Not my best blog entry...
By now you may have noticed that I am typically behind in doing these entries. There's 'mucho' going on, a lack of sufficient sleep, too much coffee (but good coffee), etc. You get the idea. So my writing to me is disjointed...Joycian... I would say Stream of Conscious...
There have been raids going on here in the Twin Cities. Watch or listen to Democracy Now (democracynow.org) for actual footage and report on Monday. Amy is here reporting it all. It may also get on Free Speech TV. I hope for a wider broadcasting. However, as you know, that might not occur. We hope NOT to go to jail (realy, that could make me miss my flight and due date back to work). However, it's gotten hairy already.
Last night, Carlos and my work was acknowledged by Jeremy Scahill in his speech (i.e. Author of Blackwater expose on mercenary forces). People gave us a standing ovation. Um, I didn't feel good about that and sort of shrank into my seat. That was humbling. I felt like shouting "Please people. We are just 'normal' people doing what we have to do to get through abnormal times." This is all about Alex and not losing our minds from all the stress, grief, anguish. Truly, I was and continue to be conflicted.
I have been thinking and praying over Brian. He is my stepson and my sun! However, he's been so out of it. I worry. Brian was the first one to love me unreservedly when he was six. I pray for him and his present and future....
Today we stay with elder Minnesotans Patrick and Jenny - Both are cute as buttons! Juan Torres is staying with them as well. However, first we do a memorial march to the RNC site. Of course, isn't that you typically do on your sunny Sunday in MN?
Carlos goes to Chicago after DNC to see Tomas Young. Then onto Cleveland...Then home by next weekend.....Miss my dogs....There were two puppies here last night that gave me love....
8.31.2008
Iraq Veterans Against the War Lead
August 28, 2008
Iraq Veterans Against the War Lead Thousands in Protest March to Democratic Convention
Protests against the Democratic National Convention continued Wednesday as members of Iraq Veterans Against the War led an unpermitted march to the Pepsi Center to call on Barack Obama to back an immediate US withdrawal from Iraq. The march began at a concert by the rock band Rage Against the Machine sponsored by IVAW and the Alliance for Real Democracy. Rick Rowley of Big Noise Films files a report from the streets. [includes rush transcript]
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Rush TranscriptThis transcript is available free of charge. However, donations help us provide closed captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing on our TV broadcast. Thank you for your generous contribution. Donate - $25, $50, $100, More...
AMY GOODMAN: Well, protests against the Democratic National Convention continued Wednesday, as members of Iraq Vets Against the War led an unpermitted march to the Pepsi Center to call on Barack Obama to back an immediate US withdrawal from Iraq. The march began at a concert by the rock band Rage Against the Machine, sponsored by Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Alliance for Real Democracy.
Rick Rowley of Big Noise Films filed this report.
IVAW PROTESTERS: Mission top secret, destination unknown, don’t even know if we’re ever coming home.
RICK ROWLEY: As a free concert by Rage Against the Machine came to an end Wednesday afternoon, thousands of antiwar protesters poured into the streets outside of the Denver Coliseum. The march, organized by Iraq Vets Against the War, was the largest demonstration of the convention.
MAGGIE MARTIN: My name’s Maggie Martin. I am the chapter president of the new Savannah, Georgia chapter of IVAW. We’re marching to show the Democrats and to show America the veterans who are over there who served are against the war and that we’re not going to—we’re not going to let the Democrats get off scot-free on running on an antiwar platform and getting elected and not following through. So we’re here to hold them accountable.
GARRETT REPPENHAGEN: You know, we voted them in in 2006 on the idea that they’d give us these false promises, these hopes that they were going to bring us out of Iraq, and they’ve only funded it time and time again, and they’ve only stalled veteran legislation that would help us get healthcare.
So, you know, I’m not—I’m not going to—I’m not going to vote on hope. You know, I’m going to vote on solutions. And, you know, both parties –--it’s both parties’ fault we got into this war. It’s both parties’ fault that we’re still there. So we need to hold them both accountable. And we’re going to march there, and we’re going to demand they hear what we have to say. And if they’re really the antiwar party, as some might think, then they should have no problem endorsing what we have to say.
We’ve been to Iraq. We’ve seen the brutality and the oppression that we’ve put upon the Iraqi people. We know that they see us as occupiers and invaders and not as peacekeepers. And we need to bring the troops home now, and that’s the only way to find a peaceful solution to this entire conflict.
IVAW PROTESTERS: It’s all right. It’s all right.
It’s all right. It’s all right.
It’s all right. It’s OK.
UNIDENTIFIED: In front of me is about sixty Iraq Veterans Against the War from different branches of military, in Dress A uniforms and combat camo uniforms, marching in tight formation.
Behind me is the entire Rage Against the Machine show that just took place for free in Denver. And they’re marching behind us. We’re going to go as far as we can to the convention center. The vets are willing to go to jail, and a lot of the crowd is, too, so we’re going to fill the jails, fill the streets and get our message across.
IVAW PROTESTERS: It’s all right. It’s OK.
It’s all right. It’s OK.
RICK ROWLEY: Protesters marched over four miles in the hot afternoon sun, past the hotels where delegates are staying and up to the gates of the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held. The veterans carried a letter with them they planned to read to the convention.
