We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:12:37 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2010 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification ...as in going to a political function and ambushing your freshman congressional Representative. In this case, Nancy Boyda, Democrat, representing the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas. She who upset Jim Ryun. Not that I mind his departure, he took his constituents for granted, I mind the loss of the seat to the Democrats, though despite some heated rhetoric to the contrary, I don't see Ms. Boyda as quite being "Ms. Boyda (D, KS/San Francisco). This was a target of opportunity. As related yesterday, I went to the Dole Leadership Prize award for former Senator Howard Baker. On a note unrelated... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:18:37 -0600 John, I believe, I owe you an apology. In your mind, I created a wrong view by the use of the word "enemy". I used the term in the context of "...giving comfort and aid to the enemy." I have no problem with what you said. But let me be precisely and emphatically clear, the "enemy" is neither the Democratic, nor the Republican, nor the Independent parties, nor their members. The enemy IS the "terrorist with whom we are at war" with, therefore you begin to understand actual importance. You have shown the importance of actually looking at the issues, separate from the personna. As you wrote, you have shown the importance of meaningful and respectful communication. Thank you, for allowing me to correct my error. Grumpy http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59416 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59416 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:19:12 -0600 I was reading at the milblog and it inspired some thought (right in the middle of our second transition of ownership in six months, but it was a great momentary break from my "Oh, My G_d! What else do you want and when?"). I really do understand what the Democrats' plan is. In some ways, I understand how they derived it, but I have a hard time considering it because it seems to give up, unnecessarily in my opinion, influence and security in the region, not to mention what I see as a serious wont of a "post withdrawal" vision. so, we get an exit plan but we are gambling on the outcome. something with worse odds than our current strategy provides. It is interesting that the Democrats are able to lable the administrations strategy as a "lack of planning" all the while there is no real plan from the Democrats on what we will be doing or experiencing if their strategy is undertaken. It is about short term gain from reducing the cost of the war and number of casualties. The long term sees a very costly effect, but it will be in less tangible areas such as security in the region, security here, influence, and the long term gamble of Iran getting nuclear power or the proliferation of such weapons in the region. People don't understand that the cost of strengthening Iran's hand in the region will lead to very real tangible costs in the future. But we have always been the people who are willing to bet on paying the bill in the future. I think that the lack of tangible costs for the American populace is what makes the withdrawal seem so much more palatable. Better to listen to complaints in the future and deal with security issues in the future than continue the current risk of tangible monetary and human costs. Not to mention that, sadly, the American populace has never seen the loss of Iraqi life and freedom to be a tangible cost to them. They are the "other" after all and it will remain so. The same can be said for Iranian people. They are the "others" as well. For all the lambasting of this administration as causing us to be isolated in the world, it was a false accusation to my mind. It is these last 6 years that we have been the most engaged. It is not the "engagement" that we invisioned post glasnost and perestroika, but it is the most active. Yet, the american populace is, by nature, isolationist and exceptionalist. Something our forefathers struggled with and has waxed and waned throughout our history whether it is the Monroe doctrine or gunboat diplomacy, manifest destiny or pre-WWI and WWII. We say we are the leader of the world, but we eschew the position because the leader of the world entails responsibilities and powers that go beyond our scope or understanding of the exceptionalism of this nation: freedom of and from for those within our borders. To become the leader of anything means that we are responsible for everyone else's freedom and survival. That also goes against our individualism: responsibility for ourselves. But, we don't mind the perks, the economic security or the ability to flex that power when we want to. I often think of it as our "Cain and Able" complex. Am I my brother's keeper? yes, but who is my brother and what if he's an idiot? Or, worse, I'm trying to keep him and I can't even keep myself. Worse, what if it is simply not convenient? Then Able is fed to the wolves because we are sure we can resurrect him when we need to or come up with another brother in the future. We ARE the country of the Yalta conference and 50 years of cold war with the fall of the Berlin Wall under our belt. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59415 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59415 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:46:09 -0600 As observed to me in an email, the Dems especially are very good at disciplining the ranks, and punish members who stray too far from the fold on core issues with the party leadership. So certainly, there will be great pressure on Ms. Boyda to conform. Party politics are party politics, and internal discipline in that regard in a strength of the Dems vice the Republicans. That said, Ms. Boyda is still in the district held by Jim Ryun for 12 years, and she did not sweep him out with a huge majority. That gives us leverage. I know I'm not going to get everything I might like out of Ms. Boyda, anymore than I did from Mr. Ryun. But I'm perfectly willing to be a sounding board, and work on issues where we do have agreement. That's the essence of how the system actually works at the nuts and bolts level. Not that I'm really trying to move into politics in a big way. I'm in a somewhat bemusing situation myself. But on the other hand, I've got real issues and real people, such as Project Valour-It, and military and veteran's health care and such - and odd as it seems to me as I find myself moving in these circles - the blog gives me a platform, seems a shame not to use it, to work to some mutual advantage. Grumpy, I'm not exactly sure what you were after - except that if you think I'm in danger of giving away inner strategies of the Republicans, I assure you I don't move in those circles, and much of that stuff I do publish, such as the stuff from the White House regarding Senator Reid, is provided by the White House with the express hope I'll publish it. But let me