Major Mike

Beware of the Heinous ATMs

2011-06-17T15:38:00.001-07:00

It is astounding that America could elect as its President a man who is blaming ATMs for slowing the economic recovery.
"You see it when you go to a bank and ... you use an ATM, you don't go to a bank teller. Or you go to the airport, and you're using a kiosk instead of checking in at the gate," the president said.

It is obvious that the fate of our economy has been entrusted to a man who knows less about business than a five year old running a lemonade stand.

His ATM example is off for several reasons, but foremost is that ATMs were a regular part of life well before the economic downturn, and based on their cost-effectiveness it is doubtful that at any point since that anyone in the banking business has even remotely considered removing their ATMs in favor of bank tellers. ATMs have had exactly ZERO impact on the economic downturn or the recovery.

Secondly, he fails to comprehend that every component contained within the impenetrable boxes has to be manufactured by someone with a far greater skill set than your average bank teller. I am not in the ATM business, but it is easy to see that inside every machine there is a small computer, a scanner, a remote access device (modem/comm. Device), human-machine-interface (control screen), steel case for the machine, and hundreds of metal and plastic pieces that have to be injection molded or stamped in order to get the machine to function. All these parts then need to be assembled, tested and shipped to their installation locations. I think it is safe to say that each ATM supports dozens, if not hundreds of jobs. Not to mention that they are way move convenient than most bank tellers were only available between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm.

ATMs add to the banks’ profitability, and thus allow banks to make better investment decisions with those dollars; decisions that add to profitability and higher paying jobs. Perhaps they would even want to buy more evil ATMs. Or hire a securities analyst rather than an entry level employee who has a skill set about the equivalent of the TI 30 calculator. Or open another branch, which would in turn create construction jobs and more ATM jobs.

In business, jobs that can be replaced with capital equipment which is ultimately more cost effective and efficient have always been the target of automation. Cotton Gin. Harvest Combines. Motorized street sweeping machines.

It is way too late to lament the loss of the cash counter at the bank window.

The reference to the airline kiosks though shows just how out of touch Obama is with the real world.

If I have a choice between the “friendly” ticket clerk and the kiosk, I am heading to the kiosk. Because the President has not likely flown on a commercial airliner since before his Chicago organizing days, he has no comprehension to what degree most of us disdain airline travel today. TSA (no more need to be said), Surly clerks, surly passengers, surly parking attendants, and surly airport cops make taking a trip about as fun and time consuming as having back-to-back root canals done.

In two simple sentences our President shows the world that he knows NOTHING about business and that he is completely out of touch with that part of the population (90%?) which has to travel by commercial airliner vice luxury jet or Air Force One.

Who in the country would vote for this guy, and why in the world would they think for a minute he was capable of managing us out of financial crisis?

Camouflage Cooperation

2011-06-16T11:09:00.001-07:00

Many years ago, as the services were becoming more “Joint,” many eager beavers floated the idea that the individual service cultures should devolve into a single, joint (blended more appropriate) service that would go so far as to share a single uniform set. I believe it was referred to for a while as going purple, or a rough blend of all of the existing uniform colors. Suffice it to say, I personally knew of no Marines who were in favor of this idea, although in the officer brown-nosing class, I am sure there were a few.

Marines are both aware of, and proud of the history behind their uniforms and uniform items. They know that the uniform is what links them to previous generations of Marines and sets them apart from the other services whose uniforms pale in comparison to those of the Marines. Switching uniforms was a complete non-starter for the Corps.

Given this, it is not surprising that the Marines are particularly defensive about sharing their camouflage uniform pattern with the Army. They are simply protecting their distinctive Marine turf, a pretty natural reflexive response for most Marines.

I would ask the Marines to re-consider.

Allow me a few of short digressions.

My last assignment in the Marine Corps was as an operational requirements assessment officer on the Navy staff in Pearl Harbor. My job was to evaluate the operational requirements submitted by the operational staffs (Fleet, Air Wings, etc.), prioritize them and if approved, get them into the budgeting process. I personally evaluated all things fixed-wing tactical aviation, all air delivered ordnance, and all things Marine. One thing I learned in that job was that money was tight, always. A million dollars meant a lot to each of us in our respective roles in N83, and haggling for a million dollars was not uncommon.

A million dollars saved on submarine spare parts might easily fund training ammunition for a battalion of forward deployed Marines for a year. I would say we did a fair job of making the money go as far as we could.

Digression number two.

I was able to catch a snippet of how the Marines developed their new camouflage pattern on a show about camouflage on the History Channel. The show depicted the intense analysis and testing that the Marines put into the development and selection of their final pattern, and I was impressed to learn that when the Army evaluated their choices it was one of the top patterns considered. The Marines had done their homework, and it seems to have paid off.

Allow me one more digression. In the early eighties the Marines embarked on a program in their development center in Quantico, Virginia to come up with a new PT (physical training; gym) short. This process was long and painful. And while I am sure that project officers were sincere and energetic, the fruits of their labor proved to be woefully in adequate.

In an era where nylon shorts had become the running norm, and indeed the standard, the Marine Corps spent millions of dollars and several (five or six as I recall) years to develop the equivalent of a 1940’s era gym short made of cotton that was so stiff that many of us would have preferred to wear the same short made of burlap. The material was so heavy and the seams so thick that the seams at the leg openings would cut through the skin on a run of even modest length. They were, in short (pun intended) a disaster.

So, in times of fiscal austerity and looming budget cuts, I implore the Marines to reconsider and let the Army use their successful camo pattern. This gesture would surely save years of development and millions of dollars in testing. And even then, a successful outcome is not guaranteed. Save the money and use those funds for more live ammo that can be used in training or directly on our enemies.

Marines needn’t worry, they will never be confused for soldiers as their utility cover will forever be distinctive, and the Army will put enough patches on the uniform to set them apart from miles away.

I think that these two services should get together and act cooperatively in a time where wasting money developing another camo pattern, while compelling for service distinction reasons, is still a waste nonetheless. It would be a lesson in cooperation that could serve as an example for other, less prestigious governmental institutions to emulate.

Who’s Dumber, Politicians, or Journalists Who Accept Their Stupid Answers

2011-06-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am done watching ANY television interview with ANY politician. Why? Because they NEVER produce any meaningful information.

I enjoy watching Fox News Sunday, but Chris Wallace is no better at getting a straight answer out of a one-on-one guest than CNN is at getting Anthony Weiner to pick his own johnson out of a police line-up.

The Weiner story brings to a head all that is worthless about the MSM today. They have come to accept the most world-class improbable explanations from idiotic guests, and then they let the steamy turds lie there expecting us public school graduates to go “Wow, I guess that is a really good explanation as to why some 21 year-old college student accidentally got a photo, of what may or may not be Anthony Weiner’s Johnson, from his twitter account. Makes sense to me.”

Where is the follow-up question? “Mr. Frankfurter, if you’re not denying that that picture is your scantily clad package, what prompted you to take such a picture in the first place, let alone have it stored in a place on your computer where if hacked (doubtful) it could be sent to others via social media?”

“Do you think this behavior is appropriate for a US Representative?”

“Do you think the people in your district approve of you farming photos of you junk out to twenty-one year olds?”

“Geez, your wife must be really upset!?”

But no, the MSM lets these narcissistic spin doctors ramble on for hours without answering even the simplest questions.

“Are you running for President?”

“How are you going to vote on HB-XYZ?”

TiVo all the Sunday morning shows and you will not see one question answered by a politician. What you will see is continuous streams of nonsensical ramblings that make the infinity sign seem to have an end.

“I am not going to answer whether or not there are yellow and blue in the color green. It takes a village to make a color, and I don’t think that the composition of green should be used to de-value the color red or purple for that matter. We need to understand that yellow-blue diversity, while unique does not necessarily set them apart when it comes to making colors of all kinds.”

The idiotic press also delivers the Get-Out-of-Hell-Free card to any scandal laden politician, as long as they follow the formula; go to re-hab, do 40 hours of public service counting rat turds in rabbit nests, cry on camera, give a one hour interview to Barbara Walters, cry again on TV, and promise never, ever to do it again.

I thought part of their role was to comment and critique when public officials’ behaviors get out of hand, not condone and facilitate.

It is easy to tell when people are lying and obfuscating. By letting the politicians slide around every question, journalists are proving that they are incapable of doing their jobs. Again.

So I ask again, who’s dumber, politicians, or journalists that accept their stupid answers?

Or, C., we voters for voting these idiots in time after time after time.

Update 6/6/11

Answer: Representative Weiner for thinking we were all stupid enough to believe his lame story and his whacky attempts at deflecting the heat. He now admits to doing an Annie Leibovitz on his miniature wanky and broadcasting proudly (not so much anymore) via Twitter. Oh, and by the way, to five other women as well. I wonder how married life is treating him these days.

Please, voters in his district, show America that we will not tolerate idiots representing us in Congress; as least not once we have confirmed they are idiots.

I am bi-partisan on this one. No idiots, donkeys or elephants.

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

2011-05-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Only conservatives could get such an early start in losing the 2012 election.

In just two weeks you have Newt Gingrich calling Congressman Ryan’s Medicare proposal “right-wing social engineering” and trying to affix Ryan with the “radical” label. Honestly, I didn’t think it name calling and labeling would happen for maybe, three months.

In perhaps one of the most intriguing (maybe astonishing is a better word) exchanges you have Rick Santorum trying to explain how he knows more about waterboarding and interrogation techniques than John McCain. Admittedly Santorum was trying to connect the waterboarding techniques used to get information out of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed with the success of the raid on Bin Laden and not specifically trying to get into with McCain. Yet get into with McCain he did nonetheless. You have to be sharp enough to drop or ignore the issue rather than to go into extensive detail about interrogation techniques when John McCain’s name is even mentioned.

But to say this, "And so this idea that we didn't ask that question while Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was being waterboarded, he (McCain) doesn't understand how enhanced interrogation works. I mean, you break somebody, and after they're broken, they become cooperative…” shows that Santorum hasn’t a scintilla of instinct when it comes to running for the most powerful office in the land.

If you read John Hubbell’s book POW, and every American should read it, you’ll know that John McCain is somewhat an expert on how enhanced interrogation works, and he is the antidote to Santorum’s implication that once broken there is no more resistance. Anyone that has been through SERE (Survival, Resistance, Evasion, and Escape) school knows that everyone will be broken, but the key difference in the US Armed Forces Code of Conduct and US training, is than when able, the POW is to begin resisting again to the greatest of his ability.

If you read Hubbell’s book, you’ll see that McCain needs no such lecture from Santorum. He and many others endured unimaginable “enhanced techniques” and resisted well beyond what I think is humanly possible.

Santorum simply proved he is not astute enough to avoid a bear trap the size of the state of Texas, and he makes his situation worse by explaining more. Could it get worse?

Yes.

You also have Republicans now hem-hawing about how much hardball they are willing to play on the Debt Ceiling – Spending Cut fight. Their wavering under the flimsy and false pretenses of paper deadlines and pseudo-cataclysmal fallout shows that they lack the commitment to take responsibility for governing this nation.

Their doddering is another example of where “real change” simply means change of party and not change of action or consequence. Until conservatives have the courage to confidently steer the ship on a truly conservative course, Obama should remain cozy in his La-Z-boy.

You have the very odd situation where Mitt Romney, truly a newly minted conservative, is trying to justify the support and signing of a state bill that is eerily similar to the most liberal piece of national legislation ever passed. Gingrich would likely classify him as a Left-wing conservative, or more appropriately as an opportunistic flip-flopper. Neither of which makes Romney Presidential material for conservatives.

So in very short order, you have a former conservative leader calling a sitting conservative leader a radical and social engineer.

You have a former Senator telling a sitting Senator, former Presidential candidate, former POW who can barely lift his arms, that he don’t know jack about interrogation techniques and torture.

You have conservatives backing away from real fiscal change as they appear to cave in to the lame and vacuous counter arguments that the dems are barely backing themselves (see Dick Durbin on Fox News Sunday, 5/15/2011) in regards to raising the debt ceiling.

And you have a “conservative” justifying state run health care in the context that it isn’t exactly like Obamacare.

In summary, you have no civility, no leadership, no common sense, no adherence to basic conservative issues while in control of the House of Representatives, no credibility, and no chance of defeating Obama in 2012.

I wonder why there is a Tea Party.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

2011-05-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

China’s top general complimented the US military last week in such a fawning manner that many in the military and in elected federal positions likely took those compliments as a sincere assessment from an impressed and dissuaded foe, rather than clever and mendacious comments delivered by an ingenious and guileful enemy. Make no mistake, this was an international head fake done with skill and with the specific intent of getting us to relax our guard.

When General Chen says "What I'm trying to say is that we do not have the capability to challenge the United States.", he’s not saying that China does not want to challenge the United States. He is not saying that China is going to suspend all of its weapons programs because he was so impressed that China is now deterred for the next millennia. He is not saying that they now have a good reason to cease development and production of their stealth fighter. And he is certainly not asking for hands across the water and a long chorus of Kum By Ya.

He is simply saying that they have not matched our capabilities yet, and that he really, really hopes that the US will let its guard down while the Chinese make leaps quantum leaps necessary to match their armed forces against ours. The specific intent of his blunt statements, which were not made by someone ready to give up his sword and sign capitulation papers, were to get the US to reduce our military budgets, reduce our reconnaissance of their coast line, and to lull us into ten years of stagnation while they blow past us like they did in Olympic diving.

The Chinese are acutely aware of our penchant for overspending and keeping ourselves on the precipice of budgetary crisis, as they hold a preponderance of our debt. General Chen was planting a seed that sends the perfect message to liberal money-grabbers; we can cut defense spending because we are soooo far ahead of the Chinese, we can relax for a few years in weapons development. There will be no listening to conservative think-tanks that see this for the Bangalore torpedo that it is. We will be urged to believe our new, good friend General Chen and his frank honesty in assessing the true state of military affairs in the world. We should all give a thumbs up and in chorus say, “Mission accomplished.”

Don’t look to the top layers of the Pentagon to put up much of a fight. It is natural for the many narcissists at the top of the military to take these compliments as validation of a lengthy and laborious effort, but because of their egos, they will miss the covert nature of Chen’s message. Over the objections of the real operators, who recognize this as a disinformation campaign, the top brass will be smoozing for their next assignments by bringing out accounting like assessments showing cost benefit curves proving that we can stay ahead of the Chinese with little or no spending over the next ten years or so. Liberals will latch onto the brass’ acquiescence as the roadmap to substantial budget cuts in an effort to turn the table on Republicans. Republicans will be pinned between their budget cutting efforts and General Chen’s statements, and they will lose the fight in trying to sustain or extend weapons programs and operational spending, and consequently our tactical and strategic advantages over the Chinese.

Admiral Mullen is obviously buying it, "I think part of the discussions, and General Chen spoke to this, is his view of how far ahead the United States is technically." What follows that kind of talk is budget cuts.
One of Chen’s direct goals is to get the US to reduce its coastline surveillance of China. Our fortitude combined with our technology here is key to keeping the Chinese from achieving their longest standing objective, the re-taking of Taiwan. Chen’s comments “As a matter of fact, the reconnaissance activities along China's coast by U.S. military aircraft and vessels are seen in China as deterrents.", are specifically designed to try to get the US to relax its efforts in order for China to begin to develop a window in which to launch a campaign to restore Chinese “unity.”

With statements like, “As it is known to all, the United States is a super-power in the world today; how can China easily have the ability to challenge it? That is simply not part of Chinese culture and we do not have that capability. We would strive for world peace, civility and development and well being of the whole humankind...The United States has far more advanced weapons and equipment." General Chen may take Miss Congeniality at the next Miss World pageant.

World peace is not a stated goal of the Communist Chinese government, expansion of their version of communism is.

We Americans have been suckered into complacency more times than we can count, and we only overcame years of neglect and narcissism (post WWI, post WWII and pre-Korea, post-Korea, the Carter years) on our guts and the shear will of the individuals in the military (Guadalcanal, Pusan perimeter are striking examples).

We should not be led down a path of complacency and neglect by someone who has read Sun Tsu more times than most of us have read the Sunday comics. This is part of the Chinese national strategy, don’t be fooled.

You don’t have to be a former military officer and Asian history major to receive General Chen’s message loud and clear.

I'm Back

2011-05-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Not sure there is anyone out there who cares, but apparently I have lost my gig with Townhall.com beacuse of my sparadic submission schedule. Guilty. The pieces I am about to put up were submitted to Townhall, but I have heard nothing back, so up they go. Welcome back to anyone who is still poking around my blog.

Remember, I've Moved

2006-04-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know my sign off is buried a little deep now, so if you have stopped by to catch my writing, I am writing over at MySandmen. Come see us there!

Tulane NROTC Clearing House - Katrina

2005-09-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Latest update 8 Sep 05, 1535 PST...if you want zulu time...go somewhere else...

I am baaaaaaack...like constipation after eating C-rat cheese, but, for one expressed reason...to, for now, try and act as a conduit of information about the Tulane NROTC community and its needs. This includes Alums, the Building, the mids, and the current staff. For now, use the comment section to pass info. Link this site to other alums and interested parties. If the need is not there, we'll close down...otherwise we are on until it becomes apparent that we can shut down the operation. Pass info, links, and status...it may help those concerned about you to find you. Let's see how it goes, and how much good the alums of this great unit can do. Roll on Green Wave.

My essays will continue to be posted with my team at www.mysandmen.blogspot.com . Please stop by there often. MM

Update

If you know the status of LtCol Jerry Sneed USMC, TU MOI 90-93...please post it here...Is that Jerry Sneed the one I served with at TBS from 84-88...or a portion of that time? He may be currently assigned to MARFOR RES, NO.

Also...gaming the system a little...stop by multiple times...the more the Major Mike site gets hit, the higher it moves up the Google search find list...Last night I couldn't get any coherent results from "Tulane nrotc hurricane katrina." So if you stop by...hit it a couple of times, and we can get to the top of the list to smooth the process. Have other grads and alum hit it as well...you never know who knows what.

Update

http://tulanestudentinfo.blogspot.com/ here is a link with some pics of uptown... some may remember the Mushroom (the record store) located around the corner from the Boot... water everywhere

From an Anon source...right off campus near the chapel and the BTP house...and, of course, many nickel beer nights. The pics were taken Aug 31, and the source reports the water has receded to Clairborne. We are now #1 on google for "Tulane nrotc hurricane katrina" on google...good job...direct people here to post what they know...believe me, at least one piece of timely info will find its way here...spread the word. MM

Update

The Official Tulane NROTC site remains down...no surprise. Obviously, this site has not been overwhelmed...but, let's try to get some momentum in re-establishing important links to one another. Right now we may not be able to imagine how important it may be later. MM

Update

Validate your muster with the Chain of Command...this just in:

Sir,I'm a Midn 1/C at Tulane. Almost all of us mids have gotten in contact with our chain of command but for any of the ones that haven't, please post on your site for them to contact jeremyhall3@gmail.com he is our current BNCO and is the clearinghouse for almost all NROTC information. Thanks.VR/Midn Adam Stephens

I'm recommending re-validating any previous muster with Midn. Hall...anyone who has been to Bulldog knows how messed up musters in person get...let alone via the net. Also...don't be shy...list any personal needs that some of us out here can help with. This is one time to ask. MM

Update

The following link is to the Tulane Blog that is looking like a pretty fast moving message board...might be worth a look for all interested Tulanians.

http://www.tulane.edu/blog/

Update - 5 Sep 05

NROTC site is still down. Not much new on either the Tulane main site or Tulane Blog. BN Staff...please ask for any missing info that you need...I am getting a fair amount of traffic..most of it coming over from the Tulane Blog...so, I am hoping we can get you the info that you need. Please feel free to post any open updates here, or redirect my efforts in another direction. MM

Update - 6 Sep 05

OK...some feedback now...am I wasting my time? Is there some direction I could be taking that would help more? I am getting plenty of traffic, but I don't get the feeling this site is contributing ...let me know what I can do, and what resources you need...If this conduit is unneeded, I can go back to reading Homer and Faulkner...both to be avoided, unless your a dedicated frosh in English 101. C'mon...you're not going to hurt my feelings.

Update 8 Sep 05

New posting at the Tulane main site. http://www.tulane.edu/ The main site is becoming a bit more robust, as the university is beginning to break down their information pipelines to student,a dn separately, the staff...seems like an appropriate strategy. Good info on tuition.

NROTC main site still down...if I am missing something here...someone clue me in. Also...because of the lack of comments...I am questioning the value of me continuing here...feedback would be nice...let me know if I should shut back down, or keep this up.

Thanks for the traffic...clue me in if I am missing something.

Actually...I am moving my shop...

2005-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am accepting an offer made by Mr. Atos and Dueler69 to join My Sandmen http://www.mysandmen.blogspot.com/ . I think this alliance will prove effective, and perhaps allow us to turn some enegry and focus on Oregon issues...so, again, thanks for stopping by, come visit at My Sandmen.

Closing Shop

2005-07-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have come to the honest conclusion that I am not doing this well. Although I have the inclination, and generally the capacity to do this well, I simply am not. The demand of my full time job, my home life, and the few extra activities I afford myself, are not leaving me enough time to write interesting, well-researched, and well written pieces. I find myself rushed to get something out, and then cringe at the lack of depth and insight in what I have published. So, rather than be ashamed of my effort, I think I'll close up shop. I simply think that the pool is full of talent, and that others are doing a better, faster, more credible job.

Thanks to all that have stopped by., and thanks for the many great comments and critiques. I'll continue to read as many blogs as possible...thanks for the experience. MM

Losing...or Winning?

2005-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/07/11/afghan.seal/index.html

I wouldn't take this as evidence of a US failure in Afghanistan. I'd say this is evidence that decent people want a chance at freedom. I'd say this is America, and Americans, forging very positive relationships with responsible Muslims. I'd say this is evidence that our presence in Afghanistan is welcome. I'd also say that the Muslims that helped this Seal are not in the minority. I'd say we're moving ahead, on a winning path, in Afghanistan. I would also say, that if the press walked around Iraq with their eyes open, they'd see these very same things in Iraq.

We're winning the GWOT, one friend at at time.

On operational security...

I would like to see the military be a bit more tight lipped on our operations...releasing some of the details of the SEAL team situation gave potentially useful information to the enemy. I really don't care if the press is clamoring for the fiftieth time for more info...don't give it to them.

The Taliban attempted to use the fact that there was still a SEAL unaccounted for to their psychological (psy ops) advantage. The details about that team and its circumstances should have never been released until the mission was complete. We are aiding the enemy with our free flow of information.

As I have mentioned before, I was read into a couple of "black" programs. These programs, for the most part, were very simple technology enhancements that could have been easily negated by tactics had the details ever gotten out. Secrecy is what keeps these enhancements the combat multipliers they are. Once exposed, instead of being extremely lethal, they would merely have been a nuisance. OpSec is hugely important...let's don't get complacent. No operational info out while it can still be leveraged against us...period.

On predictability...

C'mon guys, we should not be getting helos shot down by rockets. Change your tactics, your routing, your escort procedures...something, but no more helos shot down while we're running headlong into the fight.

One of the things that got us into trouble in Vietnam was our predictable re-enforcement response to units in contact. The NVA would dangle a few troops in front of us, we would run headlong after them, and eventually we would have re-enforced our way into a trap.

Let's make sure this helo loss is the only one of its kind...it was a terrible waste of highly trained personnel.

Where Are the "Americans?"

2005-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

It has occurred to me that America has been softening since we settled the West. It began with the linking of the East with the West via railroad at Promontory Summit in 1869. Our softening continue with the final submission of the Native American tribes in 1891. We continued to get mushy with the invention and mass production of the automobile; the collapse of subsistence farming; the New Deal and its social programs. Add in welfare, fast food, television, E-Z-Boy chairs, and we're done.

Why is this relevant?

Coming to work this morning on NPR, a Brit, analyzing the impact of yesterday's London bombings said that the Brits would carry on, but they were worried about a falloff in American tourists, because Americans (general population) are a bit more worried than the Brits in regards to their personal safety. I don't disagree with him, but when did this happen?

