Thursday, June 29, 2006

What's Your Life Expectancy?

The National Safety Council has computed your odds of dying from an accident or common injuries: Odds of Dying

I don't know about you, but I'm never leaving the house again....

Air Force To Study Blogging

In a three-year, $450,000 project called “Automated Ontologically-Based Link Analysis of International Web Logs for the Timely Discovery of Relevant and Credible Information,” the US Air Force will try to determine if studying blogs can help fight the GWOT.

One of the problems scientists may encounter is the sheer volume of information availavble in the blogosphere. Dr. Brian Ulicny, senior scientist at Versatile Information Systems Inc. in Farmignham, Mass. says: "It can be challenging for information analysts to tell what’s important in blogs unless you analyze patterns."

Scientists will not only study the blogs content, but the hyperlinks, as well. The analysis will focus on the relevance, specificity, timeliness and credibility on important news events or topics. Dr. Mieczyslaw Kokar, president of VISI: “The fact that the web is a vast source of information is sometimes overlooked by military analysts. Our research goal is to provide the warfighter with a kind of information radar to better understand the information battlespace.”

U.S. DoD story link

More On The NY Times

It looks like a lot of Americans are unhappy with the NY Times, the LA Times and the WSJ these days. And Bill O'Reilly is one of them. In last night's talking points memo, the Fox News host says that the only reason for the NY Times to print the story of covert money-tracking programs was toembarrasss the Bush administration.

The NY Times position appears to be "everyone already knew it, anyway". And Tom Brokaw, at least, seems to agree: "I don't know of anyone who believes that the terrorist network said, "Oh my God, they're tracing our financial transactions?" What a surprise. Of course they knew that they were doing that". Perhaps. But how do they know? Isn't it better tospeculatee that the terrorists have the information, then to publish the it and know for sure? And clearly not every terrorist knew about the program, since SWIFT has had some success. And if everyone "already knows", then how can it be news? So the question remains: why print it?

It seems that the NY Times was the lead on this thing, and that the WSJ and the LA Times got wind of the story just before publication and also ran with it. But all three "news" outlets had a common goal: to embarrasss the president and the military, and to limit our successes in the GWOT. Some experts believe that the folks at the NYT, LAT and the WSJ feel the Bush White House is more dangerous that bin Laden or even the larger war on terror. It seems to me that these folks have gotten out of the business on reporting the news, and into the business of politics and nation-shaping.

Obviously, I am all for freedom of speech, and the fact that you are reading this blog is evidence of that. And twenty-five years of military service and police work defending the Constitution of the United States in something that I don't take lightly. But, in time of war, some things do not need to be on the front page of the NY Times. In the military, we call it OpSec, or operational security, and it can be summed up as sharing information on a need-to-know basis, while giving due caution to who might be listening in on the information sharing process, i.e. listening in on phone calls, monitoring email, etc. It is the same philosophy that lead us to victory in WWII and countless other endeavors around the world.

There are some things that the American people don't need to know, and don't want to know, especially in time of war. Clearly, this was one of those times.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

PFCs. Menchaca and Tucker Funerals

Army PFC. Kristian Menchaca, who was kidnapped, tortured, murdered, then booby-trapped in Iraq last week, was laid to rest in Texas today (The Brownsville Herald story). It seems the nutjobs from the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church planned to attend in protest of the Iraq war, homosexuals and God's hatred for everyone but them. Also in attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders whose mission is to, upon invitation, try to shield the mourning family and friends from the aforementioned nutjobs and scumbags, while showing their support for the fallen servicemember.

Members from the famous 101st Airborne paid their respects, as did local law enforcement, firefighters, and the Border Patrol, which Menchaca had hoped to join after his service in the Army. Many members of the local community came out to line the funeral procession route, as well. PFC. Thomas Tucker, who was kidnapped with Menchaca, was buried over the weekend in Oregon.

Rest in peace, brothers. You've earned it.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Democrats Fail America Again.

The U.S. Senate today rejected an amendment banning the burning of the American flag by one stinking vote. The House passed the measure last year.

Just to keep score, the following Dems. (and presidential hopefuls) voted against the amendment:

Sen. Hillary Clinton, NY
Sen. Joe Biden, DE.
Sen. John Kerry, Mass.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, Conn.
Sen. Russ Feingold, Wis.

Here's a synopsis of the amendment: Protect "Old Glory"

A Paratrooper's Faith

As a young paratrooper, I remember having to conquer my fears again and again, and usually failing miserably. Soldiering, especially in the parachute infantry, is a difficult life, although quite rewarding in its own way. Anyway, I had this small book, almost a pamphlet really, called A Paratrooper's Faith. I think it was put together by some troopers parents during the Vietnam-era, but I'm not really sure anymore. It was a collection of inspirational quotes, poems, songs, etc. designed to both motivate and console the trooper in hard times.

My copy got dog-earred quickly, since I carried it in my cammies all the time, so it soon became necessary for me to move on to step two: creating my own edition. I don't know if the young troopers of today's Army still get them, but I often read through mine and still find the words comforting. One of my favorites was always this piece by Robert Service:

Give me to live and love in the old, bold fashion-
A soldier's billet at night and a soldier's ration.
A heart that leaps to the fight with a soldier's passion.

