"Iraq snapshot" (Wednesday's) generated a record number of e-mails. Many of which want to know why we hadn't noted the talk of cuts in veterans benefits before?
Why?
A) A record number of e-mails. I don't read the bulk of the e-mails. Shirley and Martha read a huge number of them Monday through Friday. Eli reads a huge number. Jess, Jim and Dona read a huge number of them. We have a large, large number of people reading them because there are just too many. And I do avoid things that I think will add to the load.
B) This isn't Scoop! We're not doing reporting. This remains a community resource. Instead of asking me why I didn't want to write about it, ask why your press didn't want to.
In fact, if you've read Wednesday's snapshot, ask why your press still hasn't reported on it?
There's no excuse for it.
The hearing was a public hearing.
Here's the exchange:
Senator Scott Brown: I'm wondering if you could just tell me what benefits might be at risk at this point and time? Any specific issues that we need to focus on that we're missing or falling through the cracks?
Thomas Pamperin: Benefits that are currently being delivered that might be taken away?
Senator Scott Brown: Right. Things that we -- that you're saying, "You know what? We got to keep our eye on this."
Thomas Pamperin: Benefits that are currently being delivered that might be taken away?
Senator Scott Brown: Right. Things that we -- that you're saying, "You know what? We got to keep our eye on this."
Thomas Pamperin: Uh - uh, we'd be glad to - to give you a more extensive response in - in the future. Uh . . . My - my concern is that the nation clearly --
Senator Scott Brown: Can I interrupt just for a second?
So why wasn't that reported. Look at Pamperin's statements. He works for the VA. Now I could ignore it and did. But when that exchange took place in public, I had the choice of acting like it didn't or noting the talk.
I chose the latter.
Where's your press? Where's your Scoops and your award winners?
Why the hell aren't they covering it?
Reality, Barack wants to 'trim' (chop away at) Social Security. It's not news nor is it fresh. January 2009, before being sworn in, he was talking about it with the Washington Post. We provided links to that, we quoted from the exchange. If it's news to you now, I don't know where you were then. Maybe foolishly listening to Naomi Klein who, for the record, has no vested interest in this country. Yes, her parents being Americans who went to Canadsa (before she was born) allows her dual citizenship but she made her life in Canada. You really think she's the voice to listen to about Social Security or the US safety net?
Really?
Greece is the template right now. How much will the people take? In Greece, they are fighting back. But you don't get that from US reporting. NPR has an idiot who just whores in every report and attacks the people. They're not 'practical,' she'll tell you over and over.
And Greece is having an effect on the markets and also on other countries that want to trim. The question is: How much will a people take?
And when that answer is pinned down, a number of populations aren't going to be happy with moves their governments make.
Barack has said everything is on the table. Why would anyone be surprised to discover that it might include veterans benefits?
Like Enron, he doesn't give a damn about "Granma Millie," so why is anything he does surprising at this point? This is the man who repeatedly trashed African-American fathers in his speeches while campaigning for president. Societal issues were reduced to personal problems or, worse, personal defects. Someone like that is who you want to put in charge?
It's too late to change 2008 but you can make a point to remember next time that a Tom Hayden is not looking out for you or even aware of what's going on. Chris Hedges and John Pilger have years of independence and years of being unafraid to call out anyone. That's the type of person you should be listening to especially on matters as important as the safety net and war and peace. And they are connected because after the US government wasted so much tax payer on the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, citizens will now be told it's time to tighten our belts.
It's over, I'm done writing songs about love
There's a war going on
So I'm holding my gun with a strap and a glove
And I'm writing a song about war
And it goes
Na na na na na na na
I hate the war
Na na na na na na na
I hate the war
Na na na na na na na
I hate the war
Oh oh oh oh
-- "I Hate The War" (written by Greg Goldberg, on The Ballet's Mattachine!)
Last Thursday, ICCC's number of US troops killed in Iraq since the start of the illegal war was 4397. Tonight? It remains 4397, three away from 4400.
The e-mail address for this site is common_ills@yahoo.com.
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