Blackfive - The Paratrooper of Love

Weekend Blogging

Since Saturday's postings are a bit sparse on the Blogosphere, why don't you take a spin through my blogrolls, visit MilBlogs - Free Speech From Those Who Help Make It Possible , or checkout the New Blog Showcase

You should also check out some of these great sites:

Trying To Grok

TechnoChitlins

Random Fate

The Calico Cat

The Fat Guy

All-Encompassingly

Man Sized Target

The Oriental Redneck

Taco Flavored Kisses

Rantings of a Homicidal Maniak

Cavalier Attitude

Civilization Calls

The View from the Right

Candy Universe

News From The Fridge

views of the northeast

Tom's Nap Room

Also, you have an opportunity to explore the more 'racier' side of the Blogosphere: Madfish Willie is starting a LinkLoveFest called: Tales from The Champagne Room [Remember, there is no sex in The Champagne Room].

Madfish will be taking your links to all the erotic tales (real or imagined), dirty jokes, risque post titles, cartoons, suggestive pics, and just generally nasty stuff in the blogosphere.

To get a better idea of what Madfish is doing, go read the posts listed here.

Send your links to MadfishWillie@hotmail.com by Saturday, 12:00 noon to be included in the weekly round-up posted on Sunday afternoons! Any details or story set-up sent with links will be posted. Remember, people, this is a bar not a Sunday School class.

Although it probably won't happen, Madfish Willie reserves the right to story edit set-ups.

If You Support Our Military...

...Then you only a have a few more days to send a positive message to our troops or their families in time for Christmas. Here are some details on how YOU can make a difference with just a few dollars.

You can support our military families (some even qualify for food stamps) by participating in the Gift of Groceries campaign or the Operation Helping Hands campaign.

You can donate frequent flier miles to help reunite military members with their families through Operation Hero Miles.

Here is something that I have contributed to a few times already: Operation Phone Home - where your donation allows a soldier overseas to call loved ones back home. I'll never forget when AT&T; gave us tons of free time to call home during Desert Shield and Storm.

I get quite a few emails from people who say that they never served in the military and want to know what they can do to support our troops. Donating to any of the above operations will make a huge difference in their morale and lives.

Last, military reservists, retirees, and families can go to this link to find a blood donation center where your blood donation will go directly to the military.

The New Blog Showcase

My votes for the New Blog Showcase this week:

Joe's Thoughts had a short post about Bay area liberals wishing for resistence in Iraq to continue in order for Bush to lose the relection.

Psyche's Knot with a post on Black & Decker products.

Friday Foray

I expect today to be a bit slow. Let's see what out there:

Holy Sh-t! Bill Whittle has a post today!

Mr. Green says that James Lileks is dead wrong. I have to agree with him. Lileks has really gone off the deep end here, and I am not sure if he can ever win my respect back again...

Don Watkins has an interesting post on what he is thankful for, and, no, it's not supposed to be funny.

Pardon My English has a great post about Hilary Clinton's trip to Afghanistan.

Setting the World to Rights has the latest Carnival of the Vanities. Check out the best of the blogosphere.

Donnie at Ain't Done It! has an interesting post about computer terms and racism...I find this utterly ridiculous.

Our President

So, by now, everyone knows the President flew to Iraq on a secret mission to spend Thanksgiving with the military in Baghdad. Damn am I proud of our cowboy president.

I'll echo some of the sentiments of Misha, Jennifer Martinez, Baldilocks, Sarah at Trying to Grok, and the Patriette. All have a slightly different take on the events - read them all.

Since a jet was hit by a surface-to-air missle a few days ago, this was quite a risk for the President to take. The utmost secrecy had to be employed. For instance, the President's own father and mother flew to Crawford for Thanksgiving with their son and had no clue he was going to Iraq. I'll bet that George H.W. Bush was very proud of his son that day.

It was obvious that the troops loved our President's visit. One Private was in tears saying how the President took time away from his own family to be with them.

This synopsis via CNN:

As Bremer prepared to read a presidential proclamation to the troops, he said, "Let's see if we've got anybody more senior here who can read the president's Thanksgiving speech. Is there anybody back there who's more senior than I?"

Bush then emerged, misty-eyed and wearing a U.S. Army exercise jacket, to a roaring ovation.

The stunned and elated soldiers jumped to their feet, pumped their fists in the air, roared with delight and grabbed their cameras to snap photographs.

"I was just looking for a warm meal somewhere," Bush joked, and added: "I can't think of a finer group of folks to have dinner with."

Then the commander-in-chief got serious.

"You are defending the American people from danger and we are grateful. You are defeating the terrorists here in Iraq."

The insurgents in the country are "testing our will. They hope we will run," he said.

But, he said, "we did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq, pay a bitter cost of casualties, defeat a ruthless dictator and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins."

That line prompted a standing ovation.

More via the Department of Defense, Defend America web site:

...Turning back to the troops, the president said the nation remembered its military on Thanksgiving Day, especially those "who paid the ultimate price for our security and freedom. We ask for God's blessings on their families, their loved ones and their friends, and we pray for your safety and your strength, as you continue to defend America and to spread freedom."

Bush said each service member had answered "a great call, participating in an historic moment in world history. You live by a code of honor, of service to your nation, with the safety and the security of your fellow citizens. Our military is full of the finest people on the face of the earth.

"I'm proud to be your commander in chief," Bush concluded. "I bring greetings from America. May God bless you all."

If this isn't a reason to join Blogs for Bush, I don't know what is...

I am waiting for the cries that it was a giant photo-op.

Update: Here's one - Spoons believes it was a photo-op.

Update: John of Argghhh! spanks a few moonbats over at Dean's blog decrying the Iraq visit.

Thanksgiving

I won't be blogging on Thanksgiving unless something out of the ordinary occurs.

Tomorrow, my family will gather around the dinner table and say grace, holding hands as we say it. Here is what I’ll be thinking about:

I am thankful for a lot of things this year. Some things may surprise you, some may not.

