Salem-News.com Joins Forces With Occupy Marines

(SALEM) - We've covered activities from Marines and former Marines in the Occupy Wall Street movement from day one, and now we're taking a step forward in sync with OCCUPY MARINES whose motto is Fighting for our Country - Not the 1%.

Our team of 99 writers includes 15 current and former Marines. Though we indulge different subjects, we all share a common background and we are all concerned with integrity.

Many of our Marine writers served in war; from Vietnam to the current conflicts. In fact one of the Marines on the team and I became friends when I was covering the war in Iraq and he was working in Marine Public Affairs.

Our 3 October 2011 article Marines Heading to Wall Street to Protect Protesters, which was widely read, caused a bit of a stir and brought a discerning response from many who believed it was not possible that Marines were stepping into the ring.

Apparently cops preparing to harass, assault and demean citizens gathered in solidarity and non-violence on U.S. soil, really dislike the idea of Marines intervening on the behalf of citizens.

“

I have not been proud of my country since about 1966...but this makes me proud. You go Marines, this is what you are supposed to do, not wage unfounded wars! It actually brought tears of joy to my eyes. Thank you. And anyone who thinks these protests should not happen....well, may you reap your karma.

”

Police Created Need for OCCUPY MARINES

When Occupy Wall Street began, few were thinking about this eventual intersection of abusive police and angry Marines. The bottom line is that Marines are intense people and when they become determined to take or hold ground, they show real resolve.

A Marine stood down a whole group of officers on 17 October of last year in New York, that is when police knew the game they were playing with the rights of American citizens was turning very serious and they looked like shit quite frankly.

United States Marine Corps. Sgt. Shamar Thomas from Roosevelt, N.Y. spoke for all Americans that night when he said:

“

I saw them beating people, people who had nothing to do with anything, just grabbing people out of the crowds, there's no honor in that.

”

Neither his act or his words, should never been necessary. The fact that this resistance is taking place, is nothing less than a cause for alarm, it is a true reflection of the frustration people are feeling with a Congress willing to literally, take an eraser to our civil rights.

The police at various Occupy events have attacked girls, women, and others who in no way were deserving of violence. They've sprayed mace in faces of college students at a peaceful sit in. This sits very poorly with Marines. When Marines rise up against brutality, both sides have a real, nasty potential fight on their hands.

It was later in October, last year, when a two-tour Marine Veteran was shot in the head with a tear gas canister by police in Oakland. It was a wanton act of violence from the police and no matter what they say, nothing can change that fact. Police attempt to justify many things, however they can not rationalize this brutality. And as his brothers and sisters rushed forward, yelling "medic", the police let them have another shot, more tear gas for those attempting to reach a wounded brother.

All Marines were shocked and angered by what happened to Scott Olsen with Veterans for Peace. I wrote in the wake of that tragic bout of state terrorism in Oakland:

“

Third Battalion Fourth Marines took another casualty this week, but it wasn't in Helmand province, or Anbar; it was in the streets of Oakland. The city's police, itching for a fight, shot Corporal Scott Olsen, a two-tour Iraq Marine Veteran, in the head.

”

Those naysayers who decried my first article about Marine involvement in Occupy, toned down when Marines kept showing up at Occupy protests.

The critics concluded that they were "ex-Marines" and Marine "Veterans" but they miss one fundamental point established by the United States Marine Corps itself; "Once a Marine Always a Marine". Call it semantics, or a technicality, but it is and was proper to consider these participating occupiers Marines.

We don't ask for this perpetual title, but we are given it, and therefore Occupy Marines is about Marines at all times, even if their active service was in the past.

For the record, let me be clear, OCCUPY MARINES is not about violence, it is about peace and government accountability to the people. Their official statement is published below.

“

To inspire, organize, and mobilize American citizens against tyranny and oppression.

To remove irresponsible leadership from stations violating the citizens he or she have sworn an oath to protect and serve.