For I hold as a simple faith there's no denying,
The trade of a soldier the only trade worth plying;
The death of a soldier the only death worth dying.

Go 'til the word is war- and then you will find me.

Then you will call me and claim me because you will need me;
Cheer me and gird me and into battle wrath speed me;
And when it's over, spurn me and no longer heed me.

There's a glory gold never can buy to yearn and to cry for;
There's a hope that's as bold as the sky to suffer and sigh for;
There's a faith that out-dazzles the sun to martyr and die for.

To the warrior-poets of my youth, I hope it helps. Godspeed!

Close The Border Already!

Here's just one more reason (as if we needed it) to close the border: Two Arrested After 56 Immigrants Found in Refrigerated Texas Trailer. And if that doesn't put things into perspective for you, read this: Illegal Alien Invasion Deadlier Than Iraq by Mac Johnson.

It's unbelievable to me that Gov. Schwarzenegger won't do more, when people like Sheriff Joe Arpaio are doing so much with so much less.

Here's a cool post from A Lady's Ruminations, complete with a great graphic of what a border fence should look like: Guard the Borders Blogburst. (You can click on the graphic to make it larger).

Our elected officials need to stop bickering, forget about votes and just do what's right for this country before things get any worse than they already are.

End of sermon.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Ward Churchill Gets The Boot?

According to Fox News, the top official at the University of Colorado has recommended that Adam Henry Ward Churchill be fired (if you're wondering what an Adam Henry is, you're sitting on it). Churchill is a liar, a plagiarist and all around scumbag, but he can still appeal the decision to yet another committee for review. He is still hiding under that pesky First Amendment... you know, the one that says "thou art free to steal another's work; to lie to gain employment; to claim minority status when thou art not; to call thy brethren Nazis when thou art one." THAT pesky amendment.

Stay tuned yet again....

Those Goofy Iranians

Damnit, here I am, snug in my own little world, posting about Iran and North Korea working together to plot the end of the world and The Captain throws this little change-up at me: Did Iran Help Bag Zarqawi? WTF? What are you doing to me, Captain???

Next you'll be telling me that Snape's a good guy!! (OK, so I'm a Potterhead...sue me!!)

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Hey NY Times: STFU!


Michelle Malkin does it again. Check out these awesome and updated WWII OPSEC posters. And visit The Truth Laid Bear for a special edition on the traitors in our midst. And now the blogger-verse responds. Visit:

Blogs of War; Redneck's Revenge; Knowledge Is Power; Diary Of A Hollywood Refugee

And here's more:

The Media's War Against the War; PROSECUTE the New York Times says Rep. King

The NYT doesn't seem to care they we are at war, nor do they care about the brave men and women who are serving our country. It's time to stop the leaks and keep rags like the Times from putting our troops in danger.

Iran And North Korea United?

According to a recent article in the The Christian Science Monitor, it seems clear that the Iranians and the North Koreans are teaming up, to some degree, to take on the free world. But whether they are working in conjunction with one another or simply monitoring each others efforts and weighing successes seems to be a matter of some debate. We know that North Korea has sold missile technology to the Iranians, and possibly even some nuclear expertise, but there doesn't seem to be any evidence that the two countries are discussing ways to work together in the pursuit of evil. At least, not yet.

A few weeks ago, while North Korea sat in darkness, Iran was pushing hard for uranium enrichment, finally gaining some concessions from the West if they are willing to abandon their nuke programs. The Iranians have said that they would like to wipe out Israel, and they seem to be working with Syria even more. Earlier this week, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he would visit Iran to pursue weapons deals because "Venezuela needs weapons to fend off a U.S. invasion" (Guardian story). Right.

Now it's North Korea's turn to be a nuisance, as they have fueled-and reportedly aimed at the U.S.-a missile that could reach Japan, and possibly the U.S. mainland. Japan has warned the North Koreans that testing such a missile will have serious consequences, and even U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan seems concerned. The U.S. and Japan have been running military exercises off of the coast of Guam, and will do so again off the coast of Hawaii next week. The DoD recently ran a successful missile defense test, and the general consensus is that we could knock a North Korean missile out of the sky, if necessary. Failing to do so, however, would not be a good thing.

A pre-emptive strike is possible, as the Reformed Chicks Blabbing point out, but then what? The North Koreans have an updated anti-aircraft defenses, thanks to China and Russia, no doubt. And we certainly aren't prepared to wage ground war there. "If the U.S. imperialists set another fire of war ... our army and people will finally settle our battle with the U.S. by mercilessly crushing and sweeping out the aggressors," said a report by the official Korean Central News Agency. Their position seems clear. And this doesn't help.

We blew this one years ago, with both Iran and North Korea. And now we seem to be running out of time. And options.




Saturday, June 24, 2006

NY/LA Times Guilty Of Treason

Yes, you read that correctly. Guilty of treason. You see, we are at war, and the morons at the NY Times, The Wall Street Journal and the LA Times have decided that they would rather be the story than just report it.