First, I am thankful for the nurses and doctors at Children’s Memorial Hospital here in Chicago. Last April, when my son ended up in the Emergency Room and had to have surgery, he had some of the most outstanding doctors and nurses in world help him get better. They are simply incredible human beings. I don’t how someone could work everyday in an environment where they deal with sick or injured children and babies. It’s almost incomprehensible to me how they stay so positive. To me, they are saints – every single one of them. I wrote a letter to the Chicago Sun Times thanking the newspaper for financially supporting CMH. They published it on Father’s Day.

I am thankful for a beautiful wife to have as a best friend and partner. She is someone that, after seven years, still makes me a better man every day just for knowing her.

I will think about my friends who’ve stood by me throughout the years. They are more like extended family than friends. I am also thankful for having the best In-Laws a guy could have. My mother-in-law treats me like a son and a father-in-law that treats me like a best friend.

I will be thankful for the men and women in the military. These people chose a profession where the pay is low and the risks are high. I will be wondering what they are doing right at that moment. I will pray for their safety and success.

I will be thinking about and praying for the families of our fallen soldiers...especially, one in particular.

I am thankful for having the leadership that we have today in this country.

I am thankful to live in a country where I can voice my opinion (even via a blog) – thankful that I live in a free country.

But most of all, I am thankful to be alive. Almost 13 years ago I came very close to losing my life, and, since then, have been one of those kind of people that live like it’s your last day on earth. I am thankful for second chances, for every breath, for the love of a good woman, for my son, for life, for America, for God.

Have a great Thanksgiving and be sure to pray for our men and women serving their country in some remote or god-forsaken land. They need our support as much as we need them.

The Case for LTC West - Part 5

This statement from LTC West's lawyer, via the World Net Daily: Congress members
back Lt. Col. West - Heads of armed services panels appeal to Army secretary

...In a statement provided to WorldNetDaily, Puckett noted several witnesses at the hearing testified about West's high-profile role in civil military operations.

West was helping Iraqis rebuild their towns, re-establish public services and utilities and begin the transformation to a democratic process for governance, Puckett said.

West spoke often in front of community leaders and sheiks at meetings in the town of Saba al Boor "and earned their trust by delivering the assistance he promised."

"In return," said Puckett, "the sheiks told an interpreter that they were protecting the Americans from attacks because of their respect for and trust in Lt. Col. West."

The Case For LTC West: Part 4, Part 3, Part 2, Part 1.

News Today

File this story under abso-freaking-lutley ridiculous! My alma matter is going a bit too far to consider this proposal: U. of C. activists want bathrooms without gender

Transgender, gay and feminist groups at the University of Chicago are asking officials to consider creating more gender-neutral bathrooms, saying some people aren't comfortable selecting a gender-specific facility.

"Persons who are not easily legible as male or female often experience various forms of intimidation in these places. If a woman in a women's-only restroom is assumed to be a man, there may be real threats to her comfort and even safety," warns the Coalition for a Queer Safe Campus, a student group comprised of various organizations supporting equality on campus. "Students have faced gay-baiting comments in our university's sex-segregated bathrooms."...

This story is a bit scary to parents: Four Children in Colorado Die From Flu

A 2-year-old and a 21-month-old died at the Children's Hospital in Denver in the past week, hospital officials said Tuesday. They did not release any other details. In Larimer County, health officials said an 8-year-old boy died of the flu.

...Colorado has had 3,399 confirmed cases of the flu this season, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said Tuesday. That included more than 1,100 cases reported between Thursday and Monday, the most dramatic surge in the virus in at least five years.

"It's crazy," said Denver pediatrician Dean Prina, who saw 40 children Monday. "It started earlier this year and seems more intense. It's among the worst flu seasons I've seen in my 23 years."

I don't know about you, but I think Arab News Stations are full of crap: Arab News Stations Deny Tape Cooperation

The popular Arab news stations Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya on Wednesday denied U.S. accusations that they have cooperated with Iraqi militants in taping attacks on coalition troops.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and the head of the joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Richard Myers, said Tuesday they had evidence the two networks were invited by insurgents to witness and videotape attacks on American troops as part of a psychological warfare campaign by remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Both satellite stations denied the allegations to The Associated Press...

I saw some of the footage this morning on the news and it sure looked like cooperation to me when you have a film crew taping an ambush as it happens. More from Fox...

Wednesday 'Sphere

First, the Indepundit (or LCDR Smash) has a Thanksgiving Prayer from George Washington...imagine if George Bush published the same prayer today, what would happen?

Stephen Den Beste has an interesting post on the difference between capabilities and intentions.

Tom The Friendly Ghost busts on Chirac for developing fusion power...

Well, looks like Watkins stopped kissing Frank J.'s ass for awhile and has a great post about Average Joe, looks, attraction, and dating...

Go check out the latest Bonfire of the Vanities where Kevin at Wizbang! offers up the worst posts on the 'sphere to the gods of suck.

I think The Bartender over at Madfish Willie's has me pegged....

So does Donnie...and I put in my app this morning.

By the way, you should visit my pals who voted in the New Blog Showcase last week:

Flying Chair (41 links) - 746 visits/day V
Blackfive - The Paratrooper of Love (178 links) - 736 visits/day V
Anger Management (105 links) - 391 visits/day V
Leaning Towards the Dark Side (31 links) - 332 visits/day V
Patriot Paradox (115 links) - 171 visits/day V
The Alliance (163 links) - 161 visits/day V
Madfish Willie's Cyber Saloon (149 links) - 157 visits/day V
Bad Money (117 links) - 154 visits/day V
Practical Penumbra (200 links) - 142 visits/day V
BigStick (44 links) - 118 visits/day V
the evangelical outpost (69 links) - 115 visits/day V
angelweave (109 links) - 113 visits/day V
Pardon My English (55 links) - 111 visits/day V
See The Donkey (26 links) - 101 visits/day V
Left Coast Conservative (102 links) - 83 visits/day V
Being American in T.O. (42 links) - 76 visits/day V
physics geek (34 links) - 64 visits/day V
The S-Train Canvass (28 links) - 58 visits/day V
An Englishman's Castle (9 links) - 45 visits/day V
CandyUniverse (50 links) - 43 visits/day V
Civilization Calls (31 links) - 35 visits/day V
Wince and Nod (46 links) - 34 visits/day V
curi's domain (12 links) - 31 visits/day V
The Patriette (47 links) - 30 visits/day V
Five Wasps (15 links) - 29 visits/day V
Semi-Intelligent Thoughts (32 links) - 22 visits/day V
Cavalier Attitude (6 links) - 21 visits/day V
Intergalactic Capitalist (23 links) - 17 visits/day V
Cannon's Canon (19 links) - 17 visits/day V
Hypocrisy and Hypotheses (22 links) - 12 visits/day V
Shameless Self-Promotion (16 links) - 11 visits/day V
Interested-Participant (62 links) - visits/day V
eTALKINGHEAD.com: Political Commentary (56 links) - visits/day V
The New American Revolutionist (34 links) - visits/day V

 

Is Blackfive A Blueneck?

