December 4, 2008 - Thursday
Things are crazy
Current mood: crazy
Okay for most of you this is going to be utterly boring, but give me a second to vent, would ya'?
Here's a chronology of some of 2008's significant events for me:
February – April 2008 Pvt. Charles K. Byrne deploys to Warrior Transition Training at Ft. Sill Oklahoma, Santa Fe New Mexico, and White Sands Missile Range New Mexico. His unit, B Company, 86th BDE, IBCT (Mountain) is scheduled to deploy to Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) around February of 2010.
March 22nd, 2008 Realizing he hasn't been paid for training to date, Pvt. Byrne files form 2142 "Pay Inquiry" at White Sands Missile Range. Through investigation, it is found that although Charles updated his pay information at the National Guard level, the Regular Army had directly deposited paychecks dated March 17th '08, April 1st, '08, and April 9th '08 to a pre-paid credit card Charles no longer possessed.
April 4th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne graduates from Warrior Transition Training and returns to Denver. Moves into his mother's new apartment while arranging a new place to live for himself.
May 19th, 2008 After weeks of trying to resolve the pay issue, Pvt. Byrne enlists the help of Sergeant Patton of the 86th MI Company.
June 2008 Pvt. Byrne is selected to be a member of the Joint Task Force for the 2008 Democratic National Convention and begins training for crowd/riot control and chem/bio attack response.
July 11th 2008 Pvt. Byrne and the rest of the 86th MI unit are informed that due to their exceptional readiness and training levels, their deployment date is being "bumped up" from February 2010 to February 2009 – 8 months away, it will also change from Afghanistan to Iraq. Upon receiving this information Pvt. Byrne reassesses getting an apartment of his own. Of the eight upcoming months, no less than four will be required for his MOS training as an interrogator. Another month will be spent as part of the DNC detail, leaving three months "at home" before a 1-year deployment to Baghdad. Charles and his mother agree that it would be easier all around if Charles were to stay at the apartment and find a new place after returning from Baghdad in 2010.
This announcement also completely blows apart the plans Tess and I are making for a 2009 wedding.
August 22nd – August 30th, 2008
Pvt. Byrne and the rest of the DNC detail are placed on "lockdown" before and during the Democrat National Convention. While training for the Democratic National Convention, Pvt.Byrne is assisted by SFC Tyler in tracing down the $960.00 + in lost WTC checks. Also during this time, the health of Pvt. Byrne's 79-year-old mother deteriorates.
August 31st – September 2nd, 2008
Pvt. Byrne is in Kiowa, Colorado performing for the FCRV Statewide Convention. Charles returns to Denver to find his mother (Dorothy) has been taken to St. Joseph's Hospital with multiple system failures.
September 9th, 2008 Dorothy Byrne is taken to The Hospice of St. John's and given a prognosis of "weeks not months."
September 5th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne receives confirmation from ATRRS (The Army Training Requirements and Reservations System) that he will be attending Interrogator School at Camp Williams, UT from October 3rd – December 17th, 2008.
September 10th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne receives confirmation on travel to and from Camp Williams. At this time, he cancels a number of shows and instructs his agent (Terri Fisher of 5-Star Talent and Events) not to schedule any workdays during his training period.
September 10th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne completes his "E QIP" application for security clearance (An interim 'Secret' clearance is required for Interrogator school). Charles is also informed that "the unit" will be going "on orders" on November 1st. "Going on orders" means those involved will be transferred from "one weekend a month" to fulltime Army and will be paid the full monthly allowance their rank earns. Also, when one "goes on orders" they are given a reimbursement for rent/mortgage.
October 2nd, 2008 On the day before he is to leave for Camp Williams, Pvt. Byrne is informed he will not be going to school as planned. This decision was based upon a faulty understanding of the requirements for Interrogator school. It was assumed that a "Secret" clearance and "interim Top Secret" clearance was required to attend. However, those restrictions do not go into effect until October of next year. Currently, only an "interim Secret" clearance is required. He is assured at this time, however, that he will still be going "on orders" November 1st.
October 12th, 2008 Charles requests information and an application from the Colorado National Guard Foundation – an organization designed to help Guard Soldiers in temporary financial straits.
October 15th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne faxes his request application to the CNGF.
October 16th, 2008 Pvt. Byrne learns from his squad leader (Sgt Tracy) that he will in fact NOT be included in the group that is to "Go on orders" November 1st. Pvt. Byrne also receives an email from the CNGF stating that they are unable to release funds at the time due to an end-of-the-year audit. He is referred to EANGUS "We Care for America" Foundation.
During the following weeks, Pvt. Byrne applies to Target, ACE Hardware, Starbucks, Home Depot, Blockbuster Video, Hollywood Video, Rent-A-Center, as well as several convenience stores and a number of bars. Many (such as The Cheesecake Factory and Hard Rock Café have current hiring freezes until January) On October 21st, 2008 he applies to Able Body Labor attempting to gain temporary labor employment.
November 14th, 2008 During drill weekend, Pvt. Byrne learns from SFC Tyler that the paperwork of August 22nd was returned to her due to an error in the paperwork. She further stated she corrected the error and resent the paperwork the last week in October and Pvt. Byrne should be receiving a check within three weeks.
Situation as it currently stands:
When contacted, SFC Tyler said I should be receiving the WTC checks "any day now". Furthermore, $300.00 bonus money for each drill in October and November is also outstanding. This is not a problem unique to me, but unit-wide and is being pursued by the unit command. So this adds a further $600.00 I should be getting "anytime now." As I am working on resolutions to these challenges, I am also working to resolve my security clearance issues. Once my "interim Secret" clearance is resolved, I will be attending Interrogator School. Upon graduation of Interrogator School, I will receive my $20,000.00 enlistment bonus. Searching for employment in the civilian sector is also ongoing. On December 2nd, Lisa Cooley of Family Readiness Support provided me with more contacts to help in the job search.
So excuse me for a moment.......
UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Okay I feel much better now!
Currently watching :
The Usual Suspects (Special Editon)
Release date: 2002-04-02
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
OUR TAX SYSTEM EXPLAINED....
October 8, 2008 - Wednesday
When Obama talks about how the "rich" have gotten such a sweetheart deal from Bush and will continue to under McCain, an understanding of the tax system is REQUIRED to sort it out... here ya' go!
OUR TAX SYSTEM EXPLAINED....
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers?How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.!
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'
'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!'
'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'
'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.
Currently listening :
The Best of Howard Jones
By Howard Jones
Release date: 1993-06-29
When Obama talks about how the "rich" have gotten such a sweetheart deal from Bush and will continue to under McCain, an understanding of the tax system is REQUIRED to sort it out... here ya' go!
OUR TAX SYSTEM EXPLAINED....
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers?How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.!
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'
'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!'
'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'
'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.
Currently listening :
The Best of Howard Jones
By Howard Jones
Release date: 1993-06-29
Friday, October 03, 2008
Ratification of the previous post
October 3, 2008 - Friday
Ratifying the previous post Current mood: sore
I just found this over at YouTube....
Take the time to watch it, and follow up with Google searches.... it's ALL TRUE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASvqtD6g8PU
Currently watching : The Usual Suspects (Special Editon) Release date: 2002-04-02
Ratifying the previous post Current mood: sore
I just found this over at YouTube....
Take the time to watch it, and follow up with Google searches.... it's ALL TRUE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASvqtD6g8PU
Currently watching : The Usual Suspects (Special Editon) Release date: 2002-04-02
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
This housing crisis
September 23, 2008 - Tuesday
This housing crisis
Current mood: anxious
I found this over at
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/anotherlook.aspx
Good Intentions Gone Bad
By AP | Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:30 PM PT
In view of the mortgage meltdown that led to the current financial crisis, we couldn't resist rerunning this 2004 photo from the Associated Press that appeared in this spot April 3. It was taken after Bank of America agreed to a $6 billion affordable housing program pushed by the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America (NACA). The program was designed to provide mortgages to low-income homebuyers without requiring a down payment or charging closing costs and fees. The expressions on the faces of CEOs Kenneth Lewis of BofA, left, and Chad Gifford of FleetBoston as they listen to NACA's Bruce Marks say it all.
