How Many More?

Dear Senators,

Yesterday, Helena, Montana was unfortunate enough to lose another of our precious soldiers, Army Specialist, Donald M. Young, 19, of the 1st Cav out of Ft. Hood, TX, Correction, we did not lose him, we know exactly where he is. He was killed in an IED attack in Baghdad, Iraq. So, he is not lost at all, he is DEAD, gone forever. My heart goes out to his family, all who knew him, and our nation, forever lessened by his loss.

The 4th ID of Texas is gearing up to go to Iraq again, in December, potentially taking the love of my life with them, again. Today, in Michigan, where I am away from my husband and my home, directing the Iraq Summer Campaign, trying desperately to end the war, the flags are flying at half mast by order of Governor Jennifer Granholm, for Army Pfc. Charles T. Heinlein, 23, who also died in an IED explosion, in Baghdad. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and our nation … again, lessened by his loss.

When will you say that this endless, missionless fiasco has killed enough of our troops, enough of the Iraqi people and destroyed enough homes, hospitals, schools and roads? When can I lay down the burden of working everyday to end this war, secure in the knowledge that my elected officials are doing the right thing?

When will you realize that cutting off funding for the war is the way to end it? No more funds except those that it takes to bring our troops safely home. The end is entirely in your ability through the power of the purse. I want no more arguments from you that there are not enough votes to carry such a measure. Look to the leadership of Montana’s own Jeannette Rankin for the courage it takes to stand alone if you must; but stand! Please, for the sake of our nation and the future of the world, make it stop.

Tammara Rosenleaf

Helena Peace Seekers
Military Families Speak Out

http://www.thehomefrontwardiaries.com/entryH

Still In Iraq

U.S. Conference of Mayors Declare Independence on Iraq

The United States Conference of Mayors declared their independence on Iraq in their 75th Anniversary Adopted Resolutions (page 198 - 199).

IRAQ WAR

WHEREAS, the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces continue to serve in Iraq with bravery and distinction; and

WHEREAS, the current sectarian violence in Iraq continues to claim the lives of U.S. Military
Personnel and Iraqi Civilians; and

WHEREAS, peace and stability can only be achieved in Iraq through the resolution of political differences within that country; and

WHEREAS, the restoration of domestic peace and order requires the active intervention and leadership of the Iraqi Government, respecting the rights of all Iraqis; and

WHEREAS, continued U.S. Military presence in Iraq is resulting in the tragic loss of American lives and wounding of American soldiers; and

WHEREAS, the continued U.S. Military presence in Iraq is reducing Federal Funds available for needed domestic investments in education, healthcare, public safety, homeland security, and more; and

WHEREAS, The United States Conference of Mayors completely and 110 percent supports those men and women that are defending, have defended and will defend our country,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the Administration to begin planning immediately for the swift and prudent redeployment of the US Armed Forces; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the accelerated training of Iraq's Armed Forces to be able to maintain stability and civil order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for future U.S. Military Aid; reconstruction funding, and other support to be tied to the achievement of verifiable goals by the Iraqi government, including ridding Iraqi security forces of militia or sectarian influence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the Administration, as part of a comprehensive plan for stability in the region, to convene an international conference to identify strategies and methods for reducing regional interference in Iraq and increasing regional support of achieving peace and stability in Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S Conference of Mayors calls for full funding of services to the brave men and women returning after service in the United States Armed Forces, including medical, psychological, housing and other support services, and support to local governments funding such services.

Still In Iraq