Letter to the Washington Post's Ombudsman Re: Iraq Coverage

Dear Ms. Howell,

Congratulations to the POST! Three stories above the fold today and another one, inside.

Thank you for keeping this world tragedy in the faces of your readers. Sadly, we need to keep abreast of the war, its repercussions, its aftermath, and our participation. It's a "forgotten war," or many would like for it to be for Americans are tired of it. If it's "forgotten," what public will cry for it to end?

Sincerely,

Patriciadc

Howard Fineman Promotes His New Book

Maybe it was the economy; or the location; or maybe it was the topic (Great American Debates); or maybe a surfeit of books about American politics in the Washington, D.C. area nowadays, but, whatever it was, Howard Fineman drew a crowd of fewer than 20 persons to his new book signing Wednesday night at the Tyson's Corner Borders bookstore.


When he spoke at Politics & Prose on Connecticut Avenue on the northwest side of town May 1, the crowd likely was double or even triple 20.


His title of his book is: The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country. Mr. Fineman is a columnist for Newsweek and a "pundit" who regularly appears on "Hardball" with Chris Matthews and "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann.


I got there too late for his book presentation. The Q+As are always the most interesting part, and I wasn't disappointed. The people who came were all senior citizens, average age, 65; all Caucasians, probably more males than females. The store was the least populated with customers that I've seen, and I'm a frequent visitor. Lots of empty seats.


Anyway, what did he say? No way, Hosea, that Condi Rice will be John McCain's running mate: Too much baggage and negative vibes which permeate the State Department, and lack of domestic policy experience.


George Bush is "too insecure intellectually and personally to listen to anyone who doesn't agree with him and who he doesn't know. I know him well and have covered him for years."


Obama appeals to a lot of Republicans.


The press went to sleep at the wheel after 9/11, and was bullied by the White House. The only Washington news outfit which reported events unafraid was Knight-Ridder: "Not the networks, not the New York Times." Mr. Fineman said an unnamed actress compared 9/11 for him to a "bad divorce" when judgment for several years afterwards was/is questionable.

Iraq: "I agree with Thomas Friedman with what he said this morning (in his column): We are in the Middle East where we are not loved, not respected. We're following Osama Bin Laden's play book."


"If we leave, the Iranians are going to come in and take over Iraq." (Ed's note: Well? So what if it does?)"We were lied to. Colin Powell used up all his credibility at the U.N. He misled everybody. George Tenet is a buffoon. Cheney and all the others at the White House went to war against the C.I.A. No one asked about the consequences of our going 'in there' (Iraq)."


He reluctantly answered a question: "I know this sounds callous. I have to tell you, war is a great story" and it's much sexier (not his word) than no attack. When asked about the dwindling coverage of the war, Howard Fineman said: "The American people have become desensitized to it. They don't want to hear bad news."

I am as sure as rain that many, if not all the blurbs on the book jacket and most others, are written by persons who have never read the book which they acclaim. And when do these "authors" have time to write books? Not to single out Mr. Fineman, but I dare say many political books (and others) are written by "ghost riders" who sit down and slam something on paper just to get the damned things out to satisfy the publisher and earn money quicker. "Poor" Cindy McCain.

Letter to Washington Post's Ombudsman about Failure to Cover the Iraq War

(Written May 13, 2008. Check it out: No Iraq War coverage. And NO REPLY.)

Dear Ms. (Deborah) Howell,

Am I missing the Post's Iraq War story today? Why can't I find anything with a dateline from Iraq?

Aren't we still engaged in a war there?

You don't carry one mention of it today: Not on any of your pages, not one story by any of the columnists. Why?

When Americans identify the Iraq War as the second issue of concern to them, the POST fails to carry a word about it! It is no wonder the was has continued for five+ years when the media abandons it, and yet, how many of our troops are stationed there? How much money are we pouring there by the minute?

Dick Cheney and the Defense Department must be jumping up and down and drinking champagne over the Post's lack of coverage. Did you see his quote yesterday? "Good news is no news." So that means it is all good coming out of Iraq?

Perhaps I have missed the story, perhaps there is a paragraph about it somewhere, but I fail to find it anywhere, even in the one paragraph stories in "Around the World".

I believe the POST strives to be an "international" paper, but perhaps I am wrong, too, about that.

I hope you are able to tell me the page number of the story I missed in today's Washington Post about the Iraq War.

Sincerely,
Patriciadc

Letter to Senator Warner's Military Aide

Mr. Sam Zega

Hello Sam,

I have been traveling and thinking every day about writing to thank you for the conversation we had on April 28, 2008 about the continuing involvement of the U.S. in Iraq.

Your time is valuable, and I appreciate your willingness to listen to a constituent of Sen. Warner's.

