IRAQ WAR TODAY
Keep Your Helmet On!




Be A Part of a Tribute to Fallen Heroes - Help Build the Fallen Soldiers' Bike
Help support the families of our deployed Heroes - Visit Soldiers' Angels' Operation Outreach
Help Our Heroes Help Others - Click Here to visit SOS: KIDS
Nominate your Hero for IWT's "Hero of the Month" - click here for details!
Search Iraq War Today only

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Flag Day

Silly me - neglecting to post about Flag Day!

Fortunately, some other folks have done a bang-up job, so go check them out:

Echo9er

USFlag.org

National Flag Day Foundation

Neo-Neocon

Yankee Sailor


The Star Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Hat tip to Mudville Gazette and the Open Post

What Military Aircraft are You?

A brief diversion, if you're so inclined...

Here I am:


F/A-22 Raptor
You are an F/A-22. You are technologically inclined, and though you've never been tested in combat, your very name is feared. You like noise, but prefer not to pollute any more than you have to. And you can move with the best.

Personality Test Results

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Hat tip to John over at Argghhh!

A Deserter Returns...

Charles Jenkins, the deserter who fled to North Korea, is returning to the US to visit his mother, and "touch his native soil one last time before leaving, perhaps forever."

Jenkins appeared in anti-US propaganda films, and claimed his desertion was because he was afraid of being sent to Vietnam.

My father-in-law was likely afraid of Vietnam, too. But he went. For three tours.

Jenkins surrendered last year, in Japan, and got only 30 days in jail.

The article below illustrates the reaction of his hometown to his visit:


Deserter Jenkins' hometown reacts with rage, indifference

FULL STORY - from CNN.com

Don't let the door hit you on the way back out, Mr. Jenkins.
The media is all over the "Gulag" comparisons in reference to Gitmo.

This post, at Babalu Blog interjects a dose of graphic reality.

Gulags: A Rant

It's decidedly PG-13, but well worth the read.

(hat tip to BlackFive)
Germany has detained a number of folks with connections to Ansar al-Islam, the group connected to Al Qaeda, and linked to a number of attacks and kidnappings in Iraq

Germany holds suspected militants - FULL STORY from CNN.com

Iraqi troops exit a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for a reconnaissance mission in Momadia. Photo by Ronald Shaw Jr.

This Day in Terrorism - Robert Dean Stethem


Robert Dean Stethem

At 10:10 a.m., June 14, 1985, TWA Flight 847 left Athens, bound for Rome. Onboard was 23-year-old Steelworker Second Class and Navy Diver, Robert D. Stethem, returning from an assignment in Greece.

Shortly after takeoff, armed Hezbollah gunmen hijacked the plane. The men allegedly had smuggled their grenades and pistols through Athens airport security.

They first demanded that the plane be flown to Beirut, taking on fuel, releasing 19 hostages, and remaining there for several hours. Next, the hijackers demanded to be flown to Algiers, where another 20 were released, and the plane remained there for another several-hour stay.

The gunmen made initial demands that all Shiites captured in Lebanon by the Israelis be released, and for condemnation of Israeli and US activities in the Middle East.

When the plane made its second ordered stop in Beirut, the hijackers did what still serves as one of the most brutal reminders of what terrorism is.

When they found out that Robert Stethem was US military, they beat him, shot him in the head, and dumped his body out of the plane onto the tarmac below.

The plane then faced the addition of several more armed terrorists. A number of passengers, whose last names sounded Jewish, were removed from the plane, but were not released. It wasn't until June 30th that all of the hostages were freed; one had been released a little earlier because of heart trouble.

One of the hijackers, Mohammed Homadi, is currently in Germany, serving a life sentence.

Three of the men allegedly involved in the hijacking are still at large:

Imad Mugniyah's hit parade also includes the 1983 US Embassy bombing in Beirut, and the attack on French and US Marine barracks (241 U.S. Marines killed) in that same year, among others. He also may be coordinating attacks in Iraq.