Click to Enlarge
My take:
With all that is being said about the current financial meltdown, little time is being given to the fact that people were buying houses they couldn't afford. When we were trying to get Mom into the duplex, we were very specific about what monthly payments she could handle. If a property was out of her/our range, we didn't even consider it. Sure we could have moved her into some 4 bedroom nice places in Arvada with a sub-prime loan... but we realized that those payments would go up and get out of her grasp in short order... so we kept looking. The purchase turned into a fiasco (the lender backed out because he felt the seller was being unethical... which turned out to be true) and we got stuck in a rental disaster with no rental agreement and ever increasing rent, but that's outside the point.
This crisis was caused by "programs" initiated by liberal government ideals such as the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America (NACA) mentioned above. All with good intentions "let's get not-so-wealthy folks into houses." BUT the "not so wealthy folks" couldn't AFFORD to get into houses just yet... and they defaulted on their mortgage loans. Now, once again, like the McDonald's hot-coffee plaintiff, common folks are looking to the government to make up for their own mistakes and self-inflicted "crisis." There's this whole mentality nowadays that the government should fix any mistakes (or out-and-out frauds) that we bring upon ourselves... and to speak contrary to that "benevolence" makes you cold and heartless ("How could you possibly fault working class Americans that were just trying to buy a house for their families and live the American dream?")
1ST Question -
How many of these defaulted loans by "working class Americans" were taken out by/for illegals? I'm just curious. Bank of America is proud of the fact that it extended loans to "undocumented workers" - where do they fit into this puzzle?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2003586080_harney25.html
2ND Question-
What SHOULD the government have done instead?
They should've kept HUD homes the way they were intended... selling them for pennies on the dollar and THEN the working class (myself included) could have actually moved in and invested time and effort into fixing up the place. However, HUD now (in order to turn a profit for the government) MUST sell the house at the "fair market value" making HUD nothing more than another property-holding company.... and NOT the opportunity it was intended to be!
Just my two pennies
Currently listening :
Duets: An American Classic
By Tony Bennett
Release date: 2006-09-26
11:04 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove
This housing crisis
Current mood: anxious
I found this over at
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/anotherlook.aspx
Good Intentions Gone Bad
By AP | Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:30 PM PT
In view of the mortgage meltdown that led to the current financial crisis, we couldn't resist rerunning this 2004 photo from the Associated Press that appeared in this spot April 3. It was taken after Bank of America agreed to a $6 billion affordable housing program pushed by the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America (NACA). The program was designed to provide mortgages to low-income homebuyers without requiring a down payment or charging closing costs and fees. The expressions on the faces of CEOs Kenneth Lewis of BofA, left, and Chad Gifford of FleetBoston as they listen to NACA's Bruce Marks say it all.
Click to Enlarge
My take:
With all that is being said about the current financial meltdown, little time is being given to the fact that people were buying houses they couldn't afford. When we were trying to get Mom into the duplex, we were very specific about what monthly payments she could handle. If a property was out of her/our range, we didn't even consider it. Sure we could have moved her into some 4 bedroom nice places in Arvada with a sub-prime loan... but we realized that those payments would go up and get out of her grasp in short order... so we kept looking. The purchase turned into a fiasco (the lender backed out because he felt the seller was being unethical... which turned out to be true) and we got stuck in a rental disaster with no rental agreement and ever increasing rent, but that's outside the point.
This crisis was caused by "programs" initiated by liberal government ideals such as the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America (NACA) mentioned above. All with good intentions "let's get not-so-wealthy folks into houses." BUT the "not so wealthy folks" couldn't AFFORD to get into houses just yet... and they defaulted on their mortgage loans. Now, once again, like the McDonald's hot-coffee plaintiff, common folks are looking to the government to make up for their own mistakes and self-inflicted "crisis." There's this whole mentality nowadays that the government should fix any mistakes (or out-and-out frauds) that we bring upon ourselves... and to speak contrary to that "benevolence" makes you cold and heartless ("How could you possibly fault working class Americans that were just trying to buy a house for their families and live the American dream?")
1ST Question -
How many of these defaulted loans by "working class Americans" were taken out by/for illegals? I'm just curious. Bank of America is proud of the fact that it extended loans to "undocumented workers" - where do they fit into this puzzle?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2003586080_harney25.html
2ND Question-
What SHOULD the government have done instead?
They should've kept HUD homes the way they were intended... selling them for pennies on the dollar and THEN the working class (myself included) could have actually moved in and invested time and effort into fixing up the place. However, HUD now (in order to turn a profit for the government) MUST sell the house at the "fair market value" making HUD nothing more than another property-holding company.... and NOT the opportunity it was intended to be!
Just my two pennies
Currently listening :
Duets: An American Classic
By Tony Bennett
Release date: 2006-09-26
11:04 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Responsibility
RESPONSIBILITY
These last two weeks of lockdown at the Armory has gotten me thinkin' about a BUNCHA' stuff! Although we were typically up at 0400 and training straight until 2100 (9pm) minus meal times, of course... lying on a foldable cot in a warehouse-like room with 300 other guys in the dark... you get a lot of thinking done as you try to fall asleep (and ignore all the snoring). We deploy in January for MOB and after a 4-day leave in March (to say goodbye to family and friends) we fly out to Baghdad... so lotsa' things are being done ASAP and the myriad of thoughts is hard to contain.
ONE THING I SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME ON:
What kind of person are you?
Do you take on your fair share of responsibilities... less or even MORE than your fair share? If someone needs help, love and compassion... do you take the time and make the effort to make sure that person is okay... or do you pawn it off on someone else figuring "it'll get done." Do you figure you will get around to your responsibilities "one of these days"? Is your life so hectic that some responsibilities just fall to the wayside and before you know it weeks and months have passed since you last checked in on those responsibilities?
Are you the one who does the heavy lifting, or do you make excuses, justifications, and flimsy reasons for not doing what you SHOULD be doing? This is equally applicable for soldiers, workers, friends, family, politicians... what have you.
THOSE WHO SHIRK RESPONSIBILITY:
TYPE 1 Person: The Excuser
"Ya' know, I would _________ IF I didn't have to deal with _______." Ahhhh what a convenient excuse... saves you all the heartache, hard work, and demands of a responsibility, and you get to play the victim card at the same time. Funny, how people that are like that are guaranteed to not pick up the slack even WHEN that obstical is no longer there.
Type 2 Person: The know it all
"The way this is being done, is lousy! If I were in charge....."
Again ... such a wonderful excuse, while at the same time building yourself up as some superior, smarter, more enlightened master of the universe. Of course, the fact is... if your ideas were actually TRIED and TESTED.... they might not work, but then again.. you don't have to worry about that do you? "Cause you haven't lifted a finger, have you?
Type 3 Person: The complainer
"I won't have anything to do with this.. the person in charge is a louse"
Similar to the "know it all" mentioned above...no need to do anything.. just attack the chain of command, the person 'in charge' and you again don't have to lift a finger, only complain.
Type 4 Person; The Bulldozer in a China Shop
This is the pro-active version of the "Know it all"... I don't care what you want or say... we're doing it this way like it or not. This is the equivilent of a superior who enlists no information, suggestions or input from inferiors. "But Sir! There's a mine field there that will wipe out this entire batallion!" "Shut up... the plans don't mention a mine field... I've set my mind and we're going... I don't care about new information."... note: this isn't something I've encountered in the Army, just a hypothetical to illuminate the behavior. The Army is VERY cognizant of new intel and reacts accordingly! The bulldozer can sit back and say "I took responsibility"... but in fact, responsibility WASN'T served, only that person's need for ego and control. Responsibility includes serving the wishes and requirements of those being served.
