A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...Not in Allah's name

johnhuang2,dutchess,billie | Johnhuang2

[dutchess]

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

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

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.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

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We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_bear, dutchess, Aquamarine,

Not in Allah's name

by JohnHuang2

The images were spine-chilling, horrific. The gruesome scenes of prisoner abuse and humiliation were beyond the pale. Detainees, handcuffed to cell doors, were left naked in chilly lockups in isolation for long stretches at a time. Former inmates say molestation and other sadistic misdeeds, far from aberrations, were routine at notorious Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad.

The news sent shock-waves across the world. Pardon me? It didn't send shock-waves? Not even a teensy-weensy itty-bitty shock-wave? Not even at CNN? Oh wait -- you're right. No shockwaves -- that was Abu Ghraib under Saddam and his henchmen pre-invasion.

But now with the Yanks in charge, news of abuse of Saddam's henchmen did send shock-waves across CNN. Sure these inmates may have tortured and maimed thousands, sure they're rapists and thugs, but it's not like they're guilty of working for Halliburton.

Outrage and shock was not limited to CNN either. The Arab Street, still celebrating the 9/11 attacks, suspended celebrations long enough to express outrage -- outrage that these abuses were not inflicted in the name of Allah. The problem isn't abuse of prisoners per se, but that torturers and terrorists were being "tortured" and "terrorized" by Infidels and Crusaders, and not Islamists. These abuses violate the sanctity of Islamic abuses. And give torture a bad name, say torturers. Instead of Saddam's state-of-the-art testicle-crushers and dismemberment gear, readily at their disposal at Abu Ghraib, the prison guards opted for fraternity rituals. (Prisoners were handcuffed, kept in isolation cells naked, and prevented from making phone calls to Mark Geragos).

Arab newspapers, which accuse the Great Satan of wanting to mutilate every Arab on the planet, expressed shock that the Great Satan had not treated Saddam's Arab henchmen humanely, as Arab newspapers had expected. It's one thing to gas and rape Kurdish women and children by the thousands, but humiliate the gassers and rapists? (CNN has provided few details on the gassing and raping of Kurds under Saddam). Arab intellectuals say the fact that Coalition soldiers took prisoners, rather than burn and hang their remains from a bridge in Fallujah, shows just how brutal Coalition soldiers can be. (No word yet on whether senior terrorist officials will probe the murder and mutilation of four U.S. contractors). Commentators at Al-Jazeera call the prison photos nothing more than humiliation of Arabs by occupiers who win only by brute force. Commentators at Al-Jazeera also call the U.S. "retreat" at Fallujah nothing more than humiliation for occupiers who don't have the stomach to use brute force -- just like Osama told us!

U.S. Democrats, who claim servicemen had "personally raped, cut off ears" and mutilated every civilian in Vietnam (see Kerry), expressed shock that servicemen at Abu Ghraib had not treated inmates humanely, as they had expected. (It's not like these inmates were Branch Davidians or anything like that). Democrats decried the abuses as on a scale unique in human history. Democrats also asserted the abuses were not unique but widespread in the military. (There are no reports that guards had personally raped, cut off ears or mutilated any prisoner. Which means these guards won't be running for the Democrat presidential nomination or for Senate in Massachusetts). Newspaper editorials said sexual abuse and humiliation is not the way we do things in America. Michael Jackson begged to differ.

Ominously, the prison controversy dangerously threatens U.S. efforts to contain growing anti-U.S. fervor among . . . U.S. Democrats.

Even groups which don't normally get distracted by human rights were outraged. Like human rights groups. Amnesty International has called for an "independent and public inquiry" headed up by Janet Reno.

Photos of U.S. soldiers abusing prisoners loyal to Saddam appeared on the front page of Iraqi newspapers everywhere, raising fear among experts of a national uprising -- a push to bring back Saddam and the good 'ol days of acid baths, ax-beatings, amputations, cannibalism, rape and electric shock. Reaction to the photos on the Iraqi street has been so intense, that nothing happened. There were warnings that nothing would continue to happen. In fact, angry street demonstrations are a total No-Show -- just like Teresa's tax returns.

(Attention residents of Palm Beach County: None of this is to excuse what these soldiers at Abu Ghraib have done. Their conduct was clearly wrong and taints unfairly the 99.99% of decent uniformed men and women who follow the rules and who are now in greater danger. Justice will -- and is -- being meted out against the perpetrators. That's what separates us from the bad guys. In the stinking rat-hole Saddam ran for 25 years, the perps at Abu Ghraib would be rewarded. That said, the hypocrisy oozing from U.S. media and Arab capitals is so thick, it reminds me of Kerry's hair).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote the following about a year ago, during the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom, days before the fall of Baghdad. The purpose was to honor our fighting men and women, America's Finest. I repost it here to remind those who, perhaps fazed by the media smear job against our troops currently underway, may have forgotten what our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen are truly made of:

What Our Fighting Men and  Women Are Really All About

by JohnHuang2, April 2, 2003

For the New York Times, which has fed America a steady diet of defeatist news about the war, the news of Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch's daring rescue from captivity was not exactly welcome news.

