Coalition Casualties Illustrated

Click here.

Then take the Americans out of the equation and click again.

It Burns!

The Republican Senator from my home state, who once joked about how hard it is to live out in D.C. "with all those niggers," is now positioned to kill a bill supported by a majority in both houses. Why? Well, the lousy bill would prohibit the testing of pesticides on humans. Think it doesn't happen? Think again.

In one experiment under EPA review, human subjects were exposed to MITC, a dangerous pesticide closely related to the chemical that killed thousands in Bhopal, India, in 1984. In another, human subjects — mostly college students and minorities paid $15 per hour — were placed in a chamber with chloropicrin, an active ingredient in tear gas, for up to one hour at a time for four consecutive days … The report also finds that the adverse health effects of these studies were downplayed. In one study, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, coughing, and rashes experienced by study participants dosed with azinphos-methyl for nearly a month were dismissed as having been caused by “viral illness,” “ward conditions,” or diet. Human subjects were often inadequately notified of about the health risks of participating in experiments.

Why would Burns support testing pesticides on kids and the poor? Come on, do you really have to ask.

Since 2000, Burns has accepted $10,000 from political action committees set up
by some of the pesticide industries top producers.

It's all about values, folks.

OSaddam Bin Hussein Did It!

So last night Bush, faced with an American public skeptical of the shifting rationale for the war in Iraq and the lack of a coherent strategy there, again shouted 9-11!! 9-11!!

Thus, once again, proving what he thinks of us.

I just wish he would come right out and say it, like this Republican politician.

From Our Northerly Neighbor

Comes hope for those of us who believe in equal marriage rights.

It doesn't have to come from judges when the people believe in freedom.

You Don't Eat When You're Not Hungry ... hmm

When Larry David can't sleep.

I like how if you criticize the war you don’t support the troops. You’re the
ones sending them over to die, so how is it I don’t support them? If the army
was made up of child molesters, then I’d support them. If we went to an all
child molester army, I would be their biggest supporter. “Please don’t bring the
troops home. Stay the course. Keep them there a long time.” But they’re not
child molesters.

BELATED HAT TIP: yes, Sully.

The Free Market

Another supposedly "conservative principle" abandoned in the name of rank partisanship.

As a good GOP friend recently told me in a moment of candor, today's "conservatives" don't seem to have any guiding "principles" whatsoever.

Americans to Bush: You're an Unpopular Liar

Well, our countrymen are finally coming around.

Here's what I can't figure out:

52% of Americans believe the Bush Administration “intentionally misled the American public” in making its case for war in Iraq; but only

51% of Americans disapprove of Bush's job performance.

So 1% of Americans approve of Bush misleading the country in order to convince us to support this tragic mistake of a war??

"Adios MoFo"--Too Funny

This is a week old story, but I wanted to make sure the rest of the country got the story. Texas Governor had a bit of a gaffe last week when ending an interview with a reporter. The term he used has taken on a cult like following in the state. Here is the video, pretty funny:

Perry had just completed a series of interviews with local TV stations, and had repeatedly declined to give KTRK-TV reporter Ted Oberg details of his education proposal. Excerpts from the article follow: After the interview was over and Mr. Perry had said you're welcome and so long, Mr. Oberg acknowledged that Mr. Perry had successfully maintained the secrecy of his plan for another day: "Try as I may, Governor, I guess I can't win this one."

Mr. Perry looked off camera and appeared to mock Mr. Oberg, saying: "Try as I may, governor, I'm just not going to wait that long. ... "

Then the governor added as a sign-off: "Adios, mo-fo."

TEXAS IS SIMPLY THE GREATEST STATE IN THE ENTIRE FLAT WORLD!!

Congratulations to the 2005 Baseball National Champions Texas Longhorns!!!!! Considering their struggles at the end of the season and in the Big XII tournament, us Texans are happily surprised by their hot streak through the regionals, super-regionals and CWS. That is two championships in four years......booooooo ya! Adios.....MoFo.

REDRUM!

The contributors of 3GL are always concerned for each others safety. For this reason, I must insist that Abe move out of Chicago. The town is apparently infested with murderers.

Republicans and Terrorists Find Common Ground

Regarding a radical Islamic group in New York City which advocates violence against all Americans:

The group has also become a fixture at Queens gay events, holding signs with messages like "Allah Will Destroy Nations That Allow Homosexuality" and "Today: Homosexuality; Tomorrow: Pedophilia; What’s Next? Bestiality?" at the borough’s Pride Parade, which runs through Jackson Heights. Last year, screaming matches erupted between the two sides; this year, police kept them apart.

From the third-highest ranking Republican in the United States Senate, Rick Santorum:

In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That's not to pick on homosexuality. It's not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing. And when you destroy that you have a dramatic impact on the quality —

AP: I'm sorry, I didn't think I was going to talk about "man on dog" with a United States senator, it's sort of freaking me out.

SANTORUM: And that's sort of where we are in today's world, unfortunately.
The idea is that the state doesn't have rights to limit individuals' wants and passions. I disagree with that.

Just sayin'

Rove Hits Rock Bottom

Watch Rove flailing wildly in an attempt to divert attention from the miserable failures of the Bush Administration.

“Liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers,” Rove said Wednesday night. “Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 and the attacks and prepared for war.”

Oh yes, Karl. Thump that fat chest, you killer you.

Anyone remember the days after 9/11? Remember how we came together as a nation? It is obscene and ugly that Rove has chosen to use the tragedy of September 11th to both (1) try to divide the country along partisan lines, and (2) justify the Iraq war, which has nothing to do with September 11th. How about we all remember effing Afghanistan! Anyone remember that?? THAT was what happened after 9/11, and we supported it.