Taking responsibility requires sacrifice, it doesn't consist of doing things the easy way, nor does it consist of passing the buck. Above all, it doesn't consist of letting someone else do the work while you kick back making excuses, complaints, and criticizing how things are being done!
As George W. Bush has learned in spades, taking responsibility often means being attacked for the manner in which you take care of those responsibilities... by people who don't have the balls, the patience, or the abilities to take on the responsibilities themselves.
THE SOLDIER'S CREED
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
ARMY VALUES
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
These last two weeks of lockdown at the Armory has gotten me thinkin' about a BUNCHA' stuff! Although we were typically up at 0400 and training straight until 2100 (9pm) minus meal times, of course... lying on a foldable cot in a warehouse-like room with 300 other guys in the dark... you get a lot of thinking done as you try to fall asleep (and ignore all the snoring). We deploy in January for MOB and after a 4-day leave in March (to say goodbye to family and friends) we fly out to Baghdad... so lotsa' things are being done ASAP and the myriad of thoughts is hard to contain.
ONE THING I SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME ON:
What kind of person are you?
Do you take on your fair share of responsibilities... less or even MORE than your fair share? If someone needs help, love and compassion... do you take the time and make the effort to make sure that person is okay... or do you pawn it off on someone else figuring "it'll get done." Do you figure you will get around to your responsibilities "one of these days"? Is your life so hectic that some responsibilities just fall to the wayside and before you know it weeks and months have passed since you last checked in on those responsibilities?
Are you the one who does the heavy lifting, or do you make excuses, justifications, and flimsy reasons for not doing what you SHOULD be doing? This is equally applicable for soldiers, workers, friends, family, politicians... what have you.
THOSE WHO SHIRK RESPONSIBILITY:
TYPE 1 Person: The Excuser
"Ya' know, I would _________ IF I didn't have to deal with _______." Ahhhh what a convenient excuse... saves you all the heartache, hard work, and demands of a responsibility, and you get to play the victim card at the same time. Funny, how people that are like that are guaranteed to not pick up the slack even WHEN that obstical is no longer there.
Type 2 Person: The know it all
"The way this is being done, is lousy! If I were in charge....."
Again ... such a wonderful excuse, while at the same time building yourself up as some superior, smarter, more enlightened master of the universe. Of course, the fact is... if your ideas were actually TRIED and TESTED.... they might not work, but then again.. you don't have to worry about that do you? "Cause you haven't lifted a finger, have you?
Type 3 Person: The complainer
"I won't have anything to do with this.. the person in charge is a louse"
Similar to the "know it all" mentioned above...no need to do anything.. just attack the chain of command, the person 'in charge' and you again don't have to lift a finger, only complain.
Type 4 Person; The Bulldozer in a China Shop
This is the pro-active version of the "Know it all"... I don't care what you want or say... we're doing it this way like it or not. This is the equivilent of a superior who enlists no information, suggestions or input from inferiors. "But Sir! There's a mine field there that will wipe out this entire batallion!" "Shut up... the plans don't mention a mine field... I've set my mind and we're going... I don't care about new information."... note: this isn't something I've encountered in the Army, just a hypothetical to illuminate the behavior. The Army is VERY cognizant of new intel and reacts accordingly! The bulldozer can sit back and say "I took responsibility"... but in fact, responsibility WASN'T served, only that person's need for ego and control. Responsibility includes serving the wishes and requirements of those being served.
Taking responsibility requires sacrifice, it doesn't consist of doing things the easy way, nor does it consist of passing the buck. Above all, it doesn't consist of letting someone else do the work while you kick back making excuses, complaints, and criticizing how things are being done!
As George W. Bush has learned in spades, taking responsibility often means being attacked for the manner in which you take care of those responsibilities... by people who don't have the balls, the patience, or the abilities to take on the responsibilities themselves.
THE SOLDIER'S CREED
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
ARMY VALUES
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
Thursday, August 21, 2008
DNC, here we come!
August 21, 2008 - Thursday
DNC, here we come!
Current mood: tired
Can't really get into much about what we're doing (we had a long briefing about OPSEC "Operational Security") but I can say that I have been working my BACKSIDE off and sweating up a storm with the Army National Guard preparing for the Democrat National Convention!..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
It's been long, long hours learning how to calm a situation, avoid confrontations, subdue violence and otherwise protect the citizens of Denver, tourists, delegates, press, and other visitors who will be flocking to Denver this next week. I can't TELL you how hot it's been in our gear training every day from oh-dark hundred to sometimes 9:30 at night!!!!
One thing I CAN tell you is this has given me a whole new perspective on "riots" in general and law enforcement specifically!!
I've been reading up not only on the protest groups that are planning on being here in Denver (some very angry, inventive, and violent folks!)... but also gaining perspective by reading the original accounts of Chicago's 1968 riots, Kent state and other similar situations in the past. So many paint "the man" as some inhuman collection of automatons hell bent on exercising power over protesters,... as though they were rabid pit bulls just looking for a fight. Even before the situations got "out of control"... according to these 'reports' the cops etc.. were bound and determined to hurt someone. I can't jump into the minds of the 1968 Chicago cops... but I can tell you from Denver 2008......
First of all, NOBODY... no cop, no soldier, no law enforcement official wants to see a riot! The idea of striking, shoving, or hitting a fellow citizen (or worse) is something none of us cherish! I'd be quite happy if all this training is for nothing... if Tent State, Unconventional Denver, the KKK, Black Bloc, the Aryan Races and Recreate68 protest peacefully and the Guard never has to be called out. I'm gunna' see enough action against true enemies in Baghdad next year, I don't want to be fighting with my own countrymen! However, the training has given us the tools to deal with any situation that presents itself. We WILL keep Denverites and visitors safe!
We have SO many less-than-lethal options at our disposal; I'm encouraged that the peace will be kept without having to resort to drastic measures. Above all, we are here to support local, state, and federal civilian authorities.
Just FYI... some have asked me how we can be Army and acting as law enforcement... doesn't that violate Posse Comitatus? As Guard members, we have been activated by our Commander-and-Chief of Colorado (Governor Bill Ritter), and are under his direction. It's the same as if there is a wildfire or flood... the Governor calls us up to help keep Coloradans safe (or to keep cows fed in huge snowstorms.) So although in February, Governor Ritter will "loan me out" out to the new President of The United States, until then I'm under the direction of Governor Ritter. Make sense?
Another question a few friends have asked me... "Why did you join the Guard instead of the 'real' Army?" A: In the regular Army, once you are MOSQ'ed (once you've been trained in your 'job') you aren't offered many opportunities to learn other jobs. In the Guard, however, you can school up like crazy! Before our deployment date was moved up a year, I was planning on not only qualifying as an interrogator, but also go to Monterey to take Arabic school and then go to Counter Intelligence school, so I'd have 3 MOS's and be very adroit when I got shipped over. That got changed when our deployment changed... now I'll probably take Arabic while in Iraq and go to CI school after I get back. Either way, there are a number of different options.... which is why I chose the Guard in the first place.
Well, I'm on only a 20-hour pass, so I need to hit the rack, I'm BEAT!! Everyone stay safe and take care of yourselves!
Love
Charles
Currently reading :
John Adams
By David McCullough
DNC, here we come!
Current mood: tired
Can't really get into much about what we're doing (we had a long briefing about OPSEC "Operational Security") but I can say that I have been working my BACKSIDE off and sweating up a storm with the Army National Guard preparing for the Democrat National Convention!..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
It's been long, long hours learning how to calm a situation, avoid confrontations, subdue violence and otherwise protect the citizens of Denver, tourists, delegates, press, and other visitors who will be flocking to Denver this next week. I can't TELL you how hot it's been in our gear training every day from oh-dark hundred to sometimes 9:30 at night!!!!
One thing I CAN tell you is this has given me a whole new perspective on "riots" in general and law enforcement specifically!!
