Call me crazy but I believe that might end up being the case. It seems like an American firm is going to start training South Sudan forces. I’ve been hearing about this news for a while now:
Jan 19, 2007 (NORFOLK, Va) — An official with the Sudanese government said he expects a North Carolina military-training company to soon start working with security forces in the southern part of the country.
Blackwater USA, based in Moyock, N.C., could start training exercises within the next few weeks, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, head of mission in Washington for southern Sudan’s regional government, told The Virginian-Pilot.
…The company has more than $300 million in contracts with the State Department to guard diplomats and staff in Iraq.
Meanwhile… Iran offers to equip and train Sudan’s army, (as in ehm ehm “northern army”):
Jan 19, 2007 (NICOSIA) — Teheran has discussed weapons sales to and training for Khartoum’s military and security forces. They said Sudan has sought to bolster its military to quell rebellion in Darfour.
“There is strong interest in acquiring Iranian missiles, RPGs, UAVs and other equipment,” an Iranian source said, referring to rocket-propelled grenades and unmanned aerial vehicles.
On Jan. 17, Sudanese Defense Minister Abdelrahim Hussein concluded a visit to Iran, Middle East Newsline reported. Hussein met his Iranian counterpart, Mustafa Najar and discussed arms procurement.
…For his part, Najar said Iran and Sudan plan to bolster defense cooperation. He did not elaborate.
So am I paranoid and crazy? Okay maybe a little bit.
SudaneseThinker
SudaneseThinker
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The thing about proxy wars is that it’s not the external factors that bring them about, but rather the internal factors. What groups within Sudan forget is that every action has a reaction… Each seeks external support to handle internal matters, forgetting that when you do that your country ends up being crushed between external interests. Internal problems will not be solved when they’re delegated to being a secondary consideration.
“Each seeks external support to handle internal matters, forgetting that when you do that your country ends up being crushed between external interests.”
Yup and I fear this is what might be happening here.
Very likely, I’m afraid. Take a look at the Lebanese political scene to see where you might end up. March 14 accuse Hezbollah of being an Iranian proxy, Hezbollah accusing March 14 of being an American-Israeli proxy, and the social/economical/political/downright-sectarian issues being exploited or simply ignored.
Bringing in external factors also allows those who do not wish to solve internal matters to simply sweep them under the rug, keep them alive, and exploit them for personal gain.
And to tell you the truth, I am not sure what’s worse. Stupid naivete, or throwing away the future of your country for power.
Now that post made me start thinking . . .
Blackwater would be mercenaries, though. If the US was to engage in a proxy war I don’t think it would be that way, as the US government has no control over what mercenaries do, or do not do. I also don’t think it’s in America’s interests to try to wage a proxy war against Iran. Unless it can be done in a way which harms Iranian interests. A proxy war in Sudan would not. If the US wanted to wage a proxy war against Iran it would probably be… in Iran.
Blackwater are really good… and really expensive. Who in South Sudan has the funds to pay them? I presume that for a place like this, they’ll charge an arm and a leg even for training.
Actually, it looks like Khartoum is hiring Blackwater. WTF?
It looks like the South Sudan is prepraring itself for war first Dyncorp now Blackwater.
The SPLM is hiring them.
The “Sudanese” army officially called Sudanese Armed Forces have their loyalty towards the north. That’s why the southern SPLM is still keeping its military. More later
@ work =)
For us non-military folks, could someone explain who and what exactly are Blackwater?
The situation doesn’t look good Drima. It is bad enough for a country to be splintered internally already and worse when bigger players move in to increase the splintering and their abilities to threaten each other while using them as pawns in a bigger game.
As part of the deal in the CPA, the SPLM keeps its army as part of the government of the south and the SAF for the north, as Drima puts it. Part of the agreement was to transform the former rebel forces into a regular army with proper training, equipment etc. There is an integrated force of both SPLA and SAF working together. These two armies will be integrated once the south voted for independence.
This a convenient arrangement for the people of the south: two systems, one country. If it works, it may take away fears and animosity between the two regions. That is part of the deal.
Yael,
A Private Military Company like Blackwater is a for-profit enterprise, in this case a corporation, “which provides specialized services and expertise related to activites formerly associated with the state. The services and expertise include defense functions, military training, force protection, and security tasks”…Since the US began it’s “War on Terror” corporations like Blackwater have made a killing…literally. They are war mercenaries…they have no real allegiance aside from the dollar. I believe they make something like 10 times what a regular serviceman makes.
oops…serviceman or woman, that is!
