"You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth - and the amusing thing about it is that they are."
Father Kevin Keaney, 1st Marine Division Chaplain, Korean War
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
27 Years Ago Today
Did you forget this anniversary? Many people maintain that this is when the war against Islamofascism began. Only, we didn't know or recognize it.
If only we had struck back then. Maybe, just maybe, 9/11 would not have happened.
But we'll never know, will we?
Just know this, all who were killed in that barracks 27 years ago are not forgotten here at PYY.
If only we had struck back then. Maybe, just maybe, 9/11 would not have happened.
But we'll never know, will we?
Just know this, all who were killed in that barracks 27 years ago are not forgotten here at PYY.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
My Gratitude For Some Life Altering Lessons
Everyone who has lived as long as I have can point to a mere handful defining moments that helped shape the person we have become. One of mine was serving in the U.S. Army and the part that may have set me on a path towards success was boot camp.
I remember the confusion, the soreness of my arms from inordinate amounts of push-ups, and the never-ending quest to keep from getting screamed at for the most minute of details, things that we all thought were not important enough to warrant such extreme measures.
One day in one of our more tender moments, one of my drill sergeants (that's what the Army called them... the Marines called them drill instructors) gave us the "meaning and purpose" speech in one of the most relaxed settings that we were to have until graduation. He told us that although it may seem like they were not our friends, there were very specific rationales behind every thing they did to and for us.
This video speaks to the very thing that this drill sergeant was trying to convey to us on that fall afternoon, in the dayroom:
I do not know the stats or how they compared to the other military branches, but it was certainly true back in my day that drill sergeants had a very high divorce rate. And while many would have liked to have been home with their families, they spent long hours on the job to see that the needs of the trainees were met.
Many agonized over their inability to be home for their anniversaries, kids' birthdays, and the other meaningful moments that don't come around very often. But they soldiered on so we could have the attention we needed.
Today, the effects of those dedicated professionals that trained us silly kids from all walks of life are still with me.
Every time I feel like giving up on something that is necessary to do but is overly taxing and difficult, I think about the many times I wanted to quit on those long hilly road marches at Ft. Sill..... and didn't. When I want to throw up my hands and give in to the elements that work to subvert my cause, I think back to the days of those dry mouths, gasping for air, and enormously weighty ruck sacks that I felt I could no longer carry.... and I use it to push me through the moments that test me.
If I could see the faces of my drill sergeants one more time, I would thank them to no end for their dedication and hard work. I would express my sincere appreciation for what they did for me...so that I could now push myself to the uttermost limit, in moments when I feel like throwing up my hands and quitting.
I doubt I ever will see them again. But to Drill Sergeant Lewis and Drill Sergeant Duncan (I do not remember their first names) of 4th Platoon, Battery D, 4th Training Battalion in Ft. Sill Oklahoma (in September-November 1976), I say many thanks. I can never repay you both for what you have done, but I can tell my story to others and never forget your hard work.
I remember the confusion, the soreness of my arms from inordinate amounts of push-ups, and the never-ending quest to keep from getting screamed at for the most minute of details, things that we all thought were not important enough to warrant such extreme measures.
One day in one of our more tender moments, one of my drill sergeants (that's what the Army called them... the Marines called them drill instructors) gave us the "meaning and purpose" speech in one of the most relaxed settings that we were to have until graduation. He told us that although it may seem like they were not our friends, there were very specific rationales behind every thing they did to and for us.
This video speaks to the very thing that this drill sergeant was trying to convey to us on that fall afternoon, in the dayroom:
I do not know the stats or how they compared to the other military branches, but it was certainly true back in my day that drill sergeants had a very high divorce rate. And while many would have liked to have been home with their families, they spent long hours on the job to see that the needs of the trainees were met.
Many agonized over their inability to be home for their anniversaries, kids' birthdays, and the other meaningful moments that don't come around very often. But they soldiered on so we could have the attention we needed.
Today, the effects of those dedicated professionals that trained us silly kids from all walks of life are still with me.
Every time I feel like giving up on something that is necessary to do but is overly taxing and difficult, I think about the many times I wanted to quit on those long hilly road marches at Ft. Sill..... and didn't. When I want to throw up my hands and give in to the elements that work to subvert my cause, I think back to the days of those dry mouths, gasping for air, and enormously weighty ruck sacks that I felt I could no longer carry.... and I use it to push me through the moments that test me.
