Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Winter Soldier Is Coming!
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
- Thomas Paine, from The Crisis, December 23rd, 1776
With those words Thomas Paine rallied those soldiers in the revolutionary army who were ready to go home at the end of their enlistments in the winter of '76 just as things were getting tough. But it was the "winter soldiers" who carried the day and won the glorious triumph of our independence from Great Britain. Vietnam Veterans Against the War revived this tradition with their Winter Soldier in January and February of 1971.
Now, IVAW will carry on that tradition of winter soldiering with our own event, "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan." We are planning to host our Winter Soldier in DC right before the 5th anniversary of the invasion (March 19th) on the weekend of March 15th and 16th.
I will be testifying to the abuse of detainees and having participated in the use of sleep deprivation and other inhumane treatment as well as the desecration of Iraqi bodies. These are not things that I like to talk about and involve various memories that were repressed at different times. I recently discussed handling of detainees and my role in that before an Amnesty International group in Connecticut of which my cousin is a member. It was awkward, but powerful according to everyone in the audience I spoke to.
Below is an email written by a friend of mine who is having a much more active role than myself in the planning of Winter Soldier, and I will let his words speak for themselves:
Dear Friends,
As you may or may not know, Iraq Veterans Against the War is currently organizing an exciting campaign called Winter Soldier: Iraq andAfghanistan. This March, over one hundred members of IVAW will gather in Washington DC to testify to the war crimes that they observed or participated in while deployed overseas. The goal of this testimony is to condemn military policies and challenge the liberation narrative being fed to the American public, not to implicate individual soldiers.
Personally, I will be testifying to the illegal use of Afghan corpses for medical "practice," which I witnessed while serving as a medic in Afghanistan.
Please take a moment to visit the Winter Soldier website and be among the first to sign our statement of support:http://www.ivaw.org/wintersoldier Once you've signed the statement, please forward this e-mail on to others.
If you have any questions about other ways that you can support this historic campaign, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
- Perry
Perry O'Brien
Testimonial Team Leader
Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan
perry.obrien@gmail.com
Monday, November 26, 2007
This is what I would look like if I was an anime character. Apparently, hearts would come out of my eye when I wink.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Random Thoughts
“Anger at a fool for harming others is like anger at a fire for burning things.”
Last week I went to my first study group at the local Buddhist temple. This group of laypersons (not monks, just enthusiasts of Buddhism) meets every two weeks to discuss various tenets of Buddhist philosophy. Incidentally, last week they were reading from and discussing chapter six of An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: War and Peace.
When I read the quote above, my mind leapt to Cheney. The “Pre-emptive strike doctrine” was also mentioned a couple of times. It would seem that taking this thought to its logical conclusion would mean that anyone who harms others is a fool, and therefore anger is unnecessary. Buddhism just so happens to provide direction for those who come to that conclusion: Conquer anger by love, conquer evil by good, conquer the stingy by giving, conquer the liar by truth.
So how does that apply to Cheney as I sit here wearing a baseball cap embroidered with “IMPEACH CHENEY”? Naturally, we had to discuss the just murder idea, or the idea that you could justify killing someone to save lives. There were even a couple of historical incidents with notable Buddhist monks who had murdered someone on this justification, but in the end, I think we ruled against the idea. Cheney’s policies based on ignorance are dependent on the ignorance of a lot of other people. You don’t actually have to fight Cheney himself to defeat his policies. Conquer the liar by truth, and the ignorant with knowledge.
When I give a speech, people always ask me “What can I do?” Aside from the normal stuff, like conventional activism, supporting IVAW and war resistors, and counter-recruiting, I tell them to share their passions. “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” Well, if you’re outraged (not angry, but passionate) then share that passion. Live that passion. After you’ve realized what’s going on in this country and the state of things in the world, you’d have to be crazy to sit down next to someone and strike up a conversation about the weather or about Britney Spears’ new haircut.
One Third of America
One third of America still thinks that, contrary to the 9/11 Commission report, and despite a complete lack of evidence, Saddam was personally involved in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. One third of America is not living in cabins in the mountains, shitting in a ditch, making moonshine, and oblivious to the world around them. THESE ARE PEOPLE YOU KNOW! They may be oblivious to the world around them, but if so, it’s deliberate, either on their part, or by those that have deliberately misled us.
ignoraholism: noun, pathology
The compulsive dependence upon (addiction to) distraction, a Socially Transmitted Disease.
Special thanks to Greg Wierzbicki for coming up with this. I’ve been railing against the broader social trends of ignorance and apathy for a while now, but putting the ignorance in this context gives us an interesting take on things. It’s easy to blame people for being ignorant when it is largely by choice, but it’s even easier for a vet to get angry talking to someone on the street who asks shit like, “Did Iraqis appreciate you being there?” “Well, except for the ones that were shooting at us!”
But when you put it into the context of a disease, it makes more sense to place blame on the person’s environment, the government, and the society that conditions them rather than the individual. But then, we as a people are ultimately responsible for those factors too.
One of my professor’s has a favorite joke that is relevant here: ”Do you know the difference between ignorance and apathy?” ”I don’t know and I don’t care.”
Welcome to 21st century America.
Hurray! We’ll only be in Iraq for another 12 YEARS!
US officials are celebrating the latest numbers to come from the UNHCR: approximately one thousand Iraqi refugees are returning every day! While this is a big improvement from previous levels, it is a fairly meaningless statistic. We still don’t know how many are LEAVING every day. Assuming it’s zero, given the 4.2 million refugees including the internally displaced, it will only take 12 years for them all to get home. But that assumes that they’re coming back to their original homes, which I will bet they’re not.
According to Lauren Frayer of the AP, it is “declining violence” that prompted the return of 46,030 refugees in October. “Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, the Iraqi spokesman for a U.S.-Iraqi military push to pacify Baghdad, said border authorities recorded 46,030 people returning to Iraq in October and attributed the large number to the "improving security situation."” Wow, Lauren automatically agrees with a puppet General’s assessment! What a surprise!
This number of 46K has been questioned (actually, it’s bullshit) because it is only a count of border crossings in one direction and does not discriminate returning refugees from visitors and businessmen. But this all might have something to do with Syria not renewing visas and tightening restrictions at the border. And according to the NYT, “The U.N. refugee agency has yet to update its own figures, which maintain that more Iraqis are fleeing than returning in most areas of the country.” “It seems likely that at least some refugees are returning, and their number may well be increasing. But the decline in violence in the capital is not the only factor that could be driving the trend. The A.P. said that visa-rule changes in Syria seem to be a leading contributor” So, the AP contradicts itself, and the NYT sets things straight, albeit on Mike Nizza’s blog.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Better Posts Coming Soon, Promise
Saturday, November 10, 2007
"They are not letting Dr. Paul in the Iowa Debates, let's email them!"
Iowa GOP inundated by irate calls from Ron Paul fans
MY EMAIL
Dear Iowa GOP,
As a veteran of the war in Iraq (Fallujah, '04) it is very disheartening to see that you are seeking to keep Ron Paul out of your debate. He is a veteran himself, and has received more contributions from active duty military than any other candidate. It would be a great disservice to the troops to keep him out of the debate. Please reconsider your criteria.
Sincerely,
Adam Kokesh
RESPONSE #1 from John Ortega:
Adam,
I beg to differ with you, Sen McCain has received more donations from veterans. Please have your supports mail messages to RPI who have set these rules, may I add for good reason!
John
MY REPLY:
John,
What documentation do you have that McCain has received more? BTW, I said active duty, not veterans. And according to the following, which are a very small sample of the sources that would back me up here, Ron Paul leads in military affiliated donations.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5223477.html
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.troops07nov07,0,5154766.story
http://ronpauldelaware.wordpress.com/2007/07/16/military-favors-ron-paul-over-mccain/
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7238667
Are you just making an assumption about McCain? Most people in the military can appreciate his service and suffering, but we can also see that he dangerously hyper-aggressive and eager to put troops unnecessarily in harm's way. See him singing about bombing Iran here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-zoPgv_nYg
It is highly irresponsible for a Senator to "make foreign policy" in song. Now that the video has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people, many in Iran, there is no doubt that if they didn't hate us before, they hate us now for our posturing. Military personnel who know from experience just how stretched thin we are can see how irresponsible this is.
Yours,
Adam Kokesh
RESPONSE #2 from Ray Hoffman:
Most likely he is in
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
RESPONSE #3 from Mark J Lucas:
FYI, I'm working on this issue. Thank you for your service. Mark
Mr. Rufty,
I've been doing some checking. The state central committee has not discussed this issue. I will continue to become informed on this issue and let the rest of my committee know my feelings. I think the issue will be debated between the Iowa GOP and Fox News.
Warmest Regards,
Mark
On 11/7/07, daniel rufty
The way I understand it is that Fox news is keeping Ron Paul out of
the Iowa debates, just as they have left him out of all the polls
results. I hope that you can do your part in keeping the Iowa polls
fair. Me and all the other Ron Paul supporters will appreciate it. Oh
yea i will be leaving your name out out of the article.
Ron Paul 2008!!!!!!!!
On Nov 7, 2007 10:41 AM, Mark J. Lucas
> Mr. Rufty,
>
> I'm receiving a lot of email about Ron Paul. Is he not participating in our
> debate? Because that would be news to me. I believe the state and national
> party should remain neutral and allow all viable candidates to debate the
> issues. I consider Mr. Paul a viable candidate.
>
> Mark
>
> On 11/7/07, daniel rufty
> > I will be publishing your name and your crooked acts in my local
> > newspaper Carolina Nickel next issue. Why do you fight against Ron
> > Paul so much. Just let it be fair. Are you scared that our country
> > might change for the better.
> >
> > RON PAUL 2008!!!!!!!!!!
> --
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
ORIGINAL EMAIL:
They are not letting Dr. Paul in the Iowa Debates, lets email them!
PLEASE REPOST THIS FAR AND WIDE!!!!
IT HAS GONE LITTLE NOTICED UNTIL I HEARD ABOUT IT ON RON PAUL'S CAMPAIGN WEBCAST THIS EVENING. FOX NEWS HAS NOW OFFICIALLY DECLARED WAR AGAINST RON PAUL, AS WELL AS, ALL OF US, AND IT IS NOW TIME THAT WE SERIOUSLY TAKE THE FIGHT BACK TO THEM!!!!!!!!
IT APPEARS (FROM THE IOWAPOLITICS. COM WEBSITE) THAT FOX NEWS IS TRYING TO KEEP RON PAUL OUT OF THE DECEMBER 4TH DEBATE IN IOWA!!! THIS IS FROM IOWAPOLITICS. COM....PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO LAST PARAGRAPH WHERE IT STATES THAT IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE DEBATE.....
The candiadates must have:
"Garnered at least 5% of the NATIONAL ELECTORATE as determined by an average of the most recent national TELEPHONE POLLS of registered voters conducted by non-partisan public opinion polling organizations leading up to the registration deadline AS DETERMINED BY FOX NEWS CHANNEL AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA OR garnered an average of at least 5% in the most recent polls of Iowa voters conducted by the American Research Group and the Des Moines Register."
http://www.iowapoli tics.com/
Republican Party of Iowa: To host presidential debate in Des Moines
11/6/2007
Contact: Mary Tiffany (515) 282-8105
Debate to be nationally televised by FOX NEWS CHANNEL
The Republican Party of Iowa announced today that it will hold its presidential debate at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines. The event, to be held the evening of December 4, 2007, will be the first debate in Iowa to be televised by FOX News Channel this election season, as well as the first debate sponsored by the Republican Party of Iowa.
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Ray Hoffmann said, "With the caucuses less than a month away, our December 4 debate will be very telling to Iowans and the nation. We are thrilled to be having this event in central Iowa, and right in downtown Des Moines which will be the epicenter on caucus night."
What I am doing is sending Mr. Hoffman an email, (ray@iowagop.org
Ray Hoffmann, Chairman
Sioux City
Dear Mr. Hoffman,
I wanted to let you and all of the IOWA folks know that my wife and I are in our early 80s and have always voted Republican. I am letting you know that if you try this criteria garbage whose sole purpose is to eliminate Ron Paul from the debate in December, my wife and I and over 10+ family members have decided that we will not only vote for the "WICKED BITCH OF THE EAST" come 2008, but send her $500 on top of that.
But if you insist on a criteria then it should be on those candidates that have not raised over $4 million dollars in a single day, of which my family did their part.
I am a WWII and Korean veteran.
Capiche!
Robert and Gloria Beckett and family.
The debate will be limited to those candidates who have satisfied the following criteria:
1. Announced a formal campaign for President: and
2. Filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission; and
3. Met all U.S. constitutional requirements; and
4. Garnered at least 5% of the national electorate as determined by an average of the most recent national telephone polls of registered voters conducted by non-partisan public opinion polling organizations leading up to the registration deadline as determined by Fox News Channel and the Republican Party of Iowa or garnered an average of at least 5% in the most recent polls of Iowa voters conducted by the American Research Group and the Des Moines Register.
AND THIS JUST HAPPENS TO COME OUT THE EXACT DAY THAT RON PAUL HAS MADE HISTORY BY RAISING MORE MONEY IN ONE DAY THAN ANY OTHER CANDIDATE!!!!!
THEY KNOW THAT RON PAUL DOESN'T REGISTER IN THESE BOGUS "NATIONAL PHONE POLLS" AND THUS GIVES THEM A PLAUSIBLE REASON TO EXCLUDE HIM FROM THE DEBATE EVEN IN THE FACE OF SUCH OUTSTANDING SUPPORT THAT WAS EVIDENT TODAY!!!
WE ALL MUST DO SOMETHING!!! !!
These are all the contacts in IOWA with the GOP:
State Central Committee
Ray Hoffmann, Chairman, Sioux City, rayhoffmann@iowagop.org
Leon Mosley, Co Chairman, Waterloo, lmosley7@mchsi.com
Chuck Laudner, Executive Director, Des Moines, claudner@iowagop.org
Paula Dierenfeld, Legal Counsel, Des Moines, psd@nyemaster.com
Kathy Pearson, Pres. IFRW, Cedar Rapids, kpearson@kaas-emp.com
Phyllis Kelly, National Committeewoman, Charles City, phyllisk@fiai.net
Steve Roberts, National Committeeman, Des Moines, steveroberts@lawiowa.com
Karl Gilbertson, Cedar Falls, guntherg@cfu.net
Lisa Smith, Secretary, Ottumwa, jlsGOPFan@hotmail.com
Steve Scheffler, West Des Moines, SLScheffler@aol.com
Dan Nicholson, Dubuque, danielenicholson@mchsi.com
Mark Lucas, Wilton, mlucas@netins.net
Loras Schulte, Norway, loras007@southslope.net
John Ortega, Bettendorf, johnjortega@msn.com
Bill Vernon, Cedar Rapids, bvernon@moyerbergman.com
Ted Sporer, Clive, TFSporer@sporerlaw.com
David Jamison, Ames, ddj28@mchsi.com
Bill Anderson, Sioux City, wra1977@cableone.net
Bonnie Hall, Boone, bonniehall@signatureblue.com
Reid Houser, Treasurer, Treynor, reid.houser@sitel.com
Larry Smith, Truro, thebizpro@hotmail.com
Dave Raak, Hospers, phoner@nethtc.net
Here are all of their emails in easy format so that you can copy and paste to send them all an email:
rayhoffmann@iowagop.org
lmosley7@mchsi.com
claudner@iowagop.org
psd@nyemaster.com
kpearson@kaas-emp.com
phyllisk@fiai.net
steveroberts@lawiowa.com
guntherg@cfu.net
jlsGOPFan@hotmail.com
SLScheffler@aol.com
danielenicholson@mchsi.com
mlucas@netins.net
loras007@southslope.net
johnjortega@msn.com
bvernon@moyerbergman.com
TFSporer@sporerlaw.com
ddj28@mchsi.com
wra1977@cableone.net
bonniehall@signatureblue.com
reid.houser@sitel.com
thebizpro@hotmail.com
phoner@nethtc.net
PASS THIS ONE TO EVERYONE & EVERY GROUP, SO WE CAN ALERT ALL RON PAUL SUPPORTERS IN IOWA THAT ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO MAKE SURE THAT FOX NEWS DOES NOT KEEP RON PAUL OUT OF THIS DEBATE!!!!!
You can help by signing this petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/
Bill Topel
http://www.freedomw riter.com
http://www.myspace. com/alaskafreedo mwriter
http://www.flickr. com/photos/ freedomwriter/ sets
Registered Non-Partisan & Music Aficionado
Granny Warriors
Help get Ron's name out -click here !
"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. Property must be sacred or liberty cannot exist." John Adams
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
New Tattoo
As a demonstration of my commitment to Iraq Veterans Against the War, I have decided to get an IVAW tattoo on my right forearm to mirror the USMC tattoo on the left. (see photo)
It reads:
For those who fight for it,
Life has a special flavor,
The protected never know.
USMC
I have an idea for what the IVAW tattoo would say that would be an expression of the philosophical ideals of IVAW, but I am open to suggestions. It should be approximately the same number of words or letters per line, and ideally in the same tempo. If anyone comes up with something better than what I have, I'll use it and put your name underneath. Just kidding! But you will at least get credit for it here and my eternal gratitude.
I will be posting suggestions as they come in, even if in the form of hate mail and good-natured joshing. Here is the first from Sholom Keller, IVAW member extraordinaire:
Goddamn hippies,
They say they want to change the world,
But all they do is smoke pot and smell bad.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Rally in Philly
I went to the UFPJ rally in Philly this past weekend to hang out with some vets, talk to counter-protestors, and because, well, if not really that useful, big protests are fun! So since there was a caravan from Arlington Cemetery up to Philly being led by IVAW Bus (Yellow Rose of Texas Bus For Peace, driven by Jim “Captain Jim” Goodnow) I joined in with my Bronco. I would have ridden in the bus, but I was staying in Philly until Monday since I was speaking at Moorestown Friends School in New Jersey on Monday afternoon, and that gave me the chance to hang out with my IVAW buddies in Philly and check out the national office on Monday.
We pulled up in Philly as the march was “picking up the links in the human chain” about half way down its route and I snuck in front of the police escorts with the bus. After a while of driving at the pace of a peace march, I decided to ditch the Bronco in a garage, then run and catch up with the bus. I made it just as the bus was pulling up to the rally point.
The crowd was a bit disappointing, but still solid given the weather. I got to meet up with some friends from Veterans For Peace and some student organizers I’ve worked with just before Kelly Dougherty, the IVAW Executive Director, got on stage to speak. Despite having a very sweet demeanor and voice for an Iraq vet, she has a way of always getting people riled up and passionate about direct action, which she did.
I did a couple TV interviews when the caravan stopped in Baltimore to pick some people up at a church, and said that this day of protests was one for the movement, one for the people. We’re deliberately not doing something in DC because we are sick of asking for them to end this war. We the people have to stand up and stop this war for ourselves. Fortunately, I think this theme was reflected in a number of speakers, most notably Kelly, the Reverend Lennox Yearwood, and Desiree Fairooz of CodePink, who all strongly encouraged listeners to step up their game and rise to the occasion.
I was fortunate enough to catch one former Devil Dog who was there by himself and didn’t know about IVAW. He had come wearing his green digital blouse, clearly wanting to represent himself as an anti-war veteran, but having no idea what that meant. We chatted for a while about what he was going through in terms of PTSD and being home with his buddies, one of whom is missing his legs due to an IED, and is struggling with the idea of whether it was worth it or not, desperately clinging to the hope that it was.
Kelly came over, and organized as she is, had a membership application for him right there. He took it and said he would send it in when he got home. About an hour later, our paths crossed again as we were leaving. He had been walking back towards the protest when one of the cops started giving him a hard time. He made the right choice to walk away, but was a bit shaken when he ran into me. I told him it just comes with the territory, just part of the struggle. We all get used to it.
Me, Jim Goodnow, and Executive Director of Delaware Valley Veterans for America, Bill Perry
Monday, October 29, 2007
A REAL TWO-STATE SOLUTION FOR THE MIDEAST
By John Judge
Stage One – Define all areas where Israelis and Palestinians currently live and consider as their homeland, excluding other surrounding nation state boundaries and ceding those uncontested areas for a resolution, dropping all claims for the land by outside states.
Stage Two – Within the defined area, identify by satellite, ground reconnaissance, scientific exploration and common usage all useable and sustainable resources in the area, including water, arable land, amenable or untenable habitat, access to roads and various areas. Draw a clear map of those resources and the area.
Stage Three – Divide as practicably and fairly as possible all those various resources by drawing a line and building a very high wall separating the two states, create one secured gate along the wall, with no other openings, and install a metal detector which is linked to timed movement of impenetrable barriers at either side of the opening.
Stage Four – Isolate and disarm or destroy all weapons of mass destruction, long range weapons, large scale explosives and aircraft or large vehicles usable for warfare currently within the whole area, leaving small arms and munitions intact. Assign this task and future security in this regard to members of the Israeli peace and military resistance communities and Palestinians who also have worked for peace, with transparency and oversight.
Stage Five – Create two states on either side of the walled divide. One state will be made up of Palestinians and Israelis who are sick of fighting, and one state will be made up of Palestinians and Israelis who wish to continue fighting. Allow free choice at any time for anyone to choose or change states, using the single gate, but not allowing passage of weapons. That is the purpose of the metal detector.
Stage Six – Surround the entire area of both states with an international ground, water and air based peace keeping force which cannot enter, provide weapons or use weapons within either state, and whose purpose is to secure those borders from passage of any weapons or combatants into either state or persons who are not already part of the citizenry or legal immigrants based on ethnic heritage. Create a form of identification for both Palestinians and Israelis that will allow them to travel outside the two states freely, but not to return with weapons.
Stage Seven – Reach an agreement with the surrounding states and international community that no military aid of any kind can be sent to either state, and that all humanitarian aid be distributed and delivered at secured points into both states fairly and in response to real needs. Prevent any use of international banking or funding to create or support training, recruitment or support for any combatant.
Stage Eight – Support and assist the creation of a fully democratic society within the larger peaceable state area. If serious conflicts arise, offer both sides the option to cross the wall and settle their differences.
Stage Nine – When the final individual or small group comes to the single gate to declare a complete victory from inside the combative state, it will be verified independently from satellite and unarmed air reconnaissance, as well as any other practicable method. At that point, provide medals for the “winning” side, let them return to the peaceable state without weapons and upon agreement that they will not renew in or engage in combat or hostilities. Let them name the new country, then remove the wall and restore the infrastructure to allow settlement of all originally designated lands by both Israelis and Palestinians in a democratic society. Get back to business.
Stage Ten – Bring international pressure to bear for full recognition and peace treaties with all surrounding states, membership in the United Nations, any cooperative regional bodies and international support for the new state. Send the peacekeeping forces home. Restore trade and open borders and broader immigration into the new combined state with the provision that combative elements will immediately be deported.
Let peace live, for without it the planet will die and all of us with it.
Proposed by John Judge
The Real Democracy Project
PO Box 722
Washington, DC 20044
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Jason Mattera interviews Adam Kokesh at GWU
This was a fun discussion I had with Jason Mattera last night outside of the "Pray for Peace" event after Horowitz spoke across the street. I have never said that Horowitz shouldn't be allowed to speak, but it's funny that people have taken it that way. Horowitz's whole shtick is to say "the left does this," and "the left does that." He has said repeatedly that white conservatives are under attack on college campuses. He's right. I'm a white conservative. Ned Goodwin who helped put up the fliers is a white conservative. Horowitz, a former communist himself, has accused us of being communists, liberals, leftists, and moonbats. He has called for us to be expelled. Apparently, Horowitz is attacking white conservatives! Ironic, isn't it?
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
CBO estimates $2.4 trillion long-term war costs
Comments here courtesy of Mike Ferner:
Costs not included:
Long-term V.A. costs to care for the terribly wounded;
Survivors' benefits;
Medical, criminal justice and social costs when a vet with PTSD has problems 10 years later;
Loss of productivity of permanently disabled vets;
Broken marriages;
Health effects from exposure to depleted uranium;
Cost to society when the researcher who would've found a cancer cure, a youth leader, teacher, etc. are killed in their youth.
As Iraq Veterans Against the War says, "War is not a game."
REUTERS U.S.
CBO estimates $2.4 trillion long-term war costs http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2450753720071024?pageNumber=2#sl_CommentsInputAnchor
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost taxpayers a total of $2.4 trillion by 2017 when counting the huge interest costs because combat is being financed with borrowed money, according to a study released on Wednesday.
With President George W. Bush indicating a large contingent of U.S. troops likely will be engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan for many years to come, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the total tab for the wars from 2001 through 2017.
CBO estimated that interest costs alone from 2001-2017 could total more than $700 billion.
So far, Congress has given Bush $604 billion for the two wars, with about $412 billion spent in Iraq, according to CBO, which is Congress' in-house budget analyst. In Iraq alone, the United States is spending about $11 billion a month, with costs escalating.
Bush is seeking another $196 billion for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan through September 30 and Congress is expected to debate that request over the next few months.
CBO estimated that between 2008 and 2017, the wars could cost slightly more than $1 trillion, assuming overall troop strength is cut to 75,000 by 2013.
Currently, there are about 170,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and another 26,000 in Afghanistan.
Finance charges for the money already spent on the war will total $415 billion from 2001 to 2017, according to CBO. For the next decade, "interest outlays would increase by a total of $290 billion over that 10-year period," CBO told the House Budget Committee, which is reviewing long-term war costs.
"To put it all on our credit cards with no accountability, with no plan to pay for it, I think is the height of irresponsibility," said Rep. James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat who serves on the budget panel and is an outspoken war critic. "It will be just one more toxic legacy of this disastrous war we will have to leave our kids to clean up."
With national elections about a year away and public discontent with the Iraq war running deep, Democrats are highlighting the huge costs of the Iraq war as they seek $22 billion more than Bush wants for domestic social programs such as health care and education.
Bush has vowed to veto the added funding.
CBO estimated that of the $2.4 trillion long-term price tag for the war, about $1.9 trillion of that would be spent on Iraq.
© Reuters 2006
Saturday, October 20, 2007
National Project to Defend Dissent & Critical Thinking in Academia
National Project to Defend Dissent & Critical Thinking in Academia put out an "URGENT call to support students opposing IFAW at GWU"
On Monday October 8, 2007, 7 students from George Washington University took the initiative to counter David Horowitz's "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week". As part of a creative effort to inspire an apathetic study body, they created satirical flyers of a "typical" Muslim terrorist. The bottom of the flyer clearly indicated their satirical intent, highlighting a link to The Power of Nightmares, a powerful BBC documentary exposing the politics of terror and the erroneous equation of Islam with terrorism.
This intervention was meant to raise awareness, reveal the faulty assumptions of Horowitz's divisive campaign, and motivate students to oppose the organized celebration of racism. With fervor that only right-wing interest groups seem able to muster these days, the protest action itself was condemned as "racist" and used as political fodder to suppress criticism of the week.
As a result, the students have been unfairly tried in the court of public opinion and this week face internal disciplinary charges by GWU's Student Judicial Services, while the sponsors of and speakers scheduled for "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week" remain unchallenged.
Please circulate this call to your lists, and e-mail both the GWU President and Student Judicial Services, urging them to drop any punitive actions against the 7 students for their attempts to highlight the dangerous presumptions underlying Horowitz's campaign and asking President Knapp to join the many institutions around the country who have refused to support "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week".
GWU President Steven Knapp: sknapp@gwu.edu
Student Judicial Services: sjs@gwu.edu
Thank you for joining us in countering yet another attempt at silencing dissent.
And a great poem that appears on the sidebar of that page:
In Praise of Doubt
There are the thoughtless who never doubt.
Their digestion is splendid, their judgement infallible.
They don't believe in the facts, they believe only in
themselves.
When it comes to the point
The facts must go by the board.
Their patience with themselves
Is boundless. To arguments
They listen with the ear of a police spy.
The thoughtless who never doubt
Meet the thoughtful who never act.
They doubt, not in order to come to a decision but
To avoid a decision. Their heads
They use only for shaking. With anxious faces
They warn the crews of sinking ships that water is
dangerous.
Beneath the murderer's axe
They ask themselves if he isn't human too.
Murmuring something
About the situation not yet being clarified, they go to bed.
Their only action is to vacillate.
Their favorite phrase is: not yet ripe for discussion.
* * *
Therefore, if you praise doubt
Do not praise
The doubt which is a form of despair.
What use is the ability to doubt to a man
Who can't make up his mind?
He who is content with too few reasons
May act wrongly
But he who needs too many
Remains inactive under danger.
– Bertolt Brecht.
CAPTAIN KOPEIKIN
My name is Captain Kopekein, I will not go away,
I´ve served in many armies but it is Iraq today--
Civilians have me in their sights and have me in their pay,
But when it comes to benefits,
Then it´s--
"What´s that you say?"
"Cannon" destroyed my ears and scrambled all the brains inside,
But politicians label me a nation´s foremost pride;
Alas the springs of sympathy have all gone up and dried,
For when it comes to benefits
Then it´s
"Good lad, abide."
"Soldier abide" they tell me but I´ve been abiding long,
Can´t get no work; but I am broke that once was manly strong,
Yet though parades call up my name when there´s a motley throng,
When it comes to my benefits
Then it´s
"Is something wrong?"
It´s hard to hobble half a man but I am growing old,
Perhaps I have sweet children to be sheltered from the cold,
And though they might be gratified their father "was so bold"
When it comes down to benefits
Then it´s
Patience to hold.
You sent me to Fallujah when I couldn´t find no job
At home--it´s robbing Peter whereby Paul so as to rob,
But even in Iraq a-firing shots into the mob
Has brought me meager benefits,
When it´s--
Corn on the cob.
God bless you--all so civilized--as I tried to uphold
Your words of truth and beauty; thought your words were good as gold,
In which I was mistaken--that am no more thought-controlled,
For now I know the benefits
Of it´s
Less than extolled.
As Captain Kopeikin I cannot die or go away,
But rest upon your conscience, even while the children play,
For my wounds grieve me less than must your own auto-da-fe,
For when it comes to benefits
Then it´s
Your hell to pay.
--I.M. Small
Thanks to the anonymous poster who left this as a comment on the previous post.
The trailer for Veterans Against the War
The trailer/demo reel for Veterans Against the War (working title): a documentary produced and directed by Katherine Niemczyk about soldiers speaking out about past and present war experiences. Look for the completed documentary at the end of 2008!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The David Horowitz Machine Strikes Back!
Someone at Horowitz's FrontPageMag has decided to fight satire with satire. I guess it's better than the lies the rest of the "right wing blogosphere" has been spreading about me lately. The only problem is, this isn't based on a real event. But hey, good on you for having a sense of humor.
Who Hates Americans?
By Ishmael Vera
FrontPageMagazine.com Monday, October 15, 2007
The campaign mounted by campus leftists against Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, which is scheduled to take place on more than 100 campuses during the week of October 22-26 has taken a new turn with the announcement of a counter-protest at the Washington Monument. The protest, which will be called “American Fascism Awareness Day” is being organized by Adam Kokesh of Iraq Veterans Against the War, the Revolutionary Communist Party, Students for Justice In Palestine, and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee among others and will feature speakers such as congressman Dennis Kucinich and presidential candidate Ron Paul, anti-war activists Cindy Sheehan and Harry Karry and actor Sean Penn. According to a spokesperson for the Revolutionary Communist Party, one of the sponsors of the event, “This is an answer to the Jew Horowitz and the neo-conservative Zionists who dragged us into an imperialist war in Iraq and are spreading hatred against Muslims to support their war plans against the Republic of Iran.”
Flyers for the American Fascism Awareness Protest were distributed on at least ten campuses which are scheduled to hold Islamo-Fascism Awareness Weeks in 9 days. (The text of the flyer is reprinted below.) Many Americans contacted by Frontpagemag.com were outraged over the announced protest. Latisha Freeman, an African American student at one of the campuses that was flyered commented that all Americans were not racists and that the flyer was generally “unpatriotic and unfair.” American Legion commander K. “Ike” Landsman, was blunter. “These are communist ingrates who don't appreciate this great country and they ought to be deported to Iran or Afghanistan where they would be welcome." Fox News Channel anchor Alan Colmes, had a different take. “Lighten up,” Colmes said when he was shown the flyer; “this is a parody of views that liberals actually have. No one should get upset. This is just free speech in action.”
Who Hates Americans? We Do.
Your typical American is:
Ø A racist. A sexist. A homophobe.
Ø An Islamo-phobe.
Ø Is willing to invade other countries for oil and pleasure.
Ø Is easily manipulated by Rush Limbaugh and Jews.
Ø Is the cause of global warming.
Join Us For American Fascism Awareness Day
Place: Washington (Slaveholder) Monument
Date: November 31, 2007
Time: 12PM-2:00 PM
Speakers:
Dennis Kucinich, Ron Paul, congressmen
Sponsors:
Peace and Social Justice Crusade, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Code Pink, Muslim Students Association, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Students for Justice in Palestine, Revolutionary Communist Party, International A.N.S.W.E.R., Moveon.org, DailyKos.com, Indy-Media.org, HuffingtonPost.com, Ivorypower.com
Frankly, I would be honored to share a stage with Kucinich and Paul. For Kucinich, I'm not so much a supporter as I am an enthusiast. He is one of the few members of Congress who still have principles and stick to them. I'm much more a supporter of Paul because I think his principles about the Constitution and limited government are closer to my own, but I have the same respect for both of them. It's funny to note that Paul is now lumped in with this communist slur when his (our) views of limited government are really the opposite of communism. It also says "congressman Dennis Kucinich and presidential candidate Ron Paul" when they are actually both congressmen and both presidential candidates.
