Half-Staffed Again

This from the California Governor’s press office dated June 1:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Mark A. Maida of Madison, WI:

“Sgt. Maida gave his life for the noble cause of freedom. The death of Sgt. Maida gives us cause to reflect on the many sacrifices servicemen and women have made throughout our nation’s history to preserve our democracy and America’s cherished values. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Mark’s family during this difficult time.”

Maida, 22, died May 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA

In honor of Maida, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

the scribe would like to point out that we don’t know who the flag is lowered for anymore, since the deaths are coming too fast for it to be raised even for a day.

The good people at MoveOn.org would like you to pressure major media outlets for a little coverage of the “Downing Street Memo,” which demonstrates how Bush & Co. had decided on a war with Iraq (and the death of 22-year olds like Sgt. Maida) well before they started all their palaver about weapons of mass destruction.

highwayscribery offers a link to the actual document (“Things You Don’t Know Much About,” May 17).

Here’s some of what the MoveOn people had to say: “This revelation nearly cost Prime Minister Tony Blair his re-election, and it was all over the British press. But American newspapers barely mentioned this new evidence that Bush twisted the facts to justify war. The major newspapers ran one or two stories rehashing the British reports. Worse, TV network new shows haven’t covered the memo at all.”

Here are some e-mail addresses MoveOn provided for the purpose of goosing these goobers:

PeterJennings@abcnews.com

evening@cbsnews.com

nightly@nbc.com

newshour@pbs.osrg

They are also looking for contributions to finance their commercials calling for Tom DeLay’s resignation. You can do that here: https://www.moveonpac.org/donate/delayradio.html?id=5615-4545734-CI1XJEHoTljAquOpjgGH_w&t=5

And finally, this from the California Governor’s press office, dated June 1 as well:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Maj. Ricardo A. Crocker of Mission Viejo:

“Maj. Crocker’s loved ones have lost a devoted family member and friend, and our country has lost a valiant soldier. We honor his bravery and commitment to his country. Maria and I wish to offer our deepest condolences to his family.”

Crocker, 39, died May 26 in Hadithah, Iraq, from a rocket propelled grenade explosion while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve’s 5th Civil Affairs Group, Camp Lejeune, NC.

In honor of Crocker, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.