This article, dated today, in the Washington Post is a specific and recent example of what I talk about below.  So-called enemy combatants kept in Guantanamo.   If these men are so dangerous, then why don't we present the nation with evidence of their dangerous nature, have a trial and be done with it?

Quick post about the war protest on 1/27/07 - not DC, but Denver.  Some good pics of what took place here:  Denver Protest Photos

Speak included a minister from Jefferson Unitarian Church - my church :)  Article can be found here:  Article on Denver Protest

Discussions about minimum wage are great. I’m all for reforming health care in some way. God knows it’s been needed for a while, being the post-World War 2 institution that it is.

But are these the most pressing issues? Events continue to move like invisible freight trains, getting little attention on the front page of popular media. I’m talking about the so-called enemy combatants that are still held in Guantanamo Bay and other locations throughout the world.

The USA has advocated (sometimes secretly, other times openly) capturing foreigners, kidnapping them from their homes and holding them indefinitely without disclosing why they are being held. In early 2007, there are captives in US prisons that have been held for 4-5 years. Many of them to this day do not clearly understand why they are there. Essentially, we have government-sponsored kidnapping.

Guantanamo Bay - Human Rights Abuse

Who Are the Guantanamo Detainees?

Brave lawyers and law firms have come forth to challenge this and defend these prisoners pro bono. However, efforts in the Bush administration have been made to discredit or throw these law firms in a negative light and to somehow cast Guantanamo as a legitimate prison holding hardened criminals.

Top Pentagon Official Calls for Boycott of Lawyers

The US government has broken the law. No, wait. They’ve gone beyond that. Recognizing that they consciously broke international law and the law of the USA, the politicians in power sought (and passed) legislation to legalize, past and present, their law breaking and prevent their own prosecution at some point in the future. Democrats and Republicans were equally liable for passage of the Military Commissions Act – we can hope now that federal courts do what is right and strike it down as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.

I can’t believe that America will stand idly by and let these things happen. I’ll say it again: we’ve lost our way if torture and disregard for international law rule the day.

Let’s hold Congress to a high standard. Their agenda must include examining the entire enemy combatant process and to bring back order and ethics to taking prisoners.

What's Wrong with the Military Commissions Act?

Lots of words thrown about regarding Iraq and the president’s strategy. A non-binding resolution passed by Congress may contain a message but it is just that: non-binding. Ultimately, the president’s plan for a troop surge continues.

Washington Post Article on Non-Binding Resolution

Again, I ask what is that we hope to accomplish in Iraq? We are there, despite all of the hindsight we might apply. There is blame to go around and we certainly never should have invaded in the first place, but we are there. It begs the question of what it acceptable for us to leave? Total stability? Define that. Somewhat stable? Please explain. A functioning, self-contained government, infrastructure and economy? How?

These are tough questions. I continue to get the feeling that nobody in the US government wants to go there. After all, it would take a few months of complex planning and the resolve to stick to a plan. It would seem politicians on any side of the spectrum are more concerned with how they will look to the public in 2008. I suppose that’s important to some degree – they want to be re-elected and they should pay attention to constituents. What would be more impressive, though, is conviction and follow through. Backed by ethics and a commitment not to choose this path again unless necessary.

Hillary Clinton's Remarks About Bush Responsibility

Such resolve would seem to be the highest honor and respect the government could pay to US troops in Iraq…or to those in other places in other times. It would indicate true thought and empathy and provide a sense of purpose to a war that seems purposeless.

Vote Vets.org Takes a Stand

After all, what does a non-binding resolution accomplish in the end. No teeth. Perhaps quantifying a measure of public support for something more firm. A binding agreement to define goals and criteria for whatever it is we want to call success is hard, but time well spent.

This article in Harpers is compelling and well-written.  Well worth a look, it describes an effort to reimagine US History, spearheaded by certain elements in the 'right.'

Harpers Article:  http://harpers.org/ThroughAGlassDarkly-12838838.html

Kansas Science Policy Examined:  http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/breaking_news/16419665.htm

Religion has its place. In church and in the private lives of those who practice it. If it remains in its sphere I believe it enriches the lives of those who practice it and helps provide meaning and purpose in a variety of ways. A religion I do not subscribe to has no place in a public school I help pay for.

