Senate body to challenge impartiality of Red Cross

[Stockholm]

:wtf:

An influential Senate Republican body is drafting a White Paper calling into question the impartiality of the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to a senior Senate aide.

Asking that the Republican body not be named before the paper was released, the aide said it would raise concerns about "recent ICRC actions and statements that call in to question the organisation's long-standing impartiality and neutrality principles when applied to the US government".

The paper will call for changes at the ICRC, including allowing non-Swiss nationals to become board members. It will also question whether the organisation is straying from its core mission by lobbying governments on issues such as biological weapons.

The ICRC argues that preventing the use of such weapons on the battlefield is within its mission because of their humanitarian impact.

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/a829fd96-db6a-11d9-913a-00000e2511c8.html

[liberal N proud]

1. For the bu$h regime to continue to abuse prisoners this organization

must be taken down.
Is there anything sacred to these piss-ants?
The very followers of the regime do not realize they too will be crushed and thrown to the wolves when the time is right.

[xxqqqzme]

113. 'Is there anything sacred to these piss-ants?'

ahhh - no! When the time is right even focus on family will B crushed! Suckers!

[Todd B]

2. Have they thought about, oh I don't know,

Hmm, have they thought about, oh I don't know, actually addressing the concerns raised by the Red Cross instead of going in to attack mo---

Oh yeah, I forgot who we were dealing with.

[DrZeeLit]

13. Thank you. You made my morning. I did a spit-take with my coffee.

I so love a good laugh over these bumbling idiots. They actually would be hysterically funny IF it weren't for the fact that.... they run the country. Damn!

I must say, it takes BALLS to call into question The Red Cross. My oh my. A collage of hurricanes, floods, sunamis, earthquakes, bloodmobiles and nurses in starched white uniforms is parading across my mental screen.

Somebody, somewhere, with clout, in some big time media/t.v. capacity needs to Stand Up and say: HAVE YOU NO DECENCY?!

[Todd B]

30. Glad I could help!

Glad I could help!

Unfortunately, in these days many times when you say something that could usually be construed as "tongue-in-cheek" all too often hits home.

I mean, the nerve of the Red Cross to actually go out and make life better for victims of humanitarian crisis/disasters! For shame! *eg*

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. During the first few weeks of the invasion

the ICRC was going into Iraq hospitals and documenting all of the casualties and would post daily reports on their website. Appartently the US got wind of it and made them stop the reports. Now the US wants to totally neuture the ICRC. Why am I not surprised?

[malaise]

5. Is any institution

safe from these people?

[kevinmc]

4. The GOP Run U.S. is Turning Into China

[LightningFlash]

19. Just pathetic to really think.

[confludemocrat]

34. Even China was never quite this brazen; these assholes are crazy

They think that even with 60% turning against the war in Iraq that they can reverse the tide of truth (this is for U.S. doemstci consumption, of course) by using their swift boat lier strategy on the IRC?

They had it handed to them on the oil for food thing by Galloway, but their lying/spin continues, they are insane.

[Solly Mack]

6. And the goal? to hide and cover-up torture

civilian deaths, and anything else the US does not want reported.

[0007]

7. The fix is being fixed?

Does it mean that the U.S. can do no wrong

[Barrett808]

8. Embarrassing. n/t

[Roy]

9. The bright spot may be.....

That sparking this debate may force the Red Cross to publish evidence of crimes being committed by these idiots in order to defend themselves.

I'm sure they wouldn't be talking about abuses without documenting that abuses were actually committed. And everyone is well aware of the republicans penchant for over reaching and shooting themselves in the foot.

[BiggJawn]

29. "Evidence"? Like Newsweek and Jim Hatfield had?

Rumsferatu and Rove say "What? We NEVER! What are these people smoking?"

And that settles it.

"Newsweek" had the goods on this bunch. Discredited.
CBS had the goods on them. Discredited.
Hatfield had it straight from Karl's mouth. He's DEAD.

The Red Cross could have video of Rumsferatu, "Dirty" Sanchez, and Wolfowitz butt-raping Iraqi mothers while Halliburton "security guards" forced them to turn the spits their babies were roasting on, and Scotty McClellan would have a "perfectly REASONABLE explanation" for it all.

And Rush would pronounce it a Blow for Freedom, and the Sheeple would say "AMEN!" and go to Wally-World....And James Dobson would call for all good Murkan christians to stop donating to those "commies"...

[Orangepeel]

41. I don't know. People generally have a high opinion of the Red Cross

Newsweek and CBS were easier targets. Despite other allegatations of mishandling money, I believe the Red Cross has is well regarded by Americans (how many donated to them after the Tsunami?).

