Anti-War Blog (26 June only)

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 15:36

Streamed video:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6377.htm

download:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/video1/DailyShowcheneylies.rm

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 15:46

I. Costs to the United States
A. Human Costs

U.S. Military Deaths: Between the start of war on March 19, 2003 and June 16, 2004, 952 coalition forces were killed, including 836 U.S. military. Of the total, 693 were killed after President Bush declared the end of combat operations on May 1, 2003. Over 5,134 U.S. troops have been wounded since the war began, including 4,593 since May 1, 2003.

Contractor Deaths: Estimates range from 50 to 90 civilian contractors, missionaries, and civilian worker deaths. Of these, 36 were identified as Americans.

Journalist Deaths: Thirty international media workers have been killed in Iraq, including 21 since President Bush declared the end of combat operations. Eight of the dead worked for U.S. companies.

[....]

II. Costs to Iraq
A. Human Costs

Iraqi Deaths and Injuries: As of June 16, 2004, between 9,436 and 11,317 Iraqi civilians have been killed as a result of the U.S. invasion and ensuing occupation, while an estimated 40,000 Iraqis have been injured. During "major combat" operations, between 4,895 and 6,370 Iraqi soldiers and insurgents were killed.

Effects of Depleted Uranium: The health impacts of the use of depleted uranium weaponry in Iraq are yet to be known. The Pentagon estimates that U.S. and British forces used 1,100 to 2,200 tons of weaponry made from the toxic and radioactive metal during the March 2003 bombing campaign. Many scientists blame the far smaller amount of DU weapons used in the Persian Gulf War for illnesses among U.S. soldiers, as well as a sevenfold increase in child birth defects in Basra in Southern Iraq.

download as PDF file:
http://www.ips-dc.org/iraq/costsofwar/costsofwar.pdf

more at site below

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 15:49

Poll: Sending troops to Iraq a mistake
By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Most Americans now say that sending U.S. troops to Iraq was a mistake, a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll finds. For the first time, a majority also says that the war there has made the nation less safe from terrorism.

The survey taken Monday through Wednesday shows a turnaround in views toward the war in less than a month. Continued violence in Iraq and questions about the war's justification apparently are eroding support even as the U.S. moves to turn over sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government next week. (Related: Complete poll results)

It is the first time since Vietnam that a majority of Americans has called a major deployment of U.S. forces a mistake. When the war in Iraq began last year, the public by three-to-one said sending troops wasn't a mistake. Just three weeks ago, 58% still held that view.

Now, 54% say it was a mistake.

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 16:09

Americans Know Little About European Union
Generally downplay its role and potential

http://www.gallup.com/content/?ci=12043

By their own admission, Americans are largely uninformed about the network of 25 countries that now comprise the European Union, or EU, as it is widely called. A landmark Gallup Poll testing U.S. public knowledge of the EU finds a remarkably high number -- 77% -- admitting they know very little or nothing about the organization. Only 3% claim to know a great deal about it. Furthermore, relatively few Americans -- just 20% -- correctly assess the population of EU nations relative to that of the United States, saying the EU is "larger."

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 16:14

1,000 protesters march near castle

About 1,000 people have been taking part in a protest march near the venue of the talks.

The marchers, who are demonstrating against the war in Iraq, have been allowed within half a mile of Dromoland Castle.

A large force of gardaí is accompanying the protest, which is said to be passing off peacefully.

The marchers plan to join up with another protest starting from Bunratty at the entrance to Shannon Airport, where the protesters will mount a demonstration to coincide with Mr Bush's departure to Turkey to meet with NATO leaders.

by John Sat Jun 26, 2004 16:25

Face facts. The demos were a flop. You predicted 100,000 in Dublin - you got 10,000.
And 1,000 in Shannon - pathetic! You failed to stop Bush. You failed to ambush Bush. You failed to arrest Bush, as some clown was saying yesterday he was planning to do. No one's reporting the demos any more, they're far more interested in what the grown-ups have decided in Dromaland. Looks like a major breakthrough, a healing of the rift in the Western Alliance. Bad news for Al Quaeda and its lackeys.

by pc Sat Jun 26, 2004 16:29

Protesters 'drive' Bush from Ireland


http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/26/us.eu.protests.reut/index.html


Irish TV Crews Catch Bush Changing Clothes An embarrassed Irish government quickly tried to prevent the release of the images.

A notice to the news media said, ``The host broadcaster inadvertently transmitted pictures of President Bush at the window of Dromoland Castle. These pictures are the property of the Irish presidency and must not be used for transmission by any service.''

from Guardian

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 16:59

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President George Bush this morning held a bilateral meeting ahead of the EU-US summit in Dromoland Castle. Speaking following the meeting, Mr. Ahern said he welcomed President and Mrs. Bush to Ireland and recalled the very close ties that bind Ireland and the US together.

"I particularly noted the irreplaceable role that the United States has played in Northern Ireland. I briefed President Bush on recent developments in the peace process, including my discussions in London yesterday with Tony Blair", Mr. Ahern said.

