Through Tragedy, Reason

After Pat’s Birthday

By Kevin Tillman

Editor’s note: Kevin Tillman joined the Army with his brother Pat in 2002, and they served together in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Kevin, who was discharged in 2005, has written a powerful, must-read document.

It is Pat’s birthday on November 6, and elections are the day after. It gets me thinking about a conversation I had with Pat before we joined the military. He spoke about the risks with signing the papers. How once we committed, we were at the mercy of the American leadership and the American people. How we could be thrown in a direction not of our volition. How fighting as a soldier would leave us without a voice… until we got out.

Much has happened since we handed over our voice:

Somehow we were sent to invade a nation because it was a direct threat to the American people, or to the world, or harbored terrorists, or was involved in the September 11 attacks, or received weapons-grade uranium from Niger, or had mobile weapons labs, or WMD, or had a need to be liberated, or we needed to establish a democracy, or stop an insurgency, or stop a civil war we created that can’t be called a civil war even though it is. Something like that.

Somehow America has become a country that projects everything that it is not and condemns everything that it is.

Somehow our elected leaders were subverting international law and humanity by setting up secret prisons around the world, secretly kidnapping people, secretly holding them indefinitely, secretly not charging them with anything, secretly torturing them. Somehow that overt policy of torture became the fault of a few “bad apples” in the military.

Somehow back at home, support for the soldiers meant having a five-year-old kindergartener scribble a picture with crayons and send it overseas, or slapping stickers on cars, or lobbying Congress for an extra pad in a helmet. It’s interesting that a soldier on his third or fourth tour should care about a drawing from a five-year-old; or a faded sticker on a car as his friends die around him; or an extra pad in a helmet, as if it will protect him when an IED throws his vehicle 50 feet into the air as his body comes apart and his skin melts to the seat.

Somehow the more soldiers that die, the more legitimate the illegal invasion becomes.

Somehow American leadership, whose only credit is lying to its people and illegally invading a nation, has been allowed to steal the courage, virtue and honor of its soldiers on the ground.

Somehow those afraid to fight an illegal invasion decades ago are allowed to send soldiers to die for an illegal invasion they started.

Somehow faking character, virtue and strength is tolerated.

Somehow profiting from tragedy and horror is tolerated.

Somehow the death of tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people is tolerated.

Somehow subversion of the Bill of Rights and The Constitution is tolerated.

Somehow suspension of Habeas Corpus is supposed to keep this country safe.

Somehow torture is tolerated.

Somehow lying is tolerated.

Somehow reason is being discarded for faith, dogma, and nonsense.

Somehow American leadership managed to create a more dangerous world.

Somehow a narrative is more important than reality.

Somehow America has become a country that projects everything that it is not and condemns everything that it is.

Somehow the most reasonable, trusted and respected country in the world has become one of the most irrational, belligerent, feared, and distrusted countries in the world.

Somehow being politically informed, diligent, and skeptical has been replaced by apathy through active ignorance.

Somehow the same incompetent, narcissistic, virtueless, vacuous, malicious criminals are still in charge of this country.

Somehow this is tolerated.

Somehow nobody is accountable for this.

In a democracy, the policy of the leaders is the policy of the people. So don’t be shocked when our grandkids bury much of this generation as traitors to the nation, to the world and to humanity. Most likely, they will come to know that “somehow” was nurtured by fear, insecurity and indifference, leaving the country vulnerable to unchecked, unchallenged parasites.

Luckily this country is still a democracy. People still have a voice. People still can take action. It can start after Pat’s birthday.

Brother and Friend of Pat Tillman,

Kevin Tillman

Change

Change
by
Duane Short
October 20, 2006

I feel a breeze a blowin'
winter's comin' on
but this breeze is not a cold one
this breeze is warm as dawn

I see the sun a shinin'
it's full and bright and gold
this sun shines warm upon us
a story to be told

I hear a new day comin'
it's just around the bend
a day where truth takes over
and corruption starts to end

I sense this change among us
where leaders tell no lies
where people expect nothing less
than honest, open eyes

I hope the change is sudden
enough to wake each soul
enough to get attention
of those now in control

the change I see a comin'
is politics you see
but politics that's different
controlled by you and me

no more choosing lesser evils
no more voters staying home
no more wishing things would change
no more nomads left to roam

I smell a rose of sharin'
where winners don't keep all
where fairness is the order
and losers still walk tall

My heart beats ever faster
as time ticks toward the day
when people on the street
regain their rightful say!

