The untold cost of the Iraq war
As the Town of Walpole faces a critical budget shortfall a compelling link can be made to the sky rocking cost of the Iraqi war, a war which the Bush administration started under blatantly false pretenses by manipulating intelligence data. Although the financial cost of the war pales to the destruction and deaths it has caused, the financial cost also directly affects the lives of every one of us as the federal government continues to cut budgets for human services.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. has spent over $250 billon on direct military operations in Iraq since 2003, over and above the normal defense budget, which is already the highest in the world. The Iraqi war cost to-date breaks down to about $1,000 per capita or $23,000,000 just for Walpole based on our population. This amount is almost as much as Walpole’s education budget for one year. And according to Professor Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University, the 2001 Nobel economics prize winner, the full cost of the war could be one to two trillion dollars taking into account all long term costs.
We should demand that our congressional delegation work to end the war. This war is tragic enough with the number of Americans and Iraqi killed and wounded, with the destruction and civil war in Iraq, and with an intensification of anti- American feelings around the world. The war also is harmful as it threatens our nation’s capacity to fund critical human services and assist towns like Walpole.
Philip Czachorowski
Pemberton Street
[link]
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Paul's Letter in the Walpole Times
Trip to Venezuela suggests that the American public is being misinformed
On Jan. 23rd I traveled to Caracas, Venezuela as part of a Global Exchange Reality Tour. My reason for going was to find out first hand what really is happening in this country that seems to have the Bush Administration and Pat Robertson so opposed to the Hugo Chavez government. Keep in mind that the U.S. was found to be siding with those that participated in the coup to overthrow President Chavez in April 2002 and that Pat Robertson has advocated publicly for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. I have also read in the main stream media that Chavez has become "a strongman with near dictatorial control over the country."
Just as I learned from my trip to Cuba, the U.S public is being misinformed about what is really happening. To start off with, Venezuela arguably has a more democratic form of government than we do. The people not only vote for all levels of their representative government, they also have taken part in rewriting their constitution, which now provides for a popular referendum that allows the public a direct voice in legislation and the power to recall any publicly elected figure. This was initiated by President Chavez and as it ironically turned out the opposition forces used this process in an attempt to remove Chavez from office. As things turned out, Chavez won with over 60 percent of the vote and it gave him the mandate that he was hoping for to implement many of the reforms to help the poor in Venezuela.
As part of our tour, we traveled to different areas of Venezuela to see what was happening. Keep in mind that 80 percent of its people are living below the poverty level and that for decades they have mainly been ignored by their government and getting poorer while the rich have been getting a lot richer. We saw many government programs that have been put in place as part of a "preferential option for the poor." We visited a cooperative in Caracas that had a clothing factory that was the furthest thing from a sweatshop possible. The factory was well lit and well ventilated and the workers were obviously enjoying what they were doing. They were also being paid a livable wage. We also visited a government supported supermarket that sells food at below market prices.
We traveled to the countryside to learn about what the government was doing as far as its education, health care and land reform programs. In the area of education, the government has not only made changes that now enable all the children to get an education, they also provide a free breakfast, lunch and snack and keep the schools open all day so that students have access to various arts and sports programs. This allows parents the chance to work during the day. There is also a program that is for individuals who dropped out of high school to complete their education. On top of this, the public colleges are not only free, the government also gives financial support to those who would have to work to support their family and therefore not be able to study.
As far as health care goes, the government has set up medical clinics throughout Venezuela and is now providing free medical care to everyone! In the area of land reform, the government has not only distributed over 6 million acres of land to over 700,000 people, they have also provided technical support and training in mainly organic agriculture plus markets for what they grow. This will help improve the chances that these families will be successful. The goal of this land reform is to encourage people to migrate from the overcrowded cities and also to help the country to be more self reliant as far as its need for food.
When you compare what is happening in Venezuela to what we are experiencing here, you can see why the Bush Administration might be concerned. In contrast to what I’ve described above, we have seen small family farms struggle without any help, college costs sky rocketing as aid is being cut, schools cutting back on the arts and sports (or charging fees), around 50 million people without health insurance, and a government that represents mainly the interests of the most wealthy in our society. I must admit that I’m really perplexed about why Pat Robertson wants President Chavez assassinated, after all he is a major Christian leader and Hugo Chavez seems to be following Jesus’ teachings to help the poor.
