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March 8, 2008

WTF? Judge Tells Foster Kid He Can't Join the Marines

[Kat]

Hat tip to Instapundit

Anti-war judge rejects foster teen's bid to join military

SIMI VALLEY - Shawn Sage long dreamed of joining the military, and watching "Full Metal Jacket" last year really sold him on becoming a Marine.

But last fall, a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner dashed the foster teen's hopes of early enlistment for Marine sniper duty, plus a potential $10,000 signing bonus.

In denying the Royal High School student delayed entry into the Marine Corps, Children's Court Commissioner Marilyn Mackel reportedly told Sage and a recruiter that she didn't approve of the Iraq war, didn't trust recruiters and didn't support the military.

I understand that foster children are technically in the legal custody of the state and that the state's responsibility is to keep them safe while they are in their custody. However, this seems to be extending that responsibility beyond the judge's and the state's original responsibilities as well as extending that beyond the age and time when the state will have legal responsibility: 18.

What would be interesting would be to discover how many cases this judge sent to private or state run boot camps.

Still, in the end, the judge gave the wrong reason to keep the boy out of the Marines. She didn't say that Marine DEP was dangerous to his health right now. She says that she is against the Iraq war (how does she know he'll even go there? Marines are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, go to Ethiopia, Djibouti, El Salvador and many other places on humanitarian and relationship building programs).

The Marines, contrary to many idiotic anti-military people like this judge, do much more than go places and break things, though that is often their favorite. They teach more skills than killing people. They teach discipline. They teach thinking. They teach exactly what the judge thought they didn't care about: camaraderie, team work and taking care of the members of your unit.

In short, they teach brotherhood.

Has the California foster child system ever been able to teach that?

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Kat on Mar 08, 2008 | Moonbat Watch

March 7, 2008

H&I Fires 7 March, 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).


The Patton of Counter-insurgency
h/t Bellmont Club

Cowboy Socialism

CBS starts asking about Obama:

In fact, a Nexis search of major world newspapers Tuesday yielded 2,568 hits for the words “Clinton” and “Hsu” versus only 426 for the words “Obama” and “Rezko.” Expanding the search to include all media outlets, the Clinton/Hsu query produced more than 3,000 hits, while Obama/Rezko turned up 1,741.

Mixed reviews for new Air Force Slogan: "Above All". It used to be "Aim High" and then it went to some horrible PR failure of "Do Something Amazing". The Air Force should have gotten their money back.

Those We Left Behind

Civilian Irregular Defense Corps on FM 3-0 on Civilian Information Counter-Insurgency. and Assymetrical Psychological Warfare
-Kat

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Meet Buster Martin, who intends to run the London Marathon. And if he finishes it - he's going to celebrate with a pint and a cigarette. I'm pretty sure he's going to win his age-group. The "Over 100" age group. Really. You go, dude! -the Armorer

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Simply too cool - the story of the recovery and on-going restoration of a P-61 Black Widow. H/t, Mike D. -the Armorer

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Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman and Private Luke Cole - two people you should know.

Especially Pte Cole - “My stomach was cut open, so I tucked my shirt in to keep it together and kept firing until more lads from the platoon arrived.” Tough trooper! H/t, Jim C. -the Armorer

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For any interested, attached is yesterday's resurrected VIDEO
***SAME WARNING*** Images and Language are crude as it captures the aftermath of what Armed Forces do best.

BOQ

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3ID/Taskforce Marne is doing fascinating work in south-central Iraq these days. From a 500-student technical school put together by a PRT, to a Rule-of-Law training program for Iraqi judges that includes a DVD of 90 years of Iraqi legal code, there's a lot going on. The Iraqi NCO Academy also continues to be well-received:

“There are times when we have to beef up the training,” [instructor] Hooks said. “A lot of times they don’t want to take breaks, they just keep asking for more.”

And finally, this striking quote from an area that 3ID has only recently entered:

“The people of Janabi approached us, saying they bet on the wrong horse,” Zimmerman said. “Many of them were former (al-Qaeda) members not even three weeks ago.”

The reconciliation of former al-Qaeda members has allowed progress in the area.

“They have actually gone out and dug up improvised explosive devices which they had planted, turned in weapon caches and have shown dedication toward working together with the Coalition and Iraqi Army forces,” Zimmerman said.

For more on Iraq, don't miss my interviews with 3ID's Deputy Commanding General, and Ambassador Charles Ries. - FbL

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Mar 07, 2008 | General Commentary

The Brit's new sniper rifles.

L115A3 Long Range Rifle, made by Accuracy International

For a readable version of that graphic - click here.

The L96 sniper rifle and the L115A3 Long Range Rifle are used by military snipers in all the Brit Services.

Designed to achieve first-round hit at 600m and harassing fire out to 1100m, the Accuracy International L96 sniper rifle has been upgraded with a new 3-12 x 50 sight and spotting scope.

The L115A3 Long Range Rifle fires an 8.59mm bullet, heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96, and less likely to be deflected over extremely long ranges.

Sniper Rifle L96

Calibre: 7.62mm
Weight: 6.5kg
Length: (adjustable) 1124-1194mm
Muzzle velocity: 838m/s
Feed: 10-round box
Effective range: 900m, harassing fire 1100m

Long Range Rifle L115A3

Calibre: 8.59mm
Weight: 6.8kg
Length: 1300mm
Muzzle velocity: 936m/s
Feed: 5-round box
Effective range: 1100m plus

Hmmm. Me want. H/t, Jim C.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 07, 2008 | Gun Pr0n - A Naughty Expose' of the fiddly bits

On Iraq's Economic Development: An Interview with Ambassador Ries

Corrections: several errors have been pointed out by the Ambassador and corrected below: 1) 1.5 and 2 million barrels a day refers exports, not total production. Total production is 2.5 million/day. 2) The new government agency in charge of investment is the National Investment Commission, not an Investment Ministry (though the "commissioner" will hold a rank equal to Minister). 3) Oil revenue-sharing is happening today; the issue at hand now is adding foreign investment into the mix.

On February 21st when I interviewed Brigadier General Cardon, he shared his opinion that “The real story over the next several months is going to be political and economic.” He discussed the potential for foreign investors who would bring industry and jobs to Iraqis and said now is the time for business to come and take a look. “This is a country of personal engagement…. Getting here early is a good thing if you want to have a long-term business arrangement.”

This statement inspired interest among readers in learning more about economic development and investment in Iraq. The request to 3ID's public affairs office for someone who could speak more authoritatively on the subject ultimately landed at the State Department, and what follows is the result.

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by FbL on Mar 07, 2008 | GWOT Whatever it is...

Let's have another obscure item for a Whatziss...

