Posted on 08/29/2005 8:22:51 PM PDT by smoothsailing
Portside Assault On The USS Iowa
By Lisa Fabrizio
August 30, 2005
For years, those on the far left have repeatedly maintained that they support the U.S. military while, in reality, they oppose nearly every incidence of its deployment. Now it seems their animosity is not just reserved for our most recent forays, but apparently the Iraq War has soured them retrospectively on earlier battles for freedom.
No greater proof of this is there than the recent debacle involving the Board of Governors of liberal bastion San Francisco and its rejection (web site) of the retired WWII battleship, USS Iowa. Though some seek to frame this as a military gay-rights (web site) issue, the primary objections are clear.
After their congressional delegation--led by Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi--succeeded in 1999 in securing a three million dollar grant from Congress to transport her from Rhode Island to Suisan Bay in California, it seemed the Iowa was well on its way to a permanent berth in the city by the bay.
Led by the Historic Ship Memorial at Pacific Square group, the city had, since 1993 lobbied to gain the ship, known as the 'Big Stick', whose history spans fifty years of valiant service. After winning nine battle stars during the Second World War and two during the Korean War, a controversial accident on one of her gun turrets killed 47 crewmen in 1989 and she was decommissioned a year later.
For the record, (web site) the Iowa was commissioned in February, 1943 and participated in many WWII battles including Guam, Okinawa, Leyte Gulf and Wake Island. She also returned President Roosevelt from the 1943 Teheran Conference of allied powers and was Admiral Halsey's flagship for the surrender ceremony of Japan in September, 1945.
But the sacrifices of the thousands who served aboard the Iowa and the millions who defended this country before and after her final voyage have been damned by association with a U.S. military who, in the minds of the far left, stands for cruel repression and conquest.
Without waiting for the bones of the 'greatest generation' to grow cold, some liberals are already showing their gratitude. As one leftist writes in a letter (web site) in reference to Frisco's attempts to gain the Iowa, "The days of military glorification and addiction are over. We need hopeful symbols, not more war toys. We didn't want the Mighty Mo (USS Missouri) home-ported here way back when, and we don't want it now, even as a relic."
San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, who voted against the resolution to acquire the Iowa, also spoke out; (web site) "I am sad to say I am not proud of the history of the United States of America since the 1940s.'' Which is strange to hear from the lips of a liberal, considering that their stranglehold on the culture of America began its ascendancy around that time, sprouting inward from the east and west coasts.
But we know what Mr. Daly really means. He means he's not proud of the U.S. military's history during and after the Cold War when, thanks to the indomitable spirit of her fighting men and women and the determination of a few Commanders in Chief, millions of human beings were delivered from the bondage of Communism and totalitarianism.
Eight of Mr. Daly's eleven colleagues concurred with his opinion. Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said quizzically, "If I was going to commit any kind of money in recognition of war, then it should be toward peace, given what our war is in Iraq right now."
Sadly, Mr. Mirkarimi, like most leftists, fails to realize that with tyrants and terrorists, peace is often only the result of victorious war. This lesson should have been obvious to students of WWII in particular, and ships like the USS Iowa should be venerated as illustrations of that fact.
Only six years (web site) ago, the city seemed ready to accept the Iowa as a tribute to its long national service and as a floating tourist attraction. Even anti-war (web site) congresswoman Lynn Woolsey was ready to welcome the 'Big Stick': "Unless there is some unforeseen circumstance...San Francisco will soon have a new museum dedicated to those who served in our Navy."
So what caused the shift in opinion? Could it be that the "unforeseen circumstance" that's driven a wedge between troop-loving liberals and the supposed object of that affection is that the military has actually been called by its Congress and commander to the purpose for which it exists?
It is an absurdity to say that you can support our soldiers but not the military they make up; that you can support the troops if you don't support the mission. Soldiers fight wars and battles, that's what they now volunteer to do. And they do it for all of us, without regard to political affiliation.
In a city celebrated for its tolerance, you'd think that a portion of that compassion might be summoned up for those who love and respect the heritage of this country and most importantly, for those who defended it.
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Lisa Fabrizio is a columnist who hails from Connecticut. You may write her at mailbox@lisafab.com.
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
That IS the San Fran peace symbol...or at least a very revered symbol there...and that way...they could see their favorite object on display everyday, allowing them to see a more postitive, sexually free, anything goes, everything should be tolerated (except rememberances of the wars brave Americans fought to allow these creeps to spew their venom) America.
The USS IOWA should NEVER be doomed to a location where the elite there believe she is an object that reminds them of a big, bad America at war.
I am revolted by these jerks.
Comeon! The guy lives in San Francisco! Next to Berkley you are in the American Hell-hole of Calcutta!
I WANT ONE OF THOSE!
FYI..the author is Freeperette LisaFab...
I was in Hawaii this past Christmas. At Pearl, the tour is now better than ever. Not only do you tour the Arizona Memorial, but they have a small sub which you can tour and the Mighty Mo. The grandkids loved it! Any warship is too good for San Fran.
Zero in on city hall!
Big deal. If they don't want her, then let her find a better home.
For years, those on the far left have repeatedly maintained that they support the U.S. military while, in reality, they oppose nearly every incidence of its deployment.
Soldiers fight wars and battles, that's what they now volunteer to do. And they do it for all of us, without regard to political affiliation.
A truly awesome sight!
Meaning, this vote is a typical petty slap by the Left at President Bush. If John Kerry had won the election, the Board of Supervisors would be happy to approve the Iowa - and the tourist dollars that will come with it.
Never underestimate a Leftist's ability to cut his own throat when swinging a knife at you. ;)
For years, those on the far left have repeatedly maintained that they support the U.S. military while, in reality, they oppose nearly every incidence of its deployment. Now it seems their animosity is not just reserved for our most recent forays, but apparently the Iraq War has soured them retrospectively on earlier battles for freedom.
No greater proof of this is there than the recent debacle involving the Board of Governors of liberal bastion San Francisco and its rejection (web site) of the retired WWII battleship, USS Iowa. Though some seek to frame this as a military gay-rights (web site) issue, the primary objections are clear.
These people are not patriots. They are not people who just disagree on how to keep America safe.
They are quislings, bent on our distruction as surely as the guys who are shooting at our war fighters and trying to blow us up.
Everything else is just details.
You had just mentioned that part in the post preceding mine.
I merely documented your statement -- and pointed out exactly why the Iowa might still be a sore subject with many San Franciscans.
One can only surmise that their "tolerance" doesn't extend to forgiving people who had already apologized...or tolerating inanimate objects that remind them of a "special and personal" unpleasantness.
IMHO, it was not the Iowa's warrior status that offended the San Francisco "community" -- it was because it was the scene of an (unforgivable) assault on the lascivious "lifestyle" that is the center of their existence. And, before you ask: No, I am not tolerant of those who would intrude their perverted immorality into our lives -- even to the extent of publicly dishonoring an Americon icon of heroism.
Of course, that makes me definitely not "wideminded"...
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