The advantage to following good old Joe "5-Deferment" Biden’s advice is, when President Obama loses both our wars through inadequate resourcing, he can always blame it on this crack Military Expert’s advice. I know Joe "5-Deferment" Biden is the COWARD I would always turn to when it comes to advice on Military Strategy.
Then again, this fawning Newsweek Biden article does at least allow as how this COWARD “has not always showed the most clear-eyed judgment. In 1990 he voted against American involvement in the first Gulf war, which turned out to be a relatively low-cost success, whereas he voted for the invasion of Iraq, which turned into a near fiasco. He opposed the 2007 Iraq surge, which rescued the American effort from near defeat.” Also, wasn’t he the clown advocating splitting Iraq into three separate countries?
By placing the management of both our two Wars in good old Joe "5-deferment's" portfolio, the President might have already strongly sent the message he isn't interested in winning either of them.
Must admit “5-Deferment” Joe did demonstrate some degree of Military Expertise by the way he deftly avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the Vietnam draft (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves which neither had the guts to do – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP). By contrast here Biden makes "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!).
This COWARD is the reason every American should pray each evening for Obama's good health! He will go down in history as the dumbest and most inept vice president of all times; here by contrast he makes Palin look smart and Dan Quayle absolutely brilliant.
Fortunately, the other role President Obama has assigned this clown is that of designated "butt of jokes" for the late night comedians -- one for which he is eminently well qualified and ideally suited. I hope he devotes his attention to this role and leaves running Wars to the Pros like GEN McChrystal and GEN Petraeus.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Edward Kennedy Arlington National Cemetery Burial
Two years (1951-53) vacationing with the Army in Paris, France at the height of the Korean War while most of your fellow soldiers are fighting for their lives in Korea hardly qualifies one for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Especially, when you consider that the recipient of such favorable treatment was the son of big-shot Democrat operative Joe Kennedy and the president at the time was Harry Truman. Dan Rather was so busy looking into Bush’s Air National Guard service he totally missed this one.
Must admit, Dan also missed looking into the ultimate COWARD, Joe “5-Deferment” Biden who (along with Dick Cheney) did everything short of maiming himself to avoid being drafted during Vietnam (neither had the guts for maiming – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP).
By contrast, Kennedy, Cheney and Biden make "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!).
One final observation, wasn't it his brother JFK that escalated Vietnam into a war; then made it ours by allowing Diem to be assassinated and bringing in hawks McNamara, Rusk and Bundy to expand it. Of the 58K killed in Vietnam, 37K of them were killed under the war leaders brought in by JFK and retained by LBJ.
Must admit, Dan also missed looking into the ultimate COWARD, Joe “5-Deferment” Biden who (along with Dick Cheney) did everything short of maiming himself to avoid being drafted during Vietnam (neither had the guts for maiming – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP).
By contrast, Kennedy, Cheney and Biden make "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!).
One final observation, wasn't it his brother JFK that escalated Vietnam into a war; then made it ours by allowing Diem to be assassinated and bringing in hawks McNamara, Rusk and Bundy to expand it. Of the 58K killed in Vietnam, 37K of them were killed under the war leaders brought in by JFK and retained by LBJ.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
We Got a Governor Race in VA This Year and Only One of the Candidates is a Vet!
Governor McDonnell has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? The only questions Virginians have to ask themselves this election cycle is do you want jobs or do you enjoy unemployment? Virginia has an unemployment rate at ~7% while the National average is ~9.4%, mainly because of a Republican legislature. If we were dumb enough to elect a Dem with "Card Check" and other business unfriendly initiatives on his agenda, we deserve to emulate California or Michigan with 15%+ unemployment and state insolvency.
Unfortunately, the entire Democrat Party is Union "owned" and "ACORN managed." Deeds even had the ACORN Organizer-in-Chief, President Obama, appear with him last week. What else can I say!
I would add that given Virginia's huge Military, Military retiree and veteran population, it should be noted that Lieutenant Colonel (USAR Ret) McDonnell is one of us and the only candidate in the race that has ever donned a uniform in defense of this nation. McDonnell was on active duty from Oct 76 to Apr 81 including 3 years overseas with the 2nd Armored Division in Germany. Even McDonnell's daughter, an Iraq War Vet, has more time defending this nation than Deeds!
Unfortunately, the entire Democrat Party is Union "owned" and "ACORN managed." Deeds even had the ACORN Organizer-in-Chief, President Obama, appear with him last week. What else can I say!
