The Casualties of War

Today our president tried to reassure us that all is going well in Iraq. Same speech — different day. They say that in war truth is the first casualty.

The trouble for Bush these days isn’t the speeches — it’s finding an audience that won’t shout back. Bush reverted to his frat boy roots at Annapolis, cracking wise with, “I’m pleased to provide a convenient excuse for you to miss class.” Hey, that’s one way to get a happy audience.

But yesterday 300 people in Denver were less than pleased. They pounded pots and pans in the streets chanting “Impeach Bush” When he showed up for a fundraiser. Even the Free Speech zones at Bush appearances won’t silence the majority who think this war is a bad, bad thing.

In his speech today Bush told us, “the enemy must be defeated on every battlefield.” He said every soldier, “deserves an unwavering commitment to the mission and a clear strategy for victory” and that “America’s will is strong.” Meanwhile the president is at his weakest since he was elected, and the more he talks about Iraq the less we believe him. Like the New Orleans citizens marooned at the Superdome, we hear the reassuring words but they sound hollow.

Last night CIA Director Porter Goss was interviewed by ABC, where he dodged questions about waterboarding — a practice of pouring water over blindfolded prisoners so they think they are drowning. This Bush appointee had the audacity to tell ABC that “torture is in the eye of the beholder.” Talk about the casualties of war! Check my logic here, but I thought torture was defined by international law and the Geneva Conventions.

While our Commander-in-Chief was talking patriotism and pride, Jack Straw is pressing the administration for “clarification” of whether the 210 CIA flights that have stopped in Great Britain were carting off war prisoners to be tortured in secret Eastern Europe. This isn’t one of Saddam’s crazed rants folks, this is the foreign secretary of our biggest ally in the Iraq War.

Democrats in Congress and the Senate are finally waking up and calling for an immediate end to the war. John McCain’s anti-torture legislation passed unanimously. Rep John Murtha says, “the war in Iraq is not going as advertised.” Even moderate Dems like TN Rep. Harold Ford are infuriated by GOP leaders who avoided military service but insult vets who dare criticize the war.

But don’t worry folks, according to Bush all we need to do is stay the course. Oh, and and don’t mind that corpse in the corner — the truth will get a 21-gun salute and a government coffin.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Cindy Sheehan’s friends are back at it again, protesting the war in Crawford, Texas, outside Bush’s ranch. On Wednesday Vietnam hawk-turned-leaker Daniel Ellsberg was arrested on Wednesday along with former Mongolian dipolmat Ann Wright, who resigned her post at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia in 2003 over the war policy. Ten others were hauled off for — get this — camping in a ditch.

Happy Thanksgiving Congressman Murtha

Dear Congressman Murtha,

We Americans have much to be grateful for, even in these trying times of war, natural disaster and economic uncertainty. We here at the Bluenecks blog give thanks for many things, but today we wanted to acknowledge our gratitude especially for your courage and passion in standing up for an end to the war in Iraq last week. Our government has perpetuated so much misinformation regarding the origins of this war, its conduct, and its future. Your straightforward truth-telling shattered these illusions and gave voice to the millions of Americans who have had enough. We are deeply saddened by the hateful response that your stand invoked, but encouraged that some of those who maligned your courage and commitment have apologized, and especially satisfied that even the Pentagon itself has just indicated that plans are indeed being made for troop withdrawal from Iraq.

Please keep up the good work. At our blog we are encouraging all our readers to also send you a note of thanks so that you will know this country is standing behind you. We are very thankful that your legacy of heroism continues.

Ford Gets Fighting Mad

Normally West Tennessean Harold Ford Jr. is verrrry cool. But Friday night he finally got hot. Harold Ford Jr. is touted as Tennessee’s next Senator to replace Bush apologist Frist. Like like fellow Tennessean Al Gore, he’s a cool-headed Washington insider known more for what he isn’t than what he is.

