Make sure to check out Michael Yon's blog for this post:

Angels Among Us

Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

When we think of terrorists, most of us probably think of the images of hooded gunmen, chanting on camera and performing horrible acts. They’re this age’s bogeyman, the monsters that are somewhere “out there.” I think most of us believe that, somehow, we’d know one if we saw one.

But coming out of the media this week in the flow of stories about the London bombing investigation is some very, very unsettling information.

They are very likely already here, and may be every bit as ordinary as your next door neighbor.

This story from the AP profiles some of those believed to be involved in the London bombings, and reports that:

“Thirty-year-old Mohammed Sidique Khan worked as a counselor in a youth center. He seemed to spend more time in the gym than the mosque…”

“Hasib Hussain, 19, was a charmer who liked to flirt. He wore blue contact lenses and hair so long that one friend said it ‘fell like a curtain’…”

What about 22-year-old Shahzad Tanweer? The Leeds Metropolitan University student and avid athelete “… was normal. We used to drink Coke and Fanta together.." a soccer teammate said.

And today comes the news that another person apparently connected to the attacks, Magdy el-Nashar, 33, had been a grad student in chemical engineering at North Carolina State. He earned his doctorate from Leeds University.

A grad student – a PhD. Not the sort of radical, abnormal person you’d expect to build a terrorist bomb. But there it is.

In fact, neighbors and family report being completely shocked. Hindsight puts the only warning sign on the “religious school” some of them attended in Pakistan. But no one who knew them suspected anything.

Most educated American voices are quick to point out that radical Islam is the exception, not the rule. But here’s the thing – if even one tenth of one percent of the Muslims living and working among us every day have this radical ideology, how many potential terrorists are there already within striking distance? According to ReligiousTolerance.org, estimates on the number of American Muslims range from 1.1 to 7 million. Worldwide, the range is .7 to 1.2 billion.

That means that if even one tenth of one percent of the Muslims in this country subscribe to the more radical view, there could be 1100 to 7000 potential terrorists here – living and working among us, teaching in our schools (Khan) , serving our fish and chips (Tanweer).

Worldwide, we’re talking potentially 1.2 million.

So what are we to do? In World War II, this country was so concerned about the potential of attacks from within that our government moved well over 100,000 people of Japanese descent (some American-born, and none with a history of anti-American activities) to “relocation communities” in the interest of “military security.”

Is that the answer? I hope not. But it’s no secret that the monsters who want to harm us, those who hate us, seek to exploit our weaknesses.

Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed , living and openly preaching anti-US and anti-UK terrorist rhetoric in Great Britain, has said, “We will use your democracy to destroy your democracy.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that. Make sure to click on his name above for some of his other gems.

Our freedoms are also our Achilles heel. Our porous borders, the lack of scrutiny of the average American, our freedom to travel within our borders at will – all of it – also makes us vulnerable.

So what are we to do? Wake up, for one. You cannot practice appeasement with people who have openly told you they are going to work your system in order to bring it down. There is no placating them with anything other than our destruction. They want to kill us. Period. Those are the stakes.
We need to examine how we do things, to strike a balance between preserving the rights of Americans and doing everything possible to eliminate the terrorist threat. It means finding them, wherever they are. It means making hard decisions about national security, about the powers of investigative bodies, about who is allowed to come here, and from where. It means recognizing that sometimes you have to take measures to obtain information, and the hug-a-detainee philosophy doesn’t cut it.

There’s a segment of this country that wants to be safe, but doesn’t want to do anything non-touchy-feely to get there. They can’t be allowed to dictate the course of action.

I wouldn’t want to be in the position of making all those judgment calls. But that’s why we elect people to do so. Our elected officials need to do what is right. We need to meet terrorism head on, even if it means making decisions that don’t play well in the press. And it needs to be a collective effort, not a situation where one segment keeps calling for more security, yet vilifying the people trying to provide it.

Because they’re here. They’re in our schools, our businesses, our neighborhoods. And another attack isn’t a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when.” We are either going to fight this war like we intend to win it, or the consequences are going to be disastrous. There are worse things than 9/11, and we need to do whatever is needed to prevent them from happening. We need to find and eliminate the enemy within, without destroying who we are.

