Yeah, I think racial. I don't think the ten chaps are so much racial as in denial. Because I talk to my brothers regularly, who are educated, successful. Three of them have this unbelievable hatred of the president. There is simply no explanation other than racism. Most southerners are chafing under the idea that they have a black man in the White House. When LBJ and group passed the cilvil rights bill and voting rights bill, he said the Democrats had lost the South for ten years. He was wrong, lost maybe forever. Well, when kids get to be adults, maybe as they've had integration, etc.
If I were a Republican, I would be ashamed that the party put self interest ahead of country. One goal, defeat Obama. If you do that, what have you gained? No jobs bill, etc. With 9 million out of work, let republicans offer something themselves. Democrats unlike the obstructionists, they would pass something. I am a Democrat but rather more of an Independent. I put the good of the country as paramount. I think because of the Republicans in Congress, our system is broken and this should concern us all.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
RACISM
Yeah, I think racial. I don't think the ten chaps are so much racial as in denial. Because I talk to my brothers regularly, who are educated, successful. Three of them have this unbelievable hatred of the president. There is simply no explanation other than racism. Most southerners are chafing under the idea that they have a black man in the White House. When LBJ and group passed the cilvil rights bill and voting rights bill, he said the Democrats had lost the South for ten years. He was wrong, lost maybe forever. Well, when kids get to be adults, maybe as they've had integration, etc.
If I were a Republican, I would be ashamed that the party put self interest ahead of country. One goal, defeat Obama. If you do that, what have you gained? No jobs bill, etc. With 9 million out of work, let republicans offer something themselves. Democrats unlike the obstructionists, they would pass something. I am a Democrat but rather more of an Independent. I put the good of the country as paramount. I think because of the Republicans in Congress, our system is broken and this should concern us all.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
On Oct 12, 2011, at 12:52 PM, "Marvin Vickers" wrote:
A great debater? Lamar you are too kind. He cannot stay on point long enough to argue a point with him. He is too busy blaming everyone but himself. Racial! Wow this is the catch all for the catch all. If you don’t agree with him or you argue a point with him then you are Racial. That basket if too full. Or as one of my favorites says, “The dog want hunt anymore.” Oh, the “favorite is black, maybe I should quote someone else so it want sound racial. Marv
From: Lamar Hunt [mailto:lamarhunt@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 3:07 PM
To: tcarter@gbhem.org; 'Bernie Windmiller'; Claude NEWBY; Northrop@centurytel.net; Ctclanton@aol.com; Dave Peterson; Don Breland; Jerry Autry; Lamar Hunt; Marvin Vickers
Subject: Racism and the President
Aw, come on, Jerry! Racial? When I listened to his "last" speech, I think, actually a news conference I was struck with how petulant the tone was, just poor me. The reality that I see is that the country chose him, wanting to have a black president, for all (most of) the good reasons, and it hasn't worked out. He is a great debater, but leading is a different task. Is the country supposed to just do anything he asks because we don’t want to appear racist? If he were white you would be all over his case.
Blessings.
Lamar
http://www.lamarhunt.net
-----Original Message-----
From: riobubba@aol.com [mailto:riobubba@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 10:13 AM
To: Lamar Hunt
Cc:; Bernie Windmiller; Claude NEWBY; ; ; Dave Peterson; Don Breland; Lamar Hunt; Marvin Vickers
Subject: Politics
Jackie and I went to lunch Sunday with some long time friends. Actually a woman who worked with Jackie. The husband is a South African who said something I thought was prophetic. He said that he had always thought the American system of governing was the best in the world but he's changed his mind. The American system is broken. I think so.
The Repubs in general in our system is "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." To be honest, I don't know what it is: I actually feel badly for the President. What it appears to me is that not only does he have to contend with the recalcitrant, obstructionist Republicans who have only one goal, defeat the president and to hell with what is good for the country. And, besides that, his own party is giving him tepid support. You can't hear a news report that you don't hear some negative something about issues of leadership, etc. The other night on the PBS Newshour, Mitt Romney who is dry as shucks and will say anything to get the Republican nomination said the president has not communicated with the American people. The President is constantly trying to explain something and nobody seems to get that much of the American people don't care.
I still personally think much of it is racial.
If I were a Republican, I would be ashamed that the party put self interest ahead of country. One goal, defeat Obama. If you do that, what have you gained? No jobs bill, etc. With 9 million out of work, let republicans offer something themselves. Democrats unlike the obstructionists, they would pass something. I am a Democrat but rather more of an Independent. I put the good of the country as paramount. I think because of the Republicans in Congress, our system is broken and this should concern us all.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
On Oct 12, 2011, at 12:52 PM, "Marvin Vickers"
A great debater? Lamar you are too kind. He cannot stay on point long enough to argue a point with him. He is too busy blaming everyone but himself. Racial! Wow this is the catch all for the catch all. If you don’t agree with him or you argue a point with him then you are Racial. That basket if too full. Or as one of my favorites says, “The dog want hunt anymore.” Oh, the “favorite is black, maybe I should quote someone else so it want sound racial. Marv
From: Lamar Hunt [mailto:lamarhunt@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 3:07 PM
To: tcarter@gbhem.org; 'Bernie Windmiller'; Claude NEWBY; Northrop@centurytel.net; Ctclanton@aol.com; Dave Peterson; Don Breland; Jerry Autry; Lamar Hunt; Marvin Vickers
Subject: Racism and the President
Aw, come on, Jerry! Racial? When I listened to his "last" speech, I think, actually a news conference I was struck with how petulant the tone was, just poor me. The reality that I see is that the country chose him, wanting to have a black president, for all (most of) the good reasons, and it hasn't worked out. He is a great debater, but leading is a different task. Is the country supposed to just do anything he asks because we don’t want to appear racist? If he were white you would be all over his case.
Blessings.
Lamar
http://www.lamarhunt.net
-----Original Message-----
From: riobubba@aol.com [mailto:riobubba@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 10:13 AM
To: Lamar Hunt
Cc:
Subject: Politics
Jackie and I went to lunch Sunday with some long time friends. Actually a woman who worked with Jackie. The husband is a South African who said something I thought was prophetic. He said that he had always thought the American system of governing was the best in the world but he's changed his mind. The American system is broken. I think so.
The Repubs in general in our system is "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." To be honest, I don't know what it is: I actually feel badly for the President. What it appears to me is that not only does he have to contend with the recalcitrant, obstructionist Republicans who have only one goal, defeat the president and to hell with what is good for the country. And, besides that, his own party is giving him tepid support. You can't hear a news report that you don't hear some negative something about issues of leadership, etc. The other night on the PBS Newshour, Mitt Romney who is dry as shucks and will say anything to get the Republican nomination said the president has not communicated with the American people. The President is constantly trying to explain something and nobody seems to get that much of the American people don't care.
I still personally think much of it is racial.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hatred of the President
Bernie, we will never agree but the short answer that it is politics, even with democrats. Plus, and I would never expect the 10 chaps to buy this but the Democrats want to keep lots of social programs where the Repubs mainly operate with the old saw, "of my father's children, I love myself the best. If the Lord provides for me, the devil take the rest." There are plenty of places to cut the deficit, waste is everywhere.
I think Obama is too smart to be president. He is an ENTJ on the Myers Briggs and he loves to negotiate, get ideas. In many ways he has followed many of George W'
issues on terrorism, etc.
I do think he's vulnerable because most of the American electorate is stupid. Many of the Hispanics and blacks and even the poor who helped put himself into office and are disenchanted will probably not vote and consequently vote by not voting and go against their own interests.
Plus, one thing that the President has failed to do is constantly remind Americans who care and not all do, is that he inherited the worst economy since the great depression. Bush still had 18 months to go with the first bailout. And, two wars, let us not forget. And the stupidity of many saying that he has had 3 years to work it out is imbesilic at best. Those like Lamar refuse to believe it is rasist but the intense hatred toward Obama leaves no other explanation.
I think Obama is too smart to be president. He is an ENTJ on the Myers Briggs and he loves to negotiate, get ideas. In many ways he has followed many of George W'
issues on terrorism, etc.
I do think he's vulnerable because most of the American electorate is stupid. Many of the Hispanics and blacks and even the poor who helped put himself into office and are disenchanted will probably not vote and consequently vote by not voting and go against their own interests.
Plus, one thing that the President has failed to do is constantly remind Americans who care and not all do, is that he inherited the worst economy since the great depression. Bush still had 18 months to go with the first bailout. And, two wars, let us not forget. And the stupidity of many saying that he has had 3 years to work it out is imbesilic at best. Those like Lamar refuse to believe it is rasist but the intense hatred toward Obama leaves no other explanation.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Herman Cain For President
Herman Cain for president! Talk about a guy that you need to ask, "what have you been smoking?" Cain is one. The racist Republicans would nominate a black man for president? You have got to be s..ting me. I like Cain but he's got to be smarter than that. He's funny, to the point and I especially like his 999 plan. But, he has about as much chance of getting the nomination as a snowball in hell. Think about it: the Republican Party, mostly white men, right wing Christian fundamentalists whose take on the Christian Bible is the worst sort of distortion; southern bigots whose IQs top off in the mid double digits. And, as a "party" have dedicated themselves to defeating the President at the expense of the country. Give me a break. Mitch McConnell from KY should be the nominee: sullen, hateful, an overall a'hole! Please!
Well, Cain, won the Florida straw poll, whatever the hell that is. Florida, the state that put George W in the White House. They sure as hell ought to be proud of that! Here's what I think. Cain is like a general in the army. He begins to believe the press or the "yes men" around him. The reality, Herman, order a pepparoni pizza and drink a six pack and call it a night.
Well, Cain, won the Florida straw poll, whatever the hell that is. Florida, the state that put George W in the White House. They sure as hell ought to be proud of that! Here's what I think. Cain is like a general in the army. He begins to believe the press or the "yes men" around him. The reality, Herman, order a pepparoni pizza and drink a six pack and call it a night.
Southern Baptists and the LDS Church
When I was a seminary student, I use to listen to Dr Criswell of the First Baptist Church in Dallas I was a farm boy "called," as we said in those days, to the ministry. Our world was very narrow and simple. Dr Criswell (every preacher of a big church is a "Dr" of something) had a megachurch before we knew what a megachurch was. His only real rival in Southern Baptists' circles, in those days was Robert G Lee who also had a megachurch, can't remember where. Dr Lee preached a firery brand of Christianity and his famous sermon was "Payday Someday," a very fundamentalist view of hell. "You were a sinner hanging over the fires of hell by a string. If you dod't repent and give your life to Jesus, 'your ass is grass.' " I would get fired up. The big difference in then and now is politics. It is very hard to really equate the differences. During Dr Criswell and Lee's time, they didn't have all the media. Now, most of these preaches are media stars with egos as big as the outdoors. They are about as far removed from what Jesis taught and how He lived as they can possibly be. By in large, they are f..king hypocrites. An example, Robert Jeffress, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas ( Dr Criswell's old church) was introducing Rick Perry as "a committed follower of Christ." Perry thanked him, and said Jeffress had "hit it out of the park." Afterwards, Jeffress told reporters that Perry's rival for the Repub presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, was "not a Christian" and that Mormonism is a "cult." Now, does he really believe that bullshit. Probably not. He's trying to continue to take care of his ego needs by being controversial. My view anyway. What is it about Mormonism that sparks such concern among evangelical Christians, a critical bloc of voters in the Republican party. Mormons rely on the Book of Mormon as a text and give it equal weight with the Bible. So do the Catholics rely on Canon Law as they call it. Why don't Jeffress and his crowd nail their ass. Both Catholics and Mormons deviate from the Jesus Christ who is portrayed in the Bible. I think that the Mormons (LDS, Latter Day Saints) are an easy target and it is all politics anyway. The people who are going to pay those like Jeffress any attention anyway are the crowd he already has. So, he's preaching to the choir but my opinion which no one gives a s..t about,"pastor J, f..k you very much."
Saturday, October 08, 2011
BUMPER STICKERS WON'T HACK IT
This is Fleet Week in San Francisco. This cracks me up every year. First of all, there's no Navy around anywhere, plus San Fran has traditionally been hostile to the military. Ask any Vietnam vet and he or she has a war story. One of my buddies tells the story of a fellow vet crossing the street and this hippy looking type, long hair, a bath in the last millinium comes up beside him and says looking at the hook where the hand had been. "What happened to your arm, man?"
"Got it blown off in Vietnam."
"Serves you right." He should have killed the MFer and left him bleeding in the street.
This speaks to a new survey by the Pew Research folk where they surveyed over 4000 vets and determined that vets had a greater sense of patriotism than the public at large. DUD!
The American public at large doesn't give a f..k about those serving. This is more pholosophical than real and may sound harsh but based on the fact that you have a half of one percent of eligible Americans who serve, what conclusion can be drawn.
We're in two "sorry" wars, just as Vietnam was: soldiers just did their duty and years later, we wrestled with what it all meant. At least now, on an overt level, Americans give lip service, support the troops bumper stickers, recognition at sporting events. So...let's accept. God bless the troops!
"Got it blown off in Vietnam."
"Serves you right." He should have killed the MFer and left him bleeding in the street.
This speaks to a new survey by the Pew Research folk where they surveyed over 4000 vets and determined that vets had a greater sense of patriotism than the public at large. DUD!
The American public at large doesn't give a f..k about those serving. This is more pholosophical than real and may sound harsh but based on the fact that you have a half of one percent of eligible Americans who serve, what conclusion can be drawn.
We're in two "sorry" wars, just as Vietnam was: soldiers just did their duty and years later, we wrestled with what it all meant. At least now, on an overt level, Americans give lip service, support the troops bumper stickers, recognition at sporting events. So...let's accept. God bless the troops!
GIVE THE PREZ SOME SLACK
I am getting f..king tired of listening to all this bullshit of bashing the President by the nonthinking Repubs. And, I might add, I've been tired of the rhetoric for some time. It is "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." I actually feel badly for the President and have for some time. What it appears to me is that not only does he have to contend with the recalcitrant, obstructionist Republicans who have only one goal, "defeat the president and to hell with what is good for the country." And, besides that, his own party is giving him tepid support. You can't listen to a news report that you don't hear some negative something about issues of leadership, etc. Last night on the PBS Newshour, Mitt Romney who is dry as shucks and will say anything to get the Republican nomination said the president has not communicated with the American people. The President is constantly trying to explain something and nobody seems to "get" that much of the American people don't give a rat's behind. But, I'm telling you right now, "the Democrats better wake their ass up. The Republican base is mostly ignorant/stupid, and will constantly vote against their own interests. As a Democrat, you don't like the president, so what do you want, Bachman, Cain, Perry, Romnie. Wake up and smell the roses. Think Alabama. They haven't had an original thought since they join the Union.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
WE MEANT WELL
Peter Ban Buren's book, "WE MEANT WELL: How I Helped Lose the War for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People" is reminiscent of Vietnam in a sense. MAINLY IN BEING STUPID!
I heard this Van Buren interviewed on NPR. I'm going to buy the book. Sounds like some good stories, telling us what we already know: we f..ked up big time in Iraq in involving ourselves and once we realize we've f..ked up, we compound it by being stupid.
I always asked myself, "why would a guy like Van Buren write such a book. I surely can't answer for him but think it is out of frustration. He has witnessed all this stupidity and wants to record it andsyne even have something to say in stopping it. Talk about p...ing in the wind. Forget it...
