Topic: Afghanistan

Demand Action For Our Veterans

October 11, 2007 |

The budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs is officially late. Instead of working to get it passed, Congress is caught up in a furor over Rush Limbaugh’s latest comments and MoveOn.org’s most recent ad.

With the help of grassroots supporters, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America Action fund is running this ad to break through the clutter. If you’re interested in getting involved, whether you’re a veteran or a concerned civilian visit their web site.

As a recent report from the Government Accountability Office reveals, seven months have passed since the Walter Reed crisis and serious problems in veterans’ care remain.

As of October 1, the veterans’ budget is late. Until it is approved, the VA will be forced to ration care.

Now, it’s up to the President and Congress to approve the budget. Add your name to the statement, and demand they take action.

«Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Opinion, Politics | No Comments

Suicides up among troops; Army concedes need for mental health care

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 15, 2007 |

Suicide rates among Army personnel have hit a 26-year high, according to a new report just released by the U.S. Army.

“It’s not surprising,” said Clarksville Therapist Polly Coe as she heard details of the report stating that suicide rates among Army personnel have hit their highest rate in 26 years, with 25% of those self-inflicted deaths occurring in the Afghanistan and Iraq arenas. Iraq led the numbers with the most reported suicides and suicide attempts, according to a report released by the U.S. Army.

I’ve been hearing about it,” Coe said, while voicing a bit optimism that the Army is acknowledging the program and bolstering its metal health treatment efforts for troops worldwide. “They (Army) have to got to face this. Many of these soldiers are facing overwhelming depression and desperately need treatment.” Mental health issues among troops have reached “disastrous” proportions, Coe said, noting that suicides have been occurring not just among enlisted troops but officers as well. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News, Politics | No Comments

War Corporatism: The New Fascism

By Bill Larson | June 1, 2007 |

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes.

In the 1950’s President Eisenhower issued his prophetic warning about the dangers of our nation’s Military industrial complex. We are seeing the fruits of that in our current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the administration’s drive to trigger one with Iran.

During the Second World War, he served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, later he became the first supreme commander of NATO. He was elected the 34th U.S. President on a Republican ticket, serving for two terms. He is perhaps best known for Social Security, and the Interstate Highway System.

Lets us take a moment and listen to his farewell address to the nation…

«Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure | 1 Comment »

The Ground Truth hits hard

By Bill Larson | April 7, 2007 |

The Ground Truth is probably the best documentary I have seen on the costs borne by our troops due to their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. I recommend that everyone buy a copy of this movie as it helps to reward the filmmaker, supports Operation Helmet, and helps to spread the word that it takes more to support the troops than mouthing a slogan, and displaying a yellow ribbon. Take some time to think about that as you spend time with your family this Easter Sunday!

Director’s statement

This film is not about the right or the left, or about blue or red states. It is about the hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers who have been released by the military after serving in Iraq - and the truth they hope to share with their fellow citizens.

I produced and directed THE GROUND TRUTH because I felt it was time to stop hiding behind the politics. No one was writing or talking about thousands of invisible injured soldiers, for the most part young men returning to young wives who must now be their caregivers.

«Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure | No Comments