By now, every reader here knows about March 17th. Over at Old War Dogs, Russ Vaughn has written a poem just for the occasion. It starts:
"Let us make it clear, we've all come here To defend our long-dead brothers; And understand you ain't layin' a hand On our Wall you leftie mothers.
You shout and scream all you want, On all that we'll give a pass; But you try some Wall-defacing stunt, And, son, I'm gonna kick your ass.
There is more, much more, and even a t-shirt with a great design on to commemorate the day the "Line has been drawn". To read the whole poem by this veteran, and his other writings, - to see the awesome t shirt design, go here.
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Fasting for us today is Leta!
Many of you may have seen the letter dated 10 February 2007 from Major General David H. Petraeus to our military deployed to Iraq. If you haven't it's posted below. Today I want to send a special shout out to Major General Patraeus. I firmly believe that his leadership is making a difference both to the morale of the troops (both US and coalition) as well as to the success of the mission. Major General Patraeus's words are powerful, thought provoking and, in my opinion, to the point. We CAN win this war. It WON'T be easy and fast. Specific dates CANNOT be established for the war to be over. Those who would hope we are unsuccessful or will give up will stop at nothing in an attempt to make that happen. Our troops ARE trained, dedicated, and able to assist the Iraqis as they assume a larger role in taking their country forward. The Iraqis MUST step up and take the lead role in this fight but with the support of the coalition forces. While, again in my words, this war is for the Iraqis to be able to live in a secure and stable environment it is also being fought so that one like it NEVER has to be fought on American soil. I realize there are naysayers who believe that could not happen. I believe it could and would if we do not prevail in Iraq. Frankly, I don't want to have to find out.
So Major General Patraeus I'll spend the next 24 hours of the RVF in honor of you. I will pray that you and the greatest military on earth along with our coalition partners and the Iraqis prevail. I will pray for your strength to Soldier on during those days when progress seems elusive. I will be thankful for your leadership, devotion and dedication to the mission, our troops, their families, our coalition troops as well as the Iraqis.
I won't forget to be thankful for each of our troops. And I WILL send special thoughts and prayers to our own MG, CT and my newest special buddy UT.
"TANKS" for all you do.
Letter from Major General David H. Petraeus:
Saturday, 10 February 2007
To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq:
We serve in Iraq at a critical time. The war here will soon enter its fifth year. A decisive moment approaches. Shoulder-to-shoulder with our Iraqi comrades, we will conduct a pivotal campaign to improve security for the Iraqi people. The stakes could not be higher.
Our task is crucial. Security is essential for Iraq to build its future. Only with security can the Iraqi government come to grips with the tough issues it confronts and develop the capacity to serve its citizens. The hopes of the Iraqi people and the coalition countries are with us.
The enemies of Iraq will shrink at no act, however barbaric. They will do all that they can to shake the confidence of the people and to convince the world that this effort is doomed. We must not underestimate them.
Together with our Iraqi partners, we must defeat those who oppose the new Iraq. We cannot allow mass murderers to hold the initiative. We must strike them relentlessly. We and our Iraqi partners must set the terms of the struggle, not our enemies. And together we must prevail.
The way ahead will not be easy. There will be difficult times in the months to come. But hard is not hopeless, and we must remain steadfast in our effort to help improve security for the Iraqi people. I am confident that each of you will fight with skill and courage, and that you will remain loyal to your comrades-in-arms and to the values our nations hold so dear.
In the end, Iraqis will decide the outcome of this struggle. Our task is to help them gain the time they need to save their country. To do that, many of us will live and fight alongside them. Together, we will face down the terrorists, insurgents, and criminals who slaughter the innocent. Success will require discipline, fortitude, and initiative - qualities that you have in abundance.
I appreciate your sacrifices and those of your families. Now, more than ever, your commitment to service and your skill can make the difference between victory and defeat in a very tough mission.
It is an honor to soldier again with the members of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. I know that wherever you serve in this undertaking you will give your all. In turn, I pledge my commitment to our mission and every effort to achieve success as we help the Iraqis chart a course to a brighter future.
Godspeed to each of you and to our Iraqi comrades in this crucial endeavor.
DAVID H. PETRAEUS General, United States Army Commanding
To see the original document go to to the Operation Iraqi Freedom Website (official website of Multi-National Force-Iraq). Scroll to the bottom of the page and there is a link that allows you to see the original document.
Ok, this story is truly awesome. I will let it speak for itself....
NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. - The same day an 11-year-old Iraqi boy underwent heart surgery on Long Island last week, the widow of an Army captain who had befriended the youngster was opening a package at her home in California.
It was Capt. Brian Freeman's personal effects, sent to Charlotte Freeman after his death in Iraq Jan. 20. They included a hand-held Sony PlayStation video game that he had played with during breaks.
On Tuesday, Charlotte Freeman fought back tears as she presented the gadget to the smiling, gum-chewing boy named Ali as a token of what she hoped would be a lifelong friendship. Link
This is truly an amazing story of friendship and a willingness to go the extra miles to help the Iraqi people. It is a willingness shared by so many Soldiers.
When Capt. Freeman was abducted and killed in Karbala by Iraqi militants, he had just learned that Ali had received the paperwork needed to visit the United States for surgery.
Freeman had learned of the boy's heart problem after he befriended him and his father, Abdul. The family name was withheld for fear of reprisals in Iraq.
Freeman contacted Gift of Life International, which helped raise $10,000 to pay travel and medical costs for Ali and another boy who has not yet arrived in the United States.
After Freeman was killed, members of his unit and his widow both contacted Gift of Life to ensure that Ali would still receive the promised surgery.
Please take the time to read this article and visit the Rememberance Site of Captain Freeman. He is the epitome of a US Soldier. It can be found here.
"Our expectation for Ali is that he will make a complete recovery," said Dr. Frederick Bierman, adding that the surgery went so well Ali was released from the hospital Saturday
I have mentioned before how I feel about the importance of an Australian/American Alliance led by Prime Minister Howard and President Bush. That these two men are friends only adds to the significance of the Alliance. That the relationship between the 2 countries leaders is built on mutual respect and friendship as much as the best interests of their countries is certainly a comfort. Much more of a comfort than the thought of, for instance, a PM Rudd/President Obama led Alliance.
What Prime Minister Howard and President Bush are doing is carrying on a proud tradition of Alliance between our two countries. In the last week I have read ALOT on this subject from the Aussie perspective (mostly from ANZAC tribute sites). Australia and America have stood side by side in every major War in the last 100 years. They have been friends and Allies throughout this time.
A perfect example of this Alliance happened in 1945.
Here's the quick rundown of events....
The Battle of Balikpapan was the concluding stage of the Borneo campaign (1945). It occurred on July 7, 1945. The Australian 7th Division, comprised of the 18th, 21st and 25th InfantryBrigades, with support troops, made an amphibious landing a few miles north of Balikpapan, on the island of Borneo. The landing had been preceded by heavy bombing & shelling by Australian and US air and naval forces. The Japanese were totally outnumbered and outgunned, but like the other battles of the Pacific War, many of them fought to the death.
Major operations had ceased by July 21. The 7th Division's casualties were significantly lighter than they had suffered in previous campaigns. The battle was one of the last to occur in World War II, beginning a few weeks before the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki effectively ended the war. Japan surrendered while the Australians were combing the jungle for stragglers.
Following the surrender the three Brigades were committed to occupation duties until around February 1946. The 21st Brigade was detached to Makassar in the Celebes Islands to accept surrender of the Japanese forces, release POWs and maintain civil order.
Of course there were many units within these (which can be found by clicking ont he links).
At this time Australia had essentially been left 'High and Dry'. The danger of an invasion on Australia was considered insignificant as opposed to holding other countries around the world. The whole world was at war at this time and protecting Australia was simply not considered important. Well, by anyone other than the Americans. It was during this time that agreements were made between the two countries for American Military Bases to be built on Australian Land.
Australia knew that America was it's best chance as an Ally during this time and America answered the call. As you can see from the list above, the forces were quite evenly matched. It wasn't a token gesture. For their own reasons as well as our own, they sent a significant force which allowed the two countries to recapture islands necessary for the fortification of Australia.
American manned Alligators during the landing of Australian troops at Balikpapan, Borneo
And of course, there were significant rewards to the American Sailors as is outlined in the song below.
Bridal Train
by Waifs, The
A telegram arrived today, Well its time to catch the Monterey 'Cause the man I wed, he waits for me And a daughter that he's yet to see
US Navy beamed its message, Will deliver brides on a one way passage It made big news across the nation The bridal train leaves from Perth station
All the girls around Australia Married to a Yankee sailor The fare is paid across the sea To the home of the brave and the land of the free
From west to east the young girls came All aboard the bridal train It was a farewell crossing of her land She's gone to meet her sailor man
No time for sad goodbyes, Well she held her mother as she cried And then waited there in the Freo Rain, To climb aboard the bridal train
Well she was holding her future in her hand Yeah the faded photo of her man Catch a sailor if you can The war bride leaves a southern land
All the girls around Australia Married to a Yankee Sailor The fare is paid across the sea To the home of the brave and the land of the free
From west to east the young girls came All aboard the bridal train It was a farewell crossing of her land She's gone to meet her sailor man
Now this is the story of those starry nights Through desert plains and city lights Through burning sun and driving rain They wept aboard the bridal train
All the girls around Australia Married to a Yankee sailor The fare is paid across the sea To the home of the brave and the land of the free
From west to east the young girls came All aboard the bridal train It was a farewell crossing of her land She's gone to meet her sailor man
Personally I think the Americans did ok. I mean, what better prize for their heroic actions than an Aussie Bride??
Sgt. Maj. Brent "The Rock" Jurgersen Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division Active Duty
Not even two near-death encounters deterred Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgerson's passion and eagerness to serve his country and lead his troops back home.
Jurgersen celebrated his second "alive day" anniversary January 26, 2007. It was a day of mixed emotions for him because on that same day two years ago he was given a second chance to live. It was a day that changed his life forever. While on patrol in Ad Dyuliah, Iraq, two rocket-propelled grenades struck his Humvee. The explosion killed his gunner and left Jurgersen fighting for his life, flat-lining twice on the operating table in Balad.
Afterwards, during a promotion ceremony in August of 2006, Jurgersen was selected for a command sergeant major appointment. Becoming the first full limb amputee student to attend the academy.
You can read the rest of Sgt. Maj. Jurgersen's story here.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.
Over at Yankeemom's site, she has posted a letter from a soldier. It reads, in part:
I've been over here a couple of months now, and I've learned more about this country than a year's worth of watching CNN. I've sat in mission briefs with Colonels, talked with village elders, had tea with Sheiks, played with the kids. And I agree with the President. We need more troops and we need to take greater action.
SPC "Doc" Shurley (above, right)has much more to say - and of course he KNOWS what he is talking about. No armchair soldier this.
There are 3 major factions here. The Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. The Shiites are in the majority, but Saddam was a Sunni, so he kept the Shiites in check...
And thus the country sits on the brink of civil war.
What "doc" says should be required reading for ALL the politicians (especially the "support our troops, bring them home" crew), and all the ignorant 'experts' who criticise any and all matters related to our troops' work in the GWOT.
So how do the Iraqi people feel about everything?...
The people want peace....If we leave now, it will be a failure for democracy.
"Doc" has a final comment.
Do NOT forget 9/11. They will do it again....
We are the only ones who can stop al-Sadr.
Pretty basic, and VERY clear I would say! I have to wonder what part of this the politicians refuse to 'get'. You can find the rest of what "Doc" has to say here. Also, go check out Yankeemom's site here. As always, LOTS of great stuff to read - but be sure and take your bp meds BEFORE you start. Thanks Yankeemom.:)
Found this on A Soldier's Mind.......... awesome video and Terri got an email from the lead singer as to what motivated them to produce this pro-troop song. Go here to read what he had to say.
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Fasting for us today is Lemon Stand!
Dedicated to all those people who volunteer their support, whether that support be monetary or personal support. There are so many who are never recognized for their heroism as volunteers and supporters. TH E Y A R E H E RO’s in my eyes and I’m sure if you ask, they are Hero’s in the eyes of those soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who get through each difficult day of recovery in part because these people took the time and or money to show they DO care. Please, if you have not done so before, get involved. Below I have listed a few very worthy organizations that I know of. There are many more and I hope those who may read this dedication, add to this list in the comment.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jaypalooza/messages - Jaypalooza (sending letters and care packages to servicemembers. Bulletin board has much advice about everything from how to write a letter to what is appreciated in care packages.)
Volunteer at any Veteran’s Hospital or Veteran’s Home!!!!
Lemon Stand
Great Dedication!! I also encourage people to get involved. It's one of the best things I've ever done!
Major General J D Shaw CBE [Picture: British Army]
Much has been written this last week about the reduction in British troops in Iraq. Many armchair Generals (you know - the 'experts') have given opinions, spin and uneducated assessments of what that move means.
Major General Shaw is a General. A real General whose positon is: General Officer Commanding Headquarters Multi National Division (South East).
To me, his rank tells me that he KNOWS what he is talking about. Last week Maj.Gen. Shaw gave an interview to the BBC.
...I was fully involved in it...[the decision]...if you remember the Iraqis own the final solution here....Prime Minister's statement... was a public statement about the confidence, the growing confidence, that the Iraqis have in their own ability to handle the situation
So no - you didn't see this Major General's statement in the msm, at leasttI couldn't find it, but I did find the complete text of what he said over on the Ministry of Defence site. As the msm slants the news to get everyone worried, this is what the Major General actually said:
just to emphasise the point that perhaps got lost in earlier broadcasting, I retain still full responsibility for security in the Provinces of Maysan and Basra,...
Ya think? And for all those who insist that the British are leaving behind an untenable situation, both for the Iraqis and the rest of the Coalition partners?
What we have seen over the last few months is a rising capability, particularly of the Iraqi Army, and so we judge that now is the time and when I say we, we the British, but also, we the Iraqis, now is the time to give them responsibility. They are really up for the game, they are really hungry for it and that's what today's announcement was all about."
Major General Shaw has much more to say, and for those who want to know what is really going on, read here.
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)
Fasting today is Julia. Yes, that Julia!!