And, the same sort of idiocy continues in Iraq and bigtime in Afghanistan even today. For Van Buren the "powers that be" didn't appear to give a s..t as he admits that he fell in line too with being stupid.
As a "midget" in the great scheme of things, what is utterly discouraging to me is that "tell all" books like Van Buren's, which should serve as some sort of "lessons learned" don't matter for "s..t." In Vietnam, we would take a piece of ground, give it up. Then we tried Vietnimization, win the hearts and minds of the people (does that sound familiar). The next thing was "body count." The soldiers realized it was bullshit but kept on doing it. Now, of course, as we are still into two wars with less than dubious results and this is saying it mildly as we still continue to be stupid, stupid, stupid.
I heard this Van Buren interviewed on NPR. I'm going to buy the book. Sounds like some good stories, telling us what we already know: we f..ked up big time in Iraq in involving ourselves and once we realize we've f..ked up, we compound it by being stupid.
I always asked myself, "why would a guy like Van Buren write such a book. I surely can't answer for him but think it is out of frustration. He has witnessed all this stupidity and wants to record it andsyne even have something to say in stopping it. Talk about p...ing in the wind. Forget it...
And, the same sort of idiocy continues in Iraq and bigtime in Afghanistan even today. For Van Buren the "powers that be" didn't appear to give a s..t as he admits that he fell in line too with being stupid.
As a "midget" in the great scheme of things, what is utterly discouraging to me is that "tell all" books like Van Buren's, which should serve as some sort of "lessons learned" don't matter for "s..t." In Vietnam, we would take a piece of ground, give it up. Then we tried Vietnimization, win the hearts and minds of the people (does that sound familiar). The next thing was "body count." The soldiers realized it was bullshit but kept on doing it. Now, of course, as we are still into two wars with less than dubious results and this is saying it mildly as we still continue to be stupid, stupid, stupid.
Monday, September 26, 2011
WHAT BIBLE
The style section of the "NYT" did a story about this former rocker and right wing fundamentalist preacher, Bradlee Dean. He has a Christian rap band, and a youth ministry. Michele Bachmann is a fan. If that wasn't enough to immediately dismiss him, his "way out" views are enough. He has arms full of tattoos with Biblical references. I could call him a "crazy" but he's smart like a fox: DVDs, books, an industry himself. If these guys do good and positive, I don't give a f..K but what I do object to is misquoting and prooftexting (pulling out a phrase or sentence, totally taken out of context) the Bible to propagate their erroneous and misguided views.
What Bible are they using? In any sort of reading about the life of Jesus, this "way out, hate propaganda" is simply not only erroneous but a downright lie. And Bradlee and Bachmann's views would be an anathema to Jesus who lived a life of tolerance, love, self sacrifice. Don't believe me, read the Bible yourself. Go to the very beginning of the New Testament and read, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read what Jesus did and said. You don't have to depend on what some preacher, me, anybody says, go to the source. THE BIBLE.
What Bible are they using? In any sort of reading about the life of Jesus, this "way out, hate propaganda" is simply not only erroneous but a downright lie. And Bradlee and Bachmann's views would be an anathema to Jesus who lived a life of tolerance, love, self sacrifice. Don't believe me, read the Bible yourself. Go to the very beginning of the New Testament and read, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read what Jesus did and said. You don't have to depend on what some preacher, me, anybody says, go to the source. THE BIBLE.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
DOING THE RIGHT THING
Politics by it's very nature is at best compromise and at worst, corruptive. Most of us Americans who "think" and have a smidged of faith in the process keep hoping that we'll see something truly unusual in the President. I remain a supporter as I think as politicians go, he has "given at the office," meaning really tried to be the president of all the people. However, governing is different than campaigning and in his case even though supportive, I see politics and re-election intruding more and more.
What I want is to see the President "rising above it all. Doing the right thing." To hell with his advisors, the political process, his own conciliatory nature and simply as my dad would say, "do what's right."
I think the Palestinian statehood at the UN may be one of those times where the President has a chance to do the right thing and f..k the politics. As a country, we are always going to support and defend Israel. To my Dad, it was a Biblical thing. Very complicated that he couldn't explain but would roughly say, "don't f..k with the Jews or God will get you." But, let's face it everybody needs a home and a country. Come on! What in the f..k is the big deal other than politics. Politicians can explain why Palestine can't be a country but it doesn't really hold water. It may even sound naive but what real difference would it make? None in the big picture from my perspective as I don't know s..t but I do know what it means to "do the right thing."
I don't even know who the hell the Jewish lobby is but obviously they wield lots of influence--however, this might be a case where the President "rolls the dice" and says, "I'm doing the right thing, f..k you very much."
What I want is to see the President "rising above it all. Doing the right thing." To hell with his advisors, the political process, his own conciliatory nature and simply as my dad would say, "do what's right."
I think the Palestinian statehood at the UN may be one of those times where the President has a chance to do the right thing and f..k the politics. As a country, we are always going to support and defend Israel. To my Dad, it was a Biblical thing. Very complicated that he couldn't explain but would roughly say, "don't f..k with the Jews or God will get you." But, let's face it everybody needs a home and a country. Come on! What in the f..k is the big deal other than politics. Politicians can explain why Palestine can't be a country but it doesn't really hold water. It may even sound naive but what real difference would it make? None in the big picture from my perspective as I don't know s..t but I do know what it means to "do the right thing."
I don't even know who the hell the Jewish lobby is but obviously they wield lots of influence--however, this might be a case where the President "rolls the dice" and says, "I'm doing the right thing, f..k you very much."
Thursday, September 22, 2011
RECALCITRANT, OBSTRUCTIONIST REPUBLICANS
The country is in the preverbal mess. The Republicans are a recalcitrant bunch of obstructionists and the Democrats can't get their stuff together. What gets me is that so many Americans who depend on the social programs that the Democrats are mainly responsible responsible for, i. e., social security, medicare, continue to be misguided in my view and vote against their own interests. I don't get how they can be blinded. Crazy. Do we think for a moment that the poor people in Texas, if they truly understood what Rick Perry sood for, would vote for him. Or, if any American who used their brain could possibly see a country created by Michelle Bachman could possibly support what she stands for. Please!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL ENDS TODAY
I support it but if for a minute we think
it's going to be easy, I have to asked, "What have you been smoking?" Overall, my faith in soldiers makes me want to think they will deal with it just fine. In a sense, it is hard to know. It isn't like racism or related social issues. This has to do with the "verboten" subject of sex. The leadership calls it "sexual orientation" as though this handles it. Bullshit! A propensity to be interested in a same sex is basic theory and it would be like GIs being typical males flirting with girls, whatever. But, we dealing with long standing prejudices fueled by a culture trying to come to grips with a different set of values. Technically, it is sexual attraction, just so happens, it is same sex. Issues of showers, display of affection, deep rooted beliefs, crushes; hell, we are talking about kids here. And, then there are the religious views. Preachers who are not immune from prooftexting (taking out selected passages to prove their point) the Bible to reinforce their homophobic beliefs even though sincere.
My belief is that overall, soldiers will get past this. I liken it to homophobia in general. Let me give you this example: A soldier will have all these macho/homophobic beliefs and suddenly, he meets a guy who is gay. They become friends. The heteresextual/homophobic, all of a sudden, these feelings go out the door. It happens. I have dozens of war stories of my own. I met a gay Priest once who said he was attracted to me. Bullshit. Although flattered, I like women. (this is macho talk). We laughed and became great friends. He left the priesthood years later when he "came out." We are still really good friends.
My big thing is let's don't get in a state of denial more than we already are. While I think that soldiers will adapt, I don't have a clue how it is going to work. Sex is a driving force in our makeup I think. Men in particular. Think of all the men, powerful men, who have been stupid. Eric Spitzer, Arnold Swatzerneggar, this French asshole who was accused of raping the maid. Need I say more. Put any spin or psychobabble you want on it, it is the "elephant" I'n the room.
And our culture is still mired in a type of strange silence about it. Soldiers in conventional units will probably do better than the more elite units like the 82d Airborne Division, Special Forces (Green Berets) and the Special Operations units of all the services like Seal Team Six. The Marines will not have an easy time of it, you can count on it. And, then there are the movies that absolutely reflect our culture. "An Officer and a Gentleman." Richard Ghere and his fellow trainees are in formation and the tough as nails tdrill sergeant played by Louis Gossett, jr.,is hassling them. One recruit says he's from Texas. The drill Sergeant says, "the only things that come out of Texas is steers and queers." Take a look at the movie, "Full Medal Jacket" and count the number of references to "fags." Good luck and God bless.
it's going to be easy, I have to asked, "What have you been smoking?" Overall, my faith in soldiers makes me want to think they will deal with it just fine. In a sense, it is hard to know. It isn't like racism or related social issues. This has to do with the "verboten" subject of sex. The leadership calls it "sexual orientation" as though this handles it. Bullshit! A propensity to be interested in a same sex is basic theory and it would be like GIs being typical males flirting with girls, whatever. But, we dealing with long standing prejudices fueled by a culture trying to come to grips with a different set of values. Technically, it is sexual attraction, just so happens, it is same sex. Issues of showers, display of affection, deep rooted beliefs, crushes; hell, we are talking about kids here. And, then there are the religious views. Preachers who are not immune from prooftexting (taking out selected passages to prove their point) the Bible to reinforce their homophobic beliefs even though sincere.
My belief is that overall, soldiers will get past this. I liken it to homophobia in general. Let me give you this example: A soldier will have all these macho/homophobic beliefs and suddenly, he meets a guy who is gay. They become friends. The heteresextual/homophobic, all of a sudden, these feelings go out the door. It happens. I have dozens of war stories of my own. I met a gay Priest once who said he was attracted to me. Bullshit. Although flattered, I like women. (this is macho talk). We laughed and became great friends. He left the priesthood years later when he "came out." We are still really good friends.
My big thing is let's don't get in a state of denial more than we already are. While I think that soldiers will adapt, I don't have a clue how it is going to work. Sex is a driving force in our makeup I think. Men in particular. Think of all the men, powerful men, who have been stupid. Eric Spitzer, Arnold Swatzerneggar, this French asshole who was accused of raping the maid. Need I say more. Put any spin or psychobabble you want on it, it is the "elephant" I'n the room.
And our culture is still mired in a type of strange silence about it. Soldiers in conventional units will probably do better than the more elite units like the 82d Airborne Division, Special Forces (Green Berets) and the Special Operations units of all the services like Seal Team Six. The Marines will not have an easy time of it, you can count on it. And, then there are the movies that absolutely reflect our culture. "An Officer and a Gentleman." Richard Ghere and his fellow trainees are in formation and the tough as nails tdrill sergeant played by Louis Gossett, jr.,is hassling them. One recruit says he's from Texas. The drill Sergeant says, "the only things that come out of Texas is steers and queers." Take a look at the movie, "Full Medal Jacket" and count the number of references to "fags." Good luck and God bless.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
OUTRAGED
My wife walked into the kitchen where I was reading the paper and said, "every American should be outraged. On one side of the paper is an article that says students defaulting on loans, the poverty rate for kids and adults is out the roof, people are without jobs. The President has proposed a 'job's bill'. The guy is at least trying to do something. On the other side of the page is Eric Cantor saying immediately, forget it, the Republicans won't go for it." She shakes her head and walks out.
I think always, "who are these people like Cantor? Who in the f..k votes for them. And, NO, Americans are not going to be ashamed. Many don't give a s..t. And those who are bitching about Obama. Where the f..k are you going to go? And, you better think twice before you don't vote because if we can't get the Cantors and O'Connels out, it is going to be bad, bad, bad!
I think always, "who are these people like Cantor? Who in the f..k votes for them. And, NO, Americans are not going to be ashamed. Many don't give a s..t. And those who are bitching about Obama. Where the f..k are you going to go? And, you better think twice before you don't vote because if we can't get the Cantors and O'Connels out, it is going to be bad, bad, bad!
REPUBLICANS ARE THE TEA PARTY
Reading Sarah Reidy's comments about the debates of Republicans is "right on:"For years I have tried to prove that the GOP isn’t the Party of elitist, stereotypical people that lack compassion...Hearing the debate crowds go crazy over things like executions and the uninsured dying makes me sick and sad for my Party."
Sarah, let me pass this to you. The Republican Party/Tea Party is made up whites, wealthy, older Americans which is in fact the Republican party. Add angry, recalcitrant, party of no, racist.
Sarah, let me pass this to you. The Republican Party/Tea Party is made up whites, wealthy, older Americans which is in fact the Republican party. Add angry, recalcitrant, party of no, racist.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
RACISM
COMMENTS FROM A TRUE SOUTHERN LADY
Have been reading excerpts from Jackie Kennedy tapes. Interesting...wonder how they will be received?? For a well educated Yankee ...she shared same views as women in "The Help" (movie) towards blacks. Funny how she had such distaste for Martin L. King... but never saw her husband in the same light. Have read before how she and all the Kennedys thought L.B.Johnson was a buffoon. But then the entire South was looked upon as Buffoon's! The movie "The Help" took place in the 1950's. & early 60's...loved the cars...when I was in high school and college ..then married. Had some black students in summer school at ECU...but didn't think anything about it. My husband was teaching in 1962-1964 and never taught a single black child. chg
RESPONSE
NBC's Brien Williams featured a few of Jackie Kennedy's thoughts last night. She definitely was not too charitable toward MLK and LBJ. Historically, I don't think even LBJ's staunchest critics can deny that his lasting imprint on America did far exceed what Kennedy could have done had he lived. LBJ gets credit for Civil Right's and Voter Act, plus Medicare.
The interesting thing now is that with LBJ as President, with this political climate, he couldn't do s..t. Just wouldn't happen. What we have now is partisan politics where the Republicans are much more interested in getting the President out of the White House than what is good for the country. And, in a round about way, LBJ is responsible for this vitriolic climate. Many of those making the loudest noise are racists just beneath the skin, i. e., most of the South, always solidly Democrat--after LBJ and the Civil Rights Act, Republican all the way and remain so today. Republicans hide behind issues like the deficit, Obamacare, etc but at the heart of it, they don't want an African American in the White House. My view anyway.
Have been reading excerpts from Jackie Kennedy tapes. Interesting...wonder how they will be received?? For a well educated Yankee ...she shared same views as women in "The Help" (movie) towards blacks. Funny how she had such distaste for Martin L. King... but never saw her husband in the same light. Have read before how she and all the Kennedys thought L.B.Johnson was a buffoon. But then the entire South was looked upon as Buffoon's! The movie "The Help" took place in the 1950's. & early 60's...loved the cars...when I was in high school and college ..then married. Had some black students in summer school at ECU...but didn't think anything about it. My husband was teaching in 1962-1964 and never taught a single black child. chg
RESPONSE
NBC's Brien Williams featured a few of Jackie Kennedy's thoughts last night. She definitely was not too charitable toward MLK and LBJ. Historically, I don't think even LBJ's staunchest critics can deny that his lasting imprint on America did far exceed what Kennedy could have done had he lived. LBJ gets credit for Civil Right's and Voter Act, plus Medicare.
