Last week the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published a half-page letter entitled “No Need To Panic About Global Warming” above the center fold of its Opinion page. The letter was signed by 16 prominent scientists and claimed, among other things, “Perhaps the most inconvenient fact is the lack of global warming for well over 10 years now.” Such a stark assertion would be devastating to the consensus on climate change if it were true. But it is not true. Data published by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that global warming is real and well-documented:

This year tied 1997 as the 11th warmest year since records began in 1880…This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. The warmest years on record were 2010 and 2005, which were 0.64°C (1.15°F) above average.

While the NOAA report used selected official data sets, the well-known global warming skeptic Richard Muller initiated the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature Project to re-examine all available data from around the world. The analysis changed his mind. On October 21, 2011, he summarized his conclusions about the reality of climate change, also in the WSJ, in an article entitled “The Case Against Global-Warming Skepticism“:

We discovered that about one-third of the world’s temperature stations have recorded cooling temperatures, and about two-thirds have recorded warming. The two-to-one ratio reflects global warming. The changes at the locations that showed warming were typically between 1-2ºC, much greater than the [official] average of 0.64ºC.

The press needs to be open to all streams of opinion. But we learned from the Iraq War, which was based on faulty arguments about weapons of mass destruction, how important it is for the press to note and contradict statements that are demonstrably false. Is it too much to expect the WSJ to have referred to its own October 21st article? A simple note at the end could have alerted its readers to the questionable nature of the statements in the opinion piece it just published so prominently. Instead, the WSJ appeared to endorse the misleading arguments in the “anti-panic” letter by that very prominence. Is some unhealthy editorial agenda at work here? The future of climate change reporting in the WSJ should allow us to answer that question.

Interesting movie about what happens when young kids working at the Statue of Liberty lose their job in the wake of attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.  If you ever watched A Walk To Remember (2002), you will immediately recognize Al Thompson, the token Black character from that film.

Well times have changed since that film, and Al Thompson has served as a casting director and a producer since that time.  In this film, he plays a young man struggling to get through trying circumstances, pursued by recruiters for the Army that eventually catch up with him deferring his ambitions to go to college and make something out of himself.  The war changes him, and he is not the same man coming out as he was going in, as he deals with mental issues.

The film portrays recruiters in an extremely negative light, manipulating the emotions of young kids that are caught in difficult situations, even lying about the fact that they may have to go to war in Iraq.  While that might be true, the film seems to have an anti-war, anti-military bias.  It is characteristic of films shot in the the last decade, anti-establishment, questionably unpatriotic, but it does give you a lot to think about.

The killings in Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005, is considered one of the war’s defining moments, further tainting America’s reputation when it was already at a low point after the release of photos of prisoner abuse by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison.

The case continues to fuel anger in Iraq because not one of the eight Marines initially charged has been convicted — a main reason behind the country’s demands that US troops be subject to its laws if its forces remained there after the war ended in December. 

Image via Wikipedia

Image by The U.S. Army via Flickr

I’m not going to bore anyone, trying to analyze what happened during the past nine years, nor will make any attempt to calculate the final balance. History and generations after us will have the hard task to assess all the pros and cons of this war. My thoughts are flying in a completely different direction. I’m thinking, if this war was wrong, why did so many Iraqi civilians and American (and British, and from many other countries) soldiers have to die? Was it in vain?

The primary excuse the Pentagon used to justify the initial attacks was the tip that Iraq was allegedly in possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). As it turned out later in 2003, there were no WMD’s in Iraq. But the invasion did not stop. A second excuse came in and it was Saddam and his atrocities. One much more reasonable motive, so the war kept on. Thousands of mothers, sisters, daughters and wives continued packing the bags of their sons, brothers, fathers and husbands, sending them to fight a war that it wasn’t theirs.