And Blackwater are top notch in training. Not as good in killing people as the Russian mercs, but REALLY good in training.
Blackwater is Sargeants’ Paradise
All I know is that I wouldn’t trust or want to be within shooting range of anyone holding a gun to make a buck.
Sorry I should add to that. Blackwater’s contractors are mercenaries….the definition of a mercenary in wikipedia is “soldier who fights or engages in warfare primarily for private gain, usually with little regard for ideological, national, or political considerations.” Does anyone else find this unsettling?
Several of these private US military contractors from Blackwater have been accused of having been involved in committing war crimes such as the deaths of Iraqis during interrogation. BUT there is no method of formally trying such people for war crimes…
I don’t like mercenaries. Don’t think most folks with any ideological beliefs like the very concept of mercenaries.
Then again… isn’t any private security guard little more than a cop without a state who serves the buck? Most security guards I know are likely to take offense of that labeling though.
At the end of day, it depends on the individual just what contracts he’s willing to take.
RK -
All the mercs I have known were scum. There was an ex-514 fuckhead in one of the Kibbutzim up north that used to recruit mercs from sayarot and send them to Africa.
He was caught selling arms to Palestinians.
Didn’t hear of that case, Raccoon. I agree, total scumbag who wouldn’t know anything about morality unless someone paid him to learn.
Most mercs are scumbags. I guess the difference between a guard and a military merc is just what they’re willing to do for that buck.
wow that sounds not good
something like dividing up the country.
or do I see this incorrect?
Tse what’s up with the 57? Age or birth year?
Amy, just curious why you as an American would put quotes and say “War on Terror” instead of just War on Terror… sure the war might involve self interests for some people but don’t you think it’s still mainly a war on terror?
Drima, you’re not reading my blog anymore?
You wouldn’t have to ask if you did!
Drima,
My intention is not to spark a debate…and my apologies if this is rather long-winded…but here goes.
Yes, I am an American and I do love and want to defend my country…but no I do not think the war is a “war on terror.” In fact, I think the wording is even absurd. How can you even fight a war against a technique? Terrorists have always been around and they have been dealt with as a criminal issue. Turning it into a war and dropping bombs clearly will never reduce the amount of terrorism - actually, it will only increase it as innocent people get killed.
So without a doubt, I think this war has made the world a scarier and more hostile place since its beginning. I think that the tragedy of 9/11 was exploited by the Bush administration in order to implement their long held plans to extend military and political control (not to mention to gain tighter control of international energy supplies) and then, with the help of the mass media, they coined any form of dissent towards their war as being unpatriotic and anti-American. Just take a look at the present centerpiece of our “war on terror:” IRAQ…what did Iraq even have to do with the events of 9/11? But now Iraq certainly harbors terrorists …so in essence, aren’t we the ones who brought terrorism to Iraq?
Then “Events” such as the hanging of Saddam Hussein or the killing of Zarqawi are propagandized to make the public believe that progress is being made. But, in reality, where do we see any proof of this progress? As far as I can tell, the level of violence, suffering, and animosity in the Middle East has increased dramatically since this war began.
After 9/11, the president tells us “they hate our freedoms.” Realllly Mr. President, is that the only reason? Okay ONE thing we can agree on is that hatred fuels terrorism… but I find it rather ironic that hatred of Americans is at an all-time high. Hmmm. I recommend reading a book entitled “Blowback” by Chalmers Johnson. Check it out here:
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Blowback_CJohnson/Blowback_CJohnson.html
The CIA term “Blowback” is a metaphor for the unintended consequences of the US government’s international activities that have been kept secret from the American people. The book basically predicts the events of 9/11. Even though the American people may not know what has been done in their name, those on the receiving end certainly do: they include the people of Iran (1953), Guatemala (1954), Cuba (1959 to the present), Congo (1960), Brazil (1964), Indonesia (1965), Vietnam (1961-73), Laos (1961-73), Cambodia (1969-73), Greece (1967-73), Chile (1973), Afghanistan (1979 to the present), El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua (1980s), and Iraq (1991 to the present). And now add our present day “war on terror” to that list.
Amy -
Yes, the war on terror is a stupid idea. It should be a war on Islamonazis.
