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Author: TriSec    Date: 04/20/2010 10:25:28

Good Morning.

Today is our 2,589th day in Iraq and our 3,117th day in Afghanistan.

We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:

American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4392
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4253
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3929
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3533
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 164

Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,044
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 687
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,457
Journalists - Iraq: 338
Academics Killed - Iraq: 437


We find this morning's cost of war passing through:

$ 984, 943, 250, 000 .00



Dr. Rachel Maddow has perhaps said it best...."The Iraq war won't end until the last tortured veteran dies screaming in his sleep perhaps 75 years from now."



While the story below doesn't involve combat veterans, the survivors of the Holocaust have just as many challenges as soldiers; perhaps they have more. Sixty-Five years after the end of WWII, there are still survivors that were never able to return to society. Israel has done its best to care for them.


PARDES HANNA, Israel — Some patients refuse to shower because it reminds them of the gas chambers. Others hoard meat in pillow cases because they fear going hungry.

At the Shaar Menashe Mental Health Center in northern Israel, it’s as though the Holocaust never ended.

As Israel tonight begins its annual 24 hours of remembrance of the Nazi genocide, the focus is on the 6 million Jews murdered and on the survivors who built new lives in the Jewish state.

Much less is ever said about the survivors for whom mental illness is part of the Holocaust’s legacy. At Shaar Menashe, patients remain frozen in time. Even today, 65 years after the end of World War II, there are sometimes screams of “The Nazis are coming!’’

“These are the forgotten people. These are the ones who have been left behind,’’ said Rachel Tiram, the facility’s longtime social worker.

Even among survivors with sanity intact, it can take decades to open up about their experiences. Here, most of the patients still will not speak. They are introverted and unresponsive. They mumble and shake uncontrollably, slump in front of blank TV screens and look aimlessly into the distance while sucking hard on cigarettes.

The details of their haunted pasts are sketchy and emerge only from hints in their behavior.

Meir Moskowitz, 81, endured pogroms and days inside a cramped cattle car in his native Romania. His body still quivers. During five hours in the company of visitors, he spoke just one word: “Germania.’’

Arieh Bleier, a gentle, 87-year-old Hungarian with deep, sullen eyes, survived the Mauthausen concentration camp. His parents and brother perished in Auschwitz. When asked about World War II, he looked away and shook his head.

Survivors driven insane by their experiences ended up in ordinary institutions that were not always a good fit; for instance, they had to wear pajamas, which reminded them of concentration camp inmates’ uniforms. Sometimes the children and grandchildren of patients were simply told they had died in the Holocaust.

Only in 1998 did Israel build three homes for survivors, starting with Shaar Menashe. Today about 220,000 survivors are still alive in Israel. About 200 are in Shaar Menashe and the other two homes.

Alexander Grinshpoon, director of Shaar Menashe, said all survivors have some form of post-traumatic stress disorder. But the roughly 80 in his care are men and women who could not overcome their wartime traumas, perhaps because their suffering was so profound, or because they were predisposed to mental illness.

Grinshpoon said research has shown that those who have experienced emotional trauma are five times more likely to develop serious mental illnesses. Holocaust survivors, he said, have a higher rate of suicide.

Eighty percent have trouble sleeping and two-thirds suffer from emotional distress, according to a survey commissioned by the Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel.

The foundation’s chairman, Zeev Factor, is an Auschwitz survivor. He says he has been able to maintain his sanity by focusing on the present but still suffers in his dreams.

At Shaar Menashe, patients are not required to wear pajamas. They have lawns, arts and crafts lessons, and workshops with pets. Some have developed hobbies, cultivated friendships, and reconnected with children and grandchildren.

Still, the shadow of death is never far away. “They live in this world and in that world at the same time,’’ Factor said.


But what does this mean in terms of our veterans? Survivors of the Holocaust spent years in the most depraved conditions....and some may have survived the entire 12 years of the Nazi regime. Our troops are where they are by choice, but at what cost? I remember a handful of vets that I read about during the first Gulf War...complaining that they signed up to get money for college, and now they're out shooting at people. Our current vets must be looking back at the 7 month long operation with envy.

Today's vets have been rotated through the combat zone three and four times...and it's all taking a toll.


Nearly 300,000 American troops have served three, four or more times in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, while cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have risen dramatically since the wars began. The possible correlation between these two facts has led to the question of whether it’s fair to send young men and women back into combat again and again, and risk causing long-term mental and emotional problems.

