When he comes home, he will find out I lied to him. But, by then, perhaps it won't hurt so much.
Gordon Baxter
1967
Saturday, June 08, 2013
HE LIED
I tried to answer them, sitting on the beach, halfway around the world, at the edge of the South China Sea. "Let me tell you something...America has a resurgence of old fashioned patriotism that we have not seen since WWll. You are not fighting in an out of town ball game in a dark stadium on a rainy night with empty grandstands. We are with you. Your country is solidly with you."
When he comes home, he will find out I lied to him. But, by then, perhaps it won't hurt so much.
Gordon Baxter
1967
When he comes home, he will find out I lied to him. But, by then, perhaps it won't hurt so much.
Gordon Baxter
1967
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
PROSTATE AWARENESS DAY
Today, I heard Michael Milken promoting Prostate Awareness Day. He was the junk bond king with insider trading thrown in on the side. $600 million fine. 10 years in prison.
Got prostate cancer and was given the standard 6-18 months to live and that was 15 years ago. His rehab has been the prostate cancer cause. Good for him.
Got prostate cancer and was given the standard 6-18 months to live and that was 15 years ago. His rehab has been the prostate cancer cause. Good for him.
THE SCIENCE OF AGING
I keep thinking about your question about a plan for aging. I think some of it involves a plan for staying involved in the modern hworld...I have too many friends who seem to me to be embracing old age as an excuse to no longer make an effort. Which is their choice but not mine. My goal is to stay interested and involved forever. How exactly to do that I'm not sure...but I am working on it.
Great to see you. Have not yet seen Carolyn for a run-down on the reunion...tomorrow...
Sent from my iPhone
Sylvia Attkisson
Great to see you. Have not yet seen Carolyn for a run-down on the reunion...tomorrow...
Sent from my iPhone
Sylvia Attkisson
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
They May Have Died In Vain But They Lived In Honor
Thanks for the remembrance. Memorial Day is always a sad time to me. The NY Times had this really moving story showing how meticulous the bodies of deceased soldiers at the morgue at Dover were dressed in their uniform for the final goodbye from family. These young soldiers often unrecognizable, yet their uniforms were prepared with the most arduous care. So sad and yet inspiring. War is such a terrible thing. We have made grivious errors, at least to me--The mistakes of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
When I was a young soldier in Vietnam, I had to go to Dover, DE. as I was escorting a soldier in my unit for burial in his hometown. I will say this for the military: they spare no effort to honor our dead in war and they rightly should. At Dover, I was overwhelmed by it all.
My thoughts in our history of not making the best decisions, there should be a "Dover" test. Caring Americans (and not all Americans care) need to feel that our soldiers who end up at Dover--killed in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan did not die in vain. I am not sure we can do that but what we can assert: THEY MAY HAVE DIED IN VAIN BUT THEY LIVED IN HONOR. Sergeant Phil Woodall, in his book of poetry, Rhymer In The Sunset.
When I was a young soldier in Vietnam, I had to go to Dover, DE. as I was escorting a soldier in my unit for burial in his hometown. I will say this for the military: they spare no effort to honor our dead in war and they rightly should. At Dover, I was overwhelmed by it all.
My thoughts in our history of not making the best decisions, there should be a "Dover" test. Caring Americans (and not all Americans care) need to feel that our soldiers who end up at Dover--killed in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan did not die in vain. I am not sure we can do that but what we can assert: THEY MAY HAVE DIED IN VAIN BUT THEY LIVED IN HONOR. Sergeant Phil Woodall, in his book of poetry, Rhymer In The Sunset.
TEN VIETNAMESE
"10 Vietnamese," is an old book from the library of a journalist in Vietnam and the Phillipines for the better part of 30 years, Jim Belden. The book was written by Susan Sheehan, wife of a "NY Times" Reporter and author of "A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam," about the common Vietnamese: peasants , North/South Vietnamese, soldiers, Vietnamese merchants, etc.
On the one hand, a realization of how awful our involvement in that sorry war, meaning our asses should have stayed out of it. However, we have to deal with the long arm of history. Had we stayed out, many Vietnamese who are arguable the most successful emigrant group in America could not have been a fraction as successful in Vietnam, or at all, i.e, tending a rice paddy as opposed to owning a nail salon. So...
On the one hand, a realization of how awful our involvement in that sorry war, meaning our asses should have stayed out of it. However, we have to deal with the long arm of history. Had we stayed out, many Vietnamese who are arguable the most successful emigrant group in America could not have been a fraction as successful in Vietnam, or at all, i.e, tending a rice paddy as opposed to owning a nail salon. So...
Monday, May 27, 2013
HOW DID HE DIE?
When a group of old warriors gather, it's hard to know what will come out of it. Have we heard all the war stories? No, never, even if the same ones are told with a different slant. Here's one that 3d Platoon, Delta Company, 1/501st Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, told with a new purpose. At the latest gathering, we had a special visitor, Jimmy Stevens, the brother of one of our guys, killed in one of the longest battles of the Vietnam war.
The brother has, for the last several years, made it somewhat of an obsession, in the best sense of the word, to contact members of his brother's unit--Those who knew him, those who might have known him, even those who didn't know him. Over the course of several years, he's made great friends with most of his brother's fellow soldiers. And, now of course, here he was face to face with those who had been with his brother when he died. A warm atmosphere as various ones recounted the story of the battle, from their perspective. The brother, Danny, had joined up at 18. Simple, said by Jimmy, "My brother, Danny, ran toward being the best he could be, regardless of the difficulty and sacrifice and not away from it."
When Danny was killed, a prolonged battle had already taken place, several hours in fact. In a cemetery. (Americans often sought refuge in a cemetery because the VC and NVA shied away from them as spooky).
In late afternoon, the battle started. Horrendous and raged on through the night. At the north end of the cemetary, the NVA had established an extremely effective firing line. In regular fashion, the NVA soldiers would pop up and fire, mostly concealed by the mound of built-up dirt, indicating a grave. It was one of these, on the far left, behind one of the graves, that an NVA soldier shot Danny Stevens through the heart. Norm Campbell, the best shot by truth and reputation viewed the scene. With a mounted bipod (A bipod is used to steady a weapon and make it more accurate, usually fired from a pronged position. Often used by snipers) on his M16, he waited. The NVA popped up again. Norm sent a round right between his eyes.
Danny's brother, most assuredly, could now know how his brother died and if it was comforting, how he was avenged.
The brother has, for the last several years, made it somewhat of an obsession, in the best sense of the word, to contact members of his brother's unit--Those who knew him, those who might have known him, even those who didn't know him. Over the course of several years, he's made great friends with most of his brother's fellow soldiers. And, now of course, here he was face to face with those who had been with his brother when he died. A warm atmosphere as various ones recounted the story of the battle, from their perspective. The brother, Danny, had joined up at 18. Simple, said by Jimmy, "My brother, Danny, ran toward being the best he could be, regardless of the difficulty and sacrifice and not away from it."
When Danny was killed, a prolonged battle had already taken place, several hours in fact. In a cemetery. (Americans often sought refuge in a cemetery because the VC and NVA shied away from them as spooky).
In late afternoon, the battle started. Horrendous and raged on through the night. At the north end of the cemetary, the NVA had established an extremely effective firing line. In regular fashion, the NVA soldiers would pop up and fire, mostly concealed by the mound of built-up dirt, indicating a grave. It was one of these, on the far left, behind one of the graves, that an NVA soldier shot Danny Stevens through the heart. Norm Campbell, the best shot by truth and reputation viewed the scene. With a mounted bipod (A bipod is used to steady a weapon and make it more accurate, usually fired from a pronged position. Often used by snipers) on his M16, he waited. The NVA popped up again. Norm sent a round right between his eyes.
Danny's brother, most assuredly, could now know how his brother died and if it was comforting, how he was avenged.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
MEMORIAL DAY
Hey there friends and fellow citizens.
Adam (patriotic and home sick!)
Hope you have a lovely Memorial Day.
God Bless America.With very best wishes to everyone, and with grateful remembrance of all the brave men and women who have died defending our great country, which despite all it's faults, remains a nation founded on the greatest ideals and highest principles ever articulated in a written constitution, penned by the most noble and inspiring brotherhood of men I know of.
Looking forward to coming back some day. Adam (A Brit, who was a regular with these old guys called the "Girlfriends." He was in the youth Dept.) married a fellow Brit and moved back home. We still miss him.
Adam, thank you. We still
miss you and often say, "wonder how Adam is doing?" Thanks for the comments about "Merica" as we call it. As we say in the South, we are between a "rock and a hard place." A dysfuncinal congress that needs to be fired but we have a system which doesn't give us the chance to do it--Too controlled by self interests. But, I am convinced that the Americans who care are determined to fight through the utter paralysis of Washington. God bless you. My best to Bet and big hug for "Liberty Bell" (daughter).
Adam (patriotic and home sick!)
Hope you have a lovely Memorial Day.
God Bless America.With very best wishes to everyone, and with grateful remembrance of all the brave men and women who have died defending our great country, which despite all it's faults, remains a nation founded on the greatest ideals and highest principles ever articulated in a written constitution, penned by the most noble and inspiring brotherhood of men I know of.
Looking forward to coming back some day. Adam (A Brit, who was a regular with these old guys called the "Girlfriends." He was in the youth Dept.) married a fellow Brit and moved back home. We still miss him.
Adam, thank you. We still
miss you and often say, "wonder how Adam is doing?" Thanks for the comments about "Merica" as we call it. As we say in the South, we are between a "rock and a hard place." A dysfuncinal congress that needs to be fired but we have a system which doesn't give us the chance to do it--Too controlled by self interests. But, I am convinced that the Americans who care are determined to fight through the utter paralysis of Washington. God bless you. My best to Bet and big hug for "Liberty Bell" (daughter).
Thursday, May 23, 2013
STORIES WE TELL
STORIES WE TELL. I read about this documentary in the NY Times, then heard the film maker interviewed by Terry Gross (my favorite Interviewer) on Fresh Air (NPR). I saw the film and then read the reviews. I immediately wondered if we'd seen the same movie. First of all, it was very boring. The story: the Mom has an affair, daughter and family basically discover this way down the road, although a couple of the family members say they suspected. The "secret" is that the film maker's dad who raised her and biological father are not one and the same.
And, to be honest, the duped dad and the biological father are equally dull. I know scores of families that have greater secrets and are much more attractive. One comes immediately to mind: a High School girlfriend. The subject of the movie and my girlfriend even look alike. My friend Becky was so "alive" as was the Mom of the documentary. Becky as a teenager was innovative and creative, energetic to a fault--always at the center of activity. I was way too "slow" to keep up with her. As I trip down memory lane, I think, "What a shame," in a sense, as we "play the hand we're dealt." Her parents were wonderful folks but were "survivors" themselves and didn't know how to nourish the creativity of this incredible daughter they had. Now, as I look back with the long lens of our history, I can see this.
Consequently, I am revising my view of STORIES WE TELL. See it. If a movie causes a stir in your memory bank i.e., this wonderful person who crossed my path at a significant time in life, I have to say, thanks for the memories.
And, to be honest, the duped dad and the biological father are equally dull. I know scores of families that have greater secrets and are much more attractive. One comes immediately to mind: a High School girlfriend. The subject of the movie and my girlfriend even look alike. My friend Becky was so "alive" as was the Mom of the documentary. Becky as a teenager was innovative and creative, energetic to a fault--always at the center of activity. I was way too "slow" to keep up with her. As I trip down memory lane, I think, "What a shame," in a sense, as we "play the hand we're dealt." Her parents were wonderful folks but were "survivors" themselves and didn't know how to nourish the creativity of this incredible daughter they had. Now, as I look back with the long lens of our history, I can see this.
Consequently, I am revising my view of STORIES WE TELL. See it. If a movie causes a stir in your memory bank i.e., this wonderful person who crossed my path at a significant time in life, I have to say, thanks for the memories.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
SEXUAL ASSAULTS
Rarely do I empathize with the generals. I used to think, "what the hell is it with all these generals with a chest full of lettuce (medals)." But, I will have to say that watching them on TV recently being battered, I felt sorry for 'em.
I don't know what the f..k it is with these sexual assaults. The perpetrators need to be strung up by their heels and their gonads cut off. That being said, those of us who want to "step back" a bit are accused of being part of the problem. Bullshit. An example, a lawyer friend of mine and me were attempting to dialogue. I was trying to present an idea, the military is not a social service organization. It has one purpose: "to fight and win wars." He got his drawers all in a bunch. "Well, you think rape is OK." F..k No! Rape or sexual assault is never all right.
An aside: All fields of service, to include combat, have to be opened up to females, plain and simple; but, let's get real here. Men and women will reflect their society, they always do. They get together. (hook up). Let's don't lose sight of the mission. FIGHT AND WIN WARS. Men are stupid. Their brains, more than likely are in the wrong, "head."
I have faith in the system that those in authority who abuse their position will be punished but just because they are men doesn't make them all guilty. If every time someone tries to defend the system, they are accused of pandering to the guilty, they will shut up and that hurts us all.
A last thing: do we think that the "Special Operations Troops" that overthrew the Taliban and killed Bin Laden are in reality, Sunday school teachers in their off time. I don't think so. We have some "bad actors" as soldiers and this is said with respect to these exceptional and highly trained and wound tight troops. They can do a hundred push-ups with either hand and leap tall buildings with a single bound. Get the idea? In combat, we don't have time to debate the role of gender, we are closing with and killing the enemy. THIS IS WAR and let's keep all this in perspective.
I don't know what the f..k it is with these sexual assaults. The perpetrators need to be strung up by their heels and their gonads cut off. That being said, those of us who want to "step back" a bit are accused of being part of the problem. Bullshit. An example, a lawyer friend of mine and me were attempting to dialogue. I was trying to present an idea, the military is not a social service organization. It has one purpose: "to fight and win wars." He got his drawers all in a bunch. "Well, you think rape is OK." F..k No! Rape or sexual assault is never all right.