Rove also denounced Sen. Dick Durbin’s comments comparing interrogation at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp to the methods of Nazis and other repressive regimes. He said the statements have been broadcast throughout the Middle East [note: solely because the GOP has flogged the issue mercilessly in the press], putting American troops in greater danger. Durbin has since apologized for the remarks.

“No more needs to be said about the motives of liberals,” Rove said.

Holy shit. Did Karl Rove just say the motive of liberals is to put American troops in danger? Did Karl effing Rove just accuse me of wanting to kill American soldiers?

He has gone off the deep end, folks. Every Republican now has three choices: (1) tell the world that Rove does not speak for them and that this type of slander crosses the line of decency; (2) tell the world that they agree with Rove; or (3) sit silently in embarassment.

UPDATE: Rove's complete statement accusing liberals of wanting to put troops in danger: "Let me just put this in fairly simple terms: Al Jazeera now broadcasts the words of Senator Durbin to the Mideast, certainly putting our troops in greater danger. No more needs to be said about the motives of liberals."

Delay loses nearly all support from GOP???

When do the partisans stop the support for Bush's Iraq policy? Or do they go down with the ship? If history proves to repeat itself, the savvy will distance themselves soon.

They Really Are. . .

making this up as they go along.

The Killer Time

At least two of us here at 2GL plan on taking part in what promises to be A Killer Time to be arranged by our Two Good Friends. Being dorks, they've dedicated a blog to the journey. Check out our newest permalink at the top of Various & Sundry to the right.

Yellephant - Worth American Lives, Just Not Ours!

Further to our discussion of , our good friend and reluctant Republican ARM over at Judgment Proof has graciously dropped us a link and said we have some good points, but calls out the following "fallacies" in Operation Yellow Elephant, which we will address point by point.

1. many republicans/neo-cons are over there in iraq.

I have no doubt about that. In fact, I think I read somewhere that the majority of folks in the military are Republicans, if anything. But, we're short on troops, buddy. So there aren't enough folks there, be they Republican, Democrat or Whig.

2. just b/c you support something but don't have the ballz to do it yourself doesn't necessarily mean you are a bad person or should be intentionally embarrassed or that the effort is somehow not worth it on an objective basis

I don't know that it means 101st Fighting Keyboardists are "bad people," just that they have made the assessment that "worth it" means "worth someone else's ass, but not mine." If they find their assessment embarassing when exposed, that's their business.

3. i doubt if the people in charge of yellow elephant would somehow all of the sudden be for the war if many young republicans did in fact join

Nobody says they would be. Only that almost everyone agrees we need more troops and those who cry the loudest in favor of sending folks there to kill and potentially be killed seem like the ones who should be getting their hands bloody. My bet is that their couchside warlust would weaken in the face of actual warfare, but that's just my bet.

4. not all young republicans think a like and should not be stereotyped as is being done by the yellow elephant group

Fair enough. I agree that those young college Republicans who are against the war and those who have backed up their bravado by enlisting should obviously be excluded from the critique. I have a feeling that both are tiny minorities, but stand willing to be proven wrong on that.

5. this seems like just another mean spirited attack.
9. i don't think the people in charge are interested in making any point other than to embarass and ridicule (we lumped these together because it's the same point. . . see also #2)

Look, this is obviously an attack on the moral judgment made by the 101st Fighting Keyboardist types by those who disagree with that moral judgment. I, and the majority of Americans, don't think the Iraq war is worth the lives of our young men. Others, and RAM has not made clear his own opinion, believe the war IS worth American lives, just not their own. However, OYE is also a real solution to a real problem.

6. would you support my going to a homeless shelter wit the help wanted adds and ridiculing people being supported by my tax dollars? if not, why not?

So the young college Republicans are like the homeless? I don't get it. The war cheerleaders are eating or working in soup kitchens? You'll have to connect this one up for me, ARM.

7. being a ball-less wonder is a bi-partisan personality trait

No doubt. This does not address the point, though.

8. are you challenging their patriotism? i thought nobody could do that. .

That's a stretch, buddy. You understand that it is not their patriotism that is at issue. They think the Iraq war is best for America. I, and the majority of Americans, disagree. We're all patriots. Now, who should go fight the war when we run short on soldiers?

10. if republicans went to protest a young democrat group it would be the end of the world

You know, I see this same argument swarm around the left-leaning hemisphere of the blogosphere... "imagine if a Democrat did/said [insert Republican action/statement]!" I try to stay away from it, because I think it's so speculative. Also it just sounds whiney. With that said, I would not be surprised if young republicans did something like this.

11. why do you want people to go to war who don't want to be there themselves?

Because we need more soldiers. Perhaps you would prefer a draft, so that the cheerleaders for the war and those who believe it is a huge bloody mistake would both be forced to enlist.

12. i understand that the flip side is why would someone support a war that they themselves aren't willing to fight? but would bill have sent chelsea to kosovo? did you support bill in his military efforts? if so, where was your gun and armor? if not, i haven't heard you talk much about your opposition.

To be honest, in 1999, I did not follow international affairs very closely. That said, no I didn't oppose the Kosovo intervention. As I understand it, it was a relatively minor military operation that was generally supported by both parties which didn't last long and there were plenty of troops. Not exactly the contentious "generational commitment" Condi now tells us the occupation of Iraq will be.

13. just some food for thought. i thought of some better ones earlier, but they are eluding me.

We're anxious to hear them.

The Thinking Conservatives

First there was Sullivan, now comes Cole (Note: unlike most of the torture cheerleaders, Cole is an actual veteran) . . .

Are Durbin's remarks really that offensive? Do you honestly hear descriptions like that and think to yourself- "Gee, American troops do that all the time."

