A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....08-24-05....Hagel says no timetable for the pull-out..

JohnHuang2 and dutchess | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

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~ Billie, Mama_bear, dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

Hagel says no timetable for pull-out of foot from mouth

by JohnHuang2

In his big speech Monday before a gathering of veterans in Utah, the President minced no words regarding the enemy. "They have a strategy, and part of that strategy is they're trying to shake our will," Bush told the convention of Veterans of Foreign Wars. The enemy would love nothing more than to see America and her allies intimidated. The goal of the enemy is achieving absolute power. Theirs is "a dark vision that rejects freedom and tolerance and dissent." Theirs is "a hateful ideology that despises everything America stands for."

But enough about the Democrats. Over on the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel, long-time critic of the Iraq war, in a stunning shift Sunday, criticized the Iraq war. "I think our involvement there has destabilized the Middle East," he said. Leave it to the neocon/AEI/PNAC/BFEE crowd to screw things up. Gone is that wellspring of peace and stability in the region, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, who only invaded two countries and killed no more than a million people.

Now Libya's out of the WMD bidness, Syria's out of Lebanon, Egypt is having contested elections, Palestinians are having contested elections and pressure mounts to plunge the whole region into freedom. So many dominoes falling. If only Saddam were still president.

Hagel, co-host every Sunday of CNN's Late Edition, NBC's Meet the Press, CBS's Face the Nation and ABC's This Week, told ABC's This Week that he thinks Iraq is looking more and more like the Vietnam war. Obviously a clever ploy to lift morale. We're "locked into a bogged-down problem not unsimilar, dissimilar to where we were in Vietnam," he said. Everything about this is just like Vietnam. Especially here at home. The similarities are glaring -- from the Smithsonian Institute dinosaur display outside Bush's ranch (featuring the long-necked, plant-eating folk singer, Joan Baez!), right down to those Vietcong flying planes into buildings in New York and Washington four years ago. And those annoying Ho Chi Minh Islamic terror cells are back on U.S. soil.

Today there's no draft, we've got a volunteer army, tens of thousands of soldiers haven't died in the "jungles" of Baghdad, "insurgent" attacks are focused in one area (near CNN cameras in Baghdad), Saddam's in prison awaiting trial, Zarqawi doesn't have "Soviet" support, U.S. forces in Iraq aren't besieged, U.S. forces in Iraq can move freely from "rice paddy" to "rice paddy" -- other than that, just like Vietnam!

In the idiotic Hagelian formulation, a war becomes Vietnam if the enemy strikes back. And if there are mounting casualties. The Allied invasion of Normandy was instantly Vietnam. The Battle of Iwo Jima was instantly Vietnam. Panama was Vietnam. Gulf War I was Vietnam. The Afghan campaign was Vietnam. Even Grenada was Vietnam -- for at least several days. Over a hundred U.S. soldiers killed or wounded in Grenada. Or, I should say, "murdered" by Ronald Reagan's 'neocon cabal' (See Cindy Sheehan). Busy week for the necon cabal. Even back then.

Hagel offers America a constructive alternative. It consists of "figuring out how we get out of there," then run for our lives. Then we'll be safe, and terrorists will love us again.

It won't work, but that's not the point. The point for Hagel is to get the media to love him. Even more than Vietnam. If grief gives Sheehan the moral authority to urinate on Casey's grave and dishonor his sacrifice (it doesn't), then Hagel's service in Vietnam, Korea, World War II, World War I, the Spanish-American War, the Civil War, the War of 1812, etc., gives Hagel every right to sound like a talking anus on TV every Sunday. If trafficking in agitprop media droppings is your bag, have at it.

What combat experience does not automatically confer is military wisdom. Kerry's proof of that. Hagel's proof of that.

Again I give you Hagel, the grieving Senator: "We should start figuring out how we get out of there, but with this understanding, we cannot leave a vacuum that further destabilizes the Middle East." So let's stay the course and get out now, but we can't give up or get out now and "the longer we stay in Iraq, the more similarities" between Iraq and Vietnam. Hagel was on a roll.