"Coalition forces have conducted a successful rescue mission," CENTCOM's Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks announced Tuesday night. "The soldier has been returned to a coalition-controlled area."

Heroism.

Our men and women in uniform embody it. Every one of them.

They're America's finest.

Mettle, courage, sacrifice -- for U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, these are defining traits, not just words.

They live by them. Defending freedom isn't just a job. It's who they are. Patriotism, loyalty, devotion -- these are things they personify.

In combat, through fire and water, they boldly march up and look death in the face defiantly, again and again.

Unflinching and dauntless, against even the terrible perils of battle, our fighting men and women selflessly risk all, a glaring reminder that freedom isn't free.

Many paid the ultimate sacrifice for liberties we enjoy.

On a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, the tombs of 9,000 U.S. soldiers, killed during the D-Day Allied advance almost 50 years ago, is testament to the price of freedom, a cost real men were willing to pay.

Today, across Iraq, untold acts of valor and courage, too many to mention, help free millions from the clutches of brutal tyranny, Saddam Hussein's.

America's finest are at it again.

We hear and read a lot about the fearsome power of B-2 bombers rumbling in the skies over Baghdad, the technical marvel of M-1 Abrams tanks pounding Iraq's best fighters to pulp, the mind-numbing accuracy of precision-guided Tomahawk cruise missiles. But the deadliest, most lethal fighting force in history is more than just tanks and planes and missiles and bullets.

Our military might is about men, not metal. It's about people not plans.

Gallantry, spirit and valor -- not blueprints -- are what win wars in the real world.

Perseverance and fortitude -- not timetables and expectations -- decides success on the field of battle.

But our military is more than that.

Take this AP wire story by Chris Tomlinson about a 32-year-old Army Ranger and his men:

"'We've got to get her off that bridge,' he said. Capt. Chris Carter winced at the risks his men would have to take. Engaged in a lightning-fast raid for this Euphrates River town, they were battling for a bridge when -- through the smoke -- they saw the elderly woman.

"She had tried to race across the bridge when the Americans arrived, but was caught in the crossfire.

"At first, peering through their rifle scopes, they thought she was dead, like the man sprawled in the dust nearby. But then, during breaks in the gunfire that whizzed over her head, she sat up and waved for help.

"Carter...ordered his Bradley armored vehicle to pull forward while he and two men ran behind it. They took cover behind the bridge's iron beams.

"Carter tossed a smoke grenade for more cover and approached the woman, who was crying and pointing toward a wound on her hip. She wore the black chador, common among older women in the countryside. The blood soaked through the fabric, streaking the pavement around her.

"Medics placed the woman on a stretcher and into an ambulance; Carter stood by, providing cover with his M16A4 rifle. Then she was gone, and Monday's battle for this town of 80,000, 50 miles south of Baghdad, raged on." Amazing, isn't it? Risking it all to save the life of an elderly woman the Captain and his men had never met, in the midst of battle, amid deadly danger.

But Capt. Carter's isn't just an isolated case.

The mercy and heroism, courage and compassion exemplified in his story is what our fighting and men and women are all about.

God bless our President, God bless our troops, God bless the United States of America!

Anyway, that's

My two cents...

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 05-03-04...Military Monday 05-04-04...Tuesday Welcome 05-05-04...Celebrate Living #5

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

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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[Texagirl4W]

What a darling picture. Very good essay by John.

One more day to the weekend. I've had a terrific Thursday and am looking forward to a fantastic Friday. ((( all )))

[MEG33]

Thank you for perspective.I really appreciate this recognition of the great sacrifice and honor of our armed forces.

[LadyX]

Little bit of "Shock and Awe" involved in your essay today, JH, so I'll suspend my usual 'Dear John' Letter accordingly - -

We are indeed the victims of the wars being waged by a world wide group we label 'terrorists' - and a more sinister one within our nation, steadily eroding our beloved Republic.

We are assaulted daily by our liberal hydra types, who like the mythical monster, if you cut off one of its nine heads, two regenerate from each one.

Riding the emotional roller coaster, reading through the essay and initial replies, one is thankfully brought back to center by our Finest Family!

Dismay is voiced, followed by The Mayor's much appreciated Daily Bread; aptly today with the answer to it all, admonishing us to stand on faith.

Brother Dave then eloquently stresses we must pray our way through this and all other adversities - - pray for every aspect, and then pray again and again.

Thank you, Billie, for this oasis of sanity in the midst of the storms - thank you, John, for keeping us in focus - and thanks be to all our Finest regulars and visitors who with their contributions make our lives more tolerable.

