War Made Easy

I watched the documentary 'War Made Easy' today. It takes a look back at the rhetoric and media coverage of war in america. is eerie seeing clips just from a few years ago and the lead up to the Iraq war.

War Games On The Bike Path

Came home to this rather interesting e-mail thread... I am glad that my route to work is canyons and beach ... no war zones!


From: Brandy
Date: July 22, 2008 2:28:37 PM PDT
To: Brett
Subject: as Pulgas bike lane closed until the 29th

I just spoke to Bob James, the bicycle coordinator for Cal Trans. If anyone has any questions, please call him at 619-688-6678.

As of tomorrow morning, you may ride the normally restricted to cyclists section of the 5 freeway from Basilone Road going south to Las Pulgas and from Las Pulgas north to Basilone. The signs on this section stating that bicycles are prohibited, will be taped over and CHP has been notified that they are not to cite cyclists on this section of the 5 freeway until the war games are over on the 29th.


From: Bret
Date: July 22, 2008 1:28:37 PM PDT
Subject: Pulgas bike lane closed until the 29th
For those of you planning rides south from Orange County or north from San Diego County, the Marines are having exercises which will not allow use of the bike lane between the Las Pulgas offramp and just south of San Onofre State Beach.

During the past month or so there has been a steady buildup of equipment on the base just east of the I-5. Sign on the two ends of the bike lane have cautioned riders about the possibility of military vehicles in the area.

When I rode south from O.C. this morning there was a HUGE buildup of equipment. The sentry informed me that the bike lane will be closed until the 29th.

I have not checked with Caltrans regarding alternate routes. For me, riding on the I-5freeway for 30 miles is NOT going to happen!

Please feel free to pass this information along to other cyclists. As of 7:30 this morning there were no signs posted anywhere indicating this closure.

Ride safely!


Santa Monica Beach

As I walked from the parking lot towards the pier, I noticed two older men in uniform carrying a flag draped casket. This was not an image I was expecting to encounter on my way to ride the ferris wheel. I followed along behind them to see what was happening.

I soon found myself at the Arlington West memorial.

I stood and watched as a procession of 18 caskets, one for each American soldier killed this week, was carried out. There was during the ceremony, the hustle on the pier calmed and may stopped and looked down in silent reflection.

Arlington West Mission Statement
In accordance with the Veterans For Peace Statement of Purpose, the Arlington West Mission Statement is to

• honor the fallen and wounded
  
• to provide a place to grieve
  
• to acknowledge the human cost of war
  
• to encourage dialogue among people with varied points of view to educate the public about the needs of those returning from war
  

Click here to learn more about the Arlington West project and Veterans for Peace.







As I sat in the sand watching the procession - a stray beach ball from kids playing near by rolled past me.

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— John McCrae

Click here for an explanation of the symbols of Remembrance Day.



Lest We Forget

The Marlboro Marine

• Part 1
  
• Part 2
  
• Epilogue