Move On ad is truthful and appropriate!!!

Anyone who presents, hand picked inaccurate information from the president as his own with the only intention of continuing the failed occupation that is Iraq has intentionally put himself into a political position that betrays the truth, Congress, the troops beneath him, and his oath. Bush and Petraeus are the ones who owe the American public an apology followed by resignations.

Supporting the misguided Bush Administration has nothing to do with supporting the troops. The Republican party has made it very plain to every person that has served in the military, is currently serving in the military or ever will serve in the military that no act of heroism for your country or act of heroism for your home or act of heroism for your brothers and sisters in arms is worth ‘a hill of beans’ unless you submit to a particular agenda masquerading as conservative Republican.

The sad thing is they’ve made very clear to any soldiers, airman, seaman, or marines that may have been tempted to tell the American people the truth, whether it’s about the war, lack of proper military equipment, or their own mistreatment through sub-par states-side medical treatment, to keep they’re mouths shut except when regurgitating the Neoconservative talking points because they’re testimony is worthless and threatening to the Bush administrations public image.

Info on Petraeus or Betray us?" ad in The New York Times
http://pol.moveon.org/petraeus.html

Betrayal of Trust


Free speech is under attack in this land that once cherished it so deeply. The whole nation is a free speech zone. Loving your country also means loving its constitution.

Amendment 1
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

These are the Democratic Senators who have shamed themselves by voting against this long cherished amendment but by also allowing themselves to be bullied by Republican intimidation.

Baucus, Bayh, Cardin, Carper, Casey, Conrad, Dorgan, Feinstein, Johnson, Klobuchar, Kohl, Landrieu, Leahy, Lieberman, Lincoln, McCaskill, Mikulski, Nelson, Nelson, Pryor, Salazar, Tester, Webb

Political correctness is more a comical myth among liberals than truth and where it does exists its about showing respect to those different than us. But, it’s become a frightening reality among the growingly fascist right. The deviants in the dark bowels of the Republican Party along with their media propagandists have taken this notion of political correctness to issues of importance to the American people in order to belittle them or to put pressure on anyone even beginning to entertain any idea that is not Neocon acceptable. True political correctness exist within the ‘you’re either with us or against us’ right wing of the conservative end of the Republican Party. Qualifications matter little to this group compared to strict party loyalty down to accepting every single party principle of the moment. It is not possible to say something is, for example, truly blue when party loyalty demands it to be red.

A more articulate voice…

Move On
http://www.moveon.org/

“When history is written, Iraq will look just like a comma.”

Zed Jones Unit

http://iraqjustacomma.cf.huffingtonpost.com/

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To the chicken hawk red 25-30%

It seems your reluctance to “stand up” for freedom and righteousness within your own country and its policies is based on fear.

The fear is understandable; to willing stand up against power, when all you want is security. As long as you can have your lifestyle and be comfortable in your homes and feel nice and safe until you die you’re willing to have ‘Big Brother’ take care of you from ‘cradle to grave’. ‘From cradle to grave’ your willing to sell out your children’s and grandchildren’s future liberty, national assets and climate in order ‘to keep things just the way they are’, to feel secure in your finances and lifestyle.

You’re willing to give up freely what others, who came before you worked, suffered and died for. Why, because you’re afraid of the boogie man from the Middle East who has the strange religion and frightening ways. You’re willing to throw it all away because of fear mixed with a healthy dose of ignorance and a smattering of hate. No amount of evidence can convince you seriously misguided adherents of anything Bush that you are willing victims of propaganda and lies.

You don’t realize you have foolishly surrendered your loyalty to a man. You’re too blind to see you are denying your faithfulness to what you so proudly proclaim as God and country. You are swept up by the passion of conflict and follow along aimlessly, duped into following because of your own voluntary ignorance and fear of going against what seems popular with your peers causing you to halt any questions you may have floating around in your conscience.

Woe to those whose spirit compels them to speak against the flood of popular vengeance. The desire to strike back against a foe is so strong anyone trying to quell the rising tsunami of violence is flooded with anger, revulsion and distrust. The courage it takes to express legitimate descent is ignored as is their deep felt loyalty and patriotism. Throughout history their lot has been plagued with torture, exile and death.

