Elitist commissars and the "Prostitutes of Propaganda" are working overtime, yet one hard fact remains with regard to Human Shields; Human Shields were present at all major power and water plants in Baghdad. Human Shields remained so throughout the invasion and bombing of Iraq. Subsequently the power and water serving millions of Iraqi civilians in Baghdad was never "knocked out" by U.S./U. K. bombing. Tragically however, we did not have the numbers of Human Shields required to protect similar sites in Basra and elsewhere. Subsequently millions of Iraqi civilians have lost their power and water (particularly Basra) due to bombing of these sites within the first week of the invasion (a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions). As a result of these civilian targets being bombed, diseases are spreading and the suffering is legitimately unimaginable to most Westerners. As a direct result a massive humanitarian crisis is a looming reality.

Baghdad's citizens were largely spared this hellish reality until the power was "shut down" for unknown reasons after the bombing campaign had ended. Those who will perish from starvation, dehydration and disease are histories seemingly forgotten victims, the ones who will never be counted in the official death toll, many of them are yet to die.

Ken in Baghdad

In this millennium alone we have two major crimes against humanity of this sort. Both committed primarily by the British and American government, supposedly our "representatives" in "democracy." Is this something we are truly proud of? Are we safer now? Is this insanity acceptable? Or are we, the chosen ones of Western prosperity destined to "liberate" the world?

So when somebody asks me, "was the Human Shield action a failure?" I shall reply by saying that my goal was to stop a seemingly unstoppable war, to stop a war that sets the stage for World War III. In that larger goal I did not succeed. However, with regard to the suffering that was prevented and the Iraqi lives that were saved, whether it be one life, ten, one hundred, a thousand, tens of thousands or more, I feel immensely empowered. I am deeply proud of all the Human Shields no matter what our differences and I am proud of my part in this truly historic action. Human Shields remain in Iraq to this day and will bear witness to the mayhem sure to coincide with the forming of the worlds newest puppet government. The world needs tens of thousands of Human Shields, they are indeed among the very best humanity has to offer. They represent the consciousness that we in the West have so desperately, hopelessly attempted to shield ourselves from.

I stand by strategic direct action and mass civil disobedience 100%. I commit to building on the success of the Human Shield action so as to achieve its full potential, which is to expose the truth, effect justice and eliminate war. Prepare for Christmas in Palestine 2003. - K. N. O'Keefe

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead