Rapes in the Superdome?

I really feel for the people who either could not or did not leave. I think we should get aid to them as quickly as possible.

I've been reading the articles like many of y'all and this just really upset me:

Several residents said they had heard of young children being raped, though it was not clear whether anyone reported such incidents, and no officials could be found who could confirm the accounts.

Darcel Monroe, 21, a cashier in a bakery, stammered hysterically as she recounted seeing two young girls being raped in one of the women's bathrooms. "A lot of people saw it but they were afraid to do anything," she said. "He ran out past all of us."

This seems to just be rumor to me and I'm hoping that's the case.

Even if they hadn't checked everyone for weapons, and even if there weren't authorities present to keep order and take reports of crimes, WHY ON EARTH wouldn't SOMEONE in a crowded stadium stop a rapist?

There is no way I would stand idly by, let alone with an entire group of adults, and allow some beast, let alone an unarmed man, to rape a girl.

Personally, I would scream so loud and start kicking. I've been attacked before so, before anyone asks, yes, I know how I would react. I know if my husband had been there, he would have killed the beast with his own two hands.

I'm really hoping this did not happen.

Katrina: Aid in Temple, TX

I just got off the phone with the Salvation Army. Some families fleeing Katrina are coming to Temple, TX. Some of them need blankets, food (especially baby food), clothing (especially baby clothing), and personal hygiene items.

I'm working with the Junior League of Bell County to get some of these items to them. If you are in the area, please consider helping.

The Temple Salvation Army office is at 2604 West Avenue M.

If you are not anywhere near the areas that were hit, you can still help. Michael at A Word From the Right has a list of organizations who are helping to provide relief.

Education: The Good Fight

As an educator and as a former teacher, I've had numerous occasions to be horrified by declining standards and P.C. nonsense.

Well, here is some good news. I've been working on a Renaissance Art lesson plan for high-risk students in an urban district and I gave my employer an option: Students can base their project around Renaissance Values (humanism, for example) or they can base it around artists.

Obviously, it is a lot easier to research an artist and identify paintings by that artist than to research a "value" and identify paintings that reflect that value.

Well, my employer chose the values. In my opinion, this is cause for celebration because:

(A) it is the more challenging lesson plan.

and

(B) it emphasizes core Renaissance values that form part of the foundations of Western Civilization.

See? I don't just complain!

Good News in Afghanistan: Afghan Army Leads Demining Operation

Afghan Army Leads Demining Operation

The Afghan National Army recently put their training to use as they successfully conducted the first ANA-led demining operation in Afghanistan. The mission highlighted not only the expanding military capabilities of the ANA, but the government's commitment to achieve a mine-free Afghanistan for future generations.

The French Army helped with this one... proving that, once again, the West is actually trying to help Muslims and, shockingly, that the French aren't totally useless.

So, let's review... The "infidels" bring you democracy, human rights, health care, and demining. The terrorists bring you death, destruction, kidnapping, and oppression.

And this is a difficult choice?

Good News: Commander Says North-Central Iraq Ready for Elections

Not much to comment on... just more positive news that you probably won't see in the MSM.

I suppose it is not technically "news" since nothing actually happened, but it is a welcome perspective to counteract the impression in the media that" everything is doomed and it is all going to fall apart and everyone thinks so."

Election Preparations Not Disrupted in North-Central Iraq

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2005 – Despite continued efforts, insurgents have been unable impact preparations for elections in the north-central region of Iraq, and that region has a strong plan in place for security during elections scheduled in Iraq in October and December, the commander of U.S. operations in the area said today.

Iraqi leaders in the area are confident about the elections, mainly because they remember the success they had in the Jan. 30 elections, Taluto said. Confidence is also derived from the better equipped and trained Iraqi security forces, a stronger independent electoral commission, and the growing sense of support for the elections among Iraqi citizens, he added.

As the elections draw nearer, insurgent attacks most likely will increase, Taluto said, but U.S. and Iraqi forces are capable of responding and keeping the area secure.

Anti-War Protestors' Disgusting Display at Army Hospital

Anti-War Protests Target Wounded at Army Hospital

Washington (CNSNews.com) - The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the current home of hundreds of wounded veterans from the war in Iraq, has been the target of weekly anti-war demonstrations since March. The protesters hold signs that read "Maimed for Lies" and "Enlist here and die for Halliburton."

...Among the props used by the protesters are mock caskets, lined up on the sidewalk to represent the death toll in Iraq

Wow. How offensive can you get? Harassing wounded heroes.

...Kevin Pannell, who was recently treated at Walter Reed and had both legs amputated after an ambush grenade attack near Baghdad in 2004, considers the presence of the anti-war protesters in front of the hospital "distasteful."

...We went by there one day and I drove by and [the anti-war protesters] had a bunch of flag-draped coffins laid out on the sidewalk. That, I thought, was probably the most distasteful thing I had ever seen. Ever," Pannell, a member of the Army's First Cavalry Division, told Cybercast News Service.

The anti-war protesters claim their presence at the hospital is necessary to publicize the arrivals of newly wounded soldiers from Iraq, who the protesters allege are being smuggled in at night by the Pentagon to avoid media scrutiny. The protesters also argue that the military hospital is the most appropriate place for the demonstrations and that the vigils are designed to ultimately help the wounded veterans.

"If I went to war and lost a leg and then found out from my hospital bed that I had been lied to, that the weapons I was sent to search for never existed, that the person who sent me to war had no plan but to exploit me, exploit the country I was sent to, I would be pretty angry," Luke told Cybercast News Service.

"I would want people to do something about it and if I couldn't get out of my bed and protest myself, I would want someone else to do it in my name," he added.

How paternalistic... "These ignorant soldiers don't know their own minds so we're here to tell them."

Idiot. It doesn't matter how YOU feel. You never would have volunteered to defend your country anyway. You are too busy criticizing this country using the freedom that these brave men and others have protected for you.

It matters how these veterans feel. The fact that you can't see this means you lack even the one redeeming feature liberal moonbats allegedly have--empathy.

...Luke and the other anti-war protesters dismissed the message of the counter demonstrators. "We know most of the George Bush supporters have never spent a day in uniform, have never been closer to a battlefield than seeing it through the television screen," Luke said.

Ummm... and you (or most war protestors) have?

Okey, dokey... Lies, damn lies, and statistics...

Of course MOST Bush supporters aren't veterans. Only 13 percent of the U.S. population 18 and over are veterans. Even if 100% of the U.S. populations supported Bush, MOST of his supporters would not be veterans.

However, MOST veterans do support Bush. Since this dork is throwing around words like "most," check out these numbers.

Good News in Iraq: Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Keeping Sadr Streets Safe

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Keeping Sadr Streets Safe

Travelling through the streets and alleys of Sadr City, U.S. troops search for signs of terrorist groups, and get acquainted with the neighborhoods.

SADR CITY, Iraq, Aug. 24, 2005 – U.S. and Iraqi Army soldiers now patrol Sadr City, and the result is safer streets in what was once a hotly-contested area.

"The people we talk to in the neighborhood have been pretty helpful and want things to get better in Sadr," said U.S. Army Sgt. Lee Minyard. "They're starting to realize we're here to help them."

"We tell people that it's up to them to make a difference in their communities," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Brisley, a section leader. "They're so used to relying on one leader to make all the decisions, but they’re gradually taking the initiative."

Along Sadr's dusty streets, Brisley remarked that the streets had rivers of sewage running through them six months ago.

"People see the improvements, and it makes them happier to see us (now) than they were when we (first) arrived in Iraq," said Brisley.

It takes time to build something worthwhile...but democracy and security in Iraq is not an impossible dream.

Now, more than ever, we have to show our commitment to this goal.

If we let democracy collapse, we will just be back in another ten years. We need to work with the Iraqi people to do it now and do it right.

Gary Qualls Challenges Cindy Sheehan to a Debate

I just saw a commercial featuring Gary Qualls. The father of a fallen marine would like to challenge Cindy Sheehan to a debate.

This is allegedly the letter he wrote to Cindy Sheehan. (I don't doubt it, I just don't know if it is verified.)

Here is an article on the topic:

Bush supporters create opposing camp
'Fort Qualls' built in Crawford to counter protesters' 'Camp Casey'

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- A pro-Bush camp with a "God Bless Our President!" banner sprung up downtown Saturday, countering the anti-war demonstration started by a fallen soldier's mother two weeks ago near President Bush's ranch.