The interesting thing now is that with LBJ as President, with this political climate, he couldn't do s..t. Just wouldn't happen. What we have now is partisan politics where the Republicans are much more interested in getting the President out of the White House than what is good for the country. And, in a round about way, LBJ is responsible for this vitriolic climate. Many of those making the loudest noise are racists just beneath the skin, i. e., most of the South, always solidly Democrat--after LBJ and the Civil Rights Act, Republican all the way and remain so today. Republicans hide behind issues like the deficit, Obamacare, etc but at the heart of it, they don't want an African American in the White House. My view anyway.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
BARNEY
"Barney's Version." I thought it was a comedy. Heavy, Jewish, divorce, dysfunction, dope, alcoholism. Should I go on. This is one of those movies where the one who wrote the synopsis or developed the movie trailer should have a "time out." The trailer showed Paul Giamotti leaving his very Jewish wedding (with every Jewish stereotype you can imagine), pursuiing another woman. It gives all indication it's a comedy. There is hardly a funny scene in the entire movie. It starts with a drunken dope scene in Rome with Giamonni and friends who impact his life somewhat throughout the movie.
It is a very disconnected movie, even if very heavy in every way. There's even a subplot of a supposedly murder. A downer movie but sobering too in terms of reality. For example, most marriages, need a reality check on occasion. Watching a movie like "Barney's Version" can help us look at our own marriage, i. e., "how are we doing?" And, a coup de gras: Barney descents into dementia. A guy who drinks, smokes like a chimney, personal life a mess and finally exists in a dark world inhabited only by Barney.
With a differing view, my wife says, don't see this movie unless you are already depressed.
It is a very disconnected movie, even if very heavy in every way. There's even a subplot of a supposedly murder. A downer movie but sobering too in terms of reality. For example, most marriages, need a reality check on occasion. Watching a movie like "Barney's Version" can help us look at our own marriage, i. e., "how are we doing?" And, a coup de gras: Barney descents into dementia. A guy who drinks, smokes like a chimney, personal life a mess and finally exists in a dark world inhabited only by Barney.
With a differing view, my wife says, don't see this movie unless you are already depressed.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Heroes
The term heroes is mostly semantics. And, I think there is some histrionics in the idea that there is a "cult of the uniform" as the Sunday "Times" article, "An Empty Regard" suggests. I think there is another explanation why the majority of Americams express appreciation of the military. Americans who care and not all do have somehow in their psyche decided that they are never again going to treat soldiers as badly as they did Vietnam vets. As Vietnam vets of that sorry war, if we have any legacy, blaming the soldier for our misadventures will not happen again. Our own emotional well being is still tied up with that awful treatment. We not only fought in Vietnam but had another battle at home. And, those battles have persisted through recognition on health issues like Agent Orange and PTSD. For a good ten years or more, Vietnam vets were basically silent. The literature coming from us was scant and even the movies that showed up only reinforced what most Americans thought: crazed Vietnam vets who are whack jobs.
Anybody can apply any term--heroes is as good as any. Many soldiers are serving multiple tours, families barely scraping by and the soldier themselves engaged in a warfare that is lethal: deadly outposts, a srtategy that, if workable, in nation building would take years, not to mention a populace that is ambivalent, not through lack of desire but unable in taking charge of their own destiny once we're gone. The present soldier has done every single thing that has been asked of him or her and more. If that isn't heroism, I don't know what is.
Jerry Aughtry
Vietnam, class of 68-69
Sanfranjerry@gmail.com
415 515-8369
Anybody can apply any term--heroes is as good as any. Many soldiers are serving multiple tours, families barely scraping by and the soldier themselves engaged in a warfare that is lethal: deadly outposts, a srtategy that, if workable, in nation building would take years, not to mention a populace that is ambivalent, not through lack of desire but unable in taking charge of their own destiny once we're gone. The present soldier has done every single thing that has been asked of him or her and more. If that isn't heroism, I don't know what is.
Jerry Aughtry
Vietnam, class of 68-69
Sanfranjerry@gmail.com
415 515-8369
PARELLEL UNIVERSE
Reading an excerpt from Dick Chaney's book, "In My Time," is like visiting the Star Wars Cafe. Talk about escape from reality. I am amazed even for Cheny. I always thought the "neocons," were a routestep bunch of malcontents, whose spinning and hold on the real world is almost beyond the pale. At best, they live in a parallel universe.
My disclaimer is that I have not read the book: A couple of excerpts before I became nauseous. I did read Maureen Dowd who is left of center, of course. I love her writing. Then I read in the "right of center" Wall Street Journal a book review and a long piece by another writer. The review was fairly objective but the other writer should be on Fox News. Give me a break!
Faced with the facts, Chaney unpacks his own views where the truth and reality are strictly coincidental. Biased? Absolutely as I think Chaney can soundly be accused of being the major culprit for Iraq. Even most reasonably credible "right of center" will admit that the Iraq war was based on a lie. No, I take it back. They won't admit it but we know it's true.
Fortunately, at some point, George W. wised up but it was too late. I would sound like some West Coast Berzerkely type if I mentioned "war criminal" status for Chaney. As a very minimum, if I were a mom or dad whose son's life ended in that uncalled for war, I don't know how I would ever get over it. It was easy for Chaney to convince Bush to send kids to war as Chaney, of course, had other "priorities" and consequently didn't serve in Vietnam. How does draft-dodger sound? But, let's call it what he is: a combination spin and escape from reality. Chaney hasn't morph into it but has always been there. Don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up.
You would think that with the heart trouble, it would have softened him a bit. For most, it does. Lee Atwater, for example. He was a Republican strategist and a mean "mother" in politics--take no prisoners. When he got cancer, it changed him and before he died, he said something like, "my illness has taught me something about the nature of humanity, love, brotherhood and relationships that I never understood." chamey hasn't come to that lesson.
Putting the bad mouth on Colin Powell and Condi Rice should maybe elevate them in status. I've never been much of a fan of Colin Powell as I think he sold out, relatively speaking. It is sad to me because rarely in life does a single individual get a chance to change the course of history. Powell had his chance, I think, when he went before the UN to plead the case for invading Iraq. By his own admission, he had doubts about Iraq--he caved.
I might have to revisit the whole thing now that Chaney has dissed him. Maybe there's something I don't know. A last thing. I did read his cohart's (Rummy) book. I never got the feeling that Rumsfeld was mean spirited. Chaney, on the other hand, comes across as bitter with a few scores to settle.
My disclaimer is that I have not read the book: A couple of excerpts before I became nauseous. I did read Maureen Dowd who is left of center, of course. I love her writing. Then I read in the "right of center" Wall Street Journal a book review and a long piece by another writer. The review was fairly objective but the other writer should be on Fox News. Give me a break!
Faced with the facts, Chaney unpacks his own views where the truth and reality are strictly coincidental. Biased? Absolutely as I think Chaney can soundly be accused of being the major culprit for Iraq. Even most reasonably credible "right of center" will admit that the Iraq war was based on a lie. No, I take it back. They won't admit it but we know it's true.
Fortunately, at some point, George W. wised up but it was too late. I would sound like some West Coast Berzerkely type if I mentioned "war criminal" status for Chaney. As a very minimum, if I were a mom or dad whose son's life ended in that uncalled for war, I don't know how I would ever get over it. It was easy for Chaney to convince Bush to send kids to war as Chaney, of course, had other "priorities" and consequently didn't serve in Vietnam. How does draft-dodger sound? But, let's call it what he is: a combination spin and escape from reality. Chaney hasn't morph into it but has always been there. Don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up.
You would think that with the heart trouble, it would have softened him a bit. For most, it does. Lee Atwater, for example. He was a Republican strategist and a mean "mother" in politics--take no prisoners. When he got cancer, it changed him and before he died, he said something like, "my illness has taught me something about the nature of humanity, love, brotherhood and relationships that I never understood." chamey hasn't come to that lesson.
Putting the bad mouth on Colin Powell and Condi Rice should maybe elevate them in status. I've never been much of a fan of Colin Powell as I think he sold out, relatively speaking. It is sad to me because rarely in life does a single individual get a chance to change the course of history. Powell had his chance, I think, when he went before the UN to plead the case for invading Iraq. By his own admission, he had doubts about Iraq--he caved.
I might have to revisit the whole thing now that Chaney has dissed him. Maybe there's something I don't know. A last thing. I did read his cohart's (Rummy) book. I never got the feeling that Rumsfeld was mean spirited. Chaney, on the other hand, comes across as bitter with a few scores to settle.
BLOOD BROTHERS
I believe that if this book can play a small part in insuring the American people will never again experience, in their future, a war like Vietnam, then maybe the physical and mental scars of our Vietnam veterans can, in a small way be justified. (We learned nothing from Vietnam and are mired in one war and in the other, we are trying to extract ourselves but it is highly unlikely).
Tim O'Connor, author of the book, Blood Brothers. Till Death Do Us Part
Tim O'Connor, author of the book, Blood Brothers. Till Death Do Us Part
Monday, August 29, 2011
HEROES
The term heroes is mostly semantics. And, I think there is some histrionics in the idea that there is a "cult of the uniform" as the Sunday "Times" article, "An Empty Regard" suggests. I think there is another explanation why the majority of Americams express appreciation of the military. Americans who care and not all do have somehow in their psyche decided that they are never again going to treat soldiers as badly as they did Vietnam vets. As Vietnam vets of that sorry war, if we have any legacy, blaming the soldier for our misadventures will not happen again. Our own emotional well being is still tied up with that awful treatment. We not only fought in Vietnam but had another battle at home. And, those battles have persisted through recognition on health issues like Agent Orange and PTSD. For a good ten years or more, Vietnam vets were basically silent. The literature coming from us was scant and even the movies that showed up only reinforced what most Americans thought: crazed Vietnam vets who are whack jobs.
Anybody can apply any term--heroes is as good as any. Many soldiers are serving multiple tours, families barely scraping by and the soldier themselves engaged in a warfare that is lethal: deadly outposts, a srtategy that, if workable, in nation building would take years, not to mention a populace that is ambivalent, not through lack of desire but unable in taking charge of their own destiny once we're gone. The present soldier has done every single thing that has been asked of him or her and more. If that isn't heroism, I don't know what is.
Anybody can apply any term--heroes is as good as any. Many soldiers are serving multiple tours, families barely scraping by and the soldier themselves engaged in a warfare that is lethal: deadly outposts, a srtategy that, if workable, in nation building would take years, not to mention a populace that is ambivalent, not through lack of desire but unable in taking charge of their own destiny once we're gone. The present soldier has done every single thing that has been asked of him or her and more. If that isn't heroism, I don't know what is.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
"Thank you very much." When I was a teenager I use to stand in front of the mirror and practice my Elvis impression. "Thank you very much." Elvis left us way too early.
I've never been one of those celebrity worshipping types. They seek fame and when they get it, all they can do is gripe about paparazzi hounding them because they are famous. Elvis seemed a little different. Timing, lots of things, some outrageous behavior, mostly generosity if myth stands for anything. Did Elvis go to buy a Cadillac and in asking the salesman how it did on gas, only to be told that if he had to asked that question, a Cadillac was not for him. Elvis bought the entire dealership of Cadillacs to give to his friends and oh by the way, fired the salesman. Myth? Probably! But, it was Elvis and it was OK
As a junior or senior in High School, I remember with much fondness, waiting in my 52 Chevy for early morning football practice. School had not even started and my enthsiasm for practicing football was not at razor pitch. It was about this time of year, August. "Don't Be Cruel" blaring over the radio. Elvis was my psych for pushing through. Yesterday was the anniversary of his death.
I've never been one of those celebrity worshipping types. They seek fame and when they get it, all they can do is gripe about paparazzi hounding them because they are famous. Elvis seemed a little different. Timing, lots of things, some outrageous behavior, mostly generosity if myth stands for anything. Did Elvis go to buy a Cadillac and in asking the salesman how it did on gas, only to be told that if he had to asked that question, a Cadillac was not for him. Elvis bought the entire dealership of Cadillacs to give to his friends and oh by the way, fired the salesman. Myth? Probably! But, it was Elvis and it was OK
As a junior or senior in High School, I remember with much fondness, waiting in my 52 Chevy for early morning football practice. School had not even started and my enthsiasm for practicing football was not at razor pitch. It was about this time of year, August. "Don't Be Cruel" blaring over the radio. Elvis was my psych for pushing through. Yesterday was the anniversary of his death.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
TOO MUCH INFO
I've never really like Mullen, the outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. It's nothing personal. A Navy weinie can't really grasp what it means to be an infantry soldier but all that BS is beside the point. What I think amounts to something akin to whale manure is the fact that watching him talk to young soldiers in Afghanistan about the debt ceiling--translated that they might not get paid was beyond the pale. What stupid MF would stand up in front of combat soldiers and talk about a subject like the debt ceiling. Damn if anybody I know would do it. Give me a break! Soldiers whose lives are on the line constantly and living from paycheck to paycheck, away from home, worried already and Mullen suggests a possible "no payday." If those bumbling idiots in Washington don't get it together, soldiers will still be paid, plain and simple.
STANDARD AND POOR ARE CLASSIC HTPOCRITES
Glad you are not spending your time on Fox News. I say what I have been saying about the deficit: bringing it down with a scalpel, not an ax. In our recent history, let us not forget Bill Clinton gave us a surplus. Our system is such and this isn't my thinking but mostly democrats and the Economist magazine: our system is unique, we can relieve suffering in the immediate term, i. e., jobs with federal programs while reducing the deficit. Taxing the rich is just part of it. Guys like Warren Bufettt say, do it.
I don't think for a minute that I can out argue or convince the 10 chaps. I listen to Brien Williams and Lester every night and they are my favorites, followed by the News Hour. And, hauling the Grandkids around, I listen to NPR lots. All the news outlets do what I hate and this is something I have said before and will continue to say: In attempting to be fair, they always let their guests do their spin without correction or hard questions. Consequently the facts get obscured and those Americans who care get confused. An example: guess who was a big culprit in the housing crisis, Standard and Poor in giving AAA ratings to those who were selling subprime mortgages. And, we should listen to them.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
I don't think for a minute that I can out argue or convince the 10 chaps. I listen to Brien Williams and Lester every night and they are my favorites, followed by the News Hour. And, hauling the Grandkids around, I listen to NPR lots. All the news outlets do what I hate and this is something I have said before and will continue to say: In attempting to be fair, they always let their guests do their spin without correction or hard questions. Consequently the facts get obscured and those Americans who care get confused. An example: guess who was a big culprit in the housing crisis, Standard and Poor in giving AAA ratings to those who were selling subprime mortgages. And, we should listen to them.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
REPUBLICAN RECALCITRANTS GOT WHAT THEY WANTED
Since the markets have done exactly what Standard and Poor's wanted, I guess the f..king hypocrites are happy. Plus, I think NPR must be in cahoots with them, especially "Talk of the Nation." I have never in my life heard so much negativism and what I would consider pandering to the Republicans. Standard and Poor's hypocrisy started with giving Triple A ratings to crooks who brought about the disastrous economic crisis. But, I must admit, they've got a gigantic "pair" of them as they are probably laying around gloating on how finally they called it. Payback time and the investors bought it.
