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Iraq and Vietnam, Arny Stieber, August 26, 2007
I was in the Army, infantry in South Viet Nam in 1970 when George Bush was in the National Guard Air Force in south USA. George Bush is now saying that if we leave Iraq the same things will happen that happened in Viet Nam. George needs a history lesson. The war in Viet Nam was approved by Congress because of the Gulf of Tonkin incident. North Viet Nam, Congress was told, attacked a US Navy ship in the Gulf. One big problem - the attack never happened. Former Defense Secretary McNamara in his recent film "The Fog of War" admits it. (The Fog of War will be shown at the Chelsea Library on September 24th.)
So, we invaded a country based on lies. Millions of Vietnamese were killed. Millions were traumatized. Their country was destroyed. They are still suffering from Agent Orange. Tens of thousands of US troops died, and are still dying and are still suffering from that war.
A war based on lies. Results felt for decades. Yes, George, there are similarities between Viet Nam and Iraq.
Help to/from CANOPAS, Eric Lund, August 3, 2007
Even though I have not been an active participant, my heart is strengthened by those of you who do make public witness for the goal of peace. My avocation is stamp collecting - specifically the postal history of the peace movement. I would like to support the Canopas effort with a $50 donation if anyone can help me find an elusive item. The image below illustrates a stamp distributed by the "Bring 'em Home" coalition. If any local folk have a full stamped, cancelled envelope bearing this stamp, I'll send the check.
[Eric can be contacted at GBKuehnle@cs.com.]
To Be or Not To Be, Rewritten by Caitlin Clark and Raymond Byers, July 10, 2007
To pull out or not to pull out—that is the question,
Whether ‘tis nobler of a country to suffer by the ramblings of a monkey,
Or to take aims across a sea of trouble,
And by war to make peace? To send our young to suicide,
No more; and by protest we say end!
The heartache by a thousand bombs falling
Ere the knowledge of death of a loved one,
And in that death what remorse may come
Compressed to lies by politicians.
Through faux feelings announced on podium.
Yet we continue to add where subtraction is needed
So desperately childless mothers call for help without our aide
The calamity of Bush‘s errors; the death; suffering
Of 153 thousand troops so far from home.
To force our ideals or to withdraw
On one hand to better a nation, the other
Holding a spear against it.
To change a culture, or to watch it fall.
Let it not be us to write their history books
To stay in a country we already supposedly defeated;
Or to pull out when that‘s the only help needed
The hypocrisy of office and his minions,
That patience wears on our nation tiring
We ruin ourselves while not fixing another.
And end it Mr. President, and it before
It‘s farther more too late.
Reflections on the Memorial Day Banner, Elizabeth Hammer, Guest Editorial, Chelsea Standard, June 12, 2007
Dear Editor,
We were among the two dozen people who walked at the end of the Memorial Day Parade, carrying the banner listing the American servicemen and women killed in the current military occupation in Iraq. There were many positive responses from parade on-lookers, and we found ourselves thinking, and wondering, as we left for home after the ceremonies that day, May 28. We are writing to share some of our thoughts and questions.
Death number 1: 2nd Lt. Therrel Shane Childers was 30 when killed March 21, 2003…
Many of those clapping knew us as the same group that gathers on Sundays at the Post Office to stand vigil for peace. Perhaps those folks recognized that our banner is nearly 70 feet longer this year than last—at 15 names to a foot. How much longer will it be a year from now?
Death number 513: Cpl. Gary B. Coleman was 24 when killed Nov. 21, 2003…
Others of those clapping may have been voicing support for the military on this holiday which honors those who died-in-the-service-of-country. We join them, in honoring those who have fallen in the wars that gained and maintained our freedom and nationhood. Do these folks, we wondered, make any distinction between those wars, fought for defensive purposes, and this conflict, fought for changing reasons that are often spoken but never quite articulated?
Death number 1159: Sgt. Shawna Morrison was 26 when killed Sept. 5, 2004…
We also hold in the highest regard the troops who are currently fighting. Some of us have relatives and friends among them. They are burdened with an administration who has betrayed them, by engaging them in an ill-defined battle, with insufficient support, with no clear strategy or way to win. Which of these patriotic young people would have put their lives on the line for a multi-national corporation, or for the “right” to make Americans richer by stealing the Iraqi’s major natural resource for our use, or for any cause that cannot answer the question, “How will we know when we’ve won?”
Death number 2075: Maj. Gregory J. Fester was 41 when killed Aug. 30 2005…
Those who were listed on our banner, who have died in this military action are perhaps even due twice the honor, as their passion and idealism caused them to follow their leaders into a cul-de-sac. Yet, they still nobly fought, as they were duty-bound to do. These soldiers had courage and a loyalty that is commendable, but sadly manipulated. We are mostly too old for military service (though some of us have served in the past.) Every time we voice our opposition to the imperial conquest of a country which did not attack or harm us, we feel we are fighting, in a different way, for that same loyalty to country and vision of freedom. Fighting for your country is not always defined by fighting for its leaders. Where is the tipping point that will make that a broadly understood idea?
Death number 2731: Pvt. Kristian Menchaca was 20 when killed June 16, 2006…
As the guns saluted at the ceremony, and the jet flew over, we were struck by the ferocious noise, and both the threat and memory of violence it carried, in our otherwise quiet corner of the world. Then we thought of how those in Iraq, both Iraqi citizens and American soldiers, live with this on a daily basis, and of how often the implied threat becomes real violence for them. And of how many reports show it is failing strategically and only getting worse. How, we wondered, will this level of ever-increasing violence ever bring peace…and how will our nation grieve this legacy?
Death number 3012: Pvt. 1st class Stephen Bicknell was 19 when killed Oct. 15, 2006…
Some will point out that the number of current military dead, just short of 3,500, is a fraction of the number lost in earlier conflicts. Others will say this is not a local issue, and should not be discussed in a local forum. Still others will say that nothing can be done to change our course, or even that the entire military occupation in the Middle East is right and good and just. Fortunately, there is still room in our country for all points of view. Ensuring the defense of these Constitutional rights is a noble cause, indeed, and one we support. And we wondered, will the first American military death in Iraq tomorrow, and the one after that, and the one after that, do anything to protect this right, along with the others itemized in the Bill of Rights, for our citizens?
Death number 3470: Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Villarreal was 21 when he died yesterday, May 27, 2007.
Sincerely,
Representatives of the Chelsea Area Network of Peace Activists and Supporters
Memorial Day—Saddest Day of the Year, Arny Stieber, June 4, 2007
It's over. Memorial Day, the saddest day of the year is over. I'm a Vietnam infantry veteran and some may find my reasoning strange.
We talk about "duty", but we never talk about the Golden Rule. We talk about "freedom", but we never talk about humanity. We talk about "service", but never about options. We talk about the "ultimate sacrifice", but we never talk about the mega-billions made by those who profit from war. We talk about "heroes", but never about the long term effects of war. We talk about "honor", but we never talk about death and destruction. We talk about "courage", but never about questioning the reasons for war.
We send our children to kill other children. They die. We wave the flag. Its the saddest day of the year.
Altered American Flag, Letter to the Editor, Chelsea Standard, Elizabeth Hammer, May 3, 2007
[In the May 10 issue of the Chelsea Standard, the editor, Terry Jacoby, scoffed at the statistics that Elizabeth quoted in her letter. For the record, Elizabeth obtained her information from the following web sites: www.brookings.edu/iraqindex, www.iraq-crss.org, and www.pollingreport.com/iraq.htm.]
I am writing in response to Jeff Hardcastle's letter of April 19. In this letter, he stated his respect for the commitment and dedication with which the CANOPAS group has stood vigil for peace for the last four years. He also stated that his perspective dramatically changed, when he happened to notice the altered American flag in which the stars had been replaced with the logos of major corporations. In the same spirit of respect for his opinion, I would like to offer the following for consideration.
When the flag was created, the idea of small independent states unifying or federating for a common larger purpose was novel, to say the least. Each star represented a state, and it was the collection of sovereign states that were to make up the nation, being controlled by individual citizens (white males at that time). One of the major concerns of the founding fathers was the protection of citizens from exploitation by corporations as they had experienced it in companies like the Hudson Bay Trading Company, the Walmart of that era. Citizens could control the states, which in turn would assume—with a very short leash—control of the corporations. Corporations were forbidden from attempting to influence elections, public policy, and other realms of civic society.
It is little known that a 180 degree shift occurred after the Fourteenth Amendment was passed in the late 1800's. A whole series of Supreme Court cases were brought to determine "who is a person" under the new amendment. Only 19 of these cases involved African Americans; 288 involved corporations, argued by highly paid corporate lawyers of the era. By 1910, corporations had gained the rights of "national personhood," essentially reversing the nation's first century of citizen protections. Corporations, a "thing," now enjoyed all the same protections originally given to citizens, a "person." Ironically the principles that were originally created to specifically protect the citizen from the corporate entities had been appropriated to make the corporations their equals under the law!
In our ongoing vigil for peace, the CANOPAS group is primarily interested in presenting ideas for observers to think about, counteracting the group-think which mushroomed after 9/11. The use of slogans or symbols which can be quickly grasped is our primary technique. A well-known slogan could be altered—e.g., What Would Jesus Do changed to Who Would Jesus Bomb. In the case of the flag, this universal symbol has been altered to reflect our concerns. Among these is that corporations that are driven by profit motives, not patriotism or ideals of liberty, justice or equality, have replaced individual citizens or states as major shapers of national policy.
Ask yourself, which likely has had more influence on national policy or laws--the state (and citizens) of Arkansas, or Walmart? The state of Texas, or Exxon-Mobile? Who are the major contributors to presidential campaigns? Who gains more from the current war—Halliburton Corporation, or individual citizens in Iraq or America?
In our view, the current war (and many other wars as well) is being fought to further corporate profits, not for the ever-shifting idealistic reasons given in the sound-bite interviews of our public officials. While you may still disagree with CANOPAS perspective about this war, please know that the use of the corporate logo flag is not intended to desecrate, but rather is used to illustrate our deep concerns for the erosion of individual citizen voice.
Current polls show that American citizens, at a rate of almost 2 to 1, believe the Iraq war was a mistake and want our country to disengage. Iraqi citizens, at a rate of 4 to 1, want the US to leave their country. However, the war continues. Why? When multi-national corporations have the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," individuals will lose nearly every time.
Our great national heritage of individual freedom and justice for all, a heritage that will lead to peace for all people who experience it, is what we wish to protect. That is an idea which I believe we can all agree on.
Teaching Death and Destruction at the Career Center, A Presentation to the Jackson County Intermediate School District Board of Education, Arny Stieber, April 24, 2007
I am a father, business person with an MBA, and a veteran (Army, infantry, Viet Nam). I woke up to my military experience in January of 2003. Since then I have developed a heightened awareness of influences on our society, especially our children. In September, 2006 I worked as an aide in the JROTC "class".
This JROTC assignment was interesting. It brought back many memories of the military. I was told by one of the instructors that the purpose of JROTC was to teach citizenship. As the day progressed it was clear that the instructor's version of "citizenship" was very different from mine. For me, a good citizen is one who thinks, engages in dialogue, asks questions, and makes informed decisions. The students in JROTC are taught to be military. That is, they are taught that "rank" (vs. character) defines authority. They are taught to give orders with force, follow orders without question, and develop group think. They are taught that the mission is more important than the means.
In October of 2006 I contacted John Graves and requested financial information on the JROTC program. He asked Kevin Oxley to contact me. Kevin was very open and provided me with the information that I requested. In summary the ISD spends $240,000/yr. ($60,000 of that from Federal taxes) to provide military training for 100 children. In addition another $140,000 of Federal taxes are used for inventory items. If we subtract out the Federal dollars, that's $180,000 for a program that teaches conflict resolution by violence.
The military, for a variety of reasons, is treated by many as above reproach. The uniforms, the pomp, the medals, the titles, the use of the word "service", all these add to the illusion that killing is an honorable method for resolving conflicts.