An aside: All fields of service, to include combat, have to be opened up to females, plain and simple; but, let's get real here. Men and women will reflect their society, they always do. They get together. (hook up). Let's don't lose sight of the mission. FIGHT AND WIN WARS. Men are stupid. Their brains, more than likely are in the wrong, "head."
I have faith in the system that those in authority who abuse their position will be punished but just because they are men doesn't make them all guilty. If every time someone tries to defend the system, they are accused of pandering to the guilty, they will shut up and that hurts us all.
A last thing: do we think that the "Special Operations Troops" that overthrew the Taliban and killed Bin Laden are in reality, Sunday school teachers in their off time. I don't think so. We have some "bad actors" as soldiers and this is said with respect to these exceptional and highly trained and wound tight troops. They can do a hundred push-ups with either hand and leap tall buildings with a single bound. Get the idea? In combat, we don't have time to debate the role of gender, we are closing with and killing the enemy. THIS IS WAR and let's keep all this in perspective.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
IRS
What do u think of all these Obama scandals? Benghazi, IRS targeting of conservatives, monitoring reporter phone calls. Are u going to write about it? I think my republican house members forming all these committees to investigate, it will just make them look bad... I am sure there is bias targeting in Obama administration. Not saying that the Obama administration should do any thing illegal but republicans need to get over it and deal with this guy for the next 3 years
I have several thoughts. First of all, how can the IRS be this stupid but they are. In the age of Twitter, FB, please!!! I haven't really heard how it came out. The IG for one thing. It is a mess. Somebody along the way f..ked up and it could be a few midgets, meaning "low on the totem pole" types but who had a philosophical view of how f..king disastrous the budget cutting like the Republicans wanted to do. Things like this probably go on much more than we think. Most of the time, it is detectable. And, the thing that is overlooked is that these people were opting for a tax break. It is not like individual income tax returns were targeted. I am not defending the culprits and their stupidity. But, things happen, people are stupid, they even make mistakes. Sometimes they are criminal. And, now, what is worst is that we have to put up with this self righteous bullshit. I have little patience with Congress in general. They are mostly a self serving collection of charlatans. We ought to be investigating them. When they were recently inconvenienced with plane delays, their sorry ass jumped right on it. Why doesn't somebody make a campaign out of their salaries and benefits. 2 quick opinions. Most of this "tea party" types and these other conservative groups are a f..king bunch of zeolots and they are guided by, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up. (2) The IG has a job to find some problem. Just that simple. That is his job, good or bad, find a problem. Having talked to many IGs (Inspector General) over the years, the IG can be the problem themselves. They are a type of zealot. They often are simply not objective but are shielded as if they were.
I hate bullshit like this because it takes away from tackling the real problems in the country. Am I biased? f..king
I have several thoughts. First of all, how can the IRS be this stupid but they are. In the age of Twitter, FB, please!!! I haven't really heard how it came out. The IG for one thing. It is a mess. Somebody along the way f..ked up and it could be a few midgets, meaning "low on the totem pole" types but who had a philosophical view of how f..king disastrous the budget cutting like the Republicans wanted to do. Things like this probably go on much more than we think. Most of the time, it is detectable. And, the thing that is overlooked is that these people were opting for a tax break. It is not like individual income tax returns were targeted. I am not defending the culprits and their stupidity. But, things happen, people are stupid, they even make mistakes. Sometimes they are criminal. And, now, what is worst is that we have to put up with this self righteous bullshit. I have little patience with Congress in general. They are mostly a self serving collection of charlatans. We ought to be investigating them. When they were recently inconvenienced with plane delays, their sorry ass jumped right on it. Why doesn't somebody make a campaign out of their salaries and benefits. 2 quick opinions. Most of this "tea party" types and these other conservative groups are a f..king bunch of zeolots and they are guided by, "don't confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up. (2) The IG has a job to find some problem. Just that simple. That is his job, good or bad, find a problem. Having talked to many IGs (Inspector General) over the years, the IG can be the problem themselves. They are a type of zealot. They often are simply not objective but are shielded as if they were.
I hate bullshit like this because it takes away from tackling the real problems in the country. Am I biased? f..king
Sunday, May 12, 2013
DEATH
Grieving is a lifelong process and becomes a part of our living life more than we care to admit. Unfortunately, nothing we can do about it. Death is a pervasive part of life, in one way or another. In our country, we have not had to confront the reality as others have. Syria, for instance, where death is daily assured to be a part of a tragic existence. And, of course, we are shocked at tragedies like Boston and West, Texas.
Regardless, the philosophical views of death do not minimize a single one. And, all death is not equal. Here's an example. I recently received a call from a daughter telling me about her Mom, 85, who is very sick. A wonderful person and basically has lived her life to the fullest, some of which I witnessed up close. I was immediately struck by a contrast of a tragedy in the same community. A high school youngster and her father were killed in an auto accident. A community wide memorial is schedule for tomorrow (Monday, May 13). This youngster, who goes by the name of KI, has not had a chance to live her life yet. No, all death is not equal. For KI, No graduations, college, marriage, career, children. GRIEF. So sad.
Regardless, the philosophical views of death do not minimize a single one. And, all death is not equal. Here's an example. I recently received a call from a daughter telling me about her Mom, 85, who is very sick. A wonderful person and basically has lived her life to the fullest, some of which I witnessed up close. I was immediately struck by a contrast of a tragedy in the same community. A high school youngster and her father were killed in an auto accident. A community wide memorial is schedule for tomorrow (Monday, May 13). This youngster, who goes by the name of KI, has not had a chance to live her life yet. No, all death is not equal. For KI, No graduations, college, marriage, career, children. GRIEF. So sad.
MOTHER'S DAY
MOTHER'S DAY. My wife said about
Mother's day, "tell the kids that the greatest gift is their family." Plus, flowers for Rose's mom, in honor of Rose. This has become a bit of a ritual: I go to my favorite flower shop in North Beach, looking for a flower called, Lilly of the Valley. They don't have it. I go to Trader Joe's--they have great flowers. Some knowledgeable woman tells me that Lilly of the Valley is a specialized flower that we don't have in America. What! It is not that I don't believe her but go to Safeway where they seem to have a variety of flowers, also. A young Asian lady offers to help. It is hard to convince her that I am not talking about "Lillies." I finally give up and pick out a beautiful mixed bouquet and literally run up Taylor Street to Rose's house. It is a pretty tough climb. In my mind's eye, I can see Rose smiling.
I ring the bell at Rose's house. I hear the phone ringing. Just as Rose's mom opens the door, the answering machine comes on. It is Rose's voice on the answering machine message. Her Mom has never changed it. I am deeply touched in hearing Rose's voice. It is like Rose is making her presence felt. I am so glad that I followed my instincts and got flowers. I definitely know it was Rose.
Mother's day, "tell the kids that the greatest gift is their family." Plus, flowers for Rose's mom, in honor of Rose. This has become a bit of a ritual: I go to my favorite flower shop in North Beach, looking for a flower called, Lilly of the Valley. They don't have it. I go to Trader Joe's--they have great flowers. Some knowledgeable woman tells me that Lilly of the Valley is a specialized flower that we don't have in America. What! It is not that I don't believe her but go to Safeway where they seem to have a variety of flowers, also. A young Asian lady offers to help. It is hard to convince her that I am not talking about "Lillies." I finally give up and pick out a beautiful mixed bouquet and literally run up Taylor Street to Rose's house. It is a pretty tough climb. In my mind's eye, I can see Rose smiling.
I ring the bell at Rose's house. I hear the phone ringing. Just as Rose's mom opens the door, the answering machine comes on. It is Rose's voice on the answering machine message. Her Mom has never changed it. I am deeply touched in hearing Rose's voice. It is like Rose is making her presence felt. I am so glad that I followed my instincts and got flowers. I definitely know it was Rose.
Friday, May 10, 2013
SC, As A State of Nuts
To me, the election of Mark Sanfort back to Congress in South Carilina has nothing to do with the fact he lied but mainly that the MFer has had his chance. He was a Congressman in this same district and was governor when he went on his infamous hiking trip chasing the "love of his life." Get the f..k out of the way and give somebody else a chance is what could have happened. Forget that! Are we dreaming? His election proves a very sad fact: we have a broken system and we can't fix it. The people of SC would elect an "orangutan" if he/she was a Republican. They don't think and could give a s..t less. And it is not going to change. CONGRESS IS NOT GOING TO REFORM ITSELF. We all know what the problem is. It is not the Mark Sanfords of the world. It is the f..king stupid electorate that votes him in. Good luck.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The Electorate
To me, the election of Mark Sanfort back to Congress in South Carilina has nothing to do with the fact he lied but mainly that the MFer has had his chance. He was a Congressman in this same district and was governor when he went on his infamous hiking trip chasing the "love of his life." Get the f..k out of the way and give somebody else a chance is what could have happened. Forget that! Are we dreaming? His election proves a very sad fact: we have a broken system and we can't fix it. The people of SC would elect an "orangutan" if he/she was a Republican. They don't think and could give a s..t less. And it is not going to change. CONGRESS IS NOT GOING TO REFORM ITSELF. We all know what the problem is. It is not the Mark Sanfords of the world. It is the f..king stupid electorate that votes him in. Good luck.
Monday, May 06, 2013
KARZAI'S SLUSH FUND
PRESIDENTIAL SLUSH FUND. We can't be this stupid but I think we are. President Karzai of Afghanistan says he has been assured that piles of dollars will continue to be delivered to him in wheel barrels. He is absolutely correct. We have given the CIA a blank check. WE ARE IN FACT THIS STUPID.
NRA
In my mind, there is absolutely no difference in the NRA and radical Islamists. Guys like LaPierre are the radical Imans inciding the ignorant and uneducated to violence.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
VIETNAM and BOSTON
This month is the commemoration of when 22 American soldiers were killed at one time, in the same Unit in the Vietnam war. At that time in May of 68, it was the single most Americans killed in one action, Charley Company, 1/501 Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Each year platoon survivors and a few straphangers (paratrooper term, roughly meaning, in this instance, extras who just showed up) gather to honor fellow soldiers from that action. I will never forget it. When we got word at the TOC (tactical operations center), I was one of the first one to arrive, along with Alpha Company for security purposes. The platoon had gone through this little ville (hamlet) and had swept it but then made the mistake of coming back without sweeping it again. The very cunning VC (Vietcong) had come in behind the platoon and planted booby traps and had positioned a sniper to force them to take cover. The carnage cannot fully be described.
Think of the Boston Marathon bombing and multiply it by six or seven. This is just a thought. Every year forever, this terrible act in Boston will be commemorated as it has been burned into our psyche. For our comrades with this dubious distinction, most soldiers lost in war, in one action, only a few of us will gather to remember and honor them.
Think of the Boston Marathon bombing and multiply it by six or seven. This is just a thought. Every year forever, this terrible act in Boston will be commemorated as it has been burned into our psyche. For our comrades with this dubious distinction, most soldiers lost in war, in one action, only a few of us will gather to remember and honor them.
Saturday, May 04, 2013
THE PROM
All over America, teenagers are beginning to wrestle with thoughts of the prom. In the day, we called it the "Junior/Senior." The "Juniors" did the heavy lifting. In our little town we had this National Guard Armory that we decorated for the big dance. It was something. Thank the Lord for memories. They can be like a gentle ocean breeze, like the old home place that feels good to revisit. The memories are there, at times strong, at times weak--the perfect combination of old and new. The smiles and the occasional stress. Prom is pure happiness. It's the prom date. It's the prom dress.
And sometimes, there's sadness: a friend recently told me this story. A patient was in chemo. The final stages of a dreaded cancer. A daughter is preparing for the prom. They shop for the dress. The patient is so happy as they find the perfect one. She will never make it to shop for that future wedding dress but she made it for the prom dress. The patient died just before the prom.
And sometimes, there's sadness: a friend recently told me this story. A patient was in chemo. The final stages of a dreaded cancer. A daughter is preparing for the prom. They shop for the dress. The patient is so happy as they find the perfect one. She will never make it to shop for that future wedding dress but she made it for the prom dress. The patient died just before the prom.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
ONE AMERICAN'S VIEW
I came to America when I was a teenager. It was hard at first but we came from unbelievable deprivation to the land of plenty. We could not believe how generous Americans were This is my opinion for all the immigrants that have a complaint about living here in AMERICA. Get the Fuck out of here. Go back were you came from.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
THE COMPANY WE KEEP
This is one of those movies that you pretty much know where its heading. A pretty thin story line: sixties radicalized anti-Vietnam war types who took the peaceful demonstrations violent (Weathermen) and now are left over hippies who have blended into normalcy. Part of the issue with older actor; maybe they should let us remember them in "The Sting or Sundance Kid," and in their twilight years dedicate themselves to their Grandkids.
He is 76 years old. What do you expect?
76, his eyes. Should wear glasses all the time. Don't know if he has had work. I think maybe an eye job.
I still think Robert Redford is holding pretty well. Nick Nolte looks terrible though. Fat and scratchy voice.
He is 76 years old. What do you expect?
76, his eyes. Should wear glasses all the time. Don't know if he has had work. I think maybe an eye job.
I still think Robert Redford is holding pretty well. Nick Nolte looks terrible though. Fat and scratchy voice.
Friday, April 26, 2013
MISSING A CHANCE
A few months ago, I saw the baseball movie with Clint Eastwood. He is a scout. Not much of a lvie. Plot as thin as a piece of NC country ha
Here's a war story that is only slightly related to Ball State. When I was in College trying to be a football player, the Coach talked to us about going back to our High School trying to recruit friends, etc. We had this guy, son of one of my teachers--I talked him into coming to my college. They literally ignored him. I did what I could but it was obvious that the coach's interest was zero. The guy goes to UNC becomes an All American. I wanted somebody from Ball State to recognize him, who had it all: good grades, handsome, great athlete. How lucky they would be. They could put the rush on. They did nothing. The officials had their heads up their posterior. "Ball State who?"