But Friday night, after a sleepless night on the floor, when senior Congressman and veteran Jack Murtha was insulted by Ohio GOP Rep. Jean Shmidt, tempters flared like nobody’s seen in the house in decades. Among the Dems who rushed to defend Murtha, almost attacking GOP Rep. Tom Tancredo, was our own cool-headed Tennessean Harold Ford Jr. He had to be restrained, according to reports.

There’s plenty to get pissed off at the GOP over: a deceptive war policy, an incompetent response to Katrina, a scandal-ridden cabinet, and continued tax cuts for the rich and program cuts for the poor. We need strategists who can make smart decisions and build consensus in a sharply divided nation. But I think America is also wants a leader with a passion to fight for what’s right. Now we know Harold Ford can come out swinging.

Send a real Kentucky Colonel to Congress

"I am running for Congress because I am deeply concerned that one party controls all three branches of government. And I am convinced that one party control is unhealthy for our country. It leads to decision making without question and results in staff yes men and women. As an army commander, a staff officer was of no value to me if he agreed with every decision I made. In my command we only needed one me. It is no different in government. We desperately need balance and we do not have it...

"Concerning the global war on terror, our president has stated that we will stay the course. We do not know what that means. He has stated that we will stay as long as it takes. We do not know how long that is. The Secretary of State has said that it may take ten years. If the United States plans to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, it may take ten years but we cannot stay this course for ten years. Neither this administration nor the administrations that follow can sustain this war and a follow on peace keeping force without national will."
--Congressional candidate Mike Weaver, D-KY

State Representative Mike Weaver has declared his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky's Second Congressional District. Weaver, a retired U.S. Army officer and Vietnam veteran, provides the best competition that current Representative Ron Lewis, one of the most right-wing members of Congress, has faced in years.

The 2nd Congressional district is formed by the triangle of Owensboro, Bowling Green and Elizabethtown. Voters here have consistently supported Republician presidential candidates over the years, and Lewis has had a powerful hold on the seat since winning a special election following the death of long-tenured Democrat William Natcher in 1994. But Weaver is a pro-life Catholic and native of the heavily-Catholic Owensboro area, and his military credentials will play well with voters from the Fort Knox region near E-town. Most importantly, Weaver articulates a clear, moderate alternative to Lewis' rubber-stamp support for the Bush administration. On education, health care, and trade, Weaver presents an even-handed, common sense approach. Kentucky Bluenecks need to get behind Col. Weaver's candidacy and light a fire for change in the 2nd District. Check out his campaign website here.

Which Side Are You On?

I like guys [like Cheney] who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don’t like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done.
--Rep. John Murtha

As support for the president and the war in Iraq continue to plummet, another moderate Democrat has spoken out forcefully in favor of an immediate withdrawal of troops. Representatve John Murtha of Pennsylvania is a decorated veteran and one of the most hawkish Dems in Congress.

Representative Murtha, a decorated Vietnam veteran, introduced legislation yesterday requiring an immediate pull-out from Iraq. In an inspired speech he declared that “Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency. They are united against U.S. forces, and we have become a catalyst for violence,” he said. “The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion.” But Murtha’s honest assessment of the situation on the ground get an consideration from the GOP in Congress? Absolutely not. They responded according to the Cheney/Rove/Bush plan to attack anyone who doesn’t want to “stay the course.”

Speaker Hastert responded, “They want us to retreat.” Rep. Drier of California said it would be “a real insult to the lives that have been lost.” White House press secretary Scott McClellan stated, “he is endorsing the policy positions of Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic Party.” Vice President Cheney said Democrats are spouting “one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges” about the Bush administration’s use of intelligence before the war.

Murtha, a former Marine, replied with the kind of “give ‘em hell” rhetoric that will win votes,” “I like guys who’ve never been there that criticize us who’ve been there. I like that. I like guys [like Cheney] who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don’t like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done.”

Referring to Bush, Murtha added, “I resent the fact, on Veterans Day, he criticized Democrats for criticizing them.”

