Obama table in Madison: August 18 Edition

[zulchzulu]

It was a very rainy and windy day with lots of people from all over the globe walking along and choosing from all kinds of locally grown, baked, crafted and political flavors, albeit soaked or under umbrellas. The Obama table is one feature to many at what the New York Times mentioned "The Dane County Farmers' Market in Wisconsin is now recognized as the largest in the nation, and is still growing."

Setting up at 7:30am and hoping the rain would not set in until afternoon, it was pouring pretty hard by 9:30, hence making signs, clipboards with sign-up sheets and Obama merch all having to quickly be put in plastic bags and eventually having to pack it in after the rainy winds were at about 15 knots. Not great weather for paper.

While it lasted, it was steady with a couple dozen people signing up and bumperstickers and buttons handed out. Just about everyone was aware of the debate that will happen tomorrow in Iowa and couldn't wait to check it out.

There was one person who came by who as an Obama fan who talked about how he has two cousins not only in Baghdad. He had served in the Gulf War. One of his cousins was serving his second tour.

He said that they both absolutely hated Bush and that just about everyone they know there does as well. They had joked about when McCain had been there and were absolutely scared that they were going to die there. They feel like they are sitting ducks in a civil war with all sides shooting at them.

They trust no one. Stories about fellow troops fragging others abounds as well as some rumors that soldiers who opening display disaffection for the war are targeted or given crappy equipment or vehicles.

Each has been under fire several times and they know the biggest trick that the insurgents use is to grab one American, injure him or her enough so that a large group comes and tries to save that soldier and then they open fire or get someone to do a suicide mission and take out as many Americans as they can. He fears watching the news about the war since he thinks bad news could happen any day.

They have told him that the media is lying about the war and that there seems like there is nothing they can do about it. When they've come back to the States, they laugh at how the news media covers the war.

After talking to me about this, he shook my hand and walked on. That's when a high wind blew over the Square and the rain started coming down.

Minutes later, after having umbrellas be less effective due to high winds and watching the rain come down in buckets and seeing everyone fleeing the rain for cover, it was time to go.

The guy with his cousins are certainly in my prayers tonight. It's stormy here, but nothing like being in the crossfire of a needless and careless war. I can't even imagine that kind of hell and how some politicians didn't think it through before allowing King George the keys to his death dream.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. it is so sad about the soliders. It poured here in Rockford too.

[zulchzulu]

4. Have a moment of silence for them

I am haunted by what that man was saying about his cousins. I fear that I'll see him again and he'll deliver the bad news about one or both of them.

Talking to people directly affected by the war really brings it home about how jaded we have become to war and violence.

[rodeodance]

2. I love the Farmer's market and the Political tables

[zulchzulu]

7. Do you go to any in your area?

They can be a lot of fun just to walk up to and chat about issues...not necessarily Presidential candidates either...

[Ethelk2044]

3. I feel for the soldiers. It is time they all should be home out of this

war that should never have been started.

[trashcanistanista]

5. Thanks for those weekly farmers market posts.

This one is especially poignant. :kick:

[zulchzulu]

6. Thanks for checking them out

It's addictive...

:hi:

[JNelson6563]

8. Very interesting!

Those who aren't killed or maimed will still be among the horribly discouraged and disillusioned Americans since Vietnam. Rightfully so.

Thanks for posting that.

Julie

[zulchzulu]

9. Thanks for giving me an idea to put on the Obama table

I will start putting the most recent casualties based on these sites:

http://antiwar.com/casualties/
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/
http://www.nationalpriorities.org/Cost-of-War/Cost-of-War-3.html

So, for example, as of today, the information would be:

Since war began (3/19/03): 3,706
Total wounded: 27,409
Civilians killed: 70,059
Cost of war so far: $453,461,524,771

[Ethelk2044]

10. People will take notice

[JNelson6563]

11. Great idea!

Since our media won't cover it, it's up to we the people. I look forward to your next post on this effort.

Julie

[zulchzulu]

12. It's an absolute shame there isn't a part in the MSM news with...

...the latest casualties, KIA's and the ongoing cost. That might demand some work and getting off the Entertainment web sites for the usual news...