September 30, 2006
Saturday's Sundries
One of the nice breaks from all the auto-replies (okay -- make that the *only* nice thing) I get in my resume-spamming onslaught is the rare response from a live human.
Usually, it's because he or she is either bored to tears or curious as all get-out:
"Geez, I've *never* seen anybody as over-qualified as you; can I have your autograph?"
"Actually, we're looking for somebody who'll boost our bowling league's average..."
"I don't think you'll fit our corporate image. I keep visualizing you in combat boots and a flak vest."
However, on rare occasions, I get tips on upcoming jobs and, on even rarer occasions, I get stuff like this...
I hope these give you a laugh -- some quotes taken from real resumes & cover letters; printed in the 07/21/97 issue of Fortune Magazine...* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.""Wholly responsible for two (2) failed financial institutions."
"Failed bar exam with relatively high grades."
"It's best for employer that I not work with people."
"Let's meet, so you can 'ooh' and 'aah' over my experience."
"You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time."
"Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details."
"I was working for my mom until she decided to move."
"Marital status: Single. Unmarried. Unengaged. Uninvolved. No commitments."
"I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse."
"I am loyal to my employer at all costs. Please feel free to respond to my resume on my office voicemail."
"I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely no one and absolutely nothing."
"Personal interest: donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far."
"Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store."
"Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as 'job-hopping'. I have never quit a job."
"Reason for leaving last job: They insisted that all employees get to work by 8:45 am every morning. I couldn’t work under those conditions."
"The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers."
"References: none. I've left a path of destruction behind me."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heh. Maybe if I take up bowling...
A tip of the ol' dented SPH-4 to Dawn B.
September 29, 2006
All around the mulberry bush...
Scene: the back yard / garden / jungle of stately Tuttle Manor, post-thunderstorm. Yours Truly is sierra-sawing a 20-foot hemlock limb into kindling.
Enter KtLW.
KtLW: "What are you doing?"
Me: "Turning the branches the storm knocked down into firewood."
KtLW: "That's not important. Do something useful, like rolling up this hose and putting it away."
Me: "Can't. I'll need it when I scrub the mud off the patio."
KtLW: "Well, then, get to work scrubbing the patio!"
Me: "Can't. First I have to use the blower to get all the leaves and stuff off the patio."
KtLW: "Well, then, get to work with the leafblower!"
Me: "Can't. If I blow the leaves off, the patio will still be covered with grass clippings when I mow the lawn."
KtLW: "Well, get to work mowing the lawn!"
Me: "Can't. The grass is still sopping wet from the rain -- it'll take a couple of hours to dry."
KtLW: "Well, then, do something *simple* -- like rolling up this hose and putting it away."
*blink*
*grin -- takes the first step around the mulberry bush*
Me: "Can't. I'll need it when I scrub the mud off the patio."
KtLW: "Well, then, get to work scrubbing the patio!"
Me: "Can't. First I have to use the blower to get all the leaves and stuff off the patio."
KtLW: "Well, then, get to work with the leafblower!"
Me: "Can't. If I blow the leaves off..."
Heh. Halfway through the third trip up and down the City Road, she gave up.
KtLW: "Hmmmmmpf! I'll never understand how somebody who's supposedly so smart can be so stupid!"
Me: "Gee, my thoughts, exactly..."
KtLW: "Good! It's *about time* you took ownership of the dumb things you do!"
Heh.
*pop!* goes the weasel...
Girl Scouts to Cav Scouts.
CJ of A Soldier's Perspective sends:
Can you hook a brother up? I'm in the final week of taking orders for Girl Scout cookies to send overseas to 2 Marine units. This is my second year doing this. Last year we shipped over 100 boxes to Army units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our goal this year is 200. We've already gotten orders for 60 boxes in just over a week. Would you mention this on your site for anyone that would like to help send GS cookies? I would greatly appreciate it.
I will gladly hook a brother up. Click here, people. That's an order!
Update: CJ sends a clarifier...