I have never accused anyone of being a Zionist, but I would agree that there are people who "are spreading hatred against Muslims to support their war plans against the Republic of Iran.” As we have seen Alan Greenspan's pronouncement, “I am saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil," vindicate those who used to shout, "No blood for oil," (which even I thought was silly) I think I will be vindicated on this one in time. But I hope not, as that would mean some kind of military strike on Iran, which I pray isn't necessary.
We at Students for Neo-Conservativo Fascism Awareness (SNCFA) were actually tossing aroung the idea about putting up fliers for a "Christiano-Fascism Awareness Week" to call attention to the parallel hijacking of the Christian faith in America by Bush, the Neocons, and the religious right. Of course, there wouldn't be a real event, but we could direct people to a website expounding on the flier.
We have a venue now for my speech for next week. I will be going on the day after Horowitz in the room (a larger room) next door in the Marvin Center at GWU. The flier reads:
RECOVERING
FROM RACISM
On the effects of war on racism and the dehumanization of the Iraqi people
Adam Kokesh served as a Sergeant on a Marine Corps Civil Affairs Team in the Fallujah area from February to September of 2004. “Racism is inevitable when we go to war with people ethnically different from us. This racism has led to the horrific treatment of Native Americans, the death of one million Filipinos, internment of Japanese-Americans, the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan after they were ready to surrender, the killing of over a million noncombatants in Vietnam, the mass round up of Arab-Americans, and the torture at Abu Ghraib. I had to go out to a checkpoint at a Civil Affairs facility after the Abu Ghraib scandal broke and convince the Iraqi people that we were there to help them. This racism is bad for the troops and bad for the world. It should be studied and opposed, not celebrated as it is now in its latest form: Islamophobia. Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, being brought to campuses nationwide by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, is the epitome of this racism.”
Friday, October 26th, 7-9pm
Marvin Center, Room 405, 21st and H St NW
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Letter to the Chairman of the IVAW Board of Directors and His Reply
SPC REPPENHAGEN, I am SFC FRANK TOSTANOSKI, assigned as an Army Reserve Career Counselor with RRTO, Region 7.
SPC REPPENHAGEN, I am certain that you are aware of the fact that you are a member of the Individual Ready Reserve and that we are seeking individuals that are interested becoming part of our organization. Currently the Army Reserve is offering a couple of Incentives to those who elect to join that may interest you. One Incentive for joining is a $10,000 Affiliation Bonus. Current members of the IRR who elect to take advantage of this incentive will be required to service in the Army Reserve for a period of only three years. The Army Reserve is offering 24 Month Stabilization from deployment for those interested in the Army Reserve but feel that possible deployment would hinder their civilian pursuits. In addition, you may qualify to have your Military Service Obligation reduced in half; shorting your obligation by up to 24 months.
SPC REPPENHAGEN, there are a variety of career fields that can be found in the Army Reserve near your home that include; Medical, Computer Tech, Civil Affairs, Drill Sergeant, ROTC, Formal Trainers/Instructors, Chemical, Military Intelligence, Engineer, Law Enforcement, Accounting, Legal, Personnel Management, Public Affairs, CID, Watercraft Marine Operations, Communications, Military Police, Fire Fighter, Transportation, Fire Fighter, Mechanic, Aviation, Petroleum, Logistics, and Linguistics to name a few.
Members of the Army Reserve also are able to participate in two week Active Duty exercises each year in places such as; Alaska, Asia, Europe, Hawaii, and throughout the U.S.
Below is a rollup of some Incentives, Entitlements and Benefits of being a member of the Army Reserve. Please consider your options:
· PART-TIME work with FULL-TIME Benefits
· MSO Reduction
· 24 Month Stabilization
· $10,000 Affiliation Bonus for IRR’s joining a Reserve Unit
· Command Assignments Available
· 100% Tuition Assistance (Allowed to be combined w/ Select Reserve GI Bill)
· Selective Reserve GI BILL
· MOS Re-class options available
· FULL-TIME Soldier Program, AGR
· Post and Base Exchange access
· Commissary access
· $400,000 SGLI
· Dental Coverage
· Medical Coverage
· Free Military Airlift for Space Available Travel
· Earn Retirement Pay for part time work
When you are considering your benefits with the Army Reserve; remember to consider some of the intangibles as well: continued service, pride, patriotism, character, leadership and friendships.
SPC REPPENHAGEN, if you are interested or have questions please feel free to contact me at (206) 941-8453. Thank you for your service and consideration.
Garett's Reply:
Dear SFC Tostanoski,
I would like to inform you of an amazing opportunity to help bring the soldiers in Iraq home immediately, take care of the veterans who sacrificed for this war, and assist the Iraqi people rebuild their destroyed and exploited country and culture. The veterans and active duty service members are organizing in a powerful organization that is working effectively to have an impact on these critical issues. many of our nation's service members would like to see an America that lives up to it's potential to be the democratic and just leader of the world. The most important steps is admitting our failures and being courageous enough to do what is in our power to set them right. I would like to invite you to help this new GI movement directly by joining Iraq Veterans Against the War at http://www.ivaw.org/
Thanks for the letter explaining my IRR options.
Sincerly,
Garett Reppenhagen
Board of Directors
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Colorado Springs
Garett, that's why I love you, buddy. I'm sure this letter has nothing to do with them needing people to go to Iraq. You should do it. IVAW could really use the money. And they practically promise to not "hinder your civilian pursuits."
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Why I Oppose "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week"
This is going on a flier for a speech I will be giving at GWU next week:
“Racism is inevitable when we go to war with people ethnically different from us. This racism has led to the horrific treatment of Native Americans, the death of one million Filipinos, internment of Japanese-Americans, the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan after they were ready to surrender, the killing of over a million noncombatants in Vietnam, the mass round up of Arab-Americans, and the torture at Abu Ghraib. I had to go out to a checkpoint at a Civil Affairs facility after the Abu Ghraib scandal broke and convince the Iraqi people that we were there to help them. This racism is bad for the troops and bad for the world. It should be studied and opposed, not celebrated as it is now in its latest form: Islamophobia. Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, being brought to campuses nationwide by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, is the epitome of this racism.”
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I've Been Doing Some Anti-Racism Activism On The Side
Our statement that was released to the Hatchet:
Dear President Knapp, Students, and GW Community,
We hereby take responsibility for the flyering incident that occurred on Monday morning. This creative political action was part of a rich American tradition of raising awareness, in this case, about Islamophobia. We exposed the upcoming Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week sponsored by the GWU Young America’s Foundation for the celebration of racism that it is. This is a real event that is being hosted at our campus. Most people who saw the fliers were offended, but with a second glance, saw that the absurdity of the message was clearly a horrific exaggeration of the racism that is behind this event.
We regret that some people were unable to discern the intent of these posters and took offense. We wanted to counter the true hate speech that is embodied by the upcoming Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week. We hoped students would feel outraged and come together (much like they did Monday night) and work to counter systemic Islamophobia and the equation of Islam with terrorism. It was inspiring to see that students directed their attention to the real threat. We want to reach out to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Holy Month of Ramadan in hopes that they will embrace our misrepresented, but honorable stand against racism.
Campuses allied in their commitment to a hate-free environment and critical thinking should not allow Islamo-Fascism Awareness week to take place. The institutionalized and glorified type of Islamo-phobia of this event being imposed upon us from outside forces (The David Horowitz Foundation) is a dangerously divisive force. Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week is the real threat to our community. We hope that the students who take offense to this and hear the call to action will do something to protest Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week.
It is to our great dismay that the student body and the media missed the clear, if subtle, message of our flier: the hyperbolic nature of the flier was aimed at exposing Islamophobic racism. As such, it is imperative that we unequivocally condemn racism (especially in its most egregious organized forms) on our campus. We hope that as a community we can come together to oppose the true racist propaganda that we initially set out to expose: Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week.
Signed,
Students for Conservativo-Fascism Awareness
Adam Kokesh
Yong Kwon
Brian Tierney
Ned Goodwin
Maxine Nwigwe
Lara Masri
Amal Rammah
It seems we were so effective with this action that now we are discussing the racism of Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week on national TV! Of course, Students For Conservativo-Fascism Awareness is working with a number of groups to organize an alternative week of activities at GWU including speakers, movie screenings, and a candle-light vigil and prayer ceremony. I will be giving a speach called "Recovering From Racism" about the effects of war and occupation on racism and my experience with the dehumanization of the Iraqi people. I wish I could give you all more details about this action but since the university is "still investigating," there are certain things I shouldn't discuss.
Taking Advantage of a Great Opportunity to Make Fun of Democrats:
In light of the "leadership" exhibited recently by Pelosi and her cronies, this cartoon is particularly appropriate. Pelosi has said that she would begin the impeachment process if it were a bipartisan effort. Surely she knows what it means to actually lead. But by her logic, she can only do the right thing if the Republicans say it's the right thing to do. This is ludicrous.
What this is really a reflection of is the absolute corruption of the Democratic party that has come to value preserving its own power over any principles or morals. At least Republicans, corrupt as they may be, were actually effective at changing things when they were in power. This corruption of Democrats is epitomized by their handling of the vote on the floor that they tried to overturn a couple months ago regarding and Agricultural Department spending bill. This video captures the moment nicely:
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
Best Recruiting Video Ever
I must say, I especially love the line, "from corrupt politicians who have never seen combat themselves." However, the entire thing is just genius. I suppose that when I joined the Marines, it was possible to believe that things were like they are portrayed in the commercials, but I always thought the shit with the monsters and diamonds and lakes of fire and whatnot were just silly as all hell.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
45 REPUBLICAN PEDOPHILES
This is horrendous, but something we've known for a while. It's just nice to see a list like this to show to those that would deny it. Remember, this is only pedophiles. Larry Craig isn't even on this list nor are the countless cases of "anti-gay" closet-cases in the Republican Party. Guns, God and Gays? Sounds like a description of the party rather than just a set of wedge issues now.
Please bear in mind, I'm an equal opportunity basher of both halves of our main political party and would like to take this opportunity to point out that having censured MoveOn.org, the Democrat controlled Congress has done more to silence war critics than to end the war, or at least give us a new direction in Iraq.
Also note that it is usually those who support the war who would like to spend time talking about people talking about the war (slandering war critics, usually) rather than talking about the war itself. While Rush Limbaugh's recent comment about soldiers who oppose the war being "phony soldiers" was offensive to me personally, it didn't result in a censure of Rush, or nearly as much attention as the MoveOn.org ad about Petraeus. I think they know that if they spent more time informing their viewers about what is actually going on in Iraq, they would be much more likely to disagree with them when they see for themselves how fucked up things are.
Courtesy of Lilia Adecer Cajilog
* Republican anti-abortion activist Howard Scott Heldreth is a convicted child rapist in Florida.
* Republican County Commissioner David Swartz pleaded guilty to molesting two girls under the age of 11 and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
* Republican judge Mark Pazuhanich pleaded no contest to fondling a 10-year old girl and was sentenced to 10 years probation.
* Republican anti-abortion activist Nicholas Morency pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on his computer and offering a bountyto anybody who murders an abortion doctor.
* Republican legislator Edison Misla Aldarondo was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping his daughter between the ages of 9 and 17.
* Republican Mayor Philip Giordano is serving a 37-year sentence in federal prison for sexually abusing 8- and 10-year old girls.
* Republican campaign consultant Tom Shortridge was sentenced to three years probation for taking nude photographs of a 15-year old girl.
* Republican racist pedophile and United States Senator Strom Thurmond had sex with a 15-year old black girl which produced a child.
* Republican pastor Mike Hintz, whom George W. Bush commended during the 2004 presidential campaign, surrendered to police after admitting to a sexual affair with a female juvenile.
* Republican legislator Peter Dibble pleaded no contest to having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl.
* Republican activist Lawrence E. King, Jr. organized child sex parties at the White House during the 1980s.
* Republican lobbyist Craig J. Spence organized child sex parties at the White House during the 1980s.
* Republican Congressman Donald "Buz" Lukens was found guilty of having sex with a female minor and sentenced to one month in jail.
* Republican fundraiser Richard A. Delgaudio was found guilty of child porn charges and paying two teenage girls to pose for sexual photos.
* Republican activist Mark A. Grethen convicted on six counts of sex crimes involving children.
* Republican activist Randal David Ankeney pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on a child.
* Republican Congressman Dan Crane had sex with a female minor working as a congressional page.
* Republican activist and Christian Coalition leader Beverly Russell admitted to an incestuous relationship with his step daughter.
* Republican congressman and anti-gay activist Robert Bauman was charged with having sex with a 16-year-old boy he picked up at a gay bar.
* Republican Committee Chairman Jeffrey Patti was arrested for distributing a video clip of a 5-year-old girl being raped.
* Republican activist Marty Glickman (a.k.a. "Republican Marty"), was taken into custody by Florida police on four counts of unlawful sexual activity with an underage girl and one count of delivering the drug LSD.
* Republican legislative aide Howard L. Brooks was charged with molesting a 12-year old boy and possession of child pornography.
* Republican Senate candidate John Hathaway was accused of having sex with his 12-year old baby sitter and withdrew his candidacy after the allegations were reported in the media.
* Republican preacher Stephen White, who demanded a return to traditional values, was sentenced to jail after offering $20 to a 14-year-old boy for permission to perform oral sex on him.
* Republican talk show host Jon Matthews pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals to an 11 year old girl.
* Republican anti-gay activist Earl "Butch" Kimmerling was sentenced to 40 years in prison for molesting an 8-year old girl after he attempted to stop a gay couple from adopting her.
* Republican Party leader Paul Ingram pleaded guilty to six counts of raping his daughters and served 14 years in federal prison.
* Republican election board official Kevin Coan was sentenced to two years probation for soliciting sex over the internet from a 14-year old girl.
* Republican politician Andrew Buhr was charged with two counts of first degree sodomy with a 13-year old boy.
* Republican politician Keith Westmoreland was arrested on seven felony counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition to girls under the age of 16 (i.e. exposing himself to children).
* Republican anti-abortion activist John Allen Burt was charged with sexual misconduct involving a 15-year old girl.
* Republican County Councilman Keola Childs pleaded guilty to molesting a male child.
* Republican activist John Butler was charged with criminal sexual assault on a teenage girl.
* Republican candidate Richard Gardner admitted to molesting his two daughters.
* Republican Councilman and former Marine Jack W. Gardner was convicted of molesting a 13-year old girl.
* Republican County Commissioner Merrill Robert Barter pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and assault on a teenage boy.
* Republican City Councilman Fred C. Smeltzer, Jr. pleaded no contest to raping a 15 year-old girl and served 6-months in prison.
* Republican activist Parker J. Bena pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on his home computer and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and fined $18,000.
* Republican parole board officer and former Colorado state representative, Larry Jack Schwarz, was fired after child pornography was found in his possession.
* Republican strategist and Citadel Military College graduate Robin Vanderwall was convicted in Virginia on five counts of soliciting sex from boys and girls over the internet.
* Republican city councilman Mark Harris, who is described as a "good military man" and "church goer," was convicted of repeatedly having sex with an 11-year-old girl and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
* Republican businessman Jon Grunseth withdrew his candidacy for Minnesota governor after allegations surfaced that he went swimming in the nude with four underage girls, including his daughter.
* Republican director of the "Young Republican Federation" Nicholas Elizondo molested his 6-year old daughter and was sentenced to six years in prison.
* Republican benefactor of conservative Christian groups, Richard A. Dasen Sr., was charged with rape for allegedly paying a 15-year old girl for sex. Dasen, 62, who is married with grown children and several grandchildren, has allegedly told police that over the past decade he paid more than $1 million to have sex with a large number of young women.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Two More Members of the Gathering of Pigeons On My Shitlist
Meet Fred Peterson:
I'm not even going to comment on this, but please note the use of the word "liberated."
Cut and paste from the GOE forums.
From the pen of Fred Peterson:
I was leaving Capitol Grounds. The activity there had just about ended with the arrest of over 600 provocateurs and agents 'anti-war' of violence. There, we Eagles had organized teams of six men - mostly veterans- to protect the safety of Gold Star Moms (and Dads) from the physical threats and insults of hard-edge left socialists, Seattle anarchists, random lefty Raggamuffins and reflexive anti-Americans who made up the ANSWER Coalition …
My teams broke up at the Capitol, mission accomplished, and I was walking alone back to the Mall when I saw the photo-image of a proud young Marine in dress blues being held hostage in company not of his own choosing and affixed to a coffin not his own.
The insult to his honor and disrespect to his Corps and cause by his captors was immediately obvious and intended. These same peddlers of provocation are paid to push their coffin-prop all over the country they revile. They subvert a common will and undermine the cause and country for which this hostage-Marine had sacrificed his very life.
The captive Marine was not among his own. He was surrounded and outnumbered by those who shamelessly exploit his image and memory, disgrace his uniform, his brothers in arms, and his willing sacrifice. He would never choose such company. He needed a rescue…
I liberated his image from the midst of the hostile crowd, intending to replace it in a position of honor Arlington, where he would rest with heroes and among his own …I respectfully carried the image of the fallen Marine and was not opposed nor confronted in any way until I has walked perhaps 25 yards down the sidewalk. There, I was attacked without warning and tackled from behind by a demonstrator who crashed into my back at a full run. I went down forward, tearing pants knees and shirt sleeve and five separate wounds requiring hospital attention. The Marine's image, along with camera and sunglasses were smashed into the pavement. Before I could respond, six or so Eagles-vets were immediately pulling me away from the anti-war attacker.
Police Interviews were conducted and Eagles were asked if they wanted to prefer charges…No charges were filed by Eagles, who are unaccustomed to whining about minor injuries when they stand in defense of larger principles unappreciated - uncomprehended - by their attackers.
Two Gold Star Mothers who witnessed the entire episode and gave police statements said, "I am so proud of what you did! I wanted to do it myself …That coffin is such a disgrace to my son and all the others who have died to help others be free. Thank you so much! It made my day."
Well, actually, - those few precious words, from one who has given the full measure of issue from her own body to the defense ofour country, 'made my day' also …
Then he plays the martyr angle, when he gets tackled trying to make his getaway. And he claims to be noble for not going to court.
Am I reading this right?
Meet Asshole Number Two:
Submitted by Matty on Wed, 2007-09-19 17:40.
Yes, I did take a look at that "must-read" thread - where I ALSO happened to notice the following "avatar" - the little, signature picture - for the following blogger who is their forum moderator:
LogOn: "SpockWasRight"
Does that pus look familiar; from the above pics of the assault on Arredondo? You be the judge:Here it is (left); scaled to more or less the same height as a headshot cropped from one of the above, Arredondo assault pics. Same nose, same style sunglasses, same (potato-) shaped head.Who is this prick? Well, on his personal profile page he self-identifies as "RORY" FROM CONNECTICUT.
So this guy who assaulted Arredondo is obviously from within the inner circle of the Gathering of ASSholes; he is not just some random, pissed-off neighbor. And his (first) post above smacks of pure CIA-type psy-op - just exactly the kind of professional shit-stirring you'd expect from a spook with "extensive post military travel to and residence in some 23 different countries", as claimed in his profile.
This guy - and clearly, the leadership of the Gathering of DipShits - are TRUE, PAID PROVOCATEURS - precisely that which they accuse the protesters of being - except these people truly are from a government conspiracy - probably straight from the CIA itself.
"Rory"'s profile names his "Industry" as "Communications or Media". No fucking doubt! Why, here he is "communicating" in his preferred "medium" - attempted intimidation - in DC last Saturday:It's hard to know just exactly what he was screaming, but I daresay it couldn't have been much other than: "SOMEBODY PLEASE LOCK ME THE FUCK UP AS I AM A LUNATIC GOON, WORKING FOR A FUCKING LUNATIC GOVERNMENT!"
I take one look at this asshole and I say only this:
Fortunately, an effort is under way to track down and hold these men accountable. Pray to whatever you believe in that they are brought to justice. And I don't just mean by a judge . . .
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Heaven Help This Guy If I Run Into Him On The Street
(Because if I do, I'm going to scream, and point, and yell, "Look everyone! This is the guy that beat up a gold-star father!")
Courtesy of David Rubinson
The Bastard Who Jumped Carlos
Here is the bastard from Gathering of Eagles who jumped Carlos on Sept 15, seen here with his biggest supporter and good friend and pal GWB, at a White House breakfast hosting The G.O.E. and Chris Hill three days AFTER they attacked Carlos, in full knowledge and clear support for what had been perpetrated.We can have no illusions about what we are fighting -
These are the hired Brown Shirts, organized and financed by we all know Who.
This is all part of The Plan, part of business as usual.
It's time for business as usual to be stopped.
As Cindy just wrote: Imagine.......
Chris Hill ('National Director of Ops' for the Gathering of Eagles, a pro-war advocacy group) and other members of his group verbally and physically attacked a Gold Star father of a fallen soldier who was participating in a anti-war march on 9/15. The Gold Star father, Carlos Arredondo, was marching with a picture of his fallen son when Hill and members of the pro-war group began verbally harassing him and then physically confronted him to take away the photo of his son. In the process Mr. Arredondo was knocked to the ground and kicked. Hill wrestled the photo of Mr. Arredondo's son, Alex, away from Gold Star father, claiming to have liberated it. The Gathering of Eagles Group had attended the anti-war march for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the protesters.
Three days later, the President, his wife Laura, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes, and, of course, fellow chicken-hawk Dick Cheney hosted a breakfast on the south lawn of the White House to honor pro-war groups, including the Gathering of Eagles, who they consider to be properly "supporting the troops." Although the attack on the Gold Star father was well known at the time, the President proudly takes a photo with Chris Hill to show that this is his kind of guy.
The attached photos are of Chris Hill posing with Bush on the WH lawn, and Chris Hill and fellow G.O.E. at the anti-war march.
Are you now, or have you ever been a terrorist?
We had our pretrial hearing today for the "defacing public property" (Tina Richards and I) and "assaulting a police officer" (Ian Thompson) and we all rejected the plea bargain. Trial date is set for January 3rd. You can see the video of the incident here.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
September the 15th in Photos
Adam Kokesh at a press conference at the 
Adam Kokesh giving his speech on stage with IVAW members 
The "Corporate Color Guard" leading the march.
A few of the people that decided to march with us.
Geoffrey Millard at the front of the "Corporate Color Guard"
with the formation behind it. We always put him out front
because he's the prettiest.
Adam Kokesh calling the commands for the ceremony.
"Present arms! Ready, aim, fire!"
Adam Kokesh got pulled down off the wall and thrown
to the ground after trying to address the crowd at the capitol.
A female cop smiles while pulling Adam Kokesh down by
his junk. We were all charged with "crossing a police line"
but I was pulled across it.
After a while, the cops realized that they would have less 
They hauled us up the stairs and after cuffing and frisking,
sat us down in front of the capitol. After a while, we really
started piling up. I scooted over to my hat lying next to me
with all my belongins and grabbed my cell phone. Holding
it behind my back, I managed to send my lawyer a text:
I might be needing you later.
Because by then, I had decided that we would continue to
resist by standing up and trying to walk down the steps.
After I got up, a number of people to joined me and I
began to walk towards the steps. Three cops came running
up and started pushing us back while I pushed back with
my chest while holding my hat in my cuffed hands behind
my back until finally one grabbed me by the arm and turned
me around and led me around to the back of the building. But
at least that got me to be number 23 out of nearly 200 arrested.
Garrett Reppenhagen managed to get to the top of the
steps to the great delight of the crowd below before
getting turned around.
After the rucus, the beautiful [name removed] found a moment
to pose for the camera.
These last photos were taken by Dan Black, who managed to slip out of his handcuffs. After the cops noticed him taking pictures, he had to ditch the camera, but Tassi managed to pick it up and we got it back to him.
They loaded us all on to buses and took us to the processing warehouse. Ken Mayers did a great write-up of the whole action here. After I left the warehouse around 1am (to a surprising great cheer and echo of my "Power to the people!") with my court date, the fun really started. Geoff did a stand up routine making fun of the cops standing around and they even did a perfect human wave. It took until about 7am the next morning to get everyone processed out. On of the cops I chatted with said that we had "really done us a solid" because they were getting so much in overtime. I waited outside until almost everyone was released and then took a nap before going to the Dave Cline memorial ceremony at the Vietnam memorial.
Resume for George W Bush (courtesy of my personal hero, Scott Camil)
RESUME
GEORGE W. BUSH
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20520
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
-Law Enforcement: I was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 1976 for driving under the influence of alcohol. I pled guilty, paid a fine, and had my driver's license suspended for 30 days. My Texas driving record has been "lost" and is not available.
-Military: I joined the Texas Air National Guard and went AWOL. I refused to take a drug test or answer any questions about my drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, I was able to avoid combat duty in Vietnam.
-College: I graduated from Yale University with a low C average. I was a cheerleader.
PAST WORK EXPERIENCE: I ran for U.S. Congress and lost. I began my career in the oil business in Midland, Texas, in 1975. I bought an oil company, but couldn't find any oil in Texas. The company went bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock. I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land using taxpayer money. With the help of my father and our friends in the oil industry (including Enron CEO Ken Lay), I was elected governor of Texas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS:
- I changed Texas pollution laws to favor power and oil companies, making Texas the most polluted state in the Union. During my tenure, Houston replaced Los Angeles as the most smog-ridden city in America.
- I cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas treasury to the tune of billions in borrowed money.
- I set the record for the most executions by any governor in American history.
- With the help of my brother, the governor of Florida, and my father's appointments to the Supreme Court, I became President after losing by over 500,000 votes.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT:
- I am the first President in U.S. history to enter office with a criminal record.
- I invaded and occupied two countries at a continuing cost of over one billion dollars per week.
- I spent the U.S. surplus and effectively bankrupted the U.S. Treasury.
- I shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in U.S. history.
- I set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.
- I set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period.
- I set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the U.S. stock market. In my first year in office, over 2 million Americans lost their jobs and that trend continues every month.
- I'm proud that the members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in U.S. history. My "poorest millionaire," Condoleeza Rice, has a Chevron oil tanker named after her.
- I set the record for most campaign fund-raising trips by a U.S. President.
- I am the all-time U.S. and world record-holder for receiving the most corporate campaign donations.
- My largest lifetime campaign contributor, and one of my best friends, Kenneth Lay, presided over the largest corporate bankruptcy fraud in U.S. History, Enron.
- My political party used Enron private jets and corporate attorneys to assure my success with the U.S. Supreme Court during my election decision.
- I have protected my friends at Enron and Halliburton against investigation or prosecution. More time and money was spent investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair than has been spent investigating one of the biggest corporate rip-offs in history. I presided over the biggest energy crisis in U.S. history and refused tointervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed.
- I presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history.
- I changed the U.S. policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts.
- I appointed more convicted criminals to administration than any President in U.S. history.
- I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States government.
- I've broken more international treaties than any President in U.S. history.
- I am the first President in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the Human Rights Commission.
- I withdrew the U.S. from the World Court of Law.
- I refused to allow inspector's access to U.S. "prisoners of war" detainees and thereby have refused to abide by the Geneva Convention.
- I am the first President in history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 U.S. election).
- I set the record for fewest numbers of press conferences of any President since the advent of television.
- I set the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one-year period. After taking off the entire month of August, I presided over the worst security failure in U.S. history.
- I garnered the most sympathy ever for the U.S. after the World Trade Center attacks and less than a year later made the U.S. the most hated country in the world, the largest failure of diplomacy in world history.
- I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people), shattering the record for protests against any person in the history of mankind.
- I am the first President in U.S. history to order an unprovoked, pre-emptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation. I did so against the will of the United Nations, the majority of U.S. citizens, and the world community.
- I have cut health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families in wartime.
- In my State of the Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq and then blamed the lies on our British friends.
- I am the first President in history to have a majority of Europeans (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and security.
- I am supporting development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD.
- I have so far failed to fulfill my pledge to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice.
- Yet, I am the favorite of the religious right and God sent.
RECORDS AND REFERENCES:
-All records of my tenure as governor of Texas are now in my father's library, sealed and unavailable for public view.
- All records of SEC investigations into my insider trading and my bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.
- All records or minutes from meetings that I, or my Vice-President, attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Email from an active duty SSgt and response
This email is from an active duty Staff Sergeant of Marines who was working at the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in Kansas City when I had my hearing back in June. If I remember correctly, he was the only working Marine who would shake my hand outside the building and he said he remembered me from when he was working with the CAG in Iraq.
Mr. Kokesh,
I was here when you court martial took place in June, your caravan conducted themselves with a lot of class for the most part. Maybe some people don't, but I respect the fact that you served forward deployed voluntarily, there are still quite a few Marines on active duty who seem to slip through the cracks when it comes to serving in combat. As far as wearing your digitals that probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, it drew attention to yourself and I'm pretty sure that was the point of the demonstration but I think your point would have been just as well received if you threw on a pair of old woodlands. I don't have a problem with that aspect the issue I was most angered with was the disrespect. The Major was assigned the task of investigating your infraction chewed up the same ground you did, telling a Bronze Star recipient to go f#ck himself was wrong, that man is one of the most down to Earth officers I have ever met. That was wrong and you know it but that still doesn't take away the fact that put your life on the line for the people in this country, your error in judgment or the ruling at the court martial will never take away that. I spent 10 years on active duty all my time has been with Infantry units, I to have served in Fallujah if I want to express my opinion about this conflict when I'm out I feel I have every right to do so. So I guess I'm saying you probably should have thought it through a little more before you pressed the send button but hey what's done is done I thank you for your service.
***********************************************
SSgt V****,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am sorry it's been so long toget back to you as I've been struggling to get out from under a mountain of emails recently. I don't hold anything personally against the Major, nor did I mean to personally attack him. He was acting in his official role as an instrument of bad policy, and I reacted to that. Maybe I was just trying to assert my rights and emphasize that I was acting in an unofficial role.
You said, "if I want to express my opinion about this conflict when I'm out I feel I have every right to do so." While I agree, I'm afraid it's more than that. Your opinion based on your experiences has a certain value to this country in shaping policy at this point. Policy that is a matter of life or death. While there are appropriate restrictions on that expression while you are on active duty, if you think that lives MAY be lost needlessly as a result of current policy, you have a DUTY to share your opinions.
Semper Fi,
PFC Kokesh
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Speech Delivered at the Rally on September 29th
My name is Adam Kokesh and I am a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War. I am against this war because it is bad for America. It is bad for our security. It is bad for our national defense. It is bad for our ability to fight terrorism. It is bad for our stature abroad. It is bad for our military. And it is bad for our brothers and sisters who continue to lose their lives every day for a lie.
Recently, Congress, as in this Congress, as in OUR Congress, passed a resolution censuring MoveOn.org. What have we allowed our government to become? With all the problems facing America, they have chosen to spend more time silencing war critics than stopping the war! It’s no surprise that their duty to uphold the Constitution and impeach would be “a distraction” and a “waste of time.”
However, all power ultimately rests with the people and the people will get the government they deserve. America, we should not be ashamed of our government, we should be ashamed of ourselves. If you have come here to feel good about yourself so that tonight you can go get drunk, and tomorrow you can go back to your television, and Monday you can go back to work like nothing is wrong, you should be ashamed!
This is a war based on lies and the least you can do is help spread the truth. A third of Americans still believe that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9-11. One third of America is not hiding in cabins in the mountains; these are people you know! Share the truth with those considering joining the military. Join with Iraq Veterans Against the War in our Truth In Recruiting campaign.
I’m not so mad that I was lied to, as I am that I cannot trust my government any more. It astounds me that yet so many Americans want more than anything to trust our government. When will we wake up, and realize that the power of the truth is greater than any force brought to bear by any Army ever fielded?
They have referred to this movement of the people as “the surrender lobby.” But it is those who still blindly follow this inept President that have surrendered to lies, oppression, war crimes, torture, and the sacrifice of their civil liberties on the altar of American imperialism!
Well, the Marine Corps taught me too well. I do not know how to surrender. We cannot surrender. We will not surrender. It is time the people stop fearing the government, and the government starts fearing the people. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty! Power to the people!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Responses to Posts on This Blog III
[Vietnam Vet Marine here. Just wondering Sgt. Kokesh, are you the
[new John Kerry? Yoou got to ramp it up a little if you want to get to
[his level. He was a master at smearing his brothers. Check out my
[video about Kerry and his speech to Congress in 1972.
[Semper Fi thanks for your service, and I may not agree with what
[you say, but you earned the right to say it. Just think long and hard
[before you go as far as Kerry did. This speech in the video cost him
[the election
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF3b9UIS29w
John Kerry had a number of problems politically, but I think it is grossly inaccurate to say that he was “smearing his brothers.” He did not accuse them of anything. He was reporting what a large number of veterans testified to at the Winter Soldier Investigation. No one who has actually seen the Winter Soldier documentary would say that Kerry “smeared” anyone except for the architects of the war in Vietnam.