I would add that given Virginia's huge Military, Military retiree and veteran population, it should be noted that Lieutenant Colonel (USAR Ret) McDonnell is one of us and the only candidate in the race that has ever donned a uniform in defense of this nation. McDonnell was on active duty from Oct 76 to Apr 81 including 3 years overseas with the 2nd Armored Division in Germany. Even McDonnell's daughter, an Iraq War Vet, has more time defending this nation than Deeds!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Michelle Obama meets with families at Va Navy base
Does anyone find it strange that First Lady Michelle Obama is so into the Military while her husband, President Obama, feels free to discriminate against us?
The current administration totally lacks diversity when it comes to Veterans inside the White House as Obama's is truly a "Vet-less Administration" when it comes to his inner circle. I suspect it's the "Veteran void" that has allowed the administration to blunder into such ill conceived schemes as billing veterans’ private insurance for combat connected disabilities and allowing his DHS Secretary to accuse Veterans of being prospective Terrorists when they are the only Americans fighting terrorism.
Although Vets are a little better represented in the rest of the Executive Branch, even the Washington Post recently noted this administration has the fewest Vets in the Cabinet since the Hoover Administration.
To add additional insult, we are now in our 6th year of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and the President has the audacity to just now appoint Rep John McHugh (R-NY)as the new Secretary of the Army. Not only has Mr. McHugh never worn a uniform so has no clue what a "combat stressed" Army is going through but he is "in bed" with some of the most corrupt Defense Lobbyists and sleazy contractors ever to afflict the Military.
To take the measure of a man, look at his actions instead of listening to his rhetoric. Despite his public utterances of support for the Military and Vets, of the 41 White House appointees, only General James Jones has ever worn the uniform of our country. Even those of prime Vietnam era draft age like Rouse and Craig managed to avoid any brush with danger during their youth. Other than General Jones, not even his National Security team has Military experience. It is always easier to send others into harms way when you or your loved ones have never had to go!
Mr. Obama’s 2.4% Vets in the White House is beginning to make President Clinton’s abysmal 5% look pretty good but not quite as good as President Bush 41’s 34%.
Our first indication of how candidate Obama felt about the Military should have been his choice for Vice President. When he selected good old Joe "5-Deferment" Biden he showed he valued draft dodging over Military Service! Of course, Joe’s demonstrated his Military Expertise by the way he skillfully avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the draft and Vietnam (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves which neither had the guts to do – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP). By comparison, Biden makes "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!)
I suspect eventually for survival President Obama will be forced to hire at least a few Vets to help prevent him from repeating those previous boneheaded blunders. Even Ray Charles could have seen what the public reaction was going to be to them but the Presidents “Vet-less” inner circle allowed them anyway. Including a Vet in his decision circle could have pointed out the obvious and avoided some embarrassment.
All Americans should encourage President Obama to add a little “diversity” to his administration by hiring a few Vets so we can feel included. It might even have the serendipitous effect of lowering the Veteran unemployment rate. Now that would truly be “Change we can believe in!"
The current administration totally lacks diversity when it comes to Veterans inside the White House as Obama's is truly a "Vet-less Administration" when it comes to his inner circle. I suspect it's the "Veteran void" that has allowed the administration to blunder into such ill conceived schemes as billing veterans’ private insurance for combat connected disabilities and allowing his DHS Secretary to accuse Veterans of being prospective Terrorists when they are the only Americans fighting terrorism.
Although Vets are a little better represented in the rest of the Executive Branch, even the Washington Post recently noted this administration has the fewest Vets in the Cabinet since the Hoover Administration.
To add additional insult, we are now in our 6th year of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and the President has the audacity to just now appoint Rep John McHugh (R-NY)as the new Secretary of the Army. Not only has Mr. McHugh never worn a uniform so has no clue what a "combat stressed" Army is going through but he is "in bed" with some of the most corrupt Defense Lobbyists and sleazy contractors ever to afflict the Military.
To take the measure of a man, look at his actions instead of listening to his rhetoric. Despite his public utterances of support for the Military and Vets, of the 41 White House appointees, only General James Jones has ever worn the uniform of our country. Even those of prime Vietnam era draft age like Rouse and Craig managed to avoid any brush with danger during their youth. Other than General Jones, not even his National Security team has Military experience. It is always easier to send others into harms way when you or your loved ones have never had to go!
Mr. Obama’s 2.4% Vets in the White House is beginning to make President Clinton’s abysmal 5% look pretty good but not quite as good as President Bush 41’s 34%.
Our first indication of how candidate Obama felt about the Military should have been his choice for Vice President. When he selected good old Joe "5-Deferment" Biden he showed he valued draft dodging over Military Service! Of course, Joe’s demonstrated his Military Expertise by the way he skillfully avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the draft and Vietnam (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves which neither had the guts to do – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP). By comparison, Biden makes "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!)
