January 2, 2007
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TUESDAY POLITICS
One
of the things I made it my business to do this Christmas season was to
sit down with my 15-year-old grandson and register him online as a
conscientious objector. His other grandmother and I have agreed that
starting the paper trail now is essential so that when and if this
country calls for a draft three years from now when we will probably
still be in Iraq or some other place full of innocent civilians
bringing and receiving death, he will have established that he (and we
as a family) objects. When Congress reconvenes this week, Bush (on John
McCain’s encouragement) will propose a surge of 30,000 troops and then
the excrement is going to hit the fan as the new Democratic majority
takes over. Senator Joe Biden will lead the Foreign Relations Committee
to block the surge and on that committee will be some fire-breathing
members such as Chris Dodd (Conn.), John Kerry (Mass.), Russ Feinfold
(Wis.), and Barack Obama (Ill.). I can hardly wait to tune in and see
this action. The photo is of Chuck Hagel, Senator from Nebraska, who is
also on that committee and one of at least 12 Republican senators who
are not pleased. To quote him, “It’s Alice in Wonderland. I’m
absolutely opposed to sending any more troops to Iraq. It is folly.”
For my grandson’s sake and all the other grandsons and granddaughters
who are potential cannon fodder, I’ll be hoping to see this country’s
democratic system do itself a favor and work for us this week, month,
and year.
Deep Thought: “People need to
realize that every time they talk about how ‘fragile’ our planet is,
it’s just like asking outer-space aliens to come invade us.”
Today I am grateful for: Shampoo
Guess the Movie: “It had been a wonderful evening and what I needed now, to give it the perfect ending, was a little of the Ludwig Van.” Answer: A Clockwork Orange, 1971.
Winner: thenarrator.
Let’s Toast to Ten Good Things About 2006
By Medea Benjamin
truthout Guest Contributor
Friday 29 December 2006
As
we close this year on the low of a devastating conflict in Iraq and a
president contemplating sending yet more troops to fight and die in an
unwinnable war, let us not forget that it was a year of many positive
gains for the progressive movement. (Rest of article here.)
Comments (28)
that’s so cool. that’s pretty much all i have to say since school has drain every once of motor skills i have. I am running on instinct. Thankfully one of my instincts is typing.
Let’s just hope we aren’t still stuck in Iraq by the time your grandson reaches enlistment age.
*sparkle
wow, cool
I’ve said on a couple of sites that there is a choice, get to 500,000 troops in Iraq – with 200,000 to 250,000 in Baghdad, or get out. I’m not making that number up out of thin air. I know that in the 1970s the NYPD had 7 officers assigned per block (PER BLOCK, mind you, approximately 2 on any shift) in the 41st Precinct, The Bronx’s infamous “Fort Apache.” That provided the most minimal security (the neighborhood still burned to the ground and hundreds were killed). To pacify the equivalent areas of Baghdad would require at least that kind of force depth – which gives you the quarter-million troop number. Also, understand, this would require tax increases equal to roughly $1,200 per year for every single American.
So that’s the choice for all who favor the war. Put up (money and human life), or shut up and get out, but don’t lie to people John McCain and tell them 30,000 more US troops will do anything more than double the current US death rate.
Oh, isn’t the movie Clockwork Orange?
Oh man, I really hope that thing blows up in Bush’s face.
I just hope they never extend the draft to females…
Where do you get those forms?
Scary. Just plain scary.
Did you catch Keith Olbermann last night? He had a “Special Comment” on the upsurge. It’s beyond frightening. I don’t understand what he’s thinking. Is he thinking? Is it really just ego and hubris? And how did we wind up like this?
And *shudder* thenarrator is right, right? That movie scarred me when I saw it at 18.
Such a tragedy to see so many young lives being lost for a president who is worried about his reputation in history.
Ooops, I was asleep when the Clockwork Orange was guessed, but it was still right!
Thanks for stopping by. Great site. –Rachel =)
i am glad you are thinking ahead like this. heartwarming. although also heart coldening. ya know
that is a wise decision. have a happy new year.
I always love reading your blog! Thanks for all the meaty thruout the year. I’d love to know more about the con. obj. stuff when you get a min. THX!
I’ve always thought of the draft as a thing of my parents’ childhoods and the history books. Now that I’m at a draft-able age, the idea of it returning is chilling.
I have a friend who’s a marine. He could be called to Iraq at any moment after spending a year where he is staitioned now
I’m not only opposed to sending any more of our youth to Iraq, but am totally against war.
I’ve had enough of the horror throughout the world and how it’s affecting our lives.
oh and I was checking out a few of your news blogs….I read all of them, and I want to recommend a few more
The Nation (thenation.com)
Talking Points Memo (talkingpointsmemo.com)
Raw Story (rawstory.com)
Huffington Post (huffingtonpost.com)
Eschaton (atrios.blogspot.com)
Firedoglake (firedoglake.com)
AMERICAblog (americablog.blogspot.com)
Tom Paine (tompaine.com)
RYC: From what I have heard, Rep. Jack Murtha is pushing for inquiries into the Iraq War, and there are other congressmen calling for a timeline for withdrawal.
I am going to talk to my son…….I hope they find a way to stop the surge..it will make matters worse…that is such a crazy making break your heart kind of thing to do…
There is a special place in Hell already reserved for the man who apparently has already “decided” to sacrifice more lives for the sake of his ego. Not much consolation for me to think in these terms, but it’s the only consolation I can find.
RIGHT ON!!! Bless your hearts. If I had a child, I would encourage her/him to do the same thing.
Here’s to peace in 2007.
It’s going to be ugly. I can already hear the shrill voices of O’Reilly and Coulter claiming that the Democrats hate America and want the terrorists to win.
The thought of a draft makes my stomach turn. It’s great to hear about your involvement with your grandkids; educating, empowering and protecting them through your knowledge. Take care.
“i’ll be hoping to see this country’s democratic system do itself a favor and work for us this week, month, and year.”
This is what struck me most out of the entire post. When was the last time our country truly operated this way & not in favor of the government’s top officials? Are we even a democracy anymore?
I saw you on Sherab’s site and wanted to drop by. I now know why the instinct was strong to do so..Could you give the website where you sign up to be a CO? I have a 16 year old brother and a 14 one also, and we were all having this same conversation about a week ago. Good for you to have the foresight to take matters in your own hands at this time in place. We are wanting to do the same. The more we can get this word out however possible the better. Thanks!
im against the war too and think they should pull out as well. it will only lead to more and more violence.
Enjoy your “bright and shiny” New Year! Thanks for stopping by.