...

Qualls' frustration with the anti-war demonstrators erupted last week when he removed a cross bearing his son's name...

Qualls called the protesters' views disrespectful to soldiers, and said he had to yank out two more crosses after protesters kept replacing them.

He and others at "Fort Qualls" have asked for a debate with those at the Crawford Peace House, which is helping Sheehan.

It's unclear if that will happen. But a member of Gold Star Families for Peace, co-founded by Sheehan and made up of relatives of fallen soldiers, said her group would not participate.

"We're asking for a meeting with the president, period," said Michelle DeFord, whose 37-year-old son, Sgt. David W. Johnson, was in the Army National Guard from Oregon when he was killed in Iraq last fall. "We don't want to debate with people who don't understand our point of view."

First, it is awful that they are using the names of dead soldiers without even their implied consent. Unless a soldier has said otherwise, I would assume that he chose to be in the military knowing about the war and, even if he doesn't support the war, doesn't consider terrorists to be freedom fighters.

Second, it is even worse when the family of that fallen hero has asked them to stop and they won't.

As for the debate, DeFord's comments seem to make clear that they are not trying to have a "dialogue" or "ask questions," as the group asserted when Utah refused to air their anti-war commercial.

This is just a manipulative publicity stunt.

Mothers who hate Bush and have fallen sons must be heard but fathers who have fallen sons who support the word are not relevant.

Part of me wishes Bush would just meet with her to end their ridiculous charade.

Then I realize, though, that she would just claim he has to meet with her every time she changes her mind again or every parent who, mad with grief or with a political agenda, wants to demand multiple meetings.

The President's schedule should not be held hostage to this sort of thing.

I am sorry for Cindy Sheehan's tragic loss... but she is exploiting the ghost of a hero. I hope that one day she does not hate herself for what she has done in the grip of the terrible grief she must be feeling.

Britain is *gasp* defending itself...

Britain Spells Out Rules for Barring Militants

LONDON, Aug. 24 - Home Secretary Charles Clarke published a catalogue of terrorism-related offenses today setting the ground rules for Britain to ban or deport foreign militants accused of fomenting hatred, violence and extremism.

Makes sense, right? You take someone who is a guest in your country and yet urges destruction of your country and your people and you send him home. That would be logical, right? Right?

Some civil rights groups challenged the measures.

Gee, what a surprise!

"Today's announcement fails to answer the fundamental question: Will the government's deportation plans result in suspects being sent to countries with a known record of torture?" said James Welch, the legal director of a civil rights group called Liberty. "What has always separated us from the terrorists is that we do not torture people or send them to be tortured - that is the standard we need to maintain."

Oh, no! Britain is sending people who hate freedom and civil liberties and human rights, and urge the violent restriction of freedoms and violation of rights for others, back to their home country where there are no freedoms, civil liberties, or human rights. The horror. The horror.

It is not like Britain is intentionally outsourcing them to be tortured in a random country where they know that will happen. Britain is sending these ingrates home.

Why? Because Britain has the gall to think it has the right to protect itself and its people against those who vow to bring destruction.

If immigrants want to stay in the West, they should play by the rules. Don't bite the hand that feeds ya.

Good News... Iraq and Afghanistan

Military Doctor Gives Afghan Girl Gift of Life

U.S. Troops Teach Iraqi Soldiers Medical Skills: The course has now shifted to the "train the trainers" phase--instructing qualified Iraqi soldiers to teach their own forces.

Yeah, we must be there because we hate Muslims. That's it.

Spread the good news. Be part of the solution.

Disappointed in Jon Stewart - Cindy Sheehan

So, I was very disappointed with Jon Stewart's monologue about Cindy Sheehan last night. I know that he leans left (if by leaning, one means already knocked over) but he is usually an equal opportunity mocker.

What I really object to is his statement that Bush refuses to meet with Cindy. Although he is clearly refering to her recent emcampment outside Bush's ranch, this is disingenuous given that Bush has met with Sheehan.

I like Stewart so much that I'm sure I'll get over it... but I'm still fuming this evening.

I wonder if Stewart is bold enough to look at the issues from another side.

As far as Sheehan, my opinion remains the same.