To hold law enforcement agencies legally and financially responsible for the damaging of personal property and the injury of citizens they are sworn to protect and serve.

To expose the financial elites responsible for the decline of both the American, and Global Economies, including organizations in support of greed and corruption.

”

Salem-News.com reports general news with an emphasis on activities of the United States Marine Corps. For myself and others, it is our past.

While constantly advocating for all Veterans, our group has spent years exposing the toxic contamination of both the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in California, which is now closed, and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, which is still active.

We also cover issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and I have covered Marine operations in Iraq, and also military operations in Afghanistan for Salem-News.com.

When the spirit of the Marine is used for peace, it becomes a powerful commodity. Marines are just as good a waging peace as they are with war, in fact it is what all Marines want, more even than their civilian counterparts.

I know that is hard for some people to understand, but there is nobody you would rather have on your side than the Marines. When they are willing do defend 99 percent of all Americans, we are reassured that there truly is hope.

Salem-News.com Marine Writers

Tim King writes about challenges facing Marines due to everything from toxic exposure, to military injustice. He and Bob O'Dowd co-authored the new book, 'A Few Good Men, Too Many Chemicals'. As a reporter, Tim covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Dr. Alan Sabrosky is an esteemed writer who specializes in writing about Middle east conflict; primarily Palestine and Israel; he is among the most respected writers in this area. A former Army War College Professor, 'Doc' Sabrosky is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

Bob O'Dowd is a former El Toro Marine who works closely with Tim King and others in exposing the human health impacts of the Marine Corps' lack of environmental stewardship in the earlier years. Bob also explores historically significant Marine Corps stories.

John Uldrich was on our team before our first on-site reports from El Toro in '08. Another former El Toro Marine, John has conducted research at the base in recent years with Bob O'Dowd and Tim King, his contributions to our efforts are significant.

Gordon Duff is a powerful writer whose reviews of the inconsistencies in the official stories of both 9/11 and the hunt for Osama bin Laden, are brave and revealing. This Veterans Today Senior Editor shocks readers with hard truth. Gordon is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

Roger Butow- California water quality violators fear this longtime Laguna Beach resident's name. His daring and articulate, unmistakable style left visible scars on those who tried to turn toxic El Toro into a park and subdivision. Roger is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

Ken O'Keefe is a relentless warrior for peace, famous for his Human Shield project at the start of the Iraq War; battling and disarming invading Israeli soldiers aboard the Mavi Marmara in 2010, and his reports from Gaza. Ken is a Marine Desert Storm Veteran.

Phil Northcutt became part of our team after returning from wartime service to a place that did not offer any degree of support. Today he helps Veterans make that same adjustment, by learning the coping mechanisms that help PTSD. Phil is a Marine Iraq War Veteran.

Jerry West, a longtime journalist in Canada, maintains a watchful eye on politics in his native country. Sharp and critical, he explores America's political shortfalls. His articles evoke intense response and praise. Jerry is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

Chuck Palazzo is an amazing writer and advocate in Da Nang, Vietnam. He examines ongoing suffering related to the spraying of Agent Orange on Vietnam's jungles. Founding member of Agent Orange Action Council, Chuck is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

David Bedworth is a former Marine Corps officer who has like other writers, suffered health problems related to his military service. His approach is both bright and heartfelt, Dave has contributed articles ranging from Marine health issues, to fantastic historic accounts.

Luke Easter, our resident poet, writes about violations of justice and equity that affect so many in the military and the rest of the world. The son of one of America's first African-American major league baseball players, this Marine might have the biggest heart of all.

Michael Hjelmstad and Tim King met in Iraq in 2008, Mike is the Corps' Hollywood Motion Picture Liaison. A talented writer and producer, this Los Angeles resident has covered regional spot news also. Mike is a Marine Iraq War Veteran.

