Illinois to investigate day laborer deaths
CHICAGO, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has appointed a panel to investigate death and injury rates of Hispanics and other immigrants in unsafe work environments.
The number of Hispanic immigrant worker deaths has been rising steadily each year for the past decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 14-member special Illinois panel will identify risk factors and strategies to lower the risk of on-the-job injury or death to immigrant workers and day laborers.
The task force will look at bi-lingual job training and cultural barriers facing immigrant workers who often lack union protection on the job in construction, agriculture and other industries.
"We are going to do absolutely everything possible to protect our immigrant workers," Blagojevich told a Columbus Day news conference in Chicago. "I am appointing these individuals so they can provide recommendations to insure that after a hard day of work, Illinois workers can return home safely to their families."
Only four in Fallujah Brigade join US side
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Only four members of the Fallujah Brigade have reportedly joined the Iraqi National Army, one of the offers made to ease disbanding the now illegal force.
The Fallujah Brigade was a U.S. created -- but not controlled -- Iraqi force assigned to secure Fallujah from inside the city after the major battle there in April and May.
It quickly became part of the problem, according to U.S. commanders -- allowing insurgents and terrorists to use Fallujah as a headquarters. The brigade even participated in, or at least did not oppose, the kidnapping and murder of an Iraqi National Guard battalion commander in August.
The same month, Marine commanders announced their intention to declare the force illegitimate and gave its members two options: surrender their weapons and uniforms and quit entirely, or join the Iraqi Army. If not, they would be considered fair targets within Fallujah, along with any one else who publicly bears arms.
The Iraqi government official declared the Fallujah Brigade illegitimate Sept. 11.
"I'm surprised that the Falluja Brigade even coughed up four guys for the Iraqi Army," a senior military official told UPI.
'PC' concerns delayed general's star
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Just back from war, a Marine general received his third star last month after a four-month delay for his failure to use "gender neutral" terms in an e-mail.
The Senate late last month approved a third star for Lt. Gen. James Mattis, the former commander of the 1st Marine Division who led charges into both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Earlier this year Mattis, at the request of an instructor at the National Defense University, e-mailed a brief essay about the books he carries with him into combat, from Marcus Aurelius to T.E. Lawrence.
"Our leaders going into this fight do their troops a disservice by not studying (studying, vice just reading) the men who have gone before us," Mattis wrote.
"I believe that many of my young guys lived" because Mattis learned from other's mistakes and experiences via books, he wrote.
The message was widely forwarded and published in the Marine Corps Gazette in February, an official military publication.
Mattis' use of the words "guys" and "men" versus something that also reflected the existence of female Marines apparently landed him in hot water with someone powerful -- albeit anonymous -- who asked for an investigation.
The matter was ultimately dismissed with support from the Marine Corps, Navy and Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mattis now heads the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.
Bush calls Reeve man of courage
DENVER, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush expressed sadness Monday over the death of actor Christopher Reeve and called him a man of courage.
"Laura and I are saddened by the death of Christopher Reeve. Mr. Reeve was an example of personal courage, optimism, and self determination. He was brave in the face of adversity and was greatly admired by millions of Americans," Bush said in a statement.
Added Bush: "He will be remembered as an accomplished actor and for his dedicated advocacy for those with physical disabilities. We send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends."
Reeve, 52, died in New York Sunday. He had suffered cardiac arrest Saturday amid complications from an infection.
Best known for his movie portrayal of the comic book hero Superman, Reeve was paralyzed in an equestrian accident in 1995 and became an advocate for people with spinal cord injuries.
The president's statement was issued in Denver, where he was campaigning.