One U.S. Army study from 2009 found troops in Afghanistan were more vulnerable to developing psychological problems as the number of tours went up (31% for three tours, more than double the rate of those with just one). Another study focused on Iraq showed nearly 15% of Army troops who served two tours suffered from depression, anxiety or traumatic stress, more than double that of a single tour. The PTSD rate was almost 2.5 times higher for two deployments compared with one.

“We just don’t know whether it’s combat exposure, repeated separation from the family or (not enough) time off,” Lieutenant Colonel Paul Bliese, director of the division of psychiatry and neuroscience at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, told the Associated Press. “All of those are reasonable explanations.”


But thanks to "President" Bush, the Republican-dominated Congress, and their 8-year indifference to our veterans, the resources our warriors need to return to normal society are stretched to the breaking point...or just simply aren't there. IAVA is working with the current congress and President Obama to try to undo the damage...but it will all take time.

Time that some of our troops just simply don't have...like Jesse Charles Huff of Dayton, OH.


DAYTON -- Jesse Charles Huff walked up to the VA Medical Center yesterday wearing Army fatigues and battling pain from his Iraq war wounds and a recent bout with depression.

The 27-year-old Dayton man had entered the center's emergency room about 1a.m. yesterday and requested some sort of treatment. But Huff did not get that treatment, police said, and about 5:45 a.m., he reappeared at the center's entrance, put a military-style rifle to his head and twice pulled the trigger.

Police would not specify what treatment Huff sought and why he did not receive it. Medical center spokeswoman Donna Simmons declined to answer questions about Huff's treatment, citing privacy laws. But police believe Huff killed himself to make a statement.

Scott Labensky, whose son lived with Huff, agreed. He said the veteran was injured by a ground blast while serving in Iraq and received ongoing treatment for a back injury and depression.

"He never got adequate care from the VA he was trying to get," Labensky said. "I believe he (killed himself) to bring attention to that fact."

Simmons said Huff had received care at the center since August 2008 and his care was being handled by a case manager.

Huff drove a van to the medical center. Police found nothing dangerous inside the van, which contained some Army clothing, a carton of cigarettes and a prescription bottle of oxycodone with Huff's name on it.


I fear that we'll read more stories like this in the coming years and decades; will we remember and have the werewithall to care for these soldiers?


 

48 comments (Latest Comment: 04/20/2010 22:03:34 by Will in Chicago)
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Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/20/2010 11:55:57
Good morning, bloggers!!



TriSec, thank you for a sobering and moving blog this morning.



Mental illness is one of the things that few people like to talk about. Too often, those who suffer mental illness have been put on the sidelines of society, ignored and victimized.



Whether it is in Israel or America or anywhere else, we need to work to make sure that those who are wounded -- whether in body, mind or spirit -- are treated with the dignity and compassion that is their inherent right. Let us commit to do so.



I have a sub assignment, so I will get ready. Have a great day, everyone!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 12:42:37
Morning

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 13:06:40
good morning. Heartbreaking stories today.

Comment by BobR on 04/20/2010 13:26:21
I worry about the fallout our soldiers will suffer with as well. The stories about the holocaust survivors are heartbreaking...

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 13:46:16
Believe it or not, people are far more nice in NYC than it's reputation.

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 13:57:40
ok get this shite- about that gun rally yesterday, THIS part slays me:
Only about 50 attendees showed up to the rally. A man who identified himself as “Mark” from Arkansas said many people wanted to attend, but did not have enough vacation time or money to make the trip. Mark said he read about some European countries which provide for more vacation time, and although he opposes the government, said he wishes it would do more to increase wages and paid leave for workers. In any case, there were as many reporters as attendees at the event.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:08:29
Quote by Raine:

ok get this shite- about that gun rally yesterday, THIS part slays me:
Only about 50 attendees showed up to the rally. A man who identified himself as “Mark” from Arkansas said many people wanted to attend, but did not have enough vacation time or money to make the trip. Mark said he read about some European countries which provide for more vacation time, and although he opposes the government, said he wishes it would do more to increase wages and paid leave for workers. In any case, there were as many reporters as attendees at the event.






how French

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:23:10
Hey the only Lady Gaga song I like

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 14:25:03
Quote by wickedpam:

Hey the only Lady Gaga song I like


I have to admit, the ones I have heard -- I like. I think I am pro GaGa.