This past week, the NY Times reported that the U.S. Treasury Department has been delving into financial records to track money being sent to al Qaeda and other terrorists/organizations. In case you missed it, the U.S. was watching "financial footprints" by monitoring international money transfers, most of which are public information and are used by some 8,000 financial institutions. The system was designed to help catch drug dealers and organized crime folks who use the international banking system to transfer and launder money. Since 9/11, according to DoHS, some 1,600 terror-related accounts have been frozen, and some $150 million dollars have been seized worldwide. That's money that terrorists could have used to buy weapons, or recruit new scumbags, or buy their way into America to do who-knows-what.

The NY Times was asked by the Bush Administration not to go ahead with the story, but they did anyway. They did it because they wanted to show everyone that they knew what is going on and they don't like it. That's all. They wanted to stick it to President Bush and the military, and, in the process, the rest of us got it, too. The NY Times and these other "news" outlets don't care about Americans, they care about furthering their own brand of opinionated politics. And they don't care who gets hurt as a result of it.

And if you think their actions don't hurt every American, consider the opinion of FBI Director Robert Mueller, who recently commented on "the new brand of terrorism". Mueller, speaking at an event in Cleveland , said that "smaller, more loosely defined cells" are a growing problem in the U.S. And the NY Times is telling these groups how to avoid detection by publishing the confidential details of secret U.S. Government counter-terrorism programs. Ladies and gentlemen, the NY Times and their ilk are the helping our enemy.

The ladies at La Dolce Divas sum it up nicely here. Why do we need this program, and others like it? Read this post at Woman Honor Thyself. And the always brilliant Herschel Smith has a cool post at Letter to the New York Times. And Jo wants the "anonymous source" revealed and prosecuted. I couldn't agree more. And finally, this from American Lady.

We have met the enemy and he is the NY and LA Times.

Hussein Goes On Hunger Strike

Oh, wait, it's over.

Saddam Hussein's hunger strike, to protest the murder of another one of his lawyers (Yet Another Lawyer for Saddam Hussein is Killed courtesy of The Southern California Law Blog), lasted one whole meal.

Look for Sen. Ted Kennedy to go on a similar hunger strike in opposition of the Iraq War.

No More Troops To Border

The Los Angeles Times reports that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has refused to send an additional 1,500 National Guard troops to help secure the border with Mexico. On June 1st of this year, Schwarzenegger agreed to send 1,000 troops to the border after a long standoff with the White House over who would pay for the border effort, but the Governor finally relented when the Pentagon agreed to foot the bill, estimated at $1.4 billion dollars.

The Governor's decision come at a time when he is facing re-election, while his support among Hispanic voters is dwindling. He has said publicly that he does not support "militarizing the border" and that he prefers to keep the 1,500 additional troops available for training and any possible disasters or emergencies.

But what this really about is votes. Not national security. Not the safety and welfare of all Californians or Americans. Just votes. Schwarzenegeer wants things both ways: he wants the support of the Bush White House come election time, so he agrees to send an insignificant number of troops to the border initially. And now, when the request for more troops comes, he can be seen as standing up to the White House by refusing, a move designed to gain Latino support.

But, as The Uncooperative Blogger reports, the numbers are staggering. There are between 12 and 25 million illegals here already, and more are coming to the tune of some 900,000 per year. llegal aliens get some $3 billion dollars a year in government assistance, although most of them do not pay taxes, accounting for billions of dollars in lost tax revenue. And if you believe that illegal immigration is a "victimless crime", read this piece by Michelle Malkin. And this one from
A Lady's Ruminations.

An overwhelming majority of Americans want immigration reform. They want the borders closed. They want to know who is coming into our country and for what purpose. They want migrants to obey our laws, pay taxes and learn to speak English. But still our elected officials refuse to do anything to improve the situation because they are afraid of losing votes.

Clearly, everyone knows the magnitude of the problem. And still, our elected folks on both sides seem to think that using the situation for political gain is more important than giving the American people what they clearly and overwhelmingly want. The situation will not go away, but will get even worse until something happens that angers the American people enough to force the government to take action, to the mutual benefit of all of us. Until then, we wait and hold our breath.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Watada Refuses Deployment Orders

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Lt. Watada, of "I think the war is illegal and I am not going to help fight it" fame, refused to depart Ft. Lewis for Iraq with his unit today. I can only hope that the U.S. Army will do the right thing and charge him with desertion, and confine him for a very long time. I might have the teeniest bit of compassion for a drafted private, but this guy volunteered to serve as an officer. Therefore, in my humble opinion, he is an opportunist and a coward, and he deserves everything that happens to him.

For more on Watada, visit: The Violence Worker!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

McKinney Not Out Of The Woods Yet

OK, the grand jury won't indict, the U.S. Attorney is gutless also...now it's our turn! The U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee is demanding that the House Ethics Committee review Rep. Cynthia McKinney's conduct. Andrew Maybo, Chairman of the USCP Labor Committee apparently feels that U.S. Representatives should "conduct themselves at all times in a manner which shall reflect creditably on the House of representatives."

Huh. He must be new.

