Iraq Veterans Memorial Launch

I'm proud to share in today's launch of the Iraq Veterans Memorial, conceived and produced by the Brave New foundation. Here is their statement about the Memorial:

"This memorial was conceived as a place to honor the service members who lost their lives over the past four years during the Iraq War. By watching the videos, you will have the opportunity to learn about these heroes from those who knew them best -- their family, friends, and fellow servicemembers. Each man and woman represented in the memorial had attributes and qualities that made them unique, but they all have one thing in common - they were truly loved and are deeply missed. Sincerely,
Jim Miller and the team at Brave New Foundation"

Along with 500 other bloggers, I ask you to take a moment now, click the arrow below, and watch these videos.

Are the Democrats coming through?

Can it be true? The Dems have a plan to withdraw the troops... not nearly soon enough, but at least it's a plan. I'm vaguely encouraged and need to learn more. Read about it at CNN.com.

I know bad things will happen - very bad things - to the Iraqis who have worked with the U.S. And we managed to destroy the fabric that holds the country together - even basic services for daily living, like electricity and water, which we seem unable to restore. But I want the troops home. No more legless, armless 20-year olds. No more closed head injuries that change young people's lives forever.

Coming Soon: Iraq Veterans Memorial Video

This is a preview - an announcement - and a request.

The fourth anniversary of the start of the Iraq conflict is March 19th. Four years. Over 3,200 U.S. servicemen and women dead. Thousands more wounded. Uncounted Iraqi civilians killed and injured as well.

Here's a way to remember and honor all those U.S. servicemen and women who have been killed in Iraq. Take a moment and watch the preview (just click on the arrow to view the YouTube video preview):



On March 17, people all over the world will simultaneously upload the Iraq Veterans Memorial video to their web sites and blogs. If you're a vet, or loved a vet who was killed, visit Iraq Veterans Memorial to find out how to share your story.

Be well.

"Stand Up Against the Surge" - Molly Ivins

Oh, no.

Molly Ivins died yesterday. Her column "Stand Up Against the Surge" was my catalyst for re-starting this blog, and for the political protest I am making in my own small way.

Here's the column: "Stand Up Against the Surge" by Molly Ivins.

If you don't have time for the whole column, just read this. Molly wrote:

"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush's proposed surge. If you can, go to the peace march in Washington on January 27. We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!'"

OK, now. In honor of Molly, get up and walk away from your computer. Buy a yard sign. Start a petition. Call Congress. Do something, anything, to show that you believe the war is wrong.

Molly Ivins, you were a heckuva writer. And an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.

Join the Virtual March today

It's time to stand up and be counted. We have to let Congress know we are opposed to escalation of any kind in Iraq.

And here's one way you and I and everyone we know can do our part: join the Virtual March at MoveOn.org today. Here's the link: VIRTUAL MARCH Calling your Senator's office is not as scary as it might seem. In fact, it is our right — our privilege — our duty to keep the democratic process rolling. In my case, it took me just a few minutes to call both Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell's offices. Both phones were answered almost immediately and I was able to leave my message. It doesn't have to be a long message, although the staffers are prepared to answer questions if you have them.

MoveOn.org provides the phone numbers. They've made it so simple. And once you've made the call, there's a link to click on the MoveOn.org web page, to share your results. They're counting calls and you can scroll over their map and see how many people have actually made phone calls in your Congressional District. Add yourself to the number. Do it now.