Iraq War Anniversary Event March 18th

WHAT: Public educational program, "Veterans Speak Out For Peace", featuring Iraq War vets and members of Military Families Speak Out, on the 4th anniversary of the Iraq War.

WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2007, 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Multi-purpose room (Room 108) at the Casino on St. Simons Island. Enter on the west side of the building, facing The Village.

DETAILS: Presenters will include Don Forsyth, a Brunswick vet who was with the 3/7th Cavalry when it crossed into Iraq and fought its way to Baghdad exactly four years ago; Joe May, who served an extended tour of duty in Iraq in 2005-05 and was medically discharged from the Army this past November; his mother Jan May, a member of Military Families Speak Out in Atlanta; and Mindy Ratcliff, whose husband will be re-deployed to Iraq from Fort Stewart this August.

This event is sponsored by GlynnPeace: Citizens To End The War In Iraq. It is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.
For more information call 262-1274 or e-mail glynnpeace@bellsouth.net or visit www.glynnpeace.org.

The Next Pat Tillman-Style Cover-Up?

PFC Lavena Johnson from Missouri died in Iraq in 2005, and the U.S. Military seems to be engaging in a cover-up. Read more here.

Lady Vols Sweep SEC!!!!

I love Shannon Bobbit! Don't get me wrong. I also adore Candace Parker, Alexis Hornbuckle, et al, but Shannon just makes me smile. That girl's got so much game, it's amazing. Her nickname back on the playgrounds of NYC was "Somethin' Special," and I agree with all my heart. The only thing about her that is small is her actual size. She's got more style, hustle, speed, and spirit than most of those 6-footers she shares the court with. She was a huge part of Tennessee's 73-53 win over Vandy today. Love me some Bobbit.

Quality vs. Quantity

Maybe Bush should be focusing on better training for U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, rather than just more soldiers. Apparently, in order to meet demand, the Army is giving more waivers in recruiting. As the NYT article details, these waivers are for moral, educational, or health reasons. It really gets me that a high school dropout or convicted felon might end up armed in Iraq, but an Arabic-speaking homosexual would be excluded from serving. I would think one gay translator would be worth several barely literate heteros.
Please do not mistake me. I do not mean to imply that the majority of the men and women serving in our military are somehow not good enough. However, the trend of lowering recruitment standards to increase troop levels should be cause for alarm. IMHO, the situation also calls for a reexamination of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
I would also like to remind all that I am opposed to the planned escalation of the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, though, nobody seems willing or able to stop the implementation of this ridiculous plan, so I am also advocating for a change in policy to increase the quality of our troops, not just the quantity.

A Donkey and An Elephant Walk Into A Bar - Political Social Network Site

Check out the Beta of this new Political Social Network Site. Hat tip to blog for democracy.

Congratulations Lady Vols!

Tonight, in women's college basketball, Tennessee beat Georgia 73 to 57. Congratulations to Coach Summitt, Ms. Hornbuckle, and the rest of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Go Big Orange!