The Home Front War Diaries

How Many More?

tammara — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:06:09 +0000

Dear Senators,

Yesterday, Helena, Montana was unfortunate enough to lose another of our precious soldiers, Army Specialist, Donald M. Young, 19, of the 1st Cav out of Ft. Hood, TX, Correction, we did not lose him, we know exactly where he is at, he was killed in an IED attack in Baghdad, Iraq. So, he is not lost at all, he is DEAD, gone forever. My heart goes out to his family, all who knew him, and our nation forever lessened by his loss.

The 4th ID of Texas is gearing up to go to Iraq again, in December, potentially taking the love of my life with them, again. Today, in Michigan, where I am away from my husband and my home, directing the Iraq Summer Campaign, trying desperately to end the war, the flags are flying at half mast by order of Governor Jennifer Granholm, for Army Pfc. Charles T. Heinlein, 23, who also died in an IED explosion, in Baghdad. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and our nation….again, lessened by his loss.

When will you say that this endless, missionless fiasco has killed enough of our troops, enough of the Iraqi people and destroyed enough homes, hospitals, schools and roads? When can I lay down the burden of working everyday to end this war, secure in the knowledge that my elected officials are doing the right thing?

When will you realize that cutting off funding for the war is the way to end it? No more funds except those that it takes to bring our troops safely home. The end is entirely in your ability through the power of the purse. I want no more arguments from you that there are not enough votes to carry such a measure. Look to the leadership of Montana’s own Jeannette Rankin for the courage it takes to stand alone if you must; but stand! Please, for the sake of our nation and the future of the world, make it stop.

Tammara Rosenleaf
Helena Peace Seekers
Military Families Speak Out

Come Out, Come Out, Senator McConnell

tammara — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:28:10 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_f9NjHi0EQ

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is holed up in his home, because he will not leave to pass the members of Iraq Summer who are on his doorstep, sidewalk, and street. The members of the group are planning to keep a presence there until further notice.

This is a great action. As you know, it worked well in 2005 focusing attention on how out of touch Bush was, is and will always be, with the desires of the people of this nation. and now, by accident, again, it is working on Senator McConnell.

In Montana, I would love to see Denny Rehberg trapped in his home. In fact, all of the reps and senators of our country who are at home on recess right now or coming home shortly, instead of working every day on a solution to this problem should face this sort of action. However, I am currently managing the Iraq Summer campaign in Michigan, so I may have to content myself with making it happen here!

While these “leaders” sit in their air conditioned homes decidering about what polo shirt to wear, how to invest their money, or whatever it is that they do, our troops are in 120 degree heat, humping 97 pounds of gear around (including vest w/armor plates, helmets, weapons, water, ammo and sundries), getting shot at, blown up, burnt alive with ied’s, dismembered, blinded and head injured.

Let us get a little perspective here Congress…. shame on you for even thinking about taking time off while this occupation goes on in the name of your constituents who have told you time and again that we want OUR troops home.

Any one who tells you that our troops volunteered and they are happy to be in Iraq needs to remember that there are two sides to the equation of having armed forces. On the first side, the troops give up their rights to protect ours. On the second side, we pick up their rights to safe hold while they defend us, and it is absolutely our job to see that they are never, ever, ever used in the cause of evil, for profit, or for an illegal, immoral cause.

These troops belong to the American people, not to the American government. Get them back where they belong. Home.

Dear Mr. Feingold

tammara — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:34:20 +0000

Dear Mr Feingold,

You ask me to support you in censuring Mr. Bush, Mr. Cheney and the current administration.

It is hard for us military families. We want our loved ones home and safe. We want for Mr. Bush to be half as brave as our loved ones are.

All you politicians talk and talk and talk, while our loved ones die and die and die, are wounded physically and mentally and our families are destroyed.

We are tired of posturing, talking, political stunts and trying to position the democratic party for a big win in 2008. That win is being bought with the blood of our families in the sands of Iraq.

How much more would Congress and Mr. Bush like us to pay for the misguided mess that you have all had a hand in creating?

Tell me how censuring these men will save my husband, or any of the rest of our troops? Tell me why this isn’t more political jabber?

Please, just bring our troops home now. All of them.

Sincerely,

Tammara Rosenleaf

wife of Army Combat Veteran