Unfortunately, Kerry’s biggest problem was selling out. At the end of his speech before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April, 1971, he said, “When 30 years from now, our brothers go down the street without a leg, without an arm, without a face, and small boys ask why, we will be able to say ‘Vietnam,’ and mean not a desert, not a filthy and obscene memory, but mean instead the place where America finally turned and where soldiers like us finally helped in the turning.”
I got a chance to very briefly meet him a few months ago and quoted that back to him with “Iraq” instead of “Vietnam.” I wanted to call him out more thoroughly, but thought that was a kind way of reminding him where he came from. From my perspective, America hasn’t turned for shit. Or if it has, it turned back.
CNN INSIDE POLITICS
American People Give President Bush High Marks as He Nears 100 Days in Office
Aired April 24, 2001 - 17:00 ET
[Jonathan] KARL: What's the verdict? Is Vietnam a filthy, obscene memory or is it where America finally turned? KERRY: I think Vietnam did have a profound impact on this country, on our attitude, on how we send soldiers to places in harm's way today. I think what Colin Powell has said about how we make choices is a reflection of the attitude that I was talking about.
So he was confronted with the question and wasn’t quite able to answer it. It is very interesting that he mentions Powell, however, as he became the most powerful instrument of the lies that led us into Iraq.
[Lol, a coward speaks and we are supposed to listen?
[Run to Canada baby boy. Let the men defend out country.
Isn’t it funny that no one ever says anything like this to my face?
[Hey man, why'd you cut the Reverend and take the last protest
[spot at the hearing? You left him alone with a gang of thugs!!!
Yeah, I felt bad about that, but we had already testified to the cops that he had been there earlier and they hadn’t listened. If we had stayed with him, we would have given up our seats in the public (not protest) section too. I know that he would rather have two IVAW members present than zero from the attempt of making it three.
However, Geoff and I were the only ones there to meet him when he got released from the hospital. I got some quotes for his press release and had fun watching the cops struggle to figure out what to do with his crutches. He is still recovering from his injuries, but can now walk with a cane. Unfortunately, he is still unsure if there will be any permanent damage. As he was joking just yesterday, “It will be the limp that has me walking straight!”
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I Pity the Haters
This Guest Contributor Article was in the Post - Dispatch today. Read the article, get fired up, and write your letter today!
Send letters to letters@post-dispatch.com
This guy teaches "Introduction to the Administration of Justice" and "Introduction to Corrections" at SWIC. It is scary to think this is the mind that is educating our future police officers!
Inside the confused brain of a war protestor
By Dave Morris
09/25/2007
A couple of weeks ago, I was watching the news and saw this woman — I've no idea what her name is — lying on the ground pretending to be dead as part of a protest against the war in Iraq, and then talking to a reporter. She managed to convey an attitude that shouted, "Look at me! See how special I am!"
I started thinking about this person on my TV screen. I gave her a name — Samantha, Sam to her many friends — and then created a story about the person I imagined her to be: Sam feels proud and elated for playing an active part in raising America's consciousness regarding "Bush's evil war." She gets what she regards as "a warm, fuzzy feeling" whenever she thinks about the "die-in." She smiles, telling how she and all the other caring, concerned protestors symbolized the horrible deaths our country is causing in Iraq.
Sam regrets that she wasn't arrested. She's also upset that a camera crew spent more time interviewing another participant just a few feet from her than it spent with her. I think poor Sam doesn't understand that tiny electrical impulses resulting from chemical reactions inside her head are responsible for many of her thoughts. She knows from first-hand experience that some substances such as alcohol can temporarily short-circuit her brain's wiring. But Sam doesn't appreciate the extent that her thoughts are controlled by the chemical makeup of that ugly gray organ lodged in her skull. No, Sam thinks she controls her thoughts.
In reality, she has about as much control over her thoughts as she does over her breathing. If she concentrates really hard, she can control her thoughts for a little while, just as she can hold her breath for a little while. And Sam doesn't understand that her thoughts — the brilliant ones as well as the incredibly stupid ones — propel her through life, responsible for virtually all of her supposed voluntary actions.
These thoughts, over which Sam has very little control, make her hate guns, make her watch Oprah religiously, drink herbal tea, vote for Democrats, love her children and feel guilty about all sorts of things. And they also make her feel superior to people whose values are different from hers.
Sam's brain is forever telling her conflicting things. Because of messages sent through little pulses of electricity in her brain, Sam believes that life means something very specific. So Sam became a protestor. She took to the streets carrying signs supporting embryonic stem cell research, calling for stricter gun laws and the abolition of capital punishment.
This protesting activity makes Sam happy because her brain has convinced her that she is a vital link in a human chain of enlightened people. It tells her that she is doing important work that will significantly improve life. What Sam doesn't understand is that her identity as a link in a human chain is merely something of which her brain has convinced her.
My brain tells me to laugh at Sam. What does your brain tell you?
Dave Morris of Smithton is a semi-retired criminologist who worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections. He serves on the adjunct faculty at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/6F0AE7CA936CDC5986257360007EC135?OpenDocument
MY RESPONSE
I Pity the Haters
My name is Adam Kokesh and I am Co-Chairman of Iraq Veterans Against the War. I led the massive die-in civil disobedience that Dave Morris refers to in his article "Inside the confused brain of a war protestor." A large part of our role as Iraq veterans in the anti-war movement is using our experience and credibility to cut through the lies and spin put forth by this administration and its lackeys who support its wars. Unfortunately, it is not enough that we have to contend with an administration lying about what is happening in Iraq, a media that fails to discern the truth, but now we have to contend with utter fabrications about our movement such as the one you published by Dave Morris.
In his article, he goes "inside the confused brain of a war protestor." Were he a trained psychoanalyst, there may have been some credibility to his story, but coming from someone who refers to the wondrous human brain as an "ugly gray organ," it is clear that his only real area of expertise is hatred.
He fabricated a whole story about a protestor that he saw on TV and held her up as the arch-type. "Sam feels proud and elated for playing an active part in raising America's consciousness regarding 'Bush's evil war.'" For me, this much is true. "Sam doesn't appreciate the extent that her thoughts are controlled by the chemical makeup of that ugly gray organ lodged in her skull. No, Sam thinks she controls her thoughts." Having majored in psychology, I am completely familiar with the concept here, but Dave Morris knows nothing of my educational background, and uses an academic idea to belittle.
The sad part about this article, is how clear it is that Dave (assuming he is a proponent of the war in Iraq) has no control over his thoughts. He thinks that because he can read the mind of a war protestor, he is not a victim of the propaganda of this administration. He still believes there is a connection between Saddam and Al Qaeda. He thinks if we just stay in Iraq for few decades more, sooner or later we will find those weapons of mass destruction. In reality, he is a tool who has only as much control of his thoughts as his government permits him.
"If she concentrates really hard, she can control her thoughts for a little while, just as she can hold her breath for a little while." If only Dave decided to take control of his thoughts for just a little while, and stopped breathing through his mouth, he might realize the value of protesting in a Democracy. He might realize that those who want to participate at a level beyond voting should be lauded and welcomed regardless of their position. I vehemently disagree with the counter-protestors who think we should be in Iraq indefinitely, but while leading the Iraq Veterans Against the War color guard, I halted the entire march to stop, present colors, and salute them.
For the record, I don't carry "signs supporting embryonic stem cell research," have never watched Oprah, don't vote for Democrats, and I am as anti-gun control as they get. The only thing I feel guilty about is being suckered into supporting the occupation of Iraq. I'm a Libertarian. But Dave would rather anyone not like him be put into boxes and conform to his stereotypes. To perpetuate such stereotypes is grossly irresponsible. He is right about one thing, I cannot help but feel superior to people like him. But it is not because of his values, but because of his hatred and ignorance. My brain tells me to pity him.
Adam Kokesh
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Adam Kokesh served as a Sergeant on a Marine Corps Civil Affairs Team from February to September of 2004 in the Fallujah area.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Speech Delivered at the September 15th Rally
(more on the rally, march, die-in, and arrests coming soon)
My name is Adam Kokesh and I am a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Today I wave the American flag with great pride. I wave it upside-down because I love my country, but it is in a state of distress. It is for my love of country that I am here today. I am here to return our democracy to its potential greatness.
I am against this war because it is bad for America. It is bad for our security. It is bad for our national defense. It is bad for our ability to fight terrorism. It is bad for our stature abroad. It is bad for our military. And it is bad for our brothers and sisters who continue to lose their lives every day in a futile occupation.
We recently heard the testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. Unfortunately, General Petraeus was acting in his roll as a political appointee and not as a soldier. We heard the same spin from the President. The suggested draw-down is actually a forced withdrawal. When the five brigades of the surge come home, we will have no replacements available to replace them. They have attempted to spin this by saying that they could request more troops. They may be right. They could further destroy our military by doing so, but I pray they don’t.
As we all know now, we were lied into this war and it is lies that are keeping us there. They lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction, they lied about Jessica Lynch, they lied about Pat Tillman, and they lied about Al Qaeda and Saddam. And those are just the lies we know about!
But I’m not so mad that I was lied to, as I am that I cannot trust my government any more. It astounds me that yet so many Americans want more than anything to trust our government. When will we wake up, and realize that the power of the truth is greater than any force brought to bear by any Army ever fielded?
But there are some lies that are being told to our children every day in order to convince them to sign up to be sent into the Baghdad meat grinder. Proponents of the policy in Iraq are quick to point out that everyone in the military volunteered, but what does that mean if most of them were tricked into enlisting by the lies that recruiters tell every day? It means that to support the troops means to cut through the lies, bring them home, and stop this criminal occupation!
Since joining the military came to mean fighting for a lie, they have become so desperate, that the age and weight standards have been raised; there are a record number of “morality waivers” for convicted felons; it is now easy to get in without a high school diploma; even convicted rapists are allowed to enlist. With the standards lowered at the highest levels of decision-making, we can only imagine what recruiters are resorting to when they have trouble meeting their monthly quotas.
We have come to a point in history when our government’s intents are so far from the will of the people that we have to rise up! WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW, RESISTANCE BECOMES DUTY!
How do you resist liars? Speak the truth. How do you stop a war based on lies? It starts with the truth! When we take away these lies, we can force our government to choose between no military or one based on truth, that truly represents the will of the people. Iraq Veterans Against the War are kicking off our Truth In Recruiting Campaign with National Truth In Recruiting Day on Monday and asking concerned citizens to share our truth with those affected by our government’s lies the most. If you will be in the DC area on Monday, be in front of Union Station between 7am and 1pm for instructions and materials.
In the immortal words of Dave Cline, a dedicated warrior for peace and justice who passed away yesterday suffering from the effects of Agent Orange and three bullet wounds suffered in Vietnam: There is something you should know before you go. They wave the flag when you attack, when you come home they turn their backs.”
Iraq Veterans Against the War has put the truth in your hands. In the words of Mark Twain, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Start walking America, because it is our lies that are now ravaging a sovereign nation on the other side of the world.
Today, we are marching to deliver a message to Congress. We will be dying-in to portray for them the cost of this war in human lives, and to send a clear message that we the people are rising up. This action is in solidarity with the people marching today in Baghdad who peacefully oppose the occupation of their country. Unfortunately, for those who have witnessed the occupation first hand, the deaths we will be portraying are all too real. The message reads:
Dear Congress,
We have come before you today with a simple message: as a representation of the people you have failed us and you have blood on your hands. This is blood that the American people will not allow to continue to be spilled in our name any longer. Today we are marching in solidarity with the Iraqi people who want the occupation to end. It is fully within your power to stop this tragedy.
You have just heard the testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. General Casey was replaced by General Petraeus because he would not support the President’s agenda of keeping as many troops deployed as long as possible, keeping our military teetering at the breaking point. General Petraeus was selected for this position not only because of his abilities as a soldier, but also for political purposes. When he testified before you he was acting in his role as a political appointee. He told you the surge was working. This is the same absurd optimism that we have been hearing since the beginning of this occupation from its proponents: the insurgency is in its last throes; we are turning the corner. Why do you still believe these people?
We have come before you to ask that you consider the cost in human life of this conflict so far. We are also here to tell you that we will not stand for this corruption of our democracy any longer. We the people are in the streets. We the people are fed up. We the people are ready to rise up and take back our democracy.
Signed,
The Empowered Patriots
Today marks a turning point for our movement. Today we make the shift from protesting to direct action. Today we begin to restore the rightful order in our democracy. Today is the day the people stop fearing the government, and the government starts fearing the people!
Today may very well mark the beginning of the American anti-fascism revolution. March with us. Honor the dead with us. If you are willing to risk arrest, lie in the street, if not, lie in the grass. Die-in when you hear the air raid sirens. Raise your voice and your fist with us in defiance to send a message to our leadership. If you will not make peace for us, we will make it for ourselves! Power to the people!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Michelle Malkin Alienates Everyone From NeoCons
In case the NeoCon name hasn’t been dragged through the mud enough by the Bush Administration and their litany of ludicrous scandals, Michelle Malkin is doing her part to ensure that it receives the domestic equivalent of the international anti-American hatred that NeoCon policies have fostered abroad. In a recent editorial published in the New York Post, Michelle Malkin referred to the ANSWER Coalition as a “far-left group.” ANSWER stands for Act Now, Stop War, End Racism. I’m not sure which part of that she’s against, but if those are things that only the “far-left” stand for, then I might just have to turn in my Libertarian Party Lifetime Membership card. (Over my dead body!)
The ANSWER Coalition is organizing the September 15th march from the White House to the Capital to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq. Malkin goes further to say that we will be “descending” on the Capital (it may be an appropriate image, as our leaders sink to new lows and we must stoop to their level to communicate our grievances; perhaps we can tell them to stop the war by passing notes under bathroom stall partitions) to “demand immediate withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan; immediate closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and immediate release of every last suspected al Qaeda operative in American custody; immediate impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney; and immediate capitulation to our enemies at home and abroad.” That last part is hers. Actually, almost the whole thing is hers. The single unifying message of the action is, “End the War Now!”
But it is very telling that as a regular cheerleader of the NeoCon agenda, she associates these causes of compassion and common sense with the “far-left.” The vast majority of Americans want our leaders to end the occupation of Iraq. That puts “far-left” in the middle of America and the NeoCons on the fringes. But then, we have always known this to be true. NeoCon = big government Republican = fascist. Remember kids, the opposite of fascism is freedom, as advocated by the Libertarian Party.
The September 15th march and rally, followed by a week of direct action, will mark a turning point for the entire anti-war movement and possibly for the course of American Democracy. The theme of this “protest” is “Protesting is not enough. Come for the rally, stay for a week of direct action.” The day after the march will be a training day, followed by National Truth In Recruiting Day, Congressional Challenge Day, a day of Pentagon outreach, Veterans’ Lobbying Day, and the Iraq Moratorium. There will be a number of direct actions to participate in for those who are willing to work to bring our government back in line with the will of the people.
I am against the continued occupation of Iraq primarily because it is bad for America. It is bad for our security and ability to protect ourselves. It is bad for our ability to respond to natural disasters. It is bad for our military. It is bad for America’s stature in the world. It is bad for our ability to fight terrorism. It is bad for making enemies of America faster than we can kill them. It is bad for my brothers and sisters in arms who continue to die while “the insurgency is in its last throes,” “we are turning the corner,” and “as the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.”
The government that governs least governs best. Unfortunately, our government has not been satisfied over-governing, over-taxing, and over-deceiving Americans. It has to extend its authority to the other side of the world to deny Iraqis and Afghanis their God-given right to self-determination. Malkin refers to the protestors as the, “surrender lobby.” I, for one, refuse to surrender to the oppression of this administration. In the immortal words of Edward Abbey, “A true patriot must always be ready to defend his country from his government.” It is the poor, deluded supporters of the NeoCon agenda who have surrendered to lies, oppression, war crimes, torture, and the sacrifice of their own civil liberties on the altar of American imperialism. Unfortunately for them, the Marine Corps trained me too well. I don’t know how to surrender.
Our democracy is failing us. The time for protests, rallies, and demonstrations is over. It is time for the people to stop this war and bring our government back to the will of the people. We cannot fear their threats of violence and oppression. Something is wrong in a democracy when the people fear the government and not the other way around. It is going to take nonviolent direct action in the form of strikes, blockades, counter-recruiting, and supporting GI resistance. Let’s scare the crap out of those who would abandon principle to perpetuate their own power. Iraq Veterans Against the War will lead the way as veterans are always willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe is right.
Michelle, you have chosen your side, I have chosen mine. I will see you in the streets.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Fig Leaf
I was actually against the war before the war. As a reservist attending Claremont McKenna College near LA, I attended the big day of student walkouts in February of 2003. There were speeches, a human peace sign, and a march through the middle of campus. I found myself surrounded by students and professors trying to relive the 60s. Their apparent ignorance was surpassed only by their lack of hygiene.
At our monthly drill in December of 2003 our Commanding Officer announced that the Marine Corps was seeking volunteers for the Third Civil Affairs Group. I jumped at the chance. I didn’t want to “miss the party.” I also believed at that time, along with most of America, that what we were doing in Iraq was cleaning up our mess. I thought it was responsible foreign policy, trying to do good by the Iraqi people.
I was activated two weeks before we were set to deploy. In between filling out forms and checking out gear, I got enough civil affairs training to learn that we would be working with the Iraqi people on local projects such as schools, clinics, mosques, and water projects. I was really excited about it. That was exactly what Bush was saying that we, as in Americans in Iraq, were doing there. I thought, “We are going to be leading the charge to rebuild Iraq.” (To Marines, every mission is a “charge.” Often times, Marines are tasked to lead the charge to clean the heads, or swab the decks, or stand around and smoke cigarettes.)
When I got to Iraq, it was a different story. We were six-man teams attached to battalions or regiments. And where we were in the Fallujah area, you couldn’t go anywhere without at least six humvees with machine guns. We often had to beg these infantry commanders to tag along on their convoys to accomplish our missions. We found ourselves constantly struggling to justify our existence. We even came up with a slogan: We care, so that you don’t have to.
Sure it was funny at the time, but in retrospect, it’s pretty messed up. Perhaps if the situation had been the other way around, namely that infantry units were attached to civil affairs teams, then the US military would have had some credibility with the Iraqi people when we told them that we were there to help them. But instead, we put the killers in charge. I’m not advocating a complete restructuring of the military here. Ours is the greatest on the earth, but it is designed to destroy other militaries. In the words of Jason Lemieux, “Hammers can’t fix computers.”
About halfway through my tour, I realized the futility of what we were doing in civil affairs and was forced to fall back on the old standard rationalization, “At least we’re keeping the fight off of American soil.” I was able to realize the fallacy of that soon after returning home. For every insurgent we kill today, there are two to kill tomorrow because we piss off so many people in the process.
The only way that I can describe the role of civil affairs in the occupation of Iraq is that it is a fig leaf. I was once praised for taking pictures of my team distributing humanitarian rations because they would be used in a propaganda magazine that would be distributed to Iraqis. I don’t believe it had much effect, (the Iraqi people know better) but it was clear that we were there more so that commanders could brag about all of the good we were doing rather than so that we could actually do any good.
We cared so that they didn’t have to. So that the infantry commanders didn’t have to. So that the joint chiefs didn’t have to. So that L. Paul Bremer (Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance until the “handover of power” on June 28th, 2004) didn’t have to. So that Donald Rumsfeld didn’t have to. So Dick Cheney didn’t have to, not that he ever pretended to. And so that least of all, President Bush didn’t have to while he gushed about making life better for the Iraqi people. I risked my life so that they could look good, and they still failed. We were a fig leaf.
This appeared in the first issue of the official IVAW newsletter, SIT-REP.
Berkeley without Hippies, a Convention with Hippies, and Exciting Stuff Coming Up
Last Wednesday, we held the first ever IVAW Truth in Recruiting Workshop at the Jazz School in Berkeley. Special thanks to IVAW members Jane Song for handling the logistics and to Kevin Turner for sharing his experiences with the Army and recruiters in his first public speaking event with IVAW. It was my first time hosting such a workshop, and as such, it was a sort of a trial run for the format that I have created. Despite low turnout, it was a resounding success. Everyone there was engaged and excited about the potential for Truth In Recruiting. Hopefully, the Bay Area Chapter (semi-defunct) will be reinvigorated as a result and host more workshops on their own.
This was the first in a series of workshops that I will be hosting, and hopefully many more IVAW chapters will also be hosting their own. The next one for me is this Friday in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Chapter of Veterans For Peace (especially Ken Mayers) has been a great help in setting this up and promoting it.
This past weekend was the annual IVAW convention in St Louis. As it is traditionally, it was part of the Veterans For Peace annual convention. They are our parent organization, and as such, they take that mission to heart. They brought out their share of hippies, mainly as hangers on, but it was great to see the support that they showed us. It was there that I met Ken Murray, who was essential to making the Santa Fe workshop possible. I also got to be part of a lot of brainstorming and planning sessions that were immeasurably powerful. I even took the time to attend a “Warrior Writers” workshop, organized by the incredible Lovella Calica. So you can look forward to a little more of my creative side in the near future. (I can hear you cringing now!)
The main order of business for IVAW was to elect seven new members for our nine-man board of directors. There were fourteen candidates and in order of most votes received, the new members are: Camilo Mejia, Liam Madden, myself, Margaret Stevens, Phil Aliff, Jabar Magruder, and Jason Lemieux. We convened our first meeting that evening to select an executive committee of a Chairman, Co-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. By an incredible process of consensus and objectively evaluating each other without taking it to a vote, we selected Camilo Mejia as Chairman, myself as Co-Chair, Phil Aliff as Secretary, and Margaret Stevens as Treasurer. We were all incredibly excited about the strength of the new board. Personally, I am honored to be a part of it and feel that my selection is a great show of appreciation by the membership for the sacrifices I have made on behalf of IVAW since joining. I kept hearing, “You’re doing great work,” from many of the VFPers at the convention, and my reply was always, “We’re just getting started.”
Saturday night, we held a special screening of the documentary, "Meeting Resistance." It was incredibly powerful. Please check out their website. It is interesting to note that it was screened at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Sunday Morning was the "March to the Arch," followed by an afternoon packed with meetings until it was time to go to the airport. I will soon be organizing "Truckers Against the War." More to come.
Recently, I have been consumed with my preparations for National Truth in Recruiting Day and the ongoing IVAW TIR campaign. I was able to get a lot of people excited about it over the weekend and soon we should have a section of the IVAW website up and will be issuing a press release so we can start promoting it. I was also able to get a lot of folks committed for the September 15th week of action. At the rally in front of the capitol, IVAW will be leading the mass die-in with an honor guard that will be simulating a 21-gun salute before taps is played to start the die-in. Of course, it isn’t that smart to simulate anything with guns when surrounded by buildings guarded by snipers, so the seven men in the detail will be carrying the flags of various war profiteers (Halliburton, KBR, Blackwater, etc.) and will bang them on the ground to simulate rifle fire. If you can attend, please sign up at sept15.org to wear cammies to represent one of the American fallen at the die-in.
In more fun news, I have been asked to be the guest of honor at August’s meeting of the Modernist Society at the Bourbon bar in Adams Morgan. There will be a lot of local IVAW members there, so it should be fun.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Momma Momma Can't You See
My first attempt at a music video. The lyrics are based on a marching cadence I learned in the Marines. Warning: Video contains graphic images of a dead Iraqi.
I wrote this when I was in Germany because our host had a recording studio and wanted us to record something but we never had time. Last night I was compelled to put this together at three in the morning and busted it out in about an hour, start to finish. Maybe someday there will be a version with better production values, but I'm not holding my breath. Enjoy.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Update on Marc Train and Eli Israel
Marc Train
Eli IsraelThey are now in the process of kicking him out under Chapter 12-14. From a Chapter 12-14 separation counseling sheet:
Your actions constitute serious misconduct. The least favorable type of separation you can receive is an Under Other Than Honorable discharge. You would lose all accrued leave and be reduced to E-1 upon separation. Your ability to obtain decent employment in the civilian community would be extremely limited.
So a little soft time at Fort Stewart and he should be home free. Marc, if it’s any consolation, I’m sure you will have no trouble obtaining decent employment in the civilian community.
Finally, we get to hear the whole story of Eli Israel in his own words. Enjoy.
The journey of a VIP bodyguard, sniper against the war
By Army National Guard Spc. Eleonai "Eli" Israel. August 9, 2007
Two months ago, I took a stand that changed my life forever. As a Soldier, a JVB Protective Service Agent, and a Sniper with the Army who had been in Iraq for a year (running over 250 combat missions), I refused to continue to be a part of the occupation. I regret nothing. This is my story. Currently, as I write this I am sitting in Kuwait, on "stand-by" to return to the States sometime hopefully this week. After getting out of the brig last week, I’m now scheduled to be discharged from the Army within the month. I'm looking forward to joining forces with anti-Iraq-War movements, such as Courage to Resist and Iraq Veterans Against the War.
What led me to this place in my life?
Joining up, the first time
I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the spring of 1999, the month of my 18th birthday.
I grew up in the custody of the state of Kentucky with little contact with my biological parents since I was 13. I had no family support system and ended up on the streets, doing what street kids do.
By 16, I had eased into hard drugs. I had not been to school since the first part of 9th grade, and I was short on about everything but street smarts, an untapped sense of ambition, and a tough guy attitude.
When I walked into the recruiting station I learned that in order to join the Corps, I would need either a high school diploma or a GED with a waiver—unless I also had certain college credits. When I told them that I was 16 and had only completed 8th grade, they quickly dismissed me, not expecting to see me again.
They were wrong.
Not only did I earn my GED, I also did a semester at the local college. A year and a half later the month I turned 18, March 1999, I walked back into the same recruiting station, spoke to the same recruiter, showed him my GED and my college transcripts and felt my first real sense of pride.
Thirteen weeks after arriving at Parris Island, I was changed forever. I graduated as the leader of a platoon squad with a meritorious promotion, and was now well on my way to a shining career as a Marine.
Then came September 11, 2001.
Re-enlisting for my country
Like many after September 11th I wanted to serve, again. I felt I owed something more to my country after my years of training. I trusted my president and my leadership to tell me the truth. I also trusted my own integrity. I knew that I would never willingly do anything that I knew to be immoral or wrong.
I re-enlisted in 2004—this time in the Army National Guard.
At the time I believed that those serving in the 'global war on terror' were doing so because they believed in what they were doing—not because they were under compulsion by a contract or retained by stop-loss. After having seen the situation on the ground, I now believe I was wrong. In 2006, I shipped out to Iraq.
Spc. Eli Israel on JVB duty in Iraq
In Iraq I was as a JVB Agent—the JVB (Joint Visitors Bureau) served as the protective service for "three star generals and above" and their "civilian equivalents". This included the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, their equivalents in a number of our "allied nations", and others. I trained for my job as part of this "special unit" prior to deployment, and I spent the majority of my tour in the company of the most powerful people connected to the "global war on terror".
Even as a JVB agent, my primary job was still infantry. On days when we didn't have any JVB missions, we would be called on for "search and cordon" operations and other infantry assignments. So, although I worked at the JVB, I was still on the roster of a sniper platoon tasked with various missions "outside the wire"—either as "sniper overwatch" or house raids.
I reasoned that my actions during these missions were justified in the name of "self-defense." However, I came to realize my perception was wrong. I was in a country that I had no right to be in, violating the lives of people, and doing so without regard to the same standards of dignity and respect that we as Americans hold our own homes and our own lives to.
Destroying lives
I have taken and/or destroyed the lives of people who were defending their families from being the "collateral damage" of the day. Iraqi boys are joining groups like "Al Qaeda" for the same reason street kids in the U.S. join the "Cribs" and the "Bloods". It’s about self protection, a sense of dignity, and making a stand.
The young man whose father and cousin we "accidentally" killed, and whose mother and siblings cry every time the tank rolls through the neighborhood, doesn't care who Osama Bin Laden is. The "militants" we attacked were usually no different than an armed neighborhood watch group who didn't trust their government. We didn’t trust the government either, and we put them in power!
Our own sacrifices, as tragic as they are (and they are tragic), are dwarfed in comparison to the carnage that has been brought on the Iraqi people.
"Success" in Iraq is not a matter of the number of coalition deaths "declining". Success would be an end of the catastrophe we have inflicted on a entire society, and restoration of dignity and sovereignty.
Iraqis continue to die at a rate 10 to 20 times that of the coalition forces. In Baghdad alone, five years and $950 billion later, the population suffers power and water outages that last for weeks at a time. Meanwhile, we often impose martial law so that no one can leave. The day I saw myself in the hateful eyes of a young Iraqi boy who stared at me was the day I realized I could no longer justify my role in the occupation.
I envy the soldier who is able to see the injustice of this war from afar, and has the courage and conviction to take the stand against it. There will be those who criticize soldiers for being willing to weigh moral convictions against political ambition. What matters is making the stand. Whether you chose not to join the military in the first place, or you realized after joining that it fell short of the requisite levels of integrity, the moment you realize the truth is the moment to take a stand. My moment came with only three weeks of combat missions remaining during my one year in Iraq. Moral conviction has no timing.
Taking a stand
I informed my chain of command of my beliefs. I could tell from that first conversation that things were not going to go well. I told them that I believed our presence in Iraq was unlawful. I explained that I no longer believed in a policy of war and that I would file as a conscientious objector. Simply put, I could no longer in good conscience participate in a combat role against the Iraqi people.
Seconds after the words left my mouth, my life changed. Inside I had more peace than I had felt in over a year. I knew immediately that I had done the right thing. However, I was aggressively disarmed, confined, and shut off from contacting anyone, including family or an attorney.
I was illegally confined to a cot in an operations room, placed under 24 hour guard, and escorted to the bathroom before I was formally charged with refusal to follow an order two weeks later. I remained confined until I pled guilty (with little choice) less than a week after that. I was immediately sent to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait to serve 30 days in a military prison. I was just released from the brig the other day and I’m now in the process of being "kicked out" with an "Other Than Honorable" discharge. I regret nothing.
After I told my command my beliefs, and once they realized they couldn't intimidate me and that I was serious, they decided that it was going to become an "information war".
I had many anti-war friends from MySpace and other online networks that got wind that I was being mistreated and it circulated around the world, literally overnight. Before I knew it, I was dragged into the First Sergeant’s office and they began yelling and screaming about how their names were "all over the internet". They didn't try to deny what was being said about them—that I was being treated unfairly and that they refused to acknowledge my claim as a conscientious objector—they were simply mad about the exposure.
Military strikes back
The next day I was told that I had been "flagged" as an OPSEC (operational security) “concern”. No reason given. They were hostile and consumed with the task of making "an example" out of me, and they were looking for ways to ruin my reputation and credibility.
They spent days typing up pages of fabricated "counseling statements" to retroactively discredit my military record. The fact that there were no prior record of statements made these accusations obviously fake, and they knew it. They "needed more".
They demanded repeatedly all of my Internet user names and pass words—MySpace, personal email, everything. All under the threat that "more charges" would be brought against me if I refused.
They wanted to read my emails, all my blogs, everything, in an attempt to find something. Anything they could use to make it look like I had been giving out classified information. They wanted to charge me and ruin my credibility as much as possible, and they desperately needed to be able to justify my illegal confinement.
Two weeks later, when they finally realized that they were not going to be able to charge me with "divulging intel", they finally charged me with a series of "not following orders". Not only did these include my refusal to continue combat missions, but ridiculous stuff like "not standing at parade rest" and "being late for work". You get the picture.
My command eventually offered to "chapter me out" if I would immediately plead guilty to everything and accept a summary court martial. My options were clear. I could play ball, spend 30 days in a brig, and get my life back. Or I could let them put me back on a fully confined restriction for the next two months, while they took every opportunity to make an example of me—to show everyone in the battalion, "this is what happens if you oppose the war.”
I’ll let them think they won, for now.
Freedom
The truth will come out, and there is nothing they can do to hide it. The occupation is a disaster. I’m convinced that every day it continues that it makes America, and the Iraqis less safe.
Objecting to the war and standing up to the military was without question, one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made a stand that was the right one, and I have my freedom back as a bonus. Maybe ten years from now those of us resisting from within the military today will be seen as some of the first few to speak the truth and to follow up with action. Even now I have many to remind me that I'm not alone in my thinking, even a majority of Americans who know that all the pieces of this conflict simply don't add up.
Seek the truth. Make the stand.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Interesting Emails
From: Tim Date: Jun 4, 2007 11:13 PM
I read some of your blogs. I don't have a problem with you. Although, I have one question. Do you consider the consider the consequences of withdrawal from Iraq? We can get all poetic and talk about conundrums and quagmires all day long because ultimately that's what this is. Sadly I do believe the situation has gotten to a point where we have no choice but to stay for an unfortunately substantial amount of time. I was disillusioned in the Marines long before I made it to Iraq. If Marines don't die in Iraq, it will be Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan, Africa, Haiti, the Philippines, or just about any other volatile area on Earth. It's peace time that consequently lures young (usually underprivileged) men into the military and war time that washes them out. What you are doing is valiant but make no mistake, the atrocities of this war can not compare to those of the past and inevitably of those to come.
###
From: Adam Date: Jun 6, 2007 7:03 AM I agree, and in my research about Vietnam, I have come to the conclusion that we fought in a little pussy war by comparison. And I do realize that there may be dire consequences to pulling out, but last year, they said it would be bad if we pulled out, now they're saying it'll be really really bad if we pull out. But if we pull out next year, it'll be really really really bad. Every day we stay there we make more enemies. Immediate withdrawal isn't going to be easy, but it's the best option. Peace, Adam
###
You're probably right. Well, good luck. Thanks for taking a stance on something.
