About Us
Mission Statement
Rules of Conduct
 
Name:
Pswd:
Remember Me
Register
 

Steroids? How about rape?
Author: Raine    Date: 02/14/2008 13:56:05

It isn't as fun to talk to woman about thier sexual assaults as it is to talk to a Famous baseball player, but tough shit. It is high time Congress does something about this issue. Woman make up more than half of our population and deserve better treatment than they are getting
Limbo for Woman Reporting Assualts in Iraq
Mary Beth Kineston, an Ohio resident who went to Iraq to drive trucks, thought she had endured the worst when her supply convoy was ambushed in April 2004. After car bombs exploded and insurgents began firing on the road between Baghdad and Balad, she and other military contractors were saved only when Army Black Hawk helicopters arrived.

But not long after the ambush, Ms. Kineston said, she was sexually assaulted by another driver, who remained on the job, at least temporarily, even after she reported the episode to KBR, the military contractor that employed the drivers. Later, she said she was groped by a second KBR worker. After complaining to the company about the threats and harassments endured by female employees in Iraq, she was fired.

“I felt safer on the convoys with the Army than I ever did working for KBR,” said Ms. Kineston, who won a modest arbitration award against KBR. “At least if you got in trouble on a convoy, you could radio the Army and they would come and help you out. But when I complained to KBR, they didn’t do anything. I still have nightmares. They changed my life forever, and they got away with it.”

Ms. Kineston is among a number of American women who have reported that they were sexually assaulted by co-workers while working as contractors in Iraq but now find themselves in legal limbo, unable to seek justice or even significant compensation.
[...]
The Criminal Investigation Command of the Army has reported that it investigated 124 cases of sexual assault in Iraq over the last three years. Those figures, provided to Senator Bill Nelson, the Florida Democrat who has taken the lead in the Senate on the issue, include cases involving both contractors and military personnel, but do not include cases involving contractors or soldiers investigated by other branches of the military.
[...]
Linda Lindsey, of Houston, who worked for KBR in Iraq from 2004 until early 2007, said that she often saw evidence of sexual harassment or discrimination, and that male supervisors often tried to force female employees to grant sexual favors in exchange for promotions or other benefits.
[..]
Pamela Jones, of Texas, a KBR logistics coordinator in Kuwait in 2003 and 2004, was sexually assaulted by a supervisor.
124 cases that do NOT include what is going on with private contractors. And NOTHING is being done. Arbitration is just not acceptable. People should be going to jail for these actions. JAIL. This is criminal and KBR is allowing it to be treated as a civil situation. Since when does a company get to decide what AMERICAN LAW IS?

You'll recall last week I spoke of KBR, Jamie Leigh Jones and a few other very brave women. I said that there are indeed more woman out there with stories like thiers. They are starting to speak out.
“Victims of crime perpetrated by employees of taxpayer-funded government contracts in Iraq deserve the same standard of treatment and protection governed by the same laws whether they are working in the U.S. or abroad,” she said.
Why is that so hard for KBR and the ENTIRE government to comprehend?

The next question is, what will the administration and congress do? While the president is spending all of his time trying to make sure Americans stay in fear, and the house and the senate are STILL fighting over the definition of Torture and what kind of spying should be allowed on american citizens, what are they doing about the fact that we have a company that punishes woman for speaking out about sexual assault?

Sexual assault, rape, sodomy --- these things are terroristic. MAke no mistake about it. It has been used for thousands of years to repress people. KBR uses it to keep woman quiet. I fear that nothing will be done until we have a woman turn up dead, if we have not already. More than 1000 contractors have been killed in Iraq. It just makes me wonder, how many could have been covered up, considering little or nothing is being done to investigate these woman's very serious claims.

TOO many stories have risen to the surface to assume these are just a few isolated incididents. Something must be done.

Instead of having 5 hour hearing on the Hill to talk to a washed up baseball player about steroids --- who already has millions of dollars in his bank account, perhaps congress could open up some serious hearings about how we are allowing for the terrorizing of our own citizens in the name of "The War on Terra™" in a very pathological, consistent, specific way...

It's disgusting.

:peace: and :heart:
Raine

 

249 comments (Latest Comment: 02/15/2008 03:36:54 by shelaghc)
   Perma Link

Share This!

