Wednesday
16Aug2006
"Two Kinds of Men: Men of Action and All Others"
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 08:38AM This is for Daniel, Cobra, and all the other liberal "blame America first" guys who go "home to sleep at night under that blanket of freedom provided by better men." Below are some highlights of LTC Randolph C. White Jr as gives the graduation speech at the Infantry Graduation at Ft. Benning, GA. Watch and learn.
(partial video compliments: Hot Air)
Watch the FULL Video (via US Army Infantry website)
Partial transcipt:
For my money there are two kinds of men who walk the earth: there are men of action, and all others.
The best and the brightest are not necessarily on campus or in the corporate board room right now. The best and the brightest are you out there in the parade field. Men, don't ever think for one minute that the kids running around on some university campus protesting, breaking things or whining about this, that and the other, have anything on you. You are privileged to have the one advantage that they all covet. You will know, you will have facts about the goings on in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, the Philippines, the Balkins and many other places. Your head will not be filled with the empty theory of those, who in actuality know very little because they lack the intestinal fortitude to commit to anything that requires risk. I'm speaking of the snide, arrogant sort who spend the day blaming America for every wrong in the world before going home to sleep at night under that blanket of freedom provided by better men, better men just like you.
Don't let the pessimist television talking heads, the highbrow newspaper writers, Hollywood idiots or any other faction of the "Blame America First" crowd, get you down. I'm speaking of the “latte biscotti” crowd. They are simple background chatter, men, and they will always exist on the periphery of any endeavor that requires selfless service or loyalty. They are not worthy of your concern. And truth be told, in the pit of their fickle, cowardly hearts, they wish they could be just like you. The intestinal fortitude that is a part of your fabric is something that they covet but will never know.
I for one will never, ever apologize for being an American. We're not perfect, but I can think of no better place on earth. We didn't become the great country we are by accident, we earned it. And while we were at it, we kept and continue to keep a large portion of the world free. ....We're number one. Don't apologize for it, be damn proud of it.
HOOAH!
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Reader Comments (51)
God bless them all!
A toast to LTC White's candor, wish we had some of that in today's media.
Thanks Amy that was the kind of hopeful talk that I
really needed, those darn Leftists can get a person down every so often and that is why I had downloaded the video so as to play it when I need to get back some form of sanity in such an insane world.
Like I said, thank you Amy for posting that.
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt 1910
Our soldiers are those men in the arena.
Cheers
Hey Mike, I am Amy's husband and I appreciate your support of her blog and our troops. I was 325th AIR (2nd Brigade) 82nd 2000-2004 including OIF I (2003-2004). Just a little reminder of the paratrooper's effectiveness: we were attached to 1st Armored Division for about 8 months for OIF I. We had 9% of their troops and 60% of their kills.
Happy Airborne Day!!!!!
SFC John Proctor
ABN ATW!
God bless you all,
Great post. I (Dim Bulb) sent it to my cousin who is serving in Iraq. I'm sure she'll enjoy it.
By the way, you're kindda cute. Ever thought about dating much younger men? (insert immature giggle here)
And, this old USAF Avionics guy sends out a HOOAH to all the Airborne on Airborne Day!!!
I was a "trash hauler" or "herc" avionics guy in USAFE. We carried a few Airborne, that's an understatement! Our sister base was Pope AFB (recognize the name anyone?) I fixed the jump computer that gave ya the green light! That system was our most important piece of equipment. You all relied upon us to make sure that that damn thing had the DZ nailed.
I had a baaaaad reputation for trashing any other support unit that failed our computer systems. I'd "Red X" any bird that had even the slightest inkling of being out of tolerance. No one was gonna end up in the trees of Norhtern Germany if I had anything to do with it!
And, God Rest all those that have passed due to a bad AWADS (All Weather Air Delivery System) computer, weather, or both. I know of two training incidents that were from other shops/bases, and those were very sad days for our shop. Anytime our systems had ANYTHING to do with a bad jump or lapse, we dug in deeper to keep you all safe.
Again, HOOAH and Happy Airborne Day to you both, Mike and Johnny!!!
Amy, give Johnny a big HOOAH and a salute from me! :)
You both take care and God Bless!
We don't have a freakin' clue what you just said but keep up the good work, whatever it is. Freak show's dad is in the reserves (he served in the regular army for six or eight years, and he's getting ready for deployment) he sometimes talks in GI code too. It's like a secret handshake or something, Anyway, thanks.
Sorry to keep making a pest of myself but I think you and others might find this great.
My sister just sent me a link to a site where you can send (free) a thank you e-card to soldiers serving in the war on terror. The cards appear to be designed by grade school kids. You can't pick the soldier it's sent to but I think the randomness of that is great. here is the site: http://www.letssaythanks.com/
Nope, not the pilot, I was a ground crew guy (enlisted - USAF SSgt, E-5) that repaired the on-board computers that the C-130s used. I was stationed at Rhein Main AFB repairing aircraft computer systems for the 435th FMS and 7th SOS.
That green light above the door that tells ya to jump? That came on when our computer said so ... allowing that the Navigator got the right coordinates and the wind speeds were right from USAFE Weather Command.
I need to buy YOU a beer! You jumped, not me! We may have gotten you there, but you hit the DZ and held the line!
HOOAH!!!
Hey, did you ever see a lapse from a C-130? Man, now that's A RIDE!!!! ;)
After Rhein Main AFB I went to work on the President's Mobile Command Post, Looking Glass (remember the movie War Games? "Looking Glass this is Crystal Palace." I worked on that bird too), and the top of the top for me was the SR-71 Blackbird and the U-2 Dragon Lady!
That's where my handle comes from: Fix 4 RSO. I'd "fix" these birds "4" the "RSO" (reconnaissance systems officer) ... just a little background ... :)
And, "freak"? Yeah, I know, sorry ... just the ramblings of someone living in the past, wandering the minds memory banks of days of yore where men fought for our country abroad, and AT HOME! Today, we're so surrounded by the appeasers and "Blame America First" scum, I fall back into the days of Ronald Reagan when commitment and conviction were still something we all had, and we all put behind the men and women of the US Military.
Sorry if my memories take over ... :)
So ask yourselves, without these, what have you? And, what will become of our great country, The United States of America?
"Atlas doesn’t shrug, Atlas heaves with cries of agony at our myopia."
This intellectually lazy rhetoric was not unexepected. I knew it was going to come as I made my comments in a different thread. I have a lot to say on this topic, but I will start by addressing the comments made by LTC Randolph C. White Jr.
"Your head will not be filled with the empty theory of those, who in actuality know very little because they lack the intestinal fortitude to commit to anything that requires risk."