Of course you don't, and I don't either. I think of some third world dictator, some tin-pot despot who brutalizes not only his enemy but his own people. Someone like, for example, Saddam Hussein. Or Pol Pot. And that was Durbin's point- not that we are Nazis, but that we are better than Nazis by an order of magnitude, and that such acts of abuse, while rare, are beneath us.

What should offend you is not what Durbin said, but the possibility that what Durbin said regarding the abuse may be accurate -even if it happened only once. And spare me the false bravado and the tough-guy attitudes about how this doesn't sound so tough, and they deserve what they get. I am all in favor of stern measures and tough interrogation practices, but there are lines that should not be crossed.

If your attitude is that because some evil people killed 3,000 people on 9/11, we have the moral high ground and are thus free to do as we please, including chaining people in a fetal position and forcing them to wallow in their own urine and feces, you might as well stop reading now because we aren't going to agree on anything. We have the right to to detain these people, we have the right to interrogate these people, and we, in the future, have a right to try them for their crimes and punish them appropriately. But we also have an obligation to ourselves and to the rest of the world to treat these detainees humanely, lawfully, and in accordance to the history of decency that I proudly associate with the United States. To do otherwise is to stain our dignity and our honor, as well as our reputation and good standing in the world.

The thinking conservative is not dead. That's heartening. Perhaps someday these voices of reason will rise to power in the Republican party.

OPERATION YELLOW ELEPHANT

I only have one friend who is in Iraq. He's a liberal. I daresay more liberal than me. He's also a hell of a patriot. So he's running around a country torn by violence in an effort to help stabilize a country we invaded in a war he never supported. We've said it before, and we'll say it again . . . thanks for putting your ass on the line, Sean.

On the other hand are the coddled Bush loyalists who so fiercly type out their support for the war, all the while knowing their lily white asses are safely plopped in front of Hannity on the tube every night. We're short on troops, and these guys are gung ho about warfare. Seems like a natural solution. . .

Jesus' General is on it.

Sully's On It

Sullivan weighs in on the right wing hysterics over Durbin's comments.

He also links to an example of how sick and depraved these folks are getting.

Thanks, Andrew. It's good to be reminded that compassionate conservatives actually do exist.

Zorning in on the Durbin Fallacy

The heated rhetoric with our friends at CC (obviously, all in good fun) has produced some serious differences of opinions on Dick Durbin's comments this past week regarding the treatment of prisoners at Camp X-ray in Guantameno Bay Cuba. Both 2GL and CC are guilty of extreme posturing, one side calling the other unpatriotic and the other side calling the other torture advocates.

Although I feel Senator Durbin's comments were accurate in some respects because they outlined the problem our military's policies and actions has created, I long have felt that historical references in political debate are per se problematic, especially when they invoke images of Nazi Germany. Both Democrat and Republican pols have been guilty of such references. Durbin and the Dems most recently in regard to torture and the GOP most notably when it used words like 'appeasement" in justifying the war to unseat Saddam Hussein.

With this in mind, I suggest reading Eric Zorn's post on this very issue, as he eloquently sums up the real problem here:

This is why I’ve always said that, whenever anyone plays the Hitler card in a debate, the debate is over for all practical purposes.

Even though, in fact, we can learn things and recognize cautionary signs by studying depraved and totalitarian regimes, pointing this out in all but the vaguest way invites just the sort of hyperventilated, beside-the-point rhetoric we’ve seen in response to Durbin’s criticism of torture techniques at Guantanamo Bay...

To say that one of the hallmark distinctions between the ideals of Americans and the ideals of the vicious, murderous dictators of history has been our treatment of prisoners and the safeguards of our justice system and that we blur that distinction at our moral and practical peril is one thing.

But to cite the Nazis, the Soviet gulags and Pol Pot -- even for a very limited purpose -- is another.

Not because the analogy is wholly inapt and not illustrative.

But because it’s so easily twisted into a patently illogical and hysterical argument by opportunistic critics who seem deliberately obtuse when it comes to simple logic.

Well said indeed.

Want To See What An Organized Right Wing Attack Looks Like?

Check this out.

Look at them go!

After you've seen this from them enough times, it all just seems so . . . . . . fake.

UPDATE: And it just wouldn't be complete without a lie from Frist, would it? Nope.

UPDATE II: I wish that the folks whipping up this choreographed attack on Durbin would get one tenth as excercised about American abuse and torture of detainees as they have about the words Durbin chose to describe that abuse and torture. Rather than address the issue, however, they organize an attack - a pathetic attempt to change the subject from the real issue at hand. I pass this on to you without further comment, folks, because it mocks itself.

Narcissus and the Press

The 'sphere has done a good job of getting the press to take a hard look at what it calls "journalism" in the last couple of years. The pressure has come from both sides of the ideological spectrum.

But I'm afraid we've created a press corps of navel-gazers. Even the press is now intent on making the story more about themselves and their coverage of issues that the story itself. Ok, press corps, you screwed up by overlooking the DSM. We forgive you. Now get after it.

But instead the press wants to explain why a memo from Britain's top intelligence officer which accuses President Bush of lying to Congress and America is not news. Conason nails it:

How foolish and how sad that all these distinguished journalists prefer to transform this scandal into a debate about their own underachieving performance, rather than redeem mainstream journalism by advancing an important story that they should have pursued from the beginning. This is a moment when the mainstream press could again demonstrate to a skeptical public why we need journalists. Instead they are proving once more that their first priority is to cover their own behinds.

The MSM has become truly embarassing.

Things Yacht Not Do In Congress

What sort of relationship should exist between a Congressman on the House Appropriations Committee and a defense contractor who has been awarded millions of dollars by that committee?

Do you suppose it's ok if that defense contractor buys the Congressman's house at an inflated price (i.e. the contractor turns around and sells it for a $700,000 loss)? Isn't that kind of like giving the Congressman $700,000?