If I could see the faces of my drill sergeants one more time, I would thank them to no end for their dedication and hard work. I would express my sincere appreciation for what they did for me...so that I could now push myself to the uttermost limit, in moments when I feel like throwing up my hands and quitting.
I doubt I ever will see them again. But to Drill Sergeant Lewis and Drill Sergeant Duncan (I do not remember their first names) of 4th Platoon, Battery D, 4th Training Battalion in Ft. Sill Oklahoma (in September-November 1976), I say many thanks. I can never repay you both for what you have done, but I can tell my story to others and never forget your hard work.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Obama's Less Than Full Salute
In my gleaning of news articles, I happened across this little gem yesterday. The title, "Troops yet to give Obama full salute" pretty much says it all.
It should come as no surprise as to why this is.
Part of this unpopularity comes from the simple fact that Obama spent much of his short career as a U.S. Senator, telling the American people that the military could not win the war in Iraq. The other part of this equation comes from the fact that he is now taking responsibility for the victory.
In politics, people do have short memories. But in this case, it's not THAT short.
I remember the first year when boots were on the ground in the land that was once known as Babylon. I remember waking up on Thanksgiving morning of that year, to President George Bush surprising troops having their holiday meal in a land far away from home. They had no clue he was there, they were genuinely surprised, and they proved it by letting out a cheer that caused Nebuchadnezzar to roll over in his grave.
In fact almost anytime George Bush was introduced to military personnel during his tenure, there was a very enthusiastic response. In contrast, people have described responses to Obama as respectful, but quite tepid.
We can debate a lot about a lot of Bush's policies on a good many things and when we conclude our discussions, we can suffice it to say that he was not in any way perfect. I can think of some critical issues on which his action/inaction missed the mark. But even today, he is well-loved by soldiers, sailors, and marines alike.
And if there is any doubt about this, one only needs to watch this video:
The look on these soldiers' faces says much about their deep respect for this man. Not many former Presidents would have taken the time to greet some returning warriors, from a mission that Mr. Obama said would fail. To my knowledge, Bill Clinton has not done it. If he has, I missed it.
But let's get back to the current CIC.
Obama fails the nation on so many fronts and in so many areas, it's not the least bit surprising to me that the military personnel are not very fond of him. Announcing a specific date for beginning the withdrawal from Afghanistan hasn't helped this disconnect much, either.
Now we know it and the world knows it, the Taliban can set a goal of holding on until July 2011. And they can effectively stage attacks as we are withdrawing, so they can use them for propaganda purposes later in their future objectives. Ignorant hate-mongering Islamists will not have the sense to understand the truth behind it, so it will become a great recruiting tool.
Knowing what we know about how Obama has handled the military's affairs in these two wars, I cannot expect that Obama's salute will ever be a full one. In fact, I cannot imagine it ever evolving beyond one finger.
It should come as no surprise as to why this is.
Part of this unpopularity comes from the simple fact that Obama spent much of his short career as a U.S. Senator, telling the American people that the military could not win the war in Iraq. The other part of this equation comes from the fact that he is now taking responsibility for the victory.
In politics, people do have short memories. But in this case, it's not THAT short.
I remember the first year when boots were on the ground in the land that was once known as Babylon. I remember waking up on Thanksgiving morning of that year, to President George Bush surprising troops having their holiday meal in a land far away from home. They had no clue he was there, they were genuinely surprised, and they proved it by letting out a cheer that caused Nebuchadnezzar to roll over in his grave.
In fact almost anytime George Bush was introduced to military personnel during his tenure, there was a very enthusiastic response. In contrast, people have described responses to Obama as respectful, but quite tepid.
We can debate a lot about a lot of Bush's policies on a good many things and when we conclude our discussions, we can suffice it to say that he was not in any way perfect. I can think of some critical issues on which his action/inaction missed the mark. But even today, he is well-loved by soldiers, sailors, and marines alike.
And if there is any doubt about this, one only needs to watch this video:
The look on these soldiers' faces says much about their deep respect for this man. Not many former Presidents would have taken the time to greet some returning warriors, from a mission that Mr. Obama said would fail. To my knowledge, Bill Clinton has not done it. If he has, I missed it.