************************************************************************
From: MP GUMBY Date: Jun 5, 2007 8:45 AM
Dear SGT,
My Name is PV2 ******** ****** and i am with the Oregon ARNG as an MP. When i read about what was has been happenning to you I was appauled and could not believe they would go through all this trouble when there are more imortant things such as keeping our guys safe over there and getting us home now. please add me as a friend. I have not gone over to Iraq yet but i am set to soon when the Washington State MPs return home. I have many friends over there now in all branches of the military and have heard the horrible stories. You have the right to do what you did and by taking off the insignia's you were not wearing a military uniform at that point. it would have been no different then someone going to a military surplus store and purchasing the same stuff and wearing that to a protest. Keep up the good work.
###
Thanks for your great message. It's great to hear that someone in your position is capable of looking at the situation objectively and coming to their own conclusions. More importantly about my case, is that the UCMJ is not intended to apply to the inactive reserve and I plan to fight this all the way to preserve the rights of everyone who will ever spend time in the IRR. I hope that you will also find the courage to join our organization and maybe even resist in your own way. Check out http://girights.objector.org/ And of course, IVAW.org
Peace,
Adam
************************************************************************
From: Edward ######### [mailto:#########@#####.com]
Sent: Tue 6/5/2007 1:04 AM
To: Kokesh, Adam
Subject: Been There Too
What the hell is wrong with you ? Did you even think what wearing your
uniform to an event like that does for the enemy ? You may not have wanted
this to happen but it supports they enemy just like all these antiwar
protests do, I served in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once and would go again
if needed, not because I love this war but it is my duty and because I like
you am a Marine and we were attacked and we are at war. Understand this, we
fight them there or here, either way this thing goes on and on until we win
or lose. Man up and do the right thing, we all lost friends, I am confused
sometimes brother but come on back and be a Marine and keep that BS out of
the papers and news for the sake of your brothers and sisters who continue
to be in harms way. If you need to talk write back but think very carefully
before you make a mistake that effects our Corps and Country, these
protesters will use you and don't care about you, remember that Marine.
SSgt. B
###
Edward,
You say we were attacked and are at war, but who attacked us? If you are referring to 9/11, the majority of the hijackers were Saudis. Wearing my uniform at an event representing a group that wants the US out of Iraq shows the enemy that not all of America is careless, racist, and aggressive. That's bad for their recruiting efforts. They recruit on the idea that all Americans hate all Muslims. We can try to show them otherwise. Yes, we fight them here or there, and that what my rationalization while I was there. "At least we're keeping the fight off American soil." But for every insurgent we kill today, there are two to kill the next day because of all the people we've pissed off in the process. People said if we left a year ago, it would be bad, and if we leave now, it will be really bad, but if we leave in a year, it will be really, really bad.
Peace,
Adam
###
I am sure you are getting tons of e-mails, thanks for writing, and Iunderstand the frustration but I think you handled it wrong is all. I hatenegativity on the Corps and I am sure that is not what you wanted but boy itcame out like that. I guess we will see what the future holds, I don't knowwhat is right or wrong, when we should leave, etc... I do know that thiswill go on no matter what and it was coming no matter what and that is theirculture not ours.
Be well
Ed
###
Ed,
As I've been telling people: In Kansas City, I stared down a corrupt element of this administration and they blinked first. Now, Iraq Veterans Against the War has the initiative. And just as we were taught in boot camp, when you have the initiative, you keep fighting. That’s what we’re going to do.So it's not about the Marine Corps, but rather a few corrupt elements, and I'm tying that to the administration. You can't deny there's at least some corruption there.
Peace,
Adam
************************************************************************
> As I am all for Freedom of speech and all you were still attached to
> the military even though you were inactive reserve. Even when I was
> inactive reserve I still was charged with following the rules of the
> USMJ. We all have our opinions about the Iraq conflict. I Served
> there as well with 1st tank btn during the start of the conflict. I may
> not see eye to eye with your idealisms I do however respect your
> feelings. HOWEVER devildog.. you should have waited to wave your flag
> of deceit for the government you swore to defend. We all have our
> ideas.. find a right time to voice them. Best of luck with the
> military courts.. With public opinion the way it is I am sure you will
> get a pass on this one.
>
> Ken Ishmael
Ø HM1/FMF/RET
Ken,
Actually, there are three legal points on my side here. Your enlistment
contract says the rules (in wording that says all the rules) only apply
when active, training, or active reserve. Second, the 2nd article of the
UCMJ says it doesn't apply to IR. Third, a Supreme Court case. But
regardless of the legal considerations, the most important voices for or
against the occupation are the recently discharged vets. That is what
needs to be respected here.
Peace,
Adam
************************************************************************
From the Staff Sergeant who was my senior and mentor in Iraq:
Adam,
The Corps will be something that we will love, and hate, for the rest of our lives. Your passion is without compare. I appreciate you and thank you for all you did for me over there. You truly had my back! I still pray for you daily. I am glad to see that you are pursuing you heart. It looks like you are staying fit too, I wonder if your bench press record still stands in Fallujah?
All The Best...
Keaster
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
This is how the military convinces reservists and IRR members to go back to Iraq
I recieved this interesting email recently from someone at my old unit. Notice the last line in the first paragraph. I would translate it as, "volunteer now or get screwed later," or "If you don't volunteer now, you will have no control over 'what you may be doing' and will probably be burning shitters in Iraq for a year." I have deleted all the contact information for the good Colonel except for his email address. Feel free to contact him.
CAGster Alumi:
Myself and Col Latsko (on cc line with my personal email) have been assigned the critical IMEF recruiting mission. These jobs are MEF wide. Highest priority is IMEF recruiting for OIF. Deployment lengths range from a high of 12months and down, depending on billet need and availability of Marines willing to fill them. Contract lengths are between a high of 18mo-24month active duty contracts and down, again depending on billet and availability of Marines willing to take them. Active duty start times may also be flexible much depending if you are OIF full length, OIF tack 1 or tack 2. If you are interested, fill out the Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS) and forward it back to me with an explanation telling me what you would like to do and your preferred length of time you could go on orders and approximate start service date. Things are ramping up so if your interested or know you fall within an involuntary activation category, now is the time to move and take some control as to what you may be doing.
Even if your on active duty or retired and are looking for an adventure, just let me know and I will do what I can to match desires, times, and qualifications with billets to get you to the war. Everyone of you knows me or have worked with me, so if you have questions all you have to do is give me a call and I will provide you as much straight scoop as possible. If you know of some other hard charger that may be interested in coming on active duty let me know and/or forward the RQS to them and my contact information.
S/F
Col. Eric S. Erdmann
I MEF Training and Experimentation Group
eric.erdmann@usmc.mil
EDIT: Clarification: This email doesn't apply to me. It's interesting to note that they have not scrubbed their email list. Maybe they are hoping that guys who's IRR time has expired will be inspired to reenlist or something. Never mind that they could easily make four times as much money if they went to Iraq with a private security firm.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Amazing! I'm on the Front Page of the New Mexican Again
This story appeared on the front page of today's Santa Fe New Mexican with the photo of the parachute that is featured on the website with a small headshot of me from my press conference in Kansas City. I was sitting at the breakfast table with my step-mom and asked her if she thought "An Iraq war veteran . . . said Sunday that Iraqis should use nonviolent tactics to block the gates of U.S. bases in their country," constituted front page news. She shrugged, "It's a small town." It was right below a much more relevant headline, "GAO: 190,000 firearms missing in Iraq."
Sunday, August 5, 2007
9th Annual Peace Day Santa Fe
I did get a chance to speak to the mayor after he spoke and told him about the “Truth in Recruiting” workshop that I’m planning and invited him to speak. Then we proceeded to “Socrates in the Trees,” or “Dialogue circles exploring the important questions related to ‘How can we transform our culture to a culture of peace and realize peace in our time?’” I’m not sure that they came up with an answer to the question. That’s a pretty tall order.
While I was there (wearing my IVAW t-shirt of course) I was approached by David Collins, a reporter from the Santa Fe New Mexican. He first wanted to talk about what I thought about the Peace Day, but quickly moved on to my case and I reminded him that I was on the front page of his publication just a couple months ago. I had to go into my whole back-story again, which I didn’t mind, except that I was eager to find out how we could realize peace in our time.
He interviewed me for a good thirty minutes and after I mentioned that I spoke Arabic, he asked me if I ever planned to go back to Iraq. I said I had no plans, but I would love to as a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, maybe to organize a nonviolent resistance. I described my outlandish fantasy of seeing all of the Iraqis in the insurgency stop shooting at Americans and instead get all of the hundred of thousands (if not millions, cumulatively, since the invasion) of protestors that were marching in the streets and get them to sit in around US military bases in Iraq. They could fairly easily shut down the occupation without any violence much more effectively than shooting at US troops.
It was then that Collins found it necessary to remind me that when speaking to him, I was “really speaking to the world.” He seemed to think it was a very radical idea and something I was crazy to suggest. I told him that it doesn’t reflect any abnormal sentiment or crazy desire. I’m against the occupation of Iraq, pro-sovereignty and self-determination for all people especially Iraqis, and I’m a proponent of nonviolent resistance. By simply combining these concepts, you get Iraqis doing sit-ins all over Iraq. It’s just a novel tactic that no one has really talked about yet. I don’t actually plan to go to Iraq to try to organize this. The Iraqi people aren’t dumb, and I’m sure that someone there has had the same idea. I just think the resistance is too fractured, and led by too many violent men with a death wish to come together this way. I just hope it gets there soon.
I ended up in a very interesting discussion with a member of Senator Jeff Bingaman’s New Mexico staff hosted by Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety. Before leaving to take Alex to his polo game, I got a chance to speak to Sadaf Cameron of CCNS. Just as she was getting into certain futilities of the peace movement, I was able to whip out my letter about National Truth in Recruiting Day. (More on that coming soon.) When the conversation got a bit serious, I decided she was ready for The People’s Army of America. I can’t wait to see if she joins.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The Bush Doctrine: Speak incoherently and hit someone with a stick.
And now, updates. Starting with the last part of the bus tour:
Fort Drum was, as anticipated, the best stop on the tour. Whenever we were down, or worrying that we weren’t being effective enough, it always cheered us up to think about how great the stop at Fort Drum was going to be. It did not disappoint.
Fort Drum was our first and only active duty chapter at the time, and it had already filled its ranks with fifteen active duty soldiers. They were planning on doubling that when we came to have our cook out and concert. The concert was held at the Different Drummer internet café in Watertown, not far from base, which is the unofficial home of the Fort Drum Chapter.
The Advanced Party (Jimmy Massey and myself) got there the afternoon of the day before and we met with a gentleman who was doing a documentary about Jimmy. I took a nap while he did the interview, but he ended up interviewing almost everyone on the bus eventually. Then we met the bus crew and a few of the active duty chapter members at the Different Drummer where everyone was staying the night. We strategized for a while and decided to promote the cook out at some local bars.
Somehow I ended up at a bar by myself talking to a couple of reservist soldiers who were in town for a couple weeks for their AT (Annual Training) and a bouncer who had been in the invasion, but gotten out soon after. Back at the Different Drummer, I rolled out my mattress pad and stayed up too late trying to respond to all of my emails.
The group of civilians that turned out to support us at the cook out was great, but we had to tell the woman with the rainbow pinwheel who was trying to start a drum circle to secure that shit or keep her distance. She chose to put her stuff away and pretended to not be a hippy for the duration of the afternoon. I had the opportunity to meet Michael Blake’s father and Nate Lewis’s twin brother, which was a trip because they both have the exact same very distinct rhythm of speech and accent.
Phil Ailif, President of the Fort Drum IVAW Chapter was there with his usual suspects, but decided that there were enough people who had promised to come that weren’t there to warrant making a few trips back to base to pick some of them up. Phil and Liam Madden took Liam’s car and parked in the guest area and got a one-day pass from the guard shack before proceeding to the gate.
Just then, I was pulling up with a soldier who was stationed at Fort Drum. We walked into the guard shack with my license, registration and proof of insurance. Before the guard (who was wearing a blue Department of the Army Police uniform underneath an orange reflective vest) even looked at my paperwork he said, “Good afternoon, Adam. How’s it going?” “Pretty good, yourself?” The bulletin board behind him was covered with mug shots of people who were barred from base with BOLO (Be On the Look Out) written over them. I scanned it for a photo of myself, and was somewhat disappointed that I hadn’t earned a place on their wall of fame. Apparently, I didn’t need it.
“How did you know my name?” “We all know who you are. I’ve been reading your blog actually. In fact, we saw your Bronco coming a mile away.” Meanwhile, Liam and Phil had been stopped at the gate and were told to pull to the side and standby until finally being asked to turn around. The guy in the orange vest told us to wait for someone else to come talk to us. A few minutes later two plain-clothes DoA Detectives came in from behind the guard shack. “You are not going to be allowed on base today.” I demanded to see some ID and to know what agency he was with. He flashed me his ID and I said I didn’t get his name. He said that was deliberate because he didn’t want to see his name on this blog in twelve hours. I later discovered his name but will allow him to remain anonymous out of respect. He and his partner complained that it was our fault that they had to come in on a day they would normally have off.
He asked that we step outside so we did and chatted for a while and allowed things to relax and even become friendly. I found out that the official reason we were not being allowed on base was, “Because it would not be in the best interest of the Army.” He remarked about some of the material on this blog. He said he actually “sympathized” with our point of view but had to do his job. I found myself making an appeal to conscience that has become a desperate refrain lately. It seems there are a lot of people who realize that they could be speaking out in a very powerful way but haven’t worked up the courage yet. (Just a few days ago I met a man who works for the Department of Defense in “foreign arms sales,” who hasn’t spoken out yet for fear of losing his job.)
On the way back I had Jimmy, Sholom, and Steve in the Bronco. Sholom had been invited to speak at the monthly meeting of the Manhattan Libertarian Party that Friday and invited us to share the stage with him. Then it was on to Philly to drop off Steve before getting in to DC at three in the morning. The next day we took to relax before the final leg of the journey.
Getting Marc Train to Fort Stewart was our last mission. I met him at the March 27th march on the Pentagon. After seeing the way he was dressed, I was shocked to see that he was carrying a military ID card. On his feet were the “rough-side-out” army boots that have become standard issue since the invasion of Iraq. He was wearing black gym pants and a white t-shirt covered in graffiti. He wore an “old-school” camouflage top with the sleeves ripped off mid-upper arm and a white, circled anarchy “A” spray-painted on the back. He wore a red bandana on his head and was waving a small, plain red flag held aloft by two tent stakes. It was that day that he decided to go AWOL.
From my understanding, there are two frames of mind one is in when they go AWOL. Either they flee and flee for good, or they stay AWOL long enough to become a deserter, turn themselves in, and pray for mercy. In the case of Chris Capps, that mercy was a three-day out-processing and an Other Than Honorable discharge. For him, it was a world better than being party to a war crime. Except for not being party to a war crime, Marc didn’t have much of a plan.
He was adopted by the peace movement in DC and taken care of, but needed direction. Everyone around him had come to the conclusion that he needed to turn himself in because he wanted to stay in America, eventually get a job and have a normal life. He had no desire or plan to leave the country. He was going to come on the bus tour and turn himself in halfway through, but it was decided by consensus at the last minute that he would be a liability to the tour.
I had hooked him up with my attorney, Mike Lebowitz, who had made arrangements with his command to make the out-processing as easy as possible and not charge him with anything other than desertion. He was afraid that certain comments he had made online may have been construed as “disloyal statements” and after the case of Liam Madden, this was not an unfounded concern. By the time we got to Fort Drum, he still hadn’t made plans to turn himself in and was staying with a friend of Tina Richards in Mt Rainier, MD. I called him (and gave him the appropriate kick in the ass) and told him that he was betraying everyone who had helped him on the premise that he was turning himself in, especially Mike, by not acting. I offered to give him a ride down to Fort Stewart, his former duty station after the bus tour.
We picked him up the next morning and took the straight shot down the 95 to Fayetteville to drop off Jimmy where we picked him and he had left his car. Then it was on to Fort Stewart. We got in late and spent the night at a Days Inn (free wireless) before actually going on base. When we got to the gate the next morning the guard asked me what my shirt said. “Iraq Veterans Against the War.” He collected our ID cards and then ran them down a list in a binder, handed them back to us, and waved us through. Maybe Fort Stewart hadn’t been alerted since it wasn’t a planned stop on the tour. We took Marc to the Legal Defense Council’s office and made sure he was comfortable with his situation before we took off. While we were waiting outside with his stuff, a Sergeant comes out with some paperwork under his arm and stern look on his face. He had a Third ID patch on his left shoulder and a 10th Mountain Division combat patch on his right. He passed us and just a step later turned back to Sholom. “What does your shirt say?” he demanded. Sholom turned and puffed out his chest: Iraq Veterans Against the War.” “Sweet. How do I join you guys?” I was flabbergasted, but Sholom turned on a dime and grabbed a packet out of my glove box to give the guy. Sometimes, it’s that easy.
Then it was back to DC for more random craziness. Sholom and I conducted Operation Yellow Elephant, but I’m still working on editing the video. Hopefully it will be on YouTube in a few days. Basically, we went to the College Republican National Convention to ask the future leaders of the party some tough questions. “If you think the occupation of Iraq is such a good idea, why don’t you go find out for yourself?” “Are you not joining the military because you are gay or because you don’t think you could hack it?” “Are you aware that because of the difficulty the Army has had in recruiting, they have drastically relaxed weight requirements?” “Do you feel like a hypocrite for supporting a war politically, and yet doing nothing of substance to support it? Or is that normal for Republicans?” We met a couple of vets, (one who had gotten out of the Army for medical reasons and one in the Air Guard) had some great conversations, and bagged us some yellow elephants. I gained a new appreciation for the deepening divides within the party over Iraq and Bush.
The DC Chapter of IVAW launched the FUNDING THE WAR IS KILLING THE TROOPS campaign.
I went to the planning meeting with the ANSWER Coalition for their next big mobilization on September 15th. We’ve got some very cool stuff in the works including an IVAW National Truth in Recruiting Day, (more info coming soon) and a mass die-in/civil disobedience. Basically, Brian Becker, National Coordinator of ANSWER, is allowing for a much more collaborative process in designing the march/rally. Together with ANSER, Tina Richards (Grassroots America) and I have made the theme, “Protesting is not enough. Come for the rally, stay for a week of direct action.” It’s going to be off of the hook. Seriously. All the way off.
Right now I’m in Santa Fe, visiting my folks and seeing old friends. I’m trying to raise enough money before I go back to DC to allow me to continue to do this full time. I’m also conspiring and making all sorts of devious plans to make the world a better place. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Robert Weiss, US Soldier Stationed in Germany Begins Personal Resistance
Dear Chris Capps,
Thank you for your concern. Mike Sharp has previously told me about IVAW. I would like to become a member I just haven't gotten around to do the paperwork for the application. I am pretty busy for the time being. My unit 4-2 CR in Vilseck, Germany is deploying to Iraq in August so there has been a lot of commotion. Despite the expectations of my unit I will not deploy with them. I have submitted my application for conscientious objector status and informed by chain of command that the only way I will go to Iraq is if they tranquilize me, cuff me, and throw me on a plane. That being the case I won't perform any duties or wear a uniform anyways. I don't plan on letting the situation progress that far. I am hopeful that I will be placed on rear detachment until the decision on my application comes in. When it becomes apparent that they won't do this I will simply refuse to follow any orders given to me or wear a uniform. This will surely result in some jail time but that doesn't deter me one bit. It makes more sense to me to resist the military now rather than in Iraq where the situation would be much more difficult. So far, my unit has yet to set up the mandatory chaplain and psychiatrist appointments or even to let me sign the necessary forms (privacy act, barred from VA, and so forth). So it seems like they have no intention of actually giving my application a chance. Nor do they take me seriously in my stated intentions to resist the army. So most likely I will end up in jail. I have considered going awol and than turning myself in but I think the best way is to flat out not comply with any orders given to me. Hopefully that would eliminate the more serious charge of desertion and give me a lesser one. A lawyer has told me that I might get something like 10-20 months for this but I really don't mind. We all have our own cross to carry. In case you are interested in my motivation for this decision; it is based on Christianity. A while ago an acquaintance of mine was killed in a fight. This caused me to reevaluate my life and to become a Christian again. From there I read a lot of books on Christianity and the bible itself. I eventually came to decide that God is against warfare and killing in any form. Jesus' teachings in the new testament reveal this commandment that we must love our enemies rather than to destroy them. Anyways thats basically my story. I am interested in hearing how your dealings with the army and subsequent discharge went if you would care to tell it. Also I think that publicity might help my case so perhaps that is an avenue to consider. Well, thanks again.
Sincerely,
Robert Weiss
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Rev. Yearwood's Air Force hearing has been delayed
Action Alert - Please Forward
Rev. Yearwood's Air Force hearing has been delayed
July 12th date postponed!
New Date to be set for mid to late August
My dear friends in the movement,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful outpouring of support. It has been incredible to hear that so many of you have made plans to come support me as I challenge the Air Force's attempt to discredit me and our work for peace.
My request for a delay has been granted so I may better prepare my case and raise funds for my legal defense. We will publish the new date as soon as it is determined and along with our plans for action.
For future generations,
Rev. Yearwood
Sunday, July 8, 2007
An Open Letter to America: "Now is the time for us to stand up and stand together" By Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr.
July 1, 2007
My Fellow Americans:
The power of our voices against the U.S. occupation of Iraq is reaching the top echelons of the military and the administration. Our government is persecuting Americans who speak out against the U.S. military presence in Iraq. The U.S. military has launched politicized attacks on its own military members and moral leaders who oppose the war to discredit their voices of dissent.
We have seen them target Cpl. Adam Kokesh to stop him from exercising his freedom of speech, after risking his life in Fallujah, Iraq. We have seen them threaten Sgt. Liam Madden for publicly stating the legal fact that the U.S. invasion is a war crime according to the Nuremberg principles. They have targeted Cpl. Cloy Richards, a soldier put in the media spotlight when his mother Tina Richards worked to get him the health care he needs after returning from Iraq eighty percent disabled. These are not happenstance targets. These young men are leaders of the Iraq Veterans Against the War and they are speaking out in a strong and coordinated way.
And now I have been targeted.
Who am I? Many of you know me as a reverend, an activist, an architect of Hip Hop politics and a freedom fighter, but I am also an Officer in the United States Air Force Reserve. I have long been in the struggle for peace and freedom and I serve proudly as a leader of faith. I joined the military as part of the "poor peoples draft" - to help pay for my education. In May 2000 I was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was accepted into the Chaplain Candidates program. In 2002 I graduated from Howard University School of Divinity, Magna Cum Laude. I was ordained a Reverend and Elder in the Church of God in Christ shortly after my graduation and today I remain in good standing in the Church. In May 2003 I completed the Chaplain Candidates program, but I decided not to pursue a career as a Chaplain in the Air Force. I have been in the Air Force Reserve Individual Reserve program ever since.
On March 26th of this year I received notification from the Air Force that they are taking action to honorably discharge me on the basis of "behavior clearly inconsistent with the interest of national security." Ironically, this letter arrived six days after I announced the launching of a national "Make Hip Hop Not War" Tour at a press conference on Capitol Hill.
On July 12, 2007, when I leave Robbins Air Force Base after my discharge hearing, whether I remain an Officer or not, I will be a leader always, and a patriot evermore committed to ending this immoral war.
In February 2003 I felt the sense of urgency many felt in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq to speak out. Even though I was only a Chaplain Candidate and a 2nd Lieutenant, when I had the opportunity to preach at Andrews Air Force Base, the home of Air Force One, the message that I preached was "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" Since then hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and thousands of Americans have lost their lives and we now face a state of permanent warfare in our world.
This moment in history is our generation's lunch-counter moment - Iraq is our Vietnam and New Orleans is our Birmingham. Our generation could be the generation to defeat racism, poverty and war, but only if we come together as people of conscience. In the movements of the 60's, solidarity among the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement was never truly achieved. As the "Hip Hop generation" - a generation where the sons and daughters of former slaves work side by side with the sons and daughters of former slave owners - we have the ability to bridge the gap and link movements for peace, justice, civil rights and the environment in true solidarity.
We will not make the world safer - or achieve true national security - by starting wars that put our humanity at risk and we are certainly not making our country safer by intimidating veterans who courageously speak out. Policies that address the issues of poverty, racism, climate change, the economy and jobs are at the core of national security. I will continue to speak out against the war, seek justice for Katrina survivors, fight against racism, struggle for equality and advocate for a healthy planet. I hardly think that this sort of behavior is "inconsistent with the interest of national security."
My brothers and sisters, opposition to this illegal war and occupation is not a cause - it constitutes a response to a state of emergency. It is our urgent responsibility to stop this war. According to the Book of Psalms, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." I know it looks bad now and our hope seems to wane and sometimes we want to give up. But, if we can all come together - black and white, brown and yellow, rich and poor, male and female, straight and gay, republican and democrat - whether you still love this country or are withdrawn in anger, not only can we defeat this war and restore justice and democracy, there will once again be joy in the morning.
My mother in the movement, Cindy Sheehan, will be with me on July 12th at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia and I urge you to join me on the 12th as well. I also urge you to continue to increase your activism. This is our lunch-counter moment.
For Future Generations,
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr.
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. is President of the Hip Hop Caucus. Much needed donations to his legal defense fund can be made at:
Online donations:www.hiphopcaucus.org
Checks, money orders or cash can be sent to: Hip Hop Caucus
1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20036.
You can contact the Hip Hop Caucus at 202.787.5256 or at info@hiphopcaucus.org.
Please visit iraqmoratorium.org, ivaw.org, declarationofpeace.org, unitedforpeace.orggrassrootsamerica4us.org, worldcantwait.org, votersforpeace.org, democracyrising.us, and impeachcheney.org to find out what you can do.
Call to Action
When :
July 12, 2007 12:00 Noon Rally
Where:
Warner Robbins (100 miles south of Atlanta), GA Hwy 129 & Martin Luther King Blvd.
Why:
To stand in solidarity with Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. as he faces his United States Air Force separation hearing.
What:
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. is facing discharge from the United States Air Force Reserve Individual Reserve as he is being charged that his behavior is "inconsistent with the interest of national security."
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. intends to hold a candle light vigil at Martin Luther King's tomb in Atlanta, GA on the evening before he returns to Washington DC. Time to be determined.
If you are unable to attend, please send much needed donations for Rev. Yearwood's Defense fund:
Online Donations: HipHopCaucus.org
Checks, Money Orders or Cash:
Hip Hop Caucus
1112 16th St NW Ste. 600
Washington, D.C. 20036
Friday, July 6, 2007
Three IVAW Members Arrested at Fort Benning Gate
On July 1st, members of the IVAW bus tour drove near the gate at Fort Benning, Georgia on the Yellow Rose of Texas Bus for Peace, which now says “IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR” in large letters across the side. Fort Benning is an open post, and anyone with proper ID is allowed on base. They turned around and parked just outside the gate. As soon as they parked the bus, a Department of the Army police car pulled up behind the bus with its lights on and an officer warned Jim about bringing the bus on post.
Liam Madden and Nate Lewis decided that they would approach the gate on foot to enquire as to whether they would be allowed to enter on foot. It was at that point that two MPs came out from behind the fence and arrested them for “criminal trespassing.” Fort Benning is an open post, and right where these guys walked across is a highway that goes through base year round. They received no warning, and were not told why they were being detained. That was when I got the call in the Bronco while I was out running errands with Steve.
We raced to the gate and got there just in time to see Nate and Liam getting loaded into cruisers. One of the cops came out to where we were standing and explained that “they had been arrested for protesting,” and told us that if anyone crosses the line “in protest,” they will be arrested. We have this on tape. Then the press showed up and wanted a statement, so I waited until they were set up and put a mic on me, and gave a statement to them and for the record to the documentarians who were with us, and our own camera for safety. I changed my shirt so it would be clear I was not protesting and went across to ensure that Liam and Nate were, “afforded the full protection of the law.” You can see a video of that here.
Fortunately, Michael Blake stepped up and dealt with all of the press that came and really did a great job presenting our side of the story as opposed to the Army spokeswoman’s story, which only identified me as a “third unidentified protestor.” We’ve really seen some stupid coverage over this. (But that all pales in comparison to the lie the Marine Corps told about Liam Madden’s response to the plea bargain that, “they were dropping the case because they had ‘received sufficient indication’ from Madden that he would no longer wear his uniform when engaged in political activities. They also determined that his statements did not warrant further action.)
I gave them my driver’s license right away when asked and they immediately called it in and cuffed me. By the time we got to the station, one of the cops that had arrested Liam and Nate, was in their control room checking out my blog. His superior had to say, “Knock that shit off. This isn’t Larry King live.” Then I went to the back to answer questions for some paperwork. When the cop started with, “What is your social security number?” I said, “I prefer not to answer that question.” “What? These are just personal info questions. You have to answer them.” “Don’t I have the right to remain silent?” “But you haven’t been read your rights.” “So?” “Here’s how it works: You answer the personal info questions, then I read you your rights, see, here’s the acknowledgement, then I’ll ask questions about the incident and you can decline to answer them if you want.” I responded, “Are you telling me that I only have my rights after you read them to me? Let me tell you how it works. My rights come from the Constitution, not from you reading them to me. I don’t need to wait for you to give me my rights.”
While he left to finish the paperwork without me, one of the MP Sergeants was sitting in the area so we started chatting about Iraq. He said he pretty much agreed with me about things there, but said it didn’t really matter. I didn’t understand what he meant, but Nate explained to me that he had said something about there being a day of judgment coming and none of this mattered, not even our participation in it. But he was willing to listen with an open mind and think for himself. But then, he did tell me how he was such a big fan of O’Reilly, and he agreed to check out the documentary called Outfoxed, which I described to him as “making fun of O’Reilly especially for telling his guests to shut-up,” and explained how watching Fox News has been statistically proven to make you stupid.
They wouldn’t drop us off at the gate, but drove by it on the way to the official point of drop off for people who are detained on Fort Benning, namely a gas station down the road, that they said was technically on base property. They had forgotten to bring my umbrella, so one of the cops had to drive all the way back to the station and get it, then bring it back. The next day, the documentarians wanted to interview me outside the gate, so after the bus punched out, Steve and Liam (who needed to be advanced party for Philly) and I went to the gate with them in the Bronco. It was then that Liam got a call from an Army JAG saying that he needed to serve us papers for an arraignment the next day. So while I finished the interview, Liam got Nate off the bus and we met with the JAG.
Then we met with a Lawyer in Atlanta. Liam had talked to him earlier, and was waiting for a call back, but since we had nothing else to do, and Atlanta was on the way to Philly, we just went to his office unannounced. But he was happy to see us. He made a few phone calls and got the arraignment that the Army was trying to slap on us for the next day, “for our convenience” pushed back to the 27th so that we could continue with the tour and with the hope that the case might get dropped by then. We’ll see what happens, but as of right now, I plan on having to make another trip down to Georgia.
We still managed to pass the bus well before getting to Philly and started preparing for the fundraiser, which ended up going very well. The next day was supposed to be my day to relax, but the night before I agreed to speak at a press conference/panel talk at an anti-war coalition meeting. Very fun, but not very relaxing. Then we had our show at the Millcreek Tavern, and aside from Sun of None and Head Roc, I also had the pleasure of seeing Ryan Harvey perform a couple of songs.
Today, we had a barbecue at Dyker Beach Park where there were as many cops in attendance as invited guests. The Fort Hamilton Provost Marshal even came out to warn us against bringing the bus near base. The rest of the cops were pretty friendly, and some even partook when invited. When it was time to leave for the concert, they offered to give us a lights-on escort, but they only stayed with us until it was clear we were getting on the bridge and then ditched us. It would seem they are that scared of us talking to soldiers. But we still managed to get one new member and that makes it all worthwhile.
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r 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Press Release for END THE FED in DC, Please Help Circulate
You can also help promote this event on Facebook, as well as our film screening of Aaron Russo's America: Freedom to Fascism on Friday at 7pm at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1739 9th St NW, Washington, DC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2008
CONTACT:
Debbie Krueger not12submit@gmail.com
Jordan Page jordanpagemusic@gmail.com
Adam Kokesh adam.kokesh@gmail.com
On November 22nd, commemorating the secretive conception of the Federal Reserve System, a growing movement of citizens concerned with this country's fiscal policies will gather in 39 cities nationwide at each Federal Reserve location to demand an end to the Fed, return to sound monetary policy, and an end to corporate bailouts. In Washington, DC, they will gather across the street from the Board of Governors of the Fed at 20th and Constitution at 1pm. Denied a permit to protest on Federal Reserve grounds by the Fed's Public Affairs Office on the basis that it is private property, the rally with a stage and amplification system will be held across the street with a permit granted by the Parks Department. National coordination is being provided by Aaron Russo's Restore the Republic (restoretherepublic.net) and more information can be found at endthefed.us.
