An issue not discussed much these days deserves some time. A mailing from Dahr Jamail presents evidence of the results of the use of Depleted Uranium in Fallugah.
From the article
number of deaths among children, have risen after "special weaponry" was used in the two massive bombing campaigns in Fallujah in 2004
depleted uranium (DU) munitions, which contain low-level radioactive waste, were used heavily in Fallujah
The Pentagon admits to having used 1,200 tonnes of DU in Iraq thus far
OTC will spell Fallujah Falloojeh out of respect for Riverbend. When I saw this spelling the first time I liked it and looked forward to and learned much about Iraq from her. Where is this young women and is she alive?
Falloojeh was and is a major happening in Iraq. DU was discussed a bit back then but aside from all else that was done to the city and the residents in Falloojeh it has been documented other banned weapons were used. One of which was white phosphorous. The story of this city is one giant fucking nightmare.
One place DU was talked about was on Democracy Now and I was able to go back in their archives and include an interview with Dr. Asaf Durakovic the man who blew the lid on the horrors of DU. I love this line he used "it's mathematics and numbers don't lie " or something close to that. I have not watched it yet but have always remembered it as being ever so compelling. Done 1/30/03 the interview starts just before 30 min.
In any case this shit has been and will continue to come home to roost damn near for fucking ever and wanted to bring it up because it cannot be forgotten for too long at a time.
I've been wondering about Riverbend. It's been eight months since her last blog entry.
ReplyDeleteDepleted uranium is used in anti-tank munitions to add mass. I don't know of any other use for it. According to the Wikipedia entry on DU, some of the possible replacements for DU might be far more carcinogenic. Most of the stuff the military uses isn't good for one's health in one sense or another. The munitions they fired around Ft. Lewis during WWII are still poisoning the water table.
Cujo-I do hope she is okay and still look for a post from her often. She offered a perspective like no other which was the reality of how Iraqi's were affected on a daily basis by this illegal occupation and how ugly it was.
ReplyDeleteI do not think there are any other uses for DU other than something associated with weapons. Literally in my view there's nothing good with finding better ways to kill and maim.
Actually, DU is also used as weights in some applications, according to Wikipedia. It's very dense. I wasn't aware of that one, either.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think just about anything that's in modern weapons, if released into the environment in sufficient quantities will cause health problems. What's sad is that DU is probably near the middle of the harm spectrum, rather than one of the extremes.
I have ranted about this undertold story more than once.
ReplyDeleteDU, after being fired, not only leaves a big slug, but also gets pulverized into a fine powder that is quickly spread around by the prevailing winds.
The rate of birth defects has already spiked and will only continue to rise in the Iraq arena.
The most startling legacy is that this radioactive dust plume has ALREADY been tracked clear through Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and half way across China on it's inevitable journey to North America.
The stupid cocksuckers are poisoning the whole motherfucking PLANET with this shit!