It was my understanding from our conversation that Senator Warner is afraid of a collapse of the Iraqi government if the U.S. withdraws quickly. You said the "possibility" of collapse exists. Has Senator Warner considered other possibilities, other than "collapse"? Since so many Iraqis want us to leave, and I believe a nation should be able to run its own government independent of U.S. dictates, what are other possibilities? Could one be that Iraq is strengthened by our withdrawal and a "possible" source of friction is removed? I would like to know what other "possibilities", if any, have been explored, rather than just adopting the Bush agenda of "collapse" and a ceaseless war.

While you and I talked that day, the Washington Post listed the names of 16 soldiers who died in Iraq as a result of our presence. The next day on the front page above the fold was a memorable picture of two Iraqis carrying a badly injured two-year-old from a bombing in Sadr City. The boy died as a result of American shelling in Sadr City.

Consider if the location were Oklahoma City. Foreign soldiers camped nearby and shelled neighborhoods from which suspected terrorists resided. Does this make a difference?

I was struck by the similarity of the photo of the injured Iraqi child to the burned child carried by a fireman from the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995. I am sure you remember the photo: Who can ever forget it?

I do not have the power and influence of John Warner. I wish I did! I do not understand why Senator Warner does not use his power to end the tragedy of our involvment. How much time must we give the Iraqi government to stand up for itself? How long is "too long"? Like the simple analogy I mentioned to you on the telephone, what entity is going to say "no" to an unlimited check?

There are many who believe we continue our presence in Iraq because of lucrative Iraq War contracts held by private firms in the U.S. Is this possible?

(If I misconstrued any of your statements, I hope you will correct them. I am going to post my letter to you on my blog.)

Sincerely,
Patricia

Deaths in Iraq Between Sen. Warner's Letters

The dates of Sen. Warner's identical responses to me are March 21, 2008 and April 14, 2008 (Two letters were received April 14, both identical, both with the same date, both the same as the March 21 letter.)

During this 3.5 week period 58 American soldiers died in Iraq and Afghanistan. What has changed? Nothing. Sen. Warner stated in his three identical letters: "I am pleased the President agreed with my comments (to reduce forces) , and that an initial reduction of forces is beginning." What reduction in forces is "beginning"? Is the press hiding a reduction in forces? Is he talking about the surge, then the slightly reduced surge? This is not a reduction in forces. Could it be Senator Warner's staff has failed to change his template?

In the fall of October, 2006 Senator Warner took another trip to Iraq.

Why do representatives do this? What does it accomplish other than to reinforce their own political positions so they can say to their constituents back home: "See me! Look at me! I went! Things are going great" or almost so.

Things were not going so great that fall, and the Washington Post quoted Senator Warner on October 6, 2006:

"Warner blamed the Iraqi leaders for failing to improve conditions. 'You do not see them taking the levers of sovereignty and pulling and pushing them and doing what is necessary to bring about a situation in Iraq whereby the people are able to live, have sufficient food and fresh water, and have a sense of confidence in their government that they're going forward,' Warner said.

"But he said the situation is not beyond repair. 'We're not going to give up hope yet. Let's give it more time to work.'"

Senator Warner, how long, how long, how long is time enough? While you sit in your Senate chambers and talk about giving more time to permit the Iraqi travesty to "work itself out" how many more will die? Be injured? Senator Warner, you have the power to change the direction this hellfire blows. Please do it. Or have you already retired and are just bidding your time while others far away die from the hands of the weak in Washington, D.C.?

Letters from Sen. John Warner

Two have arrived: Both with the same postmark date (April 14, 2008) and identical content to the March 21, 2008 letter Sen. Warner wrote me in response to letters I sent him about the tragedy in Iraq.

During the three weeks which have passed between the letters, how many of our soldiers have died and been maimed as a result of this travesty across the ocean?
Yet, Senator Warner's replies are the same. What has changed? Nothing. Not in the Senate halls, at least, and yet we keep pouring humans and money and equipment into the abscess known as Iraq. Isn't it time we got rid of the abscess and pulled out? How many Iraqis are begging us to get out?

Was it about 18 months ago in the fall of 2006 that Sen. Warner went to Iraq and upon returning, said something to the effect "We've got to change something over there. I'm just not putting up with it anymore." I'll research this and post his exact words from that last trip he made to Iraq and the aggravation he expressed. What aggravation? How does his compare to the "aggravation" endured by soldiers (if still living) and family members who suffer the ill effects of Senator Warner's and his colleagues' failure to act?

Michael Yon Defines Success

Michael Yon wrote in yesterday's Wall Street Journal that the surge in Iraq has been a success. "Let's 'Surge' Some More" the headline said. Makes it sound like a dance, which it is: A Dance of Death, but who's counting?

With the number of military deaths down, does it matter who dies next? Let's keep on pluggin' away!

The surge has been so successful we seldom hear about the "success" from the media. Of course, the White House Bunny Rabbit with his hatful of tricks says it's astonishing what "success" we are having.

I guess the "good news" in Iraq is purposefully keep under wraps by all the other reporters save Yon who, coincidentally, has a new book out about Iraq.

The past 15 months has been so productive in Iraq that victory is "within our grasp" and democracy in the Arab world (like Egypt?) is just over the rainbow, he wrote.