But there's more. Now, the Fraternal Order of Police is getting involved, as well. Just last month, the FOP released a statement that all "political policing on Capitol Hill must end." The press released followed the special treatment that House Dems. McKinney and Patrick Kennedy received after their little booboos. The FOP will now send a letter to the House Ethics Committee in hopes of gaining sanctions against Congresswoman McKinney. In case you're wondering, the FOP is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the world.

See folks, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. Oh, wait.... the fat won't be singing when it's over! Yes, that's it.

Here's more: Patrick Kennedy: Chip Off The Old Block; Another Democrat Skates; Adam Henry: Rep. Cynthia McKinney

Missing Soldiers Found Dead


Stars & Stripes reports this morning that the two soldiers missing from a checkpoint in the "triangle of death" near Youssifiyah, Iraq, have been found dead. According to the report, the two soldiers had been "slaughtered" and "killed in a barbaric way." The two soldiers went missing on Friday, when their checkpoint was attacked. Spc. David Babineau was killed in the attack, and Pfcs. Kristian Menchaca and Thomas Tucker were kidnapped. All three soldiers were from the 101st Air Assault.

I salute your courage and sacrifice, brothers, and I hope that your families finds peace and solace in the fact that you served your country honorably and did your duty in a way that most of us will never have to.

Ward Churchill Update

The gorgeous ALa at blonde sagacity has an update on our old buddy Ward Churchill: Bye Bye Ward... It seems that the University of Colorado has voted that our pal be fired for lying, cheating, stealing other people's work, etc., etc. It finally seems that UC has found the courage to go forward with this, now let's see if the schools chancellor will do the right thing and follow their recommendation. Of course, he'll probably find work at another far left-leaning school...

Here's my original post naming Churchill an Adam Henry: Adam Henry: Ward Churchill.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Coward Speaks With Forked Tongue

Lt. Ehren Watada, the coward who has refused to go to Iraq with his unit, as ordered, recently traded email with Uncle Jimbo at BLACKFIVE. Take a minute to read the comments, too. And if you want to hear more from Watada, here's his website Thank You Lt. Ehren Watada. I don't know why you would want to, but there it is. The more I hear about this guy, the more I think that this thing was staged from the very beginning. I wonder if his email address on Blackfive's site is any good? Better watch your back, Eltee.

Here's my original post on the matter: Cowardice in Army Officer Corps.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

al-Qaeda Still Active In U.S.

Here's an interesting Los Angeles Times story regarding an al Qaeda hydrogen-cyanide attack that was planned for the New York subway in 2003. According to some estimates, the attack would have killed as many people as the 9/11 plane hijackings. Just more chilling insight into how these people think. Makes you wonder what else bin Laden may be planning.

The article is based on an excerpt from the new book The One Percent Doctrine, written by former WSJ reporter Ron Suskind.

Elsewhere, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Pakistani Faheem Lodhi, 36, a Sydney architect, was found guilty of trying to blow up a national electricity grid in Australia in late 2003.

Just a reminder that these people are among us and planning things that we can never be prepared for. We are a long way from winning.

WWII Sub Finally Found

The Navy says that a sub found at the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand is probably the USS Lagarto, which never returned from its mission in the waning days of WWII. The sub was sunk with the loss of all hands, some 86 sailors and officers. The Navy will make no attempt to retrieve the crew, considering the bottom of the sea to be a fitting final resting place for such brave men.

I don't know if you've ever been on a submarine, but I have and such duty is not for the faint of heart. We salute the courage of these brave men, and hope that this discovery lends some peace to their families.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Update on LAPD Officer

Here's an update on Officer Kristina Ripatti, courtesy of DJ at LAPD.

Details of the original incident are here , courtesy of ABC News.

France approves new immigration bill

Just for fun, let's look at France's new immigration policy, since they are so much more cultured and refined then we pedestrian Americans, via the BBC :

"PROPOSED NEW RULES:
Only the qualified get "skills and talents" residency permit
Foreigners only allowed in to work, not live off benefits
Foreign spouses to wait longer for residence cards
Migrants must agree to learn French
Migrants must sign 'contract' respecting French way of life
Scraps law on workers getting citizenship after 10 years"


Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy says that "France, like a number of other western countries, needs to choose the immigrants it needs."

I wonder if anyone in Congress or the White House saw this...

Friday, June 16, 2006

Another Democrat Skates

In a statement released late Friday, a grand jury refused to indict Rep. Cynthia McKinney for battering a Capitol Hill Police Officer earlier this year. U.S. Attorney Kenneth Wainstein also lacked the guts to go forward, saying, "We respect the decision of the grand jury in this difficult matter."

Difficult matter? A member of the house refuses to adhere to security procedures, attempts to circumvent a check point, and then batters an officer when he tries to stop her. In front of witnesses, no less. Then McKinney lied about the incident, insisting initially that there had been no contact. She then called the matter "racial profiling" and blamed the officer.

And I think these are the same Democrats that are going to reclaim the moral high ground over the corrupt Republicans, right? And what does the rest of the house do? Nothing. Not a peep. No attempt to defend or back up the cops that are risking their lives to protect the House and its visitors. No demands that she resign. Nada. Maybe they all were too busy hiding bribe money in their freezers or drunkenly crashing barricades in a mad dash to "get to the House to vote" at 3 a.m.