I have always liked men in uniforms. But that’s it. Before Iraq I only enjoyed soldiers in movies, TV shows and documentaries. I have never actually thought how a mother or a wife of a soldier would feel. Ironing and folding the uniform, polishing his medals and stripes, putting some family photos between the leather belt and the camouflage pants, while the inevitable questions circle like a vortex in her mind: Is he going to be OK? Will he come back in one piece, or some child strapped to a bomb will blow up his base? Will he return in a metal coffin with the national flag wrapped around it?

Questions without answers. Questions, with which such brave women have to live every single day… Questions that dictate the course of their life, turning it into a constant nightmare. Facing the real evil every day.

This is business. War is business. A business where the basic merchandise are life and death, demanded and supplied through the currency of bravery, courage and patriotism, not only on the side of the soldier, but also on behalf of their women.

To me such women are among the strongest, along with the single mothers taking care of sick and disabled children. I admire these brave women. I may love men in uniforms, but I can’t put myself to walk in these women’s shoes even for a second. I’m not that brave at all.

So, this is a trubute to all the women around the world, who had been brave enough to give away their dearest and to live through the whole nightmare of war in the name of the sacrifice, love, freedom and life. This is also a trubute to the women and men on the other side – in Iraq, who also gave thousands of lives as collateral damage to a war that they, as civilians, had nothing to do with. Because war hurts for everyone:

The flag that they lowered was the flag of the white flag of the United States Forces-Iraq.  The flag was then folded and properly placed in a camoflauge sheath by top commander of the U.S. Army, Lloyd Austin.  Lloyd Austin talks about how the war “tested our military’s strength and our ability to adapt and evolve.” 

President Obama recently met with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and he feels that the Iraqi government is capable of maintaining its’ current soveriegnty.  After the end of the Iraq War, President Obama made a speech to several of the troops in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

“For nearly nine years our nation has been at war in Iraq.  And you the incredible men and women of Fort Bragg, have been there every step of the way, serving with honor, sacrificing greatly, from the first waves of the invasion to some of the last troops to come home.  So, as your commander-in-chief and on behalf of a grateful nation, I’m proud to finally say these two words, and I know your families agree: Welcome home! Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home.” said the President.

Of the one million U.S. Soldiers that had been to Iraq, a mere 4,500 had died, and 30,000 had been wounded.  Although these casualties were an atrocity to our country, not one of these men died in vain.  The lives lost and bloodshed were, although not wanted, necessary to restore Peace in the country of Iraq.  Many more Iraqi’s died, soldiers and civilians. 

Currently, there are about 4,000 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq.  They are waiting to go home to see their families and loved ones for the holidays.  All are bound to return by December 31 of this year.  It is important to remember how fortunate we are to have our troops home, especially in time for the Holidays.  The return of the troops will be the biggest Christmas present for many Americans this year.

Today America lowered their flag in Iraq signalling the end of bloody useless 9 year war that killed 1,000’s of innocent people in Iraq on top of the soldiers and insurgents lost on both sides. It’s no secret we entered this war under false pretenses, now we leave when they say things have been cleaned up despite reports of corruption in the police forces over there, as well as reports that the police force is built by normal everyday people who still fear terrorist groups such as the Taliban who have a strong influence in the area and could try to take power away from an American led government and a demorcacy on shaky ground. Yet more still is going on today.

Congress is trying to pass legislation in a hurry preventing a governmental shutdown which could result in a lot of chaos with people already pointing fingers to a goverment largely ignoring the populace. How can a country built by the people for the people pass laws that hold back, detain, and declare our citizens criminals for debating with our government’s views and pushing for peace. The shutdown stems from a budget crisis that has essentially drained social securtiy, medicare, and all income taxes strictly to fund services the country provides us with. IF this continues to the point where we do experience a shutdown many federal employees will be furloughed excluding the military but they may experience delayed paydates, or even pay cuts. Something I find disgusting is the fact that members of congress still recieve their pay either way, even if they are the people forcing a shut down of our government. However I am begining to wonder if a shutdown would be the last straw the population needs to see our government is a joke. Soon we may see our military forces in our own street protecting our government’s laws due to the shutdown and lack or direction our emergency services could have in this event.