I have my fingers crossed (no pun intended) that this might backfire and just get more Americans to hear/think about the abuse.

[BiggJawn]

80. CBS was highly thought of, too.

At least outside of the Mouthbreathers circles.

They may not fold at the first shot out of the WH press office, but they too will eventually have to decide which is more cost-effective, being true to their ideals or getting the Bush Gang off their asses...

[Coastie for Truth]

126. May get progressives to support the Red Cross

and Sheeple to boycott Red Cross (except when the Sheeple need help). Dobson will call for a boycott.

[Coastie for Truth]

125. Sad

But true -- even the freeper here are doing Roves bidding.

[Demit]

10. --allowing non-Swiss nationals to become board members?

Like maybe, U.S. citizens who are large donors to the Republican Party, perhaps?

[leQ]

12. isn't liz dole still heading the RC in the states? (eom)

[rodeodance]

27. Eliz Dole gave up that positon when she ran for the Senate

[Coastie for Truth]

127. You got it - how bout Chamblis Saxbe (or whatever his name is)

[still_one]

11. just want to point out the following

Israel is not permitted to join the International Red Cross and access its funds and resources because it does not use the Red Cross symbol. Other emblems are allowed, however, including the Red Lion used by Iran before the revolution and the Red Crescent used by Moslem countries.

When the blood supply was questionable in the U.S. due to their inept testing of HIV, the Red Cross was against anyone auto-donating. This has also recently been reported in happening in Canada also.

After 9/11 the red cross held money drives for the victims of the 9/11 attacks and then held it (and still have yet to release it all) for a couple of years (earning interest). They told those of us donating that the donations were to be given directly to the vicitms families. Once the almost $1 billion was collected, the Red Cross changed it's tune. They claimed they had always made it clear that it was to be used by the organization were it needed it the most (including over seas in places like... Iraq, Afghanistan, Somolia, etc... Some of the same exact places that the attacks came from!) and have yet to release it to the vicitims families. So they scammed U.S. citizens out of hundreds of millions of dollars, took a large profit (even though it's a non-profit organization... Just look at the pay hikes of the administrators) AND THEN gave our donations to the very same mongrels that attacked us.

The American Red Cross has also been plauged by other scandals also:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/29/eveningnews/main516700.shtml

Even during World War II, many GIs had some unpleasant encounters with the red cross

[rodeodance]

14. Clara Barton--the founder, who is buried in Cuba where she died would

be so sad to hear of the antics of the Red Cross.

The congress is going after them cause of their claims of abuse--sullied the name of the US--so they argue!!
For all its problems the Red Cross does do good work (problems with the upper ceo's --not its workers).

[rodeodance]

17. I see taat the Repug Senators will not allow their names to be known.

[still_one]

43. don't get me wrong

I just think the Red Cross needs to be cleaned up, NOT gotton rid of

you don't throw the baby with the bath water out

[leesa]

18. Stop trashing the Red Cross. They are a valuable, wonderful organization

Why can't Israel stop being obstructive if they want the Red Cross resources?

Sounds like you should be over in FR.

[Bridget Burke]

26. I'm sure Israel could come up with a suitable symbol.

The Muslims did. (The Crusaders were know by their Red Crosses.) Perhaps they don't want the resources because the Red Cross pokes into "government" matters at times.

And criticisms of the US Red Cross aren't really relevant to the international group.

[still_one]

45. wait a minute

the Muslims are NOT using a red cross, and you imply that it is okay because of the crusades, but the cross has inflicted the same symbol on the jews, such as the inquisition, etc.

you either do all or nothing

[Bridget Burke]

60. So why can't Israel come up with a symbol they prefer?

Are they stupid? I don't think so.

Perhaps they would prefer the International Red Cross leave them alone. Just as the Republicans mentioned here would prefer the US be left alone...

[still_one]

67. I don't think they want the IRC to leave them alone

they have been discussing this with them for over a decade

[Stockholm]

69. Smoke and mirrors (i.e. not part of the article)

The red cross on a white background was adopted as a neutral protective emblem by the first Geneva Convention in 1864, reversing the colours of the Swiss flag, as a tribute to the country where the movement was started.

Historians disagree over whether the cross on the Swiss flag was originally a symbol of Christianity or an adaptation of a regional flag used in battle.

The red crescent was first used as a protection symbol in 1876. It was officially recognised under a Geneva Convention in 1929.

I know that the US Red Cross due to this issue has withheld $5 million a year in membership dues to the IFRC since 2000.

Now, it is interesting that you want to bring this into the discussion since it has absolutely nothing to do with the article.

Not bashing the red cross ...