Here's a war story that is only slightly related to Ball State. When I was in College trying to be a football player, the Coach talked to us about going back to our High School trying to recruit friends, etc. We had this guy, son of one of my teachers--I talked him into coming to my college. They literally ignored him. I did what I could but it was obvious that the coach's interest was zero. The guy goes to UNC becomes an All American. I wanted somebody from Ball State to recognize him, who had it all: good grades, handsome, great athlete. How lucky they would be. They could put the rush on. They did nothing. The officials had their heads up their posterior. "Ball State who?"
Saturday, April 20, 2013
STUCK IN GRIEF
Recently a family member told me that the president called her cousin's Mom after her son was killed in Afghanistan-- one of the five soldiers, killed along with the young female diplomat. I thought to myself that it could hardly make up for the tragedy. Even with my cynicism (so think that our decisions about Iraq and Afghanistan have been so stupid) it was a nice gesture, the least the Commander could do--"sorry for your loss." There is no sugar coating it. Young Delfin Santos, Jr. cannot be brought back. In this case, the loss is compounded as he is the only son, Dad dead. The scene is sad, more than sad anyway you cut it. And, the military process doesn't help in my estimation.
Grief, sadly, has its own personality, more than I could ever innumerate: "shock at the news, questions like when is the body arriving?" To the military's detriment and sometimes credit, they often give out too much information as they don't really know some details but want to be helpful. And, when young Santos actually does arrive, it is a new round of grief. There ought to be a better way. Or, maybe this is merely one way. Maybe it is better to grieve to the point that one is numb with it. There really is no formula. A buddy of mine told me that when his brother was killed in Vietnam, his mom went into the house and did not come out for seven years.
And, now we have the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing. The grief is almost palpable. God bless us all.
Grief, sadly, has its own personality, more than I could ever innumerate: "shock at the news, questions like when is the body arriving?" To the military's detriment and sometimes credit, they often give out too much information as they don't really know some details but want to be helpful. And, when young Santos actually does arrive, it is a new round of grief. There ought to be a better way. Or, maybe this is merely one way. Maybe it is better to grieve to the point that one is numb with it. There really is no formula. A buddy of mine told me that when his brother was killed in Vietnam, his mom went into the house and did not come out for seven years.
And, now we have the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing. The grief is almost palpable. God bless us all.
EVERYBODY HAS A STORY
This is fascinating to me. Most of us are glued to the radio for news of the Boston Marathon bombing. One dead and we hope closing in on the other. The one youngster on the lam is a teenager. One person interviewed, actually an NPR broadcaster, who knew the teenager. Can't believe it. Unbelievable. Questions, Questions, Questions.
Then comes a program on NPR, "Story Corp." Unbelievably inspirational. An amputee spends his time talking to patients at the hospital where his leg was amputated and who has many amputees. He goes to some bureaucrat at the hospital and tells them that he wants to volunteer to talk to amputees. They tell him to get "out of town." He isn't trained, etc. On the way out of hospital, he runs into the chaplain. The chaplain asks him what he is about. He explains to the Chaplain. The Chaplain ask, "Can he come back on Saturday? He doesn't know anything or why the Chaplain wants him to show up. But, dutifully he shows up on Saturday. It is training on how to talk to people. The Chaplain gives him a Chaplain's badge and tells him, "Now, you can visit as much and all you want." Amazing! Now, this is a Chaplain! Airborne! HooAhhhhhhh. An aside, what a nice story in light of the tragedy in Boston.
Then comes a program on NPR, "Story Corp." Unbelievably inspirational. An amputee spends his time talking to patients at the hospital where his leg was amputated and who has many amputees. He goes to some bureaucrat at the hospital and tells them that he wants to volunteer to talk to amputees. They tell him to get "out of town." He isn't trained, etc. On the way out of hospital, he runs into the chaplain. The chaplain asks him what he is about. He explains to the Chaplain. The Chaplain ask, "Can he come back on Saturday? He doesn't know anything or why the Chaplain wants him to show up. But, dutifully he shows up on Saturday. It is training on how to talk to people. The Chaplain gives him a Chaplain's badge and tells him, "Now, you can visit as much and all you want." Amazing! Now, this is a Chaplain! Airborne! HooAhhhhhhh. An aside, what a nice story in light of the tragedy in Boston.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
A WASTE
GIs and a young female diplomat trying to help the most vulnerable and dying for it. F..k. Delivering textbooks. So sad and personally I say "f..k, MFer" I am angry and realize what a waste the loss of these young lives are.
SICH A WASTE
GIs trying to help the most vulnerable and dying for it. F..k. Delivering textbooks. So sad and personally I say "f..k, MFer" I am angry and realize what a fuckin waste.
GdA
GdA
Monday, April 08, 2013
MOSTLY USELESS REMARKS
RUTGERS. I had originally written these remarks. "What the F..k? I get so tired of issues like the Rutgers incident. I went to college on a football scholarship and it was par for the course for the coach to abuse us or rather to say anything. What the hell, you sorry MFers, you are not worth s..t, anything. You are not worthy to even breathe the same air as a real athlete. All the while, he is pushing, cursing.
I TAKE IT BACK. Watching the video makes me realize I am wrong. This guy at RUTGERS is out of control. He had to go. Goes to show you, get the whole picture before passing judgment.
The President's remarks that California has an "attractive attorney general" is sexist. Come on! Give me a break!
Fat people are mad at Target because TARGET labels a dress, Manatee. The rather large people say manatee is insulting because it means a rather fat animal. Hmmmmmm Then the Samoans are ticked off because their airline wants to charge by the pound. Dang. And, on two different programs: The Jews were saying they were discriminated against: one in college admissions, another in music, heard this program on NPR and then read about a play on Broadway where this is a lot of the theme. We can't minimize this and always have to be aware. I am a "white boy" from NC. In NY where I lived for a time in Brooklyn, the deli folks would laugh at my accent. Then, my daughter and I were skiing in Switzerland once and at night sitting in the hot tub with a bunch of Brits. Afterwards my daughter said, "Dad, these people were making fun of you constantly and you didn't even know it." So, that is it. I never get pinged because I don't "get it." we'll, I have to be more aware. Today is Holocoast Remembrance Day. I am definitely going to REMEMBER!!!!
I TAKE IT BACK. Watching the video makes me realize I am wrong. This guy at RUTGERS is out of control. He had to go. Goes to show you, get the whole picture before passing judgment.
The President's remarks that California has an "attractive attorney general" is sexist. Come on! Give me a break!
Fat people are mad at Target because TARGET labels a dress, Manatee. The rather large people say manatee is insulting because it means a rather fat animal. Hmmmmmm Then the Samoans are ticked off because their airline wants to charge by the pound. Dang. And, on two different programs: The Jews were saying they were discriminated against: one in college admissions, another in music, heard this program on NPR and then read about a play on Broadway where this is a lot of the theme. We can't minimize this and always have to be aware. I am a "white boy" from NC. In NY where I lived for a time in Brooklyn, the deli folks would laugh at my accent. Then, my daughter and I were skiing in Switzerland once and at night sitting in the hot tub with a bunch of Brits. Afterwards my daughter said, "Dad, these people were making fun of you constantly and you didn't even know it." So, that is it. I never get pinged because I don't "get it." we'll, I have to be more aware. Today is Holocoast Remembrance Day. I am definitely going to REMEMBER!!!!
Saturday, April 06, 2013
LEAVE AFGHANISTAN
LEAVE AFGHANISTAN. This doesn't seem so hard. A country whose leadership is mired in corruption, a whole segment of the people ready to go over to the Taliban. Only a small fraction of Americans even know we're in Afghanistan. Leaving 8-14 thou is a fast train to nowhere and opens us to immense problems. We sure as hell can't listen to the generals. Their mantra is more troops. Nothing we are doing in Afghanistan is working. We have done our best. Next case.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
North Korea
KIM Jong UN has the emotional maturity of a tree, with apologies to the tree. The difficulty which none of the prognosticators have zeroed in on-- Korea, like most Asian countries, subscribe to the Confucian Ethic. This isn't a religion, rather a philosophy. Not casual if taken to the extreme. In North Korea, the Confucian Ethic is past the extreme: "worship of the leader," Kim Jung UN is drunk on power. In practical terms, it means that an emotionally challenged neophyte like UN could care less about the lives of people anywhere, to include his own. He is dangerous. If he does what I predict, take the country to war or some provocative act, he could be in Seoul in milliseconds. Consequently, South Korea, not America, The ROK (South Korea) Army is as good as any in the galaxy. They have conscription with no loopholes, everybody serves. Their training conditions are incredibly hard and borders on torturous. They have to be super ready, expecting war to happen!
What I am hearing is that most everybody seems to think it is more North Korean bluster. NO, I DON'T THINK SO. The dictator is too inexperienced and honestly believes he is infallible.
The ROK (Republic of Korea) needs to be ready to go in fast and hard, backed by US air. And, bombing them into the stone age should be a "given." No long protracted engagement. What is a little different this time in my estimation is that we can't afford to buy them off. In the past to get them to quit their nuclear program, we have thrown them a few million here and there. The bank is closed, can't afford it or simply our system has now slammed shut this avenue: sequestration.
Sadly, this is really the only way. I am sorry for the people as they have been brainwashed for years but there is no negotiating with a madman. God bless us in this critical time.
What I am hearing is that most everybody seems to think it is more North Korean bluster. NO, I DON'T THINK SO. The dictator is too inexperienced and honestly believes he is infallible.
The ROK (Republic of Korea) needs to be ready to go in fast and hard, backed by US air. And, bombing them into the stone age should be a "given." No long protracted engagement. What is a little different this time in my estimation is that we can't afford to buy them off. In the past to get them to quit their nuclear program, we have thrown them a few million here and there. The bank is closed, can't afford it or simply our system has now slammed shut this avenue: sequestration.
Sadly, this is really the only way. I am sorry for the people as they have been brainwashed for years but there is no negotiating with a madman. God bless us in this critical time.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Grover Norquist
Grover Norquist is a f..king zeolot anyway you look at it. He is an example of a smart guy who has an answer for everything. Anybody who signs the "tax pledge" of this MFer's "no taxes" is as dumb as he is. I wish this f..ker would move to another country. Am I biased? F..king "A" in spades. The difference is I honestly think that my mind could be changed, in particular if something were presented that would help the country. This f..ker, Norquist, is a zeolot: "Do nor confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up."
Saturday, March 30, 2013
WELCOME TO AMERICA
To my knowledge, I don't think that I've personally seen up close someone who was simply racist. The setting: Starbucks, waiting in line when a person, several feet away, said to my friend who is Asian, "you are freaking me out by being this close." My friend and I are "freaked" out ourselves by her comments. We laugh and move on to getting our coffee. (I will have to say that it was one weird experience and think that we ran into a crazy). Really, we weren't even that close, other than to each other and I do think that was what she didn't like. We may have been hugging. My friend is a nurse at the Cancer Infusion Center. All day long, she deals with people fighting for their lives. She is great. And hugging is a part of her life. We start out the door and this same woman says to my friend, "Welcome to America" which obviously is racist. Amazing. I honestly didn't know people like this existed. F..king weird. This is San Francisco, the bastion of tolerance, do your own thing, be whoever you are or want to be. Stand on any corner in San Francisco and hear five different language. An interesting thing about this racist: well dressed, attractive female. What the hell. Weird! You want to say to this person: "What in the f..k is your problem?"
PROP 8
The debate over "Prop 8" in CA and the "Defense of Marriage Act" has about saturated the airways. I think we need more love and so I support "gay marriage." In some ways, that is about the extent of my interest. I am not overwhelmed one way or the other. I have to admit that I hate to see men "French" kissing but that is just me.
Throughout this debate, there have been a couple of surprises: the Catholic Archbishop of San Fran for one gave an impassioned comment for marriage being between a man and woman. It is a little surprising as San Francisco is so "gay," with political clout that I am surprised the archbishop is not a little more circumspect.
And, this started me thinking about the Catholics on the Supreme Court. They are a majority. A couple of them go to "Mass" everyday. Does being a Catholic influence them? I am sure they would say "no" but not sure that I accept that. I have been somewhat alarmed in general that for the first time in history, we have no Protestant on the Supreme Court. Nobody seems excited but me. Oh well, what the hay😳!!!!
Throughout this debate, there have been a couple of surprises: the Catholic Archbishop of San Fran for one gave an impassioned comment for marriage being between a man and woman. It is a little surprising as San Francisco is so "gay," with political clout that I am surprised the archbishop is not a little more circumspect.
And, this started me thinking about the Catholics on the Supreme Court. They are a majority. A couple of them go to "Mass" everyday. Does being a Catholic influence them? I am sure they would say "no" but not sure that I accept that. I have been somewhat alarmed in general that for the first time in history, we have no Protestant on the Supreme Court. Nobody seems excited but me. Oh well, what the hay😳!!!!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
WE ALL DIE
Recently, I ran into someone that I'd once met when Rose and I were coming to the Infusion Center. She mentioned a mutual friend with ovarian cancer. I asked how she was doing? He said "OK" and then he followed it with this statement. "You know people routinely live ten years with cancer, once diagnosed." I thought to myself, "I don't think so." My experience is that cancer is such an insidious disease and incredibly unpredictable. Someone can seemingly be going along OK and suddenly they die. This was confirmed just yesterday. By chance, I ran into my favorite doc, an oncologist and she related a conversation she had with the husband of one of her patients who expressed some dismay, among other emotions, that his wife died so quickly once she reached a point. The doc said "no, not really once the patient is at a certain point." Yes, an insidious disease!😞
Sunday, March 24, 2013
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
SILVER Linings Playbook is one of those movies you've got to see because everybody else has. It doesn't disappoint and it isn't because of the hype because there really isn't much. It is just a delightful movie. FJennifer Lawrence was absolute wonderful. I didn't think I knew her but had watched her in Hunger Games with my grand daughter and before in Winter's Bone, a terrific movie. This inn't just a feel good movie as it takes some difficult subjects and trys to deal with them with realism and some "tongue in cheek." Robert De Niro was great and the Mom (Jackie Weaver) was great. I love the movie and I've met lots of those types of people in it. Bipolar is kind of the condition of the month.The movie defines it well with its erratic mood swings. A type of craziness that we all have seen. And, even a little genuine grief thrown in. Well done movie and it does what movies can do: make whatever they want to happen, happen. In this case everybody ends up happy.