Do you think Randy might have been thinking about the 101st Fighting Keyboardists over at LGF, Instapundit and Powerline? Probably not.
"I'm speaking of the snide, arrogant sort who spend the day blaming America for every wrong in the world before going home to sleep at night under that blanket of freedom provided by better men, better men just like you."
I'm going to cut this guy just a tiny bit of slack since this is more of a motivational speech than anything else. But I don't think he understands his role as a soldier in the United States armed forces.
1. I and millions of other Americans pay Randy's salary.
2. Randy serves those he regards as snide and arrogant.
3. The military does not provide freedom. Our laws do that.
The first amendment to our constitution guarantees a U.S. citizen the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. It is Randy's duty to protect that freedom regardless of his opinion regarding the grievance. Randy should be proud that he serves a country that can exchange ideas freely, and that the public can hold elected officials accountable for their actions. Randy should be proud to serve a country where the citizens can live their lives however they choose (unless they want a gay marriage or want to smoke some pot ... but I digress).
"They are simple background chatter, men, and they will always exist on the periphery of any endeavor that requires selfless service or loyalty. They are not worthy of your concern."
Randy seems to have forgotten why he is serving in the armed forces. He serves the people he demeans. He has forgotten who he works for. Randy seems to think he holds an elite status and that civilians serve him and should be beholden to those that wear or have worn the uniform.
Randy seems to think that criticism towards our civilian leadership is an attack on our great nation and those that wear or have worn the uniform. While wearing the uniform, Randy expresses disgust towards the people he serves for freely expressing their thoughts. Randy has forgotten why he wears that uniform.
Amy and Johnny, dropping bombs and invading countries is not going to endear us to those who live in the middle east. Meddling with the sovereignty of the nations in that region is not going to bring about peace. It has only brought frustration and war. Right or wrong, these actions have brought hate and anger against our country. We Americans think that everyone should think as we do ... that they ought to be playing by the same rules as we do. This isn't the case. We are failing over there because we don't understand them. We think that bombing the shit out of them is going to enlighten them. It hasn't worked, and it still isn't working. It's a very complicated situation over there, and there is no easy answer.
Criticizing my civilian leadership for the way it conducts foreign policy is my right and my civic duty. In 1980, I registered and made myself available for the draft. I vote in elections. I serve on juries. I pay taxes. I am an American citizen who lives within the boundaries of the law.
Our country has made some horrible mistakes. It is making a horrible mistake now, and it will make mistakes long after I am dead. I am proud of the wonderful things my country has done, and I demand that my country become better. I love my country, and you people will never be able to take that away from me.
Shame on you for cheapening the debate by accusing me of blaming my country for everything. It is childish, shallow and offensive. You behave like you are victims with an inflated sense of entitlement.
LTC Randolph C. White Jr's remarks may strike you as snide, arrogant or whatever (although I don't see how your average antiwar peacenik could level that accusation with a straight face) but whatever his attitude and opinion of the naysayers might be, it's clearly not stopping him (and many many others) from risking life and limb EVERY SINGLE DAY to protect me and my fellow Americans from those who -- make no mistake about it -- would either see me dead or a Muslim convert.
That's patriotism you can't buy, fake or coerce.
As you say, we live in a land where free speech is a cherished right. However I've noticed a disturbing tendency among The Loony Left to only champion free speech when they're the ones speaking. If peaceniks can accuse our soliders of incompetence, war crimes and fomenting civil wars, LTC Randolph C. White Jr is very much within his rights to call The Left out for being the spineless cowards they are.
Over and above that, LTC Randolph C. White Jr is fighting to protect that right and others. You can say what you like that criticizing the so-called "civilian leadership" (isn't the President the Commander In Chief?) but a criticism of how the war is being prosecuted in Iraq and other places is a criticism against the soldiers risking everything to carry those orders out. This isn't a "love it or leave it" argument, it's simply following the military chain of command. I didn't invent it so don't bother about it.
The rebuilt Iraq has made faster social and governmental strides than America did. This could be, in part, because of American support but America wasn't being invaded by terrorists from other nations with the specific task of disrupting affairs. LTC Randolph C. White Jr and those like him (such as our own JohnnyP) have been and are on the ground in the area. They tell a much different story about what's going on in Iraq and it isn't one of failure and defeat.
Who am I to trust? The JohnnyP's of the world who have sacrificed time with their family (y'know, insignificant things like weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, pursuit of the almighty dollar) for a cause they believe in and have staked their lives on achieving and have seen all of this up close and personal for themselves? Or The Loony Left who criticize, slander and insult from afar the efforts made by my country's military?
For people like me (who appreciate and support the military with action and words), the American solder's dedication to duty is awe-inspiring.
For The Left, it's non-sensical and scarier than hell. The idea that someone would be willing to die for what they believe in has become so foreign to The Left that they're unable to fathom what drives those who *do* have the will to die for a cause larger than themselves. Their best efforts at deciphering this "phenomenon" are tirades about oil, religion, imperialism or some other catchphrase. The Left can't see the forest for the trees and, above all else, they fear being made obsolete in a world where their "values" are irrelevant in the face of a terrorist threat that would take over the entire world if it were within reach. One need not be a poli-sci major (thank God) to see that truth in action. Indeed, the Islamic terrorists of the world won't be pacified by "negotiations" and "changing hearts and minds". Their agenda is destruction and subjugation. I base this one their actions and their stated goals.
The Left, it seems, is determined to help the Islamic terrorists with those goals.
Guys like LTC Randolph C. White Jr and JohnnyP are sworn to protect America from the outside terrorist threat. There are also those (like AmyP) who protect America from the liberal threat from within.
People like them make me proud to be an American and a patriot.
"You behave like you are victims with an inflated sense of entitlement."
So, please re-review, you're stepping into the same with this,
"Randy seems to have forgotten why he is serving in the armed forces. He serves the people he demeans."
That's a bit elitist and trite. Well, and then there's,
"1. I and millions of other Americans pay Randy's salary."
Wow, so, we're all YOUR SERVANT? Nice attitude. That's not gonna win ya any support ... you really don't hear yourself, do you ... ???
Please, since you registered for the draft in 1980, we are to consider you worthy? Of what? Everyone had to register, sheesh. Big step, big commitment, big sacrifice ... did you ever serve? Come on, your high horse is 42 hands tall here. You're flinging what you take umbrage at, ya see?
