Five Ball Cascade

[Barrett Dorko]

It’s been a quiet week in Cuyahoga Falls…

Three balls are easy. You can do a lot with them too, entertaining yourself for long periods while moving to some music or trying to impress others. By actual count I can perform 27 different patterns with them – without dropping, mostly.

Many cool breezes have made their way through Cuyahoga Falls the past couple of weeks, and every time I feel one I think of the still, hot air of Kirkuk ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkuk). There it’s over 100 degrees most days now and with no end in sight either to the weather or the war my son wakens each day with the same task in mind. He makes his way to a tactical operations center he himself had a hand in designing and begins again working at a job that also never really ends. He’s the Day Battle Captain, monitoring movement on the ground in this region and reporting to his battalion commander about it. At least, this is what I understand. The rest is secret, I think.

If they’re willing to look a little foolish for a while I can teach just about anybody to juggle three balls. “Don’t stop picking them up,” I say. If they abide by that, it won’t take long. Most stop long before they learn enough.

Alex breaks away from his long hours at the computer screens to lift weights; working a different muscle group each day and growing closer to my size. He’s easily surpassed my strength, and, probably, that of many men around him.

Once a juggler gets past three balls the number of patterns they can choose to display drops rapidly. No pun intended. After all, there’s just so much space up there, and once filled with props the juggler’s hands must move rapidly and with great care. His instinctive ability to catch will grow – not to protect himself, but, instead, the ground around him.

On this deployment Alex doesn’t get to spend much time with the soldiers who drive through the dust looking for explosive devices planted by those who wish them harm, and he misses the camaraderie. “That’s the price paid by everyone who rises in rank,” he tells me. “I don’t talk to them much but I help in other ways,” he says, his voice trailing off.

He wrote recently that aside from lifting weights he’s working on his five ball cascade ( http://homepage.mac.com/abramr/juggling/tutorial/category/tricks/fiveballcascade.html). “It will be effortless by the time I come home,” he said. I know my son pretty well, and I know that this is true. I look forward to seeing it.

I’ve lifted some heavy weight in the past but he’s already exceeded that. I’ve juggled in front of large crowds, but never more than three props at once, and he’s working his way past that as well. I guard and guide humans in various forms of crisis each day, and Alex does too. I imagine he sees the juggling as just another skill, another addition to his eccentric being; but I see it a little differently.

He’s learning more about protecting the ground around him.

[Barrett Dorko]

Check out this recent interview (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91912160) if you're interested in what's actually happening in Iraq.

These days I find most people aren't all that interested.

[Barrett Dorko]

Two lurkers here have asked me to link this thread to another. Here (http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5528) it is.

Thanks for the continued interest.

[Jon Newman]

Barrett,

In your link you referenced the movie The Remains of the Day. I rented it and have to agree that it is a brilliant movie.

Speaking of movie suggestions, I also watched both of Gary Shapiro's recommendations (Wrist Cutters: a love story and Down by Law (from another thread) and enjoyed them both also.

[marcelk]

Might I suggest the Spiderwick chronicles.

[Jon Newman]

That was an eye opening interview and you're right, Iraq news isn't being delivered to our televisions or doorsteps like it used to be. How about our international readers? Is the Iraq war no longer front page news where you live?

I think it helps to read the referenced news story (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/world/middleeast/24gao.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) prior to listening to the interview.

A point that stuck with me, besides the complexity of the problem that is Iraq, is that it does not serve the public to have fewer reporters filing fewer stories.

It also reminded me of the importance of having such a thing as an accountability office.

[Diane]

In Canada we mostly hear about the Afghan war from Canadian news sources. We get the same US feeds as you do. Also BBC on a more expensive level of cable service.

[John W]

I'm aware of some data, although I doubt its reflective of the complexity of the situation in Iraq. But it is positive and inarguable:

US Soldier deaths in Iraq:
Jan-June 2008=208
Jan-June 2007=576

I think these numbers include all fatalities, not just due to hostile fire. It irks me to think it, but I wonder if the news black-out is because the media prefers bad news? Lord knows we got our fill of Abu Grahib and the allegedly pee'd-on Koran at Guantanamo.

[marcelk]

That was an eye opening interview and you're right, Iraq news isn't being delivered to our televisions or doorsteps like it used to be. How about our international readers? Is the Iraq war no longer front page news where you live?


In the Netherlands it's not front page news for awhile, sometimes a small story in the news. Afganistan is a lot more in the news here.

[Diane]

Here's a little blog tidbit (http://merzenich.positscience.com/?p=173) from Merzenich about troop drug use.