When I look back on what I saw in Venezuela, four words come to mind – enthusiasm, pride, hope and grateful. The enthusiasm for this Social Revolution that most people expressed was practically contagious. They were full of pride at the work that they were given the chance to do. They seemed to now have hope for a better future – especially for their children. And they really seemed grateful towards the Chavez government for initiating these new programs that are based on a "preferential option for the poor."
If you want to help the Chavez government continue with these programs, there is something that you can easily do – buy Citgo gas. The main source of revenue for the Venezuelan government is its vast oil reserves and Citgo is the outlet in the U.S. for their oil. As many of you are probably aware, Citgo has also helped many of the poor in Massachusetts and in other states by selling oil at considerably lower prices.
I will be giving a more in depth talk on what I learned while in Venezuela at our Peace and Justice speakers series on April 4th (the first Tuesday of the month). The talk starts at 7:30 at the Walpole library.
Paul Peckham
Walpole
[link]
On Jan. 23rd I traveled to Caracas, Venezuela as part of a Global Exchange Reality Tour. My reason for going was to find out first hand what really is happening in this country that seems to have the Bush Administration and Pat Robertson so opposed to the Hugo Chavez government. Keep in mind that the U.S. was found to be siding with those that participated in the coup to overthrow President Chavez in April 2002 and that Pat Robertson has advocated publicly for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. I have also read in the main stream media that Chavez has become "a strongman with near dictatorial control over the country."
Just as I learned from my trip to Cuba, the U.S public is being misinformed about what is really happening. To start off with, Venezuela arguably has a more democratic form of government than we do. The people not only vote for all levels of their representative government, they also have taken part in rewriting their constitution, which now provides for a popular referendum that allows the public a direct voice in legislation and the power to recall any publicly elected figure. This was initiated by President Chavez and as it ironically turned out the opposition forces used this process in an attempt to remove Chavez from office. As things turned out, Chavez won with over 60 percent of the vote and it gave him the mandate that he was hoping for to implement many of the reforms to help the poor in Venezuela.
As part of our tour, we traveled to different areas of Venezuela to see what was happening. Keep in mind that 80 percent of its people are living below the poverty level and that for decades they have mainly been ignored by their government and getting poorer while the rich have been getting a lot richer. We saw many government programs that have been put in place as part of a "preferential option for the poor." We visited a cooperative in Caracas that had a clothing factory that was the furthest thing from a sweatshop possible. The factory was well lit and well ventilated and the workers were obviously enjoying what they were doing. They were also being paid a livable wage. We also visited a government supported supermarket that sells food at below market prices.
We traveled to the countryside to learn about what the government was doing as far as its education, health care and land reform programs. In the area of education, the government has not only made changes that now enable all the children to get an education, they also provide a free breakfast, lunch and snack and keep the schools open all day so that students have access to various arts and sports programs. This allows parents the chance to work during the day. There is also a program that is for individuals who dropped out of high school to complete their education. On top of this, the public colleges are not only free, the government also gives financial support to those who would have to work to support their family and therefore not be able to study.
As far as health care goes, the government has set up medical clinics throughout Venezuela and is now providing free medical care to everyone! In the area of land reform, the government has not only distributed over 6 million acres of land to over 700,000 people, they have also provided technical support and training in mainly organic agriculture plus markets for what they grow. This will help improve the chances that these families will be successful. The goal of this land reform is to encourage people to migrate from the overcrowded cities and also to help the country to be more self reliant as far as its need for food.
When you compare what is happening in Venezuela to what we are experiencing here, you can see why the Bush Administration might be concerned. In contrast to what I’ve described above, we have seen small family farms struggle without any help, college costs sky rocketing as aid is being cut, schools cutting back on the arts and sports (or charging fees), around 50 million people without health insurance, and a government that represents mainly the interests of the most wealthy in our society. I must admit that I’m really perplexed about why Pat Robertson wants President Chavez assassinated, after all he is a major Christian leader and Hugo Chavez seems to be following Jesus’ teachings to help the poor.
