End the War!!

Hey Folks -

Here's a quicky I've been saving. The Uke Man made the paper, but big deal. There were only three politicians who showed up for the testimony (all Democrats), and one of them was a whimp. The best that one Republican could do was send a gopher to make excuses.

So, there we are. Millions protesting at the start, ignored. Millions protesting right along, ignored. We DID get coverage in the paper, but the whole movement is still getting the finger from Bush at the top of the dung heap all the way down to the little turds at the bottom.

- Uke Man

Downtown meeting
Audience eager to end Iraq war
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
By Dean Narciso
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

There was unified support -- from politicians, college instructors, physicians and regular folks -- urging a peaceful withdrawal from Iraq during a town meeting Downtown last night.

The event drew about 100 passionate voices, and one ukulele player, to First Congregation Church, 444 E. Broad St., to discuss the war's effect locally.

Columbus is spending $1.73 million a year in overtime costs to cover for firefighters who are serving in the military, said Jack Reall, president of the Columbus firefighters' union.

Reall praised Columbus leaders for supporting the extra spending and acknowledged that no jobs have gone unfilled.

Columbus police also have used overtime to fill vacancies while officers are fulfilling military duties overseas. Details were not available.

Critics of the war have produced staggering numbers showing the war's cost to the nation's

cities. The claim for Columbus' share: more than $927 million, enough to cover the city's general fund for 1½ years, said Columbus City Councilwoman Charleta Tavares, one of two council members present last night.

The other, Hearcel Craig, said he came to listen. But when pressed on ways to help returning veterans, he said, "We owe them everything -- those who would give up their lives."

The front of the chapel was filled with activists, children and war opponents.

Columbus State Community College professor Rita Bova called the war an "illegal, immoral" occupation. She has urged her military-reserve students to flunk their physicals.

"Why the hell should you go?" she has told them. "Why should anyone go?"

Dennis W. Bartow II spoke for U.S. Rep. Deborah Pryce last night. Pryce, a Republican from Upper Arlington, supports President Bush's administration on the war.

He said Pryce's position is to continue to support Bush, but wait for a military summary of the conflict, expected this September. She is hoping for progress by then.

Tavares, Craig and Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy were the only three central Ohio politicians to attend.

"We need to make the opposition to the war visible, and I will join you in those rallies," Kilroy told the crowd.

More than half of the two-hour event was made up of audience comments.

Dr. Scott Hickey, a pediatrician, worried about the war's toll on the young.

"I was trained to look for evidence," he said. "I've yet to hear anyone talking about any evidence, any justification for the war, to be effective."

Vanetia Turner was to celebrate the July return of her son, Army Sgt. Eddie Gore. Instead, she's learned he's being redeployed Aug. 9 for 14 months.

"I believe America needs to take care of home before fighting a never-ending battle," Turner said.

Tom Harker's ukulele guided his thoughts, as he sang the satirical Sunny Day in Baghdad.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

Called up

Number of Ohio National Guardsmen and reservists mobilized as of July 18:

Army (guard and reserve): 1,597

Air National Guard: 307

Navy Reserve: 245

Marine Reserve: 0*

Total: 2,149

* Individual Marines may be attached to other units but no Ohio reserve unit has been mobilized.

Source: defenselink.com; Marine Corps