Online Opinion is your chance to tell Keloland what you think. Remember - our on-air polls are scientific. Online Opinion is not. It's simply an easy way to speak your mind.
Join Cost of Iraq War Protest Noon Saturday at Battleship Memorial Posted by: Todd Epp - 03/20/2009 10:43 AM (Iraq War, KELOLAND News, RSS Feed)
Several groups are sponsoring a "Cost of War" rally against the Iraq War at noon, Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial at 12th and Kiwanis.
There will be a number of speakers, including me.
While our attention is on the economy right now, the war in Iraq goes its "merry" way. South Dakota Guardsmen and women continue to be deployed to the region, some for the third time. This has got to stop.
So little has been asked from most of us in the conduct of this war while so much has been asked of a few of our brave citizen soldiers.
Twitters from Iraq Posted by: Todd Epp - 07/06/2008 11:35 PM (Bloggers, Iraq War, RSS Feed, Technology)
I’ve become a huge fan of Twitter.
Twitter is basically public instant messaging to as many people as you can get to follow you. I have 630 followers. It can also be used as a private network of only peole you approve as well.
I follow and have followers from around the USA and the world—Iraq, Iran, Cuba, Palestine, Israel, Germany, Singapore, Australia, China, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Canada, England, Germany to name just the counties that I can think of off the top of my head.
I’ve used Twitter to report on a Bruce Springsteen concert and the S.D. Democratic Party Convention. I use Twitters to promote my blog posts. I sometimes post my own short observations about life and what I’m doing. That’s what most people do. It’s sometimes my “mini-blog.”
I think I’ve just scratched the surface of the power of Twitter. Others have used it to report on breaking news, get out of jail, sell stuff, and even write poetry and pithy thoughts.
But one of the more interesting things I’ve discovered is to follow the Twitters of people who are in Iraq. I don’t follow any Iraqi nationals only because I can’t read Arabic. But I do follow American soldiers and marines, journalists, and others who are actually “on the ground.”
Historians have made much of the letters written by and between our servicemen and women and their loved ones. But with Twitter, the “letters” (actually bursts of 140 characters) are accessible to anyone with a Twitter account.
I gleaned a few such accounts. They range from the boredom of everyday life, to missing loved ones, to action reports, to messages approaching poetry. It is obviously not the same as being there but it is at least a sliver of actuality from a place the United States has invested so much of its blood and treasure.
Enjoy.
So bored been at work for 2 hours and ready to leave 3 months ago (A US Marine)
organizing my pics in facebook. about 20 hours ago (A US Marine)
Sitting in my Pod(can hardly be called a barracks) sweating of course it is Iraq, bout to go to sleep 2 days ago (A US Soldier)
kuwaiti drivers are insane. apparently, in this country it’s okay to drive as fast as you want, as long as you have your high beams on. 2 days ago (A US Soldier)
@DailyDwelling Sunday Morning’s are always better, when my sermon is done:) about 1 month ago (A US Army Chaplain)
Planning another op… Wondering why some soldiers cry so much. 6 days ago (Also has a wonderful blog with heart wrenching photos from Iraq and Afghanistan. Read: http://jeremyclawson.blogspot.com/) (A US Soldier)
i’m online. have you sent the packages yet? just wondering. i love you! can’t wait to talk to you! *kisses* about 9 hours ago (A US Soldier)
Can’t wait to meet her for real… She is so much fun in cyber space! 16 days ago (A US Soldier)
unless its you are bleeding out your eyes, dont wake me up at 4am for some dumb shit like a mole you want looked at. i hate people 26 days ago (A US Army Medic)
Less than two months to go!!! whoohooo!!! =) 4 days ago (A US Military Contractor)
SH*T IS GOING DOWN! warning warning warning! Iraqi prayers are being played and hodgies are driving up and down shooting us 12:39 AM July 04, 2008 from web (A US Soldier)
In Qatar on a 4 day R&R pass about 1 month ago (A US Marine)
I got dressed up in civilian clothes for the first time in months. No real reason, and they’re all wrinkly… but it makes me smile :-) 15 days ago (A US Soldier)
I think Im going to get a Tat 4 days ago (A US Soldier)
Photo: More than 1,200 U.S. troops re-enlist in Baghdad, July 4, 2008, during a ceremony in the Al Faw Palace rotunda led by Multinational Force-Iraq Commander Army Gen. David Petraeus. (US Dept. of Defense)
Thursday was the fifth anniversary of the American invasion of Iraq. We have been in Iraq longer than American involvement in World War II. And that was a war we won against two well-armed enemies flung across the globe.