I've been reading up not only on the protest groups that are planning on being here in Denver (some very angry, inventive, and violent folks!)... but also gaining perspective by reading the original accounts of Chicago's 1968 riots, Kent state and other similar situations in the past. So many paint "the man" as some inhuman collection of automatons hell bent on exercising power over protesters,... as though they were rabid pit bulls just looking for a fight. Even before the situations got "out of control"... according to these 'reports' the cops etc.. were bound and determined to hurt someone. I can't jump into the minds of the 1968 Chicago cops... but I can tell you from Denver 2008......
First of all, NOBODY... no cop, no soldier, no law enforcement official wants to see a riot! The idea of striking, shoving, or hitting a fellow citizen (or worse) is something none of us cherish! I'd be quite happy if all this training is for nothing... if Tent State, Unconventional Denver, the KKK, Black Bloc, the Aryan Races and Recreate68 protest peacefully and the Guard never has to be called out. I'm gunna' see enough action against true enemies in Baghdad next year, I don't want to be fighting with my own countrymen! However, the training has given us the tools to deal with any situation that presents itself. We WILL keep Denverites and visitors safe!
We have SO many less-than-lethal options at our disposal; I'm encouraged that the peace will be kept without having to resort to drastic measures. Above all, we are here to support local, state, and federal civilian authorities.
Just FYI... some have asked me how we can be Army and acting as law enforcement... doesn't that violate Posse Comitatus? As Guard members, we have been activated by our Commander-and-Chief of Colorado (Governor Bill Ritter), and are under his direction. It's the same as if there is a wildfire or flood... the Governor calls us up to help keep Coloradans safe (or to keep cows fed in huge snowstorms.) So although in February, Governor Ritter will "loan me out" out to the new President of The United States, until then I'm under the direction of Governor Ritter. Make sense?
Another question a few friends have asked me... "Why did you join the Guard instead of the 'real' Army?" A: In the regular Army, once you are MOSQ'ed (once you've been trained in your 'job') you aren't offered many opportunities to learn other jobs. In the Guard, however, you can school up like crazy! Before our deployment date was moved up a year, I was planning on not only qualifying as an interrogator, but also go to Monterey to take Arabic school and then go to Counter Intelligence school, so I'd have 3 MOS's and be very adroit when I got shipped over. That got changed when our deployment changed... now I'll probably take Arabic while in Iraq and go to CI school after I get back. Either way, there are a number of different options.... which is why I chose the Guard in the first place.
Well, I'm on only a 20-hour pass, so I need to hit the rack, I'm BEAT!! Everyone stay safe and take care of yourselves!
Love
Charles
Currently reading :
John Adams
By David McCullough
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Here we go again, more of the same!!
August 3, 2008 - Sunday
Here we go again, more of the same
Current mood: tired
Well, it should come as no surprise, the rules of the Democrat party mean as much to Democrats as well.... laws and rules apply to Democrats in general. A rule was passed by the Democrat party that Florida and Michigan would have no delegates at the convention as punishment for their breaking the rules. ("Thou shalt have no primaries or caucuses before Feb 5th")
In May, like some drug dealer negotiating his way into a plea bargain, a "compromise" was decided upon - delegates get half-votes at the convention.
Today, "the chosen one" Obama said Florida and Michigan should be given full voting privileges at the convention.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080803/ap_on_el_pr/obama_delegates_1;_ylt=Am.DzcW5pVjcPPogM7VIo6_Za7gF
Tell me, do the Democrats believe in ANY rule or law????? We're setting up another "it all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is" administration. Another administration that has NO respect for rules or laws, another administration that considers rules and laws mere suggestions and guidelines, but not really important.
Whether you believe Bush was acting on faulty information re: Iraq, was acting on accurate information that was covered up before we entered Baghdad, or out-and-out lied about WMD... how can ANYone not see the pattern in Democrat thinking - Rules and laws are all fine and dandy.... but not really that important... We can change them before, during, or after the fact if it suits our needs (Gore's attempt to change election laws midstream during the 2000 election)... or we can just ignore them if it's in our best interests (Kennedy ignoring murder and/or manslaughter charges for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne on July 18, 1969... DEM Barney Frank's prostitution shenanigans or Clinton's many violations of sexual harassment laws and reported rape of Juanita Brodderick.
And yet the Bush-bashers will bury their heads in the sand, drink the Kool-aid and delve themselves deeper into denial from the facts....
LAWS AND RULES MEAN NOTHING TO DEMOCRATS!
(Kennedy's murder of young Mary Jo Kopechne)
http://www.ytedk.com/intro.htm
(Barney Frank running a prostitution ring from is home)
http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=29223&category=23483
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958598,00.html
(Juanita Brodderick story)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/broaddrick022599.htm
Currently watching :
24 - Season Six
Release date: 2007-12-04
Here we go again, more of the same
Current mood: tired
Well, it should come as no surprise, the rules of the Democrat party mean as much to Democrats as well.... laws and rules apply to Democrats in general. A rule was passed by the Democrat party that Florida and Michigan would have no delegates at the convention as punishment for their breaking the rules. ("Thou shalt have no primaries or caucuses before Feb 5th")
In May, like some drug dealer negotiating his way into a plea bargain, a "compromise" was decided upon - delegates get half-votes at the convention.
Today, "the chosen one" Obama said Florida and Michigan should be given full voting privileges at the convention.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080803/ap_on_el_pr/obama_delegates_1;_ylt=Am.DzcW5pVjcPPogM7VIo6_Za7gF
Tell me, do the Democrats believe in ANY rule or law????? We're setting up another "it all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is" administration. Another administration that has NO respect for rules or laws, another administration that considers rules and laws mere suggestions and guidelines, but not really important.
Whether you believe Bush was acting on faulty information re: Iraq, was acting on accurate information that was covered up before we entered Baghdad, or out-and-out lied about WMD... how can ANYone not see the pattern in Democrat thinking - Rules and laws are all fine and dandy.... but not really that important... We can change them before, during, or after the fact if it suits our needs (Gore's attempt to change election laws midstream during the 2000 election)... or we can just ignore them if it's in our best interests (Kennedy ignoring murder and/or manslaughter charges for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne on July 18, 1969... DEM Barney Frank's prostitution shenanigans or Clinton's many violations of sexual harassment laws and reported rape of Juanita Brodderick.
And yet the Bush-bashers will bury their heads in the sand, drink the Kool-aid and delve themselves deeper into denial from the facts....
LAWS AND RULES MEAN NOTHING TO DEMOCRATS!
(Kennedy's murder of young Mary Jo Kopechne)
http://www.ytedk.com/intro.htm
(Barney Frank running a prostitution ring from is home)
http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=29223&category=23483
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958598,00.html
(Juanita Brodderick story)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/broaddrick022599.htm
Currently watching :
24 - Season Six
Release date: 2007-12-04
Monday, July 28, 2008
Waiting For the WARNO
July 28, 2008 - Monday
Waiting for the WARNO
Current mood: stressed
WARNO - Warning Order
Me and my MI unit got the news last week that we are to expect a WARNO. Originally, we were scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan Feb of 2010. Nix that! It's a "done deal" that we are now deploying Feb 09 instead of '10. Yep! That gives us a whopping 6 months before I go over to the sandbox. As of now, it's 99% assured it will be Baghdad instead of Afghanistan. In the meantime, I still gotta' hit the schoolhouse to get MOS-q'd, gotta' get all my affairs in order here... write my will, arrange benefits for Chaz, finalize my security clearance...etc...etc...etc.
Anyway... between all the things I'm having to arrange...plus my career, making sure training won't conflict with gigs (read: "income").... I'm ALSO part of the Colorado National Guard's Democrat National Convention Security Detail! UGH! I'll keep the blog up to date as much as I can... but, time is getting rare and precious!
God Bless to all of you my friends!
