H&I* Fires 15 SEP 2007

Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.

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Today the Armorer and SWWBO will head down to the Gathering of Eagles/ANSWER Die-In to take part in our first demonstration/counterdemonstration, since out in the great flyover such things aren't nearly as much fun.

Reference yesterday's excitement, I got this email from a buddy:

Well done, my friend. While I have met a few serving and/or ex-Presidents in my day, I have never had to occasion to chat with one. I have one question, given you wont for pastime proclivities, and public knowledge of same – did you get a full body cavity search?

My response:

No, apparently my entry in the Secret Service Hitchhiker's Guide to the Blogosphere said, "Mostly Harmless".

Off to get coffee and protest the protestors! And if we're really good today, we might get to do dinner with the Blog Princess! -the Armorer

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Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam. 57 years ago today, Operation Chromite - the invasion of Inchon. Take that, Secretary Johnson! - the Armorer.

[FbL the HTML Elf (try saying THAT 5 times fast) sez: I cleaned up a couple HTML problems above, but it's impossible to tell if the "corrected" last link is what the Armorer actually intended.]

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Guiliani calls out Hillary Clinton on the subject of support for the military and the Iraq war... using her own words.

Talking with Heroes has several updates, including a look at "Troop-welcoming" events in Dallas - FbL

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Fort Riley Casualties.

I'm thinking this is an especially appropriate post for today, considering what's going on at the Mall today.

Make a hole there - two more inbounds to the 1st Division Stammtisch at Fiddler's Green:

Air Force Master Sergeant Patrick D. Magnani, 38, died in a non-combat related incident Sept. 4 near Bagram, Afghanistan.

Magnani was serving on a transition team assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. His home of record is Martinez, Calif.

He arrived at Fort Riley in May 2007 and deployed on the transition team in July 2007.

Transition team training is a 60-day training cycle at Fort Riley to prepare small teams of American Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors to advise, teach, mentor and coach their Iraqi or Afghan counterparts.

Staff Sergeant Courtney Hollinsworth, 26, died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and grenades Sept. 9 in Baghdad.

Hollinsworth was a cavalry scout assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. His home of record is Yonkers, N.Y.

He entered the Army in September 1998 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division in June 2006. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

To date, 133 Fort Riley Soldiers and Airmen have been killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.

Watch this space...

Breaking news...

Today, the Armorer and a group of milbloggers participated in a tiny bit of history.

We got to meet the President of the United States. And talk with him for an hour.

With two of us linking in courtesy of the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad, we sat down a little before 10AM in the Roosevelt Room of the White House and literally had a chat with the President.

President Bush observed, that as far as he knows, this was the first time that a sitting President had hosted a group of bloggers for a chat at the White House. If that's in fact true - then we got to make a little history today. If it's not true, I'm sure the Peasants with Pitchforks will quickly disabuse us of the notion!

Present from the White House were:

President Bush
General Lute
Kevin Sullivan
Mark Pfeifler
Dana Perino
Tony Snow.

The milbloggers present were:

The Armorer of Argghhh!
Matt Burden of Blackfive
Mrs. Greyhawk of Mudville Gazette, standing in for the deployed Greyhawk
NZ Bear of the TTLB and the Victory Caucus
Steve Schippert of Threats Watch
Ward Carroll of Military.Com
CJ from A Soldier's Perspective
Mohammed of Iraq the Model

Linking in from Iraq were:

Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal
Bill Ardolino of INDC Journal.

More to follow - I just wanted to get this out there because it was, in fact, a good time. I've got several posts worth of stuff from the chat - but I'm just going to leave you with this group photo:

Lookit those s**t-eating grins.

I'm still stunned.

To quote President Bush "I looked at my schedule today, and I found it interesting that I would be sitting down with bloggers."

No more interesting than we found it, sir. Trust me on that.

Update: Hi to NRO visitors! For anyone coming in via a link - here's a link to my second post on the visit - covering the first impressions of the meeting.

First Impressions of meeting with the President.