When did we start becoming a nation of cowerers and how do we pull out of it?

Where are the Americans that crossed this nation in wagons? Where are the Americans who fought against tyranny and oppression? Where are the Americans that conducted Pickett's Charge and those who defended Seminary Ridge? Fought in World War I? Landed in Normandy and Tarawa? Invented manned flight? Went to the moon? Built our dams and highways? Where are the "tough" Americans?

I am not talking about our soldiers, football and rugby players, NASCAR drivers. I am talking about the toughness of your average American. Because in the end, his/her toughness and their resolve will be the key to winning the GWOT. We need to rediscover our grit and fortitude. We need to become physically and mentally tough as a nation. And we certainly don't want the Brits to show us the way when it comes to toughness.

Americans need to start acting like "Americans."

Toto, Ted, and Joe...We're Not in Kansas Anymore

2005-07-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

For those who think that the Islamafacists are going away anytime soon...think again. Their objective is not to get us to leave Iraq. Their objective is to get every citizen in the world to cower while they take over every country on earth and turn them into Talibanesque nations. No amount of Kennedy appeasement, nor silly Biden grinning is going to get them to stop. Only their deaths will bring an end to their killing.

The residents of London did NOTHING to deserve what happened to them today. Same of course, for those in Africa, Madrid, and NYC, who were victims of ruthless killers, who deserve nothing more than to be hunted down like dogs and be brought to justice. These people do not care who they kill, they simply want to send their message of hate. They will kill you, your family, and your pet fish if they have a chance...wake up.

This is not the time to weaken the Patriot Act in a thinly veiled attempt by Democrats to woo a very small group of Arab voters. Weakening the Patriot Act will make us exponentially more vulnerable to a re-attack in this country...and should parts of the Patriot Act be repealed or lapse, no amount of Bidenspeak or Kennedyexcusing will shift the blame for subsequent deaths from their shoulders...something Kennedy is already familiar with.

Additionally, we need to wake up and understand that very few Arabs actually want to assimilate into the various Western countries they migrate to. While it appears to be the aim of most western countries to diversify their populations, many of the Arabs that migrate do little to integrate themselves into the mainstream cultures of those countries. That being the case...isn't it becoming reasonable to begin limiting immigration from the countries that are filling our streets with terrorists? Isn't it OK to say "enough" and stop the sources of terror from gaining entry into our country, and not be ashamed to take this necessary defensive measure? I do not dislike Islamacists, but they are the ones doing the wanton killing of innocents...isn't it OK to deny them access to their objective, and protect ourselves without feeling as if we are bad people.

Bottom line good people...this cannot be ignored away, as the Clintons had hoped. This cannot be appeased away as the Bidens and Kennedy's hope. This will not go away anytime soon, and it will certainly not go away until most of these terrorist are dead. When we begin to believe that as a nation...we'll be back in Kansas.

Geez ...Can We Be Any More Cluto?

2005-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to my buddy at CENTCOM on this one...

If our citizens continue to be as self-centered and clueless as Tom here...we will lose this war. They will insist on living their lives their selfish way, right up until the Islamafacists blow them and their RVs up out in the middle of the desert. Wake up America, there is a war on, and brave men and women are holding the line against terrorism and oppression...get the clue!

A personal note to Tom from Peoria...there are people who get up at 0300 everyday to protect your 0900 sleeping ass, and I hope you choke on the squadron's CO's reply, you smart ass.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0623thurlets239.html

A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM

Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response would be appreciated.
- Tom MacRae, Peoria

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0628tuelets282.html

Flyby honored fallen comrade Jun. 28, 2005 12:00 AM Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday):On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.Capt.

Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"

The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus
Luke Air Force Base
The writer is commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron.

Tagged By "Bowramp"...Port-O-Call Summary

2005-06-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

The crusty old squid at Bowramp http://www.bowramp.blogspot.com/ tagged me to answer some port call questions. My experience comes from floating on the USS Midway in the summers and falls of 1981 and 1983. I'll include bingo/divert destinations associated with my tours.

Number of ports visited...about 20...bingo/diverts add 5.

Most recent was Subic Bay, for 26 days trying to get a dead Phantom out of there...darn it took a long time to get out of there.

Port (Divert) I never want to visit again Tsuiki, Japan...Miso soup for breakfast...nuff said.

Top three most memorable...in order:
Subic Bay, single night for munitions...the fastest 14 hours of my life. Half of our aircrew did not make it out of the rack the entire next day.
Pusan, Korea...first night libo in Service Alphas (greens)...lost most of my short term memory, all my money, and one of my socks.
Divert to Taegu, Korea on Novemeber 10, 1981. Det CO dives out of Women's barracks window, pilot attempts to steal APC, me and the other WSO start up a 6-By...ooops right in front of MP HQ. Happy Birthday Marines.

Duty done...thanks brought a smile to my face.

Recycling Can Be fun...and Informative

2005-06-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am re-playing my third post, which I originally published January 9th...how's that for leading edge...
All the recent Vietnam comparisons deserve to be courntered. Here I focused, not on Iraq, but the factors about our participation in Vietnam, that eventually made it what it became...use your own adjective here. This is meat and potatos, no fluff...I love recycling.

Iraq Is Not Another Vietnam

WHY IRAQ IS NOT LIKE VIETNAM

While I am sure most to the American population has this figured out, it pains me every time I hear an analogy, a reference, or a prediction that Iraq is, or will turn out like Vietnam.Iraq is not like Vietnam:The terrain in Iraq favors the conventional forces. The terrain in Vietnam favored an asymmetric or guerrilla strategy. The almost contiguous cover afforded to the Viet Cong and the NVA was ideal for insurgency ops. It provided cover for MSRs, staging areas, and nearly all troop movements. It mitigated the effectiveness of our technical advantages and leveled the playing field for the enemy forces. Although the foreign insurgents in Iraq are taking cover in the cities, the lack of secure mobility and their inability to mass forces at critical junctures will keep the insurgency in its current stages. Iraq may be unpleasant, but it is not like Vietnam.

The insurgency in Iraq is not a popular rebellion. The seeds of the NVA victory in Vietnam were planted in the early 1920’s when nationalistic movements of all types were hatched in Europe. The Viet Minh, as did the Communists in China, gained momentum out of their efforts in fighting the Japanese in World War II. Both were modestly successful, but there were no other viable political or military organizations in existence, so they each became the preeminent forces within their countries, regardless of the desires of the US and the rest of the world. The post World War II agreements that attempted to restore French colonialism to Vietnam and the subsequent agreements that divided Vietnam, sealed our eventual fate. The NVA had gained valuable experience fighting the French. They had a safe operating base in the North, and at worst, they had the support of 50% of the entire population of the combined Vietnams. The insurgents in Iraq are largely foreign fighters intent on disrupting the democratization efforts. They have, at best, tepid support from 13% of the population. They are also not a viable political force, which in the end, regardless of the casualties they inflict, will never give them clout in the political arena. They may kill people, but they won’t be a political success.

Our entry into Vietnam was clouded and ambiguous. Our entry into Iraq was clear and purposeful. We were hip deep into Vietnam even before the dubiously credible Gulf of Tonkin incident. President Johnson worked overtime to keep our depth of commitment and troop strengths hidden from the American public. In the end, the depth of our commitment could not be hidden, and the public rightfully became angry at what had been perpetrated. Regardless of if you are for our involvement in Iraq, or against it, President Bush was straightforward in telling the public what he was doing and why he was doing it. Debates about the viability of specific intelligence reports may linger, but there has been no repeat of the rampant lying that hindered our effort throughout the Vietnam War.

The quality of our forces far outstrips the quality of the forces we had fighting in Vietnam. I am not a believer of the “every soldier a druggie” crowd post-Vietnam, but I saw first hand what low morale and poor leadership had done to the USMC on my very first day of duty in MCAS El Toro in 1979. In barracks drug use, unscheduled intramural boxing matches, and complete disrespect for officers and Staff NCOs was common. Those Marines were the remnants of the Vietnam era Corps, and they were a mess. Units failed to meet basic training requirements, such a going to the rifle range…my unit was NOT the exception. It took a long view and hard work to revive the professionalism that had once been the hallmark of our services. Our forces excelled in Afghanistan, a country once thought impervious to outside military operations. They rolled through Kuwait in 1991 and Iraq in 2003 with unmatched speed and precision. They are arguably the best forces this world has seen. While individual soldiers and Marines in Vietnam may have been every bit the match of today’s troopers, collectively they were not nearly the cohesive force we have today.

There are clearly major differences in our involvement in Iraq and our participation in Vietnam. Calling a donkey a horse does not make it one. There is no excuse for the shallow and off base analysis that is nearly continually comparing these two military operations. Let’s learn from the mistakes we have made in the last twenty months, not from a completely unrelated excursion 30 years gone by.

We clearly need to guard against a protracted low-intensity conflict in Iraq, but the final solution will ultimately be a political one. The Iraqis will have their freedom, and hopefully they will have the will to keep it. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, our participation in Iraq will reveal itself to be less a post-colonial folly, and more a necessary attempt to fight the next battle in the war on terrorism, a battle that is effectively reducing the capability of terrorists. At its worst, it has been a battle that has stopped the murder and torture of hundreds of thousands, and freed millions in the process.

Iraq is Iraq. Vietnam was Vietnam.

Got History?

Reference material: Vietnam, Stanley Karnow. A Bright and Shining Lie, Neil Sheehan, In Retrospect, Robert MacNamara. The Best and the Brightest, David Halberstam. Dereliction of Duty, H.R. McMaster. And about 20 others

I Have Not Abandoned Ship

2005-06-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I will have to take a little more time off from blogging. I am still catching up on work, and have not had time to get to it. I have a conference tomorrow and go on vacation (not wired in) on Friday. I will be back around the 27th. Regards.

One Last Windmill Attack Before My Trip

2005-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Judge Bridges denies petition in King County. Tip to Michelle Malkin for her timely post http://www.michellemalkin.com/ .

My take. "Geez, I don't know where all those votes came from." It is impossible for me to comprehend that a "judge" cannot see the malfeasance that will remain the hallmark of the 2004 Washington State Governor's election. With judges like that, is it any wonder that judges find themselves under siege? Judges are suppose to use...drum roll please...judgement. If the chicanery that was this election is not readily apparent to a judge, then I am missing a nose. His blind eye is damaging to the republic, as voters are now entitled to have zero confidence in the democratic process in Washington. Nice work judge.

For the Dems this is a crime against the country. Stealing elections will come to an end. More than who wins or loses, voters will soon tire of fraud and corruption. Eventually the truth about events in King County will emerge, and the Dems will find the damage to their party was not worth four years of the governorship. Shame on them for the dirty work they have done...I am fairly certain it will come back to haunt them...hopefully in spades.

I, Don Quixote

2005-06-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

While I am not carrying but a minute portion of the load, the seemingly endless barrage of bad MSM media is taking its toll on my blogging effort. Their collective density, well above that of uranium, continues to prevent them from seeing their demise on the way. In spite of of their multiple and memorable gaffes, all diligently tracked by the blogoshpere, they continue to push their completely substandard product...often laced with untruths, outright lies, and biased slants, our way (Hugh Hewitt posts today on it). Their persistence is wearing me out... A normal person (or collective group) would have begun to change their ways by now, but our MSM refuses. I felt my energy drain on Sunday morning as I read another vindication of the Newsweek story on Koran mis-handlings, still only bolstered by the Pentagon's own investigation, citing only the same five cases that have already been acknowledged. Huge sigh on my part....I did not have the energy for round five. I avoided blogging altogether. They deserved a blistering, and I failed to produce.

So, luckily I am off to New Orleans on business, and hopefully I will re-charge my batteries.

But I am beginning to think that spending any time correcting, cajoling, coaching, or coaxing the MSM is a Quixote-esque endeavor that may never produce results. It is dis-heartening since there are many fine institutions in this country, and instead of being one of them, the MSM uses their power to trash most, if not all, of them. I am impressed by their blind doggedness, yet not by their product.

While I am gone, I'll try to outline a series of pieces on What Makes the US Different. I'll be back next week. I am not sure how much more time I am willing to spend on the MSM...I am truly beginning to believe that they will never get it. Maybe they are all Democrats...

Weeds Gunning the A-10s

2005-06-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

I thought of this on my way home the other night and I laughed out loud…even though it has been 11 years.

While deployed in Aviano, Italy protecting the Some Time Fly Zone, my pilot was Weeds. Weeds was one of the top two or three pilots I had ever flown with, and every hop was a joy…professional, but a blast all the time. Weeds had been a TopGun grad, and he went on to become a Blue Angel. Great stick…nuff said.

Aside from Some Time Fly Zone patrol, we occasionally got to train against some of the other A/C deployed in the area…Mirages, Tornados, and A-10s to name a few.

Weeds and I drew a 2 v 2 against a couple of A-10s. We would plan on three 40 mile setups, to close engagements. No Fox Ones (long-range AIM-7 or Rammer shots) counted. So, we would work to get tactical advantage at the merge. Advantage Hornets with our radars.

It was good practice for the A-10s to try to survive the merge, and it was good for us to try to remain offensive at the merge on such a tight turning A/C. It would be interesting to see what the hop brought.

The long sets went quick, and we were only slightly offensive on the first pass, but in five seconds we were saddled up on our A-10, and Weeds says “I’m skipping heater and going to guns.” Pretty tough move considering the turning radius for an A-10. I was keeping an eye on the other fight, when I hear over the ICS, “Trigger down, bllllllrt, bllllllrt, blllllrt, bllllrt, Guns kill, hog in a right hand turn, 11 thousand.” That was followed shortly by a “knock it off.” Weeds was making the audible sound that is only replicated by clothespinning a playing card to the spokes of a bike. He was “blllllllrting” over the ICS while the tape was rolling. I was busting a gut.

As we went to set up the next engagement, I asked Weeds if he was sure about the kill. He said “no sweat, I was all over him like a hobo on a hot dog.” I was a little surprised, because in a gunfight the g’s are usually greater than 4, and the airplane is rocking all over as the pilot tries to keep the pipper (Constantly Computing Impact Point (CCIP) symbology on the HUD) on the bogey…particularly a highly maneuverable one. If we had crossed 3 g’s I would have been surprised. But Weeds was backing the kill.

The next two set-ups were pretty much the same…

“Trigger down, bllllllrt, blllllrt, blllllllrt, blllllrt, bllllrt, guns kill, hog left hand turn 13 thousand, knock it off.” “Trigger down, bllllrt, bllllrt, blrrrt, blllrt, blllrt, guns kill, hog 8 thousand right hand turn, knock it off.” Each time very little “g”, and the audible “blllllrting.” Each time I questioned the veracity of the kill. Each time Weeds assured me he had 3 seconds of “pipper on,” or tracking time, to qualify as a guns kill.

We terminated the hop, head back to Aviano. The debrief was taking place in our spaces. We debriefed our portion and awaited for the A-10 crews to arrive. We viewed the tapes. Weed indeed had three valid kills…way more than valid. He was extremely smooth with the A/C and easily had 5 –7 seconds of “pipper on” time in each kill, despite the A-10 moving like a snake on a fire…amazing. The tape also played the “bllllllrting.” Each time Weeds had the trigger down he would audible-ize his imitation gun sound. We were in stitches.

The A-10s finally showed up. Weeds took his tape out of the machine and put it away. Weeds was debriefing the first engagement, and he got to the point where we were about the kill the A-10, and he says “here is where Hornet One gets a guns kill on the A-10 nose low in a right hand 11 thousand.” …and he turned away from his kneeboard card, ready to move on to the second engagement. He was interrupted by the A-10 pilot of the gunned ship…

“I’d like to see the tape.”

“It was a valid kill, we reviewed it before you got here.”

“I still want to see the tape.”

“You don’t really want to see the tape.”

“I still want to see the tape to validate the kill.”

Weeds says “OK, but the kill is valid.” Weeds put in the tape, cues it up just before he put the hammer down, and turns the volume down, then hits "play".

It was impressive, steady as can be, he gunned the beeeejeeezus, out of this hog driver. Really no need to go any further…

“I’d like to hear the audio.”

Weeds tried his best to dissuade him, but the hog driver insisted. So Weeds re-cued the tape, turned up the volume. And the A-10 drivers got introduced to the Weeds show. They were not happy at the first “bllllllrt,” and they got no happier by the end of the tape, as Weeds made them watch and listen to every kill. I had tears coming down my cheeks I was laughing so hard…the A-10 drivers had steam coming out of their ears…Weeds just put the pens down and let the tape do the talking.

Here’s to Weeds…his smooth guns kills and his hilarious “blllllrt.”

"U.S. arrests Sunni leader by mistake"

2005-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Interesting...the above headline, (front page, top, The Oregonian, linked) and its story, comprise 33 paragraphs, of those only 11 are dedicated to the headline...including the first, the fifth, and the last nine. And only five paragraphs from the end does the author acknowledge "Iraqi authorities suggested someone had planted lies against him in a bid to stir up "sectarian sedition." " So by my pea brained analysis, I have come to the conclusion that this was an honest mistake by the US. Why does it take till five paragraphs from the end to get this point out?

A couple of other things here. First this "US Mistake" headline string is a great example of biased reporting. Did any one see front page "Newsweek Mistake"? Not me. My take is that the press takes EVERY opportunity to bash Bush, via the country, as an attack on his policies, and in the meantime, this slamming lands on the troops...regardless of how many times the press says it is not intentional...it in fact does.

It is very helpful. By overblowing the Newsweek Koran allegations, and then finally reading the Pentagon report that acknowledged five mis-handlings, the press was able to get tons of anti-American exposure out to the world. Oh, I did catch, buried in paragraph 29, that the Muslim detainees had committed three times as many Koran abuses as did US military personnel. I guess that doesn't count for much when it comes to headline space, but vindicating Newsweek with five, acknowledged examples does. Oh, and it had the desired effect....the American press was able to push the hot button of the Islamafacistterrorists for a second time, and spark dozens more anti-American protests. Nice work.

Secondly, who is "U.S." when "U.S. Arrests Sunni Leader"? "U.S." means our military, and the "military" means our troops in the field. So what the Oregonian meant to say was "U.S. Troops Screw Up, Arrest Sunni Leader, Bush Policies and Actions Suck." Look this constant finding of fault IS slamming our troops. you cannot separate our "Troops" from "U.S." when they are the ones physically doing the work in the field. Yes they are responsible for their actions, but no need to keep slamming them as they have operated remarkably well under arduous conditions. No more..."We support the troops" from the press, at the very time they are going out of their way to throw gas on every single match. The results will never be perfect, but the effort has been superb, and it deserves much more respect than it is currently getting from the press.

Pepsi's Reply. My Reply to Their Reply.

2005-05-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

My reply to Pepsi's reply...I feel their's is more of a re-statement, rather than any kind of move towards sincerity...other input welcome.

Mr ____,

I greatly appreciate the fact that you took the time to reply to my email.

I, however still find it somewhat unbelievable that in the time spent in preparation of the speech, and the four days after the speech, that she was not able to comprehend the impact that her words would have. It was only after the furor over her remarks began, that she began her attempts at an apology. Mr. ___, we all know the meaning of the waving of a middle finger, and her multiple humorous references to her example underpin her intent. So, consequently the words "inadvertent" and "unintentional" ring a bit hollow. It is this failure to acknowledge the obvious intent that continues to be a sticking point with me. Gaining my trust and confidence would start with acknowledging the plain truth. I do feel she is sorry, but more for the impact on her and PepsiCo.

Mr. ___, I am sure you have long since rolled your eyes and ceased reading, but hunkering down, and riding this one out isn't a strategy that will bring me back to Pepsi products any time soon. I am sure that Pepsi is counting on the poor short term memories most Americans seem cursed with, but I won't be among that crowd. I have avoided purchasing about $50 in Pepsi products to date, and purposely chose a competitor's product at lunch today. This will likely continue until my memory also fades and I am dying for a Mountain Dew, so the financial impact to Pepsi will likely be negligible, but I will continue to have a negative image of Pepsi because of its handling of this matter.

Sorry, but the PR style apology still lacks traction with me...I am sure it has been sufficient for others.

Thanks again for your time.

Sincerely,
/s/
Major Michael E. ________USMC (Ret.)

Pepsi's reply to my original email...I authenticate it...but I have removed the names...

Dear Mr. ______,
Thank you for your email to PepsiCo's Chairman & CEO, Steve Reinemund. Steve shared your email with me and asked me to respond on his behalf.

Ms. Nooyi is very sorry that her recent remarks at Columbia University's Business School offended you and others. She realized too late that her words and examples about America depicted our country negatively and hurt people.

We can assure you that Ms. Nooyi has taken to heart the the honest comments that have been shared with her since then, including your thoughts, and she is deeply sorry. This has been a painful and unfortunate experience, which she profoundly regrets. Based on the feedback that people found her remarks to be inappropriate and unpatriotic, Ms. Nooyi issued a public apology which has been posted on PepsiCo's website (www.pepsico.com) and shared openly with our consumers and shareholders. For what it is worth, we can also attest that Ms. Nooyi really does love America unshakably - without hesitation - and is extremely grateful for the opportunities and support our great nation has always provided her.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write to us. Your point of view is valued, and we understand your feelings. We regret that you feel Ms. Nooyi's apology for her mistake was insufficient, and we'll share your sentiments with her. We are also deeply sorry that we are unable to regain your trust and confidence , but will hold out hope that our future actions might redeem us in your eyes.
Sincerely,
Mr. _______
PepsiCo Corporate Communications

PepsiCo Purchasing Slowdown Update

2005-05-24T11:21:00.001-07:00

So far, by my adept use of my abacus, I have calculated that I have avoided buying over $42 of PepsiCo products. I did stray, as only PepsiCo products were available to wash down my popcorn as Darth Vader turned to the Dark Side. But, I am resolute in my efforts to continue to modestly dent the profit margins of Pepsi until my letter is answered, and Ms. Nooyi is able to secure other employment.

Where is Spartacus?

2005-05-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

I am quickly coming to believe that the most useless legislative arm in any government is the US Senate. The body is a collection of the biggest windbags, whiners, jellyfish, and demagogues in the country. Only Hollywood is a close second.

By stumbling around for the last four years, the have effectively squandered and opportunity to recover the courts, and put the power in this country back where it rightfully where it belongs…with the people. The last four weeks of barefooted ice-skating only highlights the ineptness of the Republican leadership in the Senate. In the end, they were out-checked by a former KKK Grand Whizzer, a sot from Massachusetts, and a habitual liar from NY.

Senator Frist ineptly managed this from the beginning. There should have never been any negotiation. He should have given fair warning, and then fired the first shot. Instead his delaying allowed the woefully wrong Dems to gain traction on the left, wrongly define the issue, and gain momentum in the press. Even then it was not too late, but his absolute failure to “lead” the Republican Senators is inexcusable. Clearly, several Republican Senators are putting their Presidential ahead of what is good for this country…and right now that is getting balance into the judiciary.

My vote for President in 2008 will not go to any Republican wrapped up in this fiasco. My 2006 campaign contributions will go to the candidates, not the party. Senator Graham is right, his constituents will be upset with him…hopefully enough not to send him back.

The Republican Party needs cohesive leadership right now. They are demonstrating that they do not have the capacity to lead this nation when they have earned all of the tools. They need to believe the electorate and aggressively pursue the agenda they were sent to Washington to enact. First is get balance back into the judiciary. There is nothing wrong with using the power you were given. Trust me, the Dems will beat you over the head with it the first time they get the chance.

Now is the time for leadership.

Where is Spartacus?
© Michael McBride 2005

Good David Brooks Piece

2005-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this David Brooks http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/19/opinion/19brooks.html?n=Top%2fOpinion%2fEditorials%20and%20Op%2dEd%2fOp%2dEd%2fColumnists OpEd piece. It ran Sunday in the Oregonian, I found it balanced and to the point.

Highlights from the left…

“Excuse me, guys, but this is craziness. I used to write for Newsweek. I know Mike Isikoff and the editors. And I know about liberals in the media. The people who run Newsweek are not a bunch of Noam Chomskys with laptops. Not even close. Whatever might have been the cause of their mistakes, liberalism had nothing to do with it.”