Everyone who interferes is perceived as being less than loyal and you’re willing to destroy them to keep yourselves feeling safe and secure.

You’re asking a small group of others to bare the burden of making you feel safe and secure. Your only contribution is to feign support by flying the flag in front of your home or placing the yellow ribbon on your car. When I see it there I wonder what's truly in your head and whether you are only flying it because you have been possessed by extreme right wing nonsense willingly voiding your brain of any idea of what the flag really stands for. Our fathers and grandfathers fought under this flag in WWII defeating fascism in Europe. They were truly supported by sacrifices from everyone at home; industry included.

Fascism has been disaster in every country it has existed in and ours would be no exception. You people who have welcomed this filthy ideology have disgraced our flag, our forefather’s sacrifices and the very dust of their bones.

If you love your country, 'Speak truth to power!'

Move On

http://www.moveon.org/

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JFK Speech on Secrecy and Freedom of Speech

Bad signs in Iran policy

I got this put in as a letter to the editor today.

Letters to the editor

Bad signs in Iran policy

I'm concerned that given the Bush administration's abysmal track record on world diplomacy any warlike action in Iran will blow up in their/our faces. Are we using questionable evidence as an excuse for war with Iran?

I worry about Russia's closeness to Iran; they are joined by the Caspian Sea and have sent defensive missiles to Iran. Will they be drawn into this war? Will the world view us as the aggressors and retaliate economically if not militarily against our interests?

Are we saying it's okay for Saudi citizens to support their Sunni side but it's not okay for Iranian citizens to do the same for the Shiite side? Are we now picking a side? If we align with the Sunnis are we siding with those who've been tolerant to supportive of al-Qaida? We may be doing exactly that.

Are we seeking support from both Saudi Arabia and radical elements among the Sunnis for an attack against Iran? Are we going to attempt to replay the Iran-Iraq war? It sure seems we may be heading in that general direction.

Where is the national debate and congressional authorization? Where is the Bush administration credibility on intelligence leading to military adventurism?

Ken Wells
Spokane

Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/

retreat from civil rights and now a private army!?!

Our forefathers were wise enough to hand us down a constitution with a Bill of Rights*.

Fear of the legitimate threat of terrorism from extreme elements around the world is allowing us to be weak on protecting our most cherished gift we possess as Americans; our freedoms as set forth in our constitution and its amendments. We’re allowing ourselves to be taken advantage of by those who would desire to see our freedoms lessened for their own lustful purposes. For the first time in our history we are in a period of retreat from civil rights and the respect for the dignity of humanity. The Constitution and Bill of Rights is under assault from this administration.

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From the mouth of our former Attorney General, “…the Constitution doesn't say that every individual in the United States or every citizen has or is assured the right of habeas corpus. It doesn't say that. It simply says that the right of habeas corpus shall not be suspended.”

Alberto Gonzales

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The Habeas Corpus Act 1679 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habeas_Corpus_Act_1679 ) came into being during the reign of King Charles II of England. It was adopted into our own constitution where it states, “The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.”

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These words from Gonzales (the torture czar) are frightening and un-American. It’s another reason why investigations leading to impeaching both the president and vice-president would be a wise and necessary action which would begin to repair our damaged democracy.

.
An opportunity to restore habeas corpus to the lofty level it once held in this country was defeated by Senate Republicans on 20 Sept. 07, http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00340

.
Posse comitatus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act ) has been damaged considerably by the 109th Congress by sneaking in a provision for the president to be able to use the military as a police force. To quote the New York Times, “Beyond cases of actual insurrection, the president may now use military troops as a domestic police force in response to a natural disaster, a disease outbreak, terrorist attack or to any “other condition.”This is another power grab by the Bush administration and giant step forward to total control by the executive branch.
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The New York Times

Making Martial Law Easier
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/19/opinion/19mon3.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