Who the f..k are these investors is what I want to know? The guest of "Talk" had a big article in the Sunday NY Times, also: What Happened To Obama? What the f..k! I could hardly believe this bigoted asshole got this much ink. I am probably a little too hard on him but when I saw he was from Georgia. Really. He's author of a book called The Political Brain: The role of emotion I'n deciding the fate of a nation. This f..ker is a Rwpublican spokesman if I've ever heard one. In the article in The Times, he actually criticized the president who had actually made speeches already that this guy was saying je should do.
The best thing that I heard today was a caller to "Talk" who defended the President as a possible best president in history who has had to deal with Republicans who have taken a blood oath to bring him down. I agee with one caveat: I also think much of it is racial.
Who the f..k are these investors is what I want to know? The guest of "Talk" had a big article in the Sunday NY Times, also: What Happened To Obama? What the f..k! I could hardly believe this bigoted asshole got this much ink. I am probably a little too hard on him but when I saw he was from Georgia. Really. He's author of a book called The Political Brain: The role of emotion I'n deciding the fate of a nation. This f..ker is a Rwpublican spokesman if I've ever heard one. In the article in The Times, he actually criticized the president who had actually made speeches already that this guy was saying je should do.
The best thing that I heard today was a caller to "Talk" who defended the President as a possible best president in history who has had to deal with Republicans who have taken a blood oath to bring him down. I agee with one caveat: I also think much of it is racial.
DEATHS BY "HOOK"
The loss of a single life in our two present wars is sad beyond words. But, the loss of this group of elite soldiers is incalculable. These guys are the best of the best. Having taken a brief (what they called it in those days, the gentleman's prefix 3 course), I can say inequitably, these guys can truly scale any building, climb any mountain. They are Superman.
With only 1% of Americans with any involvement in the two questionable wars, to be proud of these elite soldiers goes beyond what any might say. To die in a "hook" which is like flying a small house is questionable. Under any circumstances, these things are targets. I'n Vietnam, we use to say about helicopters, "any little old lady" with a WWl Springfield rifle could knock them out of the sky. And, from it appears, they were brought down by a rocket propelled grenade. Even a rebel fighter from Libya couldn't miss.
It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback second guessing this decision but it doesn't make any sense. From what I read, everybody knew the Taliban were everywhere. Why would they take a chance? Relying on luck won't hack it. I'm not going tp say anymore. Just wait and see. For now, like any American who care, I'm just going to be sad or angry. I'm grieving.
With only 1% of Americans with any involvement in the two questionable wars, to be proud of these elite soldiers goes beyond what any might say. To die in a "hook" which is like flying a small house is questionable. Under any circumstances, these things are targets. I'n Vietnam, we use to say about helicopters, "any little old lady" with a WWl Springfield rifle could knock them out of the sky. And, from it appears, they were brought down by a rocket propelled grenade. Even a rebel fighter from Libya couldn't miss.
It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback second guessing this decision but it doesn't make any sense. From what I read, everybody knew the Taliban were everywhere. Why would they take a chance? Relying on luck won't hack it. I'm not going tp say anymore. Just wait and see. For now, like any American who care, I'm just going to be sad or angry. I'm grieving.
DEATHS BY "HOOK"
The loss of a single life in our two present wars is sad beyond words. But, the loss of this group of elite soldiers is incalculable. These guys are the best of the best. Having taken a brief (what they called it in those days, the gentleman's prefix 3 course), I can say inequitably, these guys can truly scale any building, climb any mountain. They are Superman.
With only 1% of Americans with any involvement in the two questionable wars, to be proud of these elite soldiers goes beyond what any might say. To die in a "hook" which is like flying a small house is questionable. Under any circumstances, these things are targets. I'n Vietnam, we use to say about helicopters, "any little old lady" with a WWl Springfield rifle could knock them out of the sky. And, from it appears, they were brought down by a rocket propelled grenade. Even a rebel fighter from Libya couldn't miss.
It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback second guessing this decision but it doesn't make any sense. From what I read, everybody knew the Taliban were everywhere. Why would they take a chance? Relying on luck won't hack it. I'm not going tp say anymore. Just wait and see. For now, like any American who care, I'm just going to be sad or angry. I'm grieving.
With only 1% of Americans with any involvement in the two questionable wars, to be proud of these elite soldiers goes beyond what any might say. To die in a "hook" which is like flying a small house is questionable. Under any circumstances, these things are targets. I'n Vietnam, we use to say about helicopters, "any little old lady" with a WWl Springfield rifle could knock them out of the sky. And, from it appears, they were brought down by a rocket propelled grenade. Even a rebel fighter from Libya couldn't miss.
It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback second guessing this decision but it doesn't make any sense. From what I read, everybody knew the Taliban were everywhere. Why would they take a chance? Relying on luck won't hack it. I'm not going tp say anymore. Just wait and see. For now, like any American who care, I'm just going to be sad or angry. I'm grieving.
FAST TRAIN TO NOWHERE
On an NPR program a day or so ago, a reporter went to Virginia, home of many of the Navy Seals or Special Ops troops. The reporter made a note of the lack of fanfare, no flowers, ribbons, very subdued, much like the lives of the fallen soldiers: no fanfare, speeches, just do the job. The reporter also talked to ex military, mostly retired. They were sobering in their comments about getting out of Afghanistan. What is pretty remarkable is that as a rule military people are reluctant to even give a hint that they don't support the war efforts. This is different. What any of us who care have come to realize: Afghanistan is a "fast train to nowhere." There is absolutely no area that is not f..ked up. And, the death of these soldiers make us realize it with a palpable sadness. Villagers protect the Taliban either out of fear or sympathy and in reading various analysis, the simple calculation is clear: if we stay in Afghanistan ten more years, guess where we'll be? ABOUT WHERE WE ARE TODAY.
DRESS BLUES
Last night on NBC news, they showed a letter from the pilot of the "hook" that went down in Afghanistan. It showed a picture of the pilot and his 10 year old son. The son was wearing a set of dress blues that obviously the dad had had made for him. It was unbelieably sad
Monday, July 25, 2011
MASS MURDERER
MASS MURDERER
There is no way to explain the mass murder in Norway. It defies any kind of explanation. Right wing Christian fundamentalist. What the f..k is that!!! Crazy is the only idea I know and that doesn’t do it.
How does a rational enlightened society deal with it. Damn if I know. It is this crazy, nuts, sick: it is Timothy McVeigh, the Unabomber. The list is endless: revenge, payback, killing the sorry perpetrators. Bring back public hangings. I don’t know. How does a people deal with the mass murder of their children. It is too horrific to contemplate. For me, it makes me believe in hell. The idea that someone so evil and delusional will at least experience the torment of burning forever. I don’t usually quote the Bible because most who do, do it wrongly and out of context but I found this on an APP and it gave me comfort. (Slightly paraphrased)
“For God would not [even] spare angels that killed innocents, but would cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of doom till the judgment.”
I am doing all I can do. Sending good thoughts and prayers. My hope for the loved ones is that their pain can at some time down the road be transformed into lasting and tangible memories of the potential of those lost. God bless all.
There is no way to explain the mass murder in Norway. It defies any kind of explanation. Right wing Christian fundamentalist. What the f..k is that!!! Crazy is the only idea I know and that doesn’t do it.
How does a rational enlightened society deal with it. Damn if I know. It is this crazy, nuts, sick: it is Timothy McVeigh, the Unabomber. The list is endless: revenge, payback, killing the sorry perpetrators. Bring back public hangings. I don’t know. How does a people deal with the mass murder of their children. It is too horrific to contemplate. For me, it makes me believe in hell. The idea that someone so evil and delusional will at least experience the torment of burning forever. I don’t usually quote the Bible because most who do, do it wrongly and out of context but I found this on an APP and it gave me comfort. (Slightly paraphrased)
“For God would not [even] spare angels that killed innocents, but would cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of doom till the judgment.”
I am doing all I can do. Sending good thoughts and prayers. My hope for the loved ones is that their pain can at some time down the road be transformed into lasting and tangible memories of the potential of those lost. God bless all.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
LETTERS
death. I have been watching a program on war letters; very interesting as it covers all American conflicts. In several cases, the letter is shared and then at the end stated that the soldier had died a day or two after writing the letter. Just think of all the letters that have not been written in our current conflicts; who will save and share the email letters or phone conversations that are the common ways now of contacting loved ones and friends.
TC
TC
Saturday, July 23, 2011
SELF INTEREST TRUMPS COMMON GOOD
I listened to this guy on NPR who had an essay on whether "self interests trump the common good." HELLO!!! Good commentary but this is a no brainer. Of course self interests trump the common good. And, anybody who thinks otherwise is in another galaxy I think. Example: Congress. Their self interests trump what's good for the common good. Hands down. The debt ceiling is the best example I know. Think right wing fundamentalists, i. e., the Republicans. They will take a chance on the country going down the tubes just for the "next election." Sorry MFers. And, they don't give a f..k because they know that they can spin it in such a way that it can be blamed on others.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
RECALCITRENT REPUBLICANS
Now here is a non conspiracy theory but just as real. And, this isn't just my view but heard it somewhere: the "debt ceiling" hadn't been a big deal up until now. One or more of the Republican lessor light zeolots seized on it and tried to tie it to their favorite theme of "reducing the deficit and don't raise taxes." To me, it is very complicated, the entire financial system, our economy: tell me the average American gets it. We don't.
Listen to the stock market, up or down, some analyst gives us some speculation. Then, the next day, it goes down or up on a view of the world. The f..king analyst comes with something else. He doesn't know s..t. Give me a break. He only knows what he thinks.
Unemployment goes up. Why? Then it goes down, the stock market goes down. Why? Some analyst claims he/she knows. It is speculation. An economy based on consumer spending. What the f..k is that: buying things we don't need. Some talking head says, "housing bubble" continues to be problem. Banks foreclose. People try to get loans. Can't. Speculators buy up houses. Banks rather foreclose that work out morgage modifications; Greece is defaulting. Italy is in trouble. We owe China. Gasoline has gone up. It goes down. I could go on and on.
Do we honestly think us average types in the "street" get this even if he/she is interested. I don't get it. And, this isn't a putdown of the "American people" that the politicians are so fond of claiming to have their best interest at heart. Bullshit.
Politicians lose perspective, reelection is the only thing that matters while they are touting their mantra: Don't raise taxes, no raising the debt limit.
Unfortunately at this time, in my view, we have to listen to those who know more than we do. Economists, even our president, God forbid. How about the Fed Chairman, (who does understand where we are). But, none of this makes any difference to a zealot who basically operates on the idea, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." If I were the president, I would say to the zealots, f..k you very much and raise it on my own. I've listened to enough rhetoric to think that the constitution gives him the power to do it. What the president doesn't seem to get is that with the recalcitrant Republicans, he is not going to get them to move. They are the party of "no." They would take a chance on hurting the country in a millisecond for politics. But in some ways, I think it is much deeper. Some in the country hate the president so much that they simply have no objectivity. And, "ha", that is a revelation that they ever had any. Me biased? Hmmmmm
Listen to the stock market, up or down, some analyst gives us some speculation. Then, the next day, it goes down or up on a view of the world. The f..king analyst comes with something else. He doesn't know s..t. Give me a break. He only knows what he thinks.
Unemployment goes up. Why? Then it goes down, the stock market goes down. Why? Some analyst claims he/she knows. It is speculation. An economy based on consumer spending. What the f..k is that: buying things we don't need. Some talking head says, "housing bubble" continues to be problem. Banks foreclose. People try to get loans. Can't. Speculators buy up houses. Banks rather foreclose that work out morgage modifications; Greece is defaulting. Italy is in trouble. We owe China. Gasoline has gone up. It goes down. I could go on and on.
Do we honestly think us average types in the "street" get this even if he/she is interested. I don't get it. And, this isn't a putdown of the "American people" that the politicians are so fond of claiming to have their best interest at heart. Bullshit.
Politicians lose perspective, reelection is the only thing that matters while they are touting their mantra: Don't raise taxes, no raising the debt limit.
Unfortunately at this time, in my view, we have to listen to those who know more than we do. Economists, even our president, God forbid. How about the Fed Chairman, (who does understand where we are). But, none of this makes any difference to a zealot who basically operates on the idea, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." If I were the president, I would say to the zealots, f..k you very much and raise it on my own. I've listened to enough rhetoric to think that the constitution gives him the power to do it. What the president doesn't seem to get is that with the recalcitrant Republicans, he is not going to get them to move. They are the party of "no." They would take a chance on hurting the country in a millisecond for politics. But in some ways, I think it is much deeper. Some in the country hate the president so much that they simply have no objectivity. And, "ha", that is a revelation that they ever had any. Me biased? Hmmmmm
OUR MAN ANDY
As all of us know, Andy has experienced a recurrence of his cancer. And, as he says, "I think that I have bought my final ticket." Who knows but we want to think about how to be supportive." We don't want any philosophical BS, just how to respond or not. Sometimes, there really is nothing to do but "be there."
We all know Andy pretty well. Hell, we showed up for Kathy's Memorial and Andy was in Florida. So, we just have to do the best we can as friends. Larry has really been on top of it lots, going to chow, etc. with Andy. Let's keep the squeeze on him for breakfast, etc. As it progresses, if it does, we'll just have to see. Treat him the way we always have: kick his ass for being such a curmudgeon, taking forever to order chow, bitching, being Andy. Don't treat him any different than usual. Pay attention here, this is good stuff. Amen, power in the blood, God bless or Andy's benediction: "may the God of your choice bless you." Think "next life."
In fact just thought of this and in the spirit of keeping it light, here's an idea to present to Andy.
We all know Andy pretty well. Hell, we showed up for Kathy's Memorial and Andy was in Florida. So, we just have to do the best we can as friends. Larry has really been on top of it lots, going to chow, etc. with Andy. Let's keep the squeeze on him for breakfast, etc. As it progresses, if it does, we'll just have to see. Treat him the way we always have: kick his ass for being such a curmudgeon, taking forever to order chow, bitching, being Andy. Don't treat him any different than usual. Pay attention here, this is good stuff. Amen, power in the blood, God bless or Andy's benediction: "may the God of your choice bless you." Think "next life."
In fact just thought of this and in the spirit of keeping it light, here's an idea to present to Andy.
Friday, July 15, 2011
THE RECALSITRANT REPUBLICANS
Now here is a non conspiracy theory but just as real. And, this isn't just my view but heard it somewhere: the "debt ceiling" hadn't been a big deal up until now. One or more of the Republican lessor light zeolots seized on it and tried to tie it to their favorite theme of "reducing the deficit and don't raise taxes." To me, it is very complicated, the entire financial system, our economy: tell me the average American gets it. We don't.
Listen to the stock market, up or down, some analyst gives us some speculation. Then, the next day, it goes down or up on a view of the world. The f..king analyst comes with something else. He doesn't know s..t. Give me a break. He only knows what he thinks.
Unemployment goes up. Why? Then it goes down, the stock market goes down. Why? Some analyst claims he/she knows. It is speculation. An economy based on consumer spending. What the f..k is that: buying things we don't need. Some talking head says, "housing bubble" continues to be problem. Banks foreclose. People try to get loans. Can't. Speculators buy up houses. Banks rather foreclose that work out morgage modifications; Greece is defaulting. Italy is in trouble. We owe China. Gasoline has gone up. It goes down. I could go on and on.
Do we honestly think us average types in the "street" get this even if he/she is interested. I don't get it. And, this isn't a putdown of the "American people" that the politicians are so fond of claiming to have their best interest at heart. Bullshit.