Highlights from the right…

“Meanwhile, the left side of the blogosphere has erupted with fury over the possibility that American interrogators might not have flushed a Koran down the toilet. The Nation and leftish Web sites are in a frenzy to prove that the story is probably true even if Newsweek is retracting it.”

The sobering conclusion…

“Finally, they are strategically ruthless. Jeffrey Goldberg of The New Yorker, who has spent years reporting on extremists, says they use manufactured spasms of hatred to desensitize their followers. After followers spend a few years living through rabid riots and vicious sermons, killing an American or a Jew or even a fellow Muslim seems no more consequential than killing a mosquito. That's how suicide bombers are made…

These are the extremists, the real enemy. Let's keep our eye on the ball.”

Good idea.

Its Pespi ('s) Time

2005-05-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

My letter to Mr. Steven Reinemund...

Steven S Reinemund
Chairman of the Board andChief Executive Officer
700 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase, NY 10577

Dear Mr. Reinemund,

I would like to take a moment to tell you how deeply offended I was by Ms. Nooyi’s comments to the Columbia Business School graduating class. Regardless of the published protestations about her words being taken out of context, or being misunderstood, it was very clear to me what Ms. Nooyi’s comments were intended to mean. She was clearly was pandering to her audience, and several times made humorous references to the meaning of an extended middle finger…clearly making the connection that this is often the way America should be viewed in the world.

So that you don’t think I am some rube…I graduated from a private university in the south. I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps flying fighters, and I am currently employed by a well known, and "well branded", $14B Company. I make well over $130,000 per year, and consider myself a savvy consumer. Consequently, I am not misled by the initial, shallow apology, or by the subsequent attempt at brand protection. PepsiCo needs to take clear and unmitigated steps to convey that the anti-American message, delivered in a public forum (a forum granted to her because she is a PepsiCo corporate officer) by one of its officers , is not the corporate view that Pepsi holds of America.

Until this is done, I will cease using any PepsiCo product. I have the complete list of PepsiCo products, and I admit that I find many of my favorites on this list, but I will not use, or buy any of the products until a vigorous condemnation of Ms. Nooyi’s remarks is made via the corporate offices. If that is not forthcoming, I will begin to divest myself of all of my holdings that own PepsiCo stock as part of a portfolio.

The America she defamed is the same America that puts billions of dollars into the world economy everyday. This is the same America that turned the tide of fascism in World War II, and the same America that donated, one dollar at a time, over a billion dollars in tsunami relief.

While it is clearly a right of every citizen to speak their mind in this country, in some cases that right carries a burden. Ms. Nooyi’s comments failed her, her adopted country, and the corporation she works for, and they have negatively impacted all three. Mr. Reinemund, only the most aggressive corporate interest in this will stem the tide of negativity that PepsiCo is currently experiencing, and can expect to experience out into the future.

A "damage control" form letter or response, will not meet my expectations as a reply in this matter.

Sincerely,
/s/
Major Michael E. ______, USMC (Ret.)

Not Fade Away

2005-05-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Buddy Holley tunes...but I digress.

I'd like to go one more round on the Newsweek story, and here's why. The MSM, even when it makes up stories, or over blows them, gets traction with this tripe because they don't (unbelievably) lose interest in them. They beat the dead horse, until an exaggeration or falsehood is widely believed...even if later to be proven completely false, they still have advanced their agenda. The power of the Urban Myth.

So, one more critique of Newsweek and its defenders. Let's compare this to Tailhook '91. I am sure most remember the facts...Thousands of drunken officers, groping thousands of women. Thousands court martialed. Thousands resigned. The MSM played this image out for months.

In the end, what really happened. No convictions on the most serious charges. The central character would not testify for the prosecution after the Article 32 hearing because some of her own actions during that weekend put her perilously close to earning her a courts martial as well. No conviction on the most serious charge...the one the media leveraged for a year. The people most hurt were those officers who accepted responsibility (pled guilty) for their actions that fell outside of those generally expected of an officer. Most pled guilty to some variation of Conduct Unbecoming, and many received career ending disciplinary action...in many cases, as it should have been. In some cases, they were the sacrificial lambs to get the media off the case. Nonetheless, they were held accountable for their actions, and the matter was resolved. Key here though...most pled guilty. They recognized that their conduct had fallen below standards, and that there were consequences for their actions...even if it meant getting kicked out of the rod and gun club.

Additionally, the impact of Tailhook was felt well beyond the Naval Services...the Army and AF had to adjust for the actions of the Navy and MC. So not only were the guilty disciplined, but the non-participants were drug into the fray as well. ALL of the services had to tighten their behaviors as a result of Tailhook '91.

What is my point?

First, Newsweek lied. This is egregious. This is not glossed over with a reluctant retraction and a scornful apology. This requires attention to fix, and we should not let this fade away because we now have to deal with Pepsico (which will get its turn).

Two, Newsweek intentionally defamed America to the world, and inflamed anti-American feelings, which resulted in deaths. Again, Newsweek must accept the link, even if they can scrape up the anecdotal evidence that maybe not every person was there rioting against the Koran "violations." Clearly their stale lies were fodder for the enemy. They were scooped up by agitators, and subsequently resulted in deaths. Step up and accept it...no more "proof" is needed.

Three, if the Koran lies were true...the media would be on them like a pit bull on a steak. They would be thrashing the US and the military, and I feel that they deserve the same treatment. They need to be reminded of this until they can fix the systemic problems within their organization.

Lastly, the rest of the media needs to pay attention. Closing ranks here, which is basically denying the truth, is tantamount to the Navy saying..."leave us alone, this is who we are," after Tailhook. That would not have been acceptable, and would have only thrown gas on the fire. So, ALL of the media needs to get the hint...this is not just a Newsweek problem...this is an MSM problem. Fix it. Change your institutions. Change your product. Others have been forced to...now is the time for you to change.

Goodbye Mountain Dew

2005-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

I will go anti-Pepsi until a full acceptance of responsibility is taken by Ms. Nooyi. No "What I meant was..." No "I was misunderstood." No "What did I do wrong?" No "The US military made me do it." No "What about the prisoner abuse?" She must fully acknowledge what she said and acknowledge her intent...which is made clear by the comments contained in the speech. And then she MUST resign. Otherwise, I am the anti-PepsiCo consumer. Sorry to those working for Pepsi, but I will not have my 20 years of service to this country slandered by someone pandering to the liberal Columbia crowd, which she could have done in any manner NOT insulting to this country.

I will post the boycotted list at home...we're boycotting. Thanks Hugh for putting th heat on. http://www.hughhewitt.com/

Oregonian Slams Military While Protecting Newsweek

2005-05-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

Copied from the Oregonian...in its entirety...

"If only Newsweek were to blame

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

On Tuesday, another U.S. soldier was sentenced in military court for abusing and humiliating Muslim detainees in Iraq. The punishment got drowned out by the White House's loud condemnation of Newsweek magazine for a retracted news brief about desecration of the Quran by interrogators at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
There's no question Newsweek damaged its credibility and worsened global disgust with the United States by publishing such a poorly sourced news item. But it isn't true, as White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a briefing Tuesday, that "there is lasting damage to (the nation's) image because of this report."

The lasting damage to the nation's image has come from years of reports of prisoner abuse in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo, some unsubstantiated and some chillingly documented. A few of the incidents involved the reservist found guilty this week of abusing detainees at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.

Despite such incidents, the White House seems offended that anyone might suspect further problems.

Newsweek's report of Quran abuse may have inflamed deadly riots in the Muslim world, though accounts differ on the riots' causes. Ironically, Newsweek may be proven right: A Pentagon spokesman said in a briefing Tuesday that there may have been "inadvertent mishandlings of the Quran." As Abu Ghraib showed, anything is possible.

And there is plenty of blame to go around."

So, the Oregonian defends Newsweek...not by offering some illumination of new information. Nor by making an argument wrapped around some interpretation of journalistic standards, but it takes the opportunity to kick the US military in the face, even while the military is in the process of disciplining those involved in prisoner abuse.

Where is the Oregonian's cry for the press to handle the Newsweek affair in the public, as the military is? Where is the call for justice, since unlike the prisoner abuse scandals where only humiliation was involved, for the dead in the riots following the publishing of the story? Where is Newsweek as an institution publicly outlining its courses of action to prevent further journalistic abuses? AWOL. Yet the highly regarded Oregonian can only deflect criticism directed at one of its sororital organizations by bashing those who defend their right to print.

So, the Bush White House, and the military are to blame for every ounce of hate in this world? And stirring the pot with false stories is a practice that is justified, because they are not responsible for the origin of the hate? C'mon...take responsibility for your sub-standard journalism, its consequences, and the necessary corrective action. Don't use the ..."he did worse" defense...it is not acceptable.

The Oregonian exaggerates with "years of reports prisoner abuse," when it was pretty well documented that the abuses took place over a relatively short period of time, by a relatively small group. And then compounds the effect by adding ..."some unsubstantiated, and some chillingly documented." Again, the Oregonian has left the hint of of cover-up, where none is proven to exist. I guess assassination by innuendo is an acceptable journalistic tool. And there is very little that is "chilling" about the prisoner abuse. While certainly humiliating, and somewhat physical in nature, it is a 1 on the Saddam scale of "chilling" prisoner abuse, torture, and murder. The Oregonian has intentionally skewed the perspective on this one as well.

Why do those in the military HATE the press...kind of hard to figure, eh? I guess it could be the continuous demeaning of the military's efforts and results by the press. It could be because the military dies defending the rights of those who cannot hold themselves to their own lowly standards. And most likely, because we have little respect for their product...a product that has proven itself to be standardless, often fabricated, and nearly always negative.

NPR Delivers...Not

2005-05-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

As I was driving to work this morning, doing my usual 0700 switch to NPR (Nationalistic People's Broadcasting) for their take on the news...I failed to hear mention of the Newsweek debacle. Well, you say, there was more pressing news ahead of that story, and how the heck can you fit it all in? Right you are...the ACLU suing the US government over the "Silver Ring Thing" is much bigger news than a published lie that resulted in at least 15 deaths, that was later retracted. I guess I can see that.

People accuse the military of closing ranks in a crisis...how about the MSM putting them to shame. We get the apology yesterday on CNN on line, but no mention of the retraction today. Hmmmm. Watch who you protect...you may get some on you.

At some point, every member of the MSM who closes ranks with Newsweek, takes a chance on becoming equally un-credible. Another nail in the coffin.

Newsweek Outrage

2005-05-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-pakistan-us-quran,1,2386272.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/002459.htm

Newsweek comes up woefully short with its "apology." Their "apology" is more the equivalent of inadequate excuse making.

First, they knew that any story about US troops defiling the Koran would spark outrage in the Islamic world. This is unforgivable on two fronts.

One, given the seemingly uncontrollable explosive reaction among violent Islamacists to this kind of news, Newsweek had a reasonable expectation the this inflammatory article, would, not could, spark this kind of reaction, which ultimately led to at least a dozen deaths. Apology doesn't cut it. Selling magazines is not worth one life, particularly a magazine whose popularity is clearly on the wane.

Two, Newsweek knew that this story would result in anti-American activities across the globe, particularly in those countries where troops are currently deployed...putting our troops in additional jeopardy. When are we going to start holding journalists accountable for their treasonous acts? Again, an apology doesn't cut it when lives are on the line, and it falls much further short when those lives are the troops who are protecting their right to lie in print. One American soldier death attributed to this article, and Newsweek should shut down! Newsweek ran this article specifically to undermine the work we have done in Iraq and Afghanistan. They printed this as part of their anti-Bush agenda. Period.

Secondly, this is again, a complete journalistic failure. Does any of this sound familiar?...unidentified source, who later won't back up the story? Asking for confirmation from two sources...one declines, the other is tepid, and again this makes it through their rigorous editorial process? Hello!?!, there is no editorial process at these biased institutions. Why is your readership declining? Maybe because your journalism STINKS!!! You are falling victim to your own mediocrity.

Third, the "well, they didn't deny it" defense. Unbelievable! This is pitiful on two levels.

One, the Pentagon does not have time to answer every half-baked, under-researched story. They would spend all of their time fending off lousy stories of conspiracies, dreamt up by the "next Bob Woodward." I think this particular story is evidence enough, but there is little doubt, if the Pentagon went down this road, managing reporters' confirmation requests would be an endless task. Heaven forbid the Pentagon failed to confirm a suspicion...the conspiracy nuts would come out of the closet in their black helicopters.

Two, it is the journalist's responsibility to put together the story. Conjecture, supposition, and weak facts must be bolstered by the reporter's actions...that is journalism. The absence of denial is not proof. An unbelievable shift of responsibility, and not remotely defensible.

Lastly, some of the responsibility here lies with Islam. I wonder how many bibles are burned, flushed, and torn up in Islamic countries? Somehow that activity doesn't compell a like response from Christians. Islamics need to get a grip on the modern world...nobody is insulated from insults. Technology has connected the people of the world beyond the imagination of our religious founders...now is the time to integrate into the modern age...you cannot be singulary insulated from the rest of what goes on in the rest of the world...regardless of your wishes.

Base Clsoures

2005-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

My initial take is that there are no huge mistakes on the list. I expect the usual complaints by the politicians about home state closures, and the lamentations about closing down some of our historical bases by those who have had the privilege of living in field grade or General's quarters on those bases, but all in all...looks pretty good going by me.

Hornet's Nest...Go Back

2005-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

My former weightlifting partner here at work is an Oregon NG 1/Lt. Aside from being a yeti in size, and complete freak when it comes to pushing weights around, there is no doubt he is a fine and dedicated officer. He worked for me briefly when I first arrived here on campus, but he has since advanced through other opportunities, and has moved on. He spent a year in Saudi, and Iraq, and while being a “combat engineer,” he was been picked up by a grunt unit, and it appears they will be keeping him for some time…good call on their part. Oh, did I mention All-American tight end in NCAA Div III? Obviously, no slouch.

My buddy just gets back from Air Assault training; the class (02-05) went from 6 Apr to 17 Apr. He had a good time, and he followed that up with the Rappel Master course. Great time, great pictures. In telling his story, however something caught my ear, and that is what this post is about…turn back now…dangerous posting ahead.

Of the 339 people who started that course, only 77 graduated. Of the 190 who were left on the last day, only the 77 who completed the 12-mile road march, graduated. I don’t know how else to put this…this is a monumental waste of assets.

Assuming an average travel expense of $500 per person, that was roughly $130,000 in wasted plane tickets…including $57,000 flushed down the toilet on the last day alone. I am not one to encourage lightweight training, but a hundred thousand dollars for eleven days of the harassment package, and no jelly doughnut at the end, is a waste. I understand that the students who washed out of the road march have the opportunity to meet a follow-on class and complete the course, but this would be at additional travel dollars…another $50,000 roughly? This only compounds the expense of the class.

Did I mention the per diem costs? If you figure those who washed out are pretty evenly divided on their washout dates, that’s about $27,000 in lost per diem. For those who missed the road march, on the last day, that would be another, roughly, $44,000. How about the cost of the active duty pay…with benefits? $100 per day per student? My abacus is melting.

Did I mention the wasted assets? Let’s let the pre-road march numbers stand on their own, as typical, but what about all the extra training assets that were consumed getting an extra 114 to that road march, then flunking them out. Instructor salaries, building costs (fair market rental, depreciation, etc), helo sorties (a couple thousand an hour per helo, crew salaries, airframe hours consumption, capital replacement costs on the wasted hours) add up to thousands dollars above what has already been mentioned.

Did I mention this amounts to a stunning 23% graduation rate? For a follow on school…are you kidding me? I am sorry, was this SF training? Seal training? Force Recon? Flight School?

Did I mention the ridiculous irony of it? We spent, sorry …wasted, hundreds of thousands of dollars to train soldiers in Air Assault, only to wash them out, after all the skill specific training, on a road march. Clever.

Here are the problems as I see them.

Units need to do a better job of screening candidates before shipping them of to school, and 109 of the washouts here occurred on day zero…an incredible waste of assets for pointy-end-of-the-spear guys who often bemoan lack of funding and training dollars. Unit commanders need to be held responsible for the performance of their candidates. My buddy admits his commander just signed of the physical requirements certification for him, but I can understand why. What about the CO’s who obviously waved at the paperwork as it was going by their desk, and resulted in the 109 washouts on day zero? Do the words dereliction, gross negligence, and incompetence mean anything? If your candidates aren’t qualified, don’t send them.

Follow-on training is skill enhancement training, not an incremental increase in one’s road to a black belt of some kind. Each follow-on school does not have to carve its niche to be “tougher” or “badder” than the next. This may be true for some very specific skill sets, but highly unlikely that it is necessary to become familiar and proficient in air assault techniques. Maybe a 43% washout rate, going into the road march, is acceptable for this course, but it still seems a little high. I understand the target class size was 220…I can see accepting 230, maybe 240, but accepting 50% (339/220) more applicants than boat spaces almost ensures a minimum washout rate of 33% (119/339), and another gross figure as far as waste is concerned. Don’t program this waste into your course!!!

This school specifically, needs to get over itself and provide a training service to the Army that has value. No general skills, follow-on school can call itself a success with a washout rate of 77%. Only 39 students failed on the technical aspects of the course…this could have been a completion rate of over 88%. OK, wash out the zero day guys, and the completion rate still would have been over 82%. The curriculum, the program of instruction, the screening processes, the staff, the focus, the mission…all need to be re-examined in order to determine how this kind of waste is possible. I may want to provide realistic and challenging training, but I am failing the Army if I can only graduate 23% from an Air Assault course.

I realize that a patch/badge is involved here, and I’ve been in the rod and gun club, but there is no way I can view this as anything other than waste and mismanagement. Does this course stand-alone in this regard? I doubt it.

This post is about value…if I were a unit commander, I would not send another soul to this course. I would stand a 77% chance of wasting my money. Shame. This kind of waste is what sends congressmen clamoring for General’s heads, and in some ways…I can’t blame them. You can’t belly-ache for more money, then pour it down the drain. This needs fixin.

Oregonian Continues to Impress

2005-05-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

As I was reading my printed copy of the venerated Oregonian this morning I was delighted to see an article on page B-3 talking about how Oregon's unemployment rate was the lowest since mid-2001...read that as just after GWB took over, and right after the false growth period under Clinton was popping. Hmmm, I say to myself, this is good news, why is it so far back in the paper? Shouldn't this be on the front page? Maybe I should see what kept this great story about the economy, a story that predicts 8.5% growth in the next year, and double digit growth beyond that, off the front page.

The link to today's Oregonian is provided here http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ftp/Monday-A1.pdf ...here is the great lead article about horse training, a good piece about troop deaths in Iraq, the Bush visit to Russia, tribe influence in the NW, and the stunner...OSU develops new glue from mussels. I can see wehre they ran out of room for good news. Geez, how can double digit economic growth compare to mussel glue anywho?

For the fiftieth time...the MSM doesn't get it...they will collapse because they cannot figure out how to take their prejudices out of the process. Good news on the economy...hide it. In fact, my searching on the on-line edition could not turn up the same story. At the very worst GWB has maneuvered us through one of the most challenging economic situations in our history...like him or not, and you don't HAVE to give him the credit he deserves for it, but you have to put the "news" where it belongs...not somewhere behind mussels and horses. The Titanic is sinking, and I doubt it can be saved. The band is playing, and the stern is starting to rise ...

USAFA Holy Rolling

2005-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Who gave the AF Gens the gun to shoot themselves in the foot on this one? AFV http://www.airforceblog.typepad.com/ does a credible job of getting the "religious scandal" into perspective, but a few comments from my point of view.

First...stoooopid to let any collegiate academic institution in to evaluate any of the service academies. Geez, there is only one conclusion they will reach...the academies are overly disciplined and too right wing...including religiously. Dumb move. Get some USAF chaplains, some Navy Chaplains, some ruler wielding priests from catholic institutions, whatever, but not straight collegiate academicians. No win here...now you have to comply with their recommendations, or you are whitewashing it...hard place to be...better to not get there in the first place.

Secondly, USAFA has had a string of scandals that they haven't particularly handled too well...so the extra scrutiny is going to come...sad, but true. So, any excursion...sexual, abusive, religious, is going to attract an increased, and often unnecessary level of attention. I don't know the staff there currently, but their mission should be to stay beneath the radar screen, on all accounts, for several years. They have almost continually failed to get a Commandant in there that can do that. What they need is a string of years, with NO excursions, just to get back to the regular breathing room that most other institutions enjoy. Until they can do that...welcome to your world for the foreseeable future.

As for the Bible pushing...I don't doubt that it happened. There have been several times where local or higher unit commanders have tried to push their expectations about religiousness down to us heathen masses. It is wrong. Peer to peer, have at it...you may get some converts, maybe not. But top down proselytizing is off limits...particularly in an environment where hundreds of young, impressionable future officers are receiving their training. These evangelical cadets may come to see themselves as players on the "General's team," and subsequently more special than cadets with other beliefs. All of the academies, including the private ones, are ripe for the growth of secret or "special" groups, which in the end have a wholly detrimental effect on the officers they create and the services they serve. There is no need to encourage this behavior by an over-enthusiastic endorsement of a particular brand of religion, or by creating a "special" or extra-ordinary bond between members of one particular religion, to the exclusion of others. This kind of "tribe" bonding within larger units is a killer on unit cohesion, and it builds distrust from members outside the groups. Frankly, if this occurred in any fashion, and I believe it did, sign of very poor, while maybe religious, leadership. No excuse.

USAFA needs to still the waters, and keep them still for a very long time, if they want the maneauver room they long for. This will take calm, even leadership for the extended future, AND unfortunately, a deft handling of this current situation.

If I Could Be...cont.

2005-05-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Continuing...

If I could be a librarian, I would do a very diligent job of cataloging all of the "articles" in Playboy over the last 50 years.

If I could be a musician, I would back up Jimmy Buffet on every concert from now until I suffered death via acute alcohol toximia.

If I could be a linguist, I would do my best to interpret the nonsensical "arguments" that liberals make when trying to carry on a coherent debate about issues.

And lastly, If I could be an athlete I would be a NASCAR driver...horsepower, speed, tools, air guns, beer sponsors, wrecks, and winner circle babes...man that sport has it all.

Response to Bow Ramp Challenge

2005-05-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

The honorable commander of The Bow Ramp blogsite http://bowramp.blogspot.com/ has wrangled me into a challenge...I am to pick five hypothetical professions from his list and give my reasons for choosing each...this may prove difficult for me. Since I was 17, I stumbled into one good deal after another, never really choosing what was going to happen next. So I am not use to "choices."

I will do my best to meet his challenge, but it will have to wait until later in the day...I have to complete my year-end rankings this morning for my team...I am almost done with that task, but I want to give it my full attention...but I will throw out my Number 1 choice now...

If I could be a justice (I'll substitute the word judge here) on any one (I'll list two) court(s) in the world it would be...simulaniously,...a judge in both the World Bar-B-Que Championships, and the world Beermiester Championships. Hate to waffle, but the beer was a neccessary ingredient for the BBQ judging.

More later...MM

Exoneration For Falluja Marine

2005-05-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

I believe justice has prevailed in the November Mosque shooting, in which a Marine corporal shot an injured Iraqi insurgent (linked in the title above).

I am glad that the Marines let the investigation run its course, and let NCIS complete its investigation. Oft times institutions act too speedily in order to relieve pressure from the outside...almost always at the expense of the individuals involved. I am pleased with the Corps and its conclusions in this case.

The video always presented the incident for what it was...a tragic mistake, that occurred during a period of high stress. The corporal never displayed an overt eagerness to kill another human being, but he did what he (and I) felt was right to ensure the safety of his men, based on his past experiences, and his observations of the scene at the time. That is all we can ask of our servicemen and women in the field.

I hope he is able to put this incident behind him, and continue with his service. I think he is a keeper.

Eagerly Awaiting the Italian Report on the Sgrena Affair

2005-05-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting all day for the Italian version of events surrounding Sregna’s miraculous escape from kidnappers and her death defying dash through an American checkpoint that had intentionally targeted her for death. Whew…Pulitzer Prize in the making. But I was disappointed. No report today.

