A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
Mohammad of Iraq the Model asks a fundamental question: Is there a place for democracy in the Middle East? “Is it possible for democracy to succeed here? And is the struggle to change our backward present and catch up with the modern world a losing one? Are we really ready to change ourselves and replace the old ways of violence and hatred with tolerance and dialogue for a better future? And do we deserve help from the world in our battle? … Victory may look far away but defeat I can’t see at all and if some consider our sacrifices a defeat, I consider them a price that has to be paid.”
Chester at The Adventures of Chester has a suggestion for the President in his State of the Union Address, he wants him to say something meaningful about Iran and he even gives his reasons for it. “Over the past few weeks, I've discussed the Iran crisis with a variety of people, very intelligent and successful folks, of varying political belief, including the very smart Mrs. Chester.
The thing that has surprised me is their uniform initial reaction to the entire crisis: "Why," they ask, "should the United States not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons? That doesn't seem fair."
It's incredibly frustrating to me to hear this line of thought, and I've tried to counter it in several ways. But it seems to be very common. So my advice to Bush is that if he's going to build support domestically for any kind of action to stop Iran's nuclear program, diplomatic, military, or otherwise, then he needs to address this fundamental question . . .
I have two responses that may be helpful.
NOTR at ROFASix wants to know if we want to give Democracy - Only for those we hate? “Do professional politicians in America understand that they live in a republic, not a democracy? After all, politicians would be hard pressed to find the word, "democracy" anywhere in the US Constitution. Have they ever wondered why when they say the Pledge of Allegiance it doesn’t end with "to the Democracy for which it stands?"
Andi of Andi’s World writes about A Canadian Editorial Thanks American Troops: America-bashing has become a past-time for many, both inside and outside of our borders. That's why it's particularly nice to read a Canadian editorial expressing appreciation for American troops who came to the assistance of Canadian troops in Kandahar after they were hit by a suicide bomber.
Victor Davis Hanson writes Deconstructing Bin Laden: “We don't know whether the latest and much-discussed Osama bin Laden tape was recorded recently. But the harangue is still a valuable reflection of the current al Qaeda hierarchy that broadcast it to the world.First, things must be going very badly for the terrorists to propose a ceasefire: "We don't mind offering you a long-term truce."In truth, the winning side does not ask for a reprieve. Losing autocrats — whether the officers of the German army in the summer of 1918 or Hitler's cadre in the spring of 1945 — always "don't mind" sending out peace feelers in the 11th hour to salvage their power before they lose it for good.That is not to say there won't be more sacrifices to come. The battles of the Bulge and Okinawa were the most costly for Americans of World War II, and ended just months before the Nazi and Japanese capitulations.”
Crazy Politico at Crazy Politico’s Rantings writes Eating Their Own: “There is a very good article in the Washington Post this morning about one of the big problems in the Democratic Party. It's called cannibalism, as Dana Milbank notices in "Tasting Victory, Liberals Instead Have a Food Fight".He starts with an interpretation of a poll from ABC News, and the expected result:
The new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds congressional Democrats in the best position they've held in 14 years, besting President Bush and Republican lawmakers on Iraq, the economy, health care, immigration, ethics and more.All of which can mean only one thing: It is time for the Democrats to eat their own.
This is true, it's where the Democratic Party has found it's biggest problems lately. They can't seem to leave "good" alone. But there is a reason for their problem, the very make up of the party.”
Some Soldier’s Mom writes What Zawahiri really said...”‘I am among the Muslim masses.’ You mean you're cowering with your tail between your legs among the innocent people in the hopes that it will protect you from the American military... Are you cowering in a rat hole? You and your ilk know no honor. You shield yourself behind women and children and innocent men. You are pond scum.” It only gets better from there!
Do you like this kind of entry, then you’ll love this entry by Mrs. Greyhawk, she has been doing it longer and better than any of us. Stop in and read her Dawn Patrol for a comprehensive listing of everything that is going on in the world today and everyday.
January 31, 2006
January 30, 2006
Moral Authority
DEBRA BURLINGAME in today’s Wall Street Journal/Opinion Journal writes in Our Right to Security that Al Qaeda, not the FBI, is the greater threat to America, and she is right. She writes:
Not only is she right but she also has the absolute moral authority to speak on this topic, something that most of the blubbering left has not and yet demands from those that hold an opinion different than theirs. And why does she have that moral authority to speak out against the Main Stream Media’s and the Lefts’ position, because she is the sister of Charles F. "Chic" Burlingame III, the pilot of American Airlines flight 77, which was crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Left’s position that the Patriot Act is an affront to civil liberties in America is a position that is not only wrong it is one that places us in greater danger of another attack. It is another political power play that they are willing to play in an effort to return them to power and your safety and security be damned.
“A mere four-and-a-half years after victims were forced to choose between being burned alive and jumping from 90 stories, it is frankly shocking that there is anyone in Washington who would politicize the Patriot Act. It is an insult to those who died to tell the American people that the organization posing the greatest threat to their liberty is not al Qaeda but the FBI. Hearing any member of Congress actually crow about "killing" or "playing chicken" with this critical legislation is as disturbing today as it would have been when Ground Zero was still smoldering. Today we know in far greater detail what not having it cost us.
The public has listened to years of stinging revelations detailing how the government tied its own hands in stopping the devastating attacks of September 11. It is an irresponsible violation of the public trust for members of Congress to weaken the Patriot Act or jeopardize the NSA terrorist surveillance program because of the same illusory theories that cost us so dearly before, or worse, for rank partisan advantage. If they do, and our country sustains yet another catastrophic attack that these antiterrorism tools could have prevented, the phrase "connect the dots" will resonate again--but this time it will refer to the trail of innocent American blood which leads directly to the Senate floor.”
Not only is she right but she also has the absolute moral authority to speak on this topic, something that most of the blubbering left has not and yet demands from those that hold an opinion different than theirs. And why does she have that moral authority to speak out against the Main Stream Media’s and the Lefts’ position, because she is the sister of Charles F. "Chic" Burlingame III, the pilot of American Airlines flight 77, which was crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Left’s position that the Patriot Act is an affront to civil liberties in America is a position that is not only wrong it is one that places us in greater danger of another attack. It is another political power play that they are willing to play in an effort to return them to power and your safety and security be damned.
Web Reconnaissance for 01/30/2006
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
LTC Delaplaine of Firepower Forward writes An Open Letter to Arianna Huffington: “Now I normally don't let the simpering drivel of the left wing bother me too much, but a column regarding the stability of Afghanistan by Arianna Huffington showed up in Stars and Stripes the other day and it is so far off the mark that it demands a response. So I hope you will indulge my politicizing this blog for a post.”
It’s a must read from someone who really knows what is going on.
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes Breath Deep the Gathering Gloom…: “Getting into OP Ethan was like entering the decaying skeletal remains of a leviathan. The building's roof was flayed off of the rafters and hanging in fleshy tatters. To get to the main part of the OP you had to cross a courtyard thick with the dendrus of battle and, in the light of a full moon, combed by the exposed rafter's jagged shadows.
The Gunn Nutt writes Free to Rock at Walter Reed: “We got permits
Yes we do! We got permits How 'bout You?”
John Hawkins at Right Wing News writes Theories On Why The Left Thinks The Mainstream Media Is Conservative: “The idea that the mainstream media is so kooky, it's right up there with Diebold rigging the elections, conservatives planning to send liberals to camps, and Bush invading Iraq to get revenge for them "trying to kill his daddy"...come to think of it, liberals believe a lot of dumb, obviously false things, so why should this be any different?
But, why do they believe or at least claim to believe this? I have four interlocking theories:”
Trevor at The Will To Exist writes You are reckless and wrong and you need to reconsider your worldview: “So you are anti-war. You think we invaded Iraq “illegally.” You think we’re over here slaughtering innocents and trying to extend an American empire into the heart of the Middle East. You’ve protested. You want to impeach Bush. You believe America is headed down the wrong path. And you’re completely wrong about all of it. If you’re still willing to listen I’ll explain why…”
LTC Delaplaine of Firepower Forward writes An Open Letter to Arianna Huffington: “Now I normally don't let the simpering drivel of the left wing bother me too much, but a column regarding the stability of Afghanistan by Arianna Huffington showed up in Stars and Stripes the other day and it is so far off the mark that it demands a response. So I hope you will indulge my politicizing this blog for a post.”
It’s a must read from someone who really knows what is going on.
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes Breath Deep the Gathering Gloom…: “Getting into OP Ethan was like entering the decaying skeletal remains of a leviathan. The building's roof was flayed off of the rafters and hanging in fleshy tatters. To get to the main part of the OP you had to cross a courtyard thick with the dendrus of battle and, in the light of a full moon, combed by the exposed rafter's jagged shadows.
The Gunn Nutt writes Free to Rock at Walter Reed: “We got permits
Yes we do! We got permits How 'bout You?”
John Hawkins at Right Wing News writes Theories On Why The Left Thinks The Mainstream Media Is Conservative: “The idea that the mainstream media is so kooky, it's right up there with Diebold rigging the elections, conservatives planning to send liberals to camps, and Bush invading Iraq to get revenge for them "trying to kill his daddy"...come to think of it, liberals believe a lot of dumb, obviously false things, so why should this be any different?
But, why do they believe or at least claim to believe this? I have four interlocking theories:”
Trevor at The Will To Exist writes You are reckless and wrong and you need to reconsider your worldview: “So you are anti-war. You think we invaded Iraq “illegally.” You think we’re over here slaughtering innocents and trying to extend an American empire into the heart of the Middle East. You’ve protested. You want to impeach Bush. You believe America is headed down the wrong path. And you’re completely wrong about all of it. If you’re still willing to listen I’ll explain why…”
January 27, 2006
A Wonderful Thought for Today
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned; parties and a football game with my friends’ tomorrow afternoon, so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him, so, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class and he had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak on Graduation day, but when I saw Kyle he looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
"Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.
“I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile, not until that moment did I realize its depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for God in others.
You now have two choices, you can:
1) Pass this on to your friends or
2) Act like it didn't touch your heart.
As you can see, I took choice number 1.
"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
There is no beginning or end…
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
When this came to me, it was originally a chain letter. Send to 10 people or else something, blah, blah, blah and yadda, yadda, yadda...but instead I'm giving it to you as a great thought for the day! Pass it on and who knows, you just might be that angel for someone else.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him, so, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class and he had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak on Graduation day, but when I saw Kyle he looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
"Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.
“I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile, not until that moment did I realize its depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for God in others.
You now have two choices, you can:
1) Pass this on to your friends or
2) Act like it didn't touch your heart.
As you can see, I took choice number 1.
"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
There is no beginning or end…
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
When this came to me, it was originally a chain letter. Send to 10 people or else something, blah, blah, blah and yadda, yadda, yadda...but instead I'm giving it to you as a great thought for the day! Pass it on and who knows, you just might be that angel for someone else.
Nein Nein Stein!
I was going to write about Joel’s wonderful essay extolling the virtues of military service but since I needed some time to collect my thoughts on it several, okay everyone, beat me to the punch. So for your reading pleasure, I give you the best on Joel Stein.
In no particular order:
Joel Stein: You've been Fredited by Fred Schoeneman.
Joel Stein Answered - By Theodore Roosevelt by Armed Liberal/Winds of Change.
Stein, Again: An Officer and a Gentleman Responds by Fuzzilicious Thinking.
Patriotic Essay - A Better Writer Than Joel Stein by Dr. Ariane T. “Doc” Alexander via Soldiers Angel-Holly Aho
The Ugliest of Things by Dadmanly
Punkin’ Joel Stein by Neptunus Lex.
