Thousands of Israelis Protest Against the War in Gaza

The Israeli Propaganda Ministry, or whatever you want to call it officially, is frantically trying to twist our minds into believing that they are in some holy, righteous cause against elemental evil, demonizing Hamas and even its civil servants and police officers as terrorists that they can bequeath an instant death penalty to, slaughtering them from the sky with drones and F-16s, rationalizing the vast and simultaneous destruction against civilians and civilian infrastructure as collateral damage or "getting what they deserve for voting for Hamas." But even in Israel thousands and thousands of Israelis can see through this propaganda, and they took to the streets of Tel Aviv last Saturday, Jan 3rd to denounce the war on Gaza.

This is from Gosh Shalom in Israel (click here for link):

MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE WAR + continuing protest
Preparing to start: hoisting the big Gush Shalom transparent
photo gallery

[Now also on Social TV]

At the same time as Ehud Barak was ordering the army to start the bloody ground offensive against Gaza, some ten thousand protesters from all over Israel marched in Tel-Aviv in a massive demonstration against the war. All four lanes of Ibn Gvirol St., one of the city's main throughfares, were packed full of demonstrators who marched the two kilometres from the Rabin Square to the Cinemateque, chanting and waving banners all the way.

“One does not build an election campaign over the dead bodies of children!” shouted the protesters in Hebrew rhymes. “Orphans and widows are not election propaganda!”, “Olmert, Livni and Barak – war is no game!”’ “All cabinet ministers are war criminals!!” Barak, Barak, don’t worry – we shall meet you in The Hague!”, “Enough, enough – speak with Hamas!”

The written posters were similar. Some of them paraphrased Barak’s election slogans: “Barak is not friendly, he is a murderer!” (The original Barak slogan says: “Barak is not friendly, he is a leader!”) Also: “No to the Election War, 2009!” and “The six-Knesset-seat war!” – an allusion to the polls which showed that in the first days of the war Barak’s Labor Party has gained six prospective seats.

The demonstration took place after a fight with the police, which tried to prevent or at least limit it, arguing that they would not be able to stop right-wing rioters from attacking it. Among other things, the police demanded that the organizers undertake to prevent the hoisting of Palestinian flags. The organizers petitioned the High Court of Justice, which decided that the Palestinian flag is legal and ordered the police to protect the demonstration from rioters,

The demonstration was decided upon by Gush Shalom and 20 other peace organizations, including the Women’s Coalition for Peace, Anarchists Against the Wall, Hadash, the Alternative Information Center and New Profile. Meretz and Peace Now did not participate officially, but many of their members showed up. Some thousand Arab citizens from the north arrived in 20 buses straight from the big demonstration of the Arab public which had taken place in Sakhnin.

The organizers themselves were surprised by the large number of protesters. “A week after the start of Lebanon War II, we succeeded in mobilizing only 1000 demonstrators against it. The fact that today there came 10,000 proves that the opposition to the war is much stronger this time. If Barak goes on with his plans, public opinion may completely turn against the war in a few days.”

The giant Gush Shalom banner said in Hebrew, Arabic and English: “Stop Killing! Stop the Siege! Stop the occupation!” The slogan of the demonstration called for the end of the blockade and an immediate cease-fire.

On the day of the protest, the extreme Right mobilized their forces in order to break up the demonstration by force. The police made a great effort to prevent riots, and the one-mile march from Rabin Square to Cinematheque Square proceeded relatively quietly. However, when the protesters started to disperse, in accordance with the agreement with the police, a large crowd of rightists started to attack them. The police, which till then had been keeping the two camps apart, disappeared from the scene. The rioters then encircled the last of the protesters, harassing them, pushing them about and at a certain point started to besiege the Cinematheque building, where some of the last protesters had found refuge. They tried to break into the building, threatening to “finish off” the protesters, but at the last moment some police arrived and protected the entrance. The rioters stayed around for a long time.

Circumstances made it impossible to hold the planned public rally at the end of the march. No speeches were made. Here is a translation of the speech Uri Avnery was about to make on behalf of Gush Shalom:

They tell us
We are traitors.
They tell us
We are destroyers of Israel.
They tell us
We are criminals.

But we tell them:
The criminals are those
Who started this
Criminal and unnecessary war!

An unnecessary war
Because it was possible
To stop the Qassams
By the government
stopping the blockade
On the million and a half
Inhabitants of Gaza.

A criminal war
Because, on top of everything else
It is openly and shamelessly
Part of Ehud Barak’s and Tzipi Livni’s
Election campaign

I accuse Ehud Barak
Of exploiting the IDF soldiers
In order to get more Knesset seats.