But let's get back to the current CIC.
Obama fails the nation on so many fronts and in so many areas, it's not the least bit surprising to me that the military personnel are not very fond of him. Announcing a specific date for beginning the withdrawal from Afghanistan hasn't helped this disconnect much, either.
Now we know it and the world knows it, the Taliban can set a goal of holding on until July 2011. And they can effectively stage attacks as we are withdrawing, so they can use them for propaganda purposes later in their future objectives. Ignorant hate-mongering Islamists will not have the sense to understand the truth behind it, so it will become a great recruiting tool.
Knowing what we know about how Obama has handled the military's affairs in these two wars, I cannot expect that Obama's salute will ever be a full one. In fact, I cannot imagine it ever evolving beyond one finger.
Friday, June 18, 2010
When Military Intelligence Is A Misnomer
Fox News is reporting that 17 Afghans are AWOL from Lackland AFB in Texas:
I cannot say this is surprising, knowing that the enemy is very good at probing out our weaknesses. But this is not the outrageous part of this story.
Let's read on (emphasis is mine):
That's just swell isn't it? Over the last two years, they have just slipped away and the public is just now being made aware of it.
Think of the damage that could have been done by now. Think of the damage that may be in the planning phase right now.
A nationwide alert has been issued for 17 members of the Afghan military who have gone AWOL from a Texas Air Force base where foreign military officers who are training to become pilots are taught English, FoxNews.com has learned.
The Afghan officers and enlisted men have security
badges that give them access to secure U.S. defense installations, according to the lookout bulletin, "Afghan Military Deserters in CONUS [Continental U.S.]," issued by Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Dallas, and obtained by FoxNews.com.
I cannot say this is surprising, knowing that the enemy is very good at probing out our weaknesses. But this is not the outrageous part of this story.
Let's read on (emphasis is mine):
The Afghans were attending the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The DLI program teaches English to military pilot candidates and other air force prospects from foreign countries allied with the U.S.
"I can confirm that 17 have gone missing from the Defense Language Institute," said Gary Emery, Chief of Public Affairs, 37th Training Wing, at Lackland AFB. "They disappeared over the course of the last two years, and none in the last three months."
That's just swell isn't it? Over the last two years, they have just slipped away and the public is just now being made aware of it.
Think of the damage that could have been done by now. Think of the damage that may be in the planning phase right now.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Remembrance
Let us not forget those who died while defending this great nation from those who sought to do it harm:
Let us also take advantage of every possible opportunity and every reasonable measure to ensure they did not die in vain. Because if in the end this would turn out to be the case, it would be a greater tragedy than the untimely deaths of these courageous heroes.
ADDENDUM:
A good friend of this blog, Z from Golly Geez, posted the lyrics to this well known composition in the comments. I felt they needed to be posted in the main post so.... here they are:
Rest in peace our courageous men and women, and thank you all.
Let us also take advantage of every possible opportunity and every reasonable measure to ensure they did not die in vain. Because if in the end this would turn out to be the case, it would be a greater tragedy than the untimely deaths of these courageous heroes.
ADDENDUM:
A good friend of this blog, Z from Golly Geez, posted the lyrics to this well known composition in the comments. I felt they needed to be posted in the main post so.... here they are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun.
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.
Rest in peace our courageous men and women, and thank you all.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Honor Among Traitors
We have all heard the saying the "honor among thieves". In this case, we can translate this to corrupt politicians on the take. But how about a certain honor bestowed upon someone that many considered to be an enemy, from within?
If you are puzzled by all of this, maybe you didn't catch this one from the Navy Times:
How about we modify this a little?
Let's change this to "Murtha-our dear Jack",--- deserved the honor as a seditious, treasonous, lying and thieving politician.... who gave aid and comfort to the enemy, just to score political points at home? Whether on the House floor, a campaign stop, or a media interview, he never failed to take a potshot at a Marine or Soldier who was getting shot at with real bullets, by calling them out of control terrorists and war criminals -- before they could be afforded any level of "due process".
Now that's what I call a real advocate for the troops.
The USS Murtha, what a catchy surrealistic ring that has to it.