As educators, I implore you to examine what you are trying to accomplish with the JROTC program. If its leadership and citizenship, there are many programs available at substantially less cost to the ISD and society, and with a much broader scope and positive impact. One example is Quest (www.lions-quest.org), a program sponsored by Lions International. There are many others.
As a society we are taught (via TV, movies, video games, etc.) that violence is not only acceptable, but necessary. Rarely do we see peaceful conflict resolution in the media. Schools need to be the agent of change. Rather than simply establishing rules against fighting, we need to establish programs that teach real citizenship - how to formulate opinions, how to have conversations, how to understand others, how to resolve conflicts.
Thank you for your time.
Let Them March, Lynn Meadows, April 16, 2007
Is our Federal Budget a statement about our country's moral values? I am appalled that 48% goes for Death and Destruction (War) and only 34% goes to Human Services. Think about what kind of a country this could be if that 48% were invested in peace initiatives and aid programs. Could we build a truly better and more secure world?
Can you imagine proportioning your family budget in a similar manner? Perhaps using 48% of the family income to surround your property with electric fences, plant mines, build a bomb shelter, stockpile guns and ammunition and 34% for housing, feeding and clothing the family, education, contributions to your church and charities. I would think that living under these parameters would feel very insecure, fearful and anxious.
In 1982, then U.S. Sec of State Alexander Haig stated "Let them march all they want, just so long as they pay their taxes."
If you think this war should end, don't pay for it! Withhold at least the war portion (or current war portion: 30%) of your Federal Income Taxes. Many do, including myself. I truly believe that killing is immoral.
Walberg Is Out of Sync, Suzie Morse and Kent Walton, March 1, 2007
I would like to respond to the editorial piece on Timothy Walberg Q&A. It appears that Mr. Walberg is out of sync with many of his constituents when he proposes that our country commit more troops and resources to fighting the war in Iraq.
Perhaps Mr. Walberg might agree that the United States would no longer be perceived in such a negative light by so many if we put our energies into negotiating with its declared enemies as we are currently attempting to do with North Korea. In the past fifty years, our "peaceful nation" has interrupted the peaceful functioning of many democratically elected governments and initiated numerous wars around the globe. The result is that just about everyone who doesn't support our way of life and our business interests become our enemies.
The war in Iraq has already swelled the ranks of terrorist organizations eager to defend themselves against our invasion of their homelands. The war in Iraq is taking a terrible toll on our military. It is also bankrupting our society and stealing our children's inheritance. Meanwhile, back at home, the big government that you, Mr. Walberg, feel so threatened by has done very little to protect the rights of its own citizens. Maybe you can vote to shrink tax breaks for corporations and give the common person a break.
In a recent poll by UNICEF, the United States and the UK ranked at the bottom of all industrialized countries for our lack of programs to care for and protect our children's welfare. Please, don't vote with your Republican colleagues to cut these programs even more. Prove to us now that you are ready to oppose injustice and corruption in Washington and not just do away with programs for the poor and middle class.
About Those CANOPAS People, Roy Schmidt, January 18, 2007
I've been waiting to write about those CANOPAS people (Chelsea Area Network of Peace Activists and Supporters) since January 2006. While jogging past the Post Office one Sunday I got this bright idea that had something to do with resolutions.
My resolutions for the year were to lose some punds, to floss every morning, and to write more often.
Think about the resolution, the resolve, of the CANOPAS people. They have been out there, rain, hail, sleet, or snow every Sunday since January 1, 2003.
Public opinion back then supported the invasion of Iraq. There was even a group of pro-war demonstrators in Chelsea who set up kitty-corner; they quickly dried up and blew away with the evaporating support for the invasion.
Public opinion is so fickle. It's saddening to think about how many Americans can't see beyond the spin, how many apparently don't use the God-given power of higher thinking. The peace-mongers knew back in 2002 that invading Iraq was wrong. Their level of support has not wavered. They were right back then, and they're still right now.
On Thursday night last week, the day after President Bush stubbornly announced his plans to send more troops, the CANOPAS people gathered in the cold. I couldn't help pulling over, parking, and walking up to see what these folks were all about.
They were all so nice. No Bush bashing, no bad mouthing of Republicans, no mention of Rumsfeld, Cheney, Haliburton. And no political signs. Peace only.
Now for the big admission: They talked me into holding a sign for 10 minutes.
I felt naked at first. Everyone driving by could see me. They would know exactly how I felt. But then I experienced the honks. The waves. The smiles. The thumbs ups. Anybody bitter just looked ahead, or turned away, or kept chatting on their cell phones. No middle fingers.
And I learned something, big time. Before Thursday, I have to admit, I secretly wondered whether the CANOPAS folk might not "get a life" on Sunday from noon until 1 p.m. Do you really need to express yourself for four straight years?
But while holding that sign, I realized just how many people these people touched: over the months, thousands of cars, thousands of people. I realized how many people saw us and were reminded: there is sissent out there, passionate dissent, and a lot of it.
Say "No" to More Troops in Iraq, Lynn Meadows, January 11, 2007
Americans say "no" to more troops in Iraq!
In a speech in 1956, then President Eisenhower said "We are rapidly getting to the point that no war can be won." It is past time to look for ways to "Win without war!"
If President Bush announces that his "new" plan is to send more troops to Iraq, the local CANOPAS (Chelsea Area Network of Peace Activists and Supporters) will be on the Post Office corner from 5 to 6 p.m. today, along with many other Americans across the nation, to say "Americans say no to more troops in Iraq!" Come join us." The Chelsea Area Network of Peace Activists and Supporters (CANOPAS) gathered for a pot luck supper Sunday, January 7, at the Michigan Friends Center north of Chelsea. John Titus, whose daughter died in one of the plane crashes on September 11, spoke to the group. He has reacted to his daughter's death by working to reduce violence in the world. He and his wife have found it healing to turn their grief into actions that encourage and spread peace. In particular, he rejects any solution to the events of September 11 that causes the deaths of more innocent people. For Titus, the solution to September 11 includes educating people about the alternatives to war. He has been been going into schools and training young people in non-violent conflict resolution. He also supports legislative initiatives, such as forming a United States Department of Peace. He believes that since we live in a democracy, everyone is part of the government and should be active. After listening to Titus the 25 CANOPAS members in attendance decided on future actions. Most immediately, CANOPAS will demonstrate today, Thursday, against any escalation of the war in Iraq, should the President announce it. At the Martin Luther King celebration Monday evening they will staff a table where they will collect signatures on a petition asking for the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq. Also discussed were distributing yellow peace ribbons, publicly showing the movie, "Why We Fight", and staffing a Farmers' Market table next summer. CANOPAS will continue its Sunday demonstrations in front of the Chelsea Post Office from noon to 1 p.m. [For more information about these and other upcoming events, see the CANOPAS Events page.] John Titus and his wife, Bev, belong to a group "September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows". They met on September 11th of this year and created an international group of victims of violence which includes people from Oklahoma City, Ireland, Palestine, Rwanda, Barcelona, London, and Afghanistan. Titus has discovered many other groups also working for peace throughout the world. He feels there is a ground swell in support of peace similar to what occurred in the 1960's, and CANOPAS is aiding this movement. Apparently, some campaigns are using a form of phoning that may violate federal law in an attempt to smear their opponents. The campaign places a call that appears to be from the opponent. If the caller listens to the whole message, it goes on to bash the opponent. But if the caller hangs up prematurely, the computer calls right back, and may automatically call the same number back as many as seven or eight times each time the caller hangs up (thus making it appear that the opponent's campaign is harrassing the recipient).
The call typically starts with something along the lines of "Candidate A has some information for you," then pauses, waiting for annoyed people to hang up, and then delivers a negative message about Candidate A. The calls apparently hit some people as much as 6 times, and at 5 - 6am as well. Presumably, the intent is to annoy people and stick Candidate A with the negative name ID as somebody who keeps robo-calling them.
Such calls appear to be in violation of federal regulations which mandate that these calls clearly identify their origin. The repetitive call back may also be a violation under state laws, although campaigns that use such tactics apparently consider whatever fines might be meted out as a small price to pay if this technique helps them to swing the election.
So what should you do if you are getting this type of call? The web site recommends that if you've gotten one of these calls, write down as much information about it as you can (time, phone number, etc.) and call your local paper (or its 'metro' desk for papers that also cover national news).
As the site says:
They're looking for political stories in the final days. And this is a good one.
Again, what we're talking about here are calls which purport to be from candidate A when in fact they're from candidate B and which call back repeatedly if you hang up before the call is finished. They're intentionally harassing calls -- meant to stick the blame on the other candidate.
You can help get the word out if you act now.
A few basic pointers, which are basically common sense: Be polite. Just give the facts. And just say what you yourself have experienced.
This is a form of election sabotage that everyone should know about -- not three weeks from now, but now, when voters are still making up their minds. Somewhat over a month ago, I extended my Sunday worship in away that is meaningful to me. I decided that I would stand where God and my conscience told me to be with a prayerful message. Every Sunday that I'm in town and attend church, I stand at the Peace Vigil from noon to 1 p.m. in front of the Post Office. I'm a late-comer to this Peace Vigil. People from various faith communities—Methodists, Catholics, Quakers—have been standing there for four years now. The other Sunday, Karen Neal joined me, and it was great to have someone else from our First Congregational Church of Chelsea present.
I've made four simple signs on cloth in permanent ink: pray for peace; act in peace, think peace; be peace. I would happily share these signs with anyone who wishes to join me. (I could make more, too!) Meanwhile, if you see me in church, you can be certain that I'll soon be standing on the Post Office corner a little after our worship and fellowship together. That's where God wants me to be. The CANOPAS Vigils are continuing on Sundays, from 12 to 1, and we are
very pleased that several new "regulars" are standing with us.
Generally, sentiment from passers-by (both in cars and walkers) has
become overwhelmingly positive, and those of us who are finishing up our
fourth year of vigiling hope and believe we have contributed to the
public change of heart in our local area.
One speaker some of us heard recently told of a small (1500) town in
Oregon, which conducted a similar weekly vigil starting with only about
5 attendees, was now up to over 100 people each week. They did this by
each "regular" person agreeing to bring one more person with them each
week. Perhaps this would be an excellent strategy for CANOPAS, as well.
This week would be an especially good time to start, as our community
has been touched by the tragic death of one of our own. Our wish is to
always be respectful of the grieving of the community, even as we stand
to bear silent witness to the critical need for peaceful solutions, a
need which is highlighted when the community is focusing on the
war-related loss of members of the military.
With local feelings running high, and against the background of the
coming election, we would like to review some of the group norms for
those whom we hope may be joining us for the first time in the next
couple of weeks.
We hope to see some new faces!
I opened my mailbox this week to find more dirty ads designed to catapult their political candidates into office. It wasn't the face of "greedy" welfare moms or the unsavory guy on death row that threatened our safety this time. Instead, I received a notice that Representative Schwarz voted to ban anti-war protestors for showing up at soldiers' funerals and harassing their families. This piece of mis-information was paid for by the American Medical Association's PAC money. A friend called Schwarz's Lansing office and was told that the flier was "misleading." The legislation Mr. Schwarz is so proud of voting for referred to stopping demonstrations by a small, anti-gay group, NOT anti-war groups. Thank God that this group was stopped from harassing innocent people but does this mean the end of our own civil rights? Just for the record, what kind of public does the AMA think would value a legislator who votes to ban free speech in appropriate and non-violent venues? Doesn't our Bill of Rights guarantee this freedom to every citizen? I called Mr. Schwarz's Jackson and D.C. offices and was told that the representative has no control over PAC ads run on his behalf. Sorry Mr. Schwarz but the helpless excuse, "I see no evil" doesn't fly well with constituents either. Tim Walberg's ads arrived and they weren't much better. He spent his ad dollars attacking Joe Schwarz as a " tax and spend liberal." When did the word "liberal" come to malign anyone who wants to put money back into the public sector instead of into the pockets of big corporate interests? So, Mr. Schwarz, Mr. Walberg, and everyone running in the upcoming elections, let's get our facts right when we share information with the public. I am interested in hearing from candidates who present a pro-active platform that outlines what they really intend to do if elected. Let's stop the mudslinging and cheap shots meant to distract and ask our candidates to challenge us to think about the REAL issues.