I accuse Tzipi Livni
Of advocating mutual slaughter
In order to become
Prime Minister.

I accuse Ehud Olmert
Of trying to cover up
Rot and corruption
With a disastrous war.

I call upon them
From this tribune,
On behalf of this
Courageous and decent audience:
Stop the war at once!
Stop shedding the blood of
Our soldiers and civilians for nothing!
Stop shedding the blood
Of the inhabitants of Gaza!

The ground invasion
Will cause
An additional disaster,
A mutual massacre
And even more
Terrible war crimes!

At the end of this war
No general
Will be able to set foot
On European soil
Without fear of being arrested
For war crimes.
We are told
That there is no alternative.
Not true!!!
A cease-fire is possible even now,
Yes, this very minute,
If we agree to lift
The murderous siege,
If we allow the Gaza people
To live in dignity,
If we talk with Hamas.

I wish to address
The people of the South,
The people of Sderot,
Ashdod and Beersheba:
We know your anguish –
Even though we don’t live with you,
We know well.
But we also know
That this war
Will not change your situation.
The politicians exploit you,
The politicians conduct a war
On your back.
You too know that!

I call upon
Olmert, Barak and Livni:
Do not send the soldiers into the Strip!
All three of you will be accused of war crimes!
All three of you will pay the price!

The masses in Israel
Saluting you now
Will punish you tomorrow.
That happened in the
Second Lebanon War
That will happen
Again this time!

And YOU who are standing here,
Women and men,
Young and old,
Jews and Arabs,
YOU who have protested
Against this horrible war
From the first day,
From the first minute,
Isolated and cursed –
YOU are the real heroes!

You can be proud,
Very proud,
Because you stand in the middle
Of a hurricane of hysteria and ignorance,
And are not swept away by it!
You are retaining your sanity,
Not only at home
But here, in the street!

Millions around the world see you,
Salute you,
Salute each one of you.

As a human being,
As an Israeli,
As a seeker of peace,
I am proud
To be here today.

---

The 3rd Annual Light in the Dark Peace Festival

3rd Annual
LIGHT IN THE DARK: FESTIVAL FOR PEACE

Dec 1 through Dec 23

Presented by The Tidewater Peace Alliance,
a coalition of peace and social justice organizations

Join us during the darkest part of the year to help usher in the new light. We'll present the regional premieres of 12 new movies that tell stories of both hope and terror from around the world. Cautionary tales that show how peace is destroyed by fear, poverty, and ideology. And heroic tales of peace achieved through conflict resolution, cross-cultural studies, respect for civil and human rights, and the nurturing of a just and tolerant society. Internationally known speakers, local musicians and performers complete the lineup, for the most inspiring Light in the Dark Peace Festival ever.


3rd ANNUAL LIGHT IN THE DARK: FESTIVAL FOR PEACE

FILM PREMIERES, SPEAKERS, DISCUSSIONS, SEMINARS AND PERFORMANCES


Films and events listed below held at either Naro Cinema or Studio for the Healing Arts (one block north of the Naro on the Second Floor) on Colley Avenue in Ghent, unless otherwise indicated.

Showtimes to be announced at http://www.narocinema.com or call 625-6275.


Saturday, Dec 1, 10a.m. - 10p.m.
Sunday, Dec 2, 10a.m. - 5p.m.
FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL
Downtown Farmer's Market site, on the Northwest side of
MacArthur Mall
300 Monticello Ave., Norfolk
(Note that region-famous Bear Baker will be cranking out the music from 10-10 on Saturday at the Festival.)