Ali Atwa was actually prevented from joining the hijacking by airport authorities, but later released in exchange for hostages.

Hasan Izz-Al-Din is believed to still reside in Lebanon.

All three are on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list, and worth a cool $5 mil to whomever turns them in (each).

The US Navy has honored his memory by naming a destroyer for him. The USS Stethem (DDG-63) serves as a fitting tribute to this member of a Navy family.

I was 17 when Robert Dean Stethem was murdered. I will never forget it. Still, any time I think of terrorism, the image of what they did to him is the first thing that comes to my mind. And any time I hear someone act as if terrorism began with 9/11, I remember him.

January, 2003 - The first sunset of the year provides a beautiful backdrop for the guided missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Howard (DDG 83). The ships are decorated with holiday lights as they are moored in San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.


C-130 UPGRADE — A stretch version C-130J Hercules from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Squadron taxis on a ramp at a forward-deployed location here while supporting missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. The C-130J-30 is the latest upgrade to the C-130 cargo plane series. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Randy Mallard

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army

This day in 1775, the U.S. Army was founded.

The following message, along with a whole heap of other info related to the day, can be found at:


2005 ARMY BIRTHDAY MESSAGE

On June 14, 2005, we proudly celebrate the United States Army’s 230th Birthday. For 230 years, the Nation has entrusted the Army with preserving its peace and freedom, and defending its democracy. Since 1775, American Soldiers have answered the call to duty. They are imbued with the ideals of the Warrior Ethos and motivated by an unwavering belief that they will be victorious. Our Soldiers have understood that our Constitution and the freedom it guarantees are worth fighting for. They sacrifice their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling: service in the cause of freedom, both at home and abroad.
America is at war, and the call to duty pierces the air once again. Our adversaries have declared war on our way of life, attacked our homeland, and vowed to attack us again. America is threatened, and it is our duty to serve. America’s sons and daughters who are answering the call to duty are engaged in the noblest work of life, protecting our Nation and enabling others to live free.
Today, our Soldiers protect our national interests around the globe, serving in more than 120 countries. Recently, in joint, combined environments, Soldiers helped to rescue two nations from oppression, and liberated over 50 million people. Since then, more than 1 million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many are returning for a second or third time. Our Soldiers understand that this is a struggle we must win. We are humbled by their sacrifices in the service of our Nation. Despite the hardships, and the danger to life and limb, duty calls, and our Soldiers continue to answer.
Our Nation appreciates your courage, your sacrifice, and your selfless-service. This week the United States Postal Service is demonstrating support for our Soldiers with a special cancellation stamp that commemorates our Army’s 230 years of service to the Nation. They are also assisting in the Freedom Team Salute, a program to send an Army Birthday card to every Soldier. We thank the US Postal Service for their role in recognizing the service of our troops. They are joined by a host of organizations around the country celebrating the Army Birthday.
To our Soldiers around the world, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families on this 230th Army Birthday. You are volunteers, doing your difficult duty against an enemy who does not value life, is afraid of liberty, and desires to crush the individual pursuit of a democratic way of life. You are playing a crucial role in the War on Terrorism, and your dedication to this noble effort underscores your determined professionalism and tenacity. We are proud to serve with you, as you place the mission first and live the Warrior Ethos. You have made our Army the most respected institution in the United States and the preeminent land power on Earth. Thank you for answering the call to duty.
God bless each and every one of you and your families, and God bless America.

Kenneth O. Preston Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker Francis J. Harvey
Sgt. Major of the Army US Army Chief of Staff Secretary of the Army

In Today's News - Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Quote of the Day
"When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike, you do not wait until he has struck before you crush him."
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

News of Note
New video of Saddam's questioning released
Iraqi tribunal quizzes Saddam on 1982 killings
Iran candidates try Western-style tactics
Iranian women demand right to run
Troops' Contributions Outweigh Allegations

JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Video of Saddam's questioning released
Court denounces race bias in picking jury
Jury selection begins in '64 Miss. deaths
9/11 commissioner criticizes Negroponte


Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israel elected a vice-president of U.N.
Palestinian militants step up threat
Russian ambassador meets anti-U.S. cleric
ElBaradei reappointed to U.N. nuclear post
Aoun sets back anti-Syrian opposition
Iran links spate of bombing to protests
Switching General hurts Lebanon opposition
Bush stresses Iraqi constitutional process
Key players in Lebanese elections
U.S. diplomat unscathed by suicide bomb
Ukraine troop leader accused of smuggling
S. Korea mulls extending troops' Iraq stay
Anti-Syrian Aoun making Lebanon comeback

Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
White House dismisses setting Iraq withdrawal time
Iraqi captors free French reporter held for 157 days
Suicide bomber in Tikrit kills at least 2 police officers, wounds 5

The US News: Iraq News
Suicide car bombers kill 10 in Iraq
Kurdish rights activist kidnapped in Iraq
Malaysia's Petronas in talks to develop Iraq oil
Twenty eight bodies of executed men found in Iraq
Lawyer wants Saddam tried in Europe
Britain postpones Iraq handover
Rep. Weldon says Iran key to insurgency
Syria denies involvement in Iraq attacks
Barzani president of Iraq's Kurdistan
French hostage released in Iraq

Fox News

Saddam Video Released
Video: Saddam Quizzed
Senate Apologizes for Not Passing Anti-Lynching Laws
Gitmo Detainee Treatment Subject to Debate
Task Force: U.S. Has Chance to Push U.N. Reform
Interview: Vice President Dick Cheney Talks With Sean Hannity

Department of Defense
U.S. Not Alone in Facing Terrorist Threats — Story
Patience Needed As Iraq Progress Continues — Story

ON THE GROUND
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Forces Uncover Weapons — Story
Airmen Provide Critical Elements of Support — Story
Female Marines Add to Cultural Sensitivities — Story
Airmen Keep Base Safe in Austere Conditions — Story

FACE OF DEFENSE
Marine Reenlists in Ramadi for Second Term — Story

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
Cyclists Raise Money for Troops — Story
Borders Offers Discount CouponTo Public Service Workers — Story

TOP NEWS
IN IRAQ
Suicide Car Bomber Injures Four
Four Soldiers Die in IED Attacks
Command Investigates Deaths
Seven Marines Killed in Attacks
Iraq Daily Update
Maps
Weekly Progress Report (pdf)

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Forces Nab Insurgents
Afghanistan Daily Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Guantanamo Provides Valuable Info
U.S. Special Operations Praised
Cheney: War Won't End With Treaty
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
Senior Enlisted Warfighters Meet
National Guard, Reserve Update

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Army Casualty — Story

Weather
from The Weather Channel

Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Today in History
1775
- The U.S. Army is founded.
1777 - Continental Congress adopts the Stars-and-Stripes, replacing the Grand Union flag.
1850 - Fire destroys part of San Francisco.
1863
- Battle of Second Winchester, VA.
1864 - Confederate General Leonidas Polk is killed in action at the Battle of Pine Mountain.
1900 - The Hawaiian Republic becomes the U.S. Territory of Hawaii.
1917 - General Pershing arrives in Paris.
1923 - President Harding is the first U.S. President to use radio, dedicating Baltimore's Francis Scott Key memorial.
1940 - German forces occupy Paris.
1941 - Ground is broken for the Boeing Plant II (ex-AFLC Plant 13) in Wichita, KS.
1942 - In Bridgeport, CT, the first bazooka rocket gun is produced.
1944 - The first B-29 raid against mainland Japan occurs.
1949 - The State of Vietnam is formed.
1951 - UNIVAC 1, the first commercial computer, enters service at the Census Bureau.
1952 - The keel laid for the Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine.
1954
- President Eisenhower signs the order adding the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.
1963 - Valery Bykovsky, in Vostok 5, orbits the Earth 81 times in 5 days.
1967
- The Mariner V is launched for a Venus fly-by; the U.S.S.R. launches Kosmos 166 for the observation of the Sun from an Earth orbit.
1975 - The U.S.S.R. launches Venera 10 for a Venus landing.
1985 - Lebanese Shiite Muslim gunmen hijack TWA Flight 847 after takeoff from Athens.
1991 - The Space Shuttle STS 40 (Columbia 12) lands.