And it's not a close-up of a fromkitz gear, edge-on, that is only 2mm big but photo'd to appear ginormous, either.

Just in case Bill shows up.

So, whatcha think this is?

Let's make it a two-fer. What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you see this picture? I'm guessing your answer will tell us something about you and your life to date.

Hosting provided by Fototime.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 07, 2008 | Gun Pr0n - A Naughty Expose' of the fiddly bits

Live from Iraq: No (MSM) News is Good News

[FbL here, with another 3ID interview]

Thursday morning I spoke by phone for about 40 minutes with Brigadier General Jim Huggins, Deputy Commanding General (maneuver), 3rd Infantry Division, Iraq. The 3ID (Taskforce Marne) is headquarters for MND-C (Multinational Division Central) and has been in Iraq since early last year, conducting operations in south-central Iraq--from just south of Baghdad down to Karbala and Najaf, including the east and west borders of Iraq. The wide-ranging interview covered recent operations, Shia-Sunni relations, the Arbaeen pilgrimage, 3ID's detainee release program, signs of Iranian involvement, Iraqis' desire for provincial elections, and ePRTs/intensive rebuilding efforts.

Executive Summary? While the troubles of northern Iraq are making the news, the religiously-mixed area of south-central Iraq in which 3ID operates is starting to sound like the crown jewel of "surge" success in Iraq.

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by FbL on Mar 07, 2008 | Global War on Terror (GWOT)

Jericho: The Revolution Begins

[Kat]

Is anyone else out there a "Jericho" fan?

When I first saw this "new" flag of the "Allied States of America", I thought, "WTF?" And, for the last few episodes, every time they show it, every time they take down the flag of the United States and put up the new flag, I can't help but have a feeling of queasy unease.

I guess that's the first question I would ask if we would have to reconstitute ourselves, would we choose a new flag? The Iraqis have tried to do it twice without much success.

I've been watching Jericho since the beginning. I don't know what other people think about it, but I thought it was an interesting exercise in what would happen if something happened to the central government in Washington DC. That thought exercise has interested me since a few months after the attacks on 9/11.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Kat on Mar 07, 2008 | General Commentary

March 6, 2008

H&I Fires 6 March, 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).

Tuesday, I asked why Obama wasn't being hammered for his past, his connections, or his stupid trade policies. The media is starting to realize that, yeah, maybe, they have been somewhat biased in their reporting (shocka!). Some people tried to ask some hard questions. Obama slithered away in the middle of the questions to avoid some. Probably hoping that last nights primaries would overshadow the problems, give him breathing space and maybe let it disappear until such things as Rezko's trial getting further along or being delayed by motions that will keep the hard info out of the hands of people until the primaries are done. Then, he probably feels that, no matter what comes out, the Democrats will be left with supporting him whole heartedly or allowing McCain to be elected.

Early Tuesday, through no choice of my own at 1 AM in the morning, I was watching MSNBC. Olberman and Matthews were fawning all over Obama and dissing Hillary's "phone call at 3 AM" ad. No one mentions anything negative about Obama. Go figure.

Speaking of Obama, Does the Endorsement of a Retired Military Person Politicize the Military?

Teflon Don and Crazy Troop - Today's Insurgent, Tomorrow's Informant h/t Long War Journal Money Quote:

"He’s lost the war- why is he still fighting it?”

Also of interest to the gun bloggers, Nazi German Mauser found in Insurgent Cache. Now that's fighting "the last war".

Judge Denies (defense) Request for Murtha Haditha Interview

Who controls Afghanistan? 30% Afghan Government, 10% Taliban and 60% Free For All sounds about right.

Where's St. Patrick when you need him to drive the snakes out of Ireland? h/t Instapundit

Also via Instapundit, his lovely wife Dr. Helen on the Combat Mind Set My grandfather once told me if you think you might be in a fight, try to talk your way out. If you can't talk your way out, walk away. If you can't walk away, throw the first punch and keep swinging until the guy is on the ground and can't get up.

- Kat

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The Thunder Run asks: Has the Anti-War Crowd Gone Too Far?: This morning at about 3:40 am an explosion occurred outside a very successful recruiting station in Times Square NYC. While no report seems to link the current escalation of force by the anti-war / peace movement I will. First we saw Code-Pink in Berkeley, CA swarm around and set up a continual protest against the USMC. Then we have crowds invading a recruiting station in Washington DC. Now…a bombing of a recruiting station in NYC.
The left is already in a tizzy over the event worried that it's going to cause a backlash against them. In the words of Kos Diarist Cool Blue Reason:

"Inevitably, we're going to start hearing about "left-wing terrorism" from the usual suspects in the media. And I'm guessing the drumbeat is going to be especially loud in this political environment."
And you know what CBR, you are absolutely correct. Do you want to know why, the reason is because you are more than happy to surround your self and associate with those who openly hate and attack those who defend us.
Read More
David M
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Further to yesterday's post, attached is a VIDEO of The Colombian Government's version of the Land Assault on Reyes' Camp in Ecuador. Better hurry before the web media provider takes it down for being "Inflamatory"

***WARNING*** Images and Language are crude as it captures the aftermath of what Armed Forces do best.

BOQ

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Update to David's bit about the Times Square bombing. Stylistically, it appears to be similar to the attacks on the Mexican and British consulates - in which surplus dummy training grenade bodies were filled with black-powder and lit off with fire-cracker fuze. If that holds up, it looks more like a loner with a grudge or agenda more than anything more sinister. Clearly, we need more dummy-grenade control! Serial numbers, registration - the lot! Sorry, just releasing my Inner Armorer for a moment. -the Armorer

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by Denizens on Mar 06, 2008 | General Commentary

For our readers in the Cincinnati area - a request!

The Thank You Foundation (a fairly new veterans support organization in the Cincinnati area) is sponsoring a Welcome Home celebration on Armed Forces Day, May 17. Here's a link to the celebration website, and here's a link to the Thank You Foundation.

I know we've got some Cincinnati area readers so, you guys keep WereKitty happy and click those links, 'k?

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 06, 2008 | Spirit of America

While Chavez and Correa Laugh on VTV, Venezuelan's Are Crying on the Inside

[Kat]

More posturing by Chavez: Colombia raid on FARC a "war crime". Yeah. Laugh.

[Continued in Flash Traffic]

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Kat on Mar 06, 2008 | General Commentary

Feh! I'm grumpy today.

Heh. In a contracting local housing market - especially on pre-existing homes, the county *still* asserts that the Old Castle and New Castle *increased* in value by 4% last year... ah, government.