Other than that… I am sorry, but you’re showing complete ignorance. The Islamonazis hate the West for not being enslaved - AKA, for not being free. From an Islamonazi perspective, there are two kinds of places in the world: dar al-salaam (House of Peace) and dar al-harb (House of War). The former is where Sharia rules. The latter is where is doesn’t. The former has peace; the latter must be conquered and destroyed, it’s population massacred, converted or enslaved.
Islamonazis HAVE been at war with you… since they came into being. Ignoring it won’t make it go away; terrorism is only a tactic for them, one that works, because it confuses people like you.
Iraq has been a major terrorist training, funding, recruiting and safety base for decades. DECADES. Hunams simply have no idea what’s going on in the world - it’s just the BS and lies the MSM feeds you that constitute your worldview.
The very notion that your MSM is somehow pro-Bush is ludicrous.
9/11 didn’t have anyting to do with Iraq, not directly. It was merely a single operation in a long and difficult war, of which Americans had no idea because you live your fat safe lives in your fat safe houses while deriding the people who die to make sure you’re fat and safe. This operation brought the war to the attention of the fat, safe Americans. The operation in Iraq was a long time coming - Saddam was being more and more provocative, his terrorist activities were spreading and intensifying, and 9/11 inspired the Jihadists. So USA took Saddam out.
Ach, fuck it, you’ll never understand, I think. Too much BS. You have no idea who your enemies are; you have no idea what they want; you have no idea why they’re your enemies; you have no idea what tools they have at their disposal; you have no idea what are they willing to do - and trust me, the last includes things you would not imagine in your worst nightmares.
Blame your state, please. Undermine your nation’s ability to survive. As I said before, I think the West is simply too fat and complacent to survive.
Let me tell you an ancient Bedouin saying which nicely sums up the Islamonazi worldview:
“Me against my brother,
Me and my brother against my cousin,
Me and my cousin against my tribe,
Me and my tribe against the world”
I am only sorry for the good Americans dying now so that you and millions of others like you can go on with their nice, cushy, empty, safe lives. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Raccoon, how’d I know you’d respond?
Please don’t group me with the Americans who “live your fat safe lives in your fat safe houses while deriding the people who die to make sure you’re fat and safe.” Because THAT, my friend, is ignorance. I will not be making any generalizations about you and “your people.” But you should realize that Americans are a diverse bunch just like any population. Generalizations are a waste of time and energy.
And as far as “deriding people who die to make sure (I’m) fat and safe,” I don’t. I feel for them and their families and especially the 1/3 of the homeless population in the US that are war veterans. The government leaves them to rot and people like me are left trying to help out with the little resources we have.
I do not deny the existence of “Islamonazis” (your terminology) but I also do not deny that killing innocents in the past, present, and future only spreads terrorism. I find things only getting worse with our present policy. If you can show me how the world has become a safer place since we began our “war of terror,” please do. Otherwise, I do not have time for another debate.
And just so you know, I’ve been reading your blog. I enjoy reading a range of perspectives…but i was surprised to find I also agree with a lot that you have to say. I especially liked your post with the images of Israeli soldiers.
Amy - sorry for biting you. I wasn’t speaking in particular about you, but rather about the general American public, or the… mentality thereof. The social undercurrent.
Do you honestly believe that your government is killing innocent people on purpose? Why should it? Where did people get this weird idea from, anyway?
Just look up the RoE of USA troops in Iraq. It’s humane to the point of being suicidal.
Again - this war is not of America’s making. AMERICA DID NOT START THIS WAR. The fact that you ignored it before 9/11 doesn’t mean it didn’t exist.
The world is in the middle of a war. It is NOT a safe world. But wars never are safe. This is not a police action, rounding up some bad guys and making the world a better place - this is a fucking WAR, with many people dying, cities destroyed, economies shattered. What is your knowledge of warfare? How can I explain to you that the war is being won? Or being lost? I can show you battles which were victorious - Kurdistan, for instance. But it’s only battles.
Doesn’t matter, though - you’re saying “don’t fight the war”. Which means death or slavery to you and everyone you know and love. This means the end of your state and of the West - a thousand years of progress and struggle turned to dust.