Birthdays
1736
- Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, physicist (formulated Coulomb's Law)
1811 - Harriet Beecher Stowe, author (Uncle Tom's Cabin)
1855 - Robert Marion La Follette, Progressive Presidental Candidate
1864
- Alois Alzheimer Germany, psychiatrist/pathologist (Alzheimer Disease)
1868 - Karl Landsteiner, immunologist/pathologist, Nobel Prize winner
1925 - Pierre Salinger, newsman (ABC)/press secretary (John Kennedy)
1928 - Ernesto (Che) Guevara, Latin American revolutionary
1946 - Donald Trump; Ralph McAllister Ingersol II, newspaper publisher

Passings
1801
- Benedict Arnold Revolutionary War general
1965 - H.V. Kaltenborn newscaster (Who Said That?)
1986 - Marlin Perkins "Wild Kingdom" host, dies near St. Louis.

Reported Missing in Action
1954
** The first American POW's in Vietnam**
Appice, Giacomo, US Army; part of a US Maintenance crew assisting French supply units, released August, 1954
Morgan, Doyle, USAF; part of a US Maintenance crew assisting French supply units, released August, 1954
Salas, Ciro, USAF; part of US Maintenance crew assisting French supply units, released August, 1954
Schuller, Jerry, USAF; part of a US Maintenance crew assisting French supply units, released August, 1954
Sroveck, Leonard, US Army; part of a US Maintenance crew assisting French supply units, released August, 1954

1965
Guarino, Lawrence N., USAF (NJ); F105 shot down, released by DRV February, 1973 - alive as of 1998

1967
McManus, Kevin J., USAF (NY); F4C shot down, released by DRV February, 1973 - alive as of 1998
Mechenbier, Edward J., USAF (OH); F4C shot down, released by DRV February, 1973 - alive as of 1998

1969
Grace, James W., USAF (LA); F4D shot down
Kahler, Harold, USAF (NE); F105D shot down

1971
Wilson, Richard, Jr., US Army (AR); vehicle accident, Killed, body not recovered

1972
Davis, Francis J., USN (IA); presumed Killed

1973
McLeod, David V., Jr., USAF (FL); HH53C shot down

My Two Cents - Bush-bashing and Body Counts

The MSM and the anti-Bush crowd are fairly purring over the casualty counts lately. Many of them note that May was the “deadliest month in Iraq so far,” and they're quick to note that we’ve now reached 1,700 fallen heroes in Iraq. But what they aren’t saying is the usual –

* Troops in Iraq have removed a murderous dictator from that country, and free elections have been successfully held there for the first time in 60 years.

* The Iraqi people are beginning to emerge from so many years without self-determination. Iraqi citizens are still signing up to join that country’s rebirthing military. Villagers are starting to fight off terrorism. Even the discussions and arguments in the new Iraqi government are a good sign. Our Continental Congress didn’t agree on a whole lot to start with either. And has anyone taken a look at Congress lately??

* Our fighting men and women continue to display exceptional courage, fortitude, and heart; just as they always have. Yes, there have been a few incidents. But just as with most things, the MSM has taken a few incidents and hyped them sufficiently to make it appear as if our military is engaging in inappropriate conduct as the rule, not the exception. And that just ain’t true.

The media and, sadly, some of our own governing officials want us to fail in Iraq. They need us to fail in Iraq. And if that isn’t going to happen on its own, well then, they’re going to continue to hype the stories so that the people believe it’s happening, even if it isn’t. Let’s face it; no one likes to be associated with the losing team. And the reality is that the larger populace is only going to be as good as the news they’re getting. What would the recent polls say if all we heard was good news? If what we heard were stories about our heroes improving the infrastructure of Iraq, bringing clean water, electricity, sanitation, to areas that didn’t have it? Providing medical care to friend and foe? Defeating the terrorists any time they face them?