Thank you mucho. The more the merrier to get involved. If we get enough cookies to go around, I have six Marine units I can send cookies to. Just make sure everyone knows that the cookies only cost $3.50 per box. The extra money is to pay for shipping and boxes (the flat rate doesn't hold much unless we take them out of the box...bad idea). If there is enough money left over, we'll just add purchase more boxes. I don't want to give anyone the idea that I'm selling Girl Scout cookies for $5.
Not just another statistic...
...but an interesting casualty regardless.
Lt Perez's death means no more or no less than any other warrior's - but she filled an interesting demographic niche.
WEST POINT, N.Y. - The first member of West Point's "Class of 9-11" to die in combat was buried at the military academy Tuesday, two weeks after she was killed by a bomb at the head of a convoy in Iraq.2nd Lt. Emily Perez, 23, was leading a platoon when a roadside bomb exploded Sept. 12 south of Baghdad. She was the first female West Point graduate to die in Iraq and the highest-ranking black and Hispanic woman cadet in the school's history.
"She was like a little superwoman, so full of energy and life," said Meghan Venable-Thomas, a senior who was on the track team and in the gospel choir with Perez.
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.
Brothers in Arms...
We need a gun pic.
These two pistols have an unlikely connection. They were both taken from a German officer captured in the early days of the Normandy invasion by a soldier of the 29th Division.
The interest lies in the fact that one is Austrian, the other Brit, and they were taken from a German.
The story as related with the pistols is that the German's father fought in the young Rommel's division on the Italian front during WWI, where he acquired the Steyr. As his son went off to fight in WWII, he sent the pistol off to war again. The German acquired the Webley from a Brit commando officer (reputedly a Major) who carried it as a backup piece. Where? Dieppe.
The German officer then started to carry the Webley as *his* backup piece, though in the end he found it more prudent to surrender than use it. Accordingly, you won't find me using it as a backup piece... aside from being too small a caliber to be useful for much more than rodent-shooting, it has a bad track record... and I don't have a magazine for it, either. They are rather more rare in the wild than I would have expected. I was offered one, once - for $150, less more than I paid for the pistol.
September 28, 2006
SFC Paul Smith - still in the news. Navy News.
Birgit Smith, widow of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, and her son David pose just moments after the 377-foot, 40-knot, Navy ship "Freedom" was launched Sept. 24. Smith is the sponsor of the littoral combat ship. by Lt. Col. Leela Dawson September 26, 2006. This photo appeared on www.army.mil
From the Army News Service:
Army widow christens Navy ship, 'Freedom'Birgit Smith, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, christens Freedom (LCS 1) with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow. Freedom is the nation’s first Littoral Combat Ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships.
MARINETTE, Wis. (Army News Service, Sept. 26, 2006) – The Navy christened and launched the nation's first Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom (LCS-1), at the Marinette Marine shipyard Sept. 24.
Birgit Smith is the ship’s sponsor. She is the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Birgit broke a champagne bottle across the ship's bow to formally christen the ship, which then made a dramatic side-launch into the Menominee River.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of Naval Operations, put Birgit’s selection as sponsor into perspective for the assembled crowd by referring to a letter her husband wrote home from Iraq.
In preparation for the christening and launch of the U.S. Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Freedom, Birgit Smith, widow of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, and her son, David, place personal items of importance into a cylinder that will be be welded into the ship's mast for good luck. By Lt. Col. Leela Dawson September 26, 2006.
“When I think of his words ‘I am prepared to give all that I am’ and the way he did exactly that, it reminds me of the true high cost of living in America, the price of freedom,” he said. “Paul paid that debt for us. His valor reminds us that we must be ready to defend freedom whenever and wherever it is challenged.”
Col. Thomas P. Smith (no relation) commanded Smith’s unit – the 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division – and nominated Smith for the MOH.
“As I learned how special the “sponsor” of a ship is to the Navy and the ongoing relationship Birgit will have with the ship and her crew, I was truly humbled,” he said. “As the Navy leaders and crew got to know Birgit, I think they realized how special she is and how fitting their choice was for this honor.”
