Look At It...

...and them come tell me to my face that this blatant disrespect is what the Tanker Brothers, and thousands of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen like us, are fighting for.



I dare you.

.

Smokin' Joe: Attacked By Fellow Dems?

As a Soldier, one thing that I value is loyalty (and consider that Loyalty is one of the Army Values).

I absolutely cannot stand it when someone is attacked by his contemporaries for standing up for what he believes is right.

Enter Smokin' Joe Lieberman: the John McCain of the Democratic Party.

Seems that Smokin' Joe is catching all kinds of fire from his fellow Democrats for his stance on the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sen. Joe Lieberman’s strong stand on national security has so rankled some fellow Democrats that they actually booed him at a political dinner on Thursday night. The rude response to his speech came even as he was being endorsed by popular Sen. Barack Obama.... But scattered boos greeted Lieberman when he took the podium, and "he had to stop three times during his remarks to shush the crowd so he could deliver key points,” the Stamford Advocate reported. Lieberman is also under fire from the left-wing blog Daily Kos, which is helping Lamont raise money for his campaign. In a posting headlined "Sen. Lieberman: big whiner,” Kos quotes a press release from the Lieberman campaign regarding Lamont’s tactics: "Attacking Senator Lieberman’s character and integrity was a predictable but dishonorable way to begin this campaign. Mr. Lamont is clearly going to run a very negative and angry campaign where the truth doesn’t get in the way.” Kos then opines: "The Lieberman campaign isn’t engaging, it’s whining. What strikes me about Lieberman’s thin skin is how unnecessary it all is. He’s a decent guy with a good record in many areas.” Kos also notes: "It’s a sad, pathetic sight seeing Lieberman scramble for respect despite his long years of incumbency.”

Why is Lieberman being attacked and disrespected?

Go back a few years, before Clinton came into office. The Democrats were more centrist, more moderate. As the Clintons took over, the party slowly began moving farther and farther to the left. When the 1994 rise of the Republicans under Newt Gingrich, they began to slide more and more towards radicalism. The 2000 Presidential Election just plain sent them over the edge of the cliff.

The Democratic Party of 2001-2006 doesn't resemble, in any way, the Democratic Party of the Carter era. They are spiteful, mean-spirited demagogues. Democrats and Republicans back then may have differed on a few issues, but everyone was working towards the same goal: defeat of the Soviet threat and the spreading of freedom and democracy throughout the world.

Now, every time things don't go their way, the claim some kind of conspiracy, or they threaten to filibuster in Congress. They actually claim that going to war in Iraq was unjustified, even though Iraq is a fledgling democracy no longer under the rule of a tyrant.

Now, they even go so far as to defame their own kind who don't agree with them.

The Democrats of 2006 want universal health care, redistribution of wealth by taxing the rich disproportionately to the rest of America, and a society that will become increasingly dependent on the government for everything. What does that sound like to you?

Communism?

And when good men like Joe Lieberman take a stand, agree that we're fighting a righteous war, and standing up for what he believes: they attempt to assassinate his character.

They eat their own.

I Love This

Click the pic for the full effect....

Tanker Brothers: Race Traitors? Think Again!

Okay...it's no secret, the Tanker Brothers are both Hispanic.

Yep, brown as the day is long.

That being said, may I remind you that I often post in a few forums. Two are German Language, one is a Mini disc forum, etc... One of these forums is rather, eh, lets say "Progressive". I am one one of the lone Conservative voices in the Wilderness. I catch a lot of flack in there (my Land mines idea for securing the US-Mexico border didn't go over too well). I wouldn't really let the flame attacks bother me too much. For a time, they were even a bit amusing.

Until today.

Someone insinuated that they couldn't understand why I wasn't predisposed to understand the plight of illegal immigrants. I mean, after all, I'm Hispanic, right?

The whole time, I'm thinking "What the heck does that have to do with the price of tea in China?"

Someone else said, quite pointedly, as a matter of fact, that they didn't understand it, either, since there had to be some immigration in my background.

Well, DUH.

Unless you're American Indian or Alaskan, and you're a 100% pure-blood from the times that the buffalo roamed free (I always wanted to use that in a post), then there's a little immigrant in all of us.

But, once again: "What the heck does that have to do with the price of tea in China?"

The fact of the matter is this: none of my immigrant ancestors (and believe me, we go way back), swam a river or jumped a fence to get here. We did it the right way. We did it the legal way. One branch of our family even had a Land Grant from way back when the King of Spain was handing them out: long before Texas was ever a State. Long before Texas was even a Republic. Long before Mexico was ever a country. And guess what? We were on this side of the Rio Grande.

To what you might say: "What the heck does that have to do with the price of tea in China?"

Which brings me to my point: I'm not predisposed to, sympathetic to, or understanding of lawbreakers. To everyone's chagrin, I'm the guy who literally counts out five seconds of a full stop when I'm at a stop sign, even when there's no one around. I'm the kind of guy that chases down a waiter when he gives me the wrong change. I'm the guy that sets his cruise control to just a hair under the speed limit on the interstate. I'm the guy that observes the five second rule for the vehicle ahead of me. My motto for living out my life, and what I will teach my son? "Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Especially when no one is looking."

Which leads me to wonder why I would "understand" what these people are going through.

Am I supposed to understand the thought process of someone that's breaking a law, and violating our sovereignty by invading our country for personal profit? So I understand this correctly: they are crossing our borders, in violation of our laws, so that they might profit from jobs "that Americans don't want". Isn't breaking the law for profit the very definition of theft?

And how am I exactly supposed to "understand" what they are going through?

Is it because I'm "brown", or because I speak Spanish? And if I don't agree with their stereotype of all Hispanics "understanding" or supporting illegal immigrants, does that me a "Race Traitor"?

In my honest opinion, no. It makes me a responsible, law-abiding citizen. A Citizen that quite frankly, is sick and tired of the stereotype that all Hispanics are "wetbacks" or are partial to them. A Citizen that wishes he could volunteer to proudly stand tall with the Minutemen and monitor our borders, so that our Border Patrol can enforce the laws that our Politicians won't.

Last night, when the news broke that the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the McCain-Kennedy (or Kennedy-McCain - who wears the pants in that relationship, anyway?) version of the immigration bill, I was shocked, angry, and insulted.

But most of all, I was ashamed.

"What the heck does that have to do with the price of tea in China?".

...Indeed, Sen McCain.

Comments?

Tags For This Post: Immigration, Illegal Aliens, Mexico, Protests, Border, Citizenship, Aliens

Cav Tanker: Retention Problems My Butt!

Congrats to my little brother, Cav Tanker, for staying in the Army to go back to Iraq and kick some terrorist backside.

Cav Tanker re-enlisted at 0645 this morning, for three years. Today was the first day of his re-enlistment window.

I'm proud of him, and I'm proud of the fact that every Iraqi War Vet that re-enlists to stay in the service of his country is a black eye to the Anti-War movement, Cindy Sheehan, Code Pink, Michael Moore, and all the rest of the sorry individuals who would undermine our success in the War on Terror.

Seeing a young Soldier agreeing to defend his country for three more years...that's what it's all about. That's something that makes me damn proud.

Please leave your comments here for him, or alternatively, shoot him an email by clicking his "Email Me" graphic in the right sidebar. You can also sign our Battle Roster by clickingthe link above.

Tags For This Post: Cav Tanker, Re-Enlist, Army, Duty, Honor, Country, Warriors

Will The MSM Cover It? Nah...

Iraqi Counterterrorism Forces killed 16 insurgents and wounded three others while conducting a coordinated operation to capture and detain insurgents responsible for kidnapping and execution activities in northeast Baghdad Sunday. Soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 1st Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade, also detained 18 other individuals, discovered a significant weapons cache, and secured the release of an Iraqi being held hostage. The discovered weapons cache included AK-47 assault rifles, grenades, RPGs, two RPG launchers, heavy machine guns, crush switch indicators used to make improvised explosive devices, and several rounds of ammunition. The cache was destroyed on the scene along with two vehicles that contained weapons and IED making material.

Tags For This Post: Iraqi, Army, Raid, Terror, War, Victory, Soldiers

Little Soldier

In defiance of Code Pink:


Future Tanker?

Warrior on Terror?

Only time will tell...

Senate Judiciary Committee Screws It Up: Master Gunner Not Surprised...

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved sweeping election-year legislation Monday that clears the way for 11 million illegal aliens to seek U.S. citizenship, a victory for demonstrators who had spilled into the streets by the hundreds of thousands demanding better treatment for immigrants. With a bipartisan coalition in control, the committee also voted down proposed criminal penalties on immigrants found to be in the country illegally. It approved a new temporary program allowing entry for 1.5 million workers seeking jobs in the agriculture industry. "All Americans wanted fairness and they got it this evening," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (news, bio, voting record), D-Mass., who played a pivotal role in drafting the legislation.

Yep...we boned this one up.

I'm not at all surprised, though.

The good thing is that it was just a committee (SP?) vote, and not a vote in the full Senate.

We'll have to see. With Sens. Frist and others on the side of Law Enforcement... We might have a good chance.

What bothers me the most is that if this bill passes, we may have just made 11+ Million people laugh at us, rewarded them for breaking our laws and disrespecting our borders, and invited 11+ Million more in to do the same.

Way to go, Arlen.

Tags For This Post: Lawlessness, Immigration, Criminals, Border

Red Sky Brothers: Exposing Child Abuse

My son will be a year old in one week.

When I see children that are indoctrinated like this little girl, it makes my blood boil. I can’t hear this “Religion Of Peace” crap anymore, and see Muslim extremists indoctrinate their children to hate.

To see a child brainwashed like this little girl has been, I equate the act as Child Abuse.

Check Out What I'm Talking About.

Little Reminder...

I would just like to take this opportunity to remind y'all that if this is your first time here, please take a second and click "Sign Our Battle Roster" underneath the banner at the top.

We'd really like to hear you comments, or at least know you were here.

God Bless!

Freedom Folks Report The REAL DEAL!

For y'all that have bought into the whole "Peaceful (Pro-Illegal) Immigration Protestors" you've been watching in the media ... you know, where they show you "peaceful" marches... tune into the Freedom Folks for the real deal. Then you'll see how "peaceful" the invaders really are...

Freedom Folks Blog

And While You're At It... buy a CD!

[Edit: Note the American Flag they knocked out of the Minuteman's hand, onto the ground. That really pisses me off!]

Blog Of The Day: Trying To Grok!

