Friday! At last! The study group's going on but Elaine and I both wanted to break away and post before midnight for a change on Fridays. So what a week, huh?
The 3500 mark got passed. I think it was a sentence or two when it was noted at all. Of course that will be shoved on off on the public -- "WHY DON'T THEY CARE!!!!!" Well, let's see, I got day two of Israel on Democracy Now! today. Wednesday, a discussion on Iraq was a third less than Murray Waas showing his ass on Democracy Now! as he went on and on about Scoots Libby. So you got a line or two during headlines and that was it. The vet walking around California's state house? Not a story. The vet on the federal building in Washington? Not a story. Adam Kokesh, Cloy Richards and Liam Madden? Not a story.
Who's not caring? And Democracy Now!'s probably the best national program there is. So don't say it's about the people not caring. It's about the press not caring. Iraq can "wait," it can always "wait." Day after day, week after week. Hey, it's just an illegal war, right? No need to be concerned. Maybe when 2 million Iraqis are dead or when it's 6,000 US troops killed, someone in the press will give a damn. Maybe not.
John Pilger is on a speaking tour (details in the snapshot) and I thought I'd note some of his
"The British Army Rebels Against PropagandaBy John Pilger:"
"ICH" - --- - -An experienced British officer serving in Iraq has written to the BBC describing the invasion as "illegal, immoral and unwinnable" which, he says, is "the overwhelming feeling of many of my peers". In a letter to the BBC's Newsnight and Medialens.org he accuses the media's "embedded coverage with the US Army" of failing to question "the intentions and continuing effects of the US-led invasion and occupation".
He says most British soldiers regard their tours as "loathsome", during which they "reluctantly [provide] target practice for insurgents, senselessly haemorrhaging casualties and squandering soldiers' lives, as part of Bush's vain attempt to delay the inevitable Anglo-US rout until after the next US election." He appeals to journalists not to swallow "the official line/ White House propaganda".
In 1970, I made a film in Vietnam called The Quiet Mutiny in which GIs spoke out about their hatred of that war and its "official line/White House propaganda". The experiences in Iraq and Vietnam are both very different and strikingly similar. There was much less "embedded coverage" in Vietnam, although there was censorship by omission, which is standard practice today.
What is different about Iraq is the willingness of usually obedient British soldiers to speak their minds, from General Richard Dannatt, Britain's current military chief, who said that the presence of his troops in Iraq "exacerbates the security problem", to General Michael Rose who has called for Tony Blair to be impeached for taking Britain to war "on false grounds" – remarks that are mild compared with the blogs of squaddies.
What is also different is the growing awareness in the British forces and the public of how "the official line" is played through the media. This can be quite crude: for example when a BBC defence correspondent in Iraq described the aim of the Anglo-American invasion as "bring[ing] democracy and human rights" to Iraq. The Director of BBC Television, Helen Boaden, backed him up with a sheaf of quotations from Blair that this was indeed the aim, implying that Blair's notorious word was enough.
More often than not, censorship by omission is employed: for example, by omitting the fact that almost 80 per cent of attacks are directed against the occupation forces (source: the Pentagon) so as to give the impression that the occupiers are doing their best to separate "warring tribes" and are crisis managers rather than the cause of the crisis.
That's the BBC and we know how bad things are here (US). Where's the outrage? Clamped down by the nonsense media. Bully Boy is a war criminal and he and Dick Cheney should be impeached. If you agree, you'll enjoy this from Dave Lindorff's "A Criminal Conspiracy in the White House:"
Down the shore yesterday, as we say in Philly, I was body surfing in the Atlantic and it got me to thinking.
On the East Coast, where the prevailing winds are offshore, the surf tends to be pretty tame, and Thursday was no exception, with the biggest waves cresting at perhaps three feet. Nonetheless, these little combers were able to send my prone body racing 100 feet toward the beach at a good clip.
There's a lot of energy packed in even a small wave.
Just so with impeachment, where a wave is slowly building for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney.
Since Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) filed his impeachment bill against Cheney back April 24, five other members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors, most recently Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She joins Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL and chief deputy whip of the House), William Lacy Clay (D-IL) and Albert Wynn (D-MD) as co-sponsors of H. Res. 333.
Flash Update! Just to make the point about how this wave is building, shortly after I filed this piece, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), another co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, signed on as a co-sponsor of H.Res. 333. Cheney has to be starting to sweat...
Kucinich's bill is narrowly focused on Cheney's criminal role in lying the nation into an illegal invasion of Iraq, and on his illegal threat to launch an unprovoked attack on Iran.
The wave that is building in the House for impeachment of this criminal administration may seem small, but it is definitely building. As each new representative signs on to H. Res. 333 as a co-sponsor, others gain courage and find it easier to buck the "leadership" of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi et al.
It seems likely that as the magnitude of that wave grows, some members will add to the list of Cheney's crimes with their own additional impeachment bills. After all, Cheney was clearly behind the illegal outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson, was involved in the politicization of the Justice Department, and is now known to have been involved in the illegal, warrantless wiretapping and internet monitoring of American citizens by the National Security Agency.
At some point, there will surely be a second wave, which will begin with a member impeachment bill against President Bush.
Evidence that Pelosi is losing her footing is coming in many forms.
I don't think David Lindorff's a liar. But I can't believe the above. It just seems to good to be true. I hope he's right. But I can't get my high hopes this time. I've done that before. Assumed that Congress would have to impeach. I assumed that with the Downing Street Memos, with the outing of Valerie Plame and then when the Dems took control of both houses of Congress. Again, I am not calling David Lindorff a liar. And I hope he's right, but I've gotten my hopes up high before only to find out otherwise and that's a nasty fall.
Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot" and C.I.'s discussing the Liam Madden press conference we got to attend yesterday:
Friday, June 8, 2007. Chaos and violence continue, Baghdad Christians get a warning, Mitt Romney cares about "faulty intelligence" except when he doesn't, and the US military continues to use prosecution as an attempt to silence dissent.
Yesterday, in Boston, Liam Madden spoke on the steps in front of the Massachusetts State House wearing a black Iraq Veterans Against the War t-shirt and jeans about the efforts of the US miltary to, as with Adam Kokesh and Cloy Richards, silence him. Madden sees the "hearing and this investigation to be a vindicative waste of tax payer dollars to silence free speech and to assault the First Amendment rights of our veterans." Madden was honorably discharged from active duty status (with the rank of Sgt.) in January only to be notified May 14 that he "was being recommnded for an other than honorable discharge from the IRR [Inactive Ready Reserves]." He is being investigated for two things. First, for "wearing a partial uniform at a protest" which he translated as "a camaflage utility top, unbuttoned with jeans and t-shirt" and noted that Vietnam veterans, during that illegal war, participated in demonstrations, rallies, etc. in their uniforms with no such punishment. He is also accused of making "disloyal" statements while speaking last February. Before taking questions, he concluded with, "I stand by what I said." If you stand with Liam Madden, you can demonstrate that by signing a petition in support of Madden.
In the question and answers that followed, he was asked of Adam Kokesh and responded,
"Adam's case is different than mine he was charged with wearing a uniform during a political street theater and also with making disrespectful comments to a superior commissioned officer. So his charges are different and the board will be different. And that is just one grounds that Adam has to appeal his case." Notice how well, and briefly, Madden can sum up the issues at stake in Kokesh's case. Much better than you can find it done in the media. Take Marilou Johanek (Toledo Blade) whose column should be entitled "Call Me a Dumb Ass" when she makes fact-free statements such as this: "As long as a reservist is still obligated to the Marine Corps and can be reactivated at any time, he must play by the rules." The rules everyone must "play by" are the rules governing our nation so, pay attention Johanek, when the Supreme Court rules in Schacht v. United States (1970) that the US military has no right to dictate theater productions -- when Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black specifically notes that street theater is theater -- that's it, it's over. Prior to Schacht v. United States, the US military thought they had the right to allow some productions (pro-military) and disallow others (anti-military). They thought they had the right to determine whether their uniforms could be worn or not based on what they thought of the performance. Daniel Jay Schecht participated (with two others) in street theater (not at all different from Operation First Casualty that Kokesh did) in front of a recruiting center in 1967. The case made it to the Supreme Court and the Court found that the US military had no say in theaterical productions. Let's quote Justice Hugo Black one more time since it's so difficult for some to grasp:
The Government's argument in this case seems to imply that somehow what these amateur actors did in Houston should not be treated as a "theatrical production" within the meaning of 772 (f). We are unable to follow such a suggestion. Certainly theatrical productions need not always be performed in buildings or even on a defined area such as a conventional stage. Nor need they be performed by professional actors or be heavily financed or elaborately produced. Since time immemorial, outdoor theatrical performances, often performed by amateurs, have played an important part in the entertainment and the education of the people of the world. Here, the record shows without dispute the preparation and repeated presentation by amateur actors of a short play designed to create in the audience an understanding of and opposition to our participation in the Vietnam war. Supra, at 60 and this page. It may be that the performances were crude and [398 U.S. 58, 62] amateurish and perhaps unappealing, but the same thing can be said about many theatrical performances. We cannot believe that when Congress wrote out a special exception for theatrical productions it intended to protect only a narrow and limited category of professionally produced plays. 3 Of course, we need not decide here all the questions concerning what is and what is not within the scope of 772 (f). We need only find, as we emphatically do, that the street skit in which Schacht participated was a "theatrical production" within the meaning of that section.
This brings us to petitioner's complaint that giving force and effect to the last clause of 772 (f) would impose an unconstitutional restraint on his right of free speech. We agree. This clause on its face simply restricts 772 (f)'s authorization to those dramatic portrayals that do not "tend to discredit" the military, but, when this restriction is read together with 18 U.S.C. 702, it becomes clear that Congress has in effect made it a crime for an actor wearing a military uniform to say things during his performance critical of the conduct or [398 U.S. 58,63] policies of the Armed Forces. An actor, like everyone else in our country, enjoys a constitutional right to freedom of speech, including the right openly to criticize the Government during a dramatic performance. The last clause of 772 (f) denies this constitutional right to an actor who is wearing a military uniform by making it a crime for him to say things that tend to bring the military into discredit and disrepute. In the present case Schacht was free to participate in any skit at the demonstration that praised the Army, but under the final clause of 772 (f) he could be convicted of a federal offense if his portrayal attacked the Army instead of praising it. In light of our earlier finding that the skit in which Schacht participated was a "theatrical production" within the meaning of 772 (f), it follows that his conviction can be sustained only if he can be punished for speaking out against the role of our Army and our country in Vietnam. Clearly punishment for this reason would be an unconstitutional abridgment of freedom of speech. The final clause of 772 (f), which leaves Americans free to praise the war in Vietnam but can send persons like Schacht to prison for opposing it, cannot survive in a country which has the First Amendment. To preserve the constitutionality of 772 (f) that final clause must be stricken from the section.
To repeat: the US military has no say regarding theater (street or otherwise). To repeat, and you have to go to Iraq Veterans Against the War to find this out because idiots like Heather Hollingsworth left it out of the reports, "the Marine Corps panel, as well as the prosecution's key witness, Major Whyte, agreed that the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) does not apply to members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)." UCMJ does not apply to IRR? That only leaves the Supreme Court verdict.
Mark Rainer (World Socialist Web Site) notes that Kokesh's military appeal was denied Wednesday and the panel's finding "must now be approved by Brig. Gen. Darrell Moore, commander of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in Kansas City, Missouri. A decision is expected within a week. According to Kokesh's attorney Mike Lebowitz, who is also an Iraq veteran, Moore cannot increase Kokesh's punishment by issuing an other-than-honorable discharge, but can only accept the board's general discharge recommendation, or reinstate the honorable discharge." If the other-than-honorable discharge stands, Tom A. Peter (Christian Science Monitor) reports, it "probably won't affect his veterans' benefits. But two other marines in the IRR [Liam Madden and Cloy Richards] face similar charges and risk losing their veterans' benefits, such as healthcare and money for education."
Turning to other news of war resistance, earlier this week Geoff Ziezuleicz (Stars and Stripes) reported that US war resister Aguayo will recieve an award from AnStifter, "According to an interpreted release put out last week by Connection e.V., another German anti-war group, the prize will be awarded to Aguayo on Dec. 1 during a ceremony in Stuttgart."
The movement of resistance within the US military grows and includes Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Augstin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder , Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Joshua Key, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Jeremy Hinzman, Stephen Funk, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Care and Kevin Benderman. In total, forty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum.
Information on war resistance within the military can be found at Center on Conscience & War, The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters.
In Iraq, oil workers went on strike and the puppet government's response? As Great Britain's Socialist Worker noted Wednesday, the response was to order "the arrest of four leaders of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, including Hassan Jumaa Awad, for 'sabotaging the Iraqi economy' by ordering a strike." The puppet government believes the most important 'freedom' is the 'freedom to arrest' whomever they want for whatever they want. Ben Lando (UPI via AfterDowningStreet) reports US House Rep Lynn Woolsey has stated, "If they're working for a true democracy, working rights have to be front and center". Ben Lando (UPI) reports today: "With an arrest warrant looming, an Iraqi union leader warned during a U.S. visit failed negotiations will escalate a standoff in Basra's oil sector. Faleh Abood Umara, general secretary of the Iraq Federation of Oil Unions, said a five-day colling off/negotiation period, which began Wednesday, is crucial to keep Iraq's oil sector pumping and 1.6 million barrels per day flowing to the global oil market." Also under attack are Christians in Baghdad. Hannah Allam and Lelia Fadel (McClatchy Newspapers) report that a group suspected ties of al-Qaeda have issued an edict to Christians living in Baghdad: "Convert to Islam, marry your daughters to our fighters, pay an Islamic tax or leave with only the clothes on your back." That would be the city of the fabled 'crackdown,' ongoing for over a year now, repeatedly beefed up, with no results to show for it. Unless you see 'success' in CNN's report that the first week of June saw 199 corpses discovered in Baghdad alone. "Actually alarming" is the phrase China's Xinhua reports Iraq's Sunni vice-president Tareq al-Hsahimi used to describe his country while visiting Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak Wednesday.
Bombings?
Mohammed Al Dulaimy (McClatchy Newspapers) reports that the "Fatah Basha mosque, Sunni mosque, in Al Bayaa neighborhood" of Baghdad was bombed, an Al Sakran bombing that killed 2 police officers (one more wounded), that a bombing involving a person in a "vest bomb" and a parked car in Kirkuk resulted in 19 dead (20 wounded), and two car bombings in Al Qurna led to 10 dead (25 wounded). Reuters notes a mini-bus explosion outside Basra that left 12 dead (33 injured) and 19 dead from a Dakok car bombing (20 wounded).
Shootings?