[nari]

Apart from a fourth-page photo of a parade of 700 troops who have come home, Iraq has mostly fallen from the news. It's Afghanistan now, and Guantanamo Bay.
I think climate change has taken over most reports, because of its increasing effect on us and what we are going to do with our primary and secondary industries.
We are plagued with USA politics which nobody wants, anyway.

But I think that reporters get bored with the same bad news stories and go hunting for more.

Nari

[John W]

But I think that reporters get bored with the same bad news stories and go hunting for more.

I don't know, Nari, I think it depends on who the bad news makes look bad. If it's someone or something they don't like, they'll beat it like a dead horse (e.g. 32 consecutive front page stories of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal on the front page of the New York Times).

[Barrett Dorko]

Speaking entirely for myself today I can say this: While my son is endlessly trying to catch and protect all the things that surround him I’ve watched as my countrymen have grown apathetic, disinterested and distracted by the price of gas. A few weeks ago one of Alex’s men lost both of his feet. It didn’t make the news and those who think that only the numbers dieing are what we should be measuring behave as if such a thing counts for nothing.

But the explosion reverberated through Alex’s battalion and through his wife, his mother, sister and me. No statistical analysis can measure its effect, but that makes it no less real.

[John W]

Barrett,
A proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, I do not count myself among the apathetic, or those who only count bodies.

Perhaps some will take some solace in knowing that the chances of those soldiers returning from their tour of service alive and at least physically whole is better than it was a year ago.

I don't know about you, as I do not stand in your shoes. But I can juggle.

[Jon Newman]

John, I hadn't heard of that group before. Here (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) is a link to their site for anyone interested.

See this post also (http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51179&postcount=20) for another news story about vets and donation opportunities. I imagine there are not just a few options out there.

Alex and/or Jason,

Based on your experience are there any organizations or other methods of helping that people reading here might want to consider or should at least be aware of?

[Barrett Dorko]

I sent this thread to my son, an Army Captain, a combat engineer, an Army Ranger and currently Day Battle Captain of the operations near Kirkuk.

A thoughtful man, fully aware of his position, he speaks carefully and with no small amount of experience in the Iraqi theater. He suggested I edit this if I felt it necessary. I did not. He writes:

Dad,

Hard to know what to say. I don't speak for anyone but myself, and while I've never had a problem letting others know my opinion, my proximity to this conflict gives me a sort of credibility that is easily exaggerated (by myself and an audience) and I remain cautious about what I say. The more someone pays attention to what is happening here, the more confusing everything gets. What I have seen the second time around is completely different than my first trip. As I left last time, things had transitioned from confusion to utter chaos as the sectarian war escalated, and I was rolling around in the middle of it. My fellow Soldiers and I had a hard time figuring out how to deal with it, and the bodies continued to pile up (mostly Iraqi). I left this place angry and worn out, upset with everything and everyone. I wasn't a lot of fun to talk to at parties, and my wife actually told me on several occasions that I had to stop getting so angry at everyone.

This time is absolutely different. Although I only sit around all day and stare at my computers, things appear much less violent. I wouldn't buy a summer home here yet but considering how deeply into hell things decended, we have actually made that "progress" which you heard so much about for the first four years.

While I try to avoid drinking the Kool-aid which is served in big glasses by every senior officer you run across, I have to admit that I have a cautious optimism about leaving this place with my comrades and possibly never coming back. I am most encouraged by the thoughtfulness of the senior level officers. This was absent for many years (at least in such large numbers). Now that Patreus is everyone's boss it's suddenly important for Colonels to understand more about the Iraqi people than had ever been asked of them. He has changed everything, and down to the lowliest grunt, the U.S. Army and the Marines have gotten really really good at figuring out who to kill, when to kill them, and how to do it without disturbing everyone else. I am proud of that.

Will we get out of this war any time soon? It's hard to tell. I watch the news and I see that this war is forgotten to the IPod-distracted masses at home. And people want us to finish up but they're too scared to actually form an opinion about it because it's confusing. Bottom line: So many of our Soldiers have been asked to sacrifice a whole lot to fight this thing. KBR has gotten filthy rich. And we've spent way too much money. There is only one thing we know for sure: there was no reason to start this war, and in the end, it has only ruined millions of lives, lives of people that most Americans will never meet. There is only one person to blame for the foolishness that got us here and kept us here so long (he knows who he is). I trust Patreus to get us out honorably, but he must be asked to do so.

There is only one website that I encourage you to visit. Donating money may help, but it's much more important to spread it's message: It's here (https://donate.barackobama.com/page/smartproxy/www.barackobama.com/splash/0626/).

Barrett again: There it is, an opinion from one in the midst of it.

[Diane]

Good good letter.

Could someone tell me what KBR is please?

