TresSugar

Thanks For Sharing Your Stories

CitizenSugar — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:14:21 -0800

To all of you who serve in our armed forces, and those of you who've shared your stories, thank you. This picture is of my grandfather who served in the Army from 1939-1969, from World War II through Vietnam. He's one of my heroes. Whether you or a loved one are currently serving, or if you have strong opinions about how our military is being used, remember your heroes during this election season - vote.

Need to Know: Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

LibertySugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Yesterday, the Organization of American States (OAS) declared last weekend's Colombian raid in Ecuador a violation of sovereignty. The US was the only state to support Colombia's decision to enter Ecuador and kill 24 rebels, including a top commander of the insurgency group FARC. So what's the deal with FARC?

FARC is the world's largest, and richest insurgency group, currently waging war with the Colombian government. A Marxist group, its mission is the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor, and the end of foreign influence by multinational corporations, and the US government.

Taxes levied on drug-traffickers give FARC $300 million in revenue each year. Of course, drug use among the 10,000 - 15,000 rebels is forbidden. Ransom collected from FARC's 3,000 plus kidnappings a year, also bankrolls the group. FARC, which pulls most of its support from rural areas, was founded in 1964, as the military wing of Colombia's Communist Party.

Colombia, with the full support of the US, maintains that Venezuela and Ecuador are assisting the rebels. Colombia is an important US ally, receiving $600 million a year in aid. Leftist countries in the region see the government in Colombia as nothing more than a US puppet.

For more informative background resources, read more.

NY Times Topic Page

BBC News FARC biography page

FARC info from globalsecurity.org

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Iraqi Women Escape With Modern Underground Railroad

TresSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:00:42 -0700

Yesterday I came across an article about an untold consequence of the war in Iraq - the instability is causing harm to unprotected women. The Huffington Post piece explains that until the US invasion, rape was relatively rare in Iraq. Now women are the targets of violence, including rape, perpetrated by members of armed Islamist groups, Iraqi government forces, foreign soldiers, and private military security contractors.

Tragically, there are no laws governing rape in Iraq. Far from seeing justice, a raped woman may even be killed by her family in an "honor killing." One of the only hopes for these vulnerable Iraqi women is to escape the country, and there are two groups - the Organization For Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) and MADRE - who are helping these women do so. The article reports:

Like Harriet Tubman, a former African American slave who escaped the plantation and later helped create the network of underground routes that helped transport other slaves to freedom, OWFI and MADRE have co-founded two important projects that are helping Iraqi women flee violence.

The groups have set up shelters that offer a safe haven for women while also providing workshops, education, and leadership training. The goal is to help women become active participants in the political system so they can then support other women. Let's hope they succeed.

Female Marine Recruits More Lax About Sex Than Civilians

TresSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Hoping to learn how to prevent unintended pregnancies from impacting combat readiness, the Marine Corps took a look at the sex lives of female Marines. The study revealed that female recruits had higher rates of the most common STDs (chlamydia and gonorrhea) and were less fond of using condoms than the general civilian population. The survey also revealed more lax attitudes toward mixing sex with alcohol among the new female Marines.

When you're in the armed forces, your sex life can impact the country's national security. Hoping to avoid losing Marines to unplanned pregnancy or illness, the Marine Corps includes sex ed in basic training. Each female recruit also has to have a 30-minute informal discussion about reproductive health with a senior drill instructor. That's got to be a little awkward - drop and give me birth control!

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Oh Snap! Move Over Bratz - Meet the Army Dolls

TresSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:20:00 -0700

A member of the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team shows off an action figure at the launch of the new toys representing the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The army dolls were developed with the armed forces to promote army careers to children.

View 4 Photos ›

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Ask a Librarian: Tomboy Has Never Been on a Date

TresSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:59:08 -0700

Conventional Wisdom is a different kind of advice column. Your questions will be answered by people from all walks of life rather than by advice experts. Today, a librarian will offer some common sense advice. You can submit questions here.
Today's Question:
After turning 23 a few weeks ago, I started to wonder what was holding me back from finding Mr. Right. It's not that I haven't been on a date for a few weeks, or that I just keep dating a string of loser guys, it's that I have never been on a date. I didn't even have dates to high school dances. I've never even been told I was pretty/cute by a guy so that may have something to do with it. At a time in life where the majority of my friends are in relationships and are getting engaged/married, I'm all alone.

I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I am too shy to find a guy to like me, or if once I get over my shyness that my tomboyish nature forces me into the "friend zone" all of the time. (I was an only child raised by her father who treated me like a son.)

I've been told that I'm funny and smart, but I think my love of sporting events and rock concerts, knowledge of cars, and love of all things nerdy scares guys away. Do you have any advice for me so I can stop being seen as the sisterly type, and start being seen as dateable? I'd really like to find a nice guy soon. Thanks a lot for your help.