[still_one]

74. agreed

[still_one]

75. I agree, it was just an emotional reaction on my part

probably should not have brought it up

[Stockholm]

77. No you should not

The following statement from the article is really what * & Co can´t handle:

Antonella Notari, ICRC spokeswoman, said: "The ICRC doesn't side with any of the parties to armed conflicts.

"It remains neutral and impartial with respect to any cause other than the humanitarian cause."

[ElectroPrincess]

90. Plus now Israel is a "power player" ... you are not going to gin up

much sympathy due to their behavior SINCE WWII.

[still_one]

44. I am NOT trashing the red cross

the funding from the 9/11 episode was a disgrace!

If an organization cannot take critisim and correct it, there is something very wrong...

What do you mean Israel is being obstructive, because they don't display a "RED CROSS", but a STAR OF DAVID. Magon David Adom, helps anyone who is injured or hurt, Arab, Jew, or Christian

They do NOT have the same restrictions on the Red Cressant or the Red Lion.

[still_one]

48. incidently, I do NOT agree with what the Senate wants to do

THAT IS PURE POLITICS

all I was pointing out, was that the Red Cross has problems, and they should be addressed

[Coastie for Truth]

118. What are you talking about "Israel .. being obstructive"

First, let's get the record straight with biases and prejudices - I am Jewish, I contribute money to Israel's Mogen Dovid Adom (Red Star of David).

Second, I am also a "Mass Care" and "Disaster Assistance" volunteer of the AMERICAN RED CROSS - when the 6AM news say "Five alarm fire in Pinehurst - 86 families displaced - the Red Cross is providing temporary housing" - I am one of the volunteers who mans the shelter - twelve hours at a stretch. And if its only a few families - I am one of the Red Cross volunteers with the client assistance cards - arranging three days of temporary housing - usually while the smell of smoke is in the air and the fire trucks are there.

To "stillone" who appended

Israel is not permitted to join the International Red Cross and access its funds and resources because it does not use the Red Cross symbol. Other emblems are allowed, however, including the Red Lion used by Iran before the revolution and the Red Crescent used by Moslem countries.

Get your facts straight - Israel's Mogen Dovid Adom is a non-voting member of the ICRC. It receives no money from the ICRC. Israel's MDA provides the full range of ICRC services in Israel - and provided ICRC activities to the Tsunami - and in East Africa.

To leesa who appended

Why can't Israel stop being obstructive if they want the Red Cross resources?

The "resources" you "get" are the "right" to pay dues to the ICRC (which Israel's MDA does as a "non-Voting observer") and to be called up for international disasters (which MDA volunteers for).

To bridget burke who appended

Perhaps they don't want the resources because the Red Cross pokes into "government" matters at times.

Perhaps they would prefer the International Red Cross leave them alone. Just as the Republicans mentioned here would prefer the US be left alone...

The ICRC "pokes into government matters" because Israel is a signatory to the Geneva conventions, even if the Mogen Dovid Adom was a private clube. It's the Geneva Conventions -- not membership in the ICRC.

[bpilgrim]

23. fox news spear headed that smear campaign...

"Even during World War II, many GIs had some unpleasant encounters with the red cross"

:eyes:

peace

[Demit]

31. Well, as a matter of fact, my dad had a bad experience with them when

he was in the Navy overseas in WWII. I don't know about many GIs, but Dad never did warm up to them. He'd always make sure to donate blood to some other organization.

[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Demit]

38. With a reply like that I think your signoff of "peace" is obscene.

[bpilgrim]

50. huh?

i asked what happened?

peace

[Demit]

56. No, you asked did they wrap his wounds too tight.

There was no need to mock my father in order to (I guess) defend the Red Cross. Whom I wasn't attacking anyway. What a terrible way to think, and then after the slur to sign off with "peace".

[bpilgrim]

58. what happened?!?

third time

peace

[Demit]

61. Apologize for the slur and I might converse with you.

If you can get me to understand that you don't really mean to challenge my dad's veracity--presumably because it appears to back up what the hated Fox News said--I might relate the incident. Although, even now, pretending that your now deleted post was some kind of innocent question that you are asking for "the third time", makes me wonder about your goodwill.

[bpilgrim]

68. yawn

never mind

peace

[Demit]

78. Yes, I thought so. Write slime & pretend it wasn't.

There are people on this board who will own up to what they've done. Others can't because they think it will make them look less of a man. But they show what they are anyway.

[bpilgrim]

93. pfft...

so what, i mocked your hearsay, with 0 details, in a neg thread about the RC which is being promoted by the right wing wackos... in a vain attempt to needle more details out of you.