I say, let's park it in the harbor next to the USS Rosenberg and USS Benedict Arnold, for effect.
If you are puzzled by all of this, maybe you didn't catch this one from the Navy Times:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the Navy’s decision to name an amphibious warship after Rep. John Murtha, but the formal announcement Friday added fuel to an already smoldering backlash online.
Murtha — “our dear Jack,” as Pelosi referred to him — deserved the honor as a tireless advocate for troops generally and Marines in particular, she said, and she recalled admiring his rapport with them.
“Whether on the battlefield, or on the bedside, he thanked them for their courage, listened to their concerns, and asked them for comment — and he answered their needs, and responded to their calls, whether it was for body armor, up-armored vehicles… radios, you name it,” Pelosi said. “In those minutes [together], he bonded with them especially because he would share his own personal military service with them, and cared for them as a father. They knew it, and they returned his respect.”
How about we modify this a little?
Let's change this to "Murtha-our dear Jack",--- deserved the honor as a seditious, treasonous, lying and thieving politician.... who gave aid and comfort to the enemy, just to score political points at home? Whether on the House floor, a campaign stop, or a media interview, he never failed to take a potshot at a Marine or Soldier who was getting shot at with real bullets, by calling them out of control terrorists and war criminals -- before they could be afforded any level of "due process".
Now that's what I call a real advocate for the troops.
The USS Murtha, what a catchy surrealistic ring that has to it.
I say, let's park it in the harbor next to the USS Rosenberg and USS Benedict Arnold, for effect.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Nothing Funny Today
As most know by now, a senseless carnage took place at Fort Hood yesterday. As a result of this tragedy, I do not feel it to be appropriate to post a Friday Funnies today.
I have some thoughts about this incident, but I have been too short on time to organize them into a reasonably cogent post and there are just too many questions that have not been answered. One can only hope that the authorities are asking the same questions that are popping into our minds and will make those answers public at such time as it is appropriate. But with the current leadership in Washington being remiss in the vast majority of their duties, I have my doubts.
Rest assured, those in the blogosphere who seek and understand wholesale truths will be asking tough questions and demanding answers. PYY will be there, also.
I have some thoughts about this incident, but I have been too short on time to organize them into a reasonably cogent post and there are just too many questions that have not been answered. One can only hope that the authorities are asking the same questions that are popping into our minds and will make those answers public at such time as it is appropriate. But with the current leadership in Washington being remiss in the vast majority of their duties, I have my doubts.
Rest assured, those in the blogosphere who seek and understand wholesale truths will be asking tough questions and demanding answers. PYY will be there, also.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Obama's Bracelet: What The Media Won't Tell Us
From NewsBusters comes this story:
It's a situation that needs to be sorted out by reading the entire NB article. For more on the subject, you can read this one.
Apparently the mother (who is divorced from the father) is an Obama supporter and gave it to him. But, she asked him not to use it for media purposes. But regardless of the circumstances, he didn't even know the name on the bracelet without looking. That just shows how committed he is to veterans and further demonstrates he cares nothing about what he claims. How utterly sad it that?
(Crisp Military Hand Salute to Mustang, who sent this info to me via e-mail.)
Barack Obama played the "me too" game during the Friday debates on September 26 after Senator John McCain mentioned that he was wearing a bracelet with the name of Cpl. Matthew Stanley, a resident of New Hampshire and a soldier that lost his life in Iraq in 2006. Obama said that he too had a bracelet. After fumbling and straining to remember the name, he revealed that his had the name of Sergeant Ryan David Jopek of Merrill, Wisconsin.
Shockingly, however, Madison resident Brian Jopek, the father of Ryan Jopek, the young soldier who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb in 2006, recently said on a Wisconsin Public Radio show that his family had asked Barack Obama to stop wearing the bracelet with his son's name on it. Yet Obama continues to do so despite the wishes of the family.
It's a situation that needs to be sorted out by reading the entire NB article. For more on the subject, you can read this one.
Apparently the mother (who is divorced from the father) is an Obama supporter and gave it to him. But, she asked him not to use it for media purposes. But regardless of the circumstances, he didn't even know the name on the bracelet without looking. That just shows how committed he is to veterans and further demonstrates he cares nothing about what he claims. How utterly sad it that?
