Failure to Communicate

It has taken me a while to write this diary, not so much because I didn’t know what to say as much as I was unsure how others would take it. I am not by any means an expert in military affairs or foreign relations. I am merely an observer, and I would have to say that from early 1990s, I have been at first perplexed, and than incredulous of what has been going on in my government and in governments around the world. The following is an excerpt from a live journal of a soldier in Iraq.
posted 2/20/06…
I started reading [omitted] LJ [Live Journal] because he recently came to Iraq and he's the husband of [omitted]. In his LJ he talks all about the so called "AIF" which really got me to thinking. I haven't seen the term AIF since Fort Stewart nearly a year ago. They never dropped that term at the NTC and I haven't seen it here, in Iraq. But it seems the Army still likes to use the term "Anti Iraqi Forces" somewhere, because that guy certainly believes in it. And I'm not picking on him.
I really don't understand the term AIF. I guess there are people here that would be "AIF", but they are very few. Care to follow a list of my enemies?
Outright Enemies:
• AIF = foreign insurgents that don't want to see an Iraq and hate America, true AIF
• AIF = foreign insurgents from Syria or Saudi Arabia that support the secular Sunni a regime of Saddam Hussein.
• AIF = foreign insurgents from Syria or Saudi Arabia that don't support the secular Saddam Hussein but are supportive of fundamentalist Wahibbism
• AIF = foreign insurgents from Syria or Saudi Arabia that don't support the secular Saddam Hussein or fundamentalist Wahibbism, but hate Freedom
Lets not forget that though we have either a truce or alliance that we have these enemies; I'll put "AIF" on them for fun, but they're just as likely to be coalition forces:
• AIF = so called "Kurdish ethnic group" peoples wanting their own country
• AIF = so called "Kurdish ethnic group" peoples wanting their own place in the government
• AIF = Shi'ite Militants that are local
• AIF = Shi'ite Militants from Iran
• AIF = Shi'ite Militants with "their own agenda"
• AIF = Sunnis "Arabs" for Iraq but not with America
• AF = Sunnis that aren't "Arab" for Iraq but not with America
And of course the ones here in Iraq that don't play to outsiders, and also are my enemies:
• AIF = Sunni Arabs native to Iraq
• AIF = Sunni Arabs native to Iraq that hate the Shi'ites but want an free Iraq
• AIF = Sunni Arabs that are Baathist and like Saddam Hussein
• AIF = Sunni Arabs that are Baathist and don't like Saddam Hussein but like Syria
• AIF = Sunni Arabs that are native to Iraq, don't like Shi'as
• AIF = Sunni Arabs that are native to Iraq that don't like Shi'as and other Sunnis
• AIF = Sunni Muslims that don't associate themselves as Arabs but associate with a group above
• AIF = Sunni Muslims that don't associate themselves as Arabs OR a group above
The Sunni list goes on and on.
Should I start with the Tribal list that could constitute "AIF"?
Perhaps it helps the simple, letterless Regular Army soldier. The E3 and E4 in the Army that is 20 years old and doesn't know shit about the world. Maybe that's what the AIF thing is all about. But really, I do hope that isn't getting to the Captains and Majors that run our S2s and S3s.
Right?
It's President's Day. George Washington could have been king. He wasn't though. And because of that one man, Freedom and Democracy rule half the world today. Had he been a religious man perhaps it would be another Saint George, but he was a deist, and just another man. Today you should have been celebrating his birthday. If you didn't, you're wrong, but you still can fix it because I'm many hours ahead of you. Without George Washington, Freedom would be a misnomer. They came to George and said, "So do ya' want to be King?" And Georgie, the man on the Dollar, the man who had defeated Empire, he said, "No. No, I didn't do this thing to be a king. I believed in Freedom, and Liberty. Our LAWS say that it is the People that lead Our Nation. Let them choose Another. I shall go home, to Virginia."
Selah.