The majority of America’s 41,Thousand soldiers currently have went back property, as well as the last 8-10,Thousand troops who’re nevertheless in the country will follow suit inside the coming days.

Image by The U.S. Army via Flickr

However “this is not a divorce,Inches General Martin Dempsey told lawmakers upon Capitol Slope, in accordance with NPR. The You.Azines. will hold a small contingent within Iraq to guard the actual U . s . embassy, as well as the management can be planning to keep a number of teachers in the country. Assistant involving Safeguard Panetta stated negotiations in that issue will continue. Approximately Some,Thousand to five,1000 exclusive stability building contractors may also be expected to continue to be.

The particular National withdrawal ended up being section of any ‘08 offer discussed relating to the Tree management and the Iraqi govt, plus an important marketing campaign promise pertaining to Barak. Yet the supervision offers long engaged in negotiations to help keep a more substantial number of soldiers, in spite of the 08 package. Individuals negotiations on terms failed while Iraqi congress declined to offer the particular soldiers defenses.

Exactly what do 10 years of battle in Iraq seem like in stats? Based on Linked Press figures, Some,475 People in america have left since November 30. Forty five,Three hundred and fifty Us citizens ended up wounded, and a minimum of 103,775 Iraqis have lost his or her lives.

According to Yahoo! News, President Barack Obama sought to declare a noble end to a war that led to almost 4,500 American fatalities and 32,000 injuries by declaring that the conflict was ending “not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home.” Iraqbodycount.org says that the number of Iraqis who died in this conflict ranges anywhere from 104,080 to 113, 728. These figures are appalling. I do not see anything noble about this war. It was started without having solid evidence of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Secondly, that country neither bothered us nor presented an imminent danger to us. Also, not too many nations supported our invasion. According to About.com Guide, the only nation that provided significant support to the United States was Britain with its 7,100 troops. I do not think it is a good idea to unilaterally start a war.

This war was tragic. Tens of thousands of people on both sides have lost their lives or been seriously wounded. This situation makes me recall the story of Tammy Duckworth losing both of her legs and having her right arm damaged in the war. Veterans who have been seriously wounded like her might have to deal with having a poor quality of life until they die. Additionally, we lost acceptance throughout the world.

The massive loss of life, severe injuries to those on both sides of the war and the contempt we have received around the world helped turn me against the war. Besides, I generally do not support wars. I will conclude by admitting I do not think any nation should be attacked if it is not causing trouble or threatening to cause trouble.

Olsen was hit at close range. After demonstrators rush to Olsen’s aid, an Oakland cop waits a few beats before lobbing a second tear-gas canister at the crowd. They are attending to Olsen when the canister explodes, sending smoke everywhere.

Press release from Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Scott and his family.

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Call Mayor Quan’s office and demand that she investigate this incident and allow peaceful protests to continue:             +1 (510) 238-3141      

#ows Response To Government Violence At #occupyoakland | Solidarity March At 9PM From Liberty Square

Today at Occupy Wall Street we are looking across the country to the city of Oakland, where last night our fellow Americans were subjected to violence at the hands of their own government for exercising the constitutional freedoms their government is sworn to protect. Last night police forces violently raided Occupy Oakland, arresting 85 people and brutalizing many peaceful participants, using excessive physical force, tear gas, and dangerous projectile rounds.

1. Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler, born on April 20, 1889 is a name that everyone knows. He was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the infamous National Socialist German Workers Party, or commonly know as the “Natzi Party”. Adolf Hitler successfully inspired the German nation with his nationalism, anti-communism, anti-semitism, and anti-capitalism. Hitler wanted a New World Order in which his master race, the Aryans, would dominate Europe and much of the known world. Out of all his evil deeds, the Holocaust is the most well known. During this massacre, millions of Jews, Poles, Communists, Homosexuals, the physically handicapped, and Soviet prisoners of war were killed mercilessly.

