Shannon Larratt is Zentastic

If you care about the people who the corporations have tricked into signing away their lives to increase profits, you may want to read this article. Below are some excerpts.

Hundreds of sick and wounded U.S. soldiers including many who served in the Iraq war are languishing in hot cement barracks here while they wait -- sometimes for months -- to see doctors.

The National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers' living conditions are so substandard, and the medical care so poor, that many of them believe the Army is trying push them out with reduced benefits for their ailments.

[One] soldier said that after being deployed in March he suffered a sudden onset of neurological symptoms in Baghdad that has gotten steadily worse. He shakes uncontrollably. He said the Army has told him he has Parkinson's Disease and it was a pre-existing condition, but he thinks it was something in the anthrax shots the Army gave him.

"They say I have Parkinson's, but it is developing too rapidly," he said. "I did not have a problem until I got those shots."

[Many soldiers returning from Iraq] described clusters of strange ailments, like heart and lung problems, among previously healthy troops. They said the Army has tried to refuse them benefits, claiming the injuries and illnesses were due to a "pre-existing condition," prior to military service.

[First Sgt. Gerry Mosley] said he was healthy before the war; he could run two miles in 17 minutes at 48 years old. But he developed a series of symptoms: lung problems and shortness of breath; vertigo; migraines; and tinnitus.

Soldiers make their way by walking or using crutches through the sandy dirt to a communal bathroom, where they have propped office partitions between otherwise open toilets for privacy. A row of leaky sinks sits on an opposite wall. The latrine smells of urine and is full of bugs, because many windows have no screens. Showering is in a communal, cinder block room. Soldiers say they have to buy their own toilet paper.

Mosley says he has never been depressed before, but found himself looking at shotguns recently and thought about suicide.

The Pentagon is reportedly drawing up plans to call up more reserves.

Last night I received the following letter that I'd like to share here:

Dear friends of Jeff Edgarian:

I found your emails on Jeff's (Genjuro's) IAM account, you are his friends. I am his brother Tristan. I am sorry to inform you all that my dear brother passed away 15 October 2003. He was struck by an SUV while riding his motorcycle back home from school. They police informed us his death was instant. He was twenty one years old.

You are all invited to attend his funeral on 11:30 am Monday, 20 October, at Forest Lawn Glendale in the Church of the Recessional.

I am aware and accepting of his bod mod lifestyle. I love him unconditionally and respect how spiritual the mod experiences were to him. He was such a strong creative unique and brilliant person. Of all the people in my life he means the most to me.

You are free to present yourselves as you are, despite the fact that this funeral is going to be dominated by OLD COUNTRY Armenians who barely know english, let alone have an understanding of American youth. Both Jeff and I were a bit ostracized for our lifestyles so any support I can have from you on that day is much appreciated.

Thank you and best wishes,
Tristan Edgarian

Friends of Jeff's wanting to attend the funeral can contact YoYo for directions and more information. As Johann writes,

He was one of the first few people I spoke to on BME. First we started talking about bowling. I was suprised to find someone that bowled and so we started talking even more. Then we had video games in common and building computers. He was amazing in everything we spoke about excelling in everything he knew. I always had great conversations with him, funny and serious. I'm trying to wrap this up the best I can, but I know I cannot even scratch the surface in only describing to you all the amazingness that is Jeff.

Finally, I wanted to also share what Sque3z had to say,

He was a good kid. Almost too good. I loved this guy for who he was and what he stood for. He was an avid collector of body modifications and loved the industry and his friends too. We took him up for his first and last suspension on Sunday Oct. 12th, just 4 days before his death. Now he is partaking in all the suspension he can get his hands on!! "He will be missed and Jeff, I will supply the hooks next time!!!"