3/21/06: Today, Elaine Brower is protesting outside the military
base in 29 Palms, California where her son is being shipped out to
Iraq. The following is a statement in solidarity from Bill Mitchell, Co-founder of Gold Star Families
for Peace:
Although I am unable to make
the trip to 29 Palms today, I stand in solidarity with Elaine Brower. I know the anxiety experienced by the loved
ones of every American serviceman while they are stationed in Iraq. You see, I
spent 11 months worrying every day about my son, Sgt Mike Mitchell, while he
was in Sadr City.
Unfortunately, just 2 days before Mike was to leave for Kuwait and 3 months before his wedding day, he was killed in
the Shiite uprising in Sadr City on 04/04/04.
Since that time, I have been
actively speaking out against the occupation of Iraq and the need to
bring our troops home now. I do this work so that no one else has
to
learn of the pain and devastation that comes with the death of a loved
for a
war based upon lies and deception. I am
as saddened by the death of an American as I am by the senseless
slaughter of
innocent Iraqis. More killing will not
bring back my son… it will only create more pain and suffering in
this world.
Our troops are neither
defending America nor safeguarding our freedom and liberty which are
being threatened daily by the policies of this administration.
They are not there to give the Iraqis
democracy as democratic elections can not be held in an occupied
land. They are there for their buddies, covering their
backs, and making sure that each and every one of them comes home
alive. I have met many of Mike’s buddies who served
with him in Iraq. I have seen
their pain as they look into my eyes and see my pain. Many of our
troops leave their souls there and
come home to deal with the death and destruction that they
experienced. I know many soldiers who served in Iraq The
Veterans Administration continues to be
under funded and in many cases, is not there to help those returning
from Iraq. and they have a very hard time integrating back into
a society that seems unaware of what they have had to experience.
I consider Elaine to be a
true American patriot and a defender of our constitution. I stand beside her
today as we speak truth to power.
Honor the warrior… not the war.
Support the troops… bring
them home now
AND TAKE CARE OF THEM WHEN
THEY GET HERE!!!
In solidarity,
Bill Mitchell
Co-founder Gold Star Families
for Peace