Mohammed Al Dulaimy (McClatchy Newspapers) reports Colonel Ali Dilaiyan Al Journai's Diyala province home was invaded and his "wife, his son and 10 policemen" were shot dead in a home invasion in which three police officers were also kidnapped while in Basra Lt. Ali Adai was shot dead. Reuters raises the death toll on the home invasion from 12 to 14. BBC reports that the 14 includes the police Col.'s wife but that three of their children are kidnapped. CBS and AP note that the children (undetermined age) are thought to include two males and one female and note: "Unknown gunmen speeding by in the northern city of Kirkuk shot and killed a soldier, Adnan Mahmoud, as he drove with his 2-year-old daughter Friday morning. The child also was killed, said police Capt. Jassim Abdullah." On the home invasion, Kim Gamel (AP) reports that the three children kidnapped are "grown children" and that Col. al-Jorani is Sunni.
Corpses?
Mohammed Al Dulaimy (McClatchy Newspapers) reports 7 corpses discovered in Baghdad. Reuters notes 4 corpses discovered in Falluja.
In the United States, Petey Pace has given the full Rumsfeld. AFP reports that US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates declared today that General Pace will not remain "as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to avoid a divisive showdown in Congress focusing on the Iraq war" and quotes Pace declaring he is "disappointed." Admiral Edmund Giambastiani has been picked to replace Pace. He will require Senate confirmation. CBS and AP state: "The decision has been in the works for more than a couple of weeks, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports."
In US political news, Noam N. Levey (Los Angeles Times) informs that Sam Brownback and Gordon Smith, Republican US senators, "got behind new legislation designed to encourage the Bush administration to reduce U.S. military involvement in Iraq" and that this "comes a day after five GOP senators signed on to separate legislation that would enact the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which envisioned most U.S. combat troops coming home by early 2008." Brownback is also hoping to become the GOP nominee for the 2008 US presidential race. In news of other GOP candidates for president,
CounterSpin offered this today:
Janine Jackson: In the June 5th Republican presidential candidates debate former governor Mitt Romney made a straight up factual error claiming that Saddam Hussein had not allowed inspectors into Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction in advance of the 2003 invasion. That's simply wrong. Inspectors were in Iraq -- looking for, but not finding, WMDs up until they were ordered out before the war began, Perhaps Romney was misled by reading the paper or numerous papers over the years? The story about Saddam Hussein not allowing inspections is one of those mainstream media seem to find too useful to let go of despite its utter falsehood. When George W. Bush himself made the same claim in July of 2003 most outlets didn't even report it while the Washington Post boldly declared that Bush's claim "appeared to contradict the events leading up to war." Even though the story is completely bogus, media have gotten it wrong so often that for them it seems to carry a cloud of ambiguity thus Democratic strategist Paul Begala found himself having to debate a basic fact of history on CNN's Anderson Cooper show. Begala said Romney's error was "like saying the Mexicans bombed Pearl Harbor." But he was outnumbered by Republican strategist Mike Murphy and by conservative pundit Amy Holmes making the historical record seem like a minority opinion. Even worse, Begala himself screwed up by asserting that Saddam Hussein had thrown out inspectors in 1998 before a round of US bombing directed by Bill Clinton. That too was false but it's also a perinneal media myth. In the end, Anderson Cooper was left to declare, "We're not going to get this resolved tonight." To which viewers might respond, "No, so long as falsehoods are given the same weight as facts, it seems unlikely such matters will be resolved."
Of the lack of serious attention to Romney's error/lie, Robert Parry (Consortium News) explains, "The answer to the media question of why the U.S. press corps didn't object to Romney's bogus account is that Washington journalists have accepted this revisionist history since Bush began lying about the facts in July 2003. . . . Facing no contradiction from the White House press corps, Bush continued repeating this lie in varied forms over the next four years as part of his public litany for defending the invasion."
Romney's offered other reasons in the past for why he believes the US started the Iraq war. In 2005, when he met with military families, he cited a different reason for the illegal war. Scott Helman (Boston Globe via Military Families Speak Out) reported October 18, 2005: "After meeting with six families whose loved ones have served in Iraq, Governor Mitt Romney said yesterday that the United States had invaded the country based on 'faulty intelligence.' But he refused to press President Bush to bring home the state's National Guard." In a Februrary 2006 report by Glen Johnson (AP), Romney was continuing to cite "faulty intelligence" and Johnson observed, "Romney's kaleidoscopic views have allowed him to express support for the war when it benefits him and his potential candidacy, but maintain distance from the president when necessary." "Faulty intelligence," so oft cited by Romney, is something you might expect his campaign to run from. That really hasn't been the case.
Romney was pleased as punch to discuss all the 'flip-flops' of his rivals in an interview with Liz Sidoti (AP) last April and revealed he had a "senior adviser" joining his campaign one with a "faulty intelligence" connection of his own:
Cofer Black served as the director of the CIA Counterterrorism Center during the attacks and was singled out for especially harsh criticism by the agency's inspector general in a 2005 report on faulty intelligence efforts before the attacks. Black has worked for the past two years as vice chairman of Blackwater USA, a North Carolina-based security firm which specializes in private security and private military services.
Turning to Democratic presidential candidates, Matthew Rothschild interviewed David Swanson for this week's Progressive Radio about a number of issues including US House Rep Dennis Kucinich who is running to be the Democratic 2008 presidential nominee:
David Swanson: It's a real uphill fight and it's a fight largely against the media. . . . In that [2004] campaign, before I even got involved, when there was no separation among the candidates in the polling or the financing, he was blacked out. There were other candidates
getting hundreds, literally hundreds of times the coverage.
Matthew Rothschild: The thing that stuck in my mind from the media coverage of the Kucinich campaign was the one Ted Koppel debate where Kucinich really took it to Ted Koppel and actually won the debate and you could search high and low in the media stories
to find reference to Kucinich at all, much less the fact that he clearly won the thing, hands down.
David Swanson: Yeah, it became a verb to get Koppel-ed and Kucinich really let him have it because he [Koppel] opened this debate in New Hampshire with a question about polls a question about money and so on, and Kucinch said "Wait a minute, look at what you've just done. Here are the topics you've addressed. We've wasted half the debate." And the crowd went nuts because the crowd gets it, you know, and they understand that the media is determining who is quote-unquote "viable" and who is not and what that power means and how the media trivializes the debate. And so that applause was just thunderous.
Matthew Rothschild: And they're doing it again this time.
David Swanson: Oh absolutely. . . . But it's going to depend on people overcoming that prejudice and saying "Wait a minute. It's two years until this thing happens, don't tell me who is viable or not and even if I want to influence who you tell me is viable the best way for me to do it is to back who's with me and if he ends up winning, we'll prove you wrong and you'll have to cover it because he'll be president."
KPFA will broadcast a special tomorrow (Saturday, June 9th) beginning at 11:00 am.
Sunday, June 10th marks four decades of Israel's illegal military occupation of Palestine, against a backdrop of nearly sixty years of ethnic transfer and displacement.
On this national Pacifica special, producers from around the country investigate the cause and effect of Israel's continuous military occupation policies toward the Palestinians, which permeates every aspect of life - from the suffocating checkpoints and land theft inside the West Bank to the violence and chaos inside a hermetically-sealed Gaza strip; to the issues of identity and culture in a widening diaspora.
As international witnesses to an ongoing crisis in occupied Palestine, this special will also address America's role of responsibility toward the intractable Palestinian-Israeli crisis and offer avenues of involvement in peace, justice and solidarity movements.
Hear Palestinian voices from the older generation and today's youth movements, from refugee camps and the Palestinian diaspora.
This is a Pacifica Radio special so it will likely be broadcast on other stations as well. Houston's KPFT will broadcast it Sunday, June 10th at 6:00 pm. Flashpoints Radio's Nora Barrows-Friedman will be the host or one of the hosts.
In other media news, as independent media continues to be under attack, News Dissector Danny Schechter's "Special Blog: Can Our Media Channel Survive?" announces the potential fate of Mediachannel.org which may shut down: "If we can get 1500 of our readers (that means you) to give $25, we can keep going for another quarter. [PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION ONLINE]"
Finally, independent journalist John Pilger is on a speaking tour with his new book Freedom Next Time and his documentary Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (which looks at DC, Afghanistan and Iraq). June 11th, Pilger will be in Los Angeles at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (244 S. San Pedro St.) and will discuss his book and show his documentary beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). The price of admission to the even is five dollars. "Directions, maps, and parking info at: http://www.jaccc.org/directions.htmPresented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, and The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call or visit the JACCC. Box office: 213-680-3700 (Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday: Noon - 5 pm)For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilger.la@gmail.com."June 13th finds him in San Francisco showing his film and discussing his book at Yerba Beuna Center for Arts (beginning at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm) and the price of admission is $15 general and $5 for students. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, and KPFA, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call 415-978-2787 or order online at http://www.ybca.org/. In person tickets at YBCA Box office located inside the Galleries and Forum Building, 701 Mission Street at Third. (Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun: noon - 5 pm; Thu: noon - 8 pm.) For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilgersf@gmail.com."From San Francisco, he moves on to Chicago for the 2007 Socialism conference. At 11:30 am Saturday June 16th, he and Anthony Arnove will participate in a conversation, audience dialogue and book signing (Arnove is the author most recently of IRAQ: The Logic of Withdrawal) and that evening (still June 16th) at 7:30 Pilger will be at Chicago Crowne Plaza O'Hare (5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018) as part of a panel of international activists. To attend the conference, the fee is $85. For Saturday and Sunday only, the price is $70. To attend only one session, the cost is ten dollars. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. Co-sponsors: Obrera Socialista, Socialist Worker, International Socialist Review, and Haymarket Books. For ticket information, call 773-583-8665 or e-mail info@socialismconference.org For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org. For more information, email info@socialismconference.org."The Socialism 2007 conference will take place in Chicago from June 14-17. Along with Pilger and Arnove, others participating will include Dahr Jamail, Laura Flanders, Kelly Dougherty, Joshua Frank, Amy Goodman, Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin, Camilo Mejia, Jeremy Scahill, Jeffrey St. Clair and many others.
like maria said paz
the common ills
mikey likes it
iraq
liam madden
adam kokeshiraq veterans against the war
marilou johanekmark rainer
counterspin
janine jackson
tom a. peter
geoff ziezulewiczagustin aguayo
the socialist worker
matthew rothschildrobert parry
flashpointsnora barrows friedman
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Liam Madden, Law & Disorder, Joel Kovel
Thursday! Almost Friday! I got Wally, Ty and C.I. with me tonight! :D They came into town to speak and to attend Liam Madden's press conference/demonstration (which I did too -- attended, I didn't have to fly here!). C.I.'s writing about it in the weekly column for the gina & krista round-robin. I'll note that I was glad the turnout was a healthy one. The US military is going after Liam Madden and Cloy Richards like they are Adam Kokesh.
They can't handle it, people speaking the truth, so they try to shut them up. I cut classes for this and also to speak to two groups of high school students with Wally, Ty and C.I. (I told my prof). (Oh, I got an A on my test Monday!!!!) That was a lot of fun and I grabbed Liam and Cloy for my time speaking because I knew C.I. would grab Adam. Ty talked about the 3500 mark being passed (total number of US service members killed in the Iraq war -- and it's 3504 unless it's gone up since this afternoon) and about over 655,000 Iraqis and Wally talked about . . . I had to stop and ask Wally, "What did you talk about?" :D He made a joke about how memorable he must be but I'm just tired and having fun. Wally talked about the Iraqi refugees and the lack of electricity, potable water, etc.
I had told Ma there would be three overnight guests but was going to tell her who in person then ended up rushing out. She's fine with guests but she did think we'd have eaten (she and Dad had gone out to eat with friends). She came in and C.I. and Ty were making pigs in the blanket and she started saying, "No, no, no, I'll cook something!" :D C.I. goes, "Wally, pigs in the blanket?" Wally goes, "Love 'em." :D Ma insisted on making a salad which was really good and she and Dad ate some salad with us. Well, Dad didn't. :D C.I. had brought CDs and wanted me to especially hear one. Dad was ripping through that plastic and getting the CDs up and playing. Then Dad was mainly talking music and not so much eating anything. :D
They're all speaking tomorrow (I won't be able to join them) and spending at least four hours with Rebecca (and Flyboy and the new baby and probably Ruth). Then Ty and C.I. head back to the West Coast but I get to have Wally for the weekend and on through next week. He's not taking any classes right now. Ma didn't realize he was coming today but she did know he was staying this month because she's friends with Wally's mom and they're on the phone to each other several times a week.
So it was a really good day. We got to hear Liam. We got to speak to some high schools and we got to have a lot of fun this evening. And still will! Though C.I.'s got to do "And the war drags on" tonight. And isn't too sure on what to write about in that. I know it's a lot of work to do The Common Ills and help with The Third Estate Sunday Review (that probably shouldn't be "help with" since C.I. and Ava are the only two who have never missed a week out of all the people who work each Sunday) and do the columns for the four community newsletters. That's four columns a week. I usually have some idea of a topic I'll be writing about later, like by mid-day, I'll usually know what I'll be writing about that evening. I don't think I could play it by ear like C.I. Not knowing that I had all that to do. I think I'd freak out! :D Seriously.
Ari Hest was the guy C.I. wanted me to listen to and I really love the CD. Dad loves the first song and kept getting up from the table to start it over. Ma finally had to tell him "I think there are other songs on the CD." :D It's called The Break In. And we're going to Chicago Saturday (I think Saturday) to see him in concert. So that will be real cool. (And thanks to C.I. for the CD and the tickets.) Ma says she'll watch Rebecca's baby if Rebecca and Flyboy want to go. I should call them tonight to see if they want to. I know I'll see them tomorrow but this way they can think about it and talk about it.
Wally just asked if we could chill in the living room listening to tunes and Ty's up for it (you know Dad is going to love that!) so I guess we're staying in. (Which is cool. I just always feel like when people visit you should take them somewhere. But I forget that Wally, Ty and C.I. flew in today and were speaking before I was able to join them. They probably are tired and they were doing this with C.I. all week. They are probably about to fall over and drop! C.I. moves fast and you really do have to say, "I'm hungry" or C.I. will be too focused on what's going on and forget.)
Let me talk about Law and Disorder which aired Monday on WBAI and airs on other radio stations too. The first section was on the Guantamo prisoner's death and this was a section featuring Dalia Hashad and the Michaels (Ratner and Smith). The prisoner was Saudi Arabian and he didn't have an attorney. Michael Ratner made the point that we don't know what happens in Guantanamo (there's no checks and balance and no openess) so we shouldn't be so quick to accept the official version because "it's conceivable he was murdered." This was a really strong section and we talked about that death last week but I did accept the official explanation so let me be clear that the only 'proof' of suicide was that government said it was suicide. Who knows what goes on there? They talked about the efforts to shut down Guantanamo and restore the rights of law and Michael Ratner said you could go to the Center for Constitutional Rights for more on that.