I haven't posted a Blog of The Day for a while now. I guess I've been slacking.

Anyway, no excuses.

Looks like the Tanker Brothers have a new friend, and one with a pretty impressive Pedigree: her husband is a tanker. Any girl cool enough to have a picture of herself sitting in a Tank Commander's hatch is cool in our book.


Do us (and yourself) a favor and check out her work. Just click the graphic, and it will take you to her Blog.

And tell her the Tanker Brothers sent ya.

Operation Glory Light - South Of Baghdad

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment provide security while the rest of their team completes an area engagement south of Baghdad during operation Glory Light. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363 MPAD)

Tags For This Post: War, Iraq, Baghdad, Army, Infantry, Operations, Glory Light

Public Service Announcement!

I was going over my metrics for the last week or so, and guess what I found:


So 45% of visitors are using Firefox?

What's up with the other 55%?

Get Firefox here.

Age Of Tolerance: From Al To Allah

Just started reading a new book recently, titled "Age Of Tolerance" by Glen Reinsford.

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if President Bush hadn't won the 2000 Presidential Election? Have you ever considered what a Gore response to the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks would have been?

Reinsford has done a good job of answering those questions, taking Gore's statements over the last six years (and over the course of his political career), and he's come up with one heck of a read!

I'm not finished yet, but I've made some serious progress over the last two days. To be honest, I can't put it down.

You have to kind of tough it out for the first fifty pages or so, though. The novel isn't boring, but some of Gore's antics have sort of a cartoony-feel, until you realize that Al Gore is a caricature of Al Gore. That's how he really is. Once you make that distinction, all credibility in the "what if" scenario is immediately restored. I can literally picture Gore saying 99% of the things in this novel. Many of his "quotes" in the story are actual quotes, in the correct context, of things he has said in speeches and interviews attempting to undermine the War on Terror!

As I said, I'm not finished yet, but as soon as I do, I'll publish a review.

Has anyone else read this book? If so, your comments, please! And no spoilers!

You can check it out, and even order the book (let's read it together and discuss) by clicking the following link:

Tags For This Post: Al Gore, Alternate History, Books, Amazon, Democrats, Reading, Discussion

What?

OK, I think I may have missed something here. Did Mr. John Winston Smith (Idiot) just comment that I have never been to war? Are you also saying that I have not known what it feels like to lose someone due to combat? Mr. Idiot, I invite you to come over here and say those things to my face. YOU have no IDEA what I have experienced.

Listen, if you have a comment you would like to make to myself or my brother, that's fine. We don't mind comments at all. What pisses us off is the fact that these "Loco Lefties" never, yes, I'll say it again, NEVER bother to do their research on us. It's not like we are hiding anything. On the left and right sidebars is an icon WITH OUR RIBBONS! A smart person would have at least looked at that FIRST, then done a little looking around and noticed that we both have WARTIME ribbons.

"Like, DUH".

Have either of us mentioned that we hate stupid people? Cause....We do. Seriously. Because they're stupid.

P.S. Mr. John Winston Smith.......you're stupid. What's really messed up is that people have died to give you the freedom to talk bad about this country. You and everyone like you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Boils My Blood - "Armchair Pacifists"

Thank God we have the the First Amendment in our great country. That Dingbats like John Winston Smith (who by the way, left no email address, so that we may respond to him) can leave comments like this:

I'd like to know how many of you arm chair generals have been in a war zone, a refugee camp or anywhere where people have died in front of you. Mayby people like Cindy Sheehan who've known death have a bit of sense in opposing a Chicken Hawk Draft Dodging Daddy's boy who has never seen the effects of his decisions first hand. Carrying around a plastic Turkey in a day trip to Baghdad doesn't count. Try seeing the war firsthand and then tell us how Sheehan et. al don't make sense. JWS

To the "esteemed" Mr. Smith:

You obviously haven't read any of my previous posts.

There are no "Chicken hawks" here, Sir. Both of the Authors of this Blog have served in Iraq. I personally have been in MULTIPLE war zones. We have both seen combat. We have both seen death. I have lost dear friends in this war, men who I have stood by proudly and trained and fought with. Men who were proud to put their lives on the line to do the right thing. Men who died not in vain, but in the pursuit of peace in a volatile region of the world, bringing terrorists to justice and sacrificing their lives to save the lives of civilians. I will not stand by and have you defame those men, sir. I will not stand by and allow you, and your Anti-War movement, to take the sacrifices of those brave men, and cheapen them. I won't allow it.

Don't preach to me about what I have and have not seen.

I've taken cover with Iraqis as we were having mortars dropped on us. I've dodged bullets, braved IEDs, and sacrificed my time and my personal safety to bring security to the New Iraq. My brother and I both have. We have done more in one single day for our country than you can say you have done your entire life. We have selflessly sacrificed more in one single hour in the service of our nation than you have in a lifetime of depending on others to sacrifice for you.

Damn you and your "Armchair Pacifist" contemporaries. If you take issue with what we write and what we do, then come to Fort Hood and let us all know exactly how you feel. We'll see how long your disrespect will last in the presence of the thousands of warriors here who know of honor and sacrifice, qualities of which you have never experienced or displayed.

I await your comments.

That's Mah Boy!

Yeah... he reads Stuff magazine.

So what?

(Alternate Caption: "I read it for the articles! Seriously!")

Little Buddy...

US Soldiers are making a difference in the lives of Iraqi men, women, and especially children:

Sgt. Robert R. Anderson, infantryman, interacts with a local Iraqi child, in a village outside of Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, March 12th, 2006. Anderson, 25, a native of Gillespie, Ill., and the other soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, performed a multi-faceted mission during the daylong operation as they carried out weapons cache sweeps, investigated possible improvised explosive devices and conducted route clearance operations. The Illinois-based National Guard took a few moments throughout the day to assist Iraqi villagers in the area, handing out supplies and spending time with the local children. The soldiers were grateful it wasn’t business as usual and could do something a little light hearted. Whether it’s handing out candy or searching for IEDs, the soldiers are proud of what they are doing in Iraq, said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy J. Atteberry, platoon sergeant. “The individual, personal satisfaction of helping another human being really comes from these kinds of humanitarian-aid type missions,” said Atteberry, a 38-year-old native of Champagne, Ill.The soldiers’ primary mission is to provide base security for the Marines and sailors of the forward-deployed 1st Marine Logistics Group. The 4,200 joint-service members of 1st MLG are part of the 25,000 Marines, airmen, solders and sailors of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force’s forward deployed element. The 1st MLG’s mission is to provide sustained logistics support to I MEF and Iraqi security forces operating in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. First MLG will also support the development of the Iraqi Security Forces' logistic capabilities in order to enable independent ISF led counter insurgency operations.

Of this, I am confident: the children of Iraq are seeing US Soldiers as friends, willing to sacrifice themselves to make a better future for them and their families. The generation of Iraqis who are growing up right now, the children who have known freedom, and nothing else, will remember us, and pass down their perceptions to future generations.

What will they say?

They will tell their children and grandchildren that their parents and grandparents lived under the rule of a brutal dictator, and men from another land, of a different culture, came and saved them.

Of this, I am confident.

What will the rest of the story be? That they saved them from the evil of Saddam Hussein, then left them at the time they were needed most? Or will they say that the United States stayed, and helped usher in a new government and a new era of personal and religious freedom in their country?

Make no mistake about it, we're at a crossroads, and the big decisions we make now will affect generations of Americans and Iraqis. All we need is the moral courage to do the right thing.

Tags For This Post: Soldiers, Iraq, War, Friendship, Civilians, Children

First Steps!

Unrelated to the war on terror, but still pretty dang cool!

My Son, taking his very first actual walking steps!



Comments?

Book Review: The Politically Incorrect Guide To Islam (And The Crusades)

I just finished reading this book, and I was amazed. I had originally read a glowing review on it, so I decided to check itout for myself.

I ordered it on Amazon.com, and recieved it in two days. (I'm an Amazon Prime Member).


Robert Spencer does an excellent job at busting wide open the perceptions and misrepresentations we have been fed for years. I gaurante you that 99% of the people that tell us Islam "is a religion of peace" have never read the Qu'ran (Koran), or are confident that you won't take the time to read it. Spencer also compares the writings of Islam and Christianity, and shows how the two are not only dissimilar, but mutually exclusive.

One glaring example: everyone has been told that The Crusades were an invasion of European Christians into the Middle East. What you haven't been told (until now) was that The Crusades were actually the Europeans striking back, and attempting to push the Muslims back after rapid, bloody expansion that threatened Europe.

I was intrigued after reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it to my fellow Tanker Brothers and Sisters.

If you want to understand why this war is such a fight of "Us against Them", then you really need to pick this book up.

One Caveat: the first half of the book can get confusing with some of the Arabic names. There are a whole lot of "Al-Thisas" and "Al-Thatas", and a few names I couldn't even begin to attempt to pronounce. I found a good way to fix that, though, by using highlighters. When I came across a name that would play a large pert in the book, "Al-Thisa" for example, then I would highlight every instance of that name in a particular color, so if I came across that name again, I would be reminded of who they were talking about and what they did before. This was very helpful, since many Arabic names are very similar. The second half of the book was much better in this regard.

All in all, I would give this book a hearty four and one half stars! You can order the book here:

Those Shirts Dot Com!

I totally fell in love with this shirt. I'm gonna get one.


You can buy one HERE

V-Dub: Un-Pimp Your Ride

Sorry, But I think this commerical is hilarious!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Okay, I'm not Irish.

But any excuse to drink beer is a good one, I guess!

(Too bad I don't drink...)

You're Kidding, Right?

That's the only reasonable explanation I can come up with for this moronic Letter To The Editor:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR March 16,2006 The Monitor Documentary claims to show 9/11 facts To the editor: Recently, I ran across a documentary on the Web titled 911 In Plane Sight, narrated by David Von Kleist, host of The Power Hour. Needless to say, it blew me away. I urge the citizens of this country to look up this documentary and view it. I could not believe that we were downright lied to and deceived, first and foremost by our government and then by the media that covered this tragedy. This documentary will show that the planes that hit the twin towers were not passenger planes at all and that no 757 jet hit the Pentagon. It will further show that all those people did not have to die. Why has this not been investigated and why is this country’s government reverting to communism, where the media will report only what the government wants and the people will hear only what the government wants them to hear? I urge you to look at the facts on this documentary and see for yourself how the Charlie Cardenases of the world and the Bush Administration want us to live. We are supposed to be a free country, with freedom of speech, and we were manipulated and deceived into war and terrorist threats that never existed. There are people trying to get to the truth of the matter, but the Bush Administration will not release the data nor the video that will show the world the truth. May God bless us all and keep us safe, especially from our own elected president. See it and see. Maria Martinez, Mercedes

Thanks God I came to my senses, enlisted in the Army, and got the hell outta there before it was too late. Otherwise, I might also have turned into a conspiracy zombie.