Do you suppose it's ok for that Congressman to live on a yacht owned by the contractor? How about if the yacht is actually named after the Congressman?

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R), who, by cheating our democratic system, has trashed the U.S.

Hat Tip: Josh

Why Are We In Iraq?

The President sent this letter to Congress, and Congress believed him. Nothing in there about freeance and/or peeance. And, assuming the official minutes of a meeting of the British equivalent of our National Security Council are not made up of straight lies (the DSM has been authenticated by the British government and was distributed among high-level British officials), the Bush Administration was guided by their own lust for war, not by intelligence. In short, the intelligence was fixed. In short, war was by no means the "last resort." In short, Bush was not straight with Congress or you and me, dear readers.

Why are we in Iraq?

Perhaps because Bush was dishonest.

It's no wonder folks are talking about impeachment.

Here at 2GL, we think it's a little soon for that sort of talk. We just want an open and transparent (read "independent") investigation into whether the Bush Administration fixed intelligence around its policy of war in Iraq. Seems reasonable, no? Seems fair to want to know why our young men are giving their lives, right? Fair to want to know if this whole thing has been above board?

Or maybe we just want to trash the U.S. Yeah, that must be it.

Downing Street Memo

I may be a little late on this one, but here's a good site for updates and follow up on the Downing Street Memo and its aftermath.

Note: today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room HC-9 of the U.S. Capitol, Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and other Congress Members will hold a hearing on the Downing Street Minutes and related evidence of efforts to cook the books on pre-war intelligence.


For background, this site is good.

Frist Apology Watch II

Well, I expected Frist to keep his mouth shut about his misdiagnosis of Schiavo via videotape. I was wrong.

So he apologized, you ask?

No.

He lied.

Support The Abuse!

Perhaps you've read what an American FBI agent has written about how detainees were treated at Guantanamo:

On a couple of occasions, I entered interview rooms to find a detainee chained hand and foot in a fetal position to the floor, with no chair, food or water. Most times they urinated or defecated on themselves, and had been left there for 18-24 hours or more. On one occasion, the air conditioning had been turned down so far and the temperature was so cold in the room, that the barefooted detainee was shaking with cold. . . . On another occasion, the [air conditioner] had been turned off, making the temperature in the unventilated room well over 100 degrees. The detainee was almost unconscious on the floor, with a pile of hair next to him. He had apparently been literally pulling his hair out throughout the night. On another occasion, not only was the temperature unbearably hot, but extremely loud rap music was being played in the room, and had been since the day before, with the detainee chained hand and foot in the fetal position on the tile floor.

Our good friends over at CC sarcastically argue that if you don't support that kind of abuse, if you say that you could read that and think it was something that could have been done by Nazis, if you raise your voice against it, you're not patriotic. This of course also means that the FBI agent who blew the whistle on this crap is not a patriot, but those who directed this abuse are. Sirs, I respectfully disagree.

... And just when we thought that the right wing "supporting the troops means supporting anything and everything they might do" idiocy had finally been silenced.

Frist Apology Watch

I think it's time for Bill Frist to apologize to America for waiving his medical training around and proclaiming that Terry Schiavo could see. Diagnosis via videotape, of course. He should apologize for smearing his profession. He should apologize for helping drag America through the Congressional circus that was the Schiavo ordeal. And he should apologize for perhaps the most offensive episode of pandering to the wingnuts we've seen ooze out of this GOP-dominated Congress.

She was blind, "Dr." Frist - at least according to "science." Her brain had shriveled to half the size of a normal adult's.

My guess: Frist won't say a goddamn word about it.

GOP to cut all funding for NPR and PBS: ACT NOW!!

The GOP is attempting to cut funding for NPR and PBS. Seriously, a house panel has voted for this cut, take a look at this Washington Post Article.

Its not too late. Moveon is sending around a petition that you can sign and send to your representative. The GOP has been trying to do this for some time and they now have the votes, and arrogance it seems, to do it. Sign the petition and if you have the time write a letter to your elected officials. Here are the links to find your representative and senator.

Whatever your politics, public television is good for America. Any person who can put partisan politics aside would surely agree with this. Don't be fooled by the GOP, they can easily fund public broadcasting but are simply appealing to hard line conservatives who see public broadcasting as another example of this "media bias" fantasy.

Bizzare COINcidence in COINgate

Man, what a wacky bunch of characters are involved in this twisted tale of the GOP plundering Ohio's taxpayers. What happens when Michael Storeim is identified as a criminal suspect and investigators take custody of his valuable collectibles?

He takes a quick vacation.

Oh, and while he's gone, his house gets robbed of all his valuable collectibles. Like a good Republican, Mr. Storeim blames ... you guessed it ... the liberal media.

Investigators said the evidence tape was torn from the door of the wine
cellar, which had been pried open, and three humidors were missing. Several keys
were also reported stolen from the home, including a key to Mr. Storeim’s
business.
...
Ms. Tallman characterized it as a “very high-dollar burglary.”The Storeims told police that they believed the reported break-in was a result of media reports, which made public the fact that Mr. Storeim is a coin dealer and that there was a valuable wine collection in the home. Two attorneys for Mr. Storeim did not return calls seeking comment yesterday.“They were extremely upset that they felt this was a result of what was portrayed in the media,” Investigator Nelson said. “He said that was to blame for the break-in to his house.”
. . .
In statements released by his attorney, Mr. Storeim has maintained his innocence and denied having any knowledge or role in the disappearance of state-owned coins.
...
State Sen. Marc Dann, a Democrat from suburban Youngstown, called the reported burglary “an amazing coincidence.” “Clearly, this is more than a coincidence,” he said. “I hate to be cynical, but I think I’m a little bit suspicious. This whole thing gets weirder and weirder.”