Again, no access to a computer, but I know she' s fasting!
~Tracy (who is being buried in snow as she types this!)
Terri over at A Soldier's Mind is on a mission. The FRG for 1st Cav, who are stationed at FOB Warhorse, is trying to raise funds for a special project. The Challenge Coin is given to soldiers for a 'job well done' and in recognition and appreciation of the hard work and sacrifices in the service of their country. The 1SG of 1st Cav is determined to ensure that every one of the approx 200 soldiers gets a Challenge Coin. But... this costs money. Terri's mission is to fundraise and she has come up with a great way to do this. There is now a raffle under way and the prize is a Combat Zone Flag flown in FOB Warrior for one day.
“As a beacon of freedom and as a symbol of valor for soldiers serving overseas, we have elected to personalize and commemorate each day of our tour with an individually flown flag specific to that date and day in history. A flag flown at FOB Warhorse is a unique, personalized and special gift for your family and friends. Your flag will then be flown from 0600-1700 on that date. Also each flag will include a certificate of authenticity signed by the Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major.”
To find out more, and to donate for a chance to win, go over to A Soldier's Mind here.
I am a citizen-soldier in a new war Here to defend my land, my people, my heart, my mind, my faith, my civilization. I am a defender of Truth – At times, before men; At times, in secret struggle Allied with a coalition of the willing.
I am a revolutionary engaged in an information war – A counter-propagandist, counter-jihadist, et contra tyrannum. I will not be deceived; I will not bow down to oppression Or be bested by those who hate freedom.
I will not be subjugated by the enemy, For I will not submit. Dhimmitude is not my future. I will not renounce my faith nor yield my culture to the evil ones, But I will fight them in its defense Until they are defeated.
I will use my intellect to defeat falsehood and disrupt the enemy, Remaining vigilant in the face of subterfuge. I will not be part of a culture of death, But will fight for life and liberty. For I am a warrior against Evil Charged to spread Truth until the end of days Aspiring to the glorious hope that awaits When good will prevail.
My fate is thus entrusted to a Faith held dear, By which I gather strength For, in the end, should harm or martyrdom befall me -- I will not desert the cause. I will fight the good fight And look to the path of those who have gone before.
This isn't going to be another A_C rant. I want to share something with you all.
After PCMums dedication on her last RVF post (that I would encourage anyone who hasn't read to go back and look it up) I started thinking about WHY I am so damm proud of Australias Diggers. To me, they personify Australia. I kinda had this moment today, I was watching the movie Kokoda (which is what this post is about) and there was a scene where the Soldiers had mail call. One Soldier got all excited about a letter, opened it and read out the footy scores!! I laughed. Like the movie Gaillipoli, Kokoda is hard to watch. Once again, incompetent Officers were responsible for the deaths of Aussie Soldiers. But that one scene, even when you know what is coming, that one scene will make any Aussie smile. Because it showed the Soldiers never lost their spirit.
Through every war ever fought by Aussies, their spirit has been well documented. It is mischevious, the fun loving larrikins, always ready with a joke (usually at someone elses expense) and a smile. It is the spirit of mateship, to know the Soldiers around you will not falter and will never leave you behind. It is the spirit of tenacity, sheer grit and determination to get the job done or die trying. It is the knowledge that despite the conditions they will adapt and continue to fight. That the fight isn't over til the Diggers say so.
I want to share with you the story of the 'Chocolate Soldiers' of Kokoda.
THE SPIRIT OF KOKODA
If Port Moresby had been captured in 1942, the Japanese would have secured the anchor for their plan (Operation FS) to cut Australia off completely from American support. Much of northern Australia would have been brought within range of Japanese bombers operating from Port Moresby. The course of the Pacific War would almost certainly have been greatly changed. The heroic Australian Diggers who repulsed a much larger, and better equipped Japanese army under conditions of extraordinary hardship on the bloody Kokoda Track in 1942 deserve to be called "the men who saved Australia"
Now what you all have to remember is that in 1942 there were wars being waged all over the world. Aussie diggers were fighting for the British in the Middle East with only a small force and Militias or 'Chocolate Soldiers' to ward off attack from the Japanese on Australia.
Returning from the Battle of Isurava, soldiers of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion trudge through deep mud on the hellish Kokoda Track. In heavy fighting under appalling conditions, these heroes have played a vital role at Kokoda, Deniki, and Isurava in blunting the momentum of the Japanese advance towards Australia. From right to left: Warrant Officer 2 R. Marsh, Privates G. Palmer, J. Manol, J. Tonkins, A. Forrester, and Gallipoli veteran Staff Sergeant J. Long.....AWM 013288
The Diggers on the Kokoda Trail, who had been sent to repel an attack by the Japanese in an attempt to capture Port Moresby were forced to live in miserable conditions. High in the jungle regions of Papua New Guinea, walking along thin trails that were muddy and filled with dangerous and disease carrying insects they were forced to march and endure the hardships of their environment. Unacustomed to jungle warfare (unlike the Japanese who were specially trained in jungle combat and warfare), the Diggers were outnumbered, under prepared, untrained, undernourished and inadequately equipped. They had been there for weeks with little supplies reaching them, they were exhausted and riddled with disaese.
As if this was not enough for the Australian diggers to face, their other deadly enemy was disease. Malaria, dengue fever, scrub typhus, and dysentery flourished in these conditions and added to the misery of the exhausted Australians. Wet clothes and boots were a frequent source of unpleasant skin diseases.
Corporal Jim Canty was one of the heavily out-numbered heroes of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion who blocked the passage of Japanese troops along the Kokoda Track.
They were also dissilusioned. After awaiting the reinforcements from the AIF (Australian Imperial Force), better trained and better equipped Soldiers, for weeks on end they were informed they would be required to hold the line against a Japanese attack.
Between March and December 1941, the Australian Government moved three militia battalions to Port Moresby to defend this vital northern gateway to Australia. The average age of these militia recruits was eighteen and a half years. Unlike the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), which had been recruited to fight the Germans and Italians in Europe and North Africa, the military service of the militia soldiers was strictly limited to the defence of Australia and its island Territories. To many in the AIF, who could not foresee Japan's entry into World War II on the side of Germany and Italy in December 1941, the militia wore the uniforms of soldiers but without the risk of ever being involved in combat. This distinction between AIF and militia service led to the young militia recruits being branded "chocolate soldiers" or "chocos" by some AIF members. The scornful term "choco" was intended to convey a suggestion that the militia recruits would melt if exposed to the pressures of real combat. As if to underline their second class status in the eyes of many senior AIF commanders, the militia recruits were denied adequate training and equipment, and treated with a cavalier disregard for their welfare and feelings. These attitudes produced ill feeling between the AIF and the militia which Australia could simply not afford.
These Soldiers wore Khaki 'Summer Uniforms' of shorts and tank tops and shirts in the jungels of PNG. There was little camouflage to be had as the Khaki made them stand out from the greens of the jungle plantlife. They had almost no food and little ammunition.
Despite their lack of adequate training, equipment and supplies, and despite the appalling conditions under which they fought in New Guinea, the heavily outnumbered militia soldiers of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion would play a critical and heroic role in delaying the momentum of the Japanese advance along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby until seasoned AIF reinforcements could be brought into the battle.
The young militia troops of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion would prove their worth against Japan's best troops in the rugged mountains of New Guinea
And yet, with every hardship they faced, their spirit never faltered. The 'Chocolate Soldiers' held the line, despite a staggering death toll and being outnumbered by the Japanese at least 5 - 1. Their strength of character, their tenacity to win and their belief that Australia would be invaded should they fail, kept them going. It kept them alive, it kept them fighting.
These men are heroes. Without them, Australia might be a very different place today. Please take the time to follow this link and read the story of the 'Chocolate Soldiers'. It may take you a half an hour or so but it is well worth a read.
This is one of the many places the spirit of todays Diggers were born. I strongly believe that these men would be proud of todays Diggers, as I am. It is their spirit that makes me so proud to be Australian.
he official relief of the 39th battalion on 6 September 1942 at Menari is one of the most famous images from the Kokoda Campaign. The exhausted survivors of the 39th Battalion are parading at Menari after the Battle of Isurava before their proud commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner. There were only about 180 members of the battalion left to parade and about a quarter of these were sick or wounded. They came to New Guinea as raw recruits and their average age was eighteen. When they faced Japan’s best jungle troops they were poorly equipped and supplied. At Kokoda, Deniki, and Isurava they blunted the momentum of the Japanese drive towards Australia along the Kokoda Track and paved the way for the ultimate Japanese defeat.
I was bored last night and surfing the web. If I liked a comment someone made on a blog I followed their homepage links and read some of their stuff. I learned a lot last night.
Then I came across something that brought tears to my eyes. It also gave me faith that there are more people out there than we know that support or troops and will show it.
Through my wanderings I found a blog called American Ranger.
SFC Chuck Grist is a veteran of both Vietnam and Iraq. He has had experience with traveling in uniform during both wars. In his post he shares what happened to him recently. Get your tissues ready!
It’s been over two years since this Vietnam veteran returned from duty in Iraq. I traveled to an Army seminar this past week and I had to pass through three separate airports. When I was preparing to fly out of Orlando, the Delta Airlines clerk at the gate asked to see my ticket. I gave it to her, she handed it back to me and I asked her if everything was O.K. She said everything was fine.
I didn’t know until I entered the plane that she had switched my seat to first class. I was pleasantly surprised, but regretted that I didn’t have a chance to thank her.
What strikes me here is how the clerk did what she did quietly without bringing attention to herself. She just did what she felt was right for this war veteran. This man who has sacrificed for us.
On my return to Orlando, I was in uniform and waiting for my flight in Atlanta when another Delta employee wanted to look at my ticket. She asked me if I had been to Iraq and I said yes. A few minutes later, she announced over the public address system that she would be boarding Iraq veteran SFC Charles Grist before the rest of the passengers.
I was stunned when the entire waiting area of over a hundred people broke into applause – for me. I was embarrassed, humbled and I got another one of those doggoned lumps in my throat.
This was where the tissues became necessary. In contrast to the first employee, this one did what she did boldly and loudly, but not to bring attention to herself, but to let everyone in that waiting room know that a hero was in their midst. And the crowd did not shift uncomfortably in their seats wondering what to do. No, they showed their appreciation in a very visible way.
All I could do was turn to the crowd, salute them and get on the plane. While I will always remember the unpleasant way I was treated upon my return from Vietnam, I will never forget how my fellow citizens welcomed me home this time.
While how we respond today can never erase the memories of the way these men were treated when returning from Vietnam we can give them new memories. Good memories. So maybe when the old memories return they can call up these new ones to help with the pain of the first ones.
SFC Grist finishes with this:
When you greet an American service member or thank them for their service, don’t ever think that it’s a small thing. You have validated their sacrifices and warmed their hearts with the realization that they are appreciated. They are grateful beyond words.
Thankfully, this generation understands that the warrior is not the war. Hal Moore of “We Were Soldiers” fame said “Hate war, but love the warrior”. No matter how you feel about the politics of the war, remember that the warriors are just doing their jobs – for you.
Thanks, America, for your genuine love and your continuing support. Your warriors appreciate you just as much as you appreciate them.
SFC Chuck Grist
(emphasis mine)
This is a reminder to me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and frustrated because I don't feel like I am doing enough. I feel that the letters I write for Soldiers' Angels or Anysoldier.com are not enough. What can a few words from a stay-at-home mom really do to help a soldier? These words are a reminder that no kindness goes unappreciated. What we see as so little can mean so much to the soldier that reads our words. Or the soldier you shake hands with and say a simple "Thank You".
This is also a reminder to not let those opportunities you have pass you by.
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Fasting today is Yankeemom!
My dedication:
I would like to dedicate this fast to all the people working real hard to get the truth out there about our military: the Michael Yons and the Bill Roggios; the Milbloggers ~ veterans, family, spouses and friends who will not sit quietly by and watch our military get trashed; the volunteers of troop supporting organizations who spend countless hours rallying others to step up and send our love and gratitude to our Finest; and the ones who stand tall between those who would disrespect our Fallen and their families.
To all of you I say Thank You!
Great dedication!! I'm so glad that I have other sources of information rather than the MSM!! And I am so glad to see that there are large groups of people who are saying that our soldiers will NOT be treated the way they were in Vietnam!
I am guessing that most readers here recognize this flag. Yes - it is Australia, the flag of Aussie_Chic's country.
Back in 2003, Prime Minister John Howard:
"The Government has decided to commit Australian forces to action to disarm Iraq because we believe it is right, it is lawful and it's in Australia's national interest. ...directed elements of the ADF to pre-deploy to the Middle East to help apply pressure on the Iraqi regime to comply with United Nations’ Resolutions, and to prepare for possible operations should they be necessary." 03/26/03 WHITE HOUSE [source]
And Australia's commitment to the GWOT continues to this day. In August 2006, Overwatch Battlegroup - West was formed and the Australian contingent took on a new role.
Formerly known as Al Muthanna Task Group 3, the 450-strong Australian unit is tasked with providing operational supervision in support of Provincial Iraqi Control in Al Muthanna province, southern Iraq. [ed: The bulk of this group comes from the Ist Darwin Brigade].
Al Muthanna on July 13 became the first province in Iraq to achieve PIC. It gave Iraqi security forces the lead role in maintaining a secure environment for their people.
You can go here for the rest of this story on that part of the Australian contribution in Iraq.
Australia may be the world's smallest continent but, as we all know, the contribution the troops make around the world is huge. As a member of the British Commonwealth, Australia's Constitution came into effect in January 1901 when Australia officially gained independance.
Military service is voluntary in Australia (since 2001 women have been allowed to serve in Army combat units in non-combat support roles .) [To learn other neat data on Australia, go here]
During a visit to Iraq in 2005, PM John Howard pledged:
...that his country's soldiers will remain in Iraq as long as the Iraqi government needs them... Howard has refused to spell out a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq, saying it depends on a range of factors, including the ability of local security forces to work effectively against the insurgency, and the ability of the democratic structures to function. [source here]
"As of July 4, 2005, Australia had approximately 1370 personnel in the region. Its contribution to coalition operations in Iraq consisted 568 personnel divided among the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) with 450 personnel; an ADF medical team of 20 specialist medical personnel based at the Balad Military Hospital; An Australian Army Training Team of 55 personnel that provides logistic training to the Iraqi Army; an Australian contribution to the MNF HQ of 35 personnel; a small group of RAAF air traffic controllers at the Balad Air Base (approximately 6) plus the Australian Defence Attaché on the staff of the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the Senior Australian military officer working in the British HQ in Basra" (go here for more details on what the Aussies are doing.)
