Tanker Brothers - Two Soldiers In The War On Terror

Master Gunner Gets "The Hook Up" From Microsoft!

Yeah, Microsoft decided that yours truly was worthy to get a Release Candidate Evaluation copy of Windows Vista Ultimate.

All I can say: YIKES.

I'm only a few days into it, but Vista Ultimate is incredible. Integrated search in every single window, the crazy cool sidebar, built-in DVD authoring/burning, slick looking interface, and much quicker than WindowsXP was when it came out.

There are lots of "eye candy" effects in my version of Vista, but the operating system handles your resources remarkably well. All drivers for my hardware were built into Vista (I'm running a Toshiba Satellite laptop with this operating system, with a gig of RAM and a pretty speedy Pentium M).

The only "not cool" thing about Vista Ultimate?

The price tag: $400.

Ouch. My suggestion? If you're in the market for a new computer, hold off until the beginning of 2007. Then Vista will come pre-installed, and you'll save yourself a ton of money.

With the Tanker Brothers going back to Baghdad before then, though, we don't have that luxury. Guess I'll run WindowsXP in my new laptop (when I get it, just prior to deployment).

Either way, I get to keep my evaluation copy of Vista Ultimate until the end of April.

And I'm gonna use the hell out of it!

19 September 2006 On CBS: The Unit (Season Two)

If y'all remember, I was lucky enough to be one of the "pre-screeners" for CBS' hit television series, The Unit.

Guess who is back for "Season Two"?

In the second season premiere, when The Unit heads to Pakistan on a mission, a key member of the team stays behind as he prepares to leave Fort Griffith and his Unit family for good. Steven DePaul directed the episode written by David Mamet.

As Mack and Tiffy uneasily proceed with plans to leave Unit life behind, Mack’s former team members are out in the field dealing with struggles of their own. After carrying out one mission to intercept a package in Pakistan, the Unit must regroup and focus on executing a second mission in order to stop a plan to spread a deadly disease throughout the western world. Meanwhile, when Tiffy helps a student in need, she realizes the true impact of their leaving the Unit. Also on the home front, Kim and Bob welcome a new addition to their family, while the newest addition to Tom Ryan’s family, his wife Charlotte, seems to be headed for trouble.

If anything, y'all know that I'm a big fan of the show, and I'm jazzed to hear that it's been picked up for a second season.

Ms. Gunderson from CBS Media Relations emailed me and offered a "screener" of the Season Premiere, but I think I will pass this time, and enjoy the show on the 19th with my Tanker Brothers and Sisters!

The Anti-War Crowd Gets Violent!

And criminal:

PARKLAND, Wash. -- The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is searching for five people who allegedly attacked a uniformed National Guardsmen walking along 138th Street in Parkland Tuesday afternoon.The soldier was walking to a convenience store when a sport utility vehicle pulled up alongside him and the driver asked if he was in the military and if he had been in any action.The driver then got out of the vehicle, displayed a gun and shouted insults at the victim. Four other suspects exited the vehicle and knocked the soldier down, punching and kicking him.“And during the assault the suspects called him a baby killer. At that point they got into the car and drove off and left him on the side of the road,” Detective Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.The suspects were driving a black Chevy Suburban-type SUV.“This is something new for us, we have not had military people assaulted because they were in the military or somebody's opposition to a war or whatever,” Troyer said.The driver is described as a white male, 25-30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, heavy build, short blond hair, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, and armed with a handgun.The vehicle's passengers are described as white males, 20-25 years old. Some of the suspects wore red baseball hats and red sweatshirts during the attack.The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charging of the individuals involved. Informants can call 253-591-5959, and callers will remain anonymous.

Wasn't I the one that told you "Baby Killer" would be one of the insults they would throw at us?

Are you starting to see a disturbing trend here, Tanker Brothers and Sisters? The Anti-War Crowd is built on hate for everything we stand for. We've already pointed that out.

But it is also built on cowardice: do you honestly think one of these guys, without his buddies, would have had the "stones" to attack one of our warriors, home from battle?

Of course not.

We need to find these people, and we need to bring them up on charges, try them, and let justice be done.

Here's an open invitation: if any of you anti-war nuts out there have the testicular fortitude... come up to me and try to pull this crap. I dare you.

H/T to the Coalition Angels

Pay Them No Mind...

Tanker Brothers and Sisters: Haven't we talked about these "Drive By" tactics before?

Yeah, goals were met.

With american serial killers and rapists.

We saw that in Haditha.

And how's the idiot in Washington?
Still talks with God?

SoAnonymous | 08.31.06 - 7:24 pm | #

Well, "SoAnonymous", I don't know if "the idiot in Washington" (your words, not mine) still talks with God.

But I sure do.

It's called prayer, moron. If you would believe in something bigger than yourself, you would understand that we answer to a higher power, one that sits in judgement of right and wrong. That's one of the beliefs that this nation was built on.

"One Nation, Under God."

And I feel confident that we will be judged on the side of the righteous. Because, Sir or Ma'am, we are right to fight against Islamo-Fascism. We are right to stand against people (and I use that term loosely) who would subjugate their people, and those who would murder, behead, and defame innocents. We believe in this War, and we believe in the reasons behind it.

Know this, "SoAnonymous", if I die in this conflict, then I will have died for something so much larger than anything I could ever aspire to be. I will have spilled my blood (and hopefully, a hell of alot of the enemy's blood, as well), in the pursuit of a free and stable Iraq, the security of the American people, and the spreading of Freedom and Democracy thoughout the world.

And that is something that someone so morally bankrupt as yourself (without even the courage to post your name) could never understand, or even hope to ever accomplish.

Because you're weak.

But then, "SoAnonymous" gets REALLY hateful:

> Aren't we supposed to be the nation that everyone (except for
> some of ouwn citizens) aspires to emulate?

No bloody moron.

You're a nation of foolish gangsters, that protect
kosovarian separatists and gangsters.

No wonder they like you that much.

SoAnonymous | 08.31.06 - 7:32 pm | #

"SoAnonymous"...

Care to be brave enough to call me a serial killer/ rapist to my face?

Jane Stillwater? Magginkat? "Izzat you?"

Nah. Didn't think so.

But seriously, "SoAnonymous": keep it up. We love to hear you "talk dirty" to us. We really do. Because it shows those who support us, our Tanker Brothers and Sisters, it shows them how rabid and hateful your Anti-War movement really is.

And so close to November Elections?

THANK YOU!

Hoo. Frickin'. Ahhhh!

[edit: turns out SoAnonymous is from either Germany or The Netherlands.]

[edit2: turns out SoAnonymous is from Germany.]

Despite Multiple Deployments To Iraq, US Army Meeting Recruiting Goals!

I remember a few days ago when one of our Anti-War trolls was spewing venom about re-enlistment rates.

Hopefully she'll come back to read this post:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Staff Sgt. Michael Obleton has already done two tours in Iraq, dodging roadside bombs as he drove trucks in Army convoys across the hostile countryside.

He may even return to the front again - a possibility that never occurred to him when he first joined the active Army in 1997, long before the 2003 Iraq invasion and the onset of what has become an increasingly unpopular war.

Obleton knows about the Bush administration's often-touted long war on terror, and he's seen the Iraq insurgency up close. But he's determined to continue the fight. So on Thursday he will stand by the flagpole at Kentucky's Fort Campbell, raise his right hand, and swear once again to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies."

As he recites his oath of service, administered by the Army's No. 2 ranking officer, Gen. Richard Cody, Obleton will become the 64,200th Army soldier to re-enlist this year - allowing the Army to meet its retention goal a full month before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.

"The Army is a good career, there are lot of benefits," he said this week from his post at Fort Campbell. "This is something I signed up for. It's a job. (The war) doesn't worry me."

While the Army struggled last year to meet recruitment goals, it has been able to keep soldiers in the service by using a growing list of incentives and escalating bonuses to shower troops with money, schooling and career advancements.

So far this year, the Army has doled out an average bonus of $14,000, to eligible soldiers, for a total of $610 million in extra payments.

The re-enlistments come despite the escalating casualties on the Iraq battlefield - where more than 2,600 troops have lost their lives since March 2003. And they have enabled the Army to meet its retention goal every year since 1998.

"The bonuses have a lot to do with it, along with a feeling of accomplishment that comes with doing their mission," said Army spokesman Henry Minitrez. He also said that retention rates have even gone up for some of the military's high-profile units - such as the 82nd Airborne or 101st Airborne divisions - when they return home from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve expect to meet their re-enlistment goals for this fiscal year, which are 34,875 and 17,712, respectively. Both totals are slightly higher than last year's goals.

The number of expected and confirmed re-enlistments dipped in 2003, the year the war began, but has increased since then.

It was the schooling opportunity, rather than a bonus, that was the attraction for Obleton, 35 and originally from Columbus, Ga.

While much of his unit - the 594th Transportation Company attached to the 101st Airborne Division - may be heading back to Iraq, he plans to stay in Kentucky for now and attend school to become an Army career counselor.

Congrats, SSG Obleton! You get a Tanker Brothers salute today!

H/T to Drudge

Rolling Victory Fast: "FRAGO FOLLOWS!"

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Well, today MN NG Dad, AuntyBrat, and Rae are taking over the fast! Make sure to check out Kat's Blog and the SoldiersAngels site to see how they are doing!

As an added bonus, Tanker Angel Nelly and I are committing to not only 24 ours on September 1st, but we're starting early!

Yep, 48 hours without food: in support of Victory! Make no mistake about it, we're doing it to add insult to injury to the ridiculous Anti-War Hollywood "Rolling Fast".

(By the way... has anyone heard anything about that lately? I sure as heck haven't...)

The Bandit36 Challenge: (The Funny Thing Is - Jane Stillwater Is Nowhere To Be Found!)

Oh, yeah... she said she was going to some "Burning Man" festival or some crap like that.

Honestly.. I think she's hiding from one of our new buddies, Bandit.Three.Six:

I've decided it's time to step up to the plate and publicly challenge the defeatists. Over a month ago, I published my explanation for why I believe that we're winning the war in Iraq and I now issue a challenge so listen up: prove me wrong. I'm willing to debate those who can present a logical explanation for why we're losing the war and should their explanation top mine I'm willing to admit my wrongs.

Here is my request; whenever you hear or read someone who thinks that the war in Iraq is going badly or being lost, send them to me. Put up a link to this post and tell them they better bring their "A" game.

I want this challenge to reach as many of the defeatists as possible and ask for the readers of this blog to assist me in reaching them. I haven't spent much time looking for defeatist websites (mainly because I get it shoved down my throat by the MSM), so if you know of any please send me a link so I can properly introduce them to the truth. I know that I'm making myself a target with this challenge and I'm very willing to do so because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are in fact winning this war.

(Read More)

Hey, Jane & Magginkat:

You and your buddies got a rhetorical smackdown by the Tanker Brothers and Sisters... care to take on the Mighty Bandit.Three.Six?

Thunder Run: Fly the Flag Campaign

I really have no earthly idea how I missed this during my regular reading:

From the Thunder Run:

Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign.

We have a little less than two weeks and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America. If you are able please tell at least 11 people and if each of those people do the same, well you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM IS THIS:

On Monday, September 11th, 2006, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism.
Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared.

Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan: Here is what we need you to do...
(1) Forward this message to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.Thank you for your participation.

God Bless You and God Bless America

You know my family will be flying Ol' Glory (Right, JP?). So will Tanker Mom and Tanker Dad down in South Texas. (We all fly it every day, as it is...)

Now, to be honest, it should be something that Americans do, every single day. Everyone should have a flagpole in front of their house, to remind them of who they are, where they live, and what the hell they are supposed to stand for.

I gauran-damn-tee you, if more Americans would take a few minutes each day to look up at Ol' Glory and think about why it's been flying proudly for so long, this while Anti-War hoopla would die down really, really quickly.

Americans don't dishonor their Soldiers. Americans don't stand by and let others do it.

Some of us just need to wake up and remember that.

PC Mom and DevilDog! Rolling Victory Fast - 30 August 2006!

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Once Again:

As a reminder, if you would like to sign up for a day, please email us at TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com, and make sure to check out the "Duty Roster" here to verify your dates have been input. The calendar is updated as we recieve requests for dates. If, for some reason, you have requested one, and it has not been added, please send us another email. We update the calendar once every 24 hours.

Also, in your email, please include (if applicable):

1. Your name/handle you want to be referred to in the post
2. The Date(s) you are signing up for
3. Any specifics you would like in your post (the one that gets published at the beginning of your fast day)
4. Your website URL you want linked to in your day's post (if applicable)
5. Your photo (if you would like it published in the post (once again, not mandatory, but it would be cool if we could get photos of people in their RVF tee shirts to post on their assigned days... What? You don't HAVE ONE YET?)

Today, PC Mom and Devildog6771 are running the show. Please show your support! And for thenewest Tanker Brothers "Fans" (and I use that with the deepest sarcasm) - the Anti-War Crowd - show some respect. PC Mom's son is deploying with the mighty First Cavalry Division to serve in Iraq.

PC Mom: have him look us up when we're all in country. I'd be honored if you'd let Cav Tanker and I peek in on him every once in a while (especially if we're all at the same FOB - depends on which Brigade he's in). You have our email addresses.

First Cavalry Division: Hoo-Frickin'-Ahhhhhh!

Coalition Angels

Our good friend and fellow blogger Tanker angel Nelly (busiest Blogger in Europe!) has a new project: the Coalition Angels.

Be sure to check out their "Mission Statement" page, and a breakdown of all the Coalition Partners they help support.

Hooah, Nelly!

If I Ever Win The Lottery...

I am definitely getting me one of these! (I guess I should buy a lottery ticket to start, huh?)

The ultra rich have sportscars to spend hundreds on thousands of dollars on, if not millions. What do the SUV crowd do when they win the lottery? Buy a Gurka by Armet. Cousin site Jalopnik, who we have constant toy-envy of, says it best:

The squat and hedgehog-lookin' 19,000 lb beast-of-an-armored-vehicle ain't just built to shrug off a roadside bomb with its high strength ballistic aluminum armor, or stop a bullet from an AK-47 with its ballistic glass. No, it's also pretty fast for its size -- with a top speed of 93 mph.

At 93 MPH, you're not winning any races, but it doesn't matter when you can plow through the opposition. A steal at only $200,000.– Brian Lam

That just screams "Tanker Brothers", doesn't it?

H/T to Gizmodo

I Thought We Had Banned Torture....?

This is just too hilarious:

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is being made to watch his appearance in cult cartoon South Park while he is behind bars.

The deposed leader on trial in Iraq was featured in the movie spin-off as the lover of the devil. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut featured Hussein and Satan attempting to take over the world together.

Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said US Marines guarding the former dictator during his trial for genocide were making him watch the movie "repeatedly".

"I have it on pretty good information from the Marines on detail in Iraq that they showed him the movie last year. That's really adding insult to injury. I bet that made him really happy," Stone said.

Isn't that called "Poetic Justice" or something like that?

