I'd like to send personal apology to Iraqi people. Any suggestions?

[jChicago]

I've tried contacting a couple of groups, even the Muslim community center in Chicago, with little luck.

I'd like to apologize for the horrific suffering the American government, through gross and deliberate negligence, and criminal conduct, has brought on.

(Please don't launch into a "Saddam was worse" tirade. We've removed the tumor with an buzz-saw and are killing the patient in the process. It did not have to be this way. The number of Iraqi dead as a result of the war is equivalent to 114,000 Americans.)

Even a petition* would do but I'd prefer a personal note. Since they really don't have a consulate, perhaps some of you may be familiar with local Iraqi groups who could convey a message.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I mourn and pray for them every day. I would find some comfort in letting the Iraqi people know that not all Americans support what their government is doing. I know that saying sorry and asking for forgiveness is a pitiful gesture in light of the atrocities, but it's a start.

* If something like this doesn't exist, then it's up to me to start it, but I thought I'd check first.

Thank you.

p.s. Does anyone have info on the use of white phosphorous?

[knowbody0]

1. this idea must fly

while we divert our attention (the election, et al) horrific carnage rages on in our name. i support you 100%

[Pillowbiter]

2. White phosphorous?

Isn't that the stuff that explodes when it comes in contact with water?

And I disagree, Saddam was a dictator, but he was still better than this.

PB

[wicket]

3. Try emailing Riverbend

She is an Iraqi who runs the blog http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/

Great blog and she may be able to help. [email protected]

[jChicago]

4. Thanks for the kind words and suggestions ...

riverbend sounds like the way to go!

I mentioned White phosphorous because it apparently is the 2004 version of napalm that's melting this skin off innocent people

[Carl Brennan]

5. Dear Iraqi people:

The US government was hijacked in 2000 by a power hungry psychopath named GW Bush and, most unfortunately, he ended up venting his wrath on your country. In his lust for profits he acts like a thief angry at the victim who won't let him have his seeks (your oil and US domination of the region). Presently we are trying to challenge the second hijacking of the government by focusing our efforts on the results of the 2004 election. We can do nothing to stop him unless we have an accounting of what happened on Nov.2. Only then can we, those who oppose his rule by force, gain the moral authority to wage war a legal war against him. We may not succeed. If we fail we, the Iraqi people and the anti-Bush Americans, will be equally the victims of his wrath.

[Carl Brennan]

6. Where are you going to send this apology?

[Make7]

7. Start a website.

People could submit letters, pictures, etc. Word will reach the Iraqi people.

Think SorryEveryBody.com but with letters too.

This could help a LOT of people express their sorrow, dismay and regret. (Including you.)

-Make7

[Djinn]

8. Don't know if it's legal and/or feasible

but I've been thinking of sending some money directly to Iraqi Hospitals (keep meaning to research whether this will be do-able or not) I've had a few bad experiences with international charities and would rather send money directly to service providers.

I think this might be of more practical use to Iraqi than an apology, most would have seen the news footgae of the huge worldwide protests against the war so they'd have a fair idea we aren't all for firebombing them until they accept our colonial overlord status