Tried and Tested Points of View

I wrote this piece in 2004, as requested, for the Democratic Party in Paducah Kentucky. I generally vote for Democrats but I "belong" to no political party. I am voting Green and Democrat this cycle. Because I am a "free" citizen I fear not disclosing my politics. Why should any American fear disclosing one's politics? One answer is "Employers." Employers have become a proxy police force of sorts for the powers that be. Friends, if you fear voicing your politics because your employer might fire you or otherwise penalize you for having politics inconsistent with the company owners' politics something is seriously wrong! This is not freedom when the individual must cower to his or her boss, especially if the boss is some non-human corporate entity. More on this topic later.

Below is an example of voicing one's politics publicly. I had my say and on behalf of the Democratic Party
in Western Kentucky and former CIA Operations Officer, LTC R. Michael Paul, USAR (RET), had his say on behalf of the Republican Party.

My, then, very unpopular position on the Iraq War and Homeland Security is, now, not so unpopular. In fact, the Iraq fiasco has turned out to be what this Joe Q Public sort of fellow said it would... an illegal and colossal failure of foreign policy and one that actually creates more terrorists than it eliminates.

The former CIA Operative seems to have been as misguided as were so many back in Bush's lead up to his invasion of Iraq. Why, I must ask, could a regular guy like me discern fact from fiction when trained CIA Operatives could not? I suggest ideology is the real culprit. Ideology is not inherently bad but for ideology to obscure reality is not only bad... it is a deadly mistake. To date over 3000 U.S. soldiers and as many as 655,000 Iraqi citizens are dead... and for what?

I invite you to read the following takes on Homeland Security. Even hindsight is not truly 20/20 but indsight is the best sight we have. I still stand by words written for public consumption back in 2004. I wonder if the former CIA Operative still stands on his? Ideology is a powerful force... powerful enough to render kings and presidents incapable of admitting their mistakes. Isn't this exactly our nation's dilemma today? Can George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleeza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld and all their supporters admit their mistakes? So far, that answer is an emphatic NO.

Duane

Local Political Voices on the Topic of Homeland Security
Published by the Paducah Sun Newspaper: Special Section "Over Forty"

November 5, 2004

Democratic Party

Submitted by Duane Short, Metropolis, Ill. (now residing in Belleville, Illinois)

Achieving "homeland security" in these United States of America requires us to examine philosophies behind approaches presented to us for consideration.

Three basic philosophies exist.

1. A conservative, typically Republican, philosophy embraces the notion that the United States must be maintained as, first and foremost, a military superpower. "Might makes right" is the unspoken assumption.

Architects, of this notion, are not elected officials. Hidden from public view as if to avoid the same criticism Republicans heap upon so-called liberal ivy league Democrats, a think tank of neo-conservatives have modeled a policy presumed to best serve up "homeland security." This model is embodied in Project of the New American Century (PNAC). PNAC suggests expanding global military and intelligence dominance of earth, cyberspace, and space itself, arguably a mission more ambitious than "homeland security." In a section titled "Rebuilding America's Defenses" (RAD), this neo-conservative ideology and blueprint guiding the Bush administrations' foreign policy and preemptive actions, to date, is discovered. RAD concludes tomorrow's U.S. armed forces must meet three new missions (abbreviated below):

• Global missile defences [p.s. - notice the British spelling of "defences"]. A network against limited strikes, capable of protecting the United States, its allies, and forward-deployed forces must be constructed.

• Control of space and cyberspace. "Control of the new international commons must be a key to world power in the future."
• Pursuing the two-strategy of transforming conventional forces. In exploring the "revolution in military affairs," the Pentagon must be driven by the enduring missions for U.S. forces. If these missions do not disturb one's sense of a benevolent United States of America, read page 51 in RAD.

"Further, the process of transformation, even if it brings revolutionary change, is likely to a long one, absent some catastrophic and catalyzing event - like a new pearl harbor."

PNAC signatories include V.P. Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld - Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz - Deputy Secretary of Defense, Jeb Bush - Governor of Florida, former V.P. Dan Quayle, and 20 other close-knit figures.
While conservative pundits decry intellect, ivy league minds shape policy presented by President Bush to an unwitting public. Conservatives are not loyal to "good ol' boy" common sense. Instead, Republicans have capitalized on a remarkable ability to market a "man on the street" image. Conservatives are not your typical "man on the street."