You do not know this because the MSM is not showing you this. Because it takes research, and complex things rather than simple narratives that can be fed to audiences. And it takes understanding that there are people in the world who do not think like you do and who are evil - people who would kill you and feel nothing. People who’d hang you from the feet and gut you just because they can, and because your dying screams amuse them. And there are ideologies in the world that create such people.
The US has been, perhaps, mismanaging this war. But war is a series of mistakes. If you take issue with the way USA fights this war, fine - there are many ways to improve. But understand that this is a defensive war, that you’re endangered, that the actions of your government are meant to protect you.
“Do you honestly believe that your government is killing innocent people on purpose?”
No, or at least definitely not in most cases. And you will find that I never said “on purpose.” That’s not the point. The outcome is what matters.
And yes, I know the conflict existed long before 9/11 but what is coined as the “war of terror” began after 9/11.
Trust me, our mass media instills plenty of fear in us on a daily basis…hell, there are so many things to fear I should probably just go into hibernation (jk). But what can we do? I do have my own fears: in fact, I believe that global warming is going to kill us all (it’s the scientist in me) looooong before “all my people” are killed off and forced into slavery; that’s for sure! But I choose not to live in constant fear…and in the end, I’m one individual and whether I think we should be fighting this war or not amounts to a whole lot of….well, nothing. I’d like to think I have power but…yeah i don’t. I can only control my own life…and I promise you…I am no threat to humanity.
Okay I can control my own actions anyway…cause let’s face it. If I was forced into slavery I wouldn’t have much in the way of control over my life.
An individual has power in a liberal democratic society, Amy. You are part of the public opinion, and public opinion defines much of what your, and our, politicians do. For better and for worse.
You elect them. To quote one of Pratchett’s novels, they are *your* fault.
This accountability should have, in fact, forced the Average Joe to think. Didn’t work out too well.
Heh. You can control more than you own life. And your thoughts matter, especially in a democracy. As long as you have your ability to communicate, you can sway the opinions of others; sway enough opinions and you change the world.
See Martin Luther King.
Your government avoids killing innocent people, trying to wage a war without killing anyone. It is… problematic. The few they kill by mistake are, well, very few indeed.
Fear is good for you. MSM fosters hysteria, which is not good for you. Fear is your friend - the one that kicks you awake when you fall asleep at the wheel.
And well… surprisingly, the environmental issues tie into the whole Islamonazi campaign of conquest and terror. The Caliphate dream - or should I say, nightmare - is fuelled by oil. Find a good, cheap alternative to oil and you have defanged the Islamonazis and contributed tremendously to the envoronment. Two birds with one stone.
BTW, I do doubt that global warming is going to kill many people in the next 20-30 years. But if the West surrenders now, it won’t exist in 20-30 years.
Anyway, if you’re a scientist, you can save the world - do something positive for alt. fuels. Speak for it. Invent it. Market it. Doesn’t matter - you are far, far from powerless. Go around planting trees if you can’t invent or market or promote. If you’re a cripple, convince others to do things. If you’re a cripple without the ability to convince, donate money to people who can do what you cannot. If you’re poor in addition to being a cripple AND lacking communication abilities… well… then your options are much more limited
BTW, I am getting so riled up about Islamonazis because they have spent considerable time and effort trying to off me, personally. I do not appreciate being shot at. And I do not appreciate suicide bombers going after the buses, malls and cafes that I use. It is not something I’d wish on any person… with the exception of Islamonazis, and then it’s only the being shot at bit.
Amy - Spartacus. Warsaw uprising. The concentration camps uprisings. There is ALWAYS a way.
Heh. I am off to meet Nobody. Drop me a line or something if you’re in TA, Roman - I like meeting bloggers
Yes yes I do realize the miniscule part of public opinion that I make up…and don’t get me wrong, I’m very thankful that I even have the right to vote and express my own opinion…but somehow I feel my most powerless when I’m in that voting booth…
Oh and I do feel the need to mention that I hold no accountability for the election of the current president..
Raccoon,
I didn’t mean that I cant make a difference in the world around me…i try to every chance I get…it’s important that we all live responsibly as individuals and give back as much as we take…guess I was just being a bit on the sarcastic side-it happens sometimes. I just wanted to make the point that my opinion is not going to lead to the demise of the world…I made it based on how I think the world can be a better place.
Amy, put me down for everything Raccoon said. And I’m American. So I’m one of “your people” - I think your opinions are dangerously ignorant, and almost unbelievably naive.