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Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy
On Legislation To Repeal Changes To The Insurrection Act (S. 513)
February 7, 2007

http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200702/020707.html

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police state
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Because of our fear we have ignored the fact that we were attacked by a group of predominately Saudi Arabian men on 9-11. They were from a violently radical Islamic fundamentalist organization named Al Qaeda. But Bush and his cohorts have decided to lead the nation away from those who attacked us. Instead we’ve been duped into raging war against a tactic. An unending war against a nameless and faceless foe called ‘terrorist’. This fear was used as a method against the American public as an excuse for an ill-advised war of choice and subsequent bloody occupation in Iraq. It’s the excuse for the horror this Neocon dominated administration is about to unleash on Iran.

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The Propagandists

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I love the flag but I hate what these right wing ideologs have done to it. Our fathers and grandfathers fought under this flag in WWII defeating fascism in Europe. 400,000+ American lives were lost during that struggle.

This same flag is now being dirtied because it is being used as a banner for creeping fascism in our own country. I’m talking about the Neocons running our nation. They do not embrace Hitler’s, Mussolini’s, Franco’s, or anyone else’s version of fascism. They are fooling with their own Neoconservative version. It’s not fully realized but they already fit many descriptions of fascism.Fascism has been a disaster in every country it has existed in. Ours would be no exception. These people who have welcomed this filthy ideology have disgraced our flag and our forefather’s sacrifices. They must be stopped.

.

Have you embraced fascism?

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Fascist America, in 10 easy steps
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2064157,00.html

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Why is fascism so tempting to so many people who consider themselves good? Christians often get caught up in its lies. It happened during 1930’s Germany and sadly during the present situation here in the U.S.

Now the Bushies have embraced their own private army called Blackwater. It is a disgrace and a danger for any democracy to harbor a private army within its borders tasked with missions in and out of the nation with an allegiance not to the country it belongs but to those who pay for its services and subject to few laws if any at all.
Here follows much information on this infamous group.

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Blackwater USA
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Blackwater_USA

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Blackwater: Shadow Army

Blackwater, America's Private Army



Mercenaries killing innocent civilians


from Democracy Now! ( http://www.democracynow.org/ )a three part report...
Iraq Blackwater shooting of civilians?!






*
Amendment 1
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment 2
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment 3
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment 4
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment 5
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment 6
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment 7
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment 8
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment 9
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment 10
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Bush speech on continuing surge with observations

Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its people. We are now at such a moment.
In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq's government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home.
If Iraq's young democracy can turn back these enemies, it will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America.

This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one. We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

Eight months ago, we adopted a new strategy to meet that objective, including a surge in U.S. forces that reached full strength in June. This week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about how that strategy is progressing. In their testimony, these men made clear that our challenge in Iraq is formidable.
Yet they concluded that conditions in Iraq are improving, that we are seizing the initiative from the enemy and that the troop surge is working.
The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress. For Iraqis to bridge sectarian divides, they need to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.
For lasting reconciliation to take root, Iraqis must feel confident that they do not need sectarian gangs for security. The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it.

GAO Report: Daily Attacks Against Iraqis ‘Have Remained Unchanged’
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/09/04/gao-report-iraq/

As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.
Since the surge was announced in January, it has moved through several phases. First was the flow of additional troops into Iraq, especially Baghdad and Anbar province. Once these forces were in place, our commanders launched a series of offensive operations to drive terrorists and militias out of their strongholds.
Finally, in areas that have been cleared, we are surging diplomatic and civilian resources to ensure that military progress is quickly followed up with real improvements in daily life.