(Crisp Military Hand Salute to Mustang, who sent this info to me via e-mail.)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Some Stats To Review
Funny how Democrats (and other forms of leftists) that continue to oppose the war in Iraq, use blatant distortions in casualty figures. Never do they use facts, never do they portray their arguments in an accurate manner. Many claim that minority soldiers are killed or wounded disproportionately. They rail as if there have been more casualties in this war than ever before (although they may not use those words). In other words, they paint a picture that is not real and devoid of integrity.
But at this website, we can do a comparative analysis of casualties in Iraq with other wars, presidencies, and other demographics. This is a pretty detailed report that I recommend everyone look at, when they get a chance.
But at this website, we can do a comparative analysis of casualties in Iraq with other wars, presidencies, and other demographics. This is a pretty detailed report that I recommend everyone look at, when they get a chance.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Wesley Clark's Fallacious Words
Gen. Wesley Clark (July 29, 2004):
With only four months of service in Vietnam, John Kerry was deemed to be qualified for the highest office in the land. And yet, five years of captivity after being shot down, doesn't qualify John McCain?
1. McCain was in command of the other POWS, being the highest ranking prisoner in that prison, certainly more challenging than Kerry commanding a small boat for four months.
2. JFK's boat was sunk and everyone believed him to be a war hero when he was elected. Brave and courageous, he certainly was. How is this different from McCain?
But Clark's inability to put cogent thoughts together in a sentence isn't what really bothers me. I have come to expect that of him. What really disturbs me is the fact that the left calls him a war criminal. I have very little respect for a soldier that puts politics above truth and dignity. I have absolutely none for those that twist meanings of a war criminal to suit their radical agenda. None.
John Kerry has lived the values of service and sacrifice. In the Navy, as a prosecutor, as a senator. He proved his physical courage under fire. He's proved his moral courage, too. John Kerry fought a war and came home to fight for peace - his combination of physical courage and moral values is my definition of what we need in a Commander-in-Chief.
With only four months of service in Vietnam, John Kerry was deemed to be qualified for the highest office in the land. And yet, five years of captivity after being shot down, doesn't qualify John McCain?
“That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded — that wasn’t a wartime squadron.”
Moderator Bob Schieffer, who raised the issue by citing similar remarks Clark has made previously, noted that Obama hadn’t had those experiences nor had he ridden in a fighter plane and been shot down. “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president,” Clark replied.
1. McCain was in command of the other POWS, being the highest ranking prisoner in that prison, certainly more challenging than Kerry commanding a small boat for four months.
2. JFK's boat was sunk and everyone believed him to be a war hero when he was elected. Brave and courageous, he certainly was. How is this different from McCain?
But Clark's inability to put cogent thoughts together in a sentence isn't what really bothers me. I have come to expect that of him. What really disturbs me is the fact that the left calls him a war criminal. I have very little respect for a soldier that puts politics above truth and dignity. I have absolutely none for those that twist meanings of a war criminal to suit their radical agenda. None.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Some Call Them Killers
Some call them murderous thugs that rape, pillage, and plunder; they have said the likes of such have "razed villages in a fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan". Others accuse people like these of killing innocent civilians in cold blood. They castigate them, assign blame to them without benefit of a trial, and many even refuse to allow them to have an office in their community.
Yet when the chips are down and the need is great, these brave men jump right in and help people that need help.
You read it correctly. The United States Marines are here in Indiana helping to save communities that are soon to be threatened by downstream flooding, caused by the recent torrential downpours Hoosiers have been experiencing over the past several days. They are here for urban warfare training in Indianapolis, yet they seem to have time to help Americans that desperately need it. Their job is to protect the nation, but none of them seemed to mind helping to protect a community, which most of them never heard of.
LTC Greg Ballard (Ret.), the current mayor of Indianapolis, invited them to use areas of the city for their training. But sadly, a handful of people have raised a stink about the exercise.
In this instance, only a dozen or so had the audacity to show their faces in a pitiful rejection of the men that have volunteered to serve their nation. But in another instance, an elected official turned the Marines away from similar training in his city.
Many thanks should go to Mayor Ballard for inviting this unit to train here, and many more should go to the men of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit for pitching in. The original mission may be postponed or diverted, but the new mission has meaning for those that were privileged to work along side these men, and even more so to those that will (hopefully) reap the benefits.