A letter March 2 ("Where was the reporting on Al Gore's comments") blamed comments by "far-left liberals" for endangering our country by promoting anti-American hatred around the world. How's that again? President George W. Bush's ill-advised invasion of Iraq was against world opinion and has been mismanaged at every turn. His circumvention of the rules against torture of prisoners there has created a scandal seriously undermining our claim of moral authority. The U. S. Justice Department also has found widespread abuse in detaining Arab-Americans in the United States after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. And Bush's critics are the cause of American's poor image around the world? Two thousand candles There were 40 participants in the CANOPAS demonstration against the War in Iraq on the 3rd anniversary of the war, Sunday March 19th, 2006. The response from those passersby's that chose to respond was overwhelmingly positive to the message presented. My count of negative reaction was only 5 opposed to our message. Two thumbs down, Two middle fingers (what we refer to as half a "peace sign") and one unprintable. There were hundreds of honking horns, thumbs up and waving and shouting YES! There were also a lot of people studiously ignoring us. I guess that could be considered negative also if one chose. My impression is that the community is turning against this war. The change in reaction over the last three years is noticeable. Once in a while we hear a statistic that encapsulates a much bigger story than you would expect from a couple of numbers. In a February 12 Ann Arbor News story it is said that there are 10 veterans of the Iraq war running for Congress this year, and 9 of the 10 are running as Democrats. Michigan peace activists from as far away as Traverse City met Saturday, February 4, in Ann Arbor to organize the Michigan Peace Network. There were 110 participants, as many as the venue could accommodate. They represented 22 communities in the state. It was exciting to see how strong and active the peace movement has become. There were the usual plenary and break-out sessions on priorities and organizational issues, and a notable speech over lunch by Nicholas Przybyla, a veteran of the invasion of Afghanistan. He spoke about his experiences in combat and his return to civilian life. One of his observations is that nearly everyone in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq has been complicit in prisoner abuse encouraged by their commanders. The Abu Ghraib scandal is unique only in that somebody took photographs. He was a photographer for the Marines, and was expressly forbidden to photograph the detainees taken while he was deployed. He also observed that symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder are probably universal among returning soldiers, but they don't report their symptoms because they fear being kept in the military longer. He has mostly recovered from his own PTSD, and says that the best therapy is to participate in the peace movement! Przybyla is now a film maker, and I bought his "Operation: Veteran Freedom", a documentary of the demonstration and first national meeting of Iraq Veterans Against the War outside Fort Bragg, North Carolina in March of 2005. It's entertaining and very true to life, showing veterans meeting, demonstrators marching, and a few counter-demonstrators howling. I'd be happy to loan it to anyone who wants to watch it. At Saturday's meeting, the Michigan Peace Network committed itself to supporting youth activism, especially balancing the information provided to young people by military recruiters, and holding coordinated actions on the March 18-19 weekend and throughout the week marking the third anniversary of the war in Iraq. I'm sure that CANOPAS can look forward to support and ideas from the network as it becomes more organized. Rep Schwarz, We are writing to you today with grave concerns. It has become readily apparent to all that President Bush has vastly exceeded the powers granted to him in The Constitution of The United States of America. We are asking you to join with Rep. Conyers, HR635, in establishing a select committee to investigate the White House and its misrepresentation of intelligence in the lead up to the (undeclared) war in Iraq. It has been clear to us, and has become clear to most, that the multitude of statements offered up by President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and Secretary Rice were inconsistent with the facts known to the Dept. of Energy, Dept. of State, many agents within the CIA and FBI, the IAEA and UNSCOM. As of the writing of this letter there has not been an investigation into what the Executive Branch knew, when they knew it and how they, in our opinion, abused select facts and incorrect information to frighten the citizens into supporting an unnecessary war. We also ask that you join with Rep. Conyers in HR 636, censuring the President for failing to respond to questions put to him by Congress, as well as HR 637, censuring VP Cheney for the same abuses We are pleading that Congress step out of its stupor and exercise it constitutional responsibility of being a check on power to the Executive. President Bush has far exceeded any authority granted in our Constitution. He has detained, indefinitely, citizens of the United States, refusing to allow them even the most basic right of access to legal staff. He has ordered the kidnapping of foreign nationals that were innocent of any crime against the United States. He has authorized the torture of people that he alone has declared terrorists. At least 100 people have been killed while in custody of American forces; dead people cannot reveal any information that may be valuable in our hunt for terrorists. Literally thousands of people are being held in detention with no avenue to a judicial system. The Pentagon has been authorized to spy on lawful gatherings that advocate peace and non-violent resolution to conflict. We learned this week that President Bush has illegally issued wiretaps on US citizens, using as his justification the bizarre rational that he, and he alone, can make up laws as necessary. If Congress is unwilling to pursue these avenues we are left with the disturbing belief that our troops are not fighting for democracy and freedom. If President Bush is allowed to continue down the path he has chosen what powers doesnt he have? Is there anything he cannot do? These are dark times for our republic, we are asking that you perform your duties as a member of Congress and check the Executive Branches abuses before it is too late. I was born shortly after World War II. Growing up, I learned about the horrors of World War II: the Nazi attempted extermination of categories of people that they thought to be inferior and the U. S. dropping of nuclear bombs. I felt relieved that I had not lived then, so that I was spared having moral qualms about actions of omission and commission that contributed to these horrors. However, now I am an adult and, unfortunately, our world is facing new horrors: torture, renditions, disappearances, suggestions for new nuclear weapons, terrorism, killing innocents in order to kill the suspected guilty, denying basic humane treatment to nonenemy combatants and illegal immigrants. So now it is my turn, now I am responsible, we all are responsible. We must work to promote and assure the dignity, value, and equal treatment of ALL people regardless of their category.
Unlike some people, I enjoy and generally agree with Roy Schmidt's columns in the Chelsea Standard. I must differ with him, however, on his hopelessness about ending the Iraq war. I believe that we should withdraw our troops from Iraq promptly and feel good about doing it. Imagine, for a minute, an America-gone-crazy scenario where you and I are hunkered down in a basement hiding from the cross fire in a battle between neo-Nazis and neo-Black Panthers. Suppose we've heard that the U. S. Army is on its way to put a stop to the fighting and restore order. Think about your feelings at that moment. I, for one, would be ready to welcome the soldiers with open arms, and it wouldn't hurt my mood to learn that my daughter would be piloting one of the Blackhawks flying overhead. Is this the image that we project on average Iraqis hunkered down hiding from similar conflict in their country? Although it's appealing, I don't think it's right. Imagine a simple variation on that scenario. The army is coming to save the day, but it isn't the U. S. Army, it's the French Army, leading a coalition of willing European countries. They've been in our country for a couple of years trying to stem the racial conflict before it overflows into Europe. During that time we've heard that they've all but leveled Detroit and Denver, but we haven't dared travel to see for ourselves. And, you and I regularly have had to cross intimidating roadblocks manned by soldiers who do not speak English. The French insist that they only have only our best interests at heart, but how does this make you feel? I'm sure that I would be outraged, and I might even have caught myself secretly sympathizing with some of the guerilla tactics used by the Nazis and Panthers against the French occupation. I admit that this is a pretty fanciful story, and I have no intention of proposing an analogy between our government and the former government of Iraq. What I am trying to get at are feelings. I'm trying to imagine the feelings of ordinary Iraqis experiencing terrifying daily violence, Iraqis wondering if they are better off with or without an occupying army that doesn't understand them and that (possibly with the best of intentions) has inflicted great damage on their country. Polls show that as many as 80% of Iraqis want us out of their country, and this doesn't surprise me. It's naive for us to think that we know better than they do. Roy Schmidt and others have given good political and military reasons to end the war now. Let's not ignore these reasons because of worries about chaos or bloodbaths. Just like you and I would, the Iraqis want to deal with their domestic problems themselves. We should withdraw our troops promptly, and make it clear to the Iraqis and the world that we truly support their self-determination and that we have no designs on their country or resources. The news about the war in Iraq gets worse and worse, day by day. More than 2,000 American troops and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians are dead. There is increasing evidence of torture in Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, and other sites. There is alleged wartime profiteering by firms such as Haliburton that hold multi-bullion-dollar contracts. And there has been use of depleted uranium and outlawed chemical weapons. Meanwhile, White House officials try to smear war critics as unpatriotic, and Vice President Dick Cheney lobbies for legalization of torture. While Democrats and the media fell for the White House's fraudulent claims, millions of Americans were skeptical. Many of us, including the Green Party, spoke out publicly against the invasion. Now, the only rational action is an end to the occupation and immediate withdrawal of U. S. troops from Iraq. The demand by some Democrats for a withdrawal plan by the end of 2006 will only result in more U. S. troop and Iraqi civilian deaths. There is no honor or sense in "staying the course" that is obviously wrong. President George W. Bush, supported by the Democratic leadership and major media, has shamed the United States, breached international and U. S. constitutional law and weakened our security. We need to hold them all accountable, and we need new political leadership. If this is truly the greatest country in the world, we should certainly be able to do better than this mess. Tim Kelley, a Vietnam vet from Grass Lake, gave his views last week about war and the U.S. fulfilling its "commitment". I am a Vietnam infantry veteran and, thanks to the Constitution (not the military), I will express my views. After Vietnam I pretty much shut that experience down and moved forward with life. I entered the business world, got married, earned an MBA, had a son. But I was like a dormant volcano. There were issues in my mind that caused some rumblings, some steam, and some tremors, but I kept them deep underground. In January of 2003 I erupted. Not in violence, but in research. I was consumed by the question - why do we have wars. I researched all the areas that I had ignored - Vietnam, politics, wars, justice, poverty, the environment, violence, religion, lobbyists, think tanks, conflict resolution, the media, and more. My conclusion is that war is, at best, the failure of leaders to solve problems. At worst, war is a massive money generating machine with no regard for life. The military is the pawn of the mega-rich. The military does as they are commanded. The only way to protect our troops is for the people to speak out. All of the wars that I have studied are based on lies, yes, even World War II. Wars must be sold to the common people because they are the ones who give up their lives and the lives of their children. Wars are typically sold via a major event. Someone or a whole country is painted as evil. The media hypes it. There is an "attack", or a threat of an attack. Congress votes for war or gives the President the authority to go to war. And the mega-rich cheer and get ready for profits. And the common people, not wanting to believe that their leaders lie, cheer and wave the flag, and hope it won't be their child (because it surely won't be the children of the mega-rich). One of the early keys I discovered in my research was a booklet by two time Medal of Honor recipient Marine Major General Smedley Butler. After completing his military career, he reflected back and said he had spent his time as a thug for big business. He destroyed countries and killed people for the expansion of markets and profits for the mega-rich. His booklet is "War is a Racket". World War II was no different. My research shows that the funders of Hitler, before and during the war, were mega-rich people from the USA. They were covering their bets. The major event was Pearl Harbor. An in-depth research book on Pearl Harbor is "Day of Deceit" by Robert Sinnett. I also researched Jesus. Contrary to some TV preachers and some biblacists, I've found Jesus to be a very inclusive middle eastern guy who loved everyone. He never hurt anyone. He never asked anyone to go to battle for him. He never retaliated, or asked his angles or followers to retaliate. He was not passive. He was very active and defied the political, military and religious leaders of the time by his words and actions. He was murdered by those in power because leaders are afraid of people who challenge their authority. Another area of research is the budget and other comparative numbers. If you want to know what a business values, look where it spends its money. The same holds true with a country. The USA spends over 50% of our tax dollars on the war machine and domination of other countries. We are the only industrialized country in the world without universal health care. We rank 37th in health care. We have more children living in poverty than any other developed country. We have more people in prison than any country. We give huge tax benefits to the rich and to major corporations, and cut programs for the common people. 70% of the people in the USA over 18 did not vote for Bush, and the election could not be certified by an independent agency. So, do we have a democracy? Research is not rocket science. With the internet its very easy to explore topics. The hard part is putting all the pieces together, facing reality, and speaking up. After all these years I finally got it. I'm not a puppet anymore. I will speak out. I will be visible. I will demand that political leaders follow the Constitution. Most importantly, I will follow the example of the all inclusive, active, nonviolent Jesus. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It's the absence of violence within conflict. Peace and happy holidays.