Before you take shots at a man that is serving (LTC White), or Johnny or Mike, and for that matter Amy and all the wives and husbands that serve, realize that they all know to whom they serve. And when those that they serve are so cavalier as to DEMEAN THEM by saying they are baby killers (when they are not), or that they are losing the war (which they are not), or that they are stupid rednecks (thank GOD we are!), well, LTC WHITE HAS THE DUTY TO SEND THE MESSAGE BACK!
Oh, and this,
"3. The military does not provide freedom. Our laws do that."
Is pure myopia. You cannot have these laws WITHOUT the US Military. You would NEVER HAVE HAD THESE LAWS without men like General Washington, all the men that died at Lexington, Concord, Valley Forge, Morristown, and the Battle of Yorktown. You cannot HAVE the freedom to spit on those that DO serve you (and we know we serve, duh, that's the point you are missing here) without the US Military as well. It is a big system and until you realize that you will always be at a disadvantage and continue to demean those that really do PROTECT your rights. Laws do not do that, Policemen, Firemen, and the US Military and the US Coast Guard protect you.
Sheesh, anyone starts firing a gun and the FIRST ONE under a table is a US Senator or Congressman. :) Well, at least the ones that are so outspoken and have never served dive the fastest ...
The Hostage Crisis in Iran that Carter screwed up.
Thank GOD Ronald Reagan was President when I served. I still got spit on in airports, called a baby killer, and given the crap spewed here. Those that have stood in the fray take it for only so long. LTC White is one of those guys.
Know what? I signed twice - registered for the draft and enlisted. Johnny's signed twice. Mike signed twice.
But Amy is the true volunteer here. And, to all the Mom's and Dad's that have a spouse in harms way, those that have served will pick up arms to protect you if the time comes to defend our homes. And we will be there at your door first, if your love passed the gates to join those that have fallen before us.
We still have the commitment, the honor, the conviction, and the pride - we know.
God Bless and God Speed!
And Trent, great post! Love ya man! You ever need anything, let me know.
Huh the typical liberal cry baby strikes again.
They always complain about they're rights, they wouldn't have any rights if it wasn't for the service people like Johnny and the rest here.
Say Daniel Mentally Retard, why don't you go whine some where else where they will notice you like over at Kozacks. You are a low life discusting individual Daniel and you will always be that way.
Daniel, all I can say is what LT COL White said:
"They are simple background chatter, men, and they will always exist on the periphery of any endeavor that requires selfless service or loyalty. They are not worthy of your concern."
You libs will always be around, but you're in the periphery.
Do you have to scare me like that? I mean why must liberals always have to be around? Can't we ship them out to places like Indonesia instead. LOL
We do NOT live under martial law. We are NOT a military dictatorship. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs has as much authority over me as my prom date did.
That being said, LTC White should actually THANK us here on the left for pointing out how this administration has consistantly abused our Armed Forces.
We on the left speak out about:
STOP LOSS PROGRAMS
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0131/dailyUpdate.html
WOMEN'S ISSUES:
>>>"More than 400 military women working in Iraq, Afghanistan and the region have reported they were victims of sexual assault from 2003 through May, according to the U.S. Department of Defense."
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=482951
SOLDIERS SHORT-SHEETED:
CONTAMINATED WATER:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/22/AR2006012200853.html
ROTTEN FOOD:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=aWq.XoaVqS4U&refer=columnist_carlson
BODY ARMOR:
>>>"More than a year after the US Congress told the Defense Department to reimburse parents who had bought body armor for their sons or daughters serving in Iraq, the Pentagon " still hasn't figured out a way" to reimburse them. The Associated Press reports that soldiers and their parents are still spending "hundreds, sometimes thousands" of dollars on armor that "the military does not provide."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0930/dailyUpdate.html
And on and on and on...
But hey, LTC White, I wish you nothing but the best, and hope that YOU don't fall victim to the abuses the Bush Administration has heaped upon the Military. Just rest assured, people like ME on the LEFT will bring those abuses to light, while people on the RIGHT will defend the Bush Administration no matter WHAT happens to you.
--Cobra
Yea good thing that the Left will never be in charge again because they are the party of leave the troops in somalia being pulled behind somolian trucks and abused leathally from the lefts abuse.
Also the BJobClingon was the one who was responsible for 911 since he had 3 opportunities to have BinLaden taken in. Good Points from the Leftists like you Cold_Bra. Your a Joke.
I think Randy is being a dick.
I can't comment on those that are truly antiwar since I am not antiwar. I am against this war. Not all wars.
"but whatever his attitude and opinion of the naysayers might be, it's clearly not stopping him (and many many others) from risking life and limb EVERY SINGLE DAY"
Well there you go. As long as he risks life and limb EVERY SINGLE DAY, he can be as disrespectful as he pleases to those he serves and protects. That's fine, but I will participate in the free market of ideas to disagree with him for being a dick.
"to protect me and my fellow Americans from those who -- make no mistake about it -- would either see me dead or a Muslim convert."
Trent, you seem to live in an irrational state of fear. Perhaps it is time for you to examine the policies of the civilian leadership that make those people want to kill you.
"That's patriotism you can't buy, fake or coerce."
And obviously this makes him more patriotic than those who criticize the policies of the civilian leadership. Is that what you are saying?
"As you say, we live in a land where free speech is a cherished right. However I've noticed a disturbing tendency among The Loony Left to only champion free speech when they're the ones speaking."
Are you suggesting that The Loony Left is speaking too freely? Should The Loony Left consult with you before they participate in free exchange of ideas?
"If peaceniks can accuse our soliders of incompetence, war crimes and fomenting civil wars"
The civilian leadership is incompentent. The civilian leadership is formenting civil wars. There are a few soldiers who have committed war crimes. NOBODY is accusing our soldiers of incompetence or formenting civil wars.
"LTC Randolph C. White Jr is very much within his rights to call The Left out for being the spineless cowards they are."
The spineless cowards are the chicken hawks who cheer on a war that they don't want to participate in. The anti-Iraq war crowd does not want our troops risking their lives for a war BASED ON LIES.
"Over and above that, LTC Randolph C. White Jr is fighting to protect that right and others."
He shows disrespect for those that express that fundamental right.
"You can say what you like that criticizing the so-called "civilian leadership" (isn't the President the Commander In Chief?)"
The military serves the civilian leadership. Bush and his administration are civilians and not the military.
"but a criticism of how the war is being prosecuted in Iraq and other places is a criticism against the soldiers risking everything to carry those orders out."
What a heaping load of crap! Soldiers being sent to Iraq was an abuse of power. Soldiers sent to Iraq were not there to protect American freedoms. They were sent there to accomplish a foreign policy objective. Those of us who criticize this war are criticizing the foreign policy objective implemented by the civilian leadership. IT IS OUR RIGHT to do this. You rightwingers think that you can silence critics by hiding behind the U.S. soldier. YOU ARE WRONG!