This journal struck me not so much because of the sarcastic honesty, but because it said much more than I think the author ever intended. It is something of a sick, depraved joke to say that we (whoever the hell we are, in which I am really not so sure about) are in a “Global War on Terrorism.” How the hell can you be at war with a tactic? Can you punch out a ghost? It is ridiculous to me, a minority, that some of the most intelligent (?) minds can sit around on the television and pontificate on Iraq War strategy, Homeland (the very word actually sends chills up my spine) security and cartoon violence, while ignoring the elephant stomping all around you. With the advent of personal computers, the internet, and various other leaps in technology, globalization on certain levels is unavoidable. That does not mean you sell out security, public safety, or national interest to the world market. You cannot have a successful government or prosperous country when ruled by pure forms of –isms (socialism, capitalism, etc.) You also cannot hope to lead a world you do not understand. Please stick with me moment while I explain.

1.) Iraq is a manufactured country, put together by Westerners who never really understood tribal or ethnic differences. It is more than the differences between someone from New York and someone from Alabama. I have heard on the Sunday talking head self gratification vest no less than ten times how Arabs in Pakistan Iran, etc, etc, fell about the West. The problem is, in the vast majority of places mentioned, there are very few Arabs. Iran is populated by a majority of Persians. The people of Pakistan are largely of Indian decent. And what about the Turks, they are something altogether different. IT IS NOT THE SAME THING. African-Americans think, act, speak and behave far differently than Somalis, who think and act far different from Liberians. Culture is not basically the same from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, but policy makers insist on lumping anyone who is Muslim into this one Arabian category, where they do not fit. The Shi’ite and the Sunni have beef that go back thousands of years. Colonization has a nasty after bite, and surprise when the oppressed are given the opportunity for revenge, they generally take it. Think of it as capital punishment for something your great-great-great-grandfather did. Maybe it is simplistic to say if they want to split, let them split. The problem is the oil, which is the say, the cash crop. No one is willing to give that up. We can put a man on the moon in the 60s, but we can’t find an alternative to oil? The country that does will be the next superpower, and it doesn’t look like that will be us.

2.) I spent a month and a half in the U.A.E. in 1993. At the time, the general population of the West was really just becoming aware of the fact that we had an ever growing problem in the region. I asked regular citizens, the kind without oil wealth “Why do most Muslims hate American?” Two men, one young and one quite a deal older I spoke with almost every evening and received the same answer. They told me, they do not hate Americans, but what they really despise are western companies and western governments supporting and propping up leaders that are at best corrupt, but generally tyrannical. Me, as an African-American woman, had very little to do with their plight. (Of course, this was pre-Condi.) I sat with these men for hours talking about the differences in cultures and religions and came away with a completely different prospective of the Middle East and its people. Since that time, I have found it far easier to find common ground with those from various parts of the Middle East than I can with my Republican brother-in-law. Ten and a half years later, in Paris, I had similar conversations with many Persian, Arab, African, and Pakistani immigrants in the open markets. I was there with a friend from Israel, who could not believe that after 9/11 I would not only proudly pronounce myself to be an American, but be accepted as if I was one of “them.” The answer is really simple. I, like the vast majority of progressives, can communicate, exchange ideas and find commonality with those that are different from me without losing my own identity. The people in power now cannot fathom a democracy that does not look like Western democracy; the simple truth is the Middle East has had different form of democratic governments before Europe. Democracy comes at the will of the people, not the will of another. The forms of democracy bubbling the Middle East today will not be same as ours, but then again, it cannot be the same. It must work for the people for which it serves. It doesn’t make it right or wring, it makes it different. The same general principle applies in our own hemisphere. Of course governments in South America are increasing socialistic. The majority of the people (the have-nots) have greater need for some forms of socialism. Good for American companies? No. Good for the people of South America? It is for them to decide.
3.) The protests over Danish cartoons just might be about something more than Danish cartoons. Possibly, probably, opportunistic religious fanatics have used this issue to fan the flames of discontent, but it would not have been possible if there were not for deep angry undercurrents in their societies. All too often, western media and politicians speak of the Middle East as if these people were all ignorant peasant people who cannot be trusted with their own destiny. Since the great victories of Alexander the Great, it has been all too easy of the west to look upon the cradle of civilization as if it were populated by some backward country bumpkins without the ability of cognitive reasoning. Friday on Hardball, Rita Crosby proclaimed that Democrats were going after the “hoodlum vote,” which she qualified as going after the vote of felonies in an obvious bid for Black votes. I have been Black all my life, as have my father, my husband, my grandparent, etc. None of us have ever been felons. I don’t know any felons, and I know a lot of African-Americans. The comment was not upsetting because it was racist, it was infuriating because she had no idea what she said was racist. This is the main problem most African-Americans have with the Republican Party. It is not that they are blatantly racists, it is that most have no idea they are being racists when they open their mouths. People of the Middle East are not stupid. They know true racism when they see it. The way in which address problems in the Middle East are oft time racist. The comments by people like Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and the like don’t help.