Since before the invasion in 2003, KELOLAND News has been beating the drums of war. In the early days, it was obviously a great ratings ploy. Most Americans—including our news media—had been duped by the lies of the Bush Administration. There were weapons of mass destruction we were told. And KELOLAND News unquestioningly repeated every lie, thinking that is what we South Dakotans wanted to hear.
They were and have been cheerleaders for the war. Every deployment, every welcome home gets covered.
But war protests? People who oppose the war? It is like we don’t exist, regardless of what the polling now shows about the ill-fated war and its lack of support.
So on the fifth anniversary of America’ ill-conceived war, does the mighty KELOLAND talk to critics of the war? Do they look at the terrible sacrifice South Dakota has paid in blood for this war?
No.
We get another cheerleading piece right from the talking points of the Bush Administration.
The war in Iraq has killed nearly 4,000 U.S. troops and cost about $500billion. But those who wear the uniform, still see the good in what America is doing there.
What about those of us who have to pay the bill for this misadventure? What about those of us who oppose this folly? what about those of us who think we were lied to to get us into this war? What about those of us who think the loss of limb and life of our fellow South Dakotans has been all for naught?
KELOLAND’s pandering to the now minority view that this war is a good idea isn’t just bad journalism.
It is jingoism at its worst.
For an example of a balanced view on the issue, one only need to look 60 miles to south.
Dr. William Anderson, an assistant professor of political science at the University of South Dakota and the director of the institution’s Government Research Bureau, said a series of revelations since the beginning of the Iraq war have led many people to have second thoughts about the effort.
The Press and Dakotan assumes its readers can make distinctions between opposing the war and supporting the troops. KELOLAND, apparently thinks its 1970s and Americans are spitting on returning troops. Even those of us who oppose the war understand our troops are brave and being asked to do something difficult.
The servicemen and women I talk to who have been to Iraq and Afghanistan—even those who still support the war—understand Americans and South Dakotans don’t support the war still support them. Too bad KELOLAND can’t also make that distinction.
KELOLAND News: Your Home. . . For Warmongering.
Photo: EXTRACTION — U.S. Army soldiers run toward a UH-60Black Hawk helicopter after completing an aerial traffic control point mission near Tal Afar, Iraq, June 5, 2006. The soldiers are from the172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the Black Hawk aircrew is from the 207th Aviation, Alaska National Guard. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey.
Quick Take: Bribing Us With Our Own Money Posted by: Todd Epp - 01/31/2008 11:26 AM (2008 Election, Democracy, Economic Development, Iraq War, Personal, Pres. George W. Bush, RSS Feed, Taxation, Congress)
Quick Take: The proposed federal tax rebate is a bribe with our own money.
But that doesn't mean that President Bush's and Congress' proposed $1000/family, $300/child federal tax rebate plan is a good idea.
Let's see.
Budget deficit. Check.
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Check.
Rich already not paying their fair share. Check.
Necessary programs already go under funded. Check.
But President Bush and Republicans and Democrats in Congress figure, "Hey, why not spread a little sugar from Uncle Sam to help the peeps and the economy in an election year?!"
Never mind that it is bad public policy.
Yes, I know, many of you think I'm a tax and spend liberal.
Not true.
I think absent terrible national emergencies, the government--like its citizens--should live within its means.
I too would like to give away lots and lots of money to worthy causes and my friends. But I simply can't. If I did, I wouldn't be able to pay my bills.
Same with the government. But only this is worse. The politicians are once again bribing us with our own money. It's really stupid, when you think about it. THEY ARE USING OUR MONEY TO BRIBE US.
So, yes, I'll cash the rebate check. Because like you, I'm a sucker when it comes to "free money."
Bhutto's Murder Bad Omen for Pakistan, USA Posted by: Todd Epp - 12/27/2007 9:56 AM (Benazir Bhutto, Democracy, Foreign Affairs, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Iraq War, Pakistan, Religion, RSS Feed, Tolerance)
Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has died, according to aparty aide and military official, after she and her supporters were hit by a bomb and gun attack shortly after a political rally. At least 20 others died in the attack. Her death will send tremors through Pakistan and comes as the campaign for parliamentary elections gathered momentum after eight years of military rule under President Pervez Musharraf.
While I’m not expert on foreign affairs, this, in my opinion, is the biggest—and worst—news of 2007.
Ms Bhutto was a woman leader in a Muslim nation. She was a believer in democracy and the rule of law. She was Western in outlook yet able to relate to her people in a traditional Muslim nation. She was currently working for peaceful change in Pakistan.
My guess is that when the smoke clears and the bodies are buried, you’ll find our lackey, er, ally, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, smack dab involved in the middle of this.
