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Politics : Stop the War! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:40:31 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

Wow, now that was a lucid thought.

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:44:18 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

nytimes.com Iraqi Missile Hits Army Base By STEVEN LEE MYERS HE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, near Baghdad, April 7 — An Iraqi rocket exploded in a headquarters of the Army's Third Infantry Division south of Baghdad today, killing at least two soldiers and two journalists and wounding 15 others, one of them gravely, officers here said. The rocket, believed to be a surface-to-surface missile, struck the tactical operations center of the division's Second Brigade this morning, only hours after as its troops rolled into the center of Baghdad and occupied several significant landmarks associated with President Saddam Hussein's government. The attack recalled the Scud-missile attack on a barracks near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, that killed 28 and wounded nearly 100 others in the closing days of the Persian Gulf war in 1991. Although there were fewer deaths today, it underscored the fact that Iraq's military, though battered and in disarray, retained the ability to inflict significant casualties. The strike, which tore a deep crater in the ground, destroyed 17 military vehicles, all of them Humvees and other unarmored vehicles, the officers said. Several armored vehicles used by commanders as mobile command posts were damaged but not destroyed. The extent of the destruction made the attack the single most devastating by the relatively longer-range missiles that Iraq has sporadically fired since the war began. The attack came on a day when the Army's advance on the capital reached a climax, with the Second Brigade's troops circling tanks in the heart of Baghdad and pulling down monuments of Mr. Hussein. Even as the brigade's forces controlled the main southern road into Baghdad, backed by A-10 Thunderbolts and other aircraft that circled above the capital, its headquarters proved vulnerable to a strike some distance from the front lines. Lt. Col. Peter C. Bayer, the operations officer for the Third Infantry Division, said it was not yet clear what type of weapon was used in the attack, though Iraq has a variety of missiles in its arsenal. Last week, Iraq fired three missiles known as Frogs toward the headquarters of the division's First Brigade, when it was still in the desert north of Najaf. Those missiles landed harmlessly. Colonel Bayer said that initial indications suggested that the missile had been fired from the city of Hillah, which is virtually encircled by American forces but still under control of Iraqis loyal to Mr. Hussein's government. "We expect it came from the south and not from the city," he said, referring to Baghdad. Restrictions on reporters traveling with the military prohibit discussing of some details of operations, including the exact location of the headquarters struck today. But the brigade has occupied a large swath of territory south of Baghdad. The division's spokesman, Maj. Michael G. Birmingham, did not immediately identify the the soldiers or the journalists killed today, pending the Pentagon's official notification of their relatives. For that reason, it was not immediately clear whether the dead included any of the brigade's senior officers. The death toll could rise because of the severity of some of the wounds of those who survived. The headquarters, known as a T.O.C., for tactical operations center, is a mobile command post that coordinates all aspects of any military operations, from its plans to its supplies. Its vehicles travel in a caravan and can, after stopping and unfurling tents, create a large work space with sophisticated communications systems and Internet connections used in planning assaults. It includes much of a brigade's staff officers in charge of military operations, intelligence, communications, engineering and artillery and airstrikes. A brigade's commanding officer, Col. David Perkins, in this case, usually travels in a smaller command post, known as the TAC.

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:46:16 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

