Bush admin. advises mother of dead GI to hire mercs for security to attend trial of accused Iraqi

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/21/america/NA-FEA-GEN-US-Murder-in-Wartime-Mother.php

Urged not to go to Iraq for trial, US soldier's mother says, 'I want to understand'

TRACY, California: If there is ever a trial for the Iraqi accused of murdering Spc. Patrick McCaffrey, the U.S. soldier's mother is determined to be there. But the Bush administration has strongly warned her against venturing to Baghdad.

"Given the overall security situation in Iraq, we hope that Mrs. McCaffrey will decide against traveling there at this time," Jeffrey T. Bergner, the State Department's legislative affairs chief, wrote in October to Sen. Barbara Boxer of California.

The government will not arrange her travel, nor help ensure her safety there, Bergner wrote.

"If she chooses to travel to Iraq, we strongly recommend that Mrs. McCaffrey retain the services of a security company while she is in Iraq," Bergner said, urging instead that she "write a letter to the court, for inclusion in the case file to ensure the suffering she and her family have endured is considered by the court."

[Olney Blue]

1. Another mother desperate with grief.... this is so sad.

:cry:

[WiseButAngrySara]

3. Maybe another Sheehan in the making. ....n/t

[Olney Blue]

4. I thought about that too...wondered if they had talked.

There may be as many as 3000 gold star moms out there. The collective grief boggles the mind.....

[Jeffersons Ghost]

9. damn bushit artist is likely hiding something, as usual... anyhow check my project out sara...

They're getting smoother with each post... i need to find his writings or speeches in complete form to really appreciate them. Still, this is a new and improved combination of quotes by the great teacher:


on violence:
"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy? It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence. I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent. Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one -- even at the cost of your life."

on patience:
"An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds. Unwearied ceaseless effort is the price that must be paid for turning faith into a rich infallible experience. Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy. Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always."

on courage:
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. If you don't ask, you don't get. A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking. Adaptability is not imitation. An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. Breach of promise is a base surrender of truth. A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave."

on strength:
"They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them. It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love. Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong. Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. Non-violence is the article of faith. "

~Mahatma Gandhi~

[WiseButAngrySara]

12. "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

http://www.gandhiserve.org/cwmg/contents.pdf

Try this link. I have his collected works, but they are free on the internet.

[Hand]

2. Is there no limit to their douchebaggery?

That's a rhetorical question. Answer: No. None. :grr:

[Kagemusha]

5. If I was giving her advice, I'd say to stay away too.

And if she's determined to go, I'd say, not without bodyguards.

I really would. I just wouldnt' have the rest of the grief on my own conscience, being me, and not the admin...

[NNN0LHI]

7. Do you suppose the trial for an Iraqi accused of killing a GI would be in the Red Zone?

That wouldn't be logical. The US would certainly conduct this kind of thing in the Green Zone where they have 24/7 lights, several nightclubs, McDonalds, KFC, and everything.

What would be so hard for the US to put her up safely in one of the rooms there for a few days?

Don

[illinoisprogressive]

6. I thought everything was wonderful in iraq, according to bushieboy

[Jackeen]

8. Seems heartless, but technically he's right.

Civilian government types use contractors as well: The Army has other things to worry about than minding visitors.

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Jackeen!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Jackeen]

13. Thank you. n/t

[malaise]

10. But the government will send

21,000 more to die.