Thursday, November 16, 2006

Rainbow Tooth Brushes: A Lesson on Giving



It is when you give from the heart that you truly give. --Khalil Gibran

I juggled the large, square box on top of a bag of groceries, perched like a dizzy eagle tipping out of the nest of my double stroller. I wore a backpack loaded with groceries, pushing the stroller that carried my three-year old daughter, J. The eagle would face a new obstacle at the corner, where a flimsy plastic bus shelter braced against the bitter cold wind, so notorious in Minnesota. Just when my packages seemed so carefully managed, I would have to fold the stroller (carry it in one hand), carry the bag of groceries in my other hand (not to mention the weight on groceries in my backpack) while rounding up a rambunctious three-year old who was dancing around the bus shelter. The square box rattled in the transition, I was afraid I broke something but anxious to see what was inside. The box was from my dear friend, Karen, who had offered encouragement throughout the time my family was homeless; her letters were a lifeline to hope: what my family could be when we had a home, when we felt safe again.


When I finally got home, the loaf of bread I purchased was flat as a tortilla. J was still dancing, and jumping over the bags of groceries. My whole body ached from the trip, I was sure I had accomplished a work out that would make Richard Simmons proud. Then I noticed the box from Karen again--flat, and square, with a pretty label on the corner. I carried the box to the bedroom, and curled up on my big, gray pillow. J jumped on the bed, the box rattled in her wake, limbs flailing, her body flopping onto the pillow. The gray pillow is a necessity for my illness, Crohn's Disease--I have inflammation in the top of my digestive system, which causes nausea/vomiting and reflux, worse at night. I used the pillow to prop my head up, and lessen the symptoms. When looking at the pillow, I can't shake off the memory of my ex--who is so vicious that he tried to steal the pillow after kicking the children and I out of the house. That he wanted me to suffer, in any way he could think of--even to steal the pillow that offered some measure of comfort from the burning in my chest, the hot as fire stomach contents rising in the night, causing me to wretch and gag. I had to demand that pillow back--while my ex fought me, and yelled that I was "cleaning him out". Some memories are so hard to shake, even now that I have shelter, it seems I have to find shelter within, peace from the memories that haunt me.

J tore at the box, ready to rip it open with her teeth if necessary. I grabbed a scissors from a desk and carefully cut. In a blur, the sides flew open. J was squealing with delight at all the treasures Karen had sent us: toys, stickers, coffee cups, handmade beaded bookmarks, jewelry...and then a pack of tooth brushes. Of all the things, those toothbrushes would leave the strongest impression on me. In the pack Karen sent, were five toothbrushes, a rainbow of colors. I began to cry. J, not understanding what was happening, held up a teddy bear Karen sent and pressed it into my palm.

About a year ago, April 2005, I was doing research for Liberty and Justice and came across the site of Operation AC. One of the articles posted on Operation AC included information about a soldier in Afghanistan who was collecting supplies for an orphanage. I didn't have much money, in fact I had none. My abusive ex controlled all the money in the house, and had me brainwashed to believe we were desperately poor (which was my fault). I know it sounds crazy, but I really believed we were on the brink of financial disaster even while my ex gambled away thousands of dollars in poker rooms, and spent just as much on his cell phone. My ex had a signature poker move--he boasted that he would be famous for it, when he won the World Series of Poker. He would bet heavy on junk cards, on a ridiculous hand just to loose. Losing meant hundreds, even thousands of dollars (he lost his retirement and then the mortgage to gambling). My ex thought that once the players at table believed he was a bad player (he really is and is just in denial thinking otherwise) that when he had a good hand, the players would chase the bet, and loose, thinking his hand was weak. All the players had to do was watch my ex chew on that ratty toothpick in his mouth to know what kind of hand he had--his tell couldn't be more obvious watching him gnaw away, like a demented beaver. The only real poker face my ex had was the one he portrayed to the world, while hiding secrets behind his smile. He made me chase a dream that was not there while he was cashing in on the misery of our broken family.