The second segment was about the so-called war on terror and how Congress has just rolled over and continues to roll over on this. They just refuse to stand up to the administration, even after all this time. No one's asking them to create brand new laws, just to make sure the Constitution and rule of law is followed. But that's too much for these people who took an oath to uphold the Constitution.
The next segment was on torture as well and it was on torture in Chicago. They had Flint Taylor back on and I was glad Dalia pointed out that they get lots of new listeners all the time so Flint should back up to explain a little for anyone that was new. Flint talked about how torture was used regularly by the police (and it reminded me a lot of the speech last week, how the Black Panthers were tortured in New Orleans). They would torture people to force them to confess (to anything, because that's what torture does) and they might use electric shocks or try to cut off their breathing or whatever. Jon Burge was the guy giving orders for the police during this time (seventies and eighties) and they just kept at it because no one (including the current mayor Richard Daley who was already in government back when this was going on) forced them to stop. So you can call this not just torture but government condoned torture.
The last segment was with Joel Kovel and they had a speech of his not long ago. He wrote Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine. He talked about how he made a decision (Overcoming Zionism) to look at the situation beyond his own religion (Jewish) and he talked about how there was this feeling (after the very real tragedies of the Holocaust) that 'the people' deserved a place of their own meaning a nation-state because that was the big thing then. But how that overlooked two things. (1) They weren't moving into vacant land. (2) 'The people' were not uniform but Jewish people from various countries with various outlooks. Dalia asked him about why some on the left had such a hard time even discussing this topic? Want the answer? Listen to the show! Seriously, I can't point fingers. I knew nothing really about this. We aren't taught it in school (or I wasn't) and the press always plays like anything Israel does is for defense and they really, really hated doing it but there was no other choice. I understand what Dalia's talking about (or think I do) and that's people who know it's wrong but avoid speaking out. But I also think it needs to be pointed out that a lot of us have gone through an educational system and never heard a word about it. If it's mentioned in high school, it's current events and not in the text book and then, in my classes anyway, no teacher says, "Let's talk about the history here." It's just read the clipping or watch the segment (if they've brought a TV into the room to play the night before's evening news). My point here is that you have to learn this on your own because it's not something any teacher I ever had rushed to teach. ( Joel said it has to do with the relationship of the US and Israel and has to do with guilt and deep fears. "They don't realize that you shouldn't have any kind of an ethnic state.")
Billie e-mailed asking what the last song on the show was. I had no idea and Ruth didn't either. I asked C.I. and was told it's from Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair ("I think") and it's "Gun Shy" ("I think. I'm tired."). Oh, one more thing quickly. Awhile back, Dalia interviewed Suzanne Vega for the show (as part of Amnesty's thing to draw attention to human rights around the world) and I did get the greatest hits CD and enjoyed it but the one I really love is 99.9 Degrees which is really a cool CD and I think my favorite song on Vega's CD is "When Heroes Go Down."
Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"
Thursday, June 7, 2007. Chaos and violence continue, the 3500 mark is passed, what is Turkey doing, and more.
The 3500 mark for US service members who have died in the Iraq war was passed yesterday but it takes AP (and others) a little longer to count. ICCC lists the current total as 3504. Don't expect to hear much about it or for it to lead to many pieces (or air time) exploring Iraq -- it's summer so it's time for All Things Media Big and Small to begin their summer breaks.
As with last summer -- or the 'coverage' of the 3,000 mark -- don't expect a great deal. There's an election! A cruise! A summer rental! And about fifty other 'fun' topics that will yet again grab all the attention.
As media tries to covering their mouths while yawning, the illegal war drags on and it's up to the people to stop it. Adam Kokesh did and is doing his part and maybe someday someone in little media other than Matthew Rothschild can provide some serious coverage? That is it, for the record. The Nation -- when you've got a cruise to pack for, you've got a cruise to pack for! They can't do everything! They can't even do one damn thing. But Adam Kokesh has been standing up. On Monday, he faced a hearing for engaging in street theater with other members of Iraq Veterans Against the War while he wore fatigues. The recommendation was to recommend he be issued a general discharge. Yesterday, his attorney Michael Lebowitz attempted to file an appeal but KMBC reports that the appeal was denied by Brig. Gen. and shrinking violet Darrell L. Moore who also has the "power" to decide whether the recommendation of general discharge goes forward or not. Dave Helling (Kansas City Star) notes that "Moore can't increase Kokesh's punishment by issuing an other-than-honorable discharge." Writing to Editor & Publisher, Tom Wieliczka points out that while Kokesh is punished for street theater, General Petey Pace is able to write a letter of support for convicted liar Scooter Libby and no one questions that "the hypocrisy of the military when it comes to the 'grunts' vs the 'generals' when both of them use their first amendment rights."
The movement of resistance within the US military grows and includes Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Augstin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder , Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Joshua Key, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Jeremy Hinzman, Stephen Funk, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Care and Kevin Benderman. In total, forty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum.
Information on war resistance within the military can be found at Center on Conscience & War, The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters.
Turning to the issue of Turkey? Did they or didn't they? Richard A. Oppel Jr. and Khalid W. Hassan (New York Times) obeserved that the Turkish military was reported to state yesterday that "thousands of soldiers crossed the border [into Iraq] in pursuit of members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or P.K.K." but that "American and Turkish officials quickly denied those reports". Patrick Cockburn (Independent of London) reports that Turkish troops did enter "northern Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish guerrillas" causing the US concern "that its entanglement in Iraq is about to become even more complicated if American troops and aircraf are asked to counter even a limited Turkish assault." China's Xinhua reports US State Department's flack Sean McCormak declaring, "Bottom line it for you, (I) don't think there's any substance to it. Our ambassador in Ankara, Ross Wilson, went in and talked to the Turkish General Staff, they said the reports weren't accurate." Turkish Daily News states the PKK killed 7 Turkish soldiers on Monday and wounded 6 yesterday. The Turkish Daily News also notes that the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Levent Bilman, declared yesterday that "the Turkish Republic is ready for anything any time." Lebanon's Daily Star reports that the border crossing happened, quotes a Turkish military official characterizing it as "a hot pursuit, not an incursion," and quotes their third Turkish official stating that "600 commandos entered Iraq and were backed up by several thousand troops along the border. He said the commandos raided Iraqi territory across from the Turkish border town of Cukurca before dawn after rebels from the Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK] opened fire from Iraqi soil on Turkish patrols." Audio on this topic can be found on Thursday's Flashpoints (KPFA) where Robert Knight covered it in his "Knight Report" at the start of the program noting that Jabar Yawir declared, "This afternoon ten Turkish helicopters landed in a village in Mazouri, which is 2 miles inside the Iraqi border. They landed with around 150 Turkish special forces." Scott Peterson (Christian Sciene Monitor) notes the "hot pursuit" reports as well as: "Analysts say news of the raid is a warning to both the US and Iraqi Kurds, nominally in control in northern Iraq, to clamp down on the PKK, which has waged a fight for a homeland in southeast Turkey since 1984. Peterson also notes that ill will is building and cites Metehan Demi ("Ankara bureau chief of Turkey's Sabah newspaper and a military speciailist") noting, "The Americans are not doing things deliberately. But the Americans are not acting as much as they can [to control the PKK in northern Iraq], according to Turkey. . . . When any Turkish soldier dies, immediate focus [lands] on the US -- this is the public view, that the US is not acting sincerely for Turkey as an ally." Patrick Seale (Agence Global via Pacific Free Press) maintains, "Turkey is dangerously close to launching a full-scale war across its eastern border into northern Iraq. The aim would be to wipe out the bases of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), destroy once and for all the party's separatist ambitions, and put an end to cross-border terrorist attacks and hit-and-run raids by the PKK, which have inflamed nationalist opinion in Turkey." The BBC notes the establishment of "temporary security zones" by Turkey "near its border with Iraq, where it has already deployed extra forces." Vincent Boland (Financial Times of London via MSNBC) notes that troop build up will result in "special security measures in three provinces close to the border with Iraq" and that the approximately "100,000 Turkish troops" have led to "intense speculation that they are preparing for a large-scale incursion." Suzan Fraser (AP) observes that "temporary security zones" has not been clarified; however, it may mean that "the areas would be off limits to civilian flights. Others said the zones meant that additional security would be implemented, and entry into the regions would be restricted and tightly controlled" presumably through September 9th which the Turkish military has announced as the projected end date. As the details are discussed and debated, only Patrick Cockburn (Independent of London) notes the upcoming "referendrum . . . to be held on the future of the oil province of Kirkuk before the end of this year."
Meanwhile, tensions rise in Iraq as the BBC reports that Iraqi's Islamic Party (Sunni) states that two Sunni Baghdad mosques were attacked by Shi'ite "militiamen, backed by commando troops, [who] raised their banners over the Rahman and Fataah Basha mosques."
Bombings?
AFP reports 9 dead and twenty-two injured from a truck bombing in Rabiaa. AFP also reports a bombing in Ramadi that killed 2 people and wounded six and a Baghdad car bombing ("northwestern Shiite district of Talbiyah") that left 4 dead and fourteen injured. Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports an east Bagdhad car bombing that killed 5 people (fifteen wounded), a Baghdad mortar attack that left 1 person dead and nine more wounded and notes the Baghdad car bombing's death toll had risen to 5 and that it involved two car bombs. Reuters notes that a roadside bombing outside Tikrit wounded two bodyguards of "a senior pollice officer".
Shootings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports two Iraqi soldiers wounded from gunfire in Baghdad, Reuters reports 8 "suspected insurgents" were shot dead by Iraqi soldiers. Sameer N. Yacoub (AP) reports that journalist Sahar al-Haidari was shot dead as she was "waiting for a taxi" in Mosul today: "She was attacked by gunment who pulled up in a car and opened fire" and had worked for Voice of Iraq. China's Xinhua reports that Sahar al-Haidari used fake names to avoid attacks and that she was mother of three children.
Corpses?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports 32 corpses were discovered in Baghdad. Reuters notes 5 corpses discovered in Falluja and 2 in Mahmudiya.
The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence announced today: "It is with much sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of a British soldier from 4th Battalion The Rifles, in southern Iraq today, Thursday 7 June 2007. The soldiers was part of a patrol conducting a search and detention opertaion in the Al Atiyah district, north west of Basra City at about 0220 local time when he was shot by small arms fire."
The US military announced today: "A Multi-National Divison - Baghdad Soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations in a southwestern section of Baghdad June 6."
Turning to political news, rotund talk show host Ed Schultz got a lot of mileage out of trashing Hillary Clinton (something he no doubt did very often before his recent conversion to the 'left') back in January of this year, whining her staff was rude and immediately putting a photo of himself with Barack Obama up at his website -- then going on to trash Hillary regularly. Call it karama, but BuzzFlash has posted an explanation of why their recent wide ranging interview with Randi Rhodes (The Randi Rhodes Show) will not be followed by an interview Schultz: "BuzzFlash.com arranged two interview times with Ed Schultz's producers. Schultz stood us up for both appointments. The producer then asked if we would call back next week and he 'might' be able to arrange something. We responded that, considering the blow offs by Ed and our shortage of time, it was up to Ed to call us on our BuzzFlash interview phone line at his convenience."
Meanwhile, Obama's gotten a ton of attention -- none of it serious -- for a (bad) speech given earlier this week. Speaking Tuesday at Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia), Obama delivered a speech billed by some as being on the Iraq war, poverty and race. Strangely, in the long winded speech, Iraq gets three mentions (four if you count "Iraqi") while God and Jesus are mentioned at least 19 times. On Iraq and US senators and 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Bob Geary (Raleigh Durham Independent) observes the antics of "those two brave presidential candidates who say they want the war to end" by noting:
But Sunday night, Edwards called them out for their lack of leadership on the issue, and he was right. Clinton and Obama finally did cast the "correct" vote, but not until the last possible minute, each apparently waiting for the other to take a stand before finally, with the vote clock running down, Obama entered the chamber and voted no, after which Clinton, rushing in, also voted no.Until that moment, however, neither Clinton nor Obama had said a word about the bill, what was wrong with it, or that anything was wrong with it or with the Democratic leadership. They are the two leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Think they might've had some influence over what the Senate bill said if, that is, they'd wanted any influence?
In the new issue of The Progressive (June 2007), Ruth Conniff looks at Obama mania, the empty suit behind it (pp. 14-15, "Obama's Kenney Bid") and notes of his highly hyped latest book: "Less inspring, in his best-selling book, The Audacity of Hope, Obama stakes out the middle ground between political poles he describes as right and left 'extremes.' He associates Rush Limbaugh with one and NPR with the other. This 'truth is in the middle' canard, designed to appeal to apological swing voters, is depressing for progressives." And depressing for reality because who but the most Fox-ified right-winger would put out the b.s. that NPR is extreme liberal? As Conniff observes, he owes a huge debt to "Third Way" and triangulation. In the Sunday debate, John Edwards (rightly) pointed out that though Clinton and Obama voted "no" to the supplemental, they didn't canvas for it or attempt to build support. He stated that was not leadership to which Obama whimpered that Edwards was "about four and a half years late on leadership on this issue" as if that would excuse the cowardly behavior by Obama or Clinton. If Edwards is late to the party, he was present this year. Where has Obama been? Ducking outside to have a smoke? The way he's spent the bullk of his public life after allowing his campaign to unearth trash on his only serious opponent in 2004? Obama can bore everyone with his double-speak and his 'inspirational' sermonettes, but he's yet to offer the American people anything they couldn't find inside a Hallmark card. And those giving him a pass on his nonsense aren't helping the Democratic Party. (Though Katrina's former coffee fetcher's work for the campaign does provide unintentionally hilarious laughs.)
In news of contractors, Editor & Publisher's "Documents Emerge Two Years After Col. Westhusing's Controversial Suicide in Iraq" explores the suicide from two years ago of Col. Ted Westhusing whose suicide note ends:
I didn't volunteer to support corrupt, money grubbing contractors, nor work for commanders only interested in themselves. I came to serve honorably and feel dishonored. I trust no Iraqi. I cannot live this way. All my love to my family, my wife and my precious children. I love you and trust you only. Death before being dishonored any more.
More on Westhusing's suicide can be found at RobertBryce.com.
