I'm struck by this piece because it notes deplorable changes in a measurement that started in 1980; that's the year I enlisted. I retired in 2006, and it is becoming an almost daily event to see how badly my former comrades-in-arms are being abused.
Today the issue is suicide. The thought of rising numbers of soldiers taking their own lives after serving in combat because of poor and inadequate medical treatment at home is devastating. A "1-800" line for redeployed soldiers to seek psychological counseling...pathetic.
The knot in my gut is yet more proof the America needs a change. The legacy of the current occupant of the White House must be in the form of an eraser. What he has wrought on the US military by conducting a needless war "on the cheap" cannot continue past November.
The next Democratic President-Elect must lay a clear roadmap for erasing the coWH's endless war and un-ending occupation of Iraq. The remaining GOP Presidential caandidates are delusional in making any comment that says otherwise. Any Congressional candidate hinting at continuing the coWH's policies must be defeated.
Read the full story in the extended text. Get over the urge to back-bite at supporters of the competing candidates and work to elect the next Democratic President. Read More »
It’s hard to tell what going on at the Republican National Committee (RNC) on December 5, 2007. While Robert M. “Mike” Duncan (RNC Chairman) was hoping to create a profitable fundraising campaign, it appears that he missed the mark and has provided dedicated Democrats and Progressives with a good laugh.
Holiday parties around the country are likely producing the same experience as a recent gathering of mostly Democrats in Larimer County. We went around the room comparing who did, and did not, get Mike Duncan’s plea for donations.
Be it amazing, perplexing or even pathetic, a large of number of us had that letter at home, or had even brought it to the party as a conversation piece. There was an abundance of humor and criticism available after many eyes picked through this correspondence.
Read More »Once again the international press provides the stories that the American corporate media ignores. From Friday's Financial Times, US congress hears war costs could hit $2,400bn over the next decade.
The US House (committee not identified) got this report from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Peter Orszag. This horrendous number was based on leading comments by the generals in Iraq that troops on the ground will reduce to 75,000 by 2013, and STAY the same for the following four years.
Two key points are that this is being financed by deficit spending, and he had to project the costs of US troops staying in Iraq through 2017. Maybe that's not as permanent as Mount Rushmore, but it's too much of an occupation for me to accept.
The signs are all there folks...this is turning into a long-term, on-the-ground presence in Iraq that will rival South Korea and Cold-War Europe. The Congressional Democrats must use these new spending figures to bring this diabolical occupation plan to halt. There can be no more detrimental US policy than to force our troops to endure the hate and mis-trust any additional day than absolutely necessary on Iraqi soil.
The National Debt Interest on the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplementals ALONE will reach $700 Billion by 2017 (this looks like he was doing a standard 10-year forecast report). So the Children's and Grandchildren's tax continues to grow. While the robber-baron sponsors of the current occupant of the White House are getting rich, our heirs are facing the burdens of growing debt.
Pathways to Leadership appears to have gained Angie's undivided attention. I can't fault her for her decision, because it looks like my dream job also. But, it is yet to be seen if either Betsy or Eric can rise to Angie's level of voter support and volunteer dedication and enthusiasm. Read More »
When you are ready, and particularly when supporters of Barack Obama have prepared themselves for a particularly infuriating experience, go ahead and read the "Extended Post Text."
Until then accept the message that the WingNuts will resort to the lowest levels of fear-mongering, hate-spreading, information twisting, stereotype bending and innuendo smearing in their attempts to undermine Democratic candidates. Be ready for it, fight it, stay on message and win elections! Rove may have slithered back to Texas, but his proteges continue his dark work.
I guess the really tragic part of this is that too many conservatives buy this filth as uncompromised truth. From the message strings (this one went through four forwards) that deliver this garbage to my email inbox I get the impression that they think this is important stuff, confidential, insider-only and that they're on the leading-edge of the conservative movement. If any of them could just learn how to use "bcc" in these messages there might be some credibility to their self-inflating language. But, I hope they all enjoy the e-newsletters that they're about to join. Read More »
The unilateral, go it alone policies of the current occupant of the White house are visibly crumbling. First, there was an out-of-the box opinion by Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to get the US away from negotiating with the Iraqi factions, and now we learn that the “decider” is passing the buck back to the UN.
Senator Hagel’s piece was published in the Financial Times – “A less American face for mediation in Iraq” FT.com site, Jul 02, 2007 (My home subscription doesn’t include online access to the archive. I saved it the old-fashioned way, scissors.)
Here’s the Washington post coverage of the upcoming plea for rescue from the UN - Link
This nation is in dire straights on the world stage. The US military colleges teach young officers that one fo the measures/means of national power is Diplomacy. The early arrogance of the current occupant has arguably been replaced by silent despiration.
