IRAQ - 2096 + 100,000 and Counting

How many deaths will it take?

I heard yesterday on the news that the death toll was nearing 2000. This acknowledgement only included reported US military deaths, which as of September 18 has reached 2096 "military coalition deaths (US 1899; 96 UK; 101 other countries). I wonder how many people who heard that same report realized we've already surpassed 2000 military lives LOST...a 100, 200 + or so overlooked?

Additionally, I wonder how many of those who heard that inaccurate count of military deaths ever thought about civilian deaths, which are estimated as high as 100,000? 

Most of us I dare say are totally uninformed about civilian deaths in Iraq, because as General Tommy Franks, US Central Command reminded us, "We don't do body counts." We occasionally hear about a dead civilian here and there --- over 200 reported just this week, but there is no admission by BUSH and his administration of any of these deaths. They are not even acknowledged the human lives were lost by our bombs and guns --- mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents, infants, young children. The most powerful leaders in the world have not to date publicly noticed or even offered in statements of regret.

"How wonderful if politicians could bring themselves to admit they are only fallible human creatures and not God and thus by definition can make mistakes. Unfortunately, they seem to think that such an admission is a sign of weakness. Weak and insecure people hardly ever say 'sorry'.
--- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I admit it; it is much easier to shield our eyes from the realities of the human costs of the war --- and the human costs of governmental disrespect, disregard and indifference to human suffering. 

In the US, the media spin often shields most of us from anything more than a casual sound-byte about civilian’s who have been maimed and killed in IRAQ. “I don’t even pay attention anymore,” is a common response. Is this the position you've taken unintentionally?

KATRINA MADE US SEE
The early response to the KATRINA Hurricane by BUSH and his administration put governmental disregard, disrespect and indifference to human suffering on the global stage for all to watch. There was no finger-pointing necessary or any investigations needed, we all watched their behavior, actions and inactions in the anguish, hunger, thirst and inhumane conditions endured by our own neighbors on TV with horror, helplessness and disbelief. It gave all of us a badly-needed up-close-and-personal glimpse of governmental disregard, disrespect and indifference to human suffering.

We have to remind ourselves, the unconscionable response to human suffering that we witnessed was what BUSH and his administration gave as a response to the most urgent needs of our own family of US CITIZENS. With policies that reflect, “we don’t do body counts” in our wars, imagine what the level of disregard and disrespect has been beyond our borders in IRAQ. Remember, it is the leaders that set the tone and the policy. Have you looked into it lately???  Below are three places to get enlightened.

AN INSIDE LOOK TO OPEN YOUR EYES

1. NPR Audio Interview and Excerpt of Scott Simon talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Shadid about his book Night Draws Near: Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War.

2. Global Dialogue Center Audio-Podcast and Interview ---- Every Body Counts: Interview with John Sloboda, co-founder of the Iraq Body Count Project shares the story behind the project. Includes a downloadable PDF of their IRAQ BODY COUNT: A Dossier of Civilian Casualties 2003-2005 and links for more information on the project.

3. One Day in Iraq --- a collection first-hand accounts and pictures that tell the story (BBC News – World Edition)

Don’t have to accept my opinion and perspective.
See for yourself.
Draw your own conclusions.

Realities across the world, call all of us to think, rethink, question and stand-up! As Gandhi reminded us, "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."
I welcome learning from your thinking.

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Visit our virtual gathering place.

Comments

[my link]

Hello to every one, the contents present at this website are in fact awesome for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.

[odkurzacz samsung sc6360]

Definitely imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to take into accout of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people think about issues that they just do not know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as neatly as defined out the entire thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks