Yankee Medic—Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran's Booksigning and Performance on September 6

Lem Genovese - Yankee Medic,
military veteran tunesmith

Worth checking out - The Madison Froth House: Military Family Night

The FROTH HOUSE, located at ELEVEN NORTH ALLEN STREET here in Madison, Wisconsin is hosting a MILITARY FAMILY NIGHT on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER SIXTH from SEVEN to NINE PM.

This singular evening of acoustic music includes:

• Jim Brentan, Iraq War veteran
• Tunesmith Jason Moon
• Nationally acclaimed veteran tunesmith Lem Genovese ( Jen-oh-VAYZ), a retired Army/Guard veteran of Vietnam and combat medic from Desert Storm

Jason Moon will be performing songs from his latest release “Trying To Find My Way Home”. This will also be a combination CD release party for Lem Genoves with his compilation CD “Righteous Reconnaissance: 1978 - 1987” and a book signing for his 565 page memoir/narrative - The TUNESMITH CHRONICLES: A Musical History Tour.

Genovese has spent the past three years researching and writing his memoir that spans both his musical and military careers of four decades, two wars - Vietnam and Desert Storm and many of the issues that both Vietnam and current military families face in their daily lives.

From Post Traumatic Stress, to Traumatic Brain Injury, to exposure to dioxin, suicides, homelessness, myths and misconceptions about Vietnam and its US veterans to fixing the Pentagon, The TUNESMITH CHRONICLES is a literary multi-tool for members of the ‘Baby Boom’ generation, veterans of Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan ,American History buffs and teachers interested in getting a viable text for their classes on these issues.

The event is open to the general public. National Guard, Reserve, active duty and veterans of all ages and eras are cordially invited to this event. The live music will be in an intimate unplugged environment at the backyard patio weather permitting.

Further Information: Froth House ( 608 ) 231 - 0100, and Lem Genovese, Email: yankeemedic51@mac.com

Scott Walker sticking to using policy to hit political opponents: Wisconsin Families

Teachers - not the bad guys

Scott Walker is a religious zealot who has never had qualms aligning himself with the most anti-social, voracious and predatory moneyed interests in pursuit of his far-right ideology and personal glory in the Republican Party.

When Walker called a special session on "job creation" in May 2011, Walker and the Republican legislature granted Walker the power of executive fiat (governor's say-so) over the language and approval of administrative rule-making. A rule implementing a statute becomes a rule, if and only if, in Walker's mind the rule meets Walker's ideological requirements. (2011 WISCONSIN ACT 21)

Now, Walker has again taken aim at public teachers as the scourge of society and the economy by "systematically attacking the workplace protections, wages and benefits of Wisconsin teachers(,) [an attack on teachers that] is no longer in question" in his quest to dismantle Wisconsin's public school system. (Capital Times, April 26, 2012)

What Walker and his radical ideologues do not realize (or perhaps not care about) is that many families in Wisconsin have a teacher in a the family, a teacher who is part of the extended family, a family friend, and (in a shocker to Republicans) a dedicated former teacher who is a role model, friend and: A teacher.

If this point were not too obvious, I found evidence for this fact in the field when I had the pleasure of gathering signatures in Fond du Lac for recalling that shit-bag, Randy Hopper, and discovering some six of the 10 signatures I gathered on my first petition sheet met one or more of the criteria of the above paragraph. Other field work confirmed this in other districts confirmed this.

I still believe Walker and his veteran fund-stealing top aides will put away Walker, but demonizing teachers is not just an outrage, politically it's pretty stupid.

I received a lot of quotes from veteran friends about Scott Walker condoning his aides' stealing from veterans, here are two:

Lem Genovese, Yankee Medic

”What did you expect for a GOP governor that wants to remove unions and collective bargaining from Wisconsin. You get what you paid for in Walker and embezzlement is just another nail in his re-call coffin.”