Ms Bhutto’s death could plunge Pakistan into even worse chaos, give the militant Islamists the opening they’ve been looking for in Pakistan to take over. Then, the curry will really hit the fan, impacting India negatively, possibly giving Iran an ally, and providing Iraqi terrorists another friend against our troops. And forget about Pakistani cooperation in finding Osama Bin Laden. None of this is good for the United States
I hope I am wrong. I hope Pakistan’s bad government doesn’t turn into a worse government. But peace on earth good will to men and women in 2008 is already off to a bad start even before the New Year starts.
HAPPY FREAKIN' NEW YEAR! NOW GO READ MY OTHER BLOGS AND TWITTERS!
But let me approach its legality from the back end. What if Al-Qaeda or Iran were waterboarding our captured GIs? Would the United States consider that torture and a violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions?
I think we all know that the answer would be yes. If the perpetrators were captures, you know that our nation would pursue charges against them as war criminals.
And I think this is where Arizona U.S. Senator, Presidential candidates, and former P.O.W. John McCain is coming from. How can the United States complain about treatment of its servicemen and women in captivity if we are doing things to others' prisoners that we would consider illegal?
And yes, I know there's the who "combatant" v. "non-combatant" issue.
But should that matter?
Clearly, waterboarding is a violation of the 8th Amendment to the United States Constitution. It is cruel and unusual punishment. We would never allow the police or prisons to perpetrate such torture on convicts or criminal defendants, no matter what their crimes.
In the arc of history, it has become clear that civilized nations and people do not torture, no matter how noble the reasons. The United States used to stand for that proposition as well. And it is not as if our nation hasn't been gravely threatened before.
What has our nation become under nearly seven years of outlaw Bush rule? A nation that denies its own legacy of civil liberties that has been a guiding force to much of the rest of the world.
At the Intersection of Art and Politics Posted by: Todd Epp - 12/09/2007 9:57 PM (Art, Culture, Holidays, humor, Iraq War, Pres. George W. Bush, RSS Feed, Scott Ehrisman Cartoons, SD Blogosphere, V.P. Dick Cheney)
The New York Times has a story about an art exhibit in a sleepy corner of the New York Public Library that has people talking in the library about public art and politics. (Major Hat Tip my new favorite blog, BAGNewsNotes.)
Help SD Democrats Support Our Troops This Holiday Season Posted by: Todd Epp - 11/24/2007 4:59 PM (Family, Food, Foreign Affairs, Holidays, Iraq War, Minnehaha County, Minnehaha County Democrats, RSS Feed, SD Democratic Party, Sioux Falls, Veterans, Paula Johnson)
Lt. Col Paula Johnson (USA ret.) is on a mission.
The former procurement and contracts officer at the Pentagon wants South Dakota's Guardsmen and women and reservists to know that South Dakotans care about them this holiday season.
And that local Democrats care as well.
Like the former supply officer she is, the secretary of the county party is coordinating the local's Dem's "Any Soldier" project.
She talks with passion about how difficult it is to be so far away from friends and family--whether it is at a base across the country or in the mountains of Afghanistan.
She says service members sometimes feel forgotten. Problems with mail service can compound the problem to far flung areas.
So, to make sure our troops have comfort items, books, magazine, and the little things that we take for granted, she is coordinating this effort.
As you are out shopping for Christmas the next few days, add the following to your list:
For Men:
Anti-bacterial wipes, baby wipes, hand/foot warmers, nail clippers, tweezers, foot powder, toothbrushes and tooth paste, deodorant, sunscreen with high SPF, first aid kits, medicated lip balm w/SPF 15, dental travel kits, dental floss, mouthwash, combs and brushes, shaving gel, razors, hand sanitizer, cotton swabs, tissues, toilet paper, liquid shower soap, hand and foot lotions.
For Women:
Same as above plus, Tampax/compact tampons, panty liners, shower to shower body powders, ponytail holders.
Foods (all prepackaged, no homemade, no glass, non-perishable):
Nutri-grain bars, fruit snacks, beef jerky, beef sticks, Marathon protein bars (Snickers), Chunk LIte Tuna Paks, One A Day Active Multi-vitamins, enhanced power packets, energy bars, coffe, teas, creamers, juice, microwave popcorn, cookies, chocolates, candy for Iraqi children, gum, herbal teas.
Clothing and other items:
Crayons, coloring books, pens, and toys to hand out to Iraqi children; AA and AAA batteries, flashlights, sunglasses, shower shoes, T-shirts (black or army tan M-XXL), black gloves, envelopes, writing paper, stamps, white or dark green socks, long sleeve t-shirts (M-XXL, black, dark green, tan), eyeglass cleaning wipes for eyeglasses and goggles, twin bed sheets and pillow cases*, towels", DVDs, music CDs, novels, international phone cards (ATT is best), board games, trivia games, magazines and puzzle book.