The MSM, and the politicians who just flat-out want to see us fail because it advances their agenda, are seizing on a few particulars its worth addressing:

The Casualty Count:
1,703 dead since hostilities began in March of 2003. Deeply sad, yes. Each hero lost is a wound to this country. Each hero lost should be mourned, honored, and remembered in perpetuity.

But for a sense of perspective, how often have you heard that casualty count referenced against these numbers?

Gettysburg, Civil War:
17,000 dead in the first day (8,000 Confederate, 9,000 Union)

Pearl Harbor:
2,403 dead, including 68 civilians

D-Day:
Nearly 4,500 Allied troops killed on June 6, 1944

Vietnam:
Total American KIA: 58,169. An additional 10,000+ were lost to non-hostile causes. In 1968 alone, the US lost almost 15,000.

Desert Shield / Desert Storm:
150 between the start of Desert Shield in August, 1990, and the cease-fire on February 28, 1991 (100 hours after the commencement of ground hostilities).

So clearly, this isn’t the bloodbath the MSM slathers over. I wish we didn’t have to lose a single Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but that just isn’t reality. And looked at a little more objectively, this casualty count should prompt some re-evaluations of tactics, equipment, and weaponry, but it doesn’t mean we’re losing. And let’s not forget one more important statistic:

September 11, 2001 – 2,948 confirmed dead. 24 reported dead, 24 missing

Treatment of Detainees:
The MSM and our rabid politicians are still screaming and yelling over “stress positions” and pouring water over someone’s head. And, of course, a few tasteless photos. This is torture? What about Nick Berg, shrieking as he was decapitated? Where is the outcry about that? The detainees at Gitmo are there because they are terrorists, or folks who like to help terrorists kill Americans. They’re not innocent, help-an-old-lady-across the street types. They are murderers, and let’s face it, given half a chance, it’s likely that any one of them would kill any one of us. Stop and think for one minute about how these murderers would (heaven forbid) treat one of our heroes if captured, and tell me how much sympathy you really have. Or, not to put too fine a point on it, what if that captured hero were your husband or wife? Son or daughter? Mother or father? Exactly how would you view our getting them a little wet in order to prevent future attacks, future deaths? Would you see it as torture? I sure as heck don’t. It’s nice that we give them Korans, food, and doctors. It shows, once again, how different we are than them. But these are not, repeat, NOT, troops covered by the Geneva Convention. They are terrorists. Pure and simple. We are attempting to be decent by providing them with Korans and meals compliant with their religious views. Good for us. But somehow I think that if we do a little more than ask for information nicely, that’s ok. This isn’t a game. It’s a case of us trying to stop what they want to accomplish. They wouldn’t make sure people they kidnapped had Bibles or other religious literature, good food, doctors. They wouldn’t worry about the Geneva Convention – obviously. They want to kill us. Any of us. All of us. Any way they can. Look at it that way, and you wonder exactly whose side the people are on who want to vilify those who stop them.

Jimmy Carter and company are clamoring for us to shut down Gitmo. Slight problem there - Some judge decided that we can’t send these people back to their own countries unless we guarantee – guarantee, mind you – that they won’t be tortured. So where, exactly, are we going to put them? Maybe they can stay with Mr. Carter….

The War on Terror:
It isn’t the luncheon on terror, the panel discussion on terror. It’s a war. And it should be fought like one. Like one we intend to win. That means killing the bad guys. It means taking down the enemy. We damn well better act like we have the stomach for it, because they do.

