In the audio recording below (dtd 2006) Congressman Dennis Kucinich refers to George Bush’s plan to permanently base U.S. Troops in Iraq. Last week the so-called leaders of the U.S. and Iraq agreed (in principle) to just such an action.
It is now more than obvious that Mr. Bush’s war was not to liberate the Iraqi people from a brutal dictatorship, but to invade and occupy a nation for control of their natural resources. In the agreement signed last Monday, 50,000 U.S. Troops will be based in Iraq for the long term, and the United States will retain a large degree of control over the ‘democratically elected’ Iraqi government.
Is there any other conclusion to be drawn but that this action is no more than colonial-style control of one nation over another for the purpose of exploitation? In less ambiguous words: It's all about the oil.
Liberation, or the war on terror, can no longer be used as the reason for our invasion.
In 1961 then President John Kennedy challenged the American people to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. In February of 1962 John Glenn orbited the earth three times and just seven years later Neil Armstrong stepped down onto the surface of the moon. The challenge was met. It was a testament to what American determination can accomplish. So why is it that now, in our fifth year of the occupation of Iraq, the Iraqi people are still without running water, reliable electrical power, or adequate medical aid and supplies? Because, sadly, that is not where George Bush’s interests lie. Let’s not deceive ourselves any longer. Freedom for the people of Iraq was never Mr. Bush’s goal. Granted, it was what we were told, but it just doesn’t hold true.
I cannot remember a time in the history of America when the government so blatantly defied the will of the people, and with such arrogance. Make no mistake, these are sad days for America and every American. Our core values and beliefs, our Constitution and civil liberties, our principles and ideals, are being trampled right before our eyes. And all the while, the citizens of Iraq suffer. And they suffer in ways we cannot begin to fathom. These are the people we supposedly went to liberate. These are the people whose freedom, we were told, we went to secure. Yet in real, tangible, practical terms, they are, seemingly, the last concern of those controlling their land.
Before the money brokers, investors, oil sellers and resellers, commodity brokers, policy makers, and governments consider the disposition and control of Iraqi oil, they should look long and hard at the suffering Iraqi people. That is where they will see the real cost of each barrel of the oil they value so much.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
War.
War is a terrible thing. Monstrous. It is what happens when mankind sinks to its lowest level. Some are convinced that wars are inevitable; a necessary evil at times. But that is usually the voice of those who have not seen war close up, or the devastation that it causes. War is, in reality, a futile effort. There are no victors really, only the dead and the survivors and those who mourn; and the sad realization that mankind has not progressed nearly as much as we’d hoped.
Some proclaim war as a noble venture. They lie. It’s not. It is the collapse of reason and civility, and the loss of our humanity. It is usually driven by greed and avarice, by stupid men with small minds; men who lack the intelligence and the will to resolve matters fairly and equitably and are, more likely than not, politicians.
Some proclaim war as a noble venture. They lie. It’s not. It is the collapse of reason and civility, and the loss of our humanity. It is usually driven by greed and avarice, by stupid men with small minds; men who lack the intelligence and the will to resolve matters fairly and equitably and are, more likely than not, politicians.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I remember...
When I was younger, Senator Robert Francis Kennedy was one of the men I most admired. He seemed to be all that a man should be. His commitment and dedication were only exceeded, it seemed, by his passion. He was an idealist.
He not only called people to action, he instilled in them a desire to be involved; a desire to strive to make the world a better place, and not just for ourselves, but for others.
He was truly a remarkable man.
The world at the time of Robert F. Kennedy was turbulent to say the least. Even so, he remained true to his beliefs and worked to effect change. When he, like his brother John, was assassinated the country once more fell into mourning. Men, women and children wept openly in the streets. The country lined the railroad tracks in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the casket, carried by train from Los Angeles back east, and to pay their respect. So many good men had been taken from us, violently, during those days; John Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, and ‘Bobbie’ (as most referred to Senator Kennedy). Their deaths left the country in despair, and though many continued to ‘fight the good fight’, it was painfully obvious that a unique era in American history was coming to an end.
Would we ever find men such as these again? Could we?
It’s been some time since men like Dr. King and Senator Kennedy stirred the hearts and minds of this nation. It’s been some time since words such as ‘equality and truth and justice and integrity’ have been used by those that seek public office. Fiscal responsibility has replaced social responsibility – or so it would seem. In truth, our so called leaders today are not fiscally responsible, nor socially concerned. Partisanship and personal gain, corporate influences and favoritism, are the mode of today. And, what’s most shocking, is that it is known and accepted, and without shame.