H/T to Drudge

AF Sister: "SITREP FOLLOWS"

(SITREP = Situation Report)

Some have chosen to fast in honor of a specific fallen soldier. Some have chosen to fast in support of all soldiers, past and present. Some have chosen to fast simply as a protest against Cindy Sheehan's fast (which I refuse to link to). We all have our reasons, but we all believe in a few basic principles:

1. WE LOVE AND SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. We also want them home safe... but not until the time is right. That time will be defined by history as the day Iraq and Afghanistan stood on their own two feet again against tyranny and were able to defend their country against insurgent asshats determined to bring them down.
3. We will *always* look for the truth behind the crap the media reports as "news". And if that "crap" somewhat resembles the truth, it will be dealt with appropriately. (ie Haditha, the Pendleton 8, Abu Graib, Gitmo)
4. Our military deserves the best equipment, the best medical care, the best training, and the best vehicles available. It is up to our government to make sure this happens- which means it's up to US to put pressure on our local representatives to make sure this happens!
5. Any and all attempts to discredit our military will be met with swift action in retaliation- just like this fast, counter-protests at funerals Phred Phelps decides to show up at, and the weekly Code Pink counter-protests at Walter Reed.

So, hunger pains... BRING IT. I'm ready for ya!

Hooah, AF Sister! Keep up the Fast!

Raymond S. Kraft: Historical Review Of The Iraq War

I'm man enough to admit when someone can put something into words much better than I can.

(After all, I have a 31 GT score, remember?)

A good friend of mine sent this Raymond S. Kraft article to me, and I tracked down a link where you can find it online. This is an excellent (albiet long) read, but one that puts this whole conflict into better perspective better than my words ever could...

Sixty-three years ago, Nazi Germany had overrun almost all of Europe and hammered England to the verge of bankruptcy and defeat, and had sunk more than four hundred British ships in their convoys between England and America for food and war materials.

At that time the U.S. was in an isolationist, pacifist mood, and most Americans wanted nothing to do with the European or the Asian war.

Then along came Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and in outrage Congress unanimously declared war on Japan , and the following day on Germany , which had not yet attacked us. It was a dicey thing. We had few allies. France was not an ally, as the Vichy government of France quickly aligned itself with its German occupiers. Germany was certainly not an ally, as Hitler was intent on setting up a Thousand Year Reich in Europe . Japan was not an ally, as it was well on its way to owning and controlling all of Asia . Together, Japan and Germany had long-range plans of invading Canada and Mexico , as launching pads to get into the United States over our northern and southern borders, after they finished gaining control of Asia and Europe . America 's only allies then were England , Ireland , Scotland , Canada , Australia , and Russia . That was about it. All of Europe, from Norway to Italy , except Russia in the east, was already under the Nazi heel.

America was certainly not prepared for war. America had drastically downgraded most of its military forces after WWI and throughout the depression, so that at the outbreak of WW2, army units were training with broomsticks because they didn't have guns, and cars with "tank" painted on the doors because they didn't have real tanks. And a huge chunk of our navy had just been sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor .

Britain had already gone bankrupt, saved only by the donation of $600 million in gold bullion in the Bank of England, that was actually the property of Belgium , given by Belgium to England to carry on the war when Belgium was overrun by Hitler (a little known fact). Actually, Belgium surrendered on one day, because it was unable to oppose the German invasion, and the Germans bombed Brussels into rubble the next day just to prove they could. Britain had already been holding out for two years in the face of staggering shipping loses and the near-decimation of its air force in the Battle of Britain, and was saved from being overrun by Germany only because Hitler made the mistake of thinking the Brits were a relatively minor threat that could be dealt with later, and first turning his attention to Russia, at a time when England was on the verge of collapse, in the late summer of 1940.

Ironically, Russia saved America 's butt by putting up a desperate fight for two years, until the U.S. got geared up to begin hammering away at Germany . Russia lost something like 24 million people in the sieges of Stalingrad and Moscow alone... 90% of them from cold and starvation, mostly civilians, but also more than a MILLION soldiers. Had Russia surrendered, Hitler would have been able to focus his entirewar effort against the Brits, then America . And the Nazis could possibly have won the war.

All of this is to illustrate that turning points in history are often dicey things. And now, we find ourselves at another one of those key moments in history.

There is a very minority in Islam that either has, or wants and may soon have, the ability to deliver small nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, almost anywhere in the world. The Jihadis, the militant Muslims, are basically Nazis in Kaffiyahs- they believe that Islam, a radically conservative form of Wahhabi Islam, should own and control the Middle East first, then Europe , then the world. And that all who do not bow to their will of thinking should be killed, enslaved, or subjugated. They want to finish the Holocaust, destroy Israel , and purge the world of Jews. This is their mantra. There is also a civil war raging in the Middle East -- for the most part not a hot war, but a war of ideas. Islam is having its Inquisition and its Reformation, but it is not known yet which will win -- the Inquisitors, or the Reformationists. If the Inquisition wins, then the Wahhabis, the Jihadis, will control the Middle East, the OPEC oil, and the US , European, and Asian economies. The techno-industrial economies will be at the mercy of OPEC -- not an OPEC dominated by the educated, rational Saudis of today, but an OPEC dominated by the Jihadis. You want gas in your car? You want heating oil next winter? You want the dollar to be worth anything? You better hope the Jihad, the Muslim Inquisition, loses, and the Islamic Reformation wins.

If the Reformation movement wins, that is, the moderate Muslims who believe that Islam can respect and tolerate other religions, and live in peace with the rest of the world, and move out of the 10th century into the 21st, then the troubles in the Middle East will eventually fade away, and a moderate and prosperous Middle East will merge.

We have to help the Reformation win, and to do that we have to fight the Inquisition, i.e., the Wahhabi movement, the Jihad, Al Qaeda and the Islamic terrorist movements. We have to do it somewhere. And we can't do it everywhere at once. We have created a focal point for the battle at a time and place of our choosing........in Iraq .

Not in New York , not in London , or Paris or Berlin , but in Iraq , where we are doing two important things. (1) We deposed Saddam Hussein. Whether Saddam Hussein was directly involved in 9/11 or not, it is undisputed that Saddam has been actively supporting the terrorist movement for decades. Saddam is a terrorist. Saddam is, or was, a weapon of mass destruction, who is responsible for the deaths of probably more than a million Iraqis and two million Iranians. (2) We created a battle, a confrontation, a flash point, with Islamic terrorism in Iraq . We have focused the battle. We are killing bad people, and the ones we get there we won't have to get here. We also have a good shot at creating a democratic, peaceful Iraq , which will be a catalyst for democratic change in the rest of the Middle East, and an outpost for a stabilizing American military presence in the Middle East for as long as it is needed.

World War II, the war with the German and Japanese Nazis, really began with a "whimper" in 1928. It did not begin with Pearl Harbor . It began with the Japanese invasion of China . It was a war for fourteen years before America joined it. It officially ended in 1945 -- a 17 year war -- and was followed by another decade of U.S. occupation in Germany and Japan to get those countries reconstructed and running on their own again ... a 27 year war. World War II cost the United States an amount equal to approximately a full year's GDP -- adjusted for inflation, equal to about $12 trillion dollars. WWII cost America more than 400,000 killed in action, and nearly 100,000 still missing in action.

The Iraq war has, so far, cost the US about $160 billion, which is roughly what 9/11 cost New York . It has also cost about 2,200 American lives, which is roughly 2/3 of the 3,000 lives that the Jihad snuffed on 9/11. But the cost of not fighting and winning WWII would have been unimaginably greater -- a world dominated by German and Japanese Nazism.

Americans have a short attention span, conditioned by 30 second sound bites, 60 minute TV shows, and 2 hour movies in which everything comes out okay. The real world is not like that. It is messy, uncertain,and sometimes bloody and ugly. Always has been, and probably always will be.

The bottom line is that we will have to deal with Islamic terrorism until we defeat it, whenever that is. It will not go away if we ignore it. If the U.S. can create a reasonably democratic and stable Iraq , then we have an " England " in the Middle East, a platform, from which we can work to help modernize and moderate the Middle East . The history of the world is the clash between the forces of relative civility and civilization, and the barbarians clamoring at the gates. The Iraq war is merely another battle in this ancient and never-ending war. And now, for the first time ever, the barbarians are about to get nuclear weapons. Unless somebody prevents them.

We have four options:

1. We can defeat the Jihad now, before it gets nuclear weapons.

2. We can fight the Jihad later, after it gets nuclear weapons (which may
be as early as next year, if Iran 's progress on nuclear weapons is what Iran claims it is).

3. We can surrender to the Jihad and accept its dominance in the Middle East, now, in Europe in the next few years or decades, and ultimately in America .

4. Or, we can stand down now, and pick up the fight later when the Jihad is more widespread and better armed, perhaps after the Jihad has dominated France and Germany and maybe most of the rest of Europe . It will, of course, be more dangerous, more expensive, and much bloodier.

If you oppose this war, I hope you like the idea that your children, or grandchildren, may live in an Islamic America under the Mullahs and the Sharia, an America that resembles Iran today. The history of the world is the history of civilizational clashes, cultural clashes. All wars are about ideas, ideas about what society and civilization should be like, and the most determined always win. Those who are willing to be the most ruthless always win. The pacifists always lose, because the anti-pacifists kill them.

Remember, perspective is everything, and America 's schools teach too little history for perspective to be clear, especially in the young American mind. The Cold war lasted from about 1947 at least until the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Forty-two years. Europe spent the first half of the 19th century fighting Napoleon, and from 1870 to 1945 fighting Germany . World War II began in 1928, lasted 17 years, plus a ten year occupation, and the U.S. still has troops in Germany and Japan . World War II resulted in the death of more than 50 million people, maybe more than 100 million people, depending on which estimates you accept.

The U.S. has taken more than 2,000 KIA in Iraq . The U.S. took more than 4,000 killed in action on the morning of June 6, 1944, the first day of the Normandy Invasion to rid Europe of Nazi Imperialism. In WWII the US averaged 2,000 KIA a week -- for four years. Most of the individual battles of WWII lost more Americans than the entire Iraq war has done so far. But the stakes are at least as high ... A world dominated byrepresentative governments with civil rights, human rights, and personal freedoms ... or a world dominated by a radical Islamic Wahhabi movement, by the Jihad, under the Mullahs and the Sharia (Islamic law).

It's difficult to understand why the American left does not grasp this. They favor human rights, civil rights, liberty and freedom, but evidently not for Iraqis. "Peace Activists" always seem to demonstrate here in America , where it's safe. Why don't we see Peace Activist demonstrating in Iran , Syria , Iraq , Sudan , North Korea , in the places that really need peace activism the most?

The liberal mentality is supposed to favor human rights, civil rights, democracy, multiculturalism, diversity, etc., but if the Jihad wins, wherever the Jihad wins, it is the end of civil rights, human rights, democracy, multiculturalism, diversity, etc. Americans who oppose the liberation of Iraq are coming down on the side of their own worst enemy.

(Link)

This article was also found on Right Truth (where the link takes you). I have to give Debbie kudos for posting it WAY before I did.

Mark Steyn: Achilles Heel

The New York Sun has a great opinion piece on the "forced conversion to Islam" of two Fox News reporters. While the whole article is a great read, Steyn makes his "biggest money" with the wrap-up" and an interesting conclusion:

Which means there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that Islam will soon be able to enforce submission-conversion at the point of a nuke. The good news is that any religion that needs to do that is, by definition, a weak one. More than that, the fierce faith of the 8th century Muslim warrior has been mostly replaced by a lot of hastily cobbled-together flimflam bought wholesale from clapped out European totalitarian pathologies. It would have struck almost any other ruler of Persia as absurd and unworthy to be as pitifully obsessed with Holocaust denial as President Ahmadinejad is: talk about a bad case of Europhile cultural cringe. But in today's mosques and madrassahs there is almost as little contemplation of the divine as there is in the typical Anglican sermon. The great Canadian columnist David Warren argues that Islam is desperately weak, that it has been "idiotized" by these obsolescent imports of mid-20th century Fascism. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but, if Washington had half the psy-ops spooks the movies like to think we have, the spiritual neglect in latter-day Islam is a big Achilles' heel just ripe for exploiting.

(Read the whole article here)

If you remember, I told you that while WWII was a war of political ideologies and Axis Imperialism, and Vietnam was a war between Democracy and Communism, the Global War on Terror is a war of culture. It is literally a War between two radically different ways of life.

...and the survival of ours is at stake.

WE MUST WIN.

RVF Update - 29 August 2006

Link To Original Post: Here
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AF Sister is taking over the Rolling Victory Fast today! Good luck, and please keep us posted!

As a reminder, if you would like to sign up for a day, please email us at TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com, and make sure to check out the "Duty Roster" here to verify your dates have been input. The calendar is updated as we recieve requests for dates. If, for some reason, you have requested one, and it has not been added, please send us another email. We update the calendar once every 24 hours.

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Thanks for your continued support! We owe the success of this all to YOU!

We've Been Saying This For Years!

And Cav Tanker personally "mixed it up" with some of these lunatics back in April 2004, during a little conflict in the streets of Baghdad we like to call "The Mahdi Army Uprising".

Who decides when "low-level, tit-for-tat, sectarian conflict" graduates into "civil w ar"?

American media today reports that after a very violent weekend that left more than 100 Iraqis dead, the Mahdi Army militia has been battling the Iraqi army (with the New York Times reporting that members of Muqtada al-Sadr's militia executed Iraqi soldiers in a public square after the latter had run out of ammunition).

There is a civil war in Iraq. The moment, never apparent, that may have lead to reduction in tensions or sectarian harmony has passed. What the United States and the government of Iraq must now concentrate on is finding a way to defeat -- militarily or politically -- Muqtada al-Sadr's militia, estimated by some at ten thousand strong. As essentially a parallel power, al-Sadr is an immediate threat to the Iraqi government. It is becoming more and more possible to imagine, disastorously, Iraq in 2008 with him as head of state.

(link here)

This little potbellied troll has neither the skills or the courage to lead Iraq. During (and immediately after) the uprising, Al-Sadr holed himself up in a mosque and hid from Iraqi Authorites and Coaltion Forces.

Hiding in a place that Coalition forces aren't allowed to enter while masterminding destabilizing attacks against Iraqi forces is cowardice at its best.

While I'm not convinced (and neither are the forces on the ground) that Iraq is on the "brink of civil war", I will say this: every threat to the stability of the Iraqi government must be dealt with.

Al-Sadr is a thug. Nothing more, and nothing less.

The Deadly Seduction Of "Cut And Run"

The Washington Times has an excellent editorial on the "Cut and Run" philosiphy...

"Sounding Retreat"
By Frank J. Gaffney Jr.

...The defeatists typically offer two rationalizations for this course of action. The first contends we need to retreat to compel the Iraqis to make the "tough decisions" about their own future that our presence and support allows them to postpone.

Unfortunately, the decisions that will almost certainly flow from the perception -- let alone the reality -- that America is again abandoning the Iraqi people will translate into the rise of another repressive authoritarian regime there, probably closely aligned with Iran. Such an outcome would not be good for freedom-loving people in Iraq and elsewhere, including here.

The defeatists' second rationale is even more disingenuous. They complain bitterly we do not have enough troops in Iraq to win. Yet, with few exceptions, they are unwilling either to increase the deployment there or otherwise build up our military to contend with current and future needs.

