Essay Of The Day, "I'm Tired"...

The years teach much which the days never knew.
~~~~~Ralph Waldo Emerson


I received the following essay via email from Gunnar. Checking on Snopes led to nothing being found with the keywords I chose. Thankfully, I found through google search that Robert A. Hall is indeed a former Marine who has served five terms in the Massachusetts Senate. He also has a blog and is linked to another called American Chronicles. Interesting reads there on both of them.

But I digress... Please read his thoughts below and perhaps you will concur as I did.

I'm Tired...

Robert A. Hall, MEd, CAE

March 16, 2009


I´ll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I´ve worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven´t called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn´t inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there´s no retirement in sight, and I´m tired. Very tired.

I´m tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth around" to people who don´t have my work ethic. I´m tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I´m tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I´m willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them—with their own money.

I´m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women´s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won´t multiculturalism be beautiful?

I´m tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor;" of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren´t "believers;" of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery;" of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur´an and Shari´a law tells them to.

I believe "a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin." I´m tired of being told that "race doesn´t matter" in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it´s all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it´s very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I´m tired of a news media that thinks Bush´s fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama´s, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush´s military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn´t vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I´m tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I´m tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore´s, and if you´re greener than Gore, you´re green enough.

I´m tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don´t think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I´m tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I´m tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren´t working, but are living on welfare or crime. What´s next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I´m not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it´s been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I´m willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn´t have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I´m tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years—and still are? Not even close. So here´s the deal. I´ll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we´ll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I´m tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers—bums are bi-partisan. And I´m tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama´s cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I´m tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I´m tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I´m tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn´t have that in 1970, but we didn´t know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I´m real tired of people who don´t take responsibility for their lives and actions. I´m tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I´m damn tired. But I´m also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I´m not going to get to see the world these people are making. I´m just sorry for my granddaughter.

~~~~~

So do you? Do you think Mr. Hall has hit it right on the nose? I believe that at least one reader will agree with his words. 'Course, that one reader might be the elder sister; O'Wise One.




And so it goes......

Foggy Morning Breakdown...

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
~~~~~Victor Hugo



I woke up to another fine foggy morning here in the river valley. That in itself isn't unusual. Rivers produce fog when the nights cool the air and water flowing upstream. Didn't you know that the Licking River flows north? Yeah, me neither till I moved to this particular area oh so many years ago. If I'm not mistaken, there are only two rivers in the world that flow northward. The Nile being the other one. Pretty cool, huh?

I did do something slightly silly last night after I completed the tasks at the paycheck place. I left my front door standing wide open all night long. How silly of me, yes? It's not been the first time, nor more than probably won't be the last. Reckon I feel safe enough to not let it bother me. We're sorta like that in the country, don't ya know?

Anyways, after watching the rising sun fighting to break free of the mist filled fog, it brought to mind the music of the same title... Foggy Morning Breakdown. Talk about some fine banjo pickin', now that is one fine piece of music. Of course, thinking 'bout it led me to search YouTube. I've spent the latter part of the hour listening to different bluegrass music. I think I found a rendition of Earl Scruggs and friends performing one of his best. I mean, who can listen to this and not start their toes a tapping? Try it and see if you can stop yourself... Bet you can't!







And so it goes......

Michael Yon And Hurray For Our Heroes...

Waste not the smallest thing created, for grains of sand make mountains, and atomies infinity. Waste not the smallest time in imbecile infirmity, for well thou knowest that seconds form eternity.
~~~~~E. Knight


I've been a reader of Michael Yon's reports for some time. In case you don't know who Michael Yon is, I suggest you google his name. He's an independent journalist who travels to the hot spots of the world where 'Our Guys' are fighting for the underdog. Now, He's embedded with the British forces in the Helmand district of Afghanistan where they have been taking fire from the bad guys.

In his latest dispatch, he begs the question... "Do Americans care about British Soldiers?" He relates a story of one injured soldier and the efforts of the combined joint staff to insure that this soldier receive life saving medical care. He also reports how sending one tiny email titled "Calling all Angels" that once again, show the efforts of Soldiers' Angel Germany to answer the call to take care of the men and women encompasses all soldiers, not just American soldiers.

After reading Michael's report, I came across the following video on YouTube. It highlights and pays tribute to the 2nd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. A British Regiment of Soldiers who are taking the fight to the Taliban and putting a hurtin' on them...