IVAW MEMBER: Senator Obama, in your campaign for the presidency of the United States of America, you have clearly presented yourself as the antiwar candidate, dedicated to change in trying times.
Senator Obama, millions of Americans are looking to you to restore our country’s good name and reputation around the world, beginning with righting the wrongs of the war-driven Bush administration.
Iraq Veterans Against the War is the only organization consisting of active-duty service members and veterans of the global war on terror committed to ending the occupation of Iraq. We believe that a responsible withdrawal of US forces from Iraq should include, number one, the immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from Iraq; two, full and adequate healthcare and benefits to all returning service members and veterans; and three, reparations made to the Iraqi people for the destruction caused by the US war and occupation.
REPORTER: If you don’t get in, and this all ends peacefully, will you have at least achieved part of your goal?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I mean, my goal right now is—I mean, I’m a Marine. I don’t—I get—you know, my mission is to stand there and tell those people that, because, yeah, you can put—you know, you can put one of us in a closet somewhere and, you know, say—whisper it in his ear. We want people to know that there are people who have served in the global war on terror who are deeply offended by what’s being done in our name.
REPORTER: Why do you think they won’t talk to you?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I just—actually, I think it’s a communication thing. If we could get them to come out here, I believe they would be fine with having us read that letter. You know? They’d be just fine. If somebody can get the word in there, I’m sure there are a lot of good Americans in there that would be not OK with the idea that they’re about to arrest a bunch of Iraq vets if we don’t go home. This is my home. This is my home.
RICK ROWLEY: Hundreds of heavily armed police officers in body armor are amassed at the gates to stop the march.
IVAW MEMBER: The police of the City of Denver have given the dispersal order to the protesters in the rear of the formation. We’re told that if that order is given three times, they have authorization to shoot teargas into the crowd. And Iraq Veterans Against the War will be standing here in formation awaiting further response from the campaign of Senator Barack Obama.
Shooting teargas, or a threat of it, or threatening to disperse while we exercise our First Amendment rights to peacefully gather—and I emphasize peacefully—is a disgrace.
These veterans fought too hard to come back here and be ignored, as we have been for the last seven years by this same administration. To be ignored again by the would-be savior of America, his antiwar rhetoric—to be ignored again is a disgrace.
RICK ROWLEY: The police brought in reinforcements, and the veterans braced themselves for an attack.
RON KOVIC: Ron Kovic. I’m a Vietnam veteran. I was wounded in Vietnam on January 20th, 1968, with the United States Marine Corps. I was shot and paralyzed. I’ve been in a wheelchair for the last forty years this year, and I have been arrested for protesting the war twelve times. I’m not afraid to get arrested tonight.
I support our—I support our young men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country. I support their right tonight to be heard.
We’ve marched a long ways. They’ve been marching ever since they came home from the war. All they want to do is be listened to. That’s all they’re asking for. Have they not sacrificed enough in order to be listened to? How much more do these young men and women have to sacrifice before this country begins to listen to them? Why are they abandoning these young men and women? They have every right to be heard.
And I don’t know—I don’t understand why the Democratic Party is turning their back on their own veterans, their own soldiers. Why is the Democratic Party not listening to these young men and women? Why? They served their country. They served their country honorably. They are peaceful. They are nonviolent. Why is the Democratic Party not listening? Where are the representatives of this party? Where are the representatives? Where are the delegates? That’s what we’re asking tonight. That’s what we’re asking tonight.
We want an end to this war. We want to be heard. We want to be listened to. We’re tired of being told to shut up. We’re tired of being told that we’ve got to go inside of a cage. Do you know how insulting, how humiliating that is, that we have to go inside of a cage? Can you imagine? Think about this. Wake up for a second. Think about these young men and women.
These young men and women, they are the very best. They are the finest. They’re not going to go inside of a cage. You’re not going to cage democracy. You’re not going to cage freedom of speech. You’re not going to invade our privacy. You’re not going to wiretap us. We’re getting sick and tired. We’re getting sick and tired of people telling us that we’ve got to remain silent. We’re not going to be silent anymore. We’re not going to be silent. We’re going to speak our minds and we’re going to be heard.
RICK ROWLEY: But as the tension rose, a surprise message arrived from the Obama campaign.
IVAW MEMBER: We got through to the campaign staff, and they’ve agreed. Their veterans’ liaison is coming out to set up a meeting to talk about when we can read our letter to the delegates. So we’ve succeeded.
GEOFF MILLARD: As a veteran, you’re used to kind of being pushed off to the side. When you come home, most people don’t want to listen. And now that we have the ear of a presidential candidate, as Iraq veterans, I can’t tell you how good that feels. Most of the time, they want us to come home and be war heroes and take our medals and forget about the war. Well, we can’t forget about the war. We won’t forget about the war. And we certainly won’t forget about our brothers and sisters still fighting it and the Iraqi people who are stuck there.
I would say that this is a victory. When you work in the antiwar movement, you take victories when they come to you. This is a victory. We at least have the ear of a presidential candidate. That’s, I think, the first for the antiwar movement for the Iraq war, to actually have the full ear of one of the presidential candidates.