I dont think I need to tell you all too much about the current goings on in Australia within the GWOT, (TB's very own Aussie does that much better than I could). BUT I did find something that reminded me, yet again, how much is given by every single one of our troops as they fight this GLOBAL war. On 7th May 2006, abc Australia ran an interview with Shelley Kovco. She is the widow of the first Australian soldier to give his life in the fight for Iraqi democracy. From Sale, in Victoria' s Central Gippsland, Shelley was profiled and interviewed by Julia Baird. I'll spare you the horrific details of all the things that went wrong just bringing Private Jake Kovco home in a dignified manner befitting his sacrifice. You can read that yourself. Just days after a funeral for her young husband, which was attended by the PM and the Defence Minister, Shelley shared the speech that she had meant to give at his funeral but had inadvertantly left at home. She said (in part):
I’m so proud that he went to Iraq and of everything he’s achieved in his life and career....Darl I’m so proud that you finally got the gongs, the medals that you always wanted and deserved, I just wish that you were able to receive them yourself and wear them with pride that I know you would have. I would have loved to have seen you marching with your medals on Anzac Day.... I’ve told Tyrie [the Kovco's son] that everyone knows that you’re a hero, we already knew this but now everyone else knows. You deserve to be honoured and you will be. [source here]
And so he will. Private Kovco may be an Australian hero, but he belongs to us all. We are all partners in this Global War on Terror, and every single soldier is a hero and worth of our respect. Thank you Australia. Thank you.
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Fasting today is Julia! Yep, the same Julia that fasted on Wednesday. She has committed to 6 days a month through August!
Thanks Julia!!
Again, she's not able to update but has all the dates written down and is ready to fast.
Riiiiiiiiiiight! Much has been said over the past few days about the Brits abandoning the US troops and leaving Iraq in the lurch. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The announcement follows a five-month security operation to quell violence in British-controlled Basra.
Mr Blair said Operation Sinbad, aimed at allowing Iraqis to take the lead in frontline security in the city, had been successful.
To hear some of the media tell it, (especially the north American media), very soon there will be no British troops to be found in Iraq...Of course that is hogwash! If in fact British troops are going to be withdrawn, why is there talk of sending Prince Harry in May or June? Maybe Harry is going to fly the British flag all by himself in Basra - closely monitored by the media of course. (you know that's a brat rant for a different day!) But, in typical msm fashion, media on both sides of the pond are full of negatives, instead of doing any thinking (I know, I know!) about what is REALLY happening. I am not a military strategist - there's a shocker! - and I am sure the US boots on the ground have a better grasp of what the implications of the Brit scale back are than I, BUT even I can read numbers. Yes, SOME British troops are being withdrawn. And for a very simple reason - their mission is DONE!
Remaining troops will stay into 2008, to give back-up if necessary and secure borders, but the Iraqis would "write the next chapter" in Basra's history.
The Brits are in Basra area for a very specific mission. I doubt very much if even the US coalition troops plan on staying in the region as the various parts of their mission are completed. I am sick and tired these last couple of days of listening to academics, and civilians, and of course the msm 'experts, respond to this news of troops downsizing as if the Brits are leaving the other coalition troops to handle the inevitable 'civil war'. Fact: out of 7,100 troops from Britain currently in Iraq, after this pull back, there will STILL be 5,500 Brits in the sandbox.
Newsflash!
"The UK military presence will continue into 2008, for as long as we are wanted and have a job to do.
"Increasingly our role will support and training, and our numbers will be able to reduce accordingly," Mr Blair said.
No matter how the ignorant spin this latest news, the fact remains what it always has been. The troops of the Coalition, ANY troops, are in Iraq until the Iraqis can handle all aspects of security by themselves. We KNOW that increasingly, Iraqis have been taking the forward position on many missions, with our troops providing backup. In many regions, Iraqis are at the helm. Basra is well on its way, and therefore the Brits can be scaled back. To read more on this, and to see more of what Tony Blair, British Prime Minister actually said, go here.
This is all GOOD news, no matter how some would have you believe otherwise. Frankly, I am sick and tired of hearing ignorant commentators suggesting in different forums that the Brits are abandoning the US, or the Iraqis. Anyone who knows ANYTHING about the proud military history of my homeland KNOWS that has never happened, and is certainly not going to happen now. "Cutting and running" is not in the British military history. And I am insulted for my American troops ( yea , you are mine, too!) who in all the weeping and wailing going on by ignorant civilians and in the msm, are portrayed as poor cousins of Brits who will just fall apart as less than 25% of Brit troops are withdrawn. Puuuuuuuuuuuuleeeze! I am offended on behalf of all the military commanders, who obviously, (well, to me anyways!) do not make any troop decisions lightly. NO military commander within the coalition forces would cavalierly make a decision that would jeopardise the progress already made in Iraq. Their HONOUR, their commitment to the mission, would not allow that!
Iraq's deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh on Radio Five:
"This redeployment of troops comes in the context of transfer of security responsibilities to the Iraqi government.
"When we assumed sovereignty two and a half years ago Iraqi security services were almost non-existent. Today we have tens of thousands of Iraqi police and Iraqi military."
Call me naive, but to me, that's GOOD NEWS on any day of the week!
Ok, I even have the song words for you, because the message is way to important not to be heard...
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Now when I was a young man and I carried my pack And I lived the free life of the rover From the murrays green basin to the dusty out back I waltzed my matilda all over. Then in 1915 my country said son Its time to stop rambling, theres work to be done And they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun And they sent me away to the war.
And the band played waltzing matilda As the ships pulled away from the quay And amid all the tears, flag waving and cheers We sailed off to galipolli
And how I remember that terrible day How our blood stained the sand and the water And how in that hell that they called suvla bay We were butchered like lambs to the slaughter.
Johnnie turk was ready, oh he primed himself well He rained us with bullets and he showered us with shell And in five minutes flat we were all blown to hell Nearly blew us all back home to australia.
But the band played waltzing matilda As we stuck to bury our slain We burned ours and the turks buried theirs And we started all over again
Those who were living just tried to survive In a mad world of blood death and fire And for ten weary weeks, I kept myself alive While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big turkish shell knocked me arse over head And when I awoke in my hospital bed And saw what it had done and I wished I was dead Never knew there were worse things than dying For no more Ill go waltzing matilda All round the green bush far and near For to hump tent and pegs a man needs both legs No more waltzing matilda for me.
They collected the crippled, the wounded, the maimed And they shipped us back home to australia The armless, the legless, the blind, the insane Those proud wounded heroes of suvla And as our ship pulled in to circular key And I looked at the place where my legs used to be I thanked christ there was no one there waiting for me To grieve and to mourn and to pity
And the band played waltzing matilda As they carried us down the gangway But nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared And turned all their faces away
So now every april, I sit on my porch And I watch the parade pass before me And I see my old comrades, how proudly they march Renewing their dreams of past glory
I see the old men all tired, stiff and sore The weary old heroes of a forgotten war And the young people ask what are they marching for? And I ask myself the same question
And the band played waltzing matilda And the old men still answer the call But year after year, the numbers get fewer Some day none will march there at all
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda Wholl come a waltzing matilda with me And their ghosts may be heard as they march by the billabong Wholl come a waltzing matilda with me.
This song is in a similar vein to I Was Only 19. It is a peaceful, respectful protest to Australias involvement in international conflict from the point of view of a Digger. It is also a very sad wake up call. How could we, not only as Australians but also members of the international community, turn our backs on our Soldiers?? How can we NOT know what they are fighting for?? How dare we not know what they are fighting for!!
In 2002 Australia lost it's last ANZAC Digger.
The Prime Minister is rearranging his schedule so he can attend the state funeral for Alec Campbell being held in Hobart next Friday. John Howard is going to China for an important trade mission but he wants to cut it short. Like all Australians, Mr Howard knows that the funeral of the last Gallipoli veteran is an important and historic occasion.
This was the headline of the News report I read but this really caught my attention.....
FRANK MACDONALD, WORLD WAR I VETERAN: Silly little kid.
He sneaked off to war when he was only about 15 or 16 or something and landed on Gallipoli.
Not a baby's job, war.
When I read or watch or listen to these types of songs and reports and articles (and I am done crying) I can't help but be proud as hell of those who choose to fight. Those I know, those I don't it doesn't matter. Every one of them is a Hero. Every one of them has earned the name Digger. They respond to the call to fight and perhaps die for their country. When people can as easily turn their back and fight for our countries enemies, when people protest and call them derogatory names, they puff out their chests and hold their heads high because they are better than all those people...They are Diggers.
People are questioning our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, yes. The problem is they are asking the WRONG questions. Why did we follow the US into Iraq and Afghanistan is the WRONG question. We are Allies, no one follows anyone else. Why are we fighting the US's war. WRONG question, it is not the war of one country, it is a war for civillisation.
Here is a question those people could ask themselves..... Why am I protesting something I don't understand and am too stupid to research??
THAT is the title of a post up on Iraq War News today. Before you freak out, and think Pam has totally lost her mind, this is a column that ALL American children should read. Heck, all AMERICANS of the 'support our troops. Bring them home" persuasion should read!
Pam gives a mini-history lesson - the truth, unlike the 'facts' you will find in that comic book diatribe that the San Fransisco school board recently approved for their kids to learn.
The American Revolutionary War lasted from 1775 (with the expulsion of Royal officials) to 1783. It wasn't until 1787 that the Constitution was ratified. It took four years to figure out how the hell to govern the country they'd spent 8 years getting.
Hmmm.
It took almost a hundred years to make it a single entity....
Then we have the Civil War. Pam tells us that war cost almost 620,000 lives. "Gettysburg alone cost almost 50,000 lives." Then she asks:
Was it worth it? It's a question that often gets asked about wars, and if one wants to do it right, it's impossible to answer. The reality is that we'll never know what would have happened without it. How long would The non-United States have survived? Remember, in 1812, the Brits tried to remedy their loss of a few decades earlier. Was Lincoln right? Would a "house divided" have fallen? Given the wars that followed, probably.
We read that Pam was in Disneyland when Gorbachev was ousted. She saw that as a disaster. BUT, the friend she was with, said:
"What?!? We're watching the birth of a democracy, here - this is great!"
Pam, however, saw the inevitable chaos coming.
"No, we're not," I said quietly. "Those people haven't the foggiest idea of how to build a democracy. Gorbachev was doing it right - little freedoms here and there....he was introducing them to independence a little at a time. They're used to having everything done for them. They have no idea how to take care of themselves."
"Sound somewhat familiar? It should."
And then, she relates this all to present day Iraq and their struggle to democracy. She keeps coming back to the question:
"Is it, was it, worth it?
We keep answering "Yes." But how long is that going to last. Our freedom is very much in jeopardy in the present day. Hillary Clinton says that if she could, she would take the profits of oil companies, putting them into programs for alternative energy sources. Think about that for a second. She would TAKE the profits, and decide where they should be spent.
There is more, much more in this thoughtful essay, and I urge you to go read all of it. As Pam ends:
"Freedom lies in the balance in two countries. And it is very likely the people in this one that dictate the survival of both."
Go read ALL of this important columnhere. THEN, send it, or take it, to every polician who seems to have NO grasp on the history, the work of a democracy, and demand they READ it, digest it.
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Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army,another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed,rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education.
They had security, but they valued liberty more.
Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged:
"For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor".
They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War.
We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government!
Some of us take these liberties so much for granted.....we shouldn't.
So, take a couple of minutes and silently thank these patriots...
Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman performs a quality control check Feb. 13 on fuel coming out of a fill stand at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Opperman ensures the fuel is safe and meets Air Force specifications before it is used for aircraft and equipment.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.
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Fasting today is Julia! Julia does not have computer access right now, so she won't be updating us today. I know she'll do us proud!!
Today, Deborah Tainsh sent me an email. Deborah is a mother whose son gave all in Iraq in 2004. Since that time, she has been tirelessly working with other families who have given their children in this GWOT. She has written a book on her journey through grief, and has been a strong advocate for other families who became members of a group that nobody wants to join. Her email to me said, in part:
...I believe most of you who know Dave and me know that we stand in support of our troops based on info from boots on the ground. Our troops as a majority, want no less than VICTORY and honor.
I contacted our Georgia Congressman's office today, an office that knows my name well, that of Senator Saxby Chambliss who is on the military committee.
I asked the rep for the Senator what could Dave and I do along with other families who stand for no less than VICTORY on behalf of speaking out against the part of Congress that seems to demoralize our troops and families, and split this nation.
I was told to keep sending letters and info as I have been doing from across the country. My contact shares these with Senator Chambliss...
...please read the following from my Colonel friend and chaplain who visits with troops in Kuwait, Iraq, & Afghanistan...
Mrs Tainsh then goes on to share the letter that the Chaplain wrote her. And yes, I have her permission to share this with all of you:
........I believe what SGT ******* [my delete] says is correct as I have found few if any soldiers ready to do what the democrats seem to want. I've been tardy writing my own letter because I wanted to give myself time to see and hear from more soldiers to be sure I had an understanding of what they were really thinking. Well, I'm ready to write another letter and wanted to give you a bit of a heads up to part of what I will say.... treason; yes I think most soldiers feel betrayed by our elected officials in both houses of congress.