It's no crime to trust the President, but it's a terrible crime for the President to betray that trust. For this reason I'm utterly unmoved by the President's protests that two years ago most Americans, including Representatives and Senators, believed the President's assertions that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and responsibility for 9/11. Now, most Americans have come to understand that they were misled, and they have lost confidence in the President. To address this lack of confidence, I'm writing to ask for your support on three related issues before Congress at this time: (1) The President says that we have no designs on the territory of Iraq or its oil. Please support Representative Murtha's call for a prompt and complete withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. Let the Iraqis decide their own destiny, and demonstrate to the Iraqis and the world that this is the true policy of the United States. (2) The President says that we don't torture, and that the prisoners we have detained around the world are treated according to the Geneva Conventions. Please support the McCain amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill, without restrictions, to guarantee this fundamental moral principle for which our country has always stood. (3) The President says that law-abiding American citizens have nothing to fear from the gag rules and minimal judicial oversight allowed in domestic terrorism investigations since 9/11. Please support the Senate version of the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill, reestablishing probable cause and conventional judicial oversight in FBI investigations, and requiring the administration to report on its use of its extraordinary powers. If Americans have nothing to fear, then the Administration will lose no flexibility due to reasonable restrictions. Let's make sure that the President who has lost the confidence of the American people at least does what he says.
I wanted to share with all of you some highlights from my trip south to the School of the Americas at Fr. Benning, Georgia. The actual event took place on the weekend of 11/19-20 but my activist friend Lynn, her friend, Bekah, and I arrived on 11/16 for an apprenticeship with the Puppetista Theater Co. The SOAW (School of the Americas Watch) is an organization begun by a Maryknoll priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, for the sole purpose of the closing down this school that trains military leaders for Central and South America. When copies of handbooks from the school were obtained in 1996 Americans were shocked to discover that one of our own military bases was teaching torture techniques. Throughout the week, we met many people who had experienced or witnessed torture by those trained at SOA. This was the hard part. The joyful part was meeting so many who feel the tide is turning. Over 125 Congress members have agreed to sponsor a bill to close the SOA. When their numbers reach 150 many say it will be much easier to swing the remaining members. The bill, HR 1217 may come up for a vote as early as next April. Please consider sharing this info with anyone you can. Since there has been so much focus on torture lately in the news, it seems that the public is more aware and ready to act on this issue. If you can write your congressperson ask them to vote on HR 1217 to suspend operations at the SOA/WHINSEC or eliminate funding for the school. Below is an excerpt, fleeting images, from my travel journal and a photo. Love and peace, Riding south reaching the Cumberland Gap before dark, photos of young women in the rest stop who have been kidnapped, raped or murdered, please help us find Roy ___, or Darryl ______ the boyfriends, the ex-husbands. Are they just more concerned here or is there more violence out there in the hills that swallow up villages with markers about the Civil War, wounds still bleeding? Reach Atlanta, Martin Luther King Drive amidst the affluent suburbs, a reminder of courage, strength and great love. There are small communities throughout the south where folks have taken refuge in hard times. Berea, KY — the college here was integrated early on to teach youth the old ways, arts, and skills of mountain folk. Koinonia, a Christian farm community of blacks and whites in central Georgia faced harassment by the Klan in the 30's and 40's. The leader challenges the Klan one night, "Don't just hide, come inside, get us if you have too." The Klan activities abate. I have an urge to read Flannery O'Connor and Carson McCullers, two of my favorite Southern writers. Bekah shares her poetry about 13 ways to speak of Blackbirds in the backseat. She is only 23, thin, blonde, vulnerable, and strong. She brings out my maternal instincts of protection. Realize how afraid I am beginning to feel as we get closer to Columbus and Ft. Benning. Here we are driving up to the gates Lynn, Bekah and myself. We find the Puppetistas at the Southgate Apartments, dilapidated old military housing like Tara from Gone with the Wind after the war. They are living in an abandoned apartment without windows in some parts. The FBI arrives in a large van to set up base next-door. They all look alike wearing dark glasses and black stocking caps. We imagine them ordering pizza and beer. We are the hippies cooking tofu and rice and sharing a sweet Mexican drink. Here the connection between poverty, racism and war seems so clear. The days are cool, sunny. Our neighbors begin to appear - young, black children helping to make the puppets and practicing walking on stilts. Everyone is playful, hopeful. I cut out crowns, paint masks. Lynn sews costumes. The Catholic Workers stop by from the Hospitality House. They cook for the busloads of folks arriving each day. Young people come from college campuses across the country. I am energized by their vitality, by their drumming and dancing. Katherine Jashinski, a female G.I., holds a press conference to declare her position as a conscientious objector. She is the first woman soldier to do this. Jamie from Columbia, MO tells me he plans to cross the line to be arrested on Sunday. He is matter-of-fact. Later he mentions missing "a bit of beef." I ask about Monsanto. It seems the terminator seed has been discontinued. Monsanto execs tell the activists they are going bankrupt. Yet, Mother Jones says 60% of all our food is now genetically modified. When I get a chance, decide to live dangerously and sneak some contraband barbeque sandwiches back for Jamie. I can't understand why the regulars to this event seem so peaceful and confident. Some of them have spent 6-12 months in prison. One Latina from the barrios of L.A. puts it this way. "In prison one learns how to love radically." Yet, despite this sign of hope, I feel overwhelmed and escape to the Columbus museum in the beautiful old part of town. Here I am saved by art from the markets of Kumasi in West Africa — paintings of women in colorful headdresses. Discover that Ma Rainey, "mother of the blues" was from Columbus. I also learn 34 alligators have been spotted in the Chattahoochee river between Columbus and the delta. Saturday and Sunday 19,000 folks swell the streets. Military helicopters hover overhead. The police are stopping cars along Victory Drive, so we watch our speed carefully. I slip between barricades to join the Puppetistas. In a small room the Madres, four large puppets of indigenous women, are waiting for us to pick them up. They, the mothers who have lost their children to violence, stare quietly down at me. It feels as if I have entered an ancient cave, a cathedral, and have seen the face of god (or goddess). I want to cry in their presence, in this sacred place. The ancestors are with us. Now, compensinos and others join us from Latin America. The Immokolee migrant workers share how their boycott of Taco Bell led to an increase in wages and a commitment that the fast-food giant will not tolerate indentured servitude. MacDonalds and Subway are next on the list. Women from Argentina tell how the workers have taken over bankrupted businesses and made them into cooperatives that are flourishing. Bolivians share about the uprising of the indigenous peoples that takes down the U.S. supported dictator. From Venezuela comes news of the Chavez Code, a new book that substantiates CIA operations in that country to depose the democratically elected president of this oil rich land. The Indians of Chiapas, Mexico are proposing a new constitution for the entire country that will protect the rights of all. I already know that Cuba, despite U.S. boycotts, has developed one of the most effective organic farming and holistic health systems in the world. Musicians from Peru play at the concert after torture victims share their stories. The students dance into the wee hours of the morning. On Sunday Sr. Helen Prejean, author of Dead Men Walking, exorts us all to find a place, any place to find our voice. "In my case," she tells us "I just started walking and talking to folks along the way." We march through the streets chanting the names of some of the thousands of people killed by SOA graduates. At some point, we are behind the stage, in front of the fence where people have left flowers, crosses and signs stuck in the barbed wire. I hear the crowd roar as young and old alike begin to slip past the fence line to be arrested. There is a woman near my mother's age that needs help getting under the fence. The Puppetistas have brought Jamie in a coffin from which he rises in a sign of resurrection and then is boosted over the barricades. I am sobbing uncontrollably and yet feel a great sense of hope as 41 persons cross the line for the rest of us. How privileged I am to witness one of the greatest acts of civil disobedience occurring in the country. Both Gandhi and MLK have spoken of the importance of this sacrificial act to transform reality. We are driving home. I feel peaceful and filled with hope after this rite of passage. We pass the old iron works factory that once made ironclad ships for the Confederacy now converted into a beautiful convention center. We pass the exit to Phenix, Alabama where an attorney named Patterson stood up to the local mafia and was gunned down. As the state's attorney general, his son carried on the fight that freed "sin city" from the control of the gangsters. For the first time in years, I sense the tide turning. It feels good to be alive at this time in history. At home I unpack a souvenir t-shirt. It says, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead).
Hon. Joe Schwarz Although we received no response from our letter of July 17 urging you to reconsider our support for the War on Iraq, we should like to appeal a second time to your good senses.
We strongly believe that the U.S. occupation is proving counter-productive as a strategy against terrorism. With the recent domestic disasters, President Bush’s foreign operation has proven too costly an adventure. (As an aside, we were pleased to hear your honorable suggestion several weeks ago that the Country ought to consider repealing Mr. Bush’s tax breaks to the wealthiest among us in order to address the burgeoning federal deficit.) We owe it to our taxpayers and servicemen and women to speak out in support of a clear and honorable exit strategy and a clear, unequivocal declaration that the US will not maintain permanent military bases in Iraq.
We urge you to support the "No Permanent Bases Resolution" (H.Con.Res.197). The measure would endorse a United States policy "not to enter into any base agreement with the Government of Iraq that would lead to a permanent United States military presence in Iraq."
We also ask that you support the bi-partisan "Homeward Bound Act" (H.J.Res. 55 ) which would have the president set a schedule for bringing the troops home.
Finally, the President must be held accountable for having led us into this war on false threats and trumped-up claims of the dangers posed to our country by Iraq.
With the Vice-President’s chief of staff having resigned after being indicted for lying to a federal grand jury and obstructing the justice of the inquiry of the grand jury, the time has come for President Bush to give the public an accounting of whether his march to war included punishing Joseph Wilson for challenging his Administration’s claims.
As you know, the grand jury has been investigating possible violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 793, and Executive Order 12958 (as modified by Executive Order13292), prohibiting disclosure of classified information to persons not authorized to receive such
information, and otherwise to exercise proper care to safeguard classified information against unauthorized disclosure.
Given this indictment, it is simply unacceptable for the President of the U.S. States of America to refuse comment on the grounds that the investigation is continuing! As much as we do not want to believe that our Government has lied us into a war, the fact is that we - the American taxpayers - are paying for same and are Constitutionally entitled to an accounting from our government. We must pursue some petition for redress in this grave matter..
Given this indictment, your statement that the questions about the grounds on which we invaded Iraq "are academic," no longer suffices. This is no academic question. The Vice President’s chief of staff stands indicted for lying and obstructing justice in an inquiry of serious wrongdoing to an American citizen challenging the bona fides of our Government’s war claims. The public had been assured by the President’s press secretary long ago - in no uncertain terms - that Messrs. Libby and Rove were not involved. Although it is painful, the country must face answer this challenge to its honor.
Given this indictment, we are reminded that the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee has failed to pursue its long-promised phase two on the Administration’s use (and possible abuse) of pre-war intelligence.
As you know, Mr. Bush will not stand election again. The time for his accounting is now. We ask that you use your good offices to support H. Res 505, a Resolution of Inquiry into the marketing of the war by the White House Iraq Group (WHIG). The Resolution would require the White House to turn over all white papers, minutes, notes, emails or other communications kept by the White House Iraq Group. As we understand it, time is of the essence with respect to H.Res. 505.