Mullen noted that ships “really do take on the spirit of their sponsor. And I for one will take great comfort that when Freedom’s crews sail into harm’s way, your quiet strength will go with them,” Mullen said to Birgit.
The 377-foot Freedom is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis.
“Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the fleet next year,” said Mullen. “It comes none too soon, because there are tough challenges out there that only she can handle.”
Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart, presents a gift in honor of Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith to the prospective commanding officers of the future-USS Freedom, Commanders Michael Doran and Donald Gabrielson for placement on the new ship. By Lt. Col. Leela Dawson September 26, 2006.Freedom acknowledges the enduring foundation of the nation and honors American communities which bear the name Freedom. States having towns named Freedom include California, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
But, as Mullen made clear, Freedom also acknowledges new challenges faced by the Navy in the war on terror, and will complement the vision of a global “1,000-ship navy” built upon ad hoc maritime partnerships.
“Freedom will know how to fight, but she can also be a friend,” said Mullen. “I am convinced that if we pool resources together, as partners and friends, we can best tackle many of the tough maritime problems we face. The Freedom class will fit perfectly into such partnerships. Her shallow draft and agility will allow her to go, when asked – deep into green and brown water – where we, our allies, and emerging partners face some of the most difficult challenges.”
Freedom will be manned by one of two rotational crews, blue and gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines.
Freedom will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine until it is commissioned in 2007 and eventually homeported in San Diego, Ca.
(Editor's note: Information compiled from Department of Defense and Department of Navy releases.)
» Stander's Point links with: R.I.P. -- SFC Paul Ray Smith: 1969 - 2003
Oh what the heck, let's lighten things up a bit.
What My Mother Taught Me:1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE:
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside -- I just finished
cleaning!"2. My mother taught me RELIGION:
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL:
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"4. My mother taught me LOGIC:
"Because I said so, that's why!"5. My mother taught me FORESIGHT:
"Be sure you wear clean underwear in case you're in an accident."6. My mother taught me IRONY:
"Keep laughing and I'll give you something to cry about."7. My mother taught me about OSMOSIS:
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper!"8. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM:
"Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck!"9. My mother taught me about STAMINA:
"You'll sit there 'til all that spinach is finished."10. My mother taught me about WEATHER:
"It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."11. My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS:
"If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you, would you listen then?"12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY:
"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times -- don't exaggerate!!!"13. My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE:
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:
"Stop acting like your father!"15. My mother taught me about ENVY:
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"
September 27, 2006
Apropos "Burying Clausewitz"...
Ori Brafman offers a different take on the subject - supportive of throwing over Clausewitz, but with a different analogy: Spiders versus Starfish.
Cut off a spider's leg, and you'll have a seven-legged cripple. Cut off its head, and you'll kill the spider. But cut off the starfish's arm, and not only will it regenerate, but the severed arm will actually grow an entirely new body. Starfish can achieve this remarkable feat because, unlike spiders, they lack central control—their organs are replicated across each arm. Starfish are decentralized.Just like in nature, there are also starfish on the battlefield. Starfish forces don't have a leader, clear structure, or defined hierarchy. These seemingly chaotic qualities make Starfish unexpectedly resilient.
H/t, CSM M.
Burying Clausewitz.
Ry - this post's for you. Clausewitz in Wonderland.
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment head towards an ancient caravansary in Hana Qadim, Iraq, to conduct a search Sept. 8, 2006. The search is being conducted in order to assure that insurgents do not use the structure as a hiding place for weapons caches. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin) (Released)
First, start off with Ralph Peters in Armed Forces Journal:
The hearts-and-minds myth Sorry, but winning means killing By Ralph Peters Mastering the languages, cultural nuances, beliefs and taboos that prevail in a theater of war, area of operations or tactical environment is vital to military success. It's much easier to kill people you understand.Beyond that, cultural insights ease routine operations and negotiations, the training of local forces and the development of intelligence. Environmental mastery helps us avoid making unnecessary enemies. But that is where the advantages end in conflicts of blood and faith: No amount of cultural sensitivity inculcated in U.S. troops will persuade fanatic believers to discard their religion, nor can any amount of American empathy change a foreign thug's ethnic identity.