And we will continue to keep the pressure up. This isn’t the end for us. Until there is immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces, all veterans are taken care of, and reparations are paid to the Iraqi people, Iraq Veterans Against the War isn’t going to rest. We’re packing up in a matter of hours, and we’re headed to the Republican National Convention, and we’re going to pressure them the same way that we pressured here, especially highlighting McCain’s atrocious record on veterans’ issues. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America recently rated McCain as a D-minus, voting on veterans’ issues.
RICK ROWLEY: Protesters were elated by the victory, but after meeting with Obama’s veterans’ liaison, Philip Carter, the initial promise of a time to address the convention was changed.
AMY GOODMAN: Did they say they were going to present this letter to the senator, to Barack Obama?
IVAW MEMBER: You know what? They said they’ve received it, and if the campaign staff doesn’t have enough common sense to let the senator make a decision about this, then I hope they don’t win the presidency.
AMY GOODMAN: What did they say would be the next step?
IVAW MEMBER: We were pushing for them to get back to us, in a deadline, and they were not—you know, they said, “Well, all I can say is that we will get back to you,” and not in a certain time frame.
And just once again, we reiterated, you know, we have three things to tell people: that you said no, that you didn’t get back to us, or we’re reading it tomorrow in front of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
AMY GOODMAN: Do you think you might possibly be doing that?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I never imagined to be behind that police line, so I’m not going to limit my imagination, no.
RICK ROWLEY: The veterans remain hopeful that the Obama campaign will give them a place and a voice inside of the convention, but they are determined to keep up the pressure for an immediate withdrawal, full benefits for all veterans, and reparations for the Iraqi people, regardless of who wins in November.
For Democracy Now!, this is Rick Rowley, with Hany Massoud and Nicole Salazar.
AMY GOODMAN: Special thanks to Jordan Hill for his assistance with Rick Rowley on this piece.
Iraq Veterans Against the War Lead Thousands in Protest March to Democratic Convention
Protests against the Democratic National Convention continued Wednesday as members of Iraq Veterans Against the War led an unpermitted march to the Pepsi Center to call on Barack Obama to back an immediate US withdrawal from Iraq. The march began at a concert by the rock band Rage Against the Machine sponsored by IVAW and the Alliance for Real Democracy. Rick Rowley of Big Noise Films files a report from the streets. [includes rush transcript]
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Rush TranscriptThis transcript is available free of charge. However, donations help us provide closed captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing on our TV broadcast. Thank you for your generous contribution. Donate - $25, $50, $100, More...
AMY GOODMAN: Well, protests against the Democratic National Convention continued Wednesday, as members of Iraq Vets Against the War led an unpermitted march to the Pepsi Center to call on Barack Obama to back an immediate US withdrawal from Iraq. The march began at a concert by the rock band Rage Against the Machine, sponsored by Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Alliance for Real Democracy.
Rick Rowley of Big Noise Films filed this report.
IVAW PROTESTERS: Mission top secret, destination unknown, don’t even know if we’re ever coming home.
RICK ROWLEY: As a free concert by Rage Against the Machine came to an end Wednesday afternoon, thousands of antiwar protesters poured into the streets outside of the Denver Coliseum. The march, organized by Iraq Vets Against the War, was the largest demonstration of the convention.
MAGGIE MARTIN: My name’s Maggie Martin. I am the chapter president of the new Savannah, Georgia chapter of IVAW. We’re marching to show the Democrats and to show America the veterans who are over there who served are against the war and that we’re not going to—we’re not going to let the Democrats get off scot-free on running on an antiwar platform and getting elected and not following through. So we’re here to hold them accountable.
GARRETT REPPENHAGEN: You know, we voted them in in 2006 on the idea that they’d give us these false promises, these hopes that they were going to bring us out of Iraq, and they’ve only funded it time and time again, and they’ve only stalled veteran legislation that would help us get healthcare.
So, you know, I’m not—I’m not going to—I’m not going to vote on hope. You know, I’m going to vote on solutions. And, you know, both parties –--it’s both parties’ fault we got into this war. It’s both parties’ fault that we’re still there. So we need to hold them both accountable. And we’re going to march there, and we’re going to demand they hear what we have to say. And if they’re really the antiwar party, as some might think, then they should have no problem endorsing what we have to say.
We’ve been to Iraq. We’ve seen the brutality and the oppression that we’ve put upon the Iraqi people. We know that they see us as occupiers and invaders and not as peacekeepers. And we need to bring the troops home now, and that’s the only way to find a peaceful solution to this entire conflict.
IVAW PROTESTERS: It’s all right. It’s all right.
It’s all right. It’s all right.
It’s all right. It’s OK.
UNIDENTIFIED: In front of me is about sixty Iraq Veterans Against the War from different branches of military, in Dress A uniforms and combat camo uniforms, marching in tight formation.
Behind me is the entire Rage Against the Machine show that just took place for free in Denver. And they’re marching behind us. We’re going to go as far as we can to the convention center. The vets are willing to go to jail, and a lot of the crowd is, too, so we’re going to fill the jails, fill the streets and get our message across.
IVAW PROTESTERS: It’s all right. It’s OK.
It’s all right. It’s OK.
RICK ROWLEY: Protesters marched over four miles in the hot afternoon sun, past the hotels where delegates are staying and up to the gates of the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held. The veterans carried a letter with them they planned to read to the convention.