Also Sustainable Hampton Roads workshops at Sacred Heart Church10-4 Saturday. Shuttle Bus from Sacred Heart to the Festival.
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Tuesday, Dec 4, 7:30 p.m., and Fri-Sun, Dec 7-9
FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Director Daniel Karslake's provocative and entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality with Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families-including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson-we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. (95 mins)
Equality Virginia will facilitate the discussion on Tuesday night.
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Wednesday, Dec 5, 7:30 p.m., Studio for the Healing Arts
An Evening with Dr. Yacob Hailemariam (cosponsored by Amnesty International Hampton Roads Group)
Dr. Hailemariam served as a professor of business law at Norfolk State University for 20 years, and worked for the United Nations as a Senior Legal adviser in West Africa. In 2004 he put his career on hold to travel to his homeland of Ethiopia to run for and win a seat in parliament. But he and other reformers were soon arrested and given life sentences by the corrupt ruling party. Declared prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International, they were recently released from prison. Dr. Hailemariam has returned to his family in Hampton Roads, but intends to go back to Ethiopia in 2008.
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Thursday, Dec 6 (with discussion) at 7:30 p.m. and Sat & Sun, Dec 8 & 9
O JERUSALEM - The synopsis of this film proclaims that it depicts "the historic struggle surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948...meticulously re-created" and "told from the alternating viewpoints of Jews, Arabs, and Brits." However, journalist Robert Fisk, in his review in the London Independent, calls the film a "deliberate distortion of history, the twisting of the narrative of events to present Jews as the victims of the Israeli war of independence (6,000 dead) when in fact they were the victors, and the Arabs of Palestine - or at least that part of Palestine that became Israel in 1948 - as the cause of this war and the apparent victors (because the Jews of East Jerusalem were forced from their homes after the ceasefire) rather than the principal victims." Fisk asserts that the film is built upon Hollywoodized cliches and sentimentality, while offering only racist stereotypes of Palestinians and Arabs and Zionist myths about the 1947-48 war which have been thoroughly discredited by both Israeli and international scholars. Based on the best-selling novel by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre (Is Paris Burning?). (R, 102 mins)

Thursday night discussion will be led by Dr. Ilan Avisar, visiting professor of Jewish Studies at ODU and professor at Tel Aviv University in the Department of Film and Television. An award-winning producer and script writer, he is also the author of several books.

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Friday, Dec 7 "False-Flag Day"
66th Anniversary of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
7p.m. at the Studio for the Healing Arts $5 donation
ZEITGEIST The underground cult Internet hit will have its first local audience screening. Part I: The Greatest Story Ever Told; Part II: All the World's a Stage; Part III: Don't Mind the Men Behind the Curtain. Seeing this film is to understand that "The Revolution is Now".
Hosted by Veterans for Peace, Drinking Liberally, We Are Change Virginia - VA 9/11 Truth, Gaiacircle and Meetup.com

ZEITGEIST the movie "Spirit of the Age" DVD Door Prize
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Fri-Sun, Dec 7-9 at 5 p.m.
PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG Pete Seeger is now 92 years young. One of the greatest American singer-songwriters of the last century, he wrote some of folk music's best known songs, including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "If I Had a Hammer." Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the U.S. government, for his views on peace, unionism, civil rights, and ecology, Seeger was targeted by the communist witch-hunt of the 1950s and, in spite of his enormous popularity, banned from American television for more than 17 years. Directed by Jim Brown (The Weavers: Wasn't That a Time) and includes appearances by Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines, Tom Paxton, and Peter, Paul and Mary. (93 mins)

A Live Hootenanny on Sunday, Dec 9 with film showing and performance by recording artist and local legend Bob Zentz who will tell personal stories about Pete and perform some Pete inspired music along with his daughter Skye Zentz and other guests.
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Saturday, Dec 8
7:00pm at A.R.E.(Association for Research and Enlightenment)
64th Street, Virginia Beach
WE ARE ONE PEOPLE -- A Concert
A concert to benefit the Lost Boys of Sudan in Hampton Roads and their families in Africa.
Performers include The Lost Boys Singers, B.J. Leiderman, Chris Van Cleave and others.
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Saturday, Dec 8
8p.m. Studio for the Healing Arts
SECOND SATURDAY SALON
free and open to the public

"Stories That Pick Us"
If we ask ourselves, what is our story? chances are we will come up
empty handed. But if we ask, what story has picked me? we will get a response right away from our unconscious psyche. For this salon, we'll talk about stories that pick us, about journaling to explore that story, and about
action that we can take once our attention to story and journaling
ferrets out a palpable clue to act on.

Facilitated by associate professor of English at CNU, Terry Lee, who specializes in Jungian approaches to literature, as well as narrative journalism. He is the author of A New Path at Midlife: Transformative Relationship and Story for Men" (Men's Studies Press, 2006)
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Tuesday, Dec 11 (with discussion) at 7:30 p.m. and Sat & Sun, Dec 15 & 16
JIMMY CARTER MAN FROM PLAINS From director Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, Silence of the Lambs) comes an intimate and surprising encounter with President Jimmy Carter. Following the path of Mr. Carter's recent controversial book tour for "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid", the Academy Award-winning filmmaker reveals a complex individual who, with the gusto and determination of a youngster, crisscrosses the country to get his message across. Man From Plains explores both the private and public sides of Jimmy Carter, whose intense sense of justice compels him to pursue his lifelong and deeply spiritual vision of reconciliation and peace. (PG, 120 mins)