I’m not going to comment about most of what you said, because I’ve met people like you before, and I’m well aware it’s a waste of time. I will comment on this, though, because it’s insulting:
I feel for them and their families
No you don’t. You don’t even know who they are. As your comments make glaringly obvious. Do you even know anybody in the military? I’m guessing, not.
and especially the 1/3 of the homeless population in the US that are war veterans.
For one thing, your stat is a lie. The average Vietnam war vet is 60 years old, now. And it’s been proven over and over again that most of the homeless who claim they are “Vets” never spent a day in the military.
That aside, most homeless people are homeless because they have mental illnesses that prevent them from functioning in society. Your people were spitting on Vietnam veterans when they came home from war. You’re people are RESPONSIBLE for the psychic harm that was inflicted on those veterans. So do NOT come around here telling us how much you “feel” for war vets.
I’m a war vet. Do you “feel” for me, Amy? Do you “feel” for me enough to listen to what I’m saying? Or do you only “feel” for me enough to patronize me with your false sympathy?
The Raccoon Says:
January 24th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Heh. I am off to meet Nobody. Drop me a line or something if you’re in TA, Roman - I like meeting bloggers
No gossiping now hey guys
It will be interesting to see how it all develops. One thing though, how will it affect what is going on in Chad?
“Heh. I am off to meet Nobody. Drop me a line or something if you’re in TA, Roman - I like meeting bloggers :)”
I’ll get back to you on that in a month, once my exams is over.
“Oh and I do feel the need to mention that I hold no accountability for the election of the current president..”
Uh-uh, you don’t get away that easily. In a democratic society, everything is your fault. Your candidate lost? *You* didn’t spread your ideas enough. You have a corrupt government? *Your* indifference allowed it. Any of your government’s policies don’t suit you? It’s *your* fault as long they keep it.
See, this guilt is very small, relatively speaking, because every single citizen of your country shares it with you. But at the same time, it is also very big, from your point of view.
That’s the beauty of democracy. No matter what you do, you affect the way your government is made up, and how it acts.
Craig,
Phew now those are some uplifting words to wake up to in the morning! You sure have made more than a few assumptions about me! I guess I will make just one about you…since you are a veteran I assume you are wise in age…so seriously, stop with the generalizations and the references to “your people.” I respect the fact that you are a Vet and you did something that you believed in. I’m sure you could tell me some very interesting things…when you’re not trying to insult me, of course :). Where did you serve? I’ve been through the application process for the Peace Corps already and should be leaving for service sometime this year. I guess that’s just more my “thing” u know?
(Drima, I have to apologize because this is about to get way off topic of your original post.)
Yes I do actually have friends who have served in the military. Close friends…and they don’t share your perspective and many of them are still suffering mental trauma (and not from being spit on I might add). I also volunteer with the homeless a few times a week and you wouldn’t believe the number of veterans I meet.
Maybe you aren’t aware but we have been involved in plenty of other conflicts between Vietnam and now. So not all homeless veterans are from that era. In fact, sadly I’m already starting to see some Iraq vets on the streets. Homeless vets tend to make up the chronically homeless group b/c many suffer permanent mental and physical disabilities post service (which I’m sure you’re well aware of).
I recommend you take a look at the VA website…Here’s an excerpt: “About one-third of the adult homeless population have served their country in the Armed Services.”
http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=1
One of the Nonprofit organizations I work with researches the root causes of homelessness as a way to come up with a sustainable solution rather than a temporary means of getting people off the streets. The number one cause of homelessness is actually a lack of affordable housing and the high cost of housing is a by-product of the general distribution of wealth and income. Check Wikipedia or any other site if you’re so inclined. A surprising percentage of the homeless (40%) are actually families with children (not those with mental disabilities). But I do not run into them very often on the streets because they are most likely to be found in the shelter system.
Just curious, do you live in a city? What makes you such an expert on homelessness?
Roman Kalik,
Haha, I’ll have to try harder next time. Maybe 2008 will relieve some of this guilt….
Sorry for lack of posts. Still damn busy and my brother just arrived for holiday here…
Craig and Amy, I don’t know which one of you is right. However the fact that some of the homeless people in America are war vets is undeniable and I think it’s a major shame. I have actually seen some begging for money during my holday in Chicago. I have seen some in other cities too. We can obviously dispute “the 30%” claim though.