-Portrait of Adolf Hitler shortly after becoming chancellor of Germany

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-Famous photograph capturing Adolf Hitler and Himmler

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2. Josef Stalin

Born in 1879 in Gori, Georgia (then apart of the Russian Empire), Stalin is a common household name and one of the most murderous dictators in history. His regime of terror and absolute control of Russia (Soviet Union) successfully defeated Nazism, but at a heavy price: the suffering of tens of millions of people. After the death of Lenin, Stalin seized power as the political heir and was the undisputed leader of the Soviet Union. He initiated The Great Terror to “cleanse” political enemies of Russia which resulted in the deaths of thousands, and the sentence of millions to labour camps. His actions greatly troubled many people of the time and inspired George Orwell to write his chilling novel “1984″.

Josef Stalin painted in his Red Army uniform, he became one of the leading figureheads of Communism

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- A poster of “Big Brother” from the famous novel “1984″. Stalin’s political maneuvers inspired George Orwell to write his book criticizing of totalitarian government, and ultimately, Josef Stalin.

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3. Pol Pot (Saloth Sar)

Born in 1928 near Anlong Veng, Cambodia, he was the second son of a wealthy landowner. He was educated at a local Catholic academy and eventually joined a group of Cambodian Communists known as the “United Freedom Front”. It was during this time when his hatred of intellectuals, speakers, and politicians occurred. Disgusted by the corruption of key political figures in Cambodia, Pol established a Communist Order after receiving training in China. Pol battled for control for Cambodia against other Cambodian Communists and eventually established his authority. During his dictatorship, he conducted mass killings of intellectuals and “suspected opponents”. He attempted to establish an Agrarian Socialist Society in which city dwellers were forced to relocate into the countryside. During his regime, he killed over 1 million people, which at that time was 20% of the population of Cambodia.

- A picture of Pol Pot during his early thirties.

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- Pol Pot photographed in his uniform provided by his Chinese Communist allies

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4. Attila the Hun

Though his birth dates are disputed and uncertain, his impact on history and the dark reputation he has left behind is unquestionable. He was the leader of the Hunnic Empire was a thorn to the Roman throughout his whole political career. He successfully plundered the Balkans twice and lead many campaigns against Roman Gaul (Modern day France). However the legacy he left behind was not only his military genius but his cruelty and barbaric pillaging of the Roman Empire. It was said that after Attila won a battle, he would have his soldiers remove the ears of all captured opponents and mount the officer’s heads on pikes. His presence was so terrifying that his armies were called the “Scourge of God” due to the belief that he was sent from God to punish the sins of the Romans.

- Drawing of Attila the Hun in his exotic battle armor. Historic records describe him as being “short in stature, possessing fierce eyes, and very mud-like skin”

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- A image of Attila the Hun on a bronze plate that may have been used as currency. This is a more “western” approach to visualizing Attila.

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5. Osama Bin Laden

No list would be complete without the man that has shifted political events and the United States Foreign Policy during the past decade. Born in 1957 as the son of a billionaire construction magnate with ties to the Saudi royal family. He rose to international fame as the founder of the Islamic terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda. He was responsibly for masterminding the September 11 attacks and topped the list on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. He was also believed to be responsible for bombings of United States Embassies in Salaam, Tanzania, and Kenya. He was killed this year by special operation forces.

- Osama Bin Laden posing for a reporter with his AK-47 Assault Rifle. This man would later mastermind the September 11 attacks.

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- Another image of Osama Bin Laden

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History is filled with daring actions, ingenious battles, enlightened rulers, but also, evil deeds. The actions of the 5 men mentioned in the list above have stricken fear and resentment in the hearts of millions. Even though all of these men are no longer in the world of the living, let us remember their actions so their terrible regimes will never repeat again. Thank you for reading and leave and suggestions/criticisms/etc in the comment section!