Warriors or Wusses by Uncle Jimbo via Blackfive
Hell No, I Won't Show ... Support by Captain Ed of Captains Quarters
Los Angeles Times columnist Joel Stein today saying he doesn't support the troops Hugh Hewitt via Radio Blogger
25 WAYS TO IGNORE JOEL STEIN AND SUPPORT OUR TROOPS by Michelle Malkin
Not Joel Stein's Kind Of Men by Cassandra of Villainous Company
In no particular order:
Joel Stein: You've been Fredited by Fred Schoeneman.
Joel Stein Answered - By Theodore Roosevelt by Armed Liberal/Winds of Change.
Stein, Again: An Officer and a Gentleman Responds by Fuzzilicious Thinking.
Patriotic Essay - A Better Writer Than Joel Stein by Dr. Ariane T. “Doc” Alexander via Soldiers Angel-Holly Aho
The Ugliest of Things by Dadmanly
Punkin’ Joel Stein by Neptunus Lex.
Warriors or Wusses by Uncle Jimbo via Blackfive
Hell No, I Won't Show ... Support by Captain Ed of Captains Quarters
Los Angeles Times columnist Joel Stein today saying he doesn't support the troops Hugh Hewitt via Radio Blogger
25 WAYS TO IGNORE JOEL STEIN AND SUPPORT OUR TROOPS by Michelle Malkin
Not Joel Stein's Kind Of Men by Cassandra of Villainous Company
Web Reconnaissance for 01/27/2006
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
Captain B of One Marine’s View has another winner up entitled Just Another Day: “What was your day like? Yea, so was mine…………well, I bet ours was a bit different. I take for granted that you don’t know what our day is like. This is our way of life here and sometimes you think that’s all there is. You back in the states……..you’re in another world entirely.”
Pam at Iraq War Today has Hamas Rising, if you took my little quiz earlier and you think that in question #2 nothing would happen, then this is the post for you to read! “Jimmy Carter The ex-Pres was interviewed on Friday. Although he acknowledged that the "so-called terrorists" had an element "who deny Israel's right to exist," he reminded us that "there have been no complaints of corruption against [their] elected officials." Oh, goodie. I feel much better now. I'm reminded of the people that called a choice between "Saddam" and "you die" a free Iraqi election.Carter also said that "sometimes you have to learn to work with terrorists."Um....no. No, Mr. Carter, you really don't.”
Andi of Andi’s World writes about the goings on at the D-Day museum in Normandy France Turning Their Backs on History “Normandy doesn't belong to us, but it wouldn't belong to the French either were it not for us. That's why the current controversy over the D-Day Museum in France is an abomination.
THE museum set up by the French authorities to commemorate the D-Day landings is struggling under a mountain of debt amid a sharp decline in the number of visitors.
The Memorial Museum in Caen, Normandy, has been accused of mismanagement for turning its back on the Second World War to concentrate on subjects from feminism to Father Christmas. In recent months the museum has focused efforts on transforming itself into a “place of reflection on the contemporary world”.
Kudos to Claude Quétel, the former Chief Historian of the museum. Quétel was fired for speaking the truth.”
Captain Ed of Captain’s Quarter also is on the Normandy issue with I Know We’re forgetting Something: “Quick quiz: when one builds a war memorial, what one subject should not be overlooked? If you answered "the war", then you're at least two steps ahead of the French designers of a D-Day memorial in Normandy. The London Times reports today that the Memorial Museum in Caen manages to mention multiculturalism, feminism, and Father Christmas, but it neglects to focus on that big armada of ships that parked itself off of the shores of Normandy in June 1944:”
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes Returning to the world…of color: “Today I attended the first of several briefs that are part of the standard issue "returning to the world" readjustment process. The Marines are very aware that the transition from Iraq back to the States, from combat to home and hearth, is one that needs to be handled with the same tactical devotion as a full frontal assault on a fortified position. Today's initial meeting was conducted by a chaplain and dealt primarily with family and post-traumatic stress issues.”
Captain B of One Marine’s View has another winner up entitled Just Another Day: “What was your day like? Yea, so was mine…………well, I bet ours was a bit different. I take for granted that you don’t know what our day is like. This is our way of life here and sometimes you think that’s all there is. You back in the states……..you’re in another world entirely.”
Pam at Iraq War Today has Hamas Rising, if you took my little quiz earlier and you think that in question #2 nothing would happen, then this is the post for you to read! “Jimmy Carter The ex-Pres was interviewed on Friday. Although he acknowledged that the "so-called terrorists" had an element "who deny Israel's right to exist," he reminded us that "there have been no complaints of corruption against [their] elected officials." Oh, goodie. I feel much better now. I'm reminded of the people that called a choice between "Saddam" and "you die" a free Iraqi election.Carter also said that "sometimes you have to learn to work with terrorists."Um....no. No, Mr. Carter, you really don't.”
Andi of Andi’s World writes about the goings on at the D-Day museum in Normandy France Turning Their Backs on History “Normandy doesn't belong to us, but it wouldn't belong to the French either were it not for us. That's why the current controversy over the D-Day Museum in France is an abomination.
THE museum set up by the French authorities to commemorate the D-Day landings is struggling under a mountain of debt amid a sharp decline in the number of visitors.
The Memorial Museum in Caen, Normandy, has been accused of mismanagement for turning its back on the Second World War to concentrate on subjects from feminism to Father Christmas. In recent months the museum has focused efforts on transforming itself into a “place of reflection on the contemporary world”.
Kudos to Claude Quétel, the former Chief Historian of the museum. Quétel was fired for speaking the truth.”
Captain Ed of Captain’s Quarter also is on the Normandy issue with I Know We’re forgetting Something: “Quick quiz: when one builds a war memorial, what one subject should not be overlooked? If you answered "the war", then you're at least two steps ahead of the French designers of a D-Day memorial in Normandy. The London Times reports today that the Memorial Museum in Caen manages to mention multiculturalism, feminism, and Father Christmas, but it neglects to focus on that big armada of ships that parked itself off of the shores of Normandy in June 1944:”
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes Returning to the world…of color: “Today I attended the first of several briefs that are part of the standard issue "returning to the world" readjustment process. The Marines are very aware that the transition from Iraq back to the States, from combat to home and hearth, is one that needs to be handled with the same tactical devotion as a full frontal assault on a fortified position. Today's initial meeting was conducted by a chaplain and dealt primarily with family and post-traumatic stress issues.”
Mideast Thought Experiment
Kobayashi Maru has an interesting little post entitled Mideast Thought Experiment it’s a simple little question the answer to which speaks volumes depending on how you answer. Instead of posting the answers with the questions I want you to answer this in the comments section. No answer will be deleted no matter how foul you attempt to be.
So here we go:
Question #1: If tomorrow morning we woke up and all of the Islamic nations and peoples surrounding Israel were completely without any weapons more powerful than a ripe eggplant, (and Israel retained theirs) what would happen next?
Question #2: If the reverse were true, what would happen?
Answer in the comments section please, and please explain your answers with examples please.
So here we go:
Question #1: If tomorrow morning we woke up and all of the Islamic nations and peoples surrounding Israel were completely without any weapons more powerful than a ripe eggplant, (and Israel retained theirs) what would happen next?
Question #2: If the reverse were true, what would happen?
Answer in the comments section please, and please explain your answers with examples please.
January 26, 2006
Hypocrisy and Coffee
Charlie Munn at The Officer’s Club hits it out of the park with this analysis of the left and their hatred of all things American. Black Coffee Blogging: “Here’s the problem that most people drinking Starbucks coffee and complaining about the president can’t wrap their brains around. We live in the real world, not just in America. There are many dark places in the real world, like the streets of Tangiers, the slums of African urban villages ruled by 14 year-olds with AK-47s, countries in the Middle East where the female half of the population is treated like furniture, and industrial Asian powers who starve their people while indoctrinating them to suicide themselves for “the cause.” The world is a dark, dangerous place. But that’s hard to realize while you’re reclined at your local Starbucks, sipping your vente mocha frappachino. We live in a world of light, because it was hacked out of the wilderness by idealists 300 years ago. We live in a world of light because the Framers of the Constitution declared that all men were endowed by their creator with unalienable rights, and that all men were created equal. America was established with high ideals, protected by oceans, and blessed with a frontier and natural resources as far as the eye could see.”
Right on sir! The hypocrisy of the left is never more evident than in their so called ‘support for the troops when they shoot their offices’ mentality. Their often used and wildly false statements about the military being filled with the least able in our society, and that they are terrorists occupying a foreign nation are but symptoms of their complacency and ignorance on the true workings of the world in which we live. They are concerned more about their own selfish needs and egos than providing for a greater good, a greater good that our men and women in uniform provide for on a daily basis, often times with their lives. George Orwell wrote, "Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf…" and today that statement is never more valid.
For those that would assail our efforts, its time you take a moment and reflect upon how it is that you can live in this country with all of your modern conveniences’ and liberties and not have to lift a finger to protect those rights. For not long ago your ancestors gave their all to provide you with those rights and rough men stand ready to defend them on your behalf, not because you ask them to, but because you refuse to.
Right on sir! The hypocrisy of the left is never more evident than in their so called ‘support for the troops when they shoot their offices’ mentality. Their often used and wildly false statements about the military being filled with the least able in our society, and that they are terrorists occupying a foreign nation are but symptoms of their complacency and ignorance on the true workings of the world in which we live. They are concerned more about their own selfish needs and egos than providing for a greater good, a greater good that our men and women in uniform provide for on a daily basis, often times with their lives. George Orwell wrote, "Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf…" and today that statement is never more valid.
For those that would assail our efforts, its time you take a moment and reflect upon how it is that you can live in this country with all of your modern conveniences’ and liberties and not have to lift a finger to protect those rights. For not long ago your ancestors gave their all to provide you with those rights and rough men stand ready to defend them on your behalf, not because you ask them to, but because you refuse to.
Web Reconnaissance for 01/26/2006
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
Captain B of One Marine’s View posts an essay by Sgt M called The Young Marine Breaks the Code “I joined the Marine Corps over four years ago for the college money. Now that I am about to finish my tour, I am reflecting on what I got out of it. Yes, I will get the college money, but what I was given is much deeper than the materialistic values. I have the advantage of knowing that I served faithfully with the greatest fighting force in the world. I have the benefit of knowing that I was part of the strongest brotherhood known to man, a brotherhood whose members would gladly go to war with you and lay their lives on the line for you. I have the profit of knowing that I retain some of the strongest friendships that could ever exist, friendships that most people will never be lucky enough to experience in their entire lives. I have the honor of knowing that I am a United States Marine.”
T.F. Bogs writes What it Takes “No matter what function you serve your country in; you are doing a service that supports the military. You don’t have to be a soldier to do your part but what you need to do is be thankful for those who make the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and cognizant of the fact that without a military we wouldn’t have the country that we do now. I can even find a role for people like L.A. Times columnist Joes Stein who don’t support the troops or their country. Because of people like them I become more determined each day to do the right thing and live an upright life.”
Captain Ed of Captains Quarters has a post entitled Welcome to War: “Unless someone can show widespread voter fraud on behalf of Hamas, the Palestinians should be judged by the choices they have made this week. They have chosen war and the annihilation of Israel over the two-state solution favored publicly (if not fervently) by Fatah. Europe and the United States need to wake up from their delusional dreamland of a situation where both sides in this conflict want a peaceful conclusion and a world without hatred for their children and grandchildren. Clearly, the Palestinians want war, and they have made no secret of using their children and grandchildren as bomb fuses in order to perpetuate it.”
Francis Marion of Where I Stand has a new post up called The Iranian Threat: “Last week we marked the 25th anniversary of the release of the American hostages from Iran after being confined for 444 days. In those 25 years Iran has made countless threats and has defended itself in a war against Iraq. Apart from condoning, endorsing, and supporting terrorists, all they did was make idle threats. Compare that with Iraq which attacked Iran, annexed Kuwait, and exterminated some of its own people. We do not have the political capitol to attack Iran since they have never shown any overt aggression; however, we do have a moral responsibility to encourage freedom.”