Currently reading :
John Adams
By David McCullough
Waiting for the WARNO
Current mood: stressed
WARNO - Warning Order
Me and my MI unit got the news last week that we are to expect a WARNO. Originally, we were scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan Feb of 2010. Nix that! It's a "done deal" that we are now deploying Feb 09 instead of '10. Yep! That gives us a whopping 6 months before I go over to the sandbox. As of now, it's 99% assured it will be Baghdad instead of Afghanistan. In the meantime, I still gotta' hit the schoolhouse to get MOS-q'd, gotta' get all my affairs in order here... write my will, arrange benefits for Chaz, finalize my security clearance...etc...etc...etc.
Anyway... between all the things I'm having to arrange...plus my career, making sure training won't conflict with gigs (read: "income").... I'm ALSO part of the Colorado National Guard's Democrat National Convention Security Detail! UGH! I'll keep the blog up to date as much as I can... but, time is getting rare and precious!
God Bless to all of you my friends!
Currently reading :
John Adams
By David McCullough
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Audacity Of Hubris
July 22, 2008 - Tuesday
The Audacity of Hubris
Current mood: hot
hu·bris ..>play_w2("H0312100")..> .. (hybrs) also hy·bris (h-)
n.
Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance:
The free online dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hubris
On the Today show on July 9th, Senator Barack Obama gave this quote in an interview with Matt Lauer
"We've got enormous burdens on our military families and we're spending 10 to $12 billion a month in Iraq that could be used to put people back to work here in the United States and to create an energy policy that frees ourselves from the dependence on foreign oil. So my job as commander and chief is to listen to the commanders, but to shape a strategy based on all the factors that go into American security." (My emphasis)
Okay, Washington Post Opinion Writer Charles Krauthammer has an excellent OPED piece on "who does Obama think he is?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071701839.html
But allow me to add this bit of evidence... in his answer Barack doesn't even put in the qualifiers "When I'm in the White House....", "As President my job would be...", "If elected President, my job would be...." NO! He terms it in the PRESENT sense, "MY JOB AS COMMANDER AND CHIEF IS TO LISTEN......"
Now, I've been interviewed by scores of television reporters, radio hosts, etc... When one is being interviewed, it takes a GREAT amount of effort to "mask" true, gut feelings if one doesn't think they would be palatable to the audience. Unlike a prepared speech, a tv commercial, or even 4x5 notes for a presentation.... interviews allow gut feelings to come forth.
BARACK OBAMA THINKS HE IS ALREADY PRESIDENT and it's only a matter of the inconvenient voting and vote counts. This is known in some circles as "Albertgoreabetes." To him, he is ENTITLED to the Presidency, maybe 'cause he's black, maybe because everyone is already heroworshiping him, maybe 'cause he feels that it is ordained.
The fact is, however, he hasn't EARNED a damned thing! He hasn't taken the time to learn what leadership is. He hasn't had any hands on experience as a leader or an executive. If it weren't so serious, it would be the laughable moment in "Days of Thunder" when Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) says he can race NASCAR because he's watched it on ESPN!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a politician has to put his time in, kiss the right rings and "do his time" in order to earn the right to run. I'm saying that "Doing your time" "Paying your dues" and such is an invaluable lesson in "Learning the ropes." No one can effectively armchair quaterback because they haven't spent YEARS learning defense formations, linebacker shifts, and traits/abilities of the opposition as the PROFESSIONAL quaterback! No civilian should think they can out-general a US Army General because they (the civilian) hasn't spent years or DECADES studying tactics, strategies, weapons capacities, manpower abilities and such. The General has! Can George W. Bush rightfully expect to step into a Hollywood film and make the same amount of money, or perform as well as George Clooney? (Okay, skip that 2nd part... Clooney's a movie star, not an actor.)
Enough said, Barack is not only inexperienced, he's SO inexperienced that he has no clue what a neophyte he is!
IT'S THE INEXPERIENCE, STUPID! (T-shirts saying this can be bought at http://www.cafepress.com/mhbumpersticker )
Currently reading :
An Inconvenient Book: Real Solutions to the World's Biggest Problems
By Glenn Beck
3:07 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Up is down, black is white, left is right and right is wrong
July 16, 2008 - Wednesday
Up is down, black is white, left is right and right is wrong
Current mood: tired
Category: News and Politics
Anyone else feel like we are slipping further and further into the Twilight Zone? Or maybe further down Alice's rabbit hole?!?!?!?!
Here is an article reporting that the RESCUERS of the Columbian hostages might be facing charges of WAR CRIMES for misusing the emblem of the Inernational Red Cross. !!!!!
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/16/america/colombia.php
Okay, I fully understand the need to keep the Red Cross emblem one of unquestioned neutrality.... but WTF??? WHY wasn't the ICRC involved to BEGIN with?!?!?!There were clearly human rights violations taking place by FARC, the ICRC had every right to be there.... WHY WEREN'T THEY??
So, now the people who actually did the RIGHT thing (by rescuing people who had been held hostage for 10+ years) are in more trouble than the group that took the hostages to begin with! That would be like arresting Border Patrol agents for doing their jobs!!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html
What next??? Millions of supporters for an inexperienced, untested, America-hating slick-talker for President????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws
http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2008/05/11/old-media-ignores-obamas-57-states-couldnt-get-enough-quayles-potatoe
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/02/20/michelle-obamas-america-and-mine/
Curiouser and curiouser.
Currently reading :
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
By T.E. Lawrence
Release date: 1991-06-01
Up is down, black is white, left is right and right is wrong
Current mood: tired
Category: News and Politics
Anyone else feel like we are slipping further and further into the Twilight Zone? Or maybe further down Alice's rabbit hole?!?!?!?!
Here is an article reporting that the RESCUERS of the Columbian hostages might be facing charges of WAR CRIMES for misusing the emblem of the Inernational Red Cross. !!!!!
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/16/america/colombia.php
Okay, I fully understand the need to keep the Red Cross emblem one of unquestioned neutrality.... but WTF??? WHY wasn't the ICRC involved to BEGIN with?!?!?!There were clearly human rights violations taking place by FARC, the ICRC had every right to be there.... WHY WEREN'T THEY??
So, now the people who actually did the RIGHT thing (by rescuing people who had been held hostage for 10+ years) are in more trouble than the group that took the hostages to begin with! That would be like arresting Border Patrol agents for doing their jobs!!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html
What next??? Millions of supporters for an inexperienced, untested, America-hating slick-talker for President????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws
http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2008/05/11/old-media-ignores-obamas-57-states-couldnt-get-enough-quayles-potatoe
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/02/20/michelle-obamas-america-and-mine/
Curiouser and curiouser.
Currently reading :
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
By T.E. Lawrence
Release date: 1991-06-01
Saturday, July 05, 2008
A Mixed 4th
July 5, 2008 - Saturday
Mixed 4th
Current mood: peeved
Every year for 5 or 6 years now, I've performed as Uncle Sam at the Thorntonfest 4th of July Celebrations here in Colorado. Last night was no difference 6pm - 8:30pm walkin around getting folks in the mood - waving, saying "hi", passing out candy... the standard routine. I love it!
http://www.cityofthornton.net/rec/4thofjuly.asp
First, the good stuff! This year they presented the travelling Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. http://www.thorntonveteransmemorial.org/news/index.html Wow! Truly a moving experience! I haven't yet seen the original in Washington DC, and this 3/5ths scale replica was just incredible! http://www.travelingwall.us/
The fireworks display was the first in nearly 40 years that has brought me to the verge of tears! The accomapnying mix of music (Presented by KYGO radio http://www.kygo.com/home.cfm ) included expected favorites like "Proud To Be An American", but also mixed in Lonestar's "I'm Already There" (with phone calls from servicemembers' spouses and kids... telling how much they miss their loved ones etc...) and Toby Keith's "American Soldier." It was the single most moving 4th of July I've witnessed (including when I was a member of the Jaycees in Estes Park and helped launch the fireworks!) Thank heavens Tess was there. I've got only one more 4th of July with her before I deploy, so every emotion was a bit cranked up!
