The LaVena Johnson story: Public awareness grows on the Web

Posted by Philip Barron at 11:16 AM on February 27, 2007.

Following in the footsteps of such news and opinion sites as AlterNet and Truthout, the website of activist Michael Moore has picked up the story of Pfc. LaVena Johnson's suspicious death in Iraq and its disputed investigation by the Army. It's clear that the blogosphere is awakening to the struggle of LaVena's family to learn the truth about their daughter's death. It's important to remember, however, that this story is much larger than Blogville. Weblogs obviously have their importance in comminicating this story, but you don't have to be a blogger to be concerned over the anguish of this military family and the inflexibility of the Army. And you don't have to be a blogger to act on that concern.

One very important and helpful act: commend the reporter and television station that brought this new information about LaVena to light: Matt Sczesny (pronounced says-nee) of KMOV-TV in St. Louis. The address of the KMOV newsroom is news@kmov.com.

Other steps you can take involve:

The media close at hand. LaVena's story is no more a local concern than the war in Iraq or the concern that families have for their loved ones overseas. Share that concern in the letters column of your newspaper, or on open line discussion on that radio talk show you listen to.

The media far away. LaVena's story won't enter the minds of professional opinion-makers unless it is brought to their attention. It could be a national-level print columnist (a Nick Kristoff, possibly), a television personality (a Keith Olbermann, perhaps), a talk show host (an Oprah Winfrey, maybe). If you feel that a particular media personality would be sympathetic to the story of Pfc. Johnson and her family, please share that story with him or her.

Those who have written or talked about LaVena before. Our attention span is narrow; we have to work to remember things, even important things. There are news outlets that have mentioned LaVena's death once and then moved on because that's the way of the world. Find out who they are (Google, Lexis Nexis, and the like). Help them remember. Remind them of LaVena.

Friends, family, plain old people. I look at the links that are bringing people to the posts on LaVena and see that several originated from emails. People are sharing the story. It takes just a moment to spread the word via your address book. Or over dinner.

Politicians. The Armed Services Committee's in the Senate and in the House are charged with legislative oversight of the armed forces. With enough will, their members can compel the Army to respond to LaVena's family. You can help these legislators find that will by asking them to act in their capacity as members of these committees. MichaelMoore.com links to the membership page of the Senate body, but a more convenient list of direct contact links for each member of both the Senate and House committees can be found here.

Those who have served. I saved soldiers for last here when they might easily have been first; I did so because I believe it's important to go away from this thinking primarily about the men and women who have served us in dangerous places. Our thoughts are with them and for them and their families, regardless of personal feelings about the current war. If you have a loved one or a friend who is is serving now or has served, share LaVena's story with that soldier.

The only thing to add here is that even though feelings on this subject will run hot, it's important to be decent in your communications with people from whom you are asking help. After all, you're acting not in your name alone, but in someone else's.

Other suggestions are welcomed in comments.

Tagged as: iraq, lavena johnson

Philip Barron is a St. Louis writer and author of the blog Waveflux.