"We also discussed the situation of undocumented Irish immigrants in the US. I welcomed President Bush's recent initiative to deal with the situation of foreign nationals in the US and also noted the creative proposals in front of Congress. These initiatives should go some way to address the situation of the many undocumented Irish people living in and contributing to the US economy and society.

"We also discussed international issues. I am particularly pleased that, at the EU-US Summit, we will adopt joint EU-US Declarations on the situation in Sudan and on the fight against HIV/AIDS. These are important Irish foreign policy priorities and I am particularly pleased that these national priorities have .....

http://www.eu2004.ie/content/index.asp?sNavlocator=66&list_id=886&language_id=1

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:01

The EU-US Summit has concluded at Dromoland Castle. The European Union and the United States adopted seven important Joint Declarations, addressing many of the key challenges that face the world today.

Speaking following the meeting, the Taoiseach and President of the European Council, Bertie Ahern, said the meeting had been not only extremely productive but also historic, as it marked the first meeting between the EU and the US since enlargement and the conclusion of negotiations on an EU Constitution .

"This Summit marks the culmination of six months of hard work and close cooperation between the EU and the US at every level. From the outset, the transatlantic relationship has been a core focus of our Presidency. It is my steadfast belief that a close transatlantic partnership is essential for prosperity and growth on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as for the broader international community. I am pleased that this Summit has reaffirmed the strength, depth and significance of our relationship in a spirit of partnership", Mr. Ahern said.

"The economic relationship between the EU and US has been a central focus of our discussions today. It is a relationship that generates 12 million jobs on both sides of the .....

http://www.eu2004.ie/content/index.asp?sNavlocator=66&list_id=887&language_id=1

by pc Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:09

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/opinion/8952423.htm?1c

Anti-Bush loonies coalescing

But demonstration in Dublin could be Irish left wing's last gasp

CAL THOMAS
In the Charlotte Observer

by To the trolls Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:12

(a) You're relying on the figures reported by the corporate-controlled media. Factoids, not facts. And I noted that Sky News, at least at one stage, when mentioning the protesters, was showing recorded footage from yesterday, and then from before the bulk arrived today - which, to an observer not at the actual demos, would give a rather false impression of the numbers present...

(b) The protests aren't exactly over yet.

(c) They deployed tanks against us. Fucking Tanks. That kept a few people I know away, but hardly helped the American Reich's cause in the long run - now people, even my gran, are really aware it's at a new level, and that we _are_ in fact back under foreign oppression, quite literally - people with Large Death Machines are ruling "our" country, not us. It illustrated the traitorous nature of our current puppet government better than we could possibly have hoped.

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:24

"The bitter differences over the [Iraq] war are over," Mr Bush said during a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and outgoing European Commission President Romano Prodi.

In their joint declaration on Iraq, the EU and US said they would:

- support the UN's role in rebuilding Iraq and holding elections no later than 31 January 2005

- pledge to reduce Iraq's $120bn foreign debt

- offer to help train Iraqi security forces to deal with the continuing violence

Mr Ahern said the summit reaffirmed the strength, depth and significance of the trans-Atlantic relationship, which he said was "based on a common set of democratic values".

Earlier, Mr Ahern - whose country holds the rotating EU presidency - used bilateral talks with Mr Bush to express "abhorrence" at the recent abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US troops.

The BlackPope on the Beeb!

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:31

Mr Bush said he viewed the Northern Ireland process as a model for conflict resolution and it was a very important issue for his administration.

"I am fully aware that the prime minister of both Great Britain and Ireland are going to advance the process this early September," said the president.

"We stand ready to help - I wish them all the best.

"When this conflict is resolved, it will be an example for others - that long-simmering disputes can be put behind them and free societies and peaceful societies can emerge for the interest of the peoples which have been involved in those disputes."

by iosaf Sat Jun 26, 2004 17:50

ok. then. bloggers are go.

The Trans-Atlantic Relationship is a two way thing isn't it?

08h40 11th of March 2004.

200 ordinary Madrid people on their way to work 50 of whom were foreigners, "sin papales" on their way home from cleaning toilets.
moments later they were Dead.
and 2000 more were injured.

They were murdered in simultaneous bombs by an Islamic Fundamentalist Terrorist group which did not exist before the invasion of Iraq.

They died in answer to the President of the USA's efforts in making our world safer.

Do us a favour Wookie, stop trying to keep us safe.
Bertie your job is to keep our unjustified slice of world theft at an unsustainable level, and thus ensure a Celtic Tiger future for our children. Your job isn't being a militarist, and with just a few Scorpion tanks I don't reckon Ireland will be setting off on acquisitive war just yet.

Mc Dowell, - he's a funny type isn't he?
I always knew he was anti-War, and had a feeling he'd keep his conscience clear by finally saying what he said. He's that sort of prig. Anyway, well done Mikey. Your name will be a byword in future generations for shaming the devil no doubt.

So what upsets us poor plebs?

hmmm- yep running the risk of being blown to bits, by terrorists that didn't exist four years ago, and yep, the presence of Camp X after all those brainwash movies a bit "horrific". And eh, the world is fucked now.
Oh well, I suppose we get bread and circus with some Caesars and with others we just get Soldier displays.