Our World Reputation:
Good grief. Exactly who, pray tell, has a better record? Russia? Not according to Human Rights Watch – the Russians are even more popular there than we are. And they've got quite a track record, too. France? No – take a look at what they did in the Ivory Coast, and you’ll find that they’re not quite as squeaky clean as they like to pretend – not to mention banning Muslim schoolchildren from wearing head coverings in observance of their religion. Germany? No. Although they’re pretty popular lately with the anti-American crowd, look more closely at them, and you’ll find a fairly significant anti-immigrant and anti-non-German problem there. Not to mention a few dark spots in the past, as well.... And we don’t even need to look at Africa, Asia…. No one has an equal record of consistently standing up for freedom, liberty, and people who can’t defend themselves. Exactly who should we be so humbled by? How many times has the U.S. gotten into military action by trying to solve a problem the UN or Europe created, ignored, or failed miserably trying to deal with? (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Mogadishu, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq). And who is it, exactly, who manages to secure victory, and whom all “civilized” Europeans then get to denounce as violent warmongers? Convenient, isn’t it? I’d be a little more embarrassed to be a country that kowtows to anyone to avoid a conflict, who sacrifices self-determination to be able to smile and pat themselves on the back for being civilized.

We’re botching the job:
If anyone else has the spine and the resources and the know-how to do it better, they aren’t volunteering. Instead of griping, why don’t THEY solve the problem?? I bet we’d be happy to pull out if there were anyone else who could manage this. Spain’s method of dealing with the terrorists was to let them sway an election. Oddly enough, it hasn’t worked; bombings are still going on. Why? Because the terrorists exploit the weak. Spain has shown itself to be weak on terrorism. They caved once. Taken out to the extreme, today it’s an election, tomorrow it’s what color – or what clothing – everyone is wearing. Terrorists speak a very violent language. And political correctness isn’t up to the task. Europe is weak, too. And we’re not botching the job in Iraq; we’re W-I-N-N-I-N-G. We’ve won, actually – it’s just that the clean-up has been a lot more involved than would have been appreciated.

What happened to the country that rationed, that grew victory gardens? What happened to the country that supported the war effort, that rejoiced in victory? What happened to the America that was universally proud when one of her sons or daughters went into the military? Why is it that so many want to be ashamed of our military prowess, our strength, our character? One of the things I’m most proud of is that our military can never be counted out – never. Because our fighting forces are Americans, and that stubborn pride, that spark in the eye, that uncommon bravery so common in our troops is everywhere one of our uniforms is found. Sea, land, air – there is not a finer fighting force anywhere in the world. Why is it that some want to be constantly apologizing for that? From the days when a bunch of slap-dash farmers defeated the forces of the world’s most powerful empire, we have proven what we are: junkyard-dog-mean when provoked, and stubborn as mules when committed to a cause. And I’m just ducky with that. I’m damn proud to be an American, and I’m damn proud of the job our military does. Yes, my country occasionally does things that make me shake my head. But I will never hang my head in shame of my country. Not, that is, unless she becomes what these people want her to become. Weak. Defeated. Timid. On that day, I will hang my head indeed, to mourn the loss of the America I believe in, and that so many of our bravest sons and daughters have fought, bled, and died for.

The War on Terror, it's apparent, is as much against those inside this country who want to see her defeated as it is against those enemies who come from beyond her shores. Am I saying that those who disagree with the President are terrorists? No, but a divided America is something the terrorists hope for, so like it or not, they’re helping them. Am I saying that people who don’t agree with the Administration, or the war, should be imprisoned? No, of course not. But the media that makes up facts and distorts reality should certainly be accountable. But I am saying that we need to recognize this stuff for what it is, and not be taken in by it. We need to keep the negative voices, ashamed of our country and what she stands for, from allowing us to be derailed from what we’re up against. Some of the anti-Bush crowd obviously believes that anything that hurts Bush, even if it means losing the War on Terror, is ok. How misguided can you get? For a sane Democratic position, Joe Lieberman said in 2003 that if elected President, he would “prosecute the war against terrorism and win it even if it's unpopular because that's where our future security rests.” Even one of the Dem’s golden children knows how important this is. We can’t lose in Iraq, we can’t lose in Afghanistan, and we CAN’T lose the overall War on Terror. It simply isn’t an option. The stakes are simply too high.

Labels: , , , ,

nocashfortrash.org