Please go read Michael's reports and then visit Mary Ann over at Soldier's Angels Germany. Both are doing a huge part in this war, Michael by reporting the true happenings of the 'boots on the ground' guys, and Mary Ann, the Angel who does so much to take care of those injured on the war fronts.


I'm adding my "Hurray for our Heroes!!" Every last one of them, regardless of country of origin.




And so it goes......

Bringing A Smile To The Children...

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
~~~~~Author Unknown






How sweet is that? To see the children of Iraq and Afghanistan smile at 'Our Guys' must be an awesome thing for them to experience. There have been so many who have shown those children that there are others around the world who care for them and want to help make their lives better. If watching this brought a smile to your face, imagine how it made the men and women who were there feel.

Simply amazing, yes?



And so it goes......

His Son, Mike...*Note*

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.
~~~~~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.


No words can express how reading this makes me feel.

Mudville Gazette has re-posted a beautiful letter written in 2005 to honor the memory of a Hero; Sgt. Mike Stokely.

Please go read about Mike in a email from his dad, Robert.

Robert Stokely originally wrote the letter just four months after the death of his son, a touching tribute to the Hero that he raised and then had to bury.

Take the tissues with you, you're going to need them.

I can't fathom the strength required to endure such a tragedy. It's no wonder why Mike was such a wonderful young man and dedicated soldier with parents such as his.

No, Robert, your son is a hero not just in your eyes but in the eyes of America. Forever.


*Note* Brat has a beautiful tribute to Sgt. Mike Stokely. Please go visit and leave a comment for Mike's family. As she has written...ALWAYS REMEMBER.



And so it goes......

Saturday Silliness...

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.
~~~~~A.A. Milne



Boy Howdy!! Friday slipped by me without the funnies being posted. Yep, I've been neglectful of late. Sometimes that's the way life is. You have to prioritize what has to be done. Sadly, these last few weeks, sleeping became my number one priority. Now it's time once again for me to change my circadian rhythm as I return to daylight work hours. As you can imagine, I'm so confused or at least my body is...

One of the things I've found that helps keep me on an even keel is laughter. I mean, don't we have enough stress in our days that drain the smiles from our faces? Amongst the many emails from family and friends are little gems designed to bring the smiles back out, and a belly laugh to create the endorphins that we so need.

Here are a few that tickled my funny bone. Yep, you might consider them weird, but dontcha know I've been called that before?


Airplane Humor

The in-flight "safety lecture" and pre-flight announcements on airplanes are sometimes spiced up a bit at some airlines. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
~~~~~

"On landing,

"There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."

"Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

"After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as heck everything has shifted."
~~~~~

From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."

"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."

Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."

"Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."

"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
~~~~~

Those Darn Farmers

After three crop failures in a row farmer Jones could not pay his loan at the bank. "Give me one more chance he pleaded. Don't take my farm, we'll be broke and homeless."

The bank manager comes up with an idea. "OK, one more chance but not with crops. No one fails at pig farming so we'll finance the purchase of five sows to start you off. Your neighbor down the road has a boar pig and you'll have to take your sows to him so the boar can service them. In a few months you should have a bunch of little piglets all ready for market.

Farmer Jones collects the five sows, loads them into his pickup truck, drives to his neighbor and unloads the five sows into the boar's pen. They then go back to the farm house and have a couple of beers.

When enough time has passed they go back to the boar's pen and load five happy sows into the pickup. Farmer Jones asks, "What if it didn't take?"

"That never happens with my boar," replies the neighbor.

"But how can I tell for sure?"

"Look, tomorrow morning observe your sows. If they're rolling in the mud, it took, if they're on the grass, call me."

The following morning farmer Jones observed his sows strolling on the grass. He calls his neighbor who instructs him to bring them back. He rounds them up, loads them into the pickup and drives to the boar's pen where the whole process is repeated.

Unlucky farmer Jones has to load them in the pickup and take them back four times. On the fifth morning he is so worried he can't look. He stalls for half an hour then asks his wife to look. "I hope they're not on the grass, dear."

"Well they're not," says his wife.

"Oh finally, then they're rolling in the mud!" exclaimed the farmer.

"No..."

"Well what are those fool sows doing?