be clear - if Ms. Boyda is championing a cause I support, I'll support her in that. I won't withhold support just to try to make her look bad enough to lose her seat. Besides, this place isn't Kos. I don't have that kind of pull, nor do I want to have that kind of pull or exposure. And that's assuming Kos truly has the impact his exposure appears to indicate. One thing I've noticed about blogs - most of the people I know don't read them. The ones among my friends who read Argghhh! do so because of me, and they find it a congenial place - but I'm not their first source for anything. But, one thing about size - it isn't how many read you, but who. And I've caught enough of the right eyes that I am starting to build connections and even have teeny tiny impacts. But I keep my perspective (unlike many of us - precisely because of the ditto-head bubble we can find ourselves in.) On reason I keep this space like it is is for the sole purpose of making it someplace people can come and disagree - without being shouted down, denigrated, attacked. Sites that do that are seemingly hugely popular, but they also alienate a whole lot more - whether they are right or left wing. And I admit, the nature of my work limits what I can blog. I've got lots of inside opinons on lots of things military - which will not see the light of day here - which would not be the case, necessarily, were I to be doing something else... or my investment portfolio having hit that magic number so that I could quit working for anyone other than myself. Ain't there yet, ain't going to get there by selling blogads, either, and so far no sugar-daddy foundation is taking me on. Heck, Jonah likes me but I have yet to make the cut and get something into NRO, not that I haven't tried. But, the more I do this, the more I appreciate that while I can write, and I can analyze, I don't have the touch with words that Reynolds, Frank J, or Cassandra have. That and the fact that I like to have fun teasing you guys with the Whatziss', and Bill does Non-cat Blogging, which detracts from the Serious Wonk side of things. But heck, if I'm going to give up three-five hours a day to keep this up, then dangit, I'm gonna have me some fun! I look at what LGF goes through, etc, and I just don't see any fun in there for me. But if I can be a bellwether for my local politicians on how the center right is looking at things - well, I think that's a net plus. Or am I missing something? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59413 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59413 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:12:32 -0600 It is right to engage 'the enemy'. However one thing that I have noticed with regard to Murtha, Reid, Moore and a bunch more is .. when you confront them with the insanity of their position ... they double down. I have never seen more Moonbat politicians paint themselves into a corner and foam at the mouth more. It will be interesting to see where Ms Boyda goes from here. If I were a betting man I bet she gets worse too. The possible upside of it is they may make big enough asses of themselves to stir up a backlash. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59410 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59410 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:40:44 -0600 John, I hope you will take this the right way. The actual central issue is "life leadership". Many are saying do this or that, you, on the other hand, are doing it first, then saying, "Follow my example." To me, this is the definition of leadership, military or otherwise. But there is another very dangerous concept lurking in the shadows. The U.S. Contsitution/Bill of Rights gives us the RIGHT of FREE SPEECH. But does that mean we should always say or communicate what we are thinking? Sometimes this communication keeps this country divided. By keeping this country divided, are we not "giving comfort and aid to the enemy?" You took the courage to confront the issue and the enemy. This is not directed at either party singularly, but to every American citizen. Respectfully- Grumpy http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59409 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59409 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:18:42 -0600 This is where I conclude the Compleat Hijack® of this thread to say that while in command in the mid-late 80's, I had a Studebaker-built 2.5t truck... one of the very very few trucks that came back from a tour in Vietnam. That was only because it carried a shelter. Most of our trucks were left behind for the Vietnamese Army. Either one, depending on the year, so to speak. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59408 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59408 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:33:34 -0600 That's probably what Packard said, too, as they folded... They didn't fold, they merged with Studebaker in the late '50s. Problem was, they stopped designing Packards and started designing very nice Studebakers. Very nice, that is, considering that they were still Studebakers. Just don't form an axis with Debbie the Key...]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59407 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59407 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:57:41 -0600 I agree on how the representative democracy works,(my uncle is Jerry Morans campaign manager). However, admiting that's how works could come back to haunt her politically. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59399 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59399 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:53:26 -0600 In other words, we have a very *selective* readership Very true! You have me. Mischa doesn't unless you send me there.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59396 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59396 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:09:07 -0600 Very interesting post about Congresswoman Boyda. My congressman is Ike Skelton and I've been favorably impressed by him when we've met (he remembers my name, which I guess is one of the most important traits a politician can posses.) and he sure talks a good game. What is your take on Ike? Since he's the chairman of the Armed Services Committee I figure you, all of you, must have an opinion. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59395 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59395 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:48:03 -0600 That's probably what Packard said, too, as they folded... "We have a very *selective* clientele..." Of course, it does work for Ferrari. Mebbe I should break down and sell ads... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59393 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59393 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:41:03 -0600 Which is why this space isn't hugely popular, like Misha's, or LGF. In other words, we have a very *selective* readership. [breaking open the doggie treats pending possible deluge of rottweilers]]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59392 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59392 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:36:14 -0600 The SMP (he is, too, just not Very Senior - except in the passing of chronons...) brings up the point I was going to go look up later - her voting record, vice what she *said*. This dang having a job thing does get in the way. One thing Owen deLong said was that if you wanted to see Jim Ryun's record, all you had to do was read Boyda's newspaper ads. That works both ways. That said, rather than just jump in and start stomping, my preference is to recon and develop the situation. And not always by fire. She is our representative for this Congress. This is who we have to work with. Just being like a full-bore Freeper and DU'er and relentlessly attacking attacking attacking, regardless of the merit of the attack, isn't going to make mine a voice that will be heard. There are plenty of people out there willing to just toss eggs. I've always preferred honey, until it's clear that only sulfur will suffice. That's one of the things that sets this space aside from a lot of others. Which is why this space isn't hugely popular, like Misha's, or LGF. But then they already exist. This place will just try to entail a little more finesse and be something different. If only because the other's exist, and I can't compete (plus I like my real job) and frankly, that isn't me, anyway. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59390 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59390 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:09:21 -0600 Senior Military Personage Speaks: The Senior refers to age, nothing else. I will be watching with great interest to see if our esteemed Congressional representative matches her stated positions with her actions on the floor of the House. So far, not so good. She has voted with her Party and against the interests of her District on every major issue brought to a vote. She may say that she is on board with BRAC issues, but she voted to remove the Military Construction dollars necessary to build new barracks for the 1st Division at Ft. Riley as they return from Germany. GEN Craddock, EUCOM Commander is so concerned that the Christian Science Monitor is reporting that he is reconsidering the decisions to withdraw all but two brigades of combat troops from Europe. He has several reasons, but one of them is the delays in military construction. I expect that she will pursue a middle ground course on gun control. One, the views of her constituents are quite clear, and her party learned its lesson on this issue following the Columbine tragedy. The Washington crowd was certainly surprised by her victory and kudos to those who pulled it off. Had Jim Ryun been able to find his way to a feed store or a farm auction from time to time, he might still be enjoying the good life on the Hill. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59389 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59389 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:05:31 -0600 Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59387 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59387 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:59:24 -0600 Tim - ditto your first, but about your last... That's how representative democracy works. She takes the input from the district, the inputs she gets from the national party (let's not be naive about the politics of things) and the input she gets from being in the DC area - including lobbyists, the media, etc. She then essentially votes the way she sees best, which isn't always the way the consituents (at least the vocal ones) see it. Then we get to grade her next time around. Ryun got graded out of a job, essentially. What I was trying to convey there was she was staking out some independence for herself, which could work both ways. In context, I didn't have a problem with it, and I didn't mind it, because it really is a complex situation, and I'd just as soon she exercised some judgement and not necessarily always vote with the passion of the day. That said, even if she votes the way I want on all my pet issues, the national politics are still likely to push me to vote for a Republican candidate. Unless it's Ryun. Then I might just sit out the election. I just hope we can put up a credible candidate who isn't Ryun. But it can also mean that I won't be as worried about the overall result if we can't take the seat back immediately - depending on how Ms. Boyda develops as a legislator. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59385 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59385 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:42:19 -0600 I am glad to see she didn't go off the deep end regarding 2nd Amendement rights. As a gun dealer here in western Ks. I have often felt that the question regarding history of mental illness on the 4473 form is somewhat of a joke. Mental illness is a medical condition and covered by the privacy act. (Bill Clinton Really wanted his medical records kept private.) I would be surprised if even the ATF is allowed to see a person's medical history. We rely soley on the person's honesty when filling out the form. To me a history of mentall illness should throw up a red flag as much as if not more than a felony conviction. O.K. I'm done ranting. By the way, did Ms. Boyda basically say she didn't care what here constituients thought but she would vote how She thought best? So much for representing the people. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59384 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59384 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:27:55 -0600 Maggie - excepting that he's married and a soldier, you'd like the Senior Miltary Personage. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59382 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59382 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:01:10 -0600 I'm in that group whose vote she needs to get if she wants to keep her job - the great mushy muddle. Hmmpf. And here I'd allus thought you *had* a great mushy middle. Gotta be *some* reason you stuck halfway through the commander's hatch on that T-72... ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59381 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59381 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:59:04 -0600 I hope Senior Military Person comes across better in person....cause he didn't do well in this email. I agree with your overall assessment of your relationship/situation with Ms. Boyda. As long as they are not too "out there" you can talk across the aisle. And having someone from your own party in office isn't necessarily the key to happiness. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59380 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/04/meeting_the_ene.html#comment-59380 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:48:06 -0600