John~ if you're lurking, were is a good place to eat on the waterfront in Port Huron other than Thomas Edison Inn?

This a.m. I went to Chick Fil A to get a sandwich. I decided to go inside and have a quiet lunch.

I was sitting there and just thinking much about nothing.

I looked up and at the next table across from me was a soldier in fatigues just looking kind of forlorn. I wanted to say something but didn't want to interupt his thoughts.

I said to him, "so how are you doing today??" He said " I am at a bad place". I asked "why?"

He said he is supposed to retire in October with 20 years and now the army has said he has to stay in and go back to Iraq. If he doesn't he can be jailed. He looked so  forlorn.

I just listened and did not make any statements

This is what he told me:

- the military is just about numbers, and "bodies"

-that he was supposed to get married but doesn't want a relationship where he may not come back alive

-he said if he had been offered a promotion or more money, it would have made some difference but the military says, you stay and tough luck

- most of his unit wants a big change in this country and bush is mostly diliked by all his men.

- they have no idea why they are in Iraq and just want out.

- most of the new recruits have no education just want to go over and kill people.

- I tried to keep my cool and just listen. he said thanks for caring.

- I went to my car and cried.

sorry to insert this in the thread but it was too much for me not to tell you all

Very touching Linda, and I suspect all too common. 

We have to pull tose poor boys and girls out of there, and as quickly as possible.

even the Iraqis are demanding awithdrawal timetable

It's all so sad how our soldiers and members of congress were hoodwinked into the war in Iraq by their leadership.

What a total travesty for America it all is.

lindb,  Did your soldier mention his name?  I would like to say some prayers for him.

I went to the ballgame last week Wednesday and it was Military Day.  Lots of servicepeople in their uniforms and fatigues.  I'm glad they paid tribute to them, and I was also glad to see them home - though I don't know for how long for some of them.

God bless our soldiers

The House oversight committee gives Attorney General Michael Mukasey until July 16 to produce subpoenaed FBI reports on interviews with the Vice President in the Plame leak investigation -- or face a contempt of Congress vote.

It wouldn't be very funny if McCain wins in November and the Democrats lose their majority in congress.

http://i29.tinypic.com/34djw44.jpg

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorblog/102

A report from Swiss public radio that $20 million was paid to release three American hostages, Ingrid Betancourt, and 11 Colombian soldiers and police officers is being pretty much roundly ignored in the United States.

Not so the case in the UK, where the Times reported the allegation on July 4th:

But while she [Betancourt] was still in the air, the Swiss radio station RSR broadcast a report questioning the official version of the operation to free Ms Betancourt and 14 other hostages – saying that money, not cunning, had clinched their freedom.

According to Bogota, the hostages were freed in an elaborate ruse by Colombian intelligence agents who had infiltrated the Marxist Farc rebels holding them.

But RSR said that the 15 hostages “were in reality ransomed for a high price, and the whole operation afterwards was a set-up". Citing a source "close to the events, reliable and tested many times in recent years", it said that the United States – which had three citizens among those freed – was behind the deal and put the price at $20 million.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry furiously denied the allegations, with a spokesman calling them "completely false." He added: "They are lies".

General Freddy Padilla, head of the Colombian military, categorically denied they had paid "a single peso" to Farc.

"As the General Commander of the Armed Forces and on my military honour, I deny that the Colombian Government has paid a single peso, a single cent," he said.

Please note the plausible deniability in the statement of the Colombian Armed Forces Commander.  One, if the U.S. paid the money, then he is correct to say that Colombia did not pay it.  Two, the money may not have been paid directly to FARC, but paid through an intermediary, or paid as a bounty fee to defectors.

Far be it from BuzzFlash to claim first hand knowledge of such a $20 million dollar pay-off.  But it wouldn't be the first time that the Bush Administration has claimed that it won't negotiate with terrorists and then paid ransom money behind the scenes.

it may be said the the water cooler has more conversation. I don't understand why they are doing this.

Good day folks.  Just read linda b's write-up about her encounter with the soldier.  It's so heartbreaking -- I just want this war to end NOW.  Too many people just don't seem to care.  I  hope the voters in this country care enough and make the right decision in their voting booths this November. 

You're Invited

To a luncheon event featuring Democratic Strategist & Author

Donna Brazile

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Proceeds to benefit the

Obama Victory Fund

Dear Susan

Please join Bay Area Democrats in welcoming to San Francisco noted Democratic strategist and author Donna Brazile. This lunch-time discussion will benefit the Obama Victory Fund. Here are the event details:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 15  •  12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

WHERE: The Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery, San Francisco

COST: VIP Reception $1,000; Lunch Discussion $150 per person

RSVP: Please RSVP online

If you need additional information, please contact Chris Young via email or by calling 415-971-2549.

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

Sincerely,

Wade Randlett

Founder, Bay Area Democrats