Blood, Sweat, and Stink!

I am not in Iraq. I could never claim to know the entire situation there. I would never make blanket statements about decisions made. I should not debate why we should, and should not, leave now.

It's ironic that somebody stationed just outside of Baghdad who could give us informative insight and detailed accounts of events was arrested for blogging July 11, 2005.

Visit what remains of National Guardsman, Leonard Clark's blog here.

I can only share some stories mainstream media cover in tiny detail or totally neglect.

Blood:

"BAGHDAD, 12 July (IRIN) - Iraqis are selling their own blood to people who are buying supplies for relatives in need, due to a shortage, doctors say. This has caused concern over the spread of disease since the supplies are not checked for blood-bourne infections."

Sweat:

"Nine building workers have died in Iraq after being arrested on suspicion of insurgent activity and then left in a closed metal container.

"Three men survived the ordeal, police sources said, despite being left for 14 hours in the burning Iraqi summer heat."

Stink:

"BAGHDAD — The rank smell of sweat, stale cigarettes and garbage engulfs the cavernous aircraft hangar where hundreds of Iraqi men in khaki fatigues lounge on black metal bunk beds with bare mattresses. A door in the corner leads to the bathroom — a dozen or so metal cubicles reeking of human filth.

"For many of the more than 2,000 men who make up the Iraqi army's fledgling 5th Brigade, this dank metal shed with sporadic electricity and no running water has been their home for the last six months as they prepare to take their place on the front lines against the country's insurgency."

I don't care if you're for the war, against the war, or simply don't care. Between political rhetoric and insult exchanges, stories of people greatly impacted by the fighting from all sides are often not noticed by mainstream media.

Can every story be covered? No.

Can recognition of brave men and women serving be ignored? Not if you take action:

"On Friday evening, July 15 the National Governors' Association Conference will begin in Des Moines, Iowa. The American Friends Service Committee, in conjunction with Military Families Speak Out, are hosting a special version of AFSC's Eyes Wide Open exhibit of the boots of fallen soldiers in Des Moines prior to the opening of the Conference -- it will be the boots of fallen National Guard soldiers.

"Get your Governor to take notice of this event and read the names of the fallen National Guard soldiers from their state.

"If you'd like to help out, please contact your Governor's office:

"Hello, my name is ___________________ I'm calling to follow-up on an invitation the Governor received to a memorial service for National Guard soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like the Governor to participate in the service by reading the names of the fallen Guard members from (your state) and laying a flower at the boots bearing their names.
I believe it is very important for our elected officials to publicly recognize the sacrifice that military personnel and their families have made, and the toll that has been taken by the war in Iraq. (here again, feel free to add your personal comments.)
The memorial service will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, July 15, at Nollen Plaza at Third and Locust in Des Moines.
Will the governor be able to attend?

If yes: Please thank him/her on my/our behalf.

If no: Ask for the reason why the Governor will not be able to attend."