Perhaps Mr. Yon can write another book with a copyright "2010" based on American attacks on Iran and shoving down its throat our method of government since it's "my way or the highway", right? Another author tour then to promote his latest fallacies and ideas, but who's counting besides Michael Yon?

Letter from Senator Warner March 21, 2008

Alas, except for a few benign updates, Sen. Warner's reply to me about my letter decrying Halliburton's sewage showers our soldiers take in Iraq, is essentially nothing more than what Sen. Warner has been sending for approximately 18 months about all things Iraq which is a summary of his lukewarm opinions about our involvement there. He totally ignored the subject of my letter (in another post):
]

In January 2007, the President proposed a surge of approximately 35,000 troops....the Iraqi government has not done its part.

He writes it's time "to put teeth into these words" quoting U.S. Amb. Ryan Crocker: "There is 'no blank check' for American involvement in Iraq." (Oh, yeah?)

Then he lists his tenth trip to Iraq last August! Is this the same letter he was sending out then?

Although Senator Warner is dissatisfied with the long deployments our soldiers endure, "I believe we must remain mindful of the realities currently facing our military" so the heck with shortened leaves! The soldiers must stay so we'll be ready! Ready for what? For Buzh to invade Iran?

Sen. Webb's automated responses are all identical no matter what the subject. At least Warner sends his replies to my mailbox although, sadly, they are the same. Perhaps because he is retiring, his office perceives no need to respond individually.
I can't help but wonder: Are there any live bodies on Capitol Hill who actually represent the people rather than themselves? Pray tell, who?

Earlier Letter Sent to Senators Warner + Webb

Dear Senator Warner (Webb),

If Halliburton is not poisoning our soldiers in Iraq with its sewage showers, it is electrocuting them.

No wonder Cheney wants the war to continue: He profits!

I hope you will join your colleague, Rep. Henry Waxman, in investigating the terrible deaths and illnesses our soldiers suffer while taking showers in Iraq. What words are there to adequately describe these tragedies and this incompetence? We're not talking about "only" illnesses, but deaths of our soldiers sent to a foreign country to fight for what?

Sincerely,

Patricia



Panel probes troops' electrocution deaths in Iraq Story Highlights

12 U.S. troops have been electrocuted in Iraq; one died in January while showering

Rep. Henry Waxman wants info from Pentagon on electric systems in Iraq

Pentagon says full investigation ordered into the electrocution deaths

U.S. company that maintains barracks being sued by family of soldier who died

Next Article in Politics »






PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A U.S. House committee chairman has begun an investigation into the electrocutions of at least 12 service members in Iraq, including that of a Pittsburgh soldier killed in January by a jolt of electricity while showering.



U.S. troops in Iraq face an unexpected threat: electrocution by faulty wiring.

Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said Wednesday he has asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates to hand over documents relating to the management of electrical systems at facilities in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, 24, died January 2 of cardiac arrest after being electrocuted while showering at his barracks in Baghdad

Letter from Senator Webb

Below is a copy of the e-mail I received from Senator Jim Webb's office in triplicate all on the same day, answering one of my e-mails about sewage showers in Iraq:

Thank you for your recent electronic mail message to my office in
Washington. I am pleased that because of the Internet, more than
100,000 Virginians will send their ideas directly to me this year.
Please be assured that your views are very helpful to me and my staff. As the
Senate addresses crucial economic, domestic and foreign policy issues facing
our nation, we will be sure to keep your comments and ideas in mind.
I encourage you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on matters that are important to Virginia and our nation.
If the subject of your communication is time sensitive, involves a personal
issue relating to the federal government (such as help with a passport,
claim for veterans' benefits, or immigration) or requires more detailed
attention, please contact my office directly toll free at
1-866-507-1570. Again, thank you for contacting my office, and I hope you
will communicate with me often in the future.

Sincerely
Jim Webb
United States Senate

U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Are Poisoned or Die While Bathing

Below is a copy of a letter I sent to Senators Webb and Warner last week about the needless deaths of our soldiers based upon a story I read by the AP:

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A U.S. House committee chairman has begun an
investigation into the electrocutions of at least 12 service members in
Iraq, including that of a Pittsburgh soldier killed in January by a jolt
of electricity while showering.

Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, said Wednesday he has asked Defense Secretary Robert
Gates to hand over documents relating to the management of electrical
systems at facilities in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, 24, died Jan. 2 of cardiac arrest after being
electrocuted while showering at his barracks in Baghdad.

Dear Senator Warner (Webb),

If Halliburton is not poisoning our soldiers in Iraq with its sewage showers, it is electrocuting them.

No wonder Cheney wants the war to continue: He profits!

I hope you will join your colleague, Rep. Henry Waxman, in investigating the terrible deaths and illnesses our soldiers suffer while taking showers in Iraq. What words are there to adequately describe these tragedies and this incompetence? We're not talking about "only" illnesses, but deaths of our soldiers sent to a foreign country to fight for what?

Sincerely,

Patriciadc