- Undateable Tomboy

To read a librarian's advice, read more.

Dear Undateable Tomboy,

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “tomboy” as “a girl who behaves like a spirited or boisterous boy.” You are 23, and it’s time to start acting like a woman, not a girl. Don’t worry right now about meeting Mr. Right; you just want to meet some misters. People have told you that you are smart and funny, but guys can’t get to know the real you because they don’t see you as date material.

Let’s talk about your outward appearance, which is what attracts a man in the first place. The first thing you should do is find a good stylist and get a great haircut. Sounds superficial? Sorry, just do it. A haircut that suits you can do more than anything to improve your appearance. Next go to the makeup counter in a department store, do a mini-makeover, and buy some products. I’m talking at least a modicum of eye makeup and some lip gloss. Accent your best facial features.

Look at your wardrobe. Anything that appears oversized, place it in the back of your closet for one month. Go to the store and buy some items that are slightly trendy, and get shoes to go with the clothes. If you don’t have a clue, ask the sales people to help you; it’s fun for them. By the way, I am a feminist who does not buy into the “beauty myth,” but consider this an experiment. (Do you want a date or not?) There is strength in looking your best, and it will give you the confidence boost that you need more than anything else. And smile, a friendly welcoming smile. That is the most attractive thing you can put on your face.

Be up front and tell your friends you are ready to meet some men. Be persistent, remind them - and, that goes for your male friends. Ask them if they know anybody to fix you up with. It might even put the idea into the head of one of your old buddies to ask you out. What about you suggesting a casual movie date to a new acquaintance, someone you meet at a party or work?

You like sports. Join a coed softball, volleyball, or kickball team. There is a lot of camaraderie on these teams, more men than women, and they tend to socialize after the games or on the weekends. Please do not wear baggy sweats.

And no more excuses about how an interest in cars and sports scares away guys. In reality, many men would love to share their interests with their girlfriends. That would definitely be a value added that you would bring to the relationship.

You sound like a very lovely young woman who does not deserve to be lonely. You will find someone who will be thrilled to have you in his life and in his arms. The challenge is to have men notice you, so that they can get to know the real you. As a librarian, I can attest that people do judge a book by its cover. I remind you that you are very young, and have plenty of time. So while you are waiting for your dating life to kick in, go to the library, check out a copy of Emma or Something Blue, make a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch.

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30 Rock on Slankets and Couples' Tattoos

TresSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

On last night's 30 Rock, Liz Lemon adopts a Slanket as her loungewear of choice, after she convinces Tracy Jordan to buy his wife a better anniversary gift than a blanket with arms. But when Tracy learns what Angie really wants, he blames Lemon for forcing him to make a very difficult choice.

Depending on your relationship status, couples' tattoos can be a fine idea - or a very bad one. So here's a ridiculous choice for you: would you rather wear a Slanket, or get a tattoo with your significant other's name?

"Don't Ask" Hits Women Hardest, Ladies Shut Out of Service

LibertySugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:15:11 -0700

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell," might bring to mind men fighting in foxholes - but the plan is actually rooting out more foxes of the opposite gender. The US Army and Air Force discharged an hugely uneven ratio of women to men in 2007 under the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy, which prohibits gay military personnel from disclosing their sexual orientation.

The New York Times reports that even though women only make up 14 percent of Army personnel, 46 percent of those discharged under the policy in 2007 were female. Up in the air, women account for 20 percent of the Air Force and 49 percent of its discharges.

And the trend is growing - there's a noticeable increase from 2006, when about 35 percent of both the Army’s and the Air Force’s "asked and tolds" were women, according to stats pulled from Pentagon data by a policy advocacy organization. What's making the L-word, "lost female soldiers?" To see what the executive director of the organization had to say about the findings, read more.

Women make up 15 percent of the armed forces, so to find they represent nearly 50 percent of Army and Air Force discharges under "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" is shocking,” said Aubrey Sarvis, the organization’s executive director. “Women in particular have been caught in the crosshairs of this counterproductive law.

Sarvis's organization, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, didn't perform formal interviews and therefore couldn't offer any specific reasoning for the increase in women being discharged. According to the Times, Pentagon officials couldn't explain why the numbers for women spiked last year either and isn't pushing for any change in policy - the Pentagon holds that it's up to Congress to decide whether the law should be altered or repealed.

The don't-ask policy prohibits anyone who "demonstrate(s) a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" from serving in the armed forces of the United States because it "would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order, and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability." While gay and lesbians in the military are prohibited from speaking about any homosexual relationships, interestingly the law states that one must engage in open homosexual acts to commit a punishable offense.