For those who are old enough to remember, these words, spoken by Bobbie’s brother Ted Kennedy, may spark something long dormant in your heart. For those too young to remember the Senator, the words may give you a glimpse of who the man was, and what he stood for. And, hopefully, give insight into a time when Americans truly believed in a society which sought to live up to the ideals it professed.
He not only called people to action, he instilled in them a desire to be involved; a desire to strive to make the world a better place, and not just for ourselves, but for others.
He was truly a remarkable man.
The world at the time of Robert F. Kennedy was turbulent to say the least. Even so, he remained true to his beliefs and worked to effect change. When he, like his brother John, was assassinated the country once more fell into mourning. Men, women and children wept openly in the streets. The country lined the railroad tracks in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the casket, carried by train from Los Angeles back east, and to pay their respect. So many good men had been taken from us, violently, during those days; John Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, and ‘Bobbie’ (as most referred to Senator Kennedy). Their deaths left the country in despair, and though many continued to ‘fight the good fight’, it was painfully obvious that a unique era in American history was coming to an end.
Would we ever find men such as these again? Could we?
It’s been some time since men like Dr. King and Senator Kennedy stirred the hearts and minds of this nation. It’s been some time since words such as ‘equality and truth and justice and integrity’ have been used by those that seek public office. Fiscal responsibility has replaced social responsibility – or so it would seem. In truth, our so called leaders today are not fiscally responsible, nor socially concerned. Partisanship and personal gain, corporate influences and favoritism, are the mode of today. And, what’s most shocking, is that it is known and accepted, and without shame.
For those who are old enough to remember, these words, spoken by Bobbie’s brother Ted Kennedy, may spark something long dormant in your heart. For those too young to remember the Senator, the words may give you a glimpse of who the man was, and what he stood for. And, hopefully, give insight into a time when Americans truly believed in a society which sought to live up to the ideals it professed.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Consider this...
"...we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our calling and our creeds...we [will] have no time to think, no means of calling our miss-managers to account but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers. And this is the tendency of all human governments. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent ...till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery. And the foreshores of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression.
President Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Who we are is a choice.
When good men, in the face of evil, stoop to the level of their foe, they have ceased to engage in a battle of good versus evil and joined with their enemy, conceding the defeat of their values and ideals.
In 1947 Soldiers who had engaged in the use of ‘water boarding’ when interrogating Allied prisoners were convicted of war crimes. There was no hesitation, nor question, in condemning the practice as torture – until now.
I have been amazed (shocked and amazed) by the willingness of some to resort to actions – abhorrent and inhumane – that would be (and have been) quickly condemned when done by others. The relative ease with which values, long held dear, are put aside, replaced by acts universally recognized as barbaric, causes me pause.
King George has said, “We do not torture”. It is a lie. We do torture.
Torture is no less evil, no less abhorrent, and no less a despicable act when we – America - engage in the practice, than when any other nation does. It should be condemned, and those that practice or condone its use should be prosecuted.
Arundhati Roy, the author of “The God of Small Things”, said “once you’ve seen something, you cannot un-see it”. One can pretend they didn’t see, or profess they didn’t know, or deny they had any complicity, but that too is a lie. Silence is as political an act as any other, albeit the most cowardly.
The ideals and values Americans have long espoused hang in the balance. They will be confirmed or denied by our actions or inactions, and we will bear the burden of living with our choices for many years to come. Virtues and values cannot be claimed only when convenient. We, individually and collectively, either hold dear the rights of human beings or we don’t. And our decision regarding human rights will be known, not by our words or proclamations, but by our actions and practices. We cannot claim to be humane while acting inhumane, nor just while acting unjustly. And, we cannot claim to be lovers of freedom while denying others their basic human rights.
In 1947 Soldiers who had engaged in the use of ‘water boarding’ when interrogating Allied prisoners were convicted of war crimes. There was no hesitation, nor question, in condemning the practice as torture – until now.
I have been amazed (shocked and amazed) by the willingness of some to resort to actions – abhorrent and inhumane – that would be (and have been) quickly condemned when done by others. The relative ease with which values, long held dear, are put aside, replaced by acts universally recognized as barbaric, causes me pause.
King George has said, “We do not torture”. It is a lie. We do torture.
Torture is no less evil, no less abhorrent, and no less a despicable act when we – America - engage in the practice, than when any other nation does. It should be condemned, and those that practice or condone its use should be prosecuted.
