iraq war

In the previous century we watched Europe self-destruct twice, then clamber out of the ruins and put itself back together again, sort of like the Scarecrow after his near death experience at the hands of the Wicked Witch of the West, reconstituting himself with fresh straw. Of course it was painful; of course it took time. But not that much time. Not really.

Why is that?

Former president George W. Bush was recently honored by a Catholic organization, Legatus, for “eight years of pro-life policies” while in office. Among other things, the group notes his opposition to stem cell research and his appointment of anti-choice Supreme Court judges as among his qualifications for the award. Perhaps surprisingly, this decision has not been without some controversy, even in “pro-life” circles.

If you are upset about the murders of innocent Iraqis committed by Blackwater, or concerned about the right wing views of the Company's founder, Erik Prince, this might not shock you.

From Jeremy Scahill of the Nation

Now, I know all you unfeeling, uncaring liberal jerks out there look at President Bush and see a man who knows nothing of sacrifice. But, you're wrong. Our president suffers, he gives up, he cares. Look no further than what W has sacrificed as a way to personally show his solidarity with our men and women in the military. No, it's not a financial contribution. No, not a bill or executive order. No, Barbara and Jenna aren't joining up or even going on a USO tour.

Our Commander-in-Chief has given up golf.

Pat posted a video that violated security, people died, he took it down.

Now he says nobody told him not to . . . but the Pentagon says otherwise.

Vote Vets calls for censure. I'd like a Congressional investigation.

A summation of the whole bragging, pandering, lameass debacle.

Use this (and thoreau's post) to write a letter to the editor to at least one newspaper serving NC's 10th District. Unless you're on-line (and many in the 10th are not), you probably have no idea what Pat's been up to lately. We can write and link and blog and comment, but unless we get into the local press, Republicans who might bge quite happy with Daniel Johnson won't even know McHenry needs to be replaced. Scroll to the bottom of the post for links to most 10th District newspapers that have websites.

“In my lifetime, I have never felt more ashamed of, nor more frightened by my leadership in Washington, including the presidency...I feel like despite your rhetoric, that compassion and common sense have been left far behind during your administration, and I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and the grace to be ashamed of yourself.”
Harry Taylor to President George W. Bush at a Town Hall Meeting in Charlotte, NC, April 2006

As an Army wife I face many important dates alone. Dates that mean something only to me and my husband or to my family. However, this week marks the fifth year our men and women have been sent off to a war that has now destroyed our economy. We can stop the debate on why we went into Iraq but we need to discuss what that one fatal decision has done to our great nation.

We have lost many brave lives over there yet those losses really to do not compare to the fact our economy is failing. I believe we should support our troops but not at the cost of my children's future.

In which we have more fun spending $2.4 trillion than they did.