"This isn't a "love it or leave it" argument, it's simply following the military chain of command."
Just remember that the military chain of command starts with the civilian leadership.
"The rebuilt Iraq has made faster social and governmental strides than America did. This could be, in part, because of American support but America wasn't being invaded by terrorists from other nations with the specific task of disrupting affairs."
Oh please. The invasion never should have happened. It was poorly planned, and it was poorly executed ... by the civilian leadership.
"They tell a much different story about what's going on in Iraq and it isn't one of failure and defeat."
Cool, then if things are going so peachy, then I guess it is time to start bringing the troops home. Mission accomplished!
"Who am I to trust? The JohnnyP's of the world who have sacrificed time with their family (y'know, insignificant things like weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, pursuit of the almighty dollar) for a cause they believe in and have staked their lives on achieving and have seen all of this up close and personal for themselves?"
People like Johnny didn't sign up to go fight in Bush's glorious Iraqi adventure. They were already in the military when Bush sent them into battle under fictitious reasons. It is shameful how Bush disrupted so many lives for this massive failure.
"For people like me (who appreciate and support the military with action and words), the American solder's dedication to duty is awe-inspiring."
I agree.
"For The Left, it's non-sensical and scarier than hell. The idea that someone would be willing to die for what they believe in has become so foreign to The Left that they're unable to fathom what drives those who *do* have the will to die for a cause larger than themselves."
Trent, "The Left" is critical of a cause that never should have happened. The facts have shown that Iraq was not a threat to us. You make it sound as though the troops were storming the beaches of Normandy.
"Their best efforts at deciphering this "phenomenon" are tirades about oil, religion, imperialism or some other catchphrase."
Yeah, I guess that is less rational than those who live in constant fear of being killed or converted by a Muslim. You are so caught up in your far-gone reality that you have no idea how absurd you sound.
"The Left can't see the forest for the trees and, above all else, they fear being made obsolete in a world where their "values" are irrelevant in the face of a terrorist threat that would take over the entire world if it were within reach."
How is it possible that terroists can take over the entire world? Is that tin foil hat tuned properly, Trent?
"Indeed, the Islamic terrorists of the world won't be pacified by "negotiations" and "changing hearts and minds". Their agenda is destruction and subjugation. I base this one their actions and their stated goals."
And how has bombing the shit out of them made them more peaceful?
"The Left, it seems, is determined to help the Islamic terrorists with those goals."
Classic!
"Guys like LTC Randolph C. White Jr and JohnnyP are sworn to protect America from the outside terrorist threat."
And I certainly do appreciate their respectful tolerance of those who participate in the free market of ideas in America.
"There are also those (like AmyP) who protect America from the liberal threat from within."
She will do it one banishment at a time, I'm sure. :)
"People like them make me proud to be an American and a patriot."
We should erect monuments in their honor. Schools should be named after them. Jees!
"That's a bit elitist and trite."
If you say so. But it is true. The U.S. military serves the American people. Randy demeans those he disagrees with while wearing the uniform.
"Wow, so, we're all YOUR SERVANT? Nice attitude. That's not gonna win ya any support ... you really don't hear yourself, do you ... ???"
Fix, it's a fact. The military serves the American people. The military isn't our servants, but they do serve us.
"Please, since you registered for the draft in 1980, we are to consider you worthy?"
Are you suggesting that those who never served in the military are less than worthy to speak freely on any issue? Are civilians who haven't served less American those who haved? Is that what you mean by "worthy?"
"Big step, big commitment, big sacrifice ... did you ever serve? Come on, your high horse is 42 hands tall here. You're flinging what you take umbrage at, ya see?"
Oh my. You folks who have served or currently serving sure do seem to think that you are entitled to special treatment. You think that you are more American. You think that your opinion matters more.
"Before you take shots at a man that is serving (LTC White), or Johnny or Mike, and for that matter Amy and all the wives and husbands that serve, realize that they all know to whom they serve."
Fix, who does the U.S. military serve?
"And when those that they serve are so cavalier as to DEMEAN THEM by saying they are baby killers (when they are not),"
I would agree with you on this if I have seen this happen since the Viet Nam war, but I haven't.
"or that they are losing the war (which they are not)"
The civilian leadership is losing a war which they never should have started.
"or that they are stupid rednecks (thank GOD we are!)"
Fix, I have never heard any Bush/war critic say these things. I think you need to question your sources.
"well, LTC WHITE HAS THE DUTY TO SEND THE MESSAGE BACK!"
Randy is being a dick.
"You cannot have these laws WITHOUT the US Military."
We cannot have these laws without elections, legislators and civilian courts to enforce them. The military exists to protect these processes.
"You would NEVER HAVE HAD THESE LAWS without men like General Washington, all the men that died at Lexington, Concord, Valley Forge, Morristown, and the Battle of Yorktown."
But those folks chased out the occupiers. They didn't create our laws.
I'm sure that the King of England regarded George Washington and his crew as terrorists and insurgents.
"You cannot HAVE the freedom to spit on those that DO serve you (and we know we serve, duh, that's the point you are missing here) without the US Military as well."
I have the freedom and the civic duty to criticize the civilian leadership. The soldiers that serve in the military are not the civilian leadership. Why do people like you constantly victimize those who serve in the leadership.
I think it is because you can't defend the policies of the civilian leadership, so you hide behind those who serve in the military.
"It is a big system and until you realize that you will always be at a disadvantage and continue to demean those that really do PROTECT your rights."
So if I understand you correctly, by criticizing the policies of the civilian leadership, I am demeaning the soldier. And since George Washington valiantly fought the Red Coats, I don't have the freedom to criticize the civilian leadership because it is the same as spitting on the soldier.
Is that what you are saying, Fix?
"Laws do not do that, Policemen, Firemen, and the US Military and the US Coast Guard protect you."
All of these are put in place and managed by civilians and their taxes.
************************
"For my money there are two kinds of men who walk the earth: there are men of action, and all others."
"Your head will not be filled with the empty theory of those, who in actuality know very little because they lack the intestinal fortitude to commit to anything that requires risk."
"I'm speaking of the snide, arrogant sort who spend the day blaming America for every wrong in the world before going home to sleep at night under that blanket of freedom provided by better men, better men just like you."
***********************
"1. I and millions of other Americans pay Randy's salary."