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes, Of Quasimoto, Dogs, Death and God: “Out on the battlefield communication is important on many levels. Company commanders follow closely behind their Marines as they press forward through a maze of walled courtyards and Byzantine streets. With a radio handset pressed into one ear and a strangle hold on a well worn map these seasoned professionals orchestrate a deadly game of cat and mouse.” Stop in for his writing which is great and his artwork which is sublime.
Captain B of One Marine’s View posts an essay by Sgt M called The Young Marine Breaks the Code “I joined the Marine Corps over four years ago for the college money. Now that I am about to finish my tour, I am reflecting on what I got out of it. Yes, I will get the college money, but what I was given is much deeper than the materialistic values. I have the advantage of knowing that I served faithfully with the greatest fighting force in the world. I have the benefit of knowing that I was part of the strongest brotherhood known to man, a brotherhood whose members would gladly go to war with you and lay their lives on the line for you. I have the profit of knowing that I retain some of the strongest friendships that could ever exist, friendships that most people will never be lucky enough to experience in their entire lives. I have the honor of knowing that I am a United States Marine.”
T.F. Bogs writes What it Takes “No matter what function you serve your country in; you are doing a service that supports the military. You don’t have to be a soldier to do your part but what you need to do is be thankful for those who make the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and cognizant of the fact that without a military we wouldn’t have the country that we do now. I can even find a role for people like L.A. Times columnist Joes Stein who don’t support the troops or their country. Because of people like them I become more determined each day to do the right thing and live an upright life.”
Captain Ed of Captains Quarters has a post entitled Welcome to War: “Unless someone can show widespread voter fraud on behalf of Hamas, the Palestinians should be judged by the choices they have made this week. They have chosen war and the annihilation of Israel over the two-state solution favored publicly (if not fervently) by Fatah. Europe and the United States need to wake up from their delusional dreamland of a situation where both sides in this conflict want a peaceful conclusion and a world without hatred for their children and grandchildren. Clearly, the Palestinians want war, and they have made no secret of using their children and grandchildren as bomb fuses in order to perpetuate it.”
Francis Marion of Where I Stand has a new post up called The Iranian Threat: “Last week we marked the 25th anniversary of the release of the American hostages from Iran after being confined for 444 days. In those 25 years Iran has made countless threats and has defended itself in a war against Iraq. Apart from condoning, endorsing, and supporting terrorists, all they did was make idle threats. Compare that with Iraq which attacked Iran, annexed Kuwait, and exterminated some of its own people. We do not have the political capitol to attack Iran since they have never shown any overt aggression; however, we do have a moral responsibility to encourage freedom.”
WO1 Michael Fay of Fire and Ice writes, Of Quasimoto, Dogs, Death and God: “Out on the battlefield communication is important on many levels. Company commanders follow closely behind their Marines as they press forward through a maze of walled courtyards and Byzantine streets. With a radio handset pressed into one ear and a strangle hold on a well worn map these seasoned professionals orchestrate a deadly game of cat and mouse.” Stop in for his writing which is great and his artwork which is sublime.
Welcome Home Brothers and Thank You!
Thunder 6 writes:
“After 18 months away the 1-184 IN returned to the sunny shores of California
last Monday. It has only been a week since A Co touched down, but when I
look back at my days in Baghdad they seem somehow vaguely unfamiliar.”
Alpha “Killer” Company 1-184 Infantry has arrived home, thank you for all you and the men of the Nightstalkers did Capt B, you have accomplished a great task for us and we thank you!
Please stop in and express your thanks to these great men and my friends. Some of them did not come home and we should also take a moment to remember them and their sacrifice for not only the Iraqi’s freedom but our security as well.
January 24, 2006
The Great Reward of Service
"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! The shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls. This is the great reward of service. To live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mystery of the Christ,-to give life's best for such high sake that it shall be found again unto life eternal." MAJ. GEN. JOSHUA LAWRENCE CHAMBERLAINGettysburg Oct 3, 1889
The great reward of service, four words that have no place on the lips of many American’s these days for service is a lost art to many of us. Their days are spent serving not the needs of a country or our neighbors but in making ends meet in their own self centered lives. It is the life of non-service that greats the Anti-American and those that would subvert our cause in Democracy and Republicanism. Not the republicanism of the political party but rather the Republicanism of the service of others for the greater good, that an elected official should work for our greater good and not the special interest of who has the most money. The republicanism that our men and women in uniform are serving a greater good so that you can take for granted all that is in your life. The republicanism that your needs are not greater than the needs of our country, that no one person is worth more than another, that we judge a man by his character and not his political leanings.
Saturday my sons and I stood upon the hill that MG Chamberlain defended from aggression, and we walked the fields where it is said you could have walked from one end to the other and not once touched solid ground for the bodies lay so thick upon it, and not once could I fathom that there would be a group of people that would willingly take us back to a time such as that. But, those in our country that hate America are doing just that. They seek to create a rift between those that serve others and those that serve themselves and they can win this battle if we allow them.
Just after the first of the year I was afforded the opportunity to view the memorial service of a good and wonderful man, it was the service of Sgt Mike Stokely, His father has sent me a copy of the service on DVD so that I could be a part of the continuing shadow of his presence. In that service I heard the pastor say something that struck me as so fundamentally true and yet so simple that most people would never think of it, but it strikes true to our belief that service is the reward for our lives. The pastor said, “Honor is not the reward for what one receives, Honor is the reward for what one gives.”
Think about that and then ask yourself this question; will you receive the great reward of service or will honor slip you by as you seek to destroy us for your own petty gains?
Web Reconnaissance for 01/24/2006
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
Sure Fire of Pass the Brass has a new post up Limited he is in Iraq now as a part of the 82nd “01/20/06 0624 hours Thinking about what else I can write, I start to see just how slow this may get as there really is not too much that I can expand upon. As fast paced as daily life may be, things are actually slow when you look at the big picture. Sure there are plenty of things that can happen that I would love to share my thoughts on, but for the most part, they don’t happen as often. But then again…I’m not really sure going through those things is such a good bet.”
John at Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys has a post about WO Welshofer’s conviction in the death of an Iraqi General. 'Army Interrogator Welshofer Convicted of Negligent Homicide...'
Andi of Andi’s World has a great look at Mother Sheehan and her endless effort tot maintain her 15 minutes of fame that expired 7 years ago. Psychobabble as an Equalizer “Matriotism. Ever heard of it? It's Cindy Sheehan's new word. Given her revulsion to patriotism, she's reinventing the wheel and twisting it into something that justifies her anti-Americanism.”
Sure Fire of Pass the Brass has a new post up Limited he is in Iraq now as a part of the 82nd “01/20/06 0624 hours Thinking about what else I can write, I start to see just how slow this may get as there really is not too much that I can expand upon. As fast paced as daily life may be, things are actually slow when you look at the big picture. Sure there are plenty of things that can happen that I would love to share my thoughts on, but for the most part, they don’t happen as often. But then again…I’m not really sure going through those things is such a good bet.”
John at Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys has a post about WO Welshofer’s conviction in the death of an Iraqi General. 'Army Interrogator Welshofer Convicted of Negligent Homicide...'
Andi of Andi’s World has a great look at Mother Sheehan and her endless effort tot maintain her 15 minutes of fame that expired 7 years ago. Psychobabble as an Equalizer “Matriotism. Ever heard of it? It's Cindy Sheehan's new word. Given her revulsion to patriotism, she's reinventing the wheel and twisting it into something that justifies her anti-Americanism.”
January 23, 2006
Remember Farris Hassan?
Well it appears that maybe, just maybe, the entire world was duped by wanna be jihaddist.
I wrote about Hassan here when news broke that he had traveled to Iraq alone and without his parent’s knowledge to gain insight for his journalism class. Well, that story is unraveling, from the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:
Yes it does appear that his father does have a shady past, infact it now appears that his father was investigated on terrorism charges and the FBI arrested Dr. Hassan back in 1985 after he tried to manufacture thousands of false Iraqi passports and military identification cards. The doctor's capture happened in Fort Lauderdale, but the covert web of Hassan's cohorts stretched across the world. Also arrested were two of Hassan's brothers, Nouri and Ali, and a "pro-Khomeini" activist named Salah Jawad Schubber.
What also isn’t widely reported is that Hassan, the son, was assisted in his travels by his father who used his “contacts” to secure his son’s travel visa’s and that while Farris was traveling in the area he met with a media relations officer of the terrorist group Hezbollah at their Central Press Office, in Beirut. This meeting was arranged through the assistance of his hosts – the family’s friends.
So was Farris just a wildly adventurous boy with a desire to learn more about what was going on in the area, or was he on the path of taking up his father’s radical belief’s and looking for a way to become the next foreign fighter to take up arms against the country of his citizenship? This is definitely a story that needs to be tracked and investigated, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the dark colored Crown Vic’s show up in the Hassan’s driveway to do some talking again real soon.
H/T Michelle Malkin, BizzyBlog
I wrote about Hassan here when news broke that he had traveled to Iraq alone and without his parent’s knowledge to gain insight for his journalism class. Well, that story is unraveling, from the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:
One said she'd heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that big news was soon going to break about Farris.
"This story doesn't make sense," she said. "Someone very close to the family said his father had gotten into all kinds of trouble over terrorism in New Orleans and the kid was really going over there to join al Qaeda."
Al Qaeda? Terrorism? It couldn't be true. After all, the headlines across the globe showed that Farris' hazardous trip was a "quest for knowledge" and that he went to Iraq to "promote democracy."
He was just a boy with a dream.
Unfortunately, nothing is ever that simple when it comes to the Iraq War and the Middle East. Although an al Qaeda mission doesn't seem realistic, there are some disturbing questions about Farris Hassan's journey that have been left happily unanswered by the swarming, yelping media seals. And most of them center on his father, Dr. Redha Hassan, a 57-year-old anesthesiologist who does indeed have a rather shady past that we'll explore a bit later.
Yes it does appear that his father does have a shady past, infact it now appears that his father was investigated on terrorism charges and the FBI arrested Dr. Hassan back in 1985 after he tried to manufacture thousands of false Iraqi passports and military identification cards. The doctor's capture happened in Fort Lauderdale, but the covert web of Hassan's cohorts stretched across the world. Also arrested were two of Hassan's brothers, Nouri and Ali, and a "pro-Khomeini" activist named Salah Jawad Schubber.
What also isn’t widely reported is that Hassan, the son, was assisted in his travels by his father who used his “contacts” to secure his son’s travel visa’s and that while Farris was traveling in the area he met with a media relations officer of the terrorist group Hezbollah at their Central Press Office, in Beirut. This meeting was arranged through the assistance of his hosts – the family’s friends.
So was Farris just a wildly adventurous boy with a desire to learn more about what was going on in the area, or was he on the path of taking up his father’s radical belief’s and looking for a way to become the next foreign fighter to take up arms against the country of his citizenship? This is definitely a story that needs to be tracked and investigated, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the dark colored Crown Vic’s show up in the Hassan’s driveway to do some talking again real soon.
H/T Michelle Malkin, BizzyBlog
New Weapons Cache Databank
Have you ever wanted to know what weapons the US Military are taking out of the hands of the terrorists? Well now you can, Camp Katrina has added a new feature called the 2006 Weapons Cache Databank which gives you the ability to check out a current list of every bomb and gun our military takes out of terrorist hands.
Good Job Guys and thanks for passing on the information that the Main Stream Media seems to think we don’t need to know.
Good Job Guys and thanks for passing on the information that the Main Stream Media seems to think we don’t need to know.
January 22, 2006
Victory At Walter Reed!
Andi of Andi’s World is reporting that Code Pink is no longer allowed on any of the four corners that line the main entrance to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Great news indeed Andi, a heartfelt thank you to everyone that countered their vile rubbish on a weekly basis, and stepped in when their organization failed in their mission.
Keep up the good work friends!
Great news indeed Andi, a heartfelt thank you to everyone that countered their vile rubbish on a weekly basis, and stepped in when their organization failed in their mission.
Keep up the good work friends!
January 20, 2006
Code Pink Supports the Troops
Code Pink is undertaking a new initiative to support the troops…let’s see how they plan on doing this, by visiting their Pro Soldier Pro Peace web page.
Web Reconnaissance for 01/20/2006
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
Michael Yon’s blog is now a full fledge site. Michael Yon: Online Magazine, his most recent post is Operation Iraqi Children: A Bright Shining Hope “Education in Iraq - Soldiers love to visit Iraqi schools. The teachers are welcoming, and the kids are always excited. The children burst into smiles and waves, but seem to be almost nailed to their seats: they do not get up without the teachers’ permission.”
Captain Ed of Captain’s Quarters writes The DoJ Defends The Administration On Intercepts “Raw Story acquired a draft of an official Department of Justice memorandum that gives the legal justifications for the warrantless NSA intercepts authorized by the President. Raw Story has the PDF as a link on its site, but in the interest of splitting the bandwidth investment, I'll host it here as well. Readers who have followed the story here as well as at Power Line or The Volokh Conspiracy won't find anything terribly surprising, but those who have not followed the actual legal arguments might find themselves surprised just how much supporting precedent exists for the authorization and subsequent approvals by the Attorney General.”
Matt Heidt of Froggy Ruminations writes UBL: Closet Republican “Once again on the eve of an important election, UBL has bailed out the Republican Party in general and President Bush specifically. His latest message is truly a late Christmas gift to the President and his supporters in Congress just like last time.”
Cassandra of Villainous Company is writing again and her most recent addition is American Dummitude: The End Of Western Civilization? “On a brilliant September morning in 2001, four planes hurtled out of an azure sky and caused the world to tilt on its axis. The shock of their impact is still felt halfway around the globe.
It has become fashionable (or perhaps merely convenient) to forget the unity America displayed in those early days. But when George Bush stood atop that pile of smoking rubble and vowed the terrorists would shortly hear from us, he had the backing of both parties in Congress. The Patriot Act passed 357–66 in the House and 98–1 in the Senate.”
Enjoy.
Michael Yon’s blog is now a full fledge site. Michael Yon: Online Magazine, his most recent post is Operation Iraqi Children: A Bright Shining Hope “Education in Iraq - Soldiers love to visit Iraqi schools. The teachers are welcoming, and the kids are always excited. The children burst into smiles and waves, but seem to be almost nailed to their seats: they do not get up without the teachers’ permission.”
Captain Ed of Captain’s Quarters writes The DoJ Defends The Administration On Intercepts “Raw Story acquired a draft of an official Department of Justice memorandum that gives the legal justifications for the warrantless NSA intercepts authorized by the President. Raw Story has the PDF as a link on its site, but in the interest of splitting the bandwidth investment, I'll host it here as well. Readers who have followed the story here as well as at Power Line or The Volokh Conspiracy won't find anything terribly surprising, but those who have not followed the actual legal arguments might find themselves surprised just how much supporting precedent exists for the authorization and subsequent approvals by the Attorney General.”
Matt Heidt of Froggy Ruminations writes UBL: Closet Republican “Once again on the eve of an important election, UBL has bailed out the Republican Party in general and President Bush specifically. His latest message is truly a late Christmas gift to the President and his supporters in Congress just like last time.”
Cassandra of Villainous Company is writing again and her most recent addition is American Dummitude: The End Of Western Civilization? “On a brilliant September morning in 2001, four planes hurtled out of an azure sky and caused the world to tilt on its axis. The shock of their impact is still felt halfway around the globe.
It has become fashionable (or perhaps merely convenient) to forget the unity America displayed in those early days. But when George Bush stood atop that pile of smoking rubble and vowed the terrorists would shortly hear from us, he had the backing of both parties in Congress. The Patriot Act passed 357–66 in the House and 98–1 in the Senate.”
Enjoy.
January 19, 2006
Web Reconnaissance for 01/18/2006.
A short recon of what’s out there today that might draw your attention.
The Marine Capt B’s site One Marine’s View “He’s the one you didn’t think would amount to much but has become one of the few. He wears his uniform proudly when it’s not popular; he stands watch while others rest. The mention of his name puts the fear of god into his enemy’s hearts. We send fewer men like him to do the work of many and expect greater results in a shorter time. He welcomes the impossible. He thrives on challenge and loves it when they say he can’t do it. Polite but a bit rough around the edges and crude. Smells like oil, grease, dirt and sweat. Likes his team logo on his arm and everywhere else. He does all of this with honor courage and commitment.”
Sgt Remington cartoon series posted at Sgt B’s The Gun Line is still running. They are great reads and for anyone that had been in uniform a fun trip into the past.
Stockholm Syndrome LTC Delaplane of Firepower Forward comes home from Afghanistan and lets us know how he feels. “Whatever you call it, I can certainly relate to it now. With the end of our rotation here just beyond our fingertips, I seem to be looking at this country through a different prism seeing and appreciating its beauty in ways I never thought possible before. It is a stark, harsh beauty where the richness lies in it's simplicity rather than its complexity or texture, but I have found that I can now appreciate it for what it is rather than despise it for what it's not.”
Think About It, by JB of JBs Sanctuary “While relations with Europe have appeared to migrate back to more friendly status, let’s think back a bit on how two of our “allies” help with the former Iraqi regime and Saddam.”
Wax and Wane by WO1 Michael Fay’s Fire and Ice “The unit I spent time with in Ramadi was Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment. This, their third Iraqi deployment, has found them in Ramadi since last August. Ramadi, the seat of Al Anbar politics, has placed F/3/7 in continuous contact with insurgents and terrorists from day one.”
A Comment Worth Reading by Sgt Hook “I received a comment from the parents of one of your Marines, your heroes, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms. I had posted about Lance Corporal Lucente previously, and today his folks took the time to share with us a little more about John Anthony Lucente. I thought it fitting to move their comment to the front page for all of you to read and honor their son.”
The Marine Capt B’s site One Marine’s View “He’s the one you didn’t think would amount to much but has become one of the few. He wears his uniform proudly when it’s not popular; he stands watch while others rest. The mention of his name puts the fear of god into his enemy’s hearts. We send fewer men like him to do the work of many and expect greater results in a shorter time. He welcomes the impossible. He thrives on challenge and loves it when they say he can’t do it. Polite but a bit rough around the edges and crude. Smells like oil, grease, dirt and sweat. Likes his team logo on his arm and everywhere else. He does all of this with honor courage and commitment.”
Sgt Remington cartoon series posted at Sgt B’s The Gun Line is still running. They are great reads and for anyone that had been in uniform a fun trip into the past.
Stockholm Syndrome LTC Delaplane of Firepower Forward comes home from Afghanistan and lets us know how he feels. “Whatever you call it, I can certainly relate to it now. With the end of our rotation here just beyond our fingertips, I seem to be looking at this country through a different prism seeing and appreciating its beauty in ways I never thought possible before. It is a stark, harsh beauty where the richness lies in it's simplicity rather than its complexity or texture, but I have found that I can now appreciate it for what it is rather than despise it for what it's not.”
Think About It, by JB of JBs Sanctuary “While relations with Europe have appeared to migrate back to more friendly status, let’s think back a bit on how two of our “allies” help with the former Iraqi regime and Saddam.”
Wax and Wane by WO1 Michael Fay’s Fire and Ice “The unit I spent time with in Ramadi was Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment. This, their third Iraqi deployment, has found them in Ramadi since last August. Ramadi, the seat of Al Anbar politics, has placed F/3/7 in continuous contact with insurgents and terrorists from day one.”
A Comment Worth Reading by Sgt Hook “I received a comment from the parents of one of your Marines, your heroes, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms. I had posted about Lance Corporal Lucente previously, and today his folks took the time to share with us a little more about John Anthony Lucente. I thought it fitting to move their comment to the front page for all of you to read and honor their son.”
Why do you Blog?
One of my first stops every day is to Pam’s Iraq War Today. Today she has a post up about why she does what she does and let me tell you if you weren’t motivated to blog before you read that post you will be after you read it. Stop on over and let her know that you support her for what she is doing, she deserves it.
Pam exemplifies the sentiment that Blackfive iterated yesterday, “If I can’t pick up a rifle, I’ve got to do something.” Well Pam is doing something and it’s a very good thing. Way to go Pam, keep up the good work and thank you for your service.
If you have a moment, I’d be interested in finding out why you blog, so leave me a comment.
Pam exemplifies the sentiment that Blackfive iterated yesterday, “If I can’t pick up a rifle, I’ve got to do something.” Well Pam is doing something and it’s a very good thing. Way to go Pam, keep up the good work and thank you for your service.
If you have a moment, I’d be interested in finding out why you blog, so leave me a comment.
January 18, 2006
The Enemy Within
Do you know who the enemy is in this war? Do you know that they seek to expand their style of Islam over the entire globe and force you to follow their rules at point of death if need be, or do you believe they are a small and misguided offshoot of the Religion of Peace? If you believe it is the latter let me ask you one questions, if they are a small misguided offshoot, how can there be so many of them world wide?
Are you so narrow minded and filled with hate for your own country and heritage that you feel it is our policies since 9/11 that has created this radical branch of Islam, and if so how can you explain the fact that the Arab street for decades has denounced the US as the Great Satan and the lapdog of Israel? The truth is my friends, it is not the policies of the US that have created this form of Islam, it is Islam that created this radical branch that has become the dominate force in Islam today. Ask yourself these questions, if Islam is the Religion of Peace as they say it is why does CAIR seek to silence its critics with lawsuits, why does the president of Iran continually speak of removing Israel and the US from the face of this earth, and why do Jihadi’s join the fight against the great Satan from all over the world? Ask yourself those questions and then ask yourself how can we as a nation continue to go about life as normal when in reality the future of our country hangs in the balance?
Read that line again, the future of our country hangs in the balance. Why do I say that my friends, for we have an enemy within that is more insidious than the enemy outside our walls that would seek our total destruction, for when we have an opposition party that actively supports our failure while at war, that party is the enemy on our soil. They are no longer the loyal opposition that may think the war is a bad idea but supports that action to the logical end of total victory; they have become the enemy, a supporter to our enemy. When we have leaders of the opposition party give speeches filled with outright lies, attacking the president all in the name of regaining power, they have become the enemy. When we have decorated war heroes of the opposition party that support the degrading of our wounded troops as they convalesce in the hospital and give aid to groups that have donated money to the enemy; they have become the enemy. When we have a Media blatantly skewing the headlines to create a perception in the public at large that something else is happening than what really is; they are the enemy.
The enemy within, seeks our failure for one purpose and one purpose only, to regain the power they feel is theirs by Divine Right. They can not possibly believe that the enemy will look the other way if we give them what they want, they must know that the enemy will continue to seek their ultimate goal; their final solution, but they are willing to risk all that is right in the world for the power that comes with the office they seek to reduce to ashes. They have become the self serving egocentric that they say they despise and yet support with every piece of legislation, hate filled speech, skewed news article, every donation they make in support of the enemy. We can defeat the enemy without, but it is the enemy within that will give them their ultimate victory.
Are you so narrow minded and filled with hate for your own country and heritage that you feel it is our policies since 9/11 that has created this radical branch of Islam, and if so how can you explain the fact that the Arab street for decades has denounced the US as the Great Satan and the lapdog of Israel? The truth is my friends, it is not the policies of the US that have created this form of Islam, it is Islam that created this radical branch that has become the dominate force in Islam today. Ask yourself these questions, if Islam is the Religion of Peace as they say it is why does CAIR seek to silence its critics with lawsuits, why does the president of Iran continually speak of removing Israel and the US from the face of this earth, and why do Jihadi’s join the fight against the great Satan from all over the world? Ask yourself those questions and then ask yourself how can we as a nation continue to go about life as normal when in reality the future of our country hangs in the balance?
Read that line again, the future of our country hangs in the balance. Why do I say that my friends, for we have an enemy within that is more insidious than the enemy outside our walls that would seek our total destruction, for when we have an opposition party that actively supports our failure while at war, that party is the enemy on our soil. They are no longer the loyal opposition that may think the war is a bad idea but supports that action to the logical end of total victory; they have become the enemy, a supporter to our enemy. When we have leaders of the opposition party give speeches filled with outright lies, attacking the president all in the name of regaining power, they have become the enemy. When we have decorated war heroes of the opposition party that support the degrading of our wounded troops as they convalesce in the hospital and give aid to groups that have donated money to the enemy; they have become the enemy. When we have a Media blatantly skewing the headlines to create a perception in the public at large that something else is happening than what really is; they are the enemy.
The enemy within, seeks our failure for one purpose and one purpose only, to regain the power they feel is theirs by Divine Right. They can not possibly believe that the enemy will look the other way if we give them what they want, they must know that the enemy will continue to seek their ultimate goal; their final solution, but they are willing to risk all that is right in the world for the power that comes with the office they seek to reduce to ashes. They have become the self serving egocentric that they say they despise and yet support with every piece of legislation, hate filled speech, skewed news article, every donation they make in support of the enemy. We can defeat the enemy without, but it is the enemy within that will give them their ultimate victory.
January 17, 2006
What the Other Half Do - Surviving Deployment
If you want to have just an inkling of what the “other half” do when their loved one goes off to war, this is the post you need to read. Some Soldiers Mom hits it out of the ball park as she describes but a fraction of the thoughts and feelings that someone goes through when their loved one is deployed for a year or even more in the Global War on Terror. From the bitter sweetness of a ringing phone for it can bring good news as well as bad, and the dreaded blackout of impending misfortune.
Some Soldiers Mom’s son is home along with his brothers in arms, but there are still family’s waiting for their loved one’s to complete their tours of duty and we need to support them in this great epic. When you meet a family member of a service member, take a moment and thank them for their service, for they sacrifice much more than you can ever imagine. Do what you can, lend a hand, and listen to them when they tell you that the sacrifice is worth the cost; for it is.
Some Soldiers Mom’s son is home along with his brothers in arms, but there are still family’s waiting for their loved one’s to complete their tours of duty and we need to support them in this great epic. When you meet a family member of a service member, take a moment and thank them for their service, for they sacrifice much more than you can ever imagine. Do what you can, lend a hand, and listen to them when they tell you that the sacrifice is worth the cost; for it is.
January 16, 2006
Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service
Pam at Iraq War Today brings us news that Patti Patton-Bader founder of Soldiers Angels has been awarded the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service.
"For exceptional dedication and selfless service leading to the creation of the Soldiers Angels Foundation which has immeasurably enriched the lives of countless thousands of service members and their families. Ms. Patton-Bader's talent and marketing skills provided them a myriad of services and unending support at this critical time in our nations fight to end global terrorism. Her selfless service, abundant generosity and tireless care reflect great credit on her, the American Soldier and the United States Of America."
signed by Lt. Gen Kevin Kiley
Congratulations Patti and congratulations to all of you Angels that serve without being asked. You are truly angels among us!
Hooooah!
January 14, 2006
January 13, 2006
A Boots on the Ground Interview
Uncle Jimbo has an interview up with Capt B of One Marine’s View called One Marine's View - Interview w/ Capt B in Iraq stop in and find out what our troops on the ground are going through and more importantly, what they think about their mission.
It’s a good read and Capt B’s blog is a keeper.
Oh and tell them The Thunder Run sent you. *wink*
“We are winning and doing a just thing here. We are so close to this thing taking off on its own and the Iraqi people taking the reins. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't happen in the next year. For example the other day in Ramadi, a suicide vest attacker blew himself up in the crowed and although wounding and killing numerous Iraqi's and Coalition service embers, they simply got back in line to be accepted in the service. That wouldn't have happened a year ago. They would have fled and we would be back to the drawing board. You got to war a chance and with the kick butt support I’ve seen from the American
people we will wrap this thing up and get the hell outa dodge, but only when its time to.”
It’s a good read and Capt B’s blog is a keeper.
Oh and tell them The Thunder Run sent you. *wink*
January 12, 2006
The Party of Tolerance Strikes Again
Yes the party of tolerance, that wonderful group of individuals that believe that everyone’s feelings are important and that if you just sit down and talk it out you’ll see how evil you have been to the other person; shows us once again how compassionate they really are. When it was reported yesterday that Judge Alito’s wife had to leave the hearing room in tears after listening to the Democrats on the panel attempt to discredit her husband with flat out lies and falsehoods, the Party of Tolerance jumped to the defense. But wait, it wasn’t to chide the slanderous senators, oh no, it was to attack her!
I really don’t think I can say anything more on it but to let you read it for yourself here but I’d much rather not send traffic their way. So if these excepts don’t get to you, then follow the link and find your fill of disgusting rhetoric.
Yes my friends, the party of tolerance at its finest. If you want to see even more, go and read the rest for yourselves, I can’t do it.
UPDATE: John Hawkins at Right Wing News has more about this.
I really don’t think I can say anything more on it but to let you read it for yourself here but I’d much rather not send traffic their way. So if these excepts don’t get to you, then follow the link and find your fill of disgusting rhetoric.
abused wife? (none / 1)
The misogynistic controlling husband (Mr. Alito) might be kind of hard on his wife in private and she knows the truth (he is a bigot) and can't say it publically. When faced with a somewhat sympathetic Graham, she can't hold her pretend face anymore and falls apart briefly.
That is how it looked to me.
by jamoca on Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 10:20:22 AM PDT
Yes, it is (none / 0)
definitely staged.
Support five Democratic women of integrity in 2006.
by formalist on Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 09:57:43 AM PDT
and do we want a judge (1.27 / 11) who would marry such a weak-willed bitch?
SoapBlox Colorado - The Daily Kos of Colorado (-5.38/-4.36)
by pacified on Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 09:57:51 AM PDT
Good reason not to confirm (none / 0)
If his wife is so fragile that she can't watch the questioning, I think its clear that a Judge Alito thrust into the national spotlight constantly by sitting on the Supreme Court will be too distracted tending to his fragile, fragile wife to be able to adequately render service to the nation.
It's a sacrifice we all appreciate and gosh darn we're sorry he won't be able to sit on the court.
Torture, spying on citizens, war on false pretenses. We're one long line for toilet paper away from becoming the USSR.
by nightsweat on Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 10:02:34 AM PDT
Poor woman... (4.00 / 5)
she probably teared up when she saw what a bigot she was married to...I'd cry, too. And come to think of it, if they made me wear those ugly republican clothes I'd probably get a little emotional, too.
by tjb22 on Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 10:08:38 AM PDT
Yes my friends, the party of tolerance at its finest. If you want to see even more, go and read the rest for yourselves, I can’t do it.
UPDATE: John Hawkins at Right Wing News has more about this.
January 11, 2006
The Passing of a Legend
Fire Service Construction Educator Frank Brannigan Passes Away
Francis L. "Frank" Brannigan, author and expert in building construction as it relates to firefighting science, passed away Tuesday morning at his home in Calverton, Maryland. He was 87. Best known for his book, Building Construction for the Fire Service, Brannigan was a sought after expert who regularly wrote and spoke on the dangers of building collapse when exposed to fire. His general theme was always, "THE BUILDING IS YOUR ENEMY KNOW YOUR ENEMY. KNOW YOUR ENEMY!"
In 1939 he was a founding member of Fire Bell Club of New York. During World War II, Brannigan directed a naval fire fighting school, commanded a sea-going fire fighting unit, and was a chief in the Army-Navy-Pancanal fire protection organization. He served for years as the Public Safety Liaison Officer of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. He developed programs for fire officers as well as a Fire Loss Management program.
At Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, he developed a model Fire Science Program. He was a member of the adjunct staff of the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
"He was an icon at MFRI (Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute). Everyone knew him," said Director Steve Edwards. "He was nationally, even internationally known for his expertise in building construction and safety."
"We would pick him up, take him to the class, and take him home," Edwards said. "Sometimes, we'd stop off at a store. Frank was just an outstanding person. He was a wealth of knowledge."
Ron Siarnicki Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, was stunned and sadden to hear the news. "He was a legend. He's the one who forged a relationship between the fire service and building construction."
The former Prince George's County Fire Chief said personnel were required to read Branigan's texts before they were allowed to sit for promotional exams. "I'm sure other jurisdictions also made their people read his books. Frank stressed the importance of firefighters understanding building construction. He took that training to the highest level. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take his classes."
I have Frank’s book on my shelf at home, and I can attest that you can learn more about being a firefighter by understanding building construction and how it works to support itself than by taking any other class. Frank has saved thousands of firefighter's live throughout his time with us and his passing will be a tremedous loss.
God Speed Frank.
Francis L. "Frank" Brannigan, author and expert in building construction as it relates to firefighting science, passed away Tuesday morning at his home in Calverton, Maryland. He was 87. Best known for his book, Building Construction for the Fire Service, Brannigan was a sought after expert who regularly wrote and spoke on the dangers of building collapse when exposed to fire. His general theme was always, "THE BUILDING IS YOUR ENEMY KNOW YOUR ENEMY. KNOW YOUR ENEMY!"
In 1939 he was a founding member of Fire Bell Club of New York. During World War II, Brannigan directed a naval fire fighting school, commanded a sea-going fire fighting unit, and was a chief in the Army-Navy-Pancanal fire protection organization. He served for years as the Public Safety Liaison Officer of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. He developed programs for fire officers as well as a Fire Loss Management program.
At Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, he developed a model Fire Science Program. He was a member of the adjunct staff of the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
"He was an icon at MFRI (Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute). Everyone knew him," said Director Steve Edwards. "He was nationally, even internationally known for his expertise in building construction and safety."
"We would pick him up, take him to the class, and take him home," Edwards said. "Sometimes, we'd stop off at a store. Frank was just an outstanding person. He was a wealth of knowledge."
Ron Siarnicki Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, was stunned and sadden to hear the news. "He was a legend. He's the one who forged a relationship between the fire service and building construction."
The former Prince George's County Fire Chief said personnel were required to read Branigan's texts before they were allowed to sit for promotional exams. "I'm sure other jurisdictions also made their people read his books. Frank stressed the importance of firefighters understanding building construction. He took that training to the highest level. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take his classes."
I have Frank’s book on my shelf at home, and I can attest that you can learn more about being a firefighter by understanding building construction and how it works to support itself than by taking any other class. Frank has saved thousands of firefighter's live throughout his time with us and his passing will be a tremedous loss.
God Speed Frank.
No Media Bias?
Then I’m sure we just missed this story when we all read our newspapers and watched the news for the last three months. I mean something this important had to be mentioned at least once, right?
Source Assyrian International News Agency
Its quite clear to me also Mr. Kincaid, the US Media outlets ARE trying their best to use the NSA program to impeach President Bush. This is just another case of when the story doesn’t match your mindset, the solution is to ignore it.
The NSA kafuffles is as Mr. Kincaid mentioned not directed at American citizens, but rather it is directed at known agents of Al-Qaida. If the MSM had their way we would be welcoming in every angry Muslim imam and his followers so that they could talk freely among themselves while they plan to attack us next.
H/T Iraq War Today
Source Assyrian International News Agency
Major Terror Plot Against US Ignored By US Media
The mainstream U.S. media outlets have failed to report a major terrorist plot against the U.S. - because it would tend to support President Bush's use of NSA domestic surveillance, according to media watchdog groups.