I will do my best Carnac impression and predict what the Italians will conclude in their independent, un-biased report.

First, they will conclude that they (who specifically contacted who?) contacted the US command a full 25 minutes before the Sgrena kamikaze machine was throwing itself at a well established, well known checkpoint, manned with armed and determined American servicemen.

They will conclude that 25 minutes was more than enough time for any competent force to coordinate such a pass through. They will not mention that they called L/Cpl Whatshisface, night operations clerk in Eastbygod, Baghdad, who had no idea what they were talking about since there was no prior coordination, BECAUSE they knew we would protest vigorously against paying ransoms…ransom money that has found its way into the violence over the past week or so. My current tally….Sgrena ransom = 100+ dead. Sorry I digressed a bit…and that the US military fumbled whatever information they were given, so instead of an easy pass-through it turned deadly because of American incompetence.

They will conclude that the Sgrena escape Fiat, slowed to 30 kph (metric here), in order to improve their chances of getting through the checkpoint unscathed. This will fly in the face of the evidence that Capt Ed http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/004386.php gives via the CBS report last week, which convincingly shows that the vehicle was going in excess of 60 mph (English units here) when it approached the checkpoint. This will be the first recorded example of the Military Journalistic Complex actually succeeding in coherent messaging while they conduct their ongoing conspiratorial effort to dominate the world through favorable press for military units.

They will conclude that US troops used excessive force in stopping the vehicle, and thus causing the death of the Italian agent. This again flies in the face of the evidence…the force used was actually necessary to stop the vehicle. Warning shots went unheeded, so consequently our troops applied the exact force necessary to ensure compliance by the marauding vehicle. The vehicle could have stopped, if the driver had applied the breaks at any time, and complied with known checkpoint procedures.

The Italian report will conclude that the American report is inaccurate in many areas…sorry the information contained in the envelope is not clear to me, but I am pretty sure that the incompetent Joint Official Cover Up Team of USCENTCOM has made several critical analysis errors, in an attempt to cover up the wrong doing of many up and down the Chain of Command. It will be only with superior, and communistic journalistic influences that the Italian analysis will uncover so easily, what our best cover-up artists thought they could keep from coming to the surface. So a conspiracy of some kind will be revealed through superior, Italian investigative techniques…and the US military will be exposed in their attempts to cover up many egregious acts of commission and omission that resulted in Sgrena’s injuries and the agent’s death.

The Italian report will conclude that those manning the checkpoint were incompetent and under-trained. The usual slams to the “institution” and its marginally mentally equipped members. I’d still say they got the vehicle to stop…mission complete.

Bottom line…the Italian report will slam the US and the servicemen who manned the checkpoint. It will do so, not in an attempt to get the truth out, but in an effort to keep politically viable, Italian candidates who have supported the coalition in Iraq…whatever… again our European Allies will have slammed the efforts of our troops in the field, just to gain political maneuvering room at home. Not the first time, won’t be the last, but I refuse to take it seriously.

I have yet to see a serious journalist piece that takes the Italians to task for adding millions of Euros (metric again) to the insurgency, and the subsequent result in the cost of Iraqi lives. Until the Italians own up to that, nothing they have to say should be taken seriously.

Major Mike meets Laura Bush

2005-04-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

I had the profound honor yesterday of meeting the First Lady. Through a close family connection, who is LB's Chief-of -Staff, I was able to attend an event here in Portland and meet briefly with the First Lady.

She is perhaps, the most genuinely nice person I have met. The event, honoring the efforts of Friends Of The Children, obviously moved her. As she related some of the very real and personal stories of how FOTC had made a difference in the lives of some very challenged children, she was moved to near tears several times. This is truly a nice person.

It was a great experience for my 13 year old daughter and my wife as well. My daughter squealed with delight as we watched the six o'clock news and she caught a glimpse of herself on TV. But the event was made truly special by Mrs. Bush and her warmth, sincerity, and sweetness.
I can't wait for the pictures.

Special Forces Connection

2005-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

I was the S-4 of a gun squadron post Desert Storm, when I got a call on a Thursday afternoon from the Group Ops O. We were packing up to leave for El Paso the next day. WTF? I recognized the POC as a Marine Major I had been to Amphibious Warfare School with. After a brief tirade from me, filled with expletives, Paul told me to shut up, and pack up. We were going to support a Delta Force unit for the next week…no questions…just do it.

From here on, I will do my best to get titles and unit designations correct, but it has been 13 years, so a little forgiveness will go a long way.

So, we packed off the El Paso, on their nickel…per diem, housing, fuel, everything…on the customer. This was going to cost SOCOM some cash.

We were to do one thing…have two a/c on station continuously for about 10-12 hours per day. We’d be loaded with MK-76s…small blue bombs…dummies, that give off a quick flash and a small smoke charge. They would be controlling us…pretty much however they wanted to…talk-ons, 9-line briefs, lazer pointers...whatever it was, we were to be ready to drop.

This Saber Squadron had brought with them two remote controlled sand rails, that we were supposed to drop on…they were saving these for night, when we would be on NVGs. These guys came with the toys.

We were dropping on perhaps the most pristine range in America. Beautiful Huey shells on the ramp. Vehicles everywhere, fixed wing a/c…even a train coming out of a tunnel. This would be fun.

We wrecked one of their sand rails the first night…after that they turned off the light on the top, and I think it took us until the second night to kill that one. We were on fire. No one in the squadron was missing. Mule and I dropped two into the Hueys and shacked two in a pairs drop…unheard of. They had us doing everything they could think of, and we had a blast dropping on this great range.

About Thursday of the week, Mule and I flew into Holloman AFB, and met with the Saber Squadron. It was impressive. Custom equipment everywhere. A tour of the shop, weapons and vehicles revealed the keen eye they have for the “best.” Not in terms of reputation, but in terms of functionality. If it was the best working gear they had it. 7.62 machine guns out of M-60 tanks, with stocks made within the squadron’s shop…because they were functionally better than an M-60 out of the box. Great stuff. Vehicles, custom painted for actual terrain, off of satellite photos they had received earlier in the week. Utilities (BDUs for the non-Marines) also picked specifically for the mission. Pros…simply pros.

We hopped into a Blackhawk and went to the range. It was particularly cool, because Mule and I were able to watch from a mesa above the range as our squadron mates actually released below us. Very cool.

This is where we found out some interesting things… First, this whole sha-bang was being done so that every enlisted man in the unit could get an opportunity to control live air…and we were on tap until they were done. Simple, but to the point and very focused in its objective. Second, and this one hurt until it was revealed as a compliment…we were not their first choice. In fact they didn’t want Marines at all. WTF? “We wanted the F-15Es…we know Marine air will come anytime in combat, so we wanted to see what the E’s could do.” Eventually we took that as a compliment…as it was meant. How could the AF turn this down?

The Squadron officers brought beer to the ready room the night before we were packing up. Great camaraderie amongst pros. Then we got tapped for two a/c the following Sunday night/Monday morning…to support their “final” op.

On the following Sunday, right before El Toro closed, we took off and headed to Holloman AFB. We landed. Checked into the BOQ. Bagged a few hours of sleep. Fired up the jets. Took off. Went to a CP. Heard the code word for the push to the IP. Called the IP. Heard “cleared hot.” Lead picked up the pre-set lazer with the a/c. We picked the hand held spot lazer on our NVGs. We each dropped 3 of 6 MK-76s in our turn. Moved to an alternate CP. Got the code word to push to the IP. Called the IP. Got “cleared hot.” Dropped our last 3 each. And went back to Holloman…as simple as that.

We got a call on Tues to start the debrief. “Thanks guys. We won a case of Jack Daniels off our evaluator.” Oh? “Yeah. We had built a shack where the team had to do a rescue, and we called air to cover the retrograde. We bet the evaluator that you guys would get at least three hits on the structure…about 10’ x 10’.” Thanks guys, but that is no gimme. “Well, lead put one through the window on the first pass. Dash Two knocked the door off with two on his first pass. In the end you guys had eight or nine direct hits. And we got the Jack.” We were pumped, because these guys respected our abilities so highly, as we did theirs.

The debrief ended with an invite to Ft. Bragg for Friday night. They had an event they’d like us to go to. Zambo and I flew to Pope AFB, and we were met by an SF type who took care of us all evening…even though we were in our bags, we were taken to the SF reunion…held on the anniversary of Desert One. An honor.

We were introduced to dozens of VIPS, and greeted graciously as the warriors we were, but it was hard to feel comfortable in this crowd. We were your run of the mill USMC aircrew…each of these warriors had crossed a threshold of sacrifice and dedication, rarely matched anywhere in the world. It was truly an honor to be among this group.

We were given a tour of the Delta Force facility, which is highly impressive on several fronts. I’ll only say that the hallway of “graduation” photos is a testament to the arduousness of the training, and the sheer will and determination it takes to complete. And, perhaps the best part of the facility…the gym. A workout facility designed, as it was explained to me, not to get people into shape, but designed to rehab injured SF soldiers. They were not going to turn their backs on fellow troopers with giving them a serious opportunity to rehab and re-join the unit. What could be more motivating?

Anyway…a great experience for me…matched only by a NASA tour given by a personal friend and shuttle pilot.

Happy birthday, and congratulations on doing it right…you have proven it time and again.

Early readers…I don’t believe I have revealed anything classified, but if I have accidentally let something out of the bag, let me know, and I’ll fix it.

Thanks to JTF-FA

2005-04-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) has now brought home 748 American servicemen since the end of the Vietnam War. Their efforts are a blessing to the families, and often help answer questions and heal old wounds, but most of all, they bring American servicemen back to the country they served so well to be laid to rest amongst their countrymen and comrades.

JTF-FA http://www.pacom.mil/jtffa.htm personnel often work in harsh conditions, and usually have to tactfully manuever around semi-hostile governments to get their important work done. They have, tragically, suffered their own casualities in the process. A heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the personnel at JTF-FA. Bravo Zulu.

Special Forces Anniversary

2005-04-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am reminded by Air Force Voices and No Angst Zone about the anniversary of Desert One…perhaps a low point in US military history, perhaps a moment in time that helped re-define the Special Forces and the rest of the military.

When I was Instructor at The Basic School one of my bosses…Bubba, no surprise…a helo guy, often invited his many friends to our formal events. It was there I met a tall helo pilot, slightly disfigured with a very different type of burn. Although somewhat discernable, it was not as horrible to look at, as a large third degree burn would be, but distinguishable nonetheless. It was a burn he endured, as he was med-evacced from Desert One. Although he escaped his flaming helo, he was covered with JP-5 (Aviation Fuel). And though he was stripped naked and doused with all available water, there was not enough to prevent the resultant chemical burns.

As a Captain, I would listen to this story from Mess Night to Mess Night. Never getting bored. Never turning away. For his story was about the services working together…pushing to the very limit of their individual and equipment physical limitations in order to strive for the most noble of objectives…freeing Americans from tyrannical imprisonment. They endured great risks in training, and certainly during the execution. And although this Colonel would tell the story, warts and all, it was always a story about cooperation, camaraderie, danger, intrepidness, and heroism.

Although it resulted in tragedy, it also gave birth to the military we know today…Special Forces and beyond. It is a legacy to be proud of.

What Is It?

2005-04-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Apology? Retraction? Correction? Humor? This ran in the Oregonian Sunday editorial page. It is not edited. This is the entirety of "wahtever it is" that the Oregonian published after the Wendy's finger story broke wide open last week.

"Anyone with a healthy dose of skepticism knew it was bound to happen: The woman who claimed to have found a severed finger in a bowl of chili at a Wendy's restaurant in California has been criminally charged with planting the grisly appendage.

We interrupt your breakfast with this news only out of a sense of fairness. The unappetizing episode has not only been the subject of countless jokes on late-night TV, but also in editorial cartoons, including a couple on these pages.

The woman has only been charged, not convicted, but the case against her looks damning, so Wendy's appears to be on the verge of being vindicated.

There. We've balanced the scales. You may return to your Cheerios."

This kind of snide, backhanded correction falls far short of any journalistic standard. As the MSM carps about bloggers, oversight and standards, examples like this highlight that their holier-than-thou attitude is based more in conceit than in fact. As they chuckle in their editorial rooms about how a "big corporation" will take it on the chin with a dozen funny cartoons, they failed to follow up this story with even a hint of responsible reporting.

I guess a healthy dose of skepticism was missing when this story first appeared. Where was the MSM interest in getting straight to the facts? Never once was the question asked...how did a finger get in there when no one reported a missing finger? There are dozens of regulations regarding reporting of workplace injuries, and even a reporter right out of college could have started there to run down this story. But it was much easier to sit in the editorial rooms sorting through hundreds of funny cartoons that made fun of a decent company, than it was to do Reporting 101.

How much shareholder value was lost due to this incident? We all have IRAs and 401ks, or reitrement programs of some kind. How did this story affect Wendy's value in the marketplace? Certainly an angle serious journalists would have looked at...oh, but I forgot we're talking about the MSM. To follow up...how much did the MSM treatment of this story as a humorous piece, rather than a serious case of fraud and extrotion further impact shareholder value at Wendy's? How much damage and lost sales will occur over time?

What I find completely ironic is that there are few independent newspapers or stations left out there, so most of these entities, are themselves part of larger companies...so, why the eagerness to attack a "corporation," when these editors are tracking the value of their own stock holdings or their IRAs?

I am not suggesting that corporations get a free pass, but geez, how about some decent coverage, and when required a fair retraction/apology/correction...or whatever that was.

Great Discussions On F-22

2005-04-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed the great scrutiny that has been given to the Ralph Peters commentary on the F-22. It highlights to me that intelligent discourse can occur without rancor and personal attacks, when serious people want to engage in serious talk. Kudos to

AirForceVoices

and

SecurityWatchTower

for doing all the grunt work to get all points of view onto the table. Now, let’s get to the business of brining in the next generation of fighters.

Watch Your Wallet

2005-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

What if Republicans decided that it would be OK for the Government to go into your house, look into your piggy bank, and remove all of the change that has not been in circulation for over a year? That sounds OK doesn't it? You weren't using it anyway, so why not let the government come in and take it, without your permission, and spend it on something noble, like schools. Great plan.

If Republicans proposed such a plan, the ACLUers would hit the streets en masse, and there would be riots in the streets. But when Democrats, in a Democrat state, propose sanctioned government theft of private property, it is hailed as innovative. Impossible?...not in Oregon. Check out the link above. Dems here want to be able to collect the unused portion of "stale" gift cards. They want to take your money, just because you are waiting for the 500hp pressure washer to go on sale at Home Depot!!

What kills me is that this legislation made it out of someone's mouth, let alone some committee. Why isn't the Oregonian condemning this? Where is the ACLU putting a stop to this before it gets traction? Where is common sense these days? These cards have been legally purchased, legally accounted for by the companies who sell them, and legally ignored by the people who possess them...how on Earth can the government for an second think that they are entitled to that money.

These schemes show us that the Dems have an insatiable appetite for spending and for programs that "buy " votes, and that they will take any measure to pursue them...except fiscal and programmatic restraint.

Help me make Oregon look a little silly here...pass this around.

Careful Fox News

2005-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Fox News headlines and Eco-terrorism case with "Student Gets Eight Years for Eco-Vandalism." (linked above) Vandalism? One hundred and twenty-five vehicles destroyed is "vandalism?" This is a significant act of domestic terrorism, and on the tenth anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, we would do well not to minimize the threat to our way of life from extremist groups from either the left or the right.

Let's start with straight talk. The word "student" in this headline leads the reader to believe that this act may have been perpetrated by a misguided youth. It does not give the reader the impression that this "student" was 24 years old and a doctoral candidate. This information moves this act from college high-jinks gone wrong to the level of serious intentional act by a mature adult...a very different picture.

Additionally, the coined and catchy phrase "Eco-Vandalism" gives the reader the impression that somehow this poor lad met a harsh judge and was unfairly sentenced for his role in some graffiti tagging campaign. Over one hundred vehicles destroyed...this is a serious attack by a growing faction in this country that is getting more radical and violent each day.

In my job as a Facility Manager, post 9/11, we are in constant contact with state authorities about potential threats...International and domestic. These types of groups are number one on their "most dangerous" and active lists.

Careful Fox...give us the headlines that fit the story, not catchy buzzwords that give the writer and editors good feelings about word invention or phrase turning. This is serious...treat it as such.

Courage Senators, Courage

2005-04-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

When teaching leadership, one of the most difficult concepts to get “buy in” on is the idea of moral courage. Essentially this is meant to prepare future leaders with the idea, that at some point in their careers, they may have to step up, and in the face of severe adversity or consequence, do the right thing.

This is the office equivalent of knowing that if you stick your head out of your fighting hole, you will be drilled between the eyes…you may know that that peek is entirely necessary to keep your unit from being surprised, no one will really know if you did it or not, but you know that it must be done, so up your head goes…or, worse, you stay hunkered down.

Officers are often faced with these choices in their careers…sometimes the correct intervention is rewarded, often it is punished. The effective leader does his best to avoid such showdowns, for there is very little good done with early Changes-of Command, or relief of assignments. But often there is no other way, and the officer, SNCO, troop, must stick his nose into the fight regardless of anticipated consequences. The mediocre leader avoids these confrontations, even when necessary, rarely is this responsibility avoidance noticed, but it has it consequences nonetheless.

Long digression coming, but worth it.

My father was passed over for Major in 1966 for the second time. I was in fifth grade and understood little about what was going on, in fact I was never told of why we moved away from Marine bases until I was solidly ensconced in the NROTC program. My mother related the story through twenty minutes of tears. It was obvious the pain of a career change for my mom and dad, with four kids in elementary school and no job, had left its impression. My dad was a “trash hauler.” He left A-1D Skyraiders after Korea for the friendly skies of cargo. He was tasked to evaluate the “brand new” KC-130 simulator in Arkansas. He found several critical deficiencies and would not sign it off for acceptance as FMC (Full Mission Capable). While still on site, he received a call from the HQMC Project Officer, and he was told to accept the simulator. He refused. The Project Officer was a member of the Major’s promotion board the next year. Dad doesn’t make the cut. Terrible.

Was it? Turns out, my dad did land a job. They lived within two hours of my grandparents for the next 30 years. My mom went from a substitute teacher to elementary school principal. They went from base housing to owning a home and two cottages. They put four boys through college in 10 years. When my father died in 1988, St. Mary’s was packed with friends and family from all across the state of Michigan. Terrible? A blessing. My mom, in her seventies, receives support from friends on both sides of the state.

My father never said a word about the circumstances surrounding his separation, and he had only the fondest memories of the Corps, and nothing but good things to say about it.

Family curse.

There was the time after the first Gulf War, when I took over as the squadron S-4 (logistics/embarkation) when I let my captains and lieutenants enjoy the summer going from airshow to airshow. The only caveat I interjected, was that they actually, REALLY needed to learn their jobs before the fall. Up to this point, they had demonstrated to me little technical knowledge of their specific job requirements. One captain, with his only fitrep to this point a glowing “combat” report, was the first into the hopper. He received six “excellent” grades, vice the expected all “outstanding.” He complained to me, with no effect. Shortly I was called into the XO’s office and pressured to change the grades. I refused. That was quickly followed up by a visit to the CO’s office…with the same result. Shock of shocks…next fitrep for me…worst Major in the bunch. Killer.

About six months later we deployed to Japan. The squadron ended up with several overlapping and complex mini-deployments. All were handled remarkably well by my team. So much so, I clearly highlighted on the Captain’s next fitrep that he had clearly matured as an officer, and that he was now at the top of his year group. I backed this up by nominating him for a Navy Commendation Medal, which he received. Now, was he better off for my actions or worse off? He was clearly a better officer. I was clearly headed for the waste bin.

I became the Aircraft Maintenance Officer of a gun squadron in the summer of 1993. Through an interesting set of circumstances, we basically stood up from scratch. On the day I arrived, we had eight airplanes, four officers, including me, and about ten technicians. Bosnia was just heating up, and a couple of months later, a single seat squadron deployed to Aviano, with us on tap to follow them in three months. This kind of pressure quickly highlighted that my Ordnance Officer, a Captain, was failing. Finally, we had to relieve him, two weeks prior to deployment. I was offered a CWO-4 with a boatload of personality, and a few troubles of his own, but off we went. Within a month the CWO-4, known as FISDU Phil, had turned that division around. They quickly were competing with my Powerline team for the “best” division. In the end, FISDU Phil and his team had loaded over 4 million pounds of ordnance, without ONE incident, in a little over four months. FISDU was due to rotate early, so I wrote him up for a Navy Commendation Medal, which he richly deserved. A few days later, in passing, the Admin Officer said that the CO had rejected the award. When I confronted the CO, the first words out of his mouth were “when I got my Navy Comm…” I had to remind the CO that it was not about him and his one individual award, it was about rewarding the men that had made his deployment successful. I continued to argue. It got heated and lasted until he correctly caved-in. On the way out the door, I let him know that I had 24 more awards from my department coming his way...all were awarded. Mine got lost in the mail I guess.

Finally I capped my windmill attacking with the MAG CO. The Group CO wanted to solo one of our jets to another base where another squadron was deployed. They were flying some hi-vis missions, but I knew that they had an aircraft down with a back seat ejection seat problem. I knew that if I didn’t go along, that the other squadron would cannibalize the part, and I would be stuck with a down airplane on return, with a 270-day seat inspection to perform. Not to mention, canning from an ejection seat is nearly never done, although ops types don’t always seem to grasp why. So, I went along, unwanted baggage, but necessarily protecting an asset from unnecessary down time, and possibly worse. The Group Commander made a point of yanking me out of a job that I had had for 17 months, and unceremoniously anointing me the Group Future Operations officer. He seemed happy to inform me the first time I failed selection for LtCol.

Hence Major Mike vice LtCol, or Col., or Gen Mike. Disappointed…yes. Discouraged…no. I have the best Facilities Management job in the country. Great pay, no deployments, daughter will graduate with her friends. Had I stayed in, I would have stayed in too long to get the great job I have now, and I wouldn’t be on the Board of Directors of the local Red Cross chapter, nor a Gubernatorial appointment to a State Codes board.

Simple lessons to Senators who worry about changing the Senate rules...find the courage. Do the right thing. Let the chips fall where they may. Maybe not getting re-elected will allow you to look at a legacy that has added stability and confidence into the judicial branch that is sorely needed. Your actions in breaking the Democrat filibuster, while risky, are needed. This is no time to play nice. Do the right thing, even if it means a new career in the end…change hasn’t hurt my family, and the reward is being able to look yourself in the mirror each day knowing that more good than harm was done with your actions. Stop the filibuster now.

Oh…FISDU Phil. It took Phil about 10 scheduled FISDU (Flights in Support of Deployed Units) flights to finally get out of Aviano…hence FISDU Phil. A great leader and a terrific personality.

Can Of Worms, Don't Read This

2005-04-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Ralph Peters has a great piece in the New York Post today (linked above). It is a scathing commentary on the Air Force’s persistence in pursuing the F-22 in light of the fiscal austerity the Marine and Army operate under. I, of course, love the piece because it is very complimentary of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Aviation. It hacks away at the Air Force for pursuing its expensive hardware agenda, while the Army and Marine Corps have troops dying in the field.

Because I have a foot in each pond…every Marine is a grunt, but also being an aviator, I feel I can make a fair assessment of the piece.

First of all, having an unmatched aerial capability can be taken for granted. US troops have not had bombs dropped on them in significant amounts since World War II, period. If our ground forces had been subjected to 1/10th of the air delivered ordnance that we have dropped over the last 60 years, our casualties would have been significantly higher, and the outcomes, in each case may have been different. Remember the Army in Grenada at the airfield? Add in significant aerial bombardment and what happens? My point is, that we have been achieving our superior results on the ground with a virtually impenetrable shield over our heads…some supplied by the individual services, some provided by the USAF, usually with significantly more capable aircraft, and with the unstated assumption that we will not get bombed. As has been the case for sixty years. So, on one hand, I can’t blame the AF for digging in, and pursuing a technological advantage.