Hey, you pay our salary, too! Thanks man! Are you suggesting we have no freedom of speech because you supposedly pay our salaries? You know, federal funds go to thousands of colleges.... this means you admit that the liberal professors of academia shouldn't criticize the military or the President....or, are you saying only liberal ideology should be allowed as freedom of speech? That sounds like a dictatorship, doesn't it Cobra? That sounds like Martial Law: no criticism of liberalism allowed. Swell!
Also, LT COL White criticized college kids. I doubt they're paying his salary.
"2. Randy serves those he regards as snide and arrogant."
I think your calling him "Randy", rather like Bush haters say "Georgie", shows that he's right in his assessment. You are snide and arrogant. And yeah, the beauty of being in the military is that you fight to save even the stupid ignorants from themselves. What a job! This is why libs don't join the military: they're so narrow-minded they only fight for their right to have sex and use profanity. Oh, and to burn things.
"3. The military does not provide freedom. Our laws do that."
Laws don't provide freedom, they protect freedom (even then they are constantly violated). Ideologies don't provide freedom either. Men provide freedom. Men of action provide freedom. Pacifists provide...... nothing. Good job.
Daniel, you are totally ignorant about the military. "Randy" as you call him doesn't serve you, he serves the President and his country, not private individuals. I'm not going to bother to read the rest of your idiotic and foolish comments, you communist.
But let me end with this: calling LT COL White a "dick" has cost you your freedom of speech on this blog. You'll have a few hours to read over this and then I'm banning your IP. YOu are an ungrateful SOB and you don't deserve the privileage of dialoguing here. As an Army wife, it is my privileage to let the cyber door hit you in the ass. Adios.
Another thing Danielle didn’t understand is that LTC White, Johnny and I before them would just as freely give our life in defense of him the same as for all Americans. Danielle accused LTC White of belittling those who exercised their freedom of speech (meaning himself, I suppose) but was in essence denying or at least bitching about him (LTC White) speaking freely to graduating Soldiers.
Lastly, if Danielle believes law is the provider of freedoms, he should be thanking lawyers for his freedoms. In the late 1700’s lawyers were not fighting in the courthouses for our freedom, they were bearing arms at Concord, Valley Forge, etc. Danielle has a lot to be thankful for but little aptitude to correctly identify his benefactors. Bravo for showing him the cyber door.
"What Danielle doesn’t understand is that all military swear an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic – not to solely serve him."
Libs are SO out of touch that they truly do think the world revolves around them. The military serves THEM. Unbelievable arrogance which once again proves LT COL White's comments.
Excellent sentiments, my friend!
>>>"As long as we are on the Topic Cold_Bra of shortage in the military, we have the B Job Clingon administration to thank for decreasing military spending during the years of 1992 through 2000. Also isn't it so handy that for your so called referneces that you so handily come out with Liberal MSM media resources for your proof of which I wouldn't trust a one of them.
Yea good thing that the Left will never be in charge again because they are the party of leave the troops in somalia being pulled behind somolian trucks and abused leathally from the lefts abuse.
Also the BJobClingon was the one who was responsible for 911 since he had 3 opportunities to have BinLaden taken in. Good Points from the Leftists like you Cold_Bra. Your a Joke."
You see, this is a classic example of blind loyalty and obediance to the GOP. When in doubt, blame EVERYTHING on Clinton. Ignore the fact the GOP has had TOTAL control of US government for the past 6 years. Just ignore any of the decisions, allocations or budgets made in the past 6 years.
Absolutely hilarious, and anybody who actually READS...
but watiminute, that's why Phil wouldn't know. Phil thinks that any publication or news service that isn't Fox News or the Limbaugh Letter is "liberal MSM". But that's the conservative philosophy anyway. Who needs facts when there's good propaganda to be spun?
You people are precious!
--Cobra
You need to do a bit more reading too.
Then, when Clinton continued to appease the terrorists, and all the group hugs were exchanged, the Islamofacists realized that the US had nothing to fight with anymore. We were, easy targets ... and, when the MSM spent all that time saying George Bush was a dunce and wouldn't be able to handle world affairs ...
BOOM. We get 9/11 ...
And who took it to them? Hillary Clinton? Teddy "Drunk And in a River" Kennedy? John F. Kerry? Harry Reid?
You should do some readin' thar big guy ... this really did all start with Jimmy Carter. Iran didn't happen over night, ya know ...
Oh, and there was all that guff during LBJ's time. Egypt? Africa?
Yeah, the ONLY President to give Israel a blank check to clean up there neighborhood? Too bad they didn't take the final strike and get the head of the snake.
I couldn't help but notice that, rather than defend Clinton's record regarding Bin Laden, you chose to attack the GOP. I couldn't help but notice that, rather than defend the MSM and its propoganda, you chose to attack FOX News.
"You who condemn idolatry, do you rob temples?"
Do the words "fallacious reasoning" mean anything to you?
Police Officers arrest those who pay their salaries don't they? Ought they not do this?
People in the military defend your right to free speech. A right which includes being able to criticise the military, yet you would deny them the freedom to criticise you, Massa? Go away!
And you folks can't handle that, just like you can't handle ANY criticism of the Bush Administration.
9/11 didn't happen when Clinton was President, but you still blame Clinton. How is that? How did Clinton "appease" terrorists? By blowing up Al Qaeda training camps with 79 Tomahawk cruise missiles? That's insane, but expected from right winged posters who don't read anything except Karl Rove talking points.
Fix writes:
>>>"You should do some readin' thar big guy ... this really did all start with Jimmy Carter. Iran didn't happen over night, ya know ...
Oh, and there was all that guff during LBJ's time. Egypt? Africa?"
And YOU should do some "readin'" about the history of the Middle East, which extends back thousands of years. You should do some "readin'" about western imperialism there. You should do some "readin'" about how borders were foolishly established by Great Britain, kings and despots were propped up, and CIA coups were facilitated to install dictators for the love of oil.
But that's all too complicated for right wingers. They need simple slogans like :
"Kill all the brown people, and blame it on the Democrats."
That's your real message, isn't it, Fix?
--Cobra
>>>"Cobra, before I respond, I would think you'd be happy to see the opportunity afforded blacks in the military."
As opposed to the inequal opportunity afforded blacks in civilian America? I guess you can say there's slightly better odds, in the Armed Forces, but you also have that "you might have to go to war and die" stuff to counter balance those pluses.
>>>"LT COL White is a great leader and doesn't have to think like a typical liberal."
What makes him a "great leader?" Because he name-calls people who disagree with his point of view? I'm sorry. I know too many Iraq War vets who have the exact OPPOSITE opinion of this man.
>>>"I'm sure you don't suggest that all blacks have to think alike."
