When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Friday, April 11, 2003
The US cries Support our Troops only as a way to silence opposition -- they do not care. Veterans groups are still fighting for the benefits they earned while fighting a wasteful war in Vietnam.
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Who supports our troops?
The US cries Support our Troops only as a way to silence opposition -- they do not care. Veterans groups are still fighting for the benefits they earned while fighting a wasteful war in Vietnam.
In 1970, we started the first rap groups to deal with traumatic after-effects of war, setting the example for readjustment counselling at Vet Centers now. We exposed the shameful neglect of many disabled vets in VA Hospitals and helped draft legislation to improve educational benefits and create job programs. VVAW fought for amnesty for war resisters, including vets with bad discharges. We helped make known the negative health effects of exposure to chemical defoliants and the VA's attempts to cover-up these conditions as well as their continued refusal to provide treatment and compensation for many Agent Orange Victims.
Today our government is still financing and arming undemocratic and repressive regimes around the world. Recently, American troops have been sent into combat in the Middle East and Central America, for many of the same misguided reasons that were used to send us to Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, many veterans are still denied justice -- facing unemployment, discrimination, homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder and other health problems, while already inadequate services are being cut back or eliminated.--VVAW
Palema
7:52 PM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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