Well...yes...probably...well, maybe we should see.

Via Gut Rumbles:

Bluenecks are Northerners -- the opposite of Rednecks. Because of Redneck jokes, here are some takes on how Southern folks look at Northerners (or how Northerners sometimes think of themselves;).

See how this Blueneck stack up:

Continue reading "Is Blackfive A Blueneck?"

In Search Of The Mad Mortarman In Iraq

Below is a link to an article about troops in Iraq looking out for each other. It displays the kind of warrior spirit. This one will make any of you Redlegs (artillery men and women) proud! Here is an exerpt:

-------------------------------

Delta Battery seeks, waits for Mad Mortarman

By Sgt. 1st Class Todd Oliver
Photo By PFC Brandon Aird
AL HAWIJA, Iraq (Army News Service Nov. 24, 2003)

...It's just that the boys of Delta are hoping to drop in on this man, drop a 105mm howitzer round in on him to be exact.

From the nearby town of Al Hawija, the Mad Mortarman lobs both mortar and artillery shells and rockets at Forward Operating Base McHenry, home to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. The men of 1-12 are friends of Delta Battery you see and like any good friend Delta Soldiers are a little ticked that someone is trying to kill their comrades.

Without making light of the situation, they did the only thing a bunch of artillerymen could do; they dragged their guns out to the FOB and waited.

They still wait.

But they're the patient kind, and they’re confident they’ll get the Mad Mortarman.

It's just a matter of time...

----------------------------

That was just a taste. Go check out the whole article.

Stay tuned. I'll let you know if they get that sonofabitch.

Tuesday Links

Madfish Willie's Cyber Bar has a post about Things You Can Do To Get Excused From the Dinner Table Early on Thanksgiving.

Donnie at Ain't Done It! talks about racism and bio-weapons - and, yes, they are related in his post. Check it out.

Visit MilBlogs and check out Friends of MilBlogs - Free Speech From Those Who Make It Possible.

Read this and you might understand why I was satisfied with the selection of Peter Schoomaker as the new Chief of the Army. He is not a bullshitter or career minded officer - he was the kind of guy to take the heat in order to allow his men to take risks and make decisions. He was brought out of retirement to fill the spot - that's right, there wasn't a good choice among the hundreds of Generals on active duty. A few months ago, I expressed my thoughts on Schoomaker in relation to Wesley Clark.

"So, I tend to get pissed when someone puts General Clark on a pedestal because of his PR agent. You want to know about a good General? Check out Peter Schoomaker, the new Army Chief of Staff - he is a kick ass, take names kind of General Officer. He is the kind that would dig his own foxhole. His troops would even take a bullet for the guy. He would never be nicknamed the "supreme being" by his troops. Clark has been so named..."

SF Gate: Is It Wrong to Root for the Iraqis?

Warning: Some of the comments from the San Francisco area residents will deeply offend you.

This Sunday's San Francisco Gate's Opinion Section is just absolutely horrid. A weekly opinion section called "Two Cents" claims to tap into a pool of Bay Area residents for comments and anecdotes. Per the SF Gate, "Columns are a representative sampling of responses to questions we pose via e-mail."

A reader and veteran, Cicero, from the bay area sent me the link along with a fisking of the opinions (his responses are in italics). It is very disturbing if the SF Gate is correct about a "representative" sampling. Read on to see what I mean.

Here is the SF Gate's Two Cents Section for Sunday titled: Is it wrong to root for the Iraqis?

Welcome to Cicero's world...

Continue reading "SF Gate: Is It Wrong to Root for the Iraqis?"

The Warrior Caste - Part 2

Greyhawk at the Mudville Gazette further discusses my post on the Warrior Caste and provides a real-life and heart-breaking example of what I was trying to get at. As usual, he has another must read post.

Thanks, Greyhawk. And I've often wondered about what I'll do when my son turns 18...

Now go and read it.

Exclusive Paris Hilton Photos!!!

What a fascade this is!!!

The carpet doesn't match the curtains!

Continue reading "Exclusive Paris Hilton Photos!!!"

The Week Begins

Survived the Chiefs - Raiders game. Tailgating with 30 mph winds and 20 degrees temp was interesting. The game couldn't have been better with a winning field goal with 4 seconds left. I have been to Green Bay, St. Louis, Baltimore, NY (both), Buffalo and I have not seen fans as INSANE as Kansas City Chiefs fans. We kept playing this Toby Keith song. People would stop by our grill to listen to it...then say something like "Damn right!" or "F--K the Dixie Bitches."

I am going to have to buy the whole album (One more reason: I think some of you might agree that I may have a certain affection for any song titled "I Love This Bar").

The one day I visit KC, and it's colder than Chicago. WTF?

Anyway, I had a great time partying with one Chief Warrant Officer and four Sergeants. The six of us were four caucasions, two african americans. Two officers, four enlisted soldiers. Two non-drinkers, four boozers. And I met the second Jewish Sergeant in my entire experience with the Army.

Why do I break this down for you? Because when I looked around the grill in the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot, I felt like I was home. The six of us were from all over the country and all walks of life. I'm out of the military now, and I sometimes I regret not being involved as much as I used to be. But as I looked at these young (and not so young, Chief!) soldiers, I felt secure knowing they were standing watch over us. These were good soldiers, good husbands and fathers, good Americans. Damn, I felt proud just to be hanging out with them on a Sunday afternoon...