Speakers will include Gary Franchi of Restore the Republic to discuss his organizational plans for furthering this issue and the duty of all patriotic Americans to get involved. Kevin Zeese, former US Senate candidate, current Executive Director of Break the Bailout, (breakthebailout.com) will talk about building a broad coalition to stop further “theft from the taxpayers.” Anthony Teolis, veteran of the First Gulf War, member of Veterans For Peace (veteransforpeace.org) will show how the Fed is the primary enabler of our destructive interventionist foreign policy. Rick Williams is a founder of BreakTheMatrix, (breakthematrix.com) and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Basic Media, Inc. From the Center for Economic and Social Justice, (cesj.org) Norman G. Kurland, President of the Board of Directors, and former Congressman, the Hon. Rev. Walter E. Fauntroy will outline an alternative just economic system. Paul-Martin Foss, Legislative Assistant to Congressman Ron Paul, will explain pending legislation H.R. 2755 and what the movement can do to support it.
Co-organizer and performer for the rally Jordan Page is a young poet, singer/songwriter, guitarist, political activist, and social commentator who has become an outspoken voice promoting freedom and liberty. The hyper-inflation of American currency, the funding of worldwide interventionist military policies, the unconstitutional income tax, the recent bailout, and the engineered economic depressions the Fed causes have all motivated Jordan's involvement in this most historic citizens' movement. “Please stand up for the Constitution on November 22nd and help us to support HR 2755 calling for the abolition of the Federal Reserve.”
Adam Kokesh will serve as master of ceremonies at the rally. He is from Santa Fe, NM and served in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004 and has been a vocal critic of the war since leaving the US Marines. He has continued to honor his oath to support and defend the Constitution by taking on those he sees as its domestic enemies, especially the Federal Reserve System. He has also advocated various forms of nonviolent resistance including not paying taxes. “As long as the Federal Reserver System has the power to create money from nothing, the individual income tax is nothing more than a means to oppress and enslave the American people. As with all forms of tyranny, Americans have a duty to resist this injustice.”
Saturday, November 15, 2008
An Update On "The Hempstead 15" From Matthis Chiroux
If you're on Facebook, join the group I Support "The Hempstead 15" and you can get these updates hot off the grill from Matthis there. 
My friends,
A few updates on Adam Kokesh’s trial and the court dates for the Hempstead 15.
Adam’s case was adjourned until December 11, however the D.A. did try to raise his bail in obvious contempt toward Adam as an activist and a veteran.
This is yet another clear sign the Nassau County D.A. intends to continue her persecution of veteran activists and escalate injustice against us at every opportunity afforded.
However, a good number of supporters were present at the courthouse to send a clear message to the D.A. that we will not be silenced and her conduct and that of her officers will not be tolerated.
So six more days, total, for us to gather, have our voices heard and condemn the Nassau County Police Department’s offense toward this nations’ veterans and our Constitutional rights.
Dec. 10th and 11th, and Jan. 5th thru 8th are the days set for the 15 of us to be tried. Each day, we will assemble at 8 a.m. to demand that charges are dropped against us and the officers responsible for brutalizing us are held accountable.
Please continue calling District Attorney Kathleen Rice at 516-571-2994 or contacting her here: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/DA/contact.html to demand that all charges be dropped against the Hempstead 15.
As well, we are working on a petition exclusively for Nassau County residents to put some constituent-based pressure on the D.A., who is an elected official. If you can be of assistance either in contacting residents of Nassau county via phone or e-mail or actually street canvassing for signatures in Nassau County, please contact Lillian at lvu1@columbia.edu.
Lastly, Nick has received his first medical bill for his hour-and-a-half hospital stay in Nassau County where he was handcuffed to a gurney, diagnosed with a broken face and given nothing more than Motrin for the pain. $5,000, folks! No kidding. Nick nowhere NEAR has that kind of money, and this is only the first of many bills to right the wrong done by the NCPD to his person. NICK NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!
Please, if you haven’t already sent a donation to Nick through the IVAW website, do so. This troop deserves everyones’ full support at whatever level they can give. If you already have donated, consider doing so again. Nick’s sacrificed everything to do right by this nation and her Constitution, and now, we MUST do right by Nick.
We’ll be sending out more reminders about court dates as they approach and planned actions around them. As well, we are planning several benefits to raise money for Nick that I will keep all in the loop about as more develops. If you can, consider holding one yourself in your local community to raise money and awareness. This is the type of organizing that really makes a difference to people like Nick and the rest of us.
Please stay in the fight with us, and continue sending me your letters and opinions. I read all of them and respond to as many as I can. Your voices ARE this movement, and I want to hear them as much as our President should.
Peace and Solidarity,
Matthis Chiroux
VIDEO OF THE ARRAIGNMENT DEMONSTRATION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNGTnxWJFW8
GREAT OP-ED BY PULITZER PRIZE-WINNER BOB KEELER IN NEWSDAY ABOUT THE HEMPSTEAD 15:
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-opkee125923104nov12,0,6936407.story
VIDEO OF HOFSTRA ACTION AND POLICE BRUTALITY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvV_6OoqhVw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eupU-StpCqM&watch_response
NAOMI WOLF INTERVIEWS MATTHIS CHIROUX ABOUT HOFSTRA ACTION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP4Y-8_JgY
Kristofer Goldsmith (Army Sergeant)-Dec. 10
Paul Blasenheim-Dec. 10
Geoff Millard (Army Sergeant)-Dec. 11
Megan Day-Dec. 11
Adam Kokesh (Marine Sergeant)-Dec. 11
James Gilligan (Marine Corporal)-Jan 5
Matthis Chiroux (Army Sergeant)-Jan. 5
Nathan Peld (Navy Petty Officer)-Jan. 6
Ryan Olander-Jan. 6
Mike Spinato (Marine Sergeant)-Jan.6
Jose Vasquez (Army Staff Sergeant)-Jan. 7
David Disimino-Jan 7
Nick Morgan (Army Sergeant)-Jan 7
Marlissa Grogan (Marine Captain)-Jan. 8
Leanne Gillouly-Jan. 8
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Another Day In Court
In the interest of being on the same page as the rest of the Hempstead 15, since we have all been split up to different dates for the next round of hearings, I allowed the attorney who is representing everyone else to represent me today. His name is Jonathan Moore and he has taken on the Nassau County Horse Mounted Unit before and he is doing a great job so far. He will also most likely be representing Nick Morgan and maybe a few others in a civil case. We were ready for trial today, but the prosecution was not. However, the DA was taking our cases on full force.
In requesting that I be released on my own recognizance (or ROR as everyone else had been) so I could get my bail money returned, my attorney was told by the prosecutor that he would like to have my bail raised! The judge declined, but that would have put me in jail again until I could get bail posted at the raised amount. The judge also declined Mr. Moore's motion to dismiss, or take an ACD, adjourn in contemplation of dismissal. The prosecutor conferred with the police officer who would be testifying, and came up with a date to schedule the trial. So trial is now scheduled for 9:30 AM on December 11th. For reasons I can't discuss, we are very excited about this going to trial. Thanks to those who came out in support this morning and wish us luck!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Trial Tomorrow
Thanks to Eric Allen for joining us yesterday morning in Hempstead and putting this video together, and thanks to everyone who came out to support us. Sunday, I drove up from DC to Brooklyn with Geoff, Nick, Liz, Paul, Dave, Polly, and Wild Bill to stay with Matthis. After the arraignment, we drove back to DC. Everyone plead not guilty, and were assigned different dates for trial to prevent us from being co-defendents. (Typical divide and conquer.) I am still scheduled to appear tomorrow, so I will be driving back to NYC this afternoon, staying with friends, then back to Hempstead the next morning. Wish me luck!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Do as I say, not as I do.
An email from Casey J. Porter, currently in Iraq. He has an extraordinary YouTube channel and is an outspoken member of Iraq Veterans Against the War:
What do you do when the Chaplain doesn't even care? Not only is that a good question, it's one that I am asking myself right now. I have been having issues with a supervisor and the treatment of not only myself, but other Soldiers. She is a Staff Sergeant and is one of those "Do as I say, not as I do." types. I would attempt to feel sorry for her, since it is clear that she is very, very insecure. But you know what? I do not care. Let me say that again so everything is clear: I do not care. She sets rules and standards in play that she does not live up to, but then will break her own rules. She is so incompetent and unprofessional in every aspect of her job it becomes clear why she has stayed in the army for twenty years: She can't get away with the shit she pulls here in the real world. I got so mad at her yesterday that I threw my weapon across the room. I know that if I continue to become and stay this angry it will only get worse and I might end up doing something I regret. So last night I went to go see the Chaplain, a man that is supposed to help you. I walked into his office and let it all out about how NCO's treat their Soldiers like crap, Soldier's do not feel that they are not cared about, and how they are not, so on and so forth. You know what he told me? You can't do anything about it. I can only change how it affects me, change my attitude towards it. Wow gee wiz! That some swell advice, beaver! Why didn't he just tell me to go fuck myself? It would have been more honest. I told him how angry I got, I told him how these Soldiers are being pushed beyond their breaking point, and I got brushed aside. Hello! McFly! It's only when Soldiers start shooting their bosses, or killing themselves that the army does anything. However what they do is the absolute minimum, because guess what? They don't give a shit anything but getting ahead on the backs of Soldiers.
I have NO respect for the United States Army, the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers, Officers, or any other branch, unit, creed, value, or mandate of ethics that comes from this army. There are some of you who will read that and be offended, but if I do not call you out by name, then don't be. Because I respect you for who you are, not the rank and title that you carry, or once carried.
The next time some civilian comes up to me and says "Thank you for what you do." I will reply with "Fuck you for what you don't do." because civilians are just as much to blame.
Casey J Porter
Oh, yeah, how could I forget! If you think this so some sign of giving up or breaking, think again. I have even more planed to expose this mess for what is, and put these people in the spot light for what they do. Keep fucking with me, see where it gets you. Oh and that's not a threat of violence "big army", so don't even try to pull that shit.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Discrimination Against Iraq Veteran in Long Island
Letter from Kristofer Goldsmith:
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing you as a Veteran, concerned that First Amendment Rights are not being protected in the United States. My name is Kristofer Goldsmith, and I am from Long Island New York. I spent the year of 2005 with the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. While overseas I received the Army Commendation Medal, and was recommended for the Bronze Star Medal. I was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant after just over two years in service, and graduated from Fort Stewart's Non-commissioned Officer School with honors in May of 2006 at the age of twenty.
After coming home from Iraq I began suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression, but for over a year managed my symptoms on my own, and continued to have a successful career. After being stop-lossed for a second deployment, my PTSD was aggravated beyond my control. I was removed from the Army under honorable conditions after a suicide attempt last summer. I am now rated by the VA as 50% disabled due to PTSD, chronic depression and other problems generated from my time in service.
I now continue my service to this great nation as a member of a group called "Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW)." As a member of this non-profit organization I have traveled the country seeking to help the veterans of my generation find a welcoming community and get the benefits they were promised upon enlisting. I have testified before Congress, and worked the hill advocating for an end to the Stop-Loss policy and reminding Politicians of the cost of the Iraq war back at home. I have been fighting to make sure that recent Veterans return from overseas to an America prepared to care for it's wounded.
You may have heard of the 10 Veterans arrested outside the third Presidential Debate on October 15th 2008 at Hofstra University. I was the first of the ten to be handcuffed and charged with "Disorderly Conduct" for attempting to demand of the Presidential Nominees, John McCain and Barrack Obama, that they begin to address the issues most important to Veterans in this country. 1000 Veterans receiving care from the VA attempt suicide each month in this country. An average of 18 Veterans successfully kill themselves each month in America. The VA system has over half a million claims waiting to be processed in it's back-log. One third of the homeless people in this country are Veterans, meaning an estimated 200,000+ Veterans will be sleeping on the street tonight. These are the issues that I fight to push into mainstream America's living rooms.
While most of my work with Iraq Veterans Against the War has been directed regionally or nationally, recently I've attempted to reach the high population of Veterans around my home, here on Long Island. The Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival is an event which has occurred just three blocks from my home each year since before I was born. I remember waiting each year as a child for my favorite part of the fair, the military recruiters and Veterans Groups who would set up their tents around Bellmore's Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of Broadway and Bedford Avenue. This year, home and out of the Army, I approached the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce requesting to set up a table at the Street Festival. At first, as a someone who was late in registry, I was granted space "44" in front of "Madison Smoothies" at the far northern end of Bedford Avenue, close to Oak Street. I was told that regardless of the fact that I am a Veteran of Iraq, if I were to table for Iraq Veterans Against the War, I would be segregated from the other Veterans Groups as to not offend them. The Executive Director/Festival Coordinator, Joni Caputo, explained to me that she was doing me a favor by letting me table at all due to my late registry, so I accepted the terms of the segregation from those at the Veterans Memorial.
The original dates for the Bellmore Street Fair were Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th. However, due to rain, I was notified by the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce that the fair would be pushed back a few weeks, to Saturday, October 25th, and Sunday, October 26th. At this time I was told by the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce that my space would still be available for the rescheduling, and I confirmed with them I was still planning on tabling.
On Thursday, October 23rd I received a call from the Bellmore Chamber notifying me that my space was now unavailable, and that I would not be allowed to table at the Street Fair. At this time I requested to share a tabling space with another organization, but was denied due to total lack of physical space on the street. Going further, I asked Executive Director Joni Caputo if I found someone willing to share their rented physical space, if I could then be allowed to table there. Her reply was something to the effect of "look, you can't table anywhere, because the Chamber decides who gets to use what space and where. No matter what, you cannot table at the fair."
Saturday, October 25th 2008, I walked along Bedford Avenue to look at the "total lack of physical space" on the street. What I saw on the front window of the Law Office that Joni Caputo works in made it clear as to why my space was suddenly "unavailable" at the last minute. Every Republican Candidate had their posters plastered on the front of this office. A cardboard cutout of John McCain with a sign attached saying "$3.00 for a picture" stood by the front door to the office. Signs for Congressman Peter King taped to the windows reminded me how when I spent a month in Washington DC this summer, King, my own representative, refused to grant me time for a meeting. I know that Peter King supports the troops, but only when they align themselves with his ultra-pro-war views. How could he deny me, an Iraq Veteran, one of his own constituents, time in his office?
Continuing my walk along Bedford this Saturday, I noticed a number of open spaces between tables, ignoring the spaces that were paid for by the store owner to keep their store front clear. When I reached the Veterans Memorial Park, I noticed that Times Magazine, and other Corporations had received preferential treatment from the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce, even more so than the actual Veterans who were placed behind the park in the parking lot and across the street. Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Patriot Riders, and other Veterans Organization all got representation at this event- and I've got it on video to prove it.
Sunday, October 26th 2008, I returned to the Bellmore Street Fair, to a more crowded day with the sun shining brightly. Again, I noticed that there was still plenty of empty space between tables at this event. I approached the Long Island Democrats, who allowed me to speak briefly on stage at the Obama Rally on October 15th; and asked them if they would mind it if I shared their space, since they had more than they could use. Because my organization does not endorse any candidate, I set my table up just to their side, as to provide a clear definitive separation from myself and the Obama campaigners.
On the table I set up I displayed voter information concerning the candidates records on Veterans Issues, Books and DVDs produced by IVAW, and other things. Most important to me, however, was my Army Times Magazines. I was displaying the pictures of all the service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last few weeks. To my knowledge, the Military Times, is the only publication that prints pictures of those fallen warriors, and my purpose was to help the people of Bellmore put a face on the numbers. As a servicemember, as a Veteran, I know there are few things more offensive than to be regarded as "just a number."
At precisely 1:16pm I set up a table to the east side of the Mid-Nassau Democrats rented street space on Grand Avenue on the side of the Mediterranean Grill Diner. There I sat for over an hour and a half peaceably, talking to people as they walked by, distributing pieces of paper with websites that links them to Veterans Organizations and their voting issues. Many people approached me, thanking me for my service in the Army, and thanking me for my service out on the street that day. Around 2pm a short, stout woman wearing a green shirt labeled "STAFF" and "Kickin' it up Country" approached me demanding to know who said I could set up where I did. I replied with the name of the local democrat who had offered to share his space, as she angrily scurried off barking inaudibly with her clipboard. With my father present, who was wearing a shirt that says "Honor the Warrior, Not the War", I continued talking to the people on the street who were receiving me with warm welcome.
At approximately 2:30pm on Sunday the stout woman returned with about five other people with the green "STAFF" shirts. One bearded older gentleman with a goatee and ponytail who wore the green shirt of authority immediately demanded that I "pack [my] shit up now!" I explained to him that I was sharing a very clearly open spot with the Long Island democrats, and was causing no harm to anyone by being present. I told him in detail how I had reserved a spot, and when my spot was suddenly unavailable, I was suspicious that my views may have had something to do with my cancellation. He responded "do you think I give a fuck about your views? If you won't pack up your shit, I'll pack it up for you!" At this time he began taring at and piling up the pictures of the dead service members I had displayed to honor and remember on the table. Immediately I was extremely offended... Watching as this man disrespectfully manhandled the photographs of every single servicemember who had died over the last few months...
At this time I began packing my suitcase, to protect the pictures of my fallen brothers and sisters, as the man continued his rant and rage. My father then called the police afraid that I would be assaulted. Within seconds Officer Mobilio and at least four other officers from the Nassau County Police Department showed up. The man with the green shirt, who only identified himself as "Paul" continued to threaten me, even in the presence of the officers, as I was packing up and getting ready to leave. He then turned to my father and said "if you want to see assault, they'll (pointing to the police) be picking you up all over the street!" Upon voicing my concerns over the threat made to my father, Officer Mobilio just responded "they have the right to use force, to an extent".
Now I'm left to wonder, how is it that an Veteran who served in one of Our Nation's most current wars, is not allowed to express his views in his own home town? I'm offended that the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce and it's employees questions my patriotism, my love for country, and especially my love for my fellow Veterans. I have devoted every spare penny, every spare minute of my life over the last few months, since leaving active duty, to fight to honor and protect our nations Veterans. I say Support the Troops, All the Troops, and Respect their Rights, no matter what! When I enlisted in the Army I swore to "defend the Constitution of the United States," and I come home to people willing to trample all over my First Amendment Rights! I will not stand for this, and will expect to see those who stood in my way in court.
To reach the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce to find out why they would discriminate against an Iraq Veteran, and to find out who "Paul" is:
Joni Caputo - Executive Director/Festival Coordinator
Joe Verdi- Exhibit and Display Coordinator
Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores
PO Box 861
Bellmore, NY 11710
516-679-1875
Fax 615-409-0544
www.bellmorechamber.com
For Press looking for witness testimonies and comments, please write me at kris@ivaw.org
Sincerely,
Kristofer Goldsmith
Former Army Sergeant
Operation Iraqi Freedom III
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Please send this to ALL Military members
From afmatt at the Ron Paul Forums:
During the Rally For The Republic I was approached at least a
half dozen times and asked for an interview (because I sang the
anthem) My standard answer was
"I'm sorry but regulations prohibit me from talking to you"
I also left right after the rally instead of staying and checking
out the protests the next day.
During my time there I got to meet a couple awesome patriots
from my home state of TN, they introduced me to Adam Kokesh.
Adam convinced me to check out Iraq Vetrans Against the War and
told me that if I was concerned about publicity I could join
privately. I did so shortly after returning home.
I just got a members packet a few days back - after having read
some of the information in it I am ANGRY. Angry at myself for
believing what I had been told - that is that I had to settle
for not speaking out.
PLEASE send these links (and this story if you'd like) to all
service members or friends of service members you know.
http://www.objector.org/girights/GIRightsresources/accordian050314b.pdf
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/132506p.pdf
My favorite quote from the dod directive linked above - emphasis
is mine.
Quote:
-
3.5.6. Off-Post Demonstrations by Members. Members of the Armed
Forces are prohibited from participating in off-post demonstrations
when they are on-duty, in a foreign country, when their activities
constitute a breach of law and order, when violence is likely
to result, or when they are in uniform
-
I'm going to follow regulations - but I now KNOW the regulations
and what I'm allowed to do within them - I challenge any military
member that reads this to read the regulations for yourself -
they may be VASTLY different that you have been led to believe.
Disclaimer
I am not a lawyer, this is NOT legal advice.
None of the above is the official stance of the US Air Force.
I am speaking as an individual under my first amendment rights.
- Matt C
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
According to the VA I Have “Normal” Uranium Poisoning
I came home today to find a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs with my urine test results for depleted uranium. “Your total urine uranium level is within normal limits.” I had no idea there was such a thing as “normal limits” for uranium in a person's urine. This was not very reassuring.
The letter also said that there was not enough uranium in my urine sample to determine if it was from “natural sources” or depleted uranium sources. After some research, I learned that there is such a thing as “normal” uranium levels from “natural sources” like air, water, and the food we eat. Fortunately, “any health effects are associated with the total amount of uranium regardless of the of the source and therefore, your normal result does not have any health consequences related to it.” That is to say, no more consequences than for the average American who happens to have been exposed to depleted uranium in their food, water, and air.
My very healthy general distrust of the government prevents me from taking much comfort from any of this. I went to Iraq and crawled around wreckage of Iraqi military equipment as part of our training. Did I dodge a bullet on this one? Maybe. I have a “normal” level of uranium poisoning, but at least I'm in good company.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Liveblogging from The Grove at Ole Miss
Another shot of the crowd and McCain sounding like a d-bag.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dahr Jamail Reviews Recently Released IVAW Winter Soldier Book
In this age of continuous feedback and instant gratification, it is uniquely satisfying to see the delayed fruits of our labor. In this case, it is in the form of a long-anticipated (at least by me) book written by independent, unembeded journalist, Aaron Glantz. While I am waiting to purchase my copy of Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations at the Bus Boys & Poets book store to support Teaching for Change, you can get it from Amazon here. ***EDIT: You can get it from IVAW here.***
To view the archived footage of the raw WSIA testimony, click here.
BOOKS-IRAQ: "We Blew Her to Pieces"
By Dahr Jamail
MARFA, Texas, Sep 16 (IPS) - Aside from the Iraqi people, nobody knows what the U.S. military is doing in Iraq better than the soldiers themselves. A new book gives readers vivid and detailed accounts of the devastation the U.S. occupation has brought to Iraq, in the soldiers' own words.
"Winter Soldier Iraq and Afghanistan: Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupation," published by Haymarket Books Tuesday, is a gut-wrenching, historic chronicle of what the U.S. military has done to Iraq, as well as its own soldiers.
Authored by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and journalist Aaron Glantz, the book is a reader for hearings that took place in Silver Spring, Maryland between Mar. 13-16, 2008 at the National Labour College.
"I remember one woman walking by," said Jason Washburn, a corporal in the U.S. Marines who served three tours in Iraq. "She was carrying a huge bag, and she looked like she was heading toward us, so we lit her up with the Mark 19, which is an automatic grenade launcher, and when the dust settled, we realised that the bag was full of groceries. She had been trying to bring us food and we blew her to pieces."
Washburn testified on a panel that discussed the rules of engagement in Iraq, and how lax they were, even to the point of being virtually non-existent.
"During the course of my three tours, the rules of engagement changed a lot," Washburn's testimony continues. "The higher the threat the more viciously we were permitted and expected to respond."
His emotionally charged testimony, like all of those in the book that covered panels addressing dehumanisation, civilian testimony, sexism in the military, veterans' health care, and the breakdown of the military, raised issues that were repeated again and again by other veterans.
"Something else we were encouraged to do, almost with a wink and nudge, was to carry 'drop weapons', or by my third tour, 'drop shovels'. We would carry these weapons or shovels with us because if we accidentally shot a civilian, we could just toss the weapon on the body, and make them look like an insurgent," Washburn said.
Four days of searing testimony, witnessed by this writer, is consolidated into the book, which makes for a difficult read. One page after another is filled with devastating stories from the soldiers about what is being done in Iraq.
Everything from the taking of "trophy" photos of the dead, to torture and slaughtering of civilians is included.
"We're trying to build a historical record of what continues to happen in this war and what the war is really about," Glantz told IPS.
Hart Viges, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army who served one year in Iraq, tells of taking orders over the radio.
"One time they said to fire on all taxicabs because the enemy was using them for transportation...One of the snipers replied back, 'Excuse me? Did I hear that right? Fire on all taxicabs?' The lieutenant colonel responded, 'You heard me, trooper, fire on all taxicabs.' After that, the town lit up, with all the units firing on cars. This was my first experience with war, and that kind of set the tone for the rest of the deployment."
Vincent Emanuele, a Marine rifleman who spent a year in the al-Qaim area of Iraq near the Syrian border, told of emptying magazines of bullets into the city without identifying targets, running over corpses with Humvees and stopping to take "trophy" photos of bodies. "An act that took place quite often in Iraq was taking pot shots at cars that drove by," he said. "This was not an isolated incident, and it took place for most of our eight-month deployment."
Kelly Dougherty, the executive director of IVAW, blames the behaviour of soldiers in Iraq on the policies of the U.S. government. "The abuses committed in the occupations, far from being the result of a 'few bad apples' misbehaving, are the result of our government's Middle East policy, which is crafted in the highest spheres of U.S. power," she said.
Knowing this, however, does little to soften the emotional and moral devastation of the accounts.
"You see an individual with a white flag and he does anything but approach you slowly and obey commands, assume it's a trick and kill him," Michael Leduc, a corporal in the Marines who was part of the U.S. attack of Fallujah in November 2004, said were the orders from his battalion JAG officer he received before entering the city.
This is an important book for the public of the United States, in particular, because the Winter Soldier testimonies were not covered by any of the larger media outlets, aside from the Washington Post, which ran a single piece on the event that was buried in the Metro section.
The New York Times, CNN, and network news channels ABC, NBC and CBS ignored it completely.
This is particularly important in light of the fact that, as former Marine Jon Turner stated, "Anytime we did have embedded reporters with us, our actions changed drastically. We never acted the same. We were always on key with everything, did everything by the book."
"To me it's about giving a picture of what war is like," Glantz added, "Because here in the U.S. we have this very sanitised version of what war is. But war is when we have a large group of armed people killing large numbers of other people. And that is the picture that people will get from reading veterans testimony...the true face of war."
Dehumanisation of the soldiers themselves is covered in the book, as it includes testimony of sexism, racism, and the plight of veterans upon their return home as they struggle to obtain care from the Veterans Administration.
There is much testimony on the dehumanisation of the Iraqi people as well. Brian Casler, a corporal in the Marines, spoke to some of this that he witnessed during the invasion of Iraq.
"But on these convoys, I saw marines defecate into MRE bags or urinate in bottles and throw them at children on the side of the road," he stated.
Numerous accounts from soldiers include the prevalence of degrading terms for Iraqis, such as "hajis," "towel-heads" and "sand-niggers".
Scott Ewing, who served in Iraq from 2005-2006, admitted on one panel that units intentionally gave candy to Iraqi children for reasons other than "winning hearts and minds".
"There was also another motive," Ewing said, "If the kids were around our vehicles, the bad guys wouldn't attack. We used the kids as human shields."
Glantz admits that it would be difficult for the average U.S. citizen to read the book, and believes it is important to keep in mind while doing so what it took for the veterans to give this historic testimony.
"They could have been heroes, but what they are doing here is even more heroic -- which is telling the truth," Glantz told IPS. "They didn't have to come forward. They chose to come forward."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Keep the Pressure on McCain!
By request, the original graphics from the RNC action:
Click on the images above to see the high res versions. To recreate the sign, you can go into any Kinko's and have them make each one as a 20" by 50" print, then laminate them back to back. I would love to see these every time McCain shows his face in public between now and election day!
Tell your friends, tell your enemies, even tell Obama supporters! Let's make this happen and keep showing people how full of crap McCain is!
(Apparently, someone is already making some money with these slogans on CafePress.)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Responses to Comments IV
Keep 'em coming and we might have to make this a Sunday tradition!
Bob Barr – Right Time, Right Party, Wrong Man
***Rebekah said...
***I also think it's just a bit suspicious that a media which completely ignored Ron Paul would be giving him SO much positive coverage.***
I noticed that, but even when Barr gets all the good face time, he still looks like a tool. Thank God for the equalizing power of the internet.
***Chip said...
***I almost wonder if he planned it this way for all the extra media coverage he would get. I mean here we are after the press conference and what are we talking about, but Bob Barr who wasn't even there.***
Good observation, but I'm chalking this one up to ineptitude. (He did used to work for the CIA.) This is not the first time he has demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of the Freedom Movement and the libertarian philosophy.
***Stefan said...
***He and his running mate had the balls to ask RP to join them. That was a bold move of leaders; if RP accepted, the revolution would be coming much faster.***
Ron Paul had said repeatedly, even before Barr was nominated, that he would not run for a third party. It wasn't a bold move of leaders, it was a pandering move of calculating hacks trying to reach out to a demographic that is too smart to fall for it.
***Dave Nalle said...
***What Ron Paul did at his press conference was to endorse third parties which support everything from forced redistribution of wealth to giving up US sovereignty to foreign powers. It was a betrayal of everything the liberty movement has tried to achieve. Paul rendered himself irrelevant once and for all. Barr, on the other hand, did the right thing by not playing along with Paul's egotistical grandstanding and he deserves our support for putting liberty ahead of political opportunism. www.republicofdave.com***
Wrong! Ron Paul did not ENDORSE any of the other candidates. If the Freedom Movement wants to achieve anything, it needs to be willing to work around issues with allies of differing ideologies. I would even define the Freedom Movement to be as broad as anyone who would sign on to the four-point platform. “Egotistical grandstanding” for Ron Paul at this point would look like announcing an independent run for president, and holding his own press conference. Wait, isn't that what Barr did?
***Doob said...
***You are a true Patriot. I think Bob Barr is a plant who was meant to bring the LP down. Never again. By the way, your speech at the Rally in Minneapolis made me cry like a baby.***
As long as it makes you want to fight like a rabid wolverine!
***Anonymous said...
***Adam, thank you again for everything you have been doing since your return from Baghdad. I am not happy that you had to go thru this situation, however, if McCain wins, we all will have many many more 'situations' to go thru... Please, a vote for Obama may hurt, but hey, if Ann Coulter can stomach a vote for McCain, whom she loathes, surely you can spare a vote for the man who is promising to bring home our brothers and sisters.***
Damn! How many times do I have to say this: I cannot in good conscience vote for a pro-war candidate. Obama wants to keep 40k troops in Iraq indefinitely, on permanent bases, add more Blackwater mercenaries, and have a surge in Afghanistan. If that's not pro-war, I don't know what is.
McCain and Obama will both perpetuate the decline this country is on at about the same rate. The difference is that Obama will do it smoothly, sing you a lullaby, and after four years we might be more screwed as the public will be lulled into submission. McCain will do it erratically and clumsily, piss people off, and get more of the public engaged, if only because of their shared disgust for him. Both are “situations” that are not good for this country. I will be voting third party or writing in Ron Paul.
***Mike Blankenship said...
***I can't believe you're still running around with your IVAW t-shirt on acting like you're going to get anything accomplished in stopping the war in Iraq. We're on our way to Victory in Iraq, no thanks to any of you anti-war pukes. Or haven't you all figured that out yet?***
You'd better mother-f'in' believe it! Does it make “Victory” more likely when you capitalize it? Or haven't you figured out that you can't win an occupation?
***Doug Burlison said...
***Adam, I do not know you, you do not know me, but as a fellow lover of Liberty, I urge you to reconsider the status of your Barr endorsement. Granted, those of us in internet land are not as close to this issue as you are, and perhaps that gives us a different perspective about this whole matter. I am saddened by how things have transpired in both the Barr and the Paul camps, and I feel that in the interests of Liberty in America, it is time for some bilateral leadership from both sides. It seems that you are in a unique position to make this happen. . . . None of us are perfect, yet somehow, we need to come together. Can you help this struggle by providing that kind of leadership?***
I am also saddened by these recent developments which will harm the movement in the short-term and perhaps mid-term too, but in the long run, we are better off without Barr, and with a higher standard of leadership and cooperation.
If by “the Barr and the Paul camps” you mean their actual staffers, they represent only a minute part of this movement. We don't need “bilateral leadership” to unite these camps. We need leadership like what Ron Paul demonstrated by bringing some powerful people together on important issues. There is a lot still to be done, and I'm working on it!
***mariana said...
***I love Ron Paul. But he's just a man. An incredible man, but the idea of Liberty, now that's something you can't keep down. Liberty is an eternal principle, has no lifespan, and is only limited by *our resolve* to bring it to the fore. . . . I want maximum Liberty, maximum personal responsibility, and to be divested from a "Government" that uses the fruit of my labor to oppress, occupy and murder hundreds of thousands of people. Ron Paul came the closest, but I'm not giving up because I have no one to "rally under". . . . Don't get me wrong. I'll certainly promote candidates who support my dreams and vision for America (indeed, the world). But I won't blindly associate with a party (such as the Libertarian party), vote for a candidate as sleezy as Barr, just to assure ballot access for the LP candidate in four years. There's so many better ways to go about getting what we want. Campaign for Liberty supporters aren't lost if they associate their freedom with responsibility. They're only lost if they think they need Ron Paul to lead them or tell them what to do. I don't :) To quote an awesome bumper sticker, we don't need leaders, we need Liberty. I don't mean we shouldn't get behind those who stand a chance of representing us. I'm just never going to hand my power over completely to someone else and expect them to do the whole job. It's my job. It's your job. Jump in, the water's fine.***
F'in' a, right on! Thank you.