Furl it!
Spurl
NewsVine
Reddit
Technorati

Add a Comment

Please login to add a comment...


Comments:

Order comments Newest to Oldest  Refresh Comments

Comment by velveeta jones on 02/14/2008 13:58:57
Hmmmmm, someone celebrated Valentines day early?



I'll entertain with this classic valentine poem:



THE PERFECT MAN



The perfect man is gentle

Never cruel or mean

He has a beautiful smile

And keeps his face so clean.



The perfect man likes children

And will raise them by your side

He will be a good father

As well as a good husband to his bride.



The perfect man loves cooking

Cleaning and vacuuming too

He'll do anything in his power

To convey his feelings of love to you.



The perfect man is sweet

Writing poetry from your name

He's a best friend to your mother

And kisses away your pain.



He never has made you cry

Or hurt you in any way

Oh, forget this stupid poem



"

"

"



The perfect man is gay!!!!









Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/14/2008 14:02:28
FIRST!!!



Happy Valentine's Day, bloggers!!!



The early edition of the UNN Daily Headlines are up.



Here is a story that should outrage everyone:

Toxic fumes force Katrina, Rita victims from trailers



That is right, the trailers have an average of five times the formaldehyde exposure that most people have in modern homes - and over fifty times in some cases.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/14/2008 14:02:55
Okay, second.



Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:04:37
1900 N FORT MYER DRIVE

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:10:57
Good morning!

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:12:09
NEW bloggie is up.



It is a followup from LAst week.

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:15:19
McCain looks like he is out flipping Romney.

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:19:23


Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:22:04
Quote by velveeta jones: Hmmmmm, someone celebrated Valentines day early?



I'll entertain with this classic valentine poem:



THE PERFECT MAN



The perfect man is gentle

Never cruel or mean

He has a beautiful smile

And keeps his face so clean.



The perfect man likes children

And will raise them by your side

He will be a good father

As well as a good husband to his bride.



The perfect man loves cooking

Cleaning and vacuuming too

He'll do anything in his power

To convey his feelings of love to you.



The perfect man is sweet

Writing poetry from your name

He's a best friend to your mother

And kisses away your pain.



He never has made you cry

Or hurt you in any way

Oh, forget this stupid poem



"

"

"



The perfect man is gay!!!!







I that I can adtually day that onThursays, ms. Jones is the warm up act!! :rofl:



(And no, we don't really celebrate V-D... )



We usually just do nice romantic things for each other all year long.. mush less pressure and a lot less expensive...





Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:23:33
Quote by Raine:




Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:25:18
Gypsies should be equally offended...

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:25:53
Quote by Raine:
Quote by velveeta jones: Hmmmmm, someone celebrated Valentines day early?



I'll entertain with this classic valentine poem:



THE PERFECT MAN



The perfect man is gentle

Never cruel or mean

He has a beautiful smile

And keeps his face so clean.



The perfect man likes children

And will raise them by your side

He will be a good father

As well as a good husband to his bride.



The perfect man loves cooking

Cleaning and vacuuming too

He'll do anything in his power

To convey his feelings of love to you.



The perfect man is sweet

Writing poetry from your name

He's a best friend to your mother

And kisses away your pain.



He never has made you cry

Or hurt you in any way

Oh, forget this stupid poem



"

"

"



The perfect man is gay!!!!







I that I can adtually day that onThursays, ms. Jones is the warm up act!! :rofl:



(And no, we don't really celebrate V-D... )



We usually just do nice romantic things for each other all year long.. mush less pressure and a lot less expensive...



I must admit that I broke down and committed niceties for Ms. Grumpy.

Named a star after her. And got her some M&M's personalized.







Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:25:55
Conservatives should just go and start thier own party.

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:26:41
Quote by Raine: Conservatives should just go and start thier own party.


They did it's called Republican party.

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:29:29
Comment by shelaghc on 02/14/2008 14:35:43
Hey Ms. Jones - I just snagged that poem for my LJ. *g*



Thanks!



Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:35:44


Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:37:06
Grump, that was very nice... I do not begrudge those that do celebrate.







Comment by velveeta jones on 02/14/2008 14:39:08
Speaking of Rethugs, in case you missed my rant last evening, I'll replay:

***********




AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGH!! I just sat through Dan Abrams after KO.