IVAW MEMBER: Senator Obama, in your campaign for the presidency of the United States of America, you have clearly presented yourself as the antiwar candidate, dedicated to change in trying times.
Senator Obama, millions of Americans are looking to you to restore our country’s good name and reputation around the world, beginning with righting the wrongs of the war-driven Bush administration.
Iraq Veterans Against the War is the only organization consisting of active-duty service members and veterans of the global war on terror committed to ending the occupation of Iraq. We believe that a responsible withdrawal of US forces from Iraq should include, number one, the immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from Iraq; two, full and adequate healthcare and benefits to all returning service members and veterans; and three, reparations made to the Iraqi people for the destruction caused by the US war and occupation.
REPORTER: If you don’t get in, and this all ends peacefully, will you have at least achieved part of your goal?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I mean, my goal right now is—I mean, I’m a Marine. I don’t—I get—you know, my mission is to stand there and tell those people that, because, yeah, you can put—you know, you can put one of us in a closet somewhere and, you know, say—whisper it in his ear. We want people to know that there are people who have served in the global war on terror who are deeply offended by what’s being done in our name.
REPORTER: Why do you think they won’t talk to you?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I just—actually, I think it’s a communication thing. If we could get them to come out here, I believe they would be fine with having us read that letter. You know? They’d be just fine. If somebody can get the word in there, I’m sure there are a lot of good Americans in there that would be not OK with the idea that they’re about to arrest a bunch of Iraq vets if we don’t go home. This is my home. This is my home.
RICK ROWLEY: Hundreds of heavily armed police officers in body armor are amassed at the gates to stop the march.
IVAW MEMBER: The police of the City of Denver have given the dispersal order to the protesters in the rear of the formation. We’re told that if that order is given three times, they have authorization to shoot teargas into the crowd. And Iraq Veterans Against the War will be standing here in formation awaiting further response from the campaign of Senator Barack Obama.
Shooting teargas, or a threat of it, or threatening to disperse while we exercise our First Amendment rights to peacefully gather—and I emphasize peacefully—is a disgrace.
These veterans fought too hard to come back here and be ignored, as we have been for the last seven years by this same administration. To be ignored again by the would-be savior of America, his antiwar rhetoric—to be ignored again is a disgrace.
RICK ROWLEY: The police brought in reinforcements, and the veterans braced themselves for an attack.
RON KOVIC: Ron Kovic. I’m a Vietnam veteran. I was wounded in Vietnam on January 20th, 1968, with the United States Marine Corps. I was shot and paralyzed. I’ve been in a wheelchair for the last forty years this year, and I have been arrested for protesting the war twelve times. I’m not afraid to get arrested tonight.
I support our—I support our young men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country. I support their right tonight to be heard.
We’ve marched a long ways. They’ve been marching ever since they came home from the war. All they want to do is be listened to. That’s all they’re asking for. Have they not sacrificed enough in order to be listened to? How much more do these young men and women have to sacrifice before this country begins to listen to them? Why are they abandoning these young men and women? They have every right to be heard.
And I don’t know—I don’t understand why the Democratic Party is turning their back on their own veterans, their own soldiers. Why is the Democratic Party not listening to these young men and women? Why? They served their country. They served their country honorably. They are peaceful. They are nonviolent. Why is the Democratic Party not listening? Where are the representatives of this party? Where are the representatives? Where are the delegates? That’s what we’re asking tonight. That’s what we’re asking tonight.
We want an end to this war. We want to be heard. We want to be listened to. We’re tired of being told to shut up. We’re tired of being told that we’ve got to go inside of a cage. Do you know how insulting, how humiliating that is, that we have to go inside of a cage? Can you imagine? Think about this. Wake up for a second. Think about these young men and women.
These young men and women, they are the very best. They are the finest. They’re not going to go inside of a cage. You’re not going to cage democracy. You’re not going to cage freedom of speech. You’re not going to invade our privacy. You’re not going to wiretap us. We’re getting sick and tired. We’re getting sick and tired of people telling us that we’ve got to remain silent. We’re not going to be silent anymore. We’re not going to be silent. We’re going to speak our minds and we’re going to be heard.
RICK ROWLEY: But as the tension rose, a surprise message arrived from the Obama campaign.
IVAW MEMBER: We got through to the campaign staff, and they’ve agreed. Their veterans’ liaison is coming out to set up a meeting to talk about when we can read our letter to the delegates. So we’ve succeeded.
GEOFF MILLARD: As a veteran, you’re used to kind of being pushed off to the side. When you come home, most people don’t want to listen. And now that we have the ear of a presidential candidate, as Iraq veterans, I can’t tell you how good that feels. Most of the time, they want us to come home and be war heroes and take our medals and forget about the war. Well, we can’t forget about the war. We won’t forget about the war. And we certainly won’t forget about our brothers and sisters still fighting it and the Iraqi people who are stuck there.
I would say that this is a victory. When you work in the antiwar movement, you take victories when they come to you. This is a victory. We at least have the ear of a presidential candidate. That’s, I think, the first for the antiwar movement for the Iraq war, to actually have the full ear of one of the presidential candidates.