Tip Leads to IEDs; Stolen Child Rescued

Tip Leads to IEDs; Stolen Child Rescued

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2005 — Iraqi citizens tipped off U.S. soldiers patrolling the northwest part of Baghdad about the whereabouts of two roadside bombs Aug. 10. On Aug. 9, Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers teamed up to capture two kidnappers and return a 2-year-old child to his parents in the Bayaa district of south Baghdad.

Hmmm... to whom do you give your support? The people who kidnapped your child or the people who found your child and returned him safely to you?

Come on Iraqi people, the clock is running out. Make your choice.

Pirro, Again

Okay, I'm going to be cynical for a second... even IF Pirro really has no chance (which I am not willing to admit as of yet), she can do the best job of weakening Clinton before the Presidential election.

Remember when Lazio tried to get aggressive with Clinton?

Never send a man to do a woman's job.

This post got my attention because I was quoted in it and some people are visiting as a result.

Pirro's Political Prowess

Pirro knows what has to be done to get elected and stay elected: the little things, all the time. She is clearly a skilled politician, and we (ok, "I") shouldn't dismiss what that can accomplish in and of itself.

Much can be said for political skill over substance. Pirro is pretty much identical to Hillary on the issues...

My thoughts are:

Maybe Pirro shows up to these events, at least in part, because she actually gives a gosh darn about a county for which she has worked so hard? Maybe she actually cares about the futures of New Yorkers?

Obviously she is a politician and thinks about the benefits and consequences of each action. Obviously spending time with kids might have some small unforeseen benefit a long way down the road.

However, considering this happened in 1999 and she spent a full hour treating pre-teens as equals, seems a pretty high price to pay on the off chance someone might remember it and maintain goodwill towards her when she goes for a more ambitious office seven years later.

Another thought--maybe HILLARY RESEMBLES PIRRO because she knows that is the way to get elected in New York. She moved to the right on the correct issues and stayed to the left on the others.

...but she didn't move far enough. Pirro is more fiscally conservative and even liberal moonbat Manhattanites want someone who will keep them safe from things that go bump in the night. Pirro is tough on crime. Hillary IS something that goes bump in the night. Okay, that was a cheap shot, but I couldn't resist!!!

Maybe a lot of the New Yorkers who voted for Hillary because Lazio was an unknown or liked her positions despite a distaste for her might consider voting for Pirro if she does a good job campaigning.

Again, I'm no NY operative but just a possibility or two.

Reason NCOs Rock, #243

This just cracked me up.


Soldier becomes a sheik, helps boost base security

Sheik Horn floats around the room in white robe and headdress, exchanging pleasantries with dozens of village leaders.

...a local sheik friendly to U.S. forces, Dr. Mohammed Ismail Ahmed, explained the inner workings of rural Iraqi society on one of Horn’s first Humvee patrols.

Horn says he was intrigued and started making a point of stopping by all the villages, all but one dominated by Sunni Arabs, to talk to people about their lives and security problems.

Moreover, he pressed for development projects in the area: He now boasts that he helped funnel $136,000 worth of aid into the area. Part of that paid for delivery of clean water to 30 villages during the broiling summer months.

Ahmed, known for his dry sense of humor, eventually suggested during a meeting of village leaders that Horn be named a sheik.

The sheiks approved by voice vote, Horn said.

Some sheiks later gave him five sheep and a postage stamp of land, fulfilling some of the requirements for sheikdom. Others encouraged him to start looking for a second wife, which Horn’s spouse back in Florida immediately vetoed.

He lately has been prodding the Iraqi Education Ministry to pay local teachers, and he closely follows a water pipeline project that he hopes will ensure the steady flow of clean water to his villages.

To Horn’s commanders, his success justifies his unorthodox approach: No rockets have hit their base in the last half year.

“He has developed a great relationship with local leaders,” said the 2-8 commander, Lt. Col. Bradley Becker. “They love him. They’re not going to let anyone shoot at Sheik Horn.”

Only an NCO could pull this off. A commissioned officer would look silly doing this (and it would probably be forbidden anyway) and a junior enlisted guy would lack the gravitas.

I say this even though my husband is a commissioned officer who could pull of just about anything he set his mind to (IMHO).

I'll go into the many hundreds of other reasons why NCOs rock on my other blog at some point.