Art Schade writes about PTSD. His book shares his technique at dealing with this wartime trauma. Most who served in war know it takes one to know one. Art survived and now he helps others do the same. His kind approach compliments our efforts. Art is a Marine Vietnam Veteran.

Steve Maynor Jr. is a Marine Master Sergeant who writes about current news, as well as history and Civil Rights in America. He draws from his experiences in a rich, Marine career. His articles bring a fresh level of understanding and perception.

Both Bonnie King and Coral Theill deserve the title of honorary Marines. Bonnie has been with me since the time I served in the 1980's, she lived at the El Toro base also. Coral Theill writes about Marines and the challenges they face and in addition to Salem-News.com, Coral also writes for Leatherneck Magazine, the magazine of the Marines.

Tim King in 2008, covering the Iraq War

Tim King: Salem-News.com Editor and Writer

Tim King has more than twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. Tim is Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. His background includes covering the war in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, and reporting from the Iraq war in 2008. Tim is a former U.S. Marine.

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing from The Associated Press the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, Electronic Media Association and The Red Cross In a personal capacity, Tim has written 2,026 articles as of March 2012 for Salem-News.com since the new format designed by Matt Lintz was launched in December, 2005.

Serving readers with news from all over the globe, Tim's life is literally encircled by the endless news flow published by Salem-News.com, where more than 100 writers contribute stories from 20+ countries and regions.

Tim specializes in writing about political and military developments worldwide with an emphasis on Palestine and Sri Lanka, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the U.S. Marines. You can write to Tim at this address: tim@salem-news.com. Visit Tim's Facebook page (facebook.com/TimKing.Reporter)

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Confused? January 24, 2013 10:03 am (Pacific time)

Since when did Marines start referring to themselves as "former Marines?"

Anonymous April 23, 2012 6:12 pm (Pacific time)

king you lefty misfits sure are obsessed with race. Show me one place on the planet where non-caucasians go that does not turn to crap? You cannot do it, nor can you show one black country that is being run well...it is what it is. Pointing out facts as reality is just that, but for you libs/progrssives that makeup less than 18% of the population, it is racist. Tough shit! Maybe if you paid your own way in life you would understand why non-caucasians in the mix bring us down, but that is reality, and it is about to end in a very intense way as these creatures start an even hotter war against us in the coming months. You ever fire back at someone shooting at you king? You will runaway like a little girl from those niggers and brown turds.

Editor: I am posting this because I want people to appreciate the kind of stuff we deal with all day long, and IT friends, here is this racist's IP info., if someone doesn't mind tracking this and sharing the information, I appreciate it.

From Story 22942 View Story Anonymous April 23, 2012 6:12 pm | IP 184.154.49.106

Anonymous April 22, 2012 11:39 am (Pacific time)

Finally a comment that reflects the truth about the KKK being created and run by the far left democrats.

Editor: I questioned approving this, and let's get it straight, the slave owning south was then the Democrats, the abolitionists were Republicans, and they were 'liberals'. But absolutely nothing about this aspect of the demoncrats made them 'left wing'- that is idiotic.

Even MLK Jr was a registered republican and Cesar Chavez was a conservative who wanted the borders closed.

Editor: Owning a gun, so what? Political parties changed, I'm surprised you don't grasp this. Cesar Chavez was a hero for the migrant workers, I have been to the house where he was born and I have honored his loss at the house where he passed away. He cared about people, 'closing the border' - whatever. Why don't you ask the GOP members suspected of being funded by deadly Mexican drug cartels about it. And bear in mind I'm no big fan of the Democrats, but that has become the party of the American common man and the GOP is a group of redneck, partly racist, Americans who frequently bash the poor, and are, generally supportive of using billions of taxpayer money to launch terrible unjust wars that screw our people up like there's no tomorrow. Again, I am not apologizing for the acts of the Democrats, they are a joke also, but not as defined as the GOP.