When I look back on what I saw in Venezuela, four words come to mind – enthusiasm, pride, hope and grateful. The enthusiasm for this Social Revolution that most people expressed was practically contagious. They were full of pride at the work that they were given the chance to do. They seemed to now have hope for a better future – especially for their children. And they really seemed grateful towards the Chavez government for initiating these new programs that are based on a "preferential option for the poor."
If you want to help the Chavez government continue with these programs, there is something that you can easily do – buy Citgo gas. The main source of revenue for the Venezuelan government is its vast oil reserves and Citgo is the outlet in the U.S. for their oil. As many of you are probably aware, Citgo has also helped many of the poor in Massachusetts and in other states by selling oil at considerably lower prices.
I will be giving a more in depth talk on what I learned while in Venezuela at our Peace and Justice speakers series on April 4th (the first Tuesday of the month). The talk starts at 7:30 at the Walpole library.
Paul Peckham
Walpole
[link]
Monday, February 27, 2006
News from Taiwan
X-Post from my personal blog -- an amazing report entitled The 228 Incident: A Report on Responsibility that claims former president Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) was the prime culprit behind the 228 Incident:
Great Posts on 228 Incident
Also a link to more about the Report here:
[President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) with image of 228 victims]
Report blames Chiang for 2/28 incident
Possibly the best first person account available is from George Kerr's book, Formosa Betrayed -- the entire volume is online, and here is the relevant chapter:
The February Incident, 1947
Great Posts on 228 Incident
Also a link to more about the Report here:
[President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) with image of 228 victims]Report blames Chiang for 2/28 incident
Possibly the best first person account available is from George Kerr's book, Formosa Betrayed -- the entire volume is online, and here is the relevant chapter:
The February Incident, 1947
Friday, February 17, 2006
Write-up in Walpole Times
The film screening was written up in Brian Burns' "Around Town" section of the Walpole Times:
Film explores way to explore cycle of vengeance
Film explores way to explore cycle of vengeance
Monday, February 13, 2006
Taiwan Presentation March 7th
Walpole Peace and Justice Group Hosts a Panel Discussion and Conversation on Taiwan: “The Politics of a Democratic Island Nation”
The Walpole Peace and Justice Group will host a panel discussion and general conversation about Taiwan. Mr. Tom Tsai will lead a panel that will include Mr. William Wang, Dr. Tun-hou Li, and Ms. Mei Tsai. The talk and slide presentation will be given at the Walpole Public Library on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at 7:30 PM. The event is open to the public.
Last March 3, 2005, marked the 50th anniversary of the enforcement of the Mutual Defense Agreement (MDA) between the Republic of China (ROC) and the United States. This Agreement has been the principle instrument in the maintenance of a political and military standoff, essentially between the US and China, over the nation of Taiwan. Since the UN withdrew recognition of the ROC in 1971, Taiwan has existed without official status. In 1979, following President Nixon’s trips to Beijing in the early 70’s, the US officially recognized the People’s Republic of China, and the MDA was allowed expired and replaced by the “weaker” Taiwan Relations Act.
Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) Party maintained martial law on Taiwan until 1987, and was the only functional political party. Despite its unusual lack of diplomatic representation and difficult political history, Taiwan has prospered in these past fifty years, boasting a high-tech economy and the world’s third largest foreign reserves. In 2000, in the face of heavy pressure from China and in opposition to the KMT, the people of Taiwan elected a leader dedicated to democracy and progressive politics, President Chen Shui-bian; thus marking perhaps the first peaceful, democratic transition of power in Taiwan’s, or for that matter China’s, history.
The history and cause of Taiwan is less known in the US. For example, February 28th is a key date in Taiwan’s history, and marks another generational anniversary – the 228 Incident of 1947. It has been almost fifty years since the KMT brutally repressed a series of protests on the island, killing perhaps as many as 30,000. Many in the US would be familiar with Tiananmen Square or the Invasion of Tibet, yet few in the US know of the 228 Incident because Chiang was considered an ally.
Mr. Tsai will lead the panel. Mr. Wang will give a presentation on the history of the island, its people and its unique culture. Dr. Li will talk about the current political situation. Ms. Tsai will speak about the women’s movement in Taiwan. The public is invited to come learn about Taiwan, ask questions, and share their own experiences.