ZERO DARK THIRTY
When I was in the 82d Airborne, the expression, "Oh Dark Thirty," was a familiar one. What it meant was that we went to what was called, "Green Ramp," the kicking off place for airborne jumps. Based on the time of the year, the misery varied. It was a strange thing. I was always happy mostly that the paratroopers were young, part of life. And, now, of course,
in a way, because of that experience, it is a little easier to grasp the movie, Zero Dark Thirty. I can't say I liked the movie. The torture scenes were pretty bad and I think unnecessary. And, yet maybe so. I would like to think that if Americans saw the torture, they would realize that this is not the way we want to do things. Torture is a terrible thing and acts like "water-boarding" are just beyond the pale. Overall, I liked the movie. The way they played the real heroine was good. I doubt in real life that she was as bold as the movie made her. I thought the killing of Ben Ladin could have been done with a little more Hollywood: compassion for kids and wives. No big bad Americans dressed like in space outfits, with too much use of the "F" word. But, that's just me.
in a way, because of that experience, it is a little easier to grasp the movie, Zero Dark Thirty. I can't say I liked the movie. The torture scenes were pretty bad and I think unnecessary. And, yet maybe so. I would like to think that if Americans saw the torture, they would realize that this is not the way we want to do things. Torture is a terrible thing and acts like "water-boarding" are just beyond the pale. Overall, I liked the movie. The way they played the real heroine was good. I doubt in real life that she was as bold as the movie made her. I thought the killing of Ben Ladin could have been done with a little more Hollywood: compassion for kids and wives. No big bad Americans dressed like in space outfits, with too much use of the "F" word. But, that's just me.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
COMRADERIE
Most of the “troops” who are participating in war have a Love/Hate relationship with it. They hate it because of the surroundings of death, the wounding of their buddies, the evil, and the tough circumstances in which they are required to exist, etc. At the same time, they love:
1) The indescribable relationships they develop. Very few, if any, environments, mold meaningful relationships as the environment of war. I still have friends from my V-N experience that seem somewhat sacred when we see each other or when we communicate. A few months ago I spoke at a Prayer Breakfast at Fort Lee in Virginia. One of my friends from the 1-1st. Cav. (Americal Division) was there (He has a son stationed at Ft. Lee) I didn’t know he was there until after the program was finished. When he came up to the podium I felt like he was my brother…I felt somewhat emotional as he did. In fact, for a short while we could hardly speak, but just hugged each other. Bottom Line: A friend forever… Nearly all troops develop those type of relationships with a significant number of their colleagues. The 1-1st. Cav Is having a reunion this Fall…Nov..in El Paso. I have received a few e-mails from several encouraging me to attend (I am planning on it) One particular individual that started communicating with me is a surprise because during the time we in the unit, although we were friends, we weren’t “bosom-buddies.” In his e-mail he recalled an incident /ministry for which he wanted to thank me and he went on to express much appreciation. At the time I had no idea it meant anything to him. One never knows!
2) Even though the carnage of war is traumatic and difficult to experience, most troops recognize that they are involved in a very meaningful mission and that they are part of something that is much bigger than self. Although there are a minor number that can’t deal with it, most can, and, in fact, are ultimately strengthen as a result….perhaps, not immediately, but ultimately.
3) Almost, without exception, the troop talks and acts like he/she is living for their DEROS (date expected to rotate from overseas)--troops keep short timers calendars, etc. In the process they build and imagine an ideal situation and environment when they return to their homeland. In most cases, when they return, within a couple of months they are disappointed, disillusioned and would rather be back with their buddies. I think this is more true of male service members than female service members. It is also less true of those that go back to a good marriage. However, quite often, even the meaningful and strong marriage is challenged because of the disappointments of coming back to a society that doesn’t live up to what was imagined when they were in the war zone.
1) The indescribable relationships they develop. Very few, if any, environments, mold meaningful relationships as the environment of war. I still have friends from my V-N experience that seem somewhat sacred when we see each other or when we communicate. A few months ago I spoke at a Prayer Breakfast at Fort Lee in Virginia. One of my friends from the 1-1st. Cav. (Americal Division) was there (He has a son stationed at Ft. Lee) I didn’t know he was there until after the program was finished. When he came up to the podium I felt like he was my brother…I felt somewhat emotional as he did. In fact, for a short while we could hardly speak, but just hugged each other. Bottom Line: A friend forever… Nearly all troops develop those type of relationships with a significant number of their colleagues. The 1-1st. Cav Is having a reunion this Fall…Nov..in El Paso. I have received a few e-mails from several encouraging me to attend (I am planning on it) One particular individual that started communicating with me is a surprise because during the time we in the unit, although we were friends, we weren’t “bosom-buddies.” In his e-mail he recalled an incident /ministry for which he wanted to thank me and he went on to express much appreciation. At the time I had no idea it meant anything to him. One never knows!
2) Even though the carnage of war is traumatic and difficult to experience, most troops recognize that they are involved in a very meaningful mission and that they are part of something that is much bigger than self. Although there are a minor number that can’t deal with it, most can, and, in fact, are ultimately strengthen as a result….perhaps, not immediately, but ultimately.
3) Almost, without exception, the troop talks and acts like he/she is living for their DEROS (date expected to rotate from overseas)--troops keep short timers calendars, etc. In the process they build and imagine an ideal situation and environment when they return to their homeland. In most cases, when they return, within a couple of months they are disappointed, disillusioned and would rather be back with their buddies. I think this is more true of male service members than female service members. It is also less true of those that go back to a good marriage. However, quite often, even the meaningful and strong marriage is challenged because of the disappointments of coming back to a society that doesn’t live up to what was imagined when they were in the war zone.
COMRATERIE
Most of the “troops” who are participating in war have a Love/Hate relationship with it. They hate it because of the surroundings of death, the wounding of their buddies, the evil, and the tough circumstances in which they are required to exist, etc. At the same time, they love:
1) The indescribable relationships they develop. Very few, if any, environments, mold meaningful relationships as the environment of war. I still have friends from my V-N experience that seem somewhat sacred when we see each other or when we communicate. A few months ago I spoke at a Prayer Breakfast at Fort Lee in Virginia. One of my friends from the 1-1st. Cav. (Americal Division) was there (He has a son stationed at Ft. Lee) I didn’t know he was there until after the program was finished. When he came up to the podium I felt like he was my brother…I felt somewhat emotional as he did. In fact, for a short while we could hardly speak, but just hugged each other. Bottom Line: A friend forever… Nearly all troops develop those type of relationships with a significant number of their colleagues. The 1-1st. Cav Is having a reunion this Fall…Nov..in El Paso. I have received a few e-mails from several encouraging me to attend (I am planning on it) One particular individual that started communicating with me is a surprise because during the time we in the unit, although we were friends, we weren’t “bosom-buddies.” In his e-mail he recalled an incident /ministry for which he wanted to thank me and he went on to express much appreciation. At the time I had no idea it meant anything to him. One never knows!
2) Even though the carnage of war is traumatic and difficult to experience, most troops recognize that they are involved in a very meaningful mission and that they are part of something that is much bigger than self. Although there are a minor number that can’t deal with it, most can, and, in fact, are ultimately strengthen as a result….perhaps, not immediately, but ultimately.
3) Almost, without exception, the troop talks and acts like he/she is living for their DEROS (date expected to rotate from overseas)--troops keep short timers calendars, etc. In the process they build and imagine an ideal situation and environment when they return to their homeland. In most cases, when they return, within a couple of months they are disappointed, disillusioned and would rather be back with their buddies. I think this is more true of male service members than female service members. It is also less true of those that go back to a good marriage. However, quite often, even the meaningful and strong marriage is challenged because of the disappointments of coming back to a society that doesn’t live up to what was imagined when they were in the war zone.
1) The indescribable relationships they develop. Very few, if any, environments, mold meaningful relationships as the environment of war. I still have friends from my V-N experience that seem somewhat sacred when we see each other or when we communicate. A few months ago I spoke at a Prayer Breakfast at Fort Lee in Virginia. One of my friends from the 1-1st. Cav. (Americal Division) was there (He has a son stationed at Ft. Lee) I didn’t know he was there until after the program was finished. When he came up to the podium I felt like he was my brother…I felt somewhat emotional as he did. In fact, for a short while we could hardly speak, but just hugged each other. Bottom Line: A friend forever… Nearly all troops develop those type of relationships with a significant number of their colleagues. The 1-1st. Cav Is having a reunion this Fall…Nov..in El Paso. I have received a few e-mails from several encouraging me to attend (I am planning on it) One particular individual that started communicating with me is a surprise because during the time we in the unit, although we were friends, we weren’t “bosom-buddies.” In his e-mail he recalled an incident /ministry for which he wanted to thank me and he went on to express much appreciation. At the time I had no idea it meant anything to him. One never knows!
2) Even though the carnage of war is traumatic and difficult to experience, most troops recognize that they are involved in a very meaningful mission and that they are part of something that is much bigger than self. Although there are a minor number that can’t deal with it, most can, and, in fact, are ultimately strengthen as a result….perhaps, not immediately, but ultimately.
3) Almost, without exception, the troop talks and acts like he/she is living for their DEROS (date expected to rotate from overseas)--troops keep short timers calendars, etc. In the process they build and imagine an ideal situation and environment when they return to their homeland. In most cases, when they return, within a couple of months they are disappointed, disillusioned and would rather be back with their buddies. I think this is more true of male service members than female service members. It is also less true of those that go back to a good marriage. However, quite often, even the meaningful and strong marriage is challenged because of the disappointments of coming back to a society that doesn’t live up to what was imagined when they were in the war zone.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual issues involving crimes or potential crimes are so difficult to even discuss. For someone like myself, I must be a nut for even trying since I am a man. The very attempt makes me suspect and rightly so. But, I'm going to venture it, mainly because I have a need to explain the military, right or wrong. Sexual assault is a very complicated issue in the military when it is not "clear." How can it not be clear?Rape is rape and stop is always stop. The case of the LTC, Air Force pilot, is one of those that takes on the confusing scenario. He was convicted of sexual assault, then it was overturned by a General, his commander. The situation was very murky: A woman staying in his home, under the same roof as his wife. During the night he assaults her. He is convicted. The jury believed the woman's account. The General believed the wife's account who said he never left the bed and so the General, his commander, threw out the conviction. I personally believe the Pilot was guilty. Why would the victim lie? Although a jury can be wrong, they heard the evidence. While a General being able to do this may seem strange to civilians, not so to the military. The military is not a Democracy. Soldiers's don't get to vote on whether they take the "hill" or not. The commander decides.
A sadder case to me are the young teenagers in Steubenville, Ohio where these teenagers rape a girl, drunk, etc.; their lives ruined, to include the victim. No winners here. And, any of us who know teenagers know they get up every morning and take a stupid pill.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
A sadder case to me are the young teenagers in Steubenville, Ohio where these teenagers rape a girl, drunk, etc.; their lives ruined, to include the victim. No winners here. And, any of us who know teenagers know they get up every morning and take a stupid pill.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
MY BROTHER RAZ
YOUR BROTHER RAZ. My conversations with him only a short time leaves me to believe he wouldn't want anymore fanfare for this life's closure. Speaking for myself, I look forward to seeing him again. He was so gracious to me.
Linda C.(Army Nurse)
Colonel, USA, Ret
Linda C.(Army Nurse)
Colonel, USA, Ret
10th ANNIVERSARY of the BEGINNING of the IRAQI WAR
Today is 10th Anniversary of beginning of Iraq war. Such a waste. F..king politicians. Over 450 Californians killed and more than 5000 overall. Such a waste. What I often think: if we could figure out a way to make politicians pay when they send Americans into harm's way for no reason. The politicians should pay. MFers
Saturday, March 16, 2013
BIGOTS
CPAC. I don't know what the acronym stands for: THey just had a convention. They should have called themselves, A CONVENTION OF BIGOTS.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Catholics Have It Wrong
I am about getting tired of all this Catholic BS. I have been accused even when I was in the military of being anti-Catholics. It was not true but I objected to their sense of exclusivity.
And, if you ever had a hardcore Catholic commander, it could be tough. When I was in the 82d last, I would go into the commander and when I tried to tell him something, it would be, "I've already talked to Father about that:" CG, Chief of Staff went to Mass every day. All the above is mostly just a gripe but listening to how the media is approaching all of this, is very irritating to me. And, people say, Church" like they are speaking for us." I have always viewed Catholics as Christians. I now see them as simply another religion, i. e., Buddhism, Islam, Hindu, etc.; their whole system is outside the Bible. Consequently, why do we call them Christians. The Pope as Jesus on earth, Priest forgiving sins, on and on. Let's have some thinking here.
And, if you ever had a hardcore Catholic commander, it could be tough. When I was in the 82d last, I would go into the commander and when I tried to tell him something, it would be, "I've already talked to Father about that:" CG, Chief of Staff went to Mass every day. All the above is mostly just a gripe but listening to how the media is approaching all of this, is very irritating to me. And, people say, Church" like they are speaking for us." I have always viewed Catholics as Christians. I now see them as simply another religion, i. e., Buddhism, Islam, Hindu, etc.; their whole system is outside the Bible. Consequently, why do we call them Christians. The Pope as Jesus on earth, Priest forgiving sins, on and on. Let's have some thinking here.
THE CATHOLICS
Dave, good and well thought out comments. However the thing that is most upsetting, we are not touching. The Catholic theology. They absolutely have it wrong as related to the Bible and we need to point it out. Most Catholics, like about a 100%, don't have a clue what the Bible says, rather what the Priest says. They have cannon law and a made up theology and nobody confronts it, i.e., the new Pope is infallible, descended from Peter, speaks in excathedra, Priests can forgive sins, canon law, etc.
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}}
Monday, March 11, 2013
WHO IS MOST CRAZY
If we ever had any doubt, Karzai is a f..king nut: us and the Taliban? How do we get ourselves so f..ked with these imbeciles. Here is how stupid he is--All he needed to do was sidled up to us and express his need for support. We would give him millions and probably figure out how to keep thousands of troops in Afghanistan. So, I guess a relevant question: who is the more stupid? Let's use this latest statement by Kaizai to get the hell out of Afghanistan ASAP.