And we will continue to keep the pressure up. This isn’t the end for us. Until there is immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces, all veterans are taken care of, and reparations are paid to the Iraqi people, Iraq Veterans Against the War isn’t going to rest. We’re packing up in a matter of hours, and we’re headed to the Republican National Convention, and we’re going to pressure them the same way that we pressured here, especially highlighting McCain’s atrocious record on veterans’ issues. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America recently rated McCain as a D-minus, voting on veterans’ issues.
RICK ROWLEY: Protesters were elated by the victory, but after meeting with Obama’s veterans’ liaison, Philip Carter, the initial promise of a time to address the convention was changed.
AMY GOODMAN: Did they say they were going to present this letter to the senator, to Barack Obama?
IVAW MEMBER: You know what? They said they’ve received it, and if the campaign staff doesn’t have enough common sense to let the senator make a decision about this, then I hope they don’t win the presidency.
AMY GOODMAN: What did they say would be the next step?
IVAW MEMBER: We were pushing for them to get back to us, in a deadline, and they were not—you know, they said, “Well, all I can say is that we will get back to you,” and not in a certain time frame.
And just once again, we reiterated, you know, we have three things to tell people: that you said no, that you didn’t get back to us, or we’re reading it tomorrow in front of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
AMY GOODMAN: Do you think you might possibly be doing that?
IVAW MEMBER: Well, I never imagined to be behind that police line, so I’m not going to limit my imagination, no.
RICK ROWLEY: The veterans remain hopeful that the Obama campaign will give them a place and a voice inside of the convention, but they are determined to keep up the pressure for an immediate withdrawal, full benefits for all veterans, and reparations for the Iraqi people, regardless of who wins in November.
For Democracy Now!, this is Rick Rowley, with Hany Massoud and Nicole Salazar.
AMY GOODMAN: Special thanks to Jordan Hill for his assistance with Rick Rowley on this piece.
8.30.2008
08.29.2008...
Peace is hard work...
08.29.08
We are now here in Minneapolis-St.Paul, at the VFP convention at the Ramada Inn, where we're staying. Uniformed police have been outside and were inside, walking around in the halls. The RNC have set up a hospitality table in the lobby of this hotel. Michael McPherson (ED for VFP) explained that we were peaceful/nonviolent.
The police raided the convergence center in St Paul (where activists gather to organize actions, have lunch, etc.) and kicked everyone out & seized their equipment, computers, etc. They had a search warrant, and have also searched activist's homes. Out of town activists with bumper stickers on their cars have been stopped repeatedly.
Carlos and I set up memorials outside of the hotel where we are staying and in the convention site. We held a workshop on "Lessons on organizing by a Gold Star Family". About a dozen people attended. I attended workshop on Just War that was awesome.
Camp Casey crew from Crawford include Ann Wright, Leslie Harris, Tammara Rosenfeld, Erik Lobo and us.
Saw Camilo briefly. He's busy with his IVAW work. Saw Adam, Liam, Carlos Harris, and met a few more IVAW who served with Alex in Iraq. In total, we now know six young men who served with Alex who are IVAW members. There are rumors of a seventh young man who resides in NH. Everytime I see or meet another young man, I know it's Alex endorsing this work.
Kathy Smith is IN DA HOUZ! She is Tomas Young's Mommy. I've been having a great time getting to know her better in real life. We've been primarily virtual friends via email. Saw 'Body of War' last night and it was more fun being able to ask Kathy questions about this and that. Also, when we saw evil people on the screen anyone would yell out profanities. Sort of like Rocky Horror a la the wounds of war.
VFP and IVAW took up a collection for me to fly back to Boston. That way we can be involved in RNC activities. We have a homestay with a lovely Minnesotan family. I was reluctant because I want to see my friends Joyce and Chris on the way back and visit with Tomas in Chicago. However, I met a lady from Cincinatti VFP while I was waiting for lunch. (There are those coincidences again.) She and I going to arrange to have Carlos and me come back to the area to do some presentations. I am sure I will be visiting Joyce again in the near future...and her lovely familia...
08.29.08
We are now here in Minneapolis-St.Paul, at the VFP convention at the Ramada Inn, where we're staying. Uniformed police have been outside and were inside, walking around in the halls. The RNC have set up a hospitality table in the lobby of this hotel. Michael McPherson (ED for VFP) explained that we were peaceful/nonviolent.
The police raided the convergence center in St Paul (where activists gather to organize actions, have lunch, etc.) and kicked everyone out & seized their equipment, computers, etc. They had a search warrant, and have also searched activist's homes. Out of town activists with bumper stickers on their cars have been stopped repeatedly.
Carlos and I set up memorials outside of the hotel where we are staying and in the convention site. We held a workshop on "Lessons on organizing by a Gold Star Family". About a dozen people attended. I attended workshop on Just War that was awesome.
Camp Casey crew from Crawford include Ann Wright, Leslie Harris, Tammara Rosenfeld, Erik Lobo and us.
Saw Camilo briefly. He's busy with his IVAW work. Saw Adam, Liam, Carlos Harris, and met a few more IVAW who served with Alex in Iraq. In total, we now know six young men who served with Alex who are IVAW members. There are rumors of a seventh young man who resides in NH. Everytime I see or meet another young man, I know it's Alex endorsing this work.