[Jason Silvernail]

Diane-
KBR is Kellogg Brown and Root. They are a defense contractor.
See their Wiki here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg,_Brown_and_Root). I recommend the part about the controversy.

I have lots more to say on this topic but should probably not put it on the intertubes. As pretty much a down-the line libertarian, my position is easily inferred and I find it inappropriate to put it after Alex's, given his experience there and the fact that we pretty much have the same assessment.

Oh, forgot about the recommended donation part.
For those looking to do something financially, I recommend donating to The Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/).

[Diane]

KBR is Kellogg Brown and Root. They are a defense contractor.
Ah.... I see. The corporation that is making $ off this (so very American of them) ... Thanks Jason.

[Jon Newman]

Thank you Alex and Jason. I'm glad I asked.

[Mary C]

Now that Patreus is everyone's boss

As a Canadian who was not really following the scene in Iraq, I did not know who Patreus is. For any one like me, I found this link:

http://www.macsmind.com/wordpress/2007/12/30/general-patreus-the-right-man-at-the-right-time/

[nari]

Thanks for the info on Patreus, Mary. I've never heard of him or KBR.
However, lack of interest/understanding/information in countries outside the USA does not lessen any empathy towards US soldiers caught in the ongoing frazzle of Iraq.

Nari

[Mary C]

Quite right, Nari. I've referred several times to sites about PTSD and the best one I've found so far was the one dealing with US veterans.

http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp

This has helped me understand patients and people I know a bit better.

I see Canada is catching up with a site for our vets.

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=mhealth/ptsd

I'll have to check it out too.

[Jon Newman]

I watch the news and I see that this war is forgotten to the IPod-distracted masses at home. --Alex Dorko

The following is certainly not a request directed toward Alex personally but maybe a daily (or other periodic) reflection on the situation in Iraq would make for an interesting podcast for the Ipod distracted among us to listen to. Freedom Journal Iraq didn't fill the niche I was hoping for.

Perhaps producing such a podcast is a no-no (not to mention a lack of required equipment) but I bet there are many potential reporters there that could help fill the information void.

[Barrett Dorko]

Jon,

For some reason your link in that last post doesn't work.

The situation is now so complex that it's difficult to see it, but there is one thing that cannot be argued with: men and women are now repeatedly separated from their loved ones for many months at a time. Safe or not, this is horribly damaging to all involved.

[Jon Newman]

The situation is now so complex that it's difficult to see it, but there is one thing that cannot be argued with: men and women are now repeatedly separated from their loved ones for many months at a time. Safe or not, this is horribly damaging to all involved.

This (http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807050611) was the lead story in our "local" newspaper. Note the photo in the upper right hand corner.


For some reason your link in that last post doesn't work.

It is a videocast available at iTunes. I was only providing a title and not a link (unusual for me, I know.) Here's the link (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/podcast/xml/PentagonChannelFJIVideo.xml)

[Barrett Dorko]

Jon,

I watched a couple episodes of that link. You're right, it doesn't fill the void - not at all.

[John W]

I just got back from St. Louis where I made it a point to seek out my Aunt Margie.

Aunt Margie is the unofficial family historian. Now in her early 80's and her body failing, her mind remains as sharp as the bayonet on the end of a marine's M-16. After exchanging pleasantries, I asked her about her brother, my Uncle Bob, who was wounded at the Battle of Saipan in 1944. I had heard he'd been wounded in battle there from my mom, who was only six years old at the time.

Turns out, he took sniper fire that pierced through his right upper trap and out about an inch from his spine on the same side. He returned to his unit in 2 weeks "ready" for combat with a different firearm. They issued him something called a "DMR," which could apparently be outfitted to be fired from the hip, not requiring him to tuck it up against his wounded right shoulder.

Aunt Margie told me that they got a telegram from the Defense Department about 2 weeks after he was shot. She didn't recall any stories in either of the the city's major newspapers at the time. She related a horrible tale of an incident during that battle when Uncle Bob was hunkered down in a foxhole on that god-forsaken island when his buddy went out to go to the bathroom, which they had been strictly warned against doing. Sure enough, that 19-year-old marine was gunned down instantly by a sniper and collapsed back into the hole. My uncle Bob shared that foxhole with his dead comrade for 3 days and nights. Aunt Margie recalled that he became increasingly irritated with the fact that the dead boy's eyes wouldn't stay shut despite his repeated efforts to close them. My mom remembers the nightmares after Uncle Bob returned home.

Just to add some additional perspective to this account, during roughly 3 weeks of the battle of Saipan, US forces sustained nearly the same amount of combat fatalities (2,949) as they have in the over 4 years since the start of the war in Iraq.


Jason,
I've heard good things about the Fisher House charity, so thank you for reminding me of that one and providing the link.