A great big OOOH- RAH to all of them.
Yet when the chips are down and the need is great, these brave men jump right in and help people that need help.
Residents near Indianapolis mopped up Monday in the wake of floods while the fight took on new intensity far downstream as walls of water coursed through East and West Forks of White River.
Downstream is where state disaster response officials -- surprised by the weekend flash flood -- tried to get ahead of the dangerous surge Monday, directing an assortment of felons and farmers, Amish and Mennonites, soldiers and Marines to sandbag sodden levees in southwestern Indiana.
Hard fighting for Elnora started at 4 a.m. when gray helicopters landed 90 troops of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid response force training in Indiana. But by 5 p.m., the sandbagging was called off and the town of 736 was evacuated just ahead of the highest crest ever recorded on West Fork.
You read it correctly. The United States Marines are here in Indiana helping to save communities that are soon to be threatened by downstream flooding, caused by the recent torrential downpours Hoosiers have been experiencing over the past several days. They are here for urban warfare training in Indianapolis, yet they seem to have time to help Americans that desperately need it. Their job is to protect the nation, but none of them seemed to mind helping to protect a community, which most of them never heard of.
LTC Greg Ballard (Ret.), the current mayor of Indianapolis, invited them to use areas of the city for their training. But sadly, a handful of people have raised a stink about the exercise.
About a dozen people turned out today at the corner of 38th and Fall Creek Avenue to protest Marine plans to stage military exercises in Indianapolis.
The protest comes after an announcement that about 2,300 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., will conduct training from Wednesday through June 19 in and around Indianapolis.
In this instance, only a dozen or so had the audacity to show their faces in a pitiful rejection of the men that have volunteered to serve their nation. But in another instance, an elected official turned the Marines away from similar training in his city.
TOLEDO, OH -- Mayor Carty Finkbeiner on Friday ordered some 200 members of Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines from Grand Rapids, Michigan, out of Toledo just before the unit was supposed to start a weekend of urban warfare training downtown.
Many thanks should go to Mayor Ballard for inviting this unit to train here, and many more should go to the men of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit for pitching in. The original mission may be postponed or diverted, but the new mission has meaning for those that were privileged to work along side these men, and even more so to those that will (hopefully) reap the benefits.
A great big OOOH- RAH to all of them.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
News In Brief (And The Usual Opinionated Commentary)
Rezko Guilty On 16 Of 24 Counts
"A prominent fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama" means that he raised money for Obama. Why? Influence peddling, which is nothing new to those familiar with Chicago politics. It is one of the most corrupt systems in the nation.
It's crystal clear to me that Obama is not offering a new kind of politics, unless you count the change from the Washingtonian to Chicagoan. The only difference there is the spelling.
Al Qaeda Claims Pakistani Attack
The naysayers will use this as a chance to deny that Al Qaeda has been severely weakened, as the vast majority of terrorism experts maintain. But when we consider this attack was confined locally and was relatively weaker than past attacks, we must see that AQ has been contained in a huge way. This does not mean they are completely destroyed (nor does it mean other groups are not hellbent on wreaking death and destruction), but their status as a worldwide entity has been crippled.
Marine Acquitted On Cover-Up Charge
Meanwhile, the Marines are still waiting on apologies from Murtha and Kerry.
Go LA!!
No, I am not cheering myself in shameless self promotion. Tonight is Game One in the renewal of the biggest rivalry in the history of the NBA, the Lakers vs. the Celtics. Chamberlain vs. Russell, West vs. Havlicek, and Johnson vs. Bird have been classic battles of the ages. Now, it's time for a new generation to pick up the gauntlet.
I am not the biggest NBA fan, since the punks and the thugs have permeated the culture. But both of these teams have a more mature veteran base. And although Boston has never been my favorite team due to this rivalry which dates back to my boyhood days as a Laker fan, they are better than many people think and I have always had respect for them.
The Lakers are favored, but I see them as evenly matched. It's anyone's series and it will go to the one that plays best on the court. Naturally, I hope it's LA and I am sure my friend Greg will disagree. But, we cannot agree on everything; now, can we?.