If this "documentary", Maria, "blew you away", you really must be a very simple soul. How would you explain the three missing flights? They went into "The Twilight Zone"? What exactly hit the Penatgon, then? UFOs?

Word to the wise: the tragedy WAS investigated. It was called the 9/11 Commission, Dingbat.

As to your allegations that our country is resorting to "Communism" - if you were as informed as the other Tanker Brothers and Sisters that read this weblog, you would know that the problem with the media is that they refuse to print the whole story: the most glaring failure to do so being the War in Iraq. We have this thing in this country called the Freedom of the Press.

As to "the facts on this documentary", I submit to you this fact:

You're an Idiot.

Operation Swarmer: Hooah!

'Operation Swarmer' Air Assault Launched in Iraq
*Thursday, March 16, 2006*

Coalition forces launched the largest air assault in Iraq since U.S.
forces invaded that country in 2003, the U.S. military confirmed Thursday.

The assault was launched in the southern Salah Ad Din province to clear
a suspected insurgent operating area southeast of Samarra. The
operation, which began Thursday morning, is expected to continue for
several days.

Coalition forces have dubbed the assault "Operation Swarmer," which is
an operation consisting of about 1,500 soldiers in all, including the
Iraqi Army's 1st Brigade, 4th Division, the 101st Airborne Division's
3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. The
assault is a combination of air and ground operations involving more
than 200 tactical vehicles and more than 50 aircraft also participated
in the operation.

According to the Coalition Press Information Center, initial reports
indicate that a number of enemy weapons caches have been captured,
containing artillery shells, explosives, IED-making materials, and
military uniforms.

Samarra, located in north central Iraq on the Tigris River, was the
scene of fierce fighting between Sunni insurgents and U.S. forces in
2004. The town is a pilgrimage center for Shiite Muslims

Operation Swarmer comes on the heels of a combined Iraqi-coalition
operation west of Samarra in early March that resulted in the capture of
substantial enemy weapons and equipment caches, according to coalition
forces.

The name "Swarmer" comes from the name given to the largest peacetime
airborne maneuvers ever conducted, in spring 1950 in North Carolina,
according to CPIC. Soon after this exercise, the 187th Infantry was
selected to deploy to Korea as an Airborne Regimental Combat Team to
provide General MacArthur with an airborne capability.

That's what I'm talkin' about! Once again the New Iraqi Army and
Coalition Forces are taking the fight to the enemy!

Good Luck and God Bless! Give 'em hell!

Operation Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Fallujah!

Seriously.

A Marine from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, hands out toys and pamphlets to Iraqi children during Operation Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood in Fallujah, Iraq, March 10. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaecus G. Brooks)

Personally....I would have picked a cooler name for the Outreach.

Like Operation Sesame Street. Or Operation Electric Company. Even Operation Captain Kangaroo!

What difference does it make? It worked.

The TankerBrothers Gmail Giveaway!

Gmail is Google's free webmail service. It comes with built-in Google search technology and over 2,600 megabytes of storage (and growing every day). You can keep all your important messages, files and pictures forever, use search to quickly and easily find anything you're looking for, and make sense of it all with a new way of viewing messages as part of conversations. There are no pop-ups or untargeted banner ads in Gmail, only small text ads. Ads and related information are relevant to your messages, so instead of being obtrusive, they may even be useful for once. Gmail also integrates instant messaging right into the email experience, so you can stay in even better touch with your friends when you're online. Easy, efficient and maybe even fun to use. It's a whole new way to think about email. It's Google's approach to email.

What was that? You don't have a Gmail account?

GET WITH THE PROGRAM!

We're offering the first twenty-five of our readers the chance to win your very own invitation-only Gmail account! All you have to do is look on the left side of this page, click "Email Me", and shoot me an email requesting a Gmail invite. Make sure to type "Gmail" in your subject line.

Tanker Brothers Solve Our National Problems! (Illegal Immigration Edition)

Trust us, this will work:

Cheap Immigrant labor follows the same law of Supply and Demand: If you
make the demand go away, no immigrants will jump the border.

How do you accomplish this?

1. Make it a felony to hire anyone unable to show proof of citizenship,
and make it hurt if you get caught.
2. Make it illegal to give permanent/semi-permanent housing to anyone
not able to show proof of citizenship or legal resident status.
3. Make proof of US Citizenship or legal residency (Green Card)
mandatory for applying for a drivers license. Do the same for vehicle
registration.
4. Make proof of citizenship or legal residency a prerequisite for any
sort of Federal Assistance/Benefit.

I guarantee you, if you enacted those measures, your illegal immigration
problem would disappear overnight.

Cost of implementing those measures? Nothing. Nada. Zip. It's all done
in legislation. No hardware is necessary. No additional manpower is
required. All it takes is someone asking the hard question: "Are you a
citizen or legal resident of the United States? Prove it."

Problem solved.

Damn, we're good.

Dingbats: Comin' Out Of The Woodwork!

Man, I need to be checking The Monitor more often! There are some many dingbats out there, and they write into this little South Texas newspaper. Read what I'm talking about:

To the editor: I normally laugh at the ludicrous comments contributed by Mr. Charlie Cardenas in his many letters in The Monitor. However, in his latest missive he commented about the "dire straits of Social Security and its inability to provide help in the near future." I wonder if Mr. Cardenas has ever visited the Social Security Administration Web page for his "facts," or if he is relying on the White House palaver. When I last viewed the SSA Web site, it showed over $500 billion in excess funds. One would have to wonder how many "baby boomers" it would take to cause the SSA revenue to equal its expenditures; in other words, achieve a zero balance. Congress annually "borrows" these excess funds to apply to the deficit created by their rampant spending policy, yet the national debt continues to grow. If these IOUs were repaid, the SSA would not have to worry about meeting its future obligations to the workers who have diligently paid into the fund. The fact that the Democrats stood and applauded only signified they were representing the majority of the country in that hallowed chamber who disagreed with the atrocious scheme to further deplete the SSA’s future funding. Rather than continually denigrating the minority party in Congress, Mr. Cardenas might want to explain in his future letters the administration’s inability to find bin Laden. In addition, why severely wounded soldiers are charged for damaged equipment removed from them by the caregivers for destruction. Additionally, I also will be anxious to read his explanation of why the billions of dollars requested for the "war" in Iraq and Afghanistan is not included in the annual budget submissions. In view of the actions of this administration, I have concluded that the biggest mistake I have made in the past five years is voting for it. Lloyd Strickland, Alexandria, Va.

Okay, Lloyd:

Do a number crunch of the Social Security system, and you'll see your math is just a wee bit off. But this blog isn't about Social Security, so I'll leave that be for a while.

What gives me pause are your moronic comments concerning the War on Terror:

1. Lets get you strapped with some Interceptor Body Armor, drop you into Waziristan, and have you clear caves, if you think you could do a better job of finding Bin Laden. You know, since you're the expert and everything. The truth of the matter is this: Bin Laden and Zawahiri have been effectively neutralized. All they are is figureheads, incapable of doing anything but providing man-love comfort to each other while holed up in some cave. We'll find them, fugheddaboutit.

2. I haven't heard of any severely wounded Soldier being charged for "damaged equipment removed from them by the caregivers of destruction." You obviously have no earthly idea what you're talking about (and for shame - being so close to Walter Reed, and not having actually spoken to our wounded heroes), and as a result, don't think to offer up any sources for your crazy conspiracy theories.

3. Why do you put war in quotation marks, like we're putting you on or something? Dude, there are over 130,000 Soldiers deployed to Iraq. Seriously. They aren't sunning themselves on a beach and laughing that they pulled one over on Ol' Lloyd. Wake up, man. We're in a fight for more than just Iraq and Afghanistan. We're in a fight for our security and our way of life. We're fighting so that we may live without fear. We're fighting for the very things that this great nation was built on: one of which is the belief that all men are given by their Creator the yearning to be free, and the ability to fight for that freedom. Think about that for a second.

4. The..ahem..."war" in Iraq and Afghanistan is indeed rolled up in all budget requests. At times, supplemental funding is requested and granted. Remember: "I voted for the $87 billion, before I voted against it"? Of course you do.

If you see voting for President Bush as a mistake, that's your prerogative. But quit with the crazy conspiracy theories. You're just proving you're a Dingbat.

Your Take: The Unit - CBS

Did anyone tune in for last night's episode?

What did y'all think?

Comment's, please! Also, if you are a regular reader (and especially if you are not), please take the time to "sign our guestbook" and let us know you were here. Just click the graphic underneath the banner, the one that says "Sign Our Battle Roster"!

Site Of The Day: HOOAHRADIO!

My good buddy over at The German Princess just sent this to me: do yourself a favor and check it out:

We'd like to welcome you to HOOAH!!!! Radio, a free internet-based radio station Saluting our Soldiers and Supporting their Families. HOOAH!!!! Radio brings another way for families and soldiers to connect with one another, another way for us to salute our men and women of the US Military and Allied Forces being active duty or a veteran, and to act as a source of entertainment, directed towards their interests and personalities. For them, by them and their families.

And while you're at it, check out Nelly's Blog. It's GoooooD!

Illinois National Guard: NOT Terrorizing Women And Children!

Local Iraqi children become excited as soldiers hand out candy, stuffed animals and other supplies in a village near Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, March 12th, 2006. The soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, performed a multi-faceted mission during a day-long operation as they carried out weapons cache sweeps, investigated possible improvised explosive devices and conducted route clearance operations. The Illinois-based National Guard took a few moments throughout the day to assist Iraqi villagers in the area. The soldiers were grateful it wasn’t business as usual and could do something a little light hearted. Whether it’s handing out candy or searching for IEDs, the soldiers are proud of what they are doing in Iraq, said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy J. Atteberry, platoon sergeant. “The individual, personal satisfaction of helping another human being really comes from these kinds of humanitarian-aid type missions,” said Atteberry, a 38-year-old native of Champagne, Ill. The soldiers’ primary mission is to provide base security for the Marines and sailors of the forward-deployed 1st Marine Logistics Group. The 4,200 joint-service members of 1st MLG are part of the 25,000 Marines, airmen, solders and sailors of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force’s forward deployed element. The 1st MLG’s mission is to provide sustained logistics support to I MEF and Iraqi security forces operating in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. First MLG will also support the development of the Iraqi Security Forces logistic capabilities in order to enable independent ISF led counter insurgency operations.