[dutchess]

Just getting home from work....so good to see you here dansy. Miss your "smiling" hugs (okay....no such thing as a smiling hug...but hugs do make us smile!)

((((((dansy)))))))

Did you catch towards the end of yesterday's thread...Hug an angel????? That was for you sweet sistah!

[dutchess]

Hi Maggie. Very good points you made today. Especially this:

Thank you, Billie, for this oasis of sanity in the midst of the storms - thank you, John, for keeping us in focus - and thanks be to all our Finest regulars and visitors who with their contributions make our lives more tolerable.

The only thing to add is Amen.

[dutchess]

Meg33. Thanks for stopping in.

Long Cut...Billie posted a link here to the Prisoner abuse thread with a heads up to your excellent post and what followed! A voice of reason among insanity. Thank you...

[dutchess]

One more day to the weekend

YES!!!!!!!

[dutchess]

(((((((wolfie brotha louie)))))))

[dutchess]

Old Sarge...thanks for posting the wonderful poem here. Between that and the picture...I'm tearing up!

[dutchess]

I was so impressed with John's essay today and was very proud to be able to add the pictures of our fine military men and women.

[dutchess]

Hi SheLion. Good to see you. Don't be a stranger.

[dutchess]

Thanks Rus...and thanks for the poignant reminder of September 11th....(and everything else you do here)

[dutchess]

Will make sure your 2 nephews are added. Thanks for you service to our country.

[dutchess]

Hi gail.

This is one very moving photo. I hope she gets it blown up and framed.

I heard the father interviewed numerous times today (before reading the article) I'm sure she has it framed already.

[dutchess]

Thanks for stopping by Alouette. I'm embarrassed to say when I added your son to my military prayer list I could not think what IDF stood for. (acronyms can be frustrating sometimes :o) ) God bless your son and prayers for his safety.

[dutchess]

But let's go back to post number 3. Look at all those young men and women listed. Stay Prayed Up. When you see our President or read about him, Stay Prayed Up. When you see our nation's flag, Stay Prayed Up. We may be in for some real Spiritual Warfare in this country - Stay Prayed Up.

A wonderful way of looking at things (and praying) Thank you.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"It is a fact that in the entire Vietnam War we did not lose one major battle.
We lost the war at home and at home John Kerry was the field general"
- Bob Elder, Swift Boat Veteran For Truth

"I do not believe John Kerry is fit to be commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces,"
said retired Rear Adm. Roy Hoffmann, chairman of the organization.
"This is not a political issue. It is a matter of honesty."

Hanoi Kerry at his "moment of glory."
What a piece of ******
The media WILL NOT mention this book.
I will!
The cover is a insult to Iwo Jima vets,
then it gets worse towards Viet Nam vets.
I was there the same time Hanoi Kerry was.
I served on the destroyer USS Corry DD-817 which supplied Swift Boats (PBR's)
and gave gunfire support in North AND South Viet Nam.
My ship may have even supplied Hanoi Kerry's boat.
I VOW I will do everything I LEGALLY can
to keep this traitor from being elected.
I owe it to those who gave their all.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

040503-N-2341H-002 San Diego, Calif. (May 3, 2004) - Adm. Walter Doran, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presented the officers and Sailors of the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) the 2003 Spokane Trophy award. Princeton was awarded the trophy after displaying overall excellence in surface ship combat system readiness and warfare operations during work-ups and missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The actual Spokane Trophy is made of 400 ounces of silver and is valued at $4 million. U.S. Navy Photo. (RELEASED)

040504-N-6236G-001 Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2004) - Cover art for the new book "Afterburner: Naval Aviators and the Vietnam War," by Naval Historical Center historian Dr. John D. Sherwood. Focusing on the critical end game of the war, it explores the post-1968 air battles by looking closely at the backgrounds and experiences of interviewed Navy and Marine Corps pilots. U.S. Navy Photo (RELEASED)

040501-N-9851B-003 Atlantic Coast (May 1, 2004) - An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Eight (HC-8), flies between USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammunition ship USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34) carrying a load of bombs, while conducting a vertical replenishment (VERTREP). This is a digital composite of several images to produce a panoramic view of the operation. Truman is currently undergoing a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the Atlantic coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman. (RELEASED)

[Aquamarine]

Very well written once again John. Guess our military prison guards ought to give their Iraqi prisoner's a new thin screen TV the way they just gave to the American prisoner's in our prison system at home. /sarcasm

You did a fantastic job on illustrating this one Dutchess, very good job on honoring our Troops.

[Long Cut]

Hi, Dutchess! I've got a new name for your list...my buddy, cjk, signed on a couple of weeks ago. We were squadronmates here in VP-10, and he just transferred to VP-30 in Jacksonville to be an Instructor. !He's an all-aroung good guy, and he and I do the same job. It seems the AW rate is invading FR (at least, as many as I can bring in!)