Paul Hacket - Still Fighting

'Asked to define being pro-gay rights, Hackett said anybody who tries to deny homosexuals the same rights, including marriage, as every other citizen is un-American. Are you saying, he was asked, that the 62 percent of Ohioans who voted in November 2004 to constitutionally deny same-sex marriages are un-American?

"If what they believe is that we're going to have a scale on judging which Americans have equal rights, yeah, that's un-American. They've got to accept that. It's absolutely un-American.' Columbus Dispatch (01/15/06)

It wasn't long until the Republican attack machine came after me demanding an apology. They called what I said "hate speech." The Republican Party was up to its old tricks again, using fear to silence opposition. They expected me to back down like too many Democrats have in the past.

My response?

I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it. Equal justice under the law for all regardless of who they are and how they were born is fundamental to our American spirit and our American freedoms. Any person or group that argues that the law should not apply equally to all Americans is, frankly, un-American.

The Republican Party has been hijacked by religious fanatics, who are out of touch with mainstream America. Think of the recent comments by Pat Robertson a religious fanatic by any measure - that the United States should assassinate a democratically elected leader in Venezuela, and that Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment because Sharon wished to trade land for peace.

It was about time someone called it like it is.

If there is one thing the Republicans fear it's a fighting Democrat who won't back down when push comes to shove. They rely on fear and intimidation to divide Americans. I believe that those who would use religion and politics to divide rather than unite Americans should be ashamed.

I will continue to stand up to these extremists who have hijacked the Republican Party and want to divide the country, but I need you by my side to do so. Show the Republican Party that you will not tolerate the extremist behavior of the religious right.

Use the link below to sign a pledge of support. I need to know that you stand with me. I need to know that I can count on you to amplify our message of change. Let the Republican attack machine know you've had enough and refuse to be beaten into submission this time.

I hope I can count on your continued support. Together, we can fight back AND win in 2006.

Sincerely,

Paul Hackett"

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Wes Clark Vigorously Defends American Troops

General Wes Clark continues to vigorously defend the lives of the American military by demanding accountability from the Bush administration:

"More than 1700 American troops have died during combat. And according to the Times analysis, as many as 300 deaths could have been prevented if our soldiers were equipped with the right kind of body armor -- armor that costs as little as $260 per set.

We must demand that this Administration pay the costs to ensure our troops get what they need to be effective and secure in their conduct of the mission. This is not about dollars and cents, but about our values as a nation.

In recent days, more reports have emerged from soldiers who claim that not only is the Pentagon falling short of its commitment to equip our troops with the equipment they need, they're even forbidding soldiers from purchasing body armor on their own.

Clearly, Congressional investigation is warranted. When were the needs for additional protection first expressed? Who knew what and when, and why weren't necessary steps taken?

Urge your friends and family to join us in calling on Congress to investigate this critical matter. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve so much better from this Administration, and that's why we must speak out."

Sincerely,

General Wes Clark

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Support Our Troops - Give 'em Body Armor

Dear REB 84,

Thank you for co-signing my letter to Senate Armed Services
Committee Chairman John Warner (R-VA) and Ranking Member Carl
Levin (D-MI), urging them to investigate the Bush
Administration's appalling disregard for the welfare and safety
of American troops on the ground in Iraq.

If you haven't already, I hope you'll invite your friends and
family to join us as well:
Securing America’s Grass Roots Action Center

I hope you'll join us in the weeks and months ahead as we work
together to secure America's future, developing new strategies
for solving our national and economic security challenges. You
can keep up with the latest news about WesPAC at
Securing America’s Future.

To help us get our message out far and wide across the country,
I also encourage you to make a contribution to WesPAC today:
WesPAC Contribution Center

Thanks so much for your support of WesPAC! We can't do it
without you.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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Soldier Poet and the Cost of Occupation

Did anyone listen to NPR this morning? I missed the story, but saw this online. Anyone who wants to know the true cost of this Iraq Occupation needs to listen to the eloquent words of Soldier-Poet Brian Turner. In his book "Here, Bullet" he shares the insights that only someone who has been there can share. Read his tribute "Eulogy" dedicated to PFC B. Miller (1980-March 22, 04). It will haunt and inspire. (see link in title)

Let us never forget, our so called leaders are piling up debts that our children's children will have to pay and sending our best and brightest into conflicts that they cook up in think tanks like the Project for the New American Century We are in a fight for America's Soul! Stand Tall! Stand Strong! Stand Together! Our Children Deserve Nothing Less!

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QuestionItNow - Still In Iraq Blog is Back Online

QuestionItNow has been down over the holidays due to serious technical issues with our original host.

See link in title for third party reviews of this provider.

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

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