Okay, now the moment of bitching, whining, and disgust. For the last few years I've had people "earn" their candy by answering simple American trivia questions (Name the three branches of government, who's the current Vice President, who was the first Vice President... what 3 presidents died on the 4th of July....etc....). Every year I've had to make the question a little bit easier than the last. This year it was disgusting! I had adults who didn't know the current President!!!! I kid you not!!! I understand GW Bush has only been in the Oval Office for 7 whole years, so they might have missed that bit of "trivia." A couple of times, my frustration got the better of me and I let it slip "You don't actually VOTE do you??? Please tell me 'No'!" It gets sadder and sadder!! But it certainly explains why some folks out there actually consider Obama potential Presidental material! ::::: shaking head ::::::: It's so depressing! As I told Tess last night after the fireworks, I love this country SO much! The more you learn about how it was formed, what it stands for, what we have fought and died for, you just love it more and more!!!! And to see folks that don't have the foggiest notion or the simplist facts about our government and its history.... it's sad!!! It's like watching someone who's looking at a Ferrari but doesn't have a clue about motorized transportation! ("so the wheels turn and it moves? Yeah but red is such an outrageous color! I don't like it. It's ugly trash!")
I definately have two loves... Tess and the US of A!
Currently listening :
Elv1s 30 #1 Hits
By Elvis Presley
Release date: 2002-09-24
Mixed 4th
Current mood: peeved
Every year for 5 or 6 years now, I've performed as Uncle Sam at the Thorntonfest 4th of July Celebrations here in Colorado. Last night was no difference 6pm - 8:30pm walkin around getting folks in the mood - waving, saying "hi", passing out candy... the standard routine. I love it!
http://www.cityofthornton.net/rec/4thofjuly.asp
First, the good stuff! This year they presented the travelling Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. http://www.thorntonveteransmemorial.org/news/index.html Wow! Truly a moving experience! I haven't yet seen the original in Washington DC, and this 3/5ths scale replica was just incredible! http://www.travelingwall.us/
The fireworks display was the first in nearly 40 years that has brought me to the verge of tears! The accomapnying mix of music (Presented by KYGO radio http://www.kygo.com/home.cfm ) included expected favorites like "Proud To Be An American", but also mixed in Lonestar's "I'm Already There" (with phone calls from servicemembers' spouses and kids... telling how much they miss their loved ones etc...) and Toby Keith's "American Soldier." It was the single most moving 4th of July I've witnessed (including when I was a member of the Jaycees in Estes Park and helped launch the fireworks!) Thank heavens Tess was there. I've got only one more 4th of July with her before I deploy, so every emotion was a bit cranked up!
Okay, now the moment of bitching, whining, and disgust. For the last few years I've had people "earn" their candy by answering simple American trivia questions (Name the three branches of government, who's the current Vice President, who was the first Vice President... what 3 presidents died on the 4th of July....etc....). Every year I've had to make the question a little bit easier than the last. This year it was disgusting! I had adults who didn't know the current President!!!! I kid you not!!! I understand GW Bush has only been in the Oval Office for 7 whole years, so they might have missed that bit of "trivia." A couple of times, my frustration got the better of me and I let it slip "You don't actually VOTE do you??? Please tell me 'No'!" It gets sadder and sadder!! But it certainly explains why some folks out there actually consider Obama potential Presidental material! ::::: shaking head ::::::: It's so depressing! As I told Tess last night after the fireworks, I love this country SO much! The more you learn about how it was formed, what it stands for, what we have fought and died for, you just love it more and more!!!! And to see folks that don't have the foggiest notion or the simplist facts about our government and its history.... it's sad!!! It's like watching someone who's looking at a Ferrari but doesn't have a clue about motorized transportation! ("so the wheels turn and it moves? Yeah but red is such an outrageous color! I don't like it. It's ugly trash!")
I definately have two loves... Tess and the US of A!
Currently listening :
Elv1s 30 #1 Hits
By Elvis Presley
Release date: 2002-09-24
Monday, June 23, 2008
You have GOT to be kidding me!!! 57 States?!?!?!
You’ve GOT to be kidding me! 57 States??????
Current mood: silly
Okay, really! If GW Bush had said this, or Dan Quayle... we'd STILL be hearing about it!!! Where is Jay Leno on THIS one?????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws
Current mood: silly
Okay, really! If GW Bush had said this, or Dan Quayle... we'd STILL be hearing about it!!! Where is Jay Leno on THIS one?????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws
Friday, June 13, 2008
Why is gas soooooooo expensive?
Click on the link!! It's got some MAJOR insight into this!
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmdsZW5uYmVjay5jb20vY29udGVudC9hcnRpY2xlcy9hcnRpY2xlLzE5OC8xMTI4OS8=
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmdsZW5uYmVjay5jb20vY29udGVudC9hcnRpY2xlcy9hcnRpY2xlLzE5OC8xMTI4OS8=
He's a freeeeeekin reporter!
Current mood: vexed Category: News and Politics
Today the news broke into programming to announce that Tim Russert had died.
Okay, I appreciated his work, he was a good "reporter"...errr... moderator....errr... news guy... what have you, and "Meet the Press" is a standard of informative programs... but REALLY? Interrupting programing? Like he was some Senator, statesman, or National leader? I think the break-into-programming was longer than the one they had to announce Pope John Paul II had died. Back then it was "The leader of the Catholic Church passed away today, more during the national news." But Tim freeking Russert dies and the announcers are acting like it was a Presidential Assassination.
I'm not even sure what program was on or "broken into", but that doesn't matter. I heard the "Special Report" music and thought "Oh ****! Some terrorist attack.... some politician or candidate has been shot.... another tsunami or killer earthquake somewhere.... something MAJOR that effects MILLIONS... and then ... Huh?!?!? Tim Russert?!?!?!
I there ANY group of people (outside Hollywierd) who is more self agrandizing than reporters?
Rest in peace, Mr. Russert.
Currently listening : Eee-O-11: The Best Of The Rat Pack By Frank Sinatra Release date: 2001-11-20
Today the news broke into programming to announce that Tim Russert had died.
Okay, I appreciated his work, he was a good "reporter"...errr... moderator....errr... news guy... what have you, and "Meet the Press" is a standard of informative programs... but REALLY? Interrupting programing? Like he was some Senator, statesman, or National leader? I think the break-into-programming was longer than the one they had to announce Pope John Paul II had died. Back then it was "The leader of the Catholic Church passed away today, more during the national news." But Tim freeking Russert dies and the announcers are acting like it was a Presidential Assassination.
I'm not even sure what program was on or "broken into", but that doesn't matter. I heard the "Special Report" music and thought "Oh ****! Some terrorist attack.... some politician or candidate has been shot.... another tsunami or killer earthquake somewhere.... something MAJOR that effects MILLIONS... and then ... Huh?!?!? Tim Russert?!?!?!
I there ANY group of people (outside Hollywierd) who is more self agrandizing than reporters?
Rest in peace, Mr. Russert.
Currently listening : Eee-O-11: The Best Of The Rat Pack By Frank Sinatra Release date: 2001-11-20
Friday, June 06, 2008
Donor Letter from The Democratic National Committee
Dear most honorable Veteran,
The National Committee is excited that Senator Barack Obama is the presumptive Presidential nominee of the Democrat Party this year. As you are aware, Senator Obama did not choose to serve in the Armed Forced, nor was he ever drafted. Furthermore, considering that Barack’s presumptive opponent is making the most of his own war history, we at the DNC would like to avoid sending conflicting messages regarding the backgrounds of the perspective Presidential candidates and therefore must respectfully decline your gracious offer to speak on Senator Obama’s behalf.
Don’t think for a moment that we have forgotten how you came to the forefront on behalf of John Kerry during the 2004 election! Your efforts on Senator Kerry’s behalf will never be forgotten! Unfortunately, we were not able to capitalize on your hard work because, quite honestly, we at the DNC were quite unaccustomed to having a war hero at the top of the ticket. Ever since the Kennedy Administration, our nominees have either not served or have served in observational/documentation/non-battlefield positions. And now with Senator Obama at the top of our ticket, we are a bit more at home.