mises.org War's Winners and Losers By Christopher Westley [Posted April 5, 2003] "The way to eternal peace does not lead through strengthening state and central power, as socialism strives for." Ludwig von Mises, Nation, State, and Economy, p. 96. The market system is based on voluntary exchanges that result in interdependencies that, over time, make war all but impossible. This is why governments that intend to bring about war work to isolate the targeted country economically as a prelude to the infliction of directly destructive violence. A decade of economic sanctions in Iraq has served the purpose of making some sort of war in Iraq possible, even inevitable. When assessing the costs of this war, the full costs, including the costs on the home front, must be considered every bit as much as the money costs. Sadly, the most expensive aspects of war involve damage done to the culture. These costs are the least understood and the hardest to measure, and are therefore more easily ignored. This is especially true in an age of reality television, which allow the news reports coming from Iraq to assume a surreal quality. Is it news or is it entertainment? In my part of the country, the war is even dominating sports radio, as though the U.S. team is simply engaging in a tough road match. The money costs alone will be considerable. Now that President Bush has proposed a $75 billion supplementary budget to Congress to fund the U.S. contribution to the war we have a glimpse of what these costs may be. According to the Voice of America, "the proposed budget includes a request for nearly $63 billion to cover actual war costs as well as the global war on terrorism. It also allots about $4 billion for increased homeland security and roughly $8 billion for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Iraq." However, this funding request is merely a down payment. While most now agree that the minimum estimated cost will greatly exceed $100 billion, no one is sure what the maximum cost may reach. Even taking into consideration the eventual contribution of Iraqi oil profits toward reducing the final bill, Yale professor William Nordhaus estimated a worst case scenario costing $1.2 trillion, which includes the effects of possible war-related shocks to the economy. Nordhaus' research is supported by a Council of Foreign Relations study that estimates that the U.S. may need to station 75,000 troops in Iraq and spend $20 billion a year "for several years." This spending amounts to wealth transfers from the private uses to those approved by the state, with all of its attendant waste and fraud. As the economy struggles to emerge from one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, billions of dollars of what otherwise could have been used for private investment will be used to prop up governments in the Middle East, hindering the ability of markets to maintain their current meager growth levels. All the while, the sphere of socialism will grow. Is regime change in Iraq worth it? A much bigger threat to our freedom is an overweening state that plays on our fears to justify the appropriation of even more money to special interests, the mobilization of which will ensure that it stays in power. It is no accident that much of the president's proposed supplementary budget request will direct funds to firms that played a crucial role in his election and whose support is essential to his reelection next year. These firms, some of which are listed below, would be much smaller in size and profitability today if they had not become so dependent on decades of government contracts. Directing tax dollars their way allows the political class to achieve dual goals of buying crucial political support while also increasing the government sector's contribution to GDP growth. Company Total Contributions* (1999–2002) Percent to Democrats* Percent to Republicans* Total to George W. Bush^ (1999–2000) Bechtel Group $1,297,465 41 59 $6,250 Halliburton Co. $709,320 5 95 $17,677 Fluor Corp. $482,778 43 57 $3,500 Parsons Corp. $249,401 39 61 $2,000 Louis Berger Group $70,500 63 37 $0 TOTAL $2,809,464 32 68 $29,427 Based on data released by the Federal Election Commission on March 5, 2003. Totals include PAC, soft money and individual contributions to federal candidates, party committees and leadership PACs, 1999–2002. ^ These figures are included in the total contributions, 1999–2002. Source: The Capital Eye. Firms such as these represent a sliver of the groups in society that benefit from large government and have an incentive to maintain it. They are the net tax consumers. Their very presence institutionalizes divisiveness in society by pitting the anointed (who get benefits) against the un-anointed (who are forced to fund them). The results are destructive to civilization and demeaning to our culture. As Ludwig von Mises noted in Liberalism, "The parties of special interests, which see nothing more in politics than the securing of privileges and prerogatives for their own groups, not only make the parliamentary system impossible, they rupture the unity of the state and of society." Indeed, they create incentives for the state to become aggressive against those segments of society that do not help it remain in power. These segments are much more easily belittled and discredited during wartime, which explains much of the drive to war in Iraq. In an era in which big government has been under serious intellectual and cultural attack, war is a tool that unites the country around the state. Absent war, the raison d'tre of the Leviathan state is lost. When a culture treats any action that involves the grave act of killing in such a manner, it is in serious trouble, because it implies that it has become less vigilant in restraining the state's natural tendency toward aggression. By legitimizing aggression abroad, culture becomes more aggressive at home. This implies that when governments engage in slaughter, children are taught to settle conflicts violently and the primacy of the human person is devalued. Many soldiers find returning to civilian life too difficult after being desensitized and demoralized in order to survive on the battlefield. These are cultural costs that should be included in economic assessments of the war in Iraq. The manifest lesson of the previous and bloodiest century is that large centralized states tend toward socialism at home and aggression abroad, while small decentralized states respect individual liberties while tending toward peaceful relations with other countries based on trade. In this light, Operation Iraqi Freedom may be more aptly labeled Operation More Socialism at Home. These are some of the reasons why many who write in the classical liberal tradition are so concerned about the war in Iraq. It portends to divide the country economically (favoring the expansion of the public sector over the private) and to weaken it culturally. Victory in this war and those that follow will prove to be Pyrrhic ones if Western culture becomes collectivist in the process. Indeed, fights such as that are not worth engaging. -------------

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:49:20 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

Mass Mobilization in Washington DC April 10-15 As the Bush administration continues to wage war against Iraq, extending its military and political influence to every corner of the globe, millions are resisting. On April 10-15, thousands will gather in Washington to say no to US military and economic intervention around the globe. The Latin American Solidarity Coalition lasolidarity.org is holding a major national conference in Washington, DC as well as a march and rally on April 13 and two days of Congressional lobbying on April 14 and 15. On April 12, International ANSWER internationalanswer.org and dozens of other anti-war groups are organizing an international day of action against the U.S. war on Iraq (with mass rallies in Washington, DC, San Francisco and dozens of international cities).

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:50:12 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21614

Eyewitness Reports from Iraq The reality of the war in Iraq is likely very different from what’s being shown by the U.S. television networks. Already reports of civilian deaths and destruction that are being reported in the foreign media are conspicuously absent from U.S. TV screens. We encourage you to look for diverse news sources during this time and to share the information you find with your friends, co-workers and family. You can read eyewitness reports from members of Voices in the Wilderness at the new website Electronic Iraq. British journalist Robert Fisk is also reporting from Baghdad for the London Independent. For information about civilian casualties, go to the Iraq Body Count website. Humanitarian organizations are also good sources of information. Check the Doctors Without Borders and International Red Cross websites for information about the human cost of war. If you find that the U.S. media is reporting the Pentagon version of events rather than the reality, click here to find out how you can hold the media accountable.