I vividly recall April 2005 when my son D (my ex would tell him that poker superstar Doyle Brunson began playing poker at age 5, if you could just learn your numbers, you could play too...), my daughter J and I huddled on our bed, on the same gray pillow, looking over a pile of "treasures". I used the last of my money, and what nice things I could find in the house to put together a gift box for Operation AC. D was especially excited to help the other boys and girls, wondering what their school was like and what kind of games they played. He put in toys, even a few favorites, he thought the children would like. J always the organzier, helped pack the items in the box. She really liked to make things look nice, and was so gentle in placing each item in. The last item to go in the box was the tooth brushes. I sent lots of tooth brushes, similar to the package Karen sent me. I dug through the change in the house to get the money to ship the box then drove to the post office. D was so proud to carry the box in by himself, even though he wobbled under the weight. D was full of questions, and I promised to show him the Operation AC site so he could see for himself. J was skipping behind, happy to be part of the festivity. I used the last money I had to send that box--a handful of loose change. When the money was gone, there was a fear of what would come next, how to avoid the yelling and fighting. At the moment those thoughts were far from my mind. I saw an opportunity to help, and I hoped that children who suffered so much would be given a chance to enjoy their childhood, to play and laugh.

When I sent the box to Operation AC, I did it because I care. I never expected anything back. Somehow it seems, when I was in need, I did get something back, from Karen and all those who support me during this difficult time. The rainbow toothbrushes Karen sent brought back the memory of packing the box for Operation AC...and something more...I saw that through the struggles, the fear, the uncertainty one thing is true--you get back what you give. It seems that those who give from the heart, unselfishly and with true compassion for others, don't expect anything in return; the irony is that these people are called to serve exactly those who will later awaken them, the circle of giving continues until each person is uplifted.

Lynn F, November 2006


Links:

Operation AC - HOME

Afghan Orphanage, Col. Gebelein has supported in Afghanistan: http://operationac.com/images/ophanage/slides/DROP-2.html

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) - Break the silence, make the call.

Aardvarc: An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
AARDVARC.org - An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection

_______

Ayanye: Karen and Bobby, J and D

From Occupation to Coexistance: Success of a British Battalion in Maysan


November 13, 2006: A British battalion, led by Lt. Col. David Labouchere has made significant progress in cutting the amount of illegal weapons being smuggled into the Maysan province of Iraq. Lt. Labouchere's methods are rather uncoventional: closing a large base at the former Abu Naji prison and resorting to low-tech resources in an effort to wage the battle using the tactics common to the local tribespeople. Forming alliances with tribespeople plays a crucial role in the success of Lt. Labouchere's battalion,"That decision to close Abu Naji was the centerpiece of a strategic shift from 'occupation' to 'coexistence' that earned Labouchere and his troops credibility and cooperation among local tribes in the battle to stabilize the region..." (DTI/PR Newswire, November 13, 2006). Lt. Laboucher's strategy is to implement military operations using two lightly armormed squadrons and one central command section. The squadrons are resupplied by air, and without a base remain more flexible to conduct missions while forming relationships among the tribespeople of the Maysan.

For more Information: PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX News Network

DTI Exclusive: In Iraq, British Battle Group Finds Success In High-Mobility, Low-Tech Operations, DTI Magazine Reports

http://www.quote.com/qc/news/story.aspx?story=200611140143_PRN_85643998&symbols=INDUSTRY:908

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Building Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan: A Link

The House Armed Service Committee has an online website "Building Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan" that reports good news, and positive accomplishments from the front line. The site is frequently update so be sure to check back often.

You can visit the site at: http://www.house.gov/hasc/GoodNews/index.html

Some of what you wil find includes information on humanitarian efforts, rebuilding infastructure, training Iraqi security forces and much more...