I will agree with Ralph on the facilities part of his piece. I think the AF hurts its credibility when they over-do their “crew rest,” and “substandard facilities,” arguments. It was a bit ludicrous that the AF pilots had to live in ski lodges in the Dolomites while us Marine schmucks had to live in tents 300 meters from the end of the runway in Aviano, Italy. They couldn’t stay there because their sleep would be disrupted…somehow us Marine aviators are built a bit different than our AF brethren and are impervious to db levels above 140. A bit of advice here, toughen up, show good value at all times, and rarely will you be denied a legitimate request.

On the “dominating the battle space” arguments. If an AF general said that, then he is ignorant. Any moron this day and age, can arm three divisions and deploy them against our forces, and the schemes of maneuver possibilities are endless. The AF and Navy equations are a bit easier to deal with…ship leaves port, track it, shoot it. Aircraft takes off, track it, shoot it. Simple. No matter how simple ground combat may be viewed from a distance, trust me, simply getting your gear on an getting moving would drain most of us. Fighting and patrolling are exhausting activities that go on endlessly. I’ll say it out loud, the AF units I have come into contact with, would be looking for the ski lodges in the Dolomites after day one. No need for the AF Gens to slam the Marines and the Army while attempting to make their case. I can’t believe that they are not smart enough to know that they are comparing apples to oranges…if they are that dumb, then the AF is definitely in need of new leadership.

In the end, I believe we need to have a significantly superior air arm, but shortchanging our ground troops engaged in the field, and bad-mouthing their efforts while they are dying, is no way to get it.

Vindication

2005-04-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Soldiers at Sgrena checkpoint vindicated. Journalists take heed...you are not a special class of people. Follow the rules and stay safe. Make your own rules...take your chances. Shame that an apparently good operative was killed...I hope Sgrena thinks her life was worth it. I for one doubt that it is.

CBS Cameraman

2005-04-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

While this topic generated a lot of heat for a couple of days, I am surprised to see that it is losing its momentum. Why am I upset? First, it seems highly likely that a US firm had a paid employee, that knew beforehand of attacks on US servicemen, and not only did he not warn US authorities, but he filmed the events, likely providing material for the evening news that is ultimately a commercial endeavor. Two, a subject search, done about five ways, but centering around "CBS+cameraman+arrested+Iraq", on CBS's own web sight turns up no story past April 8th. They do have a nice video by Bob Schieffer, with a couple of correspondents on it , where Bob tells the viewer that this is a serious matter...but no follow-up by CBS...not unexpected, but way too early to bury the story. Three, this also seems to be losing momentum in the blogosphere. Lastly, the moral discussion on this type of behavior needs to continue.

Until CBS is aired in France as a matter of routine, they are an American entity. If they want the protection of the American Constitution, they should help protect the servicemen that protect their rights. I believe they could still keep their objectivity ( I am trying not to laugh), and report other aspects of the military good and bad, but they don't need to protect this "objectivity" with the lives of our servicemen. The idea that a news agency would sacrifice the lives of those who protect their freedoms simply to get a film on the news is reprehensible. Simply appalling.

CBS is obligated to run this story to ground. This requires a full disclosure of all of this cameraman's filed pieces, a full disclosure on his employment history, a full accounting of his participation on the events captured on his camera, and an investigation of what this cameraman's producer knew about the origins of his videos and how they were subsequently used. This is CBS's responsibility. They, of course, will abdicate, but this will just be another nail in their coffin, and another tread downward on the stairway to oblivion. Nonetheless, they have a responsibility to get this information out.

Three, the bloggers that have the wherewithal, and time to continue to push this, need to push. This story, and our troops deserve an accounting of this behavior. Are other networks doing the same? Why has the MSM closed ranks? Are they going to get away with letting this die? I can't put the time to this story that it is due, but those that can, should.

Aside from this reprehensible incident, we need to continue the discussion about the morality of the press in cases such as this. Jay Rosen's http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/pressthink/2005/03/01/svd_kpln.html piece in March drew a lot of comments...mine being some of them, but this discussion is not finished. By completing a rigorous discussion on the morality of this type of behavior, we may be able to get the press to accept certain moral limitations that they will observe in gathering the "news." What they have done here is tantamount to conspiracy to have a murder committed so that they could then cover it as "news." Sorry they're culpable.

Let's keep pushing on this...

My previous comments on Jay's previous question.

What I find interesting about Jay's piece is that the reporter in his example could ever feign moral confusion about what had transpired. He crossed the line into the immoral when he sought to observe and report on events he knew would result in immoral acts. At that point he becomes culpable, whether he is enticed to participate, or merely observes even a single murder. The reporter knew what would transpire when he agreed to go along, whether he was consulted in the process or not...at that point he CHOSE to observe murder, and reporting on such acts may, indeed, result in the paying audience tagging the reporter and his company as immoral. They may choose not to, but at what point would the casual observer call it immoral...as the reporter continued to observe killings night after night? Would the threshold be two murders, three, fifteen? I suggest the threshold is the single event, although others may have a higher tolerance for this type of gruesome grab for market share than I do.
Make no mistake, in my previous profession; I killed people, perhaps hundreds over the dozens of missions that I flew. The killing was done to achieve, what in my mind was a just goal, freeing Kuwait, but my participation was not designed specifically to boost readership and sales. Therein lies the difference (in my mind anyway), which allows me to sleep with a clear conscience... I can re-play my missions and not feel guilt. If I were the reporter in the example, there is no way I could free myself from the guilt I would feel.
My advice is keep a moral compass of some kind (not preaching here), or you may find yourself in the downward spiral towards the abyss, caused by the mind bending, and potentially crippling, exercise of wrestling with the philosophical elements of guilt, culpability, and morality. Playing with fire often results in burns.

Democrats in Training

2005-04-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Dems in King County have found a new recruit as an election official... http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/04/09/kid.counterfeiting.ap/index.html . By the time he finishes his current gig, and perhaps a little after school detention, this kid should be able to provide some solid advice to the Dems in time for the next election cycle.

SecDef vs. Gens Finale…My gun is bigger than your gun

2005-04-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the lively discussion on Part 2. Now get ready to throw the rotten fruit for Part 3.

While all endeavors must modernize to survive, a realistic assessment of current capabilities must be balanced against a desired future condition, which should be driven by need. In the end, this will provide a guide for organization and budgeting.

In the last five years, this type of continual assessment and change has fueled a 50% growth in sales and profits for my current employer. Everything is in play all the time, and these adjustments have made us more flexible and responsive. I suggest that there is plenty of room for change in the services, and resistance to it is not driven by military necessity.

Starting point…budget. At a minimum our budget is eight times higher that that of China’s ( http://64.177.207.201/static/budget/annual/fy05/world.htm ). Simply put, if our current budget cannot fund the capability to defeat the Chinese, then we need to desperately need to change our uniformed leadership…this is a considerable delta above that of our most capable threat. Granted, a significant portion of the monies will go to support combat operations, but there is plenty left, after the president’s special requests, to fuel modernization, recruiting, and training.

What shrinks this budget in terms of capability, is being wedded to old strategies and ideas that may need to be re-thought. How much modernization do we NEED right now? How much delta in weapons capability do we NEED right now? How many traditionally constructed ground divisions or heavy divisions do we NEED right now? Again, the world situation may evolve over time, but these are valid questions to be asked and answered, and structural and force changes may be the key to fitting operational requirements to budget realities.

Next, arms capability. While the rest of the world may be working on modernizing, it is a physical and fiscal impossibility for them to make startling gains in the near future. For example,

“The bulk of China's air force fleet is obsolete. All but a handful of its 4,000 fighters, 400 ground-attack aircraft, and 120 bombers are based on 1950s and 1960s technology. The vast majority of these aircraft are well over a decade old, and many will reach the end of their service lives during the next 10 years and are slated to be retired with only limited numbers of replacement aircraft likely to enter the air force inventory.” Rand http://www.rand.org/publications/RB/RB32.html .

Many countries will modernize their air forces or their navies, or their ground forces, but none have a chance of modernizing all three in a manner to become anything more than a regional threat, if that. While the Chinese PLAAF may have 4000 fighters, they will die within minutes if they are launched. The multiple targeting capabilities of our gagillion Cat IV fighters will take them apart. Our navy is also capable of dismantling their naval capability within days. We may sustain some loses, but they will not be dramatic. Each of our services is more than capable of handling their direct counterpart from any country around the globe with their current capabilities. And that holds for the foreseeable future.

Black programs. I have been read into two “black” programs. Of course I will not even hint to what they were, but both were very simple derivatives of existing technologies that GREATLY enhanced the tactical capabilities of the F-18, and if they remain secret, are incredible combat multipliers that will put ANY enemy at a serious disadvantage for a considerable period. I am sure that those are not the only two such programs out there, so there are VERY likely many such programs that lend a very significant combat advantage to our forces, even if the are not widely known at this time.

Training. Few countries (all allies) are capable of training to the level that our forces train. We have the financial resources to support very intense and aggressive training programs, including; combined arms live fire training, integrated counter-air training, very aggressive air combat tactics training, constant integration into multi-service and multi-country exercises, and very realistic simulation training for all manner of training that lowers costs and expands opportunity. How much training are our enemies getting if the Chinese have to split their $50 billion between modernization, sustainment, and training for their 2.5 million men in uniform? …not much. The Rand piece clearly highlights the Chinese PLAAF training deficiencies. Anyone who has done a 2v2 against any wily ANG/AFR F-16s knows how well trained our pilots are, en masse, compared to the rest of the world. Other threats are no better.

I don’t deny that the Chinese, and others, wouldn’t like to modernize and flex their muscles, but the threat needs to be put into context. And all I am really suggesting here is that, there is considerable opportunity for the services to meet Rumsfeld’s requests to re-organize, and perhaps “change,” to meet the realities of the day …budgetary, military and geo-political…in the hope of becoming even more capable, more flexible and even, more lethal.

SecDef vs Gens, Part 2; Geo-Political and Economic Realities

2005-04-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

I think it is safe to say that no one anticipated the multitude of Geo-Political changes that have occurred over the last twenty years. The Soviet Bloc collapsed nearly overnight, “revolutionary” governments throughout Central and South America have been flipped and are as stable as can be expected, democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, resurgence of democratic efforts in Lebanon, and the recent uneasiness of the population in Iran, all underpin the movement of the world towards democracy, stability, and peace.

Al-Queda still lurks as a destabilizing force. Syria, North Korea, and the government in Iran, remain as the few serious agitators in the world. Cuba, while still a thorn in the western hemisphere is no longer exporting revolution. China, while “communist” remains engaged with us in our attempts to corral North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs. India and Pakistan have maintained a strained, but workable “peace.” A serious look about, reveals that terrorism, and muscle flexing amongst the North Koreas of the world are about the extent of what we can be expected to handle over the next decade or so.

This is not a call for the US to unilaterally disarm, but it may be an opportunity to re-organize to meet the realities of the world map as it exists today, not as we remember it 16 years ago. Without a doubt the biggest strategic discussions since the disintegration of the former USSR, have center around how our forces should be molded, and what “threats” should we be ready to respond to. A simple look at today’s map, and geo-political realities, begs for revised thinking.

Clearly the biggest worry is a two theater war(s). An endless discussion takes place here on what “could” happen. I think the shift should be it to what will likely happen. We often work the arguments around being engaged in one area, then having to go to war with a major power in another. Well, China is the only major power left, and the likelihood of us going to war with China is small.

A quick look at a global map highlights the difficulty for China in going to war…with anyone. They could of course, and recently have, threatened Taiwan, but military action would be impossible without our early detection of their forces massing…giving plenty of time for diplomatic activity to diffuse and time for our military to prepare. While there is a nationalistic incentive for China to want to take back Taiwan, the true drive would be for the economic engine of Taiwan. Again, the counter to this would be economic, not military, for an isolation of China economically would be the quickest way to achieve a policy change. Without significant importation of resources, China could not sustain a war and its bloated population…a population that requires vast resources on its own just to feed, house, and keep the lights on. If the government fails to do those things, stand by for People’s Revolution Part II.

Also, aside from Taiwan, where can the Chinese go without withering on the vine…ten time zones across Russia? Through SE Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India, etc. on their way to Europe? All of which would destroy their economy and have them fighting insurgent actions as they drive to Europe. The reality is, there is really nowhere for them to go militarily. Possible? Yes. Likely? No.

With every factory that a US company opens in China, war with China becomes less likely. The economic undercurrents in the global political picture are as large a driver as the geo-political picture was two decades ago. While China maintains a happy face about the “People’s Revolution,” they are in reality, becoming increasingly dependent on capitalistic activity to sustain their central control over the population. This is a double-edged sword for them…as more Chinese participate in an increased standard of living, the expectations of the population will also increase…making it more difficult to maintain that central control without that sustained economic activity…economic activity that doesn’t occur in a communistic system or when the world boycotts you for your aggression. So China, at least for the foreseeable future, is stuck on it current path of tolerated capitalism, but with no hope of changing course back to a truer form of communism. As a billion plus Chinese become consumers of western goods, the base of the “People’s Revolution” erodes from around the central government. China will have a political change, but it will be driven by economics, not by war.

I may not be 100% correct here, but certainly these issues influence what the “threat” really is, and how we should adapt to meet it. And while we wring our hands about the possibility that I might not be 100% correct, taking action to restructure will be a success if it is the 95% solution. The other 5% we can make up with innovation, drive and shear will. No force structure will be perfect in terms of meeting the threat, being economically sustainable, or being sufficiently modern, but a re-examination is certainly called for, and changes likely, based on the significant shift of the geo-political and economic realities of today.

It is incumbent on the military leaders in the Pentagon to open up their minds, and develop courses of action that were unthinkable 20 years ago. While many will call them sellouts as pet projects or other specialties are disposed of, now is a time for bold thinking and innovation…otherwise known as leadership.

More still to come on the military realities in today’s world.

Sec Def vs. Gens...Part 1

2005-04-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that the friction between Secretary Rumsfeld and the Pentagon heavies, is actually pretty understandable. My take, Part One.

I call this the CEO effect.

The Generals, who know their jobs, and their respective services, have been in the business for thirty years plus. Then you get Joe Newguy who, while well respected, has only been dong this job for four years, and is calling for major changes. Of course there is friction. But it is not paralyzing.

Sec. Rumsfeld's four years does not translate to thirty years of direct experience, but there are many companies out there that begin to stagnate even while enjoying success. The common thought from within then is, why change? Well, new CEOs...some good and some bad, bring a fresh perspective, and may bring solid business practices from their previous employers that positively impact the bottom line of the companies they assume control over. A fresh look, and a real "business" approach is not a bad thing for all business entities to take a look at periodically.

Since the services essentially have a two year budgeting cycle, and the QDR is in place as a validation tool, these serious looks at programs are required to ensure that DOD programmmatics keep up with world events. The world can change dramatically in four years, and flexibility is the key to keeping operationally tailored to respond appropriately.

So it can be expected that a new "CEO" might take a very different view of what direction a company (service) should take, based on bringing in a new perspective.

But, four years does not a career make. So, a new CEO is at least as apt to make mistakes, as he is to hit home runs...the natural position held by those who have been in the company for 30+ years. Which in some ways explains the Generals' reluctance to flop over and go blindly along with the SecDef and his calls for change.

The reason we have the JCS, as it exists today, is to provide that steady, calming piece that buffers the changes that will occur with periodic change to the civilian leadership of our services. Without a doubt, the experiences of the Captains and Lieutenants in Vietnam, influenced the positive outcomes of Desert Storm and OIF I and II. The, "we are not going to make the same mistakes," attitude served the services well and set the stage for ROEs that laid the foundation for unpararlleled success. So, this valuable experience cannot be discounted.

But, this tenured experience can also bring with it a reluctance to change...even if new, good ideas are brought forth. In some instances, the weight of this experience can make it impossible to turn the battleship around, so to get it to stop or change, sinking it may be required.

New thinking is called for every day...The best example I can give is one from my own experience. I was the CINCPACFLT representative and requirements officer for all issues dealing with CVX. CVX was essentially a working program to fully develop the next generation of aircraft carrier. I was the only fixed-wing, carrier experienced aviator within the Requirements Branch at CINCPACFLT at the time, so I was the requirements officer for that project.

The basic analysis done at the point that I was first introduced to the project was outstanding...sortie rates, deck turn-around times, mission lengths, a/c reliability rates, ordnance effectiveness, and more, were well calculated and integrated into the "strawmen." It was obvious that, to this point, the homework was being done. All of the data pointed to smaller, conventionally powered, aircraft carriers that carried 40-50 tactical aircraft. A huge decrease from existing carriers. BUT, a/c reliability, munitions lethalities (Pk), and sortie generation, called, even begged, for this reduced size and capacity.

As the CINC's rep at the base theater in NAS Coronado for the first "discussion" with fleet reps...all O-5s and above...and me a lowly Marine Major in the back of the room...to a man, they all called for a larger carrier, faster, with more aircraft than what the USN had in service during Vietnam. This thinking blindly ignores the fact that sortie generation rates are between 4 and 5 times greater per a/c than they were in Vietnam...that target Pk (probability of kill) was about 100 times greater..and that a/c survivability is about 20 times greater. To ignore the fact that a smaller carrier, with 40-50 tactical jets, could be actually more lethal than a Vietnam era carrier, but then to insist on a full size carrier with a full compliment of tactical a/c (70+) showed that virtually every "tactical" thinker in the room was incapable of grasping the "business" end of the "requirements" equation.

I finally had to stand up and tell the audience, who looked down their very long noses at me, that the CINC (ADM Clemens) would not sign off of on an "increase" in capability unless there was operational justification for such an increase. Their reply was simple...we should always buy MORE capability...no matter what.

EXCEPT, if you can't afford more capability...which is likely where SecDef is at now...look, you have to make your case...thirty years of experience may prove the key to the argument...but, stubbornness in the face of logic can spell the end of the discussion, and the end of your credibility.

Both parties bring a very positive perspective to the table, but I suspect that thirty years of experience could translate to more stubbornness than this SecDef wants to hear. In the end, the services need to take a hard look at the guidance given to them about re-structuring and give it a serious look. There are viable, alternative force structures and compositions that will make us a better force into the future. Dismissing that possibility out of hand is what forces SecDef to go "looking down the list" for people with open minds.

Next...why Geo-political changes beg for force structure changes. I am ready for the hate mail.

Sorry...I'm Busy

2005-04-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been able to post. I am overseeing a water feature (large decorative fountain) repair at work, and we are way off schedule. So, I have had my Carhardts on and been 14' underground for the past couple of days. My team and I have, I believe, correctly titled this Big Dig 10. Every year it seems, I am compelled to repair a water line of some type that, in the end, never meets my lowest expectations. You'd think that after Big Dig 6 and on, I'd have seen it all, but after this one, I refuse to expect anything but one set back after another.

This one involves a confirmed leak (confirmed three different ways before commencement of digging) and a confirmation of at least three joint leaks on an 8" line in a span of 10' after we finally jack hammered through the 4' of concrete that was poured on top of this work, 14' down. Boy was I happy. So, by my estimation we will have been able to stretch this out for about two weeks, at a cost of over $75,000 for a repair that actually took 6 hours once the problem was finally exposed. I am drinking more than one Gin and Tonic tonight.

Kudos though to the 135 pound tech from Bones (no joke) Construction who spent 4 days shoring the hole, supervising the in-hole excavation, and spent at least 16 hours by my observation, on the jack hammer breaking through the concrete that encased all the plumbing that needed repair. He is a hard ass, and a real pro...he'll be working for me again...

Thumbs down on the dumb asses who have no clue about gluing PVC pipe, who would ever use schedule 40 in a heavy pressure 14' underground project (schedule 80 would be preferred). All this to repair glue joints that weren't properly glued 7 years ago. A lot of teeth grinding on this one. They are now responsible for 8 confirmed bad glue joints, and I have been forced to abandon over 900' of existing pipe due to their piss poor efforts. Maybe I should get into construction rather than maintenance...?

So, I'll do my best next week to post, but it looks like I'll be busy with my date...Big Dig 10, at least until Wednesday, when I can turn it back over to the general contractor to the complete backfill and road repair.

A teaser for tomorrow... my theories on why the Pentagon is arm wrestling with Rumsfeld, and where I think that is heading...might take more than one post, but I will be writing from my perspective as a Requirements Officer (N836) at CINCPCFLT in the late 90's, and I think it will lend some insight as to why each is stubbornly holding their ground on re-alignment. I think I can carry the water on that one.

Thanks for your patience. MM

We Have Bad News, or No News

2005-03-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else out there noticed that the MSM has gotten away from their body-count approach to reporting events in Iraq…in fact, a rudimentary scan of various news services today cultivated very little reporting from Iraq.

Hmmm, I ask myself. Is this because there is nothing going on in Iraq? Or is it because nothing “bad” is going on in Iraq? Even the over-exaggerated reports of the difficulties of the Iraqis to form a government are falling off the radar. So, as things seem to be improving, the news coverage is dropping off. Interesting that that in and of itself is not newsworthy.

Which brings me back to a point I have made time and again…the MSM players are doomsdayers and naysayers, and by covering only the negative aspects of Iraq they fail to give the military the credit they deserve for making the difference. As the US policy proves to be more and more successful, and Iraqis begin the process of governing themselves, coverage drops to nil. Conclusion, the MSM hates good, or even neutral, news.

Extending my argument a bit here…this is why their “body count” approach to “keeping score” in Iraq disrespects the sacrifices made by our troops. Because the payoff from those sacrifices is not reported, and just the raw carnage is, the press is using these images and numbers to sell papers, not to honor those who have helped achieve success. Their pictures of soldiers re-habilitating were not published as compelling human-interest pieces, but in my mind, as additional imaging that helps paint the negative picture that they intend to project. A balanced approach would ensure that the sacrifices made by our troops in the field were honored with appropriate reporting of the follow-on successes.

Shame on the MSM here…report both sides with equal enthusiasm and you will find balance and an audience. Continue to negatively slant your representations of the situation in Iraq and you continue to lose market share, credibility, and eventually, as your papers go out of business, your jobs. Get the clue.

Bloggers as Journalists

2005-03-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Lots of good posts out there on the FEC/blogger issue.

Cap'n Ed

caught my eye with his Jack Shafer Takes David Shaw to the Woodshed piece.

What I find completely bi-polar about Shaw’s and the MSM’s take on how much “free speech” bloggers should be allowed, is their reliance on the “fact checking” argument. I have no hope of taking Shaw to the hoop as effectively as Jack Shafer, but I can’t sit on my hands any longer.

“When I or virtually any other mainstream journalist writes something, it goes through several filters before the reader sees it. At least four experienced Times editors will have examined this column, for example. They will have checked it for accuracy, fairness, grammar, taste and libel, among other things.” (Shaw)

I am sorry, you mean those fact checkers who graduate from the most liberal programs of the most liberal universities in the country? The fact checkers who checked Jason Blair’s work? The fact checkers who have allowed the dozens of completely false stories to be filed, and in some cases win Pulitzer Prizes? Those fact checkers that shield us from dangerous conservative dogma everyday, and make it impossible to pick up a paper or watch the six o’clock news and get a balanced take on a story about conservatives, the President, or the war in Iraq? I fail to see where those “fact checkers” have done such a credible job that they are the torch bearers for the First Amendment, and that the rest of us keyboard killers require closer government scrutiny.

He glides past this crucial point by saying, “mistakes happen.” These have been found out to be, not mistakes, but determined efforts that can later be claimed to be mistakes. Blair was allowed to go on filing false stories long before he was kept from publishing and eventually terminated. Allowing a known fabricator to continue to publish is a “mistake”? Although no one says it out loud…Dan Rather’s publishing of the fake memos was an attempt to change the election. This is not a mistake…it was a deliberate act on his part and other players in the story to smear the President just weeks before the election. But it is covered up as a “mistake.”

Geez, I don’t know how fifty things could have gone wrong and we got this story onto the air…I just don’t know.