The people who are charged with the task of securing this country need to abandon the "politically correct" in favor of the "reasonably sound" - they need to start taking responsibility for securing this country from the terrorist thugs who would see her destroyed – they need to start making the decisions, denying resources to those who would attack us, hunting down those who would kill us.

They need to start acting like we’re in the middle of a war – because the enemy sure is, and he's already in our front yard.
UPDATE: Greyhawk also has a post up about this issue.

from Seamus:

Your presence is requested at a Mess Night benefiting the "Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund" on Saturday, 1 October, 2005. For those of you not familiar with the work of this wonderful non-profit organization, please visit their website: Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

Five Paragraph Order follows:

Situation: The families of seriously wounded Marines and sailors are having a difficult time meeting their financial obligations while staying by the bedside of their loved one and assisting in their recovery.

Mission: To provide the means for them to stay in a hotel near Bethesda and other military hospitals, assist with the procurement of chow, and make it possible for them to take an extended leave of absence from their jobs.

Execution: Active duty, retired, regular, reserve and former Marines, in addition to members of our sister services and invited parties, will rendezvous on the objective (the Dr. Blaise F. Alfano Conference and Banquet Center, located at 11606 McKinley Drive, Tampa FL, on the Corner of Fowler Ave) at 1800 on Saturday, 1 October 2005. Dinner will follow at 1900, along with port wine for toasting, 1775 Punch, and much revelry and camaraderie.

Admin & Logistics: The cost is a mere $50.00, and payment may be made by cash, check or credit card in the following manner:

Credit card: Go to this link and purchase online: http://usmcstories.com/usmc_stories_079.htm

Check: Mail a check for $50.00 (per person) to: S&B Distribution, 11705 Boyette Rd #451, Riverview FL 33569 Attn: Top Bufalo

Cash: Call me at 813-335-7067 to make arrangements

Command & Signal: Contact me via email or at the above number with any questions. The signal for the Mess Night to secure will be green smoke, a green star cluster, or Gunny Ridgley praying to the porcelain God - whichever comes first.

Special Instructions: PLEASE pass this on to any potentially interested parties (i.e. give this the widest possible dissemination). I would like to get a head count ASAP, so please do not procrastinate (who, us?) in getting your tickets.

Semper Fi,
Andy Bufalo"The Storyteller of the Corps"
MSgt USMC (Ret)
http://www.usmcstories.com

Body Armor Works
Go to JackArmy for a great video that proves that while U.S. Body Armor isn't perfect, it's sure a WHOLE LOT better than not having body armor. This, you've got to see.

Also at JackArmy, you'll find a post about a Soldiers' Funeral - Texas Style, great pictures of some Army Rangers during a recent event, and the skinny on Saddam Hussein harboring thousands of terrorists prior to OIF.

Walking the Line
Michael Yon wraps up his series "Walking the Line" with "Walking the Line V - One Journey Ends."

Birthday Wishes
In your travels, if you feel so moved, be sure to wish ArmyWifeToddlerMom a belated Happy Birthday - it was Tuesday.

Worth a Thousand Words
Minstrel Boy has two awesome pictures up - here and here

Sgt. Bozik Update
Blackfive has an update on Joey Bozik, and his recent trip to the White House.

Matt's also got a great post (with pictures) about a recent March Against Terrorism in Iraq, as well as info on how Lance Armstrong is honoring Fallen SEALs.