A Slap in the Face, Courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs
***SimonNolan said...
***I wish that every person who puts a yellow ribbon magnet on the back of their car would actually do something to support our soldiers-- at least write their congressman demanding reform. Otherwise that cheap magnet is nothing but a hollow platitude that only makes the owner self-righteous.***
You're not the only one who feels that way. A lot of vets get really pissed off when they see yellow ribbons because it's not even a message of support, it's a directive, an order, telling someone else to support the troops. One of my veteran friends hates them so much that whenever he sees one he takes it. He's got quite the collection on his fridge now.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who put comments of support on this post. It definitely helped to read them as I was still dealing with this. It's also beautiful to see that the brotherhood of veterans transcends politics. (Thanks TSO)
Pissing In McCain's Kool-Aid
***Pen said...
***Did you get wrapped up in the chaos in the streets of St. Paul, MN while you were sticking it to McCain? It was appalling. Nearly three hundred people: protesters, innocent bystanders, and media were rounded up like cattle, pinned to a bridge, and then arrested for unlawful assembly. Civil liberties out the door. Sickening. You made a guest star appearance in my tribute video to those who were braver than me to try to be heard. I hope that is okay? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp7AUQJMOKw***
I didn't see much of the chaos, since I was busy working from the inside. That video is more than ok, it's an honor to be included!
***Anonymous said...
***Right when McCain was speaking and I saw the cut to you holding the sign I literally spit out my pepsi all ovr the floor and scremed out "HOLY SHIT THATS ADAM KOKESH!!!" My finace jumped off the couch and got mad at me for screaming so loudly . . . After watching your speech at the March and at the Rally I think it is best for you to run for congress. If you do, i'll drop $2,300 in your campaign. :)***
I have heard a lot of stories like that and I'm glad that I achieved the goals that my sponsors in the soft drink and carpet industries laid out for me. I plan on running for Congress eventually, but you'd better send me some contact info or tell me the check is in the mail!
***Anonymous said...
***Sure would love a written transcript of the speech you gave last night....word for word. Can you post it on your site.***
It doesn't exist. That was straight off the cuff.
***DanDan said...
***How do you feel as a soldier who put his life on the line to fight for his country about people who burn the American Flag?***
The flag is just a symbol. Burning it is just symbolic. It saddens me that someone would do such a thing to trash our country, but it is no different than chanting “death to America,” and just as childish. I still consider it a means of self-expression, and the freedom of speech means nothing without the right to say what others don't want to hear, so I would never do anything to encroach on someone else's right to destroy their own property, or express themselves in whatever way they see fit so long as it doesn't interfere with anyone else's rights. In fact, I will still fight to the death to defend it.
***World Power Network said...
***I loved your speech. It was very enlightening that our troops swore to uphold the constitution, not the government. I would suggest that you lay off the take up arms against the government angle. That is liable to get you thrown in jail and we don't need to take up arms against the government. We just need the military to refuse to take up arms against US citizens and other things which violate the constitution. The fascist state rules through fear. If the members of the Military disobey orders, stand down and will not cause fear, the fascist will fold like origami.***
I agree, but I never advocated that we take up arms against the government. There may be isolated incidents of violence in our revolution, as there have been throughout our history, and we must be ready to defend ourselves, but when the time comes to physically challenge the government, I have no doubt that the troops will be on our side. The point is that we must bring the same dedication and commitment and be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice as undoubtedly, some of us will be called upon to do. Not ALL of the troops will be on our side, but we must have the courage to look them all in the eye just the same.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Bob Barr – Right Time, Right Party, Wrong Man
I attended Ron Paul's press conference yesterday expecting Bob Barr to be there. It was going to be as close to an endorsement as Barr could get from Paul. I almost came with a sign that said “Veterans For Barr.” Boy, am I glad I didn't.
Ron Paul had decided to throw some of his now considerable weight behind the electoral issues that marginalize third party candidates and got all four major third party candidates to endorse a four-point platform that included libertarian positions on foreign policy, privacy, the national debt, and the federal reserve.
When I think of the freedom movement, I think of it as broadly as possible. Everyone who thinks the government is too big, too intrusive, too burdensome, and not representing our will abroad with the current interventionist foreign policy is part of the freedom movement. We are a diverse group, and we do not need to be uniform in all of our beliefs to be unified against a government that is out of control. What Ron Paul did was put that down into four points of agreement and got a team united behind them in a very powerful way. It may not have been as dramatic as some people were hoping, but it was beautiful. Our founders would have recognized the importance of what Paul was doing, or as Benjamin Franklin said, “We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately.”
Bob Barr just had to ruin it for everyone for his own selfish reasons. He had agreed to the platform, and agreed to be at the event, only to withdraw thirty minutes before it happened. There was an empty seat for him on the stage. Paul was gracious and kind, saying things like, “if he can make it,” but behind the scenes he was angry and hurt.
I went to Barr's own press conference right afterwards still giving him the benefit of the doubt. I had hoped that he had a good reason for not being there that I was not aware of. Maybe he would say he had a personal issue. But instead, I sat there and listened to him prattle on about Ross Perot and getting votes and forcing policy issues and “principled leadership.” Then he asked Ron Paul to be his VP.
I was fuming. I had reservations about Barr before publicly endorsing him, but I even offered my support in a letter that was delivered through the LP staff which was ignored by the campaign. I thought his transformation was genuine and that it was a powerful sign for the LP to elect a newcomer, as if to say “we will embrace anyone who comes around to our principles.” Unfortunately, we picked Barr instead. He has since shown himself to not fully comprehend or endorse the philosophy, having praised the troop surge, argued for intervention in Iran and South America, and advocated a national sales tax. He has also run as far from the LP as possible, and there is still no link to the LP on his website. His lack of willingness to work with other people on key issues (issues any true libertarian would be passionate about) is very revealing.
I raised my hand and stood up to speak when Russ Verney acknowledged me. Maybe he realized who I was when I did not claim any press credentials, but he interrupted me and tried to get me to sit down. One of his staffers actually got up and stood next to me, looking like he was ready to carry me out. I guess he realized that was not a good idea. I ignored him and pressed on, despite Verney's continued interruptions. I don't remember exactly what I said, but what I was trying to say went something like this:
“What Ron Paul was doing today was taking leadership on some issues that I know you agree with and your lack of willingness to be a part of a team and work with others on these issues is telling. You have spoken a lot just now about leadership and unity, but it is clear you care about neither, except when you are the leader, and people are united behind you. Good leadership includes good followership and today, you showed your lack of both, and a complete lack of integrity. I am retracting my endorsement.”
The freedom movement is bigger than any one party, and any one leader. The revolution of which I speak is a revolution of values, of political culture, and of the understanding of the responsibility of being a good citizen. When that happens, it will be reflected in our political system one way or another, be it through the Republicans, Democrats, Green Party, Constitution Party, or an independent candidate. As a moderate libertarian, I still believe that the Libertarian Party will be the mechanism by which our movement will come to fruition and I will remain an enthusiastic lifetime member. More than the party or any one candidate, I am committed to this movement, my country, and my principles.
***
I have signed a petition to have Bob Barr removed from the Libertarian Party ticket. Please click here and sign this petition to join me in this effort. Please forward this to everyone you know who cares about the future of this movement and the Libertarian Party.
***
Russ Verney is full of crap. Click here to read his response to the events of the last day in which he praises Bush's leadership, exploits 9/11, and claims that Ron Paul's press conference was “about promoting a man.” Maybe their campaign strategy goes something like, “Screw liberty, screw the issues, screw the principles of the party of principle. If we can just get enough votes this year, we can get Bob back on the ticket in four!” He was right about Wayne Allen Root though: it was gracious of him to step off the ticket for Ron Paul, but of course if Barr gave a crap about the movement, he would have offered Ron Paul the top spot on the ticket.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Slap in the Face, Courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs
I had another anxiety attack today. I left the post office and walked to my car. The rage was building, the despair was creeping, and I could tell I was losing it, but I kept going. I called my advisor from the Disabled American Veterans, and screamed into the phone. I got into the car, still yelling, and started the engine.
I had just gotten three letters from the VA. The first two were just like the ones I had been receiving for months. “We are still processing your application for compensation. We apologize for the delay.” It had taken me years to be able to admit to myself that I had PTSD. I registered with the VA when I got off active duty. The first time I went to the VA hospital, I knew the numbers, and I knew it was a disaster. Then I saw it first hand.
At first I saw the Vietnam vets. Men that were hustled through their midlife years and were walking with canes or in wheelchairs, sometimes muttering to themselves the regrets that only a broken soldier knows. Then I saw the World War II vets, clinging to life with the pride of a dieing breed. Then I saw the vets that looked like me. They bore the scars I recognized but couldn't feel. The IEDs of Fallujah echoed in the halls.
I thought I didn't belong. I got a consultation for PTSD, but missed my first appointment and never rescheduled. I didn't want to be a burden. There were those far more deserving than I. But then I needed help, and help came in the form of a fistful of prescriptions. It didn't help.
Then a Vietnam vet told me that I had earned my due. I needed to file for disability. It was the cost of my innocence, but I felt dirty to put a price tag on that and I didn't want to even ask what kind of check came with the “70%” label. So I filled out a lot of forms, and in a gut-wrenching all-nighter, described in detail my “stressors.” With my advisor, I turned in the forms in person in a building that could only make a bureaucrat smile.
It took me over a year and a meeting in person with the secretary of the VA just to get an ID card. I wasn't surprised when they wanted me to fill out more forms and I sent them in, like a good little veteran. Then over the course of months, the letters came. “We apologize for the delay.”
Today was different. The third letter I opened said, “We determined that the following condition was not related to your military service, so service connection couldn't be granted: Medical Description, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)” “Service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is denied.” “Review of your DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and 201 Personnel file are negative for any evidence of combat medals or ribbons that can be considered evidence of participation in a stressful episode.” Bureaucratic words that still slice like razors to the bone. I guess they didn't see my Combat Action Ribbon, or Navy Commendation Medal. Maybe I really was crazy before I joined the Marines!
I was livid to say the least. As I drove on and the desperation overcame the anger I cried. I turned up the music to drown the sorrow, but the tears kept coming. I know there is an appeals process that I intend to pursue, but this is worse than being called a “phony soldier” by some neocon nut job. So I guess it's back to being another struggling veteran, trying to figure out how I will cover the rent this month.
But my veteran friends were able to put things in perspective for me. I spoke to Scot Camil, whose courage as a veteran speaking out against the war in Vietnam has been a great source of inspiration for me. I spoke to Chris Hill of Gathering of Eagles, who happens to be a bit of a war fetishist, but understands the brotherhood of veterans. I spoke to Jeremy Williams, who served with me in the same unit at Camp Pendleton, and is now toiling as a tireless veterans advocate in Texas. It could be a lot worse. And before I went to bed, I spoke to my muse and heard the music and she touched my soul and everything was right as rain again.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
RALLY FOR THE REPUBLIC!
I have been in Minneapolis for the last week, first for the IVAW/VFP national convention and then for the launch events for the Campaign For Liberty which culminated last night with the Rally For The Republic. I wish I could sit here and write about all the amazing experiences I have had recently, but there is someone who wants to get an IVAW t-shirt on the floor of the RNC! Duty calls!
I was not planning on speaking at the rally last night, but the organizers decided to squeeze me in at the last minute to introduce Aimee Allen. So I leave you with this:
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Video of Speech From Revolution March
I knew this was in the works for a while, and it's very exciting to see REP FREEDOM FORCE finally release it on YouTube:
KICK ASS FREEDOM REVOLUTION SPEECH!
"Adam Kokesh of Iraq Veterans Against the War delivered a powerful message to the freedom movement at the Revolution March in Washington. We were completely blown away!"
Here is a video of the complete speech:
Adam Kokesh Revolution March
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Adam Kokesh Fighting Alongside Mike and Jake on The Fire Team For Freedom Radio Show
Listen here: 08.26.2008 Tuesday - FT4F
Show 90+min
This is a good one! Adam Kokesh of the IVAW, who has been on Larry King, CNN and Fox News joins us for the show: We discuss mumerous topics including Impeaching the President, the movie Sir No Sir and Beyond Treason, 9/11 and much much more!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Some Gave All For Nothing
Make an offer to the Gods!
The Gods of war eat dogs of war,
But we all face the odds.
Roll the dice, you'll sacrifice,
For country, God and Corps.
No purple hearts, no bleeding hearts,
But touched forever more.
Mom's reticence, your innocence,
Like dust into the wind.
Home to war, or back for more,
No matter how it's spinned!
Let dreams of glory make your story,
Face the ultimate test.
They'll deceive and you'll believe,
Dulce et decorum est!
Heed the call, don't take the fall,
We know they're only bluffing.
We all gave some and some gave all,
But some gave all for nothing.
It's our blood lust, it's dust to dust,
The seeds of death we sew,
Bury the caches, scatter the ashes,
The people don't want to know.
An IED here, or a bombing there,
What's the death count today?
It's old news, and just half-true,
What is there left to say?
A father's fears, a mother's tears,
Await that number to mount.
Stories we heed of a hero's deed,
But suicides don't even count.
Fill your tanks and save your thanks,
No need to give me props.
We fought, we died, we killed, they lied,
But my friend came home in a box.
Heed the call, don't take the fall,
We know they're only bluffing.
We all gave some and some gave all,
But some gave all for nothing.
A city besieged, a country deceived,
Fallujah was just a ploy,
We couldn't elect, with just disrespect,
When soldiers become just like toys.
Lance Corporal Frank, didn't catch a blank,
From his armpit to his spine.
That same flak vest, protected his chest,
It might as well have been mine.
They dropped the ball, we got the call,
To get him on the mend.
My lead foot fell, we raised some hell,
To make him whole again.
We carried him in, as he faded out,
Told him he would be alright.
Have no fear, your cure is here.
But then he died on site.
Heed the call, don't take the fall,
We know they're only bluffing.
We all gave some and some gave all,
But some gave all for nothing.
Music by Blindfold
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Conventions Are Coming!
The American people are about to be subjected to another round of partisan pandering this fall with the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. As with most of our political discourse today, the two-party system has taken something that was once a meaningful chance to further our national dialog and reduced it to a distraction. When the conventions actually meant something, weren't those the good old days? Not really. By the time the conventions meant something, the two parties were joining hands around the neck of the people and starting the process of choking the political vitality out of this country. The way that they conduct conventions today is simply an indicator of the ensuing decline.
Originally, conventions would bring the parties together to nominate their presidential candidates through various delegate mechanisms. In the 1800s, this was an improvement over secret deals in the halls of Congress that had previously determined the candidates. In the further democratization of this process, we now have primaries in a way that ensures that candidates are determined long before
the conventions, which have become glorified acceptance speeches. Despite being completely unnecessary and a horrendous waste of tax dollars, these vestigial political limbs are still being used to beat this country to death.
While the delegates of past conventions sometimes discussed candidates in a way that served to make the process a referendum in itself, they also used to have meaningful debates about party platforms. Today, the mantra is unity, and the big speeches are scheduled for prime-time. These are going to be slick affairs and there will be no room for substantive debate.
Although only one of many pertinent issues, I have to mention the war here to make some critical points. Most of the country is already against the war and we made that clear in the 2006 elections, which were largely referendums on the war. The Democrats were eager to disappoint, and Pelosi has become a shill for the administration. Obama has been positioning himself as a pro-war candidate, advocating a draw-down (not a withdrawal – look at his numbers!) in Iraq, a large long-term presence, increased reliance on contractors, a surge in Afghanistan, and possible strikes against Iran and now Russia. I actually have more faith in McCain (malleable a maverick as he is) to take charge strategically of the Global War of Terror and get us out of Iraq by the end of his first term as he said he hoped to in a recent speech.
Of course neither Republicans or Democrats are willing to discuss a principled philosophy of foreign policy the way that Nader, McKinney, and Barr are clamoring to. But who would be listening? We have made it clear that we would rather be spoon-fed sound-bites than have an intelligent discussion. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free ... it expects what never was and never will be.” The American founders by and large disdained and distrusted political parties and would be shocked at how difficult it has become for a third party or independent candidate to just get on the ballot.
The sham media events that conventions have become are indicators of not only how low we have sunk politically, but how we are allowing ourselves to be easy targets for pandering. These events will get widespread media coverage and millions of Americans will be watching. At least the ones who still care about being relatively informed voters. Part of the decline of our culture is because of widespread insecurity and disempowerment. This increases people's psychological need to feel like they belong to a group and derive an identity from it. “I'm a Democrat because that hot girl down the street is a Democrat.” “I'm a Republican because the party is grand. And old.”
Be that as it may still be prevalent, more and more of us are growing past this need to indulge our ignorance and insecurities. We are setting new records for independent and third party voter registrations. The parties are losing their grip. There will be large numbers of principled, passionate, politically aware people in Denver and Minneapolis, but they won't be inside the conventions. In Denver, they will be protesting outside and holding a four day festival at a nearby park. In Minneapolis, they will be marching in the street, but they will also be holding a “counter-convention.” Ron Paul, having been (predictably) denied a speaking spot at the RNC, will headline the “Rally For The Republic,” which will be a celebration of the Freedom Movement and a launch party for Ron Paul's “Campaign For Liberty.”
The conventions may have some utility yet this year: they can show the differences between the goals of the two-party system and the people who tolerate it. As large as the spectacles outside promise to be this time, (“Recreate '68” is a slogan for DNC protesters who have said they will make 1968 “look like a small get together”) the media will be slobbering over the “real news” coming out of the conventions. I have a couple of predictions for what we're going to be presented with as news: Obama will accept the Democratic nomination, John McCain will accept the Republican nomination, the protesters will be ridiculed, the American people will go back to sleep when it's over, and continue to fool themselves into believing that real change can come out of the two-party system.
Friday, July 25, 2008
An Imperial Presidency? Check! Impeachment? Not likely.
Despite the original call for “legal responses,” Conyers advised the committee and all the witnesses that House rules prohibit “personal abuse, innuendo or ridicule of the president,” and he made sure that no allegations about specific individuals were allowed. However, one of the Republican members noted the extended talk of impeachment and referred to it as the “elephant in the corner that we have been feeling our way around to.” Kucinich had his way around this, of course. “The rules of the House prevent me or any witness from utilizing familiar terms. But we can put two and two together in our minds.” We sure can. And you, Congressman Kucinich, seem to possess one of the few spines your party has left.
I was joined by several members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. We were there primarily to support Elliott Adams, Presiden of VFP, who did a wonderful job representing our organization. Although we arrived over two hours early for the hearing, we were not in time to claim any of the sixteen seats available to the public. Because Congressman Conyers canceled a meeting with VFP because of the hearing, we had been promised seats in the hearing room that never materialized. After waiting patiently while one man got arrested in the hall for “not backing up” as ordered by United States Capitol Police, crazy lefties had numerous outbursts of off-key singing, and most of the other several hundred people trying to get in left to the overflow room, I was able to get in just in time for the second panel as some more seats opened up and some of the original sixteen gave up on controlling their bladders.
I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate Bob Barr would be testifying. He didn't disappoint. He made a great opening statement about “Preserving Constitutional Liberty through Checks and Balances and the Separation of Powers,” but the best part of his testimony was in the second round before questioning. “What we are facing now is a Constitutional clock, and it is counting down what remains of the Constitution of this great land. I might ask then to introduce for the record the disappearing Bill of Rights. This is the Bill of Rights that we as member of the Judiciary Committee know [he holds up a copy of the Bill of Rights] as adopted in 1791. [he flips it over to reveal a copy of the Bill of Rights that is largely redacted] This is what it is fast becoming.” You know it's a sad day when a former Congressman has to submit the Bill of Rights for the record in a Congressional hearing!
There were numerous outbursts of laughter and applause from the crowd and little authority exercised by Conyers despite repeated ribbing from the Republicans. After one of them complained about “signs,” Conyers told his staff to address the issue. One of the committee staffers arbitrarily approached IVAW members TJ Buonomo and Nick Morgan who were sitting together. They were both wearing pins that said, “VETERANS FOR IMPEACHMENT” and neither had a sign. There were about a dozen of us wearing the same pin. The staffer pleaded incessantly with them to remove their pins, but TJ was offended and when he vocally proclaimed that this was a violation of his Constitutional rights, the Capitol Police descended upon him and escorted him out. He was later charged with “Disrupting Congress” and has a hearing pending for August 12th.
Cindy Sheehan made a more petulant, childish exit in her typical fashion.
Testifier Vince Bugliosi: “By taking this nation into war on a lie, all of the killings of American soldiers in Iraq became unlawful killings, and therefore murders.”
Cindy Sheehan: “Thank you Vince.”
Conyers: “Members are urging me to take more action than merely reminding our audience.”
Cindy Sheehan: “I urge you to take action.”
Conyers: “OK then, Sheehan, you're out.”
Cindy Sheehan: [already getting up and leaving] “I’m going. Good-bye.”
She was allowed to leave without incident. It's ironic that it wasn't for her original interruption, but rather for urging Conyers to take action that she was told to leave.
While the Democrats made a powerful case for impeachment, led by Congressman Kucinich, who was called as a testifier, they seemed to be really trying to make a case for their own party's reelection. They failed. As petulant and petty as the Republicans were throughout the hearing, Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, the ranking Republican, hit the nail on the head: “It seems that we are hosting an anger management class. This hearing will not cause us to impeach the president; it will only serve to impeach Congress's credibility.”
The Democrats have become a sorry excuse for an opposition party. I don't think any of the many potentially deserving members of the Bush Administration will ever be impeached for the same reason that we didn't have impeachment hearings today or even months ago. The Democrats are just as corrupt, and complicit. Spineless Democrats are Neocon Appeasers and the blood is on their hands too.
So what was accomplished? A case for impeachment was made, everyone had a chance to posture and pander, and a few witnesses got to promote their books. The Democrats tried to make the case for why we need to give their party more power in November, but I think this is going to back fire. Now that the state of decay of our republic and our leadership has reached a new low, pointing out that the Republicans are worse than the Democrats (barely) is only going to drive voters into the open arms of our very deserving, uniquely principled, Libertarian Party.
***
I have a lot more photos and even some good video that I'm going to putting together soon, but for now, I will leave you with the wisdom of Bob Barr's written testimony:
OFFICE OF BOB BARR
Member of Congress, 1995-2003
Preserving Constitutional Liberty
through Checks and Balances and the
Separation of Powers
TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
July 25, 2008
Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of this Committee, on which I was privileged to serve throughout my eight years as a Member of the House of Representatives, it is an honor to appear today to speak on the importance of the separation of powers in the federal government as a tool for protecting the people’s liberties. Many vital issues confront our nation, but few are more important than repairing and maintaining the constitutional bulwarks that guarantee individual liberty and limit government power.
Mr. Chairman, today I appear as a private citizen, and also as a former Member of this Committee and as a once-again practicing attorney. I am also honored to be serving as the presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party.
It is axiomatic that no matter how much power government has, it always wants more. While the executive branch under George W. Bush has taken this truism to new heights, it is not unique in its quest for power. Unfortunately, the other branches of government have failed to do enough to maintain the constitutional balance. Particularly disturbing has been Congress’ recent reluctance, in the face of aggressive executive branch claims, to make the laws and ensure that the laws are properly applied. This failure has inhibited the operation of the separation of powers, necessary to provide the checks and balances which undergird our system of constitutional liberty.
CHECKS AND BALANCES
The Constitution employs several techniques to preserve our liberties and privacy. One is to limit federal authority to enumerated powers. Another is to explicitly restrict government power, most notably through the Bill of Rights. The Founders also used the basic structure of government to protect the people from abuse, relying upon federalism, dividing power between state and national governments, as well as the separation of powers within the federal government itself.
The latter concept goes back to ancient Greece and was explicated by such political philosophers as John Locke and most famously by Baron de Montesquieu, who was much studied by America’s Founders. Many countries have implemented the same principle, though with different government structures, ranging up to six branches in Germany. In the U.S. the Founders established the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The result is intentional inefficiency: the three branches are expected to constantly check and balance each other.
For instance, James Madison declared in Federalist No. 51: “the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others.” He went on to explain that, “[i]n framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” This means “the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other.”
Despite the inevitable problems which will afflict any political system, the original constitutional scheme has worked extremely well. Although the relative power of the different branches has varied over time, checks and balances have always operated.
More than two centuries have passed, and the constitutional limits on both the legislative and judicial branches remain robust – at least in theory. The president appoints and the Senate confirms judges, for instance. Presidents veto legislation and administer the laws, while the judiciary assesses the constitutionality of and interprets statutes.
In contrast, however, the constitutional constraints on the executive branch have eroded, with some breaking down substantially or entirely. The process has been underway for many years, but has greatly accelerated since 2001. In particular, President Bush and his appointees have used his power as commander in chief—of the military, not American society, it should be noted—to disregard congressional authority and override explicit constitutional provisions. Indeed, since 9/11, the president has let few opportunities slip by without reminding us that he is not only commander in chief but also a “wartime president,” and to argue that this status justifies whatever new power he claims to possess and wishes to utilize.
The president’s authority is substantial, but limited by law. The Constitution directs him or her to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” However, Congress is vested with the sole power to legislate, thereby determining the laws to be executed. Moreover, the president’s administration of the law is constrained by the Bill of Rights, including the Fourth Amendment, which bars searches and seizures absent a warrant based on probable cause. Further, though the president by the nature of his office has a lead role in shaping foreign and military policy, the Constitution shares powers in these areas between the legislative and executive branches.
Since the nation’s founding, Congress and the executive have struggled for supremacy. The 20th Century witnessed a steady if irregular expansion of presidential authority, which has carried over into this first decade of the 21st Century. The role of the president as the military’s commander in chief has taken on increasing importance as it has been used to justify the aggrandizement of the executive’s authority at the expense of that of both Congress and the judiciary. The issue is not just an abstract struggle between different government officials. Rather, this expansion of presidential power has increasingly put the people’s liberties and privacy at risk.
WAR-MAKING POWERS
One of the most important expansions of executive authority has been transforming the president’s power to conduct a war into that of starting a war. Congress is vested with the sole power to declare, meaning to start, war; the Constitution’s framers explicitly intended to diverge from the British system and vest the authority to initiate war with the many in the legislature rather than the one in the executive. The Constitution also empowers Congress to create the military and enact rules governing both the military and the conduct of war. Although the constitutional convention changed the term from “make” to “declare” to allow the president to respond to a surprise attack, and the president’s authority to conduct war as commander in chief suggests that Congress cannot second guess his tactical judgments, he is to exercise all his powers within the larger framework created by the legislative branch.
Yet modern presidents increasingly assert their unilateral authority to bomb and invade other nations, without legislative approval, and to conduct military operations for years even after the original circumstances giving rise to a congressional authorization to use force have changed. This trend did not originate with the Bush administration, but has continued and grown under it. For instance, in 2002 President George W. Bush insisted that Congress not tie his hands, and refused to acknowledge the constitutional necessity of winning legislative approval to invade Iraq. Rather than make the decision for or against war, Congress transferred discretion to initiate war against Iraq to the president.
After launching the Iraq invasion in 2003 based on a 2002 congressionally-passed resolution to do so, the current administration has rejected the argument that a multi-year occupation violates Congress’ authorization of force, which legally controls the executive’s war objectives. The president also has resisted congressional oversight of its objectives and policies, which is an essential aspect of Congress’ authority. Although acknowledging that Congress controls the budgetary purse strings, the president and his aides have fought any attempt to condition appropriations—conveniently bundled in “emergency” supplementals in order to reduce the opportunity for legislative review.
EROSION OF LIBERTY
The administration has attempted to use the same commander in chief power, as well as Congress’ Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), approved after 9/11, to trump constitutional protections for civil liberties and privacy. Yet the Constitution does not create a national security exception to the Bill of Rights or separation of powers, and no member of Congress imagined that voting to authorize the use of force abroad simultaneously authorized the president to engage in unspecified and otherwise unconstitutional conduct at home. There is no basis for the argument the president’s authority as commander in chief in effect swallows and trumps the rest of the Constitution.
For instance, the administration undertook warrantless surveillance of Americans without court order or supervision. Conducted by the National Security Agency, the program was inaugurated shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and was inaccurately dubbed the Terrorist Surveillance Program, since in fact it targeted American citizens with no reason to believe they were engaged in any actions involving terrorism. The eavesdropping directly violated even the relaxed warrant requirements of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Under Republican control, Congress unashamedly refused to conduct serious inquiry into the obviously improper NSA surveillance program. Unfortunately, the GOP majority put partisan comity ahead of fidelity to the law and Constitution. Although more members of the Democratic majority, which took over in January 2007, indicated concern about administration lawlessness, this Congress recently caved in to administration demands and amended FISA to grant the government unprecedented power to surreptitiously spy on the phone calls and emails of American citizens in our own country, based on nothing more then a belief they are communicating with someone not in the U.S. The measure also granted immunity – retro-active and prospective -- to telephone companies which aided government law-breaking.
Thus did a genuine need to modernize certain of FISA’s technical provisions—for example, to reverse the court interpretation that monitoring calls sent by modern routing mechanisms through the U.S., even though both parties were located abroad, required a court order—became an opportunity to greatly expand the law’s reach. The result is to make virtually every international call or email subject to monitoring without court oversight. Thereby carving out an entire class of communication from constitutional protection is a breathtaking decision with the potential to do enormous damage to the very meaning of the Fourth Amendment and to the essential foundation of limited government. This law also has effectively neutered the oversight role the Congress or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court should play in this area.
Similarly extravagant has been the administration’s claimed right, as an adjunct of both the president’s constitutional warpowers and the AUMF, to designate American citizens arrested in America as well as alleged terrorists captured overseas as “enemy combatants” beyond the reach of the U.S. Constitution and courts. The detention of combatants captured in battle is a natural adjunct to war, but not the suspension of all constitutional and legislative oversight of the executive’s power to imprison anyone it claims to be a combatant for as long as it desires. The argument that the president has the unique power to suspend basic constitutional guarantees, including the “Great Writ” of habeas corpus, whereby a person has a fundamental right to be brought before a court to determine the lawfulness of his or her detention or deprivation, is particularly dangerous in the midst of a potentially endless “war” where the American homeland is considered to be a -- and perhaps the chief -- battlefield.
There is nothing in Article II of the Constitution which provides that the president is the military’s commander in chief, to suggest that he thereby gains the power to suspend any law and any constitutional provision at his discretion. Indeed, the very next section reminds the president that at all times he has a responsibility to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” with no hint of an exception whenever he decides he is acting as commander in chief. In Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952), the Supreme Court rejected a similar claim by the Truman administration -- that the president’s powers as commander in chief allowed him to seize steel mills despite Congress’ refusal to authorize such an act.
Nor is it plausible that Congress believed that by authorizing military action in response to 9/11 it was empowering the president to deny American citizens their constitutional rights at home. Authorizing military action overseas does not logically mean authorizing every conceivable use of surveillance, arrest, and imprisonment by the federal government at home. Indeed, if the administration had believed this theory at the time, there would have been no reason for it to have proposed the Patriot Act, since all those powers, too, should have been included in the AUMF. Equally important, Congress itself only has the authority to suspend—and only if our country is invaded or faced with overt “Rebellion”—not eliminate, habeas corpus. Congress cannot authorize the president to limit that right in additional circumstances.
SIGNING STATEMENTS
Another example of a direct presidential assault on the separation of powers, and thus the constitutional structure undergirding our free society, are presidential signing statements. Throughout history, signing statements have been used to thank supporters, provide reasons for signing a bill or express satisfaction or displeasure with legislation passed by Congress. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all used signing statements to express constitutional and other objections to legislation, influence judicial interpretation, and otherwise advance policy goals.
President George W. Bush has more aggressively – to an historically unprecedented degree -- employed the presidential signing statement to challenge or deny effect to legislation that he considers unconstitutional, but nonetheless signs. As the Congressional Research Service reported last year, a much higher share of President Bush’s signing statements have contained a constitutional challenge, and they “are typified by multiple constitutional and statutory objections, containing challenges to more than 1,000 distinct provisions of the law.” This tactic, adds CRS, is “an integral part of the administration’s efforts to further its broad view of presidential prerogatives and to assert functional and determinative control over all elements of the executive decision making process.”
In scores of cases President Bush has claimed that legislation has improperly interfered with presidential authority. In a democracy, such assertions of power—most fundamentally the underlying failure to comply rather than the explanatory signing statement—do not happen in a vacuum. They affect the careful balance of power in our system of government. The executive branch is not free to unilaterally change that balance; our Constitution requires legislative and judicial involvement in lawmaking to ensure public debate and oversight and to guard against centralization of power.
Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to make the laws. Under Article II, the president has the duty to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed. The Constitution also provides that if the president objects to a proposed law, he can veto it. This gives Congress the chance to override his veto, enacting the law despite his opposition, or to sustain his veto, and then work to address the president’s objections. A president may also challenge a law he believes to be unconstitutional in court.
Instead, the current president, especially, has used signing statements, and a refusal to enforce the law, as a sub rosa form of unreviewable veto, usurping the power of Congress and aggrandizing the power of the executive.
EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE
Another tool of executive aggrandizement has been the doctrine of executive privilege. No where spelled out in the Constitution itself, the claim has been advanced by presidents starting with George Washington. The doctrine is most persuasively rooted in national security, but presidents often have more generally contended that confidentiality is necessary for the operation of the executive branch.