Christie Boyes from the Carter Center at Emory University in Atlanta will be in attendance on Tuesday to introduce the film and lead discussion.
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Wednesday, Dec 12, 7:15 p.m., Studio for the Healing Arts
Presented by Norfolk Catholic Worker
CONVICTION Acts of nonviolent civil disobedience against the industrial military complex are not taken lightly in this country. This is the very personal story of three Dominican Sisters affiliated with the Plowshares and Jonah House in Baltimore, MD who risk all in living their lives true to their convictions of equality, peace, and social justice. (50 mins)
Two of the Dominicans, Sister Carol Gilbert and Sister Ardeth Platte will be in attendance to dialogue with the audience.
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Thursday, Dec 13(with discussion) at 7:30 p.m. and Fri - Sun, Dec 14-16
MILAREPA In the 11th century, in the Year of the Water Dragon, on a high barren plain in the shadow of Mount Tisi, a child is born. Destined to become one of the most revered figures in Tibetan history, Milarepa's epic life story ultimately moves into the realm of the mythic and legendary, inspiring millions. Nine hundred years after his death, the visionary wizard, saint, and poet (played by Jamyang Lodro as an adult) remains Tibet's greatest mystic. Yet his youthful rage and black magic brought death and destruction upon his own family. This is his story: a tale of revenge, demons, murder, and redemption. In Tibetan with subtitles. (PG, 90 mins)

The executive producer of the film, Greg Kruglak, will be in attendance on Thursday to introduce and then speak after the screening.
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Friday, December 14 - CAROLING
Norfolk Court Building plaza/ 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by The Sowers of Justice
Open to all
________________________________________

Starts Friday, Dec 14
DARFUR NOW A story of hope in the midst of one of humanity's darkest hours, writer/director Ted Braun's documentary is a call to action. The struggles and achievements of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how one person can make a difference to millions. The conflict is explored through the firsthand experiences of Don Cheadle, Hejewa Adam, Pablo Recalde, Ahmed Mohammed Abakar, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, and Adam Sterling. (PG, 99 mins)
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Monday, Dec 17 at 7:15pm
AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST KATHY KELLY
The founder of Voices in the Wilderness and executive director of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Kathy Kelly has traveled twenty-four times to Iraq to give aid, bear witness, and then report her findings in her book: Other Lands Have Dreams: From Baghdad to Pekin Prison. She served three months at Pekin federal prison for crossing the line as part of the ongoing effort to close the army military training school at Fort Benning, Georgia. In summer 2006 she was in southern Lebanon during and after the Israel-Hezbollah war. Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Kathy will speak and have film clips from In a Time of Siege.

Reception for Kathy Kelly at Azar's (20th & Colley Ave) at 5:30pm.
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Tuesday, Dec 18, 7:15 p.m.
REDACTED A fictional story inspired by true events, writer-director Brian De Palma's unique cinematic experience is centered on a small group of American soldiers stationed at a checkpoint in Iraq. Alternating points of view, this searing drama balances the experiences of these young men under duress with those of the local Iraqi people. A profound meditation on the way information is packaged, distributed and received, Redacted utilizes a variety of created source material-video diaries, produced documentary, surveillance footage, online testimonials, and news pieces-to comment on the extreme disconnect between the surface of an image and the reality of ideas and the truth, especially in times of strife. (R, 90 mins)
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Thursday, Dec 20 at 7:15pm
WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? The charismatic Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir take us on a cross-country crusade to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse! From preaching at the Mall of America, to exorcising the demons from Wal-Mart Headquarters-Reverend Billy takes his gospel to the Promised Land. Changelujah! Produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and directed by Rob VanAlkemade, this new doc is both very funny and profound! (93 mins)
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Fri, Dec 21, 7:00pm at the Studio for the Healing Arts $10
(space limited so come early, bring your drum, and bring a treat to share)

DRUM DANCE AND DREAM FOR PEACE: A SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Join Maiyah Olivas, members of Beleza, Elizabeth Gay, and local members of The World Dreams Peace Bridge for drumming, dancing and a celebration of solstice.