;)
A prominent fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich was convicted Wednesday of fraud and money laundering after a high-profile federal trial provided an unusually detailed glimpse of the pay-to-play politics that has made Illinois infamous.
"A prominent fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama" means that he raised money for Obama. Why? Influence peddling, which is nothing new to those familiar with Chicago politics. It is one of the most corrupt systems in the nation.
It's crystal clear to me that Obama is not offering a new kind of politics, unless you count the change from the Washingtonian to Chicagoan. The only difference there is the spelling.
Al Qaeda Claims Pakistani Attack
At least six people were killed and 30 injured in the attack in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The statement said the attack was to exact revenge over the reprinting of a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad in Danish newspapers in February.
The naysayers will use this as a chance to deny that Al Qaeda has been severely weakened, as the vast majority of terrorism experts maintain. But when we consider this attack was confined locally and was relatively weaker than past attacks, we must see that AQ has been contained in a huge way. This does not mean they are completely destroyed (nor does it mean other groups are not hellbent on wreaking death and destruction), but their status as a worldwide entity has been crippled.
Marine Acquitted On Cover-Up Charge
A military jury acquitted a Marine intelligence officer yesterday of charges that he tried to help cover up the killings of 24 Iraqis.
Meanwhile, the Marines are still waiting on apologies from Murtha and Kerry.
Go LA!!
No, I am not cheering myself in shameless self promotion. Tonight is Game One in the renewal of the biggest rivalry in the history of the NBA, the Lakers vs. the Celtics. Chamberlain vs. Russell, West vs. Havlicek, and Johnson vs. Bird have been classic battles of the ages. Now, it's time for a new generation to pick up the gauntlet.
I am not the biggest NBA fan, since the punks and the thugs have permeated the culture. But both of these teams have a more mature veteran base. And although Boston has never been my favorite team due to this rivalry which dates back to my boyhood days as a Laker fan, they are better than many people think and I have always had respect for them.
The Lakers are favored, but I see them as evenly matched. It's anyone's series and it will go to the one that plays best on the court. Naturally, I hope it's LA and I am sure my friend Greg will disagree. But, we cannot agree on everything; now, can we?.
;)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Smear Politics
Mustang at Social Sense has the scoop.
All I can say (beyond what I said in the comment section of his post) is, who would have thought a US Senator representing the state of Iowa would have the audacity to make such a foolish and asinine statement? Normally, one would expect this out of Howard Dean and the other useless idiots that have hijacked the Democratic party. You can see why I am so critical of elitists, they are not grounded in reality.
All I can say (beyond what I said in the comment section of his post) is, who would have thought a US Senator representing the state of Iowa would have the audacity to make such a foolish and asinine statement? Normally, one would expect this out of Howard Dean and the other useless idiots that have hijacked the Democratic party. You can see why I am so critical of elitists, they are not grounded in reality.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gitmo Prisoners Living Better Than Some Soldiers In Ft. Bragg
This is an abomination. This is not the kind of living conditions that I was accustomed to, when I was in the US Army over 30 years ago. This video will shock many of my readers that are prior service members and I hope it motivates everyone that reads this blog to raise three different kinds of hell with their Congressman and their two Senators. I know I plan to.
(NOTE - If this video runs slow, it is because it is picking up a lot of traffic right now. ABC has picked this up. So, be patient.)
For the soldiers that just endured months of hell in combat conditions, this is a slap in the face and it truly makes me furious. This is no way to treat men and women that have put their lives on the line, in service to this great nation. I do not expect them to live in the Palmer House or the Ritz, but this is not the kind of environment a hog or a cow should live in. The prisoners in Gitmo have it better than this.
To contact your elected officials, you can click here for the House of Representatives.
Or you can click here for the Senate.
So, what are you waiting for? Do it NOW. (While you are still seething)
UPDATE (30 Apr 08 - 0530):
Evidently, this has been out long enough for some fecal material to roll downhill. See this report from CNN. But please, do not let up. This is an election year, let's pressure the Army to inspect all barracks in all four branches, everywhere in the world. If this is but one example, we can bet there are others, as well.
Write your elected representatives and put pressure on them, tell them you will not be voting for them if they let this continue.