Thanks for a great time in KC, guys!

Now for some links to interesting posts around 'sphere:

Heather has a post on Burger King's New Policy on Breast Feeding...no, you can't get fries with that.

Feste at Fool's Blog has a post about how a SF charity is refusing money raised by strippers. Where do they think they are, Iowa?

J.P. Carter at the Evangelical Outpost has an item about the difference between the Muslim and Christian God.

Darren Kaplan discusses the vile endorsement of Howard Dean by Ted Rall (jackass extraordinaire!)

Update 11-24-03 noon: Looks like Krugman is wrong with his economic analysis. I remember hearing from every left wing nut job that, when the positive 3rd Quarter results came in, the jump in the economy was due to the tax cut and would not be sustainable for another quarter, let alone another year.

Weekend Blogging

Since Saturday's postings are a bit sparse on the Blogosphere (of course, take a spin through my blogrolls first or checkout the New Blog Showcase), why don't you check out some of these great sites:

MilBlogs - Free speech from those who make it possible

TechnoChitlins

Random Fate

The Calico Cat

The Fat Guy

All-Encompassingly

Man Sized Target

The Oriental Redneck

Taco Flavored Kisses

Rantings of a Homicidal Maniak

Cavalier Attitude

Civilization Calls

The View from the Right

Candy Universe

News From The Fridge

views of the northeast

Tom's Nap Room

Also, you have an opportunity to explore the more 'racier' side of the Blogosphere: Madfish Willie is starting a LinkLoveFest called: Tales from The Champagne Room [Remember, there is no sex in The Champagne Room].

Madfish will be taking your links to all the erotic tales (real or imagined), dirty jokes, risque post titles, cartoons, suggestive pics, and just generally nasty stuff in the blogosphere.

To get a better idea of what Madfish is doing, go read the posts listed here.

Send your links to MadfishWillie@hotmail.com by Saturday, 12:00 noon to be included in the weekly round-up posted on Sunday afternoons! Any details or story set-up sent with links will be posted. Remember, people, this is a bar not a Sunday School class.

Although it probably won't happen, Madfish Willie reserves the right to story edit set-ups.

New Blog Showcase

My votes for the New Blog Showcase this week:

Free Market Fairy Tales: Europe Hates America - weirdly similar in name to my post on Humiliation but the content is a bit different - more about hatred, racism and dislike of America.

Pepper of the Earth: 5 Years in Reverse - with interesting descriptions of past Halloween costumes.

Iraq Observations - 002

Below is an articulate analysis from an Infantry Battalion Commander (Army Lieutenant Colonel) in Iraq. Sorry, but I can't tell you unit or name. It makes for interesting reading, especially about the reasons why it is difficult to set up a power grid or a government election or produce clean water (or clean the carpet). I've had this analysis for a few weeks now and thought it might be appropriate because of the recent remarks of an asshat in London - yeah, that guy that's been all over the 'sphere today.

Oh yeah, f--k Salam Pox. You should hear about what is going on in Iraq from someone who is actually there.

The analysis is a bit long. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and learn something about what we are up against in Iraq.

Below are his observations:

--------------------------------

Continue reading "Iraq Observations - 002"

The Cost of Humiliation

Why do they hate us?

Who am I talking about? Well, lots of people, it seems lately. All over the world.

This is a bit longer than most posts here so please bear with me for a few minutes. I hope I won't waste your time.

I used to have an email Newsletter before the blog. It started when I was working on Senator John McCain's presidential bid. After the primaries, it turned a different course and I would send it out weekly. One of the topics back in April this year was about the feeling of humiliation that the Muslim world feels from experiencing the Western world.

The Washington Post had an article titled "Humiliation Follows Baghdad's Collapse" that I quoted. Here is some of it:

Continue reading "The Cost of Humiliation"

Friday Foray

Darren Kaplan has an interesting article posted at Strategy Page about winning the war of ideas.

It seems like everyone is talking about protesting morons today...

First,anyone who has a post titled "Your Pink Tank Convinced Me That The War On Terrorism Is Wrong" should be visited...Hawkins, I'm still laughing...

Next, via Harvey, I bring you to BigStick and his encounter with protestors and Tori Clarke.

Finally, speaking of protestors, Paul at Sanity's Edge has a piece on protestors. Here's a bit from it:

Do you really think that George Bush or any world leaders are going to say to themselves, “Wow, these folks are serious about these issues. They look well informed and are obviously intelligent. In fact, I’d better straighten things out quickly.”

No, I can tell you what he’s saying to himself: “Those freaks look completely unemployable. What the fuck are they thinking?”

Okay, now off the protesting idiot topic and on to more of Don Watkin's shameless ass-kissing of Frank J. - this time though it's funny. (Isn't it funny how chicks actually can identify the guy in the Paris Hilton video? Hhhmm, maybe Don IS on to something...)

The Evangelical Outpost might be on to something here - A.N.S.W.E.R. violating the law? Any tax lawyers want to check this out?

Political Correctness in Today's Military

So what is happening to the Army? I was relatively sheltered by two tours in the SF, but I served in regular and somewhat integrated units like the 3rd ID, 82nd Airborne, and the 101st Airborne (as a reservist).

When I went through Airborne School almost 18 years ago, female students ran in different formations than the male students. This was done because the females tended to run slower than the males. Now, all of you feminists out there (yeah, you Frank) might getting pissed by that statement, but generally it is true.

Sure, there were females that could run faster than me on a two mile course. I never ran it faster than 12:20. But I've never met a female that could carry a 50 pound ruck and move 25 miles faster than I could. The point is that we are different.

Anyway, when I was a Company Commander, I had this cantankerous First Sergeant (who is now a Chief Warrant Officer) who basically thought that all of the bullshit Political Correctness training was ruining our ability to locate the enemy and kill him.

He just sent me this article. BTW, it's from Col. Hackworth's site. I'm not a huge fan of his, but the article is interesting.

Thanks, Chief.

Sound off if you have an opinion.

There He Goes!!!

View "Don't Let Him Get Away!!!"

Go Chiefs!!!

