Iraq War Vets talk about random civilian killings VIDEO
Newsnight follow a group of former US soldiers who have returned from Iraq deeply affected by the experience. As they march across America to protest, shocking interviews emerge on the indiscriminate killing of Iraqi civilians.
Link Here
One soldiers' story on Memorial Day
One soldiers' story on Memorial Day
http://progressive.org/media_mpreppenhagen052506
By Garett Reppenhagen
Memorial Day is a painful reminder of our failed mission in Iraq.
Like every solider in today's armed forces, I chose to serve my country. I
knew I'd most likely see combat, and I accepted that possibility as part of
my duty to my country.
I was proud of my service as a peacekeeper in Kosovo, and honored to have
served beside so many courageous men and women in Iraq.
During my time in Iraq, I saw the effects of war firsthand -- the ravaged
buildings, the lives horribly cut short and the haunted look of trauma that
lingers in people's eyes.
I saw the fear, the sadness, the abject tragedy that even now I can't find
words for. What I saw in Iraq will haunt me for the rest of my life.
My experiences there changed my view of this war. Before I was deployed, I
-- like many other Americans -- thought that military intervention was the
only way to protect America's security. But after I spent some time in Iraq,
I came to question our reason for being there. I came to realize that this
war is not making America a safer place.
If anything, it's made us less safe than before.
And as the conflict slides into civil war, the safety of the men, women and
children of Iraq falls deeper into jeopardy. The Bush administration now
forecasts a U.S. military presence in Iraq through 2008, which is far longer
than the initial estimates touted so loudly in the run-up to the war.
Meanwhile, it's become increasingly apparent to many Americans that, in
Iraq, a military solution is no solution at all. According to a March 2006
Gallup poll, 60 percent of Americans view the war in Iraq as a mistake.
The past three years of war in Iraq have cost us too much -- in resources
and, most tragically, in human lives. More than 2,440 U.S. soldiers have
been killed to date, among them a number of my friends. In addition,
countless thousands of Iraqi civilians have also lost their lives in this
conflict.
As the death toll rises each day, I wonder how much more we can afford. How
high must these numbers go before we decide that staying the course is far
too expensive?
I don't pretend to speak for all veterans, or for all U.S. soldiers. But as
someone who served in Iraq, I believe that it's now my duty to bear witness.
As Americans, we have a duty to voice our dissent, to stand up in protest
when we disagree with our government's actions.
And despite what some may say, the fact that America is at war does not
diminish this responsibility. If anything, war enhances the need for
engaging in debate. Dissent is what makes democracy live and breathe. It's
what keeps our democracy from being more than just another slogan.
On this Memorial Day, I dissent.
Garett Reppenhagen is a member Iraq Veterans Against the War and former
sniper 1st Infantry division. He can be reached at pmproj@progressive.org.
Free DVD for Deployed Soldiers!
In the 1960s, thousands of American GIs rebelled against the Vietnam War, changing the course of history and society. No film has ever told their story... until now.
Are you or do you know someone serving who has served in the military since September 11, 2001? Are you or do you know someone serving in or in support of Iraq or Afghanistan ?
For a limited time only IVAW and Displaced Films is proud to offer 500 free copies of Sir! No Sir! to members of the military who have served since 9/11/01. This award winning documentary uncovers the untold story of the antiwar movement within the military during the Vietnam era. To learn more about the film and watch the trailer, go to www.sirnosir.com
To get your copy or have one sent to a relative or friend serving overseas, simply send an email to ivaw_west@ivaw.net with the following information: Rank, Name, Unit, APO/FPO (stateside address if not deployed), and Email.
*All information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with any other entity or organization
"If I had seen this film while I was in Iraq , things would have been much different." – Garett Reppenhagen, Army Sniper and OIF Veteran
To see a screening of Sir! No Sir! near you, click on the links below:
Link Here
Peace Has No Borders-A Festival of Resistance
By Geoffrey Millard
June 16th & 17th we urge you to turn your back on U.S. war policies and join
with citizens of Canada and the world to demand an end to the Iraq War.
Tell the U.S. “Hands off Iraq and hands off U.S. soldiers!”
We ask that you join us in Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, Ontario to implore the
government of Canada to act by granting asylum to U.S. soldiers who are
refusing to fight in the illegal war in Iraq!