President George W. Bush meeting with military bloggers in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Friday, Sept. 14, 2007. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

The sit down with President Bush was, I've got to note - fun.

It was serious. He talked to us, and with us, not at us. And, unusual for the personality types that populate the blogging world - we listened. We got in our questions, and I think they were good ones, and the President made his points, which were a mixture of the thrust of his message this week and new (to me, anyway) stuff in response to our questions.

Make no mistake - he knew we were going to generally be a receptive audience, and we were. The staff knew our blogs, and they knew that while some of us have not always been fans or happy with things as they are, they knew we were not going to storm the Bastille, either.

I had a list of questions, most of which ended up being asked by others. So, as the other bloggers put up their posts, I'll link to them, so you can both see what I was interested in, but let the relevant blogger run with the question and the answer. And I'll put up a post about my question and his answer.

The President acknowledged, so to speak, the rise of the blogosphere - which he seems to see as complementary to the MSM, a view to which I subscribe, as well. We're another vector that people can use to disseminate or gather information - whether the MSM is gate-guarding it because of their biases, or simple economics. There are only so many air minutes, so many column inches, and the MSM is a business. They have to make editorial decisions.

If anything, the blogs hearken back, really, to an earlier time in the growth of the Republic.

We're the "broadsides" of this era. As Larry Schwiekart and Michael Allen describe them in their book, A Patriot's History of the United States (page 42):

"...Americans' literacy was widespread, but it was not deep or profound. Most folks read a little and not much more. In response, a new form of publishing arose to meet the demands of this vast, but minimally literate, populace: the newspaper. Early newspapers came in the form of broadsides, usually distributed and posted in the lobby of an inn or saloon where one of the more literate colonials would proceed to read a story aloud for the dining or drinking clientele. Others would chime in with editorial comments during the reading, making for a truly democratic and interactive forum."

That covers blogs pretty well, I think. Though there are some pretty deep and profound ones, and there are ones which are growing into news outlets that have many trappings of the MSM, as well. With their strengths and weaknesses.

And today, the President just gave blogs some props.

And while the venue may have held milblogs - it's props for all bloggers who take their vocation or avocation seriously - and I think that's true for blogs of the Left, Middle, and the Right, the Poliblogs and the Milblogs, and the harder-to-characterize blogs as well.

And that's a good thing - because I think that our greatest strength and contribution is: "Others would chime in with editorial comments during the reading, making for a truly democratic and interactive forum."

Sure, there's trolls and scary places and people who don't know argument from excrement - but if you have something to say, and create the environment, you can open a pub like Castle Argghhh! where others chime in, you can learn something, and even though you're #1 in Google for "I bayoneted myself today" and you have an Outhouse Naming Contest, in America, you can still get invited to the White House to talk to the President.

And that's just cool.

And Barney is one *fine* looking Scotty.

And this is where I say that I wouldn't have been sitting at that table today if it hadn't been for Dusty, Bill, and the Denizen/nes of Argghhh! - because you guys make this worth doing for four years.

Thank you all, very, very, much.

There's some other people I owe, as well, but I know they prefer to remain anonymous. Thank you, too. You know who you are.

H&I* Fires 14 SEP 2007

Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.

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Some good news about terrorism and the internet--'hiding in plain sight' may not be all it is cracked up be. I wonder what Bruce Schneier thinks about this?
h/t to Haft of the Spear

And Alan thought blogging was dead? Silly Canandian, Trix are for kids!
--ry
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Blogging may be dead, but something's happening this morning that shows it's dying a slow death... -the Armorer

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No dead blogging, but, unfortunately, a dead freedom fighter. The real kind of freedom fighter who risked everything to keep his tribe, his people free from the oppression of Islamic extremist, Al Qaeda elements in Iraq. Most may have heard by now of the death of Sheik Abdul Sattar al-Rishawi. The first time I read about this man, during his meeting with American officers at the beginning of the awakening, he asked them for a carton of Marlboro's. At the time, I did not realize that Al Qaeda had killed or threatened to kill anyone they caught smoking or importing cigarettes. I thought he simply enjoyed American Cigarettes. Instead, it seems it was one more defiance in the face of tyranny.