This line fails to acknowledge that war is a come-as-you-are affair. The United States faced the dangerous post-September 11, 2001, world with the armed forces and defense industrial base it had left following the 1990s, when many of today's defeatists cashed in yesterday's so-called "peace dividend." It takes a relatively short time to dismantle large parts of our military's power-projection capabilities and infrastructure, and decades to reconstitute them.

Dangerous, shortsighted and historically ignorant are all apt descriptions of a policy that fails to invest in the U.S. military in peacetime. But failing to invest sufficiently in our defense capabilities in time of war is reckless in the extreme. At some point, such behavior breeds not just defeatism. It assures defeat...

(Read More)

This is actually one of the better articles I have read on the ideology behind the Left's defeatist attitude towards National Security.

Thanks For Your Support!

As you know, we've been recently attacked by the Crazy Anti-War Left.

Having joined the Army as a Tanker, and having cut my teeth in some of the best Tank units that the US Army has to offer, I have learned to never back down from a fight.

Today is no exception.

First, however, I want to express my sentiments on those who attacked us: I don't hate them. As a matter of fact, I welcome their attacks. As my Commander-In-Chief says: "Bring 'em on!"

"Why," you may ask?

It's easy: the better off we are at having the Anti-War Crazies attack us here at home, the fewer attacks they can send to my buddies that are busy fighting the bad guys. When I deploy in a few weeks, I would expect the same from the Wingmen that I leave here on the homefront.

Another thing: we are forcing the Anti-War movement to show its true face - one of hatred and intolerance. If you want to see "hate-mongers", you have but to look at the protestors outside of the East Gate at Fort Hood.

Finally, I want to thank all the MilBloggers and Blog writers who have rushed to our defense. To be honest, we can't get the truth out without you. You are not only our eyes and ears, but our voice. And to the Tanker Brothers and Sisters, those loyal readers of this blog who keep returning to this, our little corner of the Blogosphere, you are more than even that.

You are our Lifeblood.

You, Tanker Brothers and Sisters, are what keep us fightin', and keep us writin'.

Without y'all, we would "just" be two grimy, crusty Tankers.

YOU are what make us successful.

My Infantry Buddy

Had a visit this weekend from the legendary JP of Milblogging.com! Sorry for the fuzzy photo... The Camera on the Moto Razr sucks.

JP:

You have a great family, Buddy! You and yours are welcome at Casa Master Gunner anytime!

And I'm man enough to admit it: you won. (But just barely). I won't disclose how much alcohol was consumed, but let me put it to you like this: the waitress actually got UGLIER, the more we drank.

The Future Of Tanker Brothers

In the next few weeks, just prior to Cav Tanker and I deploying back to Iraq, you will see some changes to the site that make the "layout/banner debate" from a few weeks back look like nothing.

First thing: we're going to drop Blogger/Blogspot. This site has really grown in the last few months, and we feel like we owe our loyal readers a product that Blogger/Blogspot can't provide. I'm talking about 100% interactivity. When I say y'all are "Tanker Brothers and Sisters", I mean it: y'all are like family. The support you provide in the form of constructive criticism, kudos, comments, and tips has been invaluable. We literally could not ask for better readers.

So, you may be asking: "What's 100% interactivity mean?"

I'm still working on the concept, but we're going to offer you a much more streamlined, more user friendly professionally designed and hosted web site: in addition to my incoherent ramblings, we will have a discussion board, the ability to create your own profile and add your photo for your postings/discussions, a place when we will upload photos from our experiences and organize them chronologically for you to use/share/etc..., we will have better control over our RSS feed, maybe a podcast (and that's a BIG maybe), and for a chosen few: a "Wingmen Only" area.

It won't cost you a dime.

But I do need your help.

Suggestions, Suggestions, Suggestions.

What do you want? What would you like to see added, what would you like to see taken out? Do you think the discussion board/forums is a good or bad idea? Would you use them?

Rolling Victory Fast Update - 28 August 2008

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
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First off: don't forget to check the Duty Roster by clicking the appropriate link in the sidebar (right above the RVF Logo). I cannot stress how important it is to maximize the efficiency of our efforts.

Today, Instapilot is gracing us with his participation, and the Fast keeps rolling along.

Tomorrow, AF Sister is taking the reigns. Please leave updates in the Comments section of this post, and God Bless y'all for participating.

But Wait! There's More...

...Because stupid people travel in packs:

I just read an article in the Amercian Free Press that the Army is going bankrupt. I'd like to send you the URL but you don't have a cut-and-paste feature. It says that they can't even pay Army salaries. The Army needs a union!

PS: I'm glad to hear you say that we are winning the war on Iraq. Just one question. Why are we still even fighting a war there? One that has gone on longer than World War II? I thought it was won back in 2003. That's what Bush said.

And you need to think twice before bashing Cindy Sheehan. She's fighting for American soldiers. You might even consider putting her son's photo up on your wall of heros.

And regarding the two Israeli "kidnapped" soldiers, how come Bush and Olmert planned this action way back in May? If it was so spontaneous? AND. Whatever happened to those two soldiers? We never hear anything about them any more. Why aren't they given top priority? Because Bush is NOT all about saving the lives of soldiers. Bush could care less about you.

Freedom begins at home.
Jane Stillwater | 08.26.06 - 1:48 pm | #

Now, while I will be the first to admit that I enjoy combatting not only Terrorism abroad, but Stupidity at home, to be honest: I'm starting to think that Jane Stillwater and her ilk are beyond redemption.

However, I can't help myself:

1. The article you mention ( the American Free Press has very little credibility with the Tanker Brothers when they refer to the recent action between Israel and Hizbollah as "Genocide in Lebanon") is typical of reporters who know nothing about the military, trying to explain the military. If they would have bothered to do any research, they would have discovered that the budget problems at Army installations have nothing to do with the Global War on Terror, but are an effect of the modernization of the US Military. At the installation level (that's "Forts" for y'all that don't know), the Department of the Army "split" the structure between the "Mission Side" (those the guys that wear green) and the "Installation Side" (the civilians who work on and run the "Forts").

The Army did this for a very good reason: so that Mission Commanders could concentrate on training their Units and Soldiers, and eventually deploying to combat. Other than Soldiers' dependents, Mission Commanders don't need to be worrying about things that don't deploy with the unit. This was done to make the Army more efficient, and is an awesome concept. It's still a very new concept, though, and as a result, the "bugs" are still being worked out. Because of the power of paperwork, there isn't an effective way to shift money from "Mission Side" to "Installation Side". The Army has money, and is doing an excellent job of adjusting the Mission/Installation concept as lessons are learned. My suggestion to you: research before you jump to conclusions.

2. The Army doesn't have problems paying salaries. As an E7, I haven't missed a single paycheck.

3. "Why are we still even fighting a war there? One that has gone on longer than World War II? I thought it was won back in 2003. That's what Bush said."

Jane, you need to update your talking points. There is no comparison between WWII and Iraq: WWII was a war of political ideology (Democracy vs. Nazism/Fascism/Socialism), while the Global War on Terror is a cultural conflict (Radical Islamo-Fascists attacked the West, citing cultural differences that, in their eyes, define us as "infidels"). HUGE difference.

War isn't fought on a timetable, it is fought on goals. Our goal is to win. We should not stop fighting until that goal is achieved. In 2003, President Bush said that the mission of the USS Abraham Lincoln had been accomplished, not the War on Terror or the War in Iraq. To claim otherwise, even when it has been proven over and over again, goes beyond "taking out of context", and is just plain "wordsmithing".

4. Cindy Sheehan hasn't done a damn thing for me except undermined my fight. Her son was a good Soldier. If you would adjust your glasses, however, you would note that, on my "Wall of Heroes", SSgt May and SSG Quinn have one thing in common: they were both Master Gunners. Casey Sheehan was not a Master Gunner.

5. I won't even bother with your looney claim about PM Olmert and President Bush. You cite no sources. I won't pour gasoline your already burning train wreck.

So, Jane, do you agree with your buddy"Magginkat"? Are my brother and I:

1. Hate Mongers?
2. Murderers "killing innocent people"?
3. Brainwashed?
4. Foolish?
5. Macho Nutcases?
6. Clowns?
7. Traitors?
8. Brain damaged?
9. A Nazi Propagandists?

I'm pretty sure the Tanker Brothers and Sisters who read this blog would be interested in your answer.

[Also, Jane: please remove me from your crazy unsolicited mass emailings. Remember, the legality of sending unsolicited spam is dubious, at best.}

Lines Are Drawn, The Battle Is Joined...

It was bound to happen, Tanker Brothers and Sisters: the Anti-War crowd has launched a dishonorable rhetorical attack on the Tanker Brothers.

Now, I've been noticing a disturbing trend in my daily Milblog reading: the Left is actively engaged in an IO campaign against the MilBlogging community. Their TTP (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures) is to conduct "drive by comment posting".

Today, I guess it was the Tanker Brothers turn.

I am proud to be a friend of Jane Stillwater. On the other hand I would rather have a rattlesnake for a friend than a hate-monger like you.

If you were doing anything for this country you wouldn't be in Iraq killing innocent people. The Iraqis never did anything to us and even that fraud in the Oval office admits that everything he has said is a bald faced lie. Of course he didn't use the words lie or bald faced. That AWOL coward does what he has done all his miserable, useless life and blames someone else. I call it what it is.

This country was built on dissent against another (a real) king. He went down in defeat and so will the quack who squats in the oval office. I look forward to the day that this mass murderer has to face war crime charges. I look forward to seeing this abuser of the Constitution in prison. And while I defend our troops, (with exceptions such as brainwashed fools like you), I know that there are members of the military who should be facing those war crimes along with the Commander in Thief.

I would take Jane Stillwater over you macho nut cases and your nut case bosses any day of the week. Jane is interested in going to Iraq as a real journalist. Of course clowns like you and the old war-lord Rumsfeld don't want the real story to come out so your game is to belittle those who are interested in the truth. Screw you.

You, mister are no hero. You are a traitor to this country and that is how you will be remembered. One only has to look at the science fiction at the bottom of your current page to see what caused your brain damage and since you have done nothing to pull yourself away from the TV and stupid war games, I have absolutely no compassion for you.

Tell me.... how much are you being paid to spew this Nazi 'bullschitt'?

Magginkat
Air Force Veteran
Widow of AF Vet - Vietnam
Mother of son who spent 15 months in Bush's Iraqi hell hole
Magginkat | 08.27.06 - 7:39 pm | #

Remember what I told Ms. Andrea Shea-King during my Radio Interview, when she asked why we had started this Blog? I told Ms. King that I started it because I didn't want my wingmen to my right and left, guys that are actively engaged in the War on Terror, to go through what our fathers went through when they came home from Vietnam.

I wanted to get the truth out.

Now, we have been personally attacked. We have been called (just in this post):

1. Hate Mongers
2. Murderers "killing innocent people"
3. Brainwashed
4. Foolish
5. Macho Nutcases
6. Clowns
7. Traitors
8. Brain damaged
9. Nazi Propagandist

But, of course, she also gives herself a pat on the back: "I defend our troops".

Umm...except for troops like us, I guess.

Hey, Nutjob, you forgot:

10. "Baby Killer"
11. to spit on me when I came home from Iraq
12. a "Red Stater"
13. a "Neo-Con"

(I reserve the right to edit this list when I calm down and can think straight)

Hmmm... for the record:

1. The "Science Fiction" you were referring to is called the "Future Combat System" (FCS). It's where the US Army Modernization plan is leading us to, and it will be the way we fight for at least the next fifty years. It gives the front-line Soldier an unprecedented amount of situational awareness, so that he can more effectively fight the battle. The vehicles are lighter, can shoot farther, and are more combat effective than any other ground-combat systems we have right now. FCS isn't "coming", Lady. FCS is "here".

2. We never professed to be heroes. Any man who calls himself a "hero" is the exact opposite. Those around us judge us for who and what we are. I will claim no title or distinction other than those given to me by the United States Army: I am a Sergeant First Class, a Non Commissioned Officer, a Tank Master Gunner, and above all else, a Soldier. I get up in the morning, I put my pants on one leg at a time, I strap on my Tanker Boots, and I accomplish my mission. That's what I do, and not one iota less.

Now, I don't expect you to come back and read my response. It wouldn't jive with your published TTP. That's okay, because cowards never return to where they may be engaged.

Tanker Brothers and Sisters... it has began. I have predicted this was gong to happen for months now: a new front has opened in the Global War on Terror, and it's 180 degrees away from where we should be fighting. Tanker Brothers and Sisters, the new front on the Global War on Terror is right behind me.

Thank God (and the US Army) that I'm issued two SAPI (small arms protective insert) plates with my Body Armor. Otherwise, I would have a frickin' knife handle stickin' out of my back right now.

Hooah.

SGT Hook: Statement Of Readiness

SGT Hook: This We'll Defend has a great post on the CSA (Chief Of Staff, GEN Peter J. Schoomaker) and his recent Staement of Readiness.

It's definitely a "must read", and I would encourage all y Tanker Brothers and Sisters to do so.

I don’t think your Army has been in a better state of readiness since I joined some 19 years ago. Yes, some of our Soldiers are tired, particularly those with special skill sets and some of our equipment needs updating (hence the importance placed on reset), but I’m confident that your Soldiers are ready to respond if needed.

The Chief of Staff made some valid points about the budget and I hope that our civilian leadership antes up. The Global War on Terror that we are embroiled in, and committed to win, is much more complicated and larger in scope than World War II, yet our society and economy are not mobilized in a unified effort to defeat our enemies as was the case in 1941. I for one will vote for the candidate who makes it a priority to recognize and fund the needs of our military as we quietly drive on in defense of our nation. I’m just sayin’.

(Read The Rest)

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): we need support to fight this war, and in order to get that support, we need people to write, phone, and email their Congressmen/Congresswomen to do the right thing and get beind us on the GWOT and the War in Iraq.

Let's Git 'Er Done, People!

Bandit.Three.Six on "Failure" and Propaganda

If you've been reading this Blog for a little while, you will have noticed that we don't hold the Mainstream Media in very high regard around here.

Bandit.Three.Six, deployed in the International Zone in Baghdad, has a similar take. One post in particular, really did a great job of putting into words what our take on the whole subject is:

I was watching the news this morning and I heard one of the "experts" say that the issue of the war in Iraq should be avoided by those who supported it because of the fact that it's a failure. He supported his claim by citing recent polling data that shows that most (51%) Americans don't associate the war in Iraq with the war on terrorism.

This is extremely disheartening, but it's also very motivating. We're winning the war in Iraq. I'm willing to listen to a logical argument to the contrary, but I have yet to hear one. If we're winning the war, why do so many people think we aren't? Because they get their information from the media. Why is the media telling the American public that we're losing the war? What does it benefit the media to mislead the public? The motivation for this lie is an interesting topic, but what concerns me more is result of the lie and that is that the American media is truely and undeniably stabbing troops in the back.

The troops are the war. We are here to win the war. When the media portrays the war as being lost they are portraying the troops as losers. Please don't believe this lie and help your friends see through it as well.

(You have GOT to read the rest)

H/T to my Wingman Philologous!

My New Tanker Buddy: SGT Chang Wong

SGT Chang Wong was a M1A1 Tanker in the mighty Blackhorse Regiment: the 11th Armored Cavaly Regiment.