Well, that’s my little rant of the day. I hope it wasn’t too juvenile or naïve. I don’t know it was just a thought.

What?!

From Swing State Project (http://www.swingstateproject.com/2006/01/oh18_ney_to_oh.php)

Asked if Ney planned to step down if Bennett urged him to do so, Ney said: "I would say if he asked me to step down that he'd better look in the mirror because glass houses break easily." (Emphasis added.)

Go check this site out

But I Won't Stop Writing

So I wrote both Senators concerning the confirmation of Judge Alito. Here is what I received from each…

Sen. Martinez : Dear Mrs. Lunningham:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.
According to Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the United States Senate must “advise and consent” to each of the president’s judicial nominations. In this role, we have a great constitutional responsibility to ensure a strong and qualified judiciary.
The position of Supreme Court justice is one of the highest and most respected in the land. The decisions of this Court resonate at the very foundations of the beliefs upon which our nation is built. In Judge Alito, I believe President Bush chose an individual with impeccable academic credentials, an extensive background as a lawyer and jurist, and seasoned experienced in handling arguments before the United States Supreme Court.
Judge Alito has been well received by my predecessors in the Senate on each of his previous confirmations. He was unanimously confirmed in both of his prior appearances before the United States Senate, both as a nominee for United States Attorney for New Jersey and to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
During his 15 years as a United States Circuit Judge, Judge Alito demonstrated the intelligence and judicial temperament required of this important office. It is now our obligation in the United States Senate to ensure that Judge Alito receives a thoughtful and deliberative evaluation. I look forward to hearing more from Judge Alito during the hearings and the confirmation process.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

Sen. Nelson : ear Mrs. Lunningham:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. It is important that we confirm a justice who will be a voice of reason and a staunch defender of our constitutional rights.
As part of the deliberative process, I will conduct a thorough review and inquiry into Judge Alito’s integrity, qualifications, and past record. I also will pay close attention to the proceedings of the Senate Judiciary Committee. When that process is complete, I will make my decision on whether to vote for his confirmation.
I appreciate hearing your concerns and will keep them in mind. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future.
P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/newpages/newsletter.cfm .

Oh well, who the hell needs civil liberties anyway?

Nothing Up My Sleeve....

From blog I will now read everyday: http://opovet.blogspot.com/ One Pissed Off Veteran writes….

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Town Hall Meeting Shocker

I just got home from a "town hall" type of meeting with my congressman, Brian Baird (Washington 3rd). He's a smart, personable, even-tempered guy who's good at thinking on his feet, which I guess is why he keeps winning elections. He and I have disagreed over the years on some issues (e.g., Terri Shiavo, flag burning), but he's in the forefront of fighting for veterans' benefits, supporting veterans' issues and funding veterans' health care, so by and large he's way better than whatever knuckledragger the Repugs have thrown -- or can throw -- up against him.

But he told an absolutely appalling story about what happened when he and his wife attempted to travel to Kuwait to make a personal visit to a group of National Guard troops from right here in this district who had been deployed to Kuwait and were on the verge of going into Iraq.

He contacted the commanding general of Task Force Olympia and was told that they would not allow him to make an official visit as a congressman and not be able to ask questions of the troops because -- get this -- That fat bastard, the Squeaker of the Hose, one Denny Fat-boy Clogged-arteries Supersize-me Make-that-three-triple- cheeseburgers Hastert issued an edict that no Democratic congressman could speak to the troops without a Repugnican sewer rat being present.

And people still wonder why we need to get that slavering pack of corrupt GOP bastards out of there.

