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May 23, 2008
Warrior Writers
My waiter in NYC showed me a copy of Warrior Writers: Re-Making Sense after seeing I was reading about art & war in the April issue of Modern Painters. I finally found out where to order the book.
Posted by cat at 04:39 PM
May 22, 2008
Stitch for Senate Helmet #32:
Knitted for Senator Thomas Carper
Senator Carper:
1) VOTED YEA to authorize the President of the United States to use military force in dealing with the threat of Iraq on October 11, 2002, making these statements.
2) VOTED YEA To state the sense of Congress that the U.S. ought to begin pulling troops out of Iraq in 2006 on June 22, 2006.
3) VOTED YEA on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008) today
See more of the history of Iraq war voting records on Congresspedia
Posted by cat at 04:32 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #31:
Knitted for Senator Joseph Biden
Senator Biden:
1) VOTED YEA to authorize the President of the United States to use military force in dealing with the threat of Iraq on October 11, 2002, though later wanted to repeal the Resolution.
2) VOTED YEA To state the sense of Congress that the U.S. ought to begin pulling troops out of Iraq in 2006 on June 22, 2006.
3) VOTED YEA on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008) today
See more voting records on Congresspedia
Posted by cat at 04:29 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #30:
Knitted for Senator Daniel Akaka
Senator Akaka...
1) VOTED NAY to authorize the President of the United States to use military force in dealing with the threat of Iraq on October 11, 2002.
2) VOTED YEA To state the sense of Congress that the U.S. ought to begin pulling troops out of Iraq in 2006 on June 22, 2006
3) VOTED YEA on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008) today
See more voting records on Congresspedia
Posted by cat at 04:19 PM
May 09, 2008
History of the Balaclava and Ways of Wearing It
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 License. In short: you are free to share and make derivative works of the file under the conditions that you appropriately attribute it, and that you distribute it only under a license identical to this one. Official license
I am interested in any reading about the history of the Balaclava, so send an email if you have any suggestions. No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting has a bit about this. From wikipedia: "The name 'balaclava' comes from the town of Balaklava in Crimea. During the Crimean War, knitted balaclavas were sent over to the British troops to help protect them from the bitter cold weather. They are traditionally knitted from wool, and can be rolled up into a hat to cover just the crown of the head...Additionally, balaclavas are often associated with special forces units such as the SAS, or alternatively with robbers and terrorists, where they act as a form of identity concealment." The balaclava has been iconic for resistance groups like Black Block, Black Mask, Zapatistas and many others. I have only met one person who wore a helmet liner while in the Marines - an American woman from Texas who served during the Gulf War. She mentioned her helmet being too big, and that the liner served to keep it in place.
Posted by cat at 10:31 PM
May 08, 2008
Stitch for Senate Helmet #29:
Knitted for Senator Gordon Smith
I would like to say that I was opposed to this "war" from the start. How much damage needs to be done and how many lives lost? I made my liner in childlike colors to represent the innocent civilians killed.
- Jennifer Augello of Portland, Oregon.
Posted by cat at 07:06 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #28:
Knitted for Senator McCain
John McCain voted "yay" to use military forces in Iraq in 2002, when it hadn't even been decided that Iraq was the problem, and guess what? It wasn't, and troops are sent over daily! I currently have friends in Baghdad who are being told that they will not be recieving their two weeks' R&R. One of them will not receive it because he volunteered an additional 6 months. His repayment was to be told that he will not receive his leave time because his time does not qualify as a 365 day deployment, but rather two 180 day deployments, which do not qualify for leave time. This is deplorable, and Senator McCain voted to support this injustice. I knit in the hopes that Senator McCain will realize his mistake from 2002 and will make the right choice when voting in the future.
- Melissa Reynolds of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posted by cat at 07:06 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #27:
Knitted for Senator John Kerry
As politicians, you have a long way to go to prove that you are not as useless as you appear. The only way Washington is going to prove that they and their war plans aren't an unbelievable waste of tax money is to stand up, admit they were wrong and be willing to forgo their financial interests in Iraq. (Not likely) Everything this country needs in right here inside our borders and we are tired as a nation of watching our tax dollars and our precious sons and daughters unwillingly leave our borders. I challenge you to send this helmet to a soldier with his/her return papers or put it on and go stand with them.