Everyone must read and study PNAC's eerie, prophetic messages. Ask, "how is our homeland security improved when our foreign policy embraces a doctrine of Manifest Destiny, a baseless belief that the U.S. is predestined to
rule the world."

2. Another basic philosophy behind securing the U.S. is based on altruistic benevolence and turning the other cheek. This philosophy is the ultimate philosophy of peace, one that if followed by all, offers only one logical outcome: world peace. In a perfect world, this would be our key to U.S. "homeland" security.

3. Among endless combinations of philosophies behind our quest for the best approach to achieving homeland security is a form of foreign policy presented by Democrats like Senator John Kerry. Maintaining "protective" military might is important in an imperfect world of aggressors. More important is to refrain from using aggressive, preemptive military might to achieve PNAC authors' goals to dominate the planet. Again, read their plans. A moderate and sensible approach to achieving real and not a forced and forever strained sense of "homeland" security is to embrace progressive Democratic policies that seek to move the USA and others toward altruistic benevolence while maintaining military readiness to defend our borders and homeland... not to expand our borders and "homeland" range endlessly, creating conflict... endlessly. Δ

Republican Party

Submitted by LTC R. Michael Paul, USAR (RET)

Former CIA Operations Officer

While there are those Americans that would argue the the War on Terrorism is not being successfully waged and that grievous mistakes have been made by the current administration, I suggest that their thinking is distorted and unrealistic.

President Bush has in fact taken the war into the enemy's camp and clearly shown the terrorist and those rouge regimes that would support them that any attack upon the U.S. and its citizens will result in swift and devastating action being taken against them. Indeed, the President has implemented a long overdue, proactive stance in dealing with terrorism - "The U.S. will strike at terrorists before they are able to attack U.S. interests."

What can be said in regards [to] the War on Terrorism and homeland security is rather obvious.

1. Terrorists actions directed against the U.S. are not criminal acts and should not be treated as such. The long-arm of U.S. law enforcement does not extend into the palaces and bunkers of the leaders of radical regimes who support terrorism. Terrorism is a war, which must be fought as such. The enemy must be eliminated, not arrested, and his ability to mount terrorist operations against our citizenry must be destroyed.

2. Islamic fundamentalism is the enemy. While terrorism may take on any number of guises, those that would destroy our way of life and who have so ruthlessly attacked our country are religious fanatics. A theology that professes that is is not only acceptable, but also blessed, to kill and mutilate innocent civilians, including children, just because we refuse to believe as they do is unacceptable and pagan. We must stop attempting to analyze their theology and take it literally - they do.

3. The Middle East is a land in a time warp. It is the land of the blood feud. The land of an "eye for an eye ." To not respond to an attack on one's clan, tribe, or family is considered to be a sign of weakness, making the victim weak in the eyes of the attacker and worthy of further outrage. America had been viewed as a weak and decadent land by the Islamic terrorists who attacked our country. America continues to be hated, but now at least it is feared. The message to the terrorists is clear, "threaten the lives of our citizens and we will come for you." America is on the right track in the War on Terrorism. Strength and resolve are called for. Displaying weakness in the face of the enemy will only lead to worse atrocities being perpetrated against us. May God continue to bless and keep America.
Δ End

According to the most recent Zogby poll

Rich Whitney is now registering in the double digits!

"Three-way matchup includes 11.3% for Rich Whitney (G)"

11.3% Whitney

33.2% Topinka

47.1% Blagojevich

According to the most recent Zogby poll

Rich Whitney is now registering in the double digits!

"Three-way matchup includes 11.3% for Rich Whitney (G)"

11.3% Whitney

33.2% Topinka

47.1% Blagojevich

Gubernatorial Debate Fairview Heights, IL 10-19 6PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 18, 2006

WHITNEY TO PARTICIPATE IN NON-PARTISAN GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE

CONTACT:
Dave Sacks, Office Manager
Whitney for Governor, 773-557-9411
office@whitneyforgov.org

Rich Whitney, the Green Party's candidate for Illinois Governor, will participate in a non-partisan gubernatorial debate, sponsored by the Illinois Free and Equal Elections Coalition (FREE) on Thursday, October 19, 2006. Mark McCoy, the Libertarian Party write-in candidate, and Randy Stufflebeam, the Constitution Party write-in candidate, have also confirmed participation in the debate. The debate will be held at the Fountains Conference Center at Four Points Sheraton, in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

The debate will begin at 6:30 pm with doors opening at 6:00.

