a G.I.'s life is priceless

"An image haunts me:
proceeding across a battlefield,
my father now dead,
I am up front to draw the fire.
I look back,
and one of those I was to protect has fallen."

The above is for Andrew Bacevich. It's okay. It will never be okay. They were only here for the time we had them. Thank GOD we know how to live so none of it was wasted. (thinking of you)

From Andrew Bacevich: (see my below post for the rest of this)

He received letters blaming him and his anti-war writing for his death. He writes, "This may seem a vile accusation to lay against a grieving father. But in fact, it has become a staple of American political discourse, repeated endlessly by those keen to allow President Bush a free hand in waging his war."

WHAT KIND OF DEMOCRACY IS THIS?'
A GRIEVING FATHER WANTS TO KNOW

By: Justin Raimondo
The family of Andrew Bacevich, a 27-year-old first lieutenant who was recently killed in an ambush north of Baghdad, doesn't want to see its beloved son and brother turned into an impersonal symbol of a tragic and unnecessary war: they want him to be remembered as a special person, "a great-looking kid with an infectious smile," as one of his close friends put it at his funeral service.

He was, by all accounts, a unique man of many talents, who aspired to join the Army in spite of restrictions against asthma sufferers. Young Bacevich was forced to leave ROTC at Boston University because of this, but he worked hard to stay in shape and ran the Boston Marathon in 3 hours and 35 minutes. After graduating from BU in 2003, he worked as an aide to a state Republican legislator, and in 2004 he became a legislative liaison and analyst on the staff of Gov. Mitt Romney.

He finally achieved his dream of serving his country when the asthma restrictions were relaxed. He joined in 2005 as a private and was admitted to Officers Candidate School – which he knew would mean deployment to Iraq in very short order. He went in October and led a platoon in the Third Brigade Combat Team, First Cavalry Division.

He was, by all accounts, anything but a tragic figure, full of the life-force and an inspiration and joy to those who knew him. Yet this very quality underscores the tragedy of his demise and inevitably leads us to raise the questions his father, Andrew J. Bacevich, a retired Army colonel who served in Vietnam and now teaches at Boston University, asked in an interview with National Public Radio: "One of the things that I've been really struggling with over the last several days is to try to understand my responsibility for my own son's death."

Bacevich, a prominent conservative critic of the war who has deemed the invasion "a catastrophic failure," thought his responsibility was to voice his opposition to the war, but, he asks:

"What kind of democracy is this when the people do speak and the peoples voice is unambiguous – but nothing happens?"

It is a question that needs to be addressed to the leadership of both parties, not only the Republicans – particularly Mitt "Two, Three, Many Guantanamos" Romney – but also Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Memorial Day orators will say that a G.I.'s life is priceless. Don't believe it. I know what value the U.S. government assigns to a soldier's life: I've been handed the check

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Headlights to Impeach
Memorial Day 2007 is the one-year anniversary of the Headlights to Impeach Movement. Turn them ON. PlEaSe !
Help a country out here. Also, click the link to sign the petition. Takes three seconds.


Vote in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll

Click Here

Email your Congressman

Brought to you LIVE from THE TAMPA NAIL HOUSE ... : Proud members of the drive-by media (just like Thomas Paine, father of America)

... located in the midtown desired redevelopment center just one block from the river.


They need this property because it's in the middle of land they intend to develop for gambling facilities.
LaS VEgas here in Tampa : Ta-Vegas or Tam-Gas.
But it's going to cost YOU a helluva lot of money as they defend their criminal acts in federal court due to what they are doing to my family and I in
the process of attempting to steal our home.
Technorati Tags Andrew Bacevich

Technorati Tags: andy bacevich, duopoly of democrats republicans, buying influence, trivializing politics

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Andy and Andrew Bacevich and Family

I posted about the sad loss of Andy Bacevich previously:here and here and I see the path opening wide for the never-ending followup on this young life lost in this illegal, illicit, immoral war.
His father, Andrew Bacevich, has not slowed his roll, a fact that I deeply admire. I am in awe of the strength and courage of this man, and wish I had known him to draw inspiration from when I needed him. But, it's working now, too. In fact, I may publicize his writings whenever I find them. Certainly he has been a vocal opponent to the militarization of America and who would know better than he, considering he has been in the machine himself?

I don't want his words to get lost in the sad death of his son because they are too monumental not to read OVER AND OVER again, until you have them half-committed to memory.

I don't want his son's life and the sad loss of same to be lost in the war-dissenter his father is.

Each a separate person. Andy Bacevich, Jr. was also writing that he did not believe the war was a good effort, shortly before he was killed

The father's words were just as weighty before. He is right about so much; seeing America through the clear eyes of someone who has been on both sides of the block (just like me)

Here is his article in the Washington Post. It's very important reading. I'll put some excerpts below, but the article is only a page and a half.