Kathy Smith is IN DA HOUZ! She is Tomas Young's Mommy. I've been having a great time getting to know her better in real life. We've been primarily virtual friends via email. Saw 'Body of War' last night and it was more fun being able to ask Kathy questions about this and that. Also, when we saw evil people on the screen anyone would yell out profanities. Sort of like Rocky Horror a la the wounds of war.
VFP and IVAW took up a collection for me to fly back to Boston. That way we can be involved in RNC activities. We have a homestay with a lovely Minnesotan family. I was reluctant because I want to see my friends Joyce and Chris on the way back and visit with Tomas in Chicago. However, I met a lady from Cincinatti VFP while I was waiting for lunch. (There are those coincidences again.) She and I going to arrange to have Carlos and me come back to the area to do some presentations. I am sure I will be visiting Joyce again in the near future...and her lovely familia...
08.28.2008
13 News PhotosPlay 1 News Videos
1.
Protests will be peaceful, said former chairman of Iraq Vets Against the War Rocky Mountain News via Yahoo! News - Aug 27 10:12 AM
DENVER COLISEUM - Garett Reppenhagen, the former chairman of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, said he does not believe the protesters will incite any violence today.
2.
Dozens of Iraq war veterans lead protest to seek withdrawal of troops Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune - Aug 27 6:32 PM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an antiwar demonstration march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being staged.
3.
US election: Anti-war veterans begin protest in Denver Guardian Unlimited - Aug 27 4:47 PM
The protest, organised by Iraq Veterans Against the War, was not approved by the city of Denver
4.
ANTI-WAR CONCERT Rage Against Machine draws 9,000 in Denver The Santa Rosa Press Democrat - Aug 28 4:39 AM
An anti-war concert headlined by the reunited Rage Against the Machine drew thousands of fans to the Denver Coliseum, many with tattoos, body piercings or Iraq Veterans Against the War T-shirts.
5.
PARADE OF 4,000 Iraq war veterans protest at convention The Santa Rosa Press Democrat - Aug 28 4:39 AM
About 50 Iraq war veterans led a parade of thousands of demonstrators Wednesday afternoon in a boisterous march that was Denver's largest protest so far this week.
6.
Josh Silver: Denver: Iraq Veterans Against the War Deliver Emotional Letter to Senator Obama HuffingtonPost - Aug 28 4:14 PM
On Wednesday evening, some 100 US veterans gathered outside the Democratic convention to read a letter demanding "three points of unity".
7.
War veterans protest Greeley Tribune - Aug 28 10:03 AM
When Joshua Earl, Jared Hood and other members of the Denver Chapter of the Iraq Veterans Against the war first learned the Democratic National Convention was coming to Denver, they knew it would be an opportunity they couldn't pass up.
8.
Rage Against the Machine draws hundreds in Denver AP via Yahoo! News - Aug 27 1:58 PM
An anti-war concert headlined by the reunited Rage Against the Machine drew hundreds of fans to the Denver Coliseum, many with tattoos, body piercings or "Iraq Veterans Against the War" T-shirts.
9.
Anti-war protesters march in Denver The Aspen Times - Aug 28 12:13 AM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an anti-war protest march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being...
10.
Rage Against the Machine draws 9,000 to anti-war concert at convention Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune - Aug 27 5:02 PM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an anti-war protest march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being staged.
1.
Protests will be peaceful, said former chairman of Iraq Vets Against the War Rocky Mountain News via Yahoo! News - Aug 27 10:12 AM
DENVER COLISEUM - Garett Reppenhagen, the former chairman of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, said he does not believe the protesters will incite any violence today.
2.
Dozens of Iraq war veterans lead protest to seek withdrawal of troops Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune - Aug 27 6:32 PM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an antiwar demonstration march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being staged.
3.
US election: Anti-war veterans begin protest in Denver Guardian Unlimited - Aug 27 4:47 PM
The protest, organised by Iraq Veterans Against the War, was not approved by the city of Denver
4.
ANTI-WAR CONCERT Rage Against Machine draws 9,000 in Denver The Santa Rosa Press Democrat - Aug 28 4:39 AM
An anti-war concert headlined by the reunited Rage Against the Machine drew thousands of fans to the Denver Coliseum, many with tattoos, body piercings or Iraq Veterans Against the War T-shirts.
5.
PARADE OF 4,000 Iraq war veterans protest at convention The Santa Rosa Press Democrat - Aug 28 4:39 AM
About 50 Iraq war veterans led a parade of thousands of demonstrators Wednesday afternoon in a boisterous march that was Denver's largest protest so far this week.
6.
Josh Silver: Denver: Iraq Veterans Against the War Deliver Emotional Letter to Senator Obama HuffingtonPost - Aug 28 4:14 PM
On Wednesday evening, some 100 US veterans gathered outside the Democratic convention to read a letter demanding "three points of unity".
7.
War veterans protest Greeley Tribune - Aug 28 10:03 AM
When Joshua Earl, Jared Hood and other members of the Denver Chapter of the Iraq Veterans Against the war first learned the Democratic National Convention was coming to Denver, they knew it would be an opportunity they couldn't pass up.
8.
Rage Against the Machine draws hundreds in Denver AP via Yahoo! News - Aug 27 1:58 PM
An anti-war concert headlined by the reunited Rage Against the Machine drew hundreds of fans to the Denver Coliseum, many with tattoos, body piercings or "Iraq Veterans Against the War" T-shirts.
9.