What an ASS.

This is my new pet peeve and I am CALLING PEOPLE ON IT!

Went to dan.abrams.msnbc.com and left this message:



Dan! What is wrong with you? Do you not hear Kate Obenshain say "democrat" party? Do you NOT know that that is BAD and INCORRECT GRAMMAR? Why do you let her insult you and your program? Maybe you don't know better either? Maybe I better watch someone who is either smarter or has BALLS.


Free Smiley Face Courtesy of www.FreeSmileys.org



Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:39:44
Quote by Raine: Grump, that was very nice... I do not begrudge those that do celebrate.







I refuse to "Do the day"!



The way I look at it is if I need 1 single day to show the woman that shares my name. Maybe I shouldn't be breathing, much less lucky enough to be blessed withher hand on my heart.



BUT!



I just thought it was a sweet thing to do.

Comment by velveeta jones on 02/14/2008 14:40:17
Quote by starling310:




Awwww, honey, we'll fix ya up in DC. We'll both go out and get new tats. (My wife will kill me...............)

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:40:26
Quote by starling310:


:hug: :heart:

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:41:07
Quote by velveeta jones: Speaking of Rethugs, in case you missed my rant last evening, I'll replay:

***********




AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGH!! I just sat through Dan Abrams after KO.

What an ASS.

This is my new pet peeve and I am CALLING PEOPLE ON IT!

Went to dan.abrams.msnbc.com and left this message:



Dan! What is wrong with you? Do you not hear Kate Obenshain say "democrat" party? Do you NOT know that that is BAD and INCORRECT GRAMMAR? Why do you let her insult you and your program? Maybe you don't know better either? Maybe I better watch someone who is either smarter or has BALLS.


Free Smiley Face Courtesy of www.FreeSmileys.org





Comment by shelaghc on 02/14/2008 14:42:40
My kitties woke me up today. I guess that'll be about it for V-Day for me.



;->







No flowers or chocolate at my temporary desk.



le sigh

Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:42:59
Quote by velveeta jones:
Quote by starling310:




Awwww, honey, we'll fix ya up in DC. We'll both go out and get new tats. (My wife will kill me...............)






Ooh...I've got 2 already. I will start to look like the painted lady.

Comment by velveeta jones on 02/14/2008 14:43:14
BTW: The poem I posted comes from my pal Izzzatso (also on 4F MB)

Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:45:41
Quote by Raine:
Quote by starling310:


:hug: :heart:




I miss my BUB!!!!

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:47:44
Quote by starling310:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by starling310:


:hug: :heart:




I miss my BUB!!!!


I'll be you BUB!



Are you going to the Meet Up?



Unless I remember wrong your in Pa ?

Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:48:31
Quote by Grumpymann: [

I'll be you BUB!



Are you going to the Meet Up?



Unless I remember wrong your in Pa ?




Thanks Grump.



I'm in CT! But, I am really going to try to come. I might bring my tall, german friend. She rocks!





Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:49:57
Quote by starling310:
Quote by Grumpymann: [

I'll be you BUB!



Are you going to the Meet Up?



Unless I remember wrong your in Pa ?




Thanks Grump.



I'm in CT! But, I am really going to try to come. I might bring my tall, german friend. She rocks!



Well I'm going dose anyone want to share a ride?



Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:50:34
Too much importance is put on this day, I think. That is my feeling about it. Has been for years.











Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:52:04
Quote by Raine: Too much importance is put on this day, I think. That is my feeling about it. Has been for years.















Agreed. I don't miss my Bub because it's V-Day. I just miss my Bub.



Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:52:06
:clap: grump is going to DC!



Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:52:39
I think Obama and Hillary BOTH have stated HOW on thier websites.

Comment by starling310 on 02/14/2008 14:52:48
Quote by Grumpymann:

Well I'm going dose anyone want to share a ride?





I might be doing Amtrak from NYC.



Comment by TriSec on 02/14/2008 14:53:17
: saunters into blog :



Morning, folks!



I'm home today on a pre-planned long weekend...so I am free of the mines, which I abhor in all their manifestations!





Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 14:54:08
We could start the how by not spending all this money in Iraq, Let's stop the spending.

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:55:34
The only thing that will save this country is a new WPA!