Indeed.

Wingnut Watch

Hindrocket (oh, sorry, he now calls himself simply "John") over at Time's Blog of the Year wants to remind us all that the war in Iraq is going great and we didn't go over there because there was like a sort of but not really imminent threat that Saddam had WMDs and was going to kill us with them...

Having said that, it shouldn't be a surprise that lots of people (whatever the right number may be) don't think the Iraq war is worth the cost. Why would they? Anyone who relies on the newspapers believes that 1) we went to war only because of Saddam's WMDs, and 2) there weren't any WMDs.

Amen, Hindrocket. Frickin' newspapers. Also those idiots who rely on the television. Or really any media source. And how about those dumbasses who rely on their memory of what President Bush told us about why we were going to war? Or those jackholes who rely on official U.S. reports about the absence of WMDs?

We're with you Assrocket. We're combing through every old speech Bush made to find some other, less prominent, reason we were told our young men were going to fight and die for. Then, we'll join you in seizing on THAT as the REAL reason we're in Iraq. WMDs? That was just the gravy, man. Also, we're closing our eyes real hard and pretending things are going great. Nobody's dying. Nobody's dying. Getting better all the time...

Pentagon Pees On Your Intelligence

You know, I don't care a whole lot about the Koran or how it is handled. In my opinion, when a person is unreasonable, but blames that unreasonableness on their religion, they are still unreasonable. So, I think those who want to deny gay people rights, but they do it in God's name, they're still unreasonable and still quite wrong. Similarly, if Muslims act as if their children were on fire just because of the way someone handles their holy book, that's unreasonable. Don't get me wrong, it's not cool to intentionally desecrate what another person finds holy, but it's not - well - torture.

So, the fake Newsweek scandal was interesting to me mostly because of the embarassing behavior on the part of the White House. McClellan first blamed Newsweek for tarnishing America's image, then challenged the media as a whole to report on how great the Bush Administration has treated the Koran at Guantanamo. Um... bad idea.

There was an allegation that one of our guards pissed on a Koran.

In the incident involving urine, which took place this past March, Southern Command said a guard left his observation post, went outside and urinated near an air vent, and "the wind blew his urine through the vent" and into a cell block.
It said a detainee told guards the urine "splashed on him and his Koran."

The wind blew my pee.

The wind blew my pee onto that Koran, and that Arab.

In the words of Andrew Sullivan, "Yeah, sure the wind caused your pee to drift into a prisoner's air-vent. It sounds like something some schoolboy would come up with."

This is the crap the Pentagon wants us to believe? This is the best they can come up with, even after we all know they are quite comfortable with bald faced lies?

It doesn't matter what you think about the Koran. If you think it should be used as toilet paper, great. But, as the Republicans used to declare about blowjobs, it's not about the sex, it's about the lying.

And even the right wing can recognize how absurd the Pentagon has become, right?

Wrong.

The latest example of the US Army’s Koran Humiliation Initiative has that headline-grabbing word: URINE. You’d think Private Anderson swaggered over, unholstered Private Johnson and let loose a pounding stream of tangy intentional desecration on the book as it was clutched to the sobbing breast of the terrorist. (Sorry, detainee.) Of course, what really happened was slightly less horrible; someone took a leak outside the cells, and the gentle Caribbean breeze carried a jot of pee through a ventilation grill, where it lit upon the Koran.

Yeah, it "really happened" because the Pentagon told us so. No, Mr. and Mrs. Tillman. Really.

Supremes Deliver Major Blow to the Sick and Dying

Medicinal marijuana users may face prosecution.

Dispatch From Iraq

I planned to post excerpts out of this email from our good friend who is working as a JAG attorney in Iraq, but really - you should read the whole thing. Surreal.

Star Date: 4 June 2005

Hello All:

I apologize for the delay in getting out this latest installment of pseudo-adventures here in Shangri-La. Events over the last month have basically provided me with exactly enough free time to sleep and eat. And if I correctly remember 6th grade science class, that’s at least 2 of the 3 basic necessities.

Above all, I’ve been on the road/air some of late – and when not, basically living at the CCCI courthouse. In the month of May alone, we prosecuted more cases than ever before since the Court’s creation. So, “Semper Hooah” to that.

That said, traveling – or as I like to call it “convoy/helo-hitchhiking” in this grand country is a rather unique experience. In all, there are two principles one should operate under: (1) pack light and live out what you carry & (2) utilize your charm, wit, and common-sense - otherwise you’ll be sitting around for hours. It works well, and allows one to by-pass the ‘group-think’ mentality of actually expecting military methods of transportation to: a) arrive on time; and b) actually take you where you need to go. And well, it’s fun.

As part of the most recent mini ‘Tour De Sand’ (and unfortunately, there will be no merchandise or T-shirts – at least not just yet), I was able to spend some quality time at the world famous 4-star “Abu Ghraib Prison.” Unfortunately, Paris Hilton was nowhere to be seen.

Nonetheless, the main thrust of the journey was to give a briefing to our folks, tie up some structural issues, and pursue a confession regarding a murder case I currently have. Note: it's a tough case – great circumstantial evidence, but the hard evidence just isn't there - which is essential within the Iraqi justice system. So, I've been jumping thru hoops right and left to piece it all together - and running each twist and turn past the Court. And because the events occurred in late 04’ – finding the right people, with the right information has been a real challenge. It’s tentatively scheduled to go next week – so, we shall see. I’m optimistic at best – we’re headed into some unventured evidentiary territory. And well, like with any other case –the unfamiliar is never the most ideal.