Comment by BobR on 04/20/2010 14:35:58
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

ok get this shite- about that gun rally yesterday, THIS part slays me:
Only about 50 attendees showed up to the rally. A man who identified himself as “Mark” from Arkansas said many people wanted to attend, but did not have enough vacation time or money to make the trip. Mark said he read about some European countries which provide for more vacation time, and although he opposes the government, said he wishes it would do more to increase wages and paid leave for workers. In any case, there were as many reporters as attendees at the event.






how French






The unintentional irony - it burns!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:36:05
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey the only Lady Gaga song I like


I have to admit, the ones I have heard -- I like. I think I am pro GaGa.






I find them rather danceable

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:39:52
what's up with the creepy beckness and the music straight from an old Vincent Price movie?

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 14:40:57
Quote by wickedpam:

what's up with the creepy beckness and the music straight from an old Vincent Price movie?


HE's lost his frucking mind.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:51:29
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

what's up with the creepy beckness and the music straight from an old Vincent Price movie?


HE's lost his frucking mind.






frucking? Is that a combo of fricking and fucking?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 14:51:52
either way I like it

Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 15:14:05
Good morning everyone.



Kitty who was sleeping on the floor woke up when I opened the blinds. I gave her some attention and now she's off frolicking about.



Later tonight I will be heading out with some friends to check out the new Denny's in Centereach. Yes, Denny's has come to Long Island.



Mala, have you seen Matt Smith as the new Doctor yet?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 15:16:24
Yeah - saw it Sat while everyone was having a good time in NYC at the Sexy Liberal show *pout*



He seems okay - first epi it felt like he was doing an impression of David Tennant but I'll give him some slack - I wasn't on the Tennat wagon for the first few epi's either

Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 15:21:15
Matt Smith was supposedly also borrowing from some of the earlier Doctors but you would have had to seen the original series to recognize them.

Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 15:22:15
John Fuglesang is doing Grit TV with Laura Flanders and Joy Behar on HLN today.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 15:31:22
Quote by livingonli:

Matt Smith was supposedly also borrowing from some of the earlier Doctors but you would have had to seen the original series to recognize them.






that would make sense - don't know past the 9th Doctor (my Doctor) didn't really see any of the darker quality of him in Smiths preformance maybe that will come later

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 15:33:43
SMS needs the Ghost Hunters

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 15:44:00
Quote by wickedpam:

either way I like it


I think it's a great word!

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 15:47:18
HEy Mala, I thought you would like this.



When we were at the Art store I was looking for an easel that would work within the constraints of my low studio ceiling. So this morning I am shopping around and I found this solution The person had the same problem as I do. HEre was a suggestion:
Hi Chewie- take any castors off if it has them . You lose mobility but gain a couple of inches. As for the mast, it depends whether you do any large or tall canvases. If you seldom go tall, you can cut the mast.



However, don't throw the cut off mast out. You can attach it with a hinge so that it hangs down, and if you ever need that extra height you can raise it and lock it in place - lots of different locking mechanisms around.


I may have just saved a nice chunk of change on a new easel!



Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 15:48:21
Kittie is quite content this morning.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 15:57:48
Quote by Raine:

HEy Mala, I thought you would like this.



When we were at the Art store I was looking for an easel that would work within the constraints of my low studio ceiling. So this morning I am shopping around and I found this solution The person had the same problem as I do. HEre was a suggestion:
Hi Chewie- take any castors off if it has them . You lose mobility but gain a couple of inches. As for the mast, it depends whether you do any large or tall canvases. If you seldom go tall, you can cut the mast.



However, don't throw the cut off mast out. You can attach it with a hinge so that it hangs down, and if you ever need that extra height you can raise it and lock it in place - lots of different locking mechanisms around.


I may have just saved a nice chunk of change on a new easel!









that's totally a good idea!



I'm still thinking of trading in my draft table for an easel

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 16:00:47
Quote by wickedpam:

that's totally a good idea!



I'm still thinking of trading in my draft table for an easel
That forum is really great for many different ideas, Don;t know if you've ever been there, but it's really inspirational.



Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 16:01:07
Quote by livingonli:

Kittie is quite content this morning.




Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 16:08:25
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

that's totally a good idea!



I'm still thinking of trading in my draft table for an easel
That forum is really great for many different ideas, Don;t know if you've ever been there, but it's really inspirational.







I just bookmarked it, never been to it before - still feeling my way around the whole art thing - I've never considered anything I did art, more like crafting

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 16:10:14
bb in a bit - have to run a couple errands

Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 16:10:36
I have the Thom TV stream on.