Anti-war protesters march in Denver The Aspen Times - Aug 28 12:13 AM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an anti-war protest march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being...
10.
Rage Against the Machine draws 9,000 to anti-war concert at convention Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune - Aug 27 5:02 PM
DENVER - A column of people three blocks long, led by members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, streamed from the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday in an anti-war protest march to the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic National Convention is being staged.
8.28.2008
8.27.08
Drive Day 2 - Cleveland to Minneapolis
I've always been convinced that Carlos is made of different material than I am. This long trip driving from MA to MN confirms that. He has driven the whole trip (let's not include the 90 minutes I drove which is insignificant). Even more astounding is that he is in good spirit, has a bit of lower back pain and in better shape than I am. I've taken three naps today and am pooped. Geez, what a light weight. We only hit one 
traffic jam in Chicago. That made Carlos happy. Why? More people see the display, of course. The cost of gas has made this a $250 trip one way (for us both). It's an investment to have this display showing the cost of war - one that is worth it.
traffic jam in Chicago. That made Carlos happy. Why? More people see the display, of course. The cost of gas has made this a $250 trip one way (for us both). It's an investment to have this display showing the cost of war - one that is worth it.9 p.m. - We made it. Carlos is cranky so that means he's getting tired. Do you blame him?
Now we are both watching DNC. We are listening to Biden. It's actually a good speech. I missed Hillary. That's 'ok'. More writing manana...
8.26.2008
From past to present t0 future ...
6:45 a.m. - We are on the road. OK, it's not 4 a.m., but we are on the road...Primarily, we will follow I-90 west to Minneapolis. MA, NY, PA, OH, IL, IN, WI, MN. Yep, lotz of red states. Carlos has spent three weeks changing thr clutch, suspension, working on electrical, and cleaning the truck.
A shout out must go to Sarah Fuhro who single-womanly collected donations to get theze repairs done and make this trip happen. She grabbed my email list and added it to her own list to ask people to help us out with a $25 donations. More than 100 people internationally sent assistance. Some donations were small (it's not the quantity but the donators quality and integrity) and others were larger. This exercise in faith for Carlos and me in having Sarah send out emails on our behalf has been humbling. She is a remarkable spirit. Her son Joe is currently serving in Afghanistan. We met through 'MFSO' and together we formed the Massachusetts chapter. Sarah and her husbans Bob are our puppies' 'dog-parents'. Her families' support prior to this fundraising has been to watch Buddy and Chica when we travel for peace. The dogs love them. Recently, their own doggie MacDuff went to doggie heaven. I pray that during this time that they and their daughter-in-law Kathleen watch our pups that Buddy and Chica aid in their grief over losing their canine family member.
5 p.m. - Cleveland, Ohio
Wow! We flew over the highways. I drove 90 minutes. Carlos with his fortitude and sheer will drove this trip like a duck with water running off his back. I admire and love this green eyed broken hearted Dad.
5:30 p.m. - The Roper/Ball residence, Cleveland Heights
I have not seen Joyce since 1993. Two children later and this woman is younger than I remember. Her kidz, Sydney is 6 and Graham is 10, are beautiful. This home is lovely...
8 p.m. - We have met Chris Ball, Joyce's husband and Dad to these children. A peacemaker since the 80s. He and Joyce met at the Great American Peace March in 1986. They met at a ten year reunion again in 1996. The rest is his and her story. The proof is in their pride and joy of children. They are intelligent, spirited, peaceful joys. I see Alex's spirit living and alive in these young people. Alexander lives on this voyage...
So, these two peace activists (Carlos and moi) have been passed the torch to us. As they parent in peace we protest peacefully in their stead.
The torch has been passed.
6:45 a.m. - We are on the road. OK, it's not 4 a.m., but we are on the road...Primarily, we will follow I-90 west to Minneapolis. MA, NY, PA, OH, IL, IN, WI, MN. Yep, lotz of red states. Carlos has spent three weeks changing thr clutch, suspension, working on electrical, and cleaning the truck.
A shout out must go to Sarah Fuhro who single-womanly collected donations to get theze repairs done and make this trip happen. She grabbed my email list and added it to her own list to ask people to help us out with a $25 donations. More than 100 people internationally sent assistance. Some donations were small (it's not the quantity but the donators quality and integrity) and others were larger. This exercise in faith for Carlos and me in having Sarah send out emails on our behalf has been humbling. She is a remarkable spirit. Her son Joe is currently serving in Afghanistan. We met through 'MFSO' and together we formed the Massachusetts chapter. Sarah and her husbans Bob are our puppies' 'dog-parents'. Her families' support prior to this fundraising has been to watch Buddy and Chica when we travel for peace. The dogs love them. Recently, their own doggie MacDuff went to doggie heaven. I pray that during this time that they and their daughter-in-law Kathleen watch our pups that Buddy and Chica aid in their grief over losing their canine family member.
5 p.m. - Cleveland, Ohio
Wow! We flew over the highways. I drove 90 minutes. Carlos with his fortitude and sheer will drove this trip like a duck with water running off his back. I admire and love this green eyed broken hearted Dad.
5:30 p.m. - The Roper/Ball residence, Cleveland Heights
I have not seen Joyce since 1993. Two children later and this woman is younger than I remember. Her kidz, Sydney is 6 and Graham is 10, are beautiful. This home is lovely...