Jeanine Pirro

Wahoo!!! Jeanine Pirro in 2006

I am no longer in NY but I hope to return some day relatively soon. I wish I could work for her campaign.

Pirro is amazing. Not only is she a tough DA and brilliant, she is also a great role model.

When I was teaching in Westchester, New York, I was the adviser for a middle school newspaper. I was trying to get the kids to move beyond movie reviews and crossword puzzles, perhaps scheduling an interview with their mayor or some such. One said, "What does it matter, we're just kids. No one will listen to us anyway."

"How do you know," I asked, "Have you ever tried?" I realized that at college, we had a whole bunch of exciting speakers who spoke to us and answered our questions. The key was really to get to kids in middle school, though, before they lost interest in school, politics, and the world in general.

From that we began to brainstorm a press conference for middle school journalists across the county. We invited every politician who represented the people of Westchester County. Who responded?

Sue Kelly and Jeanine Pirro.

Both were amazing but I'm focusing on Pirro because this post is about her. Throughout the conference, she responded to these pre-teens as if they were actual reporters. She was direct, respectful, and tough.

I did NOT only invite Republican women. I swear. Those were just the ones who cared enough about our children to come. To be fair to Ms. Clinton, she did respond that she already had another engagement that day... but her office was not particularly helpful even though I was willing to schedule around her. Schumer's office called AFTER we had an article in the New York Times about his interest in speaking if we held the conference again next year.

On a different note, I read this article: Pirro Begins Campaign by Assailing Clinton. Let's start with the headline. She did criticize Clinton, as well she should, but that was not the entirety of her speech. Reading the article, the adjectives paint a picture of Pirro as just bluff and bluster. I can assure you there is plenty of substance. Even my Democrat parents, both of whom are longtime Westchester residents (both moved from the boroughs in their teens), admire what she has done fore the people of New York.

Pirro doesn't need to make empty promises about what she will do for New York. She doesn't need to prove that she will not abandon New York to bolster her political career. Pirro has an actual record on which to run... and it is a darn good one.

Perhaps that is why Hilary's campaign operatives are criticizing Pirro as a lightweight campaigner rather than addressing the issues.

The fact that they are already attacking Pirro's campaigning ability after her first speech and BEFORE the Republicans have actually chosen a candidate show that they take the threat of Pirro seriously... revealing the opposite of what they had planned.

Freedom Walk

Just wanted to let everyone know about the Freedom Walk, organized by the DoD. Sounds like a great idea.

Where will you be this September 11th?
The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. This September 11th, the nation will gather in Washington, D.C. to remember the victims, honor our veterans, past and present, and celebrate our freedom with the America Supports You Freedom Walk, organized by the Department of Defense.

Clint Black will play in the concert that follows. A question--aren't there any musicians that play something other than Country and would like to play events like this??? I must admit, Country is growing on me. Still, I really prefer rock, blues, jazz, and classical.

Anyway, sounds like a great way to show support for our troops. I probably won't be able to make it. My husband has been out in the field a lot and I want to spend as much time as possible with him. Besides, tickets would be a lot of money which I could better use to support my husband's unit. If you are in the D.C. area, though, I hope you'll consider walking.

If you do join the walk, I'd love to hear about it!

Building Infrastructure in Afghanistan

More good news!!!

Road Linking Afghan Cities Nears Completion
Success in road construction here means not only making day to day life easier for the citizens; it facilitates the success of the first democratically elected Afghan government.

“The best weapons of the Taliban are not IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and RPGs (rocket propelled grenades) — its ignorance and isolation,” said Paolozzi. “The road we’re building destroys both of those weapons by giving the people freedom of mobility and the capability to learn what the Afghani government is doing for them. They won’t need to be dependant on the Taliban for information, twisted thinking, or municipal support.”

We need to remember that Afghanistan is still struggling to purge itself of the infection of extremism and that we still have soldiers building, guarding, and supporting there. Please continue to support our troops in Afghanistan and the Afghani people who are trying to build a better future for their country.

Democracy and Civil Rights for Iraqi Women

Since the last few posts are focusing on women's civil and human rights, I might as well keep up the trend for another post and refer you to Kat's post and further explanation on her blog. It is a call to arms to help Iraqi women who are demanding their rights be protected under the new Iraqi constitution.