Anyways like I said. I think it’s an utter shame that soldiers who go overseas to fight for their country end up on its streets when they return… a real shame.
“Haha, I’ll have to try harder next time. Maybe 2008 will relieve some of this guilt…. “
Drima,
Agreed. It’s not the 30% that’s important here…since demographics can be nothing more than approximations…in fact, the number tends to range anywhere from 20% - 40% depending on which site you look at. But the fact that we can actually see these homeless veterans with our own eyes cannot be disputed.
I actually began doing street Outreach a few years back b/c I found it completely sickening the way people become programmed to walk by or step over the homeless on the sidewalk like they don’t even exist. So many people think that all the people on the streets are crazy or lazy (no rhyme intended). But it’s simply not true and if they took the time to actually SEE for themselves…
Craig, man, you need to calm down. This business with Twosret has left you fairly short-tempred. I can sympathize, but you’re doing yourself a disservice here.
Roman, you may be right, I’ll try to calm down. But I’m not associating Amy with Twosret. I’m associating her with the American far left.
Amy,
so seriously, stop with the generalizations and the references to “your people.”
I deliberately said “I’m one of your people” because you, Amy, used the words “your people” when talking to Raccoon, and you used the words “all my people” when talking about the US.
I respect the fact that you are a Vet and you did something that you believed in. I’m sure you could tell me some very interesting things…when you’re not trying to insult me, of course
.
But, see, I wouldn’t. Because I wouldn’t be associating with somebody who thinks I’m an object of pity.
Where did you serve? I’ve been through the application process for the Peace Corps already and should be leaving for service sometime this year. I guess that’s just more my “thing” u know?
Yes, I do know. I’m American, remember?
Yes I do actually have friends who have served in the military. Close friends…and they don’t share your perspective and many of them are still suffering mental trauma (and not from being spit on I might add).
I’ll take your word for it. But I have to tell you, most of the people I’ve met who claimed to have been in the military, completely misrepresented their service. If they weer even in at all. I’d go so far as to say 90% of the people I’ve met who claimed military service ended up being full of it.
I also volunteer with the homeless a few times a week and you wouldn’t believe the number of veterans I meet.
Take me along next time, and lets see what can be verified. I’ll hand a $50 bill to each and every homeless person I meet who is actually a combat veteran. I’m guessing it won’t be an expensive trip for me.
Maybe you aren’t aware but we have been involved in plenty of other conflicts between Vietnam and now.
I am well aware of that, Amy. I joined the US Marines in 1983.
So not all homeless veterans are from that era. In fact, sadly I’m already starting to see some Iraq vets on the streets.
Or, people who say they Iraqi war vets, anyway, right? Tell me, do you (or does anyone) do any checking of their service record? If they even have a service record?
Homeless vets tend to make up the chronically homeless group b/c many suffer permanent mental and physical disabilities post service (which I’m sure you’re well aware of).
Most of the chronically homeless are drug addicts or alcoholics. You are undoubtedly aware of THAT, aren’t you? Some of them also have mental illnesses, in addition to their addictions.
I recommend you take a look at the VA website…Here’s an excerpt: “About one-third of the adult homeless population have served their country in the Armed Services.”
Which means nothing. I’m guessing about 1/3 of the adult population of the United States has served in the military in some capacity. Less than 10% of the people in the military are in combat units, and of that 10% only a fraction ever see any actual combat.
Just curious, do you live in a city?
Los Angeles. I lived in Manhatten in the early 1980s. We don’t have much of a problem with homelessness in LA now. That’s why I’m guessing you live in San Francisco, where the drug culture still thrives and has since the 1960s, and aging hippies (rather than war vets) along with young drug addicts and alcoholics, and families who have been kicked off welfare, make up the bulk of the homeless population.
What makes you such an expert on homelessness?
I’m not an expert on homelessness. I guess I could claim to be an expert on human nature, though. And I do have eyes and ears. And I do know how to spot a bullshitter. Especially when it comes to people who like to pose as “veterans”.
I actually live in Philly…I’m an East coaster.
And quite a few of the homeless vets I’ve met have had permanent combat wounds…so I just figured they were in a war zone…u know? (and when I say ‘u know?’ i mean it in a rhetorical sense…not in a ‘are you aware of the peace corps?’ sense)
“Most of the chronically homeless are drug addicts or alcoholics.”