Iraq Foils Al-Qaida Plot To Put Terrorists At Guard Posts

From Newsmax:

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The Iraqi interior minister said Tuesday that authorities had foiled an al-Qaida plot that would have put hundreds of its men at critical guard posts around Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, home to the U.S. and other foreign embassies as well as the Iraqi government. A senior Defense Ministry official said the 421 al-Qaida fighters were actually recruited to storm the U.S. and British embassies and take hostages. Several ranking Defense Ministry officials have been jailed in the plot, the official said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information. Interior Minister Bayan Jabr, in an interview with The Associated Press, said the 421 al-Qaida recruits were one bureaucrat's signature away from acceptance into an Iraqi army battalion whose job is to control the gates and main squares in the Green Zone. The plot was discovered three weeks ago. "You can imagine what could happen to a minister or an ambassador while passing through these gates when those terrorists are there," Jabr said in the interview conducted at his office inside the Green Zone - a 2-square-mile hunk of prime real estate on the west bank of the Tigris River. The area is a maze of concrete blast walls, concertina wire and checkpoints. The Defense Ministry official said the plot was uncovered by the military intelligence and the General Intelligence department that works under the government.

Anyone have some smart remark about Iraqis not being able to take care of security for themselves?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Bueller?

I didn't think so.

Ugh: Again With The Dingbats!

I really do love the McAllen Monitor (a newspaper in deep South Texas). I've been reading this paper since my potty-training days (looooong story).

It amazes me the crazier and crazier people get as the years go by:

100 percent coverage card the answer To the editor: Once again, the paper has letters complaining about the lack of VA facilities. It seems to me there is a much better, much more cost-effective way to solve the problem. Instead of building more facilities, why not give all veterans a 100 percent Medicaid card and let them go wherever they want? If you’re sick, pick your favorite hospital near your home. Cancer? Go up to M.D. Anderson. Why do we need "special" facilities that only serve one segment of the population? George Waterman, McAllen

While I'm not the Editor of the McAllen Monitor (and would never even want to be), I'll answer George's question:

1. Because, Dingbat, I've spent my entire adult life in the service of my country, so I shouldn't have to wait in line behind people that a) are illegal aliens with no medical coverage, or b) people that go to the Doctor for stupid things like a stubbed toe.
2. Because, Dingbat, Veterans have given large portions of their lives (and in many cases, limbs) in the service of those around them. They deserve their own medical care facilities.
3. Because, Dingbat, Veterans already have that option (to go anywhere they like), and 20 years and a retirement from the Military gives you the ability to choose Tricare For Life.
4. Because, Dingbat, the Department of Veterans Affairs is a Cabinet-level position of the Federal Government.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established on March 15, 1989, succeeding the Veterans Administration.  It is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their families.  Headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second largest of the 15 Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits.   Of the 24.8 million veterans currently alive, nearly three-quarters served during a war or an official period of conflict.  About a quarter of the nation's population, approximately 63 million people, are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.   The responsibility to care for veterans, spouses, survivors and dependents can last a long time.  The last dependent of a Revolutionary War veteran died in 1911.  Five children of Civil War veterans still draw VA benefits.  About 440 children and widows of Spanish-American War veterans still receive VA compensation or pensions.   VA's fiscal year 2004 spending was $63.5 billion -- $29.1 billion for health care, $34 billion for benefits, and $155 million for the national cemetery system.  President Bush sought $67.7 billion in the fiscal year 2005 budget for VA, a $5.6 billion increase in budget authority, primarily for health care and disability compensation.

So don't be jealous. You owe our Veterans a lifelong debt for your freedoms that they have fought so hard to preserve.

Iraqi Security Forces: Bigger, Better, More Effective Than Ever Before!

The proficiency of the Iraqi Security Forces continues to improve day by day. After a much-hyped "Civil War" was averted, no one can say that the ISF can't do their jobs.

On the contrary, they're doing their jobs better and better every single day. An example:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Cooperation between Iraqi and Coalition forces continues to yield results, expanding Iraqi manpower while reducing terrorist capabilities in Iraq. In western al Anbar Province, Iraqi and U.S Forces wrapped up Operation Al Asad (Lion) March 4. The five-day operation sought out anti-Iraqi forces attempting to hide along the Euphrates River. Iraqi Army Soldiers, supported by U.S. troops from Regimental Combat Team-7, uncovered 80 weapons and munitions caches, a total of more than 62 tons of material, significantly reducing the number of weapons and munitions available to anti-Iraqi forces. Two insurgents were killed and 65 suspected insurgents were detained as a result of the operation. Col. W. Blake Crowe, commanding officer of RCT-7, said local citizens expressed appreciation of the military forces. “I spoke with one man and he invited us in for cold water,” said Col. Crowe. “He invited us back and said his village welcomed our presence.”

Not too shabby, huh? I don't see people who are being "terrorized" offering their tormentors cold water after a hard operation, do you? Maybe that's one of those "historical and religious customs" that we're accused of violating.But wait! There's more!

In Baghdad, Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained eight suspects in a joint operation March 11. Iraqi forces led the joint operation and discovered several rooftop fighting positions, AK-47s and Molotov cocktails. Four men were detained at the Al Khayr Mosque Complex, which military officials identified as a possible Al Qaeda in Iraq safe haven. Four others were detained from other sites raided during this operation. The detainees are suspected of kidnapping, manufacturing car bombs, and financing and supporting terrorists. Successful operations like these demonstrate the effectiveness of training Iraqi Soldiers receive from Coalition Military Transition Teams. The MiTTs train their Iraqi counterparts daily, providing them the knowledge and confidence required to secure and stabilize their country.

Why can't the media give credit where it is due? These Iraqi Army and ISF guys put their lives on the line every day to bring a better future for their people, and the American Mainstream Media largely ignores their efforts in order to make the US Military and our mission look bad. This still bothers me, as I'm sure it bothers more and more of my fellow Soldiers.

I'll leave you with this quote:

Iraqi police Maj. Gen. Wathiq addressed the class and recognized the Honor Graduates and Distinguished Graduate with gifts and graduation certificates. “I want to tell the terrorists that we grow stronger day after day and our IP’s are now fully equipped to stand against any force that wants to disrupt peace in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Wathiq.

 Hooah.

Time Out for Immigration!

Immigration (legal or otherwise) isn't my strong suit, although I have some pretty strong opinions regarding it.

I was reading my "hometown newspaper" this morning, and I came across this article from some bleeding-heart idiot who thinks he knows better:

To the editor: Speaking for myself, 1) the United States government would better use the intended funds to erect the fence along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border by providing the money instead as foreign economic aid leveraged at stimulating basic infrastructure development and business/industry seed money to create jobs for the Mexican workforce. 2) Who is going to perform the manual labor to build the massive fence? You guessed it. 3) Maybe those six persons that recently perished just north of the Falfurrias checkpoint would still be alive if the so called Minutemen had done something. That’s right, if the Minutemen are going to be in the game, then they should expect to be blamed, along with the government and the public officials when things go wrong. Speaking for myself. Eduardo Estrada, Edinburg

Okay, Eduardo...lemme answer your questions/concerns:

1. Why is it that every time the US government wants to do something to protect itself and its citizens, some bleeding-heart liberal is always suggesting that we donate the money as some sort of foreign-aid package? Dude: get a clue. We've been handing money out for generations, and guess what? Mexico is still poor. The problem is all about corruption at the upper levels of government in Mexico. Throwing more and more money at the problem just makes the corrupt officials richer and richer. How would you propose leveraging "basic infrastructure" stimulation? Would that go something like "we'll give you this money if you do this with it"? Yeah, right, buddy. And as far as "business/industry seed money to create jobs for the Mexican workforce": explain to me how a hard-working, tax-paying American citizen has any responsibility whatsoever to pay money to create jobs for anyone who is not a citizen of the United States.

2. Trust me, we'll find the labor to build our "massive fence". Better yet, I would volunteer (you heard it here first - they wouldn't even have to pay me), as I'm sure many Americans who are sick of illegal immigration. I'd help build that wall, for nothing. I would even donate some of my hard-earned money to purchase the materials. There you have it: we'd be stimulating "basic infrastructure", only in this case, it would be to keep criminals OUT OF MY COUNTRY.

3. ??? Am I to understand this correctly? Dingbats like you complain when Americans (like the Minutemen) take responsibility and volunteer to fill gaps in the Border Patrol to peacefully monitor the borders, but when some illegal aliens die while they are being smuggled north - you complain that they didn't do enough? You're a moron. And even more moronic on your part: you want to blame the government and public officials because someone tried to break immigration laws, invaded our country, and died in the process? Do you realize how stupid that sounds, considering they could have just stayed home?

Eduardo, here's some advice: get out of the Rio Grande Valley someday and see how the rest (read: real) world operates. Then you will come to appreciate how incredibly naive, ignorant, and moronic your "Letter to the Rio Grande Valley's Liberal Digest" really is.

No Posts 'Till Tonight, But...

We've been busy little beavers through out the weekend!

Scroll down to take a look at my Lil' Tanker, read a review of the newest Texas Monthly issue (and get a gander at that cover! Sheesh!), join me as I salute Hungary for their recent donation of T-72 tanks to the New Iraqi Army, discover a great way to send a troop a bag fulla treats, read about "The Ringleader" and his terror campaign against Iraqi Civilians - with a soccer ball and a mule, check out our new "Blog Of The Day", read about the capture of insurgent explosives, and we ask you for help!

I'll be "out of the net" today, I'll be out at the range until this evening.

Tanker-In-Training!

I just couldn't resist: That's mah boy, all 11 1/2 months of 'im! Can't get enough of 'im? You'll have to check out my wife's blog here.

Texas Monthly: War On Terror Issue

In the most recent issue of Texas Monthly, the focus is Texans fighting in the War on Terror.

While many of the articles lean towards the liberal, there's some excellent reading in there, and it has the added benefit of introducing you to my great state.

Check it out, at a newstand near you.

(And you have to admit, the cover is cool as hell, reminds you of a certain Stanley Kubrick movie)


[EDIT: Dude, what's up with that helmet band and that chinstrap? I've never sen either one of those "versions" on a US Army-issued PASGT (Kevlar Helmet). But it still looks cool, I guess]

Hungary: On The Tanker Brothers' "Cool List"!

