Democracy for New Mexico

See 'War Made Easy' and Meet Norman Solomon

Hear author and filmmaker Norman Solomon on WAR MADE EASY: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death:

Friday, October 26, 2007, 7 PM
Smith-Brasher Hall, Central New Mexico Community College
SW Corner, University Blvd and Coal Ave. SE
Admission Free, Lots of Parking

Then see Norman Solomon¹s new film WAR MADE EASY at a Guild Cinema special showing
Saturday, October 27 - 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Sunday, October 28 - 2 PM only
3405 Central NE, Albuquerque
Call to confirm times: 505-255-1848
Click to visit the film's website.

“A superb visual form of investigative journalism.”
— Howard Zinn, historian

“Compares the propaganda techniques of the past with the present, and draws striking parallels.”
— Inter Press Service

“Chilling and persuasive.”
— Katrina Vanden Heuvel, The Nation

“A total tour de force.”
— Jay Cassidy, editor, An Inconvenient Truth

War Made Easy reaches into the Orwellian memory hole to expose a 50-year pattern of government deception and media spin that has dragged the United States into one war after another from Vietnam to Iraq. Narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn, the film exhumes remarkable archival footage of official distortion and exaggeration from LBJ to George W. Bush, revealing in stunning detail how the American news media have uncritically disseminated the pro-war messages of successive presidential administrations.

War Made Easy gives special attention to parallels between the Vietnam war and the war in Iraq. Guided by media critic Norman Solomon’s meticulous research and tough-minded analysis, the film presents disturbing examples of propaganda and media complicity from the present alongside rare footage of political leaders and leading journalists from the past, including Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, dissident Senator Wayne Morse, and news correspondents Walter Cronkite and Morley Safer.

Norman Solomon’s work has been praised by the Los Angeles Times as “brutally persuasive” and essential “for those who would like greater context with their bitter morning coffee.” This film now offers a chance to see that context on the screen.

Learn History. Then Change It.
W W W . W A R M A D E E A S Y T H E M O V I E . O R G

For more information contact Bob Anderson, CNM Political Science Dept., 505-224-5781, randerson28@cnm.edu.

Tonight: Another Chance to See Bruce Clark on 'We The People'

Due to audience response
WE THE PEOPLE
REPRIEVE: with Bruce Clark
Albuquerque resident and Marine veteran,
Clark is the father of two active duty soldiers.
One son is currently serving in Iraq.Cable Channel 27 in Albuquerque
9 PM MDT, Saturday, October 13
Watch simultaneously on your  high-speed computer:
https://www.quote-unquote.org
Click for Channel 27s Media Stream ->
Half way down the page on the Right.
Kindly forward this message to your friends. TAPE the program if you cannot be present.

Editor's Note: Bruce Clark spoke eloquently and passionately at the Albuquerque Iraq Summer townhall event in late August. You can read about it here.

Five Years of Lies, Misery and Death

Five years ago today, the Senate voted in the dead of night to authorize the use of military force in Iraq by a vote of 77-23. Bush heralded the vote, stating, “America speaks with one voice.” Contending that the authorization was a “blank check,” Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) warned, “This is the Tonkin Gulf resolution all over again. Let us stop, look and listen. Let us not give this president or any president unchecked power. Remember the Constitution.” Here are the 23 Senators who courageously voted no:

NAYs ---23
Akaka (D-HI) BINGAMAN (D-NM) Boxer (D-CA) Byrd (D-WV) Chafee (R-RI) Conrad (D-ND) Corzine (D-NJ) Dayton (D-MN)	Durbin (D-IL) Feingold (D-WI) Graham (D-FL) Inouye (D-HI) Jeffords (I-VT) Kennedy (D-MA) Leahy (D-VT) Levin (D-MI)	Mikulski (D-MD) Murray (D-WA) Reed (D-RI) Sarbanes (D-MD) Stabenow (D-MI) Wellstone (D-MN) Wyden (D-OR)

(h/t Think Progress)

On the House side, H J RES 114 passed by a margin of 296-133 with 3 not voting. Rep. Tom Udall (D, NM-03) voted against it. Reps. Steve Pearce (R, NM-02) and Heather Wilson (R, NM-01) voted for it. And here we are five years later, stuck in a quagmire of chaos and blood with more than $500 billion gone from the treasury and a multitude of lives lost or shattered -- both military and civilian. As of this date, Iraq Coalition Casualties3,821 members of the U.S. Military have been killed in Iraq.