Friday, November 10, 2006

Patriot Petition- Support America's Armed Forces

148754 people have signed this petition in support of America's armed forces sponsored by the Patriot Post. Lets keep that number growing :)

http://patriotpetitions.us/

"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." --Patrick Henry.

Republics win wars. Thus is the verdict of history, and this truth has not been lost on America's Armed Forces. In the current war against Islamist terrorism, they have been called upon to defend our democratic republic and to promote its virtues in an ideological struggle against those who would destroy it. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Although a republican government is slow to move, yet when once in motion, its momentum becomes irresistible." Jefferson spoke truly, as evidenced in the actions of our nation's military in the years following the deliberate attack on our countrymen on September 11, 2001. Since that time, U.S. forces have been called upon to wage war against Islamist terrorism in every corner of the globe: Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, sub-Saharan Africa and other places around the world.
The Bush Doctrine of preemptive action, possibly the most singularly significant addition to American foreign policy since the Truman Doctrine of the Cold War, has resulted in a deployment of the U.S. Armed Forces unparalleled in some 40 years as our nation combats the threat of global terrorism. This global deployment is preemptive and defensive, not the result of imperialistic ambitions. For instance, the GDP of Iraq is $22 billion, while U.S. costs in the liberation of Iraq have already soared above $200 billion. Such is the price of liberty, not oil.
Regrettably, the conflict with Iraq could not be resolved diplomatically and our war with Islamist militants cannot be won by responding to terrorist aggression after the fact -- the enemy can only be defeated in decisive preemptive strikes. America's Armed Forces echo the words of John Paul Jones: "An honorable Peace is and always was my first wish! I can take no delight in the effusion of human Blood; but, if this War should continue, I wish to have the most active part in it."


Diplomacy without the threat of force is a paper tiger, and the American military bolsters the United States' ability (to flip-flop von Clausewitz's famous dictum) to wage war by diplomatic means. The fruits of the Bush Doctrine and its credible threat of force can already be seen: Nascent democratic reform in Saudi Arabia, Libya opening its doors to international weapons inspectors, and North Korea backing away from its blackmail rhetoric and insistence on a unilateral agreement with the U.S., to name but a few.
In our global war against Islamist terrorism, rogue regimes, and weapons of mass destruction, the massive warfront in Iraq has taken center stage. Though derided by many as a "quagmire" and "the next Vietnam," American and coalition successes in the liberation of Iraq speak to the contrary. Since President Bush declared an end to major combat on May 1... The first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active duty. ...Over 60,000 Iraqis now provide security to their fellow citizens. ...Nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning. ...The Iraqi judiciary is fully independent. ...The central bank is fully independent. ...As of October 6 power generation hit 4,518 megawatts -- exceeding the prewar average. ...All 22 universities and 43 technical institutes and colleges are open, as are nearly all primary and secondary schools. ...Teachers earn from 12 to 25 times their former salaries. ...All 240 hospitals and more than 1200 clinics are open. ...The Coalition has helped administer over 22 million vaccinations to Iraq's children. ...A Coalition program has cleared over 14,000 kilometers of Iraq's 27,000 kilometers of weed-choked canals which now irrigate tens of thousands of farms. This project has created jobs for more than 100,000 Iraqi men and women. ...Iraq has one of the world's most growth-oriented investment and banking laws. ...Iraq has a single, unified currency for the first time in 15 years. ...There are more than 170 newspapers. ...A nation that had not one single element -- legislative, judicial or executive -- of a representative government, now does. ...In Baghdad alone residents have selected 88 advisory councils. Baghdad's first democratic transfer of power in 35 years happened when the city council elected its new chairman. ...25 ministers, selected by the most representative governing body in Iraq's history, run the day-to-day business of government. ...The Iraqi government regularly participates in international events. Since July the Iraqi government has been represented in over two dozen international meetings, including those of the UN General Assembly, the Arab League, the World Bank and IMF and, today, the Islamist Conference Summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today announced that it is reopening over 30 Iraqi embassies around the world. ...The Coalition has completed over 13,000 reconstruction projects, large and small, as part of a strategic plan for the reconstruction of Iraq. ...Children and political opponents aren't imprisoned, tortured, executed, maimed, or are forced to watch their families die for disagreeing with Saddam or the government. ...Saddam is gone. ...Iraq is free.