On the recent fifteenth anniversary of the policy's adoption Time put together an exposé noting that while the "move was initially hailed as progress for the rights of gays in the military, today many see it as a liability." Obama recently spoke out telling the gay publication the Advocate that he favors the repeal of the 1993 policy. What's behind this imbalance? Why are more women getting snagged and punished?

Photo courtesy of Showtime

Debate Rebate: Reactions to the Second Presidential Debate

CitizenSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:53:44 -0700

The much be-hyped town hall debate brought the candidates close together on the bright red carpet, the people closer to the candidates, and perhaps the undecideds closer to a decision? Between the discussion happening here, and the sparkily veiled tension on the stage, how did this match up fare? Here's what we thought:

Citizen:
The biggest shot in the arm this debate format provided was bringing the issues down to the individual level. The audience was intimate and the scrutiny felt equally as close - both from the questioners and Tom Brokaw, who proved to be a ruthless but level moderator. I was nervous about the "real people" questions (you saw the snowman debacle, I don't always like a Pro-Am) but some of them were great.

One in particular from an 80-year-old who lived through the Great Depression - she asked what kind of sacrifice we as Americans should make that wasn't just the blood of our Armed Forces. McCain's answer focused on spending saying, "We're going to have to tell the American people that we're going to have to have a spending freeze. . . we can establish priorities and full transparency. . . and I'm going to tell you Americans that we'll get to work right away." Obama continued the answer speaking to civilian service and expanding the Peace Corps, a different take on it to be sure.

To see the rest of my thoughts and what Liberty had to say, read more.

When the discussion turned to health care the tension ratcheted up several notches along with the interest. McCain lasered in on the government mandated aspect of Obama's plan, and slammed home the choice-and-freedom aspect of his $5,000 tax credit. Then Brokaw asked a point-blank smacker: is health care a privilege, a right, or a responsibility. McCain answered "responsibility," Obama, "right."

Overall McCain was not shy about going for the jugular, on several instances catching everyone off guard with his good-natured intensity. In particular, his calling out of Obama as "that one," was a heated moment no one missed. The last question, "what don't you know and how will you learn it?" provided the candidates a moment to wrap up. McCain seized the opportunity for his most compelling and lucidly forceful riff of the night saying, "I know what it's like to have your comrades pick you up and put you back in the fight, and that's what this country is all about."

A game-changer it was not, but an inning? Yes, and then some.

Liberty:
Tonight both candidates seemed a little tepid and defensive. I kept waiting to see some spirit or contagious passion.

During the discussion on government spending John McCain kept hitting Barack Obama on "increased spending." Obama defended his position as smart taxing and smart spending. He made it clear that it's inevitable that the government is going to tax and it's going to spend - but what's crucial is giving the tax breaks to the right people, and using the collected money for efficient and fair programs.

The dying debate got a burst of virility during the health care discussion - McCain described health care as a responsibility while Obama called it a right. Obama spoke clearly and concisely about his position. He came off as genuinely concerned about the uninsured and those with preexisting conditions, and pointed to the drastic differences between his plan and McCain's. He landed a strong punch when he noted that the Chamber of Commerce said McCain's health care plan would destroy employer-based coverage. McCain drew up concerns of government mandates and bureaucracy, while Obama said he wanted to preserve choices.

Obama took McCain's theme from the last debate, that Obama "doesn't understand," as a chance to highlight differences in judgment. Connecting the economy to Iraq, he noted that the US spends $10 billion a month in Iraq, while Americans are out of jobs. Noting that no country has maintained military superiority while its economy declined, Obama made it seem like McCain is the candidate that does not understand a complex world.

What did you think? Did McCain do what he needed to? Was there a clear winner?

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors, CitizenSugar and LibertySugar, and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Sugar Inc.

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Should Charges Be Brought Against US Officials For Torture?

LibertySugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:01:38 -0800

This week the New York Times editorial board published a piece calling for criminal charges against former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, his legal counsel, and perhaps other top officials, for the abuse and torture that occurred at American military prisons.

Citing a bipartisan report coming from the Senate, the editorial says that these officials ignored warnings from lawyers in the armed forces that they were breaking the law, subjecting soldiers to criminal liability, and employing a policy that was counterproductive to American security. The piece states:

These top officials, charged with defending the Constitution and America’s standing in the world, methodically introduced interrogation practices based on illegal tortures devised by Chinese agents during the Korean War. Until the Bush administration, their only use in the United States was to train soldiers to resist what might be done to them if they were captured by a lawless enemy.

It appears the Bush administration doesn't think it has a problem, as Dick Cheney admitted this week that he authorized waterboarding, and the White House has said it doesn't see a need for sweeping pardons.

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