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source: Viroqua Institute
number 102 05.13.07
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| verbatim archive |
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verbatim number 20.1
"And as you know,
my position is clear...
my position is clear...
...I'm a commander guy.”
Washington DC 05.02.07
Washington DC 05.02.07
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| Alcohol related traffic fatalities top five states |
Less than half of the US forces deployed
in Iraq believe that noncombatant
civilians should be treated with dignity
and respect, according to a detailed
mental health survey of combat troops
recently released by the Department of
Defense. The survey also found that only
40 percent of Marines and 55 percent of
Army soldiers interviewed would report
their colleagues for killing or wounding
an innocent Iraqi civilian. In response to
the findings, the top US commander in
Iraq sent an open letter to his troops
urging their compliance with military
ethical standards and international law.
The report concluded that high levels of
combat stress, compounded by
extended tours of duty and multiple
deployments, had increased the
likelihood that soldiers would disregard
their superiors, ignore legal and ethical
in Iraq believe that noncombatant
civilians should be treated with dignity
and respect, according to a detailed
mental health survey of combat troops
recently released by the Department of
Defense. The survey also found that only
40 percent of Marines and 55 percent of
Army soldiers interviewed would report
their colleagues for killing or wounding
an innocent Iraqi civilian. In response to
the findings, the top US commander in
Iraq sent an open letter to his troops
urging their compliance with military
ethical standards and international law.
The report concluded that high levels of
combat stress, compounded by
extended tours of duty and multiple
deployments, had increased the
likelihood that soldiers would disregard
their superiors, ignore legal and ethical
protocols, and abuse the civilian
population. Exposure to heavy combat
situations raised the incidence of anxiety,
depression, and acute stress, with some
30 percent of troops involved in intense
firefights showing signs of psychological
problems. Over 40 percent of troops
surveyed endorsed the illegal torture of
detainees in certain situations.
The investigation, which comprised the
survey, focus groups, and interviews with
officers, was conducted last August and
September, with the completed report
submitted to then-senior US commander
in Iraq, General George W. Casey, in
November. According to the New York
Times, the decision to hold the report
for six months before releasing it was
made by “civilian Pentagon officials.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently
extended combat tours for Army units in
population. Exposure to heavy combat
situations raised the incidence of anxiety,
depression, and acute stress, with some
30 percent of troops involved in intense
firefights showing signs of psychological
problems. Over 40 percent of troops
surveyed endorsed the illegal torture of
detainees in certain situations.
The investigation, which comprised the
survey, focus groups, and interviews with
officers, was conducted last August and
September, with the completed report
submitted to then-senior US commander
in Iraq, General George W. Casey, in
November. According to the New York
Times, the decision to hold the report
for six months before releasing it was
made by “civilian Pentagon officials.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently
extended combat tours for Army units in
Iraq from one year to 15 months.
Casey’s successor as US commander
in Iraq, General David Petraeus,
issued his letter to the troops a week
after the publication of the report.
“This fight depends on securing the
population, which must understand
that we—not our enemies—occupy
the moral high ground,” Petraeus
wrote, adding that if soldiers
witnessed illegal acts, “we must not
let our bonds prevent us from
speaking up.”
According to the survey, seven
percent of Marines and four percent
of Army troops admitted hitting or
kicking civilians, with 12 percent of
Marines and nine percent of soldiers
admitting to unnecessary destruction
of Iraqi property. it's all true
Casey’s successor as US commander
in Iraq, General David Petraeus,
issued his letter to the troops a week
after the publication of the report.
“This fight depends on securing the
population, which must understand
that we—not our enemies—occupy
the moral high ground,” Petraeus
wrote, adding that if soldiers
witnessed illegal acts, “we must not
let our bonds prevent us from
speaking up.”
According to the survey, seven
percent of Marines and four percent
of Army troops admitted hitting or
kicking civilians, with 12 percent of
Marines and nine percent of soldiers
admitting to unnecessary destruction
of Iraqi property. it's all true
The secret court authorized under
the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act approved a record number of
warrants for domestic surveillance by
government agencies last year,
granting 2,176 requests for
surveillance and rejecting only one.
The FISA Court also approved a
further 43 warrants to search business
records relating to individuals
suspected of terrorist activity. The
figures were released by the Justice
Department as the Senate Judiciary
Committee considers changes to FISA
proposed by the Bush administration.