HAGEL
Hagel's first trip out to visit the troops has not been too smooth.
IN YOUR FACE. This is what Republican Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell have accused the president of; an "In Your Face" strategy for the coming months. Accusing the president of telling them to "kiss off" sounds like a winner to me. I would have used, go f..k yourself but read where Boehner used that line to Harry Reed. LOL. Although Reid comes across as pretty weak, still for Boehner to say it--pretty unseemly. OK, for me, hell, I am an opinionated blogger.
And, Graham is opposing Chuck Hagel? Give me a break. The next few years are going to be tough times for "Defense." We need an enlisted guy in there. We've tried officer leadership/politicians. Look where that's gotten us? Rumsfelt and Bush gave us Petraeus and Allen and a host of other ethically challenged generals. And, before them, Chaney who could not go to Vietnam because he had "other priorities." Come on!
This is one that gets me. Some f..king columnist calls Hagel anti Jew and people get all shook up. I am a big time supporter of Israel but they constantly f..k up. It is almost like they sit around some table and say, "What can we do to piss our neighbors off?" Oh we know, we'll just build some houses in the Palestinian area. So what that Hagel shoots from the hip. About time. Most in Washington wouldn't know plain talking if it ran over them. They stick their finger in the air to determine the direction of the prevailing political bullshit. Hagel has been accused of being a maverick. Good for him. Presently at almost all levels, what I see is "group think." The generals in particular need their asses kicked. Most of them love to hear their own voices and are working on their memoirs on "Company" time. Think Petraeus, spending all that time with a biographer that he was f..king. And, he was suppose to be overseeing the troops.
Hagel will have his hands full. There's a kind of military mafia: (I just know the Army) West Point graduates who look after each other. They are "ring knockers" and help each get promoted and get choice assignments. They talk about looking after the troops but don't overall do "s..t." Their mantra is mostly, "Nothing is too good for the troops and that is what the troops get, nothing." Hagel has been an enlisted guy, he gets it.
Like Downton Abbey? There's an example: the Aristocracy (Officers) are upstairs, the Servants (enlisted) are downstairs.
Biggest challenge I think for Hagel will be the military itself. We do what we always do after wars. We downsize the military. Shrink it to where it is questionable about its effectiveness. Not to mention the fact that we get rid of some of our best men and women. In to many cases, we absolutely treat them awful. We have used them up and throw them out. The Army is already way to small. The All Voluntary Force is a bust in my estimation. Those in now are good, quality soldiers but we have deployed them over and over. They are spent. Deployed over and over. Unlike Vietnam, if we needed more "cannon fodder, we drafted more. Now, we merely sent them to war over and over.
This is an aside but so fits into the present equation. We let Melvin Laird and economist icon Milt Freeman sell us a bill of goods when we ended the draft. We could have easily turned the draft into a community service, requiring our young people to serve. After 9-11, we discovered this vast amount of patriotism across the board, the children of the "have" and the "have nots" lined up to serve and we squandered the opportunity. And, now, of course, it is too late. We don't have the political will to bring back a Community Service, giving Amerrica's youth choices. Many would have chosen the military.
Hagel is a good choice for SecDef. Those who don't think so, "F..K you very much."
IN YOUR FACE. This is what Republican Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell have accused the president of; an "In Your Face" strategy for the coming months. Accusing the president of telling them to "kiss off" sounds like a winner to me. I would have used, go f..k yourself but read where Boehner used that line to Harry Reed. LOL. Although Reid comes across as pretty weak, still for Boehner to say it--pretty unseemly. OK, for me, hell, I am an opinionated blogger.
And, Graham is opposing Chuck Hagel? Give me a break. The next few years are going to be tough times for "Defense." We need an enlisted guy in there. We've tried officer leadership/politicians. Look where that's gotten us? Rumsfelt and Bush gave us Petraeus and Allen and a host of other ethically challenged generals. And, before them, Chaney who could not go to Vietnam because he had "other priorities." Come on!
This is one that gets me. Some f..king columnist calls Hagel anti Jew and people get all shook up. I am a big time supporter of Israel but they constantly f..k up. It is almost like they sit around some table and say, "What can we do to piss our neighbors off?" Oh we know, we'll just build some houses in the Palestinian area. So what that Hagel shoots from the hip. About time. Most in Washington wouldn't know plain talking if it ran over them. They stick their finger in the air to determine the direction of the prevailing political bullshit. Hagel has been accused of being a maverick. Good for him. Presently at almost all levels, what I see is "group think." The generals in particular need their asses kicked. Most of them love to hear their own voices and are working on their memoirs on "Company" time. Think Petraeus, spending all that time with a biographer that he was f..king. And, he was suppose to be overseeing the troops.
Hagel will have his hands full. There's a kind of military mafia: (I just know the Army) West Point graduates who look after each other. They are "ring knockers" and help each get promoted and get choice assignments. They talk about looking after the troops but don't overall do "s..t." Their mantra is mostly, "Nothing is too good for the troops and that is what the troops get, nothing." Hagel has been an enlisted guy, he gets it.
Like Downton Abbey? There's an example: the Aristocracy (Officers) are upstairs, the Servants (enlisted) are downstairs.
Biggest challenge I think for Hagel will be the military itself. We do what we always do after wars. We downsize the military. Shrink it to where it is questionable about its effectiveness. Not to mention the fact that we get rid of some of our best men and women. In to many cases, we absolutely treat them awful. We have used them up and throw them out. The Army is already way to small. The All Voluntary Force is a bust in my estimation. Those in now are good, quality soldiers but we have deployed them over and over. They are spent. Deployed over and over. Unlike Vietnam, if we needed more "cannon fodder, we drafted more. Now, we merely sent them to war over and over.
This is an aside but so fits into the present equation. We let Melvin Laird and economist icon Milt Freeman sell us a bill of goods when we ended the draft. We could have easily turned the draft into a community service, requiring our young people to serve. After 9-11, we discovered this vast amount of patriotism across the board, the children of the "have" and the "have nots" lined up to serve and we squandered the opportunity. And, now, of course, it is too late. We don't have the political will to bring back a Community Service, giving Amerrica's youth choices. Many would have chosen the military.
Hagel is a good choice for SecDef. Those who don't think so, "F..K you very much."
Friday, March 08, 2013
CHAVEZ
CHAVEZ. Big party for his funeral. Sounds good, what any funeral ought to be. A party, a celebration. Where it all breaks down is that the f..ker is dead. Know what that means? He is gone, Sayanara (So Long). To try to preserve him is almost humorous, like he could come back to life. I believe in some idea of eternal life and doubt Chavez is dialed in. Not judging here, just don't see Chavez making it through the "pearly gates." He is out of here and sure as hell nothing can bring him back. I do like the "party" idea though.
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Most of the old retirees I know are getting more selfish, more self-centered, more mean spirited, and more closed-minded. They end up being curmudgens. Dont know why but its sad.
Brother, I totally agree with you about most old men. If you want to find that reinforced, read the "NY Times" interview with Bobby Knight. I am sure he has many supporters but he came across as an old man who is all the things you mentioned and I'd add one: arrogant asshole.
Brother, I totally agree with you about most old men. If you want to find that reinforced, read the "NY Times" interview with Bobby Knight. I am sure he has many supporters but he came across as an old man who is all the things you mentioned and I'd add one: arrogant asshole.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
MOST DANGEROUS NATIO ON THE PLANET
I do know this. North Korea is the scariest nation on the planet. The ROK (South Korea) needs to make serious plans on facing the threat. I hate war but based on the Confucious Ethic, "worship of the leader" who probably has the mental maturity of a 7th grader at best, i. e., loves Dennis Rodman. With decades of brain washing, the idea that they would not drop the bomb is absolutely absurd.
CASTRATION
Recently, I was trying to make sense of the mess we're in with these deep budget cuts, the so called sequester. I also tried to explain why the President's campaigning for pressure on Republicans was like "pissing in the wind." Over 200 plus Republicans are in safe Republican districts and they don't give a flying f..k what the President wants or what is good for the country. We have a broken system and we cannot fix it. Many of those, make that the majority of Americans, are involved in some way with the federal government. They are on Medicare, get their health coverage at VA, on Social Security, have government backed mortgages. The list is endless. However, these people bad mouth the government and rail against government spending. The list of their grievances is endless. They vote for a rep who mouths the things they want to hear. They don't make the connection that the sequester cuts will touch them.
Consequently, with attitudes like this, when they vote, they vote against their own interests. And, in my book, it makes them stupid.
Consequently, with attitudes like this, when they vote, they vote against their own interests. And, in my book, it makes them stupid.
PREZ MEETS WITH REPUBS
A comment by a reader. What I would say if I were President: "I personally think that the Republicans are a collective bunch of colossal assholes. However, I don't want to cause pain to people and so whatever these self serving, non thinking, good for nothing, sorry MFers want, I'll give them.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
AFFIRMATION
Recently a friend was telling me an experience: "So I took my children and their little friend from gymnastics out to dinner. I recognized our waiter. He was the barista at a Starbucks that we frequented. Turns out he is a student at the Seminary. He has two small boys.He then proceeds to tell me how thankful he is for Jesus. 😁😁He was a crystal meth addict and lived on the streets for 10 years. He said one day he begged Jesus to help him. He now lives on Campus at the Seminary. Maintains a 4.0 average and can't wait to have his masters so he can minister to people on the streets.
When the friend first told me she had encountered this person, I was about to comment on his relatively simplistic view of his restoration but then, thankfully, thought better of it. We have to affirm the fact that he believes his faith has saved him.
When the friend first told me she had encountered this person, I was about to comment on his relatively simplistic view of his restoration but then, thankfully, thought better of it. We have to affirm the fact that he believes his faith has saved him.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
THE POPE
The First Pope, Saint Peter, was chosen by Jesus says Time Mag. Bullshit. Jesus said, "You are Peter and upon you will I build my church." Jesus was probably speaking to a larger assembly and not to Peter personally. After this, Peter goes out and denies Jesus three times. What the f..k! Think Jesus is going to entrust a future to someone as undependable as Peter. Noway! please! From this purely innocuous statement by Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church has built up all these myths. Such bullshit.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
CHUCK HEGEL CONFIRMED AS SECDEF
Hagel will have his hands full. There's a kind of military mafia: (I just know the Army) West Point graduates who look after each other. They are "ring knockers" and help each get promoted and get choice assignments. They talk about looking after the troops but don't overall do "s..t." Their mantra is mostly, "Nothing is too good for the troops and that is what the troops get, nothing." Hagel has been an enlisted guy, he gets it.
Like Downton Abbey? There's an example: the Aristocracy (Officers) are upstairs, the Servants (enlisted) are downstairs.
Biggest challenge I think for Hagel will be the military itself. We do what we always do after wars. We downsize the military. Shrink it to where it is questionable about its effectiveness. Not to mention the fact that we get rid of some of our best men and women. In to many cases, we absolutely treat them awful. We have used them up and throw them out. The Army is already way to small. The All Voluntary Force is a bust in my estimation. Those in now are good, quality soldiers but we have deployed them over and over. They are spent. Deployed over and over. Unlike Vietnam, if we needed more "cannon fodder, we drafted more. Now, we merely sent them to war over and over.
This is an aside but so fits into the present equation. We let Melvin Laird and economist icon Milt Freeman sell us a bill of goods when we ended the draft. We could have easily turned the draft into a community service, requiring our young people to serve. After 9-11, we discovered this vast amount of patriotism across the board, the children of the "have" and the "have nots" lined up to serve and we squandered the opportunity. And, now, of course, it is too late. We don't have the political will to bring back a Community Service, giving Amerrica's youth choices. Many would have chosen the military.
Hagel is a good choice for SecDef. Those who don't think so, "F..K you very much."
Like Downton Abbey? There's an example: the Aristocracy (Officers) are upstairs, the Servants (enlisted) are downstairs.
Biggest challenge I think for Hagel will be the military itself. We do what we always do after wars. We downsize the military. Shrink it to where it is questionable about its effectiveness. Not to mention the fact that we get rid of some of our best men and women. In to many cases, we absolutely treat them awful. We have used them up and throw them out. The Army is already way to small. The All Voluntary Force is a bust in my estimation. Those in now are good, quality soldiers but we have deployed them over and over. They are spent. Deployed over and over. Unlike Vietnam, if we needed more "cannon fodder, we drafted more. Now, we merely sent them to war over and over.
This is an aside but so fits into the present equation. We let Melvin Laird and economist icon Milt Freeman sell us a bill of goods when we ended the draft. We could have easily turned the draft into a community service, requiring our young people to serve. After 9-11, we discovered this vast amount of patriotism across the board, the children of the "have" and the "have nots" lined up to serve and we squandered the opportunity. And, now, of course, it is too late. We don't have the political will to bring back a Community Service, giving Amerrica's youth choices. Many would have chosen the military.
Hagel is a good choice for SecDef. Those who don't think so, "F..K you very much."
Monday, February 25, 2013
GUNS
Part of the thing is that in days past, you could have a fight or ruckus, whatever. Now, somebody or everybody has a gun. So many crazies out there. I still remember when I went through Special Forces Training, they teach you to avoid a fight at all costs. Run away, try to talk yourself out of it, anything to avoid. However, if you can't and get backed into a corner where you have to fight or they will hurt up or even kill you, then you do what you have to do. Good advice. So...
Thursday, February 21, 2013
THE OUTPOST
Jake Tapper: 'The Outpost' That Never Should Have Been
I heard this author interviewed on NPR by Terry Gross. It was incredibly moving and as an ex military type, it made me angry. I always hate second guessing and I am going to, relatively speaking refrain from it, till I read the book. There are so many things about Afghanistan as there were about Iraq that are f..ked up at the highest levels.
Here you have, Outpost Keating, which shouldn't have been there in the first place and shows the basic weaknesses in military leadership that has failed at the highest levels.
