What happened to LaVena Johnson?
LaVena Johnson was a 19 year old private in the Army, serving in Iraq, when she was raped, murdered, and her body was burned--by someone from her own military base. Despite overwhelming physical evidence, the Army called her death a suicide and has closed the case.For three years, LaVena's parents have been fighting for answers. At almost every turn, they've been met with closed doors or lies. They've appealed to Congress, the one body that can hold the military accountable. But, as in other cases where female soldiers have been raped and murdered and the Army has called it suicide, Congress has failed to act.
Will you join Mr. and Mrs. Johnson in calling on Congressman Henry Waxman, Chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee, to mount a real investigation into LaVena Johnson's death and the Army's cover-up2? Will you ask your friends and family to do the same?
http://www.colorofchange.org/lavena/ From the beginning, LaVena's death made no sense as a suicide. She was happy and had been talking with friends and family regularly3--nothing indicated she could be suicidal. And when the Johnsons received her body, they noticed signs that she had been beaten.4 That was when they started asking questions.
After two years of being denied answers and hearing explanations that made no sense, the Johnsons received a CD-ROM from someone on the inside. It contained pictures of the crime scene where LaVena died and an autopsy showing that she had suffered bruises, abrasions, a dislocated shoulder, broken teeth, and some type of sexual assault. Her body was partially burned; she had been doused in a flammable liquid, and someone had set her body on fire. A corrosive chemical had been poured in her genital area, perhaps to cover up evidence of rape.
Still the Army sticks by their story. They refuse to explain the overwhelming physical evidence that LaVena was raped and murdered and continue to claim that she killed herself.
Read the entire email colorofchange.org sent their members then go sign this petition, please, requesting Congress investigate LaVena's case. It's th least we can do.
Shades of Pat Tillman; Shades of Jessica Lynch.
Do the higher-ups in the Army have no shame?
"I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death."
George Carlin
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By Pookie2112August 20, 2008 - 1:57pmYOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET
There is a myth that because someone was a higher up in the military, they have greater respect for human life. They would hesitate before sending American youth into danger. They would care more for the safety of our soldiers.
Bush sent our youth into Iraq for "fun" and because it would make him a hero. Remember the stories about the soldiers having no armor or new weapons and how they had to make due? About how hundreds became sick drinking polluted "Halliburton" water?
McCain walking around a Baghdad market using 100 soldiers as human body shields for a photo op, putting them between him and danger? Look at McCain's disgraceful voting record against our troops.
If people such as this are so blatant and boldly have so little concern for our soldiers, then why is it a surprise when this kind of thing happens? The military is a reflection of the people in charge.
The American people don't care. They put someone like Bush in office and McCain leads in the polls. He will be even worse.
As they say, "You ain't seen nothin' yet".
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By deanrddAugust 20, 2008 - 4:57pmYOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET
Unfortunately, I agree. In my mind, this is one case that we KNOW of - I shudder at the thought that there are many, MANY more that we don't know.
Monkey Boy, et al supports the troops ... MY ASS. Our soldiers are STILL 'making due' when it comes to equipment. I remember when this clusterfuck started - families were holding BAKE SALES to pay for equipment the MILITARY didn't PROVIDE. Sure, send these sons and daughters into Monkey Boy's action adventure game without the proper protection; look at Walter Reid; Soldiers being ELECTROCUTED in the SHOWER, and the contractor isn't held accountable; Fought tooth and nail to deny our troops proper healthcare, compensation and education ... and the list goes on and on and on ...
Is it any wonder that soldier's are giving to Obama's campaign ... six to one over McSame?
"I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death."
George Carlin
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By Pookie2112August 21, 2008 - 8:12amOMG
My daughter WANTED to join this culture.
Thank god for her asthma!
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always."
Mahatma Gandhi
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By justintymeAugust 20, 2008 - 4:29pmRelease the CD
Things will not change until Americans see the CD...It is time to hold congress and Military along with this Administration accountable. With all I have heard this was not a suicide. My heart goes out to the Family and the question is what would your daughter what you to do not for her but others.
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By army193August 20, 2008 - 5:25pmLaVena Johnson -- the shame around it
I became aware of LaVena Johnson's story on Democracy Now. I was very moved by her father's eloquent explanation of his daughter's circumstances and awful demise. I am ashamed at the way the military treated her case. I would want this case to be the one that SHAMES the U.S. military into doing, for once, in this conflict, the right thing. It saddens me to KNOW that they will NOT.
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By NamaimoAugust 20, 2008 - 11:18pm