There's always lots of great stuff at any of those sites, so be sure to look around a little after you've checked out the linked posts.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ronnie Shertell, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, plays with a small Iraqi child during a knock and cordon mission being conducted in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Rishard Wood, a hospital corpsman, provides first-aid for a local Iraqi civilian who collapsed from dehydration during a knock and cordon mission in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. The 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepare to enter and clear a house during a knock and cordon mission conducted in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Copeland, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides security while fellow Marines search and clear a house during a knock and cordon mission in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepare to enter and clear a house during a knock and cordon mission in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Broadus, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides security during a knock and cordon mission in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. James Collins, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides security during a knock and cordon missoin in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brain Rodriguez, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, climbs over a locked gate while fellow Marines prepare to enter and clear the house during a knock and cordon mission being conducted in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brendan Duffy, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, searches an Iraqi citizen passing through the area of operation while Pfc. Jason Roland provides cover, during a knock and cordon mission in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, clear a house during a knock and cordon mission in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


A U.S. Marine assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, searches and clears a building during a knock and cordon being conducted in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury


A U.S. Marine assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides over-watch security from a rooftop while fellow Marines search and clear houses during a knock and cordon mission in Fallujah, Iraq, July 7, 2005. Marines of Bravo Company, 2nd Marine Division and Multinational Force-West continuously conduct counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury

UAV DRIVER — U.S. Army Spc. Rhett Myers pilots the Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on a mission in Taji, Iraq, June 21, 2005. The Raven has cameras located in the nose cone and can relay video back to the operator in real-time. It is used for tactical reconnaissance against insurgents in the area. Myers is assigned to Scout Platoon, 1st Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Russell E. Cooley IV

Weather
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

Gitmo

Today in History
1410 - Poland and Lithuania defeat the Teutonic Knights at Tannenberg.
1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte is captured.
1864 - A train carrying Confederate prisoners collides with a coal train; of the over 950 people aboard, 65 are killed and 109.
1869 - In Paris, margarine is patented for use by the French Navy.
1870 - Georgia becomes the last confederate state readmitted to the U.S.
1888 - In Japan, the Bandai volcano erupts for the first time in a thousand years.
1904 - In Los Angeles, the first Buddhist temple in the U.S. is established.
1918 - The Second Battle of the Marne begins.
1922 - The first publicly exhibited duck-billed platypus in the U.S. makes its debut at the publicly exhibited in US, at NY Zoo.
1937 - The Japanese attack Marco Polo Bridge, invading China.
1944 - The Greenwich Observatory is damaged by a bomb.
1952 - The first transatlantic helicopter flight begins.
1954 - The first U.S.-built commercial jet transport plane (a Boeing 707) is tested.
1958 - President Eisenhower sends U.S. troops to Lebanon, where they stay for three months.
1965 - American scientists display close-up photos of Mars, taken by Mariner IV.
1971 - President Nixon announces his plan to visit the People's Repubic of China.
1975 - Soyuz 19 and Apollo 18 are launched; they rendezvous two days later.
1983 - Armenian extremists bomb Orly Airport in France, killing 8 and wounding 54.
1987 - John Poindexter testifies at the Iran-Contra hearings.
1991 - U.S. troops leave northern Iraq.

Birthdays
1606 - Rembrandt van Rijn Leiden, painter (Night Watch)
1902 - Jean Rey Belgium, president of the European Commission
1945 - Gene Upshaw, offensive tackle (Oakland Raiders)
1960 - Kim Alexis, model (Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover)

Passings
1869 - A. J. Hayne, African-American Captain of the Arkansas Militia, assassinated
1881 - William Bonney / Henry McCarty ("Billy the Kid"), killed by Pat Garrett
1948 - John J. Persing, U.S. General

Reported Missing in Action
1966
Connell, James Joseph, USN (DE); A4E shot down, died in captivity, likely due to maltreatment - remains returned March, 1974
Dennis, Mark V., USN (OH); CH46A shot down; not on official DIA list.

1967
Cassell, Robin B., USN (AZ); A1H shot down, KIA, body not recovered

1968
Bird, Leonard Adrian, USMC (DE); F4B shot down, KIA, body not recovered
James, Gobel D., USAF (OK); F105F shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - alive and well as of 1998
Martin, Larry E., USAF (KS); F105F shot down, remains returned July, 1989 / ID'd November, 1989

1969
Polster, Harmon, USAF (OH); F4D shot down over Laos
Walker, Michael S., USAF (LA); F4D shot down over Laos

1971
Taylor, Ted J., US Army (SC); AH1B crashed, drowned during rescue attempt