Although the argument at its core is not without force, executive privilege has become an all-purpose shield and boilerplate excuse to hide embarrassing and potentially incriminating information from Congress and the public. That a claim for executive privilege had to be balanced with other interests was evident in 1807 when Aaron Burr, on trial for treason, sued President Thomas Jefferson to produce a supposedly exculpatory letter. Chief Justice John Marshall rejected Jefferson’s argument that disclosure risked public safety and ordered the president to comply. In 1974 the climactic case of United States v. Nixon confronted President Richard M. Nixon’s attempt to use the claim of executive privilege to avoid having to turn over evidence of criminal misbehavior to Watergate special prosecutor Leon Jaworski. The Supreme Court unanimously acknowledged a generalized right of confidentiality, but ruled that this privilege must yield to other government interests, most notably the criminal process. The order that he yield up the tapes recording his Oval Office conversations led to his resignation.
Other presidents have relied on the doctrine to shield their operations from scrutiny. The Clinton administration avoided disclosure of the deliberations of the president’s health care reform task force because First Lady Hillary Clinton was considered to be a government employee under the relevant legislation. This admittedly strained interpretation allowed the courts to avoid ruling on the question of whether executive privilege applied to conversations between government officials and people outside of government.
As in other areas, the Bush administration has even more energetically sought to keep information about many of its activities, even those with no sensitive national security implications, from public view. For instance, the administration resisted a request for disclosure, based on legislation covering “advisory committees,” of the names of participants and results of discussions by members of the Vice President’s National Energy Policy Development Group. The administration lost in the lower courts, but was partially upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which sent the case back to the District Court for reconsideration. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately refused to order disclosure based on its interpretation of the relevant statute, based on the fact that several government officials served on the Group.
Elsewhere the administration’s case for secrecy has been more frivolous and less well received. For instance, the administration attempted to keep secret visitor logs detailing Christian leaders who visited the White House and vice president’s residence. Earlier this month the D.C. Circuit distinguished this case from the energy group decision and ruled that the logs were not the property of the White House—which took custody from the Secret Service (part of the Treasury Department) in order to thwart a request under the Freedom of Information Act—and ordered their release.
These cases centered on statutory interpretation. The Bush administration also has more directly used the doctrine of executive privilege to resist disclosures to Congress, even as part of investigations of potential executive wrong-doing. For instance, at a recent hearing of this Committee, Karl Rove refused to appear, based on advice of the White House Counsel, to discuss his role in possible meddling in Justice Department prosecutions. Last year White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers similarly refused to obey committee subpoenas to appear to discuss the firing of U.S. attorneys; the House voted to hold them in contempt.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been investigating the White House’s involvement in the disclosure of Valerie Plame’s employment by the CIA. In June Chairman Henry Waxman pointed out to Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey that “In his interview with the FBI, Mr. Libby stated that it was ‘possible’ that Vice President Cheney instructed him to disseminate information about Ambassador Wilson’s wife to the press. This is a significant revelation and, if true, a serious matter. It cannot be responsibly investigated without access to the Vice President’s FBI interview.” However, in an echo of the Watergate controversies, Mukasey refused to comply, citing fear of “the chilling effect that compliance with the committee’s subpoena would have on future White House deliberations.” The White House cited executive privilege in refusing to turn over the FBI interview, even though the vice president’s chief of staff had been convicted of perjury.
In an extraordinary twist on the doctrine of executive privilege, the Bush administration announced last year that it would not allow any U.S. Attorney to pursue a contempt citation on behalf of Congress. By attempting to control federal employees who also are officers of the courts, the administration attempted to place itself beyond effective accountability by any person or institution. Mark Rozell of George Mason University termed this position “astonishing” and “a breathtakingly broad view of the president’s role in this system of separation of powers. What this statement is saying is the president’s claim of executive privilege trumps all.” Indeed, if sustained, Rozell added, this position will allow “the executive to define the scope and limits of its own powers.” As a result, the House has filed suit to enforce its subpoena, the first such lawsuit in history.
“STATE SECRETS” DOCTRINE
Another doctrine used by the executive branch to the detriment of the constitutional separation of powers is the so-called “state secrets privilege.” According to this doctrine, the executive branch refuses to release information in court cases on the grounds that disclosure would harm “national security.” First recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1953, the doctrine has been treated as well-nigh absolute by some judges.
In this case, like many others, there is an obvious basis for shielding sensitive information in extraordinary instances from public view, even - 10 -
to the detriment of a valid lawsuit. However, again, a legitimate doctrine has been twisted to frustrate cases that might expose government wrong-doing and executive misconduct. As a result, government accountability, and redress of wrongs suffered by individuals as the result of government action, have suffered greatly.
For instance, Khalid El-Masri filed a civil case against the U.S. government in a case involving “extraordinary rendition,” in which the government illegally detained Mr. El-Masri in a case of mistaken identity. The trial court judge accepted the government’s claimed “state secrets privilege,” which thwarted disclosures necessary to prosecute the case. A similar result was reached in a similar case by Canadian Maher Arar, who was deported, based on false information, by the U.S. to Syria (he was a dual citizen), where he was apparently tortured. The Bush administration also invoked the state secrets privilege to defeat lawsuits challenging the government’s unlawful FISA surveillance program.
Although judges can order, and have ordered, disclosure of disputed documents and other information to them for in camera screening, too often courts have given inordinate deference to executive branch claims. But the privilege should be treated as qualified, not absolute. A government refusal to allow judicial inspection could be met with forfeiture of the case. Congress could assist the judiciary by holding hearings and drafting legislation clarifying the authority of judges, procedures to be used to adjudicate executive claims of state secrecy, and sanctions to be imposed for the executive branch’s refusal to comply.
CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT
Unfortunately, Congress has been at least impartially complicit in this and other presidential “power grabs.” It repeatedly has acquiesced to President Bush’s unilateral actions. It has failed in its constitutional obligation to make the laws and to oversee the executive branch to ensure that the latter properly implements the laws passed by Congress.
Enforcing presidential compliance with the law is not easy, especially since a pattern of executive law-breaking has been established. However, the people—the citizens in whose name this House and the rest of the government act—can and should insist that those elected president, this coming November and in the future, respect the separation of powers and other constitutional limits on their authority. - 11 -
Taking an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” requires no less.
Moreover, the legislature has many tools at its disposal to promote respect for the nation’s fundamental law. It can enlist the courts, of course. It can use its power to hold oversight hearings, backed by the power to subpoena and hold executive officers in contempt. It can refuse to confirm presidential appointments.
Most fundamental is its power to control appropriations. Congress can shape funding in the relevant area to encourage compliance with the law. Moreover, broader retaliation, though less desirable, is another possibility. For instance, the Reagan administration’s attempt to thwart explicit congressional guidelines over federal contracting led to a vote by this Committee to defund the Office of the Attorney General. A compromise was reached: Congress funded the Attorney General’s Office while the administration complied with the law.
The most important requirement is that Congress treat seriously its responsibility to uphold the Constitution. Neither the Bill of Rights nor the separation of powers are self-enforcing documents or principles. The legislative branch has a critical role to play.
The Constitution creates explicit guarantees for individual liberty and limits on government power out of the recognition that even the best-intentioned public officials working to achieve the most public-spirited aims make mistakes. That surely has been evident during the so-called “Global War on Terror,” in which more than a few innocent people have been not just detained, but also imprisoned and tortured. The Bill of Rights and the separation of powers are not mere technicalities, but essentials of our government and our entire system of ordered liberty.
I know this Committee understands that the president’s quest for intelligence and desire for flexibility, legitimate as they are, should not be allowed to serve as a subterfuge for circumventing constitutional protections for liberty and restrictions on presidential power. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, appointed by President Ronald Reagan, has reminded us that, “[w]e have to understand you can fight the war [on terrorism] and lose everything if you have no civil liberties left when you get through fighting the war.”
The temptation to cut constitutional corners is not the province of any one party. Rather, it grows when one party controls both the executive and legislature. Then party comity sometimes overrides institutional differences, as it did most recently between 2001 and 2006.
But our constitutional system, and its commitment to limited government and individual liberty, is based both on a series of explicit guarantees that constrain the use of government authority, and a structure that divides government authority. As such, the separation of powers, with the checks and balances expected to naturally follow, is the bedrock foundation of American constitutional government. It is a foundation clearly in danger of crumbling.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Conyers Announces Judiciary Committee Hearing On “Imperial Presidency,” Continues to Stall on Impeachment
On July 9th, a group of Veterans For Peace members, including myself, met with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Congressman Conyers to hear his plans regarding impeachment. This was a follow up to our previous meeting with him at which we presented a petition calling for impeachment with over 23,000 signatures on June 11th. At that meeting, he promised to reveal to us his plans when we met next. His “plans” were non-existent; his excuse was that he had not made a decision yet. Of course, every day he doesn't impeach, he is deciding not to. The Real News Network covered the meeting and captured it well with this video:
Stalling On Impeachment
I got the impression that Conyers is going senile. If he really thinks as slow as he talks, we're in a lot of trouble. Most of his staff seem to be in favor of impeachment and are just waiting for the word. A couple of them even thanked us for being there and being so strong in our convictions. For a long time, Pelosi has been saying that impeachment is “off the table” and has obeyed every command from the administration, so it's safe to say that they have her by the balls. She bought the speakership by raising money for her fellow Democrats, and there have got to be a lot of financial skeletons in her closet. The only question is, has Pelosi actually convinced him that impeachment isn't strategically wise, or is someone threatening him? I wouldn't put it past Bush's cronies to even go after his family.
He told us at that meeting that he wanted to meet with us again on July 25th. We were pretty pissed to put it mildly. More run around from another spineless Democrat. More posturing from this sorry excuse for an opposition party. Don't they get it that when we can see through their BS so easily it doesn't work? Remember the country having a good laugh when Clinton and Obama made nice in Unity, New Hampshire? If there was a city named Obvious Crude Political Calculation, it would be overrun by Democrats. I really hope they don't keep control of the Congress.
Conyers canceled that meeting with us to announce that his committee will be holding a hearing that day on “the Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and possible legal responses.” That's like someone who is getting robbed at gun point calling their Mom to discuss calling the cops. Does he really think that this is going to make the Democrats look good? I hope he is aware that after writing impeachment articles for Nixon, his party had a sweeping electoral victory. Likewise for the Republicans with Clinton.
The press release (below) brags about all of the violations of the Constitution by this administration that the judiciary committee has “conducted extensive oversight into.” Basically, “Yes, we're keeping track of how bad we're getting screwed.” He presented us with an even more extensive list of things the committee has looked into at our last meeting, as if it would appease us. Of course, they have failed to do anything about any of them. What's the point of oversight if you don't do anything when you discover a crime has been committed?
This is too disgusting for words. I want to vomit. I will be there on the 25th anyway to continue to push for impeachment, but I'm not holding my breath, and I'll have to hold my nose. Of course, the ultimate reason that our government is corrupt is because our culture is corrupt. If we held our representatives in Congress accountable, they might be inclined to hold the President accountable. But then, if we were paying attention, and doing our duty as citizens, we wouldn't have Bush for a president in the first place.
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Godfrey (Conyers)
(Washington)—Today House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. announced that, on July 25, the House Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on the Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and possible legal responses.
“Over the last seven plus years, there have been numerous credible allegations of serious misconduct by officials in the Bush Administration,” said Conyers. “At the same time, the administration has adopted what many would describe as a radical view of its own powers and authorities. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I believe it is imperative that we pursue a comprehensive review commensurate to this constitutionally dangerous combination of circumstances. Next Friday’s hearings will be an important part of that ongoing effort.”
The Committee is expected to examine a range of legal and legislative responses to allegations of administration misconduct and their expansion of executive branch power.
Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Committee has conducted extensive oversight into allegations of misconduct by the administration, including: (1) improper politicization of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys offices, including potential misuse of authority with regard to election and voting controversies; (2) misuse of executive branch authority and the adoption and implementation of the so-called unitary executive theory, including in the areas of presidential signing statements and regulatory authority; (3) misuse of investigatory and detention authority with regard to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, including questions regarding the legality of the administration’s surveillance, detention, interrogation, and rendition programs; (4) manipulation of intelligence and misuse of war powers, including possible misrepresentations to Congress related thereto; (5) improper retaliation against administration critics, including disclosing information concerning CIA operative Valerie Plame, and obstruction of justice related thereto; and (6) misuse of authority in denying Congress and the American people the ability to oversee and scrutinize conduct within the administration, including through the use of various asserted privileges and immunities.
The July 25 hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. in room 2141 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Additional information, including witness participation, will be announced next week.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Evidence - That Lying Pig Officer Monahan
A police officer from the DC MPD leaked this report today. It is written by Officer Monahan, (featured in my last two videos) and contains some blatant lies, but at least confirms that the guy in the Durango was an FBI agent. It also confirms that he called in a 10-33. According to the report, (see page 3, it's the only really interesting one) the FBI agent told Monahan that I was yelling at him. This is an outright lie, and I have two witnesses who can attest that until the MPD showed up, the only person doing any yelling was the FBI agent. For the time after MPD showed up, I have a dozen witnesses (but then they were in uniform, so who knows how reliable they will be in telling the truth) who can attest to the fact that I never yelled at the FBI agent.
The report also says that Monahan stopped me, but skips the part where he cuffed me and went through my wallet. Fortunately, we have the photographic evidence of that. (See the videos below for all of that.) The report says that the FBI agent was off-duty. Either the agent lied to Monahan, (taking him for the chump that he is) and told him he was off-duty, or Monahan is lying for him in this report. We heard from at least three different cops that the FBI agent was tailing someone, and Eric Wexler in his little red Celica screwed up his tail. So there you have it.
For the record, most of the cops I have met have been kind, well-intentioned, caring people, even in DC. If we are going to give them guns and entrust them with our safety, it should be all, not most. I want cops to know that people are watching them and holding them accountable. I don't mind pissing them off in the process if it means that next time they are going to search someone they shouldn't, or arrest someone who doesn't deserve it, or pull the trigger, they think twice about it. If it saves one life, (literally or figuratively) it will have been worth it.
Click on the images to see them full size.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Cops Are Everywhere – Especially Where I Am
When I went outside this afternoon, there was another group of cops (with three patrol cars) on the corner who looked like they were setting up a checkpoint. I got a couple witnesses and a cameraman and went out to confront them. They said they weren't setting up a checkpoint, just doing a “routine patrol.” I asked if this was a new policy for this area, or if there was some kind of crime wave here. They said that crime was actually down in this area recently and couldn't tell me why they were there except that it was new a new practice as of this week. (Hopefully, I'll get the video from this up later tonight.)
When I left for class around 5:30pm, they were still there. On the metro platform there was a cop watching me. He wasn't there when I came in, but I noticed him when I sat down. He was standing next to the escalators. I watched him as he walked towards me, but he walked by as I was getting on the train, and kept going in the same direction away from the stairs and escalators. I have never seen a cop on the metro platforms in DC who wasn't doing something or going somewhere.
On the train, two cops walked by me. I was able to get a quick photo off as they went into the next car. (see below) Then when I got off the metro at Foggy Bottom, there was another cop watching me as I got off the escalator. Right now, I am in the back of a classroom where my professor for “Law of the Political Process” is lecturing. I can't believe I'm studying the law right now.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Duty to Resist
Text of speech delivered 080712 at the west lawn of the capitol:
When I joined the Marines at a little strip mall in Santa Fe, and when I was in boot camp in San Diego, and when I was dodging mortars in Fallujah, I could not have imagined that I would one day share a stage with such renowned speakers. However, to march shoulder to shoulder, and to stand in solidarity with you, is a far greater honor.
It has been said that when in the course of human events, an oppression so revolts its subjects, it becomes necessary to alter or abolish the means of that tyranny. Is it that time when our Bill of Rights is defiled every day? When our adventures abroad threaten our security at home? When the Federal Reserve keeps our free nation enslaved by debt? When the people of the world tremble under the thumb of corporate imperialism? And now our nation is drifting dangerously from freedom to fascism. So I have to ask, is it time? The time is now, the threat is clear, the bands of tyranny are tightening around America, and it is our duty to resist!
As empowered patriots, let us take stock of our commitment to the ideals upon which this country is founded. America without her freedoms is like a body without a soul. The challenge before the Freedom Movement is no less, than to bring about a revolution of values, inspire a renaissance of American politics, and breathe new life into the tortured body of our nation. We will meet that challenge with courage and love, and as always, we the people, will prevail!
To rally the troops of the Revolutionary Army in the winter of 1776, Thomas Paine said, “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot, will in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.”
As Iraq Veterans Against the War, we are resisting an occupation that we once risked our lives for. We swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, but we found out the hard way that the greatest enemies of the Constitution are not to be found in the sands of some far off land, but rather right here at home! We are your new winter soldiers and we are still defending America.
We bring the values, skills, and commitment that make us warriors to the fight before us today. We are working to end the war by strategically withdrawing our material support and inspiring others to do the same. By advocating for veterans, we honor those who served, and empower soldiers to become successful civilians. With Truth In Recruiting, we are inspiring a generation of young Americans to find a better way to serve this country than dying for empire. By supporting those who are actively resisting, we inspire further resistance, and ensure that soldiers still have the right, as is their duty, to disobey illegal orders.
During the siege of Fallujah, a young Lance Corporal was shot through the side of his flak jacket in a firefight to the west of the city. The bullet hit an artery near his spine. My team was called to help get him to the field hospital at Camp Taqadum. He was on a stretcher in the humvee in front of me, and I watched the Corpsman treating the external wound in a frightened, hurried panic, as the dust from the hot road swirled around us. When we got there, I carried him in as he moaned and writhed in pain, barely conscious. He flailed his arm off the stretcher, and as I put it back by his side I told him, “Don't worry. You made it. You're gonna be OK.” But he died only minutes later from the internal bleeding.
I have to live with that memory every day, but I have learned from it. I will not tell you that the band-aids applied by Republicans and Democrats will heal us. I will not pretend that everything is just going to be ok while we are bled dry by tyrants. And if it takes the last full measure of devotion, I will not allow the same fate to befall this country!
This young movement, is getting past the external wounds to the greater evils plaguing this nation. We know, that the greatest threat to American security is the current corruption of our government! No politician has ever ended a war. Civil rights were won in this country not by any legislator, but by a movement. I have great hope for America, but not because of an election. No, my hope comes from you!
Our tragic love affair with the state, has led us to put far too much trust in a government that we hoped could improve our lives, but has instead come to run our lives for us. We have become, as a people, like a frightened, battered, beat down victim of an abusive relationship. A servile, unquestioning, obedient people, will always produce tyrants. We must, as a nation, once again, embrace defiance, rebellion, and resistance!
Every day more and more Americans are avoiding unenforceable taxes, leaving government jobs out of disgust, and sending their kids to college instead of combat. But our efforts as a movement must become unified and deliberate to fully withdraw our compliance and support. Be it with your lives, labor, or tax dollars, stop investing in your own oppression! Guard your communities from the police state! Do not waste a single vote, or a single dollar, on the two-party system! Do not be content merely to grumble and to march while they are using fear, force, and violence as weapons of oppression. We must embrace the opportunity to resist civilly while we still can!
We are compelled to be here for many different reasons, and there is strength in our diversity. As within Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans For Peace, we do not need to be uniform to be unified. Take a look at the thoughtful, passionate people around you on this field, and throughout this country. Do not leave here without meeting a new brother or sister in the struggle. Take with you the inspiration to share your passion with someone who does not know they are yet part of our movement. Seek out where you can be most effective in the cause of liberty.
Challenge our force fed culture of unquestioning conformity and compliance. Embrace a world that is not defined by the politics of fear, our obedience producing schools, or the false prophets of the corporate media. As we have been awakened, we must stir the sleeping masses. As the forces of oppression are diligent, so must we toil. As they are committed, we must surpass them. As they step up their efforts, we must rise up to defeat them as a unified movement!
We have been labeled rebels, traitors, enemies of the state. All terms King George would have used to vilify our founders. I, for one, will always rebel against oppression, a traitor only to tyranny, and I would be remiss to not be the enemy of a state, that so blatantly tramples our freedoms.
American values have been nearly vanquished by consumerism, militarism, and authoritarianism. Yellow ribbons and lapel pins will not save this country. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. The utmost manifestation of love and devotion to America, is today as it always has been, resistance of tyranny! Resist we must, and resist we will! We will not be silent! We will not obey! We will not let our government destroy our humanity! We will not wait another moment in fear to stand up for what we know to be right! It is time the government starts fearing the people again! It is time that we meet oppression with resistance!
They cannot stop us! Humanity marches on. You can fight it, or fight for it. When we say revolution, we say it with love. As we march onward from this place where we have pledged to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, let us embrace the struggle, cherish the fight, and live in that love. The passion of our hearts will be raised with our fists!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE REVOLUTION IS UPON US!
This Saturday, July 12, the DC Chapters of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans For Peace will be marching alongside thousands of revolutionaries dedicated to “restoring constitutional government as the founding fathers set forth.” An important element of the wisdom of our founders was a foreign policy based on nonintervention and free trade. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none." Our abandonment of those principles has been responsible for all of our nations foreign policy disasters. If we actually followed the provisions of the Constitution, we would not be in Iraq right now.
It is critical that anti-war veterans groups earn the same position of prominence and respect in the Freedom Movement as we have in the Anti-War Movement. In fact, the Anti-War Movement itself would be wise to consider its role in the broader Freedom Movement. A lot of the Anti-War Movement leans left, but principled socialists and libertarians have a lot more in common than most of them know, and some would care to admit. They also have a lot more in common with each other, than either of them have in common with Demubicans. Tragically, the anti-war movement alienates libertarians, and many feel driven out by the condescension that (from my experience) often accompanies leftist ideologies. There are a lot of “closet libertarians” in the anti-war movement, and a lot more that would join us if we could create a more inclusive atmosphere.
I will be speaking about IVAW's strategy to end the war based on withdrawing our material support and inspiring others to do the same. This is based on the consent theory of power. Just as it can be applied to the specific issue of the war, it can be applied to the broader issue of fascism in America. If soldiers refuse to fight in illegal wars, there will be no more occupaiton of Iraq. If we don't comply with illegal police orders en masse, and don't support unconstitutional law enforcement policy, there will be no police state. If tax-payers stopped paying unconstitutional taxes, there would be no (ok, less) funding for unconstitutional programs. If we stopped voting for lesser evils, we would not have an evil government.
The challenge before the Freedom Movement that Ron Paul has played a key part in forming and building, is to find ways beyond the electoral process to bring about the revolution for which we are all hoping and working towards. You say you want a revolution? You had better be willing to fight for it. But you can start by marching. See you Saturday!
We will be meeting at the Washington Monument at 0930, then marching down Constitution Avenue to the West Lawn of the Capitol for the rally. I will also be at the reception at 1800 at the Holiday Inn at 550 C St SW, in the Discovery II Room. For more details about the day, please go to revolutionmarch.com.
***
In a discussion I had recently with a fellow IVAW member about a potential alliance with Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty to protest at the Republican National Convention, he said that he opposed the alliance because Ron Paul “doesn't oppose the war for the same reasons we do.” That statement was either shamefully ignorant and presumptuous, or a deliberate lie. Ron Paul seems to be such a threat, (or at least was) that people are stooping to new lows to discredit him.
The lines in bold are IVAW's ten “official” reasons for opposing the war. Each is followed by a quote from the Congressman and the source.
1. The Iraq war is based on lies and deception.
"The war in Iraq was sold to us with false information."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/war-and-foreign-policy/
2. The Iraq war violates international law.
"But if the warmongers' goal is to have a war, regardless of international law and the Constitution, current policy serves their interests."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/65/before-we-bomb-iraq/
3. Corporate profiteering is driving the war in Iraq.
"Cliches about supporting the troops are designed to distract from failed policies, policies promoted by powerful special interests that benefit from war, anything to steer the discussion away from the real reasons the war in Iraq will not end anytime soon."
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/ron_paul.html
4. Overwhelming civilian casualties are a daily occurrence in Iraq.
I was not able to find a specific quote about a "daily occurrence," but in speaking out against the war before it began, he expressed concern for the Iraqi people numerous time, including acknowledging overwhelming civilian casualties.
"Remember, Iraq has not initiated aggression against us. We, on the other hand, have bombed them, taunted them by flying military jets in their airspace, and starved them with economic sanctions- all for more than a decade. We haven't done these things out of humanitarian concern for Kuwait, we've done them because we want to protect our oil interests. Yet these actions have harmed the people of Iraq, not the Hussein regime."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/70/arguments-against-a-war-in-iraq/
5. Soldiers have the right to refuse illegal war.
I don't think he has ever stated this explicitly, but I had the honor of spending about ten minutes with Congressman Paul this afternoon as he was on his way back to his office from a hearing. Of course, I was more interested in hearing about his future plans and thoughts on the Revolution March, but I also had a chance to explain IVAW's strategy including supporting war resisters, and he was very supportive.
6. Service members are facing serious health consequences due to our Government's negligence.
"Many politicians talk about honoring our veterans and their sacrifices. Yet so often the rhetoric obscures the reality that the federal government treats veterans badly."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/veterans/
7. The war in Iraq is tearing our families apart.
"With thousands of our troops now deployed in Afghanistan, and thousands more probably headed to Iraq, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by our military families. . . . I recently cosponsored legislation that would exempt members of America’s armed forces from income taxes."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/234/legislation-for-our-military-families-and-veterans/ This particular article includes other great proposals for supporting the troops and their families.
8. The Iraq war is robbing us of funding sorely needed here at home.
"As if a national debt topping $9 trillion is not bad enough, each day this war is fought, deficit spending increases. . . . Make no mistake, as Congress spends more and more, there will be less and less to fund Social Security and Medicare, the programs Washington has made us dependent on, without a massive tax increase."
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/iraq/
9. The war dehumanizes Iraqis and denies them their right to self-determination.
"It is in the best interests of the Iraqi people that we return their country to them immediately." http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/iraq/
10. Our military is being exhausted by repeated deployments, involuntary extensions, and activations of the Reserve and National Guard.
"Military experts, including Generals Barry McCaffrey and John Batiste, have sounded the warning that our military is stretched so thin because of Iraq and our other commitments that, as General Batiste put it recently, 'our Army and Marine Corps are at a breaking point with little to show for it.'"
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/iraq/
Not even all of our members endorse all of these reasons! Maybe at the rally Saturday I can convince the Congressman to join VFP. Our newest VFP member is Congressman John Conyers, whom we met with today as an official delegation of VFP members to discuss impeachment, but more on that later.
One of the reasons we got into the war in the first place was because chickenhawks who had never served in uniform started spouting off about things they knew nothing about to serve their own self-interests. Or in Ron Paul's words before the war, “those without military experience are the ones demanding this war.” Let us be careful to not repeat this mistake and do a little homework next time before “running our sucks,” as we would say in the military.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Iraq Veterans Against the War - Independence Day 2008
On July 4th, 2008, members of Iraq Veterans Against the War came together at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to mark the 232nd birthday of the United States of America, and remind fellow patriots of the values upon which our country was founded. It should be very clear to all partriotic Americans, that when in the course of human events, an oppression so revolts those subject to it, it becomes necessary to dissolve the political bands that are the means of that tyranny. We must, as a nation, once again, embrace defiance, rebellion, and resistance!
Reading by IVAW board member, Jason Lemieux
Organization and planning by Sholom Keller
Footage by Bill Perry and Adam Kokesh
Video editing by Adam Kokesh
Music by Michael Franti and Spearhead - Yell Fire
www.ivaw.org
A Much Needed Independence Day
The inverted American flag shown here adorns a wall in As a naturally rebelious spirit, Independence Day has a special place in my heart. In elementary school, I was the kid in the back of the classroom who would always get into arguments with the teacher. They all said that I should be a lawyer when I grow up, presuming I could muster the patience required for law school. In middle school, I went punk, always had a crazy haircut, and wore a lot of shirts with skulls and other dark themes. One of them had a skeleton with a k-bar and a Marine Corps 8-point cover on his grape. It read: U.S.M.C. - UNCLE SAM'S MISGUIDED CHILDREN.
When I joined the Marines and started learning about our history, (they tought us about Smedley Butler, but not that he wrote a book called War Is A Racket) the one quote that stuck with me was from the legendary Marine, Chesty Puller. In boot camp, some platoons get to say, “Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are!” every night in unison while laying in the position of attention in their racks. The quote is, “You're not a real Marine until you get busted down once or twice.” I didn't think I would be able to live up to that standard, but fortunately, I was wrong.
Senior Marines would regale me with tales of their craziness, and brag about doing things like driving drunk, getting pulled over, and having the cop let them get away with it. Then explain it like this, “But America needs crazy mother-f'ers like us around. That's what it takes. Americans sleep soundly at night because they know guys like us can be on any beach in less than 24 hours.” Taking a more strategic look at the Corps's strategic value and chances of survival, former Marine Corps Commandant Lieutenant General Krulak noted, “The United States does not need a Marine Corps, the United States wants a Marine Corps.” It should come as no surprise, that Marines are over-represented in the ranks of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
When I joined the Marines, or rather the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and took my oath of enlistment, I took it very seriously. “Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” I stopped to think about why the document was more important than the intstitution, and it naturally made sense to me. These are the rules by which we are able to ensure the rights of the people, this is what I want to have my life on the line for.
Of course, the Constitution is simply our best attempt (and I would argue among the best, if not the best created by any society in human history) to enshrine a set of greater values in a practical form of governence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This philosophy and these ideals were not anything particularly revolutionary in and of themselves, but when faced with the rejection of these ideals in the tyranny of King George III, the founding fathers were in a unique position to take a stand for those ideals. It required a certain courage of them, but they sure as hell delivered! “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
The utopian ideal that comes from those principles is one that is void of the violation of those rights by any human against any other, or what some would call a state of anarchy. But out of the realities of the circumstance and the culture at the time, a practical form of governance was necessary, and naturally came the Constitution. Although beautiful and powerful, this document that created and defined what Benjamin Franklin referred to as, “A republic, if you can keep it,” was far from perfect. Not only did our founders intend for us to keep it, but strive continuously to improve it, and it prescribed the exact means of amendment. Along with the cultural evolution that makes change possible, we have been making great progress with our Constitutional Republic. We have seen the abolition of slavery, a civil rights movement, and a women's movement, among many other great strides.
As a species, we have gone from the law of the jungle, to feudalism, to kingdoms, to empire, to capitalism with slavery, to capitalism with corporatism, but all in all, things are getting better. Humanity marches on. You can fight it, or fight for it. It wasn't too long ago that the best we could expect out of life was fondly referred to as, “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” My oh my, how we have progressed as a species since then.
But even in America, it has been a process of two steps forward, one step back. And as a nation, we are progressing down many paths simultaneously. The founding of the federal reserve as not only unconstitutional, but creating unnatural, imoral concentrations of wealth, could be seen as a step backward begun in 1913 that is still with us today. Within that time frame, there have been many steps forward, and many smaller steps backward. Clearly, in this framework, the Bush Administration has had more than it's fair share of steps backwards.
That is why this Independence Day is so desperately needed right now. We have forgotten the ideals put forth in Declaration. As the founders knew, a servile, unquestioning, obedient people, will always produce tyrants. The mortal flaw of tyranny is that it is dependent upon the obedience of its subjects. On this Independence Day we must renew our commitment to the ideals of the Declaration. It should be very clear to all partriotic Americans, that when in the course of human events, an oppression so revolts those subject to it, it becomes necessary to dissolve the political bands that are the means of that tyranny. We must, as a nation, once again, embrace defiance, rebellion, and resistance!
Happy Independence Day . . . if you can live up to it.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Oh the Irony! Disabled Iraqis to Dominate Paralympics
“God willing, I will win a medal for Iraq,” said Rasul Kadhim,
I saw this in the New York Times daily email:
"Athletes Disabled by Wars Lead Iraqi Team in World Games By ANDREW E. KRAMER War and hardship have not destroyed all of Iraq’s dreams for international competition. The country, which has been in three wars in two decades, has a robust Paralympic team."
From the article:“Iraqis love sports. Anyone who doubts it should consider the rat-a-tat of automatic weapons fired after every Iraqi soccer victory. Yet after five years of war, Iraq’s chances of fielding a competitive Olympic team are vanishingly small. . . . The country, which has been in three wars in two decades, has a robust Paralympic team. 'As a country that participated in many wars since 1980, we have many disabled people,' said Ahmed Abid Hassan, a wheelchair fencing coach. 'Our Paralympic team is better than our Olympic team.'”
Only one Iraqi qualified for the Olympics, but 20 for the Paralympics. They have faced many challenges in preparing for competition this year. The coach of the wheelchair basketball team who stood 6'6” (not in a chair himself) was shot in the head, because when nearby firefight started, the wall he was standing behind wasn't high enough. “A blind athlete, Qasim Muttar, who was a promising player of goalball — soccer played with a ball that contains bells — died after being run over by an American convoy while crossing a street.” These are two small, but poignant examples of the challenges that Iraqis face in their daily lives . . . while training for the Paralympics.
This all speaks to the great humanity of the Iraqi people. When I came back from Iraq, and people asked me what the Iraqi people were like, this was my best explanation: “They are people like any other in the world, with hopes and dreams and fear and love. Like all people, they are to a large extent products of their circumstance and experience. They are affected by a distinctly challenging history and it shows. When in Iraq, we would accuse them of lack of foresight, but why would you start saving money for your kids college tuition when you can't afford to eat, and you don't know if the college will still be standing when your kid grows up anyway?”