Arundhati Roy, the author of “The God of Small Things”, said “once you’ve seen something, you cannot un-see it”. One can pretend they didn’t see, or profess they didn’t know, or deny they had any complicity, but that too is a lie. Silence is as political an act as any other, albeit the most cowardly.
The ideals and values Americans have long espoused hang in the balance. They will be confirmed or denied by our actions or inactions, and we will bear the burden of living with our choices for many years to come. Virtues and values cannot be claimed only when convenient. We, individually and collectively, either hold dear the rights of human beings or we don’t. And our decision regarding human rights will be known, not by our words or proclamations, but by our actions and practices. We cannot claim to be humane while acting inhumane, nor just while acting unjustly. And, we cannot claim to be lovers of freedom while denying others their basic human rights.
Love it or leave it?
To those who have conveyed to me the sentiment “America, love it or leave it.” I say, “I agree” and “I do”. It’s my country. I love it. I love the ideals of America. I love the hope and promise of America. I love America.
I love America so much that I refuse to sit idly by and watch as some – professing a perverse patriotism – attempt to dismantle the very foundations of America. I love the America that was formed to promote ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’; the America that was formed ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’; land of the free and home of the brave.
I love America so much that I refuse to sit idly by and watch as some – professing a perverse patriotism – attempt to dismantle the very foundations of America. I love the America that was formed to promote ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’; the America that was formed ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’; land of the free and home of the brave.
I love the America that prompted men to rise up and say, with sincerity and conviction, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’. I love the America that stood, proudly, for justice and equality, and freedom; freedom to speak your mind, and freedom to act.
I love America.
I resent those that would pervert America for their own personal gain or benefit, or partisan interest. I resent those that would try to weaken America through fear or manipulation or dictate. I resent those that would attempt labeling those that dissent – not only a right but a duty of all citizens – as un-American or unpatriotic. I resent those that, through apathy or indifference or sheer laziness or ignorance, allow others to minimize, subvert, or destroy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to each citizen – regardless of race, creed, color, or anything else - under the Constitution; the Constitution that so many of our forefathers have fought and died to defend.
I love America.
When I look at our flag I cannot help but feel a sense of pride. Within that cloth of stars and stripes I see my Uncle who was in the second wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach; I see my Father who, at 17 years of age, sailed off to war; I see my Brothers who continued that tradition of military service, enlisting during a time of war; I see those that served with me as well, young men from across America who willingly took an oath to ‘defend the Constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic’. And I see those who did not serve militarily but at home, ensuring that America continued to function. In short, I see Americans; men and women who come from strong stock, from ancestors who cherished freedom and justice and would never bow their heads to any dictatorship, whether at home or abroad. What I do not see when I look at our flag is buildings and offices and bureaucracies and committees. I do not see political parties, secret agendas, corporate interests, political action groups, or politicians. Nor do I see those that violate and betray the decency of our country and its citizenry by abusing others.
America, love it or leave it? I’m here for the duration. Let King George know.
I love America.
I resent those that would pervert America for their own personal gain or benefit, or partisan interest. I resent those that would try to weaken America through fear or manipulation or dictate. I resent those that would attempt labeling those that dissent – not only a right but a duty of all citizens – as un-American or unpatriotic. I resent those that, through apathy or indifference or sheer laziness or ignorance, allow others to minimize, subvert, or destroy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to each citizen – regardless of race, creed, color, or anything else - under the Constitution; the Constitution that so many of our forefathers have fought and died to defend.
I love America.
When I look at our flag I cannot help but feel a sense of pride. Within that cloth of stars and stripes I see my Uncle who was in the second wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach; I see my Father who, at 17 years of age, sailed off to war; I see my Brothers who continued that tradition of military service, enlisting during a time of war; I see those that served with me as well, young men from across America who willingly took an oath to ‘defend the Constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic’. And I see those who did not serve militarily but at home, ensuring that America continued to function. In short, I see Americans; men and women who come from strong stock, from ancestors who cherished freedom and justice and would never bow their heads to any dictatorship, whether at home or abroad. What I do not see when I look at our flag is buildings and offices and bureaucracies and committees. I do not see political parties, secret agendas, corporate interests, political action groups, or politicians. Nor do I see those that violate and betray the decency of our country and its citizenry by abusing others.
America, love it or leave it? I’m here for the duration. Let King George know.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Why? Why? Why?