Please let us know if you will support these resolutions and thank you for your leadership. I'm writing in response to Sharon Rising's letter in the Sept. 1 paper, entitled "War protesters should be respectful". Though her letter goes off in many directions, I think she was trying to say that our peace vigil on the evening of August 17, supporting Cindy Sheehan in her attempt to talk with President Bush, was somehow disrespectful of the troops in Iraq.
About 55 of us gathered quietly that evening behind a cardboard wall of names of those who have died fighting in Iraq. We held signs that said "Peace" and "We support Cindy". We held candles. We prayed. I see no disrespect in any of that.
In fact, I see far greater respect for our troops in what we did that night, and do every Sunday afternoon as we stand in front of the Chelsea Post office with our peace signs, than our government has given them. We actually care what happens to them. We don't want them to die needlessly. Our President doesn't seem to care. He rarely acknowledges their deaths. He doesn't visit with the bereaving parents or visit the wounded in Veterans Hospitals. He uses these young men and women for political gain. He hasn't sent them there to protect us. On the contrary, we are far more vulnerable now with our troops in Iraq than we'd be if they were home.
As for the comment that those serving in Iraq "have made a choice": what about those who signed up for the National Guard? I would bet the choice they made was to help the United States in times of crisis—a crisis like the hurricane that caused so much devastation. Instead, much of our National Guard was in a foreign country while US citizens were left for many days without aid.
With all due respect to Nolan Finley, his Sunday column—"America is obliged to 'impose' true freedom on Iraq"—doesn't persuade. Neither he nor Mr. McCotter begin to explain how our Country's "moral certitude" will now stabilize Iraq. To suggest that our expertise in democracy might now overcome our track record in Iraq is wishful thinking.
More importantly, suggesting that our role in erecting an Iraqi government is somehow divorced from our invasion and occupation is specious. If Iraq succeeds as a democratic state, it will despite our President's arrogance and bumbling in invading it
prepared for nothing more than any easy victory. Our trumped-up charges of WMD, failure in maintaining basic security after invading, and outrageous prison abuses have stripped us of our moral authority.
Most of the world sees this already; when will Mr. Finley? In a past column I called Bush supporters and conservatives "the stupid masses". I've been waiting for a chance to apologize. So today, let me say I'm sorry for that. A more accurate term might have been stubborn masses. Masses unwilling to recognize the obvious. Now those masses are dwindling. Those masses are starting to get the picture. The approval rating is down. Social Security privatization is dead. And President Bush's last national address (do you remember it?) drew the smallest TV audience of his term. Bush's last speech was another rerun, an attempt to urge the American people to stand firm, to be patient, that we are making progress, that we must "complete the mission". Haven't we been hearing that for three years? Wasn't "Mission Accomplished" already declared with Bush's staged photo op on the USS Abraham Lincoln back on May 1, 2003? I could sit here, as could many of my masses of non-stubborn, non-closed-minded, non-gullible friends, and say I told you so. I told you there were no WMD in Iraq. I told you Mr. Bush wanted to invade Iraq simply to get his revenge on Saddam. (Why did we need the Downing Street documents to prove that?) I told you Iraq and Osama were not connected, which we have known all along. I told you going into Iraq would create a civil war there. And I told you starting a fight against terrorism was like shooting a shotgun into a forest of beehives. Before our invasion, Saddam ruled Iraq with the proverbial iron fist. No terrorist could thrive there. And the borders were closed. President Bush has turned Iraq into a hotbed for terrorism. And 1,700 of our soldiers have died trying to complete his mission, which has nothing to do with lofty ideals like defending America. Tragically, there was never anything to defend America from. Please don't suggest that I don't support the troops. I'm deeply thankful for their sacrifice. They should be home with their families like we are. The good thing is that America is finally getting it. Not because anyone was stupid (and for that past implication I apologize dearly—never write an email while you're angry) but because we, as a country, are finally starting to allow the tough questions to be asked. We no longer believe it when we're told it's unpatriotic to question the government. We're not afraid to stand up to a president who says, over and over, "Really, only patriots can see my clothes. Anyone who can't see them is un-American." As well as, "We're making progress. We're turning the corner. And being president is hard work." In his speech, the president said his top job is to protect American life. Imagine if we had not invaded Iraq. There would still be no threat. Saddam would be under our thumb. Or dead, singly, if we had just sent in some Navy Seals. And we would have about $200 billion to use building our own roads and schools. What's not patriotic about that? The president continues to talk about a global war on terror. That's as oxymoronic as a war on stupidity or a war on stubbornness. You can't declare war on an idea. You can only fight dangerous ideals with education and example. Israel has been fighting a war against terrorism for years and years. Have they made any progress? Have the Palestinians stopped their suicide bombing? Now in Iraq, the insurgents are saying they won't stop blowing themselves up until we leave the country. And the president is saying we won't leave the country until the insurgents quit blowing themselves up. Who wins? Other than Halliburton and the Bush/Cheney machine's corporate cronies, no one. Without listening, without educating, without setting an example of understanding and peace, we just keep making more enemies, cultivating more and more terrorists worldwide. The last time anyone suggested a peaceful approach, the administration bluntly told us, "You can't negotiate with terrorists." Oh, wait a minute. We just found out on CNN that we have been negotiating with the Iraqi terrorists after all. Keep your minds open. Don't swallow the lies. What's wrong with trying to get at the truth? Let's all become "enlightened masses"—together. On May 19 the Chelsea Standard ran a story and guest editorial saying that peace groups should not participate in the Memorial Day Parade. The following week the paper published an overwhelming seven letters to the editor condemning the idea. Following is one of the seven letters, and then two reports from the parade itself. "Memorial Day organizers want a non-political event". Interesting idea, but war is a political event. War is encouraged by the mega rich, voted on by politicians, and fought by the common people. The highest tribute that the living can give to those who have died in war (on both sides) is to wage peace and speak up to end war. I am a Vietnam infantry veteran and I've marched in the Memorial Day parade as a veteran for peace. I disagree with the parade organizers and Jeff Gunnis that peace people should not participate. Peace people must be there to provide a voice of reason. Children must see that not everyone is pro war and pro military. There are many options to violence, and the children must see options. The most decorated Marine in history, two time Medal of Honor recipient Major General Smedley Butler, ended his career and wrote a booklet "War Is A Racket". He said he had been a thug for big business. And history agrees. Every war has been fought by the little people to give the big people more power, more money, more markets, more profits, more control. We are raised to believe that war and the military are glorious. If that's the case, the children of our leaders should be there, sharing in the glory. We are raised to believe that war and the military bring peace. If that's the case, after all these thousands of years, the world should be at peace. We are told that war and the military bring Democracy. If that's the case, we should be allowed to vote on war. War, at best, is the failure of leaders to solve problems. At worst, war is a massive money generating machine with no regard for life. For the children, I encourage people of peace to march in the Memorial Day parade. It is our responsibility to show them a better way. War is failure. Though there may have only been about 2 dozen of us we had the longest of processions. We were strung out in a single line in order to hold The List. I wasn't sure I was going to be in the parade but when I followed the sound of the childrens bands warming up I was drawn in by the size of The List. As the parade formed and the bands unified into recognizable song, we walked out of the alley into the bright sun of Main Street to applause for the contribution of peace consciousness and , I hope, for the 1,600+ names of each American soldiers the made up The List. It was a powerfull statement in the right place. The clapping continued to be directed at our procession all the way to the graveyard. Deacon Shaneyfelt gave a tender talk to start things off at the ceremony which ends our annual parade. He spoke to 'both sides', hawks and doves, in his short speach about there being a time for every purpose. The Professor/Soldier that gave the main address was bright and thoughtful, too. He spoke of America's hisotric role in battling out the world's problems. I felt I was hearing how we have created some big changes on the planet with our muscle and might but I was not hearing about the cost or sustainablilty of this old way.
It went well. We were last, right after the Middle School Band - almost. 2 old lady flag wavers with "patriotic" shirts snuck in between us and the Middle School Band. I think they were in the pro-war group that was ahead of us last year. Their act of heroism for corporate america! Palmer made a 100' banner with the names of the US soldiers killed in Iraq. The MC for the event (I didn't catch his name), dressed in his finest military uniform, asked Palmer not to carry the banner. Palmer did an excellent job of explaining our position. I thought I heard the military guy say as he was leaving "and that doesn't show the 100,000 others who were killed". I'd like to get a sanity check on that. Mike Muha and I had on our old military jungle shirts and we lead the group. I carried the VFP flag with a double sided sign on top - "Pax Christi" and "Love". There were about 20 people carrying the banner. We got one boo, 6/7 applause. There was a jet fly over. Disgusting! The main speaker at the cemetery was a military Major from EMU. Heads up the ROTC program. I had all I could do to keep from speaking out. His talk was how great the military is and how the military is "ambassadors" for the US, bringing freedom and democracy to the world. He even listed the war and conflicts. I kept thinking - if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. He told the kids that some day they may be called upon to sacrifice their lives for their country. I almost puked. I'm going to call this guy and see if wants to have a sit down with me and another VFP guy from AA. I need to know how his mind works. My focus is on the children. Without us the event would have been 100% "war is the answer". Like many Americans, I have experienced a deepening sense of insecurity with the escalation of fundamentalist Islamic militancy toward the United States. The more firepower we bring to bear, the more dedicated our enemies become in their crusade to seek their revenge.
Having campaigned a successful war of insurgency ourselves in 1776, and having experienced the ineffectiveness of "a bigger stick" when we faced the Vietnamese 30 years ago, you would think our leaders might begin to question the strategy of beating our enemies into submission.
According to a recent Pentagon report (November 24, 2004), "American efforts have not only failed ... (they) have paradoxically elevated the stature of, and support for, radical Islamists while diminishing support for the U.S." Is it not clear that this is a war no one can win?
In March 2004, U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey of California and 20 co-sponsors introduced the SMART Security Resolution in Congress. SMART stands for Sensible, Multi-lateral, American Response to Terrorism. The bill calls for a new U.S. security policy based on preventing acts of terrorism, strengthening international cooperation and rule of law, stopping the spread of dangerous weapons, and promoting disarmament.
Our military actions have served to decrease our security and marginalize us in the world. We will continue to pay enormous costs in reputation, dollars, and lives. Maybe war is not the answer to the terrorist threat.
Woolsey and her colleagues are expected to re-introduce the SMART Security Resolution this month. Find out more about it.
If our tactics in Iraq are starting to look like a quick road to national bankruptcy and humiliation, then write Michigan Congressman Joe Schwarz and ask him to co-sponsor House Resolution 392. America deserves a smarter security policy. President Aristide of Haiti was physically removed from Haiti by the United States last February, replacing him with Gerard Latortue who had been living in the United States. While United States citizens highly value their freedom of democracy and our government advocates democracy for all countries, we removed the first ever democratically elected president of Haiti. Over the past year there has been no new election nor is one scheduled in the near future. Haiti continues to be a very violent place. I have never been to Haiti, but I was planning to go last October with a local medical mission team to help at a Haitian hospital. Unfortunately, the trip was canceled due to the violence. I have read Aristide's biography. A former priest, it seems to me that he has good values and a large love for the Haitian poor. Our government is not threating to prosecute him for any crimes. Haiti is only 500 miles from the United States, many former Haitians live in the United States, and, like us, it was formed via a revolution against its European colonizer. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti's health care and its infrastructure are abysmal. It needs a lot of help. I believe our country needs to bring Aristide back and work WITH him to improve the lot of the people of Haiti and to promote a just society based on law instead of force. Thirty five years ago I was told that I was fighting for democracy in Vietnam. Now we're fighting for democracy in Iraq. Our leaders tell us we have the greatest democracy in the world. I wonder. If our form of democracy is so good, why do we have to force people to accept it? Are we leading by example? Women and blacks couldn't vote until recently. Some areas still make it difficult. In 2000 we stopped counting votes and had to get the Supreme Court involved to pick a president. In 2004 there were over 30,000 voting irregularities reported. In some cases there were more votes cast than voters. An independent audit group could not certify our election. We have no national standard for casting votes, or counting votes. Seventy percent of the people of voting age did not vote for the president. Our system seems sick to me, but neither of our two major parties seem to care. A ticket to the inaugural ball only cost $100,000. I doubt if many of our young folks in the military, who are bing told that they are fighting for democracy, could have afforded that. Maybe our form of democracy is the greatest if you're very rich. About 30 people attended the pot luck, movie and discussion yesterday evening at the Michigan Friends Center.
There were quite a few new people. They learned about our group from recommendations by current members and from our web site. There was a real need among the people there to share and to support each other. These are trying times. The movie, "Waging Peace" started a lively discussion. The main topic was whether we are discouraged or optimistic regarding the political and military situation since the presidential election. Discouraged comments included, The U.S. government is SOOOOO powerful; Bush seems psychotic; People feel very alienated; Why is the government response always more punishment, more rules, not understanding, and resolution? Optimistic thoughts were, I'm glad that Bush won because now he has to suffer the consequences of his previous bad decisions. Our current poor financial status, i.e. deficit spending and falling value of the dollar, will force the government to change. We discussed topics for the upcoming day-long seminar with the national FCNL at the Friends Center in March. This will be a joint endeavor by CANOPAS, the Michigan Friends Center, and the Manchester peace group. If you would like to be involved in the planning, there will be a meeting on Saturday January 29 at 11:00 am. at the Main Street Coney Island Restaurant, 1555 S. Main, Chelsea. Please let John Gourlay know so we can reserve enough tables. Also, we would like to congratulate Arnie Stieber who has recently been placed on the national board of the Veterans for Peace. CANOPAS has placed an ad in the program for the Martin Luther King Day celebration being organized by One World One Family. The ad, designed by Kathie Gourlay, is below: "Peace on Earth" is the message of the season. On Sundays at noon, as our Chelsea peace group stands at the corner near the Chelsea Post Office with our evergreen festooned sign, that is our focus. We are grateful to all the passersby who support our message with their honks and thumbs up. We believe this is a universal hope that extends beyond the season and throughout the world. We are also grateful, particularly to the man who stopped by on this very cold day and offered to go get us hot drinks, and the second man who just walked up to us with a tray of hot chocolate. We did not get either name, but thank you so much who ever you are. Warming our hands and hearts, we truly would like to pass that warmth on to our American brothers and sisters who are enduring more than cold in far away places, trying to carry out our nation's attempts to create peace in other parts of the world. May the citizens of those countries soon be freed from their current suffering and be able to experience genuine peace. Thirty-four years ago, I spent my first holiday season away from my family. I am a Vietnam infantry veteran. I learned then that the holidays are not a place on the calendar, they are a place in your mind. Over the years I've learned many things. I have finally managed to look at myself and my country and throw off the indoctrination of my childhood. War is not glorious. If it were, the children of our leaders would be there. War does not bring peace. If it did, after all these thousands of years, we would live in a peaceful world. At best, war is the failure of leaders to solve problems. At worst, war is a massive money-generating machine that has no regard for life. If you want to "support the troops" this holiday season, then give them the best gift money won't buy—give them the gift of peace. It's very simple. The military does what they are told to to by politicians. Politicians are supposed to do what we the people tell them to do. So, tell your politicians that they have failed. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Our troops need you. The 1461st Transportation Company leaves for Iraq. We wave flags and play music and cry. Captain Christopher Rick says "It's critically important to the winning of this war that the home front remain strong". This scene has been played in this country for many, many years. Young folks sent off to war. The home folks told to remain strong. We are taught that war is necessary and right and just. We are taught to honor the military. We have cannons in our parks. We marvel at the latest war technology.
What's missing is the other side. I'm a Vietnam infantry veteran. At best, war is the failure of leaders to resolve conflicts. At worst, war is a massive money generating machine that has no regard for life.
The leaders cheer us on, but their kids don't go. Some of our folks may not return. Some may return with missing body parts. All who return will have permanent mental scars. And the leaders and the mega-rich won't care, except with words.
We need to question. We need to Protect Our Troops. Protect them from greed, from lies, from being pawns. We the People need to direct our "public servants" to use their brains to resolve conflicts. When they refuse, or say there are no options, we need to fire them and get better leaders. The price is too high if we don't.
You have more than two choices for U.S. Congress this year. In addition to Schwartz and Renier, you will find the name of Jason Seagraves on the Green Party ballot line. Following a debate with these candidates, an audience straw poll was taken and Seagraves won with 60 percent of the vote. Seagraves is new to politics, but not to hard work and dedication. He has run a strong campaign and everywhere he has had a chance to talk to people he has convinced Republicans and Democrats alike that he is the best person to represent the 7th District in Washington. Having been a small business owner, he has always lived in Hillsdale and Livingston counties, went to school at Siena Heights University and currently lives in Adrian. Mr. Seagraves vows to keep Americans' jobs at home, raise the minimum wage to $7.50 and enable business to pay as much as $10 through tax credits. He believes we need to get rid of mega-farms, offer health care for all Americans and end the war in Iraq. Check out his Web site at www.jasonseagraves.com to read extensive independent articles from the press, and remember to vote for Seagraves Nov. 2. I'm a Vietnam infantry veteran, a spouse, a father, a business person with an MBA, and a Catholic. I've researched Bush and Kerry and their associates. While Bush certainly has a knack for homey talk, feel good slogans, and photo opportunities, his actions leave much to be desired. He's out of touch with We The People. Take health care. Bush says we're the best in the world. The World Health Organization lists us as 37th. We have more children living in poverty than any other industrialized country in the world. And we're the only industrialized country without universal health care. Bush proudly claims to be a "War President". War is disgusting. War destroys the common people on both sides. War generates huge profits for some, but it doesn't solve problems. Look at your family or your community. Problems aren't solved by violence. In all of Bush's election campaigns, a group rises up to spread dirt about his opponents. This year its the "Swift Boat" crew. The leader of this crew is John O'Neil, a guy Nixon tapped in the early 1970s to attack Kerry for telling the truth about Vietnam. The group has received over $600,000.00 from a Bush supporter in TX. Bush had the opportunity to unite the world after 9/11. He did the opposite. His associates had a plan. The plan was written in the mid 1990s. Its called "Project For a New American Century", and its being carried out in Iraq and Afghanistan. Neither candidate is perfect. However, John Kerry is in touch with reality and will stop the assault on our own people and the world community. In the vice-presidential debate, the good news is that we were treated to two, not just one, articulate knowledgeable candidates. The debate, however, was soundly won by Edwards on all three dimensions: style, substance and underlying values. Edwards was a class act. He looked us "straight in the eye." He made a quick and genuine apology (when was the last time we had that from the current administration) for his albeit minor offense of inadvertently using Kerry's name when specific ground rules specified not doing so. He gave a politically risky, but apparently sincere, acknowledgement of Cheney's love for his lesbian daughter. This is a man we can be sure will make our nation proud in the many ceremonial, as well as substantive, tasks of the vice presidency. While both candidates were clearly in command of facts, Edwards was the one who quickly and succinctly articulated plans in a way the common man could understand. Cheney gave no plan, only a promise of four more years of the same —
four more years of values that were on display tonight, values which illustrate how Edwards also won on the third element of the debate. The debate showed a microscopic version of the values Cheney and the current administration has displayed for the last 3 1/2 years: Cheney's insults against Edwards' facts, Cheney's stonewalling as a defense against Edwards' charges of the indefensible, and Cheney's constant refrain of discredited facts and unsubstantiated allusions designed to cast fear against Edwards' vigor, courage and hope. Why would any of us choose Cheney's values? The majority of us did not choose them in the first place four years ago, and Nov. 2 is our chance to collectively reject them once and for all. Kerry-Edwards is the team our country needs to bring dignity and credibility back to our nation. I watched the first presidential debate online at C-span.org. I picked C-span because they covered the debate by having a split screen with both candidates shown for the entire 90 minutes. I was struck by the stark contrast in the amount of content conveyed by the candidates. President George Bush had practically none, just words repeated from stump speeches. Sen. John Kerry, on the other hand, provided specifics about his stands on policy issues and the differences between his and Bush's. My confidence in Kerry's ability to lead the war on terrorism and serve as our commander-in-chief got a definite boost. I'm looking forward to the vice presidential debate and the other two presidential debates, so I can see and hear for myself without the "spin" of the campaigns getting in the way. I came away from the presidential debate remembering two moments that haven't been widely commented upon, but that vividly illustrate the case for Sen. John Kerry and against President George W. Bush. The first was Kerry's explanation of how he expects to get the international support necessary from Arab countries, Europe and elsewhere that will allow us to start withdrawing our troops from Iraq. He said we need to make it clear through our actions and plans that the United States has no long-term designs on Iraq. This very simple and clear goal addresses perfectly everything that is wrong with the war. In very large part, the reason for our lack of allies and the resistance to our troops is the belief that we are in Iraq for ulterior reasons having nothing to do with the welfare of the Iraqis. Why doesn't Bush understand this issue? The second moment was Bush's proud proclamation of his warm, personal friendship with "Vladimir," President Putin of Russia. Putin is the unrepentant former head of the KGB, the Soviet Union's secret police, and he is showing his true colors right now, making anti-democratic changes in the structure of Russia's government. What does it mean that Bush is attracted to this kind of man and at the same time has managed to alienate most of the leaders of the world's democracies? In no way do these moments encompass the breadth of issues at stake in the coming election, but they do illustrate, as did most of the debate, that Kerry is a competent, clear-headed thinker, and Bush is lacking in understanding and judgment. I just finished watching the first debate, and I have several questions. Bush said "Sadam Hussein had no intention of disarming." Could it have escaped his attention that Hussein was, in fact, not armed? This fact would have come to light, without the loss of over 1,052 American lives, if Bush had kept the promise he made to Kerry and the rest of Congress and the nation: form a multilateral coalition with many respected nations to force the continuation of the inspections, and resort to war only as a last resort. Bush said, "100,000 Iraqi troops were currently trained," and that "we need to stay in Iraq until the Iraqi's can protect themselves." Could it have escaped his attention that this is twice the number of trained troops that Prime Minister Allawi claimed just last week, and more than 10 time the number cited in a recently released Pentagon report? It appears that the claimed 100,000 troops are insufficient for security, or else he simply failed to calculate that creating 100,000 trained troops will take 10 to 15 years at the current actual rate of 8,000 per year. Bush said "I never dreamed in 2000 that I would be sending troops to war." Could it have escaped his notice that presidents do make that decision? Or does he think we are still naive to the well established fact that planning for the Iraq invasion began immediately after his inauguration, months before 9/11, as a key part of his neoconservative agenda? It seems he lacks either competence or credibility. Bush said, "The best way to protect the nation is to stay on the offense." He showed that tonight. He was offensive with his bumbling style, offensive in his apparent belief in citizen's gullibility, and offensive when he offered the same badly failed bromides for keeping America safe. Our best bet for protecting America requires removing this offensive man from power, and replacing him with Kerry. Tonight, Kerry showed that he has the vision, courage, commanding presence and experience to defend, not offend, America.
I donνt understand how any active duty military or veteran can support George Bush, given his and his administration's disrespect of the military. Most of the people in positions of authority avoided military service altogether. Dick Cheney said he had "other priorities". Bush, while he did serve in the National Guard, didn't have enough respect for the Guard or his fellow reservists to report for duty for months at a time, leaving his fellow troops to take on the extra burden of his responsibilities. While Bush talks tough—"Bring λem on!" (over 770 US troops have died since then, over 830 have died since Bush announced "Mission Accomplished") and says he supports our troops, he shows his disrespect by proposing cutting veteran benefits, closing veteran hospitals, cutting combat pay for the very people who are fighting his war, and forcing many military families to resort to food stamps to survive. The Iraq war was so poorly planned, and so little regard was given to the troops fighting there, that many had to buy flack vests with their own money (or donations from those back home). When I was in Vietnam, at least I didn't have to write home and say "Please send bullets". A high-ranking Air Force officer recently complained that the Republican Convention was better planned that the Iraq war. To believe Bush supports our troops is unbelievable.