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:50:32 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

Window Lights and Armbands for Peace Attending rallies is not the only way to express your opposition to the U.S. war against Iraq. United for Peace and Justice is encouraging people who want to say no to war on a daily basis to wear a common symbol that will express our anti-war sentiment: black and yellow armbands. In our workplaces, at home, at school, and on the streets, our armbands will make clear that hundreds of thousands of Americans oppose the policy of our government and the consequences it will have for people around the world. Moveon.org is encouraging people to show their ongoing commitment to peace by putting a light in your window. It could be a Christmas string or candle, a light bulb, or a lantern. It’s an easy way to keep the light of reason and hope burning, and to let others know that they are not alone.

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:51:16 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

Over 250,000 March Against War in NYC The turnout for our 3/22 March for Peace and Democracy greatly exceeded our wildest expectations. More than a quarter million people marched down Broadway on March 22, showing the world that New York City wants peace. We won't let the Bush Administration use the attacks of 9/11 to justify this reckless, illegal, and immoral war! Visit the home page of United for Peace and Justice NYC to learn how you can plug into ongoing anti-war organizing in New York City. More »

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:51:48 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Respond to of 21614

unitedforpeace.org

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 5:52:46 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21614

Student March Metuchen, New Jersey, April, 8 , 3:15 This protest will join students in the Metuchen-Edison area. We will march from Metuchen High School to Freedom Plaza at the corner of Main St. and Woodbridge Ave. Brings signs. More » Norman Solomon: The Media and the War in Iraq Berkeley, California, April, 8 , 8:00 p.m. Norman Solomon, co-author of "Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn't Tell You," will speak on the role of the media leading up to, and during, the war in Iraq. Mr. Solomon, the author of several books on the media, is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. More » International Peace Vigil at Ground Zero New York, New York, April, 11 , 5:30-6:30 Join Lower Manhattan Peace Coalition, Women in Black and World Trade Center Witnesses United for Peace at Ground Zero in conjunction with an international peace vigil. More » Music and Poetry Concert for Peace Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, April, 12 , 11:30-3:00 Join T or C for music, poetry, dance, drumming, drama, performance of all kinds. Saturday, April 12 from 11:30 - 3:00 at Ralph Edwards Park. Performers call 505 894-0340 or email ecochild@zianet.com More » National March at the White House Washington, DC, April, 12 , Noon On Saturday, April 12, join the tens of thousands of people of conscience who will surround the White House. The whole world is watching to see if the people of the United States can intensify the power of the anti-war movement to stop the war on Iraq. We urge every anti-war organizer and concerned person to bring your friends, neighbors and family members to this all-important mobilization on April 12. More » Sioux Falls Teach-In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, April, 12 , noon-4:00 SIOUX FALLS TEACH-IN First Lutheran Church Friendship Room (on ground floor of the education wing.) Come when you can for as long as you can. Afternoon starts with potluck. More » Capitol Hill Candlelight Vigil for Peace Seattle, Washington, April, 13 , 7:30-8:30PM A reflective vigil for peace. Join your neighbors on the Hill. More » Spend Our Taxes on Peace Not War Charlotte, North Carolina, April, 15 , 9:00AM to 7:00PM More » April Peace Rally in Tallahassee Tallahassee, Florida, April, 19 , 930 - 400 Join us in the park on a warm April day for a spring celebration of justice and peace. The rally will be held on Saturday, April 19, in the Chain of Parks at Park Avenue and Monroe Street from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After the rally we will walk (chanting and singing) to the Old Capitol. More » March from Baltimore to Washington, DC Baltimore to Washington, DC, Maryland, April, 26 , Three Day March THE COST OF WAR IS PAID BY THE POOR March from Baltimore to Washington, DC ********************* NOTE CHANGE OF DATE ********************* We call on all people of conscience to walk with us on a three day march from Baltimore to Washington DC, on Saturday April 26 through Monday April 28. More » Showdown in Texas Austin, Texas, May, 3 On May 3, thousands of people from around the country will converge in Austin, Texas for a national rally. George W. Bush's home state provides weapons, troops, and fuel for the U.S. military. Weapons manufacturers, the country's largest military base and a network of oil refineries all flourish in this state known internationally for its poor record on human rights, social justice, and the environment. More » Quilt for Peace Washington, DC, May, 31 The DISTRICT OF LADIES collective is proud to present the Emergency ANTI-WAR Quilting Bee! Help us tell George Bush and the world that WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER!! More »

To: matthew (Hijacked) who wrote (10098)	4/8/2003 8:37:44 PM
From: Machaon	Respond to of 21614

160 new immigrant soldiers complete Judaism course at Jewish Agency jpost.com The present class includes new immigrant soldiers from the former Soviet Union, France, Spain and Ethiopia.