Wednesday Rapid Response: Honor the dead

The following media action alert courtesy of the Oregon branch of the Rapid Response Network.

As we eagerly stay tuned for what Fitzmas may (or may not) bring us…

1. Honor the dead, heal the wounded, end the war
2. Marketing the ANWR strategy—“Oregonians don’t care”
3. U.S. refusing to send adequate numbers of tents to save quake survivors

1. Honor the dead, heal the wounded, end the war
Today’s Statesman Journal online poll:
On Tuesday, the United States military reported its 2,000th casualty in the Iraq war. In Congress, some are calling on the Bush administration to start bringing the troops home soon. Do you agree or disagree? Does the U.S. have responsibilities toward Iraq? If so, what are they? Among the responses thus far, this Zen koan:
We are in Iraq and 100 other places because the Statue of Liberty is walking and not standing still

Please weigh in with the voice of reason!

Meanwhile, the Oregonian’s front-page wire story on the 2,000 dead milestone includes this sickening talking point of deception from Bush: “As for critics who say that the war in Iraq has prompted a new wave of terrorism, Bush said: ‘I would remind them that we were not in Iraq on September 11.’” Pivot, switch, slime.

"The disasters wrought by presidential cabal" Must-read op-ed by Colin Powell’s former chief of staff.

Hitting close to home: Behind the numbers are dozens of grieving families in Oregon and Southwest Washington

"Best guess of Iraqi dead about 30,000" [This is a longer version of the AP story than the Oregonian chose to run.]

As long as U.S. and other foreign troops remain in Iraq, the insurgency will continue.

letters@news.oregonian.com
letters@latimes.com
Or contact your local paper
Drop a quick line to national media
Contact your elected representatives

ACTION: MoveOn/DFA/True Majority vigils tonight — host or join one in your neighborhood or community:
Today, Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. we will gather at vigils to remember and honor our fallen soldiers and ask, "How many more?"
Sign up for the Vigil for 2000 Killed in Iraq at:
http://political.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=29

2. Marketing the ANWR strategy—“Oregonians don’t care”

Thom Hartmann is outlining how the GOP polling shows Arctic drilling is an economic issue not an environmental one, and that Smith now intends to vote for drilling in the wildlife refuge, saying “it’s not the lightning rod it once was.” In other words, people don’t care so I can get away with this. The poll they are using forced respondents to choose between gas prices or caribou. As the GOP knows so well, you can twist just about anything toward the end of favoring big oil and wealthy corporations over people and the land.

The Senate is also heading toward cutting vital services like health care and food stamps, while continuing the dangerously irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthy.
Call Senator Smith:
• Washington: 202.224.3753
• Portland: 503.326.3386

3. U.S. refusing to send adequate numbers of tents to save quake survivors

"Lack of winter tents leaves quake survivors in danger"

The United Nations warns that thousands of quake victims could die of exposure and cold-related illnesses such as pneumonia unless tents designed to withstand heavy snow and wind arrive soon….Pakistan needs at least 200,000 more winter tents to shelter quake survivors, according to the International Organization for Migration, a Geneva-based agency aiding quake victims. ...
The U.S., Canada and other countries have donated surplus winter tents, but so far governments appear unwilling to tap their main military stockpiles, Oxfam said.
"Of course we understand that the military like to be ready to rush into battle at a moment's notice, but thousands of people could die unless all of the world's winter tents are made available," Roseveare said.
As of Sunday, the U.S. military had donated 534 tents and had plans to give 4,000 more, said Air Force 1st Lt. Tawny Dotson of U.S. Central Command.

Please write to the media and elected officials urging a swift response to this urgent human need. The wealthiest country on earth should be able to spare some tents!

letters@news.oregonian.com
letters@latimes.com
Contact your elected representatives
letters@news.oregonian.com
Or contact your local paper
Drop a quick line to national media

Never give up.
_____________________________________
Oregon RR is a group of volunteers dedicated to advancing the principles of
balance and truthfulness in the media.
www.rapidresponsenetwork.org/web.py/or/

To contact us:
or@rapidresponsenetwork.org