This man was a true hero and martyr for his people. May they remember him as such and honor his sacrifice. -Kat

Happy Birthday, AFSister!

Thanks to meticulous organization, and a nudge from our Latin scholar (Thanks, Boq - I owe you!), I was reminded to call for a celebration. Today is the Natal Day of our own fun-loving AFSister ... so it's time to drag out the Rita-Matic and dust off the Chandelier swing and have a party!!

Leave your birthday wishes in the comments, and links to suitable gifts are highly suggested! Or unsuitable gifts, if you prefer ... *grin*

To start off, I thought perhaps you would like some nice cold bubbly, and for your Were-Kitty alter ego, how about a dancing partner?

Yo, you think you wanna coin me boyo?

You slap your coin on the table.

I've got a trump.

I'll take a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig margarita, rocks, salt, please.

And no, it's *not* going on eBay. The White House mint... mebbe.

More news from our Man in the 'Stan.

Gotta love the line... "Your service must be at least this old..."

Well last weekend was the farewell dinner for our contractor Mark. Due to the relationship he has with the carpet guys, they hosted it. We had all our JFCOM guys and the team from Allied Command Transformation, the NATO command in Norfolk. Karim’s wife, mother and sister-in-law did the cooking. That was one of the best meals we’ve had here. Rice with raisins, beef, flat bread and the best lamb I think I ever ate (fell right off the bone.) Not that I eat a lot of lamb, but having raised them I do enjoy the chance to get back at the little buggers.

My favorite theory of warfare is that the side with the most sheep-herders wins. (My second favorite is that the side with the silliest hats loses.) Spend your life around sheep and you become inured to pain, discomfort and disappointment. They also drive you crazy and mean. That’s why the Afghans have done so well, lost of sheep. That’s also why the only two armies that have done any good here were Alexander the Great and the Brits. Lots of sheep-herders up in northern Greece and places like Shropshire and Suffolk. In fact go to the front gate here and you will find Brits and Macedonians guarding the place. Coincidence? I think not.

Mark made it back to Qatar and had some issues suddenly crop up that would have required him to return here if they were not resolved. The response from the officer in charge of the JFCOM “support” team there was basically “not my worry, he’s a contractor.” Now LTC Moore fixed him up from here, and Mark (COL, USA, ret) went home to see his new baby granddaughter. Now having spent a few years as a contractor before Uncle Sam asked me to put the uniform back on full time, I know two things. One is that everyone must leave the military at some point. The second is that there is joy in taking the carefully worded resume of some sanctimonious twit and feeding it into the shredder. The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind on.

Was a little bit under the weather middle of last week. I’ve been healthy so far this tour and this wasn’t so bad, just bad enough to convince me to lay low for a day or two.

The Air Force command (CENTAF) has decided that they can’t drink, even if their attached to NATO. I told my Air Force colleague that it was an age thing. Your service had to be at least 75 years old to have a drink.

A small bit of excitement in Kabul, rocket attack somewhere in the vicinity of the US Embassy a couple of nights ago (heard that one) and two IEDS on ISAF convoys late last night. Those attacks apparently triggered the general alarm here. I heard nothing in our out of the way little corner of the base. (Hey, if you can sleep right below the deck of an aircraft carrier, you can sleep through anything.)

We had another rocket warning last night. The siren went off about 1030 and they announced “stay inside and keep your body armor nearby.” Of course I was inside already, and my gear was in the office, so I tried to get back to sleep. They set the siren off about for more times until midnight to say the same thing, but of course we all had to run back out to the door to hear if they were ordering us to our bunkers. I don’t think that anything landed in the city. I know I know, war is heck.

Just in case you missed it:

The script of the President's speech - as written, not necessarily as delivered.

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its people.

We are now at such a moment.

In Iraq , an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq ’s government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home. If Iraq ’s young democracy can turn back these enemies, it will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America . This ally has placed its trust in the United States . And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

Eight months ago, we adopted a new strategy to meet that objective, including a surge in U.S. forces that reached full strength in June. This week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about how that strategy is progressing. In their testimony, these men made clear that our challenge in Iraq is formidable. Yet they concluded that conditions in Iraq are improving, that we are seizing the initiative from the enemy, and that the troop surge is working.

The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress. For Iraqis to bridge sectarian divides, they need to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. For lasting reconciliation to take root, Iraqis must feel confident that they do not need sectarian gangs for security. The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it. As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.

Since the surge was announced in January, it has moved through several phases. First was the flow of additional troops into Iraq , especially Baghdad and Anbar Province . Once these forces were in place, our commanders launched a series of offensive operations to drive terrorists and militias out of their strongholds. Finally, in areas that have been cleared, we are surging diplomatic and civilian resources to ensure that military progress is quickly followed up with real improvements in daily life.

Anbar Province is a good example of how our strategy is working. Last year, an intelligence report concluded that Anbar had been lost to al Qaeda. Some cited this report as evidence that we had failed in Iraq and should cut our losses and pull out. Instead, we kept the pressure on the terrorists. The local people were suffering under the Taliban-like rule of al Qaeda, and they were sick of it. So they asked us for help.

To take advantage of this opportunity, I sent an additional 4,000 Marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheiks, Iraqi forces, and Coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of Ramadi and other population centers. Today, a city where al Qaeda once planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding. Young Sunnis who once joined the insurgency are now joining the army and police. And with the help of our Provincial Reconstruction Teams, new jobs are being created and local governments are meeting again.

These developments do not often make the headlines, but they do make a difference. During my visit to Anbar on Labor Day, local Sunni leaders thanked me for America ’s support. They pledged they would never allow al Qaeda to return. And they told me they now see a place for their people in a democratic Iraq . The Sunni governor of Anbar Province put it this way: “Our tomorrow starts today.”

The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible when extremists are driven out. They show al Qaeda that it cannot count on popular support, even in a province its leaders once declared their home base. And they show the world that ordinary people in the Middle East want the same things for their children that we want for ours – a decent life and a peaceful future.

In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly. Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheikhs who helped lead the revolt against al Qaeda was murdered. In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: “We are determined to strike back and continue our work.” And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States .

Throughout Iraq , too many citizens are being killed by terrorists and death squads. And for most Iraqis, the quality of life is far from where it should be. Yet General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker report that the success in Anbar is beginning to be replicated in other parts of the country.

One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege. Schools were closed, markets were shuttered, and sectarian violence was spiraling out of control. Today, most of Baghdad ’s neighborhoods are being patrolled by Coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many schools and markets are reopening. Citizens are coming forward with vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down. And ordinary life is beginning to return.

One year ago, much of Diyala Province was a sanctuary for al Qaeda and other extremist groups, and its capital of Baqubah was emerging as an al Qaeda stronghold. Today, Baqubah is cleared. Diyala Province is the site of a growing popular uprising against the extremists. And some local tribes are working alongside Coalition and Iraqi forces to clear out the enemy and reclaim their communities.

One year ago, Shia extremists and Iranian-backed militants were gaining strength and targeting Sunnis for assassination. Today, these groups are being broken up, and many of their leaders are being captured or killed.

These gains are a tribute to our military, they are a tribute to the courage of the Iraqi Security Forces, and they are a tribute to an Iraqi government that has decided to take on the extremists.

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division. The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks – and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq ’s national leaders are getting some things done. For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces. They are allowing former Ba’athists to rejoin Iraq ’s military or receive government pensions. And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad . As local politics change, so will national politics.

Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly. Along with Iraqi forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy fighters per month since January. Yet ultimately, the way forward depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi army is becoming more capable, although there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the National Police. Iraqi forces are receiving increased cooperation from local populations. And this is improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.

Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces. He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 Marines scheduled to leave Anbar Province later this month. In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas.

And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.

General Petraeus also recommends that in December, we begin transitioning to the next phase of our strategy in Iraq . As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root, and the Iraqis assume more control over their own security, our mission in Iraq will evolve. Over time, our troops will shift from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and eventually to overwatching those forces. As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will focus on a more limited set of tasks, including counterterrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting Iraqi forces.

I have consulted with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other members of my national security team, Iraqi officials, and leaders of both parties in Congress. I have benefited from their advice, and I have accepted General Petraeus’s recommendations. I have directed General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to update their joint campaign plan for Iraq , so we can adjust our military and civilian resources accordingly. I have also directed them to deliver another report to Congress in March. At that time, they will provide a fresh assessment of the situation in Iraq and of the troop levels and resources we need to meet our national security objectives.

The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is “return on success.” The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home. And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.

Americans want our country to be safe and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq . Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should bring our troops home, have been at odds. Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq , we can begin seeing troops come home.

The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.

This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my Presidency. These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America . And we are ready to begin building that relationship – in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.

The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States . A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will counter the destructive ambitions of Iran . A free Iraq will marginalize extremists, unleash the talent of its people, and be an anchor of stability in the region. A free Iraq will set an example for people across the Middle East . A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror – and that will make us safer here at home.

Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

If we were to be driven out of Iraq , extremists of all strains would be emboldened. Al Qaeda could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries. Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region. Extremists could control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a humanitarian nightmare. Democracy movements would be violently reversed. We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world. And as we saw on September the 11th, 2001, those dangers can reach our cities and kill our people.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq , we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East . We should be able to agree that we must defeat al Qaeda, counter Iran , help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land , and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

So tonight I want to speak to Members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East . I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.

To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads. You must demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon our friends, and we will not abandon you.

To Iraq ’s neighbors who seek peace: The violent extremists who target Iraq are also targeting you. The best way to secure your interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of Iraq . That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to strengthen the government in Baghdad . And it means the efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine that government must end.

To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young democracy. We encourage all nations to help, by implementing the International Compact to revitalize Iraq ’s economy, by participating in the Neighbors Conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the United Nations in Iraq .

To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilians on the frontlines in Iraq : You have done everything America has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large part because of your courage and hard effort. You are serving far from home. Our Nation is grateful for your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of your families.

Earlier this year, I received an e-mail from the family of Army Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan . Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad . His family has suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose. His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: “We believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win … even if it cost the life of our own son. Freedom is not free.”

This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm. They are doing so in a fight that is just, and right, and necessary. And now it falls to us to finish the work they have begun.

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

Good night, and God bless America .

H&I Fires* 13 SEP 2007

Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.

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Even though Bill is safely back from the region, and Joe will be back soon - we're going to continue our focus on this generation's "Forgotten War" - the war in Afghanistan.

British Canadian soldiers fire an M777 155mm Howitzer field artillery gun at identified Taliban fighting positions in near the Sangin District Center area from an undisclosed forward operating base in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan April 7, 2007. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Keith D. Henning) (Released) (Released to Public)

As long as my bandwidth holds up - there's a larger version here. (Email if you want the original)

Speaking of Afstan - this sounds like a good start. Note who did the brunt of the fighting.

Okay, I'm off to schlep a vault door and head for an aeroplane! -the Armorer

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Sen. Harry Reid crosses another line. - FbL

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Two of the seven NCOs who wrote that NYT editorial were among those who died in the vehicle accident Monday. Headline: "Deaths of Soldiers 'Brings It Home' For 'NYT' Editorial Page Editor". Reminds me of American journalists' sudden "identification" with the troops when high-profile journos were wounded or killed. Suddenly it was "real" to them. [rude comment pre-emptively deleted]

Doubts raised about the bin Laden video have solidified in some quarters. Question is, who created it and why? The answers are not obvious, and wading into the fevered swamps of conspiracy leads to some interesting theories. But ace has made his mind up: bin Laden's dead, dead, dead (read comments in both posts for the interesting theories).