The impact of Iraq's liberation is already being felt elsewhere in the region: The Saudis will hold municipal elections. ...Qatar is reforming education to give more choices to parents. ...Jordan is accelerating market economic reforms. ...The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the first time to an Iranian -- a Muslim woman who speaks out with courage for human rights, for democracy and for peace.
The war against terror is a truly global war, and America's Armed Forces have demonstrated that they can win both that war and the peace.


But as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld recently noted, "As we appreciate the achievement of the men and women in uniform, it's important not to lose sight of a fundamental fact; namely, that the global war on terror continues. The capture of Saddam Hussein is important, but the war on terror is not about one man and it is not about one country. ... Many of those are people who are serving in our armed forces were far from home during Christmas, and certainly they and their families are in our thoughts and prayers."
When we examine the events of the world today, the words of George Washington's First Inaugural Address ring strangely true: "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." And now the preservation of that sacred fire is passed on to Iraqis, Afghanis, and others, thanks to our Armed Forces' faithful defense of the Republic.

America's Armed Forces have had no small part in these events, and for this we offer our humble gratitude.

Sign This Petition.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Justice in Baghdad: Saddam Sentanced to Death

Saddam Hussein has been found guilty of committing crimes against humanity, and has been sentanced to death by hanging for masterminding the 1982 Dujail massacre, murdering 148 Shiites. He will also face charges of committing atrocities during Operation Anfal, the 1987-1988 campaign of genocide against the Kurds that killed an estimated 180,000 in another trial. Also sentanced to death by hanging are Saddam's half brother, Barzan Ibrahim, former chief of intelligence and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, head of the former Revolutionary Court, for their role in the Dujail massacre. The death sentance will go to an appeals panel, consisting of nine judges, who have an unlimited amount of time to review the case. If the sentance is upheld, Saddam must be executed within 30 days. Saddam's lawyers plan an appeal on the Dujail conviction; he remains unrepentant.

Reaction to Saddam's death sentance has been a mixture of celebration and protest.

Let's consider those supporting Saddam:


1) Saddam has used innocent people as "human shields" in his battle for jihad against the West (Saddam openly declared jihad against the US, Britain, Israel, NATO and all Allies and also referred to the war he waged against us as "The Mother of All Battles"). Saddam has built military installments in residential neighborhoods, with the purpose of using civilians as "shields" to prevent attacks--or to gain sympathy when innocent people are killed in attacks against his own military installments. He has also used children as soldiers, and tied unarmed people in front of tanks.
Saddam's recent attempts to incite bloodshed in Iraq, and fuel attacks against Coalition troops and the new Iraqi government are employing the same tactics, using the Iraqi people as "human shields" and using Iraq as a battleground, to further his own agenda. Saddam has no regard for human life, he is a dictator without conscience.

2) Considering the extensive propaganda, intimidation tactics (including torture), and media censorship Saddam imposed during his regime some support of Saddam is hardly surprising. I do question what percentage of the "supporters" truly support Saddam and his cause, and those who are suffering from the horrors of his regime--or are afraid to show resistance to Saddam. I am putting forth the theory that some of the Saddam sympathizers are suffering from psychological problems and the effects of torture and extensive abuse suffered over long periods of time.

3) There are still terrorist cells operating within Iraq; who have been trained extensively on how to manipulate the media to their cause, and also on how to deliver brutal attacks against the opposition--Coalition Troops and Iraqi forces. Some of the attacks are fueled by those people who do support Saddam, and wish to see him in power again.