In media news, as independent media continues to be under attack, News Dissector Danny Schechter's "Special Blog: Can Our Media Channel Survive?" announces the potential fate of
Mediachannel.org which may shut down: "If we can get 1500 of our readers (that means you) to give $25, we can keep going for another quarter. [PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION ONLINE]"
Finally, independent journalist John Pilger is on a speaking tour with his new book Freedom Next Time and his documentary Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (which looks at DC, Afghanistan and Iraq). Today, June 7th, he will discuss his book with Amy Goodman at The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:15). Admission is $5 per person and students (with ID) can attend for free. Pilger will sign copies of his book afterwards and Amy Goodman will sign copies of her latest book (written with her brother David Goodman) Static. "For ticket information, contact (212) 229-5488 or boxoffice@newschool.edu. For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, click here or e-mail pilgerny@gmail.com." He will also be interviewed by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! Thursday June 7th.June 11th, Pilger will be in Los Angeles at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (244 S. San Pedro St.) and will discuss his book and show his documentary beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). The price of admission to the even is five dollars. "Directions, maps, and parking info at: http://www.jaccc.org/directions.htmPresented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, and The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call or visit the JACCC. Box office: 213-680-3700 (Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday: Noon - 5 pm)For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilger.la@gmail.com."June 13th finds him in San Francisco showing his film and discussing his book at Yerba Beuna Center for Arts (beginning at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm) and the price of admission is $15 general and $5 for students. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, and KPFA, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call 415-978-2787 or order online at http://www.ybca.org/. In person tickets at YBCA Box office located inside the Galleries and Forum Building, 701 Mission Street at Third. (Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun: noon - 5 pm; Thu: noon - 8 pm.) For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilgersf@gmail.com."From San Francisco, he moves on to Chicago for the 2007 Socialism conference. At 11:30 am Saturday June 16th, he and Anthony Arnove will participate in a conversation, audience dialogue and book signing (Arnove is the author most recently of IRAQ: The Logic of Withdrawal) and that evening (still June 16th) at 7:30 Pilger will be at Chicago Crowne Plaza O'Hare (5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018) as part of a panel of international activists. To attend the conference, the fee is $85. For Saturday and Sunday only, the price is $70. To attend only one session, the cost is ten dollars. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. Co-sponsors: Obrera Socialista, Socialist Worker, International Socialist Review, and Haymarket Books. For ticket information, call 773-583-8665 or e-mail info@socialismconference.org For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org. For more information, email info@socialismconference.org."The Socialism 2007 conference will take place in Chicago from June 14-17. Along with Pilger and Arnove, others participating will include Dahr Jamail, Laura Flanders, Kelly Dougherty, Joshua Frank, Amy Goodman, Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin, Camilo Mejia, Jeremy Scahill, Jeffrey St. Clair and many others.
the third estate sunday review
ruths report
trinas kitchen
the daily jot
mikey likes it
the common ills
michael ratner
michael smith
dalia hashad
law and disorder
wbai
iraq
adam kokesh
iraq veterans against the warbob geary
editor and publisher
the socialist worker
the new york timesrichard a. oppel jr.
They can't handle it, people speaking the truth, so they try to shut them up. I cut classes for this and also to speak to two groups of high school students with Wally, Ty and C.I. (I told my prof). (Oh, I got an A on my test Monday!!!!) That was a lot of fun and I grabbed Liam and Cloy for my time speaking because I knew C.I. would grab Adam. Ty talked about the 3500 mark being passed (total number of US service members killed in the Iraq war -- and it's 3504 unless it's gone up since this afternoon) and about over 655,000 Iraqis and Wally talked about . . . I had to stop and ask Wally, "What did you talk about?" :D He made a joke about how memorable he must be but I'm just tired and having fun. Wally talked about the Iraqi refugees and the lack of electricity, potable water, etc.
I had told Ma there would be three overnight guests but was going to tell her who in person then ended up rushing out. She's fine with guests but she did think we'd have eaten (she and Dad had gone out to eat with friends). She came in and C.I. and Ty were making pigs in the blanket and she started saying, "No, no, no, I'll cook something!" :D C.I. goes, "Wally, pigs in the blanket?" Wally goes, "Love 'em." :D Ma insisted on making a salad which was really good and she and Dad ate some salad with us. Well, Dad didn't. :D C.I. had brought CDs and wanted me to especially hear one. Dad was ripping through that plastic and getting the CDs up and playing. Then Dad was mainly talking music and not so much eating anything. :D
They're all speaking tomorrow (I won't be able to join them) and spending at least four hours with Rebecca (and Flyboy and the new baby and probably Ruth). Then Ty and C.I. head back to the West Coast but I get to have Wally for the weekend and on through next week. He's not taking any classes right now. Ma didn't realize he was coming today but she did know he was staying this month because she's friends with Wally's mom and they're on the phone to each other several times a week.
So it was a really good day. We got to hear Liam. We got to speak to some high schools and we got to have a lot of fun this evening. And still will! Though C.I.'s got to do "And the war drags on" tonight. And isn't too sure on what to write about in that. I know it's a lot of work to do The Common Ills and help with The Third Estate Sunday Review (that probably shouldn't be "help with" since C.I. and Ava are the only two who have never missed a week out of all the people who work each Sunday) and do the columns for the four community newsletters. That's four columns a week. I usually have some idea of a topic I'll be writing about later, like by mid-day, I'll usually know what I'll be writing about that evening. I don't think I could play it by ear like C.I. Not knowing that I had all that to do. I think I'd freak out! :D Seriously.
Ari Hest was the guy C.I. wanted me to listen to and I really love the CD. Dad loves the first song and kept getting up from the table to start it over. Ma finally had to tell him "I think there are other songs on the CD." :D It's called The Break In. And we're going to Chicago Saturday (I think Saturday) to see him in concert. So that will be real cool. (And thanks to C.I. for the CD and the tickets.) Ma says she'll watch Rebecca's baby if Rebecca and Flyboy want to go. I should call them tonight to see if they want to. I know I'll see them tomorrow but this way they can think about it and talk about it.
Wally just asked if we could chill in the living room listening to tunes and Ty's up for it (you know Dad is going to love that!) so I guess we're staying in. (Which is cool. I just always feel like when people visit you should take them somewhere. But I forget that Wally, Ty and C.I. flew in today and were speaking before I was able to join them. They probably are tired and they were doing this with C.I. all week. They are probably about to fall over and drop! C.I. moves fast and you really do have to say, "I'm hungry" or C.I. will be too focused on what's going on and forget.)
Let me talk about Law and Disorder which aired Monday on WBAI and airs on other radio stations too. The first section was on the Guantamo prisoner's death and this was a section featuring Dalia Hashad and the Michaels (Ratner and Smith). The prisoner was Saudi Arabian and he didn't have an attorney. Michael Ratner made the point that we don't know what happens in Guantanamo (there's no checks and balance and no openess) so we shouldn't be so quick to accept the official version because "it's conceivable he was murdered." This was a really strong section and we talked about that death last week but I did accept the official explanation so let me be clear that the only 'proof' of suicide was that government said it was suicide. Who knows what goes on there? They talked about the efforts to shut down Guantanamo and restore the rights of law and Michael Ratner said you could go to the Center for Constitutional Rights for more on that.
The second segment was about the so-called war on terror and how Congress has just rolled over and continues to roll over on this. They just refuse to stand up to the administration, even after all this time. No one's asking them to create brand new laws, just to make sure the Constitution and rule of law is followed. But that's too much for these people who took an oath to uphold the Constitution.
The next segment was on torture as well and it was on torture in Chicago. They had Flint Taylor back on and I was glad Dalia pointed out that they get lots of new listeners all the time so Flint should back up to explain a little for anyone that was new. Flint talked about how torture was used regularly by the police (and it reminded me a lot of the speech last week, how the Black Panthers were tortured in New Orleans). They would torture people to force them to confess (to anything, because that's what torture does) and they might use electric shocks or try to cut off their breathing or whatever. Jon Burge was the guy giving orders for the police during this time (seventies and eighties) and they just kept at it because no one (including the current mayor Richard Daley who was already in government back when this was going on) forced them to stop. So you can call this not just torture but government condoned torture.
The last segment was with Joel Kovel and they had a speech of his not long ago. He wrote Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine. He talked about how he made a decision (Overcoming Zionism) to look at the situation beyond his own religion (Jewish) and he talked about how there was this feeling (after the very real tragedies of the Holocaust) that 'the people' deserved a place of their own meaning a nation-state because that was the big thing then. But how that overlooked two things. (1) They weren't moving into vacant land. (2) 'The people' were not uniform but Jewish people from various countries with various outlooks. Dalia asked him about why some on the left had such a hard time even discussing this topic? Want the answer? Listen to the show! Seriously, I can't point fingers. I knew nothing really about this. We aren't taught it in school (or I wasn't) and the press always plays like anything Israel does is for defense and they really, really hated doing it but there was no other choice. I understand what Dalia's talking about (or think I do) and that's people who know it's wrong but avoid speaking out. But I also think it needs to be pointed out that a lot of us have gone through an educational system and never heard a word about it. If it's mentioned in high school, it's current events and not in the text book and then, in my classes anyway, no teacher says, "Let's talk about the history here." It's just read the clipping or watch the segment (if they've brought a TV into the room to play the night before's evening news). My point here is that you have to learn this on your own because it's not something any teacher I ever had rushed to teach. ( Joel said it has to do with the relationship of the US and Israel and has to do with guilt and deep fears. "They don't realize that you shouldn't have any kind of an ethnic state.")
Billie e-mailed asking what the last song on the show was. I had no idea and Ruth didn't either. I asked C.I. and was told it's from Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair ("I think") and it's "Gun Shy" ("I think. I'm tired."). Oh, one more thing quickly. Awhile back, Dalia interviewed Suzanne Vega for the show (as part of Amnesty's thing to draw attention to human rights around the world) and I did get the greatest hits CD and enjoyed it but the one I really love is 99.9 Degrees which is really a cool CD and I think my favorite song on Vega's CD is "When Heroes Go Down."
Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"
Thursday, June 7, 2007. Chaos and violence continue, the 3500 mark is passed, what is Turkey doing, and more.
The 3500 mark for US service members who have died in the Iraq war was passed yesterday but it takes AP (and others) a little longer to count. ICCC lists the current total as 3504. Don't expect to hear much about it or for it to lead to many pieces (or air time) exploring Iraq -- it's summer so it's time for All Things Media Big and Small to begin their summer breaks.
As with last summer -- or the 'coverage' of the 3,000 mark -- don't expect a great deal. There's an election! A cruise! A summer rental! And about fifty other 'fun' topics that will yet again grab all the attention.
As media tries to covering their mouths while yawning, the illegal war drags on and it's up to the people to stop it. Adam Kokesh did and is doing his part and maybe someday someone in little media other than Matthew Rothschild can provide some serious coverage? That is it, for the record. The Nation -- when you've got a cruise to pack for, you've got a cruise to pack for! They can't do everything! They can't even do one damn thing. But Adam Kokesh has been standing up. On Monday, he faced a hearing for engaging in street theater with other members of Iraq Veterans Against the War while he wore fatigues. The recommendation was to recommend he be issued a general discharge. Yesterday, his attorney Michael Lebowitz attempted to file an appeal but KMBC reports that the appeal was denied by Brig. Gen. and shrinking violet Darrell L. Moore who also has the "power" to decide whether the recommendation of general discharge goes forward or not. Dave Helling (Kansas City Star) notes that "Moore can't increase Kokesh's punishment by issuing an other-than-honorable discharge." Writing to Editor & Publisher, Tom Wieliczka points out that while Kokesh is punished for street theater, General Petey Pace is able to write a letter of support for convicted liar Scooter Libby and no one questions that "the hypocrisy of the military when it comes to the 'grunts' vs the 'generals' when both of them use their first amendment rights."
The movement of resistance within the US military grows and includes Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Augstin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder , Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Joshua Key, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Jeremy Hinzman, Stephen Funk, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Care and Kevin Benderman. In total, forty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum.
Information on war resistance within the military can be found at Center on Conscience & War, The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters.
Turning to the issue of Turkey? Did they or didn't they? Richard A. Oppel Jr. and Khalid W. Hassan (New York Times) obeserved that the Turkish military was reported to state yesterday that "thousands of soldiers crossed the border [into Iraq] in pursuit of members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or P.K.K." but that "American and Turkish officials quickly denied those reports". Patrick Cockburn (Independent of London) reports that Turkish troops did enter "northern Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish guerrillas" causing the US concern "that its entanglement in Iraq is about to become even more complicated if American troops and aircraf are asked to counter even a limited Turkish assault." China's Xinhua reports US State Department's flack Sean McCormak declaring, "Bottom line it for you, (I) don't think there's any substance to it. Our ambassador in Ankara, Ross Wilson, went in and talked to the Turkish General Staff, they said the reports weren't accurate." Turkish Daily News states the PKK killed 7 Turkish soldiers on Monday and wounded 6 yesterday. The Turkish Daily News also notes that the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Levent Bilman, declared yesterday that "the Turkish Republic is ready for anything any time." Lebanon's Daily Star reports that the border crossing happened, quotes a Turkish military official characterizing it as "a hot pursuit, not an incursion," and quotes their third Turkish official stating that "600 commandos entered Iraq and were backed up by several thousand troops along the border. He said the commandos raided Iraqi territory across from the Turkish border town of Cukurca before dawn after rebels from the Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK] opened fire from Iraqi soil on Turkish patrols." Audio on this topic can be found on Thursday's Flashpoints (KPFA) where Robert Knight covered it in his "Knight Report" at the start of the program noting that Jabar Yawir declared, "This afternoon ten Turkish helicopters landed in a village in Mazouri, which is 2 miles inside the Iraqi border. They landed with around 150 Turkish special forces." Scott Peterson (Christian Sciene Monitor) notes the "hot pursuit" reports as well as: "Analysts say news of the raid is a warning to both the US and Iraqi Kurds, nominally in control in northern Iraq, to clamp down on the PKK, which has waged a fight for a homeland in southeast Turkey since 1984. Peterson also notes that ill will is building and cites Metehan Demi ("Ankara bureau chief of Turkey's Sabah newspaper and a military speciailist") noting, "The Americans are not doing things deliberately. But the Americans are not acting as much as they can [to control the PKK in northern Iraq], according to Turkey. . . . When any Turkish soldier dies, immediate focus [lands] on the US -- this is the public view, that the US is not acting sincerely for Turkey as an ally." Patrick Seale (Agence Global via Pacific Free Press) maintains, "Turkey is dangerously close to launching a full-scale war across its eastern border into northern Iraq. The aim would be to wipe out the bases of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), destroy once and for all the party's separatist ambitions, and put an end to cross-border terrorist attacks and hit-and-run raids by the PKK, which have inflamed nationalist opinion in Turkey." The BBC notes the establishment of "temporary security zones" by Turkey "near its border with Iraq, where it has already deployed extra forces." Vincent Boland (Financial Times of London via MSNBC) notes that troop build up will result in "special security measures in three provinces close to the border with Iraq" and that the approximately "100,000 Turkish troops" have led to "intense speculation that they are preparing for a large-scale incursion." Suzan Fraser (AP) observes that "temporary security zones" has not been clarified; however, it may mean that "the areas would be off limits to civilian flights. Others said the zones meant that additional security would be implemented, and entry into the regions would be restricted and tightly controlled" presumably through September 9th which the Turkish military has announced as the projected end date. As the details are discussed and debated, only Patrick Cockburn (Independent of London) notes the upcoming "referendrum . . . to be held on the future of the oil province of Kirkuk before the end of this year."