Unfortunately, this type of thing is so normal for our politicians now that no one even bats an eye when these things happen. There is no public outcry because it is so commonplace. And the other politicians won't object because they are so immersed in the same corrupt system.

It's all about making money and getting votes, people. Nothing else matters.

More on Haditha

I found these two great posts at The Captain's Journal. Check 'em out...

My Phone Discussion with Camp Pendleton and Marines in Shackles and The Common Man’s Perspective on Haditha .

Meanwhile, USATODAY reports that the initial investigation is over and the "voluminous" report been submitted to the U.S. Commander in Iraq.

Another Crooked Dem. Uses "R" Word

Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) was stripped of his committee seat today, and has already begun playing the race card, after Cynthia McKinney's recent fine example. Jefferson had refused previous requests to step down from the House Ways and Means Committee. For once, Nancy Pelosi, who lead the charge against Jefferson, was on the right side. However, Jefferson indicated that he was unfairly removed because he is black.

As you may recall, Jefferson has been implicated in a bribery probe after the FBI found $90,000 in cash wrapped in foil in his freezer, after they filmed him accepting a $100,000 bribe. Jefferson maintains his innocence.

Jefferson seems to have been cut loose by the Dems, who are attempting to seize the moral high ground before the next election, amid the Republican "culture of corruption". Huh.

More at Jo’s Cafe and Captain's Quarters.

House Rejects Iraq Pullout

Yesterday, the Senate voted against pulling out of Iraq before the mission is competed. Today, after largely partisan debate, the House followed suit, saying that setting a timetable in Iraq is not in the best interests of the country. As usual, Nancy Pelosi had piped up, calling the Iraq war a "grotesque mistake" (Stars & Stripes story). However, 42 Democrats broke ranks and sided with the Republicans on this one.

Clearly, setting a timetable for any war is a major mistake, especially when the enemy would have that information within hours of the decision. If we set a timetable for troop withdrawals, the war would be lost. There would be no reason for the enemy to engage us, but rather they would sit back, reconstitute, and wait for us to leave. At the same time, we would have shown the whole world that the United States does not keep its word, does not fight to win and will not stay the course. And then we could start making preparations for Gulf War III.

We're in this one to win it, folks, and running away is not an option.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Happy Birthday U.S. Army!


Today is Flag Day, a day to honor all who have served and lived under the most recognizable symbol of freedom the world has ever known. May she find a stiff breeze and an old warrior to salute her!

It's also the 231st birthday of the U.S. Army and the Infantry. Soldiers all over the world are hoisting a glass, trading coin checks, and remembering those who gave their lives so that we could see this day. I salute each and every one of you.

But of course, on such a day, the niceties must be observed. Therefore I offer the traditional toast:

I have ridden the skies in great machines, hooked up and jumped with the best of men. I have fought long and hard, and when I felt I had no energy left, I have been fired by the fear that if I stopped fighting, my comrades would die. And when I was in danger, enemy all around, I heard the thunder from my left and my right, as my life was defended. I have never been alone. I live, jump, fight and battle to victory with the greatest assemblage of men on earth. Gentlemen, to the BROTHERHOOD of the PARACHUTE INFANTRY.

To the PARACHUTE INFANTRY!

Congress Finally Agrees!!!

I know what you're thinking....

They agreed on a pay raise for our military, so they don't have to live at the poverty level or use food stamps to feed their kids, right?

Now that would be something, but sadly, no.

OK, they agreed to close the northern and southern borders and revamp our immigration policies so that people cannot come here illegally, and if they are here illegally already, cannot get a job, right?

Well, also important, but again, no.

Well then, they must have agreed to pull their collective heads out of their collective asses and actually work together for once to accomplish something that actually has meaning for Americans everywhere, right? Please say yes!

Um. No.

They agreed (drumroll, please!) to give themselves a pay raise!!! Read it again. A cost of living pay raise of $3,300.00 a year, bringing their yearly salary to nearly $170,000.00. Now, raise your hand if you know a Special Forces soldier patrolling the mountains of Afghanistan looking for bin Laden that makes $170,000 a year. Or a street cop, working odd hours. Or a teacher, trying to help our children. Or firemen. Or truck drivers, or nurses, or anyone else who busts their hump to make this country great.

A cost of living pay raise, and for what? Do they actually do anything? I mean something besides driving drunk, or hitting cops, or taking bribes. I mean something substantive that helps the economy, or keeps us all safer, or saves social security.

And they wonder why voter turnout is so low. Absolutely amazing!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

What Happened in Haditha?

Here's a great read about the investigation of the conduct of the Marines at Haditha, posted at Power and Control: Blood Money . And more at blonde sagacity .

I guess it's time that I weighed in, too. I don't know what happened at Haditha, but I'm sure that we'll all find out eventually. I do know that those Marines deserve the benefit of the doubt until the investigation and trial, if there is one, are over. We sent them over there, and damnit, we need to support them. If they murdered innocent civilians, then they should stand trial and pay. But is that really what happened?