He's against timetables, but the clown says we've already lost the war. We must keep losing until we win! As a big critic of the war, he voted for the war. This war is just like Vietnam, and I voted for it. Wonderful. It all makes sense now.

A year before 9/11, an explosion ripped a massive hole in the hull of a Navy Destroyer, the USS Cole, killing 17 U.S. sailors, wounding 39 others. An al-Qaeda suicide attack. In 2000. Before Bush rejected Kyoto, so it couldn't have been that "root cause."

Four years after 9/11, in what the lib media calls a "new phase" by a more dangerous al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda launches a rocket attack against a U.S. warship docked in Aqaba, and misses. The "Katyusha rocket whizzed over the deck" of the USS Ashland, but ended up hitting "a nearby Jordanian military warehouse" (AP, 8/20). Not a single American casualty. Wow, some "new phase." Great Master Plan there, al-Qaeda! Working out real well.

The Cole bombing and the Aqaba rocket attack are bookends, in between are the Great Satan's Afghan and Iraq campaigns, landing Saddam in the pokey and binny in a burka hopping from mud hut to mud hut, cave to cave. Now, if you're a ratmedia liberal, and all you've got to work from is a steaming cowpie crammed in the tiny space between your ears, the Hagelian notion that al-Qaeda is winning makes sense. That's why you're not in charge. So, whatever you do, stay the course, liberals. Stay the course -- to ensure victory for Republicans in Nov. '06.

Anyway that's...

My two cents

06-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 08-22-05 Military Monday 08-23-24-05 What's In a Name?

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

[fatima]

Your welcome:)They had to twist my arm-not.

[dutchess]

Your welcome:)They had to twist my arm-not.

:o)!!!

[dutchess]

Just an idea. If you take lots of pictures I would love to do a thread on the Finest about the counter rally. Not a live after action, but something to give a tribute to your fallen friend and the whole counter movement. Keep this in mind when you are there and freepmail me when you return.

Sleep well, and there are tons of us supporting you all!!!!!

[Aquamarine]

Today there's no draft, we've got a volunteer army, tens of thousands of soldiers haven't died in the "jungles" of Baghdad, "insurgent" attacks are focused in one area (near CNN cameras in Baghdad), Saddam's in prison awaiting trial, Zarqawi doesn't have "Soviet" support, U.S. forces in Iraq aren't besieged, U.S. forces in Iraq can move freely from "rice paddy" to "rice paddy" -- other than that, just like Vietnam!

Oh yeah, just like Viet Nam - not!
Another spot on essay with the perfect presentation and your DJL was a nice - Rest of the Story - Lady.

[DollyCali]

That is a wonderful idea for a thread & I'll bet there will be LOTS of pledge opportunities. wouldn't it be great if Dubya came out & chatted with The "GOOD GUYS"???? Talk about photo op!!!

I am really bushed physically. Have done a whole lot of physical things here & then took O for an hour walk.. just because I am tired, he is still bouncy & waiting for his turn to run thru the forest & play.

sipping some cabernet & going to hop in tub. I am also waiting for the Dose to load. Man it takes a long time.

Might check back in. Need sleep but I am pretty pumped although beat... make sense?

[Just mythoughts]

Thanks for your post.

No I have not submitted his picture. I must admit I have not checked out the Military Monday thread. Thank you for telling me about it.

[OESY]

Belatedly, I'm baaack! Had to step out to see the film "The Great Raid." Definitely recommended. I don't at all understand the criticism that it was banal (NY Post). Great suspense, and based on the true story of our biggest and most successful raid/escape.

Also saw "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress" and "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance." Balzac was good enough such that it might get a nomination for an Oscar (Best Foreign Language), but I wouldn't suggest the brutal, but well-crafted and wryly funny Vengeance unless you enjoyed "Oldboy" by the same director Park Chanwook.