In a comment yesterday, Jim B said:

"Recently, the Rothenberg Report, a top Washington, DC publication that ranks Congressional races, named 2nd District Democrat Nancy Boyda the most vulnerable incumbent in the entire country. Finally, people in Washington are starting to take notice—Boyda cannot be trusted to stand up for the Nation or the people of Kansas."

"Over in the 3rd District there is also exciting news. Dennis Moore’s own internal polling shows that 78.69% of his constituents think that Dennis Moore and Congress are failing to address the country’s issues. His constituents are clear—Dennis Moore is part of the broken system in Washington, and he needs to be replaced."

That caused this admittedly 'rita-fueled train of thought.

So, who's at fault if Congress is screwed up? Simple enough. We are. Collectively, however much your personal efforts might not quite fit the rap sheet, it's a representative democracy, and the compact is we all agree (admittedly, our choices *are* limited) to "obey the rules of the pack," to channel some old Cub Scouting memories.

So, how does that get expressed? Easy - in the 545 people we've collectively sent to D.C. to manage the affairs of governance.

Which brings up something that I've bloviated about before - and wherein, I hope, the value of the Internet and blogs, of both Left and Right, and the few who occupy the mushy muddle - keeping their feet to the fire, each in our own myopic way, ignoring the faults of our side to point out the faults of the other.

If you think about it, politicians are the only people in the world who blithely create problems and then campaign against them - or demand more money to fix them. Money that they can just - take from you. Unlike any business, which really does have to convince you the trade is worth it. All of this launched me into a rant... which seemed vaguely familiar. Then I realized it *was* familiar. It was Charley Reese (oddly enough, I can't find a source for the column per se, except for people who've posted it on blogs and boards - not at King Features, not at Lew Rockwell... and it's not in Snopes, either) I've edited some passages - not because they aren't supportive, but because... they're superfluous to the point - anyway, for those that are interested, the discussion continues in the Flash Traffic/Extended Entry.

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by John on Mar 06, 2008 | Politics

Tuesday's Timewaster.

If you need to catch up - go here.

So, whatziss?

It's a Shervick!

Those of you who were going down the tractor/bulldozer route were correct, though it's not one that ever made it into US military stocks.

It's a "Shervick." A tractor built by the Vickers company at the request of the British government after the end of WWII, deliberately using components of suddenly excess Sherman tanks. It was a swords-to-ploughshares project of the British government. In 1945, Europe was in a shambles, especially it's agriculture and industrial sectors, heavily damaged and impacted by 7 years of war across some of it's most fertile areas, the destruction of a goodly portion of it's transportation infrastructure, and the bombing efforts on the german munitions industry was concomitantly a bombing effort on it's agri-chemicals industry and overall industrial capacity.

One of the programs conceived to help alleviate this was the "Groundnut Scheme." Groundnut being apparently what the Brits call peanuts. Under this plan, peanuts were going to be grown in East Africa to offset the huge shortage of oils and fats in Europe while Europe's infrastructure was being rebuilt. During the first year’s operations, the plan was to clear150,000 acres for cultivation. There was a problem - regular agricultural equipment was not robust enough to defeat the 10-ft high Kongwa thorn bush, and besides, was needed in Europe to rebuild their agriculture - so recycling tanks seemed a good idea.

Hit the Flash Traffic/Extended entry for the rest of the story.

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by John on Mar 06, 2008 | Historical Stuff

All the Military News That's Fit To Print

I thought I'd throw together some links to some interesting military and GWOT news. A little too much to put in H&I Fires. To save on space, etc, I've put them in Flash Traffic.

To whet your appetite, a quote from Lt. Gen. Odierno:


“Their sacrifices were (not) and will not be in vain,” he said. “And because of them, Iraqis have the right to choose their own destiny. Let us forever remember our noble and gallant warriors who gave everything so others can enjoy life and liberties of a truly free people.”

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March 5, 2008

H&I Fires 5 March, 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).

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For those of us interested in how the limited conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan are being digested on the domestic political fronts of western nations, Denis Stairs' piece on "the second fog of war" is an interesting read. - Damian

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Coming soon to a hoplophobe's nightmare near you:

I'm not particularly interested in one, except from a gungeek perspective.

H/t, Mike D.

And from Damian, via Op-For, a little news on SOCOM's new rifle - the FN-SCAR. -the Armorer

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Here's a weapon that has already struck terror in the hearts of the ATF and British authorities... : Introducing the world's smallest gun that fires deadly 300mph bullets - but is just TWO inches long -the Armorer

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Mar 05, 2008 | General Commentary

IPB*, 05 MAR 2008

A small IPB as it returns to the rotation (no, not *that* Rotation, Maggs, sheesh, I know you’ve got a ‘floor’ and I’m the equivalent of four sub-basements. ;) ). Emiko leaves this week, more people are showing up to help out, and so I’ve got more time (Sucks, huh? I bet you were wishing I’d simply disappear, huh? No such luck.).

Today we’re doing philosophical treatments of the morality/ethicalness and definition of terrorism. No, I don’t claim to understand or follow all of it (it’s my flesh and blood older brother who’s got the degree in philosophy). Some of the time reading these three selections I find myself in high levels of agreement and other times I find myself thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of $1000 words to say something like ‘war is bad’ or ‘war is almost the equivalent of terrorism’ type double-speak.” In all, these are worth looking at. It never hurts to measure your own dogma against a very formal and structured argument from the other side.

Personally, I think much of this is simply wrong. Terrorism is a legal term, and so much of this is counting angels on the heads of pins because they aren’t arguing about a legal term. To paraphrase an old quote: You may be compelled to make war, but you are not compelled to use poisoned arrows. Terrorism is a subset of war crimes which comes into play when people choose to conduct war but not play by the rules (this doesn’t mean you can’t be a revolutionary, or a guerilla, or anything like that. It just means you have to play by certain rules to keep the whole thing from spiraling out of Control and become a giant Vortex of Destruction----or Clausewitz’s definition of Total War.). One can be a war criminal but not be a terrorist, but all terrorists are war criminals. (Hideki Tojo for example, or, dare I say it, Gen Curtis LeMay, who in an interview I just read of his from way back said, to the effect, that he was glad the US won because if we didn’t he’d probably have hung next to Tojo. Meaning, he knew he broke the rules and was enjoying a bit of ‘victor’s justice’.) This seems to be a large exercise in ‘is political violence ever justified?’ Those around here know/or believe the answer to be yes; but there are limits to what you can do, the whole Control/Destruction thing. Sometimes we eggheads need to remember this stuff doesn’t just happen on the white board in our offices, and exists beyond the symbol logic we use to try and map it all out. Over reduction can be almost worse than saying something is to complex.

First up is an attempt to define terrorism.

Next up is a combination piece that is more like a chapter from a 101 like class. It covers some of the history of what terrorism is/was over time and then goes into the various realms of philosophy and the arguments in a pro-con fashion about the ethical nature of terrorism.

The last one deals entirely with the ethical nature of terrorism, and makes a special claim that the very unethical nature of terrorism leads to the break down of ethical behaviors. It also provided a very interesting logical argument about whether or not unilaterally adopting a value set makes sense. It could be a dangerous argument because I could see this same one being applied to the use of torture. I wouldn’t mind seeing someone present the argument to Sen. McCain, to see how he handles it though. T’would be interesting.
ry

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Ryan on Mar 05, 2008 | General Commentary

Colombia's Pickle

To any who might give a hoot, here are some rambling thoughts on that obscure little front on this so called Global War on Terror.

BOQ

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by Denizens on Mar 05, 2008 | GWOT Whatever it is...

Senator McCain was not my first choice among the Republicans.

But Senators Clinton and Obama were, frankly, not on the list.

The choice this fall is pretty clear.

This November we’ll have two choices:


1) A flawed, but at least pro-gun [well, moderately so, as John noted in the comments] budget hawk who takes national defense seriously, or


2) A socialist of whatever flavor.

And a reminder - a socialist of whatever flavor who will probably have a party in pretty commanding control of both houses of Congress.

If we conservatives really lose our focus, a socialist with a filibuster-proof Senate, meaning the Dems will pretty much do as they please.

I frankly would not be happy with a Republican administration in that position. If you pretty much own the government, you can do sooooooooo much damage soooooo quickly. And you get stupid, too. Just look at the Republicans.

Even in just two years.

Eye on the ball, fellow consevatives. Sitting this one out because you didn't get what you were hoping for may just hurt you one hell of a lot more than you realize.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 05, 2008 | Politics

If it's Mattel, it's swell!

Just for fun.

Hosting provided by FotoTime

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by John on Mar 05, 2008 | Gun Pr0n - A Naughty Expose' of the fiddly bits | I think it's funny!

A bad time for Murphy’s Law

For reasons which will become obvious, the Armorer approves of this story whole-heartedly.

"I’d rather fire at the enemy than to have the enemy fire at me.”"

Indeed.

080301-A-XXXXX-001  Sgt. Jonas Jerome Allen, a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division's Long Range Surveillance, poses for a photo in front of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. During a battle in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, Allen repaired a fellow gunner's MK-19 grenade launcher while under fire, Sept. 9, 2007. (U.S. Army photo)

Story by Sgt. Jim Wilt

CJTF-82 Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – It’s a simple law: “If it can go wrong, it will.” Murphy’s Law is known and experienced by people all over the world.

Sometimes the law is followed by a special clause: “At the worst possible time.”
Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division’s Long Range Surveillance Detachment are no strangers to the law or the clause that often follows it.

During a fire fight Sept. 9, 2007, near the village of Qaleh Saleh, Tag Ab District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, Army Sgt. Jonas Jerome Allen and Spc. Charles Villasenor had a little run in with Murphy’s Law.

Fortunately for the two Paratroopers and their fellow Soldiers, a second law came into effect after the first. This time the law wasn’t named after Murphy; it was named after Sir Isaac Newton.

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” is Newton’s third law of motion.
Paratroopers from the LRSD, along with a Marine Corps Embedded Training Team and soldiers with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, were on a mission to assess damage from an earlier engagement when the unit began taking enemy fire.

Allen was manning a .50 caliber machine gun in one vehicle while Villasenor was behind a MK-19 grenade launcher when the fighting began.

“When we began taking fire, I began suppressive/terrain denial bursts at a low wall about 130 meters (429 feet) to my front,” Villasenor, a native of Santee, Calif., said.

Soon after the fighting began, Murphy’s Law came into effect.

For the rest of the story - click the Flash Traffic/Extended Entry button.

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by John on Mar 05, 2008 | News from a forgotten war

Winning the War of Ideas: Inside McDonald's Empire

[Kat]

In 2006, discussing Zarqawi's appearance in the machine gun blooper video, I noted that the war was already won for several reasons. One of which was the appearance of Zarqawi in a pair of white New Balance tennis shoes. When the enemy is buying (or hi-jacking) your products and wearing them on his propaganda video, you realize that his ability to become what he believed (ie, the masters of the Islamic Global Caliphate) was a bunch of horse hockey.

Here we've talked about the economic effects of the black market selling American goods with American dollars undermined the Soviet economy in a way that it could not recover from. Taking money out of the hands of the collective government and created a private wealth system the government could not compete with. Of course, Reagan outspent them on military and their politico-economic system was a rock around their necks. But the spread of the idea of freedom through every nook and cranny they could not fill in the hearts and minds of their people were filled up with American goods and American ideas.

I remember the first time I heard that a McDonald's had opened up on Red Square. Not exactly as spiritually uplifting as seeing the wall taken apart with sledgehammers and bare hands, but a quiet triumph for capitalism and, in the end, freedom.

In a piece originally aired last summer, CNBC presents: The Big Mac - Inside McDonald's Empire , CNBC high-lights McDonald's expanding reach into China. Several hundred stores.

Things to look for, the total blasphemy of Chairman Mao's giant picture over looking Tianneman Square with a giant photo of a Chinese mom sharing fries with her kid, emblazoned with giant golden arches within the cut out of a giant side of fries on the opposite side of the square, staring back at the glorious leader.

You could say in many ways that the expansion of such global, capitalist empires is the the expansion of the "American Empire". Our "empire" is not built on military conquest and holding land. The "American Empire" is completely misunderstood because of the long shadows of previous empires. The American Empire is the American Dream, the American idea of freedom, spreading from nation to nation. Sometimes by politics, sometimes by war, but, very often, it's through the hard work, innovation, inspiration and entrepreneurship of American citizens.

It might not always be clean and pretty or look like our idea of spreading freedom, but it is one of our most effective "weapons" against tyranny.

I'm just waiting for the first McDonald's in Baghdad.

I'll call it: V.I. Day.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Kat on Mar 05, 2008 | General Commentary

March 4, 2008

H&I Fires 4 March, 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).

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Marines: Combat Hunter

Tomahawks Over Somalia h/t Ace of Spades

Texas v. Ohio

Ohh-ohh, Mexico

Obama and his friends I seriously want to know why this isn't getting more play in the national media. According to Townhall, Rezko isn't just "some adviser" who sent money to Obama's campaign, forthwith sent back, whose wife bought property next to the Obamas (as if that isn't enough). And, Obama allegedly made a simple "mistake" as if he didn't know the character of this guy. Rezko has been a friend of Obama's for two decades. TWO DECADES!