- Jaki Thurman of Salinas, California
Posted by cat at 07:05 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #26:
Knitted for Senator Dianne Feinstein
I have nothing but respect for the energy and smarts of San Francisco's former mayor, new Senator from California. She has demonstrated a profound respect for people, nature and the world we find ourselves in right now. I applaud her efforts toward peace.
- Virginia deRochemont, knitting in Santa Fe, NM
Posted by cat at 07:05 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #25:
Knitted for Senator Edward Kennedy
Senator Kennedy, this helmet liner can protect one soldier, but you have the power to protect thousands by bringing them home. I hope you will continue to support ending the war in Iraq and also prevent our current administration from further subverting the ideals of democracy as an end to justify their means.
- Linda Muri, knitting in Watertown, MA
Posted by cat at 07:01 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #23:
Senator Barack Obama
As a presidential hopeful we hear a great deal on Senator Obama's views of the current situation in Iraq, he seems to agree that the U.S. needs to reassess its involvement in Iraq and though he wisely does not unfairly commit to an unfair time frame he may not be able to commit to if elected president, i really don't hear him saying anything that i haven't heard before in other times in our history similiar to this one. He is in a position to make an important change in our history maybe something as simple as a hat will make him take notice.
- Anthea Daugherty, knitting in Rockford, Illinois
Posted by cat at 07:01 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #22:
Knitted for Senator Amy Klobuchar
I support Ms. Klobuchar's ideas for withdrawing troops from Iraq in a manner that allows Iraqis reasonable time to regain control of their country and restore the basic services that were destroyed by the war, as Iraqi leaders themselves have asked us to do. While I hate the idea of more people dying in this war based on the lies of the Bush administration, we are responsible for the anarchy that was created after we invaded Iraq without a plan to restore peace. I hope that my helmet liner reminds Ms. Klobuchar to demand that those who brought us into the Iraq war based on false claims of the presence of weapons of mass destruction and Iraqi ties to 9/11 be held accountable for their actions.
- Cathy Dowd, knitting in St. Peter, MN
Posted by cat at 07:01 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #21:
Knitted for Senator Arlen Specter
We need change. Change that will bring our family and friends home. Yes, they knew their obligation to our country when they signed their contracts. But what purpose are they serving in Iraq any more? They are missing baby's first steps, marriages of friends & family, opportunities to support their loved ones. What greater good are they accomplishing which makes up for missing so many of life's important moments? I have several friends currently serving in Iraq, some even serving on their second tour with barely a visit back home in between. All signed up for the military in order to further their educations because otherwise they would not have been able to afford it. Two of those have been forced to drop out of college in order to serve their tours in Iraq, one during the spring of his sophomore year and the other during her fall semester of her freshman year. What are they doing that is so much more important than learning to become better civilians that can do some good here? He wanted to be a physician's assistant, she wanted to be a lawyer. Instead, their educations have been put on hold so they can serve in Iraq. Please Mr. Specter, you voted for the start of this Iraqi conflict, please bring an end to it. Allow our men and women to come home and serve a greater good by being all they can be right here on American soil. Let them finish their educations, let them get jobs that will make use of their learned skills, let them serve Americans who need the help right here and now.
- Alyssa Wilson, knitting in Pittsburgh, PA
Posted by cat at 07:00 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #20:
Knitted for Senator Maria Cantwell
This is five thousand stitches that makes up a helmet liner. Used to keep soldiers warm and give a sense of security in times of great uncertainty. This is five thousand plus stitches of hope for the future. This is five thousand stitches of nothing compared to what 1.4+ millions do for us everyday. I am proud to live in Washington, and I am proud to be an American.