The next program in the series will take place on April 4, 2006, and will feature a presentation by Paul Peckham on his recent trip to Venezuela.
The Walpole Peace and Justice Group will host a panel discussion and general conversation about Taiwan. Mr. Tom Tsai will lead a panel that will include Mr. William Wang, Dr. Tun-hou Li, and Ms. Mei Tsai. The talk and slide presentation will be given at the Walpole Public Library on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at 7:30 PM. The event is open to the public.
Last March 3, 2005, marked the 50th anniversary of the enforcement of the Mutual Defense Agreement (MDA) between the Republic of China (ROC) and the United States. This Agreement has been the principle instrument in the maintenance of a political and military standoff, essentially between the US and China, over the nation of Taiwan. Since the UN withdrew recognition of the ROC in 1971, Taiwan has existed without official status. In 1979, following President Nixon’s trips to Beijing in the early 70’s, the US officially recognized the People’s Republic of China, and the MDA was allowed expired and replaced by the “weaker” Taiwan Relations Act.
Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) Party maintained martial law on Taiwan until 1987, and was the only functional political party. Despite its unusual lack of diplomatic representation and difficult political history, Taiwan has prospered in these past fifty years, boasting a high-tech economy and the world’s third largest foreign reserves. In 2000, in the face of heavy pressure from China and in opposition to the KMT, the people of Taiwan elected a leader dedicated to democracy and progressive politics, President Chen Shui-bian; thus marking perhaps the first peaceful, democratic transition of power in Taiwan’s, or for that matter China’s, history.
The history and cause of Taiwan is less known in the US. For example, February 28th is a key date in Taiwan’s history, and marks another generational anniversary – the 228 Incident of 1947. It has been almost fifty years since the KMT brutally repressed a series of protests on the island, killing perhaps as many as 30,000. Many in the US would be familiar with Tiananmen Square or the Invasion of Tibet, yet few in the US know of the 228 Incident because Chiang was considered an ally.
Mr. Tsai will lead the panel. Mr. Wang will give a presentation on the history of the island, its people and its unique culture. Dr. Li will talk about the current political situation. Ms. Tsai will speak about the women’s movement in Taiwan. The public is invited to come learn about Taiwan, ask questions, and share their own experiences.
The next program in the series will take place on April 4, 2006, and will feature a presentation by Paul Peckham on his recent trip to Venezuela.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Worlds Apart Screening
A tremendous film by Tom Jackson was shown at the Walpole Public Library tonight. Honest, personal, and hopeful. "Worlds Apart: 9-11 First Responders Against the War" follows Megan Bartlett from New York, where she was a medic at "ground zero", to Kabul, where she befriends Afghan medics and firefighters working in the shadow of the US occupation. Here is a link to the film's web site with clips and more:
Joe Public Films
Tom presented the film, and spoke about his experiences with the groups "Ground Zero for Peace" and "Global Exchange" (who handled the logistics of the trip). Tom was engaging and passionate; his stories were both troubling and inspiring. Ground Zero for Peace's stated mission is to make clear the difference between justice and vengeance. I was particularly taken with the words of a young lady in the film, Maggie Dubris, who was also a medic at ground zero on 9/11 -- she spoke about the need to end the cycle not of "violence", but the cycle of "vengeance". There's a clip of some of her interview here:
100,000 casualties in Iraq
And since 2004, the vengeance engine has been running at full speed: a cartoon can spark a series of fatal riots. At the same time, our Justice Department is apparently telling the President he can kill people on US soil. In vengeance, for every action there is a disproportionate reaction -- and people stop being rational beings.
With the film, Tom Jackson humanizes this situation, and changes the scale of this global schism. As the viewer, you see there is really very little that separates us as people. A medic in New York and a medic in Kabul both have to deal with messy ambulances, they both meticulously track their response times, and they both have to deal with the same kinds of human healing. Thanks Tom!
We have our own blog now; if you want to help moderate, post a comment at the link below. For those who may have missed it -- my "Peace Banner" post from the weekend. Check the schedule for events involving the banner on The Peace Abbey web site.
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