Looks like we're not the only ones that want the New Iraqi Army to succeed in battle.

Hungary has donated tanks and armored vehicles to the fledgling New Iraqi Army:

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers were abuzz with activity preparing their freshly-painted tanks for a patrol Nov. 12. The tanks arrived the previous day, donated by the Hungarian government to bolster the Iraqi Army's security operations northwest of Baghdad. More than 70 T-72 main battle tanks were delivered to 2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. A private company in the United States, Defense Solutions, refurbished the tanks in Hungary, according to the company's website. Iraqi tank commanders are pleased with the new equipment and are eager to use the new tanks in the field. "I like these tanks because we have experience with them from the previous army," said Capt. Adel, commander of 2nd Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 2nd Bde., 9th IA Div. "They are very strong and very fast. We will have a greater ability to face the enemy with these." Adel said the vehicles were in very good condition and his men were excited to use them. "They are very happy,” he said. “They had a great feeling when they saw the tanks the first time. Some of them even kissed the tanks. The men are more confident. This is very, very important for us." Adel said the tanks would be crucial in security operations during the upcoming elections in Iraq.

T72s, M1A1s, and M1A2 SEPs... I never thought I would see the day that these tanks would be side-by-side, and we would be working together with a former enemy towards a common good.

Once again: that's progress.

“They had a great feeling when they saw the tanks the first time. Some of them even kissed the tanks" Dude...I know the feeling. THAT'S a Tanker!

Tags For This Post: Iraq, Tanks, Army, Hungary

Treats For Troops!

I get a lot of emails from y'all asking me about care packages for Soldiers deployed.

Check this out:


Maybe you'll find something you would like to send my fellow Deployed Bretheren.

Our Mission is simple Treats for Troops provides a safe, easy way to support American soldiers all over the world, every day of the year. Want to support our troops? Our unique Foster-A-Soldier Program makes it possible for every American to put a smile on the face of someone serving our country. The Foster-A-Soldier Program automatically matches you with a registered soldier by branch of service, home state, gender, or birthday, or you can choose to sponsor a group of soldiers. Then all you have to do is go shopping in the Treats for Troops Gift Shops, and your care package will be on its way. Know someone in the service? The Treats for Troops Gift Shops offer everything from freshly baked cookies to hand and face wipes and phone cards, all carefully packed and safely shipped according to military and postal regulations. TFT is the easy, secure way to send care packages to soldiers.

You never know, you might make someone's day.

Tags For This Post: Troops, Care Packages, Iraq, Afghanistan, Soldiers, Cookies

The "Ringleader": At It Again!

Yep, Lt. Col. Martindale is at it again: this time (obviously) playing mindgames with Iraqi Children using a soccer ball. Is this some demented game of "keep away"?

Incredible. The audacity of this guy!

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Martindale, commander, 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers, prepares to give a soccer ball to an Iraqi child while Martindale and other members of the Fighting Eagles visited Balad, Iraq, March 4. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, March 4, 2006)

Can we get the ACLU or the UN to look at this? It's obviously coercion, why, with what John Kerry describes as, "young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs."

Yeah, something is definitely rotten in Denmark. Look at the outstretched arms/hands, for Pete's sake! They are obviously in agony, having that precious soccer ball kept from them.

The nerve!

Tags For This Post: ACLU, Soccer, Iraq, Friendship, War On Terror, Coercion, Military Propaganda

Blog Of The Day: Hot Casual Lex

I don't get the name of the Blog (remember my low GT score: 31), but I don't need to get it.

This blog kicks butt.


All of our fellow "Tanker Brothers and Sisters" leave us great comments and suggestions, but Bridget over at Hot Casual Lex goes one step further: she's trying to lure some anti-war lefties over to this here page.

I like the Pro-Military, Pro-Iraq War stance, and the pictures are oh-so-cool. My favorite post: a Marine EOD guy gets "sucker punched" by insurgents, and then turns around and lets them know what he really thinks of them.

Classic.

Take a minute or two and check out Hot Casual Lex, you won't be disappointed.

And tell Bridget that the TankerBrothers sent you.

I Need A Favor!

Y'all know a lefty.

You know, that guy in the office or at Starbucks that you're always arguing about the War with.

We all know SOMEONE that is a crazy Liberal Anti-War Lefty.

I know lots and lots of those "someones".


Do me a favor: Email them the link to this blog: www.tankerbrothers.com

Trust me, they'll love that.

The reason I'm bringing this up is, our faithful readers support us. We know that. We love each and every one of our fellow "Tanker Brothers and Sisters" (That's y'all). We love your support and your great comments that you leave us.

But dammit...we want some hate mail! We're war-mongers (remember? Jane Fonda even called us "killing machines"). We need to fight in order to self-actualize! We're heading back to Iraq in a few months (both of us...again), and we need to get "in the mood".

Draw out some of those lefties, and send them our way! We're dug into our battle positions, battle-carrying Sabot, the engine's running, and we're "REDCON ONE".

All we're waiting for is a contact report and a "Top Hat, Top Hat, Fire!"

You old tankers know what we're talking about (Philologous and PawPaw, I'm talking to y'all).

And you lefty readers, we know y'all can't resist but read what we write. So grow some balls and let us know you're out there!

Y'know...beause we love you too.

Mules In Iraq: Running Scared!

Dude, here's another example of what John Kerry describes as, "young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs."

Yep, those damn "young American soldiers"...but this time they're terrorizing men and even mules!

Y'know, maybe the mule has some sort of historical or religious significance!

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Martindale, commander, 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers, enjoys a ride on a donkey-pulled cart in Balad, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, March 4, 2006)

How dare he! How dare that Lt. Col. add to the burden of this poor Iraqi mule! As if carrying three Iraqis and an empty cart isn't enough of a burden, the mule also has to carry the Lt. Col. and his heavy gear and M-4 rifle (whoops, I meant "machine gun", LOL!)

And how dare they (the Iraqis) smile! It must be some sort of coerced action on their part. Everyone who is anyone in the mainstream media knows these people are being terrorized by our presence!

This is an outrage! People might get the idea that the Iraqis actually LIKE US! This has to be some sort of demented Military Intelligence propaganda tool to seed our minds with Pollyana thoughts of the War on Terror! It MUST be!

Get me PETA on the line! And Code Pink! We'll get to the bottom of this!

Tags For This Post: PETA, Mule, Iraq, Friendship, War On Terror, Coercion, Military Propaganda

Partnership Works: Iraqi Army, US Military Capture Insurgents!

I think it was Hannibal from the "A-Team" that used to say "I love it when a plan comes together."

MOSUL, Iraq – The Iraqi Army and U.S. forces captured a suspected insurgent cell during an operation in Mosul Mar. 9. The Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division along with 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained 18 suspected insurgents and multiple weapons during the night operation at different locations in the Aitha Village of Mosul.

It irritates me that stories like this don't make it too far outside of the press releases and AFN news stories in country.

I think they hit the networks' editors desks, and then disappear into the infamous "File 13".

May just be speculation, but I doubt it.

Thoughts?

Tags For This Post: Iraq, Iraqi Army, Partnership, Winning, Terrorist Scum, War On Terror, Capture

Iraqi Army: More Weapons Caches Captured

Well, we can say these weapons won't be used to kill American and Iraqi Soldiers:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad's 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division worked together to find two weapons caches March 9 while patrolling southwest of Baghdad. The first cache consisted of 94 60mm fused mortar rounds and 300 pounds of explosives. The second cache contained seven 60mm mortar rounds, one 120mm mortar round, and a 14-inch-long missile with tripod. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team performed a controlled detonation to eliminate the threat.

Yep, you read that correctly: Iraqi Soldiers captured the caches. You know, the Iraqi Army that the Mainstream Media would have you believe is ineffective, poorly trained, and unable to provide security for itself.

That Iraqi Army.

I've been privileged enough to work with some of the Iraqi Soldeirs when we were in Baghdad. You would not believe the spirit these guys have.

They know that standing up on their own is a huge step, and they have taken it. They walk with pride, they operate with professional determination. Every one of them is a volunteer. Every one of them is ready and willing to serve their country and combat the terrorist forces that threaten to overthrow their fledgling government.

Waitasec. Let me correct myself. Not "overthrow".

The terrorist forces financed by the Iranians and the Al-Qaeda forces that are commanded by Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi have no hope of victory. They can't win. They can't win because they offer nothing but anarchy and extremism. They offer only death and failure.

With the determination and efforts of the New Iraqi Army...Terrorism and Al-Qaeda doesn't stand a chance.

Tags For This Post: Weapons Cache, Iraq, Terrorism, Zarqawi, Strength, Soldiers, Victory

An Idea For The Media

I bust on the Mainstream Media.

A lot.

I was thinking about that today, and maybe I can make a suggestion to
them (and I know a few of them read my Blog - are you listening, CBS????)

Here's my suggestion for a television show that would both support the
military, get high ratings, and be truthful and objective:

You find a platoon. A combat arms platoon (Tankers, Scouts, or
Infantrymen - better yet, stick with Tankers, chicks dig us.) Anyway,
you have a platoon of M1A2 SEP Tankers deployed in Baghdad for their 365
BOG (Boots On The Ground). You embed a journalist and cameraman, whose
only job is to provide tech assistance and to submit footage to the
network. The network doesn't edit the tape. The only people that edit
the tapes are the journalist and cameraman, and the Platoon Sergeant and
Platoon Leader assist. That journalist and cameraman stay with the
platoon for 365. They eat with the platoon in the mess hall. They live
in trailers with the platoon. They go out on patrols with the platoon.
When the platoon pulls maintenance or cleans weapons, they're there.
When the platoon does a community patrol, combat patrol, presence
patrol, meets with a local leader, trains with Iraqi Army, does joint
ops, executes a cordon and search, goes on a convoy...they're there.
Television camera? Too bulky, attracts attention. The Platoon (all 18 -
sixteen tankers and two journalists) use helmet cams with time/date
stamping.

Y'know, the kind snowboarders use on downhill runs.

That way, America can get an idea of what's going on.

