USO Canteen FReeper Style...Salutes One of Our Own....June 25,2002

LOL! I'm just an early riser, Bahbah.

Wow, JH2! One of your best ever, imho..........

Another 4-bagger for John Mark McGuire Huang2 !

Ultimatum from the Rose Garden
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/705519/posts

[This is his full commentary. To excerpt this would be a felony, imho! lol!]

This wasn't a Presidential statement on Mideast policy as much as a bill of indictment of Arafat and co.

Like a prosecutor, the President methodically laid out the case against Arafat in his long-awaited address from the Rose Garden yesterday.

He charged the Palestinian Authority (which Arafat directs) with aiding and abetting terrorism, pilfering the treasury, corruption, despotism, graft, misgovernment and other systematic, egregious abuses. While not mentioning Arafat by name -- he didn't need to -- the President denounced the P.A. as exploiters and manipulators -- for using the "Palestinian" people as pawns in a game of subterfuge, of endless deception.

"Today, Palestinian authorities are encouraging, not opposing terrorism", charged the President.

That being the case, nothing in the President's blueprint remotely envisions a role for Arafat nor the current Palestinian Authority in this 'provisional', "Palestinian" entity.

Indeed, the President explicitly called on 'Palestinians' to give Arafat & accomplices the boot -- at the ballot box.

"Peace requires a new and different Palestinian leadership", he observed, "so that a Palestinian state can be born. I call on the Palestinian people to elect new leaders, leaders not compromised by terror."

The President wasn't calling for elections merely as a goal in itself, but elections as part of new arrangement, borne of reform encompassing the spectrum of civic and political institutions. And if Arafat is "elected", what then? All bets would be off. The call is for new leadership, regime change.

"A Palestinian state will never be created by terror. It will be built through reform. And reform must be more than cosmetic change or a veiled attempt to preserve the status quo. True reform will require entirely new political and economic institutions based on democracy, market economics and action against terrorism".

In essence, the President threw the ball back in the 'Palestinians'' court. He turned the tables, reframing the issue entirely.

You want a state? Behave like civilized folks, then. States aren't created by presidential fiat, nor executive orders from Washington. Nor are they given away on demand: Don't expect a handout. Grow up.

Physician, reform thyself.

Those hoping for a Bush sell-out of Israel were bitterly disappointed. The media and the Democrats were champing at the bit, savoring the chance to pounce on the President as a milksop, a coward, a liar -- a double-crossing, double-dealing weakling pantywaist shivering before Arafat, Big Oil, the "Arab world."

Imagine the torrent of Democrat fundraising letters to Jewish Americans: 'Dumbya sold Israel down the river, just like his daddy! This Smirking Chimp must be stopped! But who's going to stop him? We, the Democrats, that's who! So empty your wallet and send us money, now! Oh -- and vote Democrat in November, too!'

After yesterday's speech, no-one will buy it.

Instead, the President was firm, determined, resolute -- and unflinching. No attempt to draw moral equivalence, either. To Bush, there isn't any. Israel is locked in a struggle for its very survival; no-one knows this better than President Bush.

Even as IDF tanks surrounded Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah, Bush reiterated steadfast support for Israeli self-defense.

"I can understand the deep anger and anguish of the Israeli people. You've lived too long with fear and funerals...The Palestinian Authority has rejected your offered hand and trafficked with terrorists. You have a right to a normal life. You have a right to security. And I deeply believe that you need a reformed, responsible Palestinian partner to achieve that security."

On Israel, Bush has never wavered, never faltered, never failed. His support is staunch, tenacious, uncompromising.

Yes, he called on Israel to halt new settlements, but not their elimination -- a key 'Palestinian' demand.

Yes, he asked that Israel "release frozen Palestinian revenues", but only into "honest, accountable hands" -- i.e., after financial reforms are in place, under close international supervision.

Yes, he asked that "freedom of movement" for 'Palestinians' "be restored", but only if and when "violence subsides".

And, yes, the President did ask for Israeli withdrawal, but not -- Repeat: Not -- to pre-'67 borders -- another key Arab demand. A retreat to Israeli positions "held prior to Sept. 28, 2000" would be suffice.

