The Left Shue

IWR News

2009-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Iraq Body Count: 12/12/09
Americans Killed: 4370
Americans Wounded: 55,000
http://icasualties.org/
Iraqis Killed or Displaced: 3,000,000+
http://antiwar.org
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Spc. Tony Carrasco Jr., 25, of Berino, NM died Nov. 4 in Ad Dawr, Iraq.

*Chief Warrant Officer Mathew C. Heffelfinger, 29, of Kimberly, ID died Nov. 8 in Tikrit, Iraq.

*Chief Warrant Officer Earl R. Scott III, 24, of Jacksonville, FL died Nov. 8 in Tikrit, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Stephen L. Murphy, 36, of Jaffery, NH died Nov. 9 in Anbar province, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Ryan L. Zorn, 35, of Upton, WY died Nov.16 in Tal Afar, Iraq.

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian M. Patton, 37, of Freeport, IL died Nov. 19 in Kuwait.

*Sgt. Briand T. Williams, 25, of Sparks, GA died Nov. 22, in Numaniyah, Iraq.

*Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, MT died Nov. 27 east of Baghdad, Iraq.

*Pfc. Derrick D. Gwaltney, 21, of Cape Coral, FL died Nov. 29 south of Basra, Iraq.

*Sgt. Ralph Anthony Webb Frietas, 23, of Detroit, MI died Dec 8 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

County Council appoints interim prosecutor - may have started intra-party feud

2009-12-09T21:49:00.001-08:00

County Council appoints interim prosecutor - may have started intra-party feud

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Battle over commercial flights from Paine Field enters next new front

2009-12-05T23:27:00.001-08:00

Battle over commercial flights from Paine Field enters next new front

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GW Obama??

2009-12-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Most who read here will not be surprised that I am steadfastly opposed to our continued military occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have never believed that it was in our national interest to be an army of occupation in any country that did not directly attack our own or pose any real and imminent threat to our security. Therefore it should come as no surprise that I was not swayed by what I will sadly refer to as the GW Obama speech on escalating our military presence in Afghanistan delivered Tuesday night. Unlike some of my friends, however, I cannot say that I was surprised by what I heard or the actual plan itself. Having never really drunk the Obama-aid I was only hoping that the tenor of President Obama’s words might have been a little less militaristic. My concerns about the new Obama administration are expressed to various degrees here and then again here. Most recently, in June I wrote (over at my other gig as the Snohomish County Progressive Politics Examiner) about the official transfer of ownership of the “war” into the hands of President Obama and the Democrats.

Some of the “low-lights” of the GW Obama speech came as Obama, just as W so many times in the previous 7 years, invoked 9-11 as the impetus for his actions. Just as Bush had used “slight of tongue” to convince an unwilling public that Iraq was somehow involved in the 9-11 attacks, Obama repeatedly proclaimed that the 9-11 attacks originated in Afghanistan, as if to imply the same level of threat that existed prior to that attack continues today even though the Taliban are no longer the official government there and their numbers have been drastically reduced as a result of the initial invasion. Of course the effect of this is to conjure up the memory of “we shall fight them there so that we don’t have to fight them here”. This is not to say that there is no threat to us from the Al Qaida network or other terrorist groups. However, it is a continuing disservice to the American people to tell us that sending thousands of troops into the mountains and deserts of the Middle East will ever defeat an enemy who operates as a de-centralized and highly mobile force and whose membership continues to be reinforced through our own actions in leaving a trail of “collateral damage” in our wake.

Perhaps the most unsettling piece of President Obama’s plan is the Bushian “money is no object” meme. There is not a day that goes by that the country is not reminded of the tough economic times inherited by the Obama Administration. There is still much debate over the effectiveness of the Obama stimulus plan to divert a full depression. Very few outside the administration are pleased with the Wall Street Bailout plan and to add to this, a healthcare reform bill that is beginning to look and sound more and more like a handout to the health insurance industry – complete with mandates for coverage and only the most impotent “public option”. Add to all this economic tragedy, an increased price tag to surge the already surging military effort in Afghanistan for at least another 18 months. And how will this effort be paid for? Well, again as I wrote in April, Obama has already proven that he is not unwilling to use the Bush tactic of “off-budget emergency supplementals” to provide the funding for war. And, just as in June, there is very little doubt that he will once again achieve that otherwise elusive bipartisanship as our congress has proven they can come together “for the troops”. Now there’s change we can believe in…

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Snohomish County Council to appoint interim prosecutor

2009-11-17T09:26:00.001-08:00

Snohomish County Council to appoint interim prosecutor

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Rethink Afghanistan, Part 6: "Security"

2009-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

When all other discussion of our military invasion and occupation of Afghanistan is considered and placed into question; the fall back argument (whether it be the Bush Administration or the Obama Administration) is “the global war on terror”. And so, in the final installment of Robert Greenwald’s new documentary,”Rethink Afghanistan” that issue is also brought into the fact based world.

Rethink Afghanistan, Part 6: “Security”

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rethink Afghanistan, Part 5: "Women of Afghanistan"

2009-11-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

One of the most common refrains we hear about our involvement in Afghanistan is how, if we leave, the people who would be mostly affected would be the women. Conventional wisdom tells us that life under the Taliban holds the worst possible fate for women. However, as with most things in life, it’s the “shades of grey” that best define the picture.

Rethink Afghanistan, Part 5: “Women of Afghanistan”

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

IWR News

2009-11-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Iraq Body Count: 11/07/09
Americans Killed: 4359
Americans Wounded: 51,000
http://icasualties.org/
Iraqis Killed or Displaced: 3,000,000+
http://antiwar.org
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Maj. Tad T. Hervas, 48, of Coon Rapids, MN died Oct. 6 at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq.

*Pfc. Daniel J. Rivera, 22, of Rochester, NY died Oct. 18 in Mosul, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Bradley Espinoza, 26, of Mission, TX died Oct. 19 in Qwest, Iraq.

*Maj. David L. Audo, 35, of Saint Joseph, IL, died Oct. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Spc. Joseph L. Gallegos, 39, of Questa, NM died Oct. 28 in Tallil, Iraq.

*Spc. Adrian L. Avila, 19, of Opelika, AL died Oct. 29 at Khabari Crossing, Kuwait.

*Pfc. Lukas C. Hopper, 20, of Merced, CA died Oct. 30, southeast of Karadah, Iraq.

*Spc. Christopher M. Cooper, 28, of Oceanside, CA died Oct. 30 in Babil province,
Iraq.

*Spc. Jonathon M. Sylvestre, 21, of Colorado Springs, CO died Nov. 2 in Kut, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Amy C. Tirador, 29, of Albany, NY died Nov. 4 in Kirkush, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rethink Afghanistan, Part 4: "Civilian Casualties"

2009-11-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

9 years into this country’s invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, just as in Iraq, our “mission” continues to evolve to suit the circumstances. From chasing down Osama bin Laden to propping up a government more friendly to the United States; both George W Bush and now Barrack Obama tell us that we are providing stability and security for the Afghani people. Please watch Rethink Afghanistan, Part 4: “Civilian Casualties” for a better picture of how that part of our “strategy” is working out.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rethink Afghanistan - Part 3; "The Cost of War"

2009-11-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

9 years into this country’s military incursion into the Middle East, our economy is on the brink of collapse. Our largest industries; both in manufacturing and the financial realms are failing to provide sustainable and living wage jobs to our citizens. Our national debt and the federal deficit continue to spiral out of control. And yet, year after year, billions of dollars are thrown into the seemingly bottomless pit of war.

