19 June 2013

Due to time constraints, I must write this as an unedited stream of consciousness.  My apologies for the roughness.

Michael Hastings was killed in a car crash in Los Angeles.  The single car accident happened at about 0425.  He crashed into a tree and was burned beyond recognition.  He was 33. 

Mr. Hastings was the war correspondent whose Rolling Stone article led to the firing of General Stanley McChrystal, who at the time was the top General in Afghanistan.

Although Hastings was widely read, no serious war correspondents took him seriously, or at least not the ones I know.  He did, however, accurately portray my words and context in his book “The Operators.” Hastings was like an undisciplined hitman with a pen and license to kill.  One of his gonzo articles damaged the career and reputation of Lieutenant General Bill Caldwell, for no cause.  My sense was that he picked fights with key people mostly to draw attention.  Though Hastings was not respected among war correspondents, it is sad to see a man die so young so horribly.  Just why he crashed into a tree at 0425 remains unknown.  No doubt the conspiracies will begin to fly.

Read more: Quick Notes and Updates

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Thank you!
Michael

06 June 2013

25 May 2013
Kachin State, Burma

IN THIS REPORT:

•    Summary of the major security threats for Kachin IDPs and refugees
•    Raw field reports from Kachin Rangers describing recent military clashes and Burma Army troop movements

Security Threats

In Kachin State there are still thousands of IDPs (Internally Displaced Person). Their displacement is the result of fighting that has continued since the breakdown of the ceasefire on 9 June 2011. Over 100,000 Kachin IDPs faced the brutal cold of winter in the mountains with little to no supplies and small shacks to live in. The most critical needs of IDPs are food, security, medicine, and education. IDPs endure a fearful environment, as there is a constant threat of fighting and indiscriminate shelling from Burma Army troops. Relief is far below the international humanitarian standard because of ongoing attacks by the Burma Army, insufficient funding and limited access for aid organizations in the remote locations of the IDP camps.

Read more: Security Risks for Kachin IDPs and Refugees

18 May 2013

Over the last twelve years of war, our Army has demonstrated exceptional competence, courage, and resiliency in adapting to the demands of war and accomplishing the mission.  Today, however, the Army is failing in its efforts to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment.  It is time we take on the fight against sexual assault and sexual harassment as our primary mission.  It is up to every one of us, civilian and Soldier, general officer to private, to solve this problem within our ranks.

The Army is committed to the safety and security of every Soldier, civilian, and family member.  Our Army is based on a bedrock of trust - the trust between Soldiers and leaders that we will take care of each other.  Recent incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment demonstrate that we have violated that trust.  In fact, these acts violate everything our Army stands for.  They are contrary to our Army Values and they must not be tolerated.

Read more: Letter by General Odierno on Sexual Assault and Harassment

07 May 2013

Petitioning President Obama

President Obama: Close Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay

Written By: Morris Davis

I served 25 years in the US Air Force, I was the Chief Prosecutor for the Terrorism Trials at Guantanamo Bay for more than two years, and now I need your help.

I personally charged Osama Bin Laden’s driver Salim Hamdan, Australian anathema David Hicks, and Canadian teen Omar Khadr.  All three were convicted … and then they were released from Guantanamo.  More than 160 men who have never been charged with any offense, much less convicted of a war crime, remain at Guantanamo with no end in sight.  There is something fundamentally wrong with a system where not being charged with a war crime keeps you locked away indefinitely and a war crime conviction is your ticket home.

Read more: Petition | President Obama: Close Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay | Change.org

07 May 2013

From: Center on National Security at Forham Law

Crisis at Guantanamo:

Will the Prison Ever Close?

Join Carol Rosenberg, David H. Remes, Dr. Gerald E. Thomson, and Karen Greenberg for a discussion about current conditions at Guantanamo and the feasibility of closing down the prison.

Guantanamo Bay prison is in crisis.  At least 100 inmates, many of whom have been cleared for release, are participating in a hunger strike to protest years of detention without charges.  Prison officials have resorted to force-feeding prisoners, a practice that many medical and human rights experts claim is inhumane and illegal.  Some prisoners may be close to death.  At a press conference on Tuesday, President Obama criticized the prison and vowed to renew efforts to close it.

Friday, May 10th, 12pm - 1:30pm (lunch served)

Fordham University at Lincoln Center

12th Floor Lounge, Lowenstein Building

113 West 60th Street, NYC

Read more: Webview : Crisis At Guantanamo - May 10

06 May 2013

Veterans and their families need to watch this.

Thank you to the numerous vets who sent the link.

I just sent a thanks to David Martin at 60 Minutes.

Mr. Arnold Fisher deserves a standing ovation and eternal gratitude for his efforts and inspiration.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50146231n

06 May 2013

Many people contacted me in regard to a documentary movie about an American Green Beret, missing some 44 years.  They wanted to know if this story is true.

Unfortunately, this is another fraud, shamelessly pulling on the heartstrings of the many good people who want it to be true.

Conspiracy theorists of course will blame this on the government.  Our government deserves blame for many things, but frankly, it strains even my imagination that any recent US administration would attempt to cover up this case.  President Clinton would have had every reason to run it up the flag pole, as would have Bush and now Obama.

Read more: Fraud Surrounding MIA Green Beret John Hartley Robertson