How? They listen to the incessant chatter of the politicians how they support what we do and wouldn't want to do anything that would hurt them. But you see, that is just it, they haven't given us everything we need to do the job. As much as we need the money and equipment, we need the moral and emotional support of our people and elected officials, otherwise the ground is cut out from under us. This is what too many Americans fail to realize, what their military needs right now is the moral and emotional support to finish the job. The soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors on the front line know what they see and that a lot of good things are happening in their area. They can see the opportunity for victory. But when all we hear is how much our people hate what we are doing, and want us out before the job is complete, it causes some in the military to begin questioning whether we should even be here, in spite of the good things they see. After all, who wants to risks their life for a conflict no one back home cares about? Once that way of thinking takes hold of a military, they are compromised as a fighting force. And I understand our senators, congress people, and media sitting in their comfortable little offices in their ivory towers would deny that is their intent. Deny as they may though, that is precisely what they are doing to the United States military.
The bottom line, measured by the number of attacks daily, things are improving in Baghdad and Al Anbar Province. Since those are the last two places that have to be pacified for is to stabilize Iraq we know we can win the war. The question is not can we win this war, it is do the American people have the will to win?
God bless you and your family richly,
CH (COL) USAR
Command Chaplain
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!" Edmund Burke
So we now have a Chaplain adding his voice, telling any who will listen what the soldiers are saying. Suuuuuuure, the Arkins et all of the msm can dismiss and ridicule the soldiers on the ground when they give their expert, on-the-ground opinions, but dismiss a chaplain? As we well know here at TB, the mothers are also saying "enough of playing with our childrens' lives", and still the msm somehow chooses to ignore what WE know. Victory IS tangible; every day our troops ON THE GROUND see it, hear it, taste it, bear witness to victory. The voices of disgust on the homefront are raising in anger at the ineptitude - the sheer arrogance, of the fat cat politicians, who are risking the lives of OUR troops as they continue to posture and play at 'statesmanship'.
But again I have to ask those 'senators, congress people, and media sitting in their comfortable little offices in their ivory towers':
WHAT is it going to take before you 'get' it? I suggest to all the politicians, all the msm and those protestors (who we don't need to name), that the day is coming - sooner than you might think - when it will be impossible for any of you to ignore the voices of THIS group of 'we, the people'. The soldiers, the mothers, the families, the chaplains, are no longer going to be silent as victory IS being won, one school at a time, one hospital at a time, one neighbourhood at a time. Back at the beginning of the GWOT, the politicians in many countries signed on, supported the need to get this done. The time is long past when we will stand quietly by and allow you to earn political brownie points on the backs of our troops, whose mission you initially approved, but who you now disrespect and disgrace with your dishonourable shenanigans (that was the only word I could dare to repeat!)
Deborah Tainsh again:
I just can't stand the media and politicians anymore. I'll be standing on the side with other parents who understand why VICTORY and the need to support our troops.
Deborah: we here at Tanker Bros will ALWAYS proudly stand with you, and our troops, and all their families, as we look to victory, in honour of all the sacrifices made . To THIS TankerBrosBrat, there is no other option. NONE!!!
ON to victory! Brat
[edit: The soldier referred to - whose name I deleted - is actually interviewed in an article in the Washington Times. You can read that here.]
More proof of the strength of our Coalition Leaders..
Sick of me yet??
I just want to make this small point because I feel it proves the strength of our current Alliance with other Coalition Countries. As Britain prepares to start withdrawing it's Troops, both the Australian and US Governments have not only supported this move but readily acknowledged it 'Makes good sense'.
THE Howard Government today denied Britain was cutting and running by deciding to start pulling its troops out of Iraq.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told US President George W. Bush he will begin pulling Britain's 7100 troops out of Iraq - reportedly within weeks.
Although Mr Blair has yet to confirm details, news reports in Britain say Mr Blair will announce the first contingent of 1500 troops will leave Iraq in a matter of weeks, and a further 1500 will follow by the end of the year.
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson today played down the significance of the expected announcement and said it was a sign of progress in southern Iraq, where most British troops are based. Link
Australia, the US and Britain have worked closely together on the GWOT. There is a strong support network between the countries Leaders. I have to wonder, post election (for all 3 countries) if this Alliance will be quite so strong.
Ok, so we all know I am a bit of a PM Howard supporter. I admire the mans tenacity and well, for lack of a better word, jewells.
Now, anyone who has read some of my previous posts would also know I am NO supporter of Kevin Rudd, the Opposition Leader for the Labour Party. Basically, I think the man is a Pansy. Well, it would seem that PM Howard agrees....
A DEFIANT John Howard has labelled Kevin Rudd gutless and demanded the Labor leader outline his alternative strategy to withdraw troops from Iraq. Link
Haven't we heard this story before?? Ohhhhhh that's right, we have. But last time it was the US telling the story. Opposition slamming our countries Leaders for their stance on Iraq, yet refusing to offer solutions.
Mr Howard sought to turn the attack back against his rival yesterday, challenging Mr Rudd to detail his plans for Iraq.
The Prime Minister is demanding Mr Rudd spell out the consequences of any US troop withdrawal, as government MPs accuse the Opposition Leader of walking both sides of the street on the volatile issue.
This is a game Rudd plays well. He has also played this game on the David Hicks debate. He stands back, waits for PM Howard to have his say, watches the fall out then goes for the popular response. Yep, that's the kinda guy I want to see running MY country. Right about the time I welcome the Terrorists in with open arms.
During another robust parliamentary debate, Mr Howard said Mr Rudd's credibility would be helped if he had the "courage" to answer the question.
"Over the last day and a half I have been attacked and lacerated by the Opposition for expressing my view, while (Mr Rudd) doesn't have the guts to express his," Mr Howard told parliament. "We have the extraordinary situation where I am attacked because I've had the courage to express my views on the consequences of that (withdrawal)."
I can only pray that my fellow Aussies learnt a lesson from the recent US elections and understand the importance of their vote. I strongly believe, if given the chance, PM Howard will get the job done. I dread to think what someone like Rudd could do to our countries alliance with the US (unless you all decide to elect a Pansy to office as well) if elected our countries Leader.
Wow, I'm a little confused here. I read the heading of this news article and thought "This can't be right". See, according to some people (please tell me none of you risked permanent mind numbing by reading all 73 comments on the David Hicks Post) the Taliban is a peaceful religious former government who don't support terrorism and are avidly anti drug and alcohol. Apparently, it is against Islamic Law to partake of any illicit drugs or alcohol. Well dammm, doesn't that just make this article all the more interesting then....
AFGHANISTAN has warned it could unravel into a terrorist-backed narco-state unless Australia and the rest of the international community send specialist police to combat the heroin trafficking which is funding the Taliban insurgency. Link
Oh my, I am just seeing arguements unravel left and right here. Taliban insurgency?? But I thought they were Freedom Fighters?? A peaceful religious government until the US and NATO forces 'Invaded'. And that can't be true about the drug trafficking funding their little uprising. Not considering they are supposedly fighting in the name of Islam. Once again the government of Afghanistan has appealed to the international community for assistance and again, we are answering the call. I know Australia will feel the repercussions of this situation if no assistance is forthcoming in that an estimated quarter of of all heroin entering Australia comes from Afghanistan. Then of course there is the threat of further terrorist attacks on the Western World, funded by drug trafficking.
I have to tell you I am amazed (or is it disgusted) by the way these people can turn religion on and off as it suits them. They are determined to wage war on the Western World for simply being of a different religion and culture, apparently in the name of Islam. Yet they will fund this war through Opium and Heroin production and sale. The reality is, even if they do not partake of these drugs themselves, they are allowing others the means to do so. Ummm, can you spell HYPOCRITE?? So, the former Taliban government that fought so hard to eradicate Opium and Heroin production in Afghanistan is now responsible for it's production and distribution.
The concept of these people fighting a just and holy war against the infidel (blah, blah, blah) is just becoming less and less credible as each day passes. Lets call this what it is shall we?? The War for Islamic Fundamentalists to Commit Genocide and Rule the World. Of course we, the infidel, will just roll over and play dead to their drug induced dillusions right??
The words "Over my dead body' spring to mind.
And he appealed for the international community not to desert Afghanistan, saying the NATO-led International Stabilisation Force had the backing of all peace-loving Afghans.
"We (the international community) cannot afford to let Afghanistan slip back into an era of negligence," he said
And so our Soldiers will fight. As they do in Iraq, they will stand by and support the innocent, peace loving civillians of these countries in rebuilding their countries and their lives. There will be no hand outs, only a hand up. Our forces will stabilize, then teach these countries how to remain stable. We MUST win the War in Afghanistan both for the innocent civillians of this country and for the good of our own. If we fight together, we can rid the world of this scourge of drugs and terrorism, not just our own individual countries.
Oh, and just a side note. I decided MG doesn't need to be the only one with a graphic. I'll be playing around with some for the next few weeks.
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Fasting for us today is Bets!
Our Military has a group of men and women whose job it is to help others, to take Troops' minds off their troubles, and to watch for the telltale signs of those suffering the stresses of war. In addition to monitoring Troop morale, Chaplains' Assistants provide protection and much-needed support to the Chaplains during missions and everyday activities. Their duties are many and varied. I am dedicating today to these fine men and women and especially to my first adopted soldier, a man of great integrity, humor, and compassion. I'm blessed to know him and proud to call him a friend.
Being a Chaplain's Assistant must be an incredible job! Thanks for the beautiful dedication. I hope your soldier reads it!
"It's all our fault"????????? Do you know what YOUR children are learning in school? If you live in San Fransisco you better be paying close attention. Here in Bratville, we often have hear 'almost' debates as the inclusion of different books offends.
Today, I am REALLY offended. A new textbook is being used in SF school district that makes my blood boil. Written by a long time anti-war activist, Joel Andreas, this book makes no pretence of 'just the facts' so that students may develop their own critical thinking skills. This book actually distorts facts, and attempts to re-write history. Don't believe me? How about this?
After the horrific September 11 terrorist attacks, one question was so sensitive it was seldom addressed by the U.S. news media: "Mom, why did they do it?"
Well, to find out, the book helpfully suggests it makes sense to ask the terrorists. And quotes Osama bin Laden.
... For its part, the U.S. moved to expand its sphere of influence beyond the Americas... To put down insubordination, disorder and disloyalty in its sphere of influence, the new "majority stockholder" also appointed itself the "world policeman". [and yes - the emphasis IS the book's author]
Remember that title. It is now in schools, and may come to a school district near you. Do you need to ask who is endorsing this book? Yep - the usual suspects: "...Susan Sarandon, Noam Chomsky, Ramsey Clark, Medea Benjamin (of CodePINK fame), Helen Caldicott, and Cindy Sheehan."
This book was voted on, and passed by unanimous vote, by the Board of Education's Curriculum and Program Committee last fall. It supposedly covers all 230 years of US history. The San Fransisco Bay Guardian calls it a 'well-researched text". Riiiiiiiiiight.
Guess I need to go back to school, since this is not the history I know. To see more on this comic book text - and yes, folks, it seems history (well this revisionist history anyways!) is now being taught in comic book style - go oiver to Soldiers' Angels Germany site. I found it just before I went to bed last night. Still steaming mad here. You can find more details on this here
Ok, a little late out the gate but I have to tell you, I am OVER hearing about Prime Minister John Howards comments towards Presidential hopeful Barack Obama. As can be expected, Labour has jumped all over what has become known as a fiasco in both our countries, stating that PM Howard was wrong in sharing his views and that he is letting his personal relationship with President Bush cloud his response to Obamas plan to begin withdrawing Troops from Iraq by March 2008.
I'm curious, how many of you actually read or listened to the interview??
Especially the part where he was ASKED for his opinion. That PM Howard responded in the way he did does show one thing....He is nobodies Ass Kisser. Hey, I'm an Aussie, I call it like I see it. Americans want to talk about PM Howard being a lap dog. If the PM was a lap dog would he have given such an honest and unpopular response?? Or do you think maybe he might have just stayed neutral, ready with lips puckered for the first Presidential hopeful who assumed the position??
Unlike our Labour Leaders who sit back long enough to measure the popular response before offering input or any type of decisive action, PM Howard takes the lead. Aussies will remember the introduction of the GST. Think back, how many of you remember Labours claim that they would not support a GST?? That a vote for Labour meant a vote AGAINST the GST. Ooops, just one little thing. We may have to bring in a Tax Reform. So, under NO circumstances were they prepared to support a 10% Goods and Services Tax, but if elected would instead bring in a 10% Tax Reform. Is it me or is anyone else not seeing the difference??
Now we are seeing it all over again. Kevin Rudds claims that the current rotation in Iraq when and if they are elected in November will be the last. Except that they are willing to negotiate with the US. That's it Rudd, way to take a stand Mate!!
Then there's this....
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Robert McClelland said Mr Howard was virtually telling people not to vote Democrat.
"It's the first time that I can recall that an Australian prime minister has engaged in US politics in such a partisan way... actually telling US citizens what side of politics they should vote for," he said.
No, PM Howard was sharing HIS opinion after he was asked. Now, Labour are getting a ridiculous amount of mileage out of this but let me ask you this. Let us look into the future for a moment. Let us try to imagine a travesty on a grand scale (yes I am talking about both Obama and Rudd winning their respective elections). Now, Obama has basically said (Hey, if people are allowed to take PM Howards comments any way they see fit I figure it leaves me free to interpret Obamas the same way) that he doesn't consider Australias contribution to the War in Iraq as significant, that if we want our efforts to be deemed worthy in his eyes we need to contribute a further 20,000 Troops. Rudd is saying he wishes to withdraw our Troops altoghether (bar a small security detatchment in Baghdad) no later than June 2008. Far from Obama getting his extra 20,000, he'll have NO Aussies there. Even if he was to get his way and have US Troops begin to withdraw by March 2008 it will still take time to withdraw altogether.
I guess my biggest issue here though is this. OUR PM has stepped forward and offered a hand of friendship to America. He has offered both Political and Military support. He has continued the tradition of America and Australia working together toward a common goal, namely FREEDOM. And all people can do is bag him out over an opinion.
Some examples...
"Good to see that we're not the only ones stuck with an insane war monger as a `leader'," reads a post at Dailykos.com "Aussies will have their chance to get rid of Bush's other poodle later this year."
Insane War Monger?? Ok, here's a thought. Let's withdraw all our troops, every last one of them. We'll let the Islamo Facists take over our respective countries, THEN we'll see who ends up a 'poodle'.