Excerpt: Among the many ways to answer that question, (see the article) mine was this one: As my son was doing his utmost to be a good soldier, I strove to be a good citizen. As a citizen, I have tried since Sept. 11, 2001, to promote a critical understanding of U.S. foreign policy

EXCERPT: Not for a second did I expect my own efforts to make a difference. But I did nurse the hope that my voice might combine with those of others -- teachers, writers, activists and ordinary folks -- to educate the public about the folly of the course on which the nation has embarked. I hoped that those efforts might produce a political climate conducive to change. I genuinely believed that if the people spoke, our leaders in Washington would listen and respond.

This, I can now see, was an illusion.

The people have spoken, and nothing of substance has changed. The November 2006 midterm elections signified an unambiguous repudiation of the policies that landed us in our present predicament. But half a year later, the war continues, with no end in sight. Indeed, by sending more troops to Iraq (and by extending the tours of those, like my son, who were already there), Bush has signaled his complete disregard for what was once quaintly referred to as "the will of the people."

EXCERPT: Money buys access and influence. Money greases the process that will yield us a new president in 2008. When it comes to Iraq, money ensures that the concerns of big business, big oil, bellicose evangelicals and Middle East allies gain a hearing. By comparison, the lives of U.S. soldiers figure as an afterthought.

>EXCERPT: Money maintains the Republican/Democratic duopoly of trivialized politics. It confines the debate over U.S. policy to well-hewn channels. It preserves intact the cliches of 1933-45 about isolationism, appeasement and the nation's call to "global leadership." It inhibits any serious accounting of exactly how much our misadventure in Iraq is costing. It ignores completely the question of who actually pays. It negates democracy, rendering free speech little more than a means of recording dissent.


His writing was always important; his books are important. His view couldn't be more sharpened.

Thank you, Mr. Bacevich. It never ceases to amaze me the voices that have risen up in defense of our country and our America and our American lives and others' around the worlds. You are a good and steadfast human being. Thank you for loving your fellow human beings and this country enough to speak up and speak out.

You are serving your country very well. Your son would remain proud of you. You are a fine soldier, a good American, a better Professor and a voice inside the establishment evoking irrefutable common sense.

The value of this is .... inestimable.


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Headlights to Impeach
Memorial Day 2007 is the one-year anniversary of the Headlights to Impeach Movement. Turn them ON. PlEaSe !
Help a country out here. Also, click the link to sign the petition. Takes three seconds.


Vote in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll

Click Here

Email your Congressman

Brought to you LIVE from THE TAMPA NAIL HOUSE ... : Proud members of the drive-by media (just like Thomas Paine, father of America)

... located in the midtown desired redevelopment center just one block from the river.


They need this property because it's in the middle of land they intend to develop for gambling facilities.
LaS VEgas here in Tampa : Ta-Vegas or Tam-Gas.
But it's going to cost YOU a helluva lot of money as they defend their criminal acts in federal court due to what they are doing to my family and I in
the process of attempting to steal our home.
Technorati Tags global warming

Technorati Tags: magical sheep, Truckspy rawks, shaggy sheep, SUVs

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Declaration of Peace

The Declaration of Peace National Conference Call
May 30, 2007 ~ 8 PM Eastern

In light of the passage of the latest $95 billion war funding bill in the U.S. Congress, this past week --
It is imperative that we all work together in greater cooperation and collaboration to pressure Congress to "Defund the War and Establish a Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq."

Your input and participation are greatly needed!

Please join our National Conference Call on Wednesday evening.
* See details below --

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We thank all who participated in the May 21st National Conference Call.
So many of you are involved in such inspiring work in your area to help end the war.

On last week's call, we made our presentation for The Declaration of Peace, letting you know what resources, services, and information our national campaign offers to local organizers and activists to build the End-the-War momentum.
We told you our hopes and plans for the next four months, and let you know how you can be involved.

During Phase 3 -- now through September 2007 -- The Declaration of Peace is organizing nationwide nonviolent actions to pressure Congress to:

• Stop funding the war and military occupation
• Bring U.S. troops home from Iraq
• Establish a comprehensive Peace plan for Iraq

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Now, we want to hear from YOU!

In terms of anti-war organizing and actions, please let us know what has been working or hasn't been working in your area.

Tell us about your recent or upcoming events and actions.

What plans are you making for actions this summer, and for September 2007?

What are your ideas for making The Declaration of Peace a more effective campaign to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

---

* On Wednesday, May 30th --

The Declaration of Peace will facilitate the second of our Phase 3 National Conference Calls to gather ideas and information from you, and to discuss your involvement in the campaign.

The Phase 3 National Conference Call will take place
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Phone: 1-641-297-5600
Then input the Access Code: 12131415 #

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The Declaration of Peace needs YOU!

---

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Subscribe

For More Information:
http://www.declarationofpeace.org
E-mail: info@declarationofpeace.org

contact | sign the declaration
info@declarationofpeace.org********************************************************

Headlights to Impeach
Memorial Day 2007 is the one-year anniversary of the Headlights to Impeach Movement. Turn them ON. PlEaSe !
Help a country out here. Also, click the link to sign the petition. Takes three seconds.