This guy is reminding me of Jimmy Swaggert. Evangelical, too good to be true, preaching at the pulpit of the "Chrystal Cathedral", all the congregation shouting "Amen" and swooning left and right, right before the dirty laundry comes spewing out like a vomiting land fill. Except Jimmy never enjoyed the apparent press immunity Obama has received. With the exception of WSJ: Obama and Chicago Mores

The Messiah has sinned.

- Kat

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Alcohol makes you stupid? It might be all in your head.

Obama vs. the Press
. This is worth reading almost more for the comments from Democrats than for just the news itself.

From the international wing of the NYT: Young Iraqis are Losing Their Faith. It's largely anecdotal, but an interesting idea... and certainly a fascinating counterpoint to "We're driving them into the arms of extremism!!"

This is an oldie, but goodie: Berkeley is learning there are consequences to electing stupid people. Businesses are not happy.

What mommies already knew: Babies cause Momnesia. - FbL

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If you've got the time - watch some Green Berets say goodbye to their iconographer. The funeral of Robin Moore.

-the Armorer

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An Iraq Sunshine List, from a lieutenant who has been peering into the darkness, lately. It's all good, but this part stood out. One of his items--"Making a difference in this counterinsurgency our way."

A week or so ago, the Gravediggers were invited to dinner with Sheik Stack-On-Me (the nickname derives from another story for another time, but it involves CPT Whiteback, two intel soldiers, and the Sheik forming a four-man stack to clear a house on their own), a local leader who has been slow to reconcile. While one section maintained security, the other section went in and chummed around with the Sheik in question and his posse. Beyond the multitude of Middle Eastern delicacies brought in for the feast, we simply chilled out with the Iraqis all night. No business was spoken – just general discussions about politics, history, and women, with a lot of joking and laughing intermixed. For one night at least, we were just men being men, bullshitting for the sake of bullshitting. A few days later, we got a call from Sheik Stack-On-Me. Some of our top targets, who we’ve been unable to capture due to their escapability and thorough back-alley knowledge of Anu al-Verona, were at his headquarters, looking for money. The Sheik had already called the Iraqi Army, who were in the process of detaining our targets, so he figured he’d give us a courtesy call, too. Who knows if our dinner had any effect on this sequence of events. I don’t know, and don’t believe there’s any way of ever finding out for certain. I do know, though, that a lot can happen when you recognize the humanity in others. When you’re involved in an ever-evolving guerrilla fight like we are, coincidences don’t really occur.
Textbook counter-insurgency, folks. Bravo to CPT Whiteback and the Gravediggers. - FbL

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And speaking of counter-insurgency... You like the Sons of Iraq? How about the Sisters of Fallujah?

Btw, what reminded me of that story was seeing it again on The Dawn Patrol. Yes, Mrs. G is back to the grindstone. Thank you, Mrs. Greyhawk!! - FbL

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Gentle Reminder:
The 4th Annual St Patricks Day Blog Party will be held on schedule this year.
All Denizens, Bloggers, and readers alike are invited!

Feel free to use the image at the link as well.

Maybe I'll actually blog something now!
-BloodSpite

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In the comments to Kat's Maggies post about "Who will pick up the phone" I talk about how some on the Right are suggesting that Senator Clinton is, in a sneaky way, trying to set the stage for a McCain victory this fall - because if Senator Obama wins, Clinton is going to have to wait until 2016 to get another shot - if Senator McCain wins, she gets to try again in 2012. As may be. So, today, in support of that theory, Kathryn Lopez posts this over at National Review's "The Corner" blog:

Further evidence for my 3 A.M. theory: Here's Hillary:

But before leaving, to insert herself into the day's news coverage, she held a quick media availability at the Hilton and provided this unusually concise capsule comment for reporters, including The Times' Louise Roug:

"I think that I have a lifetime of experience that I will bring to the White House. Sen. John McCain has a lifetime of experience that he'd bring to the White House. And Sen. Obama has a speech he gave in 2002."

Save for, say, a blood promise that the first SCOTUS seat in an Obama administration is hers, Hillary Clinton's second choice is McCain.

To see for yourself and to see what K-Lo's linking to - click here.

Update: Ouch! Maggie can give a pretty painful purple nurple via email.... -the Armorer

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Watch out for the Lurker Above, Gary! Crap. The Dungeon Master failed his saving throw.

Gary Gygax, a curmudgeon's curmudgeon and co-inventor of Dungeons and Dragons has thrown his last 12-sided die. My world is a tiny bit diminished. Oh, shut up, Kevin. It's not my fault Bruce teleported into the stone column in the Cave of the Frost Giant Jarl with his Golf-Bag of Holding full of wands and staves over his shoulder and the resulting explosion trashed your ninja-thief, while his deity intervened to save his sorry behind. Get over it! I mean, really! -the Armorer

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Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Mar 04, 2008 | General Commentary

McCain clinches Republican Nomination

McCain clinches Republican presidential nomination
Princess Crabby rejoices! Huckabee is gone!

by Denizens on Mar 04, 2008 | Politics

A timewaster for lunchtime.

Let's see who can really find some obscure stuff, Treadheads, especially.

So, what're we looking at here?

Whatziss?

Here's a slightly larger version, if you think it will help.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 04, 2008 | Tanks and AFVs

Speaking of Prince Harry and Matt Drudge...

I got chastised in the comments of my "Dear Matt Drudge" post, by a long time reader and emailer who pretty much thought I was gonzo stupid for writing the post. Rather harshly spanked, really. I admit I was surprised at the heat and the source.

Really disappointed with this post & comments. As I told the Vodka Pundit:

"Bored/Upset with Matt?
http://www.thenewsrightnow.com/index.php?view=sources

However, Matt takes what should be public knowledge, see Lewinsky, and really makes it public.
After all, where would drug addled/sex addicted icon JFK be were Drudge around during his Presidency? Not to mention attempted Castro assasination brother RFK?

As far as Prince Harry is concerned, I’m certain the Taliban, on reading Drudge, immediately attacked all British forces in Afghanistan in order to kill the Prince!

I’m really disappointed when blogs I’ve read and supported for lo these many years, seem to lose all semblence(sp?)of rationallity and common sense."

I left my response in the comments, you can tootle down there to read them.

Hey - we welcome the alternative views! The reason I reprise this is because of this comment within the comment:

As far as Prince Harry is concerned, I’m certain the Taliban, on reading Drudge, immediately attacked all British forces in Afghanistan in order to kill the Prince!

Funny you should mention that, Mike.

From The Australian:

Chilling reminders March 03, 2008 Prince Harry is a hero among thousands

No sooner had news broken of Prince Harry's 10-week service in Afghanistan, than an al-Qa'ida website was calling on jihadists to behead the third in line to the throne and send the video to his grandmother, the Queen. This is yet another sobering reminder of the evil mentality of Islamic extremists and of why the war on terror cannot be relaxed.

Emphasis mine.

The Defense rests.

H/t, JimC, the harsher of my mellow.


Update: Prince Harry's thoughts on the matter?

PRINCE Harry vented his fury at being forced home from Afghanistan, telling a squaddie: “I’m ****ing p*ssed off.”

His outburst came on the flight home after ten weeks on the frontline fighting the Taliban. But the prince insisted: “I’m no hero”—as he paid tribute to two wounded comrades on his flight.

I'd have a care if you go clubbing in London, Matt. You might find yourself face-to-face with a peeved Royal.

Update II: I see that there is agreement with my position over at Small Wars Journal, especially with my opening position from last week. H/t, Jim C.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 04, 2008 | Media Morons

What the FARC?

[Kat]

The newest news on Colombia and Venezuela is that, shocker, Venezuela (Chavez) has been bank rolling FARC to the tune of 300 million.

Venezuela hits back and claims to have info that Colombia's National Police Chief has been dealing cocaine on a large scale. Of course, that has to be extremely ironic considering the number of criminals in Chavez's government and their drug connections. And, the fact that they are bank rolling FARC Narco terrorists.

Columbia breaks out the sledgehammer and claims that FARC sold uranium on the black market. Maybe they mean Chavez was selling it because certain Venezuelan anti-Chavez folks have claimed that Chavez is making deals with Iran for yellow cake under the guise of joint agri-machinery factories.

From the media, though, is the typical ambivalence and quasi @$$ kissing:

The rebels, who have been fighting for more than four decades for a more equitable distribution of wealth in Colombia, fund themselves largely through the cocaine trade, while holding hundreds of kidnapped hostages for ransom and political ends. The drug trafficking and kidnappings haven't helped their reputation, which is why both Correa and Chavez have denied supporting them.

"Fighting for...more equitable distribution of wealth." If that doesn't make you go "What the FARC?" nothing will.

The FARC hasn't been about "more equitable distribution of wealth" in an extremely long time. In fact, it has a ton of wealth from drug cartels that it uses to enrich its leaders (why else did Reyes join them in the first place?) and pay for their private army that is largely used to kidnap, rob, raise and sell narcotics. The absolute horror of narco-farms and plants, the conditions of the enslaved peasants, while the fat cats at the head of FARC walk around with Rolexes cannot be overstated.

You really have to ask how any journalist could write that with a straight face.

Yeah. What the FARC?

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Kat on Mar 04, 2008 | Media Morons

Who Should Answer The Phone?

Hillary thinks she should answer the phone.

Barack thinks he should answer the phone.

Both candidates think the decision should be based on their experience. I guess that means we have to go with the person who has actual experience dealing with terrorists. According to this article by Ben Smith at Politico, Barack has dined with terrorists, socialized with terrorists and accepted campaign donations from terrorists.

Just a thought. Trying to be fair and all. You know, openminded.
Maggie

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by Denizens on Mar 04, 2008 | Politics

All Your Historeez Are Belong To Us: The Civil War on Film

[Kat]

First, a great interactive map of Sherman's March to the Sea.

When you get your history from the movies, you get what you paid for: lost.

Friday night, I was watching "Glory" with my youngest brother (who isn't that young, just "younger"). Frankly, I love that movie. Not because it is the most historically accurate, but because I rather like movies with a simple message, that, while touching on some aspects of man's duel nature even while he tries to be his best, still draws the line between bravery and cowardice, honor and disgrace, heroes and villains.

The same way I always love John Wayne movies. His westerns and his war movies. Call me a philistine or a rube, what have you, but these kinds of movies speak to me more than any movie called "Chocolate" ever did.

I also love historical period pieces that try to convey something about the clothes, the attitudes and day to day life of the people in that period. Someday, someone is going to make a movie about our time and young people will marvel at the "ancient" technology and ideas that were the beginning of their own.

[continued in flash traffic]

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by Kat on Mar 04, 2008 | Historical Stuff

March 3, 2008

H&I* Fires 3 March, 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).
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We're going to start Monday off right. All your postz are belong to Kat!

First, Lt Nixon posts something that's sure to get you're blood pressure up: Smokin' With Al Qaida (and, yes, LT, the AQ scumbags have definitely killed people for smoking.)

The War In the South: Chavez orders 10 battalions to the Venezuela-Colombia border and orders all Colombian government personnel out of the country. Apparently because Colombia had the gall to use an air strike within Ecuadorian territory to kill the #2 FARC leader. I'm not sure if Chavez is ticked off because Colombia killed the #2 of his would-be proxy force in Colombia or if he's ticked off because Colombia flew into the air space of his leftist ally in Ecuador. Just as likely, though, is Chavez simply taking another opportunity to insert himself into something that has nothing to do with him or Venezuela. Keeps the international spotlight on him, don't it?

Where are all the "super heroes"? Well, sir, they are in Iraq and Afghanistan and places in between. They don't wear a cape and they aren't bullet proof, but they are the kinds of heroes that people ought to look up to.

Locally, Sen. Bond (R-MO) says that the delay in MRAPS is being caused by Pentagon Red Tape.

This is for J. and Armed Chair Generalist: The Filthy Rich and Taxes

Oh, and for a good laugh, if you haven't read it already, Ahmadinejad's remarks on his visit to Iraq. Everybody keeps quoting the "Iraqis Hate Americans" comment, but my favorite was, "there were no terrorists in this region" until the American's came. I'm still laughing.

If you missed it, the USS New York was christened on March 1, 2008. Video of news report with details and another video of the actual Christening and speeches. On its "seal", the twin towers of the WTC and the words "Never Forget". (see USS New York blog, let's hope the navy keeps this blog open throughout New York's service)

May God bless this ship and all who sail in her! - Mrs. Dotty England, ship's sponsor
"If the USS New York has to follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell, PCO Jones and his crew ... have my full support," Vito Fosella, R-NY

The News castor on Channel 4 asked a USMC Major (the ship being an amphibious assault ship), if he was a terrorist training to attack America, should I be worried about this ship. Major Cedric Ingram said, "You should be afraid, very afraid." Newscastor, "Why's that?" Major, "Because we're the United States Marines. And, we're coming for you. The Marines are coming and we will find you."

Hoo-Aah! Get some New York!
-Kat

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Um, Ryan and *I* posted today too, Kat. Just not as early as you!

Yesterday was a good day. 50 rounds at the spinners through the Castle Vis (which is the Homestead Defense Handgun) - 48 hits and skeered 'em badly twice, at 75 feet. Then, just because I like the push-back on my shoulder, 50 rounds through the the Castle M1A. Ahhhhh. And all I had to do was step out the back door. Neener neener neener! -the Armorer

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How NATO sees the security situation in Afghanistan - with a pretty coloured map! - Damian

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by Denizens on Mar 03, 2008 | General Commentary

This is a powerful post.

No, not this one.

The linked one.

Below.

In all it's simplicity - from which it derives it's power.

From Soldiers Angels Germany - The Unknown.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 03, 2008 | GWOT Whatever it is...

Military Mundania.

One of the reasons I like to read soldier memoirs and rummage through their pictures is because the major histories just don't go into the mundania of military life of soldiers at war. It's all about Generals and Prime Ministers, fleets flitting about, tonnages of bombs dropped, the idiocy of reinforcing failure, etc.

Important stuff, and easier to read when you've got a decent depth of knowledge with which to evaluate it.

And then there are the first-person battle accounts, stirring and engrossing.

But, since I spent a 5th of a century as a pistol (and one submachinegun) totin' RLO (Real Live Ossifer, for newbies to Argghhh!) I also really appreciate the pictures that show how most of us spent most of our time, in those long periods of tedium between the short periods of butt-clenching fear.

I've got a buddy I work with who does paper airplanes. Not the kind you tossed in class in school - the kind you download, print onto card stock, and then cut out and assemble. And they are really some pretty sophisticated models in their engineering.

I thought of him and laughed out loud when I came across this picture of German soldiers making paper models for vehicle recognition purposes during the build-up for Operation Zitadelle, better known as the Battle of Kursk to we westerners.

German soldiers with a paper-model KV tank, used for vehicle recognition training prior to the launching of Operation Zitadelle, the battle of Kursk.  <Bundesarchiv)

If the pic tickles you - here's a larger version.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 03, 2008 | Observations on things Military

Retired General Wesley Clark comes around to my view. So does retired Admiral Owens.

As Byron York reports on National Review Online, in a Sunday conference call where a group of retired military officers endorsed Senator Clinton for President, General Clark questioned whether Senator McCain had the proper kind of military experience that truly qualifies as "Presidential quality". Mind you - the scary quotes are mine. What General Clark said, as reported by York was:

In the national security business, the question is, do you have — when you have served in uniform, do you really have the relevant experience for making the decisions at the top that have to be made? Everybody admires John McCain's service as a fighter pilot, his courage as a prisoner of war. There's no issue there. He's a great man and an honorable man. But having served as a fighter pilot — and I know my experience as a company commander in Vietnam — that doesn’t prepare you to be commander-in-chief in terms of dealing with the national strategic issues that are involved. It may give you a feeling for what the troops are going through in the process, but it doesn't give you the experience first hand of the national strategic issues.

If you look at what Hillary Clinton has done during her time as the First Lady of the United States, her travel to 80 countries, her representing the U.S. abroad, plus her years in the Senate, I think she's the most experienced and capable person in the race, not only for representing am [sic] abroad, but for dealing with the tough issues of national security.

Admiral Owens followed up with a supportive, "I would just say that I agree with Wes on that."

Heh. Welcome to the club, General, Admiral. At least on the subject of what military experience is "qualifying" for a Presidential bid. Oddly enough, however, you found junior officer credentials sufficient when you supported Senator Kerry in 2004, did you not? Junior officer combat experience at that point trumped 4 years of experience as Commander-in-Chief, right?

Clark, who just days ago had criticized Kerry as a Washington insider, had only warm words for his former rival Friday. He said the senator has the "right experiences, values, character and right message" for the country.

"John Kerry has been the kind of leader America needs," said Clark, a former NATO supreme commander.

Clark's emphasis on Kerry's Navy service in Vietnam is noteworthy because many Democrats have made an issue of President Bush's wartime service in the Air National Guard.

Here's what I had to say on the subject, in my post on the subject of Senator Kerry's military service back during the 2004 campaign:

I give John Kerry full credit for his medals. There are many who don't - but I know from my own military career that there can be tremendous variability in recommendation/decision to award standards that I'm going to take his medals at face value. Shoot, I owe that to my Dad, who has a few more of everything (7 Purple Hearts, Silver Star, Bronze w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross). Nope. John Kerry volunteered to go to Vietnam (in case you hadn't heard). And he saw some action at the sharp end. None of this, btw, qualifies him to be Commander-in-Chief. Anymore than my Dad's, or my (less stellar), military careers and combat experiences do. Much as I dislike him, Wesley Clark's military credentials are more suited to a CinC resume' than Kerry's.

Emphasis added, not in the original. Good to see you gentlemen have come around to my view on the subject.

Why the reverse? For that matter, where *has* the Chickenhawk meme gone from the Progressive camp? Oh, wait - think it might be because there isn't a candidate running from the Left who has a drop of military experience?

So perhaps now, military experience, and certainly as a junior warfighter, is probably a *handicap* to being a good CinC. Might actually make someone *too* likely to make decisions to go to war, whereas more prudent people with no experience of war would hesitate to rush in, or something like that.

I mean, Gloria Steinem sez so -

“I am so grateful that she [Clinton] hasn’t been trained to kill anybody. And she probably didn’t even play war games as a kid. It’s a great relief from Bush in his jump suit and from Kerry saluting.”

I like the fact the Senator Clinton's 5 years on the Senate Armed Services committee seems to trump Senator McCain's, um, 20 years on the committee - Allahpundit and Captain Ed have more to say on that subject over at Hot Air.

These people still don't remember the Internet exists. Citizens don't have to go to libraries to search the 'fiche to find out what was said last election cycle. Neither do bloggers. Google is your friend.

Welcome to my camp on the subject of 'qualifying military service' gentlemen. At least until the next cycle. Then, in 2012, assuming that either Senator Clinton or Obama are elected, having four years as Commander-in-Chief will be qualifying, whereas, of course, in 2004, being a combat-experienced junior officer trumped 4 years as CinC.

Or something like that. In other words (and this is true of both sides), your principles remain constant. Power trumps everything, and you'll flop and twist however you need to in order to get it. And get angry at me when I point it out. Because it's all about today. Yesterday is so... yesterday.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Mar 03, 2008 | Politics

Environmental buttheadry

Why is it that acts of violence, maybe even terrorism if one wants to be real strict about it since these acts are meant to terrorize the targets into changing behavior, from certain quarters are simply tut-tutted and not given the full anger they deserve? Why isn’t Southern Command sending ships down into the region to deal with this? I know, I know, nobody has enough boats to do everything they should.