After being wounded in Iraq, SGT Wong has worked his way back up towards recovery. Donna from Los Osos, one of our Tanker Sisters, linked us up with SGT Wong a few days ago, and all I can say is that I'm damn proud that we live in a nation that produces heroes like this.

SGT Wong just competed in a surfing contest out on Pismo Beach, holding his own against a whole bunch of his compatriots. Here's a cool slideshow of the event (and see if you can spot Donna in the pictures!)

Oh, did I mention that SGT Wong is an amputee?

SGT Wong: the Tanker Brothers salute you, buddy.

Guilt By Association: Stand With Me Or Against Me

So I'm checking email yesterday (I usually check it a few times a day, I ALWAYS have something in there from one of our fellow Tanker Brothers and Sisters, and I don't want to slack off - plus some of y'all send in some really good tips on stuff!), and guess what I find?

I am the only candidate running for United States Senate from Tennessee who stands for peace. I want an end to this illegal, immoral and unjust war in Iraq that has claimed the lives of over two thousand Americans and has cost us hundreds of billions of dollars.

President Bush had no business sending troops into Iraq. He lied to Americans about weapons of mass destruction and now he is busy spying on Americans. He has violated the United States Constitution and he and the right wing extremists who have put him in office need to go.

(The actual full text of the email was hilarious, and if any of my Tanker Brothers or Sister would like to read it, just shoot me an email, and I will forward this crap to you).

Now, you might ask yourself "Why did Master Gunner post about this idiot, and give him the publicity he obviously needs to run his campaign?"

Honestly? Because this guy needs all the publicity he can get.

Now, yo might think I've gone off the deep end, but think about it for a second: this Anti-War craziniess needs to be well publicized, so that we know who NOT to vote for. Think about it.

If I was presented with a list of candidates for a given office, and told to endorse one candidate over the other, the first thing I would do is look at their position on the Global War on Terror, and the War in Iraq. Because we have to start considering the facts:

1. In the five years since the September 11th WTC attacks, we have not had a single case of a successful Terrorist plot to kill Americans in the United States. That tells me that the current administration has done a great job of keeping us safe. And if I don't have to worry about the Safety of my wife and son while I'm deployed in Iraq, then I can give my 100% attention/concentration to killin' Bad Guys.

2. Politicians that are against the War offer no alternatives to winning it. They offer no strategy, they offer no plan for our safety. They offer appeasement. That's it. If you ask a Green Party Politician what they would do in the War in Iraq, they'd give you a three word answer: "I'd Pull Out". Look: if something doesn't work for a high school boy, it sure as heck isn't gonna work in a large scale war. "Pulling out" is not a strategy.

3. We have to start looking at something that I like to call "Expectation Management". When considering a given candidate for office, you have to make an assessment of what you can reasonable expect from that candidate. Because the Green Party is so wacko in thier platform (I'd hate to say it, but they are even MORE leftist than the Democrats!), if elected, their numbers would still be very, very low in terms of representation in Congress. So they could, realistically, never get anything done. And that means they have to choose a side to vote with on any given issue. Now, do the math: who is a crazy Leftist Anti-War nut going to ALWAYS vote with? Republicans or Democrats?

4. Which brings me to my last point: "Guilt By Association": if you, as a candidate, endorse and actively pursue taking away the tools that I need to kill the Bad Guys, to me, you're just as bad as the guys I'm fighting. There are two positions one can take in the War on Terror: you can stand with us, or you stand against us. There is no middle ground. There is no "third position". You cannot combat Terrorism with Diplomacy. Terrorists know only one thing: strength. Appeasement does not project strength, it projects weakness.

People like Chris Lugo, Jane Stillwater, Cindy Sheehan, the ACLU, CAIR, and the rest of the Anti-War crowd just don't "get it".

RVF Update - 26 August 2006!

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Today, Neffi is taking over the Rolling Victory Fast!

Also, remember that there is a link in the sidebar, "Duty Roster", that will take you to the RVF schedule that we set up. That like will always be up-to-date on participants.

Thanks for all the participation we've had! Remember to leave your updates in the comments section.

Next up for tomorrow is Copperhead1861.

When Crazy People Comment!

Yeah, Jane Stillwater is BACK. Remember this post? She actually left a response!

Hey, guys, in just three days I go off to Burning Man, a fire and art festival in the Nevada desert, and I'm all worried about surviving all that hot weather. Gots any tips for desert survival? What do you DO when it's 140 degrees?

So. That being said, back to politics. Who is right? Me or George Bush? ME obviously. But I can see why you would think George was right. If he were really the lying whore that he appears to be, then your buddies would have died in vain. I understand that the thought of such a tragedy is hard to face. BUT. Instead of getting mad at me, I would recommend that you get FURIOUS with that sombitch in the White House who is stealing our souls.

Anyway, I wish you luck in the desert. Wish me luck in the desert too! You ARE in the desert, aren't you? You're not one of those armchair bloggers who pretend to be soldiers?

I hope not.

Anyway, PLEASE try to get me embedded. I wanna write stories that will set you guys free so you can come home and PROTECT AMERICA from the pond scum who is hijacking our freedom. It ain't me. It's George "AWOL from Vietnam" Bush.

As for getting in touch with me, I could even give you my freaking home phone number but it would do no good. You know what AT&T says. "Your world delivered...to the National Security Agency." How American is that? To tap all our phones? You better believe it. They are tapping your phone too. "Hi, George."

PS: Nice pic! Thanks.
Jane Stillwater | 08.26.06 - 1:37 am | #

Jane, I thought I told you before: there are better uses for tinfoil than making hats...

Tanker Brothers and Sisters, here's what I wrote:

Ahem:

1. Here's my advice for the desert: drink water.

2. You're NOT right. The only way any of my comrades would have died in vain is if nutbags like you got thier way, and we pulled out of Iraq before winning.

3. You obviously don't read the site, if you think we are "armchair bloggers"

4. I don't have the power to embed you. Even if I did, I would say "HELL NO". I never claim to be a journalist. You should never be so pretentious as to claim to be one, either. Embed positions are for bona-fide journalists. You have been screened by CENTCOM, and they said "NO".

Live with it.
Master Gunner | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 2:05 am | #

So what's up, Tanker Brothers and Sisters? What would YOU say to Jane Stillwater? (And does anyone here think we're "Pretend Soldiers"? I've done more in a single day for my country than people like Jane Stillwater do in a frickin' lifetime!)

Iranian FEMA Problems?

Yeesh... I agonized over snarky possibilities for the title of this post. Here were some candidates:

1. "Well it's about time!"
2. "Iranians to Government: At Least The Katrina Victims Got Trailers!"
3. "Where Are Our Free Debit Cards? We Need 'Girls Gone Wild' DVDs Too!"
4. Iranian Government To Iranians: Get In The Back Of The Line!"

Well, you get the idea.

This brings up some interesting possibilities: it's a well known fact that the people of Iran are getting increasingly impatient with the current regime. They know they're stuck on a runaway train, and the end of the tracks is coming up mighty quickly.

Fed Up With Funding Hezbollah?

A London-based Arab newspaper reports Iranians hit hard by recent wars and natural disasters are outraged over allegations that their government has pledged $500 million to support Hezbollah, saying they're still waiting on money to rebuild their own homes.

So-called "informed sources" tell Asharq al-Awsat that spontaneous demonstrations broke out in the western Khuzestan district, which sustained severe damage during the Iran-Iraq war, and in Bam, which was hit hard by an earthquake three years ago.

Protesters allegedly shouted anti-Hezbollah slogans and demanded reconstruction efforts at home, instead of in Lebanon.

I've got a reconstruction effort for y'all: overthrow that POS regime you've got in power, and start making nice with the US. Y'never know: maybe we'll hook you up with Ray Nagin and some white double wides.

Hey... don't judge. It works for Slick Willie Clinton... But I think that counts as a "Quadruple Wide".

At least.

And You Think The US Department Of Homeland Security Has Problems?

My good buddy Jake Jacobsen at the Freedom Folks points out a pretty mind-boggling factoid:

This just in: The Lebanese men suspected of having deposited bombs on German trains last month were hired hands -- in the employ of the German government itself.

That, at least, is what one 27-year-old from Saudi Arabia believes. "It's all a Protestant crusade," the man explains. "All of northern Germany is Protestant, isn't it? And so is President Bush." Then the man launches into a melange of confusing arguments and historical facts. The bubonic plague, Martin Luther and former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl all make a cameo. It's all connected somehow, the man is sure of it.

H/T to my wingmen, the Freedom Folks

[EDIT: you really have to read the whole Der Spiegel article to get the whole effect. Trust me on this one.]

Gazing At The Flag: "They Have Names!"

This is something I've pointed out many times before, and I am glad that word is getting out and people are starting to realize that to the Anti-War Left, our Fallen are just a odometer reading.

Gazing At The Flag has a great post on the subject:

I get angry each time I see numbers listed for our fallen heroes ...THEY HAVE NAMES! They have families, friends and communities who grieve and honor them. They had lives that were full of honor and respect for our country. Our debt to them is immeasurable. We must always call out their names to God, pray for His blessings of healing for their families and friends, whisper "Thank You" for what they have given for us.

(Read The Rest)

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Tammy Loux and the Rolling Victory Fast!

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Today, 24 August 2006, Tammy Loux is taking over the reigns of the RVF!

Good luck, Tammy, and please be sure to give us some updates in the Comments section of this post! Tanker Brothers and Sisters, be sure to leave Tammy some words of encouragement! We take care of our own 'round these here parts!

ALCON: please read THIS POST for some new info on the RVF.

RVF NEWS:

Code Pinko: are they still fasting? (I only have a 31 GT score, but I have 20/20 vision. I don't see anything past 12 August)

Code Pinko Breaks Fast to meet with Iraqi "Leaders" in Amman, Jordan (I knew they couldn't hang. They "Cut and Run" from their own fast!)

Rolling Victory Fast Duty Schedule!

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Okay, TankerBrothers and Sisters... the Rolling Victory Fast is getting bigger and bigger!

Here is a calendar that Tanker Wife and I have put together so that we can keep track of who has what day, and when. If you are involved in the RVF, please update your bookmarks. Also, clicking on the "Rolling Victory Fast Duty Roster" link in any RVF posting, will bring you to this post (regularly updated when people sign up for a day). We will update this calendar immediately upon recieving any request for a given day.

Remember, from here on out, you must send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com to sign up for a day. Please include (all info will be published in that day's post):

1. Your name/handle you want to be referred to in the post
2. The Date(s) you are signing up for
3. Any specifics you would like in your post (the one that gets published at the beginning of your fast day)
4. Your website URL you want linked to in your day's post (if applicable)
5. Your photo (if you would like it published in the post (once again, not mandatory, but it would be cool if we could get photos of people in their RVF tee shirts to post on their assigned days... What? You don't HAVE ONE YET?)

The RVF is getting bigger than even this 31-GT score Tanker can handle, so I'm bringing in "Household 6" to help me manage it: Tanker Wife.

Now, Tanker Brothers and Sisters (and other RVF participants), I need YOUR help (I know, I know, I'm always askin' for it):

1. "Scrub" the Calendar. If you have signed up for a day, and it isn't posted, please send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com! If you want to add any of the five above "elements", then please include them. If you didn't provide any of the five elements, but want to toss them in, then by all means, shoot an email to that address!

2. Let me know if you have any suggestions on how we can keep this going as well as we have!

Our "regular" email addresses are still open for all other issues/suggestions/questions/etc...

God Bless y'all for helping us make this such a success!

A Sad Anniversary...

Tomorrow, the Stokely family will remember Mike's last homecoming.

At 1700 hours, Eastern Standard Time, I will be observing two minutes of silence in Honor of Mike and his arrival home. I would encourage the Tanker Brothers and Sisters to do the same. I will spend those two minutes in prayer and reflection on the sacrifice that Mike made for all of us, and the sacrifice his family made.

I have been in contact with Mike's Dad, Mr. Robert Stokely, and I am reprinting an email he wrote me (with his permission).

I was so touched by his words, I requested that he allow me to share it with you:

On August 24, 2005, at approximately 5:00 p.m., I went to Hartsfield Atlanta to meet the most important flight I had ever met. I went alone, wearing a favorite blue blazer, grey pants, and red tie with navy stripes - the same I had worn to a prayer vigil for the Georgia National Guard 48th Brigade held by the Governor at the State Capitol in Atlanta a week earlier. It was an outfit that I felt very comfortable and fit me "good" and respectful dress for the passenger I was meeting.

As I stood in the office of the US Airways air cargo office and watched through the glass office door to the cargo bay, a motor tram pulled forward to the front of the air cargo hanger and stopped. Two Sergeants in dress uniform stepped forward as the cargo cart stopped. One Sergeant had come in on the flight I was meeting and pulled out paperwork and with the other Sergeant started comparing the paperwork with that of the crate on the air cargo tram. Once satisfied, they broke the shipping seals and began to remove the crate, revealing a casket with a box on top.

The two Sergeants carefully removed the contents of the box and as they did, in the best way I knew how to do, having never been properly trained, I came to attention and saluted as they unfolded an American Flag. I remained at attention and full salute, tears streaming down my face as the two Sergeants were ever so meticulous as they drapped the American Flag over the casket. Pain stabbed my heart even as it swelled with pride. An office full of people who were at that moment busy with the typical noise of an office suddenly became quiet and I could feel their eyes watching me. For the next few minutes, not a sound could be heard as the office staff seemingly froze in place with me, tears now dropping off my cheek and onto my shoulders and lapel. Then the flag drapped casket was loaded in a hearse and I crisply ended my salute as the two Sergeants then turned and saw me. Their eyes and nods of approval were reassuring.

I then walked outside to get fresh air, collect myself and called my wife, Retta. As she answered the phone, I said to her, tears welling in my voice, "our boy is home." We sobbed together a few moments. She was worried and asked if I would be o.k., for she loved him as her own and we had never been us without him. She knew I would be, but had to hear me say I would. Then, I got in the hearse to make a thirty plus mile ride to the funeral home, a route taken many days over may years when I took my boy home after visitation weekends, holidays, and summers. Every mile had a memory, and a new welling of tears inside, but I kept them in as the Funeral Home Director drove. While I talked to conceal my heart breaking inside and to keep nervousness at bay, I was thinking of this time or that time with my boy at various points along the route. Too many memories to even begin to share in this writing, but a kings treasure of beautiful memories from a toddler to a grown man just married and about to go off to war.

Then, the ride was over - my last ride taking my boy home. It was time to share him with others. My boy had come home a man's man who was a fallen warrior. He gave as much as he had to give to his GOD, Family, Duty, Honor and especially his Country. In return, he asked for nothing.

Even now, I wince and cry as I think about that August 24th evening. Privileged to say the least to be there and have that time with my boy, and never to forget.

Robert Stokely

proud dad SGT Mike Stokely

KIA by IED 16 Aug 05 at 2:20 a.m. near Yusufiyah south of Baghdad

A man who lived for a just cause and died just because...John 15:13 no greater love

God Bless You, Mike. And God Bless your family. Although I never met you in person, I feel like I've known you personally. Your loss hits home, as if I lost a dear relative.

I have.

I lost a Brother-In-Arms.

"But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition..."

