I mail an advanced copy of my latest film The Deployment Game: Livin' FOBuolus
to Jennifer Fenton, the woman who interviewed me for TheWip.net.

She posted this in her blog in regards to the war, and my latest film.

For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime: two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
~President Elect Barack Obama

When I heard Barack Obama's speech in Chicago, it was the above quote that jumped out of my radio and shook me. The fact that he mentioned the "two wars" the United States is engaged in as one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime was both a relief and a reminder. Reminding me that our country is still attempting to maintain two military occupations, which cost the people of the world daily in blood and wealth, and for what?

Nothing.

Recently this Occupation has become more personal for me than it ever has. I hate war. The idea of blood for blood is so repugnant to me I am not sure I can find the words to express myself. People, who sit in the comfort of their living rooms beating their chests yelling fight, do not bother to listen to the soldier who served in Afghanistan. He is haunted almost daily with thoughts of the man he killed and wonders if that man's family is able to survive without him.

And then of course there is Casey. I have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to him. The time he spent with me on the phone helping me get my article just right for Women's International Perspective was invaluable, and the doors that one interview has opened for me has been both unexpected and exciting.

Since that time, Casey and I have become friends, good friends. We share a lot in terms of our passions and offer each other support in what can be a difficult job...part-time peace activists. I love the work Casey has done and have a great deal of respect and admiration for his tenacity. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to speak out against a war while you are in its midst.
Casey sent me his latest film for a sneak preview, and I consider myself lucky. His message is both strong and informative and considering where Casey is and what he deals with daily, his films are fucking works of art. The latest, The Deployment Game Livin' FOBulous, emphasizes the many ways in which American taxpayers are spending massive amounts of money so corporations like KBR can increase their profit margins while providing substandard services to the troops; services like, clean drinking water. Casey also points out that while living conditions for the troops are shoddy; there are plenty of "comfort items" for soldiers to consume - of course at their own expense.

Aside from my desire for you to support Casey's efforts, I hope you will read his words regarding the election. They struck me with the same force as those of Obama, "This doesn't let you off the hook America, you still have to get back to work and start actually taking part in your country's affairs, because no matter who would have won, it's still just another day for the Soldier in Iraq."
With that, I hope you will watch the date of November 19th with the same passion and fever you watched November 4th...because the election changed nothing at this point for Casey, he is still stuck in an unwinnable war and like my friend who served in Afghanistan will have to deal with its consequences for the rest of his life.
In this posting Jennifer Fenton posted my film The Staging Game.

The Staging Game:

These are replies to her above posting:

"Either way, he made a good point; use all your money and you are doomed to sign up again and be stuck over there."

"I will say that although The Staging Game shows a lot of this stuff...the new film is more compelling...just wait until you see it!"
Jennifer Fenton

"Casey had a wonderful message to his fellow troops. Save your money, every penny you can. Problem being, lots of young troops have families already."

"I knew there were vendors there and all, but this video was admittedly more revealing than I really wanted to know - OK, I don't regret it, but still. Is it true that these soldiers are having to reenlist to pay these "bargain" debts off too? OMG. I'm just completely sick to my stomach."

"Dang,
Casey's videos just keep gettin better and better don't they???
Thanks Jen and Thanks Casey!!"

"Just you wait! LOL The Deployment Game is great..."
Jennifer Fenton

"Hats off to Casey for exposing this! It's a travesty, shameful and beyond words."

"It is surreal, and in the new film you will be shocked, like really shocked. It is definitely worse than what you see here!"
Jennifer Fenton

The Deployment Game: Livin' FOBulous online Nov. 19th!

Casey