Outpost Keating, named for the brave Lieutenant who, according to the interview, lost his life trying to make this bad scene work. He was a Lieutenant for God's sake! What was the Battalion Commander thinking? Did he feel under pressure to do this, to do something.
Based on the interview, the living conditions for the troops were horrendous. No basic hygiene, insects, things that are unimaginable for American soldiers. This was an isolated situation but shouldn't have been. Afghanistan, any way we cut it is a disaster. We can't really even fight to a standstill. Corruption at the highest levels. Our own generals have shown the worst of leadership and been out to lunch. Screwing around when he should have been countermanding
Americans that care should be shaking their heads in disgust and sorry that we have sacrificed young Americans. This isn't second guessing, this is opinion after the fact. The author's point: a disaster which should have never been. To reinforce: Outpost Keating, in addition to stupidity of putting these young soldiers at risk, to have been there in the first place, given the terrain and the likelihood that the Outpost was vulnerable, is beyond the pale.
Tapper was not a war correspondent, he simply became intrigued with the debacle of sending young Americans into an impossible situation. What the f..k. Let's read the book.
I heard this author interviewed on NPR by Terry Gross. It was incredibly moving and as an ex military type, it made me angry. I always hate second guessing and I am going to, relatively speaking refrain from it, till I read the book. There are so many things about Afghanistan as there were about Iraq that are f..ked up at the highest levels.
Here you have, Outpost Keating, which shouldn't have been there in the first place and shows the basic weaknesses in military leadership that has failed at the highest levels.
Outpost Keating, named for the brave Lieutenant who, according to the interview, lost his life trying to make this bad scene work. He was a Lieutenant for God's sake! What was the Battalion Commander thinking? Did he feel under pressure to do this, to do something.
Based on the interview, the living conditions for the troops were horrendous. No basic hygiene, insects, things that are unimaginable for American soldiers. This was an isolated situation but shouldn't have been. Afghanistan, any way we cut it is a disaster. We can't really even fight to a standstill. Corruption at the highest levels. Our own generals have shown the worst of leadership and been out to lunch. Screwing around when he should have been countermanding
Americans that care should be shaking their heads in disgust and sorry that we have sacrificed young Americans. This isn't second guessing, this is opinion after the fact. The author's point: a disaster which should have never been. To reinforce: Outpost Keating, in addition to stupidity of putting these young soldiers at risk, to have been there in the first place, given the terrain and the likelihood that the Outpost was vulnerable, is beyond the pale.
Tapper was not a war correspondent, he simply became intrigued with the debacle of sending young Americans into an impossible situation. What the f..k. Let's read the book.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
A REAL HERO
Recently I watched the president present the Medal of Honor to a young soldier who obviously showed extraordinaire bravery in the face of a tenacious enemy. From having served in combat and seen bravery close up, I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that scores of heroic soldiers who should have been awarded the Medal of Honor didn't get it. This is certainly not to take away from the brave young soldier just given the MOH. Something as simple as paperwork snafus can derail a well deserved medal. I remember a medic named Smitty who during a battle under enemy and rocket fire inched his way for a hundred meters plus, to save several soldiers. We put him in for the Medal of Honor. The paperwork was lost. It bothered me and others and we resubmitted the paperwork. We don't know what happened but it never made it--time passed and everybody moved on. Not good.
Quite serendipitously, I talked to this WW ll vet, an extraordinary hero anyway you cut it. He made me think of the wonderful heroics of soldiers that never get recognized. Monti Nachman is one of those. His story is a movie. At least as interesting and maybe more so than "Saving Private Ryan." Monti was a young 17 year old when he enlisted in the Army. He didn't know what he wanted. He decided that the Army Air Corp sounded good. In good Military fashion, they socked him in the Infantry. He ended up in Germany in some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Seventh Army was routing the Germans and soldiers like Monti were on the chase. One morning, Sergeant Nanchman and his squad of soldiers came upon Camp 6 which was one of the overflow camps from the infamous Daucha. It was horrible beyond description. Human beings stacked up like cord wood and men walking around like skeletons. His unit did what they could, rounded up every blanket they could find for these pitiful souls. The sadness and pity turned to anger and when their captain sent his squad after some fleeing Germans they were more than ready for a fight. When they caught the Germans, they immediately surrendered. "It was very tempting to kill them but we were Americans and so we took them prisoner", said the Sergeant. "I will never forget that day. The experience has stayed with me all my life. I think all of us from that time were 'shell shocked.' That was what it was called then. Now they call it Post Stress or something like that. Over the years, I've met Holocoast victims. How they survived is way beyond me."
Yes, Sergeant Nachman received twelve medals, to include two purple hearts but nothing could suffice for that day. "The horror of what we experienced." Thank you Sergeant Nachman, you are a hero.
Quite serendipitously, I talked to this WW ll vet, an extraordinary hero anyway you cut it. He made me think of the wonderful heroics of soldiers that never get recognized. Monti Nachman is one of those. His story is a movie. At least as interesting and maybe more so than "Saving Private Ryan." Monti was a young 17 year old when he enlisted in the Army. He didn't know what he wanted. He decided that the Army Air Corp sounded good. In good Military fashion, they socked him in the Infantry. He ended up in Germany in some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Seventh Army was routing the Germans and soldiers like Monti were on the chase. One morning, Sergeant Nanchman and his squad of soldiers came upon Camp 6 which was one of the overflow camps from the infamous Daucha. It was horrible beyond description. Human beings stacked up like cord wood and men walking around like skeletons. His unit did what they could, rounded up every blanket they could find for these pitiful souls. The sadness and pity turned to anger and when their captain sent his squad after some fleeing Germans they were more than ready for a fight. When they caught the Germans, they immediately surrendered. "It was very tempting to kill them but we were Americans and so we took them prisoner", said the Sergeant. "I will never forget that day. The experience has stayed with me all my life. I think all of us from that time were 'shell shocked.' That was what it was called then. Now they call it Post Stress or something like that. Over the years, I've met Holocoast victims. How they survived is way beyond me."
Yes, Sergeant Nachman received twelve medals, to include two purple hearts but nothing could suffice for that day. "The horror of what we experienced." Thank you Sergeant Nachman, you are a hero.
GETTING THE FACTS
It never ceases to amaze me how little the civilian world knows about the military. Understandable, no draft, leaders have little or no military experience. Case in point. The much ballyhooed article by Phil Bronstein, formerly of the San Francisco Chronicle, about the Navy Seal who was the no 2 guy to shoot Bin Laden, like he needed killing twice. Bronstein's article says no medical care and no retirement for the "Seal." Of course, no retirement. He got out after 16 years. Why? The minimum for a pension is 20 years. The military did go through a short period when they wanted to get rid of people and allowed retirement earlier but even then it was 19 years I think. My suspicion is Bronstein wanted a good hook so maybe rendering the military as heartless was it.
A basic wrong in the Bronstein article and in a reference in Time Magazine is the VA. You don't apply for VA, you are entitled to it. The vet merely signs up. There is a "means" test which is self defeating I think. It really is punishing vets for being successful but that is a side issue. But, most, like the Navy Seal merely need to "sign up." No problem. And, all soldiers should be evaluated anyway. My suspicion is Bronstein wanted a stothesis the hell with the facts. This afterall is the guy who was married to Sharon Stone and then got bit by a kimono dragon. Does that tell us something.
A basic wrong in the Bronstein article and in a reference in Time Magazine is the VA. You don't apply for VA, you are entitled to it. The vet merely signs up. There is a "means" test which is self defeating I think. It really is punishing vets for being successful but that is a side issue. But, most, like the Navy Seal merely need to "sign up." No problem. And, all soldiers should be evaluated anyway. My suspicion is Bronstein wanted a stothesis the hell with the facts. This afterall is the guy who was married to Sharon Stone and then got bit by a kimono dragon. Does that tell us something.
Friday, February 15, 2013
SUICIDE
The lead story in a recent Sundays "NY TImes" was incredibly disturbing. It had to do with addiction, mainly a highly addictive drug frequently prescribed for someone diagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
The article profiled a young college graduate, addicted to Adderall, and the efforts of his parents to save him and the culpability of psychiatrists and various therapists who so willingly prescribed the drug. What it seems to me is that nobody pays any price for helping this youngster destroy himself other than the parents. There has to be some accountability. Or, maybe not. Maybe the health care system, the patents, friends did all they could. When somebody appears hell bent and determined to destroy themselves, can anything be done? I don't know.
The article profiled a young college graduate, addicted to Adderall, and the efforts of his parents to save him and the culpability of psychiatrists and various therapists who so willingly prescribed the drug. What it seems to me is that nobody pays any price for helping this youngster destroy himself other than the parents. There has to be some accountability. Or, maybe not. Maybe the health care system, the patents, friends did all they could. When somebody appears hell bent and determined to destroy themselves, can anything be done? I don't know.
POPE RESIGNS
What the f..k? The Pope is resigning. The Catholic World is aghast. As a non Catholic, I am at a little more than a yawn. Really, I get accused of sometimes of being anti-Catholic. Not so. Just hostile to non thinking. With all the newsworthy items in the world, this much time on the Pope's resignation is more that a bit irritating to me. I am amazed. Something like 1.1 billion Catholics world wide. About a quartet of Americans are Catholic. You can't be serious, how about a note or two but days on this, etc. Give me a break.
For starters, the Catholics have invented an entire theological system. Really, this isn't religion 101 but merely pointing out the absurdity, from my perspective, that makes the concept of a Pope, a Jesus on earth, such bullshit. Where is the authority for these claims.
This is a loose commentary but the Bible says to the disciple Peter, "Upon you will I built my church." From that the Catholic Church claims that Peter was the 1st Pope.
Hell, they have their own country. Jesus didn't say, "Let's get us a Pope." Amazing, all the teachings that the Catholics lay claim to. This one really ticks me off: "that Priests can forgive sins." The theology for establishing their church are teachings that really have no real basis in fact, like the Christian Bible.
Listening to various news accounts of the Pope's resignation, plus commentary from educated people, I am simply amazed that we are so gullible with a church that exists on such shaky ground. As a parting shot--When we look at the Catholics in the world and their social positions, defined by the Pope and swallowrd by the masses of Catholics, the Church is like the extreme right wing of Republicans that would take us back to the Middle ages.
For starters, the Catholics have invented an entire theological system. Really, this isn't religion 101 but merely pointing out the absurdity, from my perspective, that makes the concept of a Pope, a Jesus on earth, such bullshit. Where is the authority for these claims.
This is a loose commentary but the Bible says to the disciple Peter, "Upon you will I built my church." From that the Catholic Church claims that Peter was the 1st Pope.
Hell, they have their own country. Jesus didn't say, "Let's get us a Pope." Amazing, all the teachings that the Catholics lay claim to. This one really ticks me off: "that Priests can forgive sins." The theology for establishing their church are teachings that really have no real basis in fact, like the Christian Bible.
Listening to various news accounts of the Pope's resignation, plus commentary from educated people, I am simply amazed that we are so gullible with a church that exists on such shaky ground. As a parting shot--When we look at the Catholics in the world and their social positions, defined by the Pope and swallowrd by the masses of Catholics, the Church is like the extreme right wing of Republicans that would take us back to the Middle ages.
STATE of the UNION
Let's face it. If you like the Prez, he did great. If you don't, not much slack. NPR did an analysis on every word, phrase, any sort of BS. I heard the speech. I didn't hear any of the same they heard. SO.... Sometimes I think we get too much info. America has lots to face. We will do it. Politics is pretty poor to get us past our challenges. Our system is broken and can't be fixed. We refuse to admiit it. An example: Congressmen like Boehner could care less, knowing that he can be anyway he wants without voter repercussion. He is very disrespectful I think toward the President. Nobody seems to call him on it. Just my view. I think it is a constant fight and it's not going away. How to handle it? More sex. Airborne.
Monday, February 11, 2013
SCANDALOUS
My ancestors, the Irish, have done some major "f..k up"s over the years. What the hell is wrong with the Irish Catholics. First of all, they are protecting the pedophile Priests and now it has come to light that the Nuns had about 10,000 young waifs working as slave labor in these laundries called Magdalene. What the F..k! What absurdly fascinated me about this atrocity is how do these people dare invoke the name of Christ. There is no way to look at the life of Jesus, especially the first four books of the Bible, (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) that essentially have recorded what Jesus said and did; not like the rest of the Bible that talks about what people said He said and did. This is what the Catholics have done: invented an entire literature claiming some sort of authority, which is basically nothing more than what someone made up. Well, I guess you can say that about the Bible in general. It is all about "faith" but at least the writing down of the narrative Bible is attributed to the Disciples. All that being said. You sure as s..t ain't going to find Jesus condoning the mistreatment of little girls at the Irish Magdalene laundry.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
DRONES
My dad had a simple ethic. Always try to do what's right. Come on! Drones targeting those who may be suspected but haven't done anything wrong. Even targeting Americans. Noway. If I have been disappointed in our President, it has been that he appears to have been led down the primrose path on these drones. Come on! Let's go with Dad, "Do what is right." Drones running amuck won't hack it in living up to my Dad's, "doing what's right."
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
FLIGHT
Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. His best movie for me was "Man On Fire. "In Man On Fire," He absolutely killed everybody in the movie but the Director. "Flight" is an ethereal movie in a way. It is about a remarkable pilot who was essentially drunk while landing a crashing plane in an impossible scenario--a feat that no one could do like Denzel. It goes against every single thing that we think/believe. Come on! The guy saves all these lives and doing it while drunk. But, he does it. We see it. Denzel is a functional drunk. Could it have really happened that way? Maybe. I doubt it. It is the movies. But, people who have made a career of drinking can and perform. I've seen it. They have the alcohol plan as I call it. The man who starts drinking on Friday after work, drinks all weekend, stops at 3 in the afternoon so he'll be ready for work. It happens. "Flight" and Denzel was one of those. Good movie. See it. A few loose ends that weren't tied up, i.e., the damsel in distress he rescued what happened to her? Here's the last thing: storyline comes down to a single question. The good and heroic pilot only has to answer one question before the Transportation and Safety Board adand he walks out, career in tact, hero. Just one last question.
drugs in a lifestyle that splt works for them for awhile. Eventually it catches up to them. In Flight
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
drugs in a lifestyle that splt works for them for awhile. Eventually it catches up to them. In Flight
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
Sunday, February 03, 2013
GUNS
Gun hearings on gun Control in Congress is like most of what Congress does: a frigging waste of time. There is no such thing as rationality when you are dealing with the NRA and a host of other gun nuts and 2d amendment zealots. Watch my lips MF. It is SYMBOLIC. Twenty precious children were gunned down at Sandy Hook School. They could have been any of our children; lives gone, no future. As a country, the majority of us want to at least feel like we are making some response, weak though it may be. Symbolic!!!! 😳😳😳😳😳😳
GOD AND SPORTS
Just heard this: some researcher, Robert Jones, in a poll, found that a quarter of Americans thought that "God played a role in winning" in Sports. In other words, God, if He/She so chose could give the 49ers, a Super Bowl win.