Frustrated with the difficulties facing us in Iraq after being denied both adequate troop strength and the authority to impose the rule of law in the initial days of our occupation, U.S. military commanders responded with a variety of improvisations, from skillful "kinetic ops" to patient dialogue. Nothing achieved enduring results — because we never had the resources or the fortitude to follow any effort through to the end, and our enemies had no incentive to quit, surrender or cooperate. We pacified cities with force but lacked the forces to keep them pacified. We rebuilt schools, but our enemies taught us how easy it was to kill teachers. Accepting that it was politically impossible on the home front, we never conducted the essential first step in fighting terrorists and insurgents: We failed to forge a long-term plan based on a long-term commitment. Instead, we sought to dissuade fanatics and undo ancient rivalries with stopgap measures, intermittent drizzles of money and rules of engagement tailored to suit the media, not military necessity.
It is astonishing that our efforts have gone as well as they have.
Then, shift over to Tony Corn, writing in Policy Review:
“Amateurs talk about strategy, professionals talk about logistics.” In the five years since the 9/11 events, the old military adage has undergone a “transformation” of its own: Amateurs, to be sure, continue to talk about strategy, but real professionals increasingly talk about — anthropology.In Iraq as in Afghanistan, real professionals have learned the hard way that — to put it in a nutshell — the injunction “Know Thy Enemy, Know Thyself” matters more than the bookish “Know Thy Clausewitz” taught in war colleges. Know thy enemy: At the tactical and operational levels at least, it is anthropology, not Clausewitzology, that will shed light on the grammar and logic of tribal warfare and provide the conceptual weapons necessary to return fire. Know thyself: It is only through anthropological “distanciation” that the U.S. military (and its various “tribes”: Army, Navy, etc.) will become aware of its own cultural quirks — including a monomaniacal obsession with Clausewitz — and adapt its military culture to the new enemy.1
The first major flaw of U.S. military culture is of course “technologism” — this uniquely American contribution to the phenomenon known to anthropologists as “animism.” Infatuation with technology has led in the recent past to rhetorical self-intoxication about Network-Centric Warfare and the concomitant neglect of Culture-Centric Warfare. The second structural flaw is a Huntingtonian doctrine of civil-military relations ideally suited for the Cold War but which, given its outdated conception of “professionalism,” has outlived its usefulness and is today a major impediment to the necessary constant dialogue between the military and civilians.2
Last but not least, the third major flaw is “strategism.” At its “best,” strategism is synonymous with “strategy for strategy’s sake,” i.e., a self-referential discourse more interested in theory-building (or is it hair-splitting?) than policy-making. Strategism would be innocuous enough were it not for the fact that, in the media and academia, “realism” today is fast becoming synonymous with “absence of memory, will, and imagination”: in that context, the self-referentiality of the strategic discourse does not exactly improve the quality of the public debate. At its worst, strategism confuses education with indoctrination, and scholarship with scholasticism; in its most extreme form, it comes close to being an “intellectual terrorism” in the name of Clausewitz.
Chewy stuff in here. Clausewitz in Wonderland, by Tony Corn, in Policy Review.
Ry - you say I'm doing God's Work with tongue-in-cheek... but, in that I study the impacts of technologism... in some respects, I do.
Discuss among yourselves. Not what I do - what these guys are saying.
Cleaning up details. Having gone through and finally had a chance to read what retired Generals Batiste and Eaton, retired Colonel Hammes had to say to the Senate Democratic Policy Committee that Ry linked to yesterday in the H&I - I decided to take the transcript and post it below the fold - since it relates, in a couple of ways, to what is above the fold. Too bad I don't trust the Dems to walk the walk on this issue. Their senior leadership just isn't serious - however flawed the Republicans are on this issue, not leaving much of a choice.