Rethink Afghanistan – Part 3; "The Cost of War"

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rethink Afghanistan - Part 2; Pakistan: "The Most Dangerous Country"

2009-11-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

In the 9 years that the United States has been playing nation builder in Afghanistan and Iraq, it can be argued that we have pushed our country more directly into harm’s way than we were prior to 9-11. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in our love-hate relationship with a nuclear armed Pakistan. For more on this, please watch “Rethink Afghanistan – Part 2; Pakistan: “The Most Dangerous Country":

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rethink Afghanistan - Part 1

2009-11-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

For 9 years the United States has been engaged in a military adventure in Afghanistan. The original motivation for our invasion of this impoverished country was to chase down Osama bin Laden and to punish the governing Taliban for refusing to deliver bin Laden into our hands after 9/11. By all accounts, by the end of 2001 bin Laden and the rest of Al Qaida’s operation had been routed into the mountains of Pakistan and our “mission” had been accomplished. That was 9 years ago. Today, President Barrack Obama is bringing together his advisors to “plot a new course” in a country that never has posed any direct threat to our own. I hope that during these advisory sessions someone suggests that President Obama view the new documentary from Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films: Rethink Afghanistan. In an effort to make this easier, over the next week The Left Shue will be running the documentary in parts. Please watch Part 1; “Rethink Afghanistan” below. Then, if you are moved to action, you can go to the website and purchase a copy of the DVD or sign up to host a screening. Even better, you can contact your members of congress and the Whitehouse and suggest that they hold a screening.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

"No on 1033" gains an unexpected ally

2009-10-16T09:46:00.001-07:00

"No on 1033" gains an unexpected ally

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IWR News

2009-10-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

Iraq Body Count: 10/06/09
Americans Killed: 4348
Americans Wounded: 51,000
http://icasualties.org/
Iraqis Killed or Displaced: 3,000,000+
http://antiwar.org
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 25, of Burnsville, MN died Sept. 3 in Baqubah, Iraq.

*Spc. Jordan M. Shay, 22, of Salisbury, MA died Sept. 3 in Baqubah, Iraq.

*1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe GA died Sept. 8 near Baghdad, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith, 31, of Marion, OH died Sept. 8 in Baji, Iraq.

*Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons, 20, of Fernley, NV died Sept. 8 in Baji, Iraq.

*Pfc. Zachary T. Myers, 21, of Delaware, OH died Sept. 8 in Baji, Iraq.

*Senior Airman Matthew R. Courtois, 22, of Lucas, TX died Sep 20 at Abdullah Al Mubarak Airbase, Kuwait.

*Spc. Michael S. Cote Jr., 20, of Denham Springs, LA died Sept. 19 in Balad, Iraq.

*Spc. Ross E. Vogel, III, 27, of Red Lion, PA died Sept. 29 in Kut, Iraq.

*Spc. Paul E. Andersen, 49, of Dowagiac, Mich., died Oct. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Welcome to Snohomish County - Enjoy the ride

2009-09-08T16:19:00.003-07:00

Welcome to Snohomish County - Enjoy the ride

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County Executive vetoes repeal of FCCs in Snohomish County

2009-09-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

County Executive vetoes repeal of FCCs in Snohomish County

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IWR News

2009-08-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

Iraq Body Count: 8/31/09
Americans Killed: 4336
Americans Wounded: 51,000
http://icasualties.org/
Iraqis Killed or Displaced: 3,000,000+
http://antiwar.org
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Lara, 20, of New Braunfels, TX died July 19 in Anbar province, Iraq.

*Spc. Herberth A. Berrios-Campos, 21, of Bealeton, VA died July 24 in Salman Pak, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk, 39, of Gulfport, MS died July 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered on July 23 in Kirkuk, Iraq.

*Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm, 19, of Plymouth, OH died August 4 in Maysan province, Iraq.

*Spc. Richard A. Walters Jr., 41, of Cleveland, OH died Aug. 10 in Ali Al Salem, Kuwait.

*Spc. Matthew D. Hastings, 23, of Claremore, OK died Aug. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Pfc. William Z. Vanosdol, 23, of Pinson, AL died Aug. 19 at Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq.