My guess is that most of yuou on the ideological left have been drinking the marxist poison for so long you will never come to grips that you are the perennial useful idiots. Wise up, it is the conservatives that have given you the freedom to live your life as free people, while our "joint" enemies on the left want to take it away from you. If, and when we run out of money, then what? Well, you will be a liability to them...study your Stalinist history because you are living in that model. Occupy that mode of thinking, and see how you are being manipulated, most probably your entire life if you went to public school and were born after 1955.

Editor: People who follow their hearts are on track, those willing to care about other Americans, that is who will fix this. They won't be Republicans, sitting around whining about poor people in Mexico trying to reach a safer place to raise their families, and of course Mexico only accounts for part of the immigrant population. They're just people man, you work for people or you do what you do, vastly different points of view lead to great contrast in human action.

Douglas Benson April 21, 2012 8:52 am (Pacific time)

Our warriors should be very angry that what they fought and died for in the mud and the blood is being lost to those that would use the "law" to forcibly deny more than any.

Anonymous April 20, 2012 9:52 am (Pacific time)

Tim in light of current events, learn some history of an African-American WWII Marine, and the heroic actions he took against the real historical racists (below):

Our excellent public education system ensures that many Americans under the age of 60 do not have the slightest notion of this country's history.

Gun control laws were originally promulgated by Democrats to keep guns out of the hands of blacks. This allowed the Democratic policy of slavery to proceed with fewer bumps and, after the Civil War, allowed the Democratic Ku Klux Klan to menace and murder black Americans with little resistance. Contrary to what illiterates believe, the KKK was an outgrowth of the Democratic Party, with overlapping membership rolls. The Klan was to the Democrats what the American Civil Liberties Union is today: Not every Democrat is an ACLU'er, but every ACLU'er is a Democrat. Same with the Klan. In 1640, the very first gun control law ever enacted on these shores was passed in Virginia. It provided that blacks -- even freemen -- could not own guns.

Chief Justice Roger Taney's infamous opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford circularly argued that blacks could not be citizens because if they were citizens, they would have the right to own guns: "[I]t would give them the full liberty," he said, "to keep and carry arms wherever they went." After the war, Democratic legislatures enacted "Black Codes," denying black Americans the right of citizenship -- such as the rather crucial one of bearing arms -- while other Democrats (sometimes the same Democrats) founded the Ku Klux Klan.

For more than a hundred years, Republicans have aggressively supported arming blacks, so they could defend themselves against Democrats.

The original draft of the Anti-Klan Act of 1871 -- passed at the urging of Republican president Ulysses S. Grant -- made it a federal felony to "deprive any citizen of the United States of any arms or weapons he may have in his house or possession for the defense of his person, family, or property." This section was deleted from the final bill only because it was deemed both beyond Congress' authority and superfluous, inasmuch as the rights of citizenship included the right to bear arms.

Under authority of the Anti-Klan Act, President Grant deployed the U.S. military to destroy the Klan, and pretty nearly completed the job.

But the Klan had a few resurgences in the early and mid-20th century. Curiously, wherever the Klan became a political force, gun control laws would suddenly appear on the books.

This will give you an idea of how gun control laws worked. Following the firebombing of his house in 1956, Dr. Martin Luther King, who was, among other things, a Christian minister, applied for a gun permit, but the Alabama authorities found him unsuitable. A decade later, he won a Nobel Peace Prize. The NRA opposed these discretionary gun permit laws and proceeded to grant NRA charters to blacks who sought to defend themselves from Klan violence -- including the great civil rights hero Robert F. Williams.

A World War II Marine veteran, Williams returned home to Monroe, N.C., to find the Klan riding high -- beating, lynching and murdering blacks at will. No one would join the NAACP for fear of Klan reprisals. Williams became president of the local chapter and increased membership from six to more than 200.

But it was not until he got a charter from the NRA in 1957 and founded the Black Armed Guard that the Klan got their comeuppance in Monroe.