» MilBlogs links with: Holding a wake for Clausewitz.
CENTCOM Sends: What Leading Terrorists are saying... to each other.
CENTCOM Press Release
Letter Exposes New Leader in Al-Qa`ida High Command25 September 2006
On 7 June 2006, American military forces executed an air strike on an al-Qa`ida safe-house near Baqouba, Iraq, killing Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi, al-Qa`ida‘s commander in Iraq. U.S. and Iraqi forces subsequently acquired numerous documents from that safe-house. On 18 September 2006, the Iraqi National Security Advisor, Muwaffaq al-Rabi`i, released one of those documents to Iraqi media. As part of an ongoing collaboration with the Department of Defense to declassify, collect, and disseminate documents that provide new insights into the internal functioning of salafi-jihadist organizations, the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has made this letter available at http://ctc.usma.edu.
The captured letter sheds new light on the friction between al-Qa`ida’s senior leadership and al-Qa`ida’s commanders in Iraq over the appropriate use of violence. The identity of the letter’s author, “`Atiyah,” is unknown, but based on the contents of the letter he seems to be a highly placed al-Qa`ida leader who fought in Algeria in the early 1990s. `Atiyah's letter echoes many of the themes found in the October 2005 letter written to Zarqawi by al-Qa`ida’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri; indeed, it goes so far as to explicitly confirm the authenticity of that earlier letter. `Atiyah’s admonitions in this letter, like those of Zawahiri in his letter to Zarqawi, also dovetail with other publicly available texts by al-Qa`ida strategists.
Although `Atiyah praises Zarqawi’s military success against coalition forces in Iraq, he is most concerned with Zarqawi’s failure to understand al-Qa`ida’s broader strategic objective: attracting mass support among the wider Sunni Muslim community. `Atiyah reminds Zarqawi that military actions must be subservient to al-Qa`ida’s long-term political goals. Zarqawi’s use of violence against popular Sunni leaders, according to `Atiyah, is undermining al-Qa`ida’s ability to win the “hearts of the people.” 2
According to `Atiyah, Zarqawi’s widening scope of operations, culminating with the November 2005 hotel bombings in Amman, Jordan, has alienated fellow Sunnis and reduced support for the global al-Qa`ida movement. In this vein, `Atiyah instructs Zarqawi to avoid killing popular Iraqi Sunni leaders because such actions alienate the very populations that al-Qa`ida seeks to attract to its cause.3 `Atiyah also encourages Zarqawi to forge strategic relationships with moderate Sunnis, particularly tribal and religious leaders, even if these leaders do not accept Zarqawi’s religious positions.
`Atiyah instructs Zarqawi to follow orders from Usama Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri on major strategic issues, such as initiating a war against Shiites; undertaking large-scale operations; or operating outside of Iraq. `Atiyah goes on to criticize Zarqawi’s board of advisors in Iraq for their lack of adequate political and religious expertise, and he warns Zarqawi against the sin of arrogance. Because al-Qa`ida is in what `Atiyah calls a “stage of weakness,” `Atiyah urges Zarqawi to seek counsel from wiser men in Iraq— implying that there might be someone more qualified than Zarqawi to command al-Qa`ida operations in Iraq.
`Atiyah closes with a request that Zarqawi send a messenger to “Waziristan” (likely, Waziristan, Pakistan) in order to establish a reliable line of communication with Bin Laden and Zawahiri. `Atiyah confirms in the letter that al-Qa`ida’s overall communications network has been severely disrupted and complains specifically that sending communications to Zarqawi from outside of Iraq remains difficult. Interestingly, he explains how Zarqawi might use jihadi discussion forums to communicate with al-Qa`ida leadership in Waziristan.
`Atiyah’s unequivocal confirmation of the Zawahiri letter’s legitimacy, his authoritative tone, and his insider knowledge, indicate that he is among the highest ranking leaders in al-Qa`ida. But unlike most of al-Qa`ida’s known senior leadership, who remain isolated in the tribal areas of Pakistan or under house arrest in Iran, `Atiyah appears to have remarkable freedom of movement and a functional communication network.