"Amazing, ain't it?" wrote another."Bush says he isn't even concerned about bin Laden any more, even though he once promised to smoke him out and punish the evil doers. And yet Howard has the f***ing gall to whine that Obama's strategy would be a gift to Al Qaeda? Sounds like his head is really down under."
You don't think a complete withdraw of Troops would be a gift to Al Qaeda?? Are we talking about the same war??
And another: "If Howard wants this war he should be putting up his country's blood and treasure. I think it is a perfectly legitimate request that other world leaders as hawkish as BushCo start taking more responsibility here."
We DO take responsibility you idiot!! As we have taken responsibility in EVERY other war we have been called upon to support. That the number of Troops in Iraq doesn't equate would indicate a vast population difference as well as the the number of other responsibilities Australia assumes. These include the Phillipines, East Timor, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Sudan, Eqypt and Israel. Our total force is 51,000 Personnel. That is roughly a third of the total of Soldiers the US currently has deployed in Iraq.
One dailykos.com poster wrote: "If Australia is going to meddle in our residential politics to advance a war they are barely participating in then they should assume a great deal more of the fiscal and human responsibility in the war effort. If (John Howard) likes the war in Iraq so much then great let us go home and let Australia take care of it."
Hey, I'll let you in on a little secret......NOBODY LIKES WARS!!! Though I am left wondering what the Lefties would do without a war to carry on about. And the Politicians...They might have to actually attempt to be elected on merit alone instead of using the war as a staging point for their campaigns. I mean heck, WE would support our troops regardless of whether they are deployed to a warzone or not. Our support is based on patriotism and an appreciation for everything our Military Personnel do, whether they be deployed or not.
And another: "Why haven't the Aussies thrown that bum out yet? I mean, Australia is a parliamentary democracy, correct? And I suspect the war is as popular in Australia as it is here. So why hasn't there been a vote of no confidence? "
Ummm, have you seen our choices?? Yeah, Howard is the better option hands down!!
Diplomacy is all well and good but people, even a Politician is entitled to an opinion when asked. Hell, I'd be frustrated too if everything my countrymen and women had fought so hard for was facing being disregarded for the sake of the 'Popular Vote'.
I'm sorry, but I consider our Leaders friendship and positive working relationship to be a good thing. I have strong concerns about the future of our alliance under Obama and Rudd. Think about that when you're taking cheap shots.
Wow. Powerful, powerful words. There are a few things he said that will stay in my mind forever.
The pain inflicted by your country’s indifference is tenfold that inflicted by your ruthless captors.
Think about that for a minute. He is saying that the "peace" protests and the actions and words of our politicians are more hurtful than the horrible things that the enemy can do. This quote comes after he describes a little about his 7 years as a POW!! He is saying that the actions of those at home that do not support soldiers was more painful than the things that happened to him as a POW at the Hanoi Hilton!
Do you think that Kerry realized this when he "botched" his joke? Did Obama think about that when he talked about "wasted" lives? Did any of the "peace" protestors think about this when they said the hateful things they did?
We must not cut funding for our troops. We must stick by them. We must support them all the way…To our troops we must remain…always faithful.
Always Faithful. Support them all the way. Stick by them. Those words will stay with me for a long time. You can show your support in many ways. It's just important that we do.
I found this graphic on Yankeemom's site. She found it in the comments section at Blackfive. It was designed by a person named skywarner. The graphic speaks for itself.
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Fasting today is Mary*Ann!
In light of this past week's events...I dedicate today's fast to VICTORY...and to all the men and women who put it all on the line for all of us.
Check out the Victory Caucus website. It'm glad this website was started. We need to let our politicians know that Victory is what we want. Not cutting and running. That is not victory.
We already know here that terrorists are NOT 'freedom fighters', (no matter who tries to tell us that they are...lol)and now it seems a court in England agrees. Go figure!!!
Last Friday a Lybian identified only as "F", tried to use the defence that he was a 'freedom fighter' when he was charged with violating the Terrorism Act 2000. It seems "F" had documents that could "useful in furtherance of terrorism, specifically a CD downloaded from a Jihadist website". F was granted assylum in England in 2003, after his family was allegedly murdered by the regime of Col. Muammar Gadafi.
"F" and his lawyers are not too smart, or they seriously misjudged the British judicial system in their arguments for defence.
The three presiding justices rejected [their] argument, finding that the Terrorism Act 2000 applied to countries governed by tyrants and dictators since it lacked an exception for terrorist activities "motivated or said to be morally justified by the alleged nobility of the terrorist cause."
Does this Brit heart good to know that, in England, they have very clear vision on what is, or is not, terrorism, and they mete out justice accordingly. You can read the details of the defence, and the judicial response, here
NEXT!!!
Brat (with thanks to Milnews - Canada). And no, I won't do my Vera Lynn impersonation!
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Fasting today is Amy!
My dedication goes out to a fine young soldier from Michigan, PV2 Tal Kratochvil. He is with the 1 CD.
For the record, that is part of what Republican John Boehner said during the 'debate'.
Republican Kay Granger:
The Balints [whose son was killed in Iraq in December] asked me to bring a message back to Washington. They said to tell you to stay firm because we need to finish the job in Iraq.
Republican Marsha Blackburn:
[The resolution] sends a message of no confidence and no support to our troops in the field, weakening their morale while encouraging and emboldening the enemy. (my emphasis)
Democrat Murtha:
This country needs a dramatic change of course in Iraq and it is the responsibility of this Congress to consummate that change.
Democrat Rahm Emmanuel:
The time has passed for accepting this administration's assurances at face value. The human cost of its repeated assurances is too great.
Republican Steve Chabot:
There are serious consequences to our national security if we fail in Iraq....immediate withdrawal will only make our future more dangerous. It is time to stop the politics, stop the games, stop the finger-pointing and do what is best for America. It is said often that voters have very short memories. I hope that American voters remember well, come voting time, WHO spoke against supporting our troops. You can read more quotes from that disgraceful debacle here.
The votes are in on the 'non-binding resolution (246-182) and even though the motion was defeated in the Senate, seems to me now would be a very good time to let those Republicans who 'support our troops' hear from people who know what that REALLY means. From Victory Caucus:
.........the seventeen Republicans who decided today to end their political careers:
Representative James T. Walsh
Phone: 202-225-3701 Fax: 202-225-4042 [Email: Rep.james.walsh AT mail.house.gov]
As I think about what I want to say about the 'non-binding vote', - blah blah blah -and the stuff coming out of the mouths of the US politicians, I got this in my Inbox:
So America what do we do?!!!
Because of treasonous self interested media and politicians, radicals across the globe just sit in wait.
following from a marine mom:
Today is an extremely sad, disappointing and maddening day in America. The majority of the Congress of the United States has committed treason. With a single vote against the President of the United States, our Commander in Chief, it has given "aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States."
That, my friends, is the very definition of treason.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines treason as a "Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies" and also as "A betrayal of trust or confidence."
I couldn't put it better myself.
Here's the deal: We cannot say one thing and do another. We cannot say "we support our troops" without supporting our Commander in Chief. We cannot have our cake and eat our cake.
The liberal-Democrat-Mainstream Media cabal would have us believe that if we simply bury our heads in the sand, it will all go away. To disprove this theory, you have but to listen to what the Muslim leadership clearly states - to paraphrase them, "the only GOOD infidel is a DEAD infidel."
I shouldn't have to tell you who gets to play the role of "infidels" in their little passion play.
The only thing the Islamo-Facist-Terrorists understand is force. They don't understand appeasement. They don't understand compromise. And they sure as HELL don't understand diplomacy. Their concept of respect is inexorably tied to the projection and willing use of superior and overwhelming force. That's it. End of story.
The reason why our invasion was so successful, was that they respected our use of force. The reason the peace/occupation/aftermath (or whatever they're calling it this week) has been so muddled was because we stopped using force and tried, instead, to use logic, reasoning, and compassion.
Compassion does NOT work. We need to get back to projecting force. We can start here at home, for if we lose the battle on the home front (which, right now is a given) we cannot win the battle abroad.
We simply MUST stand up to this hypocrisy, this treason, this insanity. We must let the liberals and the cowardly democrats; the traitors that live a fabulous life in our country and yet hate our country; we MUST let them know that we are not going to let them give our country away. "Politically correct" gestures will be the death of our country, our people, and our way of life. To put it in absolute terms, we are at war for our very existence.
I am sick and tired of those that hate America having the majority voice in the media and now in Congress. These liberals and cowards are actively committing treason against the United States with their words, their actions and their money. These liberals broadcast that it is the will of the American people. IT IS NOT!
We have begun this blog to give voice to those whose voices are not being heard; those that have "skin" in the game, in the form of our sons and daughters; those who believe that this is the Greatest Nation on Earth. We believe in the Constitution and in what our Founding Fathers fought for - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Note, that they didn't fight for "the Right to Happiness, Entitlements, and a Nanny-State." We need to keep our eye on the prize, and defend our nation with pride and honor. We must stop apologizing for our country, and stop apologizing for our actions. What we do in Iraq and Afghanistan, we do to spread Democracy and stop the spread of Terror. It's time to stand up for those values that made our country great, and stop this namby-pamby talk of "Truth, justice, and all that other stuff." We are Americans, damn it, and we should be proud to proclaim it, from sea to shining sea.
Let me close with this quote: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stewart Mill
We are mad as hell and we are NOT going to take this anymore!
Welcome to the resistance!
-Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Washington, Mrs Madison, Mrs. Jefferson
Confused?? Happens when people try to dazzle you with BS.
So here are some facts for you....
Al-Qaeda or Al-Qaida or Al-Qa'ida (Arabic: القاعدةal-qāʕida, trans. 'the base') is the name given to an international alliance of militant Islamist organizations established in 1988 by Osama bin Laden. Al-Qaeda's ideology can be placed within the salafist strain of Sunni-Islam, but also has been heavily influenced by wahabism. Osama bin-Laden oversees al-Qaeda's finances and, with Ayman al-Zawahiri, provides ideological and strategic guidance. Al-Qaeda's objectives include the elimination of foreign influence in Muslim countries, eradication of those deemed to be "infidels", elimination of Israel, and the creation of a new Islamic caliphate.[1]
Ok, you DID read that right.
Al-Qaedas objectives:
Elimination of foreign influence in Muslim Countries
Eradication of those deemed to be infidels (that's us guys!!)
Elimination of Israel
The creation of a new Islamic Caliphate.
Al Qaeda Training Camps in Afghanistan and the Pakistani border regions are alleged to have trained militant Muslims from around the world. Despite the perception of some people, al-Qaeda members are ethnically diverse and connected by their radical version of Islam. An ever-expanding network of supporters thus enjoyed a safe haven in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan until the Taliban were defeated by a combination of local forces and United States air power in 2001
These would be the camps that David Hicks was found at. Notice the use of the word 'Militant Muslim' as opposed to 'Freedom Fighter'.
In 1996, Osama bin Laden moved to Afghanistan from Sudan. When the Taliban came to power, bin Laden was able to forge an alliance between the Taliban and his Al-Qaeda organization. It is understood that al-Qaeda-trained fighters known as the 055 Brigade were integrated with the Taliban army between 1997 and 2001. The Taliban and bin Laden had very close connections, which were formalized by a marriage of one of bin Laden's sons to Omar's daughter. During Osama bin Laden's stay in Afghanistan, he had helped finance the Taliban.
Ok, no link between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban huh?? I beg to differ.
Hand over every terrorist and their supporters to appropriate authorities;
Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps for inspection.[17]
The Taliban rejected this ultimatum on September 21, 2001, stating there was no evidence in their possession linking Bin Laden to the September 11 attacks.
So, the 'Religious Taliban Government', chose to protect Al-Qaeda, a recognised Terrorist Organisation as opposed to working in conjunction with the US to rid their country of this terrorist scourge.
"Ray' did a wonderful job of making the Taliban look like a peaceful government who trained 'Muslim Freedom Fighters' not Terrorists. Problem is, the facts suggest otherwise.
In 1996, al-Qaeda announced its jihad to expel foreign troops and interests from what they felt were Islamic lands. Bin Laden issued a fatwa[39], which amounted to a public declaration of war against the United States and any of its allies, and began to focus al-Qaeda's resources towards attacking the United States and its interests.
[t]he ruling to kill the Americans and their allies- civilians and military— is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem) and the holy mosque (in Makka) from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim. This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, 'and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together,' and 'fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah'.[40]
”
Neither bin Laden nor al-Zawahiri possessed the traditional Islamic scholarly qualifications to issue a fatwa of any kind; however, they rejected the authority of the contemporary ulema (seen as the paid servants of jahiliyya rulers) and took it upon themselves.[41] 1998 was also the year of the first major terrorist attack reliably attributed to al-Qaeda- the U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa, resulting in upward of 300 deaths. A barrage of missiles launched by the U.S. military in response devastated an al-Qaeda base in Khost, Afghanistan, but the network's capacity was unharmed.
Now, I understand that the TERRORISTS perception of what is fair and just in relation to Non Muslims occupying traditionally Muslim countries and areas is going to be different to that of a Westerner. However, the concept of a Caliphate Rule is not. The idea here is that these terrorist organisations, with the support of certain governments, such as the former Taliban government, will slowly take back control of all traditionally Muslim countries to start with. When they are strong and sufficiently backed financially, the plan is to unleash Jihad on the Western World. This is not a new concept, infact it has it's foundations in the very beginnings of civilisation. I also think it is important to remember that while the majority of the population of these countries is Muslim, not ALL the people are. However, if these terrorist organisations are successful, that will be a right these people will no longer retain. It will be convert or die.
This isn't about 'Westernising' the world. It is about world domination. The world under a Caliphate Rule. As terrorists groups become braver they are sending out both written and recorded messages warning of their intent to eradicate 'Western Dogs'.
On September 22, 2001, the United Arab Emirates and later Saudi Arabia withdrew their recognition of the Taliban as the legal government of Afghanistan, leaving neighboring Pakistan as the only remaining country with diplomatic ties. On October 4, 2001, it is believed that the Taliban covertly offered to turn bin Laden over to Pakistan for trial in an international tribunal that operated according to Islamic Sharia law.[23] Pakistan, recently recast as an ally of the west, is believed to have rejected the offer (even though they did still recognize Afghanistan). On October 7, 2001, before the onset of military operations, the Taliban made an open offer to try bin Laden in Afghanistan in an Islamic court.[24] This counter offer was immediately rejected by the U.S. as insufficient.