Politicians lose perspective, reelection is the only thing that matters while they are touting their mantra: Don't raise taxes, no raising the debt limit.
Unfortunately at this time, in my view, we have to listen to those who know more than we do. Economists, even our president, God forbid. How about the Fed Chairman, (who does understand where we are). But, none of this makes any difference to a zealot who basically operates on the idea, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." If I were the president, I would say to the zealots, f..k you very much and raise it on my own. I've listened to enough rhetoric to think that the constitution gives him the power to do it. What the president doesn't seem to get is that with the recalcitrant Republicans, he is not going to get them to move. They are the party of "no." They would take a chance on hurting the country in a millisecond for politics. But in some ways, I think it is much deeper. Some in the country hate the president so much that they simply have no objectivity. And, "ha", that is a revelation that they ever had any. Me biased? Hmmmmm
Listen to the stock market, up or down, some analyst gives us some speculation. Then, the next day, it goes down or up on a view of the world. The f..king analyst comes with something else. He doesn't know s..t. Give me a break. He only knows what he thinks.
Unemployment goes up. Why? Then it goes down, the stock market goes down. Why? Some analyst claims he/she knows. It is speculation. An economy based on consumer spending. What the f..k is that: buying things we don't need. Some talking head says, "housing bubble" continues to be problem. Banks foreclose. People try to get loans. Can't. Speculators buy up houses. Banks rather foreclose that work out morgage modifications; Greece is defaulting. Italy is in trouble. We owe China. Gasoline has gone up. It goes down. I could go on and on.
Do we honestly think us average types in the "street" get this even if he/she is interested. I don't get it. And, this isn't a putdown of the "American people" that the politicians are so fond of claiming to have their best interest at heart. Bullshit.
Politicians lose perspective, reelection is the only thing that matters while they are touting their mantra: Don't raise taxes, no raising the debt limit.
Unfortunately at this time, in my view, we have to listen to those who know more than we do. Economists, even our president, God forbid. How about the Fed Chairman, (who does understand where we are). But, none of this makes any difference to a zealot who basically operates on the idea, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." If I were the president, I would say to the zealots, f..k you very much and raise it on my own. I've listened to enough rhetoric to think that the constitution gives him the power to do it. What the president doesn't seem to get is that with the recalcitrant Republicans, he is not going to get them to move. They are the party of "no." They would take a chance on hurting the country in a millisecond for politics. But in some ways, I think it is much deeper. Some in the country hate the president so much that they simply have no objectivity. And, "ha", that is a revelation that they ever had any. Me biased? Hmmmmm
Sunday, July 03, 2011
My War Is Better than Your War
Tom, good article even with it's
inaccuracies. Thanks for serving two
tours. Shorter deployments but more
often, I think, would be tougher. I think
there's going to be lots of comparison
and as the wars wind down, if they do,
let the fun begin. This chaplain sounds
like Curry Vaughn. Because the soldier
is in such collective favor in these
days because of overall guilt, I think,
the chaplain as well as soldiers get,
relative speaking, good support.
Based on the system, this guy better
retire, doubt he will be promoted again.
The military hardly will not see this as
weakness (depression).
What is undeniable is that the casualty
rate was gigantic in Vietnam as
compared to Afghanistan. And, the
soldiering was different but many of
the same issues. There is no such
thing in my mind, as "my war is better than your war."
inaccuracies. Thanks for serving two
tours. Shorter deployments but more
often, I think, would be tougher. I think
there's going to be lots of comparison
and as the wars wind down, if they do,
let the fun begin. This chaplain sounds
like Curry Vaughn. Because the soldier
is in such collective favor in these
days because of overall guilt, I think,
the chaplain as well as soldiers get,
relative speaking, good support.
Based on the system, this guy better
retire, doubt he will be promoted again.
The military hardly will not see this as
weakness (depression).
What is undeniable is that the casualty
rate was gigantic in Vietnam as
compared to Afghanistan. And, the
soldiering was different but many of
the same issues. There is no such
thing in my mind, as "my war is better than your war."
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friendly fire is something dreaded by soldiers. As welcome as that whizing sound of artillery over your head, equally dreaded not hearing it when you know it is supposed to be there-- oh hell a "short round." And, in Vietnam when it happened, it was routinely reported as enemy fire. Who the f..k wants to be killed by his own people--I know because I'm the FO (forward observor ) NCO (non commissioned Officer). In other words, I'm the guy who calls in the artillery. It was OJT (on the job training). Pretty simple, calculating distances, learning the language. A military artillery observer is responsible for directing artillery onto enemy positions. The artillery battery is often located miles away. I was the eyes of the gunners, calling in target locations and adjustments. We were suppose to have a lieutenant FO. I don't know why we kept losing them. The last one stepped on a booby trap on Christmas day. Bummer.
How GIs died in Vietnam sometimes takes on a weird, even if a deadly route. In fact, I heard about a guy who got hit by a "short round" while sitting on the "crapper." Wonder how that was reported? But, there is one that sticks in my mind. I had met this guy a couple of times. He was with me at Campbell with the 101st but then got a chance to go to language school. In fact, I applied to go to the same school. It was in Monterey, California on the beach I heard. Somebody told me he wasn't all that keen on it but the school was in California, so why not. I got it. Maybe he thought he could avoid Nam. Who knows! My unit wouldn't let me go anyway too valuable bullshit! Anyway, he disappeared off my radar screen and then one day I was at Camp Eagle which was the rear area for the 101st, picking up some supplies and there he was. We had a little mini reunion. He told me that he was workng with the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) as an advisor/translator and was loving it. Time was passing and it was interesting work. He must have seen the incredulous look on my face as he said, "really, we don't give them enough credit."
"Yeah," I replied, "the few times they'd been with us, they were chasing ducks or chickens for their evening meal." I acknowledged that I was probably unfair and let it drop. He wanted to get some Cs (C rations were the staples for the American GI in Vietnam)
off me as he mostly ate Vietmamese chow. I gave him a whole box. He was some kind of happy. No sweat.
And, of all things, we got the shit kicked out of us a couple of days later and to nurse our wounds, somehow mercy was bestowed and we went to Co Co beach, this little Navy supply depot where we were suppose to be pulling security. And, what the hell, I scored the first watch of the night. The commo chief gave me the call sign and frequency of this ARVN unit about a mile away. "Run a commo check," he said. "Don't want the ARVNs gettin spooked." Sure enough, as soon as I got settled in which was at the north perimeter, I checked in. I thought I recognized the voice. "Brown (not his real name), is that you?" I be damn, it was. We broke radio protocol and chatted a bit. His ARVN unit was joining up with the 101st for a couple of sweeps (This is a kind of "walking through," a general area to see if any of the enemy could be flushed out. It was mostly a waste of time).
We signed off and the next thing I knew, it was time for another radio check. I couldn't raise him. For a couple of hours, I kept trying with no luck. Finally I was relieved from duty and promptly made it to a hooch where the company was mostly bedded down. I was out like a light. The next morning came way too fast but the good news is a hot chow, courteous of the Navy, was waiting. Still wiping the sleep from my eyes, somebody said, "Hear about that poor guy whose throat got slit. He was an advisor with the ARVN. The VC (Viet Cong) slipped in and slit his throat. I bet those f..king ARVN did it and blamed it on the VC."
"Was the guy's name, Brown?"
"Yeah, Brown was his name."
I don't know why Brown's death affected me so hard. I hardly knew him but still I did know him. He was an America soldier who died an inglorious death. I was still stewing about it a couple of nights later when I was preparing to prep this little village area in our AO (area of operations). Just to the right of us was this ARVN company, maybe 500 meters or so. Brown's ARVNs who slit his throat. I was firing phosphorus, WP, willy Peter we called it. Fire for effect. I was good. Most thought I was the best FO in the battalion, maybe the Division. Try the Army. I was firing for effect. The combat assault went off without a hitch. I heard that we trapped a whole parcel of VC. High body count!
I was getting some "rays" when the Company Commander strolled over to me. "What the fuck happened last night?"
"What you mean?"
"The ARVN Company to our right took a "short round. Killed or wounded the entire headquarters section."
"Damn, what the hell."
"Don't worry about it. Things happen. Better them that us. Probably be an investigation but you know what bullshit that is."
I never heard a word. One of my buddies, Phil Woodall, the Company poet wrote a book after he left Nam. Phil said about all our buddies who died, "they may have died in vain but they lived I'n honor." And,
How GIs died in Vietnam sometimes takes on a weird, even if a deadly route. In fact, I heard about a guy who got hit by a "short round" while sitting on the "crapper." Wonder how that was reported? But, there is one that sticks in my mind. I had met this guy a couple of times. He was with me at Campbell with the 101st but then got a chance to go to language school. In fact, I applied to go to the same school. It was in Monterey, California on the beach I heard. Somebody told me he wasn't all that keen on it but the school was in California, so why not. I got it. Maybe he thought he could avoid Nam. Who knows! My unit wouldn't let me go anyway too valuable bullshit! Anyway, he disappeared off my radar screen and then one day I was at Camp Eagle which was the rear area for the 101st, picking up some supplies and there he was. We had a little mini reunion. He told me that he was workng with the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) as an advisor/translator and was loving it. Time was passing and it was interesting work. He must have seen the incredulous look on my face as he said, "really, we don't give them enough credit."
"Yeah," I replied, "the few times they'd been with us, they were chasing ducks or chickens for their evening meal." I acknowledged that I was probably unfair and let it drop. He wanted to get some Cs (C rations were the staples for the American GI in Vietnam)
off me as he mostly ate Vietmamese chow. I gave him a whole box. He was some kind of happy. No sweat.
And, of all things, we got the shit kicked out of us a couple of days later and to nurse our wounds, somehow mercy was bestowed and we went to Co Co beach, this little Navy supply depot where we were suppose to be pulling security. And, what the hell, I scored the first watch of the night. The commo chief gave me the call sign and frequency of this ARVN unit about a mile away. "Run a commo check," he said. "Don't want the ARVNs gettin spooked." Sure enough, as soon as I got settled in which was at the north perimeter, I checked in. I thought I recognized the voice. "Brown (not his real name), is that you?" I be damn, it was. We broke radio protocol and chatted a bit. His ARVN unit was joining up with the 101st for a couple of sweeps (This is a kind of "walking through," a general area to see if any of the enemy could be flushed out. It was mostly a waste of time).
We signed off and the next thing I knew, it was time for another radio check. I couldn't raise him. For a couple of hours, I kept trying with no luck. Finally I was relieved from duty and promptly made it to a hooch where the company was mostly bedded down. I was out like a light. The next morning came way too fast but the good news is a hot chow, courteous of the Navy, was waiting. Still wiping the sleep from my eyes, somebody said, "Hear about that poor guy whose throat got slit. He was an advisor with the ARVN. The VC (Viet Cong) slipped in and slit his throat. I bet those f..king ARVN did it and blamed it on the VC."
"Was the guy's name, Brown?"
"Yeah, Brown was his name."
I don't know why Brown's death affected me so hard. I hardly knew him but still I did know him. He was an America soldier who died an inglorious death. I was still stewing about it a couple of nights later when I was preparing to prep this little village area in our AO (area of operations). Just to the right of us was this ARVN company, maybe 500 meters or so. Brown's ARVNs who slit his throat. I was firing phosphorus, WP, willy Peter we called it. Fire for effect. I was good. Most thought I was the best FO in the battalion, maybe the Division. Try the Army. I was firing for effect. The combat assault went off without a hitch. I heard that we trapped a whole parcel of VC. High body count!
I was getting some "rays" when the Company Commander strolled over to me. "What the fuck happened last night?"
"What you mean?"
"The ARVN Company to our right took a "short round. Killed or wounded the entire headquarters section."
"Damn, what the hell."
"Don't worry about it. Things happen. Better them that us. Probably be an investigation but you know what bullshit that is."
I never heard a word. One of my buddies, Phil Woodall, the Company poet wrote a book after he left Nam. Phil said about all our buddies who died, "they may have died in vain but they lived I'n honor." And,
Sunday, June 26, 2011
AFGANISTAN-No Way Out
I see us in a bind on Afganistan and Iraqnam, even, which I'm not convinced we are going to get out of cleanly. It appears to me that even in Iraq, the Iraqis are being killed with impunity. (I want to keep my remarks away from politics except where necessary for clarification. I don't think it is helpful for us to couch things in terms of politics). For instance, the Republicans play to a hawkish philosophy, as I see it mainly to appear to take a position different than the Democrats, whether right or wrong or good or bad. Ordinarily as of late, the Democrats since Vietnam have somewhat stayed on the sidelines, other than Bill throwing a missile or two somewhere. But, George W with 9-11 as a backdrop got us into two wars Obama has actually been as hawkish and in some areas more. See what I mean and the above, although from my perspective, accurate, the fact is: "it is what it is."
And, unfortunately, Afghanistan is not going to be a political issue. The vast majority of Americans have "no skin" in the game and as long as the wars are not affecting them personally, not on the radar screen.
But, to me, it is a major issue because unlike politicians, I feel it is Vietnam revisited. For instance, the other night after the president's announcement, some Republican type, Rogers, I think was his name, was talking about withdrawal and how bad it was, sending a signal of being soft, etc. Very hawkish. Lindsay Graham, John McCain trying to outhawk the president who has been led down the primrose pass with ideas like, "get the job done", winning, support the troops". And, so now you have the president and generals' and the "talking heads" all painting this rosy picture of Afghanistan, "Can't give up the great progress" they say, when in fact, those of us who are out here listening to the news, reading the books, trying to find credible evidence cannot find one single thing about Afghanistan that offers any hope if we stay there a hundred years.
Where does this rosy view come from? I've thought for some time that the generals live in some parrellel universe. What they see is not what I see. Afghanistan is a country where loyalty to a village, a clan, a tribe with no sense of a central government, is simply a fact. Even if they had a president who wasn't corrupt, it wouldn't be happening. We've implemented a war philosophy of counter insurgency which is short hand for "nation building." Now, here's one thing you have to give the president, in his speech the other night he said something like "it is time for nation building in our own country."
This is a statement that really got me, "President Obama on Thursday told U.S. troops who have fought in Afghanistan that the U.S. has turned a corner after nearly 10 years of war, and it's time for their comrades still in that country to start coming home."
WHAT CORNER IS HE TALKING ABOUT? Reminds me a bit of Westmoreland telling President Johnson during the Vietnam war, "send me more troops and we'll be home for Christmas." What we didn't nail down was what Christmas. As it turned out, the Christmas was five or 6 years later.
In the last few days or so, I've listened to three NPR programs which have more or less had to do with troop reduction and politics; one of the programs were three civilians. One of them was this guy John Nagl, retired LTC, smart guy as I've heard him before and has some good ideas like conventional troops out and only Special Ops troops staying but still involves being in Afghanistan for years. For most of these like Nagl or Petreaus or Gates--it is more like having a position and refusing to back down. How often have you heard someone say, (us included) "I made a mistake or changed my mind." One in ten million.
The smartest "talking head" I heard was this female, she laid out exactly what the real scene is: not the things that are so obvious: corruption, billions of dollars, drugs, tribe loyalty, the Taliban--simple fact, if we make it out of Afghanistan with the withdrawal of 33,000, still, our footprint in Afghanistan is going to be gigantic for years to come.