8 p.m. - We have met Chris Ball, Joyce's husband and Dad to these children. A peacemaker since the 80s. He and Joyce met at the Great American Peace March in 1986. They met at a ten year reunion again in 1996. The rest is his and her story. The proof is in their pride and joy of children. They are intelligent, spirited, peaceful joys. I see Alex's spirit living and alive in these young people. Alexander lives on this voyage...
So, these two peace activists (Carlos and moi) have been passed the torch to us. As they parent in peace we protest peacefully in their stead.
The torch has been passed.
8.25.2008
Minneapolis or Bust - T minus 1
Today is August 25, 2008. Four years ago Alex was killed in Najaf, Iraq at approximately 10:35 a.m. e.s.t. We learned of his death about four hours later.
Today is also Carlos' 48th birthday. He was born in 1960 in San Jose, Costa Rica in the kitchen of his home. I'm not surprised his Mom couldn't get to the hospital on time. Carlos is always in a rush to this day. It's who he is.
Carlos has been trying to call his Mom all day. Actually, he tried calling her yesterday but the phone has been busy. It's almost 9 p.m. now and the phonecall still doesn't go through.
Brian called today. He's upset. Today is a hard day. I love that kid so much and don't know what to do either does Carlos. We both know that Brian is now an adult at 21 and that he is the only one who can take charge of his life. There's no owner's manual on being parent to a young adult with complicated issues. It's not an easy spectator sport.
There were many people today who called to remember either Carlos' birthday or Alex's death day. Our friend Cindy in Florida put together a blog entry and posted it to daily Kos. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/24/11743/4558/591/574032 A lot of people have responded to it. God bless Cindy...
I've called Sarah twice today to ask about the dogs. I walk around the house and there's no doggie who gets between my legs and follows me around the house. Those pups fill a void in me. My two step sons came into my life at eight (almost nine) and six. Alex was laid back. Brian was devious and always running around. I didn't have baby years with them. I love to see their baby pictures and hear stories about their antics.
My Chica I've had since she was a puppy. She is the one I've raised since her birth. I feel that connection and so does she. Buddy was adopted when he was two. He is my boy.
I wish that I had a magic wand to make my Alex and Brian little kids again so I could share those years with them. That's not how it works though. I mourn Alex's death and remember his life. His spirit and legacy creates new memories for both his dad and me. Brian's angst and young adult hood also brings new challenges to us both as people who love him. I pray for Brian a lot. Please Lord, keep my Brian well, healthy and safe.
Today, Carlos ran around like a chicken with his head cut off preparing the memorial for the long ride to Minneapolis. We leave early tomorrow morning.
It's now 9:04 p.m. Soon we go to sleep. We want to watch Kennedy at the DNC but fatigue may get the better of us.
Tomorrow, we drive to Cleveland, Ohio. We get to see my friend Joyce who we haven't seen for over eleven years. Cleveland is the half way mark to Minneapolis.
The truck is ready and waiting for our a.m. departure....I hope that we will be too....
Today is also Carlos' 48th birthday. He was born in 1960 in San Jose, Costa Rica in the kitchen of his home. I'm not surprised his Mom couldn't get to the hospital on time. Carlos is always in a rush to this day. It's who he is.
Carlos has been trying to call his Mom all day. Actually, he tried calling her yesterday but the phone has been busy. It's almost 9 p.m. now and the phonecall still doesn't go through.
Brian called today. He's upset. Today is a hard day. I love that kid so much and don't know what to do either does Carlos. We both know that Brian is now an adult at 21 and that he is the only one who can take charge of his life. There's no owner's manual on being parent to a young adult with complicated issues. It's not an easy spectator sport.
There were many people today who called to remember either Carlos' birthday or Alex's death day. Our friend Cindy in Florida put together a blog entry and posted it to daily Kos. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/24/11743/4558/591/574032 A lot of people have responded to it. God bless Cindy...
I've called Sarah twice today to ask about the dogs. I walk around the house and there's no doggie who gets between my legs and follows me around the house. Those pups fill a void in me. My two step sons came into my life at eight (almost nine) and six. Alex was laid back. Brian was devious and always running around. I didn't have baby years with them. I love to see their baby pictures and hear stories about their antics.
My Chica I've had since she was a puppy. She is the one I've raised since her birth. I feel that connection and so does she. Buddy was adopted when he was two. He is my boy.
I wish that I had a magic wand to make my Alex and Brian little kids again so I could share those years with them. That's not how it works though. I mourn Alex's death and remember his life. His spirit and legacy creates new memories for both his dad and me. Brian's angst and young adult hood also brings new challenges to us both as people who love him. I pray for Brian a lot. Please Lord, keep my Brian well, healthy and safe.
Today, Carlos ran around like a chicken with his head cut off preparing the memorial for the long ride to Minneapolis. We leave early tomorrow morning.
It's now 9:04 p.m. Soon we go to sleep. We want to watch Kennedy at the DNC but fatigue may get the better of us.
Tomorrow, we drive to Cleveland, Ohio. We get to see my friend Joyce who we haven't seen for over eleven years. Cleveland is the half way mark to Minneapolis.
The truck is ready and waiting for our a.m. departure....I hope that we will be too....
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