Time now for Mr. Sandman. Ciao!

[LadyX]

After 11:30 and just now getting back on...hubby spent the whole evening installing a new Microsoft upgrade, AND one for the graphics driver..:(

While you have left, OESY, you might read this tomorrow.

"The Great Raid" was about an event that happened when I was 10 years old:
"On Jan. 30, 1945, Prince's battalion prepared for a rescue raid behind enemy lines on Luzon Island about 50 miles north of Manila, Philippines."

I was 7 1/2 when Pearl Harbor happened.
We were able to at the Saturday matinees see Fox Movietone films about all areas of the progress of WWII, so I remember well everything that happened.

As for parents today wondering if they should shield their young children from 9/11 and the war against terror and possibility of danger here, I say without hesitation, TELL THEM ALL OF IT!"

At 7 I was playing digging 'foxholes' in the empty lot next door with the boys; participated in air raid drills in Miami/Coral Gables (German subs surfaced right in Biscayne Bay, and often Germans tried to come ashore farther up on empty beaches to mingle and sabotage something), closing the black curtains over the windows and filling the tub with water to use for the toilet if power were lost; could identify OUR planes and German ones; gathered scrap paper and metal to turn in for The War Effort...etc.

I remember clearly the brutality of the Japanese, who after the Philippines swept through China and all the way to Burma.

Something my astute mother remarked then stuck with me..."Yes, the Japanese are horrible to the Chinese as they went, torturing them and taking all they had; but mark my words - 'the CHINESE are going to prove to be a worse opponent!'"
Look at their power and numbers today!

Let me say I GAINED ENORMOUS strength from all I knew, explicit horrors and all - . I learned what it meant to have courage under adversity, and 'play-acted' being a POW of the Japanese and the Germans, creating the scenes and conditions and coping with them, if need be.

That took away any possible 'fear,' since I knew I might break, but was determined to hold out so long as humanly possible.
That kind of preparation for courage stood me in good stead through some mighty tough times in life...take each moment as it comes, to the best of your ability

It was much the same during the Cold War with Communism...a parent then, my little boys had drills at school on what to do if a plane dropped or missile launched an atomic bomb on the States...

Do NOT shield them - PREPARE them, I strongly advise...

[luvie]

Wonderful stories, as usual. I agree with you, we need our kids to know the reality of war--and of life. That's why there are so many young people who haven't a clue what's going on--their parents shielded them from everything--and they will do the same when they are parents. Makes us too soft!

[LadyX]

I can just imagine how you convulse with laughter when you construct the JH2 Essays to post..:))

He is so wonderful with his satire, and I love not knowing what it is to be and just sparking off the content as I read it the first time...jot down little blurbs, and then create from them, gathering graphics as I go.

[LadyX]

"That's why there are so many young people who haven't a clue what's going on--their parents shielded them from everything--and they will do the same when they are parents. Makes us too soft!"

Amen, Luvvy - - guess under attack in Their Town, they'll plop down on the floor and fiddle with an electronic game to nervously counter a strike, to cope, and call for their Mommy and Daddy with tears and sobs.
[What if, God forbid, Mommy and Daddy never return? What is their plan then? NO plan??]

BIG SHOCK if real enemies come to America....it well could happen while they are spending BIG $$$ at their mall on all the 'things' they "must" have.

Let them imagine and develop personal courage and self-confidence for all that awaits them in The Real World.

You obviously more than generously imparted that to David..:))

[luvie]

Thank you for that gigantic compliment, Lady. We tried to raise him to be independent, a Christian, a lover of our country and to respect all good things. Of course, he went through the teen years, too, but he made such a turn-around when he decided in high school what path he wanted to take. It was like he became a laser, focused on going to college and being a pilot. He is a helicopter pilot in his "free" time.