Moreover communicating with the families of the dead Marines back in the U.S. has been another experience – and at times pretty tough - especially the phone calls. But by and large, it has worked out pretty well. They've been incredibly supportive - especially getting us impact/sentencing evidence if/when we get that far. The families were also shocked that we were prosecuting those responsible – and I found this previous lack of communication disheartening. So in many ways, working this case has been a real eye-opener on many fronts. Tough to explain, it just has.

Overall, the trip to Abu Ghraib – I went with the other Navy JAG in our office (great guy) - was time well spent. And well, AG was unique to see – Saddam’s torture chamber and all. Not shocking, Abu Ghraib is an absolute hole in the middle of nowhere. And in many ways, it proved reminiscent of a battered, dusty shanty town. While the aesthetics were not surprising, it was interesting to experience and nice to see some familiar faces.

A Navy JAG friend of mine is stationed there now. On a daily basis, they review case files – and recommend how a case should be dealt with - as detainees come in the door. In a nutshell, case files either will go to us at the CCCI or to administrative review procedure (required under U.N. Resolution 1546). It’s brutal work – at a brutal place. And it’s impossible to have nothing but profound respect for those down there – paralegals, attorneys, and everyone else.

Also, how our folks have made the most of the situation was also noteworthy. Living quarters exist in run-down concrete buildings – but, most have transformed their spaces in the most hospitable ways. For entertainment, there is now an outdoor boxing ring – for G.I. v. G.I. “Friday Night Fights.” Note: supposedly on ‘opening night’ a scantily clad “Card Girl” was parading around in-between rounds. And from what I can gather – it really wasn’t a sight to see – which based on my experience – wasn’t at all shocking. Still, there is also a fairly nice gym, outside basketball court, and even make-shift movie theatre and recreation center (with a 1940’s era foosball table no less – god bless duct tape). So, they make the best of the situation.

And also not shocking, AG possesses its own peculiar odor – which I don’t believe Faberge’ will be licensing anytime soon. Talking to those stationed there – there are 3 competing theories: (1) AG was supposedly built on an old garbage dump - thus: trash + scorching hot temp = putrid smell; (2) the dead bodies from all of Saddam’s torture victims were buried there - thus: decaying bodies + scorching hot temps = putrid smell; or (3) thousands of detainees + scorching hot temperatures = putrid odor.

After visiting the detainee in-processing center, I would have to think the odor has strong origins in Theory #3. The in-processing center was equally unique. Prior to receiving an assigned number and designated living section at AG, the detainees are kept in quasi-holding pens – where they live, sleep, eat, and pray. Each are also provided a copy of the Koran, a prayer rug, and a yellow jump suit.

The structure itself more qualifies as an open-air bazaar. The thin plastic sun roof is replete with holes – and long newly laid concrete runway flows thru the center of the building. The new runway was the subject of much consternation of those stationed there – and rightly so – given roofing needs and because the old runway didn’t have holes or cracks worthy of immediate repair. Such is the genius of sub-contracting military construction needs to KBR et. al. Heaven forbid those on the ground are consulted on their actual needs – and how new construction money can/should be best spent.

Upon entering the in-processing facility, there were probably 100 detainees to my immediate left engaged in a daily Muslim prayer - surreal to say the least. Even more interesting, was to see how our soldiers related to the detainees. Without question, it was completely professional - if not at times heartening. Watching the detainees attempt to coyly barter for short-cuts in various lines to eat or receive medical checkups – and the respectful indulging our soldiers gave them - was a sight-to-see. More than anything, it seemed to reflect a mutual acknowledgement of the environment – including a mutual understanding of their relationship. It was a pleasant surprise.

Anyhow, the typical day at Abu Ghraib revolves around the near daily mortar attacks –that typically occur between 5pm-9pm. Luckily, we didn’t have any during my visit – we just listened to flare rockets go off all night long. Nonetheless, from 5pm-9pm, no one really goes outside unless absolutely required. Note: the day prior to my arrival, a soldier - merely exercising outside - lost his leg when an attack suddenly began. Moreover, mortar holes also still existed where the helicopter pads had been attacked a few days prior – when one of the generals had visited. Not surprising, it all kept one wide-awake.

Above all, the consistency of the mortar attacks – and the randomness by which they strike - seem to weigh heavy on everyone. The large scale assault that occurred on April 2 – which is commonly referred to as a day – not an event – does the same. Late one night, we sat around over a couple non-alcoholic beers (which spawned my new favorite catch phrase –“You’re not almost having fun, if you’re not almost drinking beer….”) and listened to those who went thru it talk about what happened. Tough to explain – so, I won’t.

In all, it was most interesting to witness the small routines that have been devised to cope with daily life at AG. Usually, one person from each office/location is designated to run and grab box dinners from the chow hall – in order to minimize the number of people outside. And if you have to use the restroom, you just wait it out. Moreover, as various explosions occur, someone will reflexively - as almost on cue - state “nah, must be outgoing….” As everyone listens for what might come next, no one says another word. Not surprising, it’s the same habitual response, I have personally witnessed almost everywhere I’ve gone over here.

Upon our departure, we hitched a ride back up with an early morning MP Convoy that takes the detainees back and forth up to the CCCI. Great folks – and they do amazing job under some of the country’s dangerous conditions. As such, I had the grand pleasure of traversing along the “Iraq’s Two Most Perilous Roads.” Enter “scary organ” music….

In all, it was business as usual – aside from getting stalled for 20 minutes after a truck jack-knifed on a one-lane dirt road we were moving through. If anything – after being here a few months - it merely helped get the early morning blood moving. Along the way, it also proved interesting to see how the terrain and landscape altered. Rolling along various highways and side roads – shepherds, farmers, sheep, cows, and various mud houses interspersed with open desert, farm land, and dense palm trees and marsh. In essence - to quote track 5 on the new Ryan Adams record- “beautiful sorta….beautiful sorta….but not.”