This is a benefit event for the Peace Bridge work with the children of Iraq. Nobody will be turned away, but please give generously if you can.
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Fri & Sat, Dec 21 & 22
JOE STRUMMER: THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN As the front man of The Clash from 1977 onwards, Joe Strummer changed people's lives and their politics forever. Four years after his death, his influence continues to reach out around the world. In director Julien Temple's new documentary, Strummer is revealed not just as a legend or a musician, but as a true communicator of our times. Drawing on both a shared punk history and their close personal friendship, Temple's film is a celebration of Strummer before, during and after The Clash. Includes appearances by Bono, Terry Chimes, John Cusack, Johnny Depp, Matt Dillon, Topper Headon, Jim Jarmusch, Mick Jones and more. (124 mins)
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Sunday, Dec 23 at 5:00pm at the A.R.E.
THE CONCISE DICKENS' CHRISTMAS CAROL
Performed by DD Delaney
Back for its second year, The Concise Dickens' Christmas Carol is a 50-minute, one-person mainline injection of holiday spirit for busy people, faithfully adapted from the original and brilliantly performed by multi-talented D.D. Delaney.
Opening music by harpist Elisa Dickon performing beautiful Celtic Christmas carols.

Plus, At the 40th Street Stage, 809 w. 40th Street in Norfolk
$10
Back by popular demand, poet-playwright-actor D.D. Delaney returns to the 40th Street Stage with his condensed, one hour version of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. Utterly theatrical, this one man tour-de-force presents the beloved story with sincerity and clarity - simply the essentials and essence of this timeless story of redemption.

Opens Friday, December 14 and closes Saturday, December 22
Performances Dec 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22.
All performances at 8 pm except Sunday, Dec 16 at 2 pm

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TIDEWATER PEACE ALLIANCE
Participating Organizations:

NARO Expanded Cinema http://www.narocinema.com/
Studio for the Healing Arts http://www.studioforthehealingarts.org/
The iMAGE Project http://www.imageproject.org/
The World Dreams Peace Bridge http://www.worlddreamspeacebridge.org/
Hampton Roads Network for Nonviolence/A Season for Nonviolence http://www.hamptonroadsnetworkfornonviolence.org/
RegimeChanger.com http://www.regimechanger.com/
Crawford Peace House http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/
Norfolk Catholic Worker House http://www.catholicworker.org/communities/volunteers.cfm
Playback Theater
Drinking Liberally
Virginia Beach Friends, Committee for Peace and Social Justice
Gaia Circle http://www.studioforthehealingarts.org/
Hampton Roads Independent Media Coalition http://www.hrimc.org/
Wordminder Press http://www.wordminderpress.com/
Veterans for Peace http://www.veteransforpeace.org/
Iraq Veterans Against the War http://www.ivaw.net/
Jewish Voice for Peace http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace/
Hampton Roads Peace and Justice Center http://www.hrpjc.org/
Virginia Organizing Project http://www.virginia-organizing.org/
Amnesty International ( Hampton Roads Local Group #633)
Military Families Speak Out
Appeal For Redress http://www.appealforredress.org/
Tapestry, Inc. tapestrynorfolk@yahoo.com
40th Street Theater

Yell Fire

Here's Michael Franti's new Yell Fire music video, shot at his San Francisco concert this year by Brooke Duthie. Franti is becoming a major artistic force for love, peace and humanity. "Stay human" is one of his core messages to soldiers around the world, as they are ordered to do inhuman things by their lost-in-purgatory governments.















(photo source)

Thank God(dess) for Michael Franti. Michael is becoming a cultural icon and hero of progressive forces on the planet. His head and heart are in very solid, loving places and he is moving America along toward higher consciousness in these dark times.

A key component of the Peace and Justice Movement: building resistance against war and enabling Peace though music and the arts.

Franti in concert

Franti has also made a terrific documentary of his recent musical and Peace odyssey through Iraq, Israel and Palestine entitled I Know I'm Not Alone. Check it out, I've seen it and it's terrific. Music can open people up and unite them, even in a war zone.

Gathering of Eagles are a hateful group....

The right wing extremists who created the LIE that Americans opposed to the war planned to deface the Vietnam Memorial were able to (finally) get a small group of folks together in a counter protest. The TRUTH is that no one wants to gather and march to support the Iraq War....so if more "counter protests" are planned in the future look for "new lies" in order to try to get someone to show up.

My friends who went to the march told me they had actually been spit upon, some were physically threatened....and all were verbally abused with heaps of obscenity pouring down upon them. So much for a peaceful march with a group of right wing extremists who seem to hate anyone or anything that doesn't conform to their agenda.

Here's a news story about an American Patriot, Charlie Anderson, who served honorably in Iraq. I first met Charlie when he was living in Virginia Beach. He is a dear soul and he's wanting to save more of his buddies so he joined the Iraq Veterans Against the War. As you will hear, those folks who hate so much and call themselves Eagles also spat on my friend Charlie.