News of a planned attack masterminded by three Algerians operating out of Italy was widely reported outside the U.S., but went virtually unreported in the American media.
Italian authorities recently announced that they had used wiretaps to uncover the conspiracy to conduct a series of major attacks inside the U.S.
Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said the planned attacks would have targeted stadiums, ships and railway stations, and the terrorists' goal, he said, was to exceed the devastation caused by 9/11.
Italian authorities stepped up their internal surveillance programs after July's terrorist bombings in London. Their domestic wiretaps picked up phone conversations by Algerian Yamine Bouhrama that discussed terrorist attacks in Italy and abroad.
Italian authorities arrested Bouhrama on November 15 and he remains in prison. Authorities later arrested two other men, Achour Rabah and Tartaq Sami, who are believed to be Bouhrama's chief aides in planning the attacks.The arrests were a major coup for Italian anti-terror forces, and the story was carried in most major newspapers from Europe to China."U.S. terror attacks foiled," read the headline in England's Sunday Times.
In France, a headline from Agence France Presse proclaimed, "Three Algerians arrested in Italy over plot targeting U.S."Curiously, what was deemed worthy of a worldwide media blitz abroad was virtually ignored by the U.S. media, and conservative media watchdog groups are saying that is no accident.
"My impression is that the major media want to use the NSA story to try and impeach the president," says Cliff Kincaid, editor of the Accuracy in Media Report published by the grassroots Accuracy in Media
organization.
"If you remind people that terrorists actually are planning to kill us, that tends to support the case made by President Bush. They will ignore any issue that shows that this kind of [wiretapping] tactic can work in the war on terror."
"The mainstream media have framed the story as one of the nefarious President Bush 'spying on U.S. citizens,' where the average American is a victim not a beneficiary," commented Brent Baker, vice president of the Media Research Center, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to encouraging balanced news coverage, "so journalists have little interest in any evidence that the program has helped save lives by uncovering terrorist plans."
The Associated Press version of the story did not disclose that the men planned to target the U.S. Nor did it report that the evidence against the suspects was gathered via a wiretapping surveillance operation.
Furthermore, only one American newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer, is known to have published the story that the AP distributed. It ran on page A-6 under the headline "Italy Charges 3 Algerians."
The Inquirer report also made no mention of the plot to target the U.S. - although foreign publications included this information in the headlines and lead sentences of their stories. Nor did it advise readers that domestic wiretaps played a key role in nabbing the suspected terrorists.
One obvious question media critics are now raising: Did the American media intentionally ignore an important story because it didn't fit into their agenda of attacking President George Bush for using wiretapping to spy on potential terrorists in the U.S.?
"It's clear to me," says AIM's Kincaid, "that they're trying their best to make this NSA program to be an impeachable offense, saying it is directed at ordinary Americans. That's why they keep referring to this as a 'program of spying on Americans' - whereas the president keeps pointing out it's a program designed to uncover al-Qaida operations on American soil."
Its quite clear to me also Mr. Kincaid, the US Media outlets ARE trying their best to use the NSA program to impeach President Bush. This is just another case of when the story doesn’t match your mindset, the solution is to ignore it.
The NSA kafuffles is as Mr. Kincaid mentioned not directed at American citizens, but rather it is directed at known agents of Al-Qaida. If the MSM had their way we would be welcoming in every angry Muslim imam and his followers so that they could talk freely among themselves while they plan to attack us next.
H/T Iraq War Today
The Cost of Freedom
The Washington Post will still not publish Mr. Stokely’s letter about his son Sgt. Mike Stokely, however yesterday another father DOUG GEORGE, Easton, MD (registration required) wrote to the Post questioning Mr. Schroeder's intention. He raised some interesting questions that in conjunction with Mr. Schroeder’s questions I believe get to the crux of the matter with the war in Iraq. He asks five very telling questions about our current therapeutic lifestyle where everything can be solved by talking to a therapist for there is no sacrifice in today’s America.
First: “Why must Americans see immediate and non-taxing results?” Why indeed Mr. George, do American’s falsely believe that anything can be accomplished in a 30 minute cycle. Are we so coddled that we need immediate gratification in all aspects of our lives, from instant messaging to the conduct of a war? War is not a game it can not be saved so that you come back to it later when it is more convenient for you, and it does not resolve itself in nice 30 or 60 minute cycles like CSI or Friends people; it is dirty, grimy and dangerous work. Is there anything you are willing to fight and possibly die for? Are you only willing to make trade offs so that you can find time in your self indulgent days to find the time to make it to Starbucks for your double decaf, no fat latte? Have you forgotten the Victory Garden and Rosie the Riveter? Is freedom so much of an entitlement to you that you have no idea how much it has cost to provide you with it, or that it requires a continual influx of human cost to maintain it?
Second: Why can't Americans persist in a larger good? I believe Mr. George is addressing the same symptoms of the self-indulgent lifestyle I have already mentioned. For many American’s there is no good in the world especially if the US is leading the way. They have become so brainwashed, if you will, with their anti-American beliefs that they can see no good whatsoever coming from anyone that holds a belief different from them. What happened to the concept of doing good; for goods sake? They see every action as some nefarious plot to make their life worse or to silence some one for what they believe. The war in Iraq is neither of these, in fact it appears that these anti-American thinkers are so confused by the successes in Iraq that they have stopped attacking the war itself and instead have created from whole cloth other evil beings; Halliburton and War for Oil, are but two examples that are the cause of all that is wrong in the war on terror. Their belief structure refuses them to allow success in the war on terror as a good thing but rather as some conspiracy to promote nepotism in government and to make money from the deal.
Third: Why can't this generation accept that sacrifice cannot be dodged? Freedom requires sacrifice just as duty requires sacrifice, unfortunately many today view sacrifice not in a bodily manner but in a more esoteric manner. Sacrifice for many American’s is not getting up at 4:00 am to tend the Victory Garden because food is being rationed to support the war effort but getting up at 4:00 am to commute 2 hours to a thankless job for a paycheck they feel is owed them, an entitlement because they have earned it, regardless of the amount of work they actually perform. Freedom as stated earlier is not free it is a demanding "mistress" that will provide all you ask for but at a cost of blood, sweat and tears. Patriotic men and women stand on the ramparts of freedom paying that price so you can do not ahve to sacrifice anything. Yet the sacrifices are still being paid by far fewer than should be, for they are paying with their lives while you sit back and debate about whether they are doing a good job.
Fourth: Do we simply dismiss the lives of the Iraqis killed by Saddam Hussein? This has to be an unequivocal NO! Their lives are just as valuable as anyone else’s and if you believe that the Iraqi’s were better off living under Saddam then I suggest that you talk to just one of the tens of thousand of Iraq families that had loved ones disappear in the dark of the night and in the gleaming sun of the day never to be seen from again. If you believe that living in a land filled with the mass graves of those that simply attempt to exert the freedoms that you cherish is better than living in a democracy then there truly is no hope for you.
Finally: When did we become so selfish and myopic? The answer Mr. George is simple. It’s when we allowed others to decide for us how much we would be willing to pay for freedom. It was when we extinguished the light that made the city on hill a beacon for the oppressed and downtrodden and instead a haven for those who would defile our history. The cost of freedom for many American’s is nothing, they will pay nothing for freedom for they have no concept that freedom is not a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, it is a right guaranteed by our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Marine’s and Airmen that stand ready to defend it for us, that is the cost of freedom, and it is a cost that they are willing to pay. Not one soldier I have ever talked to in country has ever indicated that the cause they are fighting for is not worthy, they may complain about how specific things are done but the mission is one they are willing to give their all for.
Are you willing to give your all for the advancement of freedom or are you going to continue to eat at the table of your mistress and expect others to foot the bill for you?
UPDATE: Some editorial and grammatical corrections have been made to this essay. David M.
First: “Why must Americans see immediate and non-taxing results?” Why indeed Mr. George, do American’s falsely believe that anything can be accomplished in a 30 minute cycle. Are we so coddled that we need immediate gratification in all aspects of our lives, from instant messaging to the conduct of a war? War is not a game it can not be saved so that you come back to it later when it is more convenient for you, and it does not resolve itself in nice 30 or 60 minute cycles like CSI or Friends people; it is dirty, grimy and dangerous work. Is there anything you are willing to fight and possibly die for? Are you only willing to make trade offs so that you can find time in your self indulgent days to find the time to make it to Starbucks for your double decaf, no fat latte? Have you forgotten the Victory Garden and Rosie the Riveter? Is freedom so much of an entitlement to you that you have no idea how much it has cost to provide you with it, or that it requires a continual influx of human cost to maintain it?
Second: Why can't Americans persist in a larger good? I believe Mr. George is addressing the same symptoms of the self-indulgent lifestyle I have already mentioned. For many American’s there is no good in the world especially if the US is leading the way. They have become so brainwashed, if you will, with their anti-American beliefs that they can see no good whatsoever coming from anyone that holds a belief different from them. What happened to the concept of doing good; for goods sake? They see every action as some nefarious plot to make their life worse or to silence some one for what they believe. The war in Iraq is neither of these, in fact it appears that these anti-American thinkers are so confused by the successes in Iraq that they have stopped attacking the war itself and instead have created from whole cloth other evil beings; Halliburton and War for Oil, are but two examples that are the cause of all that is wrong in the war on terror. Their belief structure refuses them to allow success in the war on terror as a good thing but rather as some conspiracy to promote nepotism in government and to make money from the deal.
Third: Why can't this generation accept that sacrifice cannot be dodged? Freedom requires sacrifice just as duty requires sacrifice, unfortunately many today view sacrifice not in a bodily manner but in a more esoteric manner. Sacrifice for many American’s is not getting up at 4:00 am to tend the Victory Garden because food is being rationed to support the war effort but getting up at 4:00 am to commute 2 hours to a thankless job for a paycheck they feel is owed them, an entitlement because they have earned it, regardless of the amount of work they actually perform. Freedom as stated earlier is not free it is a demanding "mistress" that will provide all you ask for but at a cost of blood, sweat and tears. Patriotic men and women stand on the ramparts of freedom paying that price so you can do not ahve to sacrifice anything. Yet the sacrifices are still being paid by far fewer than should be, for they are paying with their lives while you sit back and debate about whether they are doing a good job.
Fourth: Do we simply dismiss the lives of the Iraqis killed by Saddam Hussein? This has to be an unequivocal NO! Their lives are just as valuable as anyone else’s and if you believe that the Iraqi’s were better off living under Saddam then I suggest that you talk to just one of the tens of thousand of Iraq families that had loved ones disappear in the dark of the night and in the gleaming sun of the day never to be seen from again. If you believe that living in a land filled with the mass graves of those that simply attempt to exert the freedoms that you cherish is better than living in a democracy then there truly is no hope for you.
Finally: When did we become so selfish and myopic? The answer Mr. George is simple. It’s when we allowed others to decide for us how much we would be willing to pay for freedom. It was when we extinguished the light that made the city on hill a beacon for the oppressed and downtrodden and instead a haven for those who would defile our history. The cost of freedom for many American’s is nothing, they will pay nothing for freedom for they have no concept that freedom is not a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, it is a right guaranteed by our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Marine’s and Airmen that stand ready to defend it for us, that is the cost of freedom, and it is a cost that they are willing to pay. Not one soldier I have ever talked to in country has ever indicated that the cause they are fighting for is not worthy, they may complain about how specific things are done but the mission is one they are willing to give their all for.
Are you willing to give your all for the advancement of freedom or are you going to continue to eat at the table of your mistress and expect others to foot the bill for you?
UPDATE: Some editorial and grammatical corrections have been made to this essay. David M.
January 10, 2006
Defeatism is an Old Concept
For all of you out there that think the anti-war movement is a recent construct lets go back to 1862 and find out how modern your defeatist thinking really is.