Kat has said it way better than I could and I don't feel like doing more research right now... I will just add that all you have to do is look at the modern history of Afghanistan or The Handmaid's Tale to see which way this could go.

I know that many Americans are under the impression that "this is their culture." Well, Kat has the right of it when she explains that this was not the culture in many nations and many cities in the Middle East and Central Asia before Cold War politics destabilized the region.

About the subject of women's rights, I also want to clarify:

I am not one of those don't-hold-the-door-for-me, women-are-just-men-without-penises types of gals.

I don't think it is inconsistent to demand human and civil rights for women and still celebrate the differences between the sexes.

My husband is very masculine and I am very feminine. With the exception of dealing with electronics (my specialty), we tend to take on very traditional gender roles in our relationship. That is our choice. Everyone should be able to make that choice for themselves.

All should be equal under the law. There is no biological basis for not allowing women to testify in court or treating them as sub-human.

Equality under the law does not make us all equal in fact, however. Some are smarter, larger, stronger, nicer, luckier, etc. That shouldn't mean they have fewer (or more) "rights" than the rest of us.

Letters about Rape in Pakistan

Well, I finally got around to writing the letters. Musharraf is visiting New York next month (September). Please consider letting President Bush and President Musharraf know your opinions on the way Rape Survivors are treated in Pakistan.

Human rights ARE part of our security concerns. We talk of spreading democracy to combat extremism. This WILL work if, and ONLY IF, it is a valid democracy that guarantees the rights of citizens.

Please feel free to alter the letters in any way that maintains the integrity of their message.

Remember to sign your name at the end of the letters.

If you wish to link to the posts, please link to this post.

Letter to President Bush (re: Women's Rights in Pakistan)

August 6, 2005

President George W. Bush

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

president@whitehouse.gov

Dear President Bush:

In the struggle against extremism, guaranteeing the rights of the citizens of the world is a vital weapon. We should begin by doing so at home and urging our allies to do the same.

As you know, the high profile cases of Dr. Shazia Khalid and Mukhtar Mai (also known as Mukhtaran Bibi) have come to the attention of the world press.

We urge you to discuss these matters and the rights of women in Pakistan with President Musharraf.

The government of Pakistan has already taken steps in the correct direction by returning Muktar Mai’s passport. We call on you now to ensure that a more complete justice is done for Mukhtar Mai and Dr. Shazia Khalid and the women of Pakistan.

Pakistan should conduct full investigations into the rapes of both Mukhtar Mai and Dr. Shazia Khalid and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to Justice. Both women must be allowed the right to leave and return to Pakistan, free from harassment of any kind. Neither wishes to reflect poorly on Pakistan, only to bring their stories to light. In fact, Dr. Shazia Khalid wishes to return one day to Pakistan and build a hospital for raped and battered women.

More importantly, justice should be available to all of the women of Pakistan. Hundreds of women suffer the same fate in Pakistan each year, with no international press to protect them. Rape survivors must no longer be treated as criminals.

In order to achieve this goal, Pakistan’s government must address the excessive authority wielded by the tribal councils in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Supreme Court’s ruling on August 4, 2005 is a significant step in the right direction. The next step is to repeal the Hudood laws that restrict the rights of women in Pakistan. As Senator Khurshid Ahmad of Pakistan has recently noted, while Hudood is absolute, the Hudood Ordinances are open to changes.

As the civilized nations of the world fight extremism, they must recognize that guaranteeing universal rights will promote global security. Most importantly, it is the only correct choice for the future of our planet.


Signed,

_________________________________

Letter to President Musharraf (re: Women's Rights in Pakistan)

August 6, 2005

His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf
President of the Republic
Pakistan Secretariat
Islamabad
Islamic Republic of Pakistan

president@pak.gov.pk

Dear President Musharraf:

As you know, the high profile cases of Dr. Shazia Khalid and Mukhtar Mai (also known as Mukhtaran Bibi) have come to the attention of the world press.

As a world citizens, we wish to thank you for helping to ensure that justice was eventually done for Muktar Mai and her passport was returned to her. We call on you now to ensure that a more complete justice is done for Mukhtar Mai and Dr. Shazia Khalid and the women of Pakistan.

