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On the Streets of New York: Compassion

By Terry J. Allen

Fernando Suarez del Solar lost his son in Iraq.

Celeste Zappala marched alone holding the photo of her son, killed this April in Iraq. He was the first combat death in the Pennsylvania National Guard since 1945. Near tears, she said, “I have to be here, I won’t be quiet.” Fernando Suarez del Solar, whose son died in Iraq, blames the Bush administration for lying to the country and pursuing an unjustified war.

At Union Square, the American Friends Service Committee lined up nearly 1000 pairs of boots and shoes to commemorate Iraq’s military and civilian dead.

Tarek Abdel-Muhti also lost a loved one: his father Faruk was a long-time Palestinian activist jailed under the Patriot Act. Tarek charges that authorities hastened his father’s death, by repeatedly “losing his high blooded pressure meds” and subjecting him to the terrible stresses of unlimited confinement, including 250 days in solitary, Shortly after his release, Faruk died of a heart attack. Tarek spoke out against profiling and abuses of the Bush administration against immigrants.

On the Streets of New York: patriotism | compassion | courage | security | opportunity

Terry J. Allen, an In These Times senior editor, has written the magazine's monthly investigative health and science column since 2005.

More information about Terry J. Allen

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  • Reader Comments

    Isn’t it6 a sad commentary when the soldiers in the field are not in accoredance with the Bush plan and or actions?  We must support our troops and VOTE THIS COWBOY OUT OPF OFFICE.  America bless GOD.

    Posted by Charles L Meyers on Sep 4, 2004 at 1:00 PM

    “the soldiers in the field are not in accoredance with the Bush plan and or actions?”

    Who told you this?

    There is nothing in the article that asserts this.  What makes you think it is true?  Certainly I know soldiers in the field who are in accordance with our current national policy.

    Posted by Frank on Sep 10, 2004 at 12:49 PM

    Go away, little Bush flunkie, Frank.

    Posted by Neil on Sep 14, 2004 at 8:24 AM

    Frankie - you just stay right here - you are a real asset to this site - you are helping us prove just what we are saying!!!

    Posted by judi on Sep 14, 2004 at 10:11 AM

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