When children are young and inquisitive they learn much by asking the simple question: “Why?”. And, as many exasperated parents can attest, their follow up questions (same as the original question) can go on and on and on and on and on.
As cute (or infuriating) as the question can be, the simple “Why?” is, undoubtedly, the single most powerful question one can ask concerning anything; and everything.
“Why is the sky blue?”
“Why can’t I stay up late?”
“Why are we still in Iraq?”
Even if one buys into the lies, misinformation, and false understandings which led to war, the question of why we’re still there needs to be answered.
Is it to establish democracy? Not really, but let’s pretend so. The Iraq Government – elected by the people of Iraq – has repeatedly asked us to leave. They have stated that the fighting will not stop until American forces are gone. American military Commanders have stated repeatedly that the situation in Iraq cannot be resolved militarily. So, the question is, “Why are we still there?” Another question one might ask is, “What good is a democracy in Iraq if we do not allow that democracy to self-govern?”
And, what has happened to democracy in America when, clearly, the vast majority of Americans want us out of Iraq yet our Government ignores the ‘will of the people’ and pursues it’s own agenda? ‘…of the People, by the People, and for the People…’ are words not to be dismissed nor ignored no matter what any ‘Decider’ may think. Either America (and Americans) is (are) free, or it (and we) are not. Emperor George has failed his oath of office. He has done so intentionally, and with great vigor. Why, why, why, is he still President? Why is Dick Cheney still Vice-President? Both swore an oath to defend the Constitution, but both failed to do so; and, in fact, have worked to weaken and subvert the Constitution.
I just wanted to say that outright before the Senate and the Emperor sign off on H.R. 1955 which will make it illegal to advocate such things.
Oh, in case you’re wondering why we are still in Iraq, consider the following possibility:
As cute (or infuriating) as the question can be, the simple “Why?” is, undoubtedly, the single most powerful question one can ask concerning anything; and everything.
“Why is the sky blue?”
“Why can’t I stay up late?”
“Why are we still in Iraq?”
Even if one buys into the lies, misinformation, and false understandings which led to war, the question of why we’re still there needs to be answered.
Is it to establish democracy? Not really, but let’s pretend so. The Iraq Government – elected by the people of Iraq – has repeatedly asked us to leave. They have stated that the fighting will not stop until American forces are gone. American military Commanders have stated repeatedly that the situation in Iraq cannot be resolved militarily. So, the question is, “Why are we still there?” Another question one might ask is, “What good is a democracy in Iraq if we do not allow that democracy to self-govern?”
And, what has happened to democracy in America when, clearly, the vast majority of Americans want us out of Iraq yet our Government ignores the ‘will of the people’ and pursues it’s own agenda? ‘…of the People, by the People, and for the People…’ are words not to be dismissed nor ignored no matter what any ‘Decider’ may think. Either America (and Americans) is (are) free, or it (and we) are not. Emperor George has failed his oath of office. He has done so intentionally, and with great vigor. Why, why, why, is he still President? Why is Dick Cheney still Vice-President? Both swore an oath to defend the Constitution, but both failed to do so; and, in fact, have worked to weaken and subvert the Constitution.
I just wanted to say that outright before the Senate and the Emperor sign off on H.R. 1955 which will make it illegal to advocate such things.
Oh, in case you’re wondering why we are still in Iraq, consider the following possibility:
(A sticker of this artwork has been circulating around the Bay Area in California. I will research and credit the Artist as soon as I determine who he/she is. Incredible piece of work.)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
MoeCash
A short while ago I was invited to watch a tech-type broadcast on Ustream.tv. After the broadcast I spent some time ‘surfing’ through the various streams on Ustream and discovered ‘MoeCash’. Moe regularly broadcasts via Ustream.tv under the name ‘MoeCash’ or ‘Moe-to-go’.
Moe is an Iraqi born Muslim living in Canada. He’s a songwriter, rapper, music-mixer, and ‘on air’ personality. But there’s a lot more to Moe than just his musical talents. He’s a man of conviction and passion; a man with a good heart; a true humanitarian.
I would encourage everyone to check him out on Ustream.tv or at his blog at MySpace.com/MoeCash. If hip-hop isn’t your musical preference, don’t worry – he’s been known to spin some R&B, Motown, and other things as well on occasion. And, if your nice, he just may take a request or two.
Check him out. You’ll have a good time, and you just might learn something too if you pay attention.
Moe is an Iraqi born Muslim living in Canada. He’s a songwriter, rapper, music-mixer, and ‘on air’ personality. But there’s a lot more to Moe than just his musical talents. He’s a man of conviction and passion; a man with a good heart; a true humanitarian.