Mukhtar Mai must be allowed to leave Pakistan and then return, free from harassment. As Mukhtar Mai has already declared, she has no desire to criticize Pakistan, only to bring her story to light. Openness will only reflect well on Pakistan in the world community.

Dr. Shazia Khalid, on the other hand, now lives in a type of exile in London. She wishes to return one day to Pakistan and build a hospital for raped and battered women. We hope you will initiate a full state investigation of the rape of Dr. Shazia Khalid and permit her to return to Pakistan with a guarantee of her safety.

Above all, these women and others like them should be treated as the patriots they are. Both these women wish only to strengthen Pakistan. In return for their bravery and honesty, they have been treated like criminals.

We are concerned about the tribal councils that supersede the state’s justice in Pakistan. Tribal councils wield excessive authority throughout Pakistan and their decisions should be countermanded, not supported by Pakistan’s police and courts.

Our main concern, as it is the primary concern of Dr. Shazia Khalid and Mukhtar Mai, should be justice for the women of Pakistan. Hundreds of women suffer the same fate in Pakistan each year, with no international press to protect them.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court’s ruling on August 4, 2005 is a significant step in the right direction. Your government must continue to assert its authority above the authority of local councils. The next step is to repeal the Hudood laws that restrict the rights of women in Pakistan. As Senator Khurshid Ahmad has recently noted, while Hudood is absolute, the Hudood Ordinances are open to changes.

Please take immediate action to ensure the safety of your female citizens.

Signed,

_________________________________

Okay, Life Got in the Way...

I promised a letter about Pakistan and didn't deliver on time... work, local volunteering, and general unit support got in the way (really, I only wasted one hour watching Angel, I swear). I do promise one by 1700 US Central Time on Saturday (tomorrow). REALLY. Dearest Husband must shoot tomorrow so it will happen.

A Letter to the US, Canada, and Pakistan

I looked for a pre-fab letter to no avail. I have a deadline for work today. I will write a letter soon and post it by Friday. Please check back.

I feel very strongly about this. As a world community we need to reject rape. Governments are only valid if they protect their citizens. If we want to strengthen pro-US, secular, Islamic governments, we must promote human rights and security in those nations. Bodily integrity is one of the most basic human rights. Governments the world over must condemn, not condone rape.

Something About Which Evangelical Conservatives and Neo-Socialist Liberals Should Be Able to Agree

Government-Condoned Rape in Pakistan

I know that is not the title of the article but that is essentially what is happening.

Really... is there anyone in the civilized world who thinks this is okay? Whether you base your repulsion on Judeo-Christian ethics, a concept of universal human rights, or just something deep inside that cries out against injustice, surely we can all agree this is disgusting. I would like to see some relativist argue that this is acceptable... I'll be waiting.

Yes, we need to draw attention to Mukhtaran Bibi and Dr. Shazia. They are survivors and a heroes for standing up for themselves and all of Pakistan's women.

We also need to insist that all women have the right to live a life free from rape and abuse. At the very least, we need to insist that all government take steps towards this future, including (especially) the allies of the United States.

Today I plan to write or locate a letter to the White House about placing pressure on Musharraf and granting political asylum to victims of gender-based persecution. I will post a copy today or tomorrow so others can feel free to send as well.

And yes, I do thank God that I was born here and not there.

I just wanted to add that our security as a nation should by the government's first priority--but the Cold War is over. Human Rights ARE a security issue in today's world.

When's the Islamic Conference on Defeating Terrorism?

Engineer Summit Focuses on Reconstruction

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 29, 2005 — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division sponsored an engineer summit July 26 in the Al Rasheed Hotel in the International Zone. Approximately 120 coalition engineers attended.

The United States spends countless man hours, billions of dollars, and thousands of lives on making Iraq work. Yeah, I know it is also in our own self interest... but that doesn't really bother me.

So, my question is--when will there be a major effort within Islam to counter terrorists? I understand that Islam is not a centralized religion. I also respect the basic ideals of Islam. Still, I ask, when will some of the most popular Islamic leaders gather to confront the problem of terrorism?

Even if you do not agree with the war, it seems pretty obvious that the US is trying to help create a prosperous, free, democratic Iraq. What are the goals of the extremists? Given that disparity, how can anyone support them?