I suspect eventually for survival President Obama will be forced to hire at least a few Vets to help prevent him from repeating those previous boneheaded blunders. Even Ray Charles could have seen what the public reaction was going to be to them but the Presidents “Vet-less” inner circle allowed them anyway. Including a Vet in his decision circle could have pointed out the obvious and avoided some embarrassment.
All Americans should encourage President Obama to add a little “diversity” to his administration by hiring a few Vets so we can feel included. It might even have the serendipitous effect of lowering the Veteran unemployment rate. Now that would truly be “Change we can believe in!"
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Did Cronkite Cause the US to Lose in Vietnam?
Not to speak ill of the dead but many (I among them) believe we could have prevailed in Vietnam had it not been for the liberal media and especially Mr. Cronkite shaping public opinion against the War.
The end result of Mr. Cronkite's actions was to doom the Vietnam people we abandoned to unthinkable hardships. With the fall of Saigon, the new communist government sent many people who supported the old government in the South to "re-education camps." An estimated 1 million people were imprisoned without formal charges or trials and, according to published academic studies in the US and Europe, more than 165,000 people died in these re-education camps. Hundreds of thousands more were abused or tortured. These factors, coupled with poverty, caused hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese to flee the country many becoming "boat people." On the open seas, the boat people had to confront forces of nature, and elude pirates.
Related events in Cambodia allowed the Khmer Rouge regime to murder millions more people in their "Killing Fields."
Mr. Cronkite may have been a great newsman but this stain on his record needs to be a lesson to all Americans about what can happen when we abandon our commitments. Let's remember this as we deal with Iraq and Afghanistan.
The end result of Mr. Cronkite's actions was to doom the Vietnam people we abandoned to unthinkable hardships. With the fall of Saigon, the new communist government sent many people who supported the old government in the South to "re-education camps." An estimated 1 million people were imprisoned without formal charges or trials and, according to published academic studies in the US and Europe, more than 165,000 people died in these re-education camps. Hundreds of thousands more were abused or tortured. These factors, coupled with poverty, caused hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese to flee the country many becoming "boat people." On the open seas, the boat people had to confront forces of nature, and elude pirates.
Related events in Cambodia allowed the Khmer Rouge regime to murder millions more people in their "Killing Fields."
Mr. Cronkite may have been a great newsman but this stain on his record needs to be a lesson to all Americans about what can happen when we abandon our commitments. Let's remember this as we deal with Iraq and Afghanistan.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Army Does the Fighting - Marines Get the Press
Again, the Marines grab all the press while the Army does most of the fighting and dying in both our wars! As of yesterday (17 July), there have been 552 Soldiers killed in Afghanistan while only 91 Marines, 48 Sailors and 47 Airmen have been killed there.
I would add that another 3142 Soldiers have also been killed in Iraq while 1019 Marines, 100 Sailors and 51 Airmen have been killed there.
On Wednesdays the Post publishes the names of the military dead for the week released by the Pentagon and this Wednesday 14 names were released: 11 Soldiers, 2 Sailors and 1 Marine but the Post didn't make it easy to detect this disparity.
The Army is doing a disproportionate share of the fighting and dying for this country in these two wars although I am delighted to see the Marines have decided to rejoin the fight in Afghanistan after having been "missing in action" for the past several years. As for Iraq, there are very few Marines left there and only one Marine has been Killed in Iraq since April while 42 Soldiers have been killed since then.
Every service member’s life is precious so I wouldn't diminish the death of a single one but let's put US Military Operations into a little perspective. Since 1983 we have been in combat in Grenada, Panama, two Wars with Iraq and Afghanistan and the US has lost about 5300 troops total. The causalities are about equal to 4 hours on Normandy Beaches, 19 days on Iwo Jima, December 1950 in Korea or the first 116 Days of 1968 in Vietnam -- or even a year on the streets of several US Cities. If this country can't stomach this level of commitment in exchange for greater homeland security, then I have serious concern for our long term liberty.
I would add that another 3142 Soldiers have also been killed in Iraq while 1019 Marines, 100 Sailors and 51 Airmen have been killed there.
On Wednesdays the Post publishes the names of the military dead for the week released by the Pentagon and this Wednesday 14 names were released: 11 Soldiers, 2 Sailors and 1 Marine but the Post didn't make it easy to detect this disparity.
The Army is doing a disproportionate share of the fighting and dying for this country in these two wars although I am delighted to see the Marines have decided to rejoin the fight in Afghanistan after having been "missing in action" for the past several years. As for Iraq, there are very few Marines left there and only one Marine has been Killed in Iraq since April while 42 Soldiers have been killed since then.