These are serious breaches in the trust that impact their First Amendment protection. You start breaching this trust (which they have) and you start eroding sanctity of your argument here. There is no “holier than thou” claim available to the MSM on this issue. So, unless the MSM can claim perfection, which they can’t, they are not in a different category, with sole claim to the protection of the First Amendment.

And when they do make legitimate mistakes, what does the MSM do to correct them? They put the correction in New Times Roman 6 in the middle of the Want Ads. How is this approach to “getting it right” preferable to the clear corrections I have seen on Blogs?

Akin to the mistake argument is the conscious lack of interest in pursuing stories that may cause the MSM to do damage control. The MSM, by ignoring these stories (Rathergate, Easongate, etc.), or being deliberately slow to react, prejudices their “unbiased” claims as they give a free pass to each other for lazy journalism. Lazy is the nicest word I can come up with. In reality, they are covering up these stories in an effort to protect their brethren. By ignoring these types of stories, or pursuing them with feigned interest, they give up their claim to the higher ground. They are no more credible than the worst of the bloggers, and they prove it time and again.

Shaw’s compliments to the blogoshpere only make my point.

“Certainly, some bloggers practice what anyone would consider "journalism" in its roughest form — they provide news. And just as surely, bloggers deserve credit for, among other things, being the first to discredit Dan Rather's use of documents of dubious origin and legitimacy to accuse President Bush of having received special treatment in the National Guard.” (Shaw)

How could lowly bloggers break Rathergate, when all of the resources of CBS couldn’t figure out what happened in four months? Maybe it stems from a true desire to get the truth out into the open, when the MSM is doing its best to keep it from happening. Who has the most credibility?

In the end, the question is who is making the best use of their First Amendment rights in getting the truth out to the public? Or bigger yet…what makes a journalist? Being employed by a paper or a station? I submit a journalist is someone who pursues the truth in any medium available to him, and does a credible job of doing it. If the NYT, LAT, CBS, WP are entitled to First Amendment protection what about Captain’s Quarters, Hugh Hewitt, Democracy Project and Major Mike? I think we’ve earned it, and I think they are squandering it.

© Michael McBride 2005

Days Before VCRs, Chapter Four…Tactical and Strategic Innovations

2005-03-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

While envisioned early on by the helo guys as a combat multiplier, the widespread use of night vision devices to gain a significant tactical and strategic advantage, was not always the “given” it appears today. Championed predominately by the helo community in the late seventies and early eighties as the way of the future, the integration of NVGs into the cockpit was costly. Crashes across the globe garnered Congressional attention, and the program was in danger of termination several times along the way. The cost in terms of equipment and personnel was high, yet the community and the Corps persisted. Eventually effective training practices were standardized and accident rates and risks were reduced to acceptable levels. Safe training parameters, cockpit modifications, minimum flight qualifications, and realistic training objectives paved the way for the effective and safe program of today.

Fixed wingers and ground forces also got on board. The overall investment, which was high in terms of men and material, yielded a huge advantage on the battlefield. The strategic and tactical implications of sustained night operations are dramatic. We are able to operate with impunity when a preponderance of the world’s forces must go into the defense…once in the defense; we have the ability to defeat them.

Modernizing our small arms weapons was also key. I am sure I won’t convince the die-hard M1911A1 guys, but moving to a common NATO ammunition set helps smooth logistics flow to the troops in contact, and reduces the potential for error. Updating the M-16, getting the SAW into the rifle squad, adding more firepower with the M19, all have improved the lethality of our troops in the field.

The Maritime Pre-Positioned Force helped improve response time to global crises, but it also created a focus on unit mobility and “mobility efficiency.” We simply got good at knowing what we needed to deploy, and then deploying it. Prior to this focus, deploying was a haphazard affair often resulting in essential equipment being left behind, unnecessary equipment being deployed when like equipment was available at the deployment site, and numerous lift aircraft sitting on our ramps waiting for us to get our clueless heads out of our butts.

Finally, the necking down of equipment of all types allowed the Corps to become a viable business entity, while sustaining muscle. During that period we went from A-6s, OV-10s, F-4s, A-4s to one tactical jet; reducing parts supplies, intermediate level repair footprint, GSE, IMRL equipment, and personnel, while getting an improved tactical capability. Other such consolidations took place throughout the Corps, this approach allowed us to reduce form 196,000 to our current strength without giving up combat capability.

Sometimes the clarity of the present belies the cloudiness of the past, and the rains of May ensure the rich harvest of the fall. Many Marines endured the gloomy and trying times of two decades ago, yet their professional approach to changing the Corps produced long-lasting and meaningful results. Not all of their efforts will be recognized, because many of theses changes have been so thoroughly integrated into the routine of the Corps, imagining their absence will be nearly impossible. In combination, the fundamental changes outlined over the past few posts smoothed out the many ruts in the road, and laid the foundation for the enormous success the Marine Corps has enjoyed over the past four years.

This is not a shameless grab for glory, for the accolades today MUST be given to the Marines in the field, but somewhere out there, there are a lot of Marines who helped get the Corps out of the doldrums and set it sailing on the course it is on today. Our Marines have performed impressively…as expected, but in doing so they have raised the standards for the Marines that will follow…as it has been for nearly 230 years.

© Michael McBride 2005

Canada Denies Coward Refugee Status

2005-03-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Canada, in a move to protect the ferocity of their population, so they can continue to produce more hockey players than figure skaters, has denied Refugee Status to US Army deserter Jeremy Hinzman.

Great call Canada...it is a first step in making it back into the real world. The real world with bad guys who try to do innocent people harm. The real world that requires defense by determined men and women. The real world where men don't desert their comrades who face battle. The real world where your actions have consequences.

Send Jeremy home (the MSM conveniently drops his rank and calls him a former soldier), we'll see to it that he is treated fairly, and most importantly, serves as an example to other cowards who choose to quit on their obligations and try to subvert the good order and discipline of the forces in which they serve.

You send us our deserters back, and we'll send fewer hockey players to take your jobs...promise.

Days Before VCRs, Chapter Three...How I Learned to Quit Shopping at the Mall

2005-03-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else remember seeing F-14s painted with "Marines" on the side? Yes there was a time. The fleet of F-4s was aging, and there was no real multi-mission aircraft on the near horizen. So the Marines boldly jumped into the latest technology and bought F-14s, the first non-bomb dropper the Marines would own in 30 years. Crews were in the Replacement Air Group (RAG), planes were only months away from being delivered...excitment was high, and the program was cancelled. Thank heavens.

The Marine Corps wisely dropped this program, which slid our F/A modernization about seven years, and caused the fighter types to grind their teeth and mutter alot. We continued to support carrier operations with F-4Ns into the early eighties! F-4Ns? The RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) community began to look for work...it was hell in fighter town...luckily I was flying RF-4s and would continue to be gainfully employed. The Marine Corps would wait its turn in line for the new F-18s, a single seat multi-mission aricraft that showed a lot of promise.

This is probably the wisest hardware decision the Marine Corps has ever made. Had we purchased the F-14 we would have waited until the early 90s before it would be able to deliver bombs, and at an accuracy probably worse than the F-4s. We would be stuck with a maintenance dependent aircraft, crewed by two, with a huge personnel/maintenance footprint. It would have sucked Marine aviation dry.

Instead we got a multi-mission aircraft with a reduced crew; with capacity growth; that was accurate to within 30', with a bad pilot; that shrunk maintenance departments year to year; and was about six times more reliable, creating sortie rates not even remotely possible for the F-14. It is a true combat multiplier...the F-14 was a stop gap. We would still be suffering with the F-14s had they been purchased. Truly a great management decison under a lot of pressure, at a critical time.

Many have probably forgotten the acrimonious debates about buying the current 155mm howitzer system. The towed nature of the system and its perceived inability to keep up with tracked units, were viewed as strong detractors at the time. It was correctly assumed by the acquistion types and the artillary community, that tactics and ordnance could overcome these perceived deficiencies. Obviously, the artillary regiments have focused on the mobile battlefield and have adapted to the most demanding schemes of manuever immaginable. Additionally, improvements in munitions have made the gun even more flexible than originally envisioned. The tactical range of these guns, the lethality of newer munitions, and the evolution of regimental artillary tactics have made this a tactically viable and economical weapons system.

Computers. 'Nuff said. The integration of the computer into daily Marine Corps life has been a hardware improvement whose entire contribution to the effectiveness of the Corps may never be fully measured. Most will not remember the gyrations of the schedule writers attempting to publish the flight schedule on a mimeograph machine, nor when the three typos/page rule would fill wastepaper baskets, nor the first deployable computer that was the size of a small fridge. The support of a unit was a labor intensive exercise that drained resources and detracted from training. The simplest reports today, were crushingly labor intensive exercises that pulled energy away from the mission. The advent of the computer allowed us to absorb the manpower reductions of the early 90s without debilitating our tactical capabilities.

Tactical vehicle systems procurement has dramatically improved the tactical mobility of our troops and equipment. Hummers, Five-tons, and Dragon (Draggin', your preference) Wagons have all greatly enhanced the mobility and the tonnage capabilities of our ground lift. Improved reliability and flexibility has added dramatically to the logistical support schemes now available to the ground commanders.

The Marine Corps began to move solidly to "requirements" based procurement and away from marketplace procurement, which lead to these significant tactical increases.

Asset preservation is the operational compliment to requirements based procurement. The Marine Corps has dramatically reduced the aviation mishap rates...partially through improved systems, but predominately through an improved focus on safety. We had been losing all types of equipment in all types of ways. Over time, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and training safety, the Marine Corps became intolerant of waste and abuse. There were unscheuled changes of command, and repremands of all types, but eventually asset preservation and safety became integral parts of the operational art.

Included in the discussion of asset preservation is the increased focus on the health and safety of the individual Marine. The emphasis on the care and feeding of Marines moved well past the occasional foot check on a road march, or the issuing of a case of C-Rats...yes C-Rats... for chow. Off-duty safety programs began to garner as much attention as operational safety. Use of reflective vests while running or driving motorcycles, insisting on seal belt use, DUI prevention, motorcycle safety training all became viewed as equally important peacetime initiatives as hydration and caloric intake would be viewed in combat. The preservation of our most important assets, our highly trained Marines, became a 24/7 focus, which besides saving lives, it keeps our force highly trained, and acutally safer in combat.

Akin to asset preservation is cost avoidance. Base closures, force reductions, and necking down equipment types have all been complimentary activities that have garnered cost savings while maintaining the muscle of the Corps. The Marine Corps has learned to become a viable "business" entity in order to preserve its operational nature.

The transition from parochial "rice-bowl" protection, to a logical, business based approach to asset procurement, sustainment, and retirement, has made the Corps a more viable combat organization. If the Corps can continue to make wise procurement choices, it stands to become even more lethal in the future.

Next..the exciting conclusion.

Defending Your Right...to get screwed

2005-03-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

California...I love that state...takes a deployed Seal to the hoop...

Gary has unsuccessfully battled the family court system in California, which has jurisdiction over the divorce, for almost two years in order to gain some access to SS (his son, my parens). After all, that same court demands he pay hefty child support.

"I am paying $2,100 a month not to see my son," Gary told Fox News in 2003.

This is the new face of father's rights, a face men's rights activists are determined you will see in coming months: the military man who is 'processed' by the family courts during his tour of duty or upon his return. A father who returns 'home' to children he cannot see and, often, to support payments he cannot make.

"Sometimes I wonder what I risked my life for [in Afghanistan]," Gary told fathers' rights activist Glenn Sacks. I went to fight for freedom but what freedom and what rights mean anything if a man doesn't have the right to be a father to his own child?"

Unfortunately, this is all too common. Yes, being married to a serviceman/woman is tough, but how do we allow these fathers to get screwed by the system while they are away defending our rights and freedoms? Are our servicemen and women perfect?...no, but do they deserve this kind of treatment? Leave it to California to decide that a fair child support payment, for which the state will do nothing to enforce his rights, will cost him a mere $2100 per month. How much do they think he makes? For that kind of money, he should be provided several round-trip tickets to Israel, where his ex-wife took his son.

Our states often screw our servicemen in this way. Our states should be fighting for the rights of these fathers, and quit looking at them as checkbooks for insincere women who take advantage of the system. Fair is fair...visitation (enforced) for a reasonable amount of child support, but abandonment by a wife, during a deployment, should count against the mother, and the state should step in to argue for the absent husband.

I won't hold my breath though. It warms my heart to see how well we "support our troops." Not.

Days Before VCRs, Chapter Two

2005-03-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Focus On Meaningful Training

I am not sure, in spite of my immense talent, that I can adequately describe the poor state of training that existed in the Marine Corps in the late seventies and early eighties. The coherent, dovetailed, focused and realistic training that is commonplace today was merely a vision for most competent commanders and company officers. Training was unit driven, unfocused, not coherent between like type units, and most required training…rifle range, NBC, essential subject training, was haphazard or non-existent.

My first assignment, in my first squadron, as a Second Lieutenant was as the assistant NATOPS officer. Essentially I was a glorified clerk, responsible for keeping the aircrew training properly recorded and notifying aircrew of upcoming requirements, such as; aircraft exams, flight physicals, Instrument Ground School, physiology training and swim refresher. My office was located within the S-3 shop, so I was able to observe first hand the additional training problems within the squadron.

Here is what I personally found when I began to go over the records, AFTER the squadron had failed an FMFPAC re-inspection of their NATOPS (flight standardization) program…over half of the aircrew should have been grounded for lack of certified physiological training; over half did not have on hand a current open or closed book NATOPS exam; virtually no one had a current emergency procedures exam; a third had not been to instrument ground school in over a year; about one in ten did not have a current flight physical; no one had an up to date aircraft training manual; and there was no method for tracking changes; no one had current and certified aircraft egress training; and I was about the only dufus who had been to Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE) school…because they assigned me their quota before I even showed up to the squadron. Literally, every infraction should have resulted in an individual grounding. In spite of this, the commanding officer was not relieved, but you can certainly understand why the squadron had had nine Class A mishaps in the previous 12 months…sheer luck we didn’t kill anybody during that period.

We were not atypical as far as training deficiencies. Less than half of the Marines had been to the rifle range, there had been no NBC skills training. Officers went to the pistol range kicking and screaming. If you went on leave you got assigned the “bad deal” training quota of the week such as Cold Weather Leadership, SERE, or Deep Water Survival Training. It was a mess.

Aviation units were not alone. Company and Battalion Commanders complained of deficient Training and Readiness Manuals, training schedules and events that were unrelated to requirements in the T&R Manual, lack of training ammunition to support “required “ training activities, no continuity between squad level activities and larger unit training requirements, Combined Arms Exercises that did not completely integrate the ground and aviation elements, lack of individual training opportunities for Marines, and lack of a focal point for training activities.

What changed?

Fundamentally, training objectives became more focused, and “requirements” become supported. Specifically, battalion and squadron level training began to focus on the basic skills required to do their mission. Simultaneously, the Corps began to resource and support higher-level training. Consequently, there became a momentum within the training environment that took hold, and eventually raised readiness baselines to record levels…levels that have obviously increased since, and have resulted in the great successes over the past two years.

Highlights

First and foremost I would have to credit the Program of Instruction refinements at The Basic School, the Infantry Officer Course, Recruit Training, and School of Infantry. While I was an instructor at TBS in the mid-eighties, the POI was constantly being refined, but the focus was on deeper development of the basics and a move away from trying to teach Lieutenants “everything.” This focus on the fundamentals was also taking place in the other basic training arenas. I believe we began to produce better entry level Marines, whether officers or enlisted.

Professional development became a priority. Attendance at appropriate level schools became a requirement…to the chagrin of many. Completion of non-resident courses became mandatory, and the equivalent to resident attendance. Marine Corps Institute courses became required for promotion and where a discriminator amongst meritorious promotion boards. Simply, we became a more professionally trained force. Little of this was happening in 1980…

Refinements in the Training and Readiness Manuals for fleet unit training were also key. Prior to these refinements there were many disconnects between training requirements, resources, training opportunities, and range availability. On the aviation side, it was discovered that there weren’t enough flight hours available to keep everyone “combat capable.” By continually refining the requirements, moving some training flights to the simulator, and combining learning objectives across a variety of flights, units were able to ensure that wisely spent training hours, were translated into readiness. On the ground side, ammunition allotments began to fit requirements, unit training was refined to meet focused objectives among like units, ranges were built and developed to support specific objectives, and units were held accountable to meet individual training levels, so that higher level training opportunities were not wasted. I am sure these “refinements” are so much a part of the everyday routine, that it is hard to imagine the days when these disconnects produced gaping holes in readiness.

The professional application and evolution of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System helped validate the results. We were found “not combat ready” for my first deployment to WestPac aboard the USS Midway, but that was not a factor. As long as we were “carrier qualled” we were going. Throughout the eighties, the evaluation part of the readiness piece was properly integrated into the training cycle at a point where correction and recovery could occur prior to deployment. The teeth that MCCRES developed over time, gave the higher unit commanders the quality piece that was previously missing.

Marine Corps Lessons Learned (MCLLs) system helped eliminate redundant training mistakes, allowing units to maximize their training opportunities by avoiding commonly made and debilitating errors. Units preparing for Combined Arms Exercises (CAXs), for example, were required to review the MCLLs from the previous CAXs. This simple information exchange kept units from repeating mistakes that negatively impacted training opportunities, such as range scheduling errors, transportation errors, and even tactical errors. This strategy allowed units to continually move ahead in training, eventually allowing for more advanced training opportunities.

Finally, I think the refinements of the TBS “Three Day War” and the development of the Crucible at the Recruit Depots have gone a long way at exposing the Lieutenants and enlisted Marines to the arduous nature of ground combat. These exercises are the necessary “graduation” piece that imparts the realities of combat to these entry level Marines. It is extremely difficult in the fleet to string together the series of events that is required to produce this level of combat simulation, so this type of challenging training is hard to replicate, and exposure to these conditions prior to actual combat is a must.

Plainly, those charged with training the Corps throughout the eighties and nineties did a tremendous job. I also credit many of the battalion and squadron commanders who fought to correct the multitude of disconnects that existed between the objectives, the plan and the resources. I promise, it was worse than I have described, and through shear will, Marines of all types pulled and pushed the Corps to the high level of readiness it now sustains.

Chapter Three, The Shopping Mall, or How I Learned to Buy What I Need

Days before VCRs, Chapter One

2005-03-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

My thirteen-year-old daughter looked at me as if I had starred in an Alien movie when I recently mentioned that there once was a time when there were no VCRs. Her look convinced me that I had just parachuted in from another planet, and that I had at least six eyes and some tentacles waving about. “No VCRs, what did you do?”

Interestingly, I believe that this would be the same look that many of today’s Marines would give me, if I fully described the shape of the Corps when I was commissioned in 1978. When I look back it is hard to believe some of the alligators the Marine Corps has wrestled to the ground over the last 27 years. The result of this wrangling is the current shape of the Corps, which I believe may be its acme.

The Marines deployed throughout the world have done a superb job over the last four years. Their skill on the battlefield rivals any period of the Corps history, and they may indeed, claim that this is the finest group of men we have ever sent into combat. They prove it nearly every day.

Plainly put, the Marine Corps was in sad shape in 1978. While we could still claim that we had the finest Marines ever, on an individual level, we had some of the worst as well. Training was disconnected from resources and reality. Procurement programs reflected a shopping mall mentality, vice a requirements driven process. Drugs were omnipresent. There was neither “high speed” individual gear nor improved weapons systems. There was little organization and much disarray. My first squadron had nine Class A mishaps in twelve months. It was a Wild West Show.

Plainly put, we could barely get out of our own way. But the Marine Corps dug itself out of this hole over time, and looking back, it was no small feat. What were some of the things that got us back on track?

Policy changes.

Moving to an all-volunteer force, in combination with drug testing, moved us farther along than any other action. In short, the all-volunteer force eliminated, for the most part, the malcontents and whiners. Drug testing virtually eliminated what had been pretty brazen drug use. Together, they conditioned the people side for positive change. The volunteer basis of the force ensured that at its core, the Marine Corps would be populated by people who wanted to be Marines. Simple, but an absolute requirement to building a profssional team. The drug testing ensured compliance to a policy that correctly viewed drug use as a steep impediment to professionalism and success.

Modifying enlistment terms to lengths that made operational sense was another key in the turnaround effort. Often units would prepare to deploy and lose up to a third of its strength due to personnel losses as FIRST term enlistments expired. By more closely tying enlistment lengths with initial training requirements and deployment schemes, units were able to deploy with the right troops who had the right training. Officer contracts in the aviation specialties also began to lengthen, so that most aviators would be eligible for two deployment cycles prior to their contracts expiring. This practice ensured that each deploying unit would have a highly trained "core" that would be able to tackle nearly any assignment.

Development of the unit deployment scheme helped to establish a rhythm within the Corps that became much like a heartbeat. You began to know what to expect and when to expect it. This lent a lot of stability to the force and allowed for better personnel and asset planning. Integrating scheduled Changes-of-Command began to eliminate the disruption that irregular, or short notice COCs created. This rhythm began to reflect all of the cycles within a unit; turnover, training, deployment, COC, turnover, and on and on. The rhythm cushioned the disruptions and brought a certain "flow" into the blood of the Corps.

Together these policy shifts began to professionalize the manpower side of things, and it gave the Marine Corps the basis in which to begin molding a truly professional force, managed and led, in a professional way.

Chapter Two…Changes in Training, to follow.

Great Medal Site

2005-03-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

Not completely up to date, but some good overall medal info. I'll keep searching for better.

The Coalition of the Unwilling Cowards

2005-03-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

I was greeted on page 2 of my favorite local compost binder, The Oregonian, with the following lead...
"Soliders make up coalition of the unwilling"
It was written by Monica Davey New Your Times News Service. I can't link to it, because they are not carrying it on the web, so hopefully, another OR blogger can back me up if required.

The header is accompanied by two photos of our intrepid slackers SSgt Mejia and Sgt Benderman. Stories of daring midnight trips to Canada, ooooh frightening, and assistance from Vietnam burnouts and the War Resistors Support Campaign fill the article. It is a good 20 paragraphs in before any Army official has a chance to fill in the numbers...a whopping 92 CO applications in 2003. Early on the article does quote a Sgt 1st Class as saying, "Thre are a lot of people, many more than normal, who are tying to get out now." Obviously, this Sgt 1st Class is a personnel expert.

Here is my beef. As we are looking back at our two year stint in Iraq, the intellectual MSM, unfulfilled in it desires to see us fail, are now pasting their printsheets with this anti-war tripe, and passing it off as news. There is no reason for this story today, except to diminish the impact on the positive things that have been accomplished over the past two years. If the Bush administration is going to point out the good...they will do their unwavering duty and point out the "bad." They are caught up in negative-reactionism journalism, which requires that all administration good, must be countered and punctuated with bad press. Geez, why has blogging caught on?

Again, not a single photo of a soldier or Marine receiving an award. Not a single reference to any of the good that has been accomplished. Not a single interview with soldiers and Marines, satisfied with their service in Iraq, and not a single talk with a NG type volunteering to go back...I know of several here personally.

No, the attention in this society is focused on the weak, the "victims", and the whiners, whose very existence is assured by the strong and the brave. Let them desert. Let them go to Canada. Let them wallow with their Vietnam era deserters, but don't celebrate it as some noble act that requires courage. It is an act of cowardice that requires only a bus ticket and the encouragement of fellow slackers, who quake from fear at the life and death challenges that face us all. A thirteen year old in a cancer ward has more courage than these collections of cells that merely consume oxygen.

Volunteering carries with it the responsibility to complete the task volunteered for. It usually means you are helping someone who, at the time, cannot fend for themselves. It almost always implies hard, even arduous work, often in the poorest of conditions. Sometimes, particularly when one volunteers for military service, it involves great personal risk. This is why this country honors its soldiers, and rails at cowards. Walk the battlefield in Gettysburg and you will come to understand what sacrifice means...it is a far cry from some gutless wonder taking a bus trip from Texas to Moose Jaw.