U.S. Casualties By Calendar Year

Year	US Deaths	US Wounded
2003	486	2,408
2004	849	8,003
2005	846	5,948
2006	822	6,398
2007	818	4,996
Total	3821	27753

Unbelievably, Bush-Cheney and their devotees are still urging us to stay the course for VICTORY. Equally unbelievably, most of the major Dem presidential candidates won't even commit to getting our troops out by 2013! Let's make sure we hold as many as we can accountable at the ballot box. Remember.

Iraq War Purple Heart Recipient Criticizes Rush Limbaugh for 'Phony Soldiers' Remark

In the not-letting-them-get-away-with-it department: VoteVets.org, the leading political group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, is today launching a hard-hitting ad that directly takes on Rush Limbaugh for his contention that those who served in Iraq, but oppose the Bush administration's failed policies, are "phony soldiers." (See our previous post.)

The ad (video above) will air nationally Wednesday and Thursday on FOX News and CNN, and a radio version of the ad will air during the Rush Limbaugh Show in Washington, DC and in his home market of Palm Beach, Florida. The total amount of the ad buy is $60,000. A broadcast quality radio version of the ad will be posted at VoteVets.org later this afternoon.

The ad features Brian McGough of Washington, DC, who was wounded in action when he took shrapnel to his head as a result of an enemy explosive. McGough received the Purple Heart for his traumatic brain injury.

In the ad, McGough says, "More and more troops and veterans of Iraq believe George Bush's military policy has been a disaster...I am one of them. Rush Limbaugh called vets like me "phony soldiers" for telling the truth about Iraq. Rush, the shrapnel I took to my head was real. My traumatic brain injury was real. And, my belief that we are on the wrong course in Iraq is real. Until you have the guts to call me a "phony solider" to my face, stop telling lies about my service." Text then reads, "Tell Rush Limbaugh to stop insulting our troops and veterans. (800) 282-2882."

Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org, said, "Maybe Rush Limbaugh and his ilk haven't heard, but there's a new sheriff in town - America's troops and veterans, who are not going to sit idle while people like Rush demean the service of those who oppose the President's failed policy in Iraq. Maybe Rush got away with smears like this in the past, but he's not going to on our watch. There's nothing phony about those who chose to wear the uniform and fight. And someone like Rush Limbaugh, who avoided service, is the one of the least qualified people on the face of the earth to pass judgment on us."

VoteVets.org is a pro-military organization committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world, with force when necessary. It represents the Voice of America's 21 Century Patriots - those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. It primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on behalf of troops, veterans and their families.

Click to donate to VoteVets to help them support the troops and oppose the escalation in Iraq.

Resolution Introduced in U.S. House
Meanwhile Rep. Mark Udall of Colorado has introduced a in the U.S. House condemning Rush for his nasty remarks. If we want to see this bill brought to a vote, we need to contact the Dem House leaders and Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03).

Only a Quarter of Americans Want Bush's War Request Fully Funded

Tell me again -- who exactly are Congressional Dems trying to please? From the latest Washington Post poll:

Only about a quarter of all adults want Congress to fully fund the administration's $190 billion request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year, while two-thirds want the proposed allocation reduced, with 43 percent wanting it reduced sharply. (Three percent say Congress should approve no money at all.)

Two-thirds of independents want Congress to reduce the funds allocated for the war effort, as do 83 percent of Democrats; 45 percent of Republicans agree.

Mario Cuomo on Dems, War, Constitution

It's about time a prominent and well-respected Dem called on Democratic members of Congress and the Dem presidential candidates to take their Constitutional responsibilities seriously and quit passing off their power to Bush. I've always been a fan of Cuomo and wish he'd run for president, but I suppose he isn't bought off enough by the war profiteers to pass muster. Maybe we should send a link to this video to every Dem member of Congress and every Dem presidential candidate. Of course that action might have more clout if we attached a pledge to raise big money for their campaigns. You know how it works. Maybe we should add a link to Why We Fight so they know we know what they're doing.

Eternal War Continued: Iran

If you haven't yet read Seymour Hersch's latest piece in The New Yorker, now's the time. Quote:

“They’re moving everybody to the Iran desk,” one recently retired C.I.A. official said. “They’re dragging in a lot of analysts and ramping up everything. It’s just like the fall of 2002”—the months before the invasion of Iraq, when the Iraqi Operations Group became the most important in the agency. He added, “The guys now running the Iranian program have limited direct experience with Iran. In the event of an attack, how will the Iranians react? They will react, and the Administration has not thought it all the way through.”