Joe ‘Ragman’ Tarnovsky

United States Army (28 January 1968 to 22 Oct 1970)
Company A, 27th Combat Engineers
28 August 68 to June 69
Crew Chief/Door Gunner
240th Assault Helicopter Company
Mad Dog Huey Gunships (UH-1C Hueys)
In-Country, South Vietnam (28 August 68 to 22 October 70)

“The following award is being presented to Scott Walker, Kevin Kavanaugh and Tim Russell for actions BELOW and INFERIOR AGAINST VETERANS: The Distinguished RAT BASTARD Tail for Thievery and Lack of Accountability.”

“At least Benedict Arnold had the guts to openly fight against the American Veterans he sold out!”

Veterans Speak on Scott Walker Aides' Stealing from Veterans and Families

Marine - No friend of Scott Walker. If this guy look thin, it's
not because he's 19: Getting over Malaria by standing in the rain

"The following award is being presented to Scott Walker, Kevin Kavanaugh and Tim Russell for actions BELOW and INFERIOR AGAINST VETERANS: The Distinguished RAT BASTARD Tail for Thievery and Lack of Accountability."

Scott Walker's embezzling friends, Kevin Kavanaugh and Tim Russell, are not making any friends in the veterans' community. Seems stealing from veterans and their families is none too popular.

Receiving some choice quotes from veteran friends:

Joe 'Ragman' Tarnovsky
United States Army (28 January 1968 to 22 Oct 1970)
Company A, 27th Combat Engineers
28 August 68 to June 69
Crew Chief/Door Gunner
240th Assault Helicopter Company
Mad Dog Huey Gunships (UH-1C Hueys)
In-Country, South Vietnam (28 August 68 to 22 October 70)

• "The following award is being presented to Scott Walker, Kevin Kavanaugh and Tim Russell for actions BELOW and INFERIOR AGAINST VETERANS: The Distinguished RAT BASTARD Tail for Thievery and Lack of Accountability."
• "What else can you expect from a MILITARY SLACKER that lives and enjoys the freedoms paid for by others that chose to serve America in her Armed Forces."
• "At least Benedict Arnold had the guts to openly fight against the American Veterans he sold out!"
•  "They steal donated funds from American Veterans, what's next, they'll be wearing a chest full of military awards and decorations?"
•  "Maybe since Scott Walker is a military slacker and failed to wear one of the military uniforms of the Armed Forces of The United States and feels inferior in the presence of American Military Veterans, this is his way of lashing out for his lack of military service to our country."
• "Men like Scott Walker and his co-horts wrap themselves in the American Flag, the same Flag used to cover the caskets of our Brothers and Sisters that died for this country, that isn't being enough of a hypocrite though, now they must steal funds well meaning Americans donated to support those that served."

Lem Genovese, Yankee Medic

"What did you expect for a GOP governor that wants to remove unions and collective bargaining from Wisconsin. You get what you paid for in Walker and embezzlement is just another nail in his re-call coffin."

Ed Mattson

"Definitely disappointed in embezzlement. Those in power and their friends always find a way to beat the system. This is why I'm voting to throw ALL THE BUMS out. From Obama's privileged few to Pelosi, GSA, and all the rest, your time is coming to an end. As a veteran and taxpayer, we're sick and tired of being sick and tired. Damn the whole lot of you!"

Gordon Duff, USMC Vietnam War

"Stealing from veterans is as much a tradition as Mom and apple pie; raping mom and stealing apple pie."

Vietnam Force Recon Vet Works for Peace on 50th Anniv of Agent Orange Use

We want peace; pass H.R. 2634

Vietnam War veteran Chuck Palazzo (1970-1971) has a lot of friends.

To a man, they love the guy. Ask Wisconsinite, Lem Genovese, sometime if you have an interest in history.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a deadly obscenity that continues to kill and maim—Agent Orange.

Palazzo works as a man of peace now in Da Nang, putting his heart into healing and bringing attention to the horror that is still inflicted on newborn babies today 50 years later. [I'll spare you the pictures.]

In the United States there is currently a bill in Congress, H.R. 2634 [2011]—seeking broad and long delayed remedial action on behalf of all Vietnam-era victims of Agent Orange—a bill a country that cares for liberty and humanity would pass in an instant.