- Patrick D. Kettner, knitting in Federal Way, WA
Posted by cat at 07:00 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #19:
Knitted for Senator Harry Reid
We must set a date to begin withdrawing troops. The so-called government of Iraq has had its, "breathing space", and has made no discernable progress at reconciliation. Unfortunately, they will fight their civil war. How many more brave American lives are we willing to sacrifice in the face of this inevitability? How much more of this country's future are we expected to mortgage, only to further enrich the military industrial complex? This war has destabilized the entire middle-eastern region. We, as a country, must invest in our own national security by becoming energy independent.
- Debra L. Stroud, knitting in Fallon, NV
Posted by cat at 07:00 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #17:
Knitted for Senator Blanche Lincoln
For the sake of my peers, friends, and former students that are serving, I would like to create a helmet liner for Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Although she has consistently voted against the war and supports the troops, she could do more. I hope that this will be a tangible reminder that Iraq is sliding further and further into civil war and taking the lives of more than 3,200 service members- 54 with Arkansas ties, and 2 of those who were my former students. Furthermore, I want her to see the absurdity of my donating helmet liner to a US Senator and realize the absurdity of this war. It’s time to come home, boys. This knitting and message is dedicated to the Arkansans who have served and those who gave their all.
Testimony written by a teacher in Maumelle, AR
Helmet completed by volunteer from Watertown, MA
Posted by cat at 07:00 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #16:
Knitted for Senator Robert Casey
A staunch conservative, Senator Casey has worked to limit women's reproductive rights, supported the war in Iraq, and resisted efforts of the progressive American Jewish community to encourage US facilitation of a just peace between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. He has been an obstacle to congressional support of health care reform generally, and health care for American children in particular. I would like my senator to know that at least one of his constituents will go to unusual lengths to encourage him to knit progressive values into his work.
- Leslie Sudock, knitting in Philadelphia, PA
Posted by cat at 07:00 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #15:
Knitted for Senator Russell Feingold
Admittedly I have a (very nerdy) crush on Senator Feingold. He was the ONLY senator to vote against the PATRIOT act and one of 23 which voted against the second Iraq war which, to me, tells me that he is a man who thinks about what his role in governments is and how that affects the people who have voted him into office. It must be pretty difficult to be that seeming lone voice of reason in the wilderness of rabid warmongering, lies painted to look like the truth and bizarre theocratic reasoning. I'm glad to see that the Senator is consistently outspoken and willing to keep on fighting. Any person who writes promises to the people on his or her garage door is my kind of Senator.
- Danica King, knitting in Seattle, (formerly WI), WA
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #14:
Knitted for Senator Evan Bayh
When Senator Bayh first ran for governor of Indiana in 1988, I was 9 years old and he would not shake my hand at a rally I went to for his election. My parents said it was because I was 9 and could not vote--he needed to spend his time shaking the hands of adults. Today I am 28 and I am using my hands to knit this helmet liner for Senator Bayh so that he remembers that his vote helped send men and women to their deaths in Iraq and that there is no end in sight for this war or the suffering it has unleashed on everyone it has touched.
- Erin R., knitting in Albuquerque, NM
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #13:
Knitted for Senator Richard Burr
Why am I participating? Because I'm tired of watching the news and worrying about people that I love and care about personally who are fighting. Because I'm tired of watching the news and worrying about people who I don't know getting home safe so that those who care about them no longer have to worry. I'm tired of seeing people hurt and/or killed in the name of this unjust fight and I'm damn sure tired of worrying.
- Betsy Greer, knitting in Carrboro, NC
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #12:
Knitted for Senator Jeff Bingaman
It seems that the human cost of this war is too easily lost in the political rhetoric and maneuvering that fuels our Congress. As a native New Mexican, even living outside of the state, I am proud that Senator Bingaman voted against the resolution allowing for the invasion, and that he continues to support our troops as human beings and fellow citizens deserving of the same security and representation in government that the rest of us have here at home.
