Nobel Laureates Salute Bradley Manning

Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu,known as the conscience of South Africa< Adolpho Perez Esquivel, a champion of nonviolent solutions in South America and Mairead Maguire who worked to end conflict in Northern Ireland all salute the efforts of Bradley Manning and Wiki leaks to inform citizens about violence that their governments try to hide from them and protest the inhumane treatment of Manning in military custody.

As people who have worked for decades against the increased militarization of societies and for international cooperation to end war, we are deeply dismayed by the treatment of Pfc. Bradley Manning.
We have dedicated our lives to working for peace because we have seen the many faces of armed conflict and violence, and we understand that no matter the cause of war, civilians always bear the brunt of the cost. With today’s advanced military technology and the continued ability of business and political elites to filter what information is made public, there exists a great barrier to many citizens being fully aware of the realities and consequences of conflicts in which their country is engaged.

via Nobel Laureates Salute Bradley Manning | The Nation.

Cpl. Aaron Mankin (as seen on Maddow) at Iraq & Afghanistan Vet fundraiser speaks of the Cost of War

This reflects a Vietnam service memory that will always haunt me. We were visiting the Medi-vac. A young soldier was celebrating his 21st birthday. I, a 23 year old member of the air-force serving in Vietnam, watched the scene as the lights were dimmed and the nurse urged the young patient to blow out the candles. He hesitated as the candle light reflected off his bandaged face which had been erased by a land mine. That was Vietnam; Meet his present day counterpart from Iraq. I applaud his courageous and generous spirit. How much longer will this continue?

Cpl. Aaron Mankin (as seen on Maddow) at Iraq & Afghanistan Vet fundraiser – Democratic Underground.

Army suicides for 2012 surpass last year’s numbers – Yahoo! News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ten months into 2012, the number of suspected suicides by active-duty soldiers has surpassed last year’s total, even as the Pentagon struggles to stem the persistent problem.

According to the Army says there were 20 possible suicides in October, bringing the total for the year to 166 — one more than the total for 2011. The 20 suspected soldier suicides in October is also a spike, compared to 15 in September.

U.S. Army officials have been worried about the pace of suicides this year and were concerned the numbers would surge higher than last year despite efforts to increase programs and outreach. In late September, the Army ordered a service-wide "stand down" requiring soldiers to put aside their usual duties and spend time discussing suicide prevention, including how to identify signs of trouble with their comrades.

via Army suicides for 2012 surpass last year's numbers – Yahoo! News.

Empire Watch: The Culture War of National Security

The Culture War of National Security

Drone assassinations? Guantanamo? Why civil libertarians can’t win in the fight against an expanded security state. And why we can blame Caesar.

via The Culture War of National Security –.

Being aware of the politics of National Security and how we communicate and make decisions is an important part of effective opposition to the policies of our present day empire. Can we learn from Caesar’s mistake?

Reports on Veterans, Sandy and Veterans Day, Formerly Known as Armistice Day

Rachel Maddow reports on How the VA hospital and the District VA offices in New York have been damaged and how Veterans have pitched in to help with the recovery efforts.   Inspirational! More information and links here on the Maddow blog and Happy Veterans Day or as it was in the Past Armistice Day celebrating Peace.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Gainesville Sun reports Veterans Day Freebies

The Gainesville Sun listed local businesses offering Veterans free or reduced price  meals and treats on Sunday and Monday to celebrate Veterans Day.
Link to the full article can be found at:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121109/news/121109523

Offerings include:
— Applebee’s, free meal 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

— Beef O’Brady’s, 1999 NW 43rd St. location, free meal up to $9 value Sunday.

— Chili’s, free meal from seven choices all day Sunday.

— Denny’s, free all-you-can eat pancakes from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

— Krispy Kreme, free doughnut and coffee Sunday and Monday.

— Olive Garden, free entree from special menu Sunday.

— Outback Steakhouse, free Bloomin’ Onion and soda Sunday and Monday.

— Red Lobster, free appetizer Sunday.

— Texas Roadhouse, free lunch from 10 choices Monday.

— T.G.I. Friday’s, free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

Getting Ready for our Early solstice Concert

Our Solstice concert will be held on December 8th this year and you are all invited to kick off the holiday season by joining us at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4225 NW 34th Street starting at 8pm.  If you want advance tickets they are available at Hyde and Zeke Records, 402 NW 10th Ave, or call 352-376-1687 or look up a friendly VFP Gainesville member who will be selling them.  If you purchase a ticket ahead of time be sure and be there by 7:30pm to claim your seat.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  If you would like advertise in the program we need your copy for the ad by November 30th.  Call 352-376-1687 to arrange advertising and tabling at the event.  Spread the word!  Bring your friends and enjoy the Cheer on nearly the longest night of the year!

2012 Solstice flyer-1   2011 Solstice Program


Solstice photo by VFP member Bill Warrick

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