Ok, nobody formally printed invitations. When the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia withdrew their support of the Taliban Government in Afghanistan it paved the way for a Coalition enterance, with the support of local (non Taliban) government and the Northern Alliance.
Shortly afterward, on October 7, 2001, the United States, aided by the United Kingdom, Canada, and supported by a coalition of other countries including several from the NATO alliance, initiated military actions in Afghanistan, code named Operation Enduring Freedom, and bombed Taliban and Al Qaeda related camps.[25][26] The stated intent of military operations was to remove the Taliban from power because of the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden for his involvement in the September 11 attacks, and disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations.[27] On October 14 the Taliban openly counteroffered to hand bin Laden over to a third country for trial, but only if the Taliban were given evidence of bin Laden's involvement in 9/11.[28] The U.S. rejected this offer as an insufficient public relations ploy and continued military operations.
The ground war was mainly fought by the Northern Alliance, the remaining elements of the anti-Taliban forces which the Taliban had routed over the previous years but had never been able to entirely destroy. Mazari Sharif fell to U.S.-Northern Alliance forces on November 9, leading to a cascade of provinces falling with minimal resistance, and many local forces switching loyalties from the Taliban to the Northern Alliance. On the night of November 12, the Taliban retreated south in an orderly fashion from Kabul. This was sufficiently orderly, that on November 15, they released eight Western aid workers after three months in captivity (see Attacks on humanitarian workers). By November 13 the Taliban had withdrawn from both Kabul and Jalalabad. Finally, in early December, the Taliban gave up their last city stronghold of Kandahar and retired to the hilly wilderness along the Afghanistan - Pakistan border, where they remain today as a guerrilla warfare operation, drawing new recruits and developing plans for a restoration of power.
So, it was not by the invitation of the Taliban (for obvious reasons) that the Coalition entered Afghanistan. However, neither does it equate to a US initiated 'Invasion'. The US had worked with the Northern Alliance to assist them in removing Al Qaeda networks and their support networks, including the Taliban from within Afghanistan.
As for the progress in Afghanistan try reading this.
So, in relation to my previous post, I do NOT support the release of David Hicks. David Hicks is NOT a Freedom Fighter (unless you are referring to the freedom of terrorists to rule the world).
There IS a direct link to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
And next time you want to be a Smart Ass Ray, particularly towards regular readers of Tanker Brothers, I suggest YOU use the search engine on your computer and YOU do some research.
Just as a side note, apparently not everybody supports Rays claims that David Hicks is a freedom fighter. From the Sydney Morning Herald...
The allegations will be used to prosecute the accused Australian terrorist at his military commission trial, which could begin in June.
Yes people, they DID use the word TERRORIST. Read here for more information.
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I have said it before and I will say it again...David Hicks IS a Terrorist.
With a nationwide push to bring this Terrorist back to Aussie shores to walk free I have to wonder what Hicks sympathisers are thinking. That Hicks is a coward who attempted to flee the fighting after the launching of Operation Enduring Freedom is irrelevant. That he was caught after selling his weapons, the weapons he stood ready to turn on his own country men and their allies, is irrelevant. The man could have been sitting in a sand box with a Tonka truck and a bucket and spade and it would not, for a second, detract from the one obvious point that everyone seems determined to overlook.....HE WAS THERE.
Al Qaeda Operational Bases and training Facilities are not holiday camps. They don't have opening times for sight seers and tourists. Get a grip people, you HAVE to be one of them to be there.
"Hicks spent two hours on the frontline before it collapsed and was forced to flee," the US charge sheet says. "During the retreat Hicks saw bullets flying and the Northern Alliance tanks coming over the trenches."
Hicks spent up to three days getting back to Konduz, under fire and on the run.
He made it to the city where he met Arab fighters who had declared their jihad and were ready to die in battle.
"Hicks, instead, decided to use his Australian passport and flee to Pakistan," the charge sheet reads.
What sickens me no end is this man who has no loyalty to his country of birth did not even show loyalty to the people he swore to fight alongside, his countries enemy. He has NO loyalty, when the going gets tough, Hicks gets running.
To read this article and others like it, one startling fact becomes obvious. David Hicks (coward that he is) went on the run rather than being captured. He moved between safe houses, meeting up with other terrorists who all fled together. They had the networks and the knowledge to do this. Is this something you find on Afghanistans travel brochures?? I think not. This is a man who was entrenched firmly enough to know escape routes, where he could hide and where he would be safe.
And for the man who is already down, one last kick in the guts....
DAVID Hicks, already facing the possibility of 20 years' jail on terrorism charges in the US, is the subject of a new investigation by the Indian Government over his alleged attacks on their armed forces in Kashmir.
The investigation has been triggered by disclosures in US prosecution files about the involvement of Hicks with a terrorist group that has killed thousands of people in the disputed Indian territory of Kashmir. The prosecution file states that the former kangaroo skinner and father of two who converted to Islam joined the terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba in Pakistan, travelled to the border with Indian Kashmir in 2000 and fired on Indian troops
Interesting don't you think?? An 'innocent man' is now being investigated by 2 countries for acts of terrorism. Do you think maybe they might be on to something??
"If Mr Hicks was involved with them at any level, and if he was indeed firing weapons at our troops, then, most certainly, we'd like to talk to him about it ... We don't take kindly to attacks on our soldiers - even attacks by people like Mr Hicks."
The US file is consistent with a letter Hicks wrote to his family in Adelaide in which he admits to firing hundreds of bullets in Kashmir at the enemies of Islam.
In a March 2000 letter, Hicks said "don't ask what's happened, I can't be bothered explaining the outcome of these strange events has put me in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a training camp. Three months training. After which it is my decision whether to cross the Line of Control into Indian-occupied Kashmir." Full article here.
The facts are here, they are right in front of us. THIS is the person Aussies are fighting to have brought home. This is the man our Prime Minister is taking heat for. This is the man that people are protesting over and spreading anti Howard dissention about.
I would be suprised to hear that the people involved in these protests do not have some family history involving the military. Whether it be WW1 or WW2, Vietnam or any other war our country men have fought and died for it is rare to find an Aussie without that. So for the sake of some perspective, David Hicks was prepared to turn his weapons on OUR Soldiers. The people who carry on the proud tradition of our 'Diggers', who have fought and bled to keep our country free. YOUR family members, who are part of this tradition, bore no second thought to this man as he spied on ours and our Allies embassies and trained, fought and conspired alongside our nations enemies, people who would kill us for our beliefs and lifestyle.
Yet, these same people see fit to insult our Prime Minister for allegedly betraying Hicks for the approval of the American President. You can't support your countries Leader but you can support a terrorist who would fight to see us lose the lifestyle that to many of us take for granted?? This being the case, I am led to wonder how we are supposed to take their protests seriously.
I have watched John Howard become a Leader over the years. In the wake of 9/11 he reaffirmed our countries commitment to stand beside our allies, as we have always done, and fight the scourge of terrorism. After Bali, he vowed to seek out those responsible for cutting short the lives of 88 Australians and hold them accountable. Popularity aside, he stood beside our Allied countries Leaders in the build up to Iraq and Afghanistan, he made a commitment that he stands behind. He has proven himself a Leader worthy of more respect than to be criticised for not showing enough concern for a terrorist.
I, for one, plan to show David Hicks the same consideration he showed to his countrymen.... NONE.
According to the CENTCOM site, Armenia has approximately ~46 troops in Iraq. Armenia is a fairly new democracy, having only gained independance as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Four years later, Armenia adopted it's own Constitution.
Armenia is another country in the Coalition that really knows what freedom and democracy is. With a population of 2,976,372 (July 2006 est.), and conscription, what the Armenians contribute(d) in Iraq is dangerous, vital work.. When they were welcomed by Major General Andrzej Ekiert, MNDCS commanding general, in January 2005, the Armenians became:
... a part of the logistics battalion located in the city of Al-Hilla. The main mission for the Armenian troops will be transportation and explosive ordnance disposal tasks.
Armenian troops are among 15-nations contributing to the MNDCS in Iraq. (Multi-National Division Central–South)
Finding exact information on who is doing what in Iraq is hard (could that be OPSEC?..lol) but according to Global Security (link here)
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty reported on July 21 that the first contingent of Armenian troops deployed in Iraq the previous January had returned home the day prior after a six-months rotation. The unit was reported to be composed of "doctors, demining experts and military truck drivers" and had been statitioned in the Polish-led multinational division-controlled area of south-central Iraq.
The Armenians, billed as a humanitarian mission, were stationed under the Polish command. Samvel Martirosyan, in an article in Eurasianet at the time of the deployment, says that the Armenians did not join the effort in Iraq in 2003. By the time they did deploy, all the political permutations on the homefront had been thoroughly examined.
Nevertheless, Defense Minister Serge Sarkissian stated at a January 18 departure ceremony in Yerevan:
"This day is very important for Armenian armed forces. We cannot stay away from international processes geared toward promoting stability and peace in our region, particularly in Iraq,..."
Whatever the underlying domestic political issues which informed Armenia's decision to send troops, (and you can read that article here)they understood the need to support the US, and the Iraqis. There was domestic opposition to sending any troops into Iraq. That was partly based on a fear of repercussions for the Armenian Iraqis, (20,000 strong), who actually asked the government NOT to send any troops, worried about a backlash from terrorists.
To show that it understands the Iraqi group’s concerns, the government has described the deployment as a strictly humanitarian mission. Commenting on parliament’s decision, Prime Minister Andranik Margarian told the newspaper Haiastani Hanrapetutiun on December 25 that "Armenia’s presence is primarily symbolic and for political purposes."
The political ramifications are discussed in detail in the Eurasia Insight article. Well worth reading, especially when you look at maps of the region, and understand the shared geography and history.
I could have written a whole book here on Armenia, but instead I'll leave you to go read the background for yourselves. Armenia has a fascinating history, and I started my research on the CIA's The World Fact Book site. That is here. I used the MNF site as well (of course!) That link is here.
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Fasting today is PCMom!
I am dedicating my fast to my very own L'il Trooper and his two brothers.
I will have a full write up on my blog.
Check out PCMom's blog for the rest of her dedication!!
Today's good news can all be found in one place - not hard to find! The Iraq Reconstruction Report is issued weekly. Here you find updates on things like:
The building of a women's centre which is contributing to the local economy. (Go to the link and find out how!)
Completion of the Najaf Teaching Hospital Phase III construction project.
Water Treatment Project: 5,419 CERP Projects completed of 6,658 planned .
Read all the details on these and other B*N*S*N stories here.
This picture is being used by 'anti-war' protesters. But I wonder if they really see the irony? From where I sit, our current troops and veterans are bring treated with the same s***, but by different ****... Oh sure, some of the old bunch are there at the protests, but there is also a whole new bunch who have no clue what they are doing, or what this war is really all about. If they did, I like to believe they could not treat our finest this way. There is a new site called The Combat Report that has great articles. One of the recent articles, from December, is The Baby-Killer Syndrome written by John Bruning. Bruning is a military historian, and author of the book "The Devil's Sandbox". In this article he writes about the 2-162 Oregon National Guard who have served in Iraq. He describes some incidents that harken back to an earlier time. He says:
These Guardsmen are a proud and professional bunch. They did their duty in Iraq, they saw things that most of us can never fathom, and they came home with only one expectation: that folks here would treat them with respect.
This is not always the case. To read the incidents he describes of the 'welcome home' these troops, OUR troops, received at the hands of the townsfolk, is to weep. Then get angry, very angry. Bruning says:
A month back from Baghdad, one soldier from the battalion had a fight with his wife. He left the house and went to a fern bar not far from a liberal college campus. While there, drinking alone and minding his own business, another patron approached him and demanded to know if he was in the service. The soldier was wearing his army-issue fleece jacket, so the answer was obvious.
The patron decided to use the moment to pontificate on his view of the Iraq war. He finished by calling the soldier a “baby killer.” The incident resulted in a physical altercation.
Bruning goes on to tell of an incident involving one of his close friends. Injured in Iraq, this NCO was on his way to work. He was wearing his uniform. He stopped at a Starbucks.
The sight of his military attire prompted one coffee drinker to demand if my NCO friend had served in Iraq. When he said that he had, this long-haired, graying leftover from the Sixties proclaimed, “Well, y’all are a buncha baby killers.” When the NCO offered to settle things outside, the aging hippie skulked away.
Apart from the fact that not one person stood with the soldier, the impact on Bruning's friend was immediate:
...the damage was done. My friend called me and said he felt like just going up into the woods and disappearing from humanity.
Here at Tanker Bros, we know of these stories. And we act. Bruning asks if we learned nothing from Vietnam? I suggest that WE did, even if the protesters are the same tired old disrespectful cowards. It may be "same s***, different a***" but we can make sure that we will not tolerate such behaviour. Be it in the coffee shop, on the street corner, NOT ON OUR WATCH. Go read the rest of Bruning's articles and add The Combat Report to your favourites. There are many articles written by those who know what is at stake here. You can find the site here.
Another Lefty says, "That's not what I meant to say. . . ."
PULEEZE! I am so sick and tired of these politicians saying "but what I meant to say was. . . ." Say what you mean the first time.
Or did they?
I'm sure you've all heard about Obama and his use of the word "wasted" when talking about the sacrifice of our troops.
Here's the video:
I understand that is just a few seconds of the speech but isn't that enough?
I take offense to these words. Look at the men on the left sidebar in this blog. Those men under the "In Memory of:" banner. I do not think that any of those men OR their families would consider their sacrifice a waste. It is extremely offensive to those families who have a brother, father, son, sister, mother, daughter, wife, husband who has given all for this country. Who has given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Never could that EVER be a waste!!
Yes, "wasted." Squandered. Pointless. Down the drain. Meaningless. Video footage of the speech shows Sen. Obama delivering his scripted words carefully and confidently. No umms or ahhs or pauses as he argued that each and every member of the military who volunteered to serve and died in Iraq "wasted" his/her life.