Iraqi volunteers bury more anonymous victims of violence now than during Saddam's rule: CNN
David Edwards and Nick JulianoPublished: Friday September 14, 2007
http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Baghdad_morgues_unclaimed_buried_several_to_0914.html

Anbar province is a good example of how our strategy is working.
Last year, an intelligence report concluded that Anbar had been lost to al-Qaeda. Some cited this report as evidence that we had failed in Iraq and should cut our losses and pull out.
Instead, we kept the pressure on the terrorists. The local people were suffering under the Taleban-like rule of al-Qaeda, and they were sick of it. So they asked us for help.
To take advantage of this opportunity, I sent an additional 4,000 marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheikhs, Iraqi forces, and coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of Ramadi and other population centers.
Today, a city where al-Qaeda once planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding.
Young Sunnis who once joined the insurgency are now joining the army and police. And with the help of our provincial reconstruction teams, new jobs are being created and local governments are meeting again.
These developments do not often make the headlines, but they do make a difference.
During my visit to Anbar on Labor Day, local Sunni leaders thanked me for America's support. They pledged they would never allow al-Qaeda to return. And they told me they now see a place for their people in a democratic Iraq.

Iraqi insurgents kill key US ally
A key Sunni ally of the US and Iraqi governments has been killed in a bomb attack in the Iraqi city of Ramadi.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6993211.stm

The Sunni governor of Anbar province put it this way: "Our tomorrow starts today."
The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible when extremists are driven out.
They show al-Qaeda that it cannot count on popular support, even in a province its leaders once declared their home base. And they show the world that ordinary people in the Middle East want the same things for their children that we want for ours - a decent life and a peaceful future.
In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly.
Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheikhs who helped lead the revolt against al-Qaeda was murdered.
In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: "We are determined to strike back and continue our work."
And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States.

Big Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia

Throughout Iraq, too many citizens are being killed by terrorists and death squads. And for most Iraqis, the quality of life is far from where it should be.
Yet General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker report that the success in Anbar is beginning to be replicated in other parts of the country.
One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege. Schools were closed, markets were shuttered, and sectarian violence was spiraling out of control.
Today, most of Baghdad's neighborhoods are being patrolled by coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many schools and markets are reopening.
Citizens are coming forward with vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down. And ordinary life is beginning to return.

Bagdad - still a bloody mess

One year ago, much of Diyala province was a sanctuary for al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, and its capital of Baqubah was emerging as an al-Qaeda stronghold.
Today, Baqubah is cleared. Diyala province is the site of a growing popular uprising against the extremists. And some local tribes are working alongside coalition and Iraqi forces to clear out the enemy and reclaim their communities.
One year ago, Shia extremists and Iranian-backed militants were gaining strength and targeting Sunnis for assassination.
Today, these groups are being broken up and many of their leaders are being captured or killed.
These gains are a tribute to our military, they are a tribute to the courage of the Iraqi security forces and they are a tribute to an Iraqi government that has decided to take on the extremists.

"If a bullet went through the back of the head, it's sectarian," the official said. "If it went through the front, it's criminal."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090502466.html

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division.
The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.
Yet Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done.
For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces. They are allowing former Baathists to rejoin Iraq's military or receive government pensions.
And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.
Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly.

Iraqi government has made no progress, US concludes
By Rupert Cornwell in Washington
Published: 15 September 2007
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2964471.ece

Along with Iraqi forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy fighters per month since January.
Yet ultimately, the way forward depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi army is becoming more capable, although there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the national police.
Iraqi forces are receiving increased co-operation from local populations. And this is improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.
Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces.
He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 marines scheduled to leave Anbar province later this month.
In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas.
And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.



General Petraeus also recommends that in December, we begin transitioning to the next phase of our strategy in Iraq.
As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root, and the Iraqis assume more control over their own security, our mission in Iraq will evolve.
Over time, our troops will shift from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and eventually to over watching those forces.
As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will focus on a more limited set of tasks, including counter terrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting Iraqi forces.
I have consulted with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other members of my national security team, Iraqi officials, and leaders of both parties in Congress.
I have benefited from their advice, and I have accepted General Petraeus' recommendations.
I have directed General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to update their joint campaign plan for Iraq so we can adjust our military and civilian resources accordingly.
I have also directed them to deliver another report to Congress in March.
At that time, they will provide a fresh assessment of the situation in Iraq and of the troop levels and resources we need to meet our national security objectives.
The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is "return on success".
The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home.
And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.