Williams' repeated thwarting of violent Klan attacks is described in his stirring book, "Negroes With Guns." In one crucial battle, the Klan sieged the home of a black physician and his wife, but Williams and his Black Armed Guard stood sentry and repelled the larger, cowardly force. And that was the end of it.

As the Klan found out, it's not so much fun when the rabbit's got the gun.

The NRA's proud history of fighting the Klan has been airbrushed out of the record by those who were complicit with the KKK, Jim Crow and racial terror, to wit: the Democrats.

In the preface to "Negroes With Guns," Williams writes: "I have asserted the right of Negroes to meet the violence of the Ku Klux Klan by armed self-defense -- and have acted on it. It has always been an accepted right of Americans, as the history of our Western states proves, that where the law is unable, or unwilling, to enforce order, the citizens can, and must act in self-defense against lawless violence." Contrary to MSNBC hosts, I do not believe the shooting in Florida is evidence of a resurgent KKK.

But wherever the truth lies in that case, gun control is always a scheme of the powerful to deprive the powerless of the right to self-defense.

Anonymous April 19, 2012 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, regarding of what anonymous said, remember that losers can't do anything but try to bring down accomplished people like yourself. They're jealous that they weren't Marines, they are just a bunch of whiners. POwer on Bro, you are nailing it over and over.

NinetyNine April 19, 2012 9:36 am (Pacific time)

BOOYAH!! Solidarity with Occupy Marines AND Salem-News.com !!

gp April 19, 2012 1:00 pm (Pacific time)

Eddie Zawaski was a US Marine Corpsman in the Vietnam era.

Editor: Eddie Zawaski has written a number of excellent articles about Salem-News.com; Navy Corpsmen serving with Marines are Marines. Thanks GP!

Agron Belica April 19, 2012 12:56 pm (Pacific time)

ROCK!!!!!

M. Dennis Paul, Ph.D. April 19, 2012 12:44 pm (Pacific time)

As the US becomes more like Israel in the manner it treats it's citizens and citizens of the world, it is especially comforting to know that Marines are waking up to the reality of what and who the government represents and that there is a willingness to stand against it. I hope this movement continues to grow and that the message it brings reaches the all the way to the Murderer in Chief, Barack Obama.

Jim Klahr April 19, 2012 10:56 am (Pacific time)

Please occupy the AGs debate tomarrow start at noon. at Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill, 1313 Mill St. SE, Salem. We need Ellen or be prepared to step back 100 years.

Anonymous April 19, 2012 8:54 am (Pacific time)

TK: "we are all concerned with integrity." You are a liar, an anti-American, a disgraced marine, basically a person of poor character. Not one combat veteran, or current active combat military personnel would want you anywhere near them when they have the 411 on you.

In response to that super kind comment, I thought I would publish a few reviews of my time working in Afghanistan.

Tim,

Thanks for telling a great story, especially about our climb up the Ghar. We miss you over here. I always ask Maj Strong when you’re coming back, and he always shares how you guys are great friends. Take care of yourself!

Sincerely,

IS1 Kevin Ancog, USN (Displaced Hawaiian Guy)

Training Assistance Group, S2
Kabul Military Training Center, Afghanistan

Hello Tim,

Thanks for the video it works just fine and thank you for the interest you have in what is going on in Afghanistan. We could use a lot more reporters like you. I checked out your TV Stations web site and found out that you have a very nice boss to work for. You make a great team. It's great that you can work together like that. Keep yourself safe and don't take too many chances.

Thanks again and May GOD bless you and your family and keep you safe from harm,

Bill & Mary Anne Werner
Andy's Mom & Dad

Hey Tim, I just wanted to say thank you for that report. A friend stumbled across it the other day, and I just now got to see it. I am LTC Jerry Brooks' wife, and it was fantastic to get to see video of him after not seeing him for a year! Wonderful report, and thank you again.

Kristin Brooks

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