Not at all, Amy. There are plenty of African-Americans who disagree with me on things, and there are plenty who do. As you probably figured out, I have NO PROBLEM questioning people like Clarence Thomas, Ward Connerly, Condi Rice, and others.
No problem at all.
--Cobra
2) A great leader LEADS. Inspires. That's what he does and that's what LT COL White got a standing ovation. It doesn't matter if he inspires or leads liberals and terrorists. The opposition of such shows he is a GREAT leader.
3) I'm glad to hear it.
If Cobra had even a tiny glimpse into what it takes to prepare a man to lead a thousand men in anything, he would stop and wisely measure his criticisms. But even more telling is Cobra's vaccuous ignorance of a US Army Ranger, an Infantry Officer, a Battalion Commander leading a thousand of America's bravest and noblest into combat against a vicious and hateful enemy in asymmetric warfare.
It has taken 20 years of preparation just to get to the point where LTC White can be selected by a board of senior General Officers to command an Infantry Battalion. 20 years of sweat, blood, tears, schools, training, months and years separated from loved ones and the comforts of home - showers, hot food, electricity, even mere shelter - all in preparation for the chance to lead 1,000 men into combat. Cobra questioning LTC White's leadership ability or casting apersion upon the manly, virile rhetoric he employed in his speech demonstrates the very soft, tepid criticism LTC White identified in his speech as the qualities of "all others". Men of action demonstrate valor.
I went to combat under the command of a great African American Infantry Officer, Colonel Arnold N.G. Bray. It was with a swelling American pride that I was able to tell tribal leaders in Baghdad in 2003 that COL Bray's ancestors were American slaves, but under democracy, he has rose not only to military greatness, but at the time he was the governor of southern Baghdad. No greater testimony could have been given these Iraqis who held COL Bray in sheer unadulterated awe than to know that his ancestors had been slaves and that he risen to such towering prominence under democratic conditions. No persuasion or arguments were as powerful an endorsement of freedom as COL Bray's mere presence on Iraqi soil - in charge of it's capitol.
COL Bray is a SOLDIER. He lives the life few could; Ranger, Paratrooper, Officer, Gentleman. I think I know a bit about leadership, having served under COL Bray in combat. There is nothing mere words, mere whiny criticisms or carping insults can ever take away from great leaders like COL Bray and LTC White. They are better men than most; examples of manly virtue to all.
>>>"1) Please, tell me about the inequal opportunity afforded blacks in civilian America. "
Where do you want me to start, Amy?
Housing Inequity?
Lending Discrimination?
Hiring Discrimination?
Discrimination in Health Care?
Discrimination in Law Enforcement?
Black voter disenfranchisement and suppression?
C'mon. You don't REALLY want me going down that road, do you? You don't have enough server space.
Johnny writes:
>>>"If Cobra had even a tiny glimpse into what it takes to prepare a man to lead a thousand men in anything, he would stop and wisely measure his criticisms. But even more telling is Cobra's vaccuous ignorance of a US Army Ranger, an Infantry Officer, a Battalion Commander leading a thousand of America's bravest and noblest into combat against a vicious and hateful enemy in asymmetric warfare."
Oh please. LTC White is a MAN. I bow down to NO man on this earthly plane. He is imperfect, flawed and has fallen short of the glory of God.
Bottom line...I reserve the right to question anybody on this planet.
But let's take LTC White at face value. I appreciate his service, but guess how much the GOP appreciates LTC White if he should happen to receive a brain injury while in Iraq:
>>>"Congress appears ready to slash funding for the research and treatment of brain injuries caused by bomb blasts, an injury that military scientists describe as a signature wound of the Iraq war.
House and Senate versions of the 2007 Defense appropriation bill contain $7 million for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center — half of what the center received last fiscal year.
Proponents of increased funding say they are shocked to see cuts in the treatment of bomb blast injuries in the midst of a war.
"I find it basically unpardonable that Congress is not going to provide funds to take care of our soldiers and sailors who put their lives on the line for their country," says Martin Foil, a member of the center's board of directors. "It blows my imagination."
The Brain Injury Center, devoted to treating and understanding war-related brain injuries, has received more money each year of the war — from $6.5 million in fiscal 2001 to $14 million last year. Spokespersons for the appropriations committees in both chambers say cuts were due to a tight budget this year.
"Honestly, they would have loved to have funded it, but there were just so many priorities," says Jenny Manley, spokeswoman for the Senate Appropriations Committee. "They didn't have any flexibility in such a tight fiscal year."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-08-08-brain-center_x.htm
>>>"The center has clashed with the Pentagon in recent months over a program to identify troops who have suffered mild to moderate brain injuries in Iraq from mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs — the most common weapons used by insurgents.
Preliminary research by the center shows that about 10% of all troops in Iraq, and up to 20% of front line infantry troops, suffer concussions during combat tours. Many experience headaches, disturbed sleep, memory loss and behavior issues after coming home, the research shows.
The center urged the Pentagon to screen all troops returning from Iraq in order to treat symptoms and create a database of brain injury victims. Scientists say multiple concussions can cause permanent brain damage.
The Pentagon so far has declined to do the screening and argues that more research is needed."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-08-08-brain-center_x.htm
And if LTC White manages to make it through his brain injury, what else might await him from our government?
>>>"Wounded US soldiers who have returned home are increasingly finding that they are being referred to credit agencies by the US military because of discrepancies in pay or "failure to pay" for lost equipment.
The Washington Post reported Saturday the story of one soldier, Robert Loria, victim of a bombing in Iraq, who had spent months in an Army hospital. He was not aware that he had not been "downgraded" in his pay scale – once soldiers leave a war zone, their pay goes down.
The last thing on his mind, he said, was whether the Army had correctly adjusted his pay rate ... or whether his combat gear had been accounted for properly: his Kevlar helmet, his suspenders, his rucksack.
But nine months after Loria was wounded, the Army garnished his wages and then, as he prepared to leave the service, hit him with a $6,200 debt. That was just before last Christmas, and several lawmakers scrambled to help. This spring, a collection agency started calling. He owed another $646 for military housing.
The Post reports that the US military recently identified 331 other soldiers who accumulated the same kind of "military debt" after they were wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. The military says they have forgiven the debt of 99 of the soldiers. The other 232 cases "have not been resolved."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1018/dailyUpdate.html?s=widep
You know what? I may not WORSHIP LTC White, and I surely don't agree with everything he says, but I respect his service and appreciate what he does. Since you seem to hold LTC White in HIGHER regard than I do, you should be ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED at these stories, Johnny. You and Amy should be BESIDE YOURSELVES blogging about these CRIMINAL activities going on against the Armed Forces.