Another program was called "Talk of The Nation" and Afghan vets were asked to call in and give their views. About six or eight called in. Not a one supported staying in Afghanistan with basically no faith in the Afghans' ability to take over from us. Plus, a couple of Vietnam vets called In and both related Afghanistan and the futility of it to Vietnam and our sacrifices meaning nothing. I basically see it that way.
In all of this, I never hear a single advocate of returning to the military draft or anything that would move us to some kind of shared sacrifice for all Americans. It ain't never going to happen. As long as we have a volunteer force that can do the job with all the inherent problems to come, if we ever get out of these two sorry wars, we will muddle along. The volunteer force is a moral issue all it's own. By in large, poor kids or at least those with few options are fighting America's wars. Pretty sad. I only know personally about a half dozen kids who are presently in the military. Every single one of them are youngsters on the margins, mostly from homes that are terribly dysfunctional or kids who have no real options other than joining up. Amd, they are good soldiers: that is not an issue. The moral failure to me is simply that most Americans are willing to let other people's kids fight our wars.
And, unfortunately, Afghanistan is not going to be a political issue. The vast majority of Americans have "no skin" in the game and as long as the wars are not affecting them personally, not on the radar screen.
But, to me, it is a major issue because unlike politicians, I feel it is Vietnam revisited. For instance, the other night after the president's announcement, some Republican type, Rogers, I think was his name, was talking about withdrawal and how bad it was, sending a signal of being soft, etc. Very hawkish. Lindsay Graham, John McCain trying to outhawk the president who has been led down the primrose pass with ideas like, "get the job done", winning, support the troops". And, so now you have the president and generals' and the "talking heads" all painting this rosy picture of Afghanistan, "Can't give up the great progress" they say, when in fact, those of us who are out here listening to the news, reading the books, trying to find credible evidence cannot find one single thing about Afghanistan that offers any hope if we stay there a hundred years.
Where does this rosy view come from? I've thought for some time that the generals live in some parrellel universe. What they see is not what I see. Afghanistan is a country where loyalty to a village, a clan, a tribe with no sense of a central government, is simply a fact. Even if they had a president who wasn't corrupt, it wouldn't be happening. We've implemented a war philosophy of counter insurgency which is short hand for "nation building." Now, here's one thing you have to give the president, in his speech the other night he said something like "it is time for nation building in our own country."
This is a statement that really got me, "President Obama on Thursday told U.S. troops who have fought in Afghanistan that the U.S. has turned a corner after nearly 10 years of war, and it's time for their comrades still in that country to start coming home."
WHAT CORNER IS HE TALKING ABOUT? Reminds me a bit of Westmoreland telling President Johnson during the Vietnam war, "send me more troops and we'll be home for Christmas." What we didn't nail down was what Christmas. As it turned out, the Christmas was five or 6 years later.
In the last few days or so, I've listened to three NPR programs which have more or less had to do with troop reduction and politics; one of the programs were three civilians. One of them was this guy John Nagl, retired LTC, smart guy as I've heard him before and has some good ideas like conventional troops out and only Special Ops troops staying but still involves being in Afghanistan for years. For most of these like Nagl or Petreaus or Gates--it is more like having a position and refusing to back down. How often have you heard someone say, (us included) "I made a mistake or changed my mind." One in ten million.
The smartest "talking head" I heard was this female, she laid out exactly what the real scene is: not the things that are so obvious: corruption, billions of dollars, drugs, tribe loyalty, the Taliban--simple fact, if we make it out of Afghanistan with the withdrawal of 33,000, still, our footprint in Afghanistan is going to be gigantic for years to come.
Another program was called "Talk of The Nation" and Afghan vets were asked to call in and give their views. About six or eight called in. Not a one supported staying in Afghanistan with basically no faith in the Afghans' ability to take over from us. Plus, a couple of Vietnam vets called In and both related Afghanistan and the futility of it to Vietnam and our sacrifices meaning nothing. I basically see it that way.
In all of this, I never hear a single advocate of returning to the military draft or anything that would move us to some kind of shared sacrifice for all Americans. It ain't never going to happen. As long as we have a volunteer force that can do the job with all the inherent problems to come, if we ever get out of these two sorry wars, we will muddle along. The volunteer force is a moral issue all it's own. By in large, poor kids or at least those with few options are fighting America's wars. Pretty sad. I only know personally about a half dozen kids who are presently in the military. Every single one of them are youngsters on the margins, mostly from homes that are terribly dysfunctional or kids who have no real options other than joining up. Amd, they are good soldiers: that is not an issue. The moral failure to me is simply that most Americans are willing to let other people's kids fight our wars.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Celebrity Politics
Politics is, by its nature, corrupting. Our system, in my view, is so weird if you think about it. We elect someone, then the media, with their help, of course, makes them celebrities and then they get use to the perks and spend most of their time going for reelection. The celeb politicians talk about the "American people" as some sort of mantra when there is no "American people" rather the "American people who care." Not even 50% of Americans bother to vote. But, all of this is our fault. We keep electing the same ones. At least in CA, we have a form of term limits and now a separate commission drawing the voting districts. Is it any better. I don't know but I think so as the politicians keep trying to do away with our ballot initiatives but we keep resisting.
I would prefer talking about women but fear someone would get out tweets and it would be a problem. Just kidding, only happens to celebrity politicians who get caught. Here is the most clever one of those politicians I've read about. This new congressman, Aaron Schock, who posed for "Men's Health Magazine"--pose is open shirt, showing his wash board belly. (in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a big fan of the "mag"; in addition to being for a young 30s audience and plenty of almost nude females, us old guys get some good health tips); however, here is the congressman's schtick, "If you want to talk about healthy lifestyles and staying in shape, you should do your best to be an example to people." Who can argue with that? It is like saying the "will of God." And, this guy is obviously now a celeb. Got to love our system.
I would prefer talking about women but fear someone would get out tweets and it would be a problem. Just kidding, only happens to celebrity politicians who get caught. Here is the most clever one of those politicians I've read about. This new congressman, Aaron Schock, who posed for "Men's Health Magazine"--pose is open shirt, showing his wash board belly. (in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a big fan of the "mag"; in addition to being for a young 30s audience and plenty of almost nude females, us old guys get some good health tips); however, here is the congressman's schtick, "If you want to talk about healthy lifestyles and staying in shape, you should do your best to be an example to people." Who can argue with that? It is like saying the "will of God." And, this guy is obviously now a celeb. Got to love our system.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
THE PREZ CAVED
The President apparently caved to the SecDef and other military types when he didn't name Marine General James Cartwright to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He wanted him from all reports, so why not? Basically, I don't give a rat's ass who is chosen. It is mostly politics anyway. The fact that Cartwright butted heads with Mullen and Gates would make him all that much more attractive I would think. Gates and Mullen like so much of the military want "Group Think." From what little I read, Cartwright disagreed with them over Afghanistan policy. DUD!! Who the f..k with any brains would not. The Marines sure as shit don't want to be sitting arumd BSing with some lame ass tribal type who is thinking of switching side or, figuring out where the money is. Probably Cartwright and his Marines wanted to be killing the MFers, that's what you do at war.
That alone should make him more attractive. I really don't know what it is. Does the president see all that "lettuce" on their chests and get intimidated. The President hasn't been in the military but he is the commander-in-chief. He ought to be able to have who he wants. He's the president for God's sake. Gates is from Texas A&M and has looked reasonably good during his tenure because his predecessor was so bad in my view and McMullen is in the Navy. Nough Said.
That alone should make him more attractive. I really don't know what it is. Does the president see all that "lettuce" on their chests and get intimidated. The President hasn't been in the military but he is the commander-in-chief. He ought to be able to have who he wants. He's the president for God's sake. Gates is from Texas A&M and has looked reasonably good during his tenure because his predecessor was so bad in my view and McMullen is in the Navy. Nough Said.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sixty Minutes tonight featured this young troop from Afghanistan who won the Medal of Honor, the first living recipient since the Vietnam war. Such a humble kid, well beyond his years of 26. He came in at 19 from Iowa where he was working in a SubWay.
He gave all the credit to others. Interviewed by Laura Logan, the reporter that was sexually assaulted in Egypt--She was really good I thought. They devoted most of the show to him with a short episode on another part of Afghanistan. To think we are sacrificing youngstes like this in a useless war is really hurtful on this Memorial Day. God bless our soldiers who are doing their jobs.
He gave all the credit to others. Interviewed by Laura Logan, the reporter that was sexually assaulted in Egypt--She was really good I thought. They devoted most of the show to him with a short episode on another part of Afghanistan. To think we are sacrificing youngstes like this in a useless war is really hurtful on this Memorial Day. God bless our soldiers who are doing their jobs.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
WAR STORY--Brushing my teeth!!!!
I was a big nut about brushing my teeth and shaving. To me, it was more than hygiene. Plus, the Captain required it. He said it showed we had pride in ourselves and our Unit. And, I'll have to say that he led by example. This one morning we were I'n this big grove of trees, kind of peaceful. I walked over and scooped a steel pot full of water out of one of the bomb craters, which were pretty numerous. I dropped a couple of water purification tabs in. The water gave a kind of silky, putrified look. The taste was nauseatingly iodine but a little "sweet," I thoughr. You get use to it. Being raised in foster homes and an orphanage, I could adapt to anything and did. War was a "piece of cake." I proceeded to brush my teeth first and then I'd save part of the water for shaving although this was a nice little well of water and so there was plenty. In the distance, walking by the men and chatting was our first sergeant. He was a giant of a man, over six feet tall and a vet of over three years in the Nam. He wasn't always in the field but sometimes stayed in the rear doing paperwork. His trademark was a gigantic chew of tobacco stuffed in his jaw and spitting these gigantic globs of tobacco juice everywhere. He claimed that he could spit on a streetlight if we had one. This boast was usually followed by a big belly laugh and a demonstration of his spitting prowess. Our Captain was always saying, "Top, if the VC wanted to know where we are, all they got to do is follow your "bacca" juice. The Captain always emphasized "Bacca" because he said that is the way they say it in Kentucky. We had tremendous respect for "Top" and nobody messed with him. His presense could be noted with a trail of tobacco juice/spit.
I was brushing away when he got to me. Chan, he said, as he spat a big glob of chewing tobacco spit into the water in my steel pot. "Damn Top, why did you do that?" With those comments, he cleared his throat again, let go with the entire chew right into my well. If I hadn't had so much respect for him, I would have wanted to kill him. He must have seen the look on my face as he motioned me over. I didn't want to get too close as I might be temped to throw him in. I walked over and he took me by the arm and forced me to look down into the bottom of the crater. I almost threw up. At the bottom were two decomposing bodies of enemy soldiers. How in the world had I missed it. I'll never forget that morning of brushing my teeth.
I was brushing away when he got to me. Chan, he said, as he spat a big glob of chewing tobacco spit into the water in my steel pot. "Damn Top, why did you do that?" With those comments, he cleared his throat again, let go with the entire chew right into my well. If I hadn't had so much respect for him, I would have wanted to kill him. He must have seen the look on my face as he motioned me over. I didn't want to get too close as I might be temped to throw him in. I walked over and he took me by the arm and forced me to look down into the bottom of the crater. I almost threw up. At the bottom were two decomposing bodies of enemy soldiers. How in the world had I missed it. I'll never forget that morning of brushing my teeth.
Friday, May 20, 2011
DIALOG ON COMMO ISSUES
Claude, Clyde and Jerry,
Great stuff. I have been contacting some of our chaplains who have deployed in present conflicts to invite them to our next reintegration event to be held this Sep in Colorado. We have some hurting guys and gals and this event has reached over 50 couples so far. This year we are adding a day of equine therapy that will hopefully provide additional assistance.
On the communications issue. I just did premarital counseling with a recently returned Special Forces soldier. In our conversation, I mentioned the much easier communications link to the home front. He said for some soldiers it is a real issue on not being fully engaged in their war responsibilities. I have seen this trend since I was in HI in the early 80's and our chaplain on Johnston Atoll was able to call his wife living on Oahu daily. It took him 6 months to become fully engaged in his chaplain responsibilities on JI. I have notice the cell phone to the ear issue with the summer camp counselors when I spent a week at Camp Pecometh last summer. As director, I would never tolerate that.
Peace,
Claude, thanks back for the tip. I will download Self's book. I think there's going to be a great deal of comparison with Vietnam and our present wars. For one thing, it is hard to imagine the social media, not to mention the basic commo that exists now as opposed to what we had: now, they are fighting, then emailing the wife, becoming involved in the domesticity of family life of raising children, etc.; and, then back to the war.
Plus, another phenomena of those fighting our two present wars is that because they are so aware of things like PTSD, they don't mess around, thet are right on it whereas for Vietvets, it was a good ten years in the PTSD issues and fighting for them. I have never filed a claim but I think most should and the present crop of soldiers will be doing it ASAP.
Great stuff. I have been contacting some of our chaplains who have deployed in present conflicts to invite them to our next reintegration event to be held this Sep in Colorado. We have some hurting guys and gals and this event has reached over 50 couples so far. This year we are adding a day of equine therapy that will hopefully provide additional assistance.
On the communications issue. I just did premarital counseling with a recently returned Special Forces soldier. In our conversation, I mentioned the much easier communications link to the home front. He said for some soldiers it is a real issue on not being fully engaged in their war responsibilities. I have seen this trend since I was in HI in the early 80's and our chaplain on Johnston Atoll was able to call his wife living on Oahu daily. It took him 6 months to become fully engaged in his chaplain responsibilities on JI. I have notice the cell phone to the ear issue with the summer camp counselors when I spent a week at Camp Pecometh last summer. As director, I would never tolerate that.
Peace,
Claude, thanks back for the tip. I will download Self's book. I think there's going to be a great deal of comparison with Vietnam and our present wars. For one thing, it is hard to imagine the social media, not to mention the basic commo that exists now as opposed to what we had: now, they are fighting, then emailing the wife, becoming involved in the domesticity of family life of raising children, etc.; and, then back to the war.
Plus, another phenomena of those fighting our two present wars is that because they are so aware of things like PTSD, they don't mess around, thet are right on it whereas for Vietvets, it was a good ten years in the PTSD issues and fighting for them. I have never filed a claim but I think most should and the present crop of soldiers will be doing it ASAP.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
COMMENTS ON ARNIE
Be interesting to know if it was a weak moment slap & tickle or an extended affair. I am sure, their will be books, talk show circuts and movie deals to come.
What males this different, I think, he is a rapist and from what we read, often has nothing to do with sex but power, sickness, etc. The French will come around I think.
If ARNIE had any sense which he doesn't I don't think, he'd take a page out of the movie, "Get Low", starring Robert Duvall. Duvall plays Felix Bush, a backwoods Tennessee loner who plans his own funeral. It really isn't so much about his funeral as is the gathering of the the people so he can confess to a great error in judgement forty years ago. In his confession, he asked for forgiveness and redemption. It is a powerful movie mainly as it conveys the great depth to which guilt can take us. Pay attention, ARNIE, these are "pearls."
What males this different, I think, he is a rapist and from what we read, often has nothing to do with sex but power, sickness, etc. The French will come around I think.
