WSU to Study Iraq Toxins' Effect
Spokesman-Review
by Bert Caldwell
Research to examine how exposure might damage offspring of soldiers
Washington State University scientists will use a $1.7 million grant to study what multi-generation genetic damage might be done by toxins U.S. troops could encounter in Iraq.
The research using laboratory rats, not humans, will be the first for the military to examine the epigenetic effects of pesticides, herbicides and other compounds, said lead scientist Michael Skinner, director of the university's Center for Reproductive Biology.
Previous studies have looked at the health effects of other substances, notably the Agent Orange used to defoliate jungles in Vietnam, on the soldiers directly exposed, he said, not on their children or grandchildren.
"The science really had not caught up with the trans-generational stuff," said Skinner, one of several WSU pioneers in the field of epigenetic, or multi-generational, inheritance.
Besides herbicides and pesticides – which and in what combinations has not been determined – the study also will look at the effects of explosives residues, he said.
The four-year study will allow researchers to see how any changes in genetic chemistry that develop are passed along through two subsequent generations of rats, he said, noting that only the first two years of research have been funded.
Among the problems that might develop are kidney disease, or changes in the male and female reproductive organs, he said.
If any genetic markers are identified in rats, Skinner said, follow-up research could look at whether they might show up among members of the military as well.
That would be of particular interest to Dave Holmes, interim chief operating officer of the Institute for Systems Medicine, which was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense grant passed through to Skinner.
Holmes' son, Tim Hammond, did two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps.
"They sprayed all kinds of stuff on them," Holmes said.
Although the grant money, the first awarded ISM, will fund work in Pullman, he said the organization's supporters hope any subsequent clinical studies will be done in Spokane.
"There's a lot of excitement about making it happen," he said.
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The Tea Party Is Not Racist!
By Emery McClendon
In response to the mainstream media outlets that are trying to discredit the Tea Party Movement as racist, I feel that it is imperative that the truth be presented by one who’s been there.
First of all let me say that I am a conservative African American and a veteran. I have not only attended several Tea Parties, but I organized the event in Fort Wayne, Indiana in April of 2009! The event turned out to be well attended. Our keynote speaker was also African American; former presidential candidate, Dr. Alan Keyes.
I am outraged at the biased coverage of these events. The racist accusations against the Tea Party movement are false and do not portray the truth about a movement which is waking up
Americans to the principles that founded this great nation. Every day a new charge is made, and the major media outlets refuse to allow someone like me refute these allegations and defend the Tea Party, and those that attend the rallies.
Everyone in the media is bent on portraying this movement as the worst thing that anyone could attend because of all of the “shady characters” involved with it. Even Meghan McCain on "The View", and "The Captain America" Comic felt the need to try and discredit the movement.
I challenge the media to bring on a real true African American conservative patriot, and have that person evaluate the Tea Party movement based on experience. I also accept the offer to be that person, because I would like to share the truth about them from my first hand experiences.
Dr Alan Keyes speaks at a Tea Party Rally
I have attended dozens of these events, and have been featured as a speaker at several of them. I have also served on the candidate panels, and spoken at Town Hall Meetings. It has been wonderful to meet and to talk to those that attend. These are folk that love their country, share a deep respect for our Constitution and those that serve in our nation’s Armed Forces. It is a movement that unites everyone, regardless of race, based on those beliefs.
We must start now to debunk this portrayal, because it is causing a very negative impact on the movement without just cause. I can say from experience that the charges are an outright lie.
I have never encountered any racism at any of the events that I have attended throughout Indiana or in other states. I have also attended rallies in the nation’s capital, and these have also been with out any incident.
I cannot sit by and allow a movement such as this to receive unwarranted negative publicity.
The movement is driving true patriotic Americans back to our founding principles and recreating a love for our Constitution. It does this across racial and cultural barriers. The Tea Party movement is bringing us together to stand up for a common cause; that of restoring the traditional values which encompass all people who call themselves Americans. Perhaps unity is what is what the naysayers really fear and the race card is always a handy tool to divide the people.
I thank the Veterans’ Voice for letting me share my views and hope that other media outlets will do likewise. I think I am a better judge than those sitting in the anchor chairs as to whether or not these events are racist and I will give a fair appraisal to the public. Let America hear a voice from the inside, so that they can then decide. If after hearing someone that has been there if the accusations don't fit, then you must acquit.
Freedom and Liberty (Use Them Or Loose Them)
Emery McClendon
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