Quit honoring these slackers,...sorry but the Army and Marine Corps have always been about more than signing bonuses and college opportunities...they have been warriors first, and that is why we have our freedoms. If weak-willed persons had been allowed to walk away when the going got tough, it is likely Washington would have rode out of Valley Forge alone; that Iwo Jima would never have been taken; and D-Day would have been a miserable failure. Courage and discipline are the life's-blood of soldiering, let's honor that.

This post linked to the open post on The Mudville Gazette

The Mudville Gazette

What Goes Around....

2005-03-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

RadioBlogger is one of many who have the following quote from Barbara Boxer...

"Why would we give lifetime appointments to people who earn up to $200,000 a year, with absolutely a great retirement system, and all the things all Americans wish for, with absolutely no check and balance except that one confirmation vote. So we're saying we think you ought to get nine votes over the 51 required. That isn't too much to ask for such a super important position. There ought to be a super vote. Don't you think so? It's the only check and balance on these people. They're in for life. They don't stand for election like we do, which is scary."

Interesting...the Dems finally admit to misusing the filibuster in the Senate to block judicial appointments. Although the admission was not necessary, as even the most near-sighted, politico would have to recognize that tactic for what it was, it will be fun to replay over the denials we have endured over the past five years. I am sure Radioblogger and others are busy adding bytes to CDs that we will listen to well into the next election cycle...in two years.

What Senate Dems are going to have to live with are a couple of things. First, they outright blocked the fair efforts of the President to advance many candidates from diverse backgrounds. Where does this leave the Dems when they claim to represent the poor and oppressed, as they themselves suppress the advancement of candidates of color? It leaves them scrambling to hold onto 40 seats in the Senate. The more they attempt to obstruct, the more the tide rushes around them. So sorry.

Additionally, when the Republicans change the Senate rules next week, and out maneuver the Dems, they will have done it while operating within the rules of the Senate. As it has always been, a majority of the Senators can vote to change the rules. This is likely avoided in most circumstances because of the fear that the "rule changers" may, at some point, end up in the minority, and have the "new" rules used against them. But, as the Dems continue to slide out of the Senate, I see little fear in the eyes of the Republican Senators. In fact, I see a day when the Republicans will be happy to restore the old rules for the whining Dems, and be able to live with it, as they will easily have the 60 votes snap a filibuster

Remember, this tactic would not be required, if the Dems had had their say in committee, and even in full session, then allowed a vote in the full Senate, where these candidates would have prevailed.

Plainly put...the Dems thought they had the trump card, and were gleeful about the control they were wielding as the minority. They talked about this, as they had done about the recess appointments, they simply felt that the GOP would not pull the trigger on this option. Surprise...bluff called. Not only do you lose the judgeships, you lose popular support and seats in the Senate. Please boo-hoo as much as you want about the unfairness of it all. I love the drama.

Full speed ahead GOP...don't slow up for a second.

Political Correctness

2005-03-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hugh Hewitt

had a first class rant in the third hour of his show yesterday. He was all over the page...he made the lie detector test of a Mafia boss look even. It was a beaut...

He was disappointed that Tarzana Joe, poet extraordinarie, is not a finalist for the official State of California Poet Laureate. He attributes this to the pretty apparent PC quality of the list. Without knowing the individuals personally, I can't say whether this is true or not, but I have heard TJ often, and would be shocked that TJ couldn't make the final list in a fair process. So here is my take on PC.

If achieving a PC solution is the goal, you will rarely achieve excellence. By focusing away from the primary objective...excellence in the outcome of any endeavor, you will almost always miss the mark. This is because you have subjugated the importance of excellence to other factors such as team composition, presenting a "neutral" position, avoiding offending people/groups...a near impossibility in today's PC environment. Once excellence is subordinated, it is only by chance you will achieve it.

On the other hand, should excellence be your focus, there is a high likelihood that you can still meet most PC objectives. In building my current team I have hired two Asian technicians, two Hispanic technicians, and a female technician. I can honestly say, in each case, I hired the person who interviewed best for the position, and had the best qualifications. In my search for excellence, I was able to achieve a PC objective of team diversity, but it was an expected by-product of the process, not the driving factor. Another PC objective, sensitivity to other cultures, values, and points of view, was also achieved through the search for excellence.

In my view, doing right thing usually means focusing on achieving excellence in an excellent way, and if you can do this, PC will take care of itself. In TJ's case, California will suffer, because their process may not yield the best results.

Assassin, a Harvard grad and fellow trunk rider, had a great expression that I loved...
"If the minimum wasn't good enough, it wouldn't be the minimum." This works for old guys taking the PT test, but when it comes to poetry, it might leave us a bit disappointed. While Tarzana Joe may not gain the notoriety he may have, had he been selected, I know that he will continue to write great poems and educate us mouth-breathers periodically.

The Italians Retreat

2005-03-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet...

The Italians, showing no honor whatsoever, begin to abandon Iraq immediately after infusing our enemies with cash. Can anyone really decipher whose side they are on?

Political Philosophy 102 ...I say I am your friend, but I give money to someone to beat you up...hmmmm, am I still your friend? Italian Logic Class 101, the prerequisite to Political Philosophy 102, says...perfectly OK.

Can you say political expediency?

Certainly, the sacrifices of the Italian soldiers must be recognized as equal to that of our soldiers, but to cut and run in this fashion, honors them little, and our troops will, again, bear the brunt of the load.

I don't fault the President or his policies here, as it is becoming obvious that this coalition and likely all coalitions we can put together in the future will become the Coalition of the ...Squeamish, Uncommitted, Politically Adept, Morally Bankrupt, French Emulators, and (your adjective here).

It is becoming clear that very few countries have the will to take, and back up, moral stances in the GWT...more than anything else, this is what will ultimately keep us engaged in this fight for the interminable future. Sad.

When I call someone my friend, I know the person, and I know what he stands for. That's why I can call him friend, and why I can give him support when he is in need. In this measure of friendship, it is obvious we have few in this world. Not because of our behaviors, but because few other countries have what it takes to be a true friend to us. The Italians have clearly communicated what we mean to them. Likewise.

Subtle Pressure

2005-03-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

I am going to take a piece of one of SFAlphaGeek's stories out of context to reinforce my point about "high visibility" incidents garnering an ever increasing amount of scrutiny. It goes to the point, that because of the visibility generated by the Sgrena affair, it is possible (and based on my experience, likely) that our troops feel increased pressure while manning vehicle checkpoints. Check this bit out...

"...When we got back, we talked it over. The gunner was terribly embarrassed - the Army conditions you to think of an accidental discharge (an AD), or what they've lately taken to calling an ND (negligent discharge), as a personal failing - something that might happen to a private in a finance unit, but not to an experienced SF operator...."

I am sorry, but calling a like incident a "negligent discharge" before any investigation is conducted, implies that the discharger is guilty, and it carries such a heavy, negative connotation that it wouldn't shock me if some troops directly modified their behavior in some manner, in order to avoid committing this most henious crime. Should ADs be taken lightly, no, but in their zeal to eliminate ADs by renaming them more negatively, they do take a very real chance that at the individual level, measures have been taken to avoid NDs. Anyone who has been around troops for any length of time, with their eyes open, knows this. Most of the measures that will be taken will lessen their individual readiness posture.

People make mistakes all the time, but in the end, solutions must reflect an outcome that balances the risks/penalties of the current situation with the risks/penalties of a future situation infused with a more restrictive (by direct order or by preceived pressure) operating scheme in place. It is important that those who get the "heat" for NDs, or perceived the "heat" from the Sgrena episode, that they only pass down "heat" that will actually improve the safety and readiness of our troops...not corrections that simply reduce the chance for another "high vis" incident, while potentially adding risk to those in contact.

Reply to Tim Bossert, brother of Sgt Andrew Bossert

2005-03-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

I was reviewing my "comments" this evening, and I was faced with the difficult question that Tim Bossert posed to me. Tim is Andrew Bossert's older brother...Andrew is the Sgt I referred to in my last serious piece.

Sometimes there is no clear explanation on the battlefield. Sometimes the pieces cannot be fully put back into place. And sometimes the best effort does not yeild the expected results. BUT, this is not an out for Sgrena and the US brass...we need to ensure there will be no second guessing our troops in the field who operate under established SOPs. Tim's comment is first...my reply follows. Any perspective from others, particularly in Iraq, I think would be helpful. If I am off base, please correct me. Sincerely, MM.

Hello Mike. I have read your comment a few times on various other sites that quote your message and I must say, it has got me thinking and questioning a lot.My name is Tim Bossert and I am Andrew's older brother.
My main question is "What is being done at these checkpoints so that something like this never happens again?" I thought our miltary had put in extra safties to help guard against a checkpoint bomb.
Nothing I say can bring back my brother, but it makes things easier when a fellow soldier called the family and stated that Andrew did everything he was suppose to do and no mistakes on his part caused his death.
On one hand, I hope that what you are saying is untrue. I hope that her placing blame on our soldiers does not lead to more direct deaths of this nature.
6:12 PM
Major Mike said...
Tim,My deepest condolences to you and your family. Although I did not know Andrew personally, In my 20 years, I knew hundreds of Andrews. Young Marines (soldiers) professionally trained. Skilled and dedicated to the difficult tasks they were assigned. Whether it was working the deck of the USS Midway during difficult night ops, or gutting it out in training. Few real complaints, and a desire to do more. From what I have been exposed to, know that your brother was likey tight with his unit, tighter with his squad/platoon, proud of his service, and not likely to opt out of combat duty until his unit would be going with him. To me, and among soldiers, this is honor, and it is valued higher than any bit of ribbon that the government awards. I am saddened by your brother's death, and I know that a few words from me will do little to ease the sting of your loss, but know that your brother is now in the company of men that I hope will find a spot in formation for me when the time comes. I aspire to serve as nobley.

To answer your question. It has been my experience, and I may need some support from out there, that generally...that a story such as the Sgrena story, well founded in its basis or not, brings additional internal scrutiny. I am sure that the forces on the ground have done everything they can think of to make the tedious task of checkpoint monitoring as safe and effective as possible. But looking good in the press is an unspoken concern. In my first briefing in Italy in 1994, the Rules of Engagement for Bosnia, were essentially suicidal. Before my wingman could retaliate for my A/C being shot down, he would literally have to leave the area and get persmission to remove the target...permission that wasn't likely to be granted. In my opinion, and what leads me to draw this conclusion, it was risk avoidance by the Clinton administration...being able to claim we were doing something meaningful, while indeed we were at great risk for no return. The risk avoidance piece is paying lip service to an issue (genocide in Bosnia) while and no one is paying attention, UNTIL you end up in the press...which is why we had the restrictive ROE. No incidents...no bad press...no one knows we are there. In the same brief, with a serious face, an Air Force colonel read the overnight traffic and said..."last night we recorded the 956th violation of the No Fly Zone." I found this more than ironic, and I personally began referring to it as the Some Fly Zone. The ROE did not support the mission objectives, because staying out of the press was a higher concern.

Don't jump to conclusions yet though.

In the end, and I think the bloggers "in country" can help here a bit, I think there are a ton of variables every time a vehicle approaches a checkpoint. Mostly, SOPs will ensure the safety of those manning the checkpoints, but occassionally the variables will fall outside the SOPs. This is where training and instinct will always be on our side. I believe all of our services do a great job in training, and I have the utmost confidence that your brother and his mates had the skills they needed to man the checkpoint.

Which brings me to my last attempt to sort out what happened from this distance. Sometimes luck is the difference. I know, I was hanging out over the North Atlantic with two engines (out of two) on fire, middle of the night, new pilot, 420 miles from land...on the way to the first Gulf War. No good reason for me to be here...I have to credit some of it to simple luck. I know this is not much to hold on to, and given the words of the trooper who called the house, I have no other real explanation, BUT I wrote what I did because even the smallest seed of doubt by the troops in the line could cost them their lives. Sgrena needs to be aware of this and the heavy brass needs to be aware of this, so that our troops in the field WILL do exactly what needs to be done when the moment comes. I don't want them to hesitate because there is some hint of an investigation, or CNN is portraying all checkpoint soldiers as wonton murderers.

The soldiers on these checkpoints ARE protecting our freedoms, one car at a time, they need our support and empowerment from the Chain of Command...I am hoping that they have both. They simply need to be able to do their jobs without the HINT of outside pressure...the Sgrena incident raises the specter of this pressure...I had to comment on it. Again, my sincerest condolences, and my humble attempt at an explanation in a situation where there may be no clear one. Please email me anytime.Sincerely,Major Mike

Hockey Trip: Chapter 2

2005-03-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Aforementioned boat anchor may not make the trip...who still owns a boot disk anyway? Plus ,battery seems to have disliked 2 years of non-use. I'll try to horn in on my roomie's technology and get something out in the next day or two.

Hockey Trip

2005-03-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

I am leaving tomorrow to link up with my hockey team from 1984...we play in a tourney in Vegas every year. I am older, slower, and more apt to get beat by a good forward, but these guys are part of my family...other hockey players understand this. I am taking my previously mentioned boat anchor (6 year old laptop) in and effort to work on my book and to blog...assuming AOL 3.0 can still access the internet. I will endeavor to blog, as I don't want to lose traction, if I am unable, please come back on Sunday...I hope to have a book review of "Speed is life, more is better" posted, plus whatever thoughts hit me over the weekend.

My deepest sympathies to the Sgt.'s family mentioned below...that news has ruined my evening. Really, most of America cares. Sincerely. MM

Roadblock Procedures; Why Americans Insist on Italian Compliance

2005-03-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

From Sus...

and the following notice is exactly why nonresponsive vehicles get lit up at checkpoints! From the MilwaukeeChannel.com:

"An Army sergeant from Fountain City has died in Iraq. Diane Bossert said the family has not been given a lot of details about what happened as yet, except that her son, 24-year-old Sgt. Andrew Bossert, was at a checkpoint Monday when a car went through the checkpoint and blew up, fatally injuring him."

Question...are CNN and my girlriend Sgrena, going to write a letter to this trooper's parents explaining why he did the right thing in sacrificing his life at a checkpoint ,on the off chance that a freed journalist, who had a ransom paid for her that would subsequently escalate the insurency, who supports the insurgency, and slanders his actions...did the right thing in hesitating enough to sacrifice his life to terrorists? NO, they will hibernate in their journalistic shells and distance themselves through denial and plausible deflection. I literally cannot breath. This kind of heistation is brought by illegitimate scrutiny, caused by a self-centered and biased driven press, and it results in this everytime. A trooper, known but to few in the world is killed, and they insulate themselves because they did not know him personally.

We know this Sgt., he is our husband, our next door neighbor, our son, our teacher, our brother. And we are supposed to modify our procedures because one SELFISH Italian journalist, who put hundreds of more weapons in the hands of the enemy, gets biased coverage from a US news company? Next time, I'll court-martial the tank gunner who misses the car. Her fredom and life is not worth this. READ THIS MSM. This is why you're losing market share...you don't support the very real people who give you the freedom to criticize them.

Hugh Hewitt was right today...smell the fear. You are going down, because you fail to run every issue to ground and you give the free passes to those who you agree with, even though there is more journalism to be done...TO BE FAIR!!!! You're not getting the "fair" issue...finish each and every story, as is done in the blogoshpere, or you will be done in short order. Run the ransom story to ground. Run the impact of the Sgrena investigation to ground as it ties to this incident, or you have punted on your responsibilities. I don't expect it, but it will seal your demise.

We don't have to wait around for the morning paper, or the nightly news to get our information. We are running circles around you and your info loops, and we're crushing you in the process. We are on the offense, not against you, but for the truth. Get there, or you are done.

My deepest sympathies to this Sgt.'s family. Know that there are millions of us out here that appreciate his service, his sacrifice, and the sadnesses you will endure. We are here to support you and the cause he fought for. Additonally, we oppose the forces who demean his efforts.

I could not be more bitter tonight.

Blogger in WH; Sgerana wrap-up

2005-03-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

I am having a bit of trouble getting things to post...my original seemed to vaporize this am, so this is round deux...if they both post forgive me. The vast left-wing conspiracy has me under siege.

The Oregonian surprised me this morning with an article on the second page about blogger Garrett Graff being given his WH press credentials. Garrett blogs for FishbowlDC http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/ . I haven't had a chance to check out his work, but great step forward for bloggers. I am sure the MSM is in denial with such questions as...Where did he go to journalism school? Did he pay his dues as the local beat reporter in some po-dunk town? Can he determine the authenticity of documents and rig a Chevy to explode? Let's see where this leads.

Hugh Hewitt is right... www.hughhewitt.com the is an information revolution...MSM going to keep the ostrich act up?

Michelle Malkin is doing a great job pressing the Sgrena story...good work on translations and finding that the Italians may have paid over $15M for various ransoms. http://www.michellemalkin.com/

$15M in ransom? 15,000+ more IEDs in the game...More sophisticated triggers? Larger explosive yields? More homicide bomber death gratuities? I hope the Italian breadmakers calling daily for investigations have the stomach to run this to ground. This is the story...in the end, what did this money buy, and how many people did it ultimately kill? Any chance any intrepid MSM reporters will push this angle...don't hold your breath.

I hope that Sgrena and her do-gooder Italian patriots, each night see the faces of the dead this ransom utlimately causes. Maybe then she will realize that here life is worth no more than that of a Cpl with a wife and child at home. Sleep well Sgrena.

Blogger in White House

2005-03-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

I picked up my daily fishwrapper, the demo shill, the Oregonian, and on the second page I see that Garrett graff, blogger at FishbowlDC, has been given White House press credentials... http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/ . How can that be...does he have his degree in journalism? Has he done his time in the Metro section of the local paper? Has he had to figure out if documents were forged, or gas tanks would explode? He's only 23, my god, what a mistake.

Watch out MSM...Hugh Hewitt is right...there's a new information revolution...don't miss it. http://www.hughhewitt.com/

I am hoping this is the last time I have to write about my ex-girlfriend Sgrena. The lame and unfounded, psuedo-prostestations on her behalf, demanding apologies, investigations, and probably more money for her kidnappers, need to quit making their way into our press. The daily barrage of "Italy Demands Investigation," headlines are obliquely accusing our troops...theme familiar? Everyday these headlines are turning our well-trained, well-disciplined, and well-intentioned troops into monsters. MSM, knock it off...if you continually print this, you continually accuse our troops...is this your intent? If not, knock it off, for the 10th time.

Michelle Malkin is doing some great work on cleaaring up translation issues and story changes by the lovely Ms. Sgrena. I think this is where the story will go next...Michelle has a strong lead on it. http://www.michellemalkin.com/ . She is also reporting Italy may have paid up to $15M in ransom over the past year. Which brings me to my last point this am.

Even at $1000 a pop, which is probably way above market price, the Italians are responsible for at least 15,000 additional IEDs being in play. I guess I forgot, the life of one biased journalist is worth $15M, and potentially, the lives of15,000 troops, or more. Impossible to consider, but that is the reality of how the Italians, and the begging Ms. Sgrena, have changed the game. Wake up MSM this is the angle on the story that needs attention, not 15 more stories on Italian breadmakers demanding an apology.

The thought of our troops suffering because one, pathetic and self-centered journalist, turns my stomach. I hope she is cursed by seeing the faces of the dead that can be tied directly to her release...hopefully at that point she'll understand, the trade for her life was a deal with the devil. Sleep well.

Great Air Force Blog

2005-03-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Check out Air Force Voices http://airforceblog.typepad.com/ , LifeAchiever has a rockin' site, plus he mentions me twice, which automatically gets him a nomination for Blogger of the Year.

Now for Something Completely Different - Caution: Marine Oriented Material to Follow

2005-03-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

This piece was written to celebrate the life of a unique and very personable man. It is also a tribute to the United States Marine Corps, which provided me with the opportunity to serve my country and to share in a camaraderie that few can appreciate. Although edited somewhat because of the time that has passed, I tried to change very little, so that it would have the same feel as when it was written. Leatherneck magazine declined to publish it when it was submitted, I feel they treated the piece as an obituary, rather than an introspective on my transition from the Marine Corps to my new, and vastly different, “civilian” life. It is dedicated to the individual that helped me recognize how special my previous career had been. It is one of my favorite pieces.

Elwood “Al” Poff was killed in a car accident the evening of 17 April 1998. I don’t expect the name to be familiar to anyone reading this. Al was not famous. He was not a celebrity, but he was an important Marine. Not a general, nor a hero of any battle, he was, in fact a single term Marine who enlisted in the late fifties, completed his enlistment and settled in Portland, Oregon…which except for a few small recruiting stations and small reserve center, is virtually devoid of Marine culture.

Al was an electrician for Precision Castparts Corp. for nearly twenty-five years. He worked for me a short six weeks before his death. In that time, however, I was able to establish a rapport and friendship with Al that will take much longer for me to establish with the rest of his co-workers.

We shared the title…Marine. That said a lot without having to say it all. Because of our common ground we could easily get several “sea stories” into a fifteen minute break period, leaving unsaid all the things Marines, regardless of generation, understand.

He frequently reminded me, with more than a little sarcasm in his voice, that he was a “Hollywood” Marine, trained at MCRD San Diego vice MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. There was nothing “Hollywood” about Al Poff. The metal tips of his safety boots (cowboy in style) shone though the worn leather of both boots. Although he possessed a much newer pair, he preferred those boots. I suspect he preferred those boots because they were trusted friends and were gentle to his aging frame, and because our shop safety steward, two generations removed from Al, insisted they be retired. His wearing of those boots ensured a daily, friendly exchange with his co-worker. His tough, but tired body was robbed of its dash by a stroke 12 years ago and never did yield the élan imagined of a self titled “Hollywood” Marine. His sarcasm here belied a clever wit.

I am certain that given an M-1 rifle, the pieces would be removed and organized into an inspection worthy display, with little effort and a smug grin…as if such a skill is routine to all the world. He (of course) readily recited his Drill Instructor’s names, his service number, and his rifle serial number from boot camp when asked. Things Marines just don’t forget. No, Al Poff, regardless of his halfhearted insistence, was no “Hollywood” Marine, but he was every bit Marine.

Al had lost his dogtags, and he almost lost his faith in Marines. His previous request to a local recruiter to replace his Marine identity went unfilled. He was too proud to ask again. It was one of the first things Al told me. A heartfelt thanks to the Marines at Marine Forces Pacific, who filled that request, and to my wife (now ex-wife…long story), also a Marine, who delivered them to me just a week before Al was killed. This small, but meaningful gesture, restored his faith in the active Marines and brought a watery shine to some tired eyes. I could not have been more proud to be a Marine as I was at that moment in the plant cafeteria. It equaled the pride I felt in the Marine Corps on the day of my retirement ceremony.

Why write about Al? To me Al was the manifestation of an idea I had first heard 24 years ago. Once a Marine always a Marine. Al was the first former Marine I encountered in my new, and still brief retirement. He was the evidence to me that the United Sates Marine Corps is indeed unique in its ability, not only to produce the finest warriors in the world, but also in its ability to develop a bond among comrades that is unrivaled in the world today. That simply having been a Marine is enough to erase generational divides and provide a common ground for evolving and lasting friendships. Al was my connection to this realty. We had easily become friends in the short time we had known each other… it might not have been, without the common title, Marine.

Al Poff will be remembered by many as a friend and co-worker. He will be remembered by few as a Marine. He will be remembered by me as the “Hollywood” Marine he claimed to be, and as an important figure in my transition from the bosom of the Marine Corps to the less special surroundings of the civilian world. He was my bridge to both.

I thank the Marine Corps for the privilege of a 20 year career, and this special feeling, I know I could not have gotten anywhere else. Again, my special thanks to the Marine of MARFORPAC for the dogtags, and the joy they brought an old Marine. And, although I don’t understand when he took Al, I thank God for the privilege of knowing Al Poff, and the brief, and irreplaceable joy he brought to me.
© Michael McBride 2005

SFAG - Very Good Perspective Piece on MSM/Mil Relations

2005-03-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

SFAG connects on his latest piece...http://www.sfalphageek.blogspot.com/ ...very even handed look at MSM/Mil relationships. Some of the best takes...