Palazzo works for relief from Vietnam.

I really don't know what drives Palazzo today; what demons he faces; what love he lives. Nor, will I ever understand [or ask] what he went through in the Vietnam War.

Chuck Palazzo

But we regard each other as friends, and I salute him today. It's nice to have genuine warriors for peace as friends.

By Chuck Palazzo

Dear Friends,

Fifty years ago today, the U.S. started what would become one of the most devastating military campaigns in history – the spraying of Agent Orange. On August 10th, 1961, and for 10 years thereafter, the United States sprayed this deadly poison on over 20% of the southern part of Vietnam. The result of what would soon become known as a senseless crime against humanity, affected civilians and military personnel on both sides of the Vietnam War. The effect through the years has resulted in the death and disease of over 4.8 million Vietnamese. Today, 50 years later, the genetic consequence of Agent Orange continues to kill and maim a fourth generation of victims. The toxic and destructive ecological effect remains throughout Vietnam and continues affecting the citizens of Vietnam, poisoning their food chain and causing multiple illnesses and birth defects.

I had the privilege of participating in The Second International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, which was held in Hanoi from August 8th to 9th, 2011. It included Agent Orange victims, victims of other toxic chemicals, scientists, lawyers and social activists from 19 countries. As an international delegate, I was also privileged to have an opportunity to affirm what the Conference developed as an International Appeal. I signed my name, not only in solidarity, but as a confirmation to the entire world that the victims of Agent Orange must be recognized by the manufacturers of this poison as well as the U.S. Government – and to provide comprehensive and meaningful assistance to the victims of Agent Orange and their families in Vietnam in a more practical and effective manner.

I ask each of you to please read and distribute the appeal which follows below. The Agent Orange problem is very real. Its victims continue to suffer. Please join with us and demand that action is finally taken. 50 years is far too long.

Thank you.

Chuck Palazzo
- Marine Combat Veteran, served with 1st and 3rd FORCERECON RVN 1970-1971. Currently living, writing and working in Da Nang, Vietnam as an Agent Orange and Unexploded Ordinance activist and researcher

APPEAL of the Second International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin

Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 9th August, 2011

The Second International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, held in Hanoi from August 8th to 9th, 2011 included participants from around the world: Agent Orange victims, victims of other toxic chemicals, scientists, lawyers and social activists. The conference is a significant and important historic event, marking the 50th anniversary of the first spraying of the toxic chemical Agent Orange (1961-1971) by the U.S. forces in Vietnam and Indochina.

The delegates to the Conference agree that:

During the Vietnam War, from 1961 to 1971, U.S. forces through Operation Ranch Hand sprayed nearly 80 million liters of herbicides over South Vietnam, of which 61% was Agent Orange containing at least 366kg of dioxin, the most toxic substance known to science.

Since the First International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange in 2006, there has been greater public understanding and awareness of the dangers of Agent Orange/dioxin to humans and to the environment. More diseases have been officially recognized as being due to exposure to Agent Orange. Along with the Vietnamese people, many others around the world have become victims of this toxic weapon of mass destruction. Soldiers in the U.S., South Korea, Australia and New Zealand were exposed during the time they fought in Vietnam, and now their children and grandchildren are suffering as well. People in the U.S., Canada, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand and other areas were exposed because they lived near or worked in areas where the U.S. forces stored, buried, manufactured, tested or experimented with Agent Orange as part of their war in Vietnam.