... [more]
Link Here
One soldiers' story on Memorial Day
One soldiers' story on Memorial Day
http://progressive.org/media_mpreppenhagen052506
By Garett Reppenhagen
Memorial Day is a painful reminder of our failed mission in Iraq.
Like every solider in today's armed forces, I chose to serve my country. I
knew I'd most likely see combat, and I accepted that possibility as part of
my duty to my country.
I was proud of my service as a peacekeeper in Kosovo, and honored to have
served beside so many courageous men and women in Iraq.
During my time in Iraq, I saw the effects of war firsthand -- the ravaged
buildings, the lives horribly cut short and the haunted look of trauma that
lingers in people's eyes.
I saw the fear, the sadness, the abject tragedy that even now I can't find
words for. What I saw in Iraq will haunt me for the rest of my life.
My experiences there changed my view of this war. Before I was deployed, I
-- like many other Americans -- thought that military intervention was the
only way to protect America's security. But after I spent some time in Iraq,
I came to question our reason for being there. I came to realize that this
war is not making America a safer place.
If anything, it's made us less safe than before.
And as the conflict slides into civil war, the safety of the men, women and
children of Iraq falls deeper into jeopardy. The Bush administration now
forecasts a U.S. military presence in Iraq through 2008, which is far longer
than the initial estimates touted so loudly in the run-up to the war.
Meanwhile, it's become increasingly apparent to many Americans that, in
Iraq, a military solution is no solution at all. According to a March 2006
Gallup poll, 60 percent of Americans view the war in Iraq as a mistake.
The past three years of war in Iraq have cost us too much -- in resources
and, most tragically, in human lives. More than 2,440 U.S. soldiers have
been killed to date, among them a number of my friends. In addition,
countless thousands of Iraqi civilians have also lost their lives in this
conflict.
As the death toll rises each day, I wonder how much more we can afford. How
high must these numbers go before we decide that staying the course is far
too expensive?
I don't pretend to speak for all veterans, or for all U.S. soldiers. But as
someone who served in Iraq, I believe that it's now my duty to bear witness.
As Americans, we have a duty to voice our dissent, to stand up in protest
when we disagree with our government's actions.
And despite what some may say, the fact that America is at war does not
diminish this responsibility. If anything, war enhances the need for
engaging in debate. Dissent is what makes democracy live and breathe. It's
what keeps our democracy from being more than just another slogan.
On this Memorial Day, I dissent.
Garett Reppenhagen is a member Iraq Veterans Against the War and former
sniper 1st Infantry division. He can be reached at pmproj@progressive.org.
Free DVD for Deployed Soldiers!
In the 1960s, thousands of American GIs rebelled against the Vietnam War, changing the course of history and society. No film has ever told their story... until now.
Are you or do you know someone serving who has served in the military since September 11, 2001? Are you or do you know someone serving in or in support of Iraq or Afghanistan ?
For a limited time only IVAW and Displaced Films is proud to offer 500 free copies of Sir! No Sir! to members of the military who have served since 9/11/01. This award winning documentary uncovers the untold story of the antiwar movement within the military during the Vietnam era. To learn more about the film and watch the trailer, go to www.sirnosir.com
To get your copy or have one sent to a relative or friend serving overseas, simply send an email to ivaw_west@ivaw.net with the following information: Rank, Name, Unit, APO/FPO (stateside address if not deployed), and Email.
*All information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with any other entity or organization
"If I had seen this film while I was in Iraq , things would have been much different." – Garett Reppenhagen, Army Sniper and OIF Veteran
To see a screening of Sir! No Sir! near you, click on the links below:
Link Here
Peace Has No Borders-A Festival of Resistance
By Geoffrey Millard
June 16th & 17th we urge you to turn your back on U.S. war policies and join
with citizens of Canada and the world to demand an end to the Iraq War.
Tell the U.S. “Hands off Iraq and hands off U.S. soldiers!”
We ask that you join us in Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, Ontario to implore the
government of Canada to act by granting asylum to U.S. soldiers who are
refusing to fight in the illegal war in Iraq!
... [more]
posted by Kangaroo Brisbane Australia at 7:43 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home