The record number of FISA warrants
is more than double the number
issued in 2000. In addition to the
single instance in which a request for
surveillance was denied, the FISA
Court required changes to 73
applications before ultimately
approving them.
The figures released did not include
data about FBI-issued “national
security letters”, which authorize
domestic surveillance without judicial
review. It was revealed in March that
improprieties in FBI use of these
documents were routine. it's all true
the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act approved a record number of
warrants for domestic surveillance by
government agencies last year,
granting 2,176 requests for
surveillance and rejecting only one.
The FISA Court also approved a
further 43 warrants to search business
records relating to individuals
suspected of terrorist activity. The
figures were released by the Justice
Department as the Senate Judiciary
Committee considers changes to FISA
proposed by the Bush administration.
The record number of FISA warrants
is more than double the number
issued in 2000. In addition to the
single instance in which a request for
surveillance was denied, the FISA
Court required changes to 73
applications before ultimately
approving them.
The figures released did not include
data about FBI-issued “national
security letters”, which authorize
domestic surveillance without judicial
review. It was revealed in March that
improprieties in FBI use of these
documents were routine. it's all true
A Congressional committee issued a
rebuke and a warning to US Intelligence
agencies for carrying out an unspecified
covert action with no Congressional
oversight or approval. The covert
action, which was characterized by the
House Intelligence Committee as
“significant”, would be illegal under the
National Security act of 1947 if Congress
was not notified. The committee wrote
in a recent report on the 2008
Intelligence authorization bill that it was
“deeply troubled” by the failure of the
intelligence agencies to report the
covert action to Congress.
The committee wrote that it was
"dismayed at a recent incident wherein
rebuke and a warning to US Intelligence
agencies for carrying out an unspecified
covert action with no Congressional
oversight or approval. The covert
action, which was characterized by the
House Intelligence Committee as
“significant”, would be illegal under the
National Security act of 1947 if Congress
was not notified. The committee wrote
in a recent report on the 2008
Intelligence authorization bill that it was
“deeply troubled” by the failure of the
intelligence agencies to report the
covert action to Congress.
The committee wrote that it was
"dismayed at a recent incident wherein
the Intelligence Community failed to
inform the Congress of a significant
covert action activity. This failure to
notify Congress constitutes a violation of
the National Security Act of 1947.” The
Congressional Research Service has
reported that even in cases where
America’s “vital interests” are affected,
the President has a legal duty to advise
at least a select group of Congress
persons about on-going covert actions.
A covert intelligence operation is a
military or political activity that is
generally performed in secret because it
breaks the law in the country it is carried
out in or breaks the laws of the country
performing the covert activity.
inform the Congress of a significant
covert action activity. This failure to
notify Congress constitutes a violation of
the National Security Act of 1947.” The
Congressional Research Service has
reported that even in cases where
America’s “vital interests” are affected,
the President has a legal duty to advise
at least a select group of Congress
persons about on-going covert actions.
A covert intelligence operation is a
military or political activity that is
generally performed in secret because it
breaks the law in the country it is carried
out in or breaks the laws of the country
performing the covert activity.
As a response to the failure of the
CIA to report, the committee voted
to require the Inspector General of
the CIA to perform scheduled audits
of covert actions and issue reports
within 60 days of the reviews. The
committee advised intelligence
collecting agencies that the audit and
reporting requirement is intended to
“act as a further check against the
risk of insufficient notification.”
The committee warned the
intelligence agencies that “scrupulous
transparency” between congressional
overseers and intelligence operatives
is demanded in all “matters related to
covert action.” it's all true
CIA to report, the committee voted
to require the Inspector General of
the CIA to perform scheduled audits
of covert actions and issue reports
within 60 days of the reviews. The
committee advised intelligence
collecting agencies that the audit and
reporting requirement is intended to
“act as a further check against the
risk of insufficient notification.”
The committee warned the
intelligence agencies that “scrupulous
transparency” between congressional
overseers and intelligence operatives
is demanded in all “matters related to
covert action.” it's all true
The new head of the Catholic
Church recently suggested
that politicians who support a
women’s right to choose and
who are Catholic may be
banished from the church. Pope
Benedict XVI said that abortion is
“incompatible with being in
communion with the body of
Christ,” suggesting politicians
who support abortion be
"excommunicated". The Pope
added that his interpretation is
"nothing new."