DEAL with it

:hi:

peace

[still_one]

46. I also know GIs who were treated very badly by them in WWII

[bpilgrim]

51. oh yeah?

what happened?

peace

[still_one]

54. They wouldn't give them blankets and coffee unless they paid for it

[bpilgrim]

59. sounds like friends of bush

what were the circumstances?

peace

[still_one]

63. This was in '75, when I was a brandy chemist

at a California wineary. Many of the workers there were WWII vets. At the time I was expressing the virtues of the Red Cross, and they gave me a different perspective

The actual specifics, other than they had to pay for everything they got from the Red Cross when they were stationed over in Europe, have vanished in time

[bpilgrim]

71. well, if they weren't wounded sounds reasonable to me

thanks for sharing :toast:

peace

[still_one]

73. No, they weren't wounded

just tired and war weary

anyway, better to look forward then back. I should probably not have been so critical

peace

[Danieljay]

110. Here is the full story..........

When the American Red Cross was asked to provide services to US military personnel, they offered to provide food and lodging FREE to soldiers. However, the British High Command made an official request to the US War Department that US sevicemen be required to pay for whatever they received, just as the British soldiers had to pay.

Red Cross was adamantly opposed to this concept and vehemently protested. However, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, in a letter dated March 20, 1942, ordered Red Cross to charge for these services.

Although Red Cross Obeyed the "command" and charged for services, the Red Cross clubs operated at a loss and represented a heavy financial burden.

So, there ya have it. I happen to work for the American Red Cross, and despite issues common to non profits, its the best organization I've ever worked for. Not only do they take care of members of our community that are in need, they take care of their employees and their volunteers. Our chapter staff of 50 supports the work of over 1600 volunteers and responds to an emergency on average every 30 hours. This is in addition to the Blood Services that the Red Cross provides.

[bobbieinok]

105. I read this frequently in the 50s.....it was apparently commonly

accepted that the red cross provided coffee and doughnuts after battles in WWII but required the soldiers coming out of battle to pay for the coffee and doughnuts

I don't know if this is true.....I just know it was commonly mentioned in the 50s whenever there was a red cross donation drive

[happyslug]

95. GI connection was with the US RED CROSS

NOT the INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS. While related, these two organizations are separate organization independent of each other. Congress set up the US Red Cross to handle emergencies within the US and within the US Military (And with those funding comes restrictions imposed by Congress, which leads to the problems people have had with the Red Cross).

The chief Problem of the US Red Cross is that Congress wants it to be a Public Welfare Agency (i.e. all of its money to people in Need in an emergency situation) while people look upon the Red Cross as a Charity to help people in an emergency (Whether they are "needy" or not). These positions are NOT compatible and causes all of the stories you hear of about the Red Cross.

One last note, again the US Red Cross is NOT part of the International Red Cross. Two separate through related agencies, with different agendas and different histories (Through inter-related). The IRC gets very little US Funds, while the US Red Cross gets a good bit of Funding from the US Congress.

[ElectroPrincess]

96. Thank you sincerely for the education ... :-) I was not aware. /eom

[happyslug]

97. Here is their web sites for more information

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):
http://www.icrc.org/eng
"International Committee of the Red Cross, an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence."

History of the ICRC
http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList2/About_the_ICRC:History


American Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org/

History of the American Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org/museum/briefarc.html
http://www.redcross.org/museum/charters.html


And than we have the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent. This does the actual co-ordination of disaster relief:
http://www.ifrc.org/

[Coastie for Truth]

119. "while the US Red Cross gets a good bit of Funding from the US Congress."

I am not aware of that -- and I am one of the unpaid, ARC volunteers who goes into hurricane zones.

The FEMA "volunteers" get reimbursed -- and the Guard gets paid. But not us.

[happyslug]

120. Yes the American Red Cross gets US funds

Some of it in the from of funds for Soldier and Sailor relief, other in the form of direct grants. Now most ARC funding is private donations but Congress provides some funding and that fundings comes with restrictions. The Red Cross than applies those restrictions as Congress sets forth (Which is why you have so many soldiers and Sailors from WWII and Vietnam with bad memories of the Red Cross, the Red Cross obeyed those Congressional restrictions while the Salvation Army ignored them).

Now FEMA and the National Guard gets paid straight from the Federal Government, ARC gets only hat Congress authorizes it. Thus your split in funding, the Guard gets paid, FEMA gets reimbursed, and ARC volunteers gets a big thank you note.

[Coastie for Truth]

122. You really have to dig into the Tax Code and the US Code

Soldier and Sailor Relief is a direct PO/Contract from the governmnet - no real discretion -- and it is audited.

