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Author: TriSec    Date: 12/11/2007 11:40:10

Good Morning.

Today is our 1,728th day in Iraq.

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

American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 3887
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 3748
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3427
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3028
Since Election (1/31/05): 2450

Other Coalition Troops: 306
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 469



We find today's cost of war standing at:

$ 476, 075, 050, 000.00


and for comparison's sake, I ran across this tidbit last night on a WWII trivia site:
From 1941 to 1945, a total of 17,955,000 Americans were medically examined for induction into the armed forces. Some 6,420,000 (35.8 percent) were rejected as unfit because of some physical disability. Altogether, 16,112,566 Americans served their country in World War 11. A total of 38.8 percent (6,332,000) were volunteers. In all, 405,399 American service men and women gave up their lives in a war that cost the US $288 Billion Dollars.




Turning not to our troops this morning, but their civilian counterparts, I heard on MSNBC last night about a new scandal breaking within the Halliburton/KBR corps. How's gang-raping a fellow American sound?
A Houston, Texas woman says she was gang-raped by Halliburton/KBR coworkers in Baghdad, and the company and the U.S. government are covering up the incident.

Jamie Leigh Jones, now 22, says that after she was raped by multiple men at a KBR camp in the Green Zone, the company put her under guard in a shipping container with a bed and warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she'd be out of a job.

"Don't plan on working back in Iraq. There won't be a position here, and there won't be a position in Houston," Jones says she was told.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court against Halliburton and its then-subsidiary KBR, Jones says she was held in the shipping container for at least 24 hours without food or water by KBR, which posted armed security guards outside her door, who would not let her leave.

"It felt like prison," says Jones, who told her story to ABC News as part of an upcoming "20/20" investigation. "I was upset; I was curled up in a ball on the bed; I just could not believe what had happened."

Finally, Jones says, she convinced a sympathetic guard to loan her a cell phone so she could call her father in Texas.

"I said, 'Dad, I've been raped. I don't know what to do. I'm in this container, and I'm not able to leave,'" she said. Her father called their congressman, Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas.

"We contacted the State Department first," Poe told ABCNews.com, "and told them of the urgency of rescuing an American citizen" -- from her American employer.

Poe says his office contacted the State Department, which quickly dispatched agents from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to Jones' camp, where they rescued her from the container.

According to her lawsuit, Jones was raped by "several attackers who first drugged her, then repeatedly raped and injured her, both physically and emotionally."

Jones told ABCNews.com that an examination by Army doctors showed she had been raped "both vaginally and anally," but that the rape kit disappeared after it was handed over to KBR security officers. (continued...)



As the US continues its descent, folks around the world are starting to notice. No less a light then Bishop Desmont Tutu has weighed in...and he's called our treatment of detainees akin to apartheid. Remember when we used to fight against this? One of my first political acts was a years-long boycott of Shell gasoline back in the 80s.
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu has accused the United States and Britain of pursuing policies like those of South Africa's apartheid-era government by detaining terrorism suspects without trial.

At an event to commemorate the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDR) today, the Nobel laureate said the detention of suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban members at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was a "huge blot on a democracy".

"Whoever imagined that you would hear from the United States and from Britain the same arguments for detention without trial that were used by the apartheid government," Archbishop Tutu said.

Archbishop Tutu is chairman of the Elders, a group of prominent international statesmen that includes former US president Jimmy Carter, anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and his Mozambican-born wife, Graca Machel.

The group is spearheading a campaign to get one billion people to sign a pledge reaffirming the principles of the UNDR, passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

Archbishop Tutu, who helped lead the struggle to overthrow white minority rule in South Africa, said he was surprised so many Americans had accepted the argument that the Guantanamo detentions were necessary because of national security.

"It is exactly what the apartheid government used to say here," the Anglican cleric said.

His remarks come amid a growing outcry over alleged abuses at Guantanamo, which was used as a mass detention centre for suspected violent Islamic radicals in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US.

Critics have said the US is circumventing international law by holding detainees without charge, often for years, and violated their human rights with forced confessions and torture tactics.

President George W. Bush said the detentions are lawful, humane and necessary as part of its fight against extremists in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.




There's a lot to think about today...but let's not forget the troops, either. I believe tonight is the 7th night of Hannukah, and Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner. It's not too late to send an email to a homesick soldier overseas.

I'll see you inside!
 

187 comments (Latest Comment: 12/12/2007 02:53:53 by livingonli)
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Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 13:18:28
That story about the woman being raped is just sick. Why the fuck would the army turn the evidence over to the company that was trying to cover it up in the first place?



Grrrr....

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 13:52:46
Good morning. I just some very sad news from the familia de Raine, My Gross Tanta Martha has went away. She was very sick for quite sometime, and I guess she was finally called home. She was 92 :( My Mother will be telling my Oma in a little while, after she wakes up. I will be talking to my Gorss Uncle Henri later on today when his son tells him the news. Tanta MArtha was an amazing woman, and Ienjoyed growing up feeling like I had a second grandmother in her. She was funny, strong willed and always made me feel special.

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 13:59:55
SERIOUSLY DISTURBING! WHAT THE F*CK!! I guess the moral of the story is: keep your rape kit on you, don't let anyone near it! Maybe we should just issue female military and workers there own rape kits as part of their gear? Packaged like an MRE? Or, a better idea: get rid of the scum that are committing crimes!