William Shakespeare,
Henry V

Isn't It Funny...

"...that the only time Liberals support churches, is when there are illegal aliens locking themselves inside to evade deportation? "

Otherwise...

Yeah... Good Luck On That, Lebanon...

I swear, France has done a bang-up job of creating Hizbullah's expectations for the rest of the Western world...

Lebanon appeals to the United States to pressure Israel into lifting their blockade, so that Hizballah can restock their arsenals.

They also want more money from us.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon urged the United States on Wednesday to make Israel remove a sea and air blockade it imposed at the start of its 34-day war with Hizbollah fighters.

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora also called on Washington to boost its financial aid to help Lebanon recover from war-related economic damage running into billions of dollars.

“The United States can do more,” he told a news conference. “The United States can support us in putting real pressure on Israel to lift the siege.”

I was always told: "Wish in one hand, and crap in another; and see which one fills up first."

But y'know... that's "Old Skool"...

H/T to LGF

Somebody Should Have Told Saddam...

..."Don't Mess With Texas!"

Jeff over at Midnight In Iraq snapped this photo in the Green Zone (Baghdad).

*sniff*

Sorry. I get all choked up when I see "The Lone Star" displayed so proudly.

Hooah.

Anger? Outrage? Nah. Try Relief!

Stuart Middle School teacher burns U.S. flags in class

A Stuart Middle School teacher has been removed from the classroom after he burned two American flags in class during a lesson on freedom of speech, Jefferson County Public Schools officials said.

Dan Holden, who teaches seventh-grade social studies, burned small flags in two different classes Friday and asked students to write an opinion paper about it, district spokeswoman Lauren Roberts said.

A teacher in the school district since 1979, Holden has been temporarily reassigned to non-instructional duties pending a district investigation. The district also alerted city fire officials, who are conducting their own investigation.

"Certainly we're concerned about the safety aspect," Roberts said, along with "the judgment of using that type of demonstration in a class."

Pat Summers, whose daughter was in Holden's class, said he was among more than 20 parents upset about the incident at school yesterday. Holden apparently told the students to ask their parents what they thought about the lesson, he said.

(Read More)

Now, before you think I've completely lost my mind, consider this: that teacher, ignorant and foolish as he was, may have done more for the Conservative movement than Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and the entire Alternative Media Movement.

The children that witnessed the flag burning will forever remember the disrespect that teacher showed towards the symbol of our country. That image, burned forever into their psyche, may be the thing that pushes them over to "our side".

Still don't think that's enough? Well consider this: Liberals may be breeding Liberalism right out of the political landscape, and as a result, out of the American population.

These are indeed strange times we live in, Tanker Brothers and Sisters...

RVF Update - 23 August 2006!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: MAJ Mike and Some Soldier's Mom (23 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Tammy Loux (24 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Surprised, Germany? Don't Be...

I was discussing this with my wife, a German-Born Texan, and I wish I could say that I understood Germany's surprise at being targeted for terrorist attacks.

The truth is, it shouldn't be a surprise:

BERLIN - A Lebanese student suspected of planting a train bomb that failed to explode had contacts in Hamburg, authorities said Tuesday, the latest link to the northern port city where three of the Sept. 11 suicide pilots prepared for their attacks.

The planned attack here stunned Germans who thought the country’s vehement opposition to the Iraq war would insulate it from becoming a terror target almost five years after the attacks on Washington and New York.

The main suspect, identified by authorities as 21-year-old Youssef Mohamad el Hajdib, was arrested Saturday in Kiel, about 30 miles north of Hamburg, on suspicion of placing one of two suitcase bombs in German trains on July 31.

And that's why it shouldn't surprise anyone.

Confused?

Don't be.

Having fought against Muslim Extremists, I can tell you two things they are all about: hate and respect.

They hate the United States. To them, the United States is the "Great Satan", we are their ultimate enemy: we represent everything that is not Islamic, and therefore, we are the landlord and chief occupant of "Dar-Al Harb" - the House of War.

Like any landlord, however, we have other tenants in our "house", and those are the nations that the Islamic Radicals see as the "Little Satans" - Western nations "allied" with the United States. Germany and France, while constantly undermining our efforts in the War on Terror, still take cues on culture from the United States, and as such, are seen in the Muslim world as pawns.

That brings us to "respect", the other value I mentioned the Islamic Radicals hold above all others.

The United States, Great Brtain, Australia, the biggest partners in the War on Terror, make it perfectly clear which side we have chosen. Those other western nations that attempt to "walk the line", choosing appeasement over a firm stand against Terror, show no backbone whatsoever. This, in and of itself, is reason enough for a Jihadist to attack.

While Iran, Hizbullah, Al Qaeda, and the others hate the United States, Great Brtain, and Australia, they respect us. They know we are engaged in the battle, and that we won't back down from the fight. They know they are in a life-or-death fight for dominance.

With Germany and France, however, they have no respect. They use these nations as terrorist recruiting centers, as sanctuary (what I call ISBs: Intermediate Staging Bases for future operations), and as places to raise funds and support. They know that the governments of these countries can be bullied and threatened into anything, out of fear of "hurting Islamic feelings".

Let me put it to you like this, France and Germany: they hate us.

But they don't respect you.

I think you're finding out which is worse.

H/T to LGF

American Heroes Aren't The Only Ones Who Can Be "Larger Than Life"

Iraqi ones can be, as well!

From USA Today:

BAGHDAD — The Humvee has barely rolled to a stop, and Iraqi army Col. Talib Abdul Razzaq is already out of the vehicle.

He moves like a politician, stopping on the sidewalk to playfully cuff a young boy on the head and joke with a man selling shoes. He quizzes several people about violence and militias in the neighborhood. Most say the streets have been quiet.

"I'm trying to make people believe in the Iraqi army," Razzaq says at the next stop, where a sidewalk vendor gives him a complimentary sandwich from his cart. "They will feel more safe." Razzaq hands the sandwich to an aide and keeps moving.

Twice a day, Razzaq patrols the troubled neighborhoods in his battalion's sector of Baghdad. He's checking on his troops, who have set up checkpoints in the area. And he's listening to what merchants, local leaders and ordinary people have to say about security in their neighborhoods.

"I am an officer, but my job is like a tribal leader," says Razzaq, who in this polarized society refuses to say whether he is a Shiite Muslim or a Sunni.

The United States wants more commanders like Razzaq. Finding good leaders for the Iraqi forces has been tough. "Frankly, some of our guys will say it's still kind of the limiting factor," says Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq. "If you want to grow two more divisions, the real question is: Can you come up with two divisions' worth of good Iraqi leaders?"

President Bush has said the United States will be able to withdraw its forces when the Iraqi government and military can take over responsibility for the country's security. The U.S. military says it has trained and equipped 275,000 security forces: 115,000 in the military and 160,000 police officers.

Whether they will stand and fight, and whether they will win the respect of Iraqis, depends largely on the quality of the men who lead them.

"Equipment and arms are important, but they only go so far," says U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Nagl, an Iraq veteran who wrote a book on counterinsurgency warfare.

The Iraqis are not bad people. They are not finicky. They want the same things that we want in America: they want security, freedom, democracy, and greatness.

Until now, the only options they had to look up to was the United States, or to look up to the Terrorists.

One offered security and Democracy, the other offered only anarchy and death.

While most Iraqis understand and have identified the United States as being the best of both options, what they lacked were indigenous heroes, people that they grew up with, people that they see as neighbors and fellow Iraqis.

These are the people they need to look up to, these are the people that will lead them to greatness.

I think to one of my favorite movies, Emeny At The Gates, based on the book of the same name by William Craig:

"Here the men's only choices between German bullets and ours, but there's another way; a way of courage, a way of love of the Motherland. We must publish the army newspaper again, we must tell magnificent stories, stories that exalt sacrifice and bravery. We must make them believe in a victory. We must give them hope, pride, a desire to fight. Yes. We need to make examples but examples to follow... What we need are heroes."

This is what the Iraqi people need, Heroes.

And Iraqi men and women who are committed to the freedom and security of Iraq, are exactly what the doctor ordered.

Iraq -VS- Vietnam: Similar, But Not How You Think...

I was invited by one of my Tanker Sisters to check out a discussion board where the subject of the Iraq War was raised, and the cowardly entrepenuer who sold the "TeeShirt with the Names" of my Brothers and Sisters who have given their lives in the War on Terror.

If I may share with you the conversation:

USA TODAY ARTICLE

No matter what you believe about the war or about Bush~and we all know we could debate this until we turn blue in the face (LOL)~but the fact that this man is making anti-war shirts with names of soldiers that died listed on them has me so angry I can barely type this.

A lot of our soldiers believe in this war and what they are doing. They surely wouldn't want their name on this t-shirt. He did not ask persmission of the families to do this.

Granted there are some families, like Cindy Sheehan, that would give their permission. But many wouldn't, and this man DID NOT ask!

Okay. Rant over.

I'm sure the guys at these blogs would certainly have never given their permission!!

TANKER BROTHERS

BLACKFIVE

There are so many more, but those are my two favorites.
(link to post here)

Well, forgive my ego, but I had to include the part where we were both listed as one of her favorites, AND in the same set of links as Blackfive (one of our heroes).

The next poster really stepped on a Tanker Brothers landmine, but she didn't know better.

ITA, Trace. So where are the profits from these shirts going? I either missed it in the article or it did not say. If those guys selling the tee shirts are keeping the money, then they are war profiteers just like Haliburton execs.

I admit I'm very confused about the war in Iraq. We took a wrong turn somewhere. Now to me, it looks and sounds like Vietnam all over again. I want the mess fixed before we have another wall with fifty-eight thousand names on it!

UGH. There may be some subtle comparisons to Vietnam, but not in ways that a casual observer may recognize. Confused? Allow me to elaborate:

No, Kristy, we didn't take a wrong turn.

This war is nothing like Vietnam, take it from someone who has spent fourteen months of his life there.

While I will admit, there are similarities, they are not what you may think. Allow me to elaborate:

1. Similar: The War effort is suffering on the homefront: the public view is tainted by the Liberal Media and their hatred of the President.

2. Different: In Vietnam, we were fighting an organized enemy, North Vietnam, and their support of an insurgent group, the Viet Cong.

3. Similar: Anti-War politicos pounding their fists on podiums, demanding a withdrawal.

4. Different: An all-volunteer Military, who believes in the fight, as opposed to the Vietnam-era draftees.

5. Similar: A deeply divided homefront, with very little support for the War effort. Anti-War is "Hip", and support for the War effort is seen as "Not Cool".

6. Different: Unprecedented re-enlistment rates for Soldiers who have served in Iraq, often re-upping to stay in the same unit so they may return to the Front. Most Vietnam-era draftees would do a tour, then get out of the Military.

7. Similar: a determined enemy who wants nothing more than to kill US Soldiers.

8. Different: The Vietnam War was fought along political lines, Communism vs. Democracy. The Iraq War/ Global War on Terror is fought along cultural and ideological ones. Extremist Muslims want nothing more than to exterminate Non-Muslims, and set up Muslim Rule. There would be no seperation of church and state. In Islam, the church IS the state.

The bottom line is that we have to stay the course, we have to win. This isn't a War we can affort to lose.

If you would like to get a good look at what we believe, and why we're fighting, I invite you to visit TankerBrothers.com

Now, a few responses down, I knew I had hit the nail right on the head when I read this response:

a discussion with my Vietnam Vet father-in-law last December while listening to 60's music. We talked about most of the things you listed and then some. He told me of his adventures as an Army Ranger.

Tilla/Ocotilla the air force deployment widow.

Now, if I can convey some of the frustrations that Vietnam Veterans feel/felt, even now (thirty years later), then the similarites really start to take shape. America has identified their shortcomings in supporting the troops in Vietnam (and if you don't believe me, remember all the "Vietnam" movies in the 80's and early 90's?).

What will the movie makers and bleeding hearts say about the War in Iraq thirty years from now? Will they be apologetic and flattering towards the War Veterans who they now refuse to support?

I love my father. He served multiple tours in Vietnam, and I saw the frustration he felt as I was growing up. I saw many of his good friends get swallowed by their frustration and anger with how they were treated, even as he found strength to rise above it and forgive the people who spit on him and called him names upon his return.

I, as a Soldier and my father's son, can only aspire to forgive the people who would undermine our victory and our efforts by their lack of support and their exploitation of my fallen comrades.

I can only aspire to someday forgive them, but I'm not making any gaurantees.

Combat Wounds, Of All Types

Why does it seem so difficult for the "Defeat-O-Crats" to understand that "Stay The Course" is not only the only way to go in Iraq, but a long-term strategy that shows resolve and fortitude in the War on Terror?

Another thing that irritates me: people who put The Global War on Terror into quotation marks. This isn't some sarcastic thing we invented. This is a struggle of cultures: the way of Democracy and stability in the Middle East (what we offer), or the way of anarchy and intolerance (what Muslim Extremism offers).

After more than three years of prosecuting the war in Iraq as a matter of fighting the "global war on terror," President Bush faces the challenge of defending the war in his party's struggle for control of Congress this fall.

The president waged an impassioned and sometimes heated defense of the war in a press conference Monday. But he acknowledged his frustration at times with the progress of the Iraqi security force even as he insisted on the importance of maintaining the U.S. military mission "until the job is done."

Yet as the war in Iraq becomes a focal point of many fall campaigns at home, Bush faces a daunting political challenge: upholding the costly, unpopular presence of American forces in Iraq as a growing chorus of Democratic congressional candidates demands a strategy for withdrawal.

This War is much bigger than Harry Reid, or Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, or John Kerry. This war involves each and every American Citizen.

But they just don't get it, do they?

Democrats wasted little time Monday going after Bush's comments.

"President Bush's plan for his final two years amounts to three simple words: Stay the course," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., chairman of the Democratic congressional campaign.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the president misguided in framing the war as "a question of resolve. Instead, it is a question of strategy. ... Three years into the war in Iraq, the unfortunate truth is that the president's strategy is a failure."

No, Senator Reid, you percieve the strategy as failure, because you refuse to allow our efforts to fight the War on Terror on our own terms. US Soldiers in Iraq are fighting the War with one arm tied behind our backs, fighting on two fronts: as MilBloggers and alternative media struggle against the Mainstream Media and their Anti-Bush propaganda to get our stories out, our brothers and sisters fight bravely against terrorist thugs in Iraq and Afghanistan who want nothing more than to kill Americans for no other reason than the flag we wear on our right shoulder.

But Sens. Reid, Kerry, and Murtha: it's difficult to fight a War on two fronts. One is an ideological front, the other is a front that poses real physical calamity.

Both are equally dangerous.

Terrorist bullets and IEDs leave scars and amputated limbs, Senators. But your "Cut and Run" talk does damage as well.

Your lack of faith in American fighting men and women leaves deep emotional scars, and your hurtful words against their efforts serves to amputate the American fighting spirit.

Surtures and stiches can help heal bullet wounds, and prosthetics and crutches can help compensate for severed limbs.

Gentlemen, there are no surtures or stitches, just as there are no prosthetics or crutches, for the human spirit.

If you don't believe me, ask the men who were betrayed upon their return from Vietnam.