Bruce Thornton writes in part: “Lincoln was as good as his word, finally getting rid of McClellan and putting in charge U. S. “Unconditional Surrender” Grant, who like the President understood the tragic nature of war, what Lincoln called the “terrible arithmetic”: killing some today so that more don’t die tomorrow. We, on the other hand, demand that the “rough angles of war” be smoothed away, believe that “lighter blows” are preferable to decisive heavy ones, pretend that we really don’t have to kill some today because we’re ready to gamble that more won’t die tomorrow, and are eager to abandon the struggle because the tragic, eternal realities of conflict disturb our psychic well-being.
This is the difference between 1862 and 2006 that offers little comfort, for we are facing a jihadist enemy fanatical in his devotion to his cause and counting precisely on our failure of nerve to compensate for his military weakness. He knows very well that our therapeutic sensibilities hinder us from doing all we can to win, and from reckoning with the “terrible arithmetic” the cost of achieving our aims. Fortunately, our military is made up of a very different breed, and their skill and devotion still give us a good chance for victory. Time will tell whether or not they are enough.”
Go read it now!
Bruce Thornton writes in part: “Lincoln was as good as his word, finally getting rid of McClellan and putting in charge U. S. “Unconditional Surrender” Grant, who like the President understood the tragic nature of war, what Lincoln called the “terrible arithmetic”: killing some today so that more don’t die tomorrow. We, on the other hand, demand that the “rough angles of war” be smoothed away, believe that “lighter blows” are preferable to decisive heavy ones, pretend that we really don’t have to kill some today because we’re ready to gamble that more won’t die tomorrow, and are eager to abandon the struggle because the tragic, eternal realities of conflict disturb our psychic well-being.
This is the difference between 1862 and 2006 that offers little comfort, for we are facing a jihadist enemy fanatical in his devotion to his cause and counting precisely on our failure of nerve to compensate for his military weakness. He knows very well that our therapeutic sensibilities hinder us from doing all we can to win, and from reckoning with the “terrible arithmetic” the cost of achieving our aims. Fortunately, our military is made up of a very different breed, and their skill and devotion still give us a good chance for victory. Time will tell whether or not they are enough.”
Go read it now!
January 9, 2006
Margaret Friedenauer: Embedded with Ethics
I’ve mentioned Margaret’s dispatches from the front before, but this is why I like her so much.
“Lastly, let’s just say that Department of Defense document didn’t exist? My reporting would still take into account the journalistic code of ethics, which in some ways says the same thing: Seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, be accountable.”
Yes, can you believe it a journalist that is actually, well, ethical. Congratulations Margaret, keep up the good work and yes we know that it isn’t all rose gardens in Iraq, we understand that there is a war going on and during war, people get hurt, and yes they die. Do we like that, no of course not, but we realize that it’s very likely that our loved ones might get hurt.
What we don’t like are reporters or editors that use information to further their political beliefs or harm National Security, information that makes our loved one’s mere existence more difficult or dangerous, because they tell the entire world how we track the enemy. We don’t like it when you actually help the enemy and praise them for their deadly acts. We don’t like it when you throw your ethics out the window all in the name of getting back at “W”.
Thank you Margaret for restoring my belief that there are at least a few journalists out there with integrity, I applaud you for what you are doing, keep up the good work.
Thank You and Safe Returns
Thunder 6, Thank you for all you have done my friend.
You and your men have accomplished great things and the losses you have personally endured could not help but change the man; but you my friend are not just changed you have matured even further than possible for a mere man to have matured. Your sense of being is evident in all you do and write, and I know that no matter what you do in your life back home it will be as great as the deeds you have accomplished in Iraq. You are right the story of your mission there is not a tragedy rather it is an epic that shall be repeated by those that follow you and by those of us back home that will continue to support and comfort all who help defend freedom where ever the call may lead us, for you have helped free 50 million people from the yoke of tyranny.
Now that your time there is ending THANK YOU for all that you have done and will yet do for this great nation and the people of Iraq. Have a safe journey home and I hope that one day we will be able to meet as friends, at which time I will buy you a much deserved beer and shake the hand of a true hero.
You and your men have accomplished great things and the losses you have personally endured could not help but change the man; but you my friend are not just changed you have matured even further than possible for a mere man to have matured. Your sense of being is evident in all you do and write, and I know that no matter what you do in your life back home it will be as great as the deeds you have accomplished in Iraq. You are right the story of your mission there is not a tragedy rather it is an epic that shall be repeated by those that follow you and by those of us back home that will continue to support and comfort all who help defend freedom where ever the call may lead us, for you have helped free 50 million people from the yoke of tyranny.
Now that your time there is ending THANK YOU for all that you have done and will yet do for this great nation and the people of Iraq. Have a safe journey home and I hope that one day we will be able to meet as friends, at which time I will buy you a much deserved beer and shake the hand of a true hero.
January 7, 2006
AMEN General!
General Wagner speaking to the cowards, John Murtha (D-PA) and Jim Moran (D-VA)
“I visit Walter Reed [Army Hospital] and talk to the young soldiers with their legs blown off. I know you do, too. I can't find one in a dozen that don't believe that they are fighting for a noble cause and are fighting to go back. And I think it's a disgrace when members of our Congress --just as they did in 1975 when they sold out the South Vietnamese--are selling out our soldiers today in Iraq!”
All I can say is thank you General Wagner!
H/T Michelle Malkin who even has a video of the exchange!
January 6, 2006
Pacifists are Diners that Dash!
Found this link on Confederate Yankee and I must admit this is the perfect analogy of the Pacifist.
“…in the restaurant of life, pacifists dine and dash. They're thieves. They eat the good food, they drink the good wine, they enjoy the ambience of the restaurant, but when the tab comes to the table, they get up and run because they won't pay the bill. It's not that they can't pay the bill; it's that they won't. They've made a conscious choice to say, hey, I love all that society has to offer, but I love it so much more than the average person, I won't pay for it because I believe it should all be free. And then runs out the door before someone can stop them.”
Damn straight Kathy they do want it all to be free and they aren’t willing to pay a thing to get it. They are a part of the bursting at he seams entitlement crowd where everyone but them should pay for all the necessities and niceties of life.
I can see I’m going to be adding Kathy’s site to my list there on the right. I suggest you all do the same thing but first I suggest you go and read the whole post, it’s a keeper!
“…in the restaurant of life, pacifists dine and dash. They're thieves. They eat the good food, they drink the good wine, they enjoy the ambience of the restaurant, but when the tab comes to the table, they get up and run because they won't pay the bill. It's not that they can't pay the bill; it's that they won't. They've made a conscious choice to say, hey, I love all that society has to offer, but I love it so much more than the average person, I won't pay for it because I believe it should all be free. And then runs out the door before someone can stop them.”
Damn straight Kathy they do want it all to be free and they aren’t willing to pay a thing to get it. They are a part of the bursting at he seams entitlement crowd where everyone but them should pay for all the necessities and niceties of life.
I can see I’m going to be adding Kathy’s site to my list there on the right. I suggest you all do the same thing but first I suggest you go and read the whole post, it’s a keeper!
Nobody Wins?
This political cartoon greeted me this morning as I perused my morning paper. I wasn’t sure what Ms. Woolf was trying to say with her drawing so with my current world view I came up with this possibility.
Continuing with the football analogies:
DNC Chairman Howard Dean and his Offensive Head Coach John Murtha (D-PA) confer on 4th and goal from the 3 yard line with 2 minutes left in the game:
Dean: Gee John, what do you think, can we win this thing? Can we take it all the way to Washington? Yeaaaahaaaaaa!
Murtha: No Sir I don’t think we can, we’re only up by 15 points so I think we better punt it away and let them have the ball. We can meet them next year on our own turf and it’ll be better then.
Dean: Great idea John, besides Bush can’t find his way out of a paper bag, there is no way they’ll score again. We’ll win this title yet even if it kills us all!
-OR-
President Bush and his Offensive Head Coach Donald Rumsfeld confer on the sidelines, its still 4th and Goal from the 3, with 2 minutes left in the game:
Bush: What do you think Don can we score and still get the ball back to run the score up so high that they have no chance in hell of winning?
Rummy: Damn straight sir, I suggest a little play action to the right and then a short pass to the corner. That cocksure Ranger over there is itching to score!
Bush: Right send them in and crush those idiots!
Hmmmmmmmmm, is this still a no win situation Ms. Woolf? I didn’t think so, now who's side do you want to be on?
January 5, 2006
Political Pawns
Some Soldier’s Mom directed me to a post by Crazy Politico about Mike Stokley and his father’s response to an editorial entitled A Life, Wasted in the Washington Post written by Paul E. Schroeder. I wrote about Mike Stokley here and was honored to have been contacted by his father the other day thanking me for my comments.
To Mr. Schroeder, my condolences and regrets go out to you. To loose a child is the hardest thing a parent can do, to question his death is your right and moral obligation. Mr. Schroeder raises a valid question, are our current policies dooming us to loose the war that so many have valiantly given their lives for, and if they are whose fault is it?
Mr. Schroeder, your anger is in my opinion misplaced it is not the President that is at fault for your belief that the loss of your son’s life will be for naught, it is the cut and run politicians that would use your son’s death as another building block in their war against America. Daily they use your anger and grief as tools in their fight to gain back the office of the Presidency and take control of American’s lives. Your son and his commander’s felt angry not at the mission but at the politicians that place unreasonable rules of engagement upon them. They are angry at political appointments in the Department of Defense that have so embraced the beliefs of the left that they have become so risk adverse that they fear their own morning cup of coffee for the millions of possible harmful side effects it might have upon them. Are the Mike’s, Augie’s, Ronnies’ and Dupe’s lives all to be for naught when we allow politicians to take the easy road?
Mr. Schroeder your son did not die in vain and it is our responsibility, yours, mine and everyone else that has someone in uniform to stand up and let our leaders know that the only victory we will accept is Total Victory. We must not let any fears of the danger stand in our way of doing what is right. The news that fewer soldiers will be needed in Iraq next year is good news to those of us who wait, but the truth is, we should be flooding the country with soldiers and forcing the insurgency across the country into smaller and smaller places in which it can hide.
Redirect your anger Mr. Schroeder and I believe you will find out that Augie did not die in vain, he will have died a hero and you will have helped him to achieve that status. Continue down your current path and I believe you will find that your son’s death will have been nothing more than a pawn in a greater political game, a game that all of America will loose if your wish for a total pull out is requested.
To Mr. Schroeder, my condolences and regrets go out to you. To loose a child is the hardest thing a parent can do, to question his death is your right and moral obligation. Mr. Schroeder raises a valid question, are our current policies dooming us to loose the war that so many have valiantly given their lives for, and if they are whose fault is it?
Mr. Schroeder, your anger is in my opinion misplaced it is not the President that is at fault for your belief that the loss of your son’s life will be for naught, it is the cut and run politicians that would use your son’s death as another building block in their war against America. Daily they use your anger and grief as tools in their fight to gain back the office of the Presidency and take control of American’s lives. Your son and his commander’s felt angry not at the mission but at the politicians that place unreasonable rules of engagement upon them. They are angry at political appointments in the Department of Defense that have so embraced the beliefs of the left that they have become so risk adverse that they fear their own morning cup of coffee for the millions of possible harmful side effects it might have upon them. Are the Mike’s, Augie’s, Ronnies’ and Dupe’s lives all to be for naught when we allow politicians to take the easy road?
Mr. Schroeder your son did not die in vain and it is our responsibility, yours, mine and everyone else that has someone in uniform to stand up and let our leaders know that the only victory we will accept is Total Victory. We must not let any fears of the danger stand in our way of doing what is right. The news that fewer soldiers will be needed in Iraq next year is good news to those of us who wait, but the truth is, we should be flooding the country with soldiers and forcing the insurgency across the country into smaller and smaller places in which it can hide.