If ARNIE had any sense which he doesn't I don't think, he'd take a page out of the movie, "Get Low", starring Robert Duvall. Duvall plays Felix Bush, a backwoods Tennessee loner who plans his own funeral. It really isn't so much about his funeral as is the gathering of the the people so he can confess to a great error in judgement forty years ago. In his confession, he asked for forgiveness and redemption. It is a powerful movie mainly as it conveys the great depth to which guilt can take us. Pay attention, ARNIE, these are "pearls."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I agree with you. Very gutsy call on the part of the President. Especially the going into Pakistan without telling the Pakistanis part. I liked that part of it best. Well, I liked the getting Osama part best, but next best was the Pakistani thing.
Regards celebrating Osama's death. I had it explained to me and now I get it even though it's not in my nature. I listened to a young woman on NPR the other day (and I guess the majority of those who were publicly celebrating were young people). She celebrated. She said she was 10 when 9/11 happened (she's 20 now). She said it terrified her and that she it just seized her and came to dominate her life for a while. She's still afraid of flying I think I heard her say. And it came to me Brother, for kids that age 9/11 was their boogeyman. When I was that age (8-12 I guess) I was terrified of two things; one was that the Soviet Union was going to nuc us and that I'd end up a nuclear mutant and the other was polio. Many nights I laid awake for hours worrying about one or the other. Thank God Jonas Salk took care of polio, but the Soviet threat persisted for many years. So, now I can see why people of her age would celebrate bin Laden's death with wild abandon. To some extent they're free of the boogeyman.
WR, Col., USA, RET.
Regards celebrating Osama's death. I had it explained to me and now I get it even though it's not in my nature. I listened to a young woman on NPR the other day (and I guess the majority of those who were publicly celebrating were young people). She celebrated. She said she was 10 when 9/11 happened (she's 20 now). She said it terrified her and that she it just seized her and came to dominate her life for a while. She's still afraid of flying I think I heard her say. And it came to me Brother, for kids that age 9/11 was their boogeyman. When I was that age (8-12 I guess) I was terrified of two things; one was that the Soviet Union was going to nuc us and that I'd end up a nuclear mutant and the other was polio. Many nights I laid awake for hours worrying about one or the other. Thank God Jonas Salk took care of polio, but the Soviet threat persisted for many years. So, now I can see why people of her age would celebrate bin Laden's death with wild abandon. To some extent they're free of the boogeyman.
WR, Col., USA, RET.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Beast in the Heart of Every Fighting Man
The article, "Beast In the Heart of Every Soldier," is one of the most disturbing I've read about the war in Afghanistan. While we are beating our chests about killing Bin Laden, we are losing the very souls of many of our young soldiers in Afghanistan. While the idea of The Beast Within is good psychobabble, passing off the killing of innocent civilians, to rogue soldiers is equally an easy way out. We may not have “collective guilt” but it does not mean we shouldn't. Every American bears
responsibilitywhen our soldiers lose their way. We've put them at war and bought into a theory that is impossible for young, emotionally unsophisticated Americans to implement. Unconventional warfare is "pie in the sky." To be successful, unconventional warfare would take ten more years and only older, more experienced soldiers in the best environment could make it work. And, the generals know this but keep leading us along a path they know is impossible. And, if the article, Beast in the Heart of every soldier doesn’t convinced thoughtful Americans that “supporting the troops” is more than slapping a bumper sticker on your car. It is demanding that we exit a war without end.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
EGOMANIAC
Donald Trump is, by any sane person's definition, an egomaniac. The very idea that anybody would give someone with his hair, the time of day, much less, credibility is "over the moon" to me. He absolutely should be a joke to people. And yet, according to the media who is totally at fault for creating someone like Trump, he and his hair are near the top in polls for the Republicans.
And, he has done it based on trumpeting a fuss about a non issue, the President's birth place, settled long ago. What it proves to me is something I get and don't know why others are so f..king dense about it: the media can't figure out s..t: they are never interested in the truth, only a story. Why in the f..k can't we get that!! To them Trump is a story where you he is s "f..king" joke. And, it irritates the hell out of me to watch some of these "talking heads" (I'm thinking one from the Washington Post on the PBS Newshour the other night) talk about Trump as though he were important. They never say, "think about it, an idiot, egomaniac Donald Trump with the worst hair on the planet proclaims himself the Republican frontrunner. How stupid!
I sound like I think he's important. I only mention the asshole so I can graphically frame what I really think.
And, I might add there will be those in the country who will believe a fraud like Trump, his idea of how he has forced an issue of the President's birth or now how he is onto, "should the President have been allowed to go to prestigious schools". For Trump, any disparaging issue in a storm and there will be those who believe his bullshit because they want to believe.
Reminds me of a good war story. When I was young and stationed with the military in Germany in the old days, I got a frantic called from a commander who said a rape had occurred between a soldier's wife and a soldier other than the husband. It was a missle unit and fairly isolated. The young soldier's wife lived on the economy (a little German village) as we called it. I immediately went to the site and questioned the wife. The conversation went something like this, "Mrs. Phillips (not the real name), I am so sorry. What happened?"
"Well, our friend came over while my husband was working. We had some wine and began dancing and then we had sex."
"What! You mean you agreed and there was no rape?"
"Of course not. I told my husband what happened."
I went to the husband and said, Phillips, it was not rape but consensual." He would not believe me. "No, it was rape, I don't care what anybody says." SO, THERE YOU HAVE IT. "Don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." These Americans (who can believe anything they want) will believe Donald Trump and his hair because they like being stupid.
And, he has done it based on trumpeting a fuss about a non issue, the President's birth place, settled long ago. What it proves to me is something I get and don't know why others are so f..king dense about it: the media can't figure out s..t: they are never interested in the truth, only a story. Why in the f..k can't we get that!! To them Trump is a story where you he is s "f..king" joke. And, it irritates the hell out of me to watch some of these "talking heads" (I'm thinking one from the Washington Post on the PBS Newshour the other night) talk about Trump as though he were important. They never say, "think about it, an idiot, egomaniac Donald Trump with the worst hair on the planet proclaims himself the Republican frontrunner. How stupid!
I sound like I think he's important. I only mention the asshole so I can graphically frame what I really think.
And, I might add there will be those in the country who will believe a fraud like Trump, his idea of how he has forced an issue of the President's birth or now how he is onto, "should the President have been allowed to go to prestigious schools". For Trump, any disparaging issue in a storm and there will be those who believe his bullshit because they want to believe.
Reminds me of a good war story. When I was young and stationed with the military in Germany in the old days, I got a frantic called from a commander who said a rape had occurred between a soldier's wife and a soldier other than the husband. It was a missle unit and fairly isolated. The young soldier's wife lived on the economy (a little German village) as we called it. I immediately went to the site and questioned the wife. The conversation went something like this, "Mrs. Phillips (not the real name), I am so sorry. What happened?"
"Well, our friend came over while my husband was working. We had some wine and began dancing and then we had sex."
"What! You mean you agreed and there was no rape?"
"Of course not. I told my husband what happened."
I went to the husband and said, Phillips, it was not rape but consensual." He would not believe me. "No, it was rape, I don't care what anybody says." SO, THERE YOU HAVE IT. "Don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up." These Americans (who can believe anything they want) will believe Donald Trump and his hair because they like being stupid.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
BAY OF PIGS
Bay of Pigs
I read that a couple of days ago was the fiftieth anniversary of the Bay of Pigs. It brought to mine, Rodrigues. He was a Cuban captured in the Bay of Pigs. He was with us at Leavenworth (Command and General Staff College) and quite the character and lived just down from us. I can still see him in my mind’s eye, sitting at our kitchen table and me printing out the key things in my notes. He would pretend he could understand the instructors but didn’t get a word they said. And, depending on me for his notes was even funnier. I got about a fraction of anything. I was uninterested and bored. It is now funny. My wife used to get so mad. She had things to do and there sat Rod and me printing out my notes. Guess you had to be there.
I think he was imprisoned too after the Bay of Pigs. I know he was wounded. I remember the pain—the emotional pain—you could literally feel it when he talked about being abandoned by the US, waiting on the beach for air cover that never came.
Sometimes when I think of the military involvement of our country, to include our present two wars, plus Libya—just don’t know what to say. I doubt we have ever cleanly escaped any of our misadventures, based on one’s perspective.
*****
FROM MY BUDDY, Retired and the absolute best military officer/leader I’ve ever known. His comments, slightly edited and used without permission.
I do remember Rodrigues. And you’re right, he didn’t have a clue often at what was being said. And that is funny that he depended on “you” for passing along information. I do remember that you weren’t terribly impressed with the experience. But, you and he got through the course and that’s what counted. Did you ever hear from him after we left Leavenworth?
I did know that the fiftieth anniversary of the Bay of Pigs passed recently. And my thoughts sort of paralleled yours. We have abandoned our “friends” more than once. Sometimes I wonder why people even expect that we will help them out at all, or if we do help initially why they would expect us to stay the course. On the other hand, we hung in there in Europe during the cold war and we’re still there. We hung in in Korea for sure. And we’re still in Kosovo, we still have UN peacekeepers in the Sinai, or somewhere, and for crying out loud we’re still in Iraq trying against all odds to put that place back together. So, I guess we aren’t totally unreliable. Hard to know what’s the right thing to do in Libya. I still think the President is on the right course. I think in international politics you can afford to lead from the rear sometimes.
I read that a couple of days ago was the fiftieth anniversary of the Bay of Pigs. It brought to mine, Rodrigues. He was a Cuban captured in the Bay of Pigs. He was with us at Leavenworth (Command and General Staff College) and quite the character and lived just down from us. I can still see him in my mind’s eye, sitting at our kitchen table and me printing out the key things in my notes. He would pretend he could understand the instructors but didn’t get a word they said. And, depending on me for his notes was even funnier. I got about a fraction of anything. I was uninterested and bored. It is now funny. My wife used to get so mad. She had things to do and there sat Rod and me printing out my notes. Guess you had to be there.
I think he was imprisoned too after the Bay of Pigs. I know he was wounded. I remember the pain—the emotional pain—you could literally feel it when he talked about being abandoned by the US, waiting on the beach for air cover that never came.
Sometimes when I think of the military involvement of our country, to include our present two wars, plus Libya—just don’t know what to say. I doubt we have ever cleanly escaped any of our misadventures, based on one’s perspective.
*****
FROM MY BUDDY, Retired and the absolute best military officer/leader I’ve ever known. His comments, slightly edited and used without permission.
I do remember Rodrigues. And you’re right, he didn’t have a clue often at what was being said. And that is funny that he depended on “you” for passing along information. I do remember that you weren’t terribly impressed with the experience. But, you and he got through the course and that’s what counted. Did you ever hear from him after we left Leavenworth?
I did know that the fiftieth anniversary of the Bay of Pigs passed recently. And my thoughts sort of paralleled yours. We have abandoned our “friends” more than once. Sometimes I wonder why people even expect that we will help them out at all, or if we do help initially why they would expect us to stay the course. On the other hand, we hung in there in Europe during the cold war and we’re still there. We hung in in Korea for sure. And we’re still in Kosovo, we still have UN peacekeepers in the Sinai, or somewhere, and for crying out loud we’re still in Iraq trying against all odds to put that place back together. So, I guess we aren’t totally unreliable. Hard to know what’s the right thing to do in Libya. I still think the President is on the right course. I think in international politics you can afford to lead from the rear sometimes.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
THE FINANCIAL MESS
Listening to the debate about our debt crisis, any idiot would have to say we have to do something. The problem is that the debate is more smoke and mirrors than anything. I don't care what sort of spin is put on it, the Republicans come across as a f..king herd of zealots. And, I don't give a shit about party. I usually am in the Democrat corner as the Republicans are so f..king mean spirited. It is zap medicaid, for instance, no help with heating oil for the poor. The Democrats want to raise taxes on the well off, those who have benefitted from being in this great country only makes sense. The top two percent of the country, the wealthiest ought to be willing to step up to the plate and help out. It is hard to speak rationally without sounding partisan, a word that I dislike almost as much as hearing politicians say, "American people." 35-40 percent of Americans don't give a shit one way or another. They get up in the morning, go to work, come home, watch Fox News, cuss the politicians, wish for America the way it use to be. They're not watching PBS, they're surviving. It doesn't mean, however, that they are less important. Traditionally the Democrats in modern times have looked after these Americans with welfare, some relative means of health care, and more often than not, they are the cultural minorities: uneducated, emigrants, addicts, you name it.
Who is going to look after these people. It sure as f..k ain't going to be the mean spirited Republicans if history is any indicator. I heard a program on NPR the other night about some program in Florida that rescues endangered children from doped up parent addicts. One 15 year old was looking after his two siblings by scrounging food from trash cans. Who is going to rescue these kids if we don't; not the anger, Mitch McConnell. I can tell you where to cut: how about two wars, tax corporations that are making millions and paying no taxes. How about these defense contractor exorbitant overruns or projects that we ought to scrap anyway.
Who is going to look after these people. It sure as f..k ain't going to be the mean spirited Republicans if history is any indicator. I heard a program on NPR the other night about some program in Florida that rescues endangered children from doped up parent addicts. One 15 year old was looking after his two siblings by scrounging food from trash cans. Who is going to rescue these kids if we don't; not the anger, Mitch McConnell. I can tell you where to cut: how about two wars, tax corporations that are making millions and paying no taxes. How about these defense contractor exorbitant overruns or projects that we ought to scrap anyway.
HOW ABOUT THE LOOKING GLASS
Sometime ago, on the TV show, Sixty Minutes, Julian Assange surely didn't come across as some egomaniac national security threat as he's been portrayed. He came across as a fervent evangelical for transparency (overused concept, how about just honest) in government. And, will have to say this, his interviewer, Steve Croft didn't throw him any softballs either. I'm no Julian Assange trumpeter but I am for telling it like it is. Let's establish blame here. In my way of thinking, it is hard to say. But, the government has to come in for a good hit. Bradley Manning ,the young soldier that did the leaking, supposedly, surely, but give me a break, a lower ranking enlisted soldier with the capacity to have assess to all this classified material. Come on, the government types who are in charge of secrets have got to be better than that. Manning, who knows computers, etc., probably but come on, he's a midget in the system for God's sake. In some ways, anybody who has been associated with the military knows that it is almost the nature of the beast for lower ranking enlisted types to get to hating the Army (Navy, Marines) or at least the decisions they've made. This is all speculation, but you get some kid without much direction but very computer savvy joins the military. Some recruiter has talked him into it, sounds good, gets a bonus. A couple of years down the road, he's looking at four or five more years in the military. He's bored, has a computer job, maybe a less than aware boss in turns of authority. Who knows! He decides to play some games, get back at the military for probably some inexplicable reason. Who knows but for him to even have assess to some of this material is unfathonable to me.
So, now what. The government, military needs to suck it up. We f...ed up. Eric Holder who seems less than the brightest bulb in the lot, needs to quit threatening. Fall on your sword. Remedy the problem so this can't happen again and get a grip on really what is classified. I often wonder what in the hell happens to people. I guess it is a "group think." The government slaps a "classified" label on things that don't need it and they throw around terms like national security when it is bullshit. Any of us who have spent any time around the government or the military get it quickly.
Do I think that the military in particular will learn any lessons. Hell no. Instead of falling on their sword, saying we f...ed up, they be hollering national security, court martialing Manning, overall putting their brains in formaldehyde. Think Pat Tillman, Abu Grabib, all kinds of other "who is watching the store" mentality.