Let’s thank John Murtha for supporting our troops by bringing them home. it took what the Dems need to win back Congress — courage. Call Murtha’s office at 814-535-2642 or 202-225-2065.

The Fallen Remembered

Our local NPR affiliate has produced an original series on war that is incredibly moving. WUOT 91.9 FM broadcast “Lost to War: the Fallen Remembered” during the week of Veteran’s Day. These sound portraits pay homage to seven East Tennessee soldiers who died in the line of duty.

One of the stories is that of Staff Sargent Victior Lieurance, killed in Iraq. His parents Andre and Karen Lieurance have spoken out against the war, and have joined other Knoxvillians to protest the war. Give their story and the others a listen and send an email to the station to let them know you appreciate it.

Advice from a Fellow Heckler

Ryan Grim was arrested at University of Maryland last year when Lynn Cheney came to speak. asked her about her gay daughter and GOP support for measures banning gay marriage. I emailed him to ask what he though might happen if Cheney got heckled tomorrow at UT. His reply:

Chances that you'll be removed are extremely high, approaching certainty. But they might not remove you right away, so be prepared to say more than just five seconds worth of stuff.

I'd put the arrest at 50/50, though charges will probably be dropped if they are brought. But then again, I don't know what Tennessee is like.

Good luck, and tell Dick to tell Lynn I say hello.

Cheney Speaking at UT

Dick Cheney, our favorite lobbyist for torture will be speaking here a University of Tennessee tomorrow. Some faculty and students are using Cheney's visit to highlight his support for torture and his role in the lies that led up to the war.

Word is out that some folks plan to put him on trial in the middle of campus. I hear John McCain will be the prosecutor.

Free Speech — Right

Vice President Cheney is speaking at UT on November 15. Some Knoxvillians want to speak out and hold Cheney responsible for his role in dragging us into this war. It won’t be easy. First Ammendment rights are the first thing to go during wartime.

During Vietnam in 1970 Knoxvillians tried something similar at Neyland Stadium and were arrested. Professor Charles Reynolds’s case went all the way to the Supreme Court. The UT Faculty Senate even approved an official report on the events. Jack Neely has a great article remembering the Billy Graham Crusade protest in the Metro Pulse.

Nowadays free speech regularly gets put on the back burner whenever a president comes to town. Protesters are quarantined into fenced “free speech zones,” which keeps protester signs and chants away from the president and from TV cameras. Anti-Bush sign-wavers are sent to the pokey while pro-Bush sign-wavers are sent to the front of the crowd. Sometimes the media is even prevented from talking to protesters. Here’s a great article in The American Conservative on the issue.

Charges brought against Reynolds were not for rioting, violence, or sedition. This professor and ordained minister was charged under an obscure Tennessee law preventing the disruption of a church service. Nevermind the fact that this service was in a football stadium on a college campus and included members of the Republican Party. Nevermind that Nixon had illegally expanded the war into Cambodia. Nevermind that four students had been shot and killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State protesting the war. Nevermind that Nixon had been holed up in the White House avoiding protesters for a year. This was a church service.

The event was a typical GOP mix of religion and politics. Then as now, the religious right explicitly supported the political right. Then it was through a stadium crusade, now it is though http://www.justicesunday.com/ “Justice Sunday,” An event organized and hosted by Southern Baptists to support Bush’s neo-conservative Supreme Court nominees.

Which takes me back to a warm night in Neyland Stadium thirty-five years ago. Then as now, leaders in the Executive branch were lying to the public about a war. Then as now, brave Americans were dying unnecessarily. And then as now, it may require breaking the law to reveal truth and begin to restore the peace.

Many Knoxvillians want to tell Cheney to his face, “You lied and we want the truth about this war.” But we’d have to risk arrest to do it.

A Democratic Call to Arms

Democrats are finally getting the message to stand and fight. Last week Senate Minority leader Harry Reid put the Senate into closed session to hold GOP feet to the fire over Bush’s intelligence bungles in the lead-up to the war. The email response from the grassroots has been overwhelming.