That theme was echoed by Zbigniew Brzezinski, the former national-security adviser, who said that he had heard discussions of the White House’s more limited bombing plans for Iran. Brzezinski said that Iran would likely react to an American attack “by intensifying the conflict in Iraq and also in Afghanistan, their neighbors, and that could draw in Pakistan. We will be stuck in a regional war for twenty years.”

Hersh points out that the Bush-Cheny cabal is changing tactics in how they're pushing for an attack on Iran and framing the continued occupation of Iraq. Since they're not getting enough war fever going by pumping up the volume about the Iranian nuclear program, they're switching to the excuse that we have to attack Iran because of their alleged widespread action against us in Iraq -- essentially an undocumented claim. Hersh claims the targeting is moving from nuclear facilities to those connected with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard:

Now the emphasis is on “surgical” strikes on Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran and elsewhere, which, the Administration claims, have been the source of attacks on Americans in Iraq. What had been presented primarily as a counter-proliferation mission has been reconceived as counterterrorism.

Hersh explains that "President Bush and members of his Administration have redefined the war in Iraq, to an increasing degree, as a strategic battle between the United States and Iran." Very convenient if you want to continue to build permanent bases in Iraq, try to hang onto Iraqi oil futures for your corporate oil pals, keep the occupation going until the next president takes office and make sure that president can't easily get American troops extricated from the region because you've brought Iran and maybe others into the war mix.

How cooperative of the Congressional Democrats to vote enmasse in both the Senate and House for measures supporting the official branding of Iran's Revolutionary Guard as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists." (Sen. Jeff Bingaman voted no, but Rep. Tom Udall voted yes.) Could it be any easier for the neocons to get Dems to fall into line as they build another manufactured case for a preemptive military attack? Either the Dems haven't learned a thing about the nefarious tactics BushCo is willing to employ in trumping up military attacks, or that they do, in fact, concur with Bush's plans. Which is it?

Additional reading: Truth and Lies in the Middle East by Philip Giraldi in today's Salon. House roll call on Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007. Senate roll call on Lieberman-Kyl Amendment on Iran.

(Updated) Rush Betrays Soldiers But No Congressional Bills Rushed to Floor

UPDATE 6:42 PM: Talking Points Memo :

I've just learned that Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) will be introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives on Monday condemning Rush Limbaugh for his "phony soldiers" remark.

This is significant because it has the potential to dramatically up the stakes in this fight. If the Democratic leadership allows it to go for a vote, it will force all the Republicans in the House to either vote for it, against it, or skip the vote -- and to pass judgment on the powerful conservative talk show host's contention that troops who don't support President Bush's war policies are "phony soldiers."

Also, according to a diary on Daily Kos by Rep. John Hall (D-NY), he will be introducing a resolution bagging Rush as well. Oh how I would love to see Repubs forced to vote to condemn the nasty speech of their sick hero.
************
So do you think the U.S. Senate and U.S. House will take up bills to castigate Rush Limbaugh (and the rightwingers) for his horrible, disrespectful, unpatriotic attacks on our troops? Guess not. After much prompting, all our Dems have come up with so far is a sternly worded letter. So do you think the corporate media will run with this story day and night, melodramatically wring their hands about how nasty Rush is and interview Repub after Repub to get their reactions? Don't hold your breath.

Well, what can we expect? Rush has never been called on the carpet by Congress or the punditry for his insults like those compiled in the video above either. Some people are just immune. Especially when they're on the right. Even if they got out of the draft by claiming to have boils on their fanny after going through student deferrment time, as Rush did.

Funny how that works, even with Democratic members of Congress. Step outta line the man take you away -- unless you're a staunch defender of the neocon agenda and a favorite of the Repub "base." First amendment rights? Reserved for those on the extreme right wing. Expect no press releases or media interviews with our Congressional Dems or presidential candidates about the Rush betrayal. Those are reserved for bashing activists in the Dem base.

Join Live Blogging with Martin Heinrich on Kos Today at Noon

UPDATE: Here's the link to Martin's live blogging diary:
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/27/134338/983
(keep refreshing the diary when there)
*****************
Martin Heinrich, running to take on Repub Heather Wilson in the NM-01 Congressional race, will be live blogging at the national polical blog Daily Kos today starting at Noon Mountain Time. What this means is he'll launch a user diary at Kos and hang out to respond to your comments and questions entered in the thread. To participate, head over to https://www.DailyKos.com, look on the right-hand sidebar for Heinrich's diary and click on it. If you're registered at Daily Kos you can recommend the diary so it moves up in the rankings and stays on the front page. Any visitor can comment on the thread, and Martin will be there to interact with any and all participants. It's a great way to learn more about Heinrich's campaign and get your questions answered.