I've talked to lots of my buddies of all different persuasions--to a person, they came away from the Sixty Minutes segment on the Assange interview with a favorable impression of someone who might be basically embracing old time American ideals which we may have ourselves let slip.
So, what's going to happen? Well, it's going on for years. The government probably should negotiate with Assange if there really are some honest to goodness national security issues which I doubt or especially if naming names will put someone's life in jeopardy. Manning. Give him an Article Fifteen, which is a slap on the wrist and discharge him with a general discharge under less than honorable conditions. Will that make any difference. Only that somebody in the military had used good common sense and when Manning writes his book, the military will look better.
This sounds like a big-time putdown of the military in particular. Not so as I see it. The military overall is more fair than most gigantic organizations and are not victims of the whims of money (it is taxpayer money anyway). Unfortunately, as I see it, not enough real thinkers get to the decision making point who can say, we f...ed up and I'm sorry. But, overall, if we could, we'd be better off in the long run if we could learn this lesson. MY OPINION.
So, now what. The government, military needs to suck it up. We f...ed up. Eric Holder who seems less than the brightest bulb in the lot, needs to quit threatening. Fall on your sword. Remedy the problem so this can't happen again and get a grip on really what is classified. I often wonder what in the hell happens to people. I guess it is a "group think." The government slaps a "classified" label on things that don't need it and they throw around terms like national security when it is bullshit. Any of us who have spent any time around the government or the military get it quickly.
Do I think that the military in particular will learn any lessons. Hell no. Instead of falling on their sword, saying we f...ed up, they be hollering national security, court martialing Manning, overall putting their brains in formaldehyde. Think Pat Tillman, Abu Grabib, all kinds of other "who is watching the store" mentality.
I've talked to lots of my buddies of all different persuasions--to a person, they came away from the Sixty Minutes segment on the Assange interview with a favorable impression of someone who might be basically embracing old time American ideals which we may have ourselves let slip.
So, what's going to happen? Well, it's going on for years. The government probably should negotiate with Assange if there really are some honest to goodness national security issues which I doubt or especially if naming names will put someone's life in jeopardy. Manning. Give him an Article Fifteen, which is a slap on the wrist and discharge him with a general discharge under less than honorable conditions. Will that make any difference. Only that somebody in the military had used good common sense and when Manning writes his book, the military will look better.
This sounds like a big-time putdown of the military in particular. Not so as I see it. The military overall is more fair than most gigantic organizations and are not victims of the whims of money (it is taxpayer money anyway). Unfortunately, as I see it, not enough real thinkers get to the decision making point who can say, we f...ed up and I'm sorry. But, overall, if we could, we'd be better off in the long run if we could learn this lesson. MY OPINION.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
THE "NO" REPUBLICANS ARE BACK
NPR (National Public Radio) is under fire again by the "right wing" Republican, non thinking recalcitrant neanderthals. And, I am being kind. I've listen to the debate off and on all week, mainly when I've been in my car and guess what it was on, NPR. I've only come to NPR in the last few years mainly as I had to travel lots and I would find myself listening to the radio. I found the programs on NPR stimulating, a great variety and completely objective. I'n fact, if I had any complaint about NPR, it is that they bend over backwards to present all sides. I hate that: those who stick their fingers In the air to see which way the wind blows. If I wanted that bullshit, I'd listen to Fox News.
I really don't know what the issue is. Maybe it is that government shouldn't be involved iyn something like NPR. My suspicion, however, is that Republican objection is merely something disguised and a chance for the right wing to finally get one of their favorite targets.
And, the CEO of NPR just resigned based on another executive putting the bad mouth on the Teaparty. The NPR f..ker should get a medal. To me, that's pretty funny. I don't know much about the Teaparty but they've come to prominence by electing congress types who are to the right if Ghengis Kong. To me, it is a real mystery who these people are who are after NPR and who seem not to have a brain.
I recently heard on NPR as part of the debate on who listens to them: Upper middle class, college educated, mostly white, have a liberal tint. What the hell is this? Nobody ever surveys me. I hate labels anyway. Liberal, conservative, right wing, left coast, teaparty. What in the hell does all that mean? I am a Democrat but it doesn't mean I park my brain somewhere and don't try ro see what is right or the real truth and have some measure of objectivity.
Maybe NPR needs to get out from under having to deal with this B...S..t I pledge evey year to my local station. I would up my pledge as NPR is a valuable resource to me. And, then they could day to these a..holes, go f..k yourself. The only problem I have with that is giving these sorry ass MFers the satisfaction of think they have won something. Then they would get up and proclaim victory for the American people. If I hear "American people" one more time, I'm going to throw up. Come on! Most of the "American people" don't give s..t.
I really don't know what the issue is. Maybe it is that government shouldn't be involved iyn something like NPR. My suspicion, however, is that Republican objection is merely something disguised and a chance for the right wing to finally get one of their favorite targets.
And, the CEO of NPR just resigned based on another executive putting the bad mouth on the Teaparty. The NPR f..ker should get a medal. To me, that's pretty funny. I don't know much about the Teaparty but they've come to prominence by electing congress types who are to the right if Ghengis Kong. To me, it is a real mystery who these people are who are after NPR and who seem not to have a brain.
I recently heard on NPR as part of the debate on who listens to them: Upper middle class, college educated, mostly white, have a liberal tint. What the hell is this? Nobody ever surveys me. I hate labels anyway. Liberal, conservative, right wing, left coast, teaparty. What in the hell does all that mean? I am a Democrat but it doesn't mean I park my brain somewhere and don't try ro see what is right or the real truth and have some measure of objectivity.
Maybe NPR needs to get out from under having to deal with this B...S..t I pledge evey year to my local station. I would up my pledge as NPR is a valuable resource to me. And, then they could day to these a..holes, go f..k yourself. The only problem I have with that is giving these sorry ass MFers the satisfaction of think they have won something. Then they would get up and proclaim victory for the American people. If I hear "American people" one more time, I'm going to throw up. Come on! Most of the "American people" don't give s..t.
WHAT THE HELL DID I EXPECT??????
When I advocated taking Qaddafi out, my thinking was, now or later but ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) that I am, it was only later that I suddenly remembered my thoughts when we invaded Iraq. The same: It is now or later. At that time, I opted for NOW. Big mistake. 8 years later and counting, we are still in Iraq and I am still suspicious that we'll get out clean. And, for most of the residents, they'd like to have Saddam back. Sure as hell, they'd have more electricity in Baghdad. And, if we are going to get anything out of our foray, costing precious young lives, I don't know what the f..k it is. We are not even getting a cut on cheap oil. I've fretted about Iraq, from the moment we went in--and the literature backs it up: it is as though we could screw up a two car funeral parade. I have envisioned guys like Rumsfelt, Wolfawizw(sp), and then Fieth, the one that General Tommy Franks called the "dumbest man in America," sitting around and saying, "how can we f..k this up."
We were not long into Iraq until I regretted my view. And, when we started bombing Libya, suddenly I felt the same way. Not so much, here we go again as it was "heavy heart" time. Three wars. Damn! And, although I was glad to see France and Britain take the lead, it didn't seem like very long when all of a sudden, it was us. I don't know the ends and outs of the strategy, the plan as most Americans don't but we can't let this drag on. And, based on history, this could embroil us. Here's my plan. Take a few more days to destroy tanks and anything related. We hope something is already happening to arm the rebels. Then, announce that we've accomplished the mission and depart with maybe an occasional flyover just to let Qaddafi know we're around but leave it to what happens happens!!!!
We were not long into Iraq until I regretted my view. And, when we started bombing Libya, suddenly I felt the same way. Not so much, here we go again as it was "heavy heart" time. Three wars. Damn! And, although I was glad to see France and Britain take the lead, it didn't seem like very long when all of a sudden, it was us. I don't know the ends and outs of the strategy, the plan as most Americans don't but we can't let this drag on. And, based on history, this could embroil us. Here's my plan. Take a few more days to destroy tanks and anything related. We hope something is already happening to arm the rebels. Then, announce that we've accomplished the mission and depart with maybe an occasional flyover just to let Qaddafi know we're around but leave it to what happens happens!!!!
THE FAT LADY HAS SUNG
Recently, a buddy of mine and myself were debating the Lybia dilemma. I had expressed that I would go in and take Qaddafi out. He didn't disagree but expressed the fact that Gates in particular was cautious. And, he allowed that it was probably both Iraq and Afghanistan that had made him so. Maybe for good reason: we're pored billions into Iraq and Afghanistan with virtually nothing to show for it. Our brave youngsters have done their best under unbelievable odds. However, Gates keeps talking about concentrating less on leaving and more on getting the job done. Say what! Everybody who thinks we'll get out of Afghanistan with any degree of rapidity, raise your hand. Gates, the generals and Mullen all say the same thing, "leaving is situation based." What the f..k does that mean? A land of corruption, a police force that is as loyal to the Taliban as the government, an intractable enemy who kills and intimidates at will, a drug culture that actually finances the enemy and lines the pockets of the President's brother or other cronies. Need I go on? Now, what about this overlay when the SecDef says, "finish the job."
The job can't be finished, plain and simple. What to do? I've advocated a liberal immigration policy, especially for women. Exit, whether the fat lady has sung or not.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
THE REST OF THE STORY
I love war stories. I mean, literal war stories. Those of us who are Vietnam vets especially love them, mainly because nobody ever wanted to listen to them. In fact, in one military assignment, Korea, since the vast majority of us were Vietnam vets, we had a little game we played. Anytime, there was a gathering, someone would invariably try to pass along a war story, "when I was in Vietnam...." they were stopped immediately and reminded of the rules: once a week, we had a special Vietnam vets party and each person got to tell three war stories. Funny, "yes," but real. And, as I've read and told my own war stories, there is kind of something that happens to them. They grow, they change, they get bigger. Here's an example: When I was in Vietnam, I remembered this guy, can't remember his name. But, OI do remember some unusual circumstances surrounding him. His claim to fame was that the killed the 5000 VC/NVA soldier for our battalion. He was something like a PFC and was immediately promoted to Staff Sergeant. Quite a fascinating story as I remember it. One of our Infantry Companies, A company, I, think, had swept through a village and cleared it. The soldier goes into a hut and sees some straw fall from the roof. He empties his M16 into the straw. Kills all five of the VC hiding there. So...
Now, the following is the real story.
Many have asked me how I came about the nickname of MadMonk. Well, as Paul Harvey would put it, “and here’s the rest of the story”.
The story actually begins back in 1967 at Ft. Campbell, KY. We were undergoing some rather intensive training in preparation of joining our 1st Brigade in the war in Vietnam. My unit was E Company-Recon, 1st Battalion of the 501st Infantry Airborne, 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.
Well...one day during this rather intensive training I mentioned (which was quite near the time we were to be deployed to Vietnam) it sort of came to me that, even as short as it was, my having very blond, almost platinum colored hair in a combat situation was most definitely not an ideal condition. So I lathered up my head and shaved it completely bald.
This didn’t seem to sit very well with my leadership at the time and I caught a bit of hell for it, however, it made perfect sense to me as it seemed that the best way to survive in any firefight was not to present any well defined target. I mean, if I were to somehow lose my headgear during a firefight what better target than this bright white globe popping up from cover to shoot at you? Right?
Now...after deployment to Vietnam I maintained this “close haircut” look for some time and during one of our very early missions somewhere in a dense jungle type area (damned if I know where) we ran across this old, old abandoned Buddhist pagoda where I happened to find this very old and very large (2" to 2 ½" diameter) bronze coin with a square hole in the center of it. I thought it to be a real unique find and I was so enamored with it that although it was badly tarnished I managed to scare up some leather thong and craft the coin into a necklace which I wore from then on.
Okay...So jumping ahead in the story, there this grunt in one of the line companies (A Co. 1/501 I believe). He was a rather plain looking fellow with glasses that hailed from somewhere in Michigan and he went by the nickname “The Hippie”. He had a peace symbol drawn on his helmet cover and a large pewter peace symbol necklace around his neck. Don't let this fool you as this guy was a hellion and I was convinced that he was at times quite insane. He was awarded a number of medals including the Silver Star and was promoted quite rapidly to the rank of Staff Sgt. E-6.
In our capacity as a Recon Platoon we were called on quite often to assist various line companies which frequently included the unit he was with and as I became more familiar with this crazy bastard he began calling me “The Monk” due to my shaved head and my old coin necklace.
As our tenure in beautiful Southeast Asia progressed and his reputation compounded I began calling him “The Mad Hippie” due to the role he played in a number of rather controversial incidences. Not long thereafter he reciprocated by calling me “The Mad Monk” and the nickname has stuck ever since. So now you know “the rest of the story” except I intentionally left out the particular incidences that instigated each of us to call the other “Mad”. I prefer to keep that little bit of the story unpublished, okay?
I will, however, tell one side light to the story that I can’t really say surely happened or not. I heard a report that the grunt mentioned earlier, after returning home to Michigan I guess really couldn't handle the transition from one minute being a “hero” to the next minute being a “mother-raper and baby-killer” so one day he lost it and pulled a combat assault on the neighborhood gas station/convenience store which only succeeded in his earning some time in the “cuckoo’s nest”. A truly sad epilog on the story of an average American boy that was radically changed by the Vietnam War.
“MadMonk”
E Co.-Recon, 1st/501st Inf.
Vietnam, class of 67/68
Here is another account by the best soldier I've ever known.
I remember being is training with the same soldier mentioned above, stateside back in Fort Campbell, KY. I believe it was sniper school. If I were to describe him, I would say that he had very fair skin, and he wore black rim glasses, he looks very much like a church goer, if I were to pick a religion I would say that he may have been a Jehovah Witness but I have any proof to that statement I would like to add, if I were to pick an bird that looks like him, I would say an owl. Anyway, as the 2nd Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam, and as time goes on, several months in country, there was a continuing enemy body count by Brigade, and this soldier gets credit for the 5,000 kill--he was immediately promoted to the rank, Staff Sergeant E-6, and he was granted a weeks stay in the Battalion Commander’s bunker, drinks were on the house as were his meals. Now for the rest of the story……..
This soldier is walking through a Village, he enter a hooch, notices some straw was falling from the rafters, he puts his M-16 on full auto, and shoot blindly into the ceiling area then a body drops down, the kid was still alive, this guy was one of the few infantrymen who walks around with his bayonet attached to his M-16, slowly Michael inserts his bayonet into the suspected VC stomach and he was screaming with agony, just then a helicopter lands with his sister and a officer from the local Popular Force (I believe that’s what you called them, it could have been a ARVN officer). The sister runs into her hooch, just in time to watch her brother die. She turns around and says that her brother wanted to surrender as a Choi-hoy (sp?) that was a program where a VC can forfeit his rights in being commie and become an agent for the American forces. I would put this time frame towards the end of our Tour of Duty, maybe Oct. or Nov. of 1968. Shortly thereafter I rotated stateside, and one afternoon while watching a local TV talk show, I saw this soldier, along with Lt. Calley of My-Lye fame. On the show I heard the soldier that killed the 5000 enemy soldier in our Unit saying that he low crawled up to a local gas station with a rifle and while in the prone position held it up. CSM WC, Vietnam Class of 67/68
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