I would encourage everyone to check him out on Ustream.tv or at his blog at MySpace.com/MoeCash. If hip-hop isn’t your musical preference, don’t worry – he’s been known to spin some R&B, Motown, and other things as well on occasion. And, if your nice, he just may take a request or two.
Check him out. You’ll have a good time, and you just might learn something too if you pay attention.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
H.R. 1955
Congresswoman Jane Harman and Co-Sponsors [see below] have succeeded in getting H.R. 1955 passed. The bill, which is titled “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007” is in direct conflict with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Nonetheless, 404 members of Congress voted for the Resolution [only 6 members voting against, and 22 abstaining] and sent it off to the Senate.A breakdown of those votes can be viewed at:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2007-993
The Resolution can be read in its entirety by simply Google-searching ‘HR 1955’. I encourage you to do exactly that.
The Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence July 4th, 1776. In the Declaration it is established that ‘the People’ have not only the right, but the duty, to throw off any Government which seeks to exert rule over – instead of for – the People.
It is the Constitution which establishes a ‘government of the People, by the People, and for the People’. The same Constitution which the noted Representatives took a solemn oath to defend, they now willingly seek to undermine. In case they’ve forgotten, I offer a simple reminder:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
America is not a land of Rulers lording it over the populace. It is a land where the will of ‘the People’ reigns supreme and ‘Representatives serve’ that will. Otherwise, it is not America at all.
[A personal note of Thanks to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-California, for being the sole dissenting vote from the State of California.]
It is the Constitution which establishes a ‘government of the People, by the People, and for the People’. The same Constitution which the noted Representatives took a solemn oath to defend, they now willingly seek to undermine. In case they’ve forgotten, I offer a simple reminder:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
America is not a land of Rulers lording it over the populace. It is a land where the will of ‘the People’ reigns supreme and ‘Representatives serve’ that will. Otherwise, it is not America at all.
[A personal note of Thanks to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-California, for being the sole dissenting vote from the State of California.]
Cosponsors of H.R. 1955
[as of 2007-10-24]
Rep. Christopher Carney [D-PA]
Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]
Rep. Yvette Clarke [D-NY]
Rep. Charles Dent [R-PA]
Rep. Norman Dicks [D-WA]
Rep. Al Green [D-TX]
Rep. James Langevin [D-RI]
Rep. Zoe Lofgren [D-CA]
Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY]
Rep. Daniel Lungren [R-CA]
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D-CO]
Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX]
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]
Rep. Christopher Carney [D-PA]
Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]
Rep. Yvette Clarke [D-NY]
Rep. Charles Dent [R-PA]
Rep. Norman Dicks [D-WA]
Rep. Al Green [D-TX]
Rep. James Langevin [D-RI]
Rep. Zoe Lofgren [D-CA]
Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY]
Rep. Daniel Lungren [R-CA]
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D-CO]
Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX]
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]
For too long our voices have been ignored. And for too long our elected Representatives have forgotten that they work for us, the People. Perhaps it is time that we exercise our right to be heard, to dissent, and to be truly served by simply firing those Representatives who act contrary to the will of the people. Elections are coming.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Go Navy!
As an Army Veteran this is the first time in my life to cheer Navy - but I have no choice.
This has nothing to do with Academy football or any other inter-service competition. It has to do with something far more important. It has to do with honor, integrity, and honesty.
Unlike his Army peers, Admiral Fallon, CENTCOM Commander, did not wait for retirement and pension approval to speak his mind. He voiced his opinion and encouraged others not to engage in wordplay such as threatening 'World War III' if Iran doesn't comply with U.S. wishes or demands - such as Georgie Bush did. He also encouraged diplomatic processes rather than threats and ultimatums. Wow. Now this is a Commander - a real Commander - not a suck up, brown nosing butt kisser.
So, again I say, 'Go Navy!' And a well deserved salute to the Admiral is thrown in as well.
Our armed services need more men like the Admiral. He truly is a man of valor. And God knows we could use more men of valor.
This has nothing to do with Academy football or any other inter-service competition. It has to do with something far more important. It has to do with honor, integrity, and honesty.
Unlike his Army peers, Admiral Fallon, CENTCOM Commander, did not wait for retirement and pension approval to speak his mind. He voiced his opinion and encouraged others not to engage in wordplay such as threatening 'World War III' if Iran doesn't comply with U.S. wishes or demands - such as Georgie Bush did. He also encouraged diplomatic processes rather than threats and ultimatums. Wow. Now this is a Commander - a real Commander - not a suck up, brown nosing butt kisser.
