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For the first time, Patriot Missive brings you the complete randomness that is “The Wrap-Up” (working title). A smattering of news to keep you informed and entertained for the weekend. Enjoy.
World News: Blackwater’s out… well… eventually?
WASHINGTON–Troubled military contractor Blackwater USA is likely to be eased out of its role of guarding U.S. diplomats in Iraq in the aftermath of a shooting last month that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead, U.S. officials said Friday.
While no decisions have been finalized, Blackwater’s role in Baghdad is likely to be taken over by one of two other contractors who provide security for the State Department in Iraq, the officials said. They are Triple Canopy and DynCorp International.
”There will be some sort of disengagement process, but it won’t be that they’re shown the door,” said a State Department official. “As one builds down, another builds up.”
Iraq’s government has demanded that Blackwater leave Iraq within six months.
Blackwater’s current work order under a State Department contract worth $834 million reportedly runs out in May 2008.
So, something to maybe look forward to, if it happens, which it might not.
War news: PTSD is a problem.
WASHINGTON — The number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder from the Department of Veterans Affairs jumped by nearly 20,000 — almost 70% — in the 12 months ending June 30, VA records show.
More than 100,000 combat veterans sought help for mental illness since the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001, about one in seven of those who have left active duty since then, according to VA records collected through June. Almost half of those were PTSD cases.
But don’t worry- they all vollunteered.
Election news: Colbert’s presidential bid is growing strong. Well, you know, for a stunt acted out by a fictional character with the same name as the person who portrays him.
Joe Werner, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, said that a representative for Mr. Colbert, who was raised in Charleston, called three weeks ago asking about filing dates and other requirements. Mr. Werner added, “From what I understand, he does have credible people down here, working to have him placed on the ballot.”
“The great thing about America,” Mr. Dawson said, “is, if you can meet the constitutional requirements to run for president of the United States, you can do so. In Mr. Colbert’s case, we look forward to his paying the filing fee before Nov. 1.”
National news: Walkersville, Md. doesn’t want freedom of religion practiced by those of different religions- especially if they’re Muslim, in their town.
WALKERSVILLE, Md. — A Muslim group’s plan to build a mosque and convention site on a 224-acre farm has met with resistance from many residents of this rural, overwhelmingly Christian town who fear its tranquility and security may be jeopardized.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA insists it will be a friendly neighbor, but its proposal — including an annual national gathering of thousands of Ahmadis — could be blocked by a measure under consideration by the town commissioners.
”Muslims are a whole different culture from us,” said the mayor, Ralph Whitmore.
Ahhhh… religious tollerance.
When the Ahmadis visited Kambra Minor, a clerk at the Walkersville Market, ”I told them, you have to understand — there’s a certain connotation to a Muslim group, especially in a blue-collar area like this,” Minor said.
Resident David Sample testified during a hearing last month that he is an intelligence officer whose office at the Pentagon, about 40 miles away, was destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks.
”I just stress to the board and the community that we pay attention to what’s going on, what the motive is, who the people are,” he said.
And finally- what kind of publication would we be if we didn’t pander and give you a little Entertainment news: Rapper Nas has decided that he will title his upcoming album “Nigger”. Needless to say- some people aren’t happy.
”The title using the N-word is morally offensive and socially distasteful. Nas has the right to degrade and denigrate in the name of free speech, but there is no honor in it,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson said in a news release. ”Radio and television stations have no obligation to play it and self-respecting people have no obligation to buy it. I wish he would use his talents to lift up and inspire, not degrade.”
Not to mention the fury unleashed by Michael Richards, when he found out that the name of his next comedy album was already going to be taken. (not really)
Of course, Nas was quite eloquent when addressing the concerns of Civil Rights activists like Rev. Jackson.
”No disrespect to none of them who were part of the civil rights movement, but some … in the streets don’t know who [civil rights activist] Medgar Evers was … they know who Nas is,” the rapper said, referring to the civil rights leader slain in the 1960s.
”And to my older people who don’t know who Nas is and who don’t know what a street disciple is, stay outta this [expletive] conversation. We’ll talk to you when we’re ready. Right now, we’re on a whole new movement. We’re taking power from that word.”
Word.
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