Peace in the Mideast ... when?

Meant to make note of yesterday being the fifth anniverary of Rachel Corrie's death, mowed down by an Israeli military bulldozer while serving as a human shield, trying to Palestinians' homes from destruction in the Gaza Strip. I just finished reading her journals, from childhood until a few days before she died.

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And, of course, Wednesday is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. That makes it four years and two months after "Mission Accomplished."

If you wish to mark this sad milestone:

Who: Nebraska Coalition for Peace, Nebraskans for Peace
What: 5th Anniversary of the Iraq War - Anti-war/Peace Vigil to remind us that 5 years is too many years of the U.S. invasion/occupation of Iraq
Where: Corner of 16th and "O" Street, Lincoln, NE, near the Federal Building
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 5-6:00 p.m.
Program: We will be solemnly reading the names of the fallen, both U.S. soldiers and Iraqis
Contact: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nebraskacoalitionforpeace

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And in nearby Afghanistan, here's what President Bush told U.S. troops last week (via Democracy Now):

“If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. ... It must be exciting for you … in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You’re really making history. And thanks.”

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PC update: Got an email over the weekend asking for an update on my volunteer work with Nebraska AIDS Project -- which means they're considering where to place me ... and, hopefully, that I indeed will be working on HIV issues. My placement officer's assistant was enthusiastic about the info I provided -- the amount of time I spend volunteering and especially the fact that I'm certified to do HIV testing. She said I can expect to hear back from my P.O. in two to four weeks.