I am a Vietnam infantry veteran and a member of Veterans For Peace. I spent last weekend expressing my views on peace in Oak Ridge, TN. Oak Ridge is home to the world's largest weapons of mass destruction plant. This plant is currently upgrading our 10,000 nuclear bombs, and building more. This plant, via the Department of Energy, is requesting $12 billion of our tax dollars to continue this work. The House of Representatives bill (HR 4614) has a misleading title - "Making Appropriations for Energy and Water Development for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes". I saw eleven people arrested at Oak Ridge for peacefully expressing their views. Most of these people were women. Some of these women were over 70. One was a teenager in Germany during the Holocaust. If we as a nation truly want peace in the world, and peace for our children, then we must lead by example. We must reduce, or better yet, eliminate our weapons of mass destruction.
The day was so beautiful for our Sunday, June 20 demonstration that it deserved a photograph. I just finished watching the first debate, and I have several questions. Bush said "Sadam Hussein had no intention of disarming." Could it have escaped his attention that Hussein was, in fact, not armed? This fact would have come to light, without the loss of over 1,052 American lives, if Bush had kept the promise he made to Kerry and the rest of Congress and the nation: form a multilateral coalition with many respected nations to force the continuation of the inspections, and resort to war only as a last resort. Bush said, "100,000 Iraqi troops were currently trained," and that "we need to stay in Iraq until the Iraqi's can protect themselves." Could it have escaped his attention that this is twice the number of trained troops that Prime Minister Allawi claimed just last week, and more than 10 time the number cited in a recently released Pentagon report? It appears that the claimed 100,000 troops are insufficient for security, or else he simply failed to calculate that creating 100,000 trained troops will take 10 to 15 years at the current actual rate of 8,000 per year. Bush said "I never dreamed in 2000 that I would be sending troops to war." Could it have escaped his notice that presidents do make that decision? Or does he think we are still naive to the well established fact that planning for the Iraq invasion began immediately after his inauguration, months before 9/11, as a key part of his neoconservative agenda? It seems he lacks either competence or credibility. Bush said, "The best way to protect the nation is to stay on the offense." He showed that tonight. He was offensive with his bumbling style, offensive in his apparent belief in citizen's gullibility, and offensive when he offered the same badly failed bromides for keeping America safe. Our best bet for protecting America requires removing this offensive man from power, and replacing him with Kerry. Tonight, Kerry showed that he has the vision, courage, commanding presence and experience to defend, not offend, America.
I donνt understand how any active duty military or veteran can support George Bush, given his and his administration's disrespect of the military. Most of the people in positions of authority avoided military service altogether. Dick Cheney said he had "other priorities". Bush, while he did serve in the National Guard, didn't have enough respect for the Guard or his fellow reservists to report for duty for months at a time, leaving his fellow troops to take on the extra burden of his responsibilities. While Bush talks tough—"Bring λem on!" (over 770 US troops have died since then, over 830 have died since Bush announced "Mission Accomplished") and says he supports our troops, he shows his disrespect by proposing cutting veteran benefits, closing veteran hospitals, cutting combat pay for the very people who are fighting his war, and forcing many military families to resort to food stamps to survive. The Iraq war was so poorly planned, and so little regard was given to the troops fighting there, that many had to buy flack vests with their own money (or donations from those back home). When I was in Vietnam, at least I didn't have to write home and say "Please send bullets". A high-ranking Air Force officer recently complained that the Republican Convention was better planned that the Iraq war. To believe Bush supports our troops is unbelievable.
I am a Vietnam infantry veteran and a member of Veterans For Peace. I spent last weekend expressing my views on peace in Oak Ridge, TN. Oak Ridge is home to the world's largest weapons of mass destruction plant. This plant is currently upgrading our 10,000 nuclear bombs, and building more. This plant, via the Department of Energy, is requesting $12 billion of our tax dollars to continue this work. The House of Representatives bill (HR 4614) has a misleading title - "Making Appropriations for Energy and Water Development for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes". I saw eleven people arrested at Oak Ridge for peacefully expressing their views. Most of these people were women. Some of these women were over 70. One was a teenager in Germany during the Holocaust. If we as a nation truly want peace in the world, and peace for our children, then we must lead by example. We must reduce, or better yet, eliminate our weapons of mass destruction.
The day was so beautiful for our Sunday, June 20 demonstration that it deserved a photograph. BRAVO!!!! Joe and I just got to the tail end of the parade, and in spite of the letters in the paper to the contrary, we heard no silence, we saw and heard some applause and saw a few peace signs formed in peoples hands. We also stood by a group of people who looked on the surface to be staunch supporters of the military way, who were under their breath critiquing the speech and the RAH RAH about Tyranny, etc. An older woman by me said "then we need to protect ourselves from our own president" in response to fighting Tyranny! This town has a public facade and a private quiet voice. The letters to the editor seem more a part of the facade bracing, behind the National Facade of Patriotism, than the real picture of our country. Remember 65% of our population is baby boomer age, we lived thru Vietnam and Like Kerry we have come to the conclusion that war, is not the answer. But when we are in the middle of a terrible mess like Iraq/oil/terrorism and Osama bin Saddam double speak, we must now find our way out. There are many quiet voices questioning the truth of much, that we are being force fed these days: by a President who never truly served his fellow man in War, never risked his life for others, never faced his own mortality in a war that had no end. and by a media that seems as fickle and wavering as smoke in the wind. Mark the flags flying at half staff today in Michigan and remember those who are dying for our country's right to be conspicuous consumers of fossil fuels. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. A quiet voice from behind the facade, In regards to recent letters to the Chelsea Standard that marchers promoting peace in the Chelsea Memorial Day parade were "inconsiderate," "offensive," and "inappropriate," did the letter writers fail to notice that some of these people they detest were in fact…veterans? As strange as it may seem to some people, veterans who have experienced war and the worst violence a person can imagine are some of the strongest proponents of resolving conflicts around the world peacefully. Members of the Washtenaw County Veterans For Peace Chapter chose to march in the Memorial Day parade not only to honor their fellow members of the military killed in duty, but to also to make a plea that we advance ourselves as a civilization so that the concept of war becomes unacceptable. And as far as one letter writer stating that those wanting to make political statements at the Memorial Day parade should have stayed at home, isn't that statement itself rather insulting to the veterans who where simply trying to promote peace at the parade? As veterans, we gave years of our lives serving our country, defending the Constitution and the right for a citizen to express their views, but we aren't welcome in Chelsea with a "Veterans For Peace" flag on Memorial Day? Talk about real hypocrisy! So again, for those who become very upset at seeing those speaking out for peace at Memorial Day or Veterans Day ceremonies, before you start condemning that person, keep in mind that person you are singling out could very well be a veteran who has seen the horrors of war and is just trying to say, there has to be a better way to resolve conflicts than fighting and dying. Sincerely, Negroponte is going to be our ambassador to Iraq? This admin is just too
rich for words!! This guy was convicted of lying to Congress over
Iran-Contra, (pardoned by Bush I) and had to have known about the
EL-Mezote' massacre in Honduras. This brings to at least two the number of
convicted felons helping us run our 51st state (Chalabi is the other). Note
his quote "To this day," he said, "I do not believe that death squads were
operating in Honduras." See no evil, hear no evil, speak evil only of your
political enemies, do lots of evil in the name of The Almighty. Lets get out
our pens and let the Senate know that this one should not be allowed.
See the article in the Sydney Morning Herald, http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/20/1082395820258.html. So...Bush is willing to stand publicly in front of the burned out towers
in his election campaign ad, even though he previously said he had "no
ambition whatsoever to use this as a political issue."
Yet...Bush is NOT willing to stand privately in front of the
Congressional committee investigating national preparedness for 9/11,
even though he previously said he would cooperate fully with their
investigations.
How ironic. How self-serving. How misleading. How predictable. How
foolish to consider him for another term.
A terrorist is one who uses terror as a means of coercion. I began to wonder where terrorists are trained. So I did some research. I was surprised to find that since 1946 the USA has funded a school that teaches terror. It was called the School of the Americas. It was located at Ft. Benning, GA. In 2001, under public pressure, the school was "closed". It reopened however, after one month, in the same location but with a new name - the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. It still teaches coercion via violence. While the Ft. Benning school is the most infamous, it is not alone. There are over 270 other schools, on military bases in the USA, that teach coercion via violence. Countries from all over the world send their people here to learn these techniques. I'm a Vietnam infantry veteran, and I'm curious as to how we can have a War on Terrorism, and teach it at the same time. Maybe a better use for our tax dollars would be to fund our schools.
I'm a Vietnam veteran. I recently learned that a small group of Vietnam veterans are going into our schools and, by stories and songs, telling our kids that they must do whatever the President tells them to do. Bad advice. Here's some history. The invasion of Vietnam was instigated by the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Our government said that a North Vietnamese ship attacked a US Navy ship. The media jumped on the story. Congress quickly turned over its Constitutional power to declare war to the President. And the war was on. Over 3 million people were killed. Millions suffered and many are still suffering. Billion of dollars were made. We dropped more bombs on Vietnam than all previous wars combined. One major problem - The Gulf of Tonkin incident never happened. It was a ruse. It was misinformation. It was, flat out, a lie. A democracy requires people to think, to question, to hold leaders accountable. To blindly follow is dangerous, ignorant, and un-American. Our kids must be taught to be true Americans, not sheep. I live in Pinckney and am the local coordinator for Military Families Speak
Out (www.mfso.org). If you know of anyone who has a family member in
the military and who also opposes our continued involvement in Afghanistan
and Iraq, please ask them to contact me. Thank you! Deb Regal,
734.878.2818,
dlregal@chartermi.net Lynn Meadows recommends the documentary movie "Fog of War", now playing at the Michigan Theater. It's an interview with Robert McNamara, Secretary of State during the Vietnam War. According to one reviewer, he is "the only Vietnam era figure to have apologized for getting some critical things wrong." He finds parallels to today's war in Iraq. Jennifer Kundak recommends several readings. The March-April 2003 issue of Utne Reader reflects the theme, "Imagine the Amrica You Want". It has many articles relevant to our peace activites, with titles like, "You Say You Want a Revolution," "Learning from the Right," and "Connected We Stand." Also, the book, The Portable Sixties Reader, edited by Ann Charters, Penguin, 2003, contains interesting articles, including one by Allen Ginsberg teaching us how to organize a peaceful antiwar demonstration or "spectacle". These readings aren't available on line, but Jennifer (474-2424) is willing to share her copies, and they are available at our library through inter-library loan.
I would like to address several comments made two weeks ago in a letter to the editor by Mr. Hammet. First and foremost is Mr. Hammets' belief that the If you do not believe me then ask people who are in a better position to know. I would suggest Scott Ritter, 10 yr veteran of the Marine Corps and former member of the UN weapons inspection team (UNSCOM). A man Sec of State Powell called Not good enough? Then how about Hussein Kamal. Saddam Husseins son-in-law and the person in charge of wmd's in Iraq, who defected to the US in 1995 and gave testimony to UNSCOM about wmds. President Bush thought so much of his testimony that he used a select portion of it in his State of the Union speech last year to terrify Americans. What Mr. Bush failed to tell congress was that Mr. Kamal also told UNSCOM that he had ordered destroyed all wmd's in 1991. This has been confirmed recently by a note found from Hossam Amin, director of the Iraqi office overseeing U.N. inspectors, written five days after Kamals defection, confirming that they had destroyed all biological weapons in 1991. Ray Mcgovern, a CIA Analyst for 27 years and the man who gave daily security briefings to Bush the Elder wrote last week; This month The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace issued a report entitled Second, Mr. Hammet offers as proof of success the point that no Al-Qaida attacks have taken place in the US in two years. I would like to remind all of you that almost a decade passed between their first attempt to blow up the Twin Towers and the horrible attacks of 9/11. From 1993 to 9/11 Al-Qaida successfully carried off 5 terrorist attacks. Since then they have pulled off 17 attacks around the world. Why should we consider that success? In closing I would like to quote one of the Army War Colleges' assessments of George Bushes war in Iraq issued Jan 14- (it)"promises more than it can deliver, and threatens to dissipate US military resources in an endless and hopeless search for absolute security." If George Bush were using the resources of the US wisely, military families would not be soliciting money to buy body armor for Reserve soldiers.