Meanwhile, tensions rise in Iraq as the BBC reports that Iraqi's Islamic Party (Sunni) states that two Sunni Baghdad mosques were attacked by Shi'ite "militiamen, backed by commando troops, [who] raised their banners over the Rahman and Fataah Basha mosques."
Bombings?
AFP reports 9 dead and twenty-two injured from a truck bombing in Rabiaa. AFP also reports a bombing in Ramadi that killed 2 people and wounded six and a Baghdad car bombing ("northwestern Shiite district of Talbiyah") that left 4 dead and fourteen injured. Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports an east Bagdhad car bombing that killed 5 people (fifteen wounded), a Baghdad mortar attack that left 1 person dead and nine more wounded and notes the Baghdad car bombing's death toll had risen to 5 and that it involved two car bombs. Reuters notes that a roadside bombing outside Tikrit wounded two bodyguards of "a senior pollice officer".
Shootings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports two Iraqi soldiers wounded from gunfire in Baghdad, Reuters reports 8 "suspected insurgents" were shot dead by Iraqi soldiers. Sameer N. Yacoub (AP) reports that journalist Sahar al-Haidari was shot dead as she was "waiting for a taxi" in Mosul today: "She was attacked by gunment who pulled up in a car and opened fire" and had worked for Voice of Iraq. China's Xinhua reports that Sahar al-Haidari used fake names to avoid attacks and that she was mother of three children.
Corpses?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports 32 corpses were discovered in Baghdad. Reuters notes 5 corpses discovered in Falluja and 2 in Mahmudiya.
The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence announced today: "It is with much sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of a British soldier from 4th Battalion The Rifles, in southern Iraq today, Thursday 7 June 2007. The soldiers was part of a patrol conducting a search and detention opertaion in the Al Atiyah district, north west of Basra City at about 0220 local time when he was shot by small arms fire."
The US military announced today: "A Multi-National Divison - Baghdad Soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations in a southwestern section of Baghdad June 6."
Turning to political news, rotund talk show host Ed Schultz got a lot of mileage out of trashing Hillary Clinton (something he no doubt did very often before his recent conversion to the 'left') back in January of this year, whining her staff was rude and immediately putting a photo of himself with Barack Obama up at his website -- then going on to trash Hillary regularly. Call it karama, but BuzzFlash has posted an explanation of why their recent wide ranging interview with Randi Rhodes (The Randi Rhodes Show) will not be followed by an interview Schultz: "BuzzFlash.com arranged two interview times with Ed Schultz's producers. Schultz stood us up for both appointments. The producer then asked if we would call back next week and he 'might' be able to arrange something. We responded that, considering the blow offs by Ed and our shortage of time, it was up to Ed to call us on our BuzzFlash interview phone line at his convenience."
Meanwhile, Obama's gotten a ton of attention -- none of it serious -- for a (bad) speech given earlier this week. Speaking Tuesday at Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia), Obama delivered a speech billed by some as being on the Iraq war, poverty and race. Strangely, in the long winded speech, Iraq gets three mentions (four if you count "Iraqi") while God and Jesus are mentioned at least 19 times. On Iraq and US senators and 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Bob Geary (Raleigh Durham Independent) observes the antics of "those two brave presidential candidates who say they want the war to end" by noting:
But Sunday night, Edwards called them out for their lack of leadership on the issue, and he was right. Clinton and Obama finally did cast the "correct" vote, but not until the last possible minute, each apparently waiting for the other to take a stand before finally, with the vote clock running down, Obama entered the chamber and voted no, after which Clinton, rushing in, also voted no.Until that moment, however, neither Clinton nor Obama had said a word about the bill, what was wrong with it, or that anything was wrong with it or with the Democratic leadership. They are the two leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Think they might've had some influence over what the Senate bill said if, that is, they'd wanted any influence?
In the new issue of The Progressive (June 2007), Ruth Conniff looks at Obama mania, the empty suit behind it (pp. 14-15, "Obama's Kenney Bid") and notes of his highly hyped latest book: "Less inspring, in his best-selling book, The Audacity of Hope, Obama stakes out the middle ground between political poles he describes as right and left 'extremes.' He associates Rush Limbaugh with one and NPR with the other. This 'truth is in the middle' canard, designed to appeal to apological swing voters, is depressing for progressives." And depressing for reality because who but the most Fox-ified right-winger would put out the b.s. that NPR is extreme liberal? As Conniff observes, he owes a huge debt to "Third Way" and triangulation. In the Sunday debate, John Edwards (rightly) pointed out that though Clinton and Obama voted "no" to the supplemental, they didn't canvas for it or attempt to build support. He stated that was not leadership to which Obama whimpered that Edwards was "about four and a half years late on leadership on this issue" as if that would excuse the cowardly behavior by Obama or Clinton. If Edwards is late to the party, he was present this year. Where has Obama been? Ducking outside to have a smoke? The way he's spent the bullk of his public life after allowing his campaign to unearth trash on his only serious opponent in 2004? Obama can bore everyone with his double-speak and his 'inspirational' sermonettes, but he's yet to offer the American people anything they couldn't find inside a Hallmark card. And those giving him a pass on his nonsense aren't helping the Democratic Party. (Though Katrina's former coffee fetcher's work for the campaign does provide unintentionally hilarious laughs.)
In news of contractors, Editor & Publisher's "Documents Emerge Two Years After Col. Westhusing's Controversial Suicide in Iraq" explores the suicide from two years ago of Col. Ted Westhusing whose suicide note ends:
I didn't volunteer to support corrupt, money grubbing contractors, nor work for commanders only interested in themselves. I came to serve honorably and feel dishonored. I trust no Iraqi. I cannot live this way. All my love to my family, my wife and my precious children. I love you and trust you only. Death before being dishonored any more.
More on Westhusing's suicide can be found at RobertBryce.com.
In media news, as independent media continues to be under attack, News Dissector Danny Schechter's "Special Blog: Can Our Media Channel Survive?" announces the potential fate of
Mediachannel.org which may shut down: "If we can get 1500 of our readers (that means you) to give $25, we can keep going for another quarter. [PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION ONLINE]"
Finally, independent journalist John Pilger is on a speaking tour with his new book Freedom Next Time and his documentary Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (which looks at DC, Afghanistan and Iraq). Today, June 7th, he will discuss his book with Amy Goodman at The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:15). Admission is $5 per person and students (with ID) can attend for free. Pilger will sign copies of his book afterwards and Amy Goodman will sign copies of her latest book (written with her brother David Goodman) Static. "For ticket information, contact (212) 229-5488 or boxoffice@newschool.edu. For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, click here or e-mail pilgerny@gmail.com." He will also be interviewed by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! Thursday June 7th.June 11th, Pilger will be in Los Angeles at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (244 S. San Pedro St.) and will discuss his book and show his documentary beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). The price of admission to the even is five dollars. "Directions, maps, and parking info at: http://www.jaccc.org/directions.htmPresented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, and The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call or visit the JACCC. Box office: 213-680-3700 (Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday: Noon - 5 pm)For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilger.la@gmail.com."June 13th finds him in San Francisco showing his film and discussing his book at Yerba Beuna Center for Arts (beginning at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm) and the price of admission is $15 general and $5 for students. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, and KPFA, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call 415-978-2787 or order online at http://www.ybca.org/. In person tickets at YBCA Box office located inside the Galleries and Forum Building, 701 Mission Street at Third. (Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun: noon - 5 pm; Thu: noon - 8 pm.) For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilgersf@gmail.com."From San Francisco, he moves on to Chicago for the 2007 Socialism conference. At 11:30 am Saturday June 16th, he and Anthony Arnove will participate in a conversation, audience dialogue and book signing (Arnove is the author most recently of IRAQ: The Logic of Withdrawal) and that evening (still June 16th) at 7:30 Pilger will be at Chicago Crowne Plaza O'Hare (5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018) as part of a panel of international activists. To attend the conference, the fee is $85. For Saturday and Sunday only, the price is $70. To attend only one session, the cost is ten dollars. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. Co-sponsors: Obrera Socialista, Socialist Worker, International Socialist Review, and Haymarket Books. For ticket information, call 773-583-8665 or e-mail info@socialismconference.org For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org. For more information, email info@socialismconference.org."The Socialism 2007 conference will take place in Chicago from June 14-17. Along with Pilger and Arnove, others participating will include Dahr Jamail, Laura Flanders, Kelly Dougherty, Joshua Frank, Amy Goodman, Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin, Camilo Mejia, Jeremy Scahill, Jeffrey St. Clair and many others.
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Socialist Worker, Johann Hari, Dennis Bernstein
Hump day, hump day! Almost the weekend. A lot to cover tonight.
First up, this is from Great Britain's Socialist Worker:
This article should be read after: » Iraqi oil workers on shut down
Iraqi Oil Workers' leaders face arrest online only
The US backed Iraqi government has ordered the arrest of four leaders of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, including Hassan Jumaa Awad, for "sabotaging the Iraqi economy" by organising a strike.
Please send letters of protest to the Iraqi government. Below is a model letter:
Dear Mr Maliki [or] Dear Dr Hussein al Sharastani
I am writing to express support for the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions in their right to take industrial action over issues relating to their members' economic and social welfare.
I am also concerned about the decision to arrest union leaders for deciding to take strike action. I trust that the Union will not be penalised for taking action which is legal according to the Iraqi constiution and a fundamental trade union freedom recognised all over the world.
The Union has repeatedly asked for involvement in the drafting of the Hydrocarbon Law but has been ignored. Iraqi civil society should be involved in the decision making process over the future of the Iraqi economy -- this includes trade unions.
I will be monitoring the forthcoming news from the union and would like assurance that union members will not be harmed or punished for their actions.
Yours Sincerely,
For the attention of:Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki [or] Minister of Oil, Dr Hussein al Sharastanic/o Embassy of the Republic of Iraq169 Knightsbridge London SW7 1DWPhone: (020) 7581 2264 or (020) 7602 8456Fax: (020) 7589 3356Email: lonemb@iraqmofamail.net
The following should be read alongside this article: » Iraqi oil workers on shut down
For more on the strike and updates go to » www.handsoffiraqioil.org
Isn't that some great 'democracy' going on? Forming a union is a crime -- if al-Maliki gets his way (the Bully Boy's way). I wanted that to go up first to make sure everyone focused on it.
Ty gave me the backstory on today's snapshot. C.I. was speaking to someone about a favor for someone who needs it and saying it was past time to drop all this nonsense. And the guy brought up the nonsense of contractors and how people were treating them like they were military. C.I. said, "I don't. I spent last week taking on that subject." The guy tossed out a clipping of Rosa Brooks' column and C.I. said, "I'll address this, I expect you to at least try for ___." I hope the guy does try. So that's how Brooksie ended up in the snapshot. (She's Stab's daughter, by the way.) Rosa Brooks is not a smart woman, she's not a talented woman, she's not a woman with a firm grip on reality. She had the nerve to write about Memorial Day and say that a float was missing for the contractors! Can you believe that crap? What a dumb ass. Can you get anymore insulting?
That's insulting to a huge group of people including aid workers who have died in wars but Rosa Brooks doesn't think about them, does she? She just goes where the money is. She's as big an idiot as her mother. And her mother's overly praised time at the New York Times, filling in for Thomas Friedman, was dominated with her usual crap -- WalMart bullsh*t. Way to go little Babsie, writing about the big topics. It was 2004. Where were you on Iraq?
A lot of people don't like Maureen Dowd but she will tackle the illegal war. (And was calling it out from the beginning.) Babsie went to the Times and wanted everyone to know she could do economics. Even Paul Krugman -- an economist! -- was writing about the illegal war but Babsie couldn't weigh in. She had other things to do. Just like her columns in The Progressive where she thinks she's funny, thinks she's insightful, but just comes off like a dottering fool. So with Rosa, the fruit didn't fall far from that tree.
Since Rosa Brooks doesn't grasp it, here's "Johann Hari: Iraq's mercenaries - with a licence to kill:"
Iraq is rapidly vanishing into the mists of uncollectable, unknowable news, with information travelling only as far as an Iraqi scream can be heard. But sometimes, if you peer closely, you can glimpse reality. Last week, Shia militiamen seized four "security contractors" working for the Canadian company Gardaworld. Buried in the story of this small horror is the bigger tale of a vast shift in how Western wars will be fought in the 21st century if the American right has its way - and one of the great lost scandals of this war.
These men are not "security contractors", nor are they "civilian operatives", nor "reconstruction workers". There are now more of them in Iraq than there are professional soldiers: Britain alone has 21,000 in the country, raking in $1.6bn a year.
As he scurried out the door in 2004, Paul Bremer - the first US viceroy to Iraq - issued Order 17, which exempted all mercenaries operating in the country from having to obey the law. He in effect gave these men a licence to kill - and they are using it, every day.
Yas Ali Mohammed Yassiri was a peaceful 19-year-old Iraqi trying to get on with an ordinary life in a deeply unordinary Baghdad when he boarded a taxi on his street in the Masbah neighbourhood. The mercenaries guarding the US embassy spokesman in Baghdad drove around the corner, so Ali's taxi slowed down - but the convoy opened fire anyway, to clear their path. Ali was hit in the throat and died immediately. Although the US embassy now admits the convoy "opened fire prematurely", the mercenaries were merely sent home; they are free, happy men.
This is not a one-off freak. It is virtually an everyday occurrence. Colonel Thomas Hammed, who was placed in charge of rebuilding the Iraqi military by Bush, explains, "They [the mercenaries] made enemies everywhere. I would ride around with Iraqis in beat-up Iraqi trucks, they were running me off the road. We were threatened and intimidated."
Oh, yeah, Rosa Brooks, where is their Memorial Day float? What a stupid, stupid idiot. Maybe they could have shot into the crowd and killed people as they 'floated' by.
No, they aren't all killers. Some of them are just inept, getting stuck in the middle of nowhere and needing help. And who has to help them? The US military who doesn't get paid as much as the contractors.
C.I. makes the point that if money grubbers would stop deciding to work for contractors, the illegal war would be closer to over and that's true. It's also true that if troops get pulled and everyone's (not) thinking like Rosa Brooks, expect to see contractors fighting the war and maintaining the occupation even after the illegal war is supposedly over.