RVF Update - 22 August 2006

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Guy Davis and Karla (threadbndr) (22 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: MAJ Mike and Some Soldier's Mom (23 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Rolling along, Tanker brothers and Sisters: we have Karla and my Uncle Guy (from the Great State of Louisiana)!

Good luck, y'all, and make sure to leave us updates in the "Comments Section". Aunt Meli, thanks for your support of the RVF, and we're standing by for that picture!

Master Gunner Is "With It"

Yeah, I've signed up on MySpace, if nothing else, to reach out to some of my Iraq War Comrades, and get more collaboration going.

If you're on MySpace, Tanker Brothers and Sisters, make sure to add me as a friend.

Here's the URL: Master Gunner's MySpace Page

Hooah.

Cordon And Search - Baghdad

U.S. Army Spc. Jeremy Wicklund provides security as Sgt. Allen Ronnei cuts the lock of the entrance gate of a home during a cordon and search mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday. The Soldiers are with 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adrian Cadiz.

RVF Update - 21 August 2006

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Aunt Meli (21 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Guy Davis and Karla (threadbndr) (22 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Aunt Meli and Uncle Guy are "keeping it in the family" for the next two days! (With fire support from Karla, of course!)

Please leave us updates in the "Comments Section" of this post!

Add This To The List Of Things That Don't Surprise Me... (Part II)

Remember I told you that the Ceasefire would be impossible?

Of course you do, Tanker Brothers and Sisters. How can a "Cease Fire" hold, when the Euro-Crybabies won't even commit to keeping the peace?

From Little Green Footballs:

Before committing troops to the Lebanon ceasefire they championed at the United Nations, France wants safety guarantees.

I’m not making this up.

Despite expectations that France would provide the bulk of a planned 15,000 strong UN force, Paris said Thursday it would send 200 troops to reinforce the UN mission in Lebanon.

While it said France was prepared to command the enlarged force, it also called for safety guarantees for its soldiers before making further commitments.

UPDATE at 8/18/06 10:29:45 am:

Another jawdropper from French defense minister Michele Alliot-Marie:

Alliot-Marie said troop contributions to the expanded UNIFIL force should come from a great number of countries, both in Europe and the Muslim world.

“What we must absolutely avoid is giving the image of a Western world imposing peace on the Muslim world,” she said.

Hmmm...

I'm literally speechless.

Jane Stillwater Responds to the Tanker Brothers!

Yep, she finally got around to answering us!

If you rememeber the post we wrote in response to Jane Stillwater's article about her bellyachin' over CENTCOM denying her Embed status, she's finally gotten around to answering us (or at least checking her comments section).

In true Anti-War fashion, she begins to "intelectualize" us, before being reduced to a quivering mass of Anti-War crybaby talking-point Jell-O.

Without further ado, Ms. Stillwater's response:

Wow! Can I really join the troops? They are so desperate that they are recruiting 64-year-old grandmothers now?

I support you guys. Completely. I just don't support that idiot who hijacked the White House, who is depriving injured vets of medical services, who is paying you guys pennies while loading Halliburton down with BILLIONS in off-shore secret bank acounts while you guys are left out to dry in the wind.

I'm fighting mad. And I'm fighting for YOU. Not for that cheesy lying little ball-less wimp in the White House.
Jane Stillwater | Homepage | 08.20.06 - 2:12 pm | Comment Link

Hmmm... my bad. It's not like Jane goes around advertising that she's a Granny. My Bad. But I responded with:

1. No, you actually don't support us, as evidenced by your rant in response to being denied embed status by CENTCOM.

2. President Bush isn't an idiot, he's a visionary who has a clear goal: the stabilization of the Middle East through the spreading of Democracy and Freedom.

Only through the empowerment of the oppressed peoples of Iran and Syria through liberation, will we see a Middle East that can be a strategic partner in security and against Terrorism.

3. President Bush didn't "hijack" the White House. If your candidate lost the election, it was due to his lack of a coherent platform. It wasn't due to any "hijack".

4. I have never, ever heard of a vet that was deprived of any Medical Services... would you care to elaborate?

5. "Paying you guys pennies"? Some of us, Ma'am, don't do this to get rich. Some of us join the Army, deploy, and fight because we believe in the War, and we believe that we can accomplish more by killing our enemies than by appeasing them. If it meant the security of my family and the continued existence of the United States... I would do this for free.

6. If Halliburton is "loaded down with billions in offshore secret bank accounts"... why are they pulling down a paltry 8% profit on the contracts? That's pretty poor business sense.

7. The only people who are leaving me to "dry in the wind", Jane, are people like you, Cindy Sheehan, and the rest of the rabid Anti-War Left.

8. You aren't fighting for ME, Ma'am. You're fighting AGAINST me. And if you disrespect my Commander-In-Chief, then you disrespect ME. So I strongly suggest you watch your tone, or I may be forced to use some words that would even make a 64-Year-Old Grandmother Blush.

Hooah?
Hoah!

Master Gunner | Homepage | 08.20.06 - 5:30 pm | Comment Link

Now, I don't give Ms. Stillwater any credibility... she represents the worst of the Anti-War idealists. While people like Cindy Sheehan and Code Pink would run screaming from the War on Terror, Jane Stillwater's "strategy" involves killin' 'em with flattery.

Don't believe me?

Observe:

No, the real reason why Bush is deluding himself about ever being able to conquer the Middle East is because, even though Bush has better weapons, Muslims are BETTER THINKERS.

Here's proof. Try doing the Muslim prayer. Touch your head to the floor. Notice how the blood rushes to your brain and you get better ideas and THINK BETTER?

Bush should try it at home. Who knows? He might even realize how incredibly STUPID he's been to kill all those women and children in Lebanon. Hey, it could happen.

Y'know.. I wish I could say "Empasis Mine", but Jane Stillwater posted "better thinkers", herself, all in caps.

Sheesh... is she suggesting it takes a "BETTER THINKER" to strap a frickin' suicide vest on, then set it off in a crowd of civilians?

If that's true, I'm glad I'm "blessed" with a GT score of only 31!

(Tanker Brothers and Sisters: don't bother leaving Jane Stillwater a comment. She doesn't accept comments on her postings, nor does she publish her email. I mean, seriously, who are we to presume to argue with her? She's a "BETTER THINKER", remember? And isn't one of the basic tenets of the Anti-War movement, in fact, cowardice?)

(To Jane Stillwater: Ummm...on another note, thanks for stopping by. Could we get you to sign our "Battle Roster"? Link is in the Sidebar, underneath SSgt May's and SSG Quinn's memorials. You know, two of the Master Gunners who gave their lives for the United States.

Just so we can have an, um, record of your visit.)

...Yet They Say They Support The Troops?

Tanker Wife was surfing the internet this morning, and she stumbled on a Code Pinko article written on July the 5th of this year.

Now, keep in mind that I had my own experience with Anti-War Idiots just this past Friday, when all I wanted to do was have a cople of beers with Cav Tanker.

Here's an excerpt:

...This is the WHOLE point of our activism against this war - NO ONE is killing for our freedom for anything. Killing is not now & has never been an acceptable way to obtain anything, let alone freedom.

And despite what any person who embraces war as a means to getting what he wants says, war is the most horrific, most despicable, hugest failing of human beings. Executing war & war games - including torture, rape, pillage - is NOT the way human beings are supposed to be existing on this planet.

It is and has always been those courageous warriors, foremothers & ancestors, armed with justice, peace, compassion, love, and dedication to doing what is right that have won whatever freedoms we ever had and have left in this country.

In my book, soldiers are not heroes. They are merely human beings who have turned their backs on their humanity and have allowed themselves to be used by rich men to kill, rape, and plunder other human beings (acts they, as an individual, would never think of perpetrating on a human being) in order for those rich men to become richer.

We all need to be so ashamed of allowing ourselves to be brainwashed into condoning and perpetuating such violence against humans & this earth. Those who are the instruments for carrying out that violence are the ones who most need spiritual realigning & forgiveness - not worship.

Anyway, read the article, and let me know if I overreacted.

So, Tanker Brothers and Sisters:

Are you "Ashamed of allowing yourself to be brainwashed into condoning and perpetuating violence?" I sure as hell am. NOT.

One more thing: US Soldiers don't ask for "worship". All we ask for is "support", and "respect". And from people like this looney Code Pinko...we get neither.

HOOAH.

[Fun tidbit: Check out her "About Me" in the sidebar... it reads like a "textbook Liberal Wacko" resume...]

[EDIT: I left the following comment on that post (link to Comments):

You're a nut.

I am a US Soldier, and I support this war 100%. I support my mission, and I support my President.

Unfortunately, when I go off to fight, I don't have the luxury of choosing which Americans I defend.

Rest assured, however, that if I did have that choice.... you, Cindy Sheehan, and your Anti-War ilk would be dead last on my list of priorities.

We, as Soldiers, do not ask for your "worship", but instead, your support. Casey Sheehan was one of our fellow Soldiers here at Fort Hood before he died, would you have withheld your support from him, as well?

Before I close, I'll leave you with this: "If you won't stand behind our troops, then by all means, stand in front of them".

May I make a suggestion, Tanker Brothers and Sisters? Go read the rest of her post, and make sure to leave some feedback in her comments section. Let 'em know you care!

And remember: Tanker Brothers and Sisters are civil, never crude. We use logic and reasoning to combat the ignorance of people like this. Four-Letter Words are reserved for Tank Gunnery and Terrorist Thugs. Americans, even if they are Anti-War Wackos... deserve better than that.]

RVF Update!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Mia Momma (20 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Aunt Meli (21 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Mia Momma is taking the reigns!

Aunt Meli is prepping for Monday!

And the Rolling Victory Fast keeps rolling along!

Hooah.

Is This An Invite?

Seriously?

Now, the Good Guys don't roll like that. We don't hunt down and kill women and children. But, my question is this: why would you make such a moronic statement, when CAIR is working tirelessly to point out that "not all Muslims are terrorists" (or undermining the War on Terror, depending on who you ask)?

Look, I know that Muslim Terrorists are a very, very small minority to a much larger religious demographic. I know that those extremists are not comliant with the tenets and beliefs of Islam.

Now, if that's he case... Why in the hell would you hold up a sign that says "We are all Hizbullah", Lady?

H/T to LGF

The Army Of The Not-Too-Distant Future...

And if you think we're lethal now...

This isn't science fiction, Tanker Brothers and Sisters... This is here and now. We have the technology, we have the capabilities, all we're working on is the TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures) for our Future Force.

It's coming... And it will be here very, very soon.

When that happens, "Old Skool" Legacy Tankers like Yours Truly will fade away, to be ~~replaced~~ relieved in place by a more agile, more capable force...

And Jihadis, beware....

RVF Update!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Michelle (19 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Mia Momma (20 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

These Idiots Were Lucky I Was On My Way For Some Beer...

...Or else they would have gotten thumped.

You know... to be honest, I could care less if these idiots want to protest against the Global War On Terror. But, as a public service to these idiots:

1. Don't EVER protest in close proximity to the largest US Military installation in the Free World (Fort Hood).
2. Don't EVER protest near a access gate that has heavy traffic (and most of it, US Soldiers)
3. Don't EVER cause a traffic jam at said intersection, especially when the Master Gunner is trying to get to the Legends Pub to grab a few cold beers with Cav Tanker.
4. Don't be surprised if you ignore the above advice, and you get a big, fat, middle finger shot in your direction (well, okay, at the ugly chick in the middle) from the aforementioned Master Gunner.

Still Think We're Not Effective At Combating Terrorism?

Buried in USA Today, I found this interesting tidbit:

WASHINGTON — The United States blocked an Iranian cargo plane's flight to Syria last month after intelligence analysts concluded it was carrying sophisticated missiles and launchers to resupply Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, two U.S. intelligence officials say.

Eight days after Hezbollah's war with Israel began, U.S. diplomats persuaded Turkey and Iraq to deny the plane permission to cross their territory to Damascus, a transfer point for arms to Hezbollah, the officials said.

So...the conflict could have been a lot worse. We already had indicators of a hi-tech Chinese missile being fired at Israeli warships off the coast of Lebanon. Smart money says Iran shipped it to Hezbollah.

But wait! There's more!

The officials described this timeline:

•July 15: Three days after the war began, a source tipped off U.S. intelligence about an imminent shipment of missiles from Iran to Hezbollah.

•July 19: A spy satellite photographed Iranian crews loading three missile launchers and eight crates, each normally used to carry a Chinese-designed C-802 Noor missile, aboard a transport plane at Mehrabad air base near Tehran. Israel says Hezbollah fired a C-802, a precision-guided anti-ship cruise missile, at an Israeli warship off Lebanon's coast on July 14.

•July 20: The Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane left for Damascus, but Iraqi air-traffic controllers denied it permission to enter Iraq's airspace. The Iranian flight crew then requested permission to fly over Turkey. Turkish controllers granted permission — but only if the plane would land for an inspection. The plane returned to Tehran, where the military cargo was unloaded.

•July 22: The plane flew humanitarian aid to Damascus after stopping for inspection in Turkey.

Yep, you read that right, Tanker Brothers and Sisters: Iraqi Air Traffic controllers helped "turn 'em back". Anyone that says Iraq isn't a valuable parter in the War on Terror... well, quite simply, is an idiot.

And anyone that says the United States doesn't work with its "Allies" in the War on Terror (read: France, Germany, et. al), is simply looking at the wrong Allies.

Rolling Victory Fast Update!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Ramona (18 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Michelle (19 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

The Rolling Victory Fast is making great progress, we're almost at the 45-day mark, and no indication of losing any momentum!

On another note: sorry about not posting updates to the Duty Roster for a couple of weeks already. That's been my fault, with the gearing up to go back to Iraq. So I have no excuse, and will repair very soon.

That being the case, look at the duty roster. If you don't see the day that you have signed up for (Past October 1st), please send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com! That will be our new address to specificaly deal with the RVF and if you have any "hot tips" of subjects/posts.

Tanker Wife has graciously offered to take all the dates everyone has signed up for, plus all new "recruits", and plot them into a public calendar, that we will post (with a permanent link), that people can bookmark and see what the schedule looks like.

When sending an email to the above address, please indicate:

1. Your Name (First Names alone are okay)
2. The date you would like to sign up for.
3. Any specifics you would like in your post (the one that gets published at the beginning of your fast day)
4. Your Blog Site URL (If you have one. Not mandatory, but is good for getting traffic to your site if you do)
5. Your photo (if you would like it published in the post (once again, not mandatory, but it would be cool if we could get photos of people in their RVF tee shirts to post on their assigned days... What? You don't HAVE ONE YET?)

Hooah.

Chose: Political Correctness? Or Safety?

Shane over at The Will To Exist has a great post on the choices we have to make (and often the terrible consequences of those choices), in order to not offend the sensibilities of those who want to hurt the United States.

It’s a problem that will cost lives again; just like it did on September 11, 2001.

Just ask Michael Tuohey, the ticket agent who gave the boarding passes to Mohamed Atta and Abdul Aziz Alomari. Clearly a product of liberal conditioning; he allowed who he instinctively knew to be terrorists to board the plane:

I said to myself, ‘If this guy doesn’t look like an Arab terrorist, then nothing does.’ Then I gave myself a mental slap, because in this day and age, it’s not nice to say things like this,” he said. “You’ve checked in hundreds of Arabs and Hindus and Sikhs, and you’ve never done that. I felt kind of embarrassed.”