They'll see, as if they were there (they are "looking through the
platoon's eyes"), the Iraqi "terrorized" women and children laughing,
smiling, and giving the "thumbs up" as our patrols roll by. They'll see
the Iraqi Army conducting counter-terrorism ops. They'll "eat our chow"
right along with us. They'll be right there with the Platoon as they
round up terrorists, get into firefights, and take the fight to the
enemy. But they will also be there when we get our care packages, when
we take a day off to recuperate, when we're smiling and joking, and
horseplaying around in the dust. They'll strap on the body armor, bore
sight their tanks, check their rifles, and roll into battle right
alongside the Platoon.

They'll see it all.

You'll meet the LT. You'll meet the lowest ranking private in the
Platoon. You'll know where they come from, what they did before the
Army. What they'll do after. No cheesy flashbacks to the homefront,
nothing but "all Iraq, all the time". Just like a Soldier experiences
it. And while they'll have it for 365, you'll just have it for just two
hours a week. Wednesday and Sunday.

Then, the Soldiers aren't numbers on a countdown, or nameless green
uniforms on television. They will be real people, doing one of the
finest and selfless acts they will ever go through: fighting for their
country. Not numbers on some morbid casualty count. But for the first
time, in a long time - at least to the media and liberals - we will be
people.

Fun Fact: What The Media Doesn't Tell You!

Here's a quick, interesting fact:

Freedom Fact

Women comprise 25% of the Iraqi Parliament, which is the highest proportion in the Arab world and one of the largest percentages worldwide.

But you know...Democracy in Iraq is a joke.

Right?

Civil War? Where?

The more I hear about this whole civil war in Iraq hysteria, the crazier I think the MSM really is.

Are they really hoping, with bated breath, a civil war that would claim the lives of hundreds of thousands Soldiers and civilians? And why? Out of spite for the President?

Why do they honestly hate him so much? Because they misunderestimated his strategery during the 2000 and 2004 elections? Or because they think of themselves as so much smarter than the rest of us, you know, Red Staters. Do they really think we're ignorant country bumpkins for voting our moral conscience?

Are they so rabid in their hate for a President with such well-defined morals, that they are willing to turn their back on their own? All you have to do is glance at Dan Rather and "Memogate" for your answer.

(Sorry, CBS. I love y'all for putting out "The Unit", but y'all's news agenda is just crooked...)

Back to the "Civil War" in Iraq:

Last week, the usual media suspects declared that civil war had broken out in the streets of Baghdad. According to a new Washington Post poll, Americans were listening. 80% now believe Iraq is heading to civil war. Don’t believe everything you hear on TV. While I don’t want to accuse any of my colleagues of stupidity, the suggestion that Iraq is currently engaged in a civil war is a conclusion that could be drawn by one who is either too stupid to be on TV or just liberal enough to have his own news show...

Sorry, MSM. Looks like you'll have to try and engineer some other crisis. No matter how you apply fuzzy "journalistic" math, it just doesn't sum up in your favor:

While talking heads in America and Europe were furiously wishing civil war on Iraq, the Iraqi army did an admirable job keeping peace last week after the Shiite mosque was blown apart. As the New York Post’s Ralph Peters reports from Iraq, far from leading that country down the path to civil war, the mosque bombing has shown Iraqis that its security forces have made great strides. Peters reports: * The Iraqi army deployed over 100,000 soldiers to maintain public order. U.S. Forces remained available as a backup, but Iraqi soldiers controlled the streets. * Iraqi forces behaved with discipline and restraint - as the local sectarian outbreaks fizzled, not one civilian had been killed by an Iraqi soldier. * Time and again, Iraqi military officers were able to defuse potential confrontations and frustrate terrorist hopes of igniting a religious war. * Forty-seven battalions drawn from all 10 of Iraq’s army divisions took part in an operation that, above all, aimed at reassuring the public. The effort worked - from the luxury districts to the slums, the Iraqis were proud of their army. Iraq is a bloody mess. And it will be a long, hard slog for our troops and the 90% of Iraqis who want democracy. They are not paying attention to the omnipotent latte sipping talking heads in Manhattan and Georgetown. Instead they are risking their lives to build a new, free Iraq. If American elites would stop cheering for civil war, maybe Iraq’s experiment in democracy would have a better chance of succeeding.

Like I said, Mainstream Media: keep hoping and trying. I guess you could say it's good to have goals. Even if they are treasonous and defeatist.

I guess.

My brother and I fight for you to have that right. You might want to take note of that.

Tags For This Post: Media, Civil War, Iraq, Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army, Ralph Peters, Soldiers

As If We Didn't Need ANOTHER Reason...(Part Two)

Please tell me someone at the White House is keeping a list.

Seriously, though, when is enough, enough? In my opinion (and remember that I'm just a lowly Combat Arms guy with a GT score of a measly 31), Iran crossed the line a loooooooong time ago.

Raising a new complaint about Iran, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Tuesday accused Tehran of dispatching elements of its Revolutionary Guard to stir trouble inside Iraq. At the same time, he rejected the idea that Iraq has slipped into civil war, asserting that media reports have overstated recent violence there. Rumsfeld offered few details concerning his allegation of interference by Iran, which fought an eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980s and shares a largely unguarded border. "They are currently putting people into Iraq to do things that are harmful to the future of Iraq," he told a Pentagon news conference. "And it is something that they, I think, will look back on as having been an error in judgment." He did not elaborate except to say the infiltrators were members of the Al Quds Division of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the network of soldiers and vigilantes whose mandate is to defeat threats to the 1979 Islamic revolution. The Al Quds Division is responsible for operations outside Iranian territory. Rumsfeld and other U.S. officials have previously complained of Iranian complicity in the movement of explosives and bomb-making material across the border into Iraq, but Rumsfeld had not mentioned Iranian forces before. He initially said the infiltrators were doing "things that are harmful to the future of Iraq," but later when asked specifically whether they were gathering intelligence or fomenting violence Rumsfeld said he did not know what their mission was. Appearing with Rumsfeld, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that although there have been indications of Iranian-manufactured weapons coming into Iraq, "the most recent reports have to do with individuals crossing the border." He said he had an estimate of the number but declined to reveal it.

Look at the bright side, though: we can kill most of them in Iraq, which leaves us fewer to kill when we get to Tehran.

Either way, Iran is going down.

Tags For This Post: Iran, Terrorists, Nukes, Crazies, Countdown, War, Iraq

As If We Didn't Need ANOTHER Reason...

...to roll in and kick Iran's collective ass.

Watch The ABC News Video

I'm ready and willing to go do the right thing.... are you?

Doesn't Look Like They Want Us Out, Does It?

...what ever happened to John Kerry's images of US Soldeirs going into homes and terrorizing women and children?


You would think that women and children that were being terrorized, would be a lot less friendly than this.

Here's more of the real story:

KARBALA , Iraq – Soldiers interacting with the local community can sometimes be a tense and risky task, uncertain of the feelings Iraqis may have toward Coalition Forces. Those feelings in Karbala are different; the relationship is a healthy and friendly one. Soldiers from Company F, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, met and talked with local residents during a civil affairs mission Sunday. While the civil affaris team conducted its business, the Soldiers patrolled the town to survey the average prices of common goods sold by local vendors and gauge the response of local nationals to the American Soldiers in the area, said 1st Lt. Thomas Gromus, executive officer, Company F. The patrol consisted of five Soldiers and an interpreter, who mingled with locals for more than an hour, handing out candy purchased from a vendor to children who gathered around the Soldiers. The Soldiers engaged locals in cheerful conversation, and several Soldiers joined in soccer games. “It felt good to know that the people of Karbala enjoyed some positive interaction with American Soldiers,” said Gromus.

But, y'know...we're terrorizing them.

For the record.

At least as far as John Kerry and the media are concerned.

Tags For This Post: Iraq, Karbala, Civil War, Civilians, Soldiers, War, John Kerry

Tankin': Iraqi Style

It never ceases to amaze me that I spent years practicing how to out-manuever and kill a T-72 with one shot from an M1A1 tank, and now we're teaching the Iraqi Army how to defend their country with the same T-72.


That says alot about how far we have come: to liberate a once-sworn enemy, help him develop a Democracy, and teach him to defend his country and his people against terrorists and belligerent neighbors.

Do you know what I call that?

Progress.

Tags For This Post: Iraqi, Iraqi Army, T-72, Defense, Army, Tankin', Training

CENTCOM: US Central Command

Have you ever taken the opportunity to look at the US CENTCOM portal?

Or are you determined to be ignorant of the truth?

Click Graphic To Go To CENTCOM Page

Here's a chance to get an inside view of what the Mainstream Media doesn't want you to see: news stories from guys in the desert, doing the right thing.

All the media wants to tell you about is civil war, car bombings, and the Iraq War as a "failure".

And they're doing all this "eyewitness reporting" from the comfort of their Green Zone hotel rooms.

Wake up, America: you're being misled. Bad news sells newspapers and gets TV ratings. Good news isn't supposed to get out. Bush lied, remember? It's been beat into your heads, day after day in the New York Times and the evening news, that "there were no weapons of mass destruction".

Don't you get it? The freedom of the Afghan and Iraqi people doesn't matter. those are second and third order effects. If we would have never gone over there, what would have happened? No war, no Halliburton, no Abu Ghraib. John Kerry would probably be President, and Osama Bin Laden would have made his point (so why would he attack us again, right?).

Oh, yeah, and the Afghans and Iraqis would still be subjects of two of the most brutal, despotic regimes of the modern age.

But, y'know, we wouldn't be at war.

Take a look at some of these articles. Better yet, take a look at one of them, you pick which one. Then look me in the eye and tell me we're losing this war. Better yet, think about ten or twenty years from now, when you talk to your children or grandchildren and tell them that we had the opportunity to spread freedom and democracy to people who had never known these things before. Tell them how on the eve of victory, we lost our resolve - our nerve, and ran away like scared children.

Think about that.

IED MANUFACTURING SITE DESTROYED

IRAQI COUNTERTERRORISM FORCE FREES IRAQI HOSTAGE

MEDCAP IMPROVES HEALTH CONDITIONS IN BAMIAN

IRAQI AIR FORCE STANDS UP NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE

10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION SOLDIERS CAPTURE TERRORISTS, DISCOVER CACHE

CIVIL AFFAIRS SOLDIERS DELIVER ESSENTIAL GOODS TO ORPHANS

IRAQI POLICE FORCES WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO TEAM

MND-B SOLDIERS STOP TERRORISTS

IRAQI ARMY UNIT GRADUATES TOGETHER

IRAQI ARMY, MND-B CAPTURE SUSPECTED BOMB-MAKER RESPONSIBLE FOR DEATH OF U.S. SOLDIER

MND-B TRANSFERS BATTLE SPACE TO IRAQI ARMY

KEY AL QAEDA MEMBERS AMONG 61 DETAINED

Remember...I just want you to pick out one and read it.