I hope that the Iraqi Paralympic team can be a powerful testament to the humanity of the people of Iraq, all the people of the world, and especially those disadvantaged by circumstance whose character we would be tempted to disparage. And I hope they kick some fucking ass!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Camp Fallujah Marines Need Help!
A friend of mine at Camp Fallujah forwarded this to me today:
Subject: Marines Need Help:
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Hey Everyone. Today we had an incident here in Fallujah, and our sister units berthing area caught fire and burned to the ground. It spread so fast and with 120 temps here today, there was no way they could contain the fire in time. These Marines lost everything that they had, all of their military issued gear as well as personal gear. The area was a complete loss, and now these Marines have little means to come up with items to live a somewhat comfortable life out here.
As most of you know, or have heard, getting clothing items and hygiene items out here is very hard, and once it does get here it's a battle between everyone to buy as much as you can at one time. Everyone has been so good supporting us with the comforts of home, and now we are asking for people to help out our fellow Marines. Anything that you could send, hygiene items or clothing items (PT style clothing shorts/t-shirts/black socks/white socks/Boxers/shower shoes (sandals) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all very much for your continued support...you guys keep us going. Here is my address, you can address it to me, or to Sgt Marilyn Gomez, and we will take it to the unit so it can be distributed out to them. Somewhere on the package, list "C/O RCT-1" that way we know what it is.
Cpl Espinoza, B.C.
(or)
Sgt Gomez, M.J.
I MEF CE FWD G-4
MDDOC/MCC-I Unit 42540
FPO-AP 96426-2540
Al-Fallujah, IRAQ
Brandon C. Espinoza
CPL/USMC
Multi National Force-West
MAGTF Deployment Dist. OPS Center
Movement Coordination Center, Fallujah Iraq
There were about 20 Marines living in this particular building, so there is a significant immediate need here. According to my friend there, things have kind of gone to shit on base. When I first got to Camp Fallujah, the Army was in charge of the chow hall and the chow was about as good as in my college cafeteria. (Some of us still had to eat a lot of MREs.) But when the Marines took over the operation the food went to shit. At least the PX was still run by AAFES and was pretty reliable. But now, according to my friend, "Yeah it is very hard to get stuff here, the shipments have really slowed down. We pretty much resort to people back in the states sending us shaving cream and shit like that, or wait until someone goes to BIAP and they bring it back in bulk. You cant even buy skivee shirts and what not. It blows. Yeah, the Marines are in charge of the one here and it sucks. I feel bad for these guys, they literally lost every fucking thing they had..."
I will be taking up a collection at the IVAW house in DC if anyone in the area would like to donate something. Please call me at (202)505-6435 if you can come by before noon on Friday when I will be sending it out, otherwise, put together your own package!
To find out more about our DC operation, check out this video that Erica Anderson just did for the MTV Street Team.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Clifton Hicks Exposes Christian Ignorance and Arrogance
I used to be friends with this kid when I was in high school, we used to go camping and shit like that. In hindsight I guess he always was a fucking dipshit - clif
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: Chris
Date: Jun 16, 2008 2:59 AM
Man so it has been a long time since i heard anyhitng from you kid. Hope all is well with you. Isaw your vid on you tube made a joke on it if you see it. It seems as if you never have chnaged. Glad your safe from the war. But sad to see your saying alot of G-- D----- in your speach. I dont have an opinion of the war. All i know is the american pressence in the middle east is causing many muslims to convert to christianty because they feel like they well be in safty. Which means i support the war in that sense. BEcause I know God is at work in this world.
Im moving soon to Kenya to work with some over seas missions organizations. Im pretty stoked about it. I get to live with the poorest of the poor people and see Gods hand at work. As you know I am studiyng to be a pastor still. which is really really cool. I will have my masters in a few. So you got to tell me whats be new in your world.
=========================== My Reply ===========================
I believe it goes, "As you have done even unto the least of my brothers, so have you done unto me."
Chris, I shot a man over there, I don't know if he died but he certainly fell down. I was also directly involved in the deaths of numerous other people, among them a 7 or 8 year old girl who's only crime was being born in Iraq. No one knows who's bullet punched a hole in her tiny body. War is murder, supporting war of any kind for any reason in any sense is supporting blind, wholesale mass murder.
I have been a murderer and I have repented. You on the other hand have not murdered, but you seem to think murder is acceptable as long as it's for the sake of converting Christians. Which of us is more likely to burn for eternity in a lake of fire?
You are not a Christian, you are merely another misled sheep who wishes merely to conform with some strange qausi-Christian American ideal, thus taking the easy wrong over the hard right. No true Christian would or could support this or any war. What do you think Christ would think of war? Which village would Christ select for "precision" bombing? How would Christ punish a terrorist? What would Christ say to a coward, like you, who falsely worships him?
You have studied Christianity for much of your life and you have only succeeded in distancing yourself from Christ. You grow further and further away with every turn of a bible page.
- Clif
Adam's note: Chris said in his email: "the american pressence in the middle east is causing many muslims to convert to christianty because they feel like they well be in safty." (sic) This is most absurd. Clearly our presence is driving people away from Christianity. You can decide for yourself if that's a good thing. I have not heard any evidence of a single Muslim converting to Christianity because of the war. I wonder if anyone is deliberately spreading this insidious rumor within the Christian community.
Monday, June 23, 2008
4th Amendment Trampled in DC - Illegal Police Checkpoint
***UPDATE - This incident occurred in DC Ward One, represented by Jim Graham. If you live here, please email him to ensure that he sees this video at: jim at grahamwone dot com. My email to Jim is at the bottom of the description. For more info about your Police District, city council representative, and other places to lodge complaints, go to dc.gov ***
This video was shot on the afternoon of June 20, 2008 at the corner of Warder St NW and Princeton Pl NW very close to my house.
*****
We have only the rights we are willing to fight for.
Police checkpoints like this are illegal and in direct violation of the 4th amendment, which is meant to protect us from "unreasonable searches and seizures" without "probably cause."
Mayor Fenty, DC Attorney General Peter Nickles (living in an estate in Virginia) and MPD are using the recent murders as an excuse to shut down our neighborhoods.
This is what the start of a police state looks like.
This is part of the fascist shift this country is experiencing.
Here are three ways to fight back:
1: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
You do not have to talk to the police. Police often act as if citizens are required to speak to them. You don't! If they question you, and you don't want to speak to them, simply tell them you have nothing to say. If they persist say, "I want to speak to a lawyer."
If stopped, ask them if you are being detained. If "yes," just say you don't want to say anything, except to a lawyer. If "no," tell them you're going about your business. Then do so.
DO NOT AGREE TO A SEARCH! On the street, they do not have the right to search you without a good reason. Police might anyway, but a lawyer may be able to have the results thrown out if you don't agree to the search. Same thing goes for in your car. DO NOT AGREE TO A SEARCH!
Record as much info as you safely can with any run in with police: date, time, location, names of witnesses, contact info, names of cops, badge numbers, everything.
2: COMPLAIN!
We still have enough of a democracy here that your voice has value. I hope.
Call the Mayor's Office of Community Relations & Services at 202.442.8150. To reach your district department, call 311.
If you were stopped at a checkpoint, your car was searched, or you experienced an inconvenience due to the police, call the ANSWER Coalition, which is organizing a community and citywide response to the checkpoints and police misconduct. 202.544.3389 ext 14
3: RESIST!
This is one time that holding a sign can be very effective if carefully placed:
WARNING!
ILLEGAL POLICE
CHECKPOINT AHEAD
DETOUR
*****
Music credits:
Both tracks used in this video are from Head Roc's album Negrophobia.
http://www.head-roc.com/
http://www.myspace.com/headroc
The first track, "Police Origin," features the voice of Jared Ball. The second track, "Tarzan," includes a conversation about "Cop Watch," which was the inspiration for this video.
*****
Councilmember Graham,
I was appalled to hear that checkpoints were being put up randomly in DC neighborhoods and couldn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes on my own street. When I did, I made the following video about it which expresses my concerns, and the concerns of others affected by this checkpoint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4NXLB...
I look forward to hearing what you plan on doing about this and if you will join us in resisting this trampling of our Constitution.
Sincerely,
Adam Kokesh
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Demanding Impeachment
Last week I had the honor of joining VFP to present petitions for impeachment to Congressman Conyers. While a lot of the vets took the nice approach, Bill Perry and I were distinct in confronting him directly, and expressing our anger and disappointment in his failure to start impeachment hearings. While a lot of people in the room were shocked with how I spoke to him, I have been receiving a lot of support for directly confronting him.
*****
Kokesh: I'm not here to blow hot air up your ass like some of these other people have. But I hope that the petitions in front of you have made it clear that there is significant public pressure and support for impeachment at this point. And I know you don't get to twenty-one terms in Congress without being concerned about reelection, and I hope that these petitions make it clear that not impeaching is a greater liability for you than impeaching at this point. And I hope that having known that impeachable offenses have been committed for some time now, that you will finally take it upon yourself to do what you can to support that impeachment and support your own oath to support the Constitution instead of abdicating that responsibility as you have thus far.
Conyers: Well, just a minute. I think you should know that the twenty-one terms that I have been voted into office didn't come from me currying favor with my constituents as much as it is for doing the kind of job that they wanted me to do. So I don't think I got here by backing off of the strong issues. As a matter of fact, my record might indicate to even you that it's because I took on the difficult issues that I am now the second most senior person in the House of Representatives.
Kokesh: And that's why it's all the more surprising that you haven't yet brought impeachment hearings.
Conyers: Well, let us decide how we're going to discuss this subject since it's surprising to you. I didn't agree to this meeting because I was going to try not to let you know what has been happening and what it is I intend to do about it. Maybe you will be surprised again.
Kokesh: I hope so.
*****
He didn't tell us anything about what he intended to do about the issue of impeachment at that meeting, but instead scheduled another meeting with us for July 8th. I am hoping, (but not counting on it) to be surprised. I will be there and I will be reporting on it here.
The documentation and some of the supportive emails I have received since then are below.
*****
In an article from Philly IMC:
Vets meet w/ John Conyers, Kucinich, & Wexler Wed, 6/11 re:IMPEACH
While most of the 20 some Veterans were conciliatory and pleased to hand our 23,000 pro-IMPEACH petition signatures to Chairman Conyers, both Iraq Veterans Against the War Board of Directors Co-Chair, Adam Kokesh, and Delaware Valley Veterans Executive Director, Bill Perry, made it clear to Judiciary Chair Conyers that we felt betrayed by Conyers failure to advocate for Impeachment, as he had done earlier, ever since the Downing Street Memos, in April, 2005.
*****
Veterans for Peace Meeting With John Conyers to Demand Impeachment
*****
Veterans for Peace Demand Impeachment of President Bush
*****
From Tarak Kauff:
Thanks Adam for speaking up the other day at Conyers. The rest of us were way too polite. I'm still kicking myself. What a song and dance he gave us. Next time, guaranteed, I won't be so mild.
*****
From Susan:
Hi! I just watched some of the VforP meeting with John Conyers(on youtube) about impeachment, wow- I could really sense your anger. Of course I don't blame you, in fact I admire your ability to be clear and not hold back, I would not have been able to be so icy.(Also liked the guy- i missed his name- who said 'impeach the bastards').
I tend to go from being very, very, very angry that this bullshit has been allowed to go on- (which I'm glad you made that point to Conyers, that something judicial should have been done by now) to trying to be more diplomatic than angry.
But, sometimes enough is enough- and your 'confrontation?' with him struck a cord with me. At first I thought, well Adam, way to alienate the one person who might be able to do something further about impeachment, then I thought about it and realized that you were reflecting your true anger at the situation and displaying what more people should do- which is hold our Senators and Reps. personally accountable- they work for us and should be confronted by the will of the people, esp. when they are not acting to protect our rights and the principles they swore to uphold.
So, I don't know, I was just inspired to write to you about it. I hope you know I support you(posting on your blog for awhile now), and even though I don't know you, your actions(as well as others who are standing up) have a reaching affect to many people. Even though we are strangers, we are all in this together.
Anyway, I have a renewed sense of hope that with Kucinich's resolution having been introduced, what is truly right and just will prevail. I admit I got a little teary eyed watching him read the articles- is that stupid?:)- I can't help it, hopefully you understand. It's just so important to me that someone is speaking these truths on the House floor, it's been a long time coming.
take care-
Susan
*****
Hi!
My name is Miranda and I have been talking to Ron Fisher about the impeachment articles against Bush. While speaking with Mr. Fisher he told me about you guys and asked me to come up when they go back to see Mr. Conyers. I went online and saw the video of when all of you spoke in his office. Then I looked you up, since yours was the first name I saw on the video and I saw your blog.
I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you and the others for your bravery and what you have done, not just on the impeachment, but all you have done for our country, no matter where you went or why. I am saddened and outraged by what has happened to my country in just a few short years and if it weren't for people like you, I don't know where we would be and what we would do. I hope that we can live up to your expectations of us. I live in Norfolk, VA and I believe that civilians have a duty to you to make sure that you are never sent anywhere that isn't absolutely necessary. Like I said to Mr. Fisher, we are taking chances with your lives that we shouldn't be taking, no matter how much money goes in your pockets or Haliburton's. I knew Bush was lying before we went into Iraq and I feel as though I failed in my responsibilities as an American. I did all that I could. It just wasn't enough. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help now. I have been very busy already.
Take care and keep up the good work,
Miranda
Friday, June 20, 2008
Do you really think fat guys on segways should have AR-15s? DC Metro Police Department does.
I attented a rally & press conference held at the Wilson Building last week to protest the killing of DeOnte Rawlings, demand the police officers responsible be held accountable, demand compensation for the Rawlings family, and keep DC from putting AR-15s in the hands of cops on DC streets. The oppressive heat and humidity of this early summer heat wave DC was enduring were nothing compared to the oppressive policies at hand and were not enough to deter a healthy turnout, both from the press and supporters. While we were there, a couple of cops showed up. One of them was the fatass on the segway seen above.
From the announcement:
*******
Last year 14 year old DeOnte Rawlings was shot in the back of the head by off duty police officers. The officers claimed to have been fired on first but, no gun was recovered and the off duty cops fled the scene after shooting DeOnte down.
Last month all charges were dropped against the officers. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced "that investigators have found no wrongdoing by D.C. police officers."
It was also recently announced that D.C. cops will be issued AR-15 assault riffles. The police department says that officers need to be heavily armed to take on the powerful weaponry they claim is increasingly possessed by criminals.
We say that DeOnte's killers must be fully prosecuted and that plans to arm cops with machine guns must be halted immediately. We also demand compensation for DeOnte's family and a memorial for victims of police murder. Join us for a rally and press conference to shed light on these issues and build momentum against police violence and impunity.
Sponsored by the Black August Planning Organization & the International Socialist Organization
Naji Muhamid was there representing the Black August Planning Organization and spoke at length about the history of police brutality towards blacks in America and the lack of accountability. Obi Egbuna was there and lay down the fire for Cease Fire. My favorite speaker that day was Matthew Fogg. I first met Matthew at the Whistleblower's Conference hosted by the No Fear Institute where he introduced himself as a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Right away I felt an afinity for him as a member of LEAP because of the parallel with Iraq Veterans Against the War. We are both people who carried out policies that we are speaking out against now. He was speaking on behalf of the Congress Against Racism & Corruption in Law Enforcement, and as always, did a wonderful job as a police officer speaking critically about law enforcement policies in DC. Here is a video of a speech he gave for the ACLU recently:
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Matthis Chiroux Openly Resists in DC
Matthis Chiroux delivered this speech today, Father's Day, the day he was ordered to report from the IRR for deployment to Iraq. Instead, he is openly resisting from the IVAW house in DC. We are giving him sanctuary here and will assist him in physically resisting if necessary. Should any military or law enforcement personnel come here, to MY house, they will not be welcome, nor will they find removing him from the premises to be physically tenable.
Matthis Chiroux:
We gather here this Father’s Day on a very somber note.
The American occupation of Iraq, an illegal, immoral war which is ripping this nation apart, as well causing immeasurable harm to the Iraqi people and the people of the world alike.
We gather in remembrance of the sacrifice of many whose Fathers’ weep on this joyous day, for they know their own flesh and blood has been torn and siphoned from them for what we collectively hope will be this last blunder of American military might.
We gather here in hope that our fathers will forgive us for the wrongs we’ve perpetrated on our bodies, hearts and minds alike in this cruel decade of disaster, which stems from the very city in which we stand.
This Father’s Day, we gather here to calm the Vicious and the Vengeful alike.
The first time I came to Washington D.C. was less than one month before I shipped out to basic training. I was so moved by this country and it’s history, that it reinvigorated my belief in the righteousness of what I was doing…joining the Army in search of not only personal progress, but to participate in efforts to bring justice to the individuals responsible for 9-11.
I remember standing at the base of the Washington Monument…and watching the fireworks explode in the sky that 4th of July… and wondering how was it that we could have come under attack on American soil, and believing firmly that I would be participating in dealing justice for Sept. 11th.
I remember standing before the Lincoln Memorial and feeling the presence of not just the former president and emancipator, but of Martin Luther King and his dream for a brighter and more united future for the children of this nation.
That young me could not have known where he’d be standing almost six years later and what he would have to be saying…this Father’s Day.
I am Sgt. Matthis Chiroux, and tonight at midnight, I may face further action from the Army for refusing to reactivate to participate in the Iraq Occupation.
This fact hangs heavy on my heart as I look back at my five years of service in uniform, but I understand that what I am doing is in keeping with the values I shared with my friends-in-arms while we wondered if things could really get any worse.
Today I stand in resistance to the occupation of Iraq because I believe in our nation, its military and her people. I resist because I swore an oath to this nation that I would not allow it to fall into decay when I may be serving on the side of right.
And my country is in Decay, and in these times of crisis, as Thomas Paine once said, the summer Soldier and Sunshine Patriot will flee from service to our nation.
I stand here today, as a Winter Soldier, to serve our nation, its military and its people in this dark time of confusion and corruption. I stand here to make it known that my duty, as a Soldier, is first to the higher ideals and guiding principles of this country, which our leaders have failed to uphold.
I stand here today in defense of the U.S. Constitution, which has known no greater enemy, foreign or domestic, than those highest in this land who are sworn to be governed by its word.
I stand here today in defense of those who have been stripped their voices in this occupation, for the warriors of this nation have been silenced to the people who need to start listening.
We are here to honor the memory of our fathers, who more than two centuries ago brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal, as Abraham Lincoln once noted.
We are here to honor the struggle of our fathers and their fathers, and their fathers before them to build this nation and bring it together, through slavery and poverty to sexism and racism to materialism and imperialism. They built this nation and struggled to keep it alive as we’ve blundered and learned and blundered again.
We owe it to our fathers to stand for this nation now, when a dark cloud has descended upon it in the form of an administration who is stealing the lives of us all to wage an illegal war, conceived in lies, and birthed of manipulation.
As a Soldier, I was told it was not my place to question the orders of those appointed above me. I had that lie trained into me from my first day of basic training to my last day of active duty.
But I have learned the truth. The truth that the occupation of Iraq is inherently illegal, and that it is my duty as a Soldier to refuse illegal orders to reactivate and deploy in support of it.
I have learned that in times of crisis, one must look deep into their own values to know the path they must walk.
I have learned that feeling, and thinking, and speaking and acting in keeping with courage and honesty and preservation of a righteous cause is blessed and may give a person strength to utter truths…that may calm…the vicious and the vengeful alike.
I believe that this nation and its military may come to know the same truth, that the rule of law has been forsaken, and we must return to it or be doomed to continued disaster.
I believe in the goodness of the American people, and I believe that justice is not dead.
Because we as a people believe that as a people living in the United States it is our responsibility to resist the injustices done by our government in our names.
We know this truth to be self-evident, that our nation can unite to oppose an illegal occupation which is killing and scarring and shattering the lives of our youth and the Iraqi people.
On this Father’s Day, know America that your children need you. We need you to care for us and to care for our country, which we will inherit when you are finished with her.
We need you to end this occupation of Iraq, which has destroyed a country and scattered its people to the winds like ashes in a tempest, a tempest that has engulfed the nation of Iraq and scrubbed any sign of peace and prosperity from the surface of a civilization older than history itself.
Fathers, we need you to care for your children and the children of Iraq, for they know not why you fight and carry no fault in the conflict.
Fathers, your sons and daughters need you now to embrace peace, for though we were attacked, we have dealt in retaliation that same suffering one thousand times over to a people who never wronged us.
This nation will know little healing until we first stem off the flow of blood and human life, for justice and healing will never be done by a blade, or a bullet, or a bomb or a torture cell.
By continuing to participate in the unjust occupation of Iraq, we as servicemembers are contributing to that flow of human life, and we can not now nor could we ever call the Iraqi people an enemy in the fight against the use of terror.
But terror is all we know now. We are terrified by the prospect that we have been lied to. We are terrified by the idea that we have killed for nothing. We are terrified to break the silence. We are terrified to do what we know is right.
But never again will I allow terror to silence me, nor will I allow it to govern my actions.
I refuse terror as a tactic for uniting a people around an unjust cause. I refuse to allow terror to motivate me to do violence on my fellow man, especially those who never wronged me in the first place.
I refuse to be terrified to stand in defense of my constitution, and I refuse to be terrified of doing so in the face of great adversity.
As a resister to the Iraq occupation, I refuse to be terrified by what may come, for I know those who stand against me are in terror of the truth.
But I will speak my truth……and I will stand firmly by it……and forever will my soul know peace.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Major General Kelly Blatanly Lied to Marines in Fallujah on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, a group of IVAW (Iraq Veterans Against the War) members including myself were at Alien Art Tattoo in Jacksonville, NC right outside of Camp Lejeune getting tattoos to memorialize our fallen comrades in one of the best ways to remember someone. Meanwhile, at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, Marine Corps Major General Kelly was taking advantage of the opportunity to lie to the troops and spew more of the kind of propaganda that is leading them to die for a worthless cause. I found the text of his remarks at The Sandgram where an anonymous blogger has lied about me before.
Below are excerpts of Kelly's bullshit, and some of my responses:
“With all this service and loss, we as Americans can be proud of the kind of people we are as we have never retained a square foot of any country we have defeated, we possess no empire, nor have we enslaved a single human being. Memorial Day was established three years after our terrible Civil War that finally established what kind of nation we would be.”
Ok, where are the bases in Germany? Japan? Iraq? Afghanistan? I guess they're just magically floating in midair, not occupying a single square foot of any of these countries. What a relief. We never enslaved a single human being? That's good to know, because I thought that this country's economy was founded on slavery. I guess all the African Americans here today are just descendants of migrant workers on some kind of guest worker program. And the Civil War had NOTHING to do with aforementioned mythological slavery of course.
“Like it or not America is engaged in a war today against an enemy that is savage, offers no quarter, whose only objectives are to either kill every one of our families in our homeland, or enslave us with a sick form of extremism that serves no God or purpose that rational men and women can understand. Given the opportunity to do another 9/11, our vicious enemy would do it today, tomorrow and everyday thereafter.”
Actually, most of “the enemy” in Iraq just want us to get the fuck out of their country. And if they want another 9/11 so bad, why are we giving them exactly what they want, having made it relatively easy for them to kill thousands of American soldiers in the Middle East? And if 9/11 was the work of some 19 guys with some money behind them, why invest in a resistance in Iraq?
“I don’t know why they hate us, and I frankly don’t care and they can all go to hell, but they do hate us and are driven irrationally to our destruction. The best way to fight them is somewhere else and that is why we are here.”
Nevermind that in his mind, “they” is probably “all Muslims.” Now we have to put up with “fight them there so we don't fight them here” bullshit from the general himself. Nevermind that we are making enemies faster than we can kill them. Hey, if it made sense, it wouldn't be part of the government, and definitely not part of the military.
“For whatever reason they want to destroy our way of life our countrymen at home should be on their knees everyday thanking God we still have enough young people in America today willing to take up the fight as our Veterans did from the earliest days of our nation.”
Does this guy even have the sense to listen to “the enemy?” I don't mean listen to as in cup of coffee and small talk, but in the Sun Tzu sense, “know your enemy.” But again, if it made sense . . .
The real fight is here at home, where we have an administration that wants to destroy our way of life (as in the free way of life with rights enumerated in the US Constitution) with things like the PATRIOT Act, warrantless wiretapping, and a tax system that amounts to slavery. “Our countrymen at home” should not be on their knees, but on their feet and up in arms! But then this is how the military/fascist leadership would like Americans to behave: servile, subservient, and submissive.
“They should know that they are protected today by men and women as good as have ever served; as good today as their fathers were in Vietnam, and their grandfathers were in Korea and World War II. In this my third tour in Iraq I have never seen an American hesitate, or do anything other than lean into the danger and, with no apparent fear of death or injury, take the fight to the enemies of our way of life.”
Kelly is clearly in denial about the lowered standards for enlistment and “search and avoid missions.” Clearly, this kind of ignorance of the people under his command would suggest he is unfit for duty. And at least in my time in Iraq, I didn't see any enemies of my way of life, except for the “invade and occupy a foreign country” way of life.
“Any one of us could have all stayed in school or gone another way, but yet we chose to serve knowing full well Iraq and Afghanistan was in our future.”
I signed up in 1999. The only people that knew Iraq was in my future were the NeoCons. A lot of the folks that have joined since then have been straight up lied to by recruiters. And as crazy as our military is today, I'm pretty sure this Major General didn't make his rank in less than the five plus years we've been in Iraq or six and half years in Afghanistan, so in his own words here, he is not, “one of us.”
“And the sacrifice continues as three Americans have gone to God since we all went to bed last night and slept free and protected.”
AMERICANS ARE NOT FREE! We have more laws in this country than on any other on earth telling us what we can and can't do. We have a tax system that our founding fathers would call slavery. We have more people in jail per capita that any other country. We still have selective service registration. Our government tells us what we can or can't say on TV and radio, what drugs we can put in our bodies, what kinds of guns we can, or more often can't, own, how much mileage our cars have to get, and some arrogant deluded assholes are still out there perpetuating the myth that this is a free country! And we give them guns! Lots of them. And lots of Marines with guns to do their bidding. These “leaders” aren't just created by the military system, they are selected. They are selected by militaristic politicians that want nothing more than to stay in power and want loyal soldiers who will use their myths to manipulate society.
These people aren't stupid, they are deluded, and that's what is really the greatest tragedy of American militarism. They have the courage to face the horrors of combat, and lead men into battle, (though I don't know if Kelly himself was able to make rank without facing combat – it has happened) and yet they don't have the courage or freedom of mind to question authority and to question their own beliefs.
Perhaps our society has been conditioning mental freedom out of students for so long that people in the military today don't have the basic critical thinking skills necessary to exercise the full freedom of mind that their creator has bestowed upon them. With the intstituionalization of government-run schools, it should be no surprise. The No Child Left Behind Act gets teachers doing nothing but test prep with students, and now they don't even have time for basic PhysEd let alone the kind of rigorous education that develops critical thinking skills. Ask any Drill Instructor or Drill Sergeant if his new recruits are getting fatter with every cycle and you'll know that they don't have the skills I'm talking about.
There was so much more in Kelly's remarks for me to rip into, but there are only so many hours in a day. These were just the ones that could be deconstructed in a reasonable number of words. I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into the mind of a fascist General who has no qualms about lying to the troops, and the kind of propaganda we have been subjected to as members of the military.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Why Facebook is Better Than MySpace
A friend of mine recently asked me why I preferred Facebook to MySpace. This was my answer:
If Facebook and MySpace got in a fight, Facebook would start off by looking MySpace right in the eye, causing MySpace to get a queasy feeling before soiling itself. Facebook would then give MySpace a punch in the stomach, causing it to vomit retarded profile layouts, excessive ads, and error messages all over itself. Then Facebook would kick MySpace in the gunch, creating a new asshole from which it could shit people that can't get with the times. Facebook would roundhouse kick MySpace's head off, but then Facebook would use it's laser beam eyes to cause it to explode while still in mid air. Then, Facebook would grab MySpace's body, grind it into dust with one hand, and snort it. And that's why you should try Facebook.
Friday, May 25, 2001
My Endorsement of Ron Paul
Why do people keep calling me a leftist?!? Well, "I'm as mad as hell! And I'm not going to take this anymore!" Just to make things perfectly clear, if I was not a board member of IVAW, I would be doing everything in my power to ensure that Ron Paul is our next President. I am a card-carrying lifetime member of the Libertarian Party. That's right: with a big L.
Ron Paul's Campaign Website
Who is Adam Kokesh?
In November 2006 I was honorably discharged (barely) from the US Marines after my second activation as a reservist. I moved to Washington, DC to get a master's degree in political management at George Washington University. Fortunately, I was unable to secure gainful employment, and stumbled into full-time activism with Iraq Veterans Against the War. You can email me at adam dot kokesh at gmail dot com.
Thursday, May 24, 2001
Active duty military? GWOT veteran? Got an opinion?
I want to hear what you have to say and help you share your views. Most well-written emails will be published here. Please specify whether or not you want your email address made public, include where you are stationed, if you have been to Iraq, and any supporting documentation (photos, orders, etc.) to verify your service. Email me at adam dot kokesh at gmail dot com
Adam Kokesh Designs
I also do some graphic design on the side. When it's not for IVAW, I usually get paid for it. Below is a sample of my work. If you would like a print of anything I have done or something original, email me for a quote: adam dot kokesh at gmail dot com.
Monday, January 1, 2001
Adam Kokesh On Tour
The last couple of months have been ridiculous. I moved to Santa Fe from DC the day after the inauguration and took five days to do it, meeting lots of very cool people along the way. After spending a week moving in, I found that I wasn't going to be able to stay in the house I had just spent a week setting up. Then I drove to LA to catch a flight to Costa Rica where I got to do some plotting and scheming with Don Rasmussen, meet Otto Guevara, and spend a weekend surfing in Esterillos. Then back to LA for a few days, drove to San Francisco for a meeting, then back down to Pebble Beach for my Mom's birthday on Valentine's day and to get the rest of my crap out of her basement. Then back to Santa Fe, followed by a week in Colorado and a week in Texas, then a nice little drive to DC. Then on to New Hampshire for the Liberty Forum. Then a week in Columbus getting ready for a week in DC to mark the 6th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Then St. Louis for the first Campaign for Liberty regional convention, and now back to Santa Fe.
I will keep this updated for what it's worth. And as before: All times and dates are local and in military format. Yeah, get used to it.
090331 - 1830 - Confessions of an Anarchist Lawyer - The Forum at the College of Santa Fe
090402 - 1900 - Revolutionary Reading Book Club - 145 Washington Ave
Santa Fe, NM 87501
090411 - 0715-0745 - Real News Radio with Brian Peek - www.therealnewsradio.com
090414 - 0900-1030 - Ms. Kovari's Global Studies Class - (my little bro is in it!)
090425 - APA Conference in San Antonio - I will be the featured presenter on a panel about PTSD
Media Requests for Adam Kokesh
All media requests should be directed to adam dot kokesh at gmail dot com. Please be sure to include your name, outlet, the scope of and a description of your story, your deadline, and your contact information. For urgent media requests, please call (202) 506-6435.
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Book Adam Kokesh
Since getting out of the Marines, Adam Kokesh has been an outspoken member of Iraq Veterans Against the War. He served as a Sergeant on a Marine Corps Civil Affairs Team from February to September of 2004 in the Fallujah area. He was a reservist who volunteered to go to Iraq because he believed that we were going to clean up our mess and really do good by the Iraqi people. When he saw it for himself, he discovered that was not the case. Since getting out of the military, he has been working tirelessly for the three objectives of IVAW: an immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from Iraq, full benefits for returning veterans, and reparations for the Iraqi people.
In March 2008, hundreds of members of IVAW came together for the event Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan where dozens of veterans testified to their experiences to complete the picture for the American people with the hope that America will take ownership of what is being in all of our names. The soldiers serving in Iraq are serving honorably in a criminal situation, and most of them know that you can not win a crime. At Winter Soldier Adam testified about the Rules Of Engagement and how criminal it is to put American troops in "a situation where their morals as defined by the Rules Of Engagement are at odds with their survival instincts.
As we all know now, we were lied into this war and it is lies that are keeping us there. They lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction, they lied about Jessica Lynch, they lied about Pat Tillman, and they lied about Al Qaeda and Saddam. And those are just the lies we know about! But Adam knows we were lied to about Fallujah also. We have heard from the “Generals On The Ground,” who have made it clear that they care more about their careers than the truth. We have heard from this administration which has lied to us repeatedly. We have heard from politicians with their various agendas. But now it is time that America listen to the troops, especially those who have demonstrated that they are patriots, and not loyalists.
Since joining IVAW in February of 2007, Adam has been speaking out at every opportunity and leading the anti-war movement with an inspiring message that brings a unique credibility to this most pressing of debates. In addition to testifying at Winter Soldier, he has spoken at numerous IVAW events, sold out concerts, in front of college and high school classes, on CNN, Fox News, ABC, and at rallies in front of as many as 100,000 people.
To book an event with Adam, please email adam dot kokesh at gmail dot com.