You can also donate a check for $8.95 made out to USPO to pay for postage on one box of goods that will be shipped overseas (cash also accepted).
You can also enclose a letter to the troops. Please include your return address and email address so they can respond back to you.
Take your items to the South Dakota Democratic Headquarters at 309 W. 43d St. (A block east of Minnesota just east a couple of buildings from the Subway.) Please have them at SDDP HQ by 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 28th. There will be a "Packing Party" to assemble the goods for mailing to our South Dakota troops starting at 1 p.m., Friday, November 30th at SDDP HQ.
The party is also in need of heavy duty quart-sized Ziplock bags to make individual "Care Packages" for the troops.
You don't need to be a Democrat to contribute. Anyone is welcome to contribute goods, money for postage, or their time to help Paula and fellow Democrats support our troops.
If you have questions, contact Paula at contact(at)minnehahadems(dot)org or minnehahadems(at)midconetwork(dot)com or 605.217.5405.
It's nice to say you support the troops. It's even better to support them with your time and resources.
Above: Lt. Col Paula Johnson (USA Ret.) at one of the tables of goods donated for South Dakota's troops by the Minnehaha County Democratic Party. US Postal mailers are at right that the goods will go into.
Bottom: Some of the goods local Democrats have gathered for our troops. Help out our troops an donate some items by Wednesday.
*Check with Paula before purchasing so she can make sure they are sent to a base or semi-permanent facility.
Here's an Idea, VA; Produce Better Care, Not TV Shows Posted by: Todd Epp - 11/16/2007 5:52 PM (American History, Foreign Affairs, Health Care, Iraq War, Media, Pres. George W. Bush, RSS Feed, Veterans)
Further, many veterans do not qualify for VA services because of their income–they’re not too poor, they make too much or have too much in retirement.
It’s a hell of a way to treat our men and women who served their nation.
To add insult to injury, chickenhawk Republicans like Sen. John Thune support the Iraq Civil War but aren’t so supportive of helping our men and women who have served once they returned.
So, what does the VA and the Bush Administration do to help the situation?
They put on their own TV “reality” show.
Um, how about putting that money into more doctors, better facilities, and letting all veterans have access to health care as a small token of our nation’s thanks?
Here’s the VA’s press release in large part. I hope you don’t puke at the end of it like I did when I read it the first time.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Using the latest in video and broadcast technologies, stirring music, creative graphics and solid writing, “The American Veteran,” a monthly half-hour news magazine from the Department of Veterans Affairs, tells compelling stories of real-life veterans who have taken advantage of the many and varied benefits and services available to them as a result of their military service.
“We are committed to informing veterans and active duty military alike about VA’s many benefits and services and we are very pleased with the quality and reach of ‘The American Veteran,’” said Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield. “The feedback and recognition the program has received is a testament to the effort put in by all involved.”
The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities on the department’s own internal network and around the world on The Pentagon Channel and community cable outlets.
Aimed at veterans of all eras, their families and the American Public, VA also tells stories of heroism, sacrifice and relives moments in history with those who lived it reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.
The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site www.va.gov, just click on “public affairs” and then “featured items.”
“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ where you can also view the program as it is broadcast. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)
I say it's time for the Bush Administration and the chickenhawk Republicans and Democrats to support our veterans with real substance instead of self-congratulatory p.r. form like this.
Only in Iraq Could Our Best Friend Be Our Worst Enemy Posted by: Todd Epp - 11/15/2007 2:06 PM (Foreign Affairs, Iraq War, Pres. George W. Bush, RSS Feed)
The Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required, you freeloading liberal!) reports that American officials are concerned that the biggest problem in Iraq isn’t our enemies, it’s our friends.
Excerpt:
Inaction in Iraq
Senior U.S. military commanders in Iraq “now portray the intransigence of Iraq’s Shiite-dominated government as the key threat facing the U.S.effort in Iraq, rather than al Qaeda terrorists, Sunni insurgents or Iranian-backed militias,” the Washington Post reports. “In more than adozen interviews, U.S. military officials expressed growing concern over the Iraqi government’s failure to capitalize on sharp declines in attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians.” Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T.Odierno tells the Post that the government currently has a chance toreach out to its former foes, but “it’s unclear how long that window isgoing to be open.”
Just remember who put these idiots in charge in Iraq. Us, or more accurately, the Bush Administration and its anti-brain trust.
Because I’ve been so busy, I wasn’t able to get to this issue until now.