(NOTE - If this video runs slow, it is because it is picking up a lot of traffic right now. ABC has picked this up. So, be patient.)
For the soldiers that just endured months of hell in combat conditions, this is a slap in the face and it truly makes me furious. This is no way to treat men and women that have put their lives on the line, in service to this great nation. I do not expect them to live in the Palmer House or the Ritz, but this is not the kind of environment a hog or a cow should live in. The prisoners in Gitmo have it better than this.
To contact your elected officials, you can click here for the House of Representatives.
Or you can click here for the Senate.
So, what are you waiting for? Do it NOW. (While you are still seething)
UPDATE (30 Apr 08 - 0530):
Evidently, this has been out long enough for some fecal material to roll downhill. See this report from CNN. But please, do not let up. This is an election year, let's pressure the Army to inspect all barracks in all four branches, everywhere in the world. If this is but one example, we can bet there are others, as well.
Write your elected representatives and put pressure on them, tell them you will not be voting for them if they let this continue.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
French Delegation Honors American War Heroes
A French delegation was in Indianapolis honoring some brave men that fought on French soil. PYY both lauds the gesture, itself, and the words that were said:
Beautifully said, Monsieur.
And before Flocon beats me to it, I want to point some historical background out from this short article.
Here's the remote history:
Now, the more recent history:
I have been very hard on M. Chirac, in many of my postings, over the last three years here. But do not think that this good deed will go unnoticed and unthanked.
In my view, a big "merci beaucoup" is in order here. It first goes to M. Chirac for making this possible. Not only that, I think another goes to the French government and the French people, as well. I know these men must have felt good to receive this award, in the twilight of their lives. Suffice it to say, you have made some old guys smile inside.
Vive le France.
To the French, the veterans are heroes who helped free France from the Germans, said Jean-Baptiste de Boissiere, the consul general of the French consulate in Chicago, who presented the medals. “You saved us and we will not forget,” he said.
Beautifully said, Monsieur.
And before Flocon beats me to it, I want to point some historical background out from this short article.
Here's the remote history:
Napoleon Bonaparte established the Legion of Honour in 1802 as the highest award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France.
Now, the more recent history:
In 2004, French President Jacques Chirac opened the door for veterans to apply for the honor in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy.
I have been very hard on M. Chirac, in many of my postings, over the last three years here. But do not think that this good deed will go unnoticed and unthanked.
In my view, a big "merci beaucoup" is in order here. It first goes to M. Chirac for making this possible. Not only that, I think another goes to the French government and the French people, as well. I know these men must have felt good to receive this award, in the twilight of their lives. Suffice it to say, you have made some old guys smile inside.
Vive le France.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
When The Dishonorable Tarnish The Reputations Of The Honorable
Mustang is rightfully accusing a member of the chain of command of being unfit to be in the position he is in. And believe me when I say this, his accusation is not without good cause.
You can read about it here.
I (like commenter Tad at Mustang's post) think this needs to be called into action by good people protesting the lack of honor, among those who are in a prominent place in the chain of command and in elected positions.
Note-When you are done (and only when you are done) reading Mustang's piece, then it would be good to read this recent op-ed. (HT on this article goes to Greg)
You can read about it here.
I (like commenter Tad at Mustang's post) think this needs to be called into action by good people protesting the lack of honor, among those who are in a prominent place in the chain of command and in elected positions.
Note-When you are done (and only when you are done) reading Mustang's piece, then it would be good to read this recent op-ed. (HT on this article goes to Greg)
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Recommended Reading
Here's an interesting piece I ran across over at Q and O.
I have a headache right now, digesting it all isn't in the cards tonight. Therefore I cannot say that I am sure what I think about it just yet. I'll have to chew on it a bit.
And....I'll get back with you on it. I just want to submit it for review.
Addendum: Still haven't has time to look at this more closely, Mrs. Sunsett is generating projects for me to do. But, here is the article that seemed to spark this discussion.
I have a headache right now, digesting it all isn't in the cards tonight. Therefore I cannot say that I am sure what I think about it just yet. I'll have to chew on it a bit.
And....I'll get back with you on it. I just want to submit it for review.
Addendum: Still haven't has time to look at this more closely, Mrs. Sunsett is generating projects for me to do. But, here is the article that seemed to spark this discussion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)