I just received an email via John Kerry as follows:

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

The events of last week demonstrate to all of us that we still have miles to go to win the struggle to force a new direction for our policy in Iraq.

Unfortunately, at a time when direct talk is so vital, there is still an effort to marginalize those who speak out against the policy of the Bush White House and the GOP.

Join MoveOn's effort to support a brave career military man who provides one of the most credible and courageous of those voices.

A few weeks ago, the very effective grassroots veterans organization VoteVets released a series of ads featuring retired military leaders speaking out about the broken policy in Iraq. One of them, General John Batiste, spoke forcefully about Bush's "failed strategy that is breaking our great Army."

The price of speaking out? General Batiste was fired from his job at CBS.

Now, there are other retired military members voicing support for the policy of George Bush, and none of them have been fired for it.

This is another in a long line of attempts to make speaking out costly to those who do it, from the Dixie Chicks being pulled from radio play lists to the savage attacks on Jack Murtha -- the smear of Matt Dowd after he spoke out against his old boss -- or the way in which retired military leaders who dared call for Don Rumsfeld's resignation were dismissed and even attacked as disloyal, painted as threats to civilian control of the armed forces. That is cheap and it is shameful.

At a time when the administration cannot let go of the myths and outright lies it broadcast in the rush to war in Iraq, those who know better must speak out.

I know from experience how hard it can be to speak out against a war when there are many powerful forces trying to silence you. But I also know how important speaking out can be -- especially when it comes from those who know what it means to wear the uniform of our country. We need more truth about Iraq, not silenced voices.

So join our friends at MoveOn.org in calling for the reinstatement of General John Batiste.

If we stand together and speak with many strong voices, all calling for a new direction in Iraq, we will bring change.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

[Coexist]

1. link to petition:

http://pol.moveon.org/batiste/

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

4. Yes.

http://pol.moveon.org/batiste/?rc=jk

I should've provided that, all ready. sorry

[blm]

2. Thanks for posting. The bigger story about the WH forcing out another who dared

cross them is something the big media just refuses to touch.

[KittyWampus]

3. IMO, this is a very important effort. The double standard exposes the agenda of media owners

they have forfeited any right they have to the airwaves they enjoy using now at rock bottom prices.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

6. How many maligned does it take to jump start a revolution?

When will we learn that, being powerfully assertive is appropriate? It's tough, I guess, shaking off the cultural correctness of being popular,...but,...in times where the power-mongers are willing to wield every manipulative means possible to usurp wealth and control,...we all must be courageously, powerfully assertive on behalf of humanity.

[blm]

8. Media has obviously decided to ignore emails - so, we should be back in the streets.

Really - can we have an iantiwar march with an mpeach media AND Bush march with NO added chickenfat?

[rox63]

5. K&R

for Kerry having General Batiste's back. :patriot:

[magellan]

7. Very interesting exchange between Amy Goodman and Batiste on this:

"MAJ. GEN. JOHN BATISTE: CBS and I left on very friendly terms, quite frankly. It’s not about money. It’s about being able to speak out. For example, here we are, you and I, untethered, so I can speak my mind.

AMY GOODMAN: But CBS is a news network. Why shouldn’t you, as a retired general, be able to talk about your attitude toward the Iraq war right now?

MAJ. GEN. JOHN BATISTE: Again, I’m pleased that you and I can be having this conversation right now, that I can speak out and say what’s on my mind without any limitations.

AMY GOODMAN: You were a paid consultant for them, but will they invite you on simply as a pundit, as a general would comment on what is happening today?

MAJ. GEN. JOHN BATISTE: I was a part-time consultant. I had been signed on for a few months. I think I had one or two opportunities to talk with them. If they invite me back to comment, I’d think about it. I’m not interested in going back in any capacity as a paid or part-time paid consultant.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/05/25/1456251&mode=thread&tid=25

[politicasista]

9. K&R

:kick:

[Tom Joad]

10. While Gen. Batiste dissent is welcome, his message is hardly anything to get excited

about. It really does not waver much from the status quo.
No wonder Kerry is comfortable in supporting him.

[ProSense]

12. This is about Batiste getting fired for speaking out. He stood on principle, and that's not always

easy to do.

[Tom Joad]

11. If MoveOn (or Kerry) really wanted to challenge the status quo, they would support Lt Watada.

http://thankyoult.org/

[ClayZ]

13. I agree! Lt. Watada's speech on Citizen Responsibility should

be aired to all citizens of the USA! I keep it in my journal if anyone has not heard it!

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/ClayZ/20

[Adelante]

14. Excellent

Thank you for posting this.