You would be correct but many of the ones with drug addictions and who abuse alcohol also happen be veterans! Not surprisingly there’s quite the correlation there…But if you won’t take my word for it, the following quote came from this article:
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/1468
‘No organization, including the VA itself, keeps thorough statistics on homeless vets, but the agency has determined a profile of the homeless vet population. Nearly all are male and single. More than half suffer from mental illness or substance abuse problems; more than two-thirds were enlisted for three or more years; and about a third were stationed in a war zone.’
‘Advocates for homeless vets would like to see Americans who have strongly supported US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan step forward and get involved with the issue. “You see all those cars with yellow ribbons saying ‘Support Our Troops. What you don’t see are signs saying ‘Support Our Veterans.’ But when those men and women take off their uniforms, that’s when they need support the most.’
Here the link to another article which talks about Iraq war vets who are already homeless and then some noteworthy excerpts:
href=”http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/07/04/homelessness_a_threat_for_iraq_vets/”>Homelessness a Threat for Iraq Vets
‘”Across America on any given evening, hundreds of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan like Noel are homeless, according to government estimates.’
‘There are about 200,000 homeless vets in the United States, according to government figures. About 10 percent are from either the 1991 Gulf War or the current one, about 40 percent are Vietnam veterans, and most of the others served when the country was not officially at war.’
‘Almost half of America’s 2.7 million disabled veterans receive $337 or less a month in benefits, according to the government. Fewer than one-tenth are rated 100 percent disabled, meaning they get $2,393 a month, tax free.
“And only those who receive that 100 percent benefit rating can survive in New York,” says J.B. White, a 36-year-old former Marine who served with a National Guard unit in Iraq. His colon was removed after he was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, which civilian medical experts believe started in Iraq under the stress of war.’
whoops! I guess I can’t add a link here like I can in blogger! Here it is again:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/07/04/homelessness_a_threat_for_iraq_vets/
One more point…
“I’m guessing about 1/3 of the adult population of the United States has served in the military in some capacity. ”
Wikipedia states around 14% of the population.
Amy,
I actually began doing street Outreach a few years back b/c I found it completely sickening the way people become programmed to walk by or step over the homeless on the sidewalk like they don’t even exist.
I’ve been through the application process for the Peace Corps already and should be leaving for service sometime this year.
Since you asked me for stories, I will tell you one that may pertain to you one that may pertain to your future humanitarian work overseas. If you don’t know that one of the primary functions of US Navy/US Marine Corps is to provide disaster relief and/or deliver humanitarian assistance, you probably will, soon. I don’t know how many times I was sent out on body watch (that’s when you look for people who are in extreme distress and help them to shelter) during typhoons, or how many times I accompanied aid workers and supplies out into the boonies on board Marine Corps helicopters, and watched over them while they did their work. Probably about a dozen times. Maybe more. I’ll tell you about one of them.
This was 1984, in the Philippines. There had been a Typhoon. A pretty big one. I was in the 33rd MAU (Marine Amphibious Unit) and we were out in the field on the Bataan Peninsula already when it hit. After the Typhoon was over, some of us in the Battalion Landing Team got packed about CH-46 helicopters and flown to Manila. Where we loaded boxes of supplies (along with a lot of our own MREs) onto the Helicopters. These Helicopters were our Helicopters, by the way, they were the heavy lift helicopters for the 33rd MAU. We took aboard about a dozen aid workers too. And then we flew back out to Bataan, to a village that had been mostly swept away. What was left standing was under several feet of mud.
When we got there, we Marines started unloading the helos. The aid workers went off to establish a “rapor” with the villagers. The ones who were standing around in shock waiting for us to finish unloading, that is. Then we (the Marines) started doing what Marines do, standing around smoking and shooting the shit, telling jokes and stuff. The little kids would come running over to us, and run away laughing like they always do. The adults came over with their wares and started trying to sell them to us for insanely high prices, like they always do. Offering to trade us livestock for rations, like they always do. All this while the aid workers were still trying to establish a rapor. While there are US marines carrying laughing little kids around on their backs. I recall one of the aid workers asking me “Why do they like you guys so much?” and just shrugged. But I wanted to say “Because we treat them like human beings.”