Every penny that comes through the ARC is explicitly subject to either or both of section of the Internal Revenue Code and to the - and everything is auditable - and the Federal monies are audited.

Marti Evans doesn't have a lot of discretion - it's not her money.

[happyslug]

130. And you will NOT hear me argue that point

I work for legal services and come under many of the same or similar regulations. Congress is notorious for adding rules on not only how its money is to be spent but how any money to that organizations is spent. This leverages the power of Congress and its restrictions. Thus the ARC often does not even have full discretion on how its uses its own money.

[Coastie for Truth]

123. "ARC volunteers gets a big thank you note"

Actually, sometimes it's a thank you from the people you help. That's the psychic high I had in the active Coast Guard (and, as a fire fighter told me "That's the best part of this job.")

[Danieljay]

129. The Red Cross DOES NOT get a good bit of funding from US Congress...

Rarely if ever! During the hurricanes last year the burden was so great that congress alotted between 70-80 million to be used in direct service to those affected.

The American Red Cross does NOT normally receive "a good bit of funding" from the US Congress.

Locally, our chapter of the Red Cross receives about 24% funding from the United Way and 76% of funding comes from individuals and corporations.

[Coastie for Truth]

121. My mom complained about the American Cancer Society

she forgot that they gave her the "lead" into a clinical trial that prolonged her life and quality of life.

All she remembered was that they didn't get her a wig while she was undergoing chemotherapy.

[Stockholm]

35. Yes you are right....

Ship the bastards over to gitmo!

[still_one]

47. I am NOT calling for the destruction of the Red Cross

just clean it up, and get rid of the politics

an organization to use as an example is Amnesty International or event the American Civil Liberties organization

[bpilgrim]

52. what politics?

i think it is another sign of the times that even long established and internationally recognized and respected charitable orgs are now under attack by the RW.

it STINKS.

peace

[still_one]

57. First of all I do NOT agree with what Congress wants to do

that is politics

second, that they ban Magen David Adom, because they won't display a RED Cross, but allow the Red Cressant is politics

Their attitude during the aids crisis when the blood supply was in question, was NOT politics, but arrogence

The holding back millions to help the victims of 9/11, was not politics, but loss of trust

I just want the Red Cross to clean up its act, so it won't be abused

[bpilgrim]

66. good

then why help spread RW BS?

Israel's Magen David Adom society: key facts on ICRC support
http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList325/C0E42770148ABB7FC1256E2E003C6777

the 911 thing was a FOX NEWS (bill o'really) smear campaign.

i am sure the RC isn't PERFECT like any org but they will always have my support for their MISSION saving lives and relieving suffering.


peace

[still_one]

70. the 9/11 was not just fox

The Red Cross, especially, has drawn a great deal of criticism for reportedly setting aside upwards of $200 million — which it solicited for its "Liberty Fund" by saying that all monies would be sent directly to victims' families — on other long-term programs such as blood storage, assistance to needy reservist and National Guard families, community outreach programs, and funds for victims of future terrorist attacks. In response, the American Red Cross has halted solicitations for September 11 victims, brought in an outside auditor to review the organization's spending and announced that it may triple cash gifts to families who lost loved ones on September 11. On 26 October, Red Cross President and CEO Dr. Bernadine Healy also resigned (or was forced out) in a dispute over the management of funds. Eliot Spitzer, the New York State attorney general, has proposed registering victims' families and other survivors in a database to allow charities to reach out to them instead of their having to find the appropriate charities, and the Red Cross has been criticized for "refusing" to participate in this program.

second, I would be the LAST person to spread RW propaganda, BS, etc.

[bpilgrim]

76. it was SPEAR-HEADED by FOX NEWS - i watched it unfold

and it was BS as usual, trying to claim that the red cross was scamming the victims of 911 :puke:

the RED CROSS has OVERHEAD, too, ya know and though it may be debatable how efficient they are it is simply a SMEAR to attack them the way fox news did over the BS issue.

If i was the RC i wouldn't TOUCH the 911 issue any longer after the vicious ATTACKS they received.

shortly afterwords i canceled cable, phew... feel MUCH better now =)

peace

[Flavin]

85. Additional Thoughts as to IRC 9-11 funds...

I seem to remember shortly after the massive fundraising efforts for the 9/11 family survivors booted up that our illustrious house/senate/White House decided that if you receive payments from outside sources (donations, life insurance etc) that this amount would be DEDUCTED from any govt. settlement. So recieved such aid COST you aid in the future.

This decision put many a family in an uncomfortable position.