...unless you want to remain ignorant to the truth.

Tags For This Post: Iraqi, Iraqi Army, CENTCOM, Defense, Army, Security, Training

UN: Ungrateful Nations

Just read an article off of Newsmax. Sems like the vast majority of nations in the UN don't support the United States.

The exclusive NewsMax annual feature "United Nations Report Card" reveals that when it comes to supporting the U.S. on key issues, almost every nation in the world body gets a failing grade. NewsMax examined 12 key General Assembly votes taken on issues of critical importance to the U.S., and found that only four countries – Israel and the Pacific Ocean nations of Palau, Micronesia and Marshall Islands sided with the U.S. on most of the issues. The rest of the U.N. members voted against the U.S. position the vast majority of the time, and dozens of countries voted along with America ZERO PERCENT of the time. These nations include some of the biggest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, which in some cases amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Millions of my dollars. Millions of your dollars. Think about that for a second.

We're sending financial aid to countries that undermine us regularly.

Excuse me while I hide my suprise. But wait! There's more!

Here's a run down of America's most ungrateful friends: Turkey receives $1.007 Billion a year from the U.S., not including military assistance. Number of times Turkey voted along with the U.S. on the 12 key issues: 0 Percent. Ethiopia receives $594 million. Number of times it voted along with the U.S.: 0 percent. Colombia receives $524 million, Egypt gets $460 million, Jordan pockets $224 million and Peru receives $229 million. Number of times these nations voted along with the U.S.: 0 percent. Even some of America's closest allies voted against U.S. interests. France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea, for example, all sided with the U.S. on just 8 percent of the votes. The issues voted on included a resolution calling for the U.S. – which shoulders 22 percent of the total U.N. budget – to lift its embargo against communist Cuba, another seeking the immediate withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian territory, and a treaty that would ultimately call for the U.S. to dismantle its nuclear arsenal.

France and Germany voted against us just 8 percent of the time? That's an eye opener. I'll tell you, we didn't get their votes (or their help) when we needed it most. They probably joined us in voting on where to send our money. Yeah...that's gotta be it.

Tags For This Post: UN, Kofi Anan, Foreign Aid, Tax Dollars, Crooked, Evil, Ineffective

CBS' The Unit: Your Thoughts

Hopefully you took my advice and checked it out this evening. What did y'all think?

Landry Fan seemed to like it:

I followed your suggestion and watched the show. I liked it. I told my friends to watch it, on your say so.

How about the rest of y'all? I'm anxiously awaiting your comments and thoughts!

Tags For This Post: The Unit, CBS, Snake Eaters, Delta Force, Primetime, Television, Action Drama

Reminder!

I just want to take a quick second to remind you that, here at Tanker Brothers, we welcome you comments and suggestions.

We even value an opinion contrary to ours, as long as you are not hateful and speak (write) intelligently.

Please take the time to visit our Battle Roster, sign in, and leave a comment!

"The Unit": I'm Not The Only One!

Seems like there's alot of good press out there about "The Unit":

Yep, it's Dennis Haybert's new series, "The Unit," which finds the former "24" actor leading his own band of clever, super-skilled, save-the-world (and very, very secret) heroes. The show, which premieres on CBS Tuesday night (9 p.m. ET), stars Haysbert as Jonas Blane, the leader of the titular secret ops team that's comprised of the best of the best from all the military special forces units. Think "24" meets "Alias" and that's the vibe of "The Unit" premiere episode, where the action begins with a bombing and segues right into Jonas and his team being called to thwart terrorists who are threatening to blow up a plane full of Americans sitting on a runway in Idaho. Everything about the pilot episode is top-notch: it's written and co-produced by David Mamet and "The Shield's" Shawn Ryan (which means tight writing and great dialogue); it's directed by Davis Guggenheim (who's also directed episodes of "24," "Alias" and "The Shield," and knows how to come through with exciting, non-gratuitous action scenes); and Haysbert's co-stars include Robert Patrick as The Unit's colonel, "Felicity's" Scott Foley as the newbie member of The Unit, and Regina Taylor ("I'll Fly Away") as Jonas's wife Molly, who plays den mother to the other Unit wives.

The Bud Broadcast Network also has glowing praise:

The series is based on "Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit," a book by author (and a writer and producer on "The Unit") Eric L. Haney, a retired army command sergeant-major who was a founding member of Delta Force. Haney's book, in fact, describes an airplane hostage rescue situation that most likely inspired the one in "The Unit." It's one of the pilot's best moments, a beautifully shot action sequence in which we see that Jonas's sharp shooter skills are definitely one of his specialties. Check out a preview clip at the CBS.com site, but don't forget to schedule the premiere into your Tuesday night must-see-TV line-up. CBS has 13 episodes all ready to go, and, unlike some of those other midseason series that have come and gone (R.I.P. "Love Monkey"), I think this one may actually make it to the end of the season.

I'm not playing, y'all: you really should take an hour this evening and watch this pilot episode!

Tags For This Post: The Unit, CBS, Snake Eaters, Delta Force, Primetime, Television, Action Drama

Kirby Puckett: Rest In Peace..

Yesterday was a sad day for America. An American Sports Hero passed away.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Kirby Puckett didn't need much time to make a big impact. Those who felt it, near and far, can only wish he had stayed around longer. The bubbly Hall of Famer with the boyish enthusiasm for baseball, who led the Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles before his career was cut short by glaucoma, died Monday after a stroke. He was 45. "He was revered throughout the country and will be remembered wherever the game is played,'' commissioner Bud Selig said. "Kirby was taken from us much too soon - and too quickly.'' Indeed, Puckett was the second-youngest person to die having already been enshrined at Cooperstown, Hall of Fame spokesman Jeff Idelson said. Only Lou Gehrig, at 37, was younger.

Kind of off-topic, and not related to the War on Terror, but this guy is a hero, nonetheless.

Rest in peace, Kirby. And God bless.

Tags For This Post: Kirby Puckett, Baseball, Hall Of Fame, Minnesota Twins, Stroke

GROSS!

You know, I'm not one to stoop to personal attacks on someone...but I can't help it in this case:


DUDE! At least get some sun! That clammy, flabby, flesh just looks...unhealthy. Maybe too many hours spent soaking up buddy Michael Moore's dietary habits.


I have one question: How many times has this broad been arrested? And why can't we slap fines on her until she goes bankrupt and goes away? And then we keep slapping fines on her.

Think about it...it makes perfect strategic sense: fine her into bankruptcy, and then the crazy looney liberals like Howard Dean and Michael Moore will hold fundraisers to bail her out. Who do those morons appeal to? Looney lefties. Eventually, they will run out of money, as well. Either that, or they will get tired of bankrolling her stupidity.

Can't we do something about this broad?

CBS' The Unit: HOLY SHEEMOLY! (My Review)

AWESOME!

As you read in this post, I was asked by CBS Media Relations to review the pilot episode of "The Unit", a new action drama that premieres tomorrow night at 9pm Eastern/8pm Central Time.

The pilot is only one hour long, but "Oh, what an hour"!

The episode centers around a "FNG" (Friggin' New Guy) that reports to The Unit, officially known as the 303rd Logistical Survey Company. In reality, the 303rd is a crack Delta Force Anti-Terrorist unit. Robert Patrick (from T2000 fame - Terminator: Judgement Day) plays The Colonel, The Unit Commander.


The 1SG of The Unit, "Top" (Dennis Haysbert from "24": nice touch, CBS), takes the FNG to Idaho to link up with an old Sergeant Major-turned-advisor/gunsmith while on a training mision to learn to operate with pack animals (mules). During their visit, a trade delegation charter flight is hijacked by terrorists, and Top and the FNG are given "the call" to be the point team while the rest of The Unit is enroute to Idaho to take out the bad guys.

Meanwhile, while all of this is going on, the FNG's wife is getting a taste of reality in typical Annoying Army Wife fashion: demanding to move off post "according to Army Regulations" and insisting on being a crybaby to the Colonel.

Night falls, and The Unit members attempt a raid on the hijacked aircraft. You'll have to tune in and check out how the episode ends. I'm not going to spoil it for you.

Now for my critique:

Robert Patrick is awesome in his role as The Colonel. They made a little boo-boo on his uniform, the collar is just "off" enough for you to be able to tell that they went and bought it off the shelf: not really military spec. Other than that, Patrick is flawless as a cold-hearted SF guy.

The three women that played the wives did a great job. Especially the actress that plays the crybaby Annoying Army Wife. I've had lots and lots of Soldiers with Annoying Army Wives, and she played the role to perfection.

The brightest part of The Unit, a definite stand-out, is "Top". He does the best job of all: a cool-tempered, sympathetic professional who obviously takes great pride in his job and his Soldiers. He delivers the best line in the whole series: "You're either coming back as a hero, or an interesting anecdote...."

Bottom line is this: this was definitely the best show I have seen since "24". As a matter of fact, I think it's actually better than "24". This is hands-down a show I'm going to Tivo. Two, no three, thumbs WAY UP!!!!

Tags For This Post: The Unit, CBS, Snake Eaters, Delta Force, Primetime, Television, Action Drama

By The Way...

How do y'all like the new banner?

I figured having my ugly mug on the blog twice was just a tad too pretentious. I'm not a pretty boy like Cav Tanker.

Comments on the banner, Please!

Focus on: CBS' "The Unit"

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached via email by CBS Media Relations (yes, that CBS).

They asked me to review the pilot episode of their new action drama "The Unit" and write them back with some comments.


I just recieved my copy of the pilot episode, plus the first two episodes following the pilot.

I will watch the pilot episode tonight, and let you know if it's worth your time. Expect my post before you get into the office, I will probably post my review before 0900 Central Time.

That gives you eleven hours to make up your mind if you would like to watch it.

For what it's worth, here is a brief overview from the letter CBS sent me:

We invite you to take a look inside THE UNIT where men are masters of espionage and trained to take on hijackers, terrorists, and enemy armies... where they can survive alone in hostile cities and speak foreign languages fluently... and where they strike at enemy targets with arresting swiftness, all while their wives are back home protecting their husbands' secrets - and secrets of their own... The series was inspired by by the book Inside Delta Force, written by Command Sergeant Major, USA (Ret) Eric L. Haney, the series' technical advisor, producer, and writer...

Sounds pretty cool, and the fact that it's based on a book by a former Delta Force Snake-Eater type already has me intrigued.