"Well, four are trying to climb into the pickup and the fifth managed to climb into the cab and is trying to honk the horn!!!"
~~~~~

Baseball in Heaven

Two ninety year old men, Moe and Sam, have been friends all their lives.
It seems that Sam is dying of cancer, and Moe comes to visit him daily.

"Sam" says Moe, "You know how we have both loved baseball all our lives, and how we played minor league ball together for so many years. Sam, you have to do me a favor. When you get to Heaven, and I know you will go to Heaven, somehow you've got to let me know if there's baseball in Heaven."

Sam looks up at Moe from his death bed, and says, "Moe, you've been my best friend for years... of course, I'll tell you."

And shortly after, Sam passes on.

It is midnight a couple of nights later, Moe is sound asleep when he is awakened by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calls out to him, "Moe..... Moe....."

"Who is it?" says Moe sitting up suddenly. "Who is it?"

"Moe, it's me, Sam."

"Come on. You're not Sam. Sam just died."

"I'm telling you, it's me, Sam!"

"Sam? Is that you? Where are you?"

"I'm in Heaven," says Sam, "and I've got to tell you, I've got good news and a little bad news."

"So, tell me the good news first," says Moe.

"The good news," says Sam "is that there is baseball in Heaven. Better yet, all our old buddies who've gone before us are there. Better yet, we're all young men again. Better yet, it's always spring time and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can baseball all we want, and we never get tired!"

"Really?" says Moe, "That's great, but what's the bad news?"

"Ahhh.... Moe, you're pitching next Tuesday."
~~~~~

I don't care who you are, them there jokes was funny!



And so it goes......

The Logic Behind Her Madness...

Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk.
~~~~~Joaquin de Setanti


I'm very late in getting this posted. But I was asked to wait until it was published at Family Security Matters. So I did. But in waiting, work nights drained my energy and the time I had to post as well as read.

Seriously, everyone needs to read what my friend has toiled over before hitting the publish button. That is, anyone who cares about America and the direction our leaders are wanting us to take. There are those who assume our politicians have our best interest at heart. But I'm not taking that to the bank just yet. It should make us all wonder why now all of a sudden, everything is a crisis. Wasn't that way when our former Presidents were in power, was it? So why now? Ros does bring up some rather salient points.

From the website Family Security Matters, an excerpt below...

Barack Obama: The Best Thing to Happen to America?

Ros Prynn

No, no! I really have NOT lost my mind. Bear with me. Barack Obama may just be the best thing to happen in a generation for a number of reasons. In the many years I have been watching American politics – from a distance – he has done more to engage, awaken the American people than any other president. Oh sure, when George W. Bush was in office, certain pockets of America were afflicted with Bush Derangement Syndrome, which perpetuated oft-repeated demonstrations and slogans: Bush Lied, They Died; or No War for Oil, blah blah, followed by “all in good fun and taste” posters that made any decent person cringe. Mostly though, while the fringe elements (aided and abetted by the mainstream media, of course,) were making asses of themselves, regular Americans were busy raising their families, earning a living, pretty much secure in the knowledge that America was safe from outside attacks.

...No, She isn't losing her mind... her words will reveal her logic. You have to go finish reading the rest of her thoughts. But in order to do that, you have to do the clicky click thing on the title above.

Go NOW! If you love America, You won't be sorry. In fact, I'd be willing to bet hard earned money you will agree with what Ros writes so eloquently.



And so it goes......

Join Me...

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!
~~~~~Author Unknown


For anyone who is familiar with those writers of the mil-blogs, you will already know that Blackfive is one of the best of the best. Matt, Uncle Jimbo, Laughing Wolf, Grim, Deebow, Mr.Wolf, and I'm sure that there are several others I've forgotten, have created a site that offer differing views on many things except for one. That one thing that everyone agrees upon is... Supporting the troops, no matter the branch, nor past, present or future affiliation.

Several days ago, Laughing Wolf had posted a request for a bit of help. Seems he is journeying to far off lands on vacation or something like that. One of his planned stops will be none other than the place where my favorite Soldiers' Angel; Mary Ann, resides. Yup, Germany.

Laughing Wolf, will be stopping in at Landstuhl for a good reason. He, being somewhat a gourmand, along with being an accomplished chef/cook has in place a plan to feed some of the wounded warriors who are at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Part of his meal plan centers on steak. Really good steak. The kind I'm sure those men and women who are recovering there, would just dearly love to sink their teeth into. Perhaps something like the one pictured below.


(I borrowed this from somewhere on the web, a picture of what looks to be a pepper encrusted hunk of red meat. Mmmm. Cooked to perfection from my point of view.)


