this diary is dedicated to all who suffer because of war and other disasters
we honor courage in all its forms
we love and support our troops, just as we love and support the Iraqi people – without exception, or precondition, or judgement.
cross-posted at DailyKos, Booman Tribune, European Tribune, My Left Wing, and TexasKos.
image and poem below the fold
Victims arrive at a hospital in Baqouba, after U.S.-led forces killed 15 terror suspects and detained three others after a fierce gunfight broke out during simultaneous raids targeting a senior al-Qaida member, according to the U.S. military, in the village of Bushahin north of Baqouba in Iraq Tuesday, June 20, 2006. Angry villagers denied those killed were involved in terrorist activities and a local security official said a 12-year old boy was among 13 civilians killed.
(AP Photo/Adam Hadi)
Thinking of Warsaw
by Hugh Seidman
Simpler to throw a rock at an historical tank than to sift the rubble?
Simpler to sign the petition than to stand with some against others?
The sniper fires his rifle at his father’s father’s father’s father’s father.
Each night–as if impregnable–chain, dead bolt.
Some die who are silent, shamed.
Some die who will not change.
Sometimes, as if anew, I learn greed.
Nursing-home doctor cuts good eyes, bills Medicaid for cataracts.
Mengele needled dye into twins’ eyes.
I need to assert that they are of sacred memory, not abstract.
Torturers pray, despots philosophize–all in the work of days.
Beria judged his victims “hardened, uncompromising.”
For years, Mother fed from a stomach tube.
Outside: sea, gases, galaxies, radiation, darkness, interstellar dust.
*
Simpler for X to kill than not?
The pardoner shall not pardon.
Facts almost exceeding reckoning.
Wheel-chaired torso minus legs and arms.
Some immolate themselves and/or others.
Death unmeasured by life.
Mind and form of the beloved.
Though I swear that the atoms do not care.
Sometimes: the rage that could tear steel.
Sometimes: the small deliverance of sweat.
To push up from the floor on knuckles.
Portion of breath, its sustenance.
X = Y; evade the juggernauts?
No reprieve; write: tree, bird, flower, warlord.
– – –
join CIVIC’s “I Care” photo campaign
support Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
support a young heart with an old soul peace takes courage (multimedia)
put a meaningful magnet on your car or metal filing cabinet
read Ilona’s important blog – PTSD Combat
poetry matters poets against war
view the pbs newshour silent honor roll (with thanks to jimstaro at booman.)
take a private moment to light one candle among many (with thanks to TXSharon)
support Veterans for Peace
support the Iraqi people
support the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict (CIVIC)
support CARE
support the victims of torture
remember the fallen
support Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors – TAPS
support Gold Star Families for Peace
support the fallen
support the troops
support Iraq Veterans Against the War
support Military families Speak Out
support the troops and the Iraqi people
read This is what John Kerry did today, the diary by lawnorder that prompted this series
read Riverbend’s Bagdhad Burning
read Dahr Jamail’s Iraq Dispatches
read Today in Iraq
witness every day
While speaking at the YearlyKos 2006 Convention in Los Vegas, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner said (and I paraphrase from memory): “George Bush, incompetent idiot, blah blah blah, went to war in Iraq when the real threat is in Iran.” (my emphasis)
There was a brief pause after his statement, and I regret that I wasn’t brave or quick-witted enough to yell “Bullshit!” into the silence. But the moment passed, Warner picked up his next thread in perfect cadence, and I bit into my box lunch apple.
So now what?
I’m gonna let him know that I think his statement is bullshit, and why. I’m starting here. If anyone knows of other ways, please put them in this thread.
Thanks.