To Arafat et al, that's a slap in the face.

Moreover, Bush challenged the "Arab world" to get off their duffs, to get with the program.

"Every leader actually committed to peace will end incitement to violence in official media and publically denounce homicide bombings. Every nation actually committed to peace will stop the flow of money, equipment and recruits to terrorist groups seeking the destruction of Israel, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah."

So, let's recap:

1) The President expressed support for a provisional, "Palestinian" state, but support was very conditional: "Palestinians" would need to surmount gazillions of hurdles to achieve it.
2) And only after rigorous 'final status', negotiations by immediate parties, to boot.
3) All "demands" on Israel were merely reciprocal -- corresponding to progress/reform on the "Palestinian" side.

So what's the point of this exercise? Why would the President waste time with something this unachievable?

In a word, Iraq. Toppling Saddam and preventing a nuclear 9/11 -- that's what the President's attention is focused on. Arafat is a terrorist, no question about it, but Saddam Hussein poses a far greater threat to U.S. security. To Bush, there are bigger fish to fry than Arafat.

And fry he will.

Bush's Rose Garden statement allows him to 'back-burner' the Mideast -- get it 'off the table', as he shines the spotlight back on Iraq.

Bottom line: El hombre de Tejas has out-flanked his enemies, yet again.

Anyway, that's...

My two cents....

"JohnHuang2"

CONGRATS LadyX! Let me know if you ever want to visit Quantico.

this was making the rounds via email and I think it's a fitting USMC Tribute

So you want to be in the military now?!?! Now I know that the current affairs of our great nation have many of you civilians up in arms and excited to join my military. Even though your intentions are well, and you might very possibly make it into the service, there are some things that we need to clear up/get straight first before we even consider you.

1) Next time you see someone (an adult) talking during the playing/singing of the National Anthem.....kick their a$$.

2) When you witness firsthand someone burning my American Flag in protest...kick their a$$. If you see this on television, as many of us have, you are simply required to have a deep burning suddenly arise inside of you....then go and kick their a$$. Our Fore-Fathers didn't intend freedom of speech to be the "get out of jail free" card for an act of a traitor.

3) Regardless of the rank they maintained while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all Veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these Veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these Veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while the Veteran kicks their a$$.

4) If you are not in the military, DO NOT pretend that you are. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDU's), telling others that you used to be "Special Forces", and collecting GI.Joe memorabilia might have been ok if you were still seven, but now it will only get your a$$ kicked.
(Veterans are exempt from this rule)

5) If you witness someone calling an enlisted Marine "Sir", stand back.....the Marine will kick their a$$.

6) Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them "Do you fly a jet?" You are ignorant if you ask this. A Marine will be called to kick your a$$. (children are exempt)

7) Roseanne Bar's singing of the National Anthem is not a blooper....it was a disgrace and disrespectful. Laugh and sooner or later, your a$$ will be kicked.

8) Next time Old Glory prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her and the military member or Veteran lucky enough to carry her. (Your stupid funnel cake will forgive you if you stand for 5 minutes with your hand over your heart. You might as well be throwing the funnel cake at the flag if you don't stand.....of course, either will earn you a severe a$$ kicking.)

9) What Jane Fonda did about Vietnam makes her the enemy....hate her or else. (a$$ will be kicked)

10) Don't try to discuss politics to a military member. We might vote as separate parties, but that doesn't mean we don't all bleed the same. We are, simply put, Americans. Our military Chain of Command, to include our Commander in Chief...the President...(for those who didn't know) is all that we acknowledge. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those "representatives" meet. The military member might direct you to a veteran. I can see him kicking your a$$ already.

11) "Your mama wears combat boots" never made sense to me....stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely kick you in the a$$ with them!

12) Bin Laden and the Taliban are not communists. So stop saying, "Let's go kill those Commies!!!" And stop asking us where he is!!!! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me......if you see anyone calling those stupid psychic phone numbers, let me know, so I can kick their a$$.

13) Last but not least, whether or not you become a member of my military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas that you enjoy with family and friends, there are thousands of troops overseas longing for just a taste of homemade pumpkin pie, fresh eggnog and turkey. And wanting for just one hug on a Christmas morning from a loved one. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they are making every day.