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 14:56:38
Quote by Raine: grump is going to DC!



I'm 75% sure

Comment by livingonli on 02/14/2008 14:59:40
Good morning everyone. :coffee:



The salt mine got a little crazy late last night. The Automation decided to grow crazy and there were two instances where it didn't switch into the show.

Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 15:03:38
Barack on the economy:

Provide Middle Class Americans Tax Relief



Obama will cut income taxes by $1,000 for working families to offset the payroll tax they pay.

Provide a Tax Cut for Working Families: Obama will restore fairness to the tax code and provide 150 million workers the tax relief they need. Obama will create a new "Making Work Pay" tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. The "Making Work Pay" tax credit will completely eliminate income taxes for 10 million Americans.



Simplify Tax Filings for Middle Class Americans: Obama will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes. Obama will ensure that the IRS uses the information it already gets from banks and employers to give taxpayers the option of pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return. Experts estimate that the Obama proposal will save Americans up to 200 million total hours of work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees.

Trade

Obama believes that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the American economy and create more American jobs. He will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security.

Fight for Fair Trade: Obama will fight for a trade policy that opens up foreign markets to support good American jobs. He will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement that fail to live up to those important benchmarks. Obama will also pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements and stop countries from continuing unfair government subsidies to foreign exporters and nontariff barriers on U.S. exports.



Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement: Obama believes that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. Obama will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers.



Improve Transition Assistance: To help all workers adapt to a rapidly changing economy, Obama would update the existing system of Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to service industries, creating flexible education accounts to help workers retrain, and providing retraining assistance for workers in sectors of the economy vulnerable to dislocation before they lose their jobs.

=================================================================



I post this because I do understand what Chris is saying. When I decided to support edwards, I was based at first by a gut feeling, and then I did the research. Edwards dropped out and I was back to a smaller square one, and I felt it was my responsibility to become an informed voter.



BAck before the internets, candidates usually wrote books explaining thier stances, nowadays it is on the internets.



I feel that BOTH of our remaining candidates are lacking details, to be honest. but, In the gazzilion or so debates, they have tried to make thier issus clear, which hasn't always worked becuase of mudslinging.



I think that the IDEA of hope and change is a mindset that we NEED right now in order to get something moving in congress. in the end CONGRESS will be enacting these issues.





Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 15:05:19
Quote by Grumpymann: The only thing that will save this country is a new WPA!
Vas is dis WPA?



Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 15:06:29
Quote by Grumpymann:
Quote by Raine: grump is going to DC!



I'm 75% sure


Good enough for me!

Comment by livingonli on 02/14/2008 15:07:30
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Grumpymann: The only thing that will save this country is a new WPA!
Vas is dis WPA?



Works Project Authority. One of those wacky things FDR did.

Comment by livingonli on 02/14/2008 15:09:20
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Grumpymann:
Quote by Raine: grump is going to DC!



I'm 75% sure


Good enough for me!


So that means we should have myself, Raine, BobR, Mala, HBK, Grump, Star, VJ and hopefully ShelaghC.



Am I on the mark here? Maybe we can look into that group rate.

Comment by livingonli on 02/14/2008 15:10:30
Larry Craig has been a naughty boy. I'm sure he would like a spanking. :spank:

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 15:10:50
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Grumpymann:
Quote by Raine: grump is going to DC!



I'm 75% sure


Good enough for me!


The WPA got this country on it's feet!

In short the government put people to work working on the infrastructure.

Assisting people getting on hteir feet. and straightening out their lives.



And the Cons HATED IT!



Took the Government to court to stop it!



Funny they don't seem to complain when we bailed out the banks BOTH TIMES!

Comment by TriSec on 02/14/2008 15:11:21
Hey now, the TriSec clan has put a question mark on the calendar for April 26...it's at the tail end of school vacation week, too.





Comment by Raine on 02/14/2008 15:11:28
you know, Are we sure Shano is in Pittburgh or pittsFORD?



(Shano played one of my fave songs in that montage... it's gonna take a miracle, yes it's gonna take a miracle:banana:

Comment by Grumpymann on 02/14/2008 15:12:09
Quote by livingonli: Larry Craig has been a naughty boy. I'm sure he would like a spanking. :spank:


CALL GANNON!