Reminding us of what's going on "over there"

For the first time in 18 years, the media is once again allowed to record the return of fallen military members as their flag-draped coffin(s) unload from the plane - as long as the family gives the okay.

We, as a nation, are far too detached from the wars we're involved in. I hope this helps remind everyone and make them question what we're doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson says in this interview, "We need to know."

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suicide and the military

Back in November, around Veteran's Day, I posted a bit about the skyrocketing suicide rate of our military (See it here.) Today, I see there are two new stories in the news pertaining to this very subject. One on the homepage of the Washington Post dot com and the other an AP story at Talking Points Memo.

This is an important topic that should have a far wider audience than it does and I'm ashamed of our media for not making it so. I understand this is an election year or that Britney Spears needed a police escort and two police helicopters to take her to the hospital (your tax dollars HARD at work, California!!) and that makes for important or entertaining news, but that our Soldiers and Marines killing themselves is a BIG deal and EVERYONE should be talking about this.

This war hasn't touched as many people as WWII or Korea or Viet Nam and maybe that's why not as many people know or care about what's happening. We can't keep pretending this problem doesn't exist.

Please do what you can - try contacting your congress person or senator, letting them know you want them to help make sure our veterans get the care and support they so badly need, write a letter to the editor of your local paper... Please just do SOMETHING.

Thank you.

UPDATE: Sadly, No! and Digby also have posts related to this story.

Another Black Mark

Today is a sad, sad day.

With the passage of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, we have now said to the world that the United States condones and legalizes torture and has given our Leader a blank check and the power for indefinite and unreviewable detention (even of U.S. citizens).

What adds to my feeling ill is my two Senators from NJ vote FOR this hideous bill.

When I have more time and can expound further, I will add to this post. But suffice it to say that today is a dark day in American History and I am ashamed.