Ban Ki-Moon has paid a high price for US acceptance of his taking the office of UN Secretaty-General. He now faces the task of rescuing the current occupant from his debacle in Iraq. Too bad that means the current mis-administration is likley to borrow the $130-million to extend the “Green-Zone” to the UN Mission in Baghdad.
The Federal Deficit “Children’s Tax” debt to the People’s Republic of China continues to grow. The next Democratic President of the United States of America has a huge and daunting task ahead of him/her. It starts in 511 days.
Surprise, surpise…After taking a call-in opportunity to a Faux Noise (Fox News) radio show to reassure the Right WingNuts that all is well in Iraq, General David Petraeus is taking a beating in the Washington Post. The text of his radio comments were reported in detail and those knowledgeable of military realities have “taken-off the gloves.”
Read the article -
Then read how thousands are b****-slapping a 4-star -
The weapons fiasco is a serious blow to the credibility of the entire military mission. It comes on the heals of the “…take yer guns home boys…” disbanding of the Iraqi Army, the failure to secure Saddam’s conventional weapons stockpiles, and the dumb-founded do-nothing policies during the rise of the insurgency.
It was just 1,560 days ago that the current occupant of the White House joyfully declared the end of combat in Iraq under the glowing “Mission Accomplished” banner. The war was won, but it is becoming more and more evident that the peace is descending rapidly into catastrophe.
There is no truthful “clerical error” that could have allowed 190,000 weapons to flow unchecked into Iraq. It was definitely a loss of accountability, a compromise of integrity, and an abandoning of professionalism on the part of General Patraeus.
The offenses and failures of the mis-administration just continue to grow. Today’s Washington Post story, “Weapons Given to Iraq Are Missing: GAO Estimates 30% of Arms Are Unaccounted For” is yet more damning evidence of how badly the current occupant of the White House has bungled his adventure in Iraq.
Here’s the story - Link
GAO Report - Link
Read More »The risk to the nation is extreme. We're facing the decline of one of the few remaining hometown, pre-Revolutionary War institutions. For many this is the core reality of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. For others it is a vital family and community fixture that embraces generations. The evidence provides facts that much of the mis-administration lacks the same sense of tradition and importance in the National Guard.
Simply put, this yet another charge against the current occupant that must be added to our list of offenses. The US Congress has long been the champion of the National Guard against the threats of the active duty military and the White House. This is no exception. Every member of Congress should act to counter this threat, and Governors should join the fray.
Read the source materials, and then consider my analysis in the extended text.
Presentation: Link
Analysis: Link
Background: Link
Mis-administration Policy: Link Read More »
"Angie for All of Us" is the 2008 slogan. In addition to that, Angie presented enticing hints that the 2008 pursuit of the 4th CD will include new faces to round out an experienced campaign staff.
Judging by the raised hands she already has over 100 experienced campaign volunteers and fundraising donors ready to carry the fight to unseat Marilyn Musgrave. Several campaign facts and analysis points made by Angie Paccione seemed to encourage an already enthusiastic crowd. Read More »
Read the full article here - Link
On the surface this article appears to lay the full weight and blame for the Iraq Debacle on the shoulders of the generals. Or, in his words:
"If the general remains silent while the statesman commits a nation to war with insufficient means, he shares culpability for the results."
Throughout his article Paul makes a strong case for the charge of professional ineptitude on the part of several cycles of generals involved in the preparation for the invasion of Iraq, the combat, and then the occupation. Very nicely interwoven in the article in the subtle challenge to Paul's (thankfully, no longer mine also) highest ranking current and former superior officers to defend themselves.
This is because I do not see Paul's writing as professional suicide or the expression of a "Don Quixote" syndrome, rather it is a slap across the forehead with a cannon barrel that says, "Damn it, you've been silent too long!"
While the condemnation of the US military's denial and intransigence over counter-insurgency warfare is well deserved, there are hints that others should have stood their ground like former US Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki(and should now start digging themselves out). It was only Shinseki who publicly bucked the mis-administration line on the Iraq invasion before Congress. Paul correctly implies that others had the same knowledge, but not the courage and integrity of Shinseki.
In short order Rummy sacked Shinseki only to find that none of the current 3-star and 4-star Army generals would accept the job. By recalling recently retired General Peter Schoomaker, Rummy laid the catalyst for a purge of the US Army general officer ranks that borrows from Josef Stalin.
The real stick that Paul chooses to wield against the silent stars is his description of changes to the Senate nominating and confirming procedures for the generals. His call for accountability and consequences would serve as a severe shake-up of an all too comfortable and conformist exclusive club.
Hopefully, Paul Yingling's article will light a fire under a few more current and retired generals to break the code of silence, and set the record straight on the failings of the current occupant of the White House and his chicken-hawk handlers. Otherwise, Congress would be well within its rights and responsibilities to enact every process outlined by Yingling; and more.