And guess who is advising Hillary Clinton on national security... Come on, I know you can figure this out. Not surprising, but still appalling. UPDATE: Captain's Quarters reminds us that even Kerry wouldn't have him. - FbL

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One more post, and then I'll stop torturing you... This one is really a good read, though: a fascinating article outlining Iraqi reaction to Petraeus.

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The Vault Door of Argghhh!, with much effort from a great group of guys, has been delivered. The Arms Room of Argghhh! construction continues. I'm gonna finish this margarita and head for the gate.

Good Job on the linkage, Fuzzybee! And I see the Echo is bad today. At least for Marines... -the Armorer

[Thanks, Armorer. I've got time--after two days fighting through a headache and queasy stomach, I gave up and stayed home today. Can't say most of those links did much to help it, though... Ugh! - FbL]

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Speaking of upset tummies (see above), this is a must-see. Very Cute Kittens! And don't miss the comments, either... Funny stuff! - FbL

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Excerpts from the President's speech tonight.

Provided as a public service.

As Prepared for Delivery

Tonight President Bush will address the Nation from the Oval Office to lay out his plan for the way forward in Iraq.

On keeping us safe here at home:

In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq’s government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home.

This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future – and also threaten ours.

On the success of the surge:

The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress… The goal of the surge is to provide that security – and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it. As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.

On political progress:

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division. The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks – and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq’s national leaders are getting some things done. For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces… And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.

On the principle of “Return on Success”:

The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is “return on success.” The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home. And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.

On coming together as a Nation to support this mission:

Americans want our country to be safe, and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should bring our troops home, have been at odds. Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home.

The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.

On an enduring relationship with Iraq that requires many fewer American troops:

This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my Presidency. These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship – in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.

On why we must succeed:

The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States.

Realizing this vision will be difficult – but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East. We should be able to agree that we must defeat al Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

So tonight I want to speak to Members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East. I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made, and the troop levels he has asked for.

On the gains we are making in Iraq:

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

There's more detail below the fold, in the Flash Traffic/Extended Entry.

A whatziss.

Something to keep you busy while I struggle with the Vault Door and travel to the National Capitol Region today. A new whatziss!

Go forth - search. Or just snark. That's fun, too.

A contest.

As I've mentioned before, SWWBO and I are, as we settle into the new Demesne, naming appropriate places for Denizens, such as Neffi's Field, suitable for landing ultralights/Tank Table 8 Gunnery (probably not simultaneously), Werekitty's Pole, up in Meriwether Meadow, Fuzzybear's Lair, down in Donovan Dell, there's Bill's Mud Flat, over by the dam, things like that. We're not done, by a long shot.

Anyway, we all know that Ry gets sent to clean the privy a lot, and is always nattering on his "privy plaque." Admittedly, this represents a softening of the requirement to get this kind of honor. Previously, you had to die. Remember "Provo's Privy" from The Green Berets?

Well, he's got his privy. Procured in a seamy transaction that involved inter-state outhouse-smuggling, with the transfer occurring in a small town park in southwestern Missouri, where a pick-up carrying a privy slipped into town from the south, while another slipped into town from the north, meeting in a muddy field behind the local Subway franchise. With many furtive over the shoulder looks, money was exchanged, an outhouse transferred from one black, nondescript truck to the other black, non-descript truck, and both left, taking different routes than the ones they'd taken to get there.

And it was delivered to the New Castle.

And it's fully functional. Well, it will be after we dig a hole for it. And get the Sears Catalog Holder. Though we might just stuff it with the electronics for the garden railway. But if we do that, we'll have to do some weather-proofing, which Ry won't mind, since the wind will howl through the gaps in the boards and the knotholes if we don't.

I asked Ry what he wanted his plaque to say. He brushed me off to you guys.

So - that's the contest... what do we put on Ry's plaque?

You don't need to be a Denizen/ne to play - you just need to be clever!