this diary is dedicated to all who suffer because of war and other disasters
we honor courage in all its forms – today in recognition of David T. Harris, TX-06
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
Christina Menchaca, 18, center, and other family members visit the flag draped casket of Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca during a public viewing in Brownsville, Texas, Tuesday, June 27, 2006. Menchaca was one of two soldiers apparently captured and killed by insurgents earlier this month in Iraq. Menchaca’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
from Cement Guitar
by Michael Carlson
Mother of foster-wit, father of straw,
I can see how silence takes the place of those
who cut their thoughts in stone before they need them.
Stone is the past, and the past is a form of flattery.
Last winter, groups of children sent letters
in sadness for the late Christmas suicide.
Addressed to those who managed the fishery,
who named the docks and decided the colors of unfinished boats,
the only way to read them was alive.
To think out loud about those children’s names
was to forget what you meant by dying.
– – –
a personal note: I sat next to David and Michelle Harris during lunch one day at YearlyKos. I don’t envy either of them for the time and effort they are making in the run for TX-06.
David wears a herobracelet, a fact I commented on as we were each leaving the table that day in Las Vegas. You just don’t see many such bracelets, or any other signs that we are at war and that so many people are suffering deeply as a result of it.
Michelle has posted a photograph that includes a bracelet that they recently found at the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
If serving is an honor, then running is a sacrifice. I wish them the best, and have been pestering my sister and brother in law, who live in Arlington, to support Harris’ run.
additional note: at the risk of sounding like a shill, or embarrasing the Harris’, today seems to be turning into a kind of David Harris TX-06 Day, with an ePulribus Media interview on the recc list and a cross-posted piece by Michelle Harris at TexasKaos.
But I guess that’s just how it works out here on the internets, eh? Serendipity, and everything’s connected.
Peace. Courage. Compassion.
– – –
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.