The number one rule of warfare is this: people die. Soldiers and citizens; the innocent and the guilty; the young and the old, all die. That's the reality of war, unfortunately. War cannot be waged in a vacuum. Our troops cannot go into urban areas and fight the enemy without causing some "collateral damage", especially when the enemy hides among the populace, doesn't wear uniforms and uses the innocent as shields. All the restraint in the world looks great on paper, but too much of a good thing gets men killed.

According to an attorney for one of the men being investigated, the Marines took fire from a house in an urban area. One of their number had already been killed. The Marines approached the house, tossed in grenades, and stormed the building, firing at whatever moved. Wouldn't you? Anyone who says they would have acted differently has never gone through a door into an unknown room in search of an enemy. This type of house-to-house fighting has been taught to the military for fifty-plus years. Does it benefit the troops making the assault? Yes. Do innocent civilians sometimes get killed as a result of it? Yes. Sad, but true.

And is there proof that these people were innocent? Kids and women can plant I.E.D.'s, too. And they can know that the devices are there and not warn approaching troops. And they can squeeze triggers. Is that what happened here?

So let's wait for the facts on this one, and give the benefit of the doubt to our Marines. They've certainly earned it.

At Least One Kennedy Admits Guilt

Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., pleaded guilty today to driving under the influence of prescription drugs stemming from a collision near the Capitol on May 4th, this year. In exchange for the guilty plea, he got some worthless, piddly-assed sentence that isn't even worth discussing here. But rest assured, it's not half of what you'll get if you're ever arrested for the same thing. Maybe next week he'll slap a Capitol Hill Police Officer, and get away with that, too.

But at least he didn't leave anyone to drown at the bottom of a river.

Yet.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Guantanamo Bay in the Spotlight

Three Gitmo detainees hanged themselves Monday amid more demands that the U.S. close the detention facility in Cuba. Two of the detainees were from Saudi Arabia, the third from Yemen. And just for grins, here's what the Arab News had to say about it. Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democrats no. 2 guy, demanded that the facility be closed, comparing it to the regimes of Pol Pot, Stalin and Hitler. Durbin actually said "... you would most certainly believe this must have been done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime -- Pol Pot or others -- that had no concern for human beings. Sadly, that is not the case. This was the action of Americans in the treatment of their prisoners." Ah, but what proof, Senator?

But in the words of Michelle Malkin, who appeared on Fox News The O'Reilly Factor tonight, commenting on the suicides, "Boo-freaking-Hoo"

These people are terrorists who advocate suicide as a way to get their message across. They blow themselves up to make a point, to hopefully sway public opinion. And locked up in a secure detention facility like Gitmo, there is only one way to wage your war: suicide. Although not as spectacular as killing dozens of innocent men, women and children, it is the only tool they have. So they hang themselves in hopes that they can put more pressure on the U.S. and get people like Sen. Durbin to badmouth our country. Mission accomplished.

We need Gitmo. These people are the enemy and they need to be locked up in a remote, secure facility until they can be dealt with. Otherwise, out troops will be fighting them again and again.

Here's more from Jo's Cafe: Where are the Protests?

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Protect "Old Glory"

During the week of June 26, before Congress breaks for its July 4th recess, they will vote on S.J. Res. 12, an amendment that says, "Congress shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." According to some polls, 80% of Americans support the protection of our flag, but there are still those in Congress that are against amending the Constitution to reflect that support. Stated simply, this amendment would correct the unbelievable position of the Supreme Court, which ruled that flag burning is free speech.

So, write/call/e-mail/fax/visit your Senators and demand that they support this amendment, proposed by Sen. Bill Frist (see his proposal) . Also, support the American Legion, which stays on top of such things.

As for my part, in 1976 I was a kid whose mother was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, so we used to watch all of their games or highlights. On April 25th, a Dodger home game vs. the Chicago Cubs, two scumbags jumped from the stands and tried to burn an American flag in the outfield to protest who-knows-what (see: Chicago Cubs News ). But Rick Monday, Marine Corps veteran and then a Cubs outfielder, rushed the two clowns, grabbed the flag and took it to the bullpen. Which really turned out to be a lucky thing for the protesters, because L.A. Dodgers Coach Tommy Lasorda was running towards them from the dugout and, according to some, he "had murder in his eyes." Good old Tommy would have given those assholes the old what-fer! (here's a great post on the incident from Captain's Quarters). The incident is now rated one of the greatest moments in baseball history, and a photo of Rick running with the flag won a Pulitzer Prize. And Rick Monday displays that flag in his home to this day. If that story doesn't mist your eyes, move immediately to France!