A sarcastic letter to the Chelsea Standard on January 22 accused CANOPAS of being anti-American, and dismissed its demonstrations as a waste of time. CANOPAS members Suzy Morse and Gary Maveal were quick to respond with the following two letters: I am one of the peace vigilers criticized by Ms. Martell in last week's Sound Off for not putting our time to better use to make a difference in someone's life. By taking the time to write out and send in her opinion, she has affirmed one motivation that underlies our vigil, the value of expressing one's opinion in the public forum. We know our vigil makes a difference to many of our fellow Chelsea citizens because they go out of their way to tell us this every Sunday. On a larger scale we seek to make a difference in the lives of the people around the world who suffer as "collateral damage" of misguided American foreign policy. I was appalled that your paper saw fit to
print an item in Sound Off last week which suggested that
the CANOPAS anti-war demonstrators would better serve the
world by volunteering somewhere else. Any reasoned opinion disagreeing with the group's peaceful
goals—if there had been one stated—would have been
welcomed. Instead, the writer's message was a sarcastic
personal attack on a committed group of activists trying to
affect government policy in the time-honored American way.
The letter's musing was fundamentally unfair and did
nothing to promote honest debate. Shame on the Standard for not exercising its editorial
judgment. On Martin Luther King Day, CANOPAS's own Arny Stieber represented Veterans for Peace at the downtown Detroit United Methodist Church. He gave the following talk: My name is ARNY STIEBER. I was born in Detroit. I'm a small business person. I'm of German and Polish descent. I'm a Roman Catholic. I'm a spouse and a father. I followed the American dream—got an MBA and worked for some of the worlds largest corporations . . . . . . I'm also a trained killer. I was in high school and college during the 1960s and I didn't pay much attention to what was going on in the world. I graduated from Michigan State in 1969 and was drafted that summer. I was trained in the infantry and arrived in Vietnam 34 years ago—almost to the day. I spent 14 months in Vietnam—"liberating the people", "stopping the Communists threat" and stopping the "Domino Theory". I've seen massive violence first hand, and I'm here to tell you—VIOLENCE IS NOT THE SOLUTION. I see war and discrimination as part of the same family. One group—the "powerful"—wants to dominate the other—the "inferior". The "powerful" try to dehumanize the "inferior" by spreading fear and hatred. Dr. King was for the civil rights of ALL people, and for peaceful conflict resolution. He scared the power structure of this country. He discovered the problem in this country and he had his hand on the LEVER OF SOLUTION, and he was pushing it. The lever is UNITY, and the keys to unity are education and communication. During this past year I woke up. I read "The Peoples History of the United States" by Howard Zinn and I was shocked and awed. I joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. I learned that we killed over 2 million people in Vietnam. I learned that we killed over 20,000 people in Panama when we "arrested" Manuel Noriega. I learned that we hired the Rand Corp. to figure out how to solve the drug problem, and then ignored their advise. I learned that the Federal Reserve is not part of our government, but is a private corporation. I learned about Bishop Gumbleton and Pax Christi. I learned that our sanctions on Iraq killed over 1.2 million people and most of them were children. I learned about the School of the Americas. I learned about depleted uranium. I learned that Peter Drucker (a world famous business consultant) recommends that top executives of major corporation make no more than 25 times the wage of the lowest paid employee. I learned about Marine Major General Smedley Butler. I learned how screwed up, dishonest and racially biased the 2000 presidential "selection" process was. I learned that Bush was AWOL while I was in Vietnam. I learned that there are many, many great people working for peace and justice in this country. I learned that the major news media have forgotten how to do investigative reporting. I learned that there are many unanswered questions about 9/11. I learned about PFLAG, and I joined. I learned that anyone can join the NAACP, so I joined. There is so much more that I need to learn. I feel ignorant and embarrassed that I could get this far down the path, and not know so much. I guess I was a typical, white, middle class American male. Dr. King had his hand on the SOLUTION LEVER and was beginning to really push it when he was murdered. The solution is UNITY. Not a melting pot, but unity of the people - with all of our BEAUTIFUL DIVERSITY of colors, religions, sexual orientations, sizes, shapes and cultures. Unity with ourselves and the people of the world—in spite of the fear and hatred spread by some in our government. Unity with ourselves and the people of the world—in spite of the illegal and immoral acts promoted by some in our government. Dr. King knew the keys to unity are education and communication. We must learn about other people. We must communicate with other people. I leave you with two thoughts—Leaders are supposed to solve problems, not create them, and—If you have to hurt someone to solve a problem, YOU are the problem. Peace! It was tempting to cheer after the recent capture of Saddam Hussein. After all, by all accounts he was a brutal dictator, and without his commands and money, Iraq and the world would be a much safer place. Since his capture, however, there has apparently been an increase in violence in Iraq, not a decrease. And, now we're under a terrorism alert in our own countryReport on CANOPAS Pot Luck, Kathie and John Gourlay, January 7, 2007
Campaign Phone Call Harrassment, Carolyn Holland, November 5, 2006
An Invitation to the CANOPAS Vigils, Jan Bernath, October 27, 2006
Another Invitation, Elizabeth Hammer, October 25, 2006
Dirty Campaigning—Still An American Way of Life, Marijo Grogan, August 3, 2006
Bush Responsible for the Image He Has Created, Gary Maveal, March 23, 2006, The Chelsea Standard
2000 Candles, C. S. MacFarlan
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
Two thousand candles
Let us mourn our nations' loss
Two thousand soldiers
who have paid the ultimate cost
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
Two thousand candles
Is there a name here you know?
Or didn't you meet them
before they had to go
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
Two thousand candles
Imagine in their glow
How much of our future was given
In exchange for a box and a ribbon
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
Two thousand candles
Illuminate the night
Retaliation does not make a war right
Let us follow the truth without sacrificing life
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
Two thousand candles
War should not be
Only death and brute force
Claim their hollow victory
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
A war in Iraq
If this is the price
for our freedom they've paid
Then let us all pray for a new better day
Where we resolve problems in a civilized way
Without all our young men and women sent marching away
Two thousand candles
We can't bring them back
Two thousand candles
Stop the war in IraqThird Anniversary of the War, John Rayer, March 19, 2006, submitted to The Chelsea Standard
Iraq Veterans Oppose Bush, John Gourlay, February 12, 2006
Michigan Peace Network Meeting Report, John Gourlay, February 8, 2006
President Bush Has Vastly Exceeded His Powers, John Rayer and Stacey Rayer, December 21, 2005
We All Are Responsible, Kathie Gourlay, December 16, 2005
The U. S. Should Withdraw Troops, John Gourlay, December 8, 2005
The United States Should Leave Iraq, Lynn Meadows, December 8, 2005
War Is Failure, Arny Stieber, December 4, 2005
Make the President Do What He Says, John Gourlay, November 28, 2005
A letter to Representative Schwarz and Senators Levin and Stabenow:
Journey into the Belly of the Beast, Marijo Grogan, November 24, 2005
Journey into the Belly of the Beast, Nov. 15-21, School of the Americas
Ending the Iraq Debacle / Holding the President Accountable / H. Res. 505, Gary & Jackie Maveal, November 4, 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
128 Cannon Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Schwarz:Demonstrating Respect for the Troops, Cathy Muha, September, 2005, Chelsea Standard
Wishful Thinking by Our President's Supporters, Gary Maveal, August 8, 2005, Detroit News
Masses Recognizing the Obvious, Roy Schmidt, June 30, 2005, Chelsea Standard
Chelsea Memorial Day Parade
Arnold Stieber, May 26, 2005
Paula Herzog, May 31, 2005
Arny Stieber, May 31, 2005
It's time to rethink our tactics in Iraq, John Deikis, March 17, 2005
Aristide Needs to be Returned, Kathie Gourlay, January 31, 2005
What Kind of Nation Are We Fighting For?, Arnold E. Stieber, January 24, 2005
Report on the CANOPAS Peace Potluck, Kathie Gourlay, January 16, 2005
MLK Day Ad
Wishes for Peace on Earth, Lynn Meadows and Suzy Morse, December 23, 2004
Support Our Troops with the Gift of Peace, Arnold E. Stieber, December 12, 2004
Local Troops to Iraq, Arny Stieber, November 7, 2004
Seagraves Would Serve the 7th District Well, Kurt Wheelock, October 21, 2004
John Kerry Is in Touch with Reality, Arny Stieber, October 15, 2004
Kerry-Edwards Will Bring Back Credibility, Elizabeth Hammer, October 14, 2004
Presidential Debate Offered Lots of Insight, Bernadette Malinoski, October 7, 2004
Bush Lacks Judgment, Understanding, John Gourlay, October 7, 2004
Defend, Don't Offend, America, Elizabeth Hammer, September 30, 2004
How Can Military People Support Bush?, Mike Muha, September 16, 2004
We Must Lead by Example,
Arnold Stieber, August 9, 2004
Demonstration Photo, Lynn Meadows, June 20, 2004
Defend, Don't Offend, America, Elizabeth Hammer, September 30, 2004
How Can Military People Support Bush?, Mike Muha, September 16, 2004
We Must Lead by Example,
Arnold Stieber, August 9, 2004
Demonstration Photo, Lynn Meadows, June 20, 2004
A Quiet Voice from Behind the Facade, Lorin Kummer, June 4, 2004
LorinSome of These People Were in Fact…Veterans, Bob Krzewinski, June 4, 2004
Bob Krzewinski
US Navy 1973-1979
Coordinator,
Washtenaw County Chapter - Veterans For Peace
Wait a Minute, John Rayer, April 20, 2004
Enemy Mine, C. S. MacFarlan
Bin Laden is not the enemy,
and sufficed to say,
whether he be alive or dead,
will bearly effect the day.
Is it the man that makes the moment,
or the moment that makes the man?
Will his breathless body
separate the blood from the sand?
Who will be the next we blame,
how many syllables in his name?
Can we turn the mirror around,
where one syllable me is found.
How much truth does justice seek?
Will we open the doors,
or just take a peek.
Justification is a time bound stance,
but infinite justice
remains in Gods hands.
Now you have a different name,
You point the finger at Saddam Hussein.
Once a friend,
Now a foe
Unilateral seeds of destruction
you begin to sow.
The cautious consideration of nations,
rebuked in a world gone mad,
further sacrificing
what little respect we had.
Clouded with accusations
everyone starts to hide
All in the name of freedom
Is this why our young men have died?
Bush's Stands, Elizabeth Hammer, March 7, 2004
Terrorist Training, Arny Stieber, March 17, 2004
True Americans Think, Arny Stieber, March 12, 2004
Deb Regal Promotes Military Families Speak Out, February, 2004
Members Recommend, February, 2004
Letter Spread Misinformation, John Rayer, February 5, 2004
question of weapons of mass destruction is still unanswered.
Allow me to answer this question for him and any others that may be confused; not a single wmd has been found in Iraq. None. This is after years of the most intrusive and complete weapons inspections in the history of man, the invasion by one of the most successful and professionally executed military operations ever and two separate 1400 member expeditionary forces dedicated to finding the alleged wmd's.a great American hero
who strives to speak the truth, regardless of the cost
. It is his belief that Iraq had no wmd's after 1998. Please read his book Frontier Justice
(context books).Does this mean that Kamel's testimony had been known in Washington and London more than seven years before Bush's address last January, and that during that entire period no evidence had come to light poking holes in the information he provided? Yes
WMD in Iraq
, here are some of the findings:
Defending CANOPAS, January 29, 2004
Suzy Morse
Gary Maveal
Veteran for Peace, Arny Stieber, January 19, 2004
Nothing to Cheer About, John Gourlay, January 8, 2004