Our breadwinner is dead. We need to pay the rent. The Govt says they will pay us an unknown amount to be determined by a 'commitee'in the future. These other folk will give us what we need based on our need. But OUR GOVT. will reduce future payouts becauyse we are now in need? Starve now or starve later....

Screwed up man....

Chris

[stickdog]

101. But that's the AMERICAN RED CROSS. So it's irrelevant anyway. (nt)

[still_one]

72. Excellent link, which shows that progress is being made

It is about time

[ElectroPrincess]

91. The vast MAJORITY of service members (including myself) have

had nothing but good experiences thanks to the efforts of the Red Cross.

Besides, as was mentioned before, this issue concerns impartiality. We all know that Bush-Co. wants us to believe that "these people" are less than human and any TORTURE less than that which will shut down their Kidney's or Heart is, well, just what those an-i-Mal terrorists deserve. :puke:

[UncleSepp]

83. Mongrels?

So we were attacked by mongrels, as opposed to what? Purebreds?

Your anger is understandable, but do you suppose you might find a way to express it without using racially charged terms?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

89. Looks like we're the only posters who saw that comment....then again...

...the people that were REALLY behind 911, or at least allowed it to happen, could be described as mongrels. I'm not convinced, however, that the planners of 911 were Muslim, nor am I convinced that were located very far from the centers of NeoCon power.

[UncleSepp]

99. I don't think it's appropriate to describe any person that way

It implies that there exists a non-mongrel, a non-mixed identity, and gives credence to an idea of racial purity whether intentional or not.

[MisterP]

128. they were purebred beagles that attacked us!

[ElectroPrincess]

88. Oh yeah, and it all has WHAT to do with the present situation at GIT-MO?

[stickdog]

100. "gave our donations to the very same mongrels that attacked us"

BushCo has "given" well over 200 billion taxpayers dollars "to the very same mongrels that attacked us."

[NickB79]

106. We are discussing the International Red Cross

Other than the first point of your post, which has merit in this discussion, the other points have no value as they are describing the AMERICAN Red Cross, a seperate organization from the International Red Cross.

[anotherdrew]

116. just want to point out the following

So PEOPLE in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somolia, etc... shouldn't receive aid because you don't like their countries? Shove your ignorant opinion where the sun doesn't shine bigot

Here's how it works - money goes into the big pot and get's spent where it's needed. 911 families problems aren't going to be fixed by getting money from the red cross idiot, plus they have life insurance and big checks from the governement. (which I might add other people who suffer unexpected losses do NOT recieve).

[leesa]

15. Ah, yes...attack the messenger, their specialty!

[KittyWampus]

49. Are Overreactions & Unwarranted Attacks Your Specialty?

I also remember hearing about the Red Cross-9/11 donations. Better we face the truth and prepare than remain ignorant of facts.

[bpilgrim]

53. that was a RW attack

spearheaded by fox news

fyi

peace

[NJCher]

16. a paper?

How civilized. For republicans, anyway. Usually they just have the military blow 'em away.


Cher

[rodeodance]

21. and they will not even allow the Senate body to be named!!

An influential Senate Republican body is drafting a White Paper calling into question the impartiality of the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to a senior Senate aide.
ADVERTISEMENT

Asking that the Republican body not be named before the paper was released, the aide said it would raise concerns about "recent ICRC actions and statements that call in to question the organisation's long-standing impartiality and neutrality principles when applied to the US government".

[Tesha]

20. Mom! *EVERYBODY HATES ME!!!

Wah, wah, wah...

Tesha

[rodeodance]

22. says could be released today

.....While having no direct impact on legislation, the paper, which could be released as early as Monday, could fuel congressional scepticism towards humanitarian organisations.

The ICRC came under fire last month after it confirmed it had raised concerns with the Pentagon in 2002 about allegations that US guards were mishandling the Koran at the US-run detention facility at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba.

Some Republicans have criticised the ICRC for allegedly impeding US efforts to prosecute the war on terror. But others, including John McCain, the Arizona Republican senator who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, have strongly defended the organisation.

The policy paper will argue that the ICRC has been less zealous in pursuing access to prisoners of war in the case of US soldiers. The ICRC concedes it was unable to gain access to US prisoners in Iraq before the regime collapsed, but argues it used all possible means to convince the Iraqis to provide access. ........

[rodeodance]

24. it is called a 'policy paper" and will ask the GEO for an investigation.

......The Senate aide said the policy paper would also call for an investigation by the Government Accountability Office, the oversight arm of Congress, into how the ICRC spent its funding, about 28 per cent of which it receives from the US.

The State Department said that the US held the ICRC's work in the "highest regard". Antonella Notari, ICRC spokeswoman, said: "The ICRC doesn't side with any of the parties to armed conflicts.