We also feel that the decision to not focus on military issues will save you the uncomfortable inevitability of defending Senator Obama’s controversial votes to limit funding for the Iraq war, his promises to cut military funding by “ten’s of billions of dollars,” as well as other issues that could be volatile especially in this election cycle.
We have little doubt that after Senator Obama’s administration, we may very well have a Democrat nominee who may have served in the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan and we will once again be in great need of your support as a veteran. So, please keep us in mind!
In the meantime, Senator Obama is actively seeking donations and volunteers. Please contact your local Democrat chapter as I’m sure your help and assistance would be greatly appreciated! Even a donation of only $100, $250, or $500 can help us in our crusade to see Barack Obama become the first African American President of the United States!
Thank you again for your offer
Howard Dean
Chairman Democrat National Committee
The National Committee is excited that Senator Barack Obama is the presumptive Presidential nominee of the Democrat Party this year. As you are aware, Senator Obama did not choose to serve in the Armed Forced, nor was he ever drafted. Furthermore, considering that Barack’s presumptive opponent is making the most of his own war history, we at the DNC would like to avoid sending conflicting messages regarding the backgrounds of the perspective Presidential candidates and therefore must respectfully decline your gracious offer to speak on Senator Obama’s behalf.
Don’t think for a moment that we have forgotten how you came to the forefront on behalf of John Kerry during the 2004 election! Your efforts on Senator Kerry’s behalf will never be forgotten! Unfortunately, we were not able to capitalize on your hard work because, quite honestly, we at the DNC were quite unaccustomed to having a war hero at the top of the ticket. Ever since the Kennedy Administration, our nominees have either not served or have served in observational/documentation/non-battlefield positions. And now with Senator Obama at the top of our ticket, we are a bit more at home.
We also feel that the decision to not focus on military issues will save you the uncomfortable inevitability of defending Senator Obama’s controversial votes to limit funding for the Iraq war, his promises to cut military funding by “ten’s of billions of dollars,” as well as other issues that could be volatile especially in this election cycle.
We have little doubt that after Senator Obama’s administration, we may very well have a Democrat nominee who may have served in the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan and we will once again be in great need of your support as a veteran. So, please keep us in mind!
In the meantime, Senator Obama is actively seeking donations and volunteers. Please contact your local Democrat chapter as I’m sure your help and assistance would be greatly appreciated! Even a donation of only $100, $250, or $500 can help us in our crusade to see Barack Obama become the first African American President of the United States!
Thank you again for your offer
Howard Dean
Chairman Democrat National Committee
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Why Are Republicans Evil?
June 4, 2008 - Wednesday
Why are Republicans Evil?
Current mood: happy
Category: News and Politics
I can't take credit for this post, it was written by "Very Smart Man" at Yahoo Answers (profile - http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Anb7iUe.SnsHLVU7WnbeH7TZ7BR.;_ylv=3?show=JuS0ns3gaa )
It was written in response to the question :
Are republicans evil?? if not why am is so led to believe this?
they seem like money grubbing SOB's with no care for human life other than their own, but i could be wrong. if i am, then why am I confused?
.............................................................................
You Democrats kill Babies and we are evil?
Newspaper headlines declared a tragic milestone: the overall death toll from the five-year war in Iraq has reached more than 4,000. Also, for every 15 troops wounded in Iraq, there has been one fatality.
The war in Iraq will undoubtedly remain a key issue in the Presidential race. Newsmen and newswomen in particular are likely to focus much attention on that 4,000 fatality figure.
Yet, I doubt whether a single questioner in a Presidential debate will point out a troubling truth: nearly that many American babies die in a single day from abortion.
One day--nearly 4,000 deaths. A five-year war compressed into a single 24-hour period.
Who will dare ask about an exit strategy for the war going on on our domestic front? Who will interview the grieving post-abortive mothers and fathers? Who will ask the grandparents where their grandchildren have gone? Who will grill candidates at the federal, state, and local level about their support for the war on unborn children and their mothers?
The casualties in this war will not be buried with honors. In fact, they won't receive a funeral at all.
In all likelihood, they won't even have a name, unless their mothers, drawing on their inner courage, attend a post-abortion healing retreat.
Newscasts chronicle the struggles soldiers returning from battle sometimes face in dealing with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Women undergoing abortion often have their own post-traumatic disorder to deal with, a disorder they may try to numb through drugs and alcohol.
Where are the discussions about public health policy to deal with the emotional trauma of abortion? How are women to re-adjust to school and work after losing a child in the abortion war?The next time candidates come knocking on your door asking for your vote, ask them what they intend to do to end the abortion war. The unborn children of America deserve an answer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us_y9GP_-...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDj12ffvp...
About War Watch and listen to the Democrats claim Iraq has WMD and that Saddam aided terrorists including Al Qaeda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i87cZ3Og6...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc1h1wg7L...
Look people Why does Barack Obama want to bomb Pakistan?http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnV-...
This is the Truth about Clintons bombing of Serbia and Kosovo, while Bill Clinton was being impeached.
Fact: Serbia never threatened the USA, and was a friend and ally of the US. The United Nations Forensic Units said there was no "ethnic cleansing." It was a lie created by the Clintons and the Democrats to get your mind off Bill Clinton's impeachment and Monica Lewinsky's blow jobs.
Hillary Clinton ordered now ex-general "Weasel" Clark to bomb civilian targets in the city of Kosovo for 78 days...and not Serbian combatants. The result was Hillary Clinton is personally responsible for murdering 250,000 Christian women and children. Hillary Clinton is now the most famous Mass Murderer in history.
The result was that the Muslim terrorists who invaded Serbia from Muslim Albania, who came from Chechnya, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and other terrorist countries, and found the US weak, stupid, and confused about the real intentions of the Islamic World-Wide Jihad...and thus became emboldened. The murder of 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 was a direct result of the Clintons' idiotic and mindless, selfish political and psychopathic behaviors that has put this country and the world in jeopardy.
Serbian soldiers continue to fight on. They know the truth, and the United States owes the Serbians not only an apology, but massive reparations for the Clintons and the Democrat Party's destruction of their country, and Mass Murder on the scale of Hitler.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBGKbPDvN...
What about Janet Reno?
http://photos2.flickr.com/3884628_617f80...
The KKK was started by Democrats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5_1yRVte...
Clinton has stated he respects and has modeled his politics on Fulbright who was a known racist... Bird (D) served 11 years as Majority leader and was a KKK Vidmember...
Then you have Robert KKK Byrd a Democrat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzfK7AWx6...
George Wallace was a Democrat TOO!!!!
George Corley Wallace Jr. (August 25, 1919 -- September 13, 1998), was a United States politician who was elected Governor of Alabama as a Democrat four times (1962, 1970, 1974 and 1982) and ran for U.S. President four times, running as a Democrat in 1964, 1972, and 1976, and as the American Independent Party candidate in 1968. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, he rose to fame as a symbol of bigotry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wall...
So do you still think republicans are evil?
..............................................................................
Well Done "Very Smart Man"!
Currently reading : Presidential Leadership: Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House (Wall Street Journal Book)
Why are Republicans Evil?
Current mood: happy
Category: News and Politics
I can't take credit for this post, it was written by "Very Smart Man" at Yahoo Answers (profile - http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Anb7iUe.SnsHLVU7WnbeH7TZ7BR.;_ylv=3?show=JuS0ns3gaa )
It was written in response to the question :
Are republicans evil?? if not why am is so led to believe this?
they seem like money grubbing SOB's with no care for human life other than their own, but i could be wrong. if i am, then why am I confused?
.............................................................................
You Democrats kill Babies and we are evil?
Newspaper headlines declared a tragic milestone: the overall death toll from the five-year war in Iraq has reached more than 4,000. Also, for every 15 troops wounded in Iraq, there has been one fatality.
The war in Iraq will undoubtedly remain a key issue in the Presidential race. Newsmen and newswomen in particular are likely to focus much attention on that 4,000 fatality figure.