*2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, VT died Aug. 23 in Hussaniyah, Iraq.

*Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, of Mondovi, WI died Aug. 28 in Rashid, Iraq.

*Pvt. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, OR died Aug. 28 in Rashid, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy; 1932-2009 RIP

2009-08-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

President Harry S. Truman - Special Message to the Congress Recommending a Comprehensive Health Program; delivered on November 19, 1945

"Millions of our citizens do not now have a full measure of opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health. Millions do not now have protection or security against the economic effects of sickness. The time has arrived for action to help them attain that opportunity and that protection....

Our new Economic Bill of Rights should mean health security for all, regardless of residence, station, or race--everywhere in the United States.
We should resolve now that the health of this Nation is a national concern; that financial barriers in the way of attaining health shall be removed; that the health of all its citizens deserves the help of all the Nation."

Senator Ted Kennedy to the Democratic National Convention in New York, NY on August 12, 1980.

"Finally, we cannot have a fair prosperity in isolation from a fair society. So I will continue to stand for a national health insurance. We must -- We must not surrender -- We must not surrender to the relentless medical inflation that can bankrupt almost anyone and that may soon break the budgets of government at every level. Let us insist on real controls over what doctors and hospitals can charge, and let us resolve that the state of a family's health shall never depend on the size of a family's wealth.

The President, the Vice President, the members of Congress have a medical plan that meets their needs in full, and whenever senators and representatives catch a little cold, the Capitol physician will see them immediately, treat them promptly, fill a prescription on the spot. We do not get a bill even if we ask for it, and when do you think was the last time a member of Congress asked for a bill from the Federal Government? And I say again, as I have before, if health insurance is good enough for the President, the Vice President, the Congress of the United States, then it's good enough for you and every family in America."

Senator Ted Kennedy on April 3, 2008:

President Obama, members of Congress, and those "Americans" who say, "Slow down; you're moving too far too fast." and "Having a government guaranteed plan is not essential to healthcare coverage in this country." I say it is long overdue that we start providing for the common welfare of all of our citizens. The time for talk and debate and "incrementalism" is over.

To quote the bard - "How many deaths will it takes till he knows that too many people have died?"

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Larsen health care reform forum - no grand slam but scores a few runs

2009-08-13T09:32:00.001-07:00

Larsen health care reform forum - no grand slam but scores a few runs

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Congressman Rick Larsen deals smoothly with healthcare reform town halls

2009-08-10T15:30:00.001-07:00

Congressman Rick Larsen deals smoothly with healthcare reform town halls

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Boeing - fixing blame; not the problem

2009-07-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

Boeing - fixing blame; not the problem

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IWR News

2009-07-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Iraq Body Count:
7/18/09
Americans Killed: 4326
Americans Wounded: 51,000
http://icasualties.org/
Iraqis Killed or Displaced: 3,000,000+
http://antiwar.org
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. Timothy A. David, 28, of Gladwin, MI died June 28 in Sadr City, Iraq.

*Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Kramer, 39, of Wilmington, NC died June 29 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Sgt. Roger L. Adams Jr., 36, of Jacksonville, NC died June 29 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Sgt. Juan C. Baldeosingh, 30, of Newport, NC died June 29 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Spc. Robert L. Bittiker, 39, of Jacksonville, NC died June 29 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg, 19, of Wright City, MO died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Chief Warrant Officer Rodney A. Jarvis, 34, of Akron, OH died July 13 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, MN died July16 in Basra, Iraq.

*Spc. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, MN died July16 in Basra, Iraq.

*Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, MN died July16 in Basra, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Wal*Mart shopper defends 1st amendment right with 2nd amendment gun

2009-07-12T15:48:00.001-07:00

Wal*Mart shopper defends 1st amendment right with 2nd amendment gun

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Boeing's long bye-bye begins?

2009-07-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

Boeing's long bye-bye begins?

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TEA Party Parade

2009-07-06T15:46:00.001-07:00

TEA Party Parade

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