"It remains neutral and impartial with respect to any cause other than the humanitarian cause."

[jpak]

25. And when US soldiers are taken prisoner

and their captors scoff at the Geneva Convention (thanks to the GOP)...

and when they are denied access to Red Cross (thanks to the GOP)...

what will these assholes say?????

[rodeodance]

28. they will whine like they usually do.

[lisby]

62. I know...

They'll blame Bill Clinton's penis somehow.

:eyes:

Lisby

[mod mom]

32. This will continue to weaken * administration in the eyes of the world. nt

[rodeodance]

39. yes, I think so also--esp. when it is so blatant that it is abuse coverage

that these Senators are in a tizzy about.

[Supersedeas]

33. git your nose outta our big Defense contractor bidness plz

[ElsewheresDaughter]

37. let them go ahead and atempt to do this....it will cook their fucking.....

goose!!!!...this will kill the GOP for ever...god let them do it

[Patty Diana]

40. Time to add Red Cross to our Google Alerts List

http://www.google.com/alerts?hl=en

[xchrom]

42. must eliminate liberals and liberal organizations

where ever they exist.

[99Pancakes]

65. Yes

This is their "version" of "Democracy".

[bemildred]

55. Since when was the Red Cross supposed to be "impartial"?

Next thing they will be saying Jesus loves Democrats.
Hmmmmm ...

[Danieljay]

111. here...

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

[jokerman93]

64. Read Between the Lines

"The paper will call for changes at the ICRC, including allowing non-Swiss nationals to become board members."

They want access to the ICRC so they can eventually hollow it out and make it subject to their fictional version of the world.

They want it all, don't they?

[adigal]

79. Yes, they do, but the IRC is like the AARP in a way

It is a highly respected organization; I don't think most people will think that they are against the United States. I bet people trust the IRC more than they trust this administration. This just makes BushCo look worse - if I were his advisor (god help me!) I would never allow them to attack the IRC. Look at what happened when they went up against the AARP - approval for Soc Security down around 26 to 30%.

[struggle4progress]

81. Appeal on Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity (ICRC / Sep 2002)

Press release, 25 September 2002
Summary

Alarmed by the potential hostile uses of biotechnology, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) appeals to:

all political and military authorities to strengthen their commitment to the international humanitarian law norms which prohibit the hostile uses of biological agents and to work together to subject potentially dangerous biotechnology to effective controls.

the scientific and medical communities, industry and civil society in general to ensure that potentially dangerous biological knowledge and agents be subject to effective controls. <snip>

http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList515/274D020806432963C1256C3E005C4338

Certain people in US government really panic whenever they hear about "commitment to the international humanitarian law norms" ...

[The Magistrate]

82. These Reptiles, Sir

Have an odd definition of impartiality. Apparently they seem to imagine it means "never criticizing us"....

[JerseygirlCT]

84. There's nothing they won't destroy to keep their crimes under cover nt

[Hatalles]

86. These neocons absolutely detest human/civil rights organizations...

ACLU
NAACP
CAIR
Amnesty
Red Cross

[ElectroPrincess]

87. I guess Senator Dole will have to resign due to her past transgressions?

As I recall ole' Ronnie appointed her to CHAIR the Red Cross?

Why, I can hear the Freepers exclaiming now, "She shud B Ass-hamed!"

[KoKo]

104. I was about to post same thing. "Darling Liddy" was their poster girl for

Red Cross once....even though she got into some trouble..funding scandal or something that sort of put a little dust on her for awhile.

Geeze the Damned Repugs are SO Predictable. When will folks get tired of their whining and thug tactics against every person or group that isn't lock step with them.

That's probably what in the end will bring them down. Always over-reaching and making enemy after enemy. Kill every messenger and spread fear and loathing while they pretend to love "freedom and democracy. :puke:

[soda]

92. 'You are either with us or against us'

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush said Tuesday that there was no room for neutrality in the war against terrorism.
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/11/06/gen.attack.on.terror/

[ElectroPrincess]

94. And your point is what? If * jumps off a cliff, we're supposed to

follow him like cattle stampeding into the abyss of insanity?

Do the Freepers hate critical thinking that much? It's scary to consider the sheer numbers of people who want to BELIEVE EVERYTHING that is spewed forth on the primary propaganda network for this criminal administration: namely FOX Cable News - all lies and spin, all of the time!

[Roland99]

98. Damn! Stooping to ever-lower depths to sling mud to cover up their crimes.

[stickdog]

102. Repuke Solution = Red Fox: The Fair & Balanced Crisis Charity

Red Fox helps those who help themselves.