Venue address and contact information are as follows:

Fountains Conference Center at Four Points Sheraton
319 Fountains Pkwy.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 622-9500

An independent poll of 600 likely voters, conducted by the Glengariff Group on October 13-15 showed that "an overwhelming 77% of the state’s voters believe the gubernatorial candidates should hold televised debates before election day" and "70% of the state’s voters believe these debates should include Green Party candidate Rich Whitney." 80% of Independents, 70% of Republicans, and 65% of Democrats believe Whitney should be involved. The results also showed Rich Whitney polling at 16% amongst central Illinois voters, and 15% amongst Independents, while drawing equal support from Democrats and Republicans statewide.

"It's very unfortunate that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to run away from his civic responsibility to put his ideas to the test of a thorough debate with all ballot-qualified candidates. All candidates were invited to the debate that is to take place tomorrow evening in Fairview Heights. This may be considered an extension of the open challenge that I issued on October 10th; but whether they appear or not, the voters will at least have an opportunity to hear my point of view, as well as a couple of candidates that would have probably been on the ballot with me, if not for Illinois' extremely repressive ballot access laws," said Rich Whitney. Whitney is not a write-in candidate and will appear on the General Election ballot in November, as the Green Party's candidate for Governor.

MORE INFORMATION:
www.whitneyforgov.org
www.freeandequal.org

Information and Inspiration

Hello Friends,

Many of you are likely aware of the resources I cite below but, in case not, I hope you find them immediately or ultimately useful.

NatureServe has become my favorite source of information regarding Threatened and Endangered Species. The video linked below is, in essence, a promo for the organization but it also serves to inspire. I recommend it for its inspirational value. It is the nature of our work, it seems, to sometimes (or often or always) feel isolated and overwhelmed. It is good to know there are sophisticated scientific efforts going on, often as quietly as our own, that produce data useful to those of us on the ground fighting, often thankless and unpopular, local battles to fend off imminent and/or cumulative threats to our natural world.

NatureServe is truly a treasure trove of information that may not be utilized as fully as it could be. In terms of efficient use of time and accuracy I believe this resource is as good as there is, especially for those whose work involves E & T species.

Watch this Inspirational Video Online and/or Download: 23MB

NatureServe: Discovery Understanding Conservation

I highly recommend becoming familiar with NatureServe Explorer.

For global habitat and land use data Global Footprint is also an excellent resource. One section of Global Footprint, Ecological Footprint, is of particular use to those involved in efforts to educate the general public about the seriousness and rapidity of our planet's ecological demise.

Ecological Footprint

I hope you enjoy the video and find useful the websites referenced above.

To all, 'ave a g'day!

Zion Mojave Wilderness

When there no longer remains clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and healthy food to eat... nothing else matters.

Please visit * Zion Mojave Wilderness to see the beauty and majesty at stake and to discover what action you can take to help preserve this wonderful piece of planet earth.

*Slower internet connections may take a few moments to load but the animated slide-show is well worth the wait.

Urban sprawl, jobs, traffic, noise, neon lights, their accompanying forms of pollution and bottom-line corporate profits cannot truly sustain life. These only mask and often deface the true and natural sources of life. Wilderness gave rise to high-quality human life in Utah. Lack of true wilderness will be Utah's demise.

A typical human trait is to fail to appreciate one's own backyard treasures. Utah's politicians and Utah's citizens have a choice to make: preserve Utah's life sustaining essence or sell it to the highest bidder - Utah resident or not. Absentee ownership is fertile ground for resource exploitation. When the resources disappear... their extractors and beneficiaries move on... leaving Utah's residents spoiled and exhausted land and the morale depressing burden of funding and doing the work involved in cleaning up the mess left behind. This nature destroying cycle happens over and over again... please do your homework. Visit thousands of exploited and deserted mining, manufacturing, and oil towns across America. Visit thousands of land parcels utterly decimated (in one year) by mechanized forms of so-called "outdoor recreation."

I, a typical Illinoisan, have long yearned to visit Utah's wild spaces and like 300 million other Americans have not once dreamed of traveling to shop in a "new" Utah mall, counting Utah's traffic lights and high-line power towers, or standing gape-jawed before some "new" manmade structure that obscures Utah's awe-inspiring natural skyline. "New" is a fleeting adjective. "Old," as in "as old as dirt" is a timeless treasure.

Profiteering is, without exception, fleeting. The soul of earth is eternal.

Restraint is a virtue. What profit it Utah residents to reward, largely absentee, corporate profiteers while simultaneously sacrificing their state's own soul; it's wild and natural land?