Simply put: these folks should be arrested and put in prison for a few years.
(more below the fold)

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by Ryan on Mar 03, 2008 | Stupid Criminal Tricks Dept

Wal-Mart Opens First Arab-American Store

[Kat]

News Week reports that Wal-Mart has opened its first Arab-American store in Dearborn, MI [Link fixed - the Armorer]

Let the howling commence.

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by Kat on Mar 03, 2008 | General Commentary

March 2, 2008

H&I Fires 2 MARCH 2008

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.

You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).

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Ahhh - 'Tis the Week-end and some Castle Denizens are up in the wide blue once again; But Neff - You HAFTA take THIS approach. Talk about a low buzz.

BOQ

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Spare the Rod? And they want to know why crime has gone up among Juveniles. -Kat

Hezbollah raises a fuss over US warships off of Lebanon (1982 agains?). Of course, Hezbollah has threatened another war with Israel after the take down of such notables as Mugniyah that would further destabilize Lebanon. The US is understandably concerned that a major terrorist, responsible for hundreds of American deaths, considered potentially involved in 9/11 and in ferrying men and money to Iraq to attack US soldiers was claimed by Hezbollah in Lebanon as hero responsible for masterminding the 2006 war. That pushes Hezbollah ahead in the "enemies of the United States" category. -Kat

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I understand why performing artists, when asked do do the National Anthem for a public event, oft times "make it their own."

Oft times, their version doesn't make it for me. Jimi Hendrix comes to mind. Roseanne Barr, too. But, I guess I'm a little bit country. Because to my admittedly unsophisticated musical taste, and quality-challenged hearing - the Cactus Cuties singing the National Anthem before a Texas Tech basketball game works for me very well.

Ladies and Gents, the Cactus Cuties sing the National Anthem.

Andi Kitten - 11
Baylee Barrett - 13
Madeline Powell - 8
Tatum Lowe - 11
Blaire Elbert - 10
Directed by Cami Caldwell

You can read about the Cactus Cuties, the Cactus Kids, and other programs based in Lubbock, Texas by clicking here.

H/t, Lobo, via Jay over at Stop The ACLU. -the Armorer

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The game of whack-a-mole continues. This time Al-Qaeda-in-Iraq star Abu Yasir al-Saudi has gotten his raisins courtesy a Candygram-for-Mongo delivered by US Army attack aviators. -the Armorer.

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by Denizens on Mar 02, 2008 | General Commentary

Point/Counter point, Castle Argghhh! style.

It’s been a while since I’ve had time to do much of anything online (with the taking care of my friend’s widow and all her legal issues, babysitting, and then getting really, really, sick), but I’ve been wanting to act as counter point to Kat for a while. She’s gone on a rampage with content. Some of it deserves very lengthy, serious, and thought out responses. Some of it doesn’t.

So let me kick off this counter-point to her in classic SNL style:
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by Ryan on Mar 02, 2008 | I think it's funny! | Politics

Calling all Denizens, lurkers, readers, or anyone you can beg, borrow, or steal from.

Get out ‘yer checkbooks, damnit.

Seriously.

For crying out loud, for me to get a mailer from the organization begging me for cash is a deplorable state of affairs because I have so little and many have given so little. I’m a grad student. Jess and I live on $14000/year. We live in a dinky one bedroom apartment in central Indiana, have a 15 year old car we only drive to the grocery store while using public transit to get every where else (which I absolutely hate doing), and eat pretty low on the hog(Cricket would never eat like this: ramen, instant oatmeal, TV dinners for a treat, 2 hotdogs cut up into instant mac n’ cheese once or twice a week, and brown label vitamins to cover micronutrient deficiencies.). And, tack on the money I’ve been spending since my friend Yujiro died to take care of his widow, Emiko? Paying two rent checks summing to 1200 bucks each month and immigration attorneys is not cheap and definitely not easy on our monthly income. Yet, I’m still able to kick in some when asked.

I’ll be honest. It isn’t much. What I’m able to give probably only paid for postage to about 20 bigger givers. But it is something.

So what about you, pilgrim? Are you feeling good about how charitable you’re being right now? Gawd knows I’m not. I’m feelin’ pretty guilty I don’t have more to give. That I was stupid and bought a playstation last Christmas, using up quite a bit of our discretionary funds, makes me angry right now because there is something bigger and more important than The Wife having a new shiny toy to play with while I sleep on the weekends. So, if you feel like you’ve done all you can you should put that checkbook away. If you don’t feel like you have then it’s time to start. Make with the pen motions (or clicking on the links on the right border) already.

You want a reward? Fine. If we get $5000 by next this coming Wed to flow in from this website or otherwise confirmed to either Soldiers’ Angels or the subsidiary, and FbL’s baby, VALOUR IT I’ll do one of two things: option a is get John to take a picture of him leaning his knee on my neck while he holds one of the Castle’s working(but unloaded) firearms to my head to post here and option b is to make a shooting range target in gollum’s likeness to be posted here. You guys get to choose in the comments what you want. Oh, option C is to post one of the most embarrassing pictures in existence of me as a kid. We can do that one too. Put the confirmation number you receive via email in the comments section or email John(his email is on the right sidebar with “ry’s challenge” as the subject and he can forward all of that to me for totaling).

But either way, make with throwing money SA’s way. It is the right thing to do.
ry


aHEM. *koff* *koff* Izzis thing on? [taptaptap] Good.

There is no "Option A" or "Option B."

While the Armorer commends Ry's enthusiasm and heartily endorses his effort - the Armorer does *not* regret to inform the readership that he will *not* be photographed pointing a weapon at anyone, loaded or unloaded, he does not fully intend to shoot should circumstances warrant, however much he might currently find the idea of kneeling on Ry's neck appealing...

The Armorer *also* does not approve of making photo-targets of people he does not fully intend to shoot, should the circumstances warrant. Ergo, the Armorer can comfortably shoot at photo- targets of Osama bin Laden for example, or of metaphoric cultural targets like a certain Purple Dinosaur (but will not shoot at anthropomorphic targets when young children are present), or the usual "shoot/don't shoot" targets in competitive/training shoots. The Armorer does not approve of shooting at targets of culturally unpopular people or of Denizens, popular or unpopular. The Armorer feels this to be in bad taste. Plus, when you post things like that on the Internet, you just make it easier for the anti's to use that sort of imagery against law-abiding gun owners while we engage in an important cultural fight on the issues of arms and society.

This isn't to say the Armorer doesn't have a sense of humor or doesn't like to have fun. But just because the Internet exists, doesn't mean everything has to be posted on it.

I just made a bet with myself. Heh.

Readers are free to suggest other forms of penance we can put Ry to. The Castle pond might need some de-mucking this summer... oh, say, August, for example. -the Armorer

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Ryan on Mar 02, 2008 | Project Valour-IT