I'll be in Kansas City this weekend visiting some old Army friends and GOING TO THE CHIEFS vs. RAIDERS game! The Chiefs/Raiders rivalry is akin to the Bears/Packers one...except that Cheese-heads aren't right across your border.

Go CHIEFS!!!

BTW, Chiefs fans, I was at Louis Aguiar's wedding last winter (Mrs. Blackfive was a bride's maid). Great guy. Wish he was still punting for the Chiefs...

Thursday Rounds

Whilst pimping up his t-shirt, Frank J. gives us another Know Thy Enemy. This time around it's the Protestors.

To protestors, the day they protest is known as "action day". To police, it's known as "whomping day".

If you're a police officer and it looks like protests are getting out of control, shoot a protestor. I thought I saw him going for a gun too (wink) (wink).

There are rarely large scale protests by right-leaning people on account of them having things called dignity and jobs.

On that last one, "O' contraire, mon frer". Just check out these hard working folks.

John Hawkins discusses one of my favorite topics of late - the draft. I am telling you that no one in the foxhole wants a draftee next to him. You want motivated, dedicated people fighting with you. BTW, during Desert Storm, I was told to expect 40% casualties in my unit. But no one mentioned the "D" word to us.

Harvey at Bad Money has links to two very incredible link fests via songs by Toby Keith and Johnny Cash.

*whisper* Pssst, everyone, Darren Kaplan is gone today. Let's hijack/invade his blog with lots of comments and give him some hits (it's a great blog)....I am sure some of you can think of some good comments (read smart ass remarks - I just checked his fridge). And bookmark his site, too.

Mr. Green goes after the real problem with Spam - you people! You know who you are. The ones that actually buy things from spammers...and his idea just might work!

Juliette has a great post on Going Quietly - or not and clinging to your 15 minutes of fame like Michael Moore on a cheeseburger.

I am with Donnie on this issue about gay marriage. I have a few gay friends and they don't wear the gay/lesbian pride on their sleeves. In fact, they are sick of everyone that thinks they are so cool (and, gosh, open-minded!) because they watch the Fab 5 straighten out some asswipe who can't fold his own laundry.

Update 11-20-03 Noon: Just stumbled across this new Londoner blog with a few observations about Bush's visit.

Update 11-20-03 3PM: Hey, anybody know where the remote to the TV is? Hello? Anybody?

More Stuff You Won't See In The Liberal Media

First, you have until December 4th to send a package to troops in Iraq or Afghanistan if they are to receive them in time for Christmas (yeah, I said Christmas - not "the Holidays"). Click here for other ways to help our military men and women AND their families.

Now for some news...

Security Situation in Al Anbar Province Improving, Says 82nd Airborne Commander

Reducing the unemployment in towns like Falujah where upwards of 60 to 70 percent of the population is jobless is also high on the general's list. "What we have to do is create jobs so the Iraqis have legitimate work to do that they get paid for, as opposed to being available for some former regime loyalists who get them to carry out attack on Americans," he said.

Swannack said there have been almost 9,000 jobs new jobs in the Al Anbar province in the last two months. This includes putting Iraqis back to work at a brick factory as well as those who have joined security forces.

The general said there are many ammunition supply points throughout the province. Six hundred Iraqis and 100 trucks from the Al Anbar truckers union have been hired to collect these munitions. Also, "we're trying to sign a contract with the truckers to transport supplies throughout the battle space," he said.

There are also jobs through construction and restoration. This includes restoring 315 of 700 mosques in the area, and improving sewer systems, schools and health clinics.

More below:

Continue reading "More Stuff You Won't See In The Liberal Media"

Boycott Country Insurance Update

Update to the Boycott Country Insurance post. Evidently, they have gotten a few complaints. I received this form letter a few hours ago:

Sir or Madam:

Thank you for your email. COUNTRY is proud of our employees serving in the military, and we want to do what's right. Our policy has always been to reinstate employees called up for active military duty. But, our procedures regarding that policy are confusing, and for that we are truly sorry. Our intent was always for employees on military leave to have a job to return to. Beginning today, COUNTRY no longer sends a
termination of employment notice to employees on active military leave.

We will instead place them on military leave during their active duty. And, as always, these employees can return to work at COUNTRY with full benefits. We reviewed our military leave policy with a representative of the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Army National Guard Col. Brarry Cox of that National Committee said he was happy with our quick response to concerns.

We hope the changes we have made today will reflect the original intent of our military leave policy and eliminate any future misunderstandings of the policy.

Sincerely,

Melinda Zehr
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 309- 821-2009 / Fax: 309-820-5739
melinda.zehr@countryfinancial.com

While I would like them to do more for their reservist employees, at least they are complying with the law.

Thanks to everyone that sent them an email or made a phone call.

Thanks to Jennifer, Donnie, Jeff and Jack for spreading the word on their blogs. I owe you...

The Case for LTC West - Part 4

Up date: Part 5 is here.

World Net Daily has a new article on LTC West and it is very close to what I was trying to get at in my first post.

The article has quotes for and against the actions of LTC West - the first that I've seen since the case started. Check it out.

Updates 11-19-03 at 3PM:

Senators support LTC West

LTC West Testifies at Pre-Trial Hearing

"If it's about the lives of my men and their safety, I'd go through hell with a gasoline can," he said, according to Reuters.

Update 11-19-03 4PM:

San Francisco Chronicle has more

After confronting the detainee, West left and informed his commander that he had threatened a prisoner with his gun. He said he did not tell his commander that his soldiers hit the detainee.

"I love the Army. I love my soldiers. ... I knew it was over," he said.

Prosecutor Capt. Magdalena Przytulska said West should be tried, saying his actions implied that "we're no better than the enemy we're fighting."

West's lawyer, Neal Puckett, recommended that the charges against his client be dismissed.

During breaks in the hearing, sympathetic soldiers approached and comforted West. One group asked that their picture be taken with him. A female soldier approached West and hugged him outside the hearing room.

--------------------------------
My last few LTC West posts:

November 18, 2003

November 5, 2003

October 30, 2003

Wednesday Round Up

Nick at the Patriot Paradox is starting a blogging contest to bring exposure to bloggers that are ranked lower than Large Mammals on the Blogosphere. Check it out and sign up for the contest.