The Pope’s declaration clarifies
the church’s stance that not only
women who choose to have
abortions and the doctors who
perform the procedure, but also
politicians who support legal
abortion risk excommunication
from the church.
During the 2004 elections
Catholic priests were divided in
their interpretation of church
doctrine with respect to Catholic
politician’s support for a woman’s
right to choose. Some priests
chose to withhold participation in
religious sacraments from
politicians who support legal
abortion, injecting some political
races with a measure of religious
intimidation.
The official Vatican transcript of
the conference softened the
pontiff’s proclamation to remove
references to his support for the
excommunication of politicians
who advocate retaining legal
abortion. A spokesperson for the
Pope said that the Vatican
Secretariat of State reserves the
right to “clean up” the Pope’s off-
the-cuff remarks. it's all true
Church recently suggested
that politicians who support a
women’s right to choose and
who are Catholic may be
banished from the church. Pope
Benedict XVI said that abortion is
“incompatible with being in
communion with the body of
Christ,” suggesting politicians
who support abortion be
"excommunicated". The Pope
added that his interpretation is
"nothing new."
The Pope’s declaration clarifies
the church’s stance that not only
women who choose to have
abortions and the doctors who
perform the procedure, but also
politicians who support legal
abortion risk excommunication
from the church.
During the 2004 elections
Catholic priests were divided in
their interpretation of church
doctrine with respect to Catholic
politician’s support for a woman’s
right to choose. Some priests
chose to withhold participation in
religious sacraments from
politicians who support legal
abortion, injecting some political
races with a measure of religious
intimidation.
The official Vatican transcript of
the conference softened the
pontiff’s proclamation to remove
references to his support for the
excommunication of politicians
who advocate retaining legal
abortion. A spokesperson for the
Pope said that the Vatican
Secretariat of State reserves the
right to “clean up” the Pope’s off-
the-cuff remarks. it's all true
A newly revealed white paper drafted by
the Department of Defense in 2003
reveals that preparations were made
prior to the invasion of Iraq to quickly
implement a military controlled state
media apparatus in the country. The
mission of “Iraqi Free Media, the report
declared, would be to inform Iraqis of
the “intent” of the US occupiers and
provide “hope” through programming
scheduled to include “Hollywood” and
“entertainment” news.
The white paper, called “Rapid Reaction
Media Team Concept”, and an
accompanying Powerpoint presentation
was obtained through a freedom of
information request and was published
by the National Security Archive.
The DOD paper articulates a plan for an
“overall information campaign” that was
the Department of Defense in 2003
reveals that preparations were made
prior to the invasion of Iraq to quickly
implement a military controlled state
media apparatus in the country. The
mission of “Iraqi Free Media, the report
declared, would be to inform Iraqis of
the “intent” of the US occupiers and
provide “hope” through programming
scheduled to include “Hollywood” and
“entertainment” news.
The white paper, called “Rapid Reaction
Media Team Concept”, and an
accompanying Powerpoint presentation
was obtained through a freedom of
information request and was published
by the National Security Archive.
The DOD paper articulates a plan for an
“overall information campaign” that was
intended to have a “profound
psychological and political impact on the
Iraqi people.” The plan called for the
“rapid assessment of remaining telecom
architecture…and control of all media
outlets” by the US military immediately
after “the cessation of hostilities.” The
DOD recommended the appointment of
a Media Commissioner by the Coalition
Authority to prevent “hate media” from
gaining access to Iraq’s airwaves. The
plan anticipated it would take 12 months
to “reconstitute indigenous Iraqi media”
using “approved USG information” that
would become a “model for free media
in the Arab world.”
Programming approved by the DOD
included a History Channel documentary
called “Saddam’s Bomb-maker”, a
program called “Re-starting the Oil” and
“Hollywood and sports" news. it's all true
psychological and political impact on the
Iraqi people.” The plan called for the
“rapid assessment of remaining telecom
architecture…and control of all media
outlets” by the US military immediately
after “the cessation of hostilities.” The
DOD recommended the appointment of
a Media Commissioner by the Coalition
Authority to prevent “hate media” from
gaining access to Iraq’s airwaves. The
plan anticipated it would take 12 months
to “reconstitute indigenous Iraqi media”
using “approved USG information” that
would become a “model for free media
in the Arab world.”