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 14:02:31
Oh, Raine, sorry about your loss. And on the holiday's no less! {HUGS}

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 14:17:30
Quote of the day:



Assuming either the Left Wing or the Right Wing gained control of the country, it would probably fly around in circles.

Pat Paulsen



Morning, comrades. I'm in meetings starting at 9:30 up until noon, so this is it from the New England wing today. (barring an appearance from the magnificent :star:, of course.)



<--- for the Atlanta contingent.



Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:27:21
Thanks guys. I just got off the phone with my mom. She is doing well. (she said the medication is working wonders!)



The thing that sucks the most about this is that I won't be able to get upstate.



:( Thanks for the Hugs...

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:28:14
Quote by velveeta jones: SERIOUSLY DISTURBING! WHAT THE F*CK!! I guess the moral of the story is: keep your rape kit on you, don't let anyone near it! Maybe we should just issue female military and workers there own rape kits as part of their gear? Packaged like an MRE? Or, a better idea: get rid of the scum that are committing crimes!
F8ckers... the whole stroy is just a complete outrage.



Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:29:32
Kevin Bacon: not a good kisser when he was in college.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:30:46
Good morning everyone.



My condolonces Raine. Too bad you can't get up there.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:31:06
I should have logged in as myself, huh? Jeepers.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:31:42
Quote by BobR: Kevin Bacon: not a good kisser when he was in college.
Altho posting as Bobber by mistake made thsi post very funny!



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 14:33:50
The other part New England contingent here!

Magnificent? Why, thank you Tri. . .



Sorry to hear about your loss Raine. It's sad to lose a strong woman that you care for.



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:35:45
Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:37:19
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.


Mr. Mackey, tell us about drugs?



Drugs are bad. MMMMkay.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 14:37:31
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.




I was just thinking "Wow. His voice is soothing."

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:39:05
Huckabee has become even more devisive than Tom Tancredo, I believe. GOOD. Most people in this country will not stand for what huckabee has wrought.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:39:44
Quote by starling310:
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.




I was just thinking "Wow. His voice is soothing."


hmmm kaaay.. :smacks lips:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:40:15
The system ate my homework.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:41:00
Don't forget, he's usually on Olbermann's show discussing politics.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:43:22
I don't want Hillary to get the nomination. I want a liberal.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:43:25
http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/Images/Mr._Mackey.gif


Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:44:06
Quote by livingonli: Don't forget, he's usually on Olbermann's show discussing politics.


Momma needs to ask him to drop in a good word....

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:47:54
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.


Mr. Mackey, tell us about drugs?



Drugs are bad. MMMMkay.


:rofl:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/ribbon-1.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:49:20
I likee my participation ribbon.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:50:49
Chuck Norris is a pretty big celeb... :rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:50:58
If they think celebrity endorsments don't work, why is Huckabee hitching to that Chuck Norris endorsment?

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:51:55
Quote by Raine: Chuck Norris is a pretty big celeb... :rofl:


Everyone's watched that fitness equipment infomercial he's in with Christie Brinkley.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:56:15
for the entire republican pool of candidates.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:58:25
Quote by livingonli: If they think celebrity endorsments don't work, why is Huckabee hitching to that Chuck Norris endorsment?
cuz he wants to kiss Christie brinkley!



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:01:17
Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.





Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:02:21
MOrning! :hug:



Sorry to hear about your Tanta! :hug:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:10:02
I have no clue what he's saying

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:17:13
Thanks again everyone. you guys are the best.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:18:06
Quote by livingonli: Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.







Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:18:23
:rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:23:49
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli: Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.







Well played.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:36:12
Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:40:01
Those right-wingers are awfully uncomfortable when confronted by facts.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:40:59
Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:41:53
Can we quarentine ignorant hateful republicans?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:43:03
Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:43:28
Quote by livingonli: Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.




I've kinda emailed the PD from that station, he said they are still looking for a better time slot for the show. Told him live would be best.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:44:06
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:44:57
How does Huckabee feel about burning witches at the stake?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:45:47
HEARTBREAKING?!?!?!?! That the Rapists DEATH HAD BECOME POLITIZIED? What about the WOMENWHO WERRE TERRORIZED BY Dumiond???????????????

:rage:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:46:26
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli: Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.




I've kinda emailed the PD from that station, he said they are still looking for a better time slot for the show. Told him live would be best.



Put Glenn Beck's show at night, it's crappy and can live with the endless pre-emptions (especially during baseball season).

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:46:37
I still love that weird bumper. Makes me think of the munsters and old 60's surf movies.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 15:48:54
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?





F*ckin Frank is a code word that is used in situations of mild to moderate frustration, or anger.

I met a man named Frank at a party. . . the conversation turned to politics. . . he treated me like a 6 year old and pretty much refused to let me talk. On the way home I was tlaking to my girlfriend about it and just blurted out "F*ckin Frank!



It stuck.



I couldn't fit in a parking space one day. "F*ckin Frank!

F*ckin' Frank! It's cold out!



Etc. . . .

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 15:51:32
Ed in Chicago! :banana:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:55:04
Quote by starling310:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?





F*ckin Frank is a code word that is used in situations of mild to moderate frustration, or anger.

I met a man named Frank at a party. . . the conversation turned to politics. . . he treated me like a 6 year old and pretty much refused to let me talk. On the way home I was tlaking to my girlfriend about it and just blurted out "F*ckin Frank!



It stuck.



I couldn't fit in a parking space one day. "F*ckin Frank!

F*ckin' Frank! It's cold out!



Etc. . . .






OOohhhhhhh I get it.