Bill Quigley was talking to Dennis Bernstein on Flashpoints Radio about tortureontrial.org and Father Steve Kelly is now talking about why he and another priest are on trial in Tuscon for refusing to take part in torture. This is from the tortureontrial website:
Jesuit Fr. Steve Kelly and Franciscan Fr. Louis Vitale were arrested as they approached the Fort Huachuca gatehouse on November 19, 2006, as they sought entry to speak with enlisted personnel and deliver a letter denouncing torture (see letter here) and the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to Major General Barbara Fast, commander at the post and a key figure in the torture scandal at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq. When they were not allowed to pass, they knelt in prayer, and were soon arrested. They both received a federal citation for trespass and were released a couple of hours later.More than 120 people, from Arizona, New Mexico, California and Mexico, gathered that day outside Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona to protest military intelligence training there that fosters torture.The demonstration took place in conjunction with the annual vigil at Fort Benning, Georgia (see coverage here), calling for closing the infamous School of the Americas (now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation). Dozens of Latin American military leaders who trained at the "School of Assassins" have since been convicted of torture, murder, and other heinous crimes in their own countries.
Dennis just said, "They don't want to know why you did it, they just want to know you did it." And that sounds a lot like Ehren Watada's court-martial, doesn't it? They can't allow real defenses or they lose.
Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"
Wednesday, June 6, 2007. Chaos and violence continue, "Jim Wallis, stop. I believe you dropped your 'inclusion.'," Our Miss Brooks tells us that contractors are just big ol', altruistic teddy bears, the US military announces more deaths, and more.
Starting with Adam Kokesh who has made a decision regarding the 'finding' of a military panel Monday. Kokesh, along with other members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, has been taking part in street theater (Operation First Casualty) and, on Monday, the US military attempted to punish him for that. Nicole Colson (Socialist Worker) rightly points out that the participants/players wear fatigues and conduct "a mock patrol that he and other veterans participated in to show their opposition to the website." Colson also notes that Kokesh, Liam Madden and Cloy Richards are in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) where you "aren't paid, don't participate in military exercises or drills, have no chain of command, and are almost never recalled to active duty." Elaine Brower (OpEdNews) observes that, with only "2 weeks left in the Individual REady Reserves (IRR)," the US marine corps decides that a "military discplinary panel" is just the thing for Kokesh. Appearing last week on CNN's Paula Zahn Now, Kokesh noted of arguments that he's restricted from wearing a uniform at certain types of gatherings (theater isn't listed and couldn't be, we'll get back to that) and Kokesh replied, "Well, actually, it's specifically stated in the -- in the UCMJ that -- the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- that it does not apply to members of the Individual Ready Reserve. And, so -- that was my understanding." That was also the military panel's understanding on Monday, they noted IRR wasn't covered by UCMJ. So what are we talking about?
We're talking about street theater and whether or not anyone wears military drag, clown garb, or nothing, isn't something the US military has a say in. The Supreme Court made that decision in 1970 (see Schacht v. United States -- we covered it Tuesday, we covered it Monday, and it was covered Sunday at The Third Estate Sunday Review). If you're late too the party, cake's all gone but the Court was quite clear that the US military had no say over theater (stage, street, what have you) and whether or not their uniforms (in part or total) were worn -- nor did it matter whether the production was pro or anti-military. None of it mattered, the Court was very clear that the US military had no authority over productions.
With the panel agreeing that UCMJ didn't cover Kokesh (or anyone in IRR) the only ruling is the Supreme Court verdict and any reading of it supports Kokesh. Despite this, the panel wanted to issue Kokesh a "general discharge." Dave Helling (Kansas City Star) reports that Michael Lebowitz, one of Kokesh's two attorneys, filed papers to move for a new hearing because the panel/board contained a member/judge who "wasn't a commissioned officer" and "Marine rules require all such board members to be commissioned officers." Imagine that, the same group that thought they could ignore the Supreme Court also hoped they could get away with ignoring the marines' own rules regarding these panels.
Meanwhile, Randy Furst (Minneapolis Star Tribune) report (noted here yesterday, Monday and Sunday) on Luke, Leo and Leif Kamunen -- the three brothers who decided to self-check out of the US military during Christmas break -- has resulted in the paper running three letters. Paul Rozycki writes in to express agreement with the brothers ("I guess they wanted to serve their country, and then changed their minds when they found they were really to be serving as hostages to the president") while David Kaercher wants to relive his own boot camp days and Laurie Franklin can't understand why anyone would break "a contract." Laurie's baffled, she's confused. Why, why, why? "A contract," she whines. Suprisingly, she's not troubled that the Bully Boy lied a nation into an illegal war -- crimes of the administration don't concern her, but a contract . . . now that's serious! So serious that she's offended by the paper putting the article on the front page. But understand, she's "not a hawk" and she thinks Bully Boy is "inept" but she's apparently so tired from all her work to end the war -- judging by the letter that's the effort it took to "display several antiwar bumper stickers" -- because honking always ends the war! -- that her big beef is with three young people who said no to an illegal war.
Honking a horn doesn't end the war. Affixing a bumper sticker doesn't end the war. And, as we've seen, Dems in Congress aren't going to end the war. So it's up to the people and the Kamunen brothers did their part which took a lot more energy and drive than slapping on a bumper sticker. Those resisting within the military who go public can always count on cranks like Laurie and David. But they still demonstrate the Courage to Resist and that will help end the illegal war.
The movement of resistance within the US military grows and includes Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Augstin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder , Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Joshua Key, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Jeremy Hinzman, Stephen Funk, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Care and Kevin Benderman. In total, forty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum.
Information on war resistance within the military can be found at Center on Conscience & War, The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters.
While the war drags on, Tania Branigan and Rosie Lavan (Guardian of London via Common Dreams) report that Christopher Meyer, former British ambassador to the US, declared to the Iraq Commission in London, "I personally believe that the presence of American and British and coalition forces is making things worse, not only inside Iraq but the wider region around Iraq." This as Kirk Semple (New York Times) speaks with Hasan Nassar who tries to run an art gallery in Iraq but now "says he is ready to gather all of his art history archives -- articles, books, reviews, photographs, slides and paintings -- and burn them" because "I feel now that all humanity is against Iraq and against the Iraqi people and against Iraqi history and against Iraqi culture. We entered an endless dark tunnel."
Today, in the daily bloodbath . . .
Bombings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports two Baghdad car bombings left 3 dead and twenty-five wounded, and at least 14 people injured in three Baghdad roadside bombings. Reuters notes a roadside Kirkuk bombing that left 2 police officers dead and three more injured and raises the two car bombing toll to 7 dead (still 25 wounded).
Shootings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports a cease fire in Khalis following a lengthy battle that left 6 police officers killed, 10 resistance fighters dead and at least 8 wounded. Reuters reports two police officers shot dead in Balad and a police officer shot dead in Mosul.
Corpses?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports 34 corpses were discovered in Baghdad and one in al-Latif.
Also today, the US military announced: "A Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital June 6." And they announced: "one 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device at approximately 5 p.m. June 6 while executing a combat logistics patrol in the vicinity of Bayji, Iraq." And they announced: "A Multinational Division-North Soldier died of wounds sustained from enemy gunfire in Diyala Province, Tuesday." The deaths bring the total number of US service members killed in the Iraq war since it began to 3503 and the total number killed in the illegal war so far this month to 26.
You might think the ongoing deaths (May was a record high this year for Iraqis and for US service members killed) would lead to a discussion on the illegal war in the Democratic Party. Instead, this week it was time to discuss 'faith.'
Jim Wallis, the man who would be Jerry Fallwell in clown drag, held a 'debate' on Monday that was by invitation only. Jesus may have sat with the sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, etc., but Wallis only breaks bread with the really the big names. That's the only explanation on how a supposed 'forum on faith, values and politics' sponsored by our Right-On-Bro Jimmy managed to include 2008 Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama but, SOMEHOW, managed to exclude Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel, Bill Richardson and Mike Gravel.
Heaven may be open to all but Wallis has a bit of the bully bouncer in his carriage. After Obams, Hills and Johns joined Right-On-Bro Jimmy to ask, "Are You There God, It's Me Front Runner?" CNN's Paula Zahn Now presented Chris Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden. Strangely, all four are Catholic. Strangely? Catholics in Alliance For The Common Good sponsored the Jimmy Wallis group -- the one that . . . excluded four Catholics. Exactly how does Catholics in Alliance intended to meet their stated goal ("promoting the fullness of the Catholic Social Tradition in the public square") while denying Catholics invites?
On Paula Zahn Now, Joe Biden found his heart (in all seriousness, he's the best served by those type of forums and any who've never seen the less verbose side of Biden and is curious, should check that out); Dodd spoke of the need not to wear your faith on your sleeve; and Richards made clear that he will never, ever, ever have an abortion but he will mix in one Spanish word for every ten minutes onscreen. Dennis Kucinich used the forum to address Iraq. (Dodd was able to use it to address the rights of all.)
Kucinich: We have -- we're in Iraq based on lies. And, you know, the Bible has a line that says that which is crooked cannot be made straight. Nothing will ever be made straight about our presence in Iraq. We must leave Iraq. We must bring our troops home. And we must work to achieve a kind of reconciliation with the people of Iraq, with the people of the world and within our own country for -- in order to establish truth once again and make the truth the single principle upon which our country is based.
Draft Robert Scheer to run for office. In a new column (at Truthdig), Scheer refutes Bully Boy's Korea nonsense and notes: "At a time when the United States has more troops, official and private, proportionate to the host population than it did at the height of the Vietnam War, and when once again it is clear that a military 'surge' is not the answer, it is bizarre that this administration gets away with staying the course. To his credit, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was the only presidential candidate at the Democrats' debate to criticize the Korea analogy, warning: 'Keep in mind we've been there six decades in the Korean peninsula, and the best way for us to support the troops is that we are not continuing to try to impose a military solution on what is essentially a political problem in Iraq'."
Turning to the issue of contractors in Iraq -- still related, Robert Scheer is shoved aside at the Los Angeles Times while the likes of Brooksie gets imported in from NYC. This week Brooksie peddled it up and down the street, hoping at least one car would pull over. None did. "Remembering Iraq contractors as important as honoring trooops" Brooksie maintained in a column that must have had her money grubbing friends at the Council on Foreign (Business) Relations counting the zeroes. But the reality is contractors aren't the loveable "Wooster" (Wagon Train) and Brooksie isn't much of a writer. Making that argument -- and quite a few are -- is an insult to everyone. Brooksie felt "something" was absent from the Memorial Day parade and it finally hit her (hopefully the realization packed a punch): "no float memorializing the hundreds of civilian contractors killed in Iraq." Apparently Brooksie needs some schooling on Memorial Day. Brooksie wants you to know some of these mercenaries "operate dining halls" -- yes, they do and and anyone serving in Iraq (serving, not contracted) can tell you about the risks the private contractors (eager to churn out that buck) have put everyone dining at as they refused to operate a 24-hour mess hall and instead packed as many in as possible in limited hours (making US service members targets). Brooksie notes, "You could call it greed". Yes, you could and many do. Many also don't churn out what reads like p.r. copy attempting to sell one of the most frightening developments under the Bully Boy.
Christopher Hedges (Philadelphia Inquirer) observed at the start of the week, "The privatization of war hands an incentive to American corporations, many with tremendous political clout, to keep us mired down in Iraq. But even more disturbing is the steady rise of this modern Praetorian Guard. The Praetorian Guard in ancient Rome was a paramilitary force that defied legal constraints, made violence part of the political discourse, and eventually plunged the Roman Republic into tyranny and despotism. Despotic movements need paramilitary forces that operate outside the law, forces that sow fear among potential opponents, and are capable of physically silencing those branded by their leaders as traitors. And in the wrong hands, a Blackwater could well become that force. American taxpayers have so far handed a staggering $4 billion to 'armed security' companies in Iraq such as Blackwater, according to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chariman Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.). Tens of billions more have been paid to companies that provide logistical support. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D., Ill.) of the House Intelligence Committee estimates that 40 cents of every dollar spent on the occupation has gone to war contractors. It is unlikely that any of these corporations will push for an early withdrawal. The profits are too lucrative." Brooksie's not worried about that either.
Deborah Haynes (Times of London) also attempts to put a compassionate face on empire but is defeated in the comments to her article: "As a Western contractor who has worked in Iraq for the last 18 months i would say that for the most part we are here first and formost for the cash. However when i first came over here the money was an issue, but not the main one, it really did feel like i was helping in a small way to shape history and put this country back on its feet. Of course since that time its now just a question of how long this cash gravy train is gonna run." On Saturday, Alec Klein and Steve Fainaru (Washington Post) reported on army veteran Brian X. Scott temporarily stopped the the US military from "from awarding the largest securit contract in Iraq" as he protested "against the government practice of hiring what he calls mercenaries" by suing in the US Court of Federal Claims and arguing "that the military's use of private security contractors is 'against America's core values' and violates an 1893 law that prohibits the government from hiring quasi-military forces."
Meanwhile Andrew Johnson, Marie Woolf and Raymond Whitaker (Belfast Telegraph) report on United Kingdom tax payers' monies going to line the pockets of corporations and note: "Former SAS members, as well as British ex-soldiers and policemen, are in demand, the companies say, because they are less trigger-happy and trained to work to far tighter rules of engagement than their US counterparts. But given that the torrent of reconstruction money poured into Iraq was mainly American, US companies come into the business. 'The Americans never had a private security industry previously, but they do now, thanks to Iraq,' said one British executive." The reporters go on to list key British companies in Iraq including Aegis featuring "Tim Spicer operated in Sierra Leone in 1997" and Control Risks Group which has contracts with the US Office of Reconstruction.
As the Palm Beach Post noted Friday: "Private security can provoke the violence it is supposed to quell. Last week, armed personnel working for Blackwater USA were involved in two gun battles in Baghdad and killed an Iraqi driver near the Interior Ministry. They said that he drove too close to the convoy and ignored warnings. That death resulted in a standoff with Iraqi forces that had to be mediated by US troops and anger toward American workers in the ministry." Here's the reality and someone get a small pan because Brooksie's mind might start melting and flowing out of her ears (get a really small pan), US troops will be pulled. There's not a question of that happening. The only question is when that will happen. And putting a smiley sticker over the blood will allow the US to continue to wage an illegal war with contractors long after the US military has left. Here's some more reality, the illegal war would be over if money grubbers in the West would stop going over to Iraq to make a quick buck. Pressure should be put on these companies and these employees and, if it were, the illegal war would be a lot closer to ending. But that requires more thought than Our Miss Brooksie can muster.
Today, on Democracy Now!, Antonia Juhasz discussed 'benchmarks,' Congress, and other topics. Below is the exchange on the theft of Iraqi oil -- the privatization scheme.
AMY GOODMAN: And what is this US-backed proposal?
