"We need to support the troops who refuse to fight," Simpson said.

[NNN0LHI]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/365421_antiwar02.html

Vets' intentions were shattered in wartime horrors

Stories recount experiences in Iraq

Last updated June 1, 2008 10:25 p.m. PT

By LISA STIFFLER
P-I REPORTER

One former soldier recounted an interrogation of an Iraqi by his fellow combatants so brutal he likened it to "a frat house gang rape."

Another was still troubled not by his close brushes with death, but by the times he nearly shot innocent Iraqi civilians. snip

"Ninety-five percent of the people we arrested had nothing to do with the insurgency, but we were still told to interrogate them," Simpson told the crowd.

He'd scream and yell at the prisoners, sometimes reducing them to tears or self-abuse such as hitting their heads repeatedly against the wall. He saw prisoners horribly bruised and bloodied by Iraqi interrogators. He wants the war to end.
"We need to support the troops who refuse to fight," Simpson said. snip

"The longer we're over there," said Joshua Farris, a former Army specialist in Iraq, "the more it will inflame the violence when we leave."

[countryjake]

1. Opening statements of Northwest Winter Soldier...

http://www.thisisby.us/index.php/content/the_opening_statements_of_northwest_winter_soldier#top

~snip~

"Thank you.

My name is Michael William. I am the Northwest regional coordinator of IVAW.

I have deep respect for all whom have been touched by this illegal war of aggression. The veterans of the global war on terror carry many wounds and memories which are difficult to share, and I applaud these representatives of the Northwest Region of Iraq Veterans Against the War who are brave enough to speak.

Not only are they here to expose their painful personal experiences, they are speaking out about the institutionalized racism, sexism, and bigotry which pervades the military, they are speaking up about the rapes and murders happening in our bases, and they are educating you on the stark epidemic of post traumatic stress disorder which haunts this generation of service members.

Each speaker deserves your applause, but due the length of this panel, we ask that you please hold your applause until the end.

I have never met a more patriotic group of young men and women than in the ranks of IVAW. I've never found them quibbling over who has the largest flag lapel, but wherever there is a gathering of IVAW members, you can be sure a copy of the United States Constitution is near at hand, if not at heart. IVAW members still remember their oath to defend the United States from enemies - foreign and domestic - and this struggle begins here, speaking to a public which was misled into an illegal, imperialist war under false pretenses."

[countryjake]

2. Kick!