" The Ibda'a cultural center is the first of it's kind on the West Bank. With meager funding it was founded in 1994 and sought to provide opportunities for education to the youth and women of Deisheh Refugee Camp while educating the International Community about the hardships of Palestinian Refugees. One of many of Ibda's accomplishments is the founding of the IBDAA Basketball teams, and is the first in the West Bank to support a girl's basketball team.

So much for the oppressed women of the Middle East...meet Rawan Abo Aker and Shoroq Odeh, two beautiful young women empowered by the sport.

The influence of Ibda'a and its work has been far reaching and other refugee camps in the West Bank have followed suit. Similar programs have are now operational in every camp!
It has been through the use of sports, music, dance, education, and community building that Ibdaa has become a beacon of light and hope for the Palestinain people.
And last night was an evening of inspiration and had far reaching implications for the refugees living here. The boys basketball team is the first of its kind made up only of refugees...other municipalities have had the resources and opportunity to provide team sports for quite some time.

Last night the champoinship games were played, the two best teams in the West Bank pitted against each other in what would promise to be a thrilling game, better than any played by any professional American team...the chances of the Ibda'a team winning were slim, so slim in fact many of the players promised each other not to get their hopes up too high.

And yet inspite of the odds stacked against them, they pulled off a huge victory! The win was not just for the them as individuals, it was a win for all Palestinian Refugees...they have created something out of nothing...it has taken time, but they have done it!

Palestine Day Two

2007-07-30T15:27:00.001-07:00

Palestine July 30 - Leaving a small dress shop today, I was witness to the anger and frustration of those living thier lives in the Palestinain refugee camps. The majority of what I have seen thus far has been bantering among Palestinians about being a refugee...tonight when I said something rather silly, I was met with a few laughs and quips, "Jennifer is a refugee...see her, she can not even speak good English!" This followed by rolls of laughter and a sheepish grin from me. This humor has become an important outlet for many Palestinians living in Deisheh Refugee Camp - a place where there has been no running water for the fourth day in a row now. In protest to these conditions, numerous fires were lit in the street, followed by chanting and cheering. It was this scene that my gaze fell upon as I made my way back to the place we are staying.

And so many are powerless to help. In fact, it is the state of Israel who controls the water to the refugee camp and refuses to divert some of the 80% of water used by the state compared to the 20% that flows into the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority opperates as a governing body with no power at the United Nations, they are simply a Permanent Observer and it is up to the Security Council to force Israel to comply with the standards of International Law...with the US using it's veto power there is little or no hope for real change...I suppose that is one of the reasons they joke so much about being a refugee...if they didn't they might cry.

Palestine Day One

2007-07-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

The past few days have offered more than I could have ever imagined. I feel as if I am walking in a dream world...so much has happened.
I think the first thing I would like to share with you is a precious story...so precious it will remain with me forever. I have a person who reads my blogs, rarely, if ever comments, and sits in quiet strength on the sidelines.
With a military background, he has many times offered me insight and offered up possiblities that I had not previously considered. His view has helped to give my left leaning brain some balance. He has been attacked on my blog for his views, and has remeined patient, kind and consistent.
I will not mention his name here, he knows who he is...
A few months back while considering working for a private security company the likes of Blackwater, he sent me a message. After reading one of my blogs, he said he was considering going back to college or simply taking a different career path. One day before my departure, we spoke on the phone.
He choose his words carefully picking from the fresh new garden in his mind. His voice was soft yet strong and subtle with a deliberate tone.
He thanked me for my writing and said it helped him realize that we are talking about real people when we talk about war and security...real people who die, grieve, cry, sing, and dance...real people with real lives, just like you and me.
He informed me of his decision to shoot and aim a different peice of equipment...he is throwing in his gun for a camera and will use it to bear witness to the atrocities perpetrated on innocent civilians...
And when I heard this, I thought I would cry. Truth be told, I did.
In fact, if something were to happen to me today, I would say with great confidence I have completed the one task I set out to do...change just one mind. And I am glad it was his mind - although he does not know it, he has stolen a small piece of my heart.
The second thing I would like to share are some of my thoughts of Israel/Palestine...only a few though...I have so many.
Riding on the plane into Tel Aviv, I was surrounded by the sounds of an orchestra of varied languages and accents. The harmony of these voices was complimented by the chiming sounds of the children who were all around. Reminding me much of my own daughter, the expereince was bittersweet.
After a somewhat unnerving incidnet at the airport with security, I entered the country and have been awe struck. The people here are so warm...all of them. And so what does one do on their first night in a foregin land?
Go to a basketball game!
Peace...