Moreover, the poverty in which most Iraqis live was again obvious – and hinted at how far we have to go in realizing the lofty goals that have been set for transforming this country. From what I witnessed and people I’ve spoke to – little progress seems to have been made – especially in the countryside. And in many ways, one almost gets the feeling that most Iraqis are just waiting us out – angling and preparing to endure whatever comes next. Their history – especially their psychological distrust of paternal political and economic power - seems to point in this unfortunate direction. One can only hope we provide the exception.

Still, I often fear we have underestimated the enormity of the task at hand - especially in terms of reversing generations of social and psychological damage inflicted by the anti-West political establishment. In many conversations, I’ve heard the same mantra repeated as to why the West still hasn’t fully grasped why Iraqis – and other Middle Eastern nations –have not fully embraced modernity. It also fully explains why any Iraq/WWII Reconstruction analogy falls flat. Most of all, anti-West political leaders - exploiting the Islamic faith - have utilized the extreme economic plight – and systematic denial of education - to maintain and enlarge their own power and wealth. In step, the poor are systemically blamed for their own – and their country’s – continuing struggles.

They are further beaten down into supporting the status quo so their leaders can continue ‘active opposition’ to Israel, Jews, and the West –and harbor a return to past glory and promised economic liberation. Most simply, they employ “anti-nationalism” – with a stroking of ethnic and tribal conflict as the final distraction. In essence, Iraqis and others have never been empowered to celebrate the uniqueness - and greatness - of the respective countries. Instead, they have been systematically bullied into feeling ashamed for contributing to its “decline.” This cycle has been perpetuated for generations – and in my opinion, this is our great challenge. And one we must meet - with a sustained and multi-faceted commitment - in order to succeed. Otherwise, this whole operation will be for not.

Moving along, things continue to be hectic here. Long, and longer days – and the trips to Court vary from the near routine – to a little more touch n’ go. Although the car bombing seemed to have quieted down, we had some mortar fire the last couple nights - such is the nature of the beast. And as for free time, someone actually was able to procure a bootleg copy of the new Star Wars movie here. In all honesty, this place is crawling with bootlegged bad American pop culture – for dirt cheap. Nonetheless, we gathered around and watched it – and well, my thoughts on the film are best summed up here :

http://www.newyorker.com/printables/critics/050523crci_cinema.

Darth Vader aside, there have been some other rather amusing Embassy-wide social developments of late. A few days back a directive came rolling down from the ‘Team Generale’ (ie. the generals) regarding "untold numerous reports" of various “military officers” imbibing to excess and carousing with countless “enlisted females.” Now, this lapse of decorum was also blamed on the various “evening parties" (usually thrown by KBR people - who like everyone else non-US military - drink like Norman vikings) at the Embassy pool. Now, I’ve never seen evidence of such poolside bacchanalian revelry – mainly b/c I work all the time. And quite frankly, I was a little upset I missed it - for sheer entertainment value alone.

Yet, the ‘buzz killing’ didn’t stop there – the directive also spoke of further "untold numerous reports" of military folks visiting the "Baghdad Country Club" in the Green Zone - and engaging in other untoward nefarious activity. Now, back in the day - I once had the distinct honor of visiting this establishment (now officially "off limits"). And in all actuality – it ranked right up there with a visit to the dentist.

In fact, I would think that if there was HELL ON EARTH – this place would be it - worse, than a Creed concert. Imagine a small 1-room "club," pounding techno music, a 95%-5% male/female ratio, and per military regulation, you can't wash down a beer to numb the pain. Moreover, one had to endure the social travesty of watching the magic 5% attract runway model-esque attention from the ‘Great Frustrated.’ Not even the therapeutic magic of foosball could take away from the misery of watching this desperate social ritual. Needlesstosay, I found it all rather worth a quick laugh - and shall not lose any sleep over my newfound inability to endure it again. So, hat-tip to Team Generale on this one – well done I must say and golf-claps all around....

Nonetheless, over the last few weeks or so, I have been able to do/see some things off the radar. I went with a few others from our office around Baghdad to help present gift packages and candy to needy/orphaned Iraqi children. An amazing/depressing/frustrating experience – and abject poverty up close and personal. A few weeks back I also managed to find my way into to a party thrown in honor of the Gurhkas here - they guard the Embassy palace. The Gurhkas are Nepalese super-commandos - who have a long, storied tradition as great warriors. They fought with the Allies (under British command) against the Japanese in WWII - and gained a legendary reputation among U.S. soldiers for being utterly ruthless (and effective). So, it’s only fitting that they wave people in at the checkpoints and gates.

To usher in their participation as part of the ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ the Gurhkas have been privately contracted to work here – for $1000/month – through the Global Risk Strategies Corporation. In yet another glorious example of global and racial economic disparity, the U.S. government also continues privately outsource Iraq security issues. But, the differences are striking.

The U.S. government predominately goes through the Blackwater Corporation. “Blackwater” employees make anywhere from $10,000-20,000/month – and are almost all former-U.S. military. So in strict financial terms, the U.S. government essentially provided their qualifications and job skills for free - but has now hired them back for many times their old salary– quite the bargain.

Many (but not all) seem to strive for the “Bar Bouncer/Jose Canseco-look” – but one cannot neglect to mention the ever-so-necessary long goatee, tattoos, and tight black (INSERT BAD HEAVY METAL BAND) t-shirt. In all, they tend to strike one as a collective assortment that would find deep meaning and purpose in the heroics of professional wrestling, Maxim Magazine, and Vin Diesel films. As such, this is why I like to refer to them as the “Fellowship of the Buckmaster.”