ANTONIA JUHASZ: It's a Bush administration, US corporate, very simple attempt to figure out: if you're going to wage a war for oil, how do you get the oil. Does Exxon come in on a tank with a flag and stick it in the ground, or do you have a more careful process? The careful process is very simply: write a law, get a new Iraqi government in place, have the Iraqis pass the law, and then turn the oil over to US oil corporations.
The Bush administration designed the law. Last January, President Bush announced that it was a benchmark for passage by the Iraqi government. It was the same day that he announced the surge. And in the language of the administration, the surge was meant to provide the political space so that the Iraqis could discuss the oil law and other benchmarks. The Democrats then adopted this language of the benchmarks and said in the supplemental war spending bill, again, that the Iraqis have to pass this benchmark. And it very simply turns Iraq from a nationalized oil system, essentially closed to US oil corporations, to a privatized system in which potentially two-thirds of all of Iraq's oil could be owned by foreign oil companies, and they can control the production with as long as thirty-year contracts.
AMY GOODMAN: Now, what about the news coming out of Iraq that Raed Jarrar has reported on, talking about the significance of the vote for the US to get out of Iraq by the parliament?
ANTONIA JUHASZ: It's very significant. The United Nations mandate for the US occupation of Iraq gives ultimate authority to the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi cabinet to determine if the occupation can continue. So, theoretically, if the Iraqi parliament, joined by the cabinet -- and that's critical -- say that the occupation cannot continue, theoretically it would have to end. That stands in vast opposition to the plans of the Bush administration and now, apparently, the plans of the Democratic leadership, as well.
In media news, as independent media continues to be under attack, News Dissector Danny Schechter's "Special Blog: Can Our Media Channel Survive?" announces the potential fate of
Mediachannel.org which may shut down: "If we can get 1500 of our readers (that means you) to give $25, we can keep going for another quarter. [PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION ONLINE]"
Finally, independent journalist John Pilger is on a speaking tour with his new book Freedom Next Time and his documentary Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (which looks at DC, Afghanistan and Iraq). June 7th, he will discuss his book with Amy Goodman at The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:15). Admission is $5 per person and students (with ID) can attend for free. Pilger will sign copies of his book afterwards and Amy Goodman will sign copies of her latest book (written with her brother David Goodman) Static. "For ticket information, contact (212) 229-5488 or boxoffice@newschool.edu. For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, click here or e-mail pilgerny@gmail.com." He will also be interviewed by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! Thursday June 7th.June 11th, Pilger will be in Los Angeles at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (244 S. San Pedro St.) and will discuss his book and show his documentary beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). The price of admission to the even is five dollars. "Directions, maps, and parking info at: http://www.jaccc.org/directions.htmPresented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, and The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call or visit the JACCC. Box office: 213-680-3700 (Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday: Noon - 5 pm)For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilger.la@gmail.com." June 13th finds him in San Francisco showing his film and discussing his book at Yerba Beuna Center for Arts (beginning at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm) and the price of admission is $15 general and $5 for students. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, and KPFA, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call 415-978-2787 or order online at http://www.ybca.org/. In person tickets at YBCA Box office located inside the Galleries and Forum Building, 701 Mission Street at Third. (Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun: noon - 5 pm; Thu: noon - 8 pm.) For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilgersf@gmail.com." From San Francisco, he moves on to Chicago for the 2007 Socialism conference. At 11:30 am Saturday June 16th, he and Anthony Arnove will participate in a conversation, audience dialogue and book signing (Arnove is the author most recently of IRAQ: The Logic of Withdrawal) and that evening (still June 16th) at 7:30 Pilger will be at Chicago Crowne Plaza O'Hare (5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018) as part of a panel of international activists. To attend the conference, the fee is $85. For Saturday and Sunday only, the price is $70. To attend only one session, the cost is ten dollars. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. Co-sponsors: Obrera Socialista, Socialist Worker, International Socialist Review, and Haymarket Books. For ticket information, call 773-583-8665 or e-mail info@socialismconference.org For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org. For more information, email info@socialismconference.org." The Socialism 2007 conference will take place in Chicago from June 14-17. Along with Pilger and Arnove, others participating will include Dahr Jamail, Laura Flanders, Kelly Dougherty, Joshua Frank, Amy Goodman, Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin, Camilo Mejia, Jeremy Scahill, Jeffrey St. Clair and many others.
flashpoints
trinas kitchen
mikey likes it
the common ills
iraq
adam kokesh
iraq veterans against the war
antonia juhasz
democracy nowpaula zahn now
kirk semplethe new york times
First up, this is from Great Britain's Socialist Worker:
This article should be read after: » Iraqi oil workers on shut down
Iraqi Oil Workers' leaders face arrest online only
The US backed Iraqi government has ordered the arrest of four leaders of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, including Hassan Jumaa Awad, for "sabotaging the Iraqi economy" by organising a strike.
Please send letters of protest to the Iraqi government. Below is a model letter:
Dear Mr Maliki [or] Dear Dr Hussein al Sharastani
I am writing to express support for the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions in their right to take industrial action over issues relating to their members' economic and social welfare.
I am also concerned about the decision to arrest union leaders for deciding to take strike action. I trust that the Union will not be penalised for taking action which is legal according to the Iraqi constiution and a fundamental trade union freedom recognised all over the world.
The Union has repeatedly asked for involvement in the drafting of the Hydrocarbon Law but has been ignored. Iraqi civil society should be involved in the decision making process over the future of the Iraqi economy -- this includes trade unions.
I will be monitoring the forthcoming news from the union and would like assurance that union members will not be harmed or punished for their actions.
Yours Sincerely,
For the attention of:Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki [or] Minister of Oil, Dr Hussein al Sharastanic/o Embassy of the Republic of Iraq169 Knightsbridge London SW7 1DWPhone: (020) 7581 2264 or (020) 7602 8456Fax: (020) 7589 3356Email: lonemb@iraqmofamail.net
The following should be read alongside this article: » Iraqi oil workers on shut down
For more on the strike and updates go to » www.handsoffiraqioil.org
Isn't that some great 'democracy' going on? Forming a union is a crime -- if al-Maliki gets his way (the Bully Boy's way). I wanted that to go up first to make sure everyone focused on it.
Ty gave me the backstory on today's snapshot. C.I. was speaking to someone about a favor for someone who needs it and saying it was past time to drop all this nonsense. And the guy brought up the nonsense of contractors and how people were treating them like they were military. C.I. said, "I don't. I spent last week taking on that subject." The guy tossed out a clipping of Rosa Brooks' column and C.I. said, "I'll address this, I expect you to at least try for ___." I hope the guy does try. So that's how Brooksie ended up in the snapshot. (She's Stab's daughter, by the way.) Rosa Brooks is not a smart woman, she's not a talented woman, she's not a woman with a firm grip on reality. She had the nerve to write about Memorial Day and say that a float was missing for the contractors! Can you believe that crap? What a dumb ass. Can you get anymore insulting?
That's insulting to a huge group of people including aid workers who have died in wars but Rosa Brooks doesn't think about them, does she? She just goes where the money is. She's as big an idiot as her mother. And her mother's overly praised time at the New York Times, filling in for Thomas Friedman, was dominated with her usual crap -- WalMart bullsh*t. Way to go little Babsie, writing about the big topics. It was 2004. Where were you on Iraq?
A lot of people don't like Maureen Dowd but she will tackle the illegal war. (And was calling it out from the beginning.) Babsie went to the Times and wanted everyone to know she could do economics. Even Paul Krugman -- an economist! -- was writing about the illegal war but Babsie couldn't weigh in. She had other things to do. Just like her columns in The Progressive where she thinks she's funny, thinks she's insightful, but just comes off like a dottering fool. So with Rosa, the fruit didn't fall far from that tree.
Since Rosa Brooks doesn't grasp it, here's "Johann Hari: Iraq's mercenaries - with a licence to kill:"
Iraq is rapidly vanishing into the mists of uncollectable, unknowable news, with information travelling only as far as an Iraqi scream can be heard. But sometimes, if you peer closely, you can glimpse reality. Last week, Shia militiamen seized four "security contractors" working for the Canadian company Gardaworld. Buried in the story of this small horror is the bigger tale of a vast shift in how Western wars will be fought in the 21st century if the American right has its way - and one of the great lost scandals of this war.
These men are not "security contractors", nor are they "civilian operatives", nor "reconstruction workers". There are now more of them in Iraq than there are professional soldiers: Britain alone has 21,000 in the country, raking in $1.6bn a year.
As he scurried out the door in 2004, Paul Bremer - the first US viceroy to Iraq - issued Order 17, which exempted all mercenaries operating in the country from having to obey the law. He in effect gave these men a licence to kill - and they are using it, every day.
Yas Ali Mohammed Yassiri was a peaceful 19-year-old Iraqi trying to get on with an ordinary life in a deeply unordinary Baghdad when he boarded a taxi on his street in the Masbah neighbourhood. The mercenaries guarding the US embassy spokesman in Baghdad drove around the corner, so Ali's taxi slowed down - but the convoy opened fire anyway, to clear their path. Ali was hit in the throat and died immediately. Although the US embassy now admits the convoy "opened fire prematurely", the mercenaries were merely sent home; they are free, happy men.
This is not a one-off freak. It is virtually an everyday occurrence. Colonel Thomas Hammed, who was placed in charge of rebuilding the Iraqi military by Bush, explains, "They [the mercenaries] made enemies everywhere. I would ride around with Iraqis in beat-up Iraqi trucks, they were running me off the road. We were threatened and intimidated."
Oh, yeah, Rosa Brooks, where is their Memorial Day float? What a stupid, stupid idiot. Maybe they could have shot into the crowd and killed people as they 'floated' by.
No, they aren't all killers. Some of them are just inept, getting stuck in the middle of nowhere and needing help. And who has to help them? The US military who doesn't get paid as much as the contractors.
C.I. makes the point that if money grubbers would stop deciding to work for contractors, the illegal war would be closer to over and that's true. It's also true that if troops get pulled and everyone's (not) thinking like Rosa Brooks, expect to see contractors fighting the war and maintaining the occupation even after the illegal war is supposedly over.
Bill Quigley was talking to Dennis Bernstein on Flashpoints Radio about tortureontrial.org and Father Steve Kelly is now talking about why he and another priest are on trial in Tuscon for refusing to take part in torture. This is from the tortureontrial website:
Jesuit Fr. Steve Kelly and Franciscan Fr. Louis Vitale were arrested as they approached the Fort Huachuca gatehouse on November 19, 2006, as they sought entry to speak with enlisted personnel and deliver a letter denouncing torture (see letter here) and the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to Major General Barbara Fast, commander at the post and a key figure in the torture scandal at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq. When they were not allowed to pass, they knelt in prayer, and were soon arrested. They both received a federal citation for trespass and were released a couple of hours later.More than 120 people, from Arizona, New Mexico, California and Mexico, gathered that day outside Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona to protest military intelligence training there that fosters torture.The demonstration took place in conjunction with the annual vigil at Fort Benning, Georgia (see coverage here), calling for closing the infamous School of the Americas (now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation). Dozens of Latin American military leaders who trained at the "School of Assassins" have since been convicted of torture, murder, and other heinous crimes in their own countries.
Dennis just said, "They don't want to know why you did it, they just want to know you did it." And that sounds a lot like Ehren Watada's court-martial, doesn't it? They can't allow real defenses or they lose.
Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"
Wednesday, June 6, 2007. Chaos and violence continue, "Jim Wallis, stop. I believe you dropped your 'inclusion.'," Our Miss Brooks tells us that contractors are just big ol', altruistic teddy bears, the US military announces more deaths, and more.
Starting with Adam Kokesh who has made a decision regarding the 'finding' of a military panel Monday. Kokesh, along with other members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, has been taking part in street theater (Operation First Casualty) and, on Monday, the US military attempted to punish him for that. Nicole Colson (Socialist Worker) rightly points out that the participants/players wear fatigues and conduct "a mock patrol that he and other veterans participated in to show their opposition to the website." Colson also notes that Kokesh, Liam Madden and Cloy Richards are in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) where you "aren't paid, don't participate in military exercises or drills, have no chain of command, and are almost never recalled to active duty." Elaine Brower (OpEdNews) observes that, with only "2 weeks left in the Individual REady Reserves (IRR)," the US marine corps decides that a "military discplinary panel" is just the thing for Kokesh. Appearing last week on CNN's Paula Zahn Now, Kokesh noted of arguments that he's restricted from wearing a uniform at certain types of gatherings (theater isn't listed and couldn't be, we'll get back to that) and Kokesh replied, "Well, actually, it's specifically stated in the -- in the UCMJ that -- the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- that it does not apply to members of the Individual Ready Reserve. And, so -- that was my understanding." That was also the military panel's understanding on Monday, they noted IRR wasn't covered by UCMJ. So what are we talking about?
We're talking about street theater and whether or not anyone wears military drag, clown garb, or nothing, isn't something the US military has a say in. The Supreme Court made that decision in 1970 (see Schacht v. United States -- we covered it Tuesday, we covered it Monday, and it was covered Sunday at The Third Estate Sunday Review). If you're late too the party, cake's all gone but the Court was quite clear that the US military had no say over theater (stage, street, what have you) and whether or not their uniforms (in part or total) were worn -- nor did it matter whether the production was pro or anti-military. None of it mattered, the Court was very clear that the US military had no authority over productions.
With the panel agreeing that UCMJ didn't cover Kokesh (or anyone in IRR) the only ruling is the Supreme Court verdict and any reading of it supports Kokesh. Despite this, the panel wanted to issue Kokesh a "general discharge." Dave Helling (Kansas City Star) reports that Michael Lebowitz, one of Kokesh's two attorneys, filed papers to move for a new hearing because the panel/board contained a member/judge who "wasn't a commissioned officer" and "Marine rules require all such board members to be commissioned officers." Imagine that, the same group that thought they could ignore the Supreme Court also hoped they could get away with ignoring the marines' own rules regarding these panels.
Meanwhile, Randy Furst (Minneapolis Star Tribune) report (noted here yesterday, Monday and Sunday) on Luke, Leo and Leif Kamunen -- the three brothers who decided to self-check out of the US military during Christmas break -- has resulted in the paper running three letters. Paul Rozycki writes in to express agreement with the brothers ("I guess they wanted to serve their country, and then changed their minds when they found they were really to be serving as hostages to the president") while David Kaercher wants to relive his own boot camp days and Laurie Franklin can't understand why anyone would break "a contract." Laurie's baffled, she's confused. Why, why, why? "A contract," she whines. Suprisingly, she's not troubled that the Bully Boy lied a nation into an illegal war -- crimes of the administration don't concern her, but a contract . . . now that's serious! So serious that she's offended by the paper putting the article on the front page. But understand, she's "not a hawk" and she thinks Bully Boy is "inept" but she's apparently so tired from all her work to end the war -- judging by the letter that's the effort it took to "display several antiwar bumper stickers" -- because honking always ends the war! -- that her big beef is with three young people who said no to an illegal war.
