Keep it to Yourself, Gomer

US marine removed over coin claim
(From the BBC News.)

The coins were reportedly distributed at a checkpoint in Falluja

A US marine in Iraq has been removed from duty following claims that he handed out coins inscribed with biblical verses in Arabic.

Residents in Falluja had complained that the coins were being distributed at a checkpoint, the US military said.

US troops are forbidden from proselytising any religion.

The case comes a week after US President George Bush made a personal apology over a US soldier in Iraq shot holes into a version of the Koran.

In the Falluja incident, a military statement said a service member had been discharged "amid concerns from Falluja's citizens regarding reports of inappropriate conduct".

A report from McClatchy News Service carried a photo of a silver coin it said had been distributed in the Iraqi city.

Written in Arabic script on one side of the coin were the words: "Where will you spend eternity?"

On the other side, the news service said there was a Bible verse referring to Jesus: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16."

Koran shooting

Military spokesman Mike Isho told McClatchy that marines at the western gate in Falluja had been searched following a report about the coins.

One man found with the coins was reassigned and would no longer be working in the central Anbar province, he said.

The military said coalition forces were prohibited from "proselytising any religion, faith or practices, and our troops are trained on those guidelines before they deploy".

It is still investigating the incident and says "appropriate action will be taken" if claims about the coins are substantiated.

Earlier this month, a soldier was sent home from Iraq after a Koran was found riddled with bullets in a shooting range near Baghdad.

The incident triggered a violent protest by more than 1,000 people in Afghanistan in which three people died.

Sick and Tired...

...of pretty much everything.

Can't Sleep

In ten hours I have my yearly committee meeting, and my mind is racing. I've been in and out of depression recently, mostly due to the fact that Murph is still in Ohio, and, though I love Declan more than I ever imagined, it is a hard row to hoe right now, all by myself (though with help from a friend or two). Also, the recent guilt over how behind I am in school work has contributed to my sense of worthlessness. And my penniless status is no help, either.

Well, I will read a bit, and hope that helps. Declan is already in bed waiting for me, so at least there will be some snuggles. That does help. A lot.

sad

Enough With the Wallowing.

Also, enough with the "title as whole post" thing.

Jeesh.

Officially Old

Yup.

Ignored

Birthday tomorrow, and today it's like no one remembers I exist.

Underway

Baby is fine; work-for-pay is being taken care of.

Dissertation is back in my life.

On Saturday, I turn 30.

New Blog

I started a blog here for Declan and his adventures.

Quiet

No one's home, and I'm sitting here alone. Declan is asleep in the bed, waiting for me, but I can't sleep. It's too quiet; too lonely. I love that little boy, but sometimes he just can't fill the silence.

I Know, I Know...

Sorry I've been absent so long, but I was enjoying my first months as mom.

Will return to blogging regularly now, I hope.