Because of dioxin related damage to their endocrine, immune and reproductive systems, victims of Agent Orange suffer from multiple health conditions, some of which are quickly lethal and others which doom people to a life of horrific misery. Due to these diseases, many have been denied the most basic of human rights – especially the right to life, and the pursuit of happiness. Because of their inability to work and bearing the costs of medical treatment, most victims of Agent Orange everywhere are very poor. However, because Agent Orange was intentionally directed against the Vietnamese people, they are subject to the most onerous conditions. 4.8 million Vietnamese people directly sprayed repeatedly over extended periods of time were subject to multiple sources of exposure. The proportion of old people, women and children, who are especially susceptible to dioxin, is particularly high in Vietnam. In Vietnam, an enormous number of children continue to be born with Agent Orange-related birth defects. Now, a fourth generation of Agent Orange victims is being born. Because of this danger, in effect many women have been denied the human right to bear children. Agent Orange not only harmed human beings and devastated the environment of Vietnam during the war but also continued its devastation after the war. Dioxin dumped in the soil continues to damage the environment and sicken the people in and around several “hot spots.” Causing deforestation of nearly 3 million hectares of land, during the war, especially in coastal areas, Agent Orange has damaged not only the environment in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia but also the regional environment. It has and continues to have severe consequences for people in many areas of the world.

The use of Agent Orange in the war in Vietnam is a war crime and a crime against humanity Its consequences are passed from generation to generation. It challenges us to end, once and for all, the use of chemical weapons and any weapons of mass destruction anywhere today.

Humanity’s concern about the effects of chemical warfare, the threat of accidents at chemical manufacturing plants and the looming environmental disaster due biochemical engineering is increasing. The agony of those exposed to Agent Orange is central to this consciousness and international solidarity with Agent Orange victims’ struggle for justice is growing.

CALL TO ACTION

Therefore, the Delegates to the Conference hereby call upon:

1) Solidarity

All victims of Agent Orange, whatever their nationality or circumstances of exposure, should unite more closely and earnestly to act for our common interests. Further, to demonstrate our solidarity with victims of other weapons of mass destruction such as the atomic bomb and depleted uranium, ,All the victims and their supporters should work together in unity and coordinate actions. Only together, can we be effective, powerful and successful in achieving justice!

2) Organize

We ask all of humanity, all governments, organizations and individuals, whatever their social or political position, to take immediate action to support all victims of Agent Orange, with particular emphasis on those in Vietnam. In every country, and in every region, we should set up organizations and develop specific programs for mobilizing material resources in whatever form and for making our voices heard in all available forums in support of the struggle of the Vietnamese Agent Orange victims for justice.

3) Study and Remediate

Scientists, public health and environmental experts, especially from the United States, should focus on studying the specific health and environmental dangers of Agent Orange/dioxin and possibilities for remediation. This is very urgent in order to help victims whose time is running out, and in order to avoid similar disasters for future generations.

4) U.N. Ban on Weapons and War Crimes

The world community in general, the United Nations and each government in particular should rapidly promulgate new measures to more effectively prevent all acts in violation of international laws prohibiting war crimes and crimes against humanity.

5) U.S. Government and Chemical Manufacturers to Accept Responsibility

The U.S. government and chemical manufacturers of Agent Orange, particularly Monsanto and Dow Chemical should accept their responsibility and engage in greater and fuller efforts to work with the Vietnamese people and government to clean up the existing 'hot spots,' and to provide comprehensive and meaningful assistance to the victims of Agent Orange and their families in Vietnam in a more practical and effective manner. Because little of the monies appropriated by the U.S. Congress has actually reached the victims, funds intended for the victims should be given to Vietnamese NGOs like VAVA so that they actually go to those who need assistance most. The need for hospitals, clinics and respite homes for the victims and their parents, is overwhelming – many of the victims require 24 hour care and their elderly parents who are doing the caring also need help.

6) Disclose Locations of Agent Orange Sites

The U.S. government and all governments that have allowed the use of Agent Orange for any purpose during the Vietnam war years, should publicly disclose all the locations where Agent Orange was used, buried or dumped.

7) Partner with VAVA

The Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin is the legal and moral representative of Vietnam’s Agent Orange victims and acts as a non-governmental organization representing the interests of these victims throughout Vietnam. To hear their voices and to help Vietnamese victims effectively and specifically, people of good will and compassion should partner with VAVA and assist it programatically and materially, contacting VAVA through its website.

NOW, fifty years since the first use of Agent Orange in Vietnam, the delegates of the conference declare again that the needs of the victims are urgent, requiring immediate action! Half a century is too long to wait for justice!

We pledge to work together to make sure that justice delayed will no longer be justice denied!