But I haven't seen it here. Heck, I can't even get you "Support the Troop" folks to even COMMENT on these attrocities, other than the occasional "oh, that's just the liberal media's lies" nonsense.
But answer something for me.
Why does it take a liberal like ME to raise these ABOMINABLE issues regarding the treatment of our soldiers on a right winged, allegedly pro-soldier blog like this one?
--Cobra
Housing Inequity?
Lending Discrimination?
Hiring Discrimination?
Discrimination in Health Care?
Discrimination in Law Enforcement?
Black voter disenfranchisement and suppression?
I'm talking about real examples, not demagoguery. Your examples are like answering why we went to Iraq by saying:
"George Bush is a terrorist
For oil
To spread American imperialism"
****
The Brain Injury Center, devoted to treating and understanding war-related brain injuries, has received more money each year of the war — from $6.5 million in fiscal 2001 to $14 million last year. Spokespersons for the appropriations committees in both chambers say cuts were due to a tight budget this year.
"Honestly, they would have loved to have funded it, but there were just so many priorities," says Jenny Manley, spokeswoman for the Senate Appropriations Committee. "They didn't have any flexibility in such a tight fiscal year."
George Zitnay, co-founder of the center, testified before a Senate subcommittee in May that body armor saves troops caught in blasts but leaves many with brain damage. "Traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of the war on terrorism," he testified.
Zitnay asked for $19 million, and 34 Democratic and six Republican members of Congress signed a letter endorsing the budget request.
The House of Representatives approved its version of the spending bill June 20. A vote in the Senate is pending.
Preliminary research by the center shows that about 10% of all troops in Iraq, and up to 20% of front line infantry troops, suffer concussions during combat tours. Many experience headaches, disturbed sleep, memory loss and behavior issues after coming home, the research shows."
*****
Cobra, you are unbelievable. You're using the wrong ammunition, sir. You have no idea about military procedures, funding or frankly anything else. I will only address this one story from your first link. I just don't have the time or desire to bandy words with someone so out of touch with reality or so unwilling to learn.
$19 million is being requested. The House APPROVED the bill (it doesn't specify the amount approved, but we'll go with a low # and say 6 million) and is pending Senate approval. Only 10% of all troops in Iraq suffer CONCUSSION (not severe brain injuries) and this funding is not only for treatment (I can guarantee you soldiers get the treatment they need for brain injuries) but for additional research, and this is likely where the debate discussions necessity vs. pork.
Cobra, outrage for what? Millions are going for this cause and we're talking any sort of brain "injury" to include concussions. Come on, man. Johnny and I live the military life, we don't just do Google searches to find dirt on the GOP. We know the sort of treatment these guys get, AND that the military gets the best treatment and protection of any military force in the world. Please don't present me with bogus stories about how benevolent Dem politicians are reaching into their purses to buy body armour for the troops and send them to Iraq. BS. Those stories., like Cher's campaigning, are bogus. Soldiers cannot put on their uniform donated materials.. Loss of equipment and the other issues in these articles are being taken totally out of context.
*************
He was not aware that he had not been "downgraded" in his pay scale – once soldiers leave a war zone, their pay goes down.
***********
You have got to friggin be kidding! Cobra! Your ignorance is disastrous! That story is BS. A soldier receives a salary based on his grade and time in service. When he is deployed to a war zone, he receives a LOT of extra money for "eminent danger", etc., etc. When he comes home, are you suggesting he should still be getting the accommodating pay? "Downgraded"? Whoever authored that article should be ashamed of themselves for presenting the facts in a fictious way. A US SOLDIER didn't realize his pay would be DOWNGRADED?? He should be kicked out of the military if he's that dumb. He was trying to in effect steal from the military by not reporting that his pay was still at the extra $600 a month rate. He shouldn't have to pay back the money he in effect stole from the military? And I'm supposed to be outraged by this? You should be outraged that you fall for bad examples and use soldiers to make weak points. I thought you were opposed to all the millions being spent on the war? How can you justify the extra money soldiers are given for compensation in the war zone to begin with? What a hypocrite!
You've averted yourself so far from the message of LT COL White that you've, sigh, ONCE AGAIN, proven his point. And I'm taking his advice, that you aren't worth listening to. If you were really interested in learning I'd go step by step through each error you presented, but you are only interested in slamming the GOP and the military. You really should take a deep breath and stop hating Bush so much.
Have a good weekend.
>>>"I'm talking about real examples, not demagoguery."
Those ARE real examples, Amy. I know it's common in right winged circles to deny that racism exists unless there's a cross burning in the background, but for crying out loud! Take Housing Inequity:
>>>"While generally down since 1989, housing discrimination still exists at unacceptable levels. The greatest share of discrimination for Hispanic and African American home seekers can still be attributed to being told units are unavailable when they are available to non-Hispanic whites and being shown and told about less units than a comparable non-minority. Although discrimination is down on most measures for African American and Hispanic homebuyers, there are worrisome upward trends of discrimination in the areas of geographic steering for African Americans and, relative to non-Hispanic whites, the amount of help agents provide to Hispanics with obtaining financing. On the rental side, Hispanics are more likely in 2000 than in 1989 to be quoted a higher rent than their white counterpart for the same unit."
http://www.huduser.org/publications/hsgfin/phase1.html
>>>"Race, not economics, remains the most significant factor in determining where people live, according to the 2005 Fair Housing Trends Report released on April 5 by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA).
Concurrent with the release of its report, NFHA filed a discrimination complaint against a Coldwell Banker franchise in Atlanta, Georgia, the first of what the fair housing group said will be several complaints against real estate firms across the nation.
"Coldwell Banker's practices perpetuate the appalling state of our racially segregated nation," said NFHA's President and CEO, Shanna L. Smith. "Real estate agents are better educated about fair housing than anyone in the housing industry. These agents flagrantly violate the law. We have substantial evidence, and we are going to file several complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and if necessary, litigate in federal district courts across the United States."
NFHA's complaint is based on evidence obtained through a two-year real estate testing program. According to NFHA, based on their race alone, black testers posing as home buyers were steered away from white neighborhoods, while white testers were discouraged from seeing or buying homes in integrated and predominantly black neighborhoods."
http://www.civilrights.org/issues/enforcement/details.cfm?id=29859
How many more reports do you need, Amy? I understand that you're not African-American. You probably never had the need, or inclination to read up on racial discrimination in America, its history and it's existance in the present day, because for all intents and purposes, it probably doesn't affect you personally.
