F-16s' roar worse in Afghanistan, Iraq - Craig Fabian

Wisconsin State Journal
Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 5:45 pm

Craig and Steve Books at the White House following the 2009 Veterans for Peace Convention.

At 3:25 a.m. Tuesday, the roar of F-16s taking off at Truax Field woke me and I assume many of my neighbors.

Many people in Afghanistan and Iraq probably hear the same noise, but they hear the explosions of the ordnance well before the roar of the engines. Death and destruction all around them, the survivors are displaced to tents and elsewhere, starving and dying slowly.

I ask President Barack Obama: Is it about the Taliban or is it about lining the pockets of the corporations that make the ordnance?

Gen. Stan McChrystal wants more troops to stop the Taliban. The Soviets had half a million and left defeated. The Brits tried three times and left. We, too, will leave without winning anything, except benefits for corporations.

Many economic conscripts fighting for unobtainable goals return to the United States with permanent damage. Amputations and mental health issues will cost the current generation years of their lives. Many may never recover. These vets will need assistance forever. Will this government provide for them? If history repeats itself, the answer is no.

Crimes against humanity is what I call it. Obama, stop this nonsense.

Craig Fabian, Madison
Craig is a member of the Clarence Kailin Chapter of Veterans for Peace.

Loss of Fitchburg Star disappointing

The Capital Times

9/01/2009 6:36 am

Dear Editor: We were shocked and disappointed when we learned that the Fitchburg Star will no longer be.

For the last several years, we have learned to look forward to the excellent, in-depth articles that Kurt Gutknecht has put into each issue. We can honestly say that he has provided in-depth coverage of goings-on in Fitchburg, as well as occasional coverage of other things occurring elsewhere in Wisconsin or the U.S. (or the world). The trends in eliminating newspapers in the U.S. do not bode well for an educated and illuminated citizenry.

We urge Kurt to continue his coverage of events in and around Fitchburg, and if he wants to start up an online newspaper, we will be the first to subscribe. Few things worth anything are free and the information Kurt provides is certainly worth our financial support. Go, Kurt!

John Fournelle and Judi Munaker, Fitchburg

John is a member of the Clarence Kailin Chapter of Veterans for Peace.