[FormerOstrich]

103. So many entities....

so little relevelance...

NOT relevant

ICRC
Amnesty International
Newsweek
UN
CIA
FBI
International Court
Democratic Party
Unions
Constitution/Bill of Rights
FormerOstrich

[recycledindi]

107. waaaaaa

what a bunch of crybabies these people are. going after the red cross? I mean, if jesus himself came out and said that what they're doing is wrong, they would attack him. no souls. no brains. just greed and ego.

[Amonester]

109. they would have a hard time just "recognizing" the man.

they'd lablel the man as "librul" (long hair, long beard, etc.) lol

the fundies would then want the man to be put in jail... :(

welcome to du

:hi:


:dem:

[Chauga]

108. Where can I get some of the drugs these Senators are taking???

[lolly]

138. You wouldn't want them

They apparently make you mean, paranoid, and incapable of enjoying good sex.

[Coastie for Truth]

112. And this is a "Compassionate" Administration

Headed By Bible Thumping "Compassionate Conservatives" --

[msanthrope]

114. Why do I think that the US Army wants to start laying minefields

in Iraq/Iran? And doesn't want any pesky reports?

[anotherdrew]

115. America - the pariah nation

Time for the rest of the world to sanction our asses, throw us out of the UN and topple this regime.

[TrogL]

117. This probably has something to do with the Geneva Conventions

considering the Red Cross is the supervisory body.

http://www.redcross.lv/en/conventions.htm

[Bo]

124. Alternate reality reminder......

Remember we entered an alternate reality in 2000

[Coastie for Truth]

131. "Can you get to the Chapter With Your Go Kit..."

The magnitude 7.0 event occurred 146 km (91 miles) WSW of Crescent City, CA. --- and the Red Cross will be there -- especially if the Tsunami Alert proves true.

[NoPasaran]

132. LAT: GOP Committee Targets International Red Cross

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are calling on the Bush administration to reassess U.S. financial support for the International Committee of the Red Cross, charging that the group is using American funds to lobby against U.S. interests.

The Senate Republican Policy Committee, which advances the views of the GOP Senate majority, said in a report that the international humanitarian organization had "lost its way" and veered from the impartiality on which its reputation was based. The Republican policy group titled its report: "Are American Interests Being Disserved by the International Committee of the Red Cross?"

The congressional criticism follows reports by the Swiss-based group that have faulted U.S. treatment of detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A spokeswoman at its Geneva headquarters said the organization was reviewing the report and would not comment, in accordance with its policy of keeping its dealings with governments confidential.

Two Bush administration officials declined in interviews to endorse the findings of the report but said the administration had had "concerns" about some positions taken by the ICRC since the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of diplomatic protocol and their relations with Congress.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-redcross15jun15,0,899443.story?track=tothtml

[leveymg]

133. LAT: "GOP Committee Targets Int'l Red Cross"

GOP Committee Targets International Red Cross
Senators ask Bush to reconsider financial support for the agency after its criticism of how U.S. forces treat their detainees abroad.

By Sonni Efron, Times Staff Writer
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-redcross15jun15,0,899443.story?coll=la-headlines-world


WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are calling on the Bush administration to reassess U.S. financial support for the International Committee of the Red Cross, charging that the group is using American funds to lobby against U.S. interests.

The Senate Republican Policy Committee, which advances the views of the GOP Senate majority, said in a report that the international humanitarian organization had "lost its way" and veered from the impartiality on which its reputation was based. The Republican policy group titled its report: "Are American Interests Being Disserved by the International Committee of the Red Cross?"

The congressional criticism follows reports by the Swiss-based group that have faulted U.S. treatment of detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A spokeswoman at its Geneva headquarters said the organization was reviewing the report and would not comment, in accordance with its policy of keeping its dealings with governments confidential.
<SNIP>

:eyes:

[opihimoimoi]

134. KILL THE MESSENGER....OFF with his Head. "The audacity...

can you imagine that...? Complaining about how we treat those ragheads?"

[no_hypocrisy]

135. The silence from Senator ELIZABETH DOLE is deafening on this matter

considering she was the NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS for many years.

[ixion]

136. lost their way, just like Amnesty Int'l

seems when an agency, any agency, submits a report that disfavors BushCo, then that agency has become partisan or lost it's way. :eyes:

I swear, these 'people' are like emotionally-disturbed third graders, IMO.

[bluestateguy]

137. Yes, they're right

From now on we'll have Project for a New American Century serve as the international monitor of human rights instead of the corrupt IRC. :eyes:

[Zerex71]

139. Typical GOP tactic: When you don't want to hear the truth,

shoot, smear, or crash the messenger's plane.