Excellent point. One I had not thought of myself. He did not stumble for words like he had lost his train of thought or couldn't read the teleprompter. He said what he said confidently and strongly. No stumbling. No pausing.
She continues later in the column:
Several days after taking flak for his disparaging comments dishonoring such heroism, Obama blubbered about what he really meant.
''I was actually upset with myself when I said that, because I never use that term,'' he told the Des Moines Register. Well, then what dastardly saboteur slipped it into his well-rehearsed stump speech? What supernatural force produced the guttural noise that glided effortlessly from his voicebox through his lips and pronounced the term "wasted"?
"What I would say -- and meant to say -- is that their service hasn't been honored," Obama told The New York Times and other reporters in Nashua, N.H., "because our civilian strategy has not honored their courage and bravery, and we have put them in a situation in which it is hard for them to succeed." As opposed to pulling out precipitously?
(emphasis mine)
Why didn't he just say what he meant to say the first time? Why do the lefty's seem to always be misunderstood? Why can't they say anything right the first time??
Malkin asks another question that I had been thinking myself:
"Even as I said it," Obama claims, "I realized I had misspoken."
So what, one wonders, prevented him from immediately correcting himself there on stage, as thousands cheered the term he now says he immediately regretted?
Words fail.
That was the first question that came to my mind when all of this came out. If he realized immediately that he had misspoken (as he claims), then why didn't he say that right then and there? Maybe because the crowd was cheering? Maybe because he doesn't think well on his feet and had to stick to the "script"?
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Fasting today is Leta!!
As always my day of fasting will be to honor ALL of our men and women in uniform who are currently serving abroad as well as those who have or will soon. I will have special thoughts and prayers for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for us as well as all of those who are healing around our nation and in military hospitals abroad. My sincerest gratitude goes to each of them as well as their amazing families. Natually those first and foremost in my thoughts will be our own MG and CT. Today I have one special addition to them. UT - he knows who he is and he's just as special to me as both MG and CT. It will be so easy to give up a day of food in honor and recognition of the sacrifices and steadfast commitment our brave Warriors display every day for US!
On a bit of a different note I've asked that the following be posted. There are a few of us who have formed a grass roots team to do what we can in order to show our deployed personnel of all branches just how much we support them during the July 4th season. We NEED your help. Please share the information with EVERYONE and EVERY group you know. Email me at letfreedomring2007@earthlink.net with any questions or comments. Together we CAN and WILL make this project work for the morale of our troops.
LET FREEDOM RING
CALLING ALL TROOP SUPPORTERS SCHOOLS, CHURCH GROUPS, FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, CIVIC, SERVICE AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
LET’S SHOW OUR TROOPS HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE BY SENDING HOME MADE OR PURCHASED CARDS, POSTCARDS, LETTERS AND BANNERS TO THEM THIS FOURTH OF JULY.
ALL ACCEPTABLE ITEMS RECEIVED WILL BE SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO TROOPS DEPLOYED TO HAZARDOUS DUTY AREAS. DONATIONS OF PRE-SWEETENED POWERED DRINK MIXES (PREFERABLY INDIVIDUAL PACKET TYPES) ARE ALSO BEING ACCEPTED FOR SHIPMENT WITH THE CARDS AND BANNERS.
Aside from hearing from their families the troops report that receiving correspondence from “home” is the highlight of their day and a huge morale booster. During the summer months powdered drink mixes are GREATLY appreciated by our troops. The nation provided record numbers of cards, packages, letters and other forms of support during the 2006 Christmas season. Let’s do it again for Independence Day 2007!
Each item received will be read/reviewed for appropriate content. Any item received that is deemed to contain inappropriate content will be discarded. Please send all individual cards and letters in unsealed envelopes. You may include your name and return address on the cards but realize the troops are very busy and may not have time to reply. They do enjoy receiving photos of you, too! Items may be sent to either of the following addresses no later than May 15, 2007:
Let Freedom Ring c/o Leta Carruth P O Box 100 Cordova, TN 38016
Let Freedom Ring c/o Jim Ironfield, USMC, Ret 75 Tolland Road Bolton, CT 06043 HOME 860 643 5273 CELL 860 539 9236 IRONFIELD@SBCGLOBAL.NET
The flyer is beautiful, but it's in PDF format, which cannot be put into blogger. If you want to see the beautiful flyer, email Leta. :o) Sounds like a great project. Be on the lookout for an envelope from me in early May!
I received and email from Wednesday Hero Blogroll member Mary Ann in which she suggested that I profile the spouse of a soldier. Seeing as I'd profiled one such spouse in the past, I though this was the perfect opportunity to do it again. I hadn't read the entire letter before I said yes, but after reading it I'm glad she sent it to me.
I think military families, especially the spouses, while they sign no contract, serve our country just as much as the service member. They give up familiar home ties and relocate all over the country, all over the world. They give up their civilian lives for something bigger than themselves. Ellicia was a military wife for only two and a half years. Before they married, but after 9/11, Reid came to her and told her of his desire to enlist. He wanted to do his part. He tells part of the story in his blog post http://kafstorm.blogspot.com/2005/07/why-i-joined-army.html
She encouraged him, pushing him so he could meet his goal of serving his country. He did and took his oath in October 2002. By the time they were married in July 2004, Reid was already stationed in Germany. It was 3 months before she could join him there. In a move that, for someone who'd seldom left her hometown in South Carolina, must have come as quite an adjustment. But she did it, as do so many other military wives.
It was in the sixth month of deployment when Ellicia received the news — she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Devastating. However, in an email to me on the day she received her diagnosis, the phrase she used was, "not stellar news". Understated, calm, steady, no hysteria, it was another challenge to face.
I came to admire her because, I too, had been away from home, (not to a foreign country), with a one small child (not three), and my husband traveling (not in a war zone). Knowing what my experience had been like, I was amazed at how she took it all in stride. Even when faced with a terminal diagnosis, she faced it all with grace, dignity and humor. All the while supporting her husband, the mission and the country.
Reid was given compassionate leave back to Germany in November 2005. For the next thirteen months they fought their own personal war with cancer…breast, lung…and finally eleven tumors in her brain.
In November 2006 the Stanley's took compassionate reassignment back to the U.S. to Ft. Eustis, Virginia.
On 31 December 2006, Ellicia lost her battle. But her spirit lives on in her husband, her children, and the many people she inspired with her courage.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.
Ok people, here it is. An explanation given to a child about why the war is necessary. Maybe we can get the Mungbeans to understand with this and hell, if we're really lucky maybe the politicians too!!
The other day, my nine year old son wanted to know why we were at war...My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our Country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation. My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window.
He said "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?"
"I see trees and cars and our neighbor's houses." he replied.
"OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush."
Our son giggled and said "OK."
"Now son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country" my husband said.
"OK Dad, I'm pretending."
"Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and pretend you see Saddam come out of his house with his wife, he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death. Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are screaming and crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and they are afraid of their father. You see all of this, son....what do you do?"
"Dad?"
"What do you do son?"
"I'd call the police, Dad."
"OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations. They take your call. They listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then son?"
"Dad.......... but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine.
"They don't want to son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it, " my husband says.
"But Dad...he killed her!!" my son exclaims.
"I know he did...but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children."
"Daddy...he kills them?"
"Yes son, he does. What do you do?"
"Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him." our son says.
"Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him, " my husband says.
"But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!"
"WHAT DO YOU DO SON?" Our son starts to cry.
"OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next son?"
"What Daddy?"
"He walks across the street to the old ladies house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then...he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?"
"Daddy..."
"WHAT DO YOU DO?" Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I'd close the blinds, Daddy."
My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him. "Why?"
"Because Daddy.....the police are supposed to help people who need them...and they won't help.... You always say that neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either...they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid....I can't do it by myself Daddy.....I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and...and.....do nothing...so....I'm just going to close the blinds.... so I can't see what he's doing........and I'm going to pretend that it is not happening."
I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine year old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husband's questions and he says...
"Son"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Open the blinds because that man.... he's at your front door... "WHAT DO YOU DO?"
My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, without hesitation he says: "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!"
I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs our son to his chest and hugs him tight, and says... "It's too late to fight him, he's too strong and he's already at YOUR front door son.....you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife, and his children and the old lady across the way. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone, before its too late." My husband whispers. THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war in Iraq. When good men stand by and let evil happen, son, THAT is the greatest atrocity in the world. "YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!" BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!! SUPPORT AMERICA SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS..."
This should be printed in every newspaper and posted in every school in America. Of course that won't happen so we'll use the internet.
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~~HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!~~
Fasting for us today is Julia!!
Julia will not have regular access to a computer for the next 6 months. She told me that she has all her dates written down and will not forget! :o)
In case you missed it, an 'anti-war' rally is being held on March 17. It is being held at the Vietnam Vets Memorial Wall. Well - OUR guys have a surprise for them. It is all over the milblogs. A Soldiers Perspective has a post up. CJ is going, and has promised to make sure that my opinions are heard...lol. OUR veterans are going to make sure that these ******** (fill in your own adjective/noun!) will NOT deface this sacred memorial, as they have so violently defaced other property. All in the name of peace you understand... Riiiiiiiight. There is a site specifically for this, and the names of those supporting the anti-war mob will surprise no readers here. If you can, be there on March 17, and in the meantime check out the Gathering of Eagles site here.
NOT ON OUR WATCH will we, or our veterans stand by quietly any longer.
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Fasting today is Donna in Los Osos!
Although I did not know him then, a friend of mine was in Vietnam. About 10 years ago, his mother and I were talking, and she showed me a small, worn, newspaper clipping she said my friend had carried in his wallet while he was in Vietnam. I read it and was moved. I pictured my friend, at 21, in a war, reading this clipping. Funny, this is really a description of my friend now. I'm sure it was true of him then too. So many of our troops just "get it". They see the world in the big picture, as no pampered, safe, academic elitist ever can or will. I know I fall short. I have never put my safety on the line for anyone. But, at least I can say, I am truly humbled, grateful, and thankful, for our troops.. past, present, and future. Even if I am only the towel girl (woman.. LOL), or cheerleader, I will always want to be part of their team. I am fasting for all our troops, but must also single out MasterGunner and CavTanker. Our TankerBrothers have a rare character we all recognize. (I'm sure if they read this, they are grimacing at that!) Truly, they have made us all a family of sorts. Miles away, but connected. I know we are all honored to be able to show them our support by fasting.
1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. 2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. 6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. 7. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. 8. People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway. 9. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. 10. Give the world the best that you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR MISSION!! Can I get a HOORAH?!! Love, Donna
Thank you for the great dedication. I love what that article has to say.
"You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival."
-- Sir Winston Churchill
That quote is from the Victory Caucus I told you all about a coupla posts back and, to me, it seems to fit with THIS post. Master Gunner sent out the 'Recruitment and Re-enlistment' numbers as posted by the DoD for January 2007. I am no genius (GT29?!!!!) but these numbers tell me that these people who are VOLUNTEERS maybe know something that the msm would rather you didn't hear about. I could go on ( you know I could...lol) ad nauseum, but instead I am just going to copy MG's email and the figures in it's entirety. To me, the evidence is irrefutable. YOU decide.
Master Gunner writes:
Kind of strange for an "unpopular" war, isn't it?
Can someone explain this to me? I mean.... seriously. Everyone with even half a brain is going to know that enlistment = Iraq, yet they are coming to us in droves. (And why don't any of them drop me an email?!?!?)
Things like this make me proud, and give me hope for the future of America: of the culture that we, as a nation, have turned our backs on in the recent past. It's a culture of honor and fortitude, a culture of righteousness and justice. It's about strength of character, and sense of duty and responsibility.
And it's a real future that we, as Americans, can strive for. We can find our way again. We can turn our backs on stupidity like Global Warming hype, Anna Nicole Smith's overdose, Paris Hilton's latest antics, and what's going on in the weekly prime time TV shows. We can instead fight back against a radical movement who has targeted me, you, and our families to convert us or kill us. This is our time to fight back.
And with brave men and women who are enlisting and re-enlisting, I know that we will win.
Because we're Americans... and that's what we do.
I welcome your thoughts on this phenomenon.
-MG
DoD Announces Recruiting And Retention Numbers For January
The Department of Defense announced today its recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for the month of January.
Active duty recruiting. All services met or exceeded their recruiting goals in Jan.
Accessions
Goal
Percent
Army
9,306
8,350
111
Navy
2,764
2,764
100
Marine Corps
3,403
3,162
108
Air Force
2,552
2,552
100
Active duty retention. Retention in the services remains solid. The Marine Corps and Air Force are meeting or exceeding overall retention missions. Army met 109 percent of its year-to-date mission and Navy met 93 percent.
Reserve forces recruiting. Four of six Reserve components met or exceeded their accession goals for January 2007.
Accessions
Goal
Percent
Army National Guard
6,199
6,125
101
Army Reserve
3,390
3,432
99
Navy Reserve
900
970
93
Marine Corps Reserve
829
811
102
Air National Guard
819
795
103
Air Force Reserve
580
564
103
·Reserve forces retention. For January, Army National Guard retention was 120 percent of the cumulative goal of 10,289, and Air National Guard retention was 97 percent of its cumulative goal of 3,289. Both the Army and Air Guard are each currently at 99 percent of their end strength. Losses in all reserve components for December are well within acceptable limits. Indications are that trend will continue into January.
To view a fact sheet on who is volunteering for the military, click here.
I'm told that there is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa.
For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times.
A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job.
Since then it has been left completely undisturbed.
It's quite an impressive sight. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.
Thanks to JL in Afghanistan who sent me this email. Told ya I'd post it!!!
What really amazed me is local kids who used to write obscenities on this rock have enough respect for our Soldiers to leave it be. Maybe they can teach the Mungbeans a thing or two??
Deliver the perspectives and news on the war effort which the mainstream media neglects to help the American public understand the nature of our conflict and its true progress...
Our Beliefs
We support victory in the war against radical Islamists. We supported the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and we believe victory is necessary in both countries for America's self-defense..........[ read more]
An important new organisation is here: VICTORY CAUCUS.
Go check it out, and register. They are a voice for those of us who support our troops. Go see who they are, what they plan, and what YOU can do. (Thanks Mary*Ann for the heads up.)