Pieter at Peak Talk has the next round of Carnival of the Vanities (61st Week!) posted. Check out some of the best of the blogosphere.

John Hawkins has an interview with Robert Spencer. It's a solid interview (and well worth your time) of a man who has been prolific on issues of Islam.

Kevin at Wizbang! has the Bonfire burning - check out the worst posts of the 'sphere sacrificed to the Gods of Suck.

Mr. Green is on FIRE!!! Drink Alert and Language Alert and Pole Smoking Alert in effect!

It's National Ammo Day. I am going to buy some .45 and shotgun ammo today.

This is why Dennis Miller is my favorite talk show host/commedian/commentator. He is dead on...

God Bless The Airborne!!!

This AP photo via lgf, Harvey, and American Digest:

US Army soldiers take rest during patrol in Baghdad suburb, Monday Nov. 17, 2003. U.S. forces have reacted to the increasing attacks in which dozens of Americans and their allies have died by mounting a massive show of force in central and northern Iraq. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Ah, a paratrooper rendering the proper salute to the press. It brings tears to my eyes...

Airborne! All the Way!

Attention Scotch Lovers!!!

Since this has become the blog for military, political and SCOTCH news, I thought I would pass along one of my favorite articles from the New York Times. It's about, of all things, Scotch. It's long. It's informative. And it'll make you thirsty. Right, Eric?

Scotch Whiskey: A Rugged Drink for a Rugged Land

July 16, 2003
By R. W. APPLE Jr.
ELGIN, Scotland

IAN URQUHART, a gently spoken, 55-year-old Scotch whiskey man who heads the firm of Gordon & MacPhail, led the way through his firm's 6,000-barrel warehouses here in northeastern Scotland, identifying some of the choicest lots for an overseas visitor.

"That's 60-year-old Mortlach," he said fondly. "We bottled some of it in 2000 and more in 2001. There's still a little left. That cask was filled for my grandfather. It slept right through my father's generation."

He walked past a cask of 1949 Benromach with the comment, "Haven't decided when to bottle that," past 10 casks of 1951 Glen Grant in an aisle with barrels piled eight or nine high, past 1957 Glenlivet and 1988 Highland Park – the best all-round malt, many say - and on to the "graveyard."
Whiskeys from defunct distilleries rest there, quietly eking out a kind of afterlife.

"Hillside," Mr. Urquhart said, in the tone of a man mourning a lost friend. "Demolished for a housing scheme. Seventy-eight Millburn. Millburn's gone, too. It's a Beefeater Steak House these days, outside of Inverness." Scots take their whiskey seriously, and not just because they fancy a wee dram themselves. (Or not so wee a dram; Lord Dundee, who drank his whiskey by the tumblerful, once said, "A single Scotch is nothing more than a dirty glass.")

Continue reading "Attention Scotch Lovers!!!"

Boycott Country Insurance! Support our Citizen Soldiers!

See update above.

Boycott Country Insurance! Here is why via the Chicago Tribune:

Reservist in Iraq gets word he's fired--again

By Colleen Mastony
Tribune staff reporter

November 19, 2003

Twice since the terrorist attacks of 2001, Army Reservist Anthony Marcukaitis of Carol Stream has answered his country's call to duty, and twice the insurance company he worked for fired him.

Country Insurance and Financial Services, which is based in Bloomington, Ill., said Tuesday that the action is the result of a longstanding policy: Employees who are on leave for more than 9 months are automatically terminated. But it said it rehires servicemen when they return.

Military officials say the policy violates federal law, which prohibits employers from firing people who take time off to serve in the armed forces. Companies are not required to pay salaries or benefits for soldiers on leave, but they must reinstate the person at the same level and with any benefits and promotions they would have earned had they been working.

Continue reading "Boycott Country Insurance! Support our Citizen Soldiers!"

The U.N. Takes a Hard Line on War Crimes - Plea Bargains for All

This story via The New York Times: Plea Deals Being Used to Clear Balkan War Tribunal's Docket

The United Nations tribunal for the war crimes in the Balkans in the 1990's is suddenly rushing through its backlog of cases, adopting a disputed strategy to promote plea bargains with much reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation and guilty pleas.

But before you go and get pissed at the U.N. like I did when I read the first paragraph, you get to these bits:

The abrupt shift after seven years of methodical if plodding trials came in response to intense pressure from the United Nations Security Council and particularly the Bush administration, which pays almost a quarter of the tribunal's current $120 million annual budget and has little sympathy for such international courts. The Council has demanded that the court end all investigations next year and complete its trials by 2008.

...The plea-bargaining strategy was proposed by American lawyers on the prosecution staff. "Facilitating guilty pleas certainly makes sense from a management standpoint," said a senior prosecution official, asking not to be identified. "It's a reasonable solution to a difficult problem, how to get all our accused tried in the time available."

So is the rush to finish the cases interfering with Justice? You bet your ass it is.

One lawyer at the court raised the question of whether the workload and the rush to complete it would override the interest of justice. "It never should," he said. "It's a dilemma for any court, but people are wondering if it is happening here."

Should we let a guy who murdered *only* 20 people go free (or get a slap on the wrist) to ensure that the one who was responsible for 7,000 murders gets punished?

More on LTC Allen B. West

Update: Part 4 is here.

This from the Associated Press: Pretrial Hearing Starts for U.S. Officer

Looks like LTC West will testify on his own behalf tomorrow in Iraq. Here's a few paragraphs from the story:

West is accused of punching and firing a pistol near the prisoner, Yahya Jhodri Hamoodi, on Aug. 20 while he was being interrogated in Taji, according to Lt. Col. Jimmy Davis, who presided over the hearing.

West also allegedly threatened to kill the detainee if he did not talk, Davis said, reading from a fact sheet. The hearing is to determine whether West should face court-martial.

Continue reading "More on LTC Allen B. West"

The Warrior Caste

I have been thinking about the American Warrior Caste for a long time, now. The Warrior Caste is made up of families that serve in the military for generations.

Recently, Doc Russia mentioned it to me when I left a comment at his blog. LCDR Smash had a post in response to Professor Atlas' editorial about the widening divisions between civilians and the military. Those who continue to serve have less in common with those who don't, and this gap widens with every generation.