But if that doesn't do it, here's a quote from Alvin M. Owsley, VMI graduate, WWI veteran and American Legion plank-owner:

Respect the Flag
When you see the Stars and Stripes displayed, son, stand up and take off your hat. Somebody may titter. It is in the blood of some to deride all expression of noble sentiment. You may blaspheme in the street and stagger drunken in public places, and the bystanders will not pay much attention to you; but if you should get down on your knees and pray to Almighty God, or if you should stand bareheaded while a company of old soldiers marches by with flags to the breeze, some people will think you are showing off.
But don't you mind! When Old Glory comes along, salute, and let them think what they please! When you hear the band play "The Star-Spangled Banner" while you are in a restaurant or hotel dining room, get up even if you rise alone; stand there and don't be ashamed of it, either!
For of all the signs and symbols since the world began there is none other so full of meaning as the flag of this country. That piece of red, white and blue bunting means five thousand years of struggle upward. It is the full-grown flower of ages of fighting for liberty. It is the century plant of human hope in bloom.
Your flag stands for humanity, for an equal opportunity to all the sons of men. Of course we haven't arrived yet at that goal; there are many injustices yet among us, many senseless and cruel customs of the past still clinging to us, but the only hope of righting the wrongs of men lies in the feeling produced in our bosoms by the sight of that flag.
Other flags mean a glorious past, this flag a glorious future. It is not so much the flag of our fathers as it is the flag of our children, and of all children's children yet unborn. It is the flag of tomorrow. It is the signal of the "Good Time Coming." It is not the flag of your king—it is the flag of yourself and of all your neighbors.
Don't be ashamed when your throat chokes and the tears come, as you see it flying from the masts of our ships on all the seas or floating from every Flagstaff of the Republic. You will never have a worthier emotion. Reverence it as you would reverence the signature of the Deity. Listen, son! The band is playing the national anthem—"The Star-Spangled Banner!" They have let loose Old Glory yonder. Stand up—and others will stand with you.
This tribute to the flag is offered to the country in appeal to all men and women of all races, colors and tongues, that they may come to understand that our flag is the symbol of liberty and learn to love it.

Hooyah! Damnit, I promised myself I wouldn't cry!


Friday, June 09, 2006

LAPD Officer Needs Help

In some ways, being a cop is a lot tougher than serving in the military, but one thing is certainly the same: the camaraderie. So naturally when something like this LAPD Blog: Los Angeles Police Officer Critically Injured in Shooting with Armed Robbery Suspect happens, I get extremely pissed off. Some scumbag, third-strike, violent repeat offender shoots an outstanding young cop over a gas station robbery. To make matters worse, the suspect ran right in front of their unit before the robbery had even been reported. The two officers literally had no idea what this Adam Henry had just done when he turned and fired on them.

Officer Ripatti, whose husband is also an LAPD Officer and rolled on the "11-99, Officer Down" call, is still in very serious condition. If you are interested in helping, you can make a donation or attend a fundraiser on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 (courtesy of LAPD Wife ) .

Our troops overseas aren't the only ones in the line of fire.

America Wins One

Here's a great post on BLACKFIVE about the demise of Zarqawi. Seems like the only ones who are upset about our getting him are the "yes, buts" on the left. "Yes, we got him, BUT (insert anti-war/anti-Bush/anti-military rhetoric here). More raids are going on all around Baghdad and the prospect of more intel looms large, especially with the recovery of hardrives and flashdrives found with a-Z.

We haven't won the war by a long shot, but maybe we've made it a little shorter.

BLACKFIVE: Not Just One Pilot

al-Zarqawi Meets SOF Troops

Task Force 145 troopers, two Air Force F-16's and pilots, associated intel, support and command staff and equipment, courtesy of the U.S. military, classified.

One SOF/LAM laser designator, courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer, approximately $85,000.00.

One GBU-12 and one GBU-38 laser guided bombs, courtesy of the American taxpayer, approximately $45,000.00

Learning that the megalomaniac zealot, mass-murderer and wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi recognized the blue-eyed infidel U.S. SOF troops that just blew his ass up before he died....PRICELESS!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Airstrike Kills al-Zarqawi

The U.S. reports that the terrorist and seven aides were killed in an airstrike near Baghdad last night. Although details are still coming in, it appears someone, possibly a resident in the area, gave up al-Zarqawi's location and will be collecting $25 million dollars. His body was identified by appearance and fingerprints.

al-Zarqawi had been the prime target in Iraq for sometime and was at the very top of the "Tango Dance Card". Experts had considered him the number two man in Al-Qaeda, but apparent disagreements recently with Osama bin Hidin' indicate that al-Zarqawi might have been after the top dog spot. So close and yet so far.

Enjoy martyrdom, scumbag!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

McKinney Making a Deal?

No wonder there are so many crooks in politics.

According to the AJC, (McKinney deal may be in works ) prosecutors are talking with Rep. Cynthia McKinney behind the scenes, attempting to work out a deal that would keep her from facing charges for assaulting a Capitol Hill Police Officer earlier this year. Apparently, the federal prosecutors in the case can't find the guts to file charges against McKinney and the grand jury doesn't seem anxious to hand down an indictment, either.

I don't know if this pisses me off more as a police officer or as an American citizen. To think that someone battered a police officer and didn't get arrested (after being released from the hospital, that is) amazes me. If our elected politicians won't obey the law, won't observe security restrictions that are in place for everyone's safety and cannot be held accountable for their actions, what hope is there for the future of this democracy? Where is the outrage among her peers? Why aren't they calling for her arrest and prosecution?

McKinney has already shown that she is willing and eager to play the "race card", so the prosecutors, grand jury, Capitol Hill Police Staff and her especially her peers in Congress bury their heads in the sand and wait for it to blow over. And remember, these are our elected officials! No wonder yesterday saw the lowest voter turnout in years.