Yet, I doubt whether a single questioner in a Presidential debate will point out a troubling truth: nearly that many American babies die in a single day from abortion.
One day--nearly 4,000 deaths. A five-year war compressed into a single 24-hour period.
Who will dare ask about an exit strategy for the war going on on our domestic front? Who will interview the grieving post-abortive mothers and fathers? Who will ask the grandparents where their grandchildren have gone? Who will grill candidates at the federal, state, and local level about their support for the war on unborn children and their mothers?
The casualties in this war will not be buried with honors. In fact, they won't receive a funeral at all.
In all likelihood, they won't even have a name, unless their mothers, drawing on their inner courage, attend a post-abortion healing retreat.
Newscasts chronicle the struggles soldiers returning from battle sometimes face in dealing with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Women undergoing abortion often have their own post-traumatic disorder to deal with, a disorder they may try to numb through drugs and alcohol.
Where are the discussions about public health policy to deal with the emotional trauma of abortion? How are women to re-adjust to school and work after losing a child in the abortion war?The next time candidates come knocking on your door asking for your vote, ask them what they intend to do to end the abortion war. The unborn children of America deserve an answer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us_y9GP_-...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDj12ffvp...
About War Watch and listen to the Democrats claim Iraq has WMD and that Saddam aided terrorists including Al Qaeda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i87cZ3Og6...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc1h1wg7L...
Look people Why does Barack Obama want to bomb Pakistan?http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnV-...
This is the Truth about Clintons bombing of Serbia and Kosovo, while Bill Clinton was being impeached.
Fact: Serbia never threatened the USA, and was a friend and ally of the US. The United Nations Forensic Units said there was no "ethnic cleansing." It was a lie created by the Clintons and the Democrats to get your mind off Bill Clinton's impeachment and Monica Lewinsky's blow jobs.
Hillary Clinton ordered now ex-general "Weasel" Clark to bomb civilian targets in the city of Kosovo for 78 days...and not Serbian combatants. The result was Hillary Clinton is personally responsible for murdering 250,000 Christian women and children. Hillary Clinton is now the most famous Mass Murderer in history.
The result was that the Muslim terrorists who invaded Serbia from Muslim Albania, who came from Chechnya, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and other terrorist countries, and found the US weak, stupid, and confused about the real intentions of the Islamic World-Wide Jihad...and thus became emboldened. The murder of 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 was a direct result of the Clintons' idiotic and mindless, selfish political and psychopathic behaviors that has put this country and the world in jeopardy.
Serbian soldiers continue to fight on. They know the truth, and the United States owes the Serbians not only an apology, but massive reparations for the Clintons and the Democrat Party's destruction of their country, and Mass Murder on the scale of Hitler.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBGKbPDvN...
What about Janet Reno?
http://photos2.flickr.com/3884628_617f80...
The KKK was started by Democrats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5_1yRVte...
Clinton has stated he respects and has modeled his politics on Fulbright who was a known racist... Bird (D) served 11 years as Majority leader and was a KKK Vidmember...
Then you have Robert KKK Byrd a Democrat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzfK7AWx6...
George Wallace was a Democrat TOO!!!!
George Corley Wallace Jr. (August 25, 1919 -- September 13, 1998), was a United States politician who was elected Governor of Alabama as a Democrat four times (1962, 1970, 1974 and 1982) and ran for U.S. President four times, running as a Democrat in 1964, 1972, and 1976, and as the American Independent Party candidate in 1968. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, he rose to fame as a symbol of bigotry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wall...
So do you still think republicans are evil?
..............................................................................
Well Done "Very Smart Man"!
Currently reading : Presidential Leadership: Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House (Wall Street Journal Book)
Monday, June 02, 2008
Here we go again (Democrats and Florida)
So it appears that although the Democrat election rules dictated that any state that held their primaries before February 5th would be punished by not having their delegates seated at the national convention... Suprise! Surprise! Michigan and Florida will be represented at the DNC. The rules have been challenged and rewritten in mid-election ... does this sound familiar?
So similar to the 2000 election when Al Gore (in the middle of the election) sued to have ballots that had NEVER been counted in the history of Florida counted. Don't Democrats get the idea that rules are rules, laws are laws, and can't be changed in mid-election just to suit a candidate's situation and personal interests? Rules and laws mean NOTHING to these folks!
Of course it explains their position on illegal aliens (Well, yeah... they broke the law but....), Teddy Kennedy (well, yeah... a girl died in the car he was driving, but.....), Bill Clinton (well, yeah he lied to a Federal Judge and a Grand Jury, but....), The Johnny Chung contributions (Well, yeah... Bill got campaign contributions from the Chinese... but...)
Sure, the GOP has a few skeletons in its closet, but the one MAJOR difference between the parties is that when a Republican is even SUSPECTED of impropriety they are cut loose and droped by the party like 3rd period French class. (Tom Delay - accusations later proven unfounded, Newt Gringrich - accusations later proven unfounded, Trent Lott - ludicrous accusations to begin with...)
The Democrats on the other hand, admit to the wrong doing, the law breaking, and then proceed to argue how even though the laws or rules were broken "It's okay, because......" They try to JUSTIFY the law breaking or rule violation. It's as though they are above all laws and rules because they are...well....special! Either that or laws and rules don't really matter that much to them.
Funny how they are the first ones to scream about Geneva Conventions, election laws, and "lies" when such things are so utterly meaningless to them. Especially when it's Teddy who should have been charged with manslaughter, Clinton charged with treason for allowing Chinese influence in the US Government, Gore charged with raising funds in a religious structure... and on and on....
So what does the current Florida/Michigan situtation teach us? Rules and laws are meaningless and fungible to the Democrats. Are we really suprised?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylc=X3oDMTE1MmI4N2IyBF9TAzIxMTU1MDAxMTgEc2VjA2Fuc19ub3QEc2xrA3N1YmplY3Q-;_ylv=3?qid=20080602030345AAN5oQH
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,298169,00.html (Tom Delay case)
So similar to the 2000 election when Al Gore (in the middle of the election) sued to have ballots that had NEVER been counted in the history of Florida counted. Don't Democrats get the idea that rules are rules, laws are laws, and can't be changed in mid-election just to suit a candidate's situation and personal interests? Rules and laws mean NOTHING to these folks!
Of course it explains their position on illegal aliens (Well, yeah... they broke the law but....), Teddy Kennedy (well, yeah... a girl died in the car he was driving, but.....), Bill Clinton (well, yeah he lied to a Federal Judge and a Grand Jury, but....), The Johnny Chung contributions (Well, yeah... Bill got campaign contributions from the Chinese... but...)
Sure, the GOP has a few skeletons in its closet, but the one MAJOR difference between the parties is that when a Republican is even SUSPECTED of impropriety they are cut loose and droped by the party like 3rd period French class. (Tom Delay - accusations later proven unfounded, Newt Gringrich - accusations later proven unfounded, Trent Lott - ludicrous accusations to begin with...)
The Democrats on the other hand, admit to the wrong doing, the law breaking, and then proceed to argue how even though the laws or rules were broken "It's okay, because......" They try to JUSTIFY the law breaking or rule violation. It's as though they are above all laws and rules because they are...well....special! Either that or laws and rules don't really matter that much to them.
Funny how they are the first ones to scream about Geneva Conventions, election laws, and "lies" when such things are so utterly meaningless to them. Especially when it's Teddy who should have been charged with manslaughter, Clinton charged with treason for allowing Chinese influence in the US Government, Gore charged with raising funds in a religious structure... and on and on....
So what does the current Florida/Michigan situtation teach us? Rules and laws are meaningless and fungible to the Democrats. Are we really suprised?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylc=X3oDMTE1MmI4N2IyBF9TAzIxMTU1MDAxMTgEc2VjA2Fuc19ub3QEc2xrA3N1YmplY3Q-;_ylv=3?qid=20080602030345AAN5oQH
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,298169,00.html (Tom Delay case)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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