Programming approved by the DOD
included a History Channel documentary
called “Saddam’s Bomb-maker”, a
program called “Re-starting the Oil” and
“Hollywood and sports" news. it's all true
Congressional efforts to formally assess
the national security implications of
continued global warming gained
momentum last week, as Director of
National Intelligence Mike McConnell
agreed, in a letter to a member of the
House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, that a National Intelligence
Estimate focusing on climate change
issues is “entirely appropriate.”
House Republicans have been
vehemently opposed to proposals that
would conduct such studies using
intelligence funds and personnel, calling
them a waste of intelligence resources.
But there is an emerging international
consensus that the effects of climate
change will be central to geopolitical
conflict in the 21st century. The United
Nations Security Council recently held
its first debates on global warming, and
the UN Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change published a study last
week warning of the broader security
implications of natural disasters that may
be caused or exacerbated by climate
change. In April, a group of retired
generals and admirals released a report
detailing the potential strategic and
geopolitical threats to US national
security posed by climate change.
A copy of McConnell’s letter to Rep.
the national security implications of
continued global warming gained
momentum last week, as Director of
National Intelligence Mike McConnell
agreed, in a letter to a member of the
House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, that a National Intelligence
Estimate focusing on climate change
issues is “entirely appropriate.”
House Republicans have been
vehemently opposed to proposals that
would conduct such studies using
intelligence funds and personnel, calling
them a waste of intelligence resources.
But there is an emerging international
consensus that the effects of climate
change will be central to geopolitical
conflict in the 21st century. The United
Nations Security Council recently held
its first debates on global warming, and
the UN Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change published a study last
week warning of the broader security
implications of natural disasters that may
be caused or exacerbated by climate
change. In April, a group of retired
generals and admirals released a report
detailing the potential strategic and
geopolitical threats to US national
security posed by climate change.
A copy of McConnell’s letter to Rep.
Anna Eshoo (D-CA) was obtained by the
Washington Post. The DNI wrote, “I
believe it is entirely appropriate for the
National Intelligence Council to prepare
an assessment on the geopolitical and
security implications of global climate
change.” He went on to propose a
comprehensive interagency effort,
involving the National Academy of
Sciences and other federal scientific
research entities.
McConnell’s support for an intelligence
estimate contrasted sharply with the
position of Republican members of the
House Intelligence Committee, led by
ranking minority member Rep. Peter
Hoekstra of Michigan. In a derisive op-ed
published in last Thursday’s Wall Street
Journal, Hoekstra questioned the
seriousness of climate change, writing
that to study the issue in a security
context would divert funds from
important intelligence programs.
Hoekstra went on to hypothesize that
because of Clinton administration
attention to global warming issues,
“intelligence clues in the run-up to 9/11
were missed.”
The Bush administration is also opposed
to an NIE on climate change, primarily
on the grounds that it is being mandated
by Congress. it's all true
Washington Post. The DNI wrote, “I
believe it is entirely appropriate for the
National Intelligence Council to prepare
an assessment on the geopolitical and
security implications of global climate
change.” He went on to propose a
comprehensive interagency effort,
involving the National Academy of
Sciences and other federal scientific
research entities.
McConnell’s support for an intelligence
estimate contrasted sharply with the
position of Republican members of the
House Intelligence Committee, led by
ranking minority member Rep. Peter
Hoekstra of Michigan. In a derisive op-ed
published in last Thursday’s Wall Street
Journal, Hoekstra questioned the
seriousness of climate change, writing
that to study the issue in a security
context would divert funds from
important intelligence programs.
Hoekstra went on to hypothesize that
because of Clinton administration
attention to global warming issues,
“intelligence clues in the run-up to 9/11
were missed.”
The Bush administration is also opposed
to an NIE on climate change, primarily
on the grounds that it is being mandated
by Congress. it's all true
Operatives Overt About Hiding Covert Action From Congress
Widespread Erosion of Battlefield Ethics an Occupational Hazard
Pope Pontificates
Patently Problematic
Political Policy
Patently Problematic
Political Policy
Iraqi Press Free to Report on Hollywood, Sports
Global Warming Changes Geopolitical Climate
Court Wears Out
New Rubber Stamp
New Rubber Stamp