Where do we come into play on this little feast you might ask? Well... I'm sure that the really good steak is just as costly there in Germany as it is here in the states. If not more so. I've never been to Germany so really couldn't say for sure. But a donation to Soldiers' Angels with it being noted that it's for "Cooking with Laughing Wolf" would go a long way toward showing some of 'Our Guys' that we are still thinking of them.

So... whaddya say? Could you spare a few bucks to chip in on a meal for some wounded heroes? Laughing Wolf also has plans to leave their kitchen as well stocked as he can manage. And everyone knows that a well stocked kitchen is essential.

While one or 5 dollars might seem like one 'ittle bitty tiny snow flake, but when combined, we can become an avalanche.



And so it goes......

How Do You Like Me Now...

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.
~~~~~George Jean Nathan


I'm left wondering if this little bit of snarky funny will make it to the 'snitch' line at the White House... What? You didn't know that those who disagree with the man who was voted in by 54% of the voters of the last election could be snitched out??? Oh My! Go here to read what's been going on. Yes, that is my dearest friend who had that published. Isn't that just the coolest thing ever?

Then go here to read what you can do to let them know in no uncertain terms exactly what you think about these dastardly tactics!

First came the commemorative coins, then the T-shirts, and then the plates.

Now, something for the rest of us...

Use Caution...it may irritate your ass!

And so it goes......

Freedom Of The Press...

We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.
~~~~~John F. Kennedy


A former Marine Gunnery Sgt. friend (yep, we call him Gunnar) sent me a few non politically correct cartoons that were in featured in Australian newspapers. I enjoyed the satire behind those cartoons, mainly due to the fact that they hit upon the truth as they saw it. Sadly, here in the states we've become so sensitive to the feelings of those in power that we have created for ourselves a form of censorship. I don't care what you call it, being PC is just another form of BS.

What happened to the days where each person could state his mind without fear of ridicule from the masses? It seems like now if you disagree with our politicians that you are labeled with a derogatory name in some way or another. As I've heard my Daddy state many many times...

"If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen."






Well, call me what you want. I happen to think these cartoons are right on the money! My thanks go to the Australians and Gunnar.

Gunnar also sent me this, a billboard found along side US Hwy 15-501 intersection of Lamm's Grove in North Carolina. One that says it all...





And so it goes......

Pssst~ A Bug In My Ear...

Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not.
~~~~~Henri Frederic Amiel



The elder sister; O'Wise One came to visit me yesterday. Along with her came my nephew, Shanie Boy. Their purpose behind the visit was to bring a dining room set for me to use until my niece, Abbydoo has room for it after she graduates college. As that may be a few years away, she had no place to store it, so I was asked to borrow it until such time. In our family, the furniture we have and share is much like "The Story of the Traveling Pants". When someone has furniture they no longer need, there is always someone in the family who could use it. We've furnished many of a dorm room or college apartment this way, even furnished newly married couple's houses. It also allows us to keep family heirlooms within the family.

Once they arrived, we had to wait for the rain to pass before unloading and bringing inside. My house is in shambles with furniture scattered throughout my kitchen, living room and dining room. But the new (to me) dining room set is in place. And if I do have to say so myself, I think it looks smashing! Now to find room for my antique oak table and chairs. Or maybe I should put out the word to the family that another set is available for use. Nah, I like my old table.



If you look in the back right corner of the picture, you'll see a small white table that has a marble top. That table is one that I had given Momma quite a few years ago when she first started making Kentucky creme pull candy to sell during the Christmas shopping season. Kentucky cremes must have time to cool before pulling, and it cools best on marble. After she and Daddy downsized from the large farm house to something smaller, and then after Daddy died, we moved her into a smaller condo, I finally got the table back. But unfortunately there is only so much room for tables in this house. It looks like I may have to clean a spot for it in the garage to await being used this winter. Somehow I think I got the shorter end of the stick when I agreed to this little deal. Oh, and that niece of mine I'm doing this for? Yeah, she wouldn't even come help us get this all finished. Heh, sorry little pup she is, but I love her anyways.


I reckon I need to explain the title of this post. In between moving things and carving out new spots for the furniture, I was trying to write a post. I requested O'Wise One to proof read before I hit publish. She was about mid way through, when she turns to me and asks...

"When did you turn your blog into a war directory?" Where are the parts about your life I loved to read so much? I miss reading your thoughts about the garden or the rain... I can go anywhere to read about the war, but here I want to read about you and what's going on in your life..."

God bless sisters, yes?

After much pondering during the early hours this morning, I've come to the conclusion that she was right. But I think my focus had become more of those links to bring some of those stories to light that might not be known by the general public. And you know what? That's not why I started this little bit out in the blog-o-sphere. I wanted to bring those little drops of kindness that 'Our Guys' do for the people we are trying to help become independent within their own rights, and to watch those ripples spread out across the continents and yet connect us all to what we call the human race.

Quite honestly, there aren't that many people who stop by to read my thoughts or to do the clicky click on links to things I think are important to know. But for the few that do, I hope that you will continue to drop in. I'll try to include more of myself in my postings. If only to please my sister. O'Wise one might be just one of a handful that's interested. But...She loves me, this I know.



And so it goes......

Violence Belies The Serene Scene...

Serenity of spirit and turbulence of action should make up the sum of a man's life.
~~~~~Vita Sackville-West