Much of Professor Atlas' information is based on perceptions and surveys, and it struck a chord in me.

Me? My family had been in either the Navy or Marines since the Revolutionary War. One exception was my father who became a minister. I never had any pressure at all to join. In fact, my mother was a well-known anti-war protest organizer in NYC in the 60’s and 70’s, and was vehemently against military service. But still, I went. So, according to Professor Atlas, the gap is widening between my mother's generation and mine.

So why did I serve? Why does a family continually have children that decide to serve in the military?

I think we can definitely dismiss the case for riches and wealth. Some liberals would like to believe that we were "Born to Kill" (think Full Metal Jacket). That's not it either. And while I definitely took advantage of the college benefits, that's not the motivation.

Almost all of us military folks bleed red, white and blue. We tear up when the Star Spangled Banner is played because we imagine Francis Scott Key captured and desparate, hoping to see his beloved flag flying. We tell people at the ball park to take their hats off during the national anthem.

We defend our country no matter who is in the White House. We suffer when the leadership is poor and we thrive when the leader ship is good.

But how does a family serve for generations?

The reason is that there is a feeling of obligation for the benefit of living in a country built on ideas. That we understand that freedom is not for free. That somebody has to defend it. And we are actually willing to do it.

Some of us may feel morally superior because of it. However, I feel that my service connects me to my country, my ancestors, and my heroes and that it gives me a better understanding of the price of liberty. There IS an underlying obligation on us, but it’s not to our families or country, but to ourselves to see if living the life defending freedom is worth it. I tell you it is.

One last thing. Those of us in the Warrior Caste feel more akin to those with the same connections. You can see this for yourself when two of us, who’ve never met before, are instantly brothers or sisters after two minutes of conversation (or blogging). It’s not understood. It’s not implied. It is felt…it is felt down in the deepest reaches of your gut, your soul.

The Warrior Caste serves for generations because it has deep faith. Faith that your leaders won’t send you to the far corners of the earth to do wrong. Faith that your fellow citizens will care for your well-being, keeping you equipped and fed. Faith that our Founding Fathers were right in that fighting for freedom is worth dying for. Faith in your fellow soldiers.

We hope to live up to the expectations of our parents and ancestors and, most of all, of you.

That’s no surprise but it needs to be said.

Those of you of the Warrior Caste – what say you?

Note to Donnie

Hey D-

First, I gotta say that I am damn proud that we have people like you ready to go. Seriously, man, I am in awe of you signing back up and walking the walk. We need more soldiers like you (except Airborne qualified...what?...). Regardless, we have to have a few beers before you head downrange, my friend (with Eric the Marine).

Anyway, I just wanted to pass along some advice for you since you have been out of the service for a few years. Things might have changed since the last time you wore a uniform.

Remember years ago when we were young(er) officers, ready to go, get things done, make things happen?

Remember how, when you transferred to a new post, and you wanted to get your quarters furnished, you would bring a bottle of Jack Daniels for the Sergeant at the housing warehouse. Pass him the bottle and you would get leather furniture (for a Colonel) instead of wooden furniture (for a Lieutenant).

These are the things that Mustangs know about. Knowing these kind of things gave us an advantage over our West Pointer counter-parts. Needed a range? Pull the bottle of Jack out of your car and slip it to Range Control Sergeant and *voila!* your unit is on the range. We could make things happen with a kind word or a bottle of Jack or a thinly veiled threat to beat the shit out of some pompous-ass paper-pusher.

Well, the Army doesn't work that way any more. I know, it's sad. It's really fucking sad.

Three years ago, I was trying to get a Sergeant a physical in order to attend Air Assault School. She was a last minute approval so she wasn't scheduled for a physical, and I knew I was going to have to try something to get her one. I thought two nice bottles of Jack and Jose' might get her in the door. The Hospital NCO told me to take my bottles and shove it.

That's when my Sergeant Major brought bran muffins to the Hospital NCO.

That's right, fucking B.R.A.N. M.U.F.F.I.N.S.

Next thing you know, my Sergeant had her physical. My Sergeant Major just laughed and said, "Sir, it REALLY is the new Army." He patted me on the back while I cursed Clinton and his wilting of the military...

That's when I knew my time had arrived to start thinking about a career in I.T. where booze is still an appreciated form of bribery.

Good luck, my friend!

Matty
"Rangers Lead The Way!"...to the fucking Bran Muffins.

Tuesday Trot Through the Blogoshpere

Frank J. has some Bite Sized Wisdom today. Here's a bit for you:

...the U.S. should just bomb France for being a bunch of douche bags. Just fly over them and drop a couple bombs on them. It'll shut them up, and probably be an important learning experience for them.

This is an affront to all that is Irish! Fie on ye! Fie! I'm talking about the 6th point, good god man, for the love of whiskey! Thanks to Harv, for the pointer.

Heather at Angelweave review the book, Fast Food Nation. Here's a taste of the review:

Put the book on your wishlist. And switch to chicken instead of fast food hamburgers. Mark those words.

Paul at Sanity's Edge is having a Bloviating moment. BTW, who the hell is Checkov? We're not talking about the navigator that pronounces his "v's" as "w's" like "I drink wodka"?

Kate at Electric Venom has the Hunting of the Snark posted.

DeDoc's got a post about MilBlogs with some great comments on oaths...

Pardon My English has a post on something I had not heard about in reference to President Bush's visit to England...

Madfish Willie does some work on the Corner of the Bar Gang and the Corner of the Bar Babes...and, as usual, Harv's comments are freakin' priceless ("Um... you misspelled Misha's name. The only human being angrier than Chomps, and you misspelled his name. I'll send flowers to what's left of you at your funeral.") Anyway, below is very appropriate:

B.L.A.C.K.F.I.V.E.: Biomechanical Lifeform Assembled for Calculation and Killing/Facsimile Intended for Violence and Exploration

Flu shots might not work

Via Reuters: CDC Sounds Alarms on Flu Outbreak, Urges Flu Shots

I received a flu shot a few weeks ago for the bargain price of $10. This article is a bit confusing with it's message on the flu vaccine.