Without them, our country would get its a$$ kicked.

Semper Fi!

Dear Friend Bunny Girl,

You perhaps have some idea how I felt when I logged on and headed straight for the Canteen, as is my habit, 'First Cup of Coffee' secure in its little warmer at my side.

I am so very honored by your thoughtfulness - and that of others - who remembered my 50th anniversary of being sworn into The Corps.

Thank you all for celebrating it with me.
Yes - I'd do it all over in a heartbeat!
The opportunity to do something for America and live one's ideals is a privilege, especially during a period of war.

Even in a support role, instructing women recruits in classroom subjects in their Basic Training played a role in the larger scheme of things.
We then, in the Corps, freed men to go to combat in Korea.

May we always be so blessed that AMERICA CONTINUES TO SURVIVE, and although stumbles and grumbles like a very big family, we land upon our feet and get the job done when push comes to shove.

Thank you, USO Family, for sharing this day and making our military men and women and their families KNOW they are loved and appreciated.

50 years? That's GREAT!

Here is something that kinda goes along with the 50 theme:

From the 50's
Thought you all might enjoy this one.

Were you a kid in the Fifties or earlier? Everybody makes fun of our
childhood!

Comedians joke. Grandkids snicker. Twenty-somethings shudderand say
"Eeeew!" But was our childhood really all that bad? Judge for yourself:

In 1953 The US population was less than 150 million... Yet you knew
more people then, and knew them better... And that was good.

The average annual salary was under $3,000... Yet our parents could put
some of it away for a rainy day and still live a decent life... And that was good.

A loaf of bread cost about 15 cents... But it was safe for a
five-year-old to skate to the store and buy one... And that was good.

Prime-Time meant I Love Lucy, Ozzie and Harriett, Gunsmoke and
Lassie...

So nobody's ever heard of ratings or filters... And that was good.

We didn't have air-conditioning... So the windows stayed up and half a
dozen mothers ran outside when you fell off your bike... And that was good.

Your teacher was either Miss Matthews or Mrs. Logan or Mr. Adkins...
But not Ms Becky or Mr. Dan...And that was good.

The only hazardous material you knew about... Was a patch of
grassburrs around the light pole at the corner... And that was good.

Most families needed only one job... Meaning Mom was home when school
let out... And that was good.

You loved to climb into a fresh bed... Because sheets were dried on
the clothesline... And that was good.

People generally lived in the same hometown with their relatives... So
"child care" meant grandparents or aunts and uncles... And that was good.

Parents were respected and their rules were law.... Children did not
talk back..... and that was good.

TV was in black-and-white... But all outdoors was in glorious color....
And that was certainly good.
Your Dad knew how to adjust everybody's carburetor... And the Dad next
door knew how to adjust all the TV knobs... And that was very good.

Your grandma grew snap beans in the back yard... And chickens behind
the garage... And that was definitely good.

And just when you were about to do something really bad... Chances
were you'd run into your Dad's high school coach... Or the nosy old lady
from up the street... Or your little sister's piano teacher... Or somebody
from church... ALL of whom knew your parents' phone number... And YOUR
first name...

And even THAT was good! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THANK GOD AND DELTA
with apologises to Roy Clark

I've made a good life here, and you belittle it all.
You've shamed me till I feel about one inch tall.
But I thought I knew you, and I hoped you would change,
so I gritted my teeth and didn't complain.

Now you've come to me with a simple goodbye.
You tell me you're leaving, and I don't care why.
We're here at the airport and you're getting on.
And all I can think of is.........

Thank God and Delta you're gone!

Thank God and Delta you're gone!
I didn't know how much longer I could go on,
watching you take the respect out of me,
watching you make a total wreck out of me.
Those big jet engines are playing my song.

Thank God and Delta you're gone!

Thank God and Delta you're gone!
That load on my mind got lighter when you got on.
That shiney old jet is a beautiful sight,
with the black smoke rolling up around the wing lights.
It may sound kinda cruel, but I've been silent too long:

Thank God and Delta you're gone!

FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!

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