Embarrassed until the jet crashed into the WTC. Im glad I don’t have to live with that.

Even with testimony from an agent who readily admits his training and instincts spotted a terrorist isn’t enough to convince civil right dingbats like the ACLU that the human being is the best judge of friend or foe. Let me share a quote from Johnah Goldberg’s column from The Kansas City Star:

Our concern is that giving TSA screeners this kind of responsibility and discretion can result in their making decisions not based on solid criteria but on impermissible characteristics such as race,” the ACLU’s Gregory T. Nojeim told the Journal.

Obviously Gregory Nojeim isn’t familiar with Michael Tuohey’s dance with the devil that morning of September 11th.

I don’t believe racial profiling is the end-all to screening out the filth hell-bent on America’s destruction but I definitely don’t think it should be a forbidden factor either.

Im sure Michael Tuohey would say the same.

It's a Tanker Brothers "Must Read"...

Iraqi Security Forces Capture IED Cell Leader

IED: Improvised Explosive Device

An IED can be almost anything with any type of material and initiator. It is a “homemade” device that is designed to cause death or injury by using explosives alone or in combination with toxic chemicals, biological toxins, or radiological material. IEDs can be produced in varying sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. IEDs can utilize commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, or military ordnance and ordnance components.

They are unique in nature because the IED builder has had to improvise with the materials at hand. Designed to defeat a specific target or type of target, they generally become more difficult to detect and protect against as they become more sophisticated.

And these things are nasty, causing more injuries and deaths than any other single TTP.

Coalition forces are getting better and better at detecting and combating the threat, but the Bad Guys continue to develop ways to mount these cowardly attacks on our forces.

What's the best way to combat the IED threat? Kill or capture the guy who is responsible for making them.

Iraqi Security Forces are getting better and better at this, due to a great working relationship with Coalition Forces in Iraq. With each passing day, the capabilities of the ISF get better and better, and they become more and more effective in combating not only the IED threat, but all threats to the security of the Iraqi people:

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces conducted an early-morning operation on August 16 west of Baghdad, capturing an improvised explosive device, or IED cell leader as part of the ‘Together Forward’ security plan.

Iraqi army forces conducted an intelligence-focused, precision raid as coalition force advisers looked on in the Abu Ghuryab area of Baghdad and captured their primary target. This cell leader, active for the past several months, is believed to be responsible for the construction, emplacement, and detonation of IEDs.

Four other individuals also were detained during the raid.

This operation was conducted without incident; no Iraqi forces, coalition forces or civilians were injured.

And that's the kind of operation that the Tanker Brothers like to see: no Good Guys hurt or killed, and some really Bad Guys captured and taken out of the terrorist business.

Hooah.

Kickin' Butt And Takin' Names!

"That's how we roll" in the Us Army, Tanker Brothers and Sisters!

I don't know if you remember the news a while back, but the Coalition conducted a "realignment of forces" to shift people around, in order to help quell the violence in Baghdad.

We're starting to see some sign of success:

BAGHDAD — Iraqi and Coalition forces joined this week to squelch the violence in Ameriya, a key neighborhood in west Baghdad, as part of a city-wide operation known as Amaliya Ma’an ila Al-Amam or Operation Together Forward.

“The purpose was to eliminate terrorists and death squads in and around Ameriya,” said Iraqi army Brig. Gen. Abdul Jaleel in a press conference Wednesday.

Jaleel is the commander of 1st Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division. The unit took the lead in a recent sweep of the town with the U.S. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division as support.

The Iraqi and Coalition forces searched about 6,000 houses and buildings in the Ameriya neighborhood, said Jaleel. The local citizens requested the market area be secured first.

“We re-opened shops that had been closed and a neighborhood gas station,” he said.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander, Col. Robert Scurlock Jr., re-iterated Jaleel’s point, noting that people are returning to the streets.

“More than 50 percent of the shops have re-opened,” Jaleel said.

Jaleel and Scurlock see the market as a way to repair the neighborhood that was torn apart by violence.

“We want to get the stores open and get people back to a normal life,” said Scurlock.

He credited his fellow troops for helping to restore peace in Ameriya.

“It’s the dedication of Iraqi soldiers and their professionalism and sharing information with Coalition forces,” said Scurlock.

According to Scurlock, eight arrests were made and 128 weapons seized. “We’re making progress,” he said.

Jaleel and Scurlock felt that most of the sectarian violence was caused by people who do not live in Ameriya.

Iraqi and Coalition presence is enough to deter violence here, said Scurlock. He also said there has not been one death since Together Forward operations began in Ameriya. During the press conference the duo took many questions asking whether Iraq was fighting a civil war. “From my point of view as an Iraqi, we have never had a sectarian war or a civil war,” said Jaleel, who is a Shiite Muslim and whose wife is a Sunni Muslim.

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims might seem on divergent paths, but if Ameriya could be an example they might move forward together.

“With unity and security, there will be prosperity,” said Scurlock.

I checked.... no MSM coverage. (Duh.)

Smokin' Joe Rises From The Ashes!

This is probably the best news I have heard all day: Sen. Joe Lieberman, a good friend to those of us who support the Global War On Terror for his unwavering committment to victory, is leading his opponent by twelve percentage points in the Connecticut Senatorial Race.

If you remember correctly, Ned Lamont (his opponent) beat him out for for the Democratic Nomination, forcing Smokin' Joe to run as an Independent.

This was perhaps the best thing that could have happened for support of the GWOT.

Before you think I'm a crazyman, consider:

1. Lamont was an Anti-War candidate, blasting the Bush Administration on the War on Terror.
2. With support from the more extreme left of the Democratic camp, Lamont eked out a four-point victory over Lieberman in the Primary.
3. Sen. Lieberman's contemporaries have, for the most part, abandoned him in their bid to pander for the support of the Extreme Left.

Now, with the above three things being true, then that "Exteme Left" element is showing signs of moving to the forefront of the party.

I think Hannity calls it "The Kook Base", or something like that.

Now look at the Electoral Map from the 2004 Election: except for the Metropolitan Areas, America is a pretty solid shade of Red, populated by Joe Sixpack and his relatives. And one thing that Joe Sixpack doesn't like, is Extreme Leftism.

That being the case, I think it's becoming evident, even in heavily Democratic Connecticut. The Republican candidate is hovering right around four percent of the vote. Mainstream, Security-minded Democrats (and I honestly believe that some of them exist) and Republicans are flocking to Sen. Lieberman.

This gives me hope that if we can get support for a National Security-minded champion of the GWOT in the Northeast, where the Blue is dark blue, then we can get support everywhere else in the United States.

But it takes your efforts, Tanker Brothers and Sisters. It takes all of us to get out there, and get the word out to people that don't know that we're winning in Iraq and Afghanistan, and winning big.

I did my part, yesterday: I actually spoke to someone (Air Force Guy, never been deployed to Iraq) that was convinced that 9-11 was an Israeli plot, that the War in Iraq was being orchestrated by the Oil Companies to steal oil from the Middle East, and that the Israelis "stole" all their land from the Palestinians (never mind that Israel has been there since the beginning of time: read your Bible). And I blasted him from all sides with logic and reasoning. I let him know the Truth.

Now, it's your turn.

Significant Emotional Experience...

..But my laptop is finally back in a "green status".

I had to completely reformat my hard drive, ditch the Windows/Linux
Dual-Boot, and reinstall EVERYTHING.

Then, I realized how detrimental my 31 GT score is... my backups were on
the hard drive that I had to reformat (DUH!).

So I've had to rebuild everything from scratch...

No problem, though, we're back in business! Expect regular blog posting
to resume immediately, and thanks for your understanding.

Hooah.

Sorry!

Big computer problems... having to reinstall Windows all over again.

Please bear with me.

Rolling Victory Fast: In Memory of SGT Mike Stokely

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Robert Stokely and The Tanker Brothers and Sisters All-Stars (16 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Cheryl (17 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

The words of a father do more justice to Mike than I ever could:

On August 16, 2005, at 0700 hours eastern daylight savings time, a call that changed the life of every member of the Stokely family came to our home in Sharpsburg GA - "Mr. Stokely, this is Major Hulsey; I am here with Chaplain Dicoppo and we need to speak with you urgently but your dog will not let us to the door." I knew the moment I hung the phone up and ran at a fast gait to the door and down the steps, meeting them in the driveway that they were at my home to tell me my "boy" was dead. It was a long day that day, and it has been a long year to say the least. But, today, as I write this email, I want to share with you a special photo of then Spc. Mike Stokely (promoted to SGT posthumously). The photo most often used is of Mike Stokely before he left for Iraq, and is itself a great icon of his persona. But, this photo I now share is so very special, for it is of Mike Stokely, the Iraq War Veteran and shows the essence and spirit of who Mike Stokely was, even as a soldier in war – big generous eyes that said I’ll look after you, and that ever famous friendly smile that said I am your friend.

In this picture, Mike Stokely and his squad had just come upon another squad from another unit whose HumVee had been hit by an IED. A medic from Mike's squad - Autry - is working on the wounded soldier while Mike acts as a fixture and holds the wounded man’s IV bag. If you zoom in, you see the actual sweat beads on Mike Stokely’s nose. Notice the bird flying in the background off his right shoulder and the tank and machine gun set up off his left. In the midst of such circumstances, this American Soldier named Mike Stokely simply did what he could to make life a little better in whatever way he could, even if it was to lay down his own gun, stand prone in the open, and hold a wounded soldier’s IV bag elevated so gravity would keep vital fluids flowing into the wounded soldier. All the while, Mike Stokely, as he always did, took it in stride and smiled. In the weeks before this Mike had seen many opportunities for he and his buddies to be seriously injured or killed. They endured harsh living conditions – primitive at best. Yet, the same smiling confidence you see in the attached photo is the same smiling confidence he had all along in Iraq, even till the moment of 0220 hours on 16 Aug 2005 as Mike stood cover flank for his best friend and another soldier checking out a suspicious site on a road they were clearing for convoy traffic. That site, near a village called Mulla Fayyad just two miles west of FOB Richardson / Yusufiyah where 2^nd Platoon E Troop 108^th CAV 48^th Brigade GA NATL GUARD was stationed, turned out to be the location of a very powerful IED that seriously wounded two of Mike’s fellow soldiers, and could have easily killed others, and was the cause of Mike’s fatal wounds.

The insurgency succeeded in killing SGT Mike Stokely in the early morning hours of August 16, 2005, but they absolutely failed in their main objective which was to kill the spirit of Mike Stokely and his family and thereby cause us to cry out to bring the troops home and to wither into a false sense of security by isolation. As our family approaches the all important moment of 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, August 15 – which is 2:20 a.m. August 16 in Iraq, we stand more united and more committed to the war on terrorism and bringing a civilized peace for democracy to the people of Iraq. Friends, fellow soldiers and family will gather at the grave of Mike Stokely on GA 81 south of Loganville in Corinth Memorial Gardens, across from Corinth Christian Church at 1820 hours (6:20 p.m.) 15 Aug and we will remember Mike Stokely, SGT US Army – husband, son, brother and friend. We will remember what he stood for – Duty, Honor and Country. We will rejoice in his willingness to give his life for his country and the bible verse that is inscribed on his grave marker – John 15:13 – No Greater Love… I will speak these words – “as our first year of grieving comes to an end, let us always remember the mournful sound of TAPS , but let us now answer the call of Reveille and report for duty – a duty to live life fully and happily as a free people. Let the bugle sound Charge as we honor Mike Stokely by living full and happy lives as possible, for we owe him that much and we can best honor him in so doing that.

Our family is truly blessed to have had Mike Stokely for 23 years. In the year that has gone by since Mike's death, the Stokely family has been on an amazing journey of service as a family who sought to continue supporting the soldier dearest to our hearts after his death in the same manner we supported him as he lived. In return, we have been given an outpouring of support and generosity and seen great honor and tribute paid Mike. We will never forget what has been done for Mike and our family and it must be made known that such outpouring has made us able to endure this hardship of a broken heart. Mike would be embarassed at all the attention, and probably quite put out with me for all that I have written. In his humble, simple view of what he did, he would have said "what's the big deal, so I got killed in Iraq - get over it." He truly would not have seen what he did as a big deal, just as he didn't see it a big deal to stand on a roadway a few days before his own death and hold an IV bag for a wounded soldier. How could a father such as myself possibly deserve such a son? Surely the goodness of God is shown in his kindness by blessing me with the privilege and honor to be Mike Stokely's dad.

I close by saying this - while others debated, Mike Stokely served. While others continue to debate, we, as a family, stand committed to the service Mike Stokely gave his country and the principles of peace and freedom he found just causes worth dying for. Mike Stokely would do it all over again even knowing the eventual outcome of his own death. Mike Stokely wasn’t a SGT York, or Audie Murhpy. He was just a kid next door who wanted to do his duty, and was willing to die for his country He was loved by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. He has been sorely missed by all of us. WE will never forget his name, his service, and certainly we will never forget his eyes and smile.

GOD BLESS the United States

Robert Stokely

God Bless You, Sir.

It's an honor for me, and the rest of us, to be able to fast with you in memory of Mike.

Katrinacrat: Defending Bobby - A Marine in trouble

For my ~~new~~ only Liberal Blogger Buddy, Donnie over at the Katrinacrat Blog...

This story will just plain make you cry. So I am giving a call out to all members of the military, past and present. Help defend Bobby!! A brother Marine is in need, and we need to raise some hell over this. This story is posted at the blog of a family friend of this Marine in distress.

Please read the whole story and support Bobby. Semper Fi Bobby, I am calling in the troops.

(Read The Whole Post)

Please keep Bobby in your prayers... and read more about the case, from the Marine's point of view.

And like I said before...reserve judgement, and let the UCMJ do its job.

To close on a vain note, Donnie even threw the Tanker Brothers a bone:

UPDATE: MasterGunner at Tanker Brothers has taken on this cause. He has responded to the call out, and will post later today. Who says we can't get along? Thanks for your support. For those that don't remember, MasterGunner is the one that spoke out to me on a post I did, and I edited the post because it was the right thing to do. Thanks again for your help. Like he said, even if we don't agree on views, we can still be civil!!

Now, who says bi-partisanship is dead?

Haditha: Remember I Advised People To Reserve Judgement?

But you know, why listen to a Tanker with a lowly 31 GT score?

WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - A U.S. lawmaker apologized on Tuesday to U.S. Marines under investigation in the deaths of two dozen Iraqi civilians in Haditha in a statement his office said spared him from a libel lawsuit.

Minnesota Republican Rep. John Kline, a retired Marine Corps colonel, issued a three-paragraph statement under a deal with lawyers for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, one of the Marines under investigation.

Wuterich's lawyers filed a libel lawsuit against another congressman, Democratic Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, on Aug. 2 following his comments on the case.

"Some news outlets have promoted incomplete statements attributed to me that gave the false impression that I have concluded those involved committed unlawful acts," Kline said in the statement provided by his office.

"I am, of course, very concerned regarding any allegations surrounding misconduct by U.S. troops in Iraq. Such allegations must be taken seriously, but we should never rush to judgment before all the facts are known and the military criminal justice process is completed," Kline said.