Bad theology, why don't I just get God to give me a winning lottery ticket. Lot of explanation and reasoning here if I wanted to take a few years. Let's suffice to say this: Ball players pray, politicians send prayers to folks in tragedy. The prez says, "our thoughts and prayers go out to them." (Could be a tragedy like Sandy Hook, refugees in Syria, etc.) the president doesn't literally pray (I don't think). It is what we do as decent human beings. We are, I believe, spiritual by nature. Athletes and politicians and us regular people are just following out nature when we say, "we will pray."
Would God reward the most spiritual ball players? Please! Come on!
So, a third of Americans believe that God determines the outcome of sports. I don't know why I'm wasting my time even reasoning about this. The pollster may have made this up. On the other hand, only a third of Americans believe this. Based on where we are in American life today and knowing a few sports nuts, you better believe they believe this, anything for an edge. Better than steroids. God bless 'em! See what I mean. Do I really want God to bless 'em. Or, will God really do it, anyway. F..k, don't we think God has better things to do. GO FORTY NINERS
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
Bad theology, why don't I just get God to give me a winning lottery ticket. Lot of explanation and reasoning here if I wanted to take a few years. Let's suffice to say this: Ball players pray, politicians send prayers to folks in tragedy. The prez says, "our thoughts and prayers go out to them." (Could be a tragedy like Sandy Hook, refugees in Syria, etc.) the president doesn't literally pray (I don't think). It is what we do as decent human beings. We are, I believe, spiritual by nature. Athletes and politicians and us regular people are just following out nature when we say, "we will pray."
Would God reward the most spiritual ball players? Please! Come on!
So, a third of Americans believe that God determines the outcome of sports. I don't know why I'm wasting my time even reasoning about this. The pollster may have made this up. On the other hand, only a third of Americans believe this. Based on where we are in American life today and knowing a few sports nuts, you better believe they believe this, anything for an edge. Better than steroids. God bless 'em! See what I mean. Do I really want God to bless 'em. Or, will God really do it, anyway. F..k, don't we think God has better things to do. GO FORTY NINERS
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
Thursday, January 31, 2013
JOHN KERRY
John Kerry confirmed as Sec of State. Good for him. Talk about a guy who, if he is anything, is resilient. A Vietnam vet, the "leader of the band" in Vets Against the War; politics, marries well. Runs for Prez. Sabotaged by the "Swift Boat Vets" who were sold a bill of goods by a sorry bunch of draft dodging Republican lying MFers. I always hated it that the Vets sabotaged Kerry. I really believed that when all was said and done, the Vets would come to their senses and stand up for a fellow vet. They f..king caved.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
INSPIRING
Listening to the president's inauguration speech was very inspiring. He challenged us with America's values and what could be better than that. As a white boy from NC, I am happy to embrace a "land of the free and home of the brave." That being said, let's get real here: What we face in the country is a great divergence of views in any area. An example: NPR interviewed several (I'm sure they try to mix it up). One in particular had travelled from my home state to celebrate. When the Interviewer asked her whether the President should talk about race. Her answer (she was African American) was NO. "No need," she said. There were other comments, one said that his speech indicated that he was committed to the most vulnerable in our society. I liked all of that, fits my views. Then, they moved to some guy in Texas which in my estimation represents what we face in the country, obviously a dyed in the wool Republican. His view was that the President's speech was totally "left wing, could not believe that a president would be so partisan." Do we think we are going to change his mind. F..k NO! Period.
With all the talk about partisanship, working together, it is very simply bullshit. This is one of those things that we talk about but ain't going to happen. The President may have gotten elected for a second term but the roadblocks remain the same. The majority voices of the people that he invoked doesn't really make any difference. Many congressman came to Washington with a mandate as they see it: roll back spending, anti social issues--that and a host of other views are not going to change. The issue is not what is good for the country but what will get them reelected. It is what we call politics. Our system is broken and we have no way to fix it. F..K!!!!!!!
With all the talk about partisanship, working together, it is very simply bullshit. This is one of those things that we talk about but ain't going to happen. The President may have gotten elected for a second term but the roadblocks remain the same. The majority voices of the people that he invoked doesn't really make any difference. Many congressman came to Washington with a mandate as they see it: roll back spending, anti social issues--that and a host of other views are not going to change. The issue is not what is good for the country but what will get them reelected. It is what we call politics. Our system is broken and we have no way to fix it. F..K!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
CONFESSION
The great mystery of many a day to me is Lance Armstrong's confession to Oprah Winfrey. Not that I am losing sleep over it. (I have never even listened to Oprah Winfrey). Why he confessed and to Winfrey, damn weird. Does he think for a moment that by confessing, people are going to forgive? What is he smoking? (Hold it there, maybe he is smoking something). I can tell you that confession won't hack it--Is he that stupid, an ego maniac, what the hell! Personally, I don't give a f..k one way or another. I have thought all along that he had probably doped but no telling how many more.
The confession has made me think. What about Barry Bonds or say, Roger Clemens. We think of course they doped and were looking for an edge. So what! But, they didn't confess. The only one Armstrong's confession is probably going to help is Oprah. She is lucky. Damn. Amazing.
The confession has made me think. What about Barry Bonds or say, Roger Clemens. We think of course they doped and were looking for an edge. So what! But, they didn't confess. The only one Armstrong's confession is probably going to help is Oprah. She is lucky. Damn. Amazing.
McCHRYSTAL
Listening to Margaret Warner interview retired General Stanley McChrystal was pretty pathetic, really. Throwing him these softball questions didn't do much. There's a side that has to admire the general. Guy runs miles a day, eats one meal, sleeps four hours, an animal. The flip side of the coin is that he represents what is wrong with our recent wars. The generals give these rosy reports and we buy into them. More Americans die and we are further behind.
Some of it has to be with the lack of understanding by the civilian/political community in what has happened to us. They don't get it because they don't know, "military speak." An example:The civilian community talks about the "surge" in Iraq. All the surge did was separate the warring factions. It did nothing to stem the overall level of violence but the military presented it as somehow a magic formula. Bullshit. Then someone like McChrystal moves to Afghanistan and he, along with his fellow general, Petraeus, when Petraeus could separate himself from his paramour, touted counter insurgency. The Prez, to his credit, bought into it until he came to realize that we were talking 10-20 years. What!!! New strategy, let's turn it all over to the Afghans. McChrystal did say one telling thing in the interview: the Afghan people are scared; their government is weak and allies are leaving. I feel really badly but the alternative is worst, staying in Afghanistan forever.
McChrystal is teaching leadership at Yale and touting his book, "My Share of the Task." I hope the Yalie's are smarter than the rest of us. I blame the generals for much of our misadventures over the last 25 or so years. In Vietnam, Westmoreland said send us more troops and we'll be home by Christmas. He neglected to tell us what Christmas. When he made that statement, we had about 7000 dead GIs. A half dozen years later, it was 58,000 plus dead. My question to the General: what kind of, "leadership" is he talking about.
Some of it has to be with the lack of understanding by the civilian/political community in what has happened to us. They don't get it because they don't know, "military speak." An example:The civilian community talks about the "surge" in Iraq. All the surge did was separate the warring factions. It did nothing to stem the overall level of violence but the military presented it as somehow a magic formula. Bullshit. Then someone like McChrystal moves to Afghanistan and he, along with his fellow general, Petraeus, when Petraeus could separate himself from his paramour, touted counter insurgency. The Prez, to his credit, bought into it until he came to realize that we were talking 10-20 years. What!!! New strategy, let's turn it all over to the Afghans. McChrystal did say one telling thing in the interview: the Afghan people are scared; their government is weak and allies are leaving. I feel really badly but the alternative is worst, staying in Afghanistan forever.
McChrystal is teaching leadership at Yale and touting his book, "My Share of the Task." I hope the Yalie's are smarter than the rest of us. I blame the generals for much of our misadventures over the last 25 or so years. In Vietnam, Westmoreland said send us more troops and we'll be home by Christmas. He neglected to tell us what Christmas. When he made that statement, we had about 7000 dead GIs. A half dozen years later, it was 58,000 plus dead. My question to the General: what kind of, "leadership" is he talking about.
ALAN AND AARON
I personally think us bloggers are about the last remaining vestiges of truth on the digital planet. For instance I have been following the comments about Aaron Swartz. I especially thought the comments from "Wired" were very moving.
Aaron is the second Swartz I've known. The first one was a great character also. Alan Swartz. He had been a newspaper man, tried many things, gone into advertising. I lived a couple of houses down from him. He rode his bike and when he caught me in the yard would stop and talk. Full of stories. Early in my career, I was forced to get one of these "super secret clearances" to do my job. Alan didn't even know I was in the military. We laughed at the absurdity of it all. The government sent out these young guys with a list of questions: mostly benigh but Alan thought a little intrusive. We laughed. He was great family man. His son, as I remember, was into swmming and had Olympic potential. Alan hit me up for a donation to help out with training or something. Later on he discovered that the Olympics frowned upon it and he faithfully came around to give back the money. Great guy.
The funniest story Alan ever told me; according to him, our greatest sense of enlightenment came when we were sitting on the "john" and the moment of elimination came. Given that scenario, Alan developed an entire advertising campaign to go on the back of the stalls--for that special moment when we are contemplating our navel.
So, naturally, it was gratifying to discover another Swartz. Alan, like Aaron left us with some drama. Alan goes off on his bike one morning and has a heart attack and dies. What a loss! I am saddened by both their deaths. Aaron apparently made this statement at some time about his depression, "Someone will say, 'Go outside and get some fresh air or cuddle with a loved one.' You do it and you don't feel any better, only more upset at being unable to feel the joy that everyone else seems to feel. Everything gets colored by the sadness."
Suicide is a terrible thing and it robs us of many things, not the least of all, the great presence and potential of a great mind like Aaron. I don't have a clue how someone like Aaron chooses his causes. If we failed him and I don't know that we did (I didn't know him), maybe it was in our failure to protect and cherish what he brought to the table. I am reminded of Al Pacino's speech in the movie, "Scent Of A Woman." Col. Slade (Pachino's character) says about Charley who is up against enormous odds: money, old school and is about to be disciplined for not "ratting" on his spoiled classmates at an elite prep school. Charley is a scholarship student. The school is assembled and the Colonel is speaking up for Charley and says something like, "I don't know if Charley's behavior here today is right or wrong, I am no judge or jury but you can know this, 'Charley won't sell anybody out to buy his future'...we must protect him, cherish him ...one day he'll make us proud." We have these big "minds" like Aaron who come up against "little" mind's and we need to be more aware of cherishing and protecting those like Aaron Swartz. God bless Him on his journey.
Aaron is the second Swartz I've known. The first one was a great character also. Alan Swartz. He had been a newspaper man, tried many things, gone into advertising. I lived a couple of houses down from him. He rode his bike and when he caught me in the yard would stop and talk. Full of stories. Early in my career, I was forced to get one of these "super secret clearances" to do my job. Alan didn't even know I was in the military. We laughed at the absurdity of it all. The government sent out these young guys with a list of questions: mostly benigh but Alan thought a little intrusive. We laughed. He was great family man. His son, as I remember, was into swmming and had Olympic potential. Alan hit me up for a donation to help out with training or something. Later on he discovered that the Olympics frowned upon it and he faithfully came around to give back the money. Great guy.
The funniest story Alan ever told me; according to him, our greatest sense of enlightenment came when we were sitting on the "john" and the moment of elimination came. Given that scenario, Alan developed an entire advertising campaign to go on the back of the stalls--for that special moment when we are contemplating our navel.
So, naturally, it was gratifying to discover another Swartz. Alan, like Aaron left us with some drama. Alan goes off on his bike one morning and has a heart attack and dies. What a loss! I am saddened by both their deaths. Aaron apparently made this statement at some time about his depression, "Someone will say, 'Go outside and get some fresh air or cuddle with a loved one.' You do it and you don't feel any better, only more upset at being unable to feel the joy that everyone else seems to feel. Everything gets colored by the sadness."
Suicide is a terrible thing and it robs us of many things, not the least of all, the great presence and potential of a great mind like Aaron. I don't have a clue how someone like Aaron chooses his causes. If we failed him and I don't know that we did (I didn't know him), maybe it was in our failure to protect and cherish what he brought to the table. I am reminded of Al Pacino's speech in the movie, "Scent Of A Woman." Col. Slade (Pachino's character) says about Charley who is up against enormous odds: money, old school and is about to be disciplined for not "ratting" on his spoiled classmates at an elite prep school. Charley is a scholarship student. The school is assembled and the Colonel is speaking up for Charley and says something like, "I don't know if Charley's behavior here today is right or wrong, I am no judge or jury but you can know this, 'Charley won't sell anybody out to buy his future'...we must protect him, cherish him ...one day he'll make us proud." We have these big "minds" like Aaron who come up against "little" mind's and we need to be more aware of cherishing and protecting those like Aaron Swartz. God bless Him on his journey.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
MY SHARE OF THE TASK
Listening to Margaret Warner interview retired General Stanley McChrystal was pretty pathetic, really. Throwing him these softball questions didn't do much. There's a side that has to admire the general. Guy runs miles a day, eats one meal, sleeps four hours, an animal. The flip side of the coin is that he represents what is wrong with our recent wars. The generals give these rosy reports and we buy into them. More Americans die and we are further behind.