Redirect your anger Mr. Schroeder and I believe you will find out that Augie did not die in vain, he will have died a hero and you will have helped him to achieve that status. Continue down your current path and I believe you will find that your son’s death will have been nothing more than a pawn in a greater political game, a game that all of America will loose if your wish for a total pull out is requested.
Sites of Interest
I want to take a moment and do a little housekeeping of sorts. I’ve been adding new sites to my blog roll on the right and wanted to draw your attention to a few of them.
First up is Simply Dave’s Views From the CT Suite, I’ve known Dave for, well lets just say it’s been a very long time. When he gets up and running I know you will not be disappointed with whatever he posts, just for reference Dave is one of those guys that when he is reading a book and a footnote references another book, he goes and reads that book also.
Next up is Warrant Officer 1 Michael Fay’s site Fire and Ice. WO1 Fay is the artist in residence for the USMC and is currently deployed to Iraq where he is documenting the experiences of his fellow Marines engaged in the War on Terror. His artwork is simply incredible!
Next up is Angel’s Proud Army Spouse. Angel is married to a soldier currently stationed in Hawaii and she is making a good start at this blogging thing. I’m sure that in no time she will have more hits than me.
Finally I want to direct you all to my newest blog friend Spc Phil Van Treuren’s Camp Katrina. Phil does a great job and is well on his way to being a top listing anyone’s site.
Well, there you have it, my newest updates and why I think you should read them. Thanks for stopping by and tell them The Thunder Run sent ya.
First up is Simply Dave’s Views From the CT Suite, I’ve known Dave for, well lets just say it’s been a very long time. When he gets up and running I know you will not be disappointed with whatever he posts, just for reference Dave is one of those guys that when he is reading a book and a footnote references another book, he goes and reads that book also.
Next up is Warrant Officer 1 Michael Fay’s site Fire and Ice. WO1 Fay is the artist in residence for the USMC and is currently deployed to Iraq where he is documenting the experiences of his fellow Marines engaged in the War on Terror. His artwork is simply incredible!
Next up is Angel’s Proud Army Spouse. Angel is married to a soldier currently stationed in Hawaii and she is making a good start at this blogging thing. I’m sure that in no time she will have more hits than me.
Finally I want to direct you all to my newest blog friend Spc Phil Van Treuren’s Camp Katrina. Phil does a great job and is well on his way to being a top listing anyone’s site.
Well, there you have it, my newest updates and why I think you should read them. Thanks for stopping by and tell them The Thunder Run sent ya.
January 4, 2006
Welcome Camp Katrina readers.
I want to thank Spc. Phil Van Treuren for including my little blog on his daily round up. If you have a moment please look around and most importantly, let me know what you think.
Thanks, and enjoy.
Thanks, and enjoy.
Cpl Corniel: Another American Hero
Thunder 6 tells us the tale of a Marine that joined his beloved Infantry in September, only to fall in battle within days of leaving the country. He writes:
Cpl Corniel was killed in battle by a mortar attack on his OP; his life lived fully, for to squander one’s life waiting for tomorrow is to waste one’s life. His friends spoke eloquently about his abilities as his fellow soldiers gathered on a barren patch of concrete turning it into a cathedral in honor to a great man. I never knew Cpl Corniel, but I know the man that becomes a hero for I have met them many times in my life and I continue to meet them through the writings of Thunder 6 and others. Cpl Corniel was an American Fighting Man a Soldier and a Marine, he should be honored for his service and we should all strive to be as selfless as he.
Thunder 6 begins his essay with this quote by George Fabricius: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold. Cpl Corniel built a monument to his heroism with his actions, his fellow soldiers will continue to maintain that monument and we who have met him will now also be able to take our place in the line of those who should help maintain those monuments.
“New Year’s Eve is a time of both reflection and renewal, a time where a giddy sense of opportunity and hope seep into even the most hardened heart. But there was no joy in Killer Company this New Years Eve… because on New Years Eve we lost a cherished brother. CPL Marcelino “Ronnie” Corniel was a warrior prince. He cut his teeth in the United States Marine Corps, then after a short return to the civilian world he joined the ‘Hard Guard” as he affectionately called it. Shortly after his enlistment he was once again on point for his country.”
Cpl Corniel was killed in battle by a mortar attack on his OP; his life lived fully, for to squander one’s life waiting for tomorrow is to waste one’s life. His friends spoke eloquently about his abilities as his fellow soldiers gathered on a barren patch of concrete turning it into a cathedral in honor to a great man. I never knew Cpl Corniel, but I know the man that becomes a hero for I have met them many times in my life and I continue to meet them through the writings of Thunder 6 and others. Cpl Corniel was an American Fighting Man a Soldier and a Marine, he should be honored for his service and we should all strive to be as selfless as he.
Thunder 6 begins his essay with this quote by George Fabricius: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold. Cpl Corniel built a monument to his heroism with his actions, his fellow soldiers will continue to maintain that monument and we who have met him will now also be able to take our place in the line of those who should help maintain those monuments.
Miner’s Alive!
That was the headline that greeted millions of American’s this morning as they awoken thinking that all was well with the 13 trapped miners in West Virginia. Unfortunately, the headline were wrong and once again the Main Stream Media in it exuberance to be the first on the scene with the story, and be damned if it’s true of not got it all horribly wrong.
As was originally reported “Officials and rescue supervisors were gathered at a command post near the mine when the voice of a rescue worker crackled loudly over a speaker phone, saying they had found 12 miners and were checking their vital signs. Somehow, Hatfield and everyone else in the room who heard the call believed they were being told the men were alive.
Word spread rapidly to the relatives, though it is unclear who was the first to tell them. "Everyone ran from the church screaming, 'They're alive! They're coming!" said Loretta Ables, whose fiancé, Fred Ware, was among the missing miners. She had lost hope when she learned about the dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the mine but she was elated as she waited outside the church. "I feel great, very great," she said.
"They're alive, all of them," someone shouted outside the church.”
However, the joy of the moment was shattered not long after that as Ben Hatfield, CEO of International Coal Group announced to joyous family members that the report was wrong; they were not all alive only one of the men was still alive.
When is the media going to learn that it needs to verify stories before it runs to the presses with its news? Apparently, not soon enough for now the families of 12 miners who were told that their loved ones were alive, and the millions of American’s that were following this story and praying for a miracle are being told the truth. The end result of this incident was tragic, but the real tragedy is the way the media handles these types of incidents. They become media events, circuses if you will, and the rush among the reporters is to be the first with the story. My thoughts and prayers are with those family members that lost their loved ones, and I hope that the media will learn their lesson soon.
As was originally reported “Officials and rescue supervisors were gathered at a command post near the mine when the voice of a rescue worker crackled loudly over a speaker phone, saying they had found 12 miners and were checking their vital signs. Somehow, Hatfield and everyone else in the room who heard the call believed they were being told the men were alive.
Word spread rapidly to the relatives, though it is unclear who was the first to tell them. "Everyone ran from the church screaming, 'They're alive! They're coming!" said Loretta Ables, whose fiancé, Fred Ware, was among the missing miners. She had lost hope when she learned about the dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the mine but she was elated as she waited outside the church. "I feel great, very great," she said.
"They're alive, all of them," someone shouted outside the church.”
However, the joy of the moment was shattered not long after that as Ben Hatfield, CEO of International Coal Group announced to joyous family members that the report was wrong; they were not all alive only one of the men was still alive.
When is the media going to learn that it needs to verify stories before it runs to the presses with its news? Apparently, not soon enough for now the families of 12 miners who were told that their loved ones were alive, and the millions of American’s that were following this story and praying for a miracle are being told the truth. The end result of this incident was tragic, but the real tragedy is the way the media handles these types of incidents. They become media events, circuses if you will, and the rush among the reporters is to be the first with the story. My thoughts and prayers are with those family members that lost their loved ones, and I hope that the media will learn their lesson soon.
January 3, 2006
Challenging the Fifth Column
I knew that the Main Stream media’s portrayal of the war in Iraq was negative at best, what I didn’t realize was how pervasive their reach is, until I visited with my in-laws for New Years this past weekend.
My Mother-in-laws’ husband is a wonderful man, a combat vet from Vietnam and an all around good guy. He loves the Military Channel and I have to agree with him it’s a great channel. A weekend they have been advertising a show coming up called “Iraq v Iraq” looking at how the country is the same now as it was after the first Gulf War and how it is different. It was a comment he made after seeing this commercial for the 15th time that day that got me worried; he feels that the current war in Iraq is a lost cause. It was then that I realized he receives all of his news about Iraq and Afghanistan from the MSM.
For those that feel the MSM constantly negative harping about Iraq isn’t hurting this country, all they need to do is look at this man as the example of what their negativity is doing to hamstring the war effort. A combat vet that still talks of his time in Vietnam as a worthwhile cause and who to this day feels we left way too soon, he now gets all of his news about Iraq from television news. To paraphrase a more recent Captain, “Mr. Lauer if I got my news from the mainstream news I’d be depressed too.”
How true that Captain was, for the MSM is driving their message home on a daily basis to millions of Americans who still view them as an objective provider of news. If it’s not on the news it must not be important they think.
How can we counter this assault? Quite simply we must take the fight to them; we must reach out to our unconnected brethren and show them the rest of the story. We must show them that the cause is not lost and not only are we winning the fight we must show then that it is a just fight. We must not be afraid to engage their ignorance on the War on Terror, even if they are trusted family members. We must be willing to show them that our Soldiers are not terrorists as Mr. Kerry would have them believe, or that the Military is a worthwhile profession contrary to what Mr. Murtha would have you believe. What we can not do is sit there with a smile on our face thinking there goes another moonbat, for that moonbat may just be you mother-in-law’s husband whom you respect quite a bit, and someone that could still do a lot for the War on Terror.
My challenge to you my friends is to do just that. Find a friend or family member that doesn’t know the truth and show them the light, and then simply ask that they do the same in return. We might just be able to counter this fifth column yet.
My Mother-in-laws’ husband is a wonderful man, a combat vet from Vietnam and an all around good guy. He loves the Military Channel and I have to agree with him it’s a great channel. A weekend they have been advertising a show coming up called “Iraq v Iraq” looking at how the country is the same now as it was after the first Gulf War and how it is different. It was a comment he made after seeing this commercial for the 15th time that day that got me worried; he feels that the current war in Iraq is a lost cause. It was then that I realized he receives all of his news about Iraq and Afghanistan from the MSM.
For those that feel the MSM constantly negative harping about Iraq isn’t hurting this country, all they need to do is look at this man as the example of what their negativity is doing to hamstring the war effort. A combat vet that still talks of his time in Vietnam as a worthwhile cause and who to this day feels we left way too soon, he now gets all of his news about Iraq from television news. To paraphrase a more recent Captain, “Mr. Lauer if I got my news from the mainstream news I’d be depressed too.”
How true that Captain was, for the MSM is driving their message home on a daily basis to millions of Americans who still view them as an objective provider of news. If it’s not on the news it must not be important they think.
How can we counter this assault? Quite simply we must take the fight to them; we must reach out to our unconnected brethren and show them the rest of the story. We must show them that the cause is not lost and not only are we winning the fight we must show then that it is a just fight. We must not be afraid to engage their ignorance on the War on Terror, even if they are trusted family members. We must be willing to show them that our Soldiers are not terrorists as Mr. Kerry would have them believe, or that the Military is a worthwhile profession contrary to what Mr. Murtha would have you believe. What we can not do is sit there with a smile on our face thinking there goes another moonbat, for that moonbat may just be you mother-in-law’s husband whom you respect quite a bit, and someone that could still do a lot for the War on Terror.
My challenge to you my friends is to do just that. Find a friend or family member that doesn’t know the truth and show them the light, and then simply ask that they do the same in return. We might just be able to counter this fifth column yet.
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