Hmmmmm………

Sen Your Senator A Letter RE: Alito

COPY AND PASTE THIS LETTER AND SEND TO YOUR SENATOR. ALITO MUST NOT BE CONFIRMED

DATE

The Honorable (your Senator's name)
(The Senator's address found at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm )

Dear Senator (insert last name):

I am writing to urge you to oppose the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito. Judge Alito’s written opinions as expressed in decisions such as: (1) Bray v. Marriott Hotels, 1997 indicates a woeful lack of understanding of minority rights that could set civil rights back decades; (2) Nathanson v. Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1991 suggests that Judge Alito has either disdain or a true lack of understanding for Americans with disabilities, (3) in Doe v. Groody, 2004, Judge Alito actually wrote he though the strip search of a child who happened to live in the same residence of a suspected criminal was perfectly fine. These are just a few cases, but I have researched far more that indicates to me that Judge Alito, while undoubtedly intelligent and capable, and would place the interests of business above the health, welfare and economic interests of the vast majority of Americans in the middle-class. While this may be preferable to those who own major corporations, it is not at all in the best interest of the majority of your constituents.

Senator (your Senator’s name), issues such as equal protection, Amendments IV, V, XIV, XV, XIX, and XXIV to the Constitution, the Family and Medical Leave Act, or any civil right hard won by the minority populace cannot be taken lightly. The Supreme Court is a co-equal branch of government, not an arm for any political interest. This appointment it effects more than the right to privacy (which is what was decide by Roe V. Wade, not abortion rights), it effects whether the common people will have equal representation with companies and powerful interests groups. I must tell you, as it stands, the average American cannot see much representation from Washington.

Sincerely,

(your name)

The Anti-Federalist Papers (Part I)

I love America. Not in a sappy, bumper sticker, tear jerking song kind away, but with a painful understanding and acceptance of everything this country has been and all that it has come through, a deep abiding respect for everything that this country is, and a hope eternal of what this country can be. It is because of this love I have written this for anyone who will read it. All I ask is that you read with an open heart and mind and remember being an American means you don’t have to march in lock step.

It is a funny thing, but more often than not, it is not the righteous, well respected holy man that fights to right the wrongs of a blind society, it is oft times the sinner. Men beholden to no one save their own conscience, men looked down upon by his contemporaries, scoffed at and belittled step into the breach and hold a mirror to our faces and show us how very ugly we really are.

I am not a righteous person, though I pray everyday to become one. My sins are great, my past may be considered shadowy, but I know what is right and what is wrong. I do not presume to be smarter than anyone with a high school education, but I am able to separate fact from fiction, truth from lie, and I can even see in shades of gray when things are not in black and white. So can you. I just want to give you a little help.

Intro-

There was a time when American leaders inspired the people, making us believe. Words from Lincoln, both Roosevelt’s, and Kennedy (to name a few) moved us to reach beyond, to move us greatness, to give us hope. Well, when was the last time any politician made you feel pride? I am talking true pride in your country, not the last vestiges When was the last time you as an American, felt you were a part something special and unique? You probably don’t want to hear this. You have been brainwashed into thinking that your personal views are the only correct views, so any dissent makes you uncomfortable, if not down right irritable. However, after the initial shock that the world does not revolve around you has worn off, and you begin to see you do not get to dictate to the world how it should live and what everyone should believe, you will begin to open you mind to the possibility that maybe you are not right all the time. Maybe, you will even begin to understand that you current government is dead wrong; in fact, it is bad for you and the country on the whole.

My own political leanings are irrelevant. It does not matter what party I call myself affiliated with, whatever that means. I am not writing to you to push anyone’s agenda. My aim is not to convert the masses, but to remind you of who you are and what power you wield

I do not seek to sway political views. My incongruity is with the powers that be on all sides. I wish to remind my fellow Americans of the things that unite us as a people. I wish to open your minds to the possibilities of all we still could be. It is this authors’ humble opinion that our political parties are necessary, both right and left, to compliment and balance one another, in order to ensure that all people are represented and all values devotedly held are worth fighting for and should be fought for.

Blogging Baghdad

If you have not been to Blogging Baghdad, http://baghdadblog.msnbc.com/ , on the MSNBC website, you should give it a once over. The observations are poignant and you will probably never see any of these things on television.