What's the dip on the propaganda about the Iraqi symphony?

[loudnclear]

Just heard they were "saved from Saddam." How so. Didn't they exist under Saddam and didn't they play and rehearse under his regime...or did they just appear after "shock and awe?"

[librechik]

1. Read this

snip

Last year, Mr President, a Chicago based campaigning group called Voices in the Wilderness took with them to Baghdad, spare parts, strings and music scores to this orchestra. Your government is threatening them with either ten years in jail or a fine exceeding one million dollars. Your troops allowed the orchestra's precious theatre to be looted and ruined after your 'liberation' and members of the orchestra, friends of the founder of Voices, Kathy Kelly - who was in Baghdad, not safely in Washington, during the war - went to her hotel and broke down in tears. They had survived the embargo, the 1991 onslaught, a maiming, Jenan's and a number of other deaths due to 'embargo related causes', but it was your your actions which reduced them to collapse.

snip

more...
http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1209-10.htm

[loudnclear]

2. Thanks for posting this... Amazing!!

Amazing!!