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 16:13:42
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

that's totally a good idea!



I'm still thinking of trading in my draft table for an easel
That forum is really great for many different ideas, Don;t know if you've ever been there, but it's really inspirational.







I just bookmarked it, never been to it before - still feeling my way around the whole art thing - I've never considered anything I did art, more like crafting
It's Art, been telling you that for years!



Comment by TriSec on 04/20/2010 16:20:39
Say now, Fenway Park is 98 years old today!







(Which, of course, is fitting....since the sox are playing like a bunch of 98-year-old men.)



Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 16:27:47
As long as Fenway doesn't say, "In my day....".

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 17:10:01
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

that's totally a good idea!



I'm still thinking of trading in my draft table for an easel
That forum is really great for many different ideas, Don;t know if you've ever been there, but it's really inspirational.







I just bookmarked it, never been to it before - still feeling my way around the whole art thing - I've never considered anything I did art, more like crafting
It's Art, been telling you that for years!







Thanks



Ya know I can't wait to see more of your pieces - think I've seen a few on FB but not many - you should post some

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 17:10:30
I can't stand Carrie Lucus!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 18:06:03


1st - why is the NRA drafting bills?

2nd - why do they want to make city that needs to be highly secure less secure with unfettered guns

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 18:10:41
Quote by wickedpam:



1st - why is the NRA drafting bills?

2nd - why do they want to make city that needs to be highly secure less secure with unfettered guns


To the first: IT is what these damn lobbyists do.



To the second: I cannot even begin to disagree with the premise of the question.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 04/20/2010 18:13:06
Quote by TriSec:

Say now, Fenway Park is 98 years old today!







(Which, of course, is fitting....since the sox are playing like a bunch of 98-year-old men.)





Yup, opened a few days after the RMS Titanic sank.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 18:29:37
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:



1st - why is the NRA drafting bills?

2nd - why do they want to make city that needs to be highly secure less secure with unfettered guns


To the first: IT is what these damn lobbyists do.



To the second: I cannot even begin to disagree with the premise of the question.






my question? (okay I did write it my typical skiping words kinda way )



When I say secure, don't mean "let me see your papers" secure - the city has always been secure but you could just never see it but under all the openness it was there. did that make sense?



The city has gun laws for many reasons, I suspect one of them is that our heads of state live and work there and there are many international diplomats, dignataries(sp) and heads of state that come to the city.

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 18:33:59
Quote by wickedpam:

my question? (okay I did write it my typical skiping words kinda way )



When I say secure, don't mean "let me see your papers" secure - the city has always been secure but you could just never see it but under all the openness it was there. did that make sense?



The city has gun laws for many reasons, I suspect one of them is that our heads of state live and work there and there are many international diplomats, dignataries(sp) and heads of state that come to the city.
I agree. DC NEEDS strong gun control laws. As do cities like NY.



They are different than, say -- Montana.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/20/2010 18:43:50
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

my question? (okay I did write it my typical skiping words kinda way )



When I say secure, don't mean "let me see your papers" secure - the city has always been secure but you could just never see it but under all the openness it was there. did that make sense?



The city has gun laws for many reasons, I suspect one of them is that our heads of state live and work there and there are many international diplomats, dignataries(sp) and heads of state that come to the city.
I agree. DC NEEDS strong gun control laws. As do cities like NY.



They are different than, say -- Montana.







exactly.



thing is some gun people don't get that there are differneces in lifestyle prorities

Comment by livingonli on 04/20/2010 19:18:35
I do wonder how true the correlation is on the one's need for a gun being inversion to the size of their manhood?





Tonight I will be heading out with some friends and we're doing some semi-shameless indulging at the new Denny's in Centereach. Yes, they are on Long Island now. Well, one is with another one on the way.

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 20:24:03
happy 420 day...


Comment by TriSec on 04/20/2010 20:25:07
Hours are starting to trickle back...I'm at the store tonight.



TTFN!



Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 21:03:08
These photos from the Iceland Volcano are stunning.

Comment by Raine on 04/20/2010 21:04:07
Quote by TriSec:

Hours are starting to trickle back...I'm at the store tonight.



TTFN!



Laters! been hearing rumblings that the retail sector is picking up, and that makes for very good news.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/20/2010 22:03:34
Busy day -- but back finally.



The photos from the Icelandic volcano are stunning.