Every service member’s life is precious so I wouldn't diminish the death of a single one but let's put US Military Operations into a little perspective. Since 1983 we have been in combat in Grenada, Panama, two Wars with Iraq and Afghanistan and the US has lost about 5300 troops total. The causalities are about equal to 4 hours on Normandy Beaches, 19 days on Iwo Jima, December 1950 in Korea or the first 116 Days of 1968 in Vietnam -- or even a year on the streets of several US Cities. If this country can't stomach this level of commitment in exchange for greater homeland security, then I have serious concern for our long term liberty.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Gays in the Military and Repeal of DADT ....
I don't know much about this having only been an E-5 Sq Ldr as an EM and commanded four companies, and been a combat battalion XO and Commander as an officer, but in my opinion "respect" is tricky and "coming out of the closet" loses the respect of a sizable segment of the force. I would also say, if you haven't "been there," you don't know what you're talking about. A gay member is not the most reliable judge of how other troops feel about them. To them, they "accept" another gay member, to a straight, there is a loss of respect and especially if a gay member is in a leadership position.
I concede, some troops may accept gays it but now with the force under extreme stress is NOT the time for this risky experiments.
Ever heard the old Army saying: "Guys don't like to take showers with guys that like to take showers with guys." Well, it's true. Communal living is tough enough without introducing "sexual tension" into the barracks or foxhole.
I would also ask that, if you've never had the guts to serve in the Military, don't begin to preach to me about how a service member should have to live "in close quarters." I'd prefer you just said "thank you for your service" and went on your way.
...and as for the arguement that "it's working for other nations," No army in the World, including the Israeli army, holds a candle to either the US Army or the US Marine Corps. Just because some second rate military gets away with a questionable policy is no reason to experiment with what is unarguably and by far the finest military in the World!
I concede, some troops may accept gays it but now with the force under extreme stress is NOT the time for this risky experiments.
Ever heard the old Army saying: "Guys don't like to take showers with guys that like to take showers with guys." Well, it's true. Communal living is tough enough without introducing "sexual tension" into the barracks or foxhole.
I would also ask that, if you've never had the guts to serve in the Military, don't begin to preach to me about how a service member should have to live "in close quarters." I'd prefer you just said "thank you for your service" and went on your way.
...and as for the arguement that "it's working for other nations," No army in the World, including the Israeli army, holds a candle to either the US Army or the US Marine Corps. Just because some second rate military gets away with a questionable policy is no reason to experiment with what is unarguably and by far the finest military in the World!
Friday, July 10, 2009
General Motors Becomes a Federal Agency
Got to warn people about the "new and improved" GM or Government Motors - GM has already begun “stiffing” owners on warranty work which is a sure fire sign GM is getting used to being a Federal Government Agency.
The GM warranty customer Rep I was dealing with had all the charm of an IRS Agent and the manners of a DMV clerk. During a recent phone conversation with Mr. John Russell, General Motors Executive Office – and he authorized me to quote him – General Motors only stands behind their auto transmissions for 12,000 miles when they replace them under warranty.
One can only conclude that by the way they treat customers, GM isn’t worried about customer loyalty because they are not going to need customers in the future.
The GM warranty customer Rep I was dealing with had all the charm of an IRS Agent and the manners of a DMV clerk. During a recent phone conversation with Mr. John Russell, General Motors Executive Office – and he authorized me to quote him – General Motors only stands behind their auto transmissions for 12,000 miles when they replace them under warranty.
One can only conclude that by the way they treat customers, GM isn’t worried about customer loyalty because they are not going to need customers in the future.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Joe "5-Deferment" Biden is Obama's Military Expert
5 July 2009 - Delighted to see good old Joe ("5-deferment") Biden is visiting a combat zone - something he was scared sh**less to do in his youth when his country asked him. This COWARD is the reason every American should pray each night for Obama's good health! He will go down in history as the dumbest and most inept vice president of all times; by contrast he makes Palin look smart and Dan Quayle absolutely brilliant.
Of course, President Obama has placed managing our two Wars in "5-Deferment" Joe's portfolio because of his demonstrated Military Expertise as evidenced by the way he deftly avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the Vietnam draft (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves which neither had the guts to do – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP). Again, by contrast here Biden makes "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!).
It appears President Obama has also assigned Biden the role of designated "butt of jokes" for the late night comedians -- another role for which he is eminently well qualified and ideally suited.
Of course, President Obama has placed managing our two Wars in "5-Deferment" Joe's portfolio because of his demonstrated Military Expertise as evidenced by the way he deftly avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the Vietnam draft (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves which neither had the guts to do – I guess it’s a prerequisite for VP). Again, by contrast here Biden makes "W" look like a war hero! (For the record, Bush flying antique Air National Guard Convair F-102s was probably in more danger than I was during an extended CIB-earning tour in Vietnam!).
It appears President Obama has also assigned Biden the role of designated "butt of jokes" for the late night comedians -- another role for which he is eminently well qualified and ideally suited.
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