Honking a horn doesn't end the war. Affixing a bumper sticker doesn't end the war. And, as we've seen, Dems in Congress aren't going to end the war. So it's up to the people and the Kamunen brothers did their part which took a lot more energy and drive than slapping on a bumper sticker. Those resisting within the military who go public can always count on cranks like Laurie and David. But they still demonstrate the Courage to Resist and that will help end the illegal war.
The movement of resistance within the US military grows and includes Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Augstin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder , Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Joshua Key, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Jeremy Hinzman, Stephen Funk, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Care and Kevin Benderman. In total, forty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum.
Information on war resistance within the military can be found at Center on Conscience & War, The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters.
While the war drags on, Tania Branigan and Rosie Lavan (Guardian of London via Common Dreams) report that Christopher Meyer, former British ambassador to the US, declared to the Iraq Commission in London, "I personally believe that the presence of American and British and coalition forces is making things worse, not only inside Iraq but the wider region around Iraq." This as Kirk Semple (New York Times) speaks with Hasan Nassar who tries to run an art gallery in Iraq but now "says he is ready to gather all of his art history archives -- articles, books, reviews, photographs, slides and paintings -- and burn them" because "I feel now that all humanity is against Iraq and against the Iraqi people and against Iraqi history and against Iraqi culture. We entered an endless dark tunnel."
Today, in the daily bloodbath . . .
Bombings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports two Baghdad car bombings left 3 dead and twenty-five wounded, and at least 14 people injured in three Baghdad roadside bombings. Reuters notes a roadside Kirkuk bombing that left 2 police officers dead and three more injured and raises the two car bombing toll to 7 dead (still 25 wounded).
Shootings?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports a cease fire in Khalis following a lengthy battle that left 6 police officers killed, 10 resistance fighters dead and at least 8 wounded. Reuters reports two police officers shot dead in Balad and a police officer shot dead in Mosul.
Corpses?
Hussein Kadhim (McClatchy Newspapers) reports 34 corpses were discovered in Baghdad and one in al-Latif.
Also today, the US military announced: "A Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital June 6." And they announced: "one 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device at approximately 5 p.m. June 6 while executing a combat logistics patrol in the vicinity of Bayji, Iraq." And they announced: "A Multinational Division-North Soldier died of wounds sustained from enemy gunfire in Diyala Province, Tuesday." The deaths bring the total number of US service members killed in the Iraq war since it began to 3503 and the total number killed in the illegal war so far this month to 26.
You might think the ongoing deaths (May was a record high this year for Iraqis and for US service members killed) would lead to a discussion on the illegal war in the Democratic Party. Instead, this week it was time to discuss 'faith.'
Jim Wallis, the man who would be Jerry Fallwell in clown drag, held a 'debate' on Monday that was by invitation only. Jesus may have sat with the sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, etc., but Wallis only breaks bread with the really the big names. That's the only explanation on how a supposed 'forum on faith, values and politics' sponsored by our Right-On-Bro Jimmy managed to include 2008 Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama but, SOMEHOW, managed to exclude Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel, Bill Richardson and Mike Gravel.
Heaven may be open to all but Wallis has a bit of the bully bouncer in his carriage. After Obams, Hills and Johns joined Right-On-Bro Jimmy to ask, "Are You There God, It's Me Front Runner?" CNN's Paula Zahn Now presented Chris Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden. Strangely, all four are Catholic. Strangely? Catholics in Alliance For The Common Good sponsored the Jimmy Wallis group -- the one that . . . excluded four Catholics. Exactly how does Catholics in Alliance intended to meet their stated goal ("promoting the fullness of the Catholic Social Tradition in the public square") while denying Catholics invites?
On Paula Zahn Now, Joe Biden found his heart (in all seriousness, he's the best served by those type of forums and any who've never seen the less verbose side of Biden and is curious, should check that out); Dodd spoke of the need not to wear your faith on your sleeve; and Richards made clear that he will never, ever, ever have an abortion but he will mix in one Spanish word for every ten minutes onscreen. Dennis Kucinich used the forum to address Iraq. (Dodd was able to use it to address the rights of all.)
Kucinich: We have -- we're in Iraq based on lies. And, you know, the Bible has a line that says that which is crooked cannot be made straight. Nothing will ever be made straight about our presence in Iraq. We must leave Iraq. We must bring our troops home. And we must work to achieve a kind of reconciliation with the people of Iraq, with the people of the world and within our own country for -- in order to establish truth once again and make the truth the single principle upon which our country is based.
Draft Robert Scheer to run for office. In a new column (at Truthdig), Scheer refutes Bully Boy's Korea nonsense and notes: "At a time when the United States has more troops, official and private, proportionate to the host population than it did at the height of the Vietnam War, and when once again it is clear that a military 'surge' is not the answer, it is bizarre that this administration gets away with staying the course. To his credit, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was the only presidential candidate at the Democrats' debate to criticize the Korea analogy, warning: 'Keep in mind we've been there six decades in the Korean peninsula, and the best way for us to support the troops is that we are not continuing to try to impose a military solution on what is essentially a political problem in Iraq'."
Turning to the issue of contractors in Iraq -- still related, Robert Scheer is shoved aside at the Los Angeles Times while the likes of Brooksie gets imported in from NYC. This week Brooksie peddled it up and down the street, hoping at least one car would pull over. None did. "Remembering Iraq contractors as important as honoring trooops" Brooksie maintained in a column that must have had her money grubbing friends at the Council on Foreign (Business) Relations counting the zeroes. But the reality is contractors aren't the loveable "Wooster" (Wagon Train) and Brooksie isn't much of a writer. Making that argument -- and quite a few are -- is an insult to everyone. Brooksie felt "something" was absent from the Memorial Day parade and it finally hit her (hopefully the realization packed a punch): "no float memorializing the hundreds of civilian contractors killed in Iraq." Apparently Brooksie needs some schooling on Memorial Day. Brooksie wants you to know some of these mercenaries "operate dining halls" -- yes, they do and and anyone serving in Iraq (serving, not contracted) can tell you about the risks the private contractors (eager to churn out that buck) have put everyone dining at as they refused to operate a 24-hour mess hall and instead packed as many in as possible in limited hours (making US service members targets). Brooksie notes, "You could call it greed". Yes, you could and many do. Many also don't churn out what reads like p.r. copy attempting to sell one of the most frightening developments under the Bully Boy.
Christopher Hedges (Philadelphia Inquirer) observed at the start of the week, "The privatization of war hands an incentive to American corporations, many with tremendous political clout, to keep us mired down in Iraq. But even more disturbing is the steady rise of this modern Praetorian Guard. The Praetorian Guard in ancient Rome was a paramilitary force that defied legal constraints, made violence part of the political discourse, and eventually plunged the Roman Republic into tyranny and despotism. Despotic movements need paramilitary forces that operate outside the law, forces that sow fear among potential opponents, and are capable of physically silencing those branded by their leaders as traitors. And in the wrong hands, a Blackwater could well become that force. American taxpayers have so far handed a staggering $4 billion to 'armed security' companies in Iraq such as Blackwater, according to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chariman Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.). Tens of billions more have been paid to companies that provide logistical support. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D., Ill.) of the House Intelligence Committee estimates that 40 cents of every dollar spent on the occupation has gone to war contractors. It is unlikely that any of these corporations will push for an early withdrawal. The profits are too lucrative." Brooksie's not worried about that either.
Deborah Haynes (Times of London) also attempts to put a compassionate face on empire but is defeated in the comments to her article: "As a Western contractor who has worked in Iraq for the last 18 months i would say that for the most part we are here first and formost for the cash. However when i first came over here the money was an issue, but not the main one, it really did feel like i was helping in a small way to shape history and put this country back on its feet. Of course since that time its now just a question of how long this cash gravy train is gonna run." On Saturday, Alec Klein and Steve Fainaru (Washington Post) reported on army veteran Brian X. Scott temporarily stopped the the US military from "from awarding the largest securit contract in Iraq" as he protested "against the government practice of hiring what he calls mercenaries" by suing in the US Court of Federal Claims and arguing "that the military's use of private security contractors is 'against America's core values' and violates an 1893 law that prohibits the government from hiring quasi-military forces."
Meanwhile Andrew Johnson, Marie Woolf and Raymond Whitaker (Belfast Telegraph) report on United Kingdom tax payers' monies going to line the pockets of corporations and note: "Former SAS members, as well as British ex-soldiers and policemen, are in demand, the companies say, because they are less trigger-happy and trained to work to far tighter rules of engagement than their US counterparts. But given that the torrent of reconstruction money poured into Iraq was mainly American, US companies come into the business. 'The Americans never had a private security industry previously, but they do now, thanks to Iraq,' said one British executive." The reporters go on to list key British companies in Iraq including Aegis featuring "Tim Spicer operated in Sierra Leone in 1997" and Control Risks Group which has contracts with the US Office of Reconstruction.
As the Palm Beach Post noted Friday: "Private security can provoke the violence it is supposed to quell. Last week, armed personnel working for Blackwater USA were involved in two gun battles in Baghdad and killed an Iraqi driver near the Interior Ministry. They said that he drove too close to the convoy and ignored warnings. That death resulted in a standoff with Iraqi forces that had to be mediated by US troops and anger toward American workers in the ministry." Here's the reality and someone get a small pan because Brooksie's mind might start melting and flowing out of her ears (get a really small pan), US troops will be pulled. There's not a question of that happening. The only question is when that will happen. And putting a smiley sticker over the blood will allow the US to continue to wage an illegal war with contractors long after the US military has left. Here's some more reality, the illegal war would be over if money grubbers in the West would stop going over to Iraq to make a quick buck. Pressure should be put on these companies and these employees and, if it were, the illegal war would be a lot closer to ending. But that requires more thought than Our Miss Brooksie can muster.
Today, on Democracy Now!, Antonia Juhasz discussed 'benchmarks,' Congress, and other topics. Below is the exchange on the theft of Iraqi oil -- the privatization scheme.
AMY GOODMAN: And what is this US-backed proposal?
ANTONIA JUHASZ: It's a Bush administration, US corporate, very simple attempt to figure out: if you're going to wage a war for oil, how do you get the oil. Does Exxon come in on a tank with a flag and stick it in the ground, or do you have a more careful process? The careful process is very simply: write a law, get a new Iraqi government in place, have the Iraqis pass the law, and then turn the oil over to US oil corporations.
The Bush administration designed the law. Last January, President Bush announced that it was a benchmark for passage by the Iraqi government. It was the same day that he announced the surge. And in the language of the administration, the surge was meant to provide the political space so that the Iraqis could discuss the oil law and other benchmarks. The Democrats then adopted this language of the benchmarks and said in the supplemental war spending bill, again, that the Iraqis have to pass this benchmark. And it very simply turns Iraq from a nationalized oil system, essentially closed to US oil corporations, to a privatized system in which potentially two-thirds of all of Iraq's oil could be owned by foreign oil companies, and they can control the production with as long as thirty-year contracts.
AMY GOODMAN: Now, what about the news coming out of Iraq that Raed Jarrar has reported on, talking about the significance of the vote for the US to get out of Iraq by the parliament?
ANTONIA JUHASZ: It's very significant. The United Nations mandate for the US occupation of Iraq gives ultimate authority to the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi cabinet to determine if the occupation can continue. So, theoretically, if the Iraqi parliament, joined by the cabinet -- and that's critical -- say that the occupation cannot continue, theoretically it would have to end. That stands in vast opposition to the plans of the Bush administration and now, apparently, the plans of the Democratic leadership, as well.
In media news, as independent media continues to be under attack, News Dissector Danny Schechter's "Special Blog: Can Our Media Channel Survive?" announces the potential fate of
Mediachannel.org which may shut down: "If we can get 1500 of our readers (that means you) to give $25, we can keep going for another quarter. [PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION ONLINE]"
Finally, independent journalist John Pilger is on a speaking tour with his new book Freedom Next Time and his documentary Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (which looks at DC, Afghanistan and Iraq). June 7th, he will discuss his book with Amy Goodman at The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:15). Admission is $5 per person and students (with ID) can attend for free. Pilger will sign copies of his book afterwards and Amy Goodman will sign copies of her latest book (written with her brother David Goodman) Static. "For ticket information, contact (212) 229-5488 or boxoffice@newschool.edu. For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, click here or e-mail pilgerny@gmail.com." He will also be interviewed by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! Thursday June 7th.June 11th, Pilger will be in Los Angeles at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (244 S. San Pedro St.) and will discuss his book and show his documentary beginning at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). The price of admission to the even is five dollars. "Directions, maps, and parking info at: http://www.jaccc.org/directions.htmPresented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, and The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call or visit the JACCC. Box office: 213-680-3700 (Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday: Noon - 5 pm)For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilger.la@gmail.com." June 13th finds him in San Francisco showing his film and discussing his book at Yerba Beuna Center for Arts (beginning at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm) and the price of admission is $15 general and $5 for students. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, and KPFA, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. For ticket information, call 415-978-2787 or order online at http://www.ybca.org/. In person tickets at YBCA Box office located inside the Galleries and Forum Building, 701 Mission Street at Third. (Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun: noon - 5 pm; Thu: noon - 8 pm.) For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org For more information, email pilgersf@gmail.com." From San Francisco, he moves on to Chicago for the 2007 Socialism conference. At 11:30 am Saturday June 16th, he and Anthony Arnove will participate in a conversation, audience dialogue and book signing (Arnove is the author most recently of IRAQ: The Logic of Withdrawal) and that evening (still June 16th) at 7:30 Pilger will be at Chicago Crowne Plaza O'Hare (5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018) as part of a panel of international activists. To attend the conference, the fee is $85. For Saturday and Sunday only, the price is $70. To attend only one session, the cost is ten dollars. "Presented by The Center for Economic Research and Social Change, The Nation Institute, with support from the Wallace Global Fund. Co-sponsors: Obrera Socialista, Socialist Worker, International Socialist Review, and Haymarket Books. For ticket information, call 773-583-8665 or e-mail info@socialismconference.org For media inquiries, contact (212) 209-5407 or ruth@nationbooks.org. For more information, email info@socialismconference.org." The Socialism 2007 conference will take place in Chicago from June 14-17. Along with Pilger and Arnove, others participating will include Dahr Jamail, Laura Flanders, Kelly Dougherty, Joshua Frank, Amy Goodman, Sharon Smith, Dave Zirin, Camilo Mejia, Jeremy Scahill, Jeffrey St. Clair and many others.
flashpoints
trinas kitchen
mikey likes it
the common ills
iraq
adam kokesh
iraq veterans against the war
antonia juhasz
democracy nowpaula zahn now
kirk semplethe new york times
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