“Wasn’t it great!?! Go to Harry’s “give ’em hell” website and give him some love. I watched with tears and rapt attention. So proud to be an American, if only for today.”
— Blueneck Anne
“I whole-heartedly agree! [regarding a dem filluster over Alito] Now is the time!”
— Blueneck cybersaur

On the national level, Democratioc leadership is energizing their base and are loaded for bear.

“Karl Rove still works in the White House, the oil companies are still writing the energy laws, and there is still no exit strategy for Iraq.”
— Nancy Pilosi
“…Republicans thought it was business as usual Tuesday afternoon when Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid took to the floor of the Senate to comment on Iraq. Then a modern day Boston Tea Party began.”
— Tom Matzie, MoveOn
“For the next twelve months Harry Reid will be taking the lead on the Senate floor— and for the next twelve months you need to take the lead in your community. Sign up to host a meeting on November 15th that will kick off twelve months of unprecedented, intense organizing in all 50 states.”
— Howard Dean

The Democratic National Committee has put up a website to set up kick-off events nationwide on November 15. Dean is planning a conference call to rally the troops. I plan to be at my local event, but so far there are only two events in all of Tennessee. Kick things off in your area by hosting an event. It’s time to stop bitching and start doing something!

Stop the Torture

Getting 90 Senators to agree on anything is almost unheard of, but 90 of them agree with Senator John McCain that torture should be no part of American policy. Yet, the Bush administration promises to veto the legislation, and there will be stronger support for torture in the House of Represenatives. Sign on to the Stop the Torture campaign to let your representative know how you feel.

Blueneck Believers

Some great stuff on NPR today from Southern progressives who aren't afraid to share their faith. President Jimmy Carter was on Morning Edition and Fresh Air today discussing his new book, Our Endangered Values, and proving once again that Christianity is better wed to progressive politics than the agenda of the far-right. This afternoon on All Things Considered, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Tim Kaine discussed how his Catholic faith informs his commitment to a more just society. It's a message that is resonating with voters.

Also, Sojourners editor Jim Wallis has re-released his progressive Christian manifesto, The Call to Conversion.

Message to Dems: you can win by proudly "letting your light shine."

Keep givin' 'em hell

If you like Harry Reid's Senate shutdown earlier this week, add your name to a petition demanding that the President lay out the facts about Iraq and present a viable exit strategy immediately.

Welcome Home 278th

At our 2000th Fallen Soldier Vigil I met a college student whose dad fought in Vietnam and is coming home from Iraq now with the 278th. These soldiers who signed up as weekend warriors have fought bravely and we are overjoyed to have them back home. Some have not come home. The ones who made it are mostly home now, adjusting to life in Tennessee. Welcome back, Volunteers. Download this "dress blue" wallpaper and honor the soldiers who have served well.

Give ‘em Hell, Harry!

Today’s dramatic move by Harry Reid of Nevada pissed off Frist and warmed my heart. This is the kind of fighting spirit and hard-hitting oratory the Democrats will need to regain control of the Senate. Americans deserve a real investigation into the motivations in the run-up to Iraq.

Invoking Rule 21 to put the Senate into closed-door session over twisted intelligence and the Iraq War brings attention to how much the GOP has stonewalled such Senate investigations. It also shows that the Dems are not afraid to use the power they have as a minority. One of those powers is the filibuster — the time-honored method of long-winded speechifying that can help the minority express strong dissent when it lacks the power to beat majority legislation.

Bluenecks should send Harry Reid a big thank-you and a copy of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to review before the Alito confirmation.

paying for Katrina

There's been a lot of noise in Washington lately about how to pay for the aftermath of the recent hurricanes. One of the proposals was cutting billions of dollars from social programs that many victims of the hurricans are relying on for survival. A better idea comes from Taxpayers for Commonse Sense, a non-partisan group that goes after waste in government spending. Check out their truly common sense proposals here.