Memorial Day Must Reads

Malena Amusa

Memorial Day Must Reads

This year’s Memorial Day feels especially unique. Because as a part of its commemoration of soldiers past, there is a global grappling to answer so much- the reasons behind the failed war in Iraq, Bush’s low approval ratings, the decreasing rate of Blacks enlisting in the military, soft coverage of the war, and the inability of Americans to rally behind Bush’s impeachment.

In an attempt to explain some of these problems, here are some stories worth reading.

Why journalist are giving up on covering Iraq.
Sandy Levinson writes: There are so many potential topics to write about on this Memorial Day. One of them is the subject of an excellent piece in Monday’s New York Times, by David Carr on the decreasing news coverage of the War (because of expense and danger), coupled with ever more authoritarian rules adopted by the military.

Why Blacks aren’t enlisting.
D.R. Scott’s Pulp Culture writes: In a fascinating and provocative essay, Boston Globe columnist Derrick Z. Jackson explains how and why enlistments of African-Americans are at their lowest numbers since the all-volunteer military was created in 1973. “This is not a black people’s war,” an African-American veteran of the Iraq war said. “This is not a poor people’s war. This is an oilman’s war.”

Can the Democrats impeach Bush?
Alternet reports: Stephen Colbert challenges the Democrats to impeach Bush now. He’s just been taunting you all these years with the outing of Valerie Plame, WMD lies, Katrina tragedy, wiretapping, attorney firings, etc. etc. etc…
See Colbert Video here.

Posted at 7:38 PM, May 28, 2007 in Permalink | View Comments

Comments

On a similar note, I'd like to share my own link.

There is a disproportionate number of people of color enlisted in the military. Many of them use online social network MySpace to communicate with friends and family back home through bulletins, many have also started blogs on MySpace to share their stories.

But about a week ago, the Pentagon announced they would be blocking MySpace from military computers.

According to a CNN article, link below:

Citing security concerns and technological limits, the Pentagon has cut off access to those sites for personnel using the Defense Department's computer network.

The change limits use of the popular outlets for service members on the front lines, who regularly post videos and journals.

"I put my blog on there and my family reads it," said Zimmerman, 29, a platoon leader with B Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment.
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http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/internet/05/14/military.sites.blocked.ap/