Americans want our country to be safe and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should bring our troops home, have been at odds.
Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home.
The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.
This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities.
At the same time, they understand that their success will require US political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency.
These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.
The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States.



A free Iraq will deny al-Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will counter the destructive ambitions of Iran. A free Iraq will marginalize extremists, unleash the talent of its people, and be an anchor of stability in the region.
A free Iraq will set an example for people across the Middle East. A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror and that will make us safer here at home.
Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.
If we were to be driven out of Iraq, extremists of all strains would be emboldened.





Al-Qaeda could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries.
Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region.
Extremists could control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a humanitarian nightmare.
Democracy movements would be violently reversed. We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world.
And as we saw on September 11 2001, those dangers can reach our cities and kill our people.
Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East.
We should be able to agree that we must defeat al-Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.



So tonight I want to speak to members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East.
I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.
To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads.
You must demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon our friends, and we will not abandon you.
To Iraq's neighbours who seek peace: The violent extremists who target Iraq are also targeting you.
The best way to secure your interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of Iraq. That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to strengthen the government in Baghdad.
And it means the efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine that government must end.

‘shock and awe’ bomb Iran?!?

Bush setting America up for war with Iran
By Philip Sherwell in New York and Tim Shipman in Washington
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/16/wiran116.xml

To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young democracy.
We encourage all nations to help, by implementing the international compact to revitalize Iraq's economy, by participating in the neighbor’s conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the United Nations in Iraq.
To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilians on the frontlines in Iraq: You have done everything America has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large part because of your courage and hard effort.
You are serving far from home. Our nation is grateful for your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of your families.

NEVER GIVE A LIFE, OR TAKE A LIFE, FOR A LIE
A Call to American Generals to Respect the Rights of our Troops
http://veteransforpeace.org/Letter_to_generals_long.vp.html

Earlier this year, I received an e-mail from the family of Army Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad.
His family has suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose.
His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: "We believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win even if it cost the life of our own son. Freedom is not free."
This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm.

Gold Star Families Speak Out
http://www.gsfso.org/

They are doing so in a fight that is just, and right, and necessary. And now it falls to us to finish the work they have begun.
Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al-Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win. Good night, and God bless America.

Comment on the original surge speech

To Senate Republicans on Iraq

I am a veteran.
This is a completely bogus report that is being used to buy more time in Iraq. Anyone who has paid even a slight bit of attention knows the disastrous civil war we are stuck in the middle of. Our military does not deserve to be run into a pit because this administration refuses to admit they were wrong. This occupation is making us weaker. I believe you know it, too, but are, too, afraid to tell your constituents the truth. You seem that you would prefer to do our military great harm and our nation as a result in order to protect you’re sad mistaken choices in the way you have allowed the leadership to control the way you vote and dictate the very words you say rather than do the right thing.

At the very minimum please support the Webb amendment- http://webb.senate.gov/pdf/live.html to establish minimum periods between deployments for units and members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

End the Iraq occupation.
No Iran war.
Restore constitutional order.
Quit spending our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

call & email the Senate Dems on Iraq

Don't cave in. Push your fellow party members and the Republicans to stop this horrible occupation. Enough is enough and enough is, too much.
At the very minimum please support the Webb amendment-to establish minimum periods between deployments for units and members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.


No Iran war.
Restore Constitutional order.
Quit spending our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

Cosponsors of the Webb amendment

http://webb.senate.gov/pdf/live.html

Reid
Hagel (lead Republican cosponsor)
Levin
Obama
Clinton
Durbin
Tester
Byrd
McCaskill
Kennedy
Salazar
Kerry
Harkin
Feinstein
Schumer
Brown
Lincoln
Pryor
Sanders
Murray
Klobuchar
Boxer
Mikulski
Cantwell
Stabenow
Akaka
Dodd
Biden
Landrieu
Johnson
Wyden
Lautenberg
Menendez
Inouye

Write and call the others asking that they support the Webb amendment.

I can't help but think that sometimes when it is obviuos that there is too much on your plate God finds it appropriate to give you a bigger plate.