- Jessica Godden, knitting in Brooklyn, NY
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #10:
Knitted for Senator Wayne Allard
Senator Allard, Our troops are in need because of a bill you signed in 2002. While the war may have seemed a good idea to you and fellow Presidential supporters at the time, surely the current re-alignment of the House and Senate has sent a clear message. We, the citizens, are tired of the killing. I do not wish to lose any more friends to this "cause". I wish I could bring back the Afghan and Iraqi mothers, fathers, friends, children, grandparents and other innocents who have unnecessarily perished. My soul weeps for all who are lost and all who have lost. In creating this helmet liner, I hope to bring attention to the futility of this war. To the need of the families affected. To the need for peace. Namaste, Julie
- Julie Groat, knitting in Monument, CO
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #9:
Knitted for Senator Norm Coleman
Norm was the mayor of my hometown, St. Paul, where he did many wonderful things to revitalize the city. And then he decided that he was really a Republican, and ran for Senate, where he has hands down supported the President, even when it has become glaringly apparent that the President is wrong in this matter.
- Testimony by knitter in Minneapolis, MN
- Completed helmet made by volunteer in Kalamazoo, MI
Posted by cat at 06:59 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #7:
Knitted for Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Leahy opposes the war in Iraq and continues to question the truth behind the administration's claims about the war. He truly represents his constituents in Vermont, the majority of whom are opposed to this war. Vermont has sacrificed the highest number of soldiers, per capita, in Iraq for a cause that has nothing to do with the security and wellbeing of its citizens. I am participating in this project because it is one more way to express my opposition to this war in a tangible way. These helmet liners represent our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for reasons only the current administration believes. Bring our troops home now!
- Linn Perkins Syz, knitting in Montpelier, VT
Posted by cat at 06:58 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #6:
Knitted for Senator Ken Salazar
Colorado Springs liberals count themselves lucky whenever a Democat is elected. We are very fortunate to have Ken Salazar to counterbalance Mr. Allard. Salazar is critical of the war and Bush, does not support cutting off money, but will introduce a bill to implement the Study Group recommendations to set a date. The CO legislature has passed an anti-war resolution, too! My son served with valor for over a year in Iraq. My prayers are that neither my son nor any other son goes to Iraq. I'm a military mom against the war. Thank you, Ken Salazar.
- Linda Harroun, knitting in Colorado Springs, CO
Our Colorado Senator, Ken Salazar, has gone on the record as being in favor of sending more troops to Iraq, but only as part of a stabilization effort and not on a long-term basis. He has also said that "(j)ust putting more troops into Iraq hoping to stop the (civil) violence is not a plan." (and) "Our troops deserve a strategy that is worthy of their sacrifice." I fervently hope that our troops can have just that, and I hope that Senator Salazar is instrumental in assuring that they will have that strategy. A real plan, not a make-believe plan.
- Karen L. Mohler, knitting in Littleton, CO
Posted by cat at 06:58 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #5:
Knitted for Senator Ron Wyden
Thank you for opposing the war in Iraq. It has been wrong from Day 1. Unfortunately, while the Executive and Legislative branches of our government had the will to go to war, they did not have the will to properly support our military personnel there. Instead we have spent millions on profiteering contractors... I am knitting this and sending it to you, in the hope that you will send it to a soldier serving from Oregon, so that s/he will know that despite not supporting the war, you and I both support his/her efforts on our country's behalf.
- Kathy Warner, knitting in West Linn, OR
Posted by cat at 06:58 PM
Stitch for Senate Helmet #4:
Knitted for Senator Debbie Stabenow
While both senators from my state voted against Joint Resolution 114, I would like to participate in order to remember those who are thrown in this mess without proper equipment and to encourage Ms Stabenow to vote against any more bills or resolutions that continue this disaster. I would gladly knit this liner with the fervent hope that it will lose it's significance as our young men are brought back home as quickly as possible. I cry at each life lost and pray for the safe return of all of them. Our own state has lost too many lives - lives nipped in the bud way before their time. If, indeed, it is necessary that the liner is needed I want a young man to know that it is knitted with much love and thanks for bravery in the face of adversity.
- Eleanor Castle, knitting in Kalamazoo, MI
Posted by cat at 06:58 PM