So, again I say, 'Go Navy!' And a well deserved salute to the Admiral is thrown in as well.
Our armed services need more men like the Admiral. He truly is a man of valor. And God knows we could use more men of valor.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thought you should know...
Just in case you were wondering:
American Wounded 28,451
American Dead 3,863
Iraqi Dead 1,109,934 (estimated)
Iraqi’s Displaced 2 Million plus (estimated)
Cost of War 1.6 Trillion (USD)
(as of 11-13-07)
American Wounded 28,451
American Dead 3,863
Iraqi Dead 1,109,934 (estimated)
Iraqi’s Displaced 2 Million plus (estimated)
Cost of War 1.6 Trillion (USD)
(as of 11-13-07)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
PVA
I am a member of the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America).
Brian Ross (ABC News) reported on Charities involved (supposedly) in aiding Veterans. There were some big name, well known, organizations listed that rated a big, fat ‘F’. The F rating was given to organizations which provided less than 35% of their revenue to actually assisting Veterans. As a member of the PVA I was quite shocked to see the big red F stamped over the PVA logo during the broadcast. Was this true?
I looked up the financial statements on-line. Hmmm… Disturbing. But, the same couldn’t possibly be true of my Chapter (Bay Area & Western – Palo Alto, California) of the PVA. Could it? Another on-line review of financial statements added to my depression. It was worse than the National PVA’s Consolidated Statements.
With $699,728.00 in assets, the Chapter’s largest expenses were Compensation, Fundraising, Conferences and Travel, and Office Supplies. How much went to needy Veteran’s? How much?
The Financial Statements can be reviewed on-line at: http://www.bayareawesternpva.org/newsletterarchive/07annreport.pdf
Shameful. Truly, shameful.
Brian Ross (ABC News) reported on Charities involved (supposedly) in aiding Veterans. There were some big name, well known, organizations listed that rated a big, fat ‘F’. The F rating was given to organizations which provided less than 35% of their revenue to actually assisting Veterans. As a member of the PVA I was quite shocked to see the big red F stamped over the PVA logo during the broadcast. Was this true?
I looked up the financial statements on-line. Hmmm… Disturbing. But, the same couldn’t possibly be true of my Chapter (Bay Area & Western – Palo Alto, California) of the PVA. Could it? Another on-line review of financial statements added to my depression. It was worse than the National PVA’s Consolidated Statements.
With $699,728.00 in assets, the Chapter’s largest expenses were Compensation, Fundraising, Conferences and Travel, and Office Supplies. How much went to needy Veteran’s? How much?
The Financial Statements can be reviewed on-line at: http://www.bayareawesternpva.org/newsletterarchive/07annreport.pdf
Shameful. Truly, shameful.
'General'ly Stupid
General Abazaid, retired, recently announced that Americans ‘should relax’ and that we’ll be in the middle east for ’25 to 50 years’. My initial response was to just scratch my head and sigh, but after thinking of his words for awhile I find myself growing more and more nauseous. The word ‘relax’ isn’t one you often hear when referring to war. Relax? Something is wrong when one can encourage people to ‘relax’ regarding war. How cavalier. How disrespectful. How absolutely stupid.
Relax?
People are dying.
Relax?
More people will die.
Relax?
This man was in charge of our troops for a time. Was that what he communicated to the Soldiers? Relax?
Is that what he would tell the wounded and maimed in our VA Medical Centers? Relax?
Did he tell the families of our fallen Soldiers the same thing? Relax?
Did he tell the innocents in Iraq to relax too?
How does this man’s mind work? - or not work?
Relax?
If I could thank God for only one thing today, it would be that Abazaid is no longer Commanding troops.
Relax?
God help us if any other Commanders still in uniform share his view or have his attitude.
Relax?
People are dying.
Relax?
More people will die.
Relax?
This man was in charge of our troops for a time. Was that what he communicated to the Soldiers? Relax?
Is that what he would tell the wounded and maimed in our VA Medical Centers? Relax?
Did he tell the families of our fallen Soldiers the same thing? Relax?
Did he tell the innocents in Iraq to relax too?
How does this man’s mind work? - or not work?
Relax?
If I could thank God for only one thing today, it would be that Abazaid is no longer Commanding troops.
Relax?
God help us if any other Commanders still in uniform share his view or have his attitude.
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