Another story, unrelated. Also in the Philippines. Also out in the provinces. Same year, same unit. We did a force march up a mountain called “Seven Steps to Heaven” - it’s called that because it’s a series of seven plateaus. On very muddy and steep trails. Climbing that is one of the little rites of passage all Marines dread. Or used to, when Marines went to the PI. Anyway, some of the villagers at the bottom of the mountain followed us all the way to the top, with ice chests on their shoulders. It took us SEVEN HOURS to climb that mountain, and these tiny little Filipino guys (and girls too!) followed us all the way up, carrying ice chests that probably weighed almost as much as our packs. So that they could sell us cold drinks when we got to the top. Why did they do that? They could have waited for us at the bottom and probably sold us even more drinks as we passed through the village on the way back. The only reason I can think of, is they were providing us a service. They wanted to earn their money. And by God, they did!
I hope you are ready for the Third World, Amy. I can tell your heart is in the right place. I mean that. I hope it doesn’t get you down, the reality of just how bad things really are. But that condescending attitude has got to go. People are people, and whether they live up to your standards or not, doesn’t have a bearing on whether or not they are happy, whether they are friendly, or whether they are nice, and whether they are “worthy”. I’m sure you will do good work, if you can get your head around the idea that no matter what their circumstance, they are no different than you are
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3396/kids9qw2dj.jpg
That’s a picture I took in the PI in 1984, if it loads.
Craig, that last reply was fantastic!
And just to clarify, I didn’t mean to say that you associated Amy with Twosret, but rather that your anger may be mostly due to Twosret at the moment. If I was wrong, I apologize.
“Or, people who say they Iraqi war vets, anyway, right? Tell me, do you (or does anyone) do any checking of their service record? If they even have a service record?”
And that’s what it all comes down to!
Thanks for the last comment Craig
People are people, and whether they live up to your standards or not, doesn’t have a bearing on whether or not they are happy, whether they are friendly, or whether they are nice, and whether they are “worthy”. I’m sure you will do good work, if you can get your head around the idea that no matter what their circumstance, they are no different than you are.
Thumbs up, buddy - because that’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Awwwww the soft “feminist” side of Craig is coming out. LOL.
Great story, Craig
BTW, I can’t see why veterans, of all people, should become homeless - they’d have the support of their unit in addition to the support of their family. I’d think that of all the groups out there, vets are probably the last to be abandoned. Especially given the fact that the soldier’s social network would probably be able to provide them with jobs.
And I know a great many soldiers who flipped (Israeli soldiers, but still). Shell shock, PTSS, whatever. Same about wounded. Can’t imagine why they’d want to be homeless - the army treats them, and unless we’re talking about amputees, they have no problem working. Most of them just take a year off and travel around the world, chilling out (Goa is choke-full of recovering Israeli combat vets). Then school, then career. I was a recovering combat vet myself (flipped out with PTSS).
Cheers
well raccoon, I’m writing with a convict on death sentence that flipped through the vietnam war and was not recognized as such. till this very day it doesn’t seem strange to the judges in florida that he attacked his victim and crawled away from the crime scene combat-way….
so, there you have it
i won’t make a generalization out of him but happening: it is.
Thanks Craig-I appreciate the stories and the advice. I am well aware of this attitude in the humanitarian community. I think you have the wrong idea about my reasoning for doing street Outreach. It was more the lack of community in general that brought me down. Everything moves so fast here and we all get wrapped up in our own lives. The reason I like to volunteer is b/c I realize I am no better than anyone, but I have been lucky in so many ways while others have not. I’m out there to learn and to make connections with people who have experienced life in a very different way….because I agree with you, in the end we are all only human and we can all relate on some level.
I also want you to know that I don’t think I’m going out to change the world when I enter the Peace Corps. I’m an engineer so I hope that my technical skills can be put to some use…but I do realize I’m the one who is going to be changed the most by this experience. (and i hope that doesn’t sound selfish!) My best friend has been serving in Niger for the past year and a half and I remember in her first email home, she commented how the people there are some of the happiest people she’s ever met. As grateful as I am to live in the US, sometimes the constant hustle and bustle, our obsession with material objects, and our “every man/woman for him/herself” attitude just gets me down. I can’t wait to get rid of my overabundance of things and learn to live more simply…one of the main goals of the peace corps is just to form relationships with the locals; to bridge our differences…I realize that I will be the one doing the learning, not them. All I can offer is (hopefully) some cleaner water.
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