Night Stalker Appeals Sentence

Convicted murder Richard "Night Stalker" Ramirez is appealing his death sentence on the grounds that his counsel failed to properly defend him during his 1989 trial. If ever someone deserved to die, it's this guy. See the story of Ramirez' trial here.

Cowardice in Army Officer Corps

The Seattle Times reports that a Ft. Lewis Army Lieutenant has refused to deploy to Iraq, as ordered. In a statement, Lt. Ehren Watada actually said "The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes." Unbelievable. This guy volunteers for the Army, the Infantry, and to serve as an officer, but now, when ordered to deploy, suddenly objects. This from a volunteer who joined after the war began. And interestingly, his father fled the country to avoid the Vietnam draft. I guess cowardice runs in the family. Enjoy Leavenworth, scumbag. And while you're making big rocks into little rocks, and little rocks into dust, another officer will serve in your place.

Monday, June 05, 2006

Marine's Family Sues Funeral Protesters

The father of Marine LCpl. Matthew A. Snyder, who died in an accident while serving in Iraq last month, has filed a lawsuit against the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, for defamation and invasion of privacy, because churchmembers/anti-gay protesters picketed his sons funeral. You can help and/or donate to the cause by visiting Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder. Let's support these folks, and any other likeminded families of slain veterans, and stop these scumbags before they cause any more pain.

D-Day Plus 62 Years

On June 6, 1944, the allied invasion of Europe kicked off in a big way. Some 200,000 allied soldiers, sailors and airmen participated in the airborne assault and beach landing, and the beginning of the end of the German war machine was at hand. The forerunners of the most elite units of our modern military claimed major successes that day, including Army Rangers, Special Forces, Paratroopers, Pathfinders and Scouts, and Navy Seabees and Frogmen...today known as the SEALs. The incredible feats of these units have become...and continue to be..the stuff of legend. A legend that grows every day. (See D-Day: The American Experience).

It was a battle not won by armor and aircraft, but by the incredible courage and tenacity of the foot soldier, in the face of overwhelming odds and horrific losses. These amazing men free-scaled cliffs under fire, cleared beaches under the noses of the enemy, waded through waist-deep water in the face of withering machinegun and mortar fire, and parachuted in the dark of night through a wall of anti-aircraft lead. It was the foot soldier that won that fight, seizing and holding land amid enemy counterattacks with armor, artillery and reinforced infantry, trading pints of their blood for a few yards of real estate.

It's hard to imagine the courage it took to win that day. How men could move forward in the maelstrom of Omaha Beach is beyond me. I've done a lot in my life, but I wonder if I have ever had such courage. Watch the first half-hour of Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers and you can scarcely begin to imagine the hell that those brave men faced and conquered.

What would the world look like today without the D-Day Invasion of June 6, 1944? Would there be a (mostly) unified Europe? Would we still have the friendship and allegiance of England, Canada and Australia? What if we, as Americans, had politicized the war, complained that it was too expensive and too costly, and simply packed up our toys and gone home? People who are much smarter than I am would have to answer those questions, but the world would surely look different today.

What will Iraq look like in 62 years? Will it be the cornerstone of a free and (mostly) unified Middle East? Or will it be a nation of hatred, abuse and terrorism? We feel the pain of the loss of every life in this, and every war. That's what makes us different-and better-then those who fight us. But we must stay the course. We must support our brave men and women who are sacrificing so much, not only for us here at home, but for the very future of our world. And we must win, at all cost.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Al Gore to Save the World

Al Gore has said that he "probably" won't run for POTUS in 2008, but instead will focus on educating all of us about global warming. Now there's a lofty goal. Why settle for saving America, when you can save the whole world, right Big Al? Maybe he can work with Jimmy Carter...

Welcome to the War, Canada!

Canada joined the club Friday, enjoying their first success in the WOT. It seems the RCMP itself was watching the Al Qaeda knock-off group, and even delivered three tons of ammonium nitrate (the same stuff that brought down the Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995) All seventeen people arrested in the sting were Canadian citizens or residents, and may have made contact with likeminded scumbags in the U.S. recently. (Stars and Stripes Story). And they weren't planning to plant strawberries!

Just last week, the Brits had similar success during raids in Manchester, while looking for a terrorist cell with a possible chemical weapon. One suspect was shot during the raids.

Let no one be surprised, folks...they are bringing the war to us. Three tons of ammonium nitrate, chemical bombs...these people are intent upon killing as many westerners as possible, in the most spectacular way possible, and they are among us. Of course, we have no idea how many are here, because our borders are open and adam henrys like this wander in all the time. And still we can't agree to close the border, to kick out illegal aliens, to deport those who overstay visas, to listen in on people calling states that sponsor terrorism, to kill terrorists in their countries before they get to ours.

An old SAS chum of mine used to sum it up in typical Brit fashion: We have to get lucky every time, they only have to get lucky once!

Friday, June 02, 2006

Gotta Love Those Kids...

A wounded soldier gave CBS News reporter Kimberly Dozier his Purple Heart at a military hospital in Germany today. Let's see if that gets any play in the MSM....