Okay, so first it's like "Dude, get your shots!"

Warning that an earlier-than-usual influenza outbreak could foreshadow a severe flu season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Monday urged Americans to get a vaccine to guard against infection.

Then, it's like "Dude! Those shots probably ain't gonna work!"

Gerberding said that the Atlanta-based CDC also was concerned about a new strain of flu that does not match the strain in the current vaccine.

So, next time, CDC, why don't you just give everyone a papercut and pour some lemon juice on it...it'll be the same as getting the shot and you won't spend as much money on syringes and vaccine...

Anyone?

Blackfive Answers Email and Hatemail - Round 4

Here are some questions I have gotten over the last month that I didn't respond to because I was going to do this post awhile ago.

What’s your favorite scotch?

Single Malt: Laphroiag. I tend to enjoy the Islays.

Blended: Johnny Walker Black. I might name the next Little Blackfive “Walker”. Seriously.
While I am Irish, I am also Scottish (clans Sinclair and Robertson). For some reason, I love the Scottish Whiskeys more.

What would you have done were you LTC West?

Ordered everyone to leave the building, shoot the suspect in the kneecap, get information…

Or, what I thought at the time, I would have told my informants that the Iraqi cop was a double agent and ask them to spread the news. Therefore, he and his family would be in danger. Then, I would tell the Iraqi cop what I did and that I was going to pin a medal on him in public for his help and let him go…and then tell him casually that it would be up to him.

Or, set up shop in his family’s house. That would make him nervous about an attack.

All of these could be seen as violations under the UCMJ and Rules of Engagement. As I’ve said, he did what he needed to do, understood it was wrong under the rules, and turned himself in…this is a man of great honor and integrity and should absolutely not be battered with this bullshit anymore. You should send him an email of encouragement.

Continue reading "Blackfive Answers Email and Hatemail - Round 4"

Protesters of Free-Trade Are Weird

This is via AP today: Activists Begin Free-Trade Protests

A man who identified himself only as Gecko, supplementing his yellow shirt with body piercings and multicolored hair, said he took time from his job as a massage therapist in San Francisco to voice his displeasure with the free trade conference.

"The FTAA is essentially antidemocratic," he said. "A lot of people confuse capitalism with democracy. They're not the same thing. Capitalism is the most undemocratic institution in the world today."

This is the problem with Free-Trade protesters...Gecko, the masseuse, thinks that capitalism is the most undemocratic insitution in the world? Gecko? WTF?

When someone with an iota of credibility rallies against the free-trade movement, I might listen...

Sniper Suspect Found Guilty

Being from Illinois (where dirty cops have put more than a few innocent men on Death Row), I have gone from a staunch supporter to a cautious moderate on the issue of the Death Penalty. I used to work with a few of the lawyers on the Illinois Cases.

Is this a case for the Death Penalty?

From AP: Sniper Suspect Muhammad Guilty of Murder

A jury convicted John Allen Muhammad of capital murder Monday, concluding he used a rifle, a beat-up car and a teenager who idolized him to kill randomly and terrorize the Washington area during last year's sniper spree.

The jury will now decide whether the Army veteran should be sentenced to death or life in prison. The penalty phase was to begin in the afternoon.

You bet your ass it is!

The Geneva Accord

Tom, The Friendly Ghost, is on to something that I haven't heard too much about recently. It's a conference/summit called the Geneva Accord and it promises to give much fodder to blogosphere over the next few weeks.

According to Tom, the Geneva Accord is a peace agreement the left-wingers in Israel cooked up with the Palestinians, with the Swiss government paying the bill. I looked at it and it seems to only benefit Israel's enemies (there are some things that the Israel Defence Force is limited in engaging)...I think Tom really is on to something here.

Monday

Of course, you have to start the week off with Frank J.'s In My World where Ah-nold finally takes office! Here's a taste:

"Now, I don't want to question the wisdom of the Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and a psychotic rottweiler," Collin Powell stated, "but I think going nuclear is a bit rash, and should be contemplated a bit longer."

Rumsfeld stared at Powell a moment. "Let's just cut to the chase: how much do you want to be bitch-slapped?"

Banagor the Paladin has an essay titled "A History of Laws". Here's a bit from it:

Unlike the fluid and intricate multitude of gods and goddesses in Hinduism, or a waiting of a final day of rapture by Christians to strive to a perfectly encompassing society, or the waiting of the Messiah by the Jews and the adaptability of Judaism in various forms until such a time, Muslims have no such visions of what it is to strive for change. Change deviates from the word of the prophet and therefore is considered heresy.

John Hawkins has Dick Morris' quotes of the year and they are all soooo good.

Harvey at Bad Money has a freakish and weird dollar bill today. P.S. Hide your children!

Sgt. Hook has an inspirational picture for you.

Speaking of the Top Sergeant, his interview is posted by the lovely and talented Jennifer. It is one of the better interviews...even better than mine.

Jennifer Martinez has a post about Jessica Lynch and real heroes...

Grab a cup of coffee and read Donald Sensing's post on Al Qaeda's lack of strategy...any post that includes responses from Stephen Den Beste should get your mind in gear.

Wrap up with one fine post from Greyhawk about a hero and his dreams...if you read anything today, read this.

Chicago Tribune on Deportees

I had gotten wind of this series of articles about two days before it was published by a staffer at the Trib. Today's headline is Immigration crackdown shatters Muslims' lives
There isn't much to say except what I said previously:

After September 11th, 2001, the Attorney General of the United States required foreign "visitors" from 24 different Muslim countries (and North Korea) to register themselves with the government.

83,310 people registered themselves with our governement.

13,740 people that registered themselves with our government were ordered into deportation proceedings.

None of the deportees were ever charged with terror crimes.

This is a thinly veiled, liberal attempt to discredit the Patriot Act, the Bush Administration and the government. Here is why...While none of the deportees were ever charged with terror crimes, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM WERE HERE ILLEGALLY. If you were to weigh risks on who might commit an act of terror, someone from a Muslim country and physically in the U.S. illegally might be a good indicator.

Instead, the title of the article should have been: U.S. Gains 13, 740 more jobs this year!