Great Soldiers! Be careful in Turkey.

by pc Sat Jun 26, 2004 18:09

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, Ireland June 26, 2004 — The United States and the European Union offered strong support for Iraq's urgent request for NATO military help Saturday. "NATO has the capability and I believe the responsibility to help the Iraqi people defeat the terrorist threat that's facing their country," President Bush said.
"I think the bitter differences of the war are over," Bush said at the close of a U.S.-European Union summit. "There is a common interest and a common goal to help the Iraqi people."


About 5,000 protesters traveled by bus Saturday from all over Ireland and marched to barbed wire barricades set up a few miles from the castle. No arrests were reported.

"George Bush, No. 1 terrorist," chanted the crowd. One group of demonstrators held a white coffin to symbolize Iraqi civilians killed in the war.

About 4,000 police officers and 2,000 soldiers more than one-third of the security forces in the Irish Republic were deployed to protect Bush. Weekend protests were expected in several European cities.

by Angry Loaner with an Irrational Grudge Against Packpackers. - Working Worker Worker's Party Sat Jun 26, 2004 18:24

RTE today. Bertie on U.S. Irish relations: "Jobs is important."
Kevin Myers on Bertie's statesmanship: "Power becomes him."
Seems the old colonial windbag has a crush on the bit of rough.

by pc Sat Jun 26, 2004 18:32

Irish Protesters Invoke Shakespeare to Blitz Bush

CLARECASTLE, Ireland (Reuters) - Irish protesters used Shakespeare to blitz George W. Bush on Saturday, invoking Macbeth, a ghost and a witch to cast a spell on the U.S. president and drive him, symbolically at least, from Irish soil.

Some 500 demonstrators marched on Dromoland Castle, the 16th century turreted mansion in western Ireland where Bush was meeting European Union leaders for a summit.



dicussion from irish abroad joe soaps opinion THE interview
To-day I watched in horror the interview by RTE Interviewer Ms Coleman. On numerous occasions he had to ask her politely if she would let him answer the question,three times to be exact. I honestly thought she was downright ignorant towards my president.
Regardless of your beliefs of the war in Iraq he has a right to answer his critics . I am Irish,born in Belfast but very proud to be an AMERICAN.

I was at a meeting today with another RTE news corr. and we got talking about the Bush visit, and Carol Coleman.

The lady I was speaking to (I won`t name her, because it would be unfair) agreed with me when I said that Carol Coleman seems to be somewhat `biased` in her news reportage. (Even more than Mark Little! *L*). Her words: ``Carol seems to wear her dislike for America on her face. I think she hates the job`.

by N Cog Neeto 2 Day Sat Jun 26, 2004 18:41

Protesters 'drive' Bush from Ireland


Saturday, June 26, 2004 Posted: 9:38 AM EDT (1338 GMT)



CLARECASTLE, Ireland (Reuters) -- Irish protesters used Shakespeare to blitz George W. Bush on Saturday, invoking Macbeth, a ghost and a witch to cast a spell on the U.S. president and drive him, symbolically at least, from Irish soil.

Some 500 demonstrators marched on Dromoland Castle, the 16th century turreted mansion in western Ireland where Bush met European Union leaders for a summit.

When they were stopped at a police road block, they staged their own version of Shakespeare's bloody Scottish tragedy.

First, a ghost with a whited-out face read the names of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq. Then a woman dressed as Lady Macbeth read a list of Iraqi victims.

Finally, a woman dressed as a witch with a black pointy hat and a flowing cape cast a spell on a man wearing a Bush face mask. The man crumpled to the floor as the witch ordered him to leave Ireland and end the occupation of Iraq.

The protesters held up a banner adorned with a quote from Macbeth, Shakespeare's powerful drama of death, destruction and ambition in feudal Scotland.

"There's the smell of blood still," read the banner, on which was painted a gory hand. "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand."

Some 50 police officers watched the drama unfold from behind their roadblock, just half a mile from the castle where Bush was staying for the EU-U.S. summit. The protest passed peacefully and the crowd dispersed after around 90 minutes.

The staging of "MacBush" was one of several events organised by demonstrators to show their anger with the president's visit.

by pc Sat Jun 26, 2004 19:23

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/06/26/MNGMM7CNAQ1.DTL

Local newspapers ran pictures of long lines of tanks rolling down Irish roads toward Shannon, where Bush touched down Friday. News reports described the security operation as the largest in the country's history.

Thousands of protesters set up a camp outside the security cordon around Shannon, with local shops donating food and passing vehicles honking in solidarity. Naval vessels patrolled the nearby Shannon estuary, arresting three would-be protesters hoping to make their views known from offshore.

by Alex Dobos Sat Apr 22, 2006 06:57 doxa47 at hawaii dot rr dot com

We're so lucky that the Iraqi people just LOVE us, & we don't have to worry about dangers the germas had to face in WW II.
Alex Doboas, Hawaii, USA

Paris, 1940 - Vicious French partisans circle their prey.