(photo from Quqnoos.com)

Anyone who has kept up with the news from Afghanistan knows that July was a tragic month for 'Our Guys'. America mourns the loss of 43 brave men who were fighting the good fight. Britain is also mourning those soldiers killed in action, as we engage the bad guys in the global war on terror.

Part of the reason for the stepped up activity from the Taliban is the upcoming elections. Voting is to take place on August 20th. In fact, they tried to blow up a convoy carrying ballot papers earlier in the day. Thankfully they didn't succeed in destroying those ballots. But there were casualties of Afghan soldiers with the convoy. Intimidation of the people to not vote appears to be the impetus of these types of attacks. Let's just hope that it doesn't deter the Afghan people from participating in the democratic process.


The British unit; the Royal Logistic Corp that has been part of what they called "Operation Panther's Claw" in the Helmand district has a really good post where the embedded war photographer, Sgt. Daniel Harmer had to put down his camera to return fire against the insurgents while on a 12hr. patrol. I've mentioned this blog before as the one to read for the British perspective of the happenings in this district. Just sayin' they're bloody damn good at what they do.


There is a report I've read which has stated that we need to be flipping the enemy. Umm, not sure how they expect 'Our Guys' to do that while the bad guys are taking pot shots at us, but still those thinkers have more clout than I do. The Washington Times has a editorial response to the report; "The Fantasy of Flipping the Enemies".

Here's an editorial featured in the Washington Times a few days ago that spoke about "Winning in Afghanistan". There are many articles you can read that offer so many different perspectives on the tactics being used to fight the oppressive control of the Taliban. I guess it depends on which end of the spectrum you're on that determines your thoughts about what is being said.

Now for a woman's view of the situation that has befallen her country. I read this the other day and remember reading about this young woman a while back. Malalai Joya is and has been threatened many times since she ran for parliament. Her outspoken comments on the corruptions and the abuse of women have caused her to never stay in any one house for more than one night, and to be continually vigilant against her attackers. Now she has written her memoir "Raising my Voice". I'm hoping I can find her book here in the states as I would very much like to read her thoughts about her struggles. She is but one of the few women who dared to speak the truth of their life living in Afghanistan.

It's a shame that more Afghan women haven't been able to step up and speak out. Much like our own country was less than 100 yrs ago. I think that once women in Afghanistan do get their voice, and they will, we will see some amazing changes pretty darn quick. And that, my dear friends, is just my own personal opinion. May it not take another 100 years for it to happen.


All I know for sure is that WE are in Afghanistan fighting a war against many factions. The war will take the continued effort of all NATO countries already in place for the successes that have been hard won to finally have an effect against the deeply embedded distrust of the Afghan people. Their country has had a heavy toll taken by the different wars they have endured for over 30 years. How would we feel if were in the same position? Bears thinking about, that...

Read the latest from the NATO's newest Secretary General on negotiating with the Taliban. I reckon we'll see how that goes, won't we?

Here's one for the record books of propaganda, the Taliban themselves have issued a new 'field manual' aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people they wish to control. No, this isn't the actual manual but a article in the Washington Times talking about it. Still, it gives us some idea as to what we're up against in this fight. Even more long and drawn out than the almost 8 years we've already been in, winning is going to take a considerable amount of time.

While I know that a population centric COIN strategy (yes, I do understand the rudimentary basics of COIN) will take many years for the effects to be truly seen and felt, I also feel that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians in this fight. But again, this is just my opinion. And everyone knows what those are like.



And so it goes......