Evolution is biological science. One may call it a theory if they wish (really, it’s a collection of scientific conclusions and theories based on empirical evidence and demonstrable in the present day). It is, however, science. Attempting to ban it in public schools is not the solution if one chooses to adopt a faith-based religious explanation for biology. Neither is attempting to displace it or accompany it with disguised versions of Christian Creationism called “intelligent design.”

If such teachings are what one wants, then try private or home school. My children and the (at least) 50% of others who do not buy in to creationism don’t want it taught in school. Period. I want to see my kids learn science. Not religion. For religion, I will take them to church.

So, for those who think I’m criticizing religious thought on a personal level, I’m not. I simply want religious zealots to stop forcing their beliefs on me and others that want no part of it. I would challenge conservative Christians and others: Does infiltrating public spheres like school and government with religious ideals help America as a whole? Or does it cheapen the very religion practiced? It seems diluted to me and far less meaningful.

Bush gives his grand plan for success in Iraq tonight.  It seems it is no secret if everything on the news can be believed.  An escalation of 20,000 troops would seem to be the first priority in this plan followed by gods know what.  If I understand correctly, the 'surge' is not a true surge by rather an extension of existing armed forces in Iraq and speeding up the deployment of those already slated to go.  Concerning that burned out military men and women will be asked to stay longer.  As I write this all I can do is sigh, pray and hope for something better.

Bush has several times in the past come forward to the American people to say "We've won.  The fighting is over."  Yet it's never been over and there we remain.  Let us not forget the famous speech http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/05/01/bush.transcript/.  It's one of several in which he declares the war over.

So, if the war is over why are we there?  Saddam was convicted and executed.  Regardless of what one thinks about how that was done, what other goals did we have going in?  WMDs certainly did not exist.  The problem is the same as it's always been - the goals have never been stated nor adhered to.

I'm stunned when I hear some people say "you never hear the positive."  Well, a few schools in the process of being built by the Army Corps of Engineers is great.  But you can't have schools or hospitals when you have no reliable public works nor security, when civil war is brewing right outside the school.  It's like baking a cake without flour.  The whole thing is going to fall apart.

We need a plan.  Documented, stamped and approved.  We need criteria that state exactly what "mission accomplished" means.  Once accomplished we need to leave.

Congress has the authority to hold the President accountable and make him and his administration come up with this plan.  Hopefully they have the courage to do so.  http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/01/09/stopping_the_surge/

Changes in Iraq signal message to Iran?  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-soltz/all-roads-to-iran_b_38190.html

General Wesley Clark, solution is political?  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/07/AR2007010700980.html

Reminder that you can sign the petition to protest the appointment of Eric Keroack, another Bush choice for violating the separation of Church and State and undermining progress, science and modern ethics.

Keroack advocated "A Woman's Concern" center (A Woman's Concern Fake Family Planning Center) that masquerades as family planning.  In reality, it is a religious organization that promotes Keroack's own publically stated ideas of birth control as demeaning to women.

Ludicrous - I've said it before.  This takes us back centuries.  It has no place in the 21st century and furthermore is irresponsible, promotes a right-wing religious agenda that basically states sex is for procreation and that Americans should all follow the ideas promoted by Bush and his lock-step religious nut-jobs.

Sign here:  http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/keroackpetition2?rk=u1%5fmE9E1CSnCE

Christian Bible, NIV Jeremiah 14:14:  "Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries ^[a] and the delusions of their own minds."

Pat Robertson is up to his old snake-oil salesman, god-speaks-to-me tricks.  Folks, the only thing this guy is interested in is bilking you for money and grabbing as much power as he can.  I find it funny how he justifies the past "prophecies" of the last 10 years and makes what he wants of historical events to say he sometimes gets prophecies right.  Well, I don't think it's god speaking to you, Pat.  I think you have a brain tumor.

See the article on CNN (link below).  God has spoken to me as well.  She said that Pat is a nut job.

Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killing