Some of it has to be with the lack of understanding by the civilian/political community in what has happened to us. They don't get it because they don't know, "military speak." An example:The civilian community talks about the "surge" in Iraq. All the surge did was separate the warring factions. It did nothing to stem the overall level of violence but the military presented it as somehow a magic formula. Bullshit. Then someone like McChrystal moves to Afghanistan and he, along with his fellow general, Petraeus, when Petraeus could separate himself from his paramour, touted counter insurgency. The Prez, to his credit, bought into it until he came to realize that we were talking 10-20 years. What!!! New strategy, let's turn it all over to the Afghans. McChrystal did say one telling thing in the interview: the Afghan people are scared; their government is weak and allies are leaving. I feel really badly but the alternative is worst, staying in Afghanistan forever.
McChrystal is teaching leadership at Yale and touting his book, "My Share of the Task." I hope the Yalie's are smarter than the rest of us. I blame the generals for much of our misadventures over the last 25 or so years. In Vietnam, Westmoreland said send us more troops and we'll be home by Christmas. He neglected to tell us what Christmas. When he made that statement, we had about 7000 dead GIs. A half dozen years later, it was 58,000 plus dead. My question to the General: what kind of, "leadership" is he talking about.
Some of it has to be with the lack of understanding by the civilian/political community in what has happened to us. They don't get it because they don't know, "military speak." An example:The civilian community talks about the "surge" in Iraq. All the surge did was separate the warring factions. It did nothing to stem the overall level of violence but the military presented it as somehow a magic formula. Bullshit. Then someone like McChrystal moves to Afghanistan and he, along with his fellow general, Petraeus, when Petraeus could separate himself from his paramour, touted counter insurgency. The Prez, to his credit, bought into it until he came to realize that we were talking 10-20 years. What!!! New strategy, let's turn it all over to the Afghans. McChrystal did say one telling thing in the interview: the Afghan people are scared; their government is weak and allies are leaving. I feel really badly but the alternative is worst, staying in Afghanistan forever.
McChrystal is teaching leadership at Yale and touting his book, "My Share of the Task." I hope the Yalie's are smarter than the rest of us. I blame the generals for much of our misadventures over the last 25 or so years. In Vietnam, Westmoreland said send us more troops and we'll be home by Christmas. He neglected to tell us what Christmas. When he made that statement, we had about 7000 dead GIs. A half dozen years later, it was 58,000 plus dead. My question to the General: what kind of, "leadership" is he talking about.
GUNS
The gun debate is f..king stupid. We are gun crazy but most of it is fairly benign as we have guns. However, nobody needs assault or military weapons. And for an organization like the NRA to see everything as an attack is f..king stupid. The leadership is a bunch of zealots and there is no reasoning with these people. And, if you are a member, there is only one question. WHY?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Myers Briggs Type Indicator
I have always liked the President. Here's a guy who can be making a speech, somebody hollers, "I love you" without dropping a word, he calls, "I love you back." He moves easily toward people. Sometimes criticized for aloofness? It is a management style, give somebody a job? Let them do it. Good father. Tackles crisis. This doesn't mean to say that he's not a politician but overall it is his personality, ENTJ. He has learned how to be a good president and deserves another term.
But, my point is that he is what he is because of personality. How do we know what he is? We can only guess because of our understanding of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the most popular personality instrument in the U.S.
My first exposure to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator was in 1977, way back in the dark ages when I was in the military. Otto Kroeger, who is probably the foremost present day guru of the theory came to do a workshop at Fort McPherson, Georgia. I was a young Major and truly didn't know my posterior from anything. And, reluctantly showed up at the seminar. As happened, it was a turning point in my life's outlook to say the least. In the military, I was always on the outside of the mainstream. I (ENTP) would be in a meeting and it was constantly "group think" but I was not there--never seemed to see it like everybody else. The military is cooperate and graduate personified. I was a good combat soldier but get me in the confines of peacetime and it was a struggle. By this time in my career, I had already been fired twice and miraculously escaped being pitched out of the military. So, here was a theory that was mostly built around the idea that all of us are born with different personalities, plain and simple, not much we can do about it. This was revolutionary. Simplistically, it seemed that to get to know our personality and others and to be able to make it useful in an organization like the military would be perfect.
According to the Myers Briggs, you actually can be one of sixteen personalities and all of them have various characteristics and attributes. Here is MBTI, 101.
Extroverts/Introverts. Extrovert move toward people easily and find a certain amount of energy being around people. Introverts usually have lots of conversations but many of the conversations are usually with themselves. One attribute is not good or bad, they just are. Sensing/INtuitives: Sensing types are "hands on" types. They love to reach out and touch. They can do things, fix things. INtuitives are creative and innovative. They always have time for one more thing. Thinking/Feeling. Thinkers are in their heads, they reason, try to figure things out. Feeling Types are in their guts, can be emotional. Finally on the Myers Briggs, we can be a Judging (all these terms are mostly Jungian ones. I would have chosen different ones) type or a Perceptive Type. These two, J and P really means how we live out our lives. Our live styles. This is all a capsule, out of my head. I am an ENTP.
Once we take a stab at our figuring out our personalities, we are better at knowing ourselves, and most important, making good decisions.
The Myers Briggs is based on the creditable theory of Carl Jung, the Swiss born Psychiatrist and somewhat rival of Freud. It was designed after years of research by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. The Myers Briggs could measure the conscious (as opposed to the unconscious)aspect of the personality. I actually wrote a book, The Personality Factor, read by only two others beside myself. Below are the 16 different types. The President:
E-extrovert, moves toward people easily.
N-iNtuitive-Innovative, creative; lots of legislation, creative appointments.
T-Thinking. He is very much on his head. Figuring things out, practical.
J-judging. Not judgmental. This is a lifestyle issue. It is how we love out our lives. The J/P is very importent as it conveys the idea of being organized as to being "open" about things. The President, ENTJ.
The 16 Personalities:
[ENFP] [INFP] [ENFJ] [INFJ] [ESTJ] [ISTJ] [ESFJ] [ISFJ] [ENTP] [INTP] [ENTJ] [INTJ] [ESTP] [ISTP] [ESFP] [ISFP]
But, my point is that he is what he is because of personality. How do we know what he is? We can only guess because of our understanding of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the most popular personality instrument in the U.S.
My first exposure to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator was in 1977, way back in the dark ages when I was in the military. Otto Kroeger, who is probably the foremost present day guru of the theory came to do a workshop at Fort McPherson, Georgia. I was a young Major and truly didn't know my posterior from anything. And, reluctantly showed up at the seminar. As happened, it was a turning point in my life's outlook to say the least. In the military, I was always on the outside of the mainstream. I (ENTP) would be in a meeting and it was constantly "group think" but I was not there--never seemed to see it like everybody else. The military is cooperate and graduate personified. I was a good combat soldier but get me in the confines of peacetime and it was a struggle. By this time in my career, I had already been fired twice and miraculously escaped being pitched out of the military. So, here was a theory that was mostly built around the idea that all of us are born with different personalities, plain and simple, not much we can do about it. This was revolutionary. Simplistically, it seemed that to get to know our personality and others and to be able to make it useful in an organization like the military would be perfect.
According to the Myers Briggs, you actually can be one of sixteen personalities and all of them have various characteristics and attributes. Here is MBTI, 101.
Extroverts/Introverts. Extrovert move toward people easily and find a certain amount of energy being around people. Introverts usually have lots of conversations but many of the conversations are usually with themselves. One attribute is not good or bad, they just are. Sensing/INtuitives: Sensing types are "hands on" types. They love to reach out and touch. They can do things, fix things. INtuitives are creative and innovative. They always have time for one more thing. Thinking/Feeling. Thinkers are in their heads, they reason, try to figure things out. Feeling Types are in their guts, can be emotional. Finally on the Myers Briggs, we can be a Judging (all these terms are mostly Jungian ones. I would have chosen different ones) type or a Perceptive Type. These two, J and P really means how we live out our lives. Our live styles. This is all a capsule, out of my head. I am an ENTP.
Once we take a stab at our figuring out our personalities, we are better at knowing ourselves, and most important, making good decisions.
The Myers Briggs is based on the creditable theory of Carl Jung, the Swiss born Psychiatrist and somewhat rival of Freud. It was designed after years of research by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. The Myers Briggs could measure the conscious (as opposed to the unconscious)aspect of the personality. I actually wrote a book, The Personality Factor, read by only two others beside myself. Below are the 16 different types. The President:
E-extrovert, moves toward people easily.
N-iNtuitive-Innovative, creative; lots of legislation, creative appointments.
T-Thinking. He is very much on his head. Figuring things out, practical.
J-judging. Not judgmental. This is a lifestyle issue. It is how we love out our lives. The J/P is very importent as it conveys the idea of being organized as to being "open" about things. The President, ENTJ.
The 16 Personalities:
[ENFP] [INFP] [ENFJ] [INFJ] [ESTJ] [ISTJ] [ESFJ] [ISFJ] [ENTP] [INTP] [ENTJ] [INTJ] [ESTP] [ISTP] [ESFP] [ISFP]
My Brother Raz and Nixon
My brother Raz has the same birthday as Nixon (Yesterday, Jan 9) What a contrast: Nixon was a self serving, lying, petty sorry MFer. My brother started off as a 7th grade Enflish teacher, 45 years later, he retired as a school superintendent. He sent hundreds of youngsters into "Service" of humanity. Nixon also sent young men into Service but it was to Vietnam. He was elected to get us out of that sorry war. He lied. When he began his term, we had something like 9000 dead. By the time his lie played out, we had lost close to 59,000 young Americans. I don't know how the afterlife works, even though I believe in it. Maybe Nixon resigning the presidency in disgrace was enough punishment. My last thought. We need people like my brother in leadership, not the Nixons of the world. Who to choose? A Nixon who had no scruples. My brother where honesty and service marked his entire life.
Staying in Afghanistan
The debate is on about how many troops we keep in Afghanistan. How about none/zilch/zero. Karzai is visiting the Prez. Corruption, bad mouthing America by the President of Kabul and there you have it. Some General, Bing West was on The News Hour. He has written a book, The Wrong War, that I don't plan to read but he was still talking that BS of winning, etc. how stupid. It can't be done. There's no winning. For Americans in Afghanistan, there is only dying.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
HUNTING FOR HOMELESS VETS
VET HUNTERS PROJECT
Monica 22, was an Army parachute rigger who served from 2009 to 2011, spending time in Germany, performing test jumps out of planes. She has a 17-month-old son...couldn’t hold a job and couldn’t find a home for herself or her son...had to leave her son with mother — there was no room for anyone else where they were living. So I stayed in a car that my dad owned.
George, thank you for forwarding this to me. Do you have any way I could send a donation to this really worthy cause. As I have been relatively involved in attempting to reach the "homeless" here in various ways: too lengthy to recount. I think in San Fran, we are doing about the best we can. (City offers enormous services and one very important unacknowleged thing: police amazingly tolerant) What I've discovered which is simply fact, most of the homeless fit in three views: those who love the lifestyle, living on the streets, dope usually involved. Pretty savvy. Then, (2) those who are the chronic ones, mentally ill and should be institutionazed to evaluate and get help. Sometimes dangerous. (3) And then there is a small group that we stand some chance with: families, usually with children and those willing to go to rehab, with some family support somewhere.
I would never discount any of them. The one that jumped out at me was the female rigger, (I know lots about the airborne, obviously) child/husband. Even living in a car owned by her dad. What is there with that? An example of a "back" story probably that we don't know nor even have to know. God bless you for your ministry.
Monica 22, was an Army parachute rigger who served from 2009 to 2011, spending time in Germany, performing test jumps out of planes. She has a 17-month-old son...couldn’t hold a job and couldn’t find a home for herself or her son...had to leave her son with mother — there was no room for anyone else where they were living. So I stayed in a car that my dad owned.
George, thank you for forwarding this to me. Do you have any way I could send a donation to this really worthy cause. As I have been relatively involved in attempting to reach the "homeless" here in various ways: too lengthy to recount. I think in San Fran, we are doing about the best we can. (City offers enormous services and one very important unacknowleged thing: police amazingly tolerant) What I've discovered which is simply fact, most of the homeless fit in three views: those who love the lifestyle, living on the streets, dope usually involved. Pretty savvy. Then, (2) those who are the chronic ones, mentally ill and should be institutionazed to evaluate and get help. Sometimes dangerous. (3) And then there is a small group that we stand some chance with: families, usually with children and those willing to go to rehab, with some family support somewhere.
I would never discount any of them. The one that jumped out at me was the female rigger, (I know lots about the airborne, obviously) child/husband. Even living in a car owned by her dad. What is there with that? An example of a "back" story probably that we don't know nor even have to know. God bless you for your ministry.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Happy New Year
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS. Here are some facts, loosely garnered from NPR: (National Public Radio) most people make resolutions, most try to keep them and about a third are successful One of my all time favorite persons (my niece) sent me hers. 1) get fit 2) write her book 3) work harder at her job 4) be more frugal 5)make more friends. Will she keep them? Maybe, some of them, possibly, hopefully, adinfinitum. The important thing to me is that she keeps at it. Why did she sent them to me? A kind of insurance. She knows that I'll keep bugging her about, "whether she is keeping her Resplutions or not!
A little ritual in our family is that we all get together and we review last years "Resolutions". How did we do? What are the ones for the coming year? Are they realistic?
There is a view that if you say, "I'm going to try" to keep the Resolutions, then I probably don't think I'll do it. Consequently take, "try" out of your vocabulary. "I am going to keep them. I am not even going to deal with what if I fail? There is no failure." Good luck.
A little ritual in our family is that we all get together and we review last years "Resolutions". How did we do? What are the ones for the coming year? Are they realistic?
There is a view that if you say, "I'm going to try" to keep the Resolutions, then I probably don't think I'll do it. Consequently take, "try" out of your vocabulary. "I am going to keep them. I am not even going to deal with what if I fail? There is no failure." Good luck.
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