Stay tuned for a review in the next 13 hours.

Tags For This Post: The Unit, CBS, Snake Eaters, Delta Force, Primetime, Television, Action Drama

Angry, But Rational

I'm not describing these idiots. I'm describing myself.

It was that, a few months ago, I probably would have driven to Dodge City, Kansas, and beat these guys silly.

But that was a few months ago.

DODGE CITY, Kansas (CNN) -- This past Saturday morning I found myself in a five-car caravan cutting across the Kansas plains with about 30 religious protesters. In the back of a truck, there were signs that read "Thank God for IED's" and "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." I was with the Phelps family. They've launched a disturbing campaign to tarnish the funerals of fallen soldiers. This is a painful drama playing out at dozens of military funerals across the country. The group is led by Fred Phelps. He and his family have picketed and heckled military families at more than 100 funerals since June. They say the soldiers are fighting for an army that represents a country that accepts homosexuality... By Ed Lavandera CNN

It makes me angry that these zealots can dishonor my fallen comrades, and turn a somber tribute to an American hero into a political stunt.

It makes me angry that they take the sacrifice of a hero, and attempt to cheapen it in order to draw attention to themselves.

But most of all, it makes me sad.

Hey, Phelps: We know you hate the Army. We know you hate the War. We get it. If you want to get your message out, there are other ways to do it.

Attempting to piss on someone's grave isn't it.

Please stop.

Tags For This Post: Cowards, Dishonor

H/T to Kevin and Alwine for the FRAGO

Accept Our Money, Accept Our Recruiters!

Hooah.

That's all I have to say to the Supreme Court ruling (8-0) that decided that Educational Institutions that accept Federal money must allow equal access to Military Recuiters.

WASHINGTON, March 6 — The Supreme Court ruled today, 8 to 0, that colleges and universities that accept federal money must allow military recruiters on campus, even if people in the academic community deplore the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay people. Ending a decade-long battle in favor of the Defense Department, the court rejected the argument of law school faculty members that being forced to associate with military recruiters violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and association. "Law schools 'associate' with military recruiters in the sense that they interact with them, but recruiters are not part of the school," Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the court. "Students and faculty are free to associate to voice their disapproval of the military's message."

I never understood what the big deal was.

I mean, seriously, no one puts a gun to anyone's head to join the Military. That's why we have the greatest military on the face of the earth: because it's an all-volunteer military. Everyone that serves with me does so because they want to, not because they are forced to.

Wouldn't preventing students free and open access to Military Recruiters violate the free speech rights of the Recruiters? Or even the students?

I see banning Recruiters as a form of censorship by the educational institution. That's like the University saying "I respect your freedom to believe what you like, as long as it's what I believe".

Maybe the liberal professors lamenting the decision will quit in protest.

We can always hope...

Anyway, I want to end this post with a zinger by Chief Justice John Roberts:

When the case was argued before the Supreme Court on Dec. 6, Chief Justice Roberts zeroed in on the universities' apparent desire to have it both ways — to show disapproval of the military's treatment of gay people but still leave the federal money spigots open. "What you're saying is, this is a message we believe in strongly, but we don't believe in it to the detriment of $100 million," the Chief Justice told a university lawyer.

...Of course not: it's all about the money.

Tags For This Post: Military Recruiters, John Roberts, Colleges, Universities, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Greed, Holier Than Thou

Academy Awards: Tanker Brothers Point Of View

Man, I'll tell ya, I was scared last night when I was watching the Academy Awards. Everyone was talking about Brokeback Mountain (The Gay Cowboy movie) winning the "Best Picture" nod.

I'm not a homophobe, but I'll tell you this: Homosexuality is, in my view, an "Alternative Lifestyle". I'm not comfortable the more this lifestyle becomes more mainstream in the United States. "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy", "Will and Grace", and a host of other programs are doing this to the American Public.

I dread the day that I have to explain to my son what homosexuality is, or why one of his future little friends might have two mommies or two daddies. That might be the scariest thing in the world someday.

Throughout the night, Brokeback Mountain was passed over, until they awarded the "Best Director" nod. Ang Lee got the Oscar, and I started biting my fingernails. I had a feeling that if Lee would get the Oscar for "Best Director", then "Brokeback" would get the nod for Best Film (it won for Best Screenplay).

When they announced the Oscar went to "Crash" - a movie no one was talking about or betting on - I had to sit straight up and blink twice!

Look, one of the biggest reasons that I see the Muslim extremists hating us is because they see our lifestyles as degenerate and hedonistic. A film with "Brokeback's" popularity that glamourizes and focuses on the love affair between two gay cowboys probably inflames them even more.

I'm all about inflaming terrorists (perhaps even using a flamethrower - what ever happened to flamethrowers?), but I would much rather inflame them with things I believe in and support: like religious freedom, personal liberty, and freedom to say what we want, when we want.

Not two gay cowboys. Pardon the pun, but I can't "get behind that".

[Edit: someone just brought up the fact that Osama Bin Laden and Ayman Zawahiri have been "co-habitating" for four and a half years, holed up in some cave. Together. So should we call tem "Brokeback Terrorists"? "Brokeback Osama"? "Brokebutt Zawahiri"?

...Just a thought.]

No Such Thing As Free Money

So I'm watching "Fox And Friends" this morning, and they are talking about the number of people that would be willing to turn in someone they know if they were cheating on their taxes.

The first question someone asked was "Is there a reward?", to which the reply was "No".

Then the person asked "what would be the incentive to turn someone in?"

I'll tell you what the incentive would be: doing the right thing. Why is it so hard for people to understand that sometimes you have to take the hard right over the easy wrong. Every dollar someone skims on their taxes is a dollar that the US government has to make up somewhere else.

Taxes are already remarkably low, is it really worth the trouble of a possible audit to save a few hundred measly dollars? Especially if you will have to pay them back, plus a penalty?

Like I said, there's no such thing as "free money", it all comes out of someone's pocket, eventually.

Doomed to Repeat Our Mistakes? Let's Hope Not...

If you remember, one of my pet peeves is that this war is being compared to Vietnam in many ways. One in particular that bothers me is that all of our hard work will be for nothing if we do not have the testicular fortitude to finish the noble fight we started in Iraq.

Flashback to 1970: militarily, we had kicked some serious butt in Vietnam, even when the US began to pull out troops and hand over the mission to the Vietnamese - otherwise known as "Vietnamization".

Does anyone remember what happened in 1974? Congress pulled the rug out from under the South Vietnamese, once and for all, and their last fragile grip on Freedom gave way. Any chance of South Vietnam being a US-friendly government disappeared, and the forces of Communism won by wearing out the American public.

The South Vietnamese didn't need someone to stand ground and fight the war for them, but they needed an ally that they could count on. When we pulled the plug and left, they were left abandoned. We betrayed them to appease the Anti-War left.

Fast forward to 2006: the Iraqis don't need us to rebuild the country, but they do need us to stand by then as they face an insurgency whose aim is to trigger a civil war.

The Cindy Sheehans, John Murtas, and John Kerrys back on the homefront would have you believe that a pullout strategic withdrawal would be rosy. But if you would like to see what it would look like in reality, go back and take a look at the pictures of North Vietnamese tanks rolling into Saigon in 1975.


And when you see those pictures, remember that we were the enablers for the fall of Saigon. We were instrumental in the fall of a fragile free government that we had made a commitment to support. We were instrumental in the sense that we abandoned them when they needed us most.

I don't think that's a mistake we want to make again.

(H/T to Skip.)

Tags For This Post: Iraq, History, Abandonment, Cowardice, Vietnam, testicular Fortitude, Strategic Withdrawal

File This Under: Dishonorable

Y'know something? I am proud of every single ribbon I have earned while serving in the military. Awards and decorations are a mark of honor and pride in one's accomplishments.

When someone makes a mockery of that, I take issue. I find it insulting and deplorable, and I see it as an insult to each and every one of the brave men and women who have fought bravely (and in some instances died) to earn the right to wear those same ribbons.

John Kerry slapped us all in the face when he threw away a set that weren't even his.

Now this worthless S.O.B. (New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin) tops even that:

1. He's wearing the beret with no rank on it, and wearing it incorrectly, like some kind of demented pizza delivery guy.

2. He's wearing the DCU top unbuttoned, in direct violation of AR 670-1.

3. He is wearing the rank of a Four-Star General Officer; rank he has neither earned or has been nominated and confirmed by Congress to wear.

4. Finally, and of the most insult: he is wearing ribbons that represent medals awarded for either valor or achievement. These represent ribbons that he was not awarded, and therefore has no right to wear. And as we all know, this deplorable human being has displayed neither valor nor achievement.

To be honest, however: I'm not suprised. From what I have seen of Ray Nagin, he has no idea of what honor and accountablity mean. He proved it when his city was in crisis. He's proven it time and time again with his racist remarks, saying that "at the end of the day, New Orleans shall be a chocolate city".

Hat Tip to PawPaw over at PawPaw's House, who really rips into Nagin:

That "rack" is eight rows deep. Normally, a soldier will spend twenty-five or thirty years getting a rack like that, at great personal risk to himself. My rack, after twenty years, was only three rows deep. Of course, he is wearing the jacket and beret improperly. His entire demeanor smacks of arrogance and disrespect for the very fabric he is wearing. Ray Nagin pisses me off. Even more so now, showing disrespect for the uniform I wore, along with the medals, awards and decorations he is displaying. The US military pulled his ass out of a fire seven months ago, and he shows up at Mardi Gras dressed like this? What gall!

Want to see more? Check out this Photo Essay.

Tags For This Post: New Orleans, Ray Nagin, Lack Of Honor, Katrina, Mardi Gras, Awards, Decorations

You All Seriously Need To Look At This!

If you all could, Check out this Blog.

Capt. Jason Scott

I'm Back!

So how are my fellow "Conservatives" out there doing? I'm sorry I haven't been on at all this past month, but I have been out in the field training to keep my skills as sharp as ever. You know how they say "If you don't use it, you'll lose it"? I'm not losing NUTHIN!

OK, enough of the rant.

Seriously, I want to say thanks for everyone stopping by, and to my Bro for keeping it going.
(He does a good job doesn't he?)

Oh. One more thing. If your new to the site or whatever, SIGN THE BATTLE ROSTER! Or leave an email. I promise unlike some other sites, WE ACTUALLY ANSWER! So if you have a question or a statement, drop us a line.

Talk to you all soon...