However, many Iraqis celebrated the verdict of Saddam's death sentance and took to the streets. In Dujail, people cheered and burned pictures of Saddam. Iraqi government-backed Al-Iraqiya TV broadcast footage of people celebrating the verdict and played a song called "Iraq Today" which calls for Saddam's execution. In Baghdad, and throughout many parts of Iraq, curfew has been called, and security remains on high alert in response to the verdict.

The trial of Saddam is a great accomplishment for the people of Iraqi, whose resolve and courage to fight for their own freedom has empowered them to not only build a system for justice in the face of great tyranny, but also laid the foundation for freedom to continue to grow.


Thoughts on the Verdict:

" The justice handed out to him is a response to the call from thousands of sons and sisters of those sentenced and executed by Saddam... Maybe this will help alleviate the pain of the widows and the orphans and those who have been ordered to bury their loved ones in secrecy, and those who have been forced to suppress their feelings and suffering, and those who have paid at the hands of torturers, and those who have been deprived of the basic human rights, like education and profession.", Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki (BBC, Nov. 5, 2006)



"Iraq has a lot of work ahead as it builds its society that delivers equal justice and protects all its citizens. Yet history will record today's judgment as an important achievement on the path to a free and just and unified society. The United States is proud to stand with the Iraqi people. We will continue to support Iraq's unity government as it works to bring peace to its great country..." President Bush (World Net Daily, Nov. 5, 2006)



"For a nation to have persevered with a transparent fair trial with a man like this, through all the difficulties in his passing, that to me is a nation that wants to embrace democracy and isn't that something that is worth supporting " Prime Minister, John Howard, Australia (ABC Newsonline 11/6/06. Hundreds of Iraqi Australians celebrated in the streets of Sydney when the verdict was read).




Sources:


WorldNetDaily: Bush cheers Saddam's conviction
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52786



Howard hails Saddam verdict. 06/11/2006. ABC News Online
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200611/s1781650.htm



BBC NEWS In Pictures In pictures: Iraq's reaction
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6118542.stm

BBC NEWS Middle East Media broadcast scenes of jubilation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6118170.stm

BBC NEWS Middle East Timeline: Saddam Hussein Dujail trial http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4507568.stm



Putting Noncombatants at Risk: Saddam's Use of "Human Shields" https://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_human_shields/index.html

BBC NEWS Middle East Saddam sentence: Reaction in quotes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6118298.stm

Saddam sentenced to death - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15567363/


'Saddam signed 148 death warrants' - World - Times Online
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2062188,00.html


Saddam trial hears of mass killings - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15285264/
“The desert was full of mounds that had people buried underneath.” -Anwar, a detainee quoted in this article.



Scotsman.com News - Iraq - Soldier used as human shield for Saddam goes back to the desert
http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-11-04T230900Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-274971-1.xml
Torture and death: The crimes and trial of Saddam - 06 Nov 2006 - World News http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10409346




The Widows of Dujail by John Moore- The Digital Journalist
http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0512/dis_moore.html

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Link: Lets Say THANKS!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Let's Say Thanks is an opportunity to send a personal note of thanks to our troops serving overseas, "To honor U.S. military personnel and increase community morale, Xerox Corporation has created Let's Say Thanks, a national program designed to deliver millions of cards to servicemen and women overseas with messages of support from home."

When you visit Let's Say Thanks, you scroll through the gallery of card designs to pick out a card for the troops. You can also submit a design of a card to Xerox. You can add your own message to the cards, or use a preselected message. Xerox will print the card and send it to a soldier--for free. There is also a link on the site to pass the word on, and send a link to Let's Say Thanks to your friends and family.

What a wonderful way to honor our brave soldiers, and let them know we care; Lets Say Thanks today.


For Thought:

"Life has meaning only in the struggles
Triumph or defeat is in the hands of the Gods
So let us celebrate the struggles."
~ Swahili Warrior Song

THANKS from My Family