But to claim that America 2006 is an "equal society" in regards to race is beyond nonsense, and there are studies upon studies that demonstrate this.
Amy writes:
>>>"Come on, man. Johnny and I live the military life, we don't just do Google searches to find dirt on the GOP. We know the sort of treatment these guys get, AND that the military gets the best treatment and protection of any military force in the world."
How is CUTTING the funding for brain injuries "the best treatment and protection of any military force in the world?"
How about this one Amy:
>>>"Question: On the Amendment (Akaka Amdt. No. 3007 )
Vote Number: 41 Vote Date: March 14, 2006, 04:22 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Amendment Rejected
Amendment Number: S.Amdt. 3007 to S.Con.Res. 83
Statement of Purpose: To increase Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in FY 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes.
Vote Counts: YEAs 46
NAYs 54
Vote Summary By Senator Name By Vote Position By Home State
Alphabetical by Senator Name Akaka (D-HI), Yea
Alexander (R-TN), Nay
Allard (R-CO), Nay
Allen (R-VA), Nay
Baucus (D-MT), Yea
Bayh (D-IN), Yea
Bennett (R-UT), Nay
Biden (D-DE), Yea
Bingaman (D-NM), Yea
Bond (R-MO), Nay
Boxer (D-CA), Yea
Brownback (R-KS), Nay
Bunning (R-KY), Nay
Burns (R-MT), Nay
Burr (R-NC), Nay
Byrd (D-WV), Yea
Cantwell (D-WA), Yea
Carper (D-DE), Yea
Chafee (R-RI), Yea
Chambliss (R-GA), Nay
Clinton (D-NY), Yea
Coburn (R-OK), Nay
Cochran (R-MS), Nay
Coleman (R-MN), Nay
Collins (R-ME), Nay
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Cornyn (R-TX), Nay
Craig (R-ID), Nay
Crapo (R-ID), Nay
Dayton (D-MN), Yea
DeMint (R-SC), Nay
DeWine (R-OH), Nay
Dodd (D-CT), Yea
Dole (R-NC), Nay
Domenici (R-NM), Nay
Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Durbin (D-IL), Yea
Ensign (R-NV), Nay
Enzi (R-WY), Nay
Feingold (D-WI), Yea
Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Frist (R-TN), Nay
Graham (R-SC), Nay
Grassley (R-IA), Nay
Gregg (R-NH), Nay
Hagel (R-NE), Nay
Harkin (D-IA), Yea
Hatch (R-UT), Nay
Hutchison (R-TX), Nay
Inhofe (R-OK), Nay
Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Isakson (R-GA), Nay
Jeffords (I-VT), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Kennedy (D-MA), Yea
Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Kyl (R-AZ), Nay
Landrieu (D-LA), Yea
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea
Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Lincoln (D-AR), Yea
Lott (R-MS), Nay
Lugar (R-IN), Nay
Martinez (R-FL), Nay
McCain (R-AZ), Nay
McConnell (R-KY), Nay
Menendez (D-NJ), Yea
Mikulski (D-MD), Yea
Murkowski (R-AK), Nay
Murray (D-WA), Yea
Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Obama (D-IL), Yea
Pryor (D-AR), Yea
Reed (D-RI), Yea
Reid (D-NV), Yea
Roberts (R-KS), Nay
Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Salazar (D-CO), Yea
Santorum (R-PA), Nay
Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea
Schumer (D-NY), Yea
Sessions (R-AL), Nay
Shelby (R-AL), Nay
Smith (R-OR), Nay
Snowe (R-ME), Nay
Specter (R-PA), Nay
Stabenow (D-MI), Yea
Stevens (R-AK), Nay
Sununu (R-NH), Nay
Talent (R-MO), Nay
Thomas (R-WY), Nay
Thune (R-SD), Nay
Vitter (R-LA), Nay
Voinovich (R-OH), Nay
Warner (R-VA), Nay
Wyden (D-OR), Yea"
http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00041
You're trying to tell ME that Lincoln Chaffee of RI is the ONLY Republican who places the welfare of veterans over corporate tax loopholes?
Want some more?
>>>"Out of every three US soldiers who returns from active duty in Iraq, one needs mental health treatment, this is according to a report published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association).
The number of cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among soldiers returning from Iraq is much higher than those who came back from other conflicts, such as Afghanistan. Twice as many Iraq veterans sought mental health treatment than the Afghanistan veterans (in percentage terms).
Psychiatrists say PTSD is much more likely if the soldier is exposed to a lot of combat. According to Col. Charles Milliken, Military Psychiatrist, co-author of this study, there is a clear correlation between the amount of combat exposure and seeking mental health services when you get back.
In this study, 300,000 soldiers and marines were tracked. They had been in active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and some other countries during the period 2004-204. A much higher percentage of Iraq veterans needed mental health treatment than those who served in any other country. 2,411 of the soldiers in Iraq had had thoughts of suicide. Over half of them were very scared of being killed."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=38658
>>>"President George W. Bush's budget plan includes a 6 percent increase in spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs. But some in Congress say that is not enough because the increase hinges on more than $1 billion (€840 million) in cuts in other VA spending and the approval of new fees and co-payments for some veterans.
"This budget would ultimately shortchange veterans who need mental health services," said Ralph Ibson, a vice president of the National Mental Health Association. "This study can and should be a wake-up call in terms of veterans' mental health needs."
http://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/0002136/51/
So let's review, shall we Amy? As I posted earlier soldiers in Iraq face...
ROTTEN FOOD
CONTAMINATED WATER
BODY ARMOR ISSUES
SEXUAL ASSAULT
MENTAL ILLNESS
GOP BUDGET CUTS
...alongside of their unwinnable mission of trying to traffic cop a Civil War between Sunni and Shia.
I wouldn't wish that on anybody, much less people I claim to "support", Amy. But hey, listen to the neo-cons. Everything's FINE in Iraq. Our troops are having a BALL! There aren't any issues or short comings, and if there are, it's overblown by liberals like me, right?
LOL.
--Cobra
I have noticed that you didn't put any substantial links for anything that was nonpartisan, all your links are nothing more than left wing demagoguery sites. Your a joke and you will never be anything but a joke.
And the war now is much more sophisticated than it was at the beginning. In the first few months, there was a shortage of some MREs....but that isn't the case now. These soldiers have everythign they need to be in Iraq, including water, up-armoured Hum-V's (which were meant to be light vehicles, which is why they were "light" to begin with).
Sorry. People who haven't been there, done that just don't get it. We visited with a friend last week who is on his 3rd tour to Iraq. He and Johnny were there for the 1st go around. He's excited about it. THIS is the Army, not what you portrayed.