Kline added, "I want to express my sincere apology" to the Marines in the unit that was in Haditha last Nov. 19.

Now, Rep. Kline did the right thing for his slanderous comments. Why can't *ahem* other lawmakes do the honorable thing, as well?

Wuterich and several other Marines are suspected, but have not been charged, in the killing of two dozen unarmed civilians in Haditha, one of a series of incidents in which U.S. troops are suspected of killing Iraqi civilians.

Troy Young, Kline's spokesman, said the statement stemmed from an agreement avoiding a libel suit by Wuterich. Mark Zaid, a lawyer for Wuterich, said "we are completely satisfied" with Kline's statement.

Kline has been quoted as saying the allegations indicated the killings were "not an accident. This was direct fire by Marines at civilians." But Young said Kline "never accused these Marines of being guilty in this incident."

Murtha, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and leading Iraq war critic, said in May of the Haditha incident: "Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood."

Lt. Gen. James Mattis, the new top Marine general in U.S. Central Command, is expected to decide whether to bring criminal charges against any of the Marines under investigation.

Hmmm... Does anyone really think this case will ever see a courtroom?

I've got a haunting feeling that Murtha will settle this, quietly, out of court. But to be honest, I would pay good money to see this go before a judge.

Any thoughts?

Do As I Say, Not As I Do...

Is this a recurring theme in the Democratic party? (Al Gore did the same while his movie was being screened at Cannes)

Obama Warns of Gas Guzzling Cars in Town Hall Meeting Tue Aug 15 2006 21:47:08 ET Illinois Senator Barack Obama warns citizens at his 50th Town Hall meeting about gas guzzling, WPSD-TV reports. It was among many points made to the standing room only audience at the Metropolis Community Center. Obama spoke on everything from DC politics to global warming. He says part of the blame for the world's higher temperatures rests on gas guzzling vehicles. Obama says consumers can make the difference by switching to higher mileage hybrids. Today the Senator said, "It would save more energy, do more for the environment and create better world security than all the drilling we could do in Alaska." "After the meeting... Obama left in a GMC Envoy after admitting to favoring SUV's himself," claimed local News Channel 6.

Wasn't this guy supposed to be "the future of the Democratic Party"?

And why does that title make complete sense to me?

H/T to Drudge

PS: The GMC Envoy's MPG is well below the average MPG for the United States...

2006 GMC Envoy Summary

The 2006 GMC Envoy is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the SLE 2WD to the Denali 4WD.

Upon introduction, the SLE 2WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 291-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The Denali 4WD is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2006 GMC Envoy is a carryover from 2005.

GWOT: Truer Words Never Spoken...

...And that's why we have to win this war.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Tuesday that the foiled plot to blow up flights between Britain and the United States is evidence the U.S. could be fighting terrorists for years to come.

"America is safer than it has been, yet it is not yet safe," Bush told reporters at the National Counterterrorism Center just outside Washington. "The enemy has got an advantage when it comes to attacking our homeland: They got to be right one time and we've got to be right 100 percent of the time to protect the American people."

Philologous Makes Some Great Points!

(Well, he ALWAYS does...)

As the Israelis pull out of Lebanon it occurs to me to wonder: Here in the U.S. it is fashionable (and I do mean fashionable) to blame the President for the rise of terrorist acts against us. I wonder if, as Lebanese pour back into their villages, they will blame Hezbollah for the Israelis’ (counter) attack. I expect not. Inasmuch as it is fashionable here for liberals to blame the President for terrorist acts (excepting, apparently, any terrorist acts committed against us during President Clinton’s term in office), it is fashionable among middle easterners to blame the Big and Little Satans. It’s the new “Salem” witch trials: Regardless the evidence, it always proves that the defendant is a witch.

Oh, yeah: Hezbollah still have those two kidnapped Israeli soldiers, don’t they?

So, then... where are the two IDF Soldiers?

Was their return a condition of the Cease-Fire?

Add This To The List Of Things That Don't Surprise Me...

France?

Refusing to use force?

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy made clear in an interview with Le Monde newspaper that the mission of the larger UNIFIL would not include disarming Hizbollah by force.

“We never thought a purely military solution could resolve the problem of Hizbollah,” he said. “We are agreed on the goal, the disarmament, but for us the means are purely political.”

Read More

Excuse me while I express shock.

"Purely political"?

Yeah...that's worked so well in the past.

Hey, Frenchie... I have one word for you: "Vichy".

'Nuff Said.

Lebanon? Tehran? Damascus?

Try Washington, DC. But you won't see it on the Mainstream Media...

From the Flickr page of Beth Howe, a supporter of the terror gang Hizballah demonstrates in front of the White House, August 12, 2006. (Hat tip: Gateway Pundit.)

Please note that you won’t find a single hint of the pro-Hizballah, blatantly antisemitic elements of this demonstration in the photographs released by the wire services. It’s shameful.

"Religion of Peace", huh?

H/T to LGF

Green Helmet Guy: No More?

Yep.

That's what it looks like: the infamous Hizbullah Green Helmet Guy "zigged" when he should have "zagged".

Two rescue workers, including the chief of the Lebanese Red Cross in Tyre, Salam Daher, were wounded by shrapnel during raids near the hospital where they had been rushing to help extinguish the fire, police said.

As the Tanker Brothers always say: "Life Sucks. Wear a helmet."

(In this case, though, a green one....)

H/T to Mighty Righty

Rolling Victory Fast Update!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Kat in GA (15 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Robert Stokely and Master Gunner and
Jimmy Valentine's brother and Dana Bugay and MiaMomma and PC Mom and Some Soldier's Mom and Tammy Loux and Leta (16 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

I just successfully completed my third Rolling Victory Fast day!

I'll take a break (tomorrow), and then I'll pick up (along with some Tanker Brothers and Sisters All-Stars) in support of Mr. Stokely in honor of the anniversary of his son's ultimate sacrifice...

What The Hell Do You Mean, There's No "BCLU"?

And no, I'm not talking about the Bicycle Civil Liberties Union.

I'm talking about the frikin' British Civil Liberties Union. Can you believe, that in Great Britain, *brace yourself*, they are subjecting Muslims to "extra checks" at Airports?

That sounds a hell of alot like *shudder* racial profiling, doesn't it?

THE Government is discussing with airport operators plans to introduce a screening system that allows security staff to focus on those passengers who pose the greatest risk.

The passenger-profiling technique involves selecting people who are behaving suspiciously, have an unusual travel pattern or, most controversially, have a certain ethnic or religious background.

The system would be much more sophisticated than simply picking out young men of Asian appearance. But it would cause outrage in the Muslim community because its members would be far more likely to be selected for extra checks.

Officials at the Department for Transport (DfT) have discussed the practicalities of introducing such a system with airport operators, including BAA. They believe that it would be more effective at identifying potential terrorists than the existing random searches...

(Read More)

Am I hearing this right?

Is someone suggesting targeting people of a certain demographic (oh, I dunno, Muslim males between the ages of 17-35... you know, the profile that every single Islamo-Fascist terrorist hijacker fits to a tee) for closer scrutiny at airports?

Now that just makes too much friggin' sense.

We could NEVER do that in the good ol' USA. We're too ____________ (insert pansy adjective here).

Teaming Up In Memory Of A Hero!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Master Gunner and PC Mom(14 August 2006)Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Kat in GA (15 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Today I am teaming up with PC Mom in memory of one of our fallen:

Would you add me to August 14th? I know it is already covered... but one of the young men I support with letters and packages died Saturday. He was hit with small arms fire on the 2nd and was fighting for his life at the hospital in Germany.

His family is having a special service for him on the 14th......

So, in honor of PFC Brian J Kubik and his family I would like to honor his memory.

...It's the least we can do for someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Not Like I'm Surprised Or Anything...

Israeli forces are pulling south to ISBs (Intermediate Staging Bases) in Southern Lebanon to prep for the arrival of UN Peacekeepers, then pull to their side of the Border, in accordance with the Ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Parliment voted to accept the conditions of the ceasefire, and it was to go into effect tomorrow morning (our time).

Fox News is now reporting that the Lebanese Prime Minister called off a meeting of the Cabinet to discuss plans to deploy 15,000 trooops to the Southern Border to monitor the conditions of the Ceasefire. Seens that the Lenbanese "Speaker of the House" asked the PM to call it off, after discussions with Hizbullah, and their professed intention to NOT disarm, in violation of the agreement.

Another clear case of the inadequacy of the United Nations: how do you hold a Terrorist Organization to a Ceasefire agreement? Hizbullah isn't a member of the United Nations (they aren't even a country).

I can't believe they would invite death and destruction upon themselves, rather than hold to a Ceasefire agreement that was clearly written overwhelmingly in their favor.

Can anyone say "UN Resolution 1559"?

Didn't I predict this just yesterday?

The ceasefire is a joke. The Israelis will keep the agreement (after Sunday), because they are like the US: they are the good guys.

Armor 4 Troops!

Some organizations do a great job of boosting morale of deployed Soldiers, 0rganizations like the Texas Military Family Foundation Soldiers'Angels.org.

And some organizations actually help save Soldier's lives in combat:

The primary mission of the Armor 4 Troops Foundation is to provide new and replacement "state-of-the-art" anti-ballistic eyewear, Under-Armour, boots, personal gear, and other critical equipment and services directly to United States troops in the field that are currently engaged in war zones or other peacekeeping and humanitarian missions throughout the world where combat violence is a threat.

Their secondary mission is to help provide financial assistance to families of our critically wounded troops that have been admitted to Walter Reed Hospital or Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, D.C. for severe trauma treatment. We will also provide a variety of "after-care" services to our critically wounded troops that have sustained the loss of limb or eyesight.

From HERE

H/T to TankerAngel and BrassyLady

"Bill T" On Point!

Link To Original Post: Here
Link To Comments Section of Post (to sign up for a day): Here
Current Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: BillT (13 August 2006)
Next Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Participant: Master Gunner (14 August 2006)
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

We Don't "CAIR" About Crybabies...

These CAIR (Center for American Islamic Relations) wackos are out of control:

In a letter to President Bush, Parvez Ahmed, board chairman of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote in part:

"American Muslims have consistently condemned all acts of terrorism, whether carried out by individuals, groups or states. We repudiate anyone who plans or carries out a terrorist act. The American Muslim community remains dedicated to the protection of our nation's security. . .

"Unfortunately, your statement this morning that America 'is at war with Islamic fascists' contributes to a rising level of hostility to Islam and the American-Muslim community. Just today, Gallup released a poll indicating that four out of ten Americans feel 'prejudice' toward Muslims.

Not mentioned: the percentage of Islamo-Fascists that feel 'predjudice' towards Americans.

Also not mentioned: the percentage of Americans who feel 'predjudice' towards Ugly People, Fat People, or even a really specific demographic: people that strap bombs to themselves and blow other people up in the expectation of 72 virgins. Are we not supposed to be 'predjudiced' about these people?

But Boortz really drops the hammer on CAIR:

Yesterday President George W. Bush caused quite a stir when he made a statement to the media on the airport tarmac. His exact words were: "This nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation." That's right....he said it. Islamic fascists. It's about time somebody the president start using the proper label.

This didn't set too well with CAIR, the Council for American Islamic Relations. Perhaps a better name for that organization would be the Council for Anti-American Islamic Retaliation. But anyway, I digress. Back to CAIR's comments. Their executive director took issue with the Islamic fascism label, saying "We believe this is an ill-advised term and we believe that it is counter-productive to associate Islam or Muslims with fascism,"

Ill-advised? How can a term that is so fundamentally correct be "ill-advised?"

A quick check of Dictionary.com finds this definition of fascism: "A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism." Sound familiar? Let's see....Iran...Syria....Iraq under Saddam Hussein...The Taliban....and on and on. Fascism is what these terrorists who were trying to blow up the planes yesterday ultimately want for every country. Total Islamic domination, in other words, a theocracy.

CAIR went on, speaking about the president: "We urge him and we urge other public officials to restrain themselves." Restrain themselves? Why should they? We're being attacked! Islamic fascists have declared war on Western culture in general, and the United States in particular. Our leaders are showing too much restraint, not too little.

Since when does speaking the truth require restraint? Just about every terrorist attack in the last 30 years has been committed in the name of Islam. That's their public relations problem, not ours.

By the way, no mention in the news coverage of CAIR's remarks of a condemnation of terrorism. Imagine my surprise.

Yep... any day now, we'll get that statement.

One more thing: I guess Photoshopping the truth out of photos, like they Photoshopped a veil on this lady, is a terroism-sympathizer TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures):

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Archives

Previous Posts

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Master Gunner Gets "The Hook Up" From Microsoft!

19 September 2006 On CBS: The Unit (Season Two)

The Anti-War Crowd Gets Violent!

Pay Them No Mind...

Despite Multiple Deployments To Iraq, US Army Meeting Recruiting Goals!

Rolling Victory Fast: "FRAGO FOLLOWS!"

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

The Bandit36 Challenge: (The Funny Thing Is - Jane Stillwater Is Nowhere To Be Found!)

Thunder Run: Fly the Flag Campaign

PC Mom and DevilDog! Rolling Victory Fast - 30 August 2006!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Coalition Angels

If I Ever Win The Lottery...

I Thought We Had Banned Torture....?

AF Sister: "SITREP FOLLOWS"

Raymond S. Kraft: Historical Review Of The Iraq War

Mark Steyn: Achilles Heel

RVF Update - 29 August 2006

We've Been Saying This For Years!

The Deadly Seduction Of "Cut And Run"

Monday, August 28, 2006

Thanks For Your Support!

My Infantry Buddy

The Future Of Tanker Brothers

Rolling Victory Fast Update - 28 August 2008

But Wait! There's More...

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Lines Are Drawn, The Battle Is Joined...

Saturday, August 26, 2006

SGT Hook: Statement Of Readiness

Bandit.Three.Six on "Failure" and Propaganda

My New Tanker Buddy: SGT Chang Wong

Guilt By Association: Stand With Me Or Against Me

RVF Update - 26 August 2006!

When Crazy People Comment!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Iranian FEMA Problems?

And You Think The US Department Of Homeland Security Has Problems?

Gazing At The Flag: "They Have Names!"

Tammy Loux and the Rolling Victory Fast!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Rolling Victory Fast Duty Schedule!

A Sad Anniversary...

Isn't It Funny...

Yeah... Good Luck On That, Lebanon...

Somebody Should Have Told Saddam...

Anger? Outrage? Nah. Try Relief!

RVF Update - 23 August 2006!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Surprised, Germany? Don't Be...

American Heroes Aren't The Only Ones Who Can Be "Larger Than Life"

Iraq -VS- Vietnam: Similar, But Not How You Think...

Combat Wounds, Of All Types

RVF Update - 22 August 2006

Monday, August 21, 2006

Master Gunner Is "With It"

Cordon And Search - Baghdad

RVF Update - 21 August 2006

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Add This To The List Of Things That Don't Surprise Me... (Part II)

Jane Stillwater Responds to the Tanker Brothers!

...Yet They Say They Support The Troops?

RVF Update!

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Is This An Invite?

The Army Of The Not-Too-Distant Future...

RVF Update!

These Idiots Were Lucky I Was On My Way For Some Beer...

Friday, August 18, 2006