Combating Terrorism Center
United States Military Academy
West Point, NY
The full text of the letter is in the Flash Traffic/Extended Entry
Another never ending post: Immigration this time.
Since John’s said he’s busy doing God’s work and wanted someone to pull in some of the slack around here (wouldn’t hurt if we dusted either) you’re all being subjected to another non-gun pr0n post that never ends. This one is on immigration. You’ve been warned.
ry
(the real stuff is below the fold.)
September 26, 2006
A Giant Has Passed.
Colonel Jeff Cooper. Rifleman. Pistolero.
A giant in the field of firearms. The Armorer is a pale, pale, pale reflection, a shadow furtively lurking *in* the Colonel's shadow.
As JimB observed - at least now we know there will be a well-run range in Heaven.
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.
A good war story.
Pte Johnson Beharry VC is the first person since 1965 to be awarded Britain's highest award for gallantry while still alive. A 27-year-old native of Grenada, who came to Britain in 1999 and joined the British Army in 2001, he was a member of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment when he was posted to Iraq in April 2004. He was awarded the VC on March 18, 2005. This is his story, taken from his soon to be published book, 'Barefoot Soldier'.
Slaying memes, with malice.
So, I find this in my inbox...
Thank you ry :)I will have to look those up. The Armorer IS a worthless putz, is he not???
From this comment thread.
Which generated this response, from He Who Should Know Better:
Not so sure about the worthless part, but I'm leaning toward agreement on the putz part. Split the difference? Putz of some worth?;)(flees in terror)
Which generated a response of my own, but that's not important right now.
So. Ya really wanna know what's in the "frequently played" list in the Armorer's Windows Media Player (at work, when trying to not be interrupted, is when I do most of my listening to music)?
Fine.
Johnny Cash's cover of Nine-Inch-Nail's "Hurt".
And this:
1. The Irish Volunteer
2. Boys That Wore Green
3. Opinions Of Paddy Magee
4. The Boys Of The Irish Brigade
5. Paddy's Lament
6. The Irish Volunteer (Nr. 2)
7. My Fathers Gun
8. Meagher Is Leading The Irish Brigade
9. Free And Green
10. The Harp Of Old Erin & Banner Of Star
11. The List Of Generals
12. Pat Murphy Of Meaghers's Brigade
My favorites are, in no particular order, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9. Okay, there *is* an order, but only of convenience, not preference.
If you'd like to see the lyrics, click here.
I'm not that much into music designed for dancing, or, more accurately, spastic gyration. I like songs that tell stories. I disagree with Don McLean - July 16, 1981 is the Day The Music Died.
And Al Stewart needs to produce some new stuff, rather than just live on his stuff from the 80's... what, me selfish?
That is all.
September 24, 2006
Gold Star Mother's Day.
Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of AmericaSince America's founding, every generation has produced patriots willing to sacrifice for our great Nation. Many of these proud sons and daughters have given everything for our freedom, and America has mourned the loss of every life. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and extending the blessings of liberty to others.
Gold Star Mothers have long borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion. Through heartbreaking loss and unimaginable grief, they continue to support each other through difficult times, stand up for those wearing the uniform of the United States, and serve their communities in the best traditions of the American spirit. Their strength, compassion, and determination are an inspiration to all and a source of great pride for our Nation.
America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, "There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows." Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families' sacrifice.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings on them and on their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2006, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
The more things change...
...the more some things just stay the same.
A visual essay on soldiers and soldiering is below the fold, thoughtfully tucked there for you dial up visitors with long graphic load times. Just click on Flash Traffic/Extended Entry
.
Mebbe it's just Clobbering Time.
.
Just sayin'
.
"The Iraqis don't want Saddam back - they want the stability. But they want the stability without being fed into industrial chippers."
. -The Armorer, on Hugh Hewitt, 27 December 2006.
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