Vote in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll

Click Here

Email your Congressman

Brought to you LIVE from THE TAMPA NAIL HOUSE ... : Proud members of the drive-by media (just like Thomas Paine, father of America)

... located in the midtown desired redevelopment center just one block from the river.


They need this property because it's in the middle of land they intend to develop for gambling facilities.
LaS VEgas here in Tampa : Ta-Vegas or Tam-Gas.
But it's going to cost YOU a helluva lot of money as they defend their criminal acts in federal court due to what they are doing to my family and I in
the process of attempting to steal our home.
Technorati Tags Declaration of Peace

Technorati Tags: Peace, LOVE, hope iraq

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ELEVEN states now support Impeachment

11 State Legislatures Take Up Impeachment

http://afterdowningstreet.org/node/23077

By David Swanson

On Tuesday, Maine became the 11^th state legislature to introduce a resolution to petition for the impeachment of President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Maine joins Vermont (where the Senate has already passed such a resolution), California , Hawaii , Illinois , Minnesota , Missouri , New Mexico , Texas , Washington , and Wisconsin . Already 14 state Democratic parties have not just introduced but passed resolutions supporting impeachment. So have 85 cities and towns, either by public vote, or by a vote of the local government, or both. Details are available here: http://www.impeachpac.org/resolutions-list

The introduction of Maine 's resolution followed months of activism by the citizens of the state, http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/me , which culminated in a rally on Tuesday at the State House, where they presented a citizens' petition bearing 11,000 signatures.

A video is available at: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=61892

WCSH6 reports:

Protesters At Statehouse Call For Bush Impeachment

Web Editor: Chris Rose, Reporter

Last Updated: 5/29/2007 9:27:37 PM

AUGUSTA ( NEWS CENTER ) -- A group made up of peace activists, lawyers, and leading democrats are calling on the Maine House of Representatives to pass a resolution in support of the impeachment of President Bush. Portland Democrat Ethan Strimling says he will submit a bill calling for the legislature to support a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Bush. Strimling says the signatures gathered throughout Maine supporting the measure should get the attention of his colleagues. The signatures were brought to the Speaker of the House's office and to Senate President Beth Edmonds after protesters held a loud rally outside the statehouse Tuesday. Petitions with the signatures were also delivered to the Maine offices of Congressmen Allen and Michaud.

The Portland Press Herald reports:

Strimling introduces bill on behalf of impeachment movement
By Ann S. Kim Portland Press Herald ( Maine )

AUGUSTA — Sen. Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, today introduced a bill on behalf of the movement to impeach President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. The impeachment effort in Maine wants the state Legislature to pass a resolution calling for impeachment investigations. The movement has collected more than 11,000 petition signatures in support of the effort. Activists rallied in front of the State House today before delivering the signatures to the offices of Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, and House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland. Strimling said he doesn't know whether impeachment is warranted but that he wants the debate to take plac

e.

Information about Maine 's impeachment effort is available at http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/me and at http://www.maineimpeach.org

The Chair of Maine Lawyers for Democracy, John Kaminski, spoke at Tuesday's rally. Maine Lawyers for Democracy is a statewide group of over 70 lawyers who have called for impeachment. They have circulated to legislators a detailed position paper calling for impeachment.

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/sites/afterdowningstreet.org/files/maine.pdf

They cited the deceptions used to justify starting the Iraq War, the illegality of the War under international treaties adopted by the United States , and illegal wiretapping of U.S. citizens. In other words, Maine Lawyers for Democracy cited not just impeachable offenses but also specific violations of law, as did – to an even greater extent – Congressman John Conyers' report released last year on the same topic: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/downloads/crisis/summary.pdf

This renders quite odd the Portland Press Herald's editorial on Tuesday opposing impeachment on the undefended and baldly asserted ground that no crimes have been committed:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=108786&ac=PHedi

For more information on impeachment efforts in Maine and www.maineimpeach.org contact: Gary Higginbottom ghiggin2@earthlink.net

For more info on Maine Lawyers for Democracy contact: John Kaminski mainelawyersfordemocracy@yahoo.com

For additional information on Maine 's impeachment movement, including videos, see: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/me

Speakers on impeachment are available:

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/speakers

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Headlights to Impeach
Memorial Day 2007 is the one-year anniversary of the Headlights to Impeach Movement. Turn them ON. PlEaSe !
Help a country out here. Also, click the link to sign the petition. Takes three seconds.


Vote in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll

Click Here

Email your Congressman

Brought to you LIVE from THE TAMPA NAIL HOUSE ... : Proud members of the drive-by media (just like Thomas Paine, father of America)

... located in the midtown desired redevelopment center just one block from the river.


They need this property because it's in the middle of land they intend to develop for gambling facilities.
LaS VEgas here in Tampa : Ta-Vegas or Tam-Gas.
But it's going to cost YOU a helluva lot of money as they defend their criminal acts in federal court due to what they are doing to my family and I in
the process of attempting to steal our home.
Technorati Tags Impeachment

Technorati Tags: Maine Impeachment, Florida Impeachment, David Swanson, After Downing Street

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