You should also check out Heinrich's totally revamped campaign website and blog, which was launched yesterday. Visit https://www.martinheinrich.com/ and check out all the new tools, info and resources that make it easy to hook up with the campaign and stay current on what's happening. Impressive.

You can also sign a petition at the website to end the Iraq occupation:

Heather Wilson has supported George Bush and his War in Iraq every step of the way. Martin Heinrich opposed this ill-conceived war from the beginning and, like a majority of New Mexicans, he believes that it's time for this war to come to an honorable end.

We, the undersigned, believe that Heather Wilson, George Bush and Dick Cheney have created a quagmire in Iraq. We call upon President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Congresswoman Wilson to show strong support for our troops by beginning to bring them home immediately. We appreciate deeply all the sacrifices our brave men and women make, and we call upon our elected officials to make sure that they are taken care of properly when they return home.

To read our previous posts on congressional race in NM's first district, visit our archive.

The third quarter campaign fundraising deadline is September 30th. To help Heinrich show he's got strong support in the district, donate a few bucks at the DFNM Netroots for Heinrich page at ActBlue or contribute via his new website.

Heinrich Critical of Congressional Votes Against MoveOn Ad

Unbelieveably, the U.S. House just joined the U.S. Senate in voting to condemn MoveOn's recent Petraeus Betray-Us ad. The margin was:

Democrats: 146 Yea, 79 Nay, 6 Not Voting
Republicans: 195 Yea, 0 Nay, 6 Not Voting      
TOTALS: 341 Yea, 79 Nay, 12 Not Voting

Yes, you read that right. I guess the House was tired of seeing the Senate getting all the fruitcake praise on this pseudo-issue, so Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) brought it up on the House side and got it passed. What's worse? Many Dems, including Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03) voted FOR the travesty. Here's the tally.

At least one New Mexico Dem -- Martin Heinrich -- has refused to stop making sense. As reported by Howie Klein at Down With Tyranny:

At the time the vote came down I was talking on the phone with Albuquerque City Councilmember Martin Heinrich, the progressive Democrat running against corrupt rubber stamp Heather Wilson (NM-01). He was very disappointed that the Democratic Leadership even allowed this idiotic voted to come to the floor. Martin's answer was what every Democrat should be saying. "There's a grand diversion for you... It's not something that I'd have been willing to support because it takes us away from the focus of actually making a difference on the ground in Iraq. What we ought to be voting on is a timetable to redeploy our troops."

What can we do to thank Martin Heinrich for speaking out and getting it right on this issue? September 30th is the end of this campaign fundraising quarter. The Heinrich campaign needs good numbers to show that he's the strongest Dem choice to run against Heather Wilson. I urge you to donate a few bucks NOW at the DFNM Netroots for Heinrich page at ActBlue.

Here's a released by MoveOn after the House joined the Senate in fiddling while our democracy, Iraq (and maybe now Iran) burns:

“With every passing day, more information comes to light casting more and more doubt on the validity of the facts and conclusions presented by General Petraeus in his testimony before Congress.

With every passing day, more American soldiers and Iraqi civilians lose their lives in this unwinnable civil war. It is unconscionable and outrageous  that instead of doing the people's work and ending this war, Congress chooses meaningless and distracting gestures.

With every passing day, America's frustration with politicians in Washington drops the approval ratings for this Congress to new lows.  Congress is fiddling with an ad while Iraq burns.

We will continue our ad campaign to accuse the Republicans who are blocking an end to the war of a 'Betrayal of Trust.'”

-- “Petraeus’s numbers differ substantially from the Pentagon’s own numbers – his show progress, and theirs don’t.  The Pentagon’s numbers are the official MNF-I numbers, which Petraeus himself called the most reliable possible.  Petraeus’ numbers differ, the military says, because he includes reports from Iraqi police – the same police the NIE said are corrupt, riddled with sectarianism, and ought to be disbanded.  The actual Iraqi government numbers are nowhere near as positive.” Washington Post, Tuesday, September 25, 2007

-- The NYT reported today that Sunni extremists are targeting Iraqi police and officials.  This is a new trend in violence – but according to the methodology MNF-I released last week, none of these murders would have been counted by Petraeus. New York Times, Wednesday, September 26, 2007