Mike Totten served as an MP in Iraq. He took lots of pictures next to Iraq's national monuments. Mike worked closely with his Command Sergeant Major, who used derogatory language to describe the Iraqis. The term "Haji" sanitized and objectified the Iraqis and it allowed the soldiers to separate themselves from the harm they were doing to the Iraqis.

[Quick note: Again, I feel somewhat bad listening to this. I used the term "Haji"; I still find myself using the term "Haji shop" to describe the bodega-style stores that were manned by Iraqis. I never felt like I was using racist language, but I know how angry I get when I hear someone use the term "nigger", even when they "don't mean it." Well, "Haji" is just the Arab version, and I should stop.]

The night after his friend was killed, Mike found himself working at a jail in Karbala. Six men were brought in and alleged to have been the men who were responsible for the death of Mike's squad mate. They were detained, searched, and beaten by all the soldiers present: American; Polish; Iraqi; Slovakian. Mike participated, and the solemn nature of his voice tells me that he may think about this every day; his regret is evident.

Mike is extremely angry, but he has remained cool, calm, and collected on the panel. The events that he witnessed or participated in were done in the name of America, and we all share responsibility in ending it.

Totten ends testimony by addressing General Petraeus, whom he says is no longer a leader, but a cheerleader for occupation; then he rips up the award Petraeus himself pinned on him.