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Fasting today is our very own Aussie_ Chic!! For those of you watching the calendar, yes, I was supposed to fast today. I have to thank A_C for her willingness to pinch hit at the last minute for me. Sunday afternoon I looked at my calendar for this week and realized that today is the "Mother's Tea" at my son's Preschool. I asked him what was planned and he told me all about how they made special cookies for their moms and they were going to serve us tea and cookies. Uh, oh. Can't break the 4 year old's heart and not eat his cookies!! ;o) So, A_C to the rescue! Thanks!!
Aussie's dedication:
To a Special Soldier, who offers a shoulder as often as he seeks one, who offers inspiration and insight into his world and whose dedication to his duty and his 'Buddies' is unwavering
Sounds like a great man and soldier! Thank you for the dedication.
What are we doing here?That is a question I hear quite often from those who oppose our actions in the Middle East.What are we doing here?We are giving people the opportunity to fight for their freedom.Freedom is not a concept that is given, it is earned.It is the costliest of human aspirations and the one thing most easily squandered.I take the dhimmitude that infects the West today as my “Exhibit A”.Those who have no concept of the cost of freedom are willing to give it away all in the name of a false “peace”.But what is Peace without Freedom?
Peace without Freedom is Slavery.I will never be a slave.If I lose my life in this land, I will have died a Free Man.If those who outlive me surrender in the name of “Peace” because they are too terrified and selfish to sacrifice for the cost of Freedom, they too will die.However, they will die as slaves, or dhimmi, which is the same thing.
But the Iraqis were better off under Saddam than they are now!That is another moronic statement I hear far too often.It not only shows a disgusting amount of historical ignorance, but an even more disgusting amount of unwillingness to see the truth.The “useful idiots” who state this ignore that fact that CNN admitted to not reporting Saddam’s atrocities so they could keep their Baghdad office open.The media fails to mention the million plus bodies we dug up in mass graves.Bodies put there by Saddam in the 90s.
You will not get the truth from the Main Stream Media (MSM).Do you know that my living area was destroyed twice in the month I have been here?No?Funny, I live here and I never saw the destruction they speak of either.These were made-up or incredibly embellished/slanted reports.
One attack was a rocket strike on the US Embassy Annex (Presidential Palace).Supposedly several of us were killed and injured.Just one small, minor problem; it did not happen.There was a rocket attack.It probably was an Iranian manufactured rocket also, to Hell with the fools who wrote the ISG Report.But it only gave two people minor injuries from flying glass.That’s it.
Another story was a supposed bomb attack, vehicle borne I suppose, on our living areas.It too suffered from a minor issue.It never happened!There was a light mortar strike on an empty swimming pool at 9:30 pm on a cold night.Oddly enough, no one was at the pool.But that was miles from the Embassy living area.These are just two of the hundreds of suspect media reports from the MSM.
But I have digressed.So, what do I get to see in Iraq.Well, I missed the last election, but everyone should see this picture again.
The fact that people in the West (the USA especially) reduce the pure courage and determination of the Iraqi People for Freedom to a trivial joke enrages me.The Iraqi People gave “The Finger” to the “insurgents”, Ba’athists, and imported terrorists.The Iraqi People chose the hard road of Freedom.But the leftist “Peace at any and every cost” crowd could care less.I despise these leftists for their shallowness and selfishness.
Then I see this picture:
Iraq was a country where the soldiers were used to terrorize the population.Her soldiers were employed by Saddam to rape, pillage, and burn in order to maintain his absolute rule.In the end, a few Coalition Divisions and air support wiped them out.The Iraqis were not a professional army.They were Saddam’s goons.
But that is different now.Now there are dedicated schools for Iraqi Soldiers.A growing Non-Commissioned Officer corps exists.The Iraqi Soldiers of today is better educated, better lead, and better supported than he ever was.Would they be on par with the Western Coalition today?No, but few are and we train heard just to keep that proficiency ourselves.That said, the Iraqi Army is probably the best armed force in the Arab/Persian world.If you cannot look at this picture and be touched by the emotional comfort the Soldier is providing the child, then I doubt anything I have to say will matter as your heart is full of hatred for the USA, our President, and our Armed Forces.
So how does this affect yours truly?I helped equip this Soldier you see hugging the child.Everything he has on him and even that generator behind him are things I helped provide.That is my contribution to the war now.I help to build a professional Iraqi Army.My years as an Armor Officer are over.I have moved to Acquisitions.My vengeance to the terrorists no longer comes from the muzzles of my tanks, but from the ability of the Iraqis to hunt and kill the barbarian terrorist thugs themselves.
But what about the “cut and run” mentality?I can only say to the people who support this stupid notion the following:If we cut and run from the Middle East, we WILL have terrorists on our own streets in America.Will you grab a gun and defend our home then?Or will you continue to cower and stab you defenders in the back?Will you fight as a Free Person or die as a slave in an Islamic Caliphate?
This IS the war which will determine whether Western Freedom or an Islamic Caliphate slave state will prevail.Iraq is just one battle in this war.If we win here, the terror supporting states surrounding Iraq will fall.If we lose, a nuclear armed terror empire will surely form with the goal of our complete genocide.Ironically, the people who will suffer the most under this Caliphate are the ones protesting our fighting it.The groups shouting “Queers for Palestine” and “Boobs not Bombs” will be killed by these terrorists they support first.ANSWER/ACT/Move-On and others will follow shortly there after.
So I leave you with this one photograph.
To those who serve and support our efforts and are part of the war to crush the rising tide of terrorism and hijacked Islam, you will look at this picture, and like me, promise those little eyes that we WILL NOT FAIL.I looked at this picture the most today writing this letter.I kept asking myself if I have done everything I can to give her the opportunity to work for freedom and live in true peace.I hope I have.I know others have given everything in that cause.3,000 have given their lives so little children like this girl will not live under tyranny.Many thousands more have given years of their lives to fight the rising tide of tyrants in the world.
To those people, I give my sincerest thanks and love, as everyone who reads this should also.They are the ones who make life worth living.It does not matter who these supporters of Freedom are or what they can provide to the effort.The fact that they provide is enough.
To those that want to surrender for “peace at any cost” or “cut and run” because they are too selfish and pathetic to defend their own Freedom, let alone the Freedom of others, I ask you to look into this young lady’s eyes and tell her that her life is insignificant.I want you, Mr/Ms “I support the Troops but not the war” and even “I don’t support any US ANYTHING even though it gave me EVERYTHING on a silver platter” to look at this girl in the face.Tell her that she is worthless to you.Tell her Mr/Ms Leftist that you will gladly let the terrorists kill her and her family, and sleep very well afterwards knowing that your cowardly treason killed her.Look her in the eyes and tell her that those who were given everything free of charge will expend nothing to give her the most basic need of humanity.Look her in the eyes and tell her that she is not worthy of being Free, but your worthless hide somehow is.
Then you can burn in Hell for I have no other use for you.
Yours in Service and Defense of Your Freedom and Honor,
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)
Fasting today is our very own Brat!
Today I dedicate to all the children affected by this war. The children of our heroes, who miss their dads and their mums while they are overseas making the world a safer place for the children in those countries. The children of our heroes also serve and sacrifice. The children in Iraq (you know, the ones our troops keep abusing....lol) get to witness firsthand the compassion, the caring of our brave men and women; our brave men and women who are also beloved children of extended families who pray for their safe return. Today, more than ever: "God bless the child."
Please spare a prayer also for Patrick today, a beloved child who gave his life in service of all these children. Today is Patrick Tainsh's 'Angel Day' as his mum and dad call this day that Patrick 'gave all' in Iraq.
Thanks for the great dedication Brat. Children are so precious.
After reading this post on LGF I had a bit of a look around myself and yes people, it HAS been a Good News Week indeed!!
KHAN BANI SA’AD, Iraq – After receiving tips from a local citizen, Iraqi army soldiers, in partnership with Coalition Forces, discovered weapon caches in a factory in Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq, last Sunday.
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, and CF from Company C, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, received tips that insurgents were transporting mortar weapons systems and rocket-propelled grenades into the factory. Link
YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi army and coalition troops continue to find stockpiles of weapons and detain terror suspects near the main highway, Route Tampa, leading into Baghdad, where operations have been ongoing since Feb. 3.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and Troop B, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment “Wolverines,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) are working together as part of Operation Wolverine Alesia. The operation has uncovered two major caches – including one that contained 1,100 mortar rounds – and three minor ones. They have also detained six suspected insurgents in the course of the operation. Link
BAGHDAD – Another car bomb cell is off the streets after Iraqi and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers responded to a tip and conducted a raid in the northwest neighborhood of Ameriyah Feb. 8.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army conducted the raid while Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, provided security from the outer cordon.
The Iraqi Army troops detained one terrorist suspect. During initial questioning, the suspect implicated a second suspected car bomb cell member living next door. Link
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, using artillery fire, destroyed a building used by terrorists near a village west of Baghdad Feb. 9. Link
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces conducted operations Thursday in Arab Jabour targeting local al-Qaida terrorists linked to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cell.
During operations, Coalition Forces found numerous caches containing VBIED/IED making material including multiple containers of ammonium nitrate, numerous primers and blasting caps, mortar systems, rocket propelled grenades, numerous small arms and a rocket launcher mounted on a truck. Coalition Forces destroyed all of the caches found on site. Link
MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th (2-7) Cavalry Regiment conducted a raid on several houses in the Al Wahda neighborhood in east Mosul Feb. 4, after receiving intelligence about specific high-priority targets. Link
MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from the Iraqi army, in conjunction with Coalition Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a raid Feb. 4 on a photo shop in northeast Mosul with the intent of eliminating a source of improvised explosive device manufacturing as well as locating a specific mortar cache that information sources said was there.
Dubbed “Operation Camera Shy,” the cordon and search involved the camera shop, several houses in the area, as well as a large field near the store. While searching the field, several marking sticks were found, as well as an initiator approximately five meters from the northeast corner of the field. Upon digging, a cache of two mortar tubes, seven 120mm rounds, two pipe bombs, a bag of fuses, two ammunition cans, and other assorted IED-making material was found. Link
TIKRIT, Iraq – Coalition Forces conducting routine patrols prevented several insurgent teams from emplacing roadside bombs in Salah ad Din and Diyala provinces Feb. 5.
CF observed multiple insurgent teams planting improvised explosive devices along major roadways in the early evening hours north of Tikrit, near Bayji, in Balad and south of Baqubah. Once they were positively identified as insurgents with the intent to harm CF or other Iraqis, CF engaged the enemy. Link
MOSUL, Iraq – At approximately 12:30 a.m., Feb. 6, soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division were on a routine patrol when they accidentally collided with a civilian vehicle. The vehicle’s occupants immediately attempted to flee the scene, but were quickly apprehended by the IA soldiers. After tactical questioning, one of the two detainees told the IA where a huge weapons cache could be found Link
EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED, BUILDING DESTROYED IN ARAB JABOUR
BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces conducted an air strike Thursday evening after receiving heavy enemy fire during a raid targeting al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists and foreign fighter facilitators. Link
3 TERRORISTS KILLED IN AIR STRIKE NORTHEAST OF AMIRIYAH
BAGHDAD– Coalition Forces killed an estimated 13 terrorists during an air strike Thursday morning targeting a senior foreign fighter facilitator northeast of Amiriya.
Intelligence reports indicated an individual associated with foreign fighter facilitation was in the targeted area.
During the operation, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists and found a cache including armor piercing ammunition. Link
BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces conducted an air strike Wednesday targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq-related vehicle-borne improvised explosives devices network near Arab Jabour.
Intelligence reports indicated that this network is responsible for a large and devastating number of VBIED attacks in the Baghdad area. They are also responsible for IED and sniper attacks conducted against the Iraqi people and Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Link
CAMP TAJI, Iraq—Iraqi Army troops and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache in an industrial area north of Abu Ghuraib Feb. 3. Link
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists believed to have ties to an al-Qaida improvised explosive device cell during a raid Wednesday morning in West Taji.
Intelligence reports indicated one of the detainees has significant ties to a local IED cell and had connections to recent anti-Coalition Forces activities. Link
BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 7th Iraqi Army Division captured a suspected foreign fighter facilitator during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 6 in the Al Qaim region, near the Syrian boarder. Link
BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 4th Iraqi Army Division removed another bomber from the streets of Iraq after capturing the suspected leader of an improvised explosive device cell during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 6 near Taji, north of Baghdad. The suspect is believed responsible for coordinating and carrying out IED attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces convoys in the area. Link
And that is just a start. There have also been significant rebuilding projects either started or completed and aide being brought to communities in need.
Despite what the MSM and those who work alongside the terrorists groups would have you believe, we are winning the war. The Iraqi forces are growing in confidence and skill and taking responsibility for operations with the support of Coalition Countries.
These forces are also making a significant impact on the insurgents ability to operate and take the lives of Innocent Civillians and Iraqi and Coalition Forces. The reality here is every single bullet, mortar round, IED and implement and materials confiscated and destroyed is saving a life.
These operations alone could potentially have saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives.
News from the new General David Patraeus has also been positive, his words encouraging as he shows his determination to succeed in Iraq...
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gen. David Petraeus took charge of U.S. forces in Iraq on Saturday, becoming the third commander in the war and declaring the American task now was to help Iraqis "gain the time they need to save their country."
"We will have to share the burdens and move forward together. If we can do that and if we can help the people of Iraq, the prospects of success are good," he said. "Failing that, Iraq will be doomed to continued violence and civil strife." Link
The news in general seems to be taking a positive turn, the message being sent is clear....We WILL win this war.
"The stakes are very high. The way ahead will be hard, and there undoubtedly will be many tough days. But as I recently told members of the U.S. Senate, hard is not hopeless," said Petraeus, who took over for 58-year-old Gen. George Casey.
As the Soldiers have said all along, leave them to do their job and they will win the war. Here is proof they are on the right track.
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![Major General J D Shaw CBE [Picture: British Army]. Opens in a new window.](http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/1B8CE8A5-F802-4F19-B2F1-49B06CD12CA5/0/genjdshaw.jpg)
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