An Open Letter to Maya Angelou

2007-07-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Dr. Angelou,

In just a few short days, I will board a plane headed for the Middle East to an area that has been plagued by war, humiliation, and the worst imaginable human sorrow. I will be traveling with Middle East Children’s Alliance – an organization of which you are a current Board Member.

In the past few months I have questioned the wisdom of my choice to take this journey, but for me not go, would be to deny the evolution of my very being – an evolution of which you and your writing have been an integral part.

As a young woman who was and is a survivor of abuse, rape, and parental neglect, I had few people in my life to teach me and show me the way to a better life. This was true until one day, at the age of seventeen; I picked up a book with the title I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Seeking comfort, its pages and words enveloped me with a protective cloak of hope.

To this day, the book and its author have inspired me.

Imagine my surprise as I received my letter of acceptance for this delegation to read the name of the woman who has been so influential in my choice to go on this journey listed as a Board Member. This connection to you only strengthened my desire to write and speak out for the women and children of the Middle East.

During Coretta Scott King’s funeral, you took the opportunity to speak for all women who suffer during armed conflict – I felt as if my very being had taken flight as I listened to your words and the pledge you made that day to her memory.

Many times on those late evenings, she would say to me, “Sister, it shouldn't be an either or, should it? Peace and justice should belong to all people everywhere all the time. Isn't that right?” And I said then and I say now, Coretta, you are absolutely right. I do believe that peace and justice should belong to every person, everywhere, all the time…I pledge to you, my sister, I will never cease. I mean to say, I want to see a better world. I mean to say, I want to see some peace somewhere. I mean to say, I want to see some honesty, some fair play. I want to see kindness and justice. This is what I want to see. I want to see it through my eyes and through your eyes, Coretta Scott King.

Indeed Dr. Angelou, peace and justice should belong to every person everywhere, all the time, including Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine.

My desire for peace and justice in the Middle East is fierce, shadowed only by the love for my own children. As a woman, mother, and lover of peace and justice, I feel safe in suggesting these are qualities you and I share.

It is this common desire that leads me to the purpose of this letter. As one who shares so much with you, I can only describe my state as incredulous upon the discovery that you have offered your support to the presidential campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton. I can only imagine your intent to be pure but sadly deficient in how this decision might affect the women and children of the Middle East.

With wretched stratagem, Hillary Clinton continues to mislead this country by openly criticizing Barack Obama for his sincere desire for diplomacy with Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, refusing to take the “military option” off the table in regard to solving difficulties with Iran, and worse, sacrificing her morality and abandoning the people who suffer daily in the occupied territory of Palestine and Israel simply to gain the financial backing of AIPAC – an organization who repeatedly lobbies for preemptive military action against Iran. She has repeatedly attempted to derail any punitive efforts by the international community for dealing with Israel’s human rights violations and has not used her influence to hold both sides accountable in a fair and just manner.

I write to you in the sincere hope that you will withdraw your support for Mrs. Clinton or you will at least use your influence as a writer, peace activist, and woman to address these issues in a substantive fashion. The calamity, ruin, and misfortune that has been wrought on the people of Iraq has been unjust and unnecessary. I fear support for Mrs. Clinton will result in a tragedy of cataclysmic levels for the women and children of the entire Middle East.

I trust that in remembrance of your promise to Coretta Scott King, you will at the very least consider all I have presented to you here and show the wisdom I am certain of which you possess.

Respectfully yours,

Jennifer