And above all, “Buckmaster” also seem strut around this place as if the Holy Father himself has anointed their very presence. And for this well-compensated attitude, they tend to be the subject of subtle resentment. If anything, their mere presence begs other questions – how can our government justify paying U.S. soldiers criminally low wages for routinely risking their lives – yet turn around and pay “Buckmaster” 5-10 times more to do the same – if not, less? While Americans all the same, are the lives of “Buckmaster” somehow more valuable than a PFC or NCO or officer? Do they sacrifice more? Many here find “Buckmaster” a near-insult to in those uniform – and on balance, I often find it difficult to disagree. Moreover, the inherent gray regarding “Buckmaster’s” ultimate accountability – is equally disconcerting. But, such is reality here. I’d write your local representative – maybe they can sort it out.

Anyhow - back from “Buckmaster” tangent - the Gurhka shindig proved much like going to a super-secret outdoor high school keg party. While outside the Embassy complex - but inside the Green Zone - and, one could say was even a little shady. A secret invitation was required - and clandestine entry points and armed guards highlighted one’s path into a tiki-torched field – and ultimately to an old drained concrete lake. In many ways, the randomness reminded me of the deleted USO scene from “Apocalypse Now” & the organ donor sequence from “Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom.” Most interesting, many U.S. and foreign dignitaries were in attendance as well - which made it all the more surreal. Nonetheless, the party was a welcome reprieve – replete with speeches and skits about the Gurhkas - and great food. And above all, it was nice to get out and be a normal human being if even for a couple hours.

And although this latest dispatch is a long, I cannot leave you without a quick note regarding one of my new favorite individuals in our office. I shall call him the ‘Mighty M’ (MM). MM has essentially worked as a translator in our office since its inception in early 2004. In fact, he’s managed to self-incorporate and negotiate his own private contract with the U.S. government. And MM is quite proud of the landmark– and in fact, indulged me with a 20 minute conversation laced - with every legal study guide catch-phrase imaginable....Brilliant.

Now, how this contractual supernova was allowed to happen baffles the mind – but given the fluidity of operations here, it’s not too surprising. And in all honesty, MM’s experience alone is valuable. Yet, even more entertaining, this singular achievement seems to provide MM with undue bravado when interacting with the other translators – who either work thru the Titan Corporation or are Iraqi nationals. All of them are excellent – and invaluable resource on many levels.

Not to be deterred, MM’s steadfast incorporated bravado has also caused consternation as his office power and influence continues to ween – and his outbursts to Iraqi court staff continue to haunt him. Note: MM also labors under the delusion that the world is out to get him – taking “his stapler,” “his chair,” “his pens” etc....No, I'm not joking.

Egyptian-born, standing at 5’4’ - and in his late 40s - MM supposedly lived in swingin' London for years and but now, currently resides in California. Yet, MM somehow wields this peculiar Anglo-Franco-German accent with his English – and usually, everything is pre-pronounced like the following: “z’u know, z’i need z’to meet with z’a judgez tozay…..” If you’ve ever seen Christopher Walken’s character on the SNL skit - “The Continental” – and you’re about there.

In addition to being a bonafide expert on really - all matters - MM is an Anglophile of the highest order: from colonial imperialism, the Royal Family, and on down the line. However, it is important to note than when pressed, MM could not name the first two Oasis albums –and had never heard of the Gallagher brothers. Needlesstosay, I was personally offended.

Even better, if one is to believe MM – he is also a California-barred attorney. Schooled at the Northwestern California School of Law - http://www.nwculaw.edu – MM also has a long and distinguished track record of attempting to sue anyone and anything - which he will tell you about in great detail. Upon research, we found some of his more impressive work. I highly recommend the following gem:

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/9th/0115387p.pdf

It’s a classic and in fact, deemed worthy of decision sans oral argument - and much to our chagrin - was even promptly denied certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court....Heady stuff.

Anyhow, MM is also quite the experience at Court. Daily hearings usually entail some sort of struggle to get him to stop trying to be the “lawyer” in the room – and simply perform his role as a translator. He also likes to snap and shush the detainees when they’ll occasionally talk to themselves during the hearing – which they are not allowed to do. Oh yes, there’s nothing like watching the ‘Napoleon Complex’ in action.

Still, MM is game for a good time – mainly because he’s the center of attention. Last week, I accompanied MM on guitar - with an old Muddy Waters blues riff – while he performed Ice Cube’s 1993 hit “It Was a Good Day” as spoken word poetry to the entire office. Tony Clifton would've been proud. If anything, everyone about fell over laughing – and it made the day go by a little nicer. Note: we’re also working a screenplay (currently titled: “The MM Saga: Cash, Grass, or Ass…Nobody Rides for Free!”) loosely based on MM’s tenure here in the office –but with more pointless action and suspense (of course). We’ve decided that Al Pacino should be slated to play the lead – with understandably, Martin Scorcese directing. I think it has real potential – and spin-off TV show possibility.

Well, I must roll – thank you again for all of the emails and care packages. If I’m late in responding to any of your emails, it’s not because I don’t care to – I simply just don’t have the time. Such is life here.

Also, I’ll likely be incommunicado for a while. I'll be heading up to North for another "Tour De Sand" – Mosul, Ramadi, Fallujah & other locales - to visit the various units I work with out in the field. It’s essential – and can only help further improve coordination and relations. Given communication difficulties, most units really don’t have a concrete idea as to what we do here – and how we can make our cases stronger. So, the trip is much needed on many fronts – and 1-on-1 beats email and bad phone lines any day. I’m headed up with another Army JAG in our office – who’s a former NCO. Great guy and we see eye-to-eye on many things around here - so, should be one for the memoirs.

Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World,
-Sean Mc

Deep Throat Revealed

Nixon still scum.