We have seen lots of young people step up when this war caused them to wake up. We just have to pray that the next generation coming behind them will have the courage to do the same!

[LadyX]

Just wait until you have grandchildren, Luvvy.
They will be in need of Grooming by Grandma, too!

Just two weeks ago, my 20-year old Grandson brought his new girlfriend down for the day from Columbia to meet us.
Mind you, some of his first hours and years were spent under my roof and since, growing up, and he was doing a good job with his manners and consideration toward Roxanne.

Kyle turned to her and said,"Now you know why I'm so careful with my manners and my speech - Grandmama drilled (as in 'beat'! lol) that into me!"
He was in JRROTC and performed in the special rifle and drill units in competitions, and we took him to Parris Island with us when he was 16...begged me to "SLOW DOWN, Grandmama," literally dragging, trying to keep up with me...:))

His Dad (in another state) a year ago had been in the Army when he was young, in Intelligence, and the Army called to see if he would consider going back in - and to Iraq.
Not at liberty to say specifics, but he made a HUGE, VERY HUGE important discovery a few months ago!
[no - not finding Saddam]

It is gratifying to say all three of our children (and 8 grandchildren) walk with the Lord and are patriotic to the max - - we are richly blessed.
Although the walk had all the usual setbacks and pitfalls, all are now on safe and firm ground.

[luvie]

Well, the Lord never said the walk would be easy, just that it would lead home!

You raised some great kids--and grandkids. I hope one day you can tell us what the HUGE, VERY HUGE discovery was! I am intrigued, but can wait till it's no secret any more. Thank him from LUV for his service to his--and our--country!

[LadyX]

Know you understand the need for being cryptic....
after 1 now, and I need to go to bed.

See you on Wear Red on Friday!

God watch over you and yours, Luvvy...

[luvie]

God bless you, Lady! I'm off tomorrow, but I'll find some red and see ya there!

[The Mayor]

August 26, 2005

Flee Temptation

Read:
2 Timothy 2:14-26

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace. —2 Timothy 2:22

Bible In One Year: 1 Chronicles 14-16

According to Greek mythology, sirens (sea nymphs) inhabited certain Mediterranean coastal areas. As ships passed by, the sirens sang such enchanting songs that the sailors, drawn by the music, would jump overboard and drown.

Odysseus was on a ship that had to pass that way. Aware of the powerful allurement of those songs, he ordered that he be bound with ropes to the mast and that the crewmen's ears be sealed with wax to block out the tantalizing music of the sirens. Having taken such precautions, Odysseus and the rest of the crew were able to sail past without yielding to the lure of the sea nymphs.

As Christians, we should be prepared to resist any temptations to evil. We must hate sin and be so serious about not giving in to its allurements that we are determined to deny our desire to participate in it.

Are there recurring sins in your life that have been defeating you? Drastic measures must be taken. You must keep away from any enticements that you know would play into your weakness. The best protection against temptation is to heed the warning Paul gave to Timothy: "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness" (2 Timothy 2:22). That was good counsel then; it's still good today. —Richard De Haan

It's wise to flee when tempted—
A fool is one who'd stay;
For those who toy with evil
Soon learn it doesn't pay. —D. De Haan

The best way to escape temptation is to flee to God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
When We Just Can't Stop
Resisting The Lure

[DollyCali]

the great Raid was an outstanding movie. The reviewers/media do not like it because it shows our military in good light & being victorious. I want to see it again on big screen. One of the years top 10 movies IMHO

Good morning everyone. Garbage day. In gungies for now..Red later

[Texagirl4W]

"As Christians, we should be prepared to resist any temptations to evil. We must hate sin and be so serious about not giving in to its allurements that we are determined to deny our desire to participate in it."

Good morning, Mayor. These are profound statements and something we as Christians should pray for continually, daily. I enjoy your daily readings. Hope all is well with you. Have a great weekend.

[OESY]

Very good advice. We need to know what happened so as to be better prepared next time.