Here’s a “Way to GO!” for David Brock (President and CEO, Media Matters for America), and the Campaign for America's Future. They have completed a new report that is a welcome relief for those of us who must content with friends and family members who are afflicted with the worst cases of Radical Republican Right WingNut –itis.
The typical Right WingNut relies on a foundational ideal of an American conservative majority. From there they promulgate all sorts of outrageous and dangerous policies.
Thanks to Media Matters for America and the Campaign for America's Future, we now have proof that the WingNuts are way off the mark. The hard work now is to put he pressure on the media (yes, I know Faux Noise is a lost cause), politicians and those irritating (but still beloved) friends and family.
Here’s the highlight summary provided by Media Matters for America.
The role of government -- 69 percent of Americans believe the government "should care for those who can't care for themselves;" twice as many people (43 percent vs. 20 percent) want "government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending" as wanted government to provide fewer services "in order to reduce spending."
The economy -- 77 percent of Americans think Congress should increase the minimum wage; 66 percent believe "upper-income people" pay too little in taxes; 53 percent feel the Bush tax cuts have failed because they have increased the deficit and caused cuts in government programs.
Social issues -- 61 percent of Americans support embryonic stem cell research; 62 percent want to protect Roe v. Wade; only 3 percent of Americans rank gay marriage as the "most important" social issue.
Security -- 43 percent of Americans say we are spending too much on our military; 60 percent feel the federal government should do more about restricting the kinds of guns that people can purchase.
The environment -- 75 percent of Americans would be wiling to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources to help reduce global warming; 79 percent want higher emissions standards for automobiles.
Energy -- 52 percent of Americans believe "the best way for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on foreign oil" is to "have the government invest in alternative energy sources;" 68 percent of the public thinks U.S. energy policy is better solved by conservation than production.
Immigration -- 57 percent of Americans feel "most recent immigrants to the U.S. contribute to this country" rather than "cause problems." 67 percent of Americans feel that "on the whole" immigration is a "good thing for this country today."
Health care - 69 percent of Americans think it is the responsibility of the federal government to make sure all Americans have access to health coverage; 76 percent find access to health care more important than maintaining the Bush tax cuts; three in five would be willing to have their own taxes increased to achieve universal coverage.
This comes from the “what has my ‘…Radical Republican Right WingNut…’ friend/relative sent me this time” files? Many of us are burdened with this condition. But, it does offer some reassurance that at some level the opposition really is a bunch of sophomoric twits.
Subject: Democratic National Convention Agenda for 2008
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 12:23:17 -0700
7:00 P.M. Opening flag burning.
7:15 P.M. Pledge of Allegiance to the United Nations.
7:30 PM. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
7:30 till 8:00 P.M. Nonreligious prayer and worship: Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.
8:00 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
8:05 P.M. Ceremonial tree hugging.
8:15- 8:30 P.M. Gay Wedding: Barney Frank, presiding.
8:30 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
8:35 P.M Memorial for Saddam: Cindy Sheehan, Susan Sarandon.
9:00 P.M. Keynote speech: "The Proper Etiquette for Surrender", French President Jacques Chirac.
9:15 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
9:20 P.M. Collection to benefit Osama Bin Laden Kidney Transplant Fund.
9:30 P.M. Unveiling of plan to free freedom fighters from Guantanamo Bay : Sean Penn.
9:40 P.M. Why I hate the Military: A short talk by William Jefferson Clinton.
9:45 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
9:50 P.M. Dan Rather receives "Truth in Broadcasting" award, presented by Michael Moore.
9:55 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
10:00 P.M. Presentation: "How George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld brought down the World Trade Center Towers ", by Howard Dean.
10:30 P.M. Nomination of Hillary Rodham Clinton for President by Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
11:00 P.M. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
11:05 P.M. Al Gore reinvents the Internet.
11:15 P.M. "Our Troops are War Criminals", presented by John Kerry.
11:30 P.M Coronation of Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
12:00 AM. Ted Kennedy proposes a toast.
12:05 A.M Bill asks Ted to drive Hillary home.
There are so many really idiotic ideas in this it’s almost too much to handle in one reading. But, the scary part is that a large percentage of the GOP really believe these lies and stereotypes, and have no clue of the real damage the current occupant of the White House and the neo-cons surrounding the vice are doing to this country.
With 564 days remaining until the natural departure of the current occupant from the White House, I would hope that a creative patriot/progressive somewhere would present us with a satirical, but truthful, countdown of those final hours.
The hard part is blocking out the doomsday scenarios that are possible until some of the current occupant’s unitary executive schemes are unraveled. Some may find it hard to be funny when faced with the prospects of a near dictatorship.
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