"In large part, it seems that the current generation of journalists see themselves as supra-nationalists. Having slipped the surly bonds of patriotism (which they would refer to as "nationalism") and having overcome classical liberal morality that would see the US as a force for good in the world, journalists feel themselves accountable only to "getting the story" and to what they would consider an internationalist point of view. Since military service is one of the ultimate expressions of patriotism, and the US military in particular views itself as moral force - fighting the good fight and obeying the laws of warfare even when their opponents do not - its little wonder that the two institutions fail to see eye to eye."

On reporters never asking where the junior officers and unit SNCOs were in Abu Gharib...

Either way, the immediate chain of command is the dog that didn't bark in the night. But nobody with enough voice in the mainstream media knew enough to raise it as far as I can tell. That kind of ignorance of the military means that reporters simply can't provide the context around their coverage of military operations, and that increases the problems the next issue causes:

Check it out...

New Math

2005-03-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

I apologize to all the Math majors out there on my equation in the comment section of my previous post...I should have realized I was solving for "j" not $1M...so here's another try...

j= -$1m - 1d(agent) - x US(soldiers) - yi(Iraqi citizens)

So, in plain English, one communist, Italian journalist is worth... $1M (or more), one dead Italian agent, potentially dozens of killed or injured GIs, and dozens of killed or injured Iraqi citizens. Geez the US is so barbaric that they don't pay ransoms more often...how else are the insurgents going to remain employed. There is no justification possible for this trade off. How self centered could you be not to see this. When subsequent journalists are captured there will be no boo-hooing form me. They get what they deserve.

In fact, I expect to see a rash of captured journalists...why not, the insurgentnappers get money to keep going, and they get great press coverage when the hostage is released, and the US gets slammed in the press...it is the tri-fecta for them.

In the end, the damage done by that $1M ransom can probably never be truly calculated, but the trade for one journalist will never balance the equation in my mind. Our troops are going to pay the interest on that money with their lives and their limbs. A very proud day for journalism indeed.

Sgrena ...let's work to get to the truth

2005-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

I need help on this one...anyone read German? Yo hablo solomente espanol. This is the only reference to ransom I have been able to find so far, so any help out there is greatly appreciated.
http://www.tagesschau.de/aktuell/meldungen/0,1185,OID4125868_REF1,00.html

My take here is CNN gave her a full ride on the following piece, and let her write her own story. The $1M is important, because if it turns out that a ransom was paid for her, and she fails to admit that in the story of her "dramatic release," it will have been ommitted to cover that fact that the insurgents have now received money to continue their fight with dollars paid for her realease. Oh, I guess anyone could have forgotten to mention that...particularly a communist reporter, from another courntry, who said to her captors ...

"In the first days of my kidnapping I did not shed a tear. I was simply furious. I would say in the face of my captors: "But why do you kidnap me, I'm against the war."

Check out the CNN story here... http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/03/06/il.manifesto/index.html

So, I am sure that her comments show no bias towards the US , its policies, and in the end, with her direct accusations, our military. C'mon. And CNN puts this out as if it were the Rosetta stone.

Let's say that the insurgents were in the market for a few spare parts, and the the sellers knew thay had the insurgents over a barrel, geez, the insurgents might actually have to pay up to, maybe $200 to make a bomb. Sgrena could be DIRECTLY responsible for upwards of 50,000 more IEDs. Any chance she will reflect on this at any point in the remainder of her life? I doubt it. Of the next 50,000 IEDs that go off...let's see how many casualties our forces take. Does she bear any cuplability?

The translation above will tell, and in time, I think we'll find that the Italians were willing to trade $1M for the life of a journalist, the death of an agent, and the potential death of dozens (if not more) American soldiers. And we're apologizing? And people wonder why we don't think real highly of journalists...get the CLUE.

Don't buy into it...push back...this one is way over the top. Mobilize. This topic needs to be swarmed.

http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/002306.html Not sure what I am doing here, but trying to trackback to Mudville to get more help on this one.

Great Stuff from Special Forces Alpha Geek

2005-03-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Real world, read it... http://sfalphageek.blogspot.com/ . Nicely done SFAG!

Bullets vs. Speeding Journalists

2005-03-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

I am grinding my teeth on this one, so this will be short and to the point.

I was livid today as I read the top headline for the Oregonian today (Patrick Quinn, AP)..."US bullets greet freed hostage." In the fifth paragraph, about a quarter inch from being sent to page A6, the article finally says..."The US military said the car was speeding as it approached a coalition checkpoint in western Baghdad at 8:55pm, It said soldiers shot into the engine block only after trying to warn the driver to stop by 'hand and arm signals, flashing white lights, and firing warning shots'." It would seem to me, that a "fair" presentation of the story would be to carry part of this clarification in the first paragraph and mitigate the headline somewhat with something like..."Checkpoint incident under investigation, freed journalist injured." Oh, I am sorry, that doesn't sell enough newspapers.

I must also report, in all fairness that the O did run a story today about a large weapons cache that a local NG unit uncovered with some great work...oh, I forgot to mention...below the fold with a header that was a yawner, and the font size was about 1/2 that of the one at the top of the page.

Here's the issue...I want all reporter types to get this...I do not want ONE GI injured because they take any "extra" precautions because of, or for, journalists. I would not be sending one of my Marines home in a body bag...a Marine who might be your son, daughter, neighbor, brother, friend, etc...because they hesitated for one second, while a car rushed their checkpoint in the dark. My Marines would not take a car bomb in the lips because some journalist felt that established procedures do not apply to those who carry pencils.

Now the press will dredge up every friendly fire incident of the war, they will dredge up the EA-6B incident of ten years ago...all for what? To add perspective to a story that they have already chosen to slant? I cannot make this more clear...the bottom half of today's O was designed to sell papers to moms and dads of soldiers...the top half was to slander them and their efforts. We need to quit buying their papers, and quit giving them access. They have chosen to side with a communist journalist that was putting our troops in danger....could it be any more clear?

Carrying a pencil does not make you special or bulletproof. I am not listening to the belly-aching about this incident. Our guys used their guns because they HAD to...they had no idea who was in the car...no apologies necessary. And certainly, none coming from me.

Comments on Jay Rosen's Site

2005-03-04T23:50:00.000-08:00

It appears that Marky48 and I may be getting in to a running gun battle about a moral question posed by Jay Rosen...worth a peek. My comments are almost to the bottom. Enjoy.

3/6/05...looks like marky48's and my last comments wer pulled from Jay's site...one of my best lines ever..."CNN would do anything to pull 15 chuckleheads away from their Faces of Death videos to grab a bit more in the ratings."

CNN, and the MSM, will do ANYTHING to to gain readersip/viewership, let's start avoiding their sites...the troops in the end will pay for their ratings...I won't be a part of it.

Marky...come by anytime and comment, I look forward to it. MM

MSM Corrections vs. Blog Corrections

2005-03-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

The high and mighty MSM, their domain under attack by a plethora of citizen journalists, are increasingly whining about their shrinking base, and the unfairness of it all. Sadly, they still perceive that they are the sole messengers of the "pure" truth, whereas in reality, they have reduced themselves to simply storytellers, and in many cases novelists with access to the front page...Jason Blair, Dan Rather, et. al..

But something caught my eye a couple of days ago while I was reviewing Hugh Hewitt's Blog and Michelle Malkin's blog...They each posted corrections. Both corrected some minor detail about an item that appeared in their respective blog. Interesting...the language was straightforward, the font size was the exact same as their usual postings, and the obvious intent was to make a needed correction.

Now compare that to your usual MSM retraction which is: 1. Non-existent. 2. Buried on page C23. 3. Defensively unapologetic. 4. In a font so small, an electron microscope would have a tough time discriminating between letters.

I am amazed that the MSM still believes they are the torch bearers when their best efforts fall far short of what they demand from all other institutions. Step One for getting back in the game...learn how to admit and correct your many mistakes!

Military Awards; Two Complaints

2005-03-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am struck by the fact that, at least locally, I have not seen hardly any military awards ceremonies covered in either the papers or on national/local TV. I see two potential issues here…I feel obliged to comment on both.

First, I am fearful that the military has not moved far from its practices of the 80’s and 90’s in the way awards were meted out.

There were a few hanging chads from the Vietnam War that impacted our awards policies for the two decades hence. First, there are many Vietnam vets that are unable to recount the specifics for which they received their combat awards. In essence, they were uncertain of the value of their awards, because they were given awards as a matter of policy, vice being given awards for specific actions that were captured by a third party and independently submitted through the chain. This is not meant to besmirch the awards of Vietnam Vets, but to relate the feelings of vets that I have heard many times... that without the connective tissue of a specific act that even the recipient views as modestly heroic, the award, while higly valued in the culture, may not be highly valued by the recipient. In other words, a bad awards program diminishes the value of the awards. This had the effect of downplaying the value of awards in the years following Vietnam, de-emphasizing them almost into extinction. I recall very few awards ceremonies from 1978-1984.

The second post-Vietnam effect is one of direct comparison. By all accounts, the combat tours of duty in Vietnam were extremely dangerous and challengingly arduous. The follow-on combat operations, such a Grenada and Panama, were of such short duration, that the thought of giving out combat awards for operations that lasted less than a week, seemed a bit too much for most commanders, all of whom were Vietnam era vets. Hence, in the Marine Corps anyway, combat awards for those actions are viewed as rare, and highly won.

In combination, these factors created a bit of a backlash. A kind of diametric attitude that viewed awards as both minimally worthwhile, but conversely required some Vietnam comparison litmus test to merit awarding. By my observation this lasted until about 1985, as all types of awards were begrudgingly given out, at an impressively stingy rate. Increasingly, more and more non-combat, peacetime medals were given out, until a credible equilibrium seemed to be achieved…balancing the need for a viable awards program while ensuring that awards retained their value.

Quietly, however there evolved a tiering within the awards system that appeared to schedule out awards according to rank. In a lot of cases this makes sense. Legions of Merit are not designed to be given Lance Corporals just out of “A” School, but I observed many cases where Navy Commendation Medals were downgraded to Navy Achievement Medals simply because the intended recipients were Sergeants instead of Staff NCO’s. There were stratifications within the officer ranks as well. The rank-based approach to medal awarding slowly began to become accepted practice that saw very few exceptions.

Where all this concerns me today, is in the issuance of combat awards during the extent of OIF and OIF II. I don’t worry about issuing too many combat awards, I worry that the appropriate combat awards are not being awarded to the troops who are the preponderance of the forces engaged with the enemy. Since I am not seeing any in the paper, nor on the news, I worry we may be continuing to be too stingy with awards and/or passing them through some artificial litmus tests before they are awarded, having the overall effect of awarding fewer deserved awards.

I hope this is not the case…which brings me to the second point about the MSM…start treating our combat troops with the respect they deserve.

The MSM focus on prison scandals, keeping a running body count on our front pages, deriding the fighting of the insurgency, has the effect of diminishing the exhausting efforts of our troops in the field. Additionally, the MSM is all too eager to show our veterans who are now in re-hab as amputees, and to publish the funeral processions of our veterans killed in action. Don’t be fooled, these stories are being published as attacks on the President, SOD and their policies, not in an effort to honor our troops. If there were such an effort to honor our individual soldiers they would also be carrying stories on the heroic actions of our soldiers and the awards ceremonies that are certainly taking place. How many of those have been aired/published…none that I have seen locally.

So, my call,…to the military…make sure you’re giving out combat awards as they are earned. Skip the rank tests. Skip the quotas. Lighten up on the Bronze Stars and Silver Stars to staff officers. And, get the awards ceremonies honoring our troops into the papers, onto the web, and onto the nightly news.

To veterans…don’t let the MSM use you and your families as you go through your difficult re-habs. They are not doing it to honor you, they are doing it to sell newspapers and air time. Don’t let them drag you and your honor down to their level…insist on a trade…your story for additional, positive coverage of our troops and their heroic efforts in the field.

To the MSM…wise up…good news does sell. Compelling stories of troops in combat sells print. Get the clue. Quit using our vets and their horrific injuries to sell your tripe. Balance your coverage or get out of the business.

To those who suspect I am writing this over bitterness about my own personal decorations, or lack thereof…fear not, I am very colorful in my dress uniforms, including a nice smattering of individual meritorious awards, individual combat awards, and a few left over ribbons for above the right pocket on my dress blues…DD214 available upon request.

Let’s do the young troops justice…give them the medals they earn, give them the coverage the deserve…simple message.

Blog Philosophy 101

2005-03-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

If a piece is posted on a blog and nobody reads it…is it really published? I admit I have become increasingly frustrated by the low number of hits on my site, so I took a few days off to feel sorry for myself and contemplate my blogging future. I love the medium, and the latitude to publish on subjects that I want to write about, but if I am not gaining ground with readers, I have to question the value of my time spent at the keyboard. Which I did, and I am still struggling with the question as to whether or not there is a need for my blog, and the types of things I enjoy writing about.

I still don’t have that answer, but I want to put out a piece on military awards and they scant press coverage they garner. Coming soon.

Putting Easongate Into Perspective

2005-02-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/columnists/orl-parker,1,6924287.columnist?ctrack=1&cset=true Parker’s Feb 16 editorial, Orlando Sentinel

For all of the Chicken Littles out there lamenting the rise in blogger “power,” (including the likes of Bob Beckel, David Gergen, and Kathleen Parker), rest easy, the demise in the MSM lies in the MSM’s hands, not in the hands of the blogoshpere. What each of these boo-hooers fail to grasp is that the bloggers who covered this story did so responsibly, and for the most part asked for one of two things…Eason Jordan to explain himself, which he did not do, or for the Davos tape to be released, which also was not done. In the absence of either “responsible” action, and a complete lack of MSM interest to pursue, the search for the “truth,” was left to interested parties in the blogosphere. End of story.

The fact the Eason Jordan was canned because he could not prove his slanderous claims causes me to pause for nary a second. I suspect that his canning has little to do with the blogoshpere effort and more to do with his unsupportable and outlandish comments made about his home country’s military. The intensity of the blogosphere attacks would have little impact if the statements were: 1. Proved to have never been made. 2. Were made, but found to be in a defendable context. 3. Were made and investigated to be true. None of which occurred. They were made and covered up…with the help of an olfactory-less bloodhound known as the MSM. In the end, he was fired, because he, CNN, or the rest of the MSM could not cover up what he said. They could only attempt to mitigate what could not be mitigated. All were found lacking and Jordan gets canned. Fair exchange in my mind for the slander he brought upon the men and women dying to give him the right to say those very words.

I am done worrying about Jordan and his job…if he is good at what he does, and he can keep his mouth in line, like most of us have to at work, he should get a new job…good luck.

Now for all the blogoshpere paranoiacs… chill out. Kathleen Parker’s Feb 16th editorial in the Orlando Sentinel is over the top. Her conclusion is that the blogoshpere may, in the end, have the effect of chilling free speech. Are you kidding me? It only chills merit-less allegations. It chills fabricated stories and evidence. It chills bias and partisan coverage. It does not however chill the truth.

I think the paradigm shift that is being missed here by the MSM and fringe bloggers like Parker, is that we don’t want the “story,” as written by some left-leaning, biased MSM reporter. We simply want the truth, and we are not going to wait six months for some watered down version to come from us via the MSM, with a slant that tells us that rain is actually sunshine.

We have the power, and it is powerful, to get to the truth in rapid order. The power in the blogoshpere lies in the fact the “truth” will surface, not with the bloggers. Beckel, Gergen, Parker, and the rest will do well to recognize this, and quit lamenting the firing of a journalist who felt that he could hide from the truth.

Alive and Well

2005-02-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

I am back. I've been med down since Thurs evening and unable to muster enough energy to cast three weiner dogs off my horizontal carcass to blog. I'll have more later today on David Gergen and Bob Beckel, and why the MSM, and old time oepratives, are not getting the blogosphere. A couple of soon-to-be dinosauers amongst the hundreds, like Jordon, heading to the La Brea Tar Pits. Not being driven by "maniacal," "fanatical," "packdogs," from the right, but leading themselves there through a true failure to recognize the nimbleness the future requires, and the agility that the blogoshpere brings to the modern age of truth telling. Notice I didn't say "reporting."

More On Easongate, Schechtergate, Cramergate

2005-02-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,146898,00.html Hannity and Colmes
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/003784.php Captain Ed on Cramer

Ok...one more time, with feeling...

The Palestine Hotel incident needs to be put to bed. If you choose to be inside a war zone, choose your side wisely. As the other side gets closer, and their weapons are pointing in your direction...you could be killed. Should have thought of that beforehand. I don't care if HQ had been given the Lat/Long for the hotel...if the trooper in the tank thinks he is being targeted, he is cleared to take action. As with any loss of life, the reporter's death is tragic, but it cannot, under any circumstances, be construed as intentional targeting, i.e. murder.

Also, given the propensity for those in the MSM and foreign correspondents to be anti-American ( I offer this up as common knowledge, if that doesn't cut it, it is my heartfelt opinion), there are no guarantees, in my mind, that there were no Iraqi soldiers in the hotel at the time of the incident. And I certainly wouldn't expect any of them to warn the soldiers in the tank. So...tough luck, there are no safe houses in combat...for journalists or otherwise. It is essential that they come to understand this...while not specific targets, they are made of flesh and bone, like the rest of us. Death is just one round away. Accept it, or cover sports. If you do accept it, accept that your chances of dying are exponentially higher if you hang with the other team...fact.

As far as targeting Al Jazeera specifically, seems improbable, but the chances of getting killed while hanging with the Taliban are significantly higher than if your with the Marines on the ground. There are risks with job, and frankly, no "story" is worth getting killed over...eventually all of the available information will come to the surface. The tradeoff for "real time" coverage is risk. Producers need to understand this and call the shots for their reporters, not expect extraordinary care from our forces engaged with the enemy, just to get something to the paper 30 mins faster. If reporters continue to try to look for EVERY angle, they will continue to get killed in a variety of ways...unavoidable,

If there is a shred of truth to this story WHERE IS THE PROOF? If CNN cannot uncover ANY evidence after their execs start spouting off, then they either suck as reporters or THERE IS NO STORY!!! So get your proof on the table. If you don't have the proof, admit the accusations were baseless and false, apologize to the Armed Forces, and never work in journalism again.

Schechter ( in the H&C piece) first says it wasn't the troops but a "kind of policy." He later says "No, it wasn't a policy." Then he says "there wasn't responsibility taken by our military." Here is the rub on all three of these chuckleheads...Make your accusations clear and concise, provide your evidence, make your argument, defend it, and let the chips fall where they may. If you can't do all of that, shut the hell up! Your continued, unsupported accusations about our governmental policies and your branding of our military is slanderous, and inexcusable. Knock it off.

Military Distrust of the MSM…

2005-02-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

The current relationship between the military and the media is both good, and terrible. By many accounts, working relationships between embedded reporters and the military units to which they are attached, are very good. Without a doubt, as a 20-year member of the military, the rest of the MSM is despised by the military. Yes I said, and mean, despised.

The latest flap with Jordan Eason only highlights why. Jordon treats the “US military” as a people-less target, but of course, this is not the case. Consequently, his flippant, accusatory, and slanderous remarks, both in Davos, Switzerland and in Portugal in November 2004, while undoubtedly aimed at a monolith, in the end are a slander against its members, individually and collectively. There is no escape from this. Without proof, without unit numbers, without individual incidents cited, he has branded all members of the military as potential murderers and torturers.

I loathe the MSM, but I would never consider “targeting” or killing a journalist without cause. If a journalist endangered my life or the lives of my men, however I would kill/target in a heartbeat. The mission comes first, period. I will not make a clearing pass to make sure there are no journalists around a damaged personnel carrier or downed helo. I will destroy it as commanded without hesitation or reservation. There are no “time outs” for journalists and their stories. This is combat, and they take their chances with the rest of us.

Conversely, we recognize that reporters are not professionally trained soldiers, so they may need a little looking after. As I watched the video streams in the spring of 2003, there were many stories by reporters praising the care and protection they received by the individuals within the units. So, until we see more proof, this should stand as the record.

Why do I loathe the press…repeated story filing in front of a burned out KC-130 in Khe Sanh, Viet Nam early 1968, leaving the impression that two or three a day were getting shot down. This misrepresentation gave the impression that our troops on the ground were failing, almost daily. Great background shot, but taken by the military as unfair. I side with the military.

Grenada. Pictures are carried in every major newspaper and magazine, showing a bootless pilot dead on the beach. Media defends this as showing part of the horrors of war. The family of the only Marine aviator casualty took it a bit different when they saw their son’s body used to sell more copy. In a panel discussion at Amphibious Warfare School in 1984, not one of the panelists (journalists) felt that there was anything wrong with publishing that photo, even after knowing the circumstances. We loathed them for the lack of respect they gave a fellow human being, his family and his service. We loathe them for the lack of remorse they felt for taking this position as well.

I appreciate Rebecca McKinnon’s comments in Hugh Hewitt’s forum (www.hughhewitt.com), but I find a few defenses a bit shallow. “Herd and mob behavior in the blogoshpere.”? Watch any major news story, particularly a tragedy, and then tell me about herds and mobs. The MSM operates as a pack 90% of the time, EXCEPT when they don’t want to cover something…particularly this story!!! Professional journalists cover the story, and let the chips fall where they may. The “herds and mobs” are the only ones trying to get to the truth here. Get the MSM on this and the blogoshpere will quiet down, but until this happens don’t dismiss the collective efforts of our citizen journalists as “herd and mob” action.

Her example about a checkpoint incident, where a journalist had to wait his/her turn, again shows the underlying arrogant expectations of journalists. Humble soldiers wait their turns. They are in lines half of their military lives. Why do journalist feel different? Why do they believe that they deserve head of the line privileges, while others wait their turn? Individual targeting, or following established procedures in order to protect all within the “green zone?” I suggest that by attempting to short circuit procedures that journalist endangered the lives of everyone already at the checkpoint, and potentially a significant number of people within. Targeting? Get real.

There are no excuses for journalists coloring a story, regardless of the pressures of combat. Would military personnel be justified in killing civilians just because of the pressures of combat? If the troops can take the time to sort it out under fire, the journalists can take the time to sort it out when filing their stories. No built in excuse for journalists, as she offers below.

“I can see why this situation might keep news execs up at night worrying about their people, and why it might also lead to a feeling amongst non-embedded journalists in Iraq that some servicepeople dislike them and are "out to get them," whether or not that's really the case. I can also see how that feeling might color journalists' reporting about the U.S. military in Iraq. The journalists are only human and they're working in a dangerous environment.”

William Prochnau’s book Once Upon a Distant War is an excellent book chronicling the early days of reporting in Vietnam. He brings to light the many positive contributions that professional journalists made during the early years in Vietnam. Practices and professionalism that waned as lesser reporters began to look for advancement and notoriety through the reporting of the war. Reporting that eventually created a chasm that has yet to be fully mended.

Gulf War I and OIF, through embedded reporting, went a long way to bring facts to the MSM while repairing much of the damage caused in the 70’s and 80’s, but Eason Jordan’s irresponsible accusations just freshen the wounds, and push reconciliation well out into the future. I don’t regret it. When professional journalism returns to the MSM, that chasm can be narrowed. They can start by covering this story.

Eason Jordon's Davo Remarks

2005-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

I realize that there is very good traction on the Eason Jordon comments in Davos, but I’d still like to weigh in with my perspective. Captain Ed is covering it well, but alas, I must blog.

Captain's Quarters

CNN is in big trouble here. Let’s make no mistake, CNN exploded its reputation and influence through its coverage of the Gulf War in 1991. Americans were glued to their television sets from the launch of the first airstrike to the cease-fire. CNN ruled the airwaves, and put itself into a dominant position covering the war, a war fought by the very types of men, and some of the same men, Eason is slandering now. Incredible. No wonder their network, once preeminent in its field, is slipping into ridiculousness.

Issue #1. Where is the rest of the MSM on this one? By covering this story up through neglect, they are tacitly giving support to Eason Jordon and his position AND impugning their own reputations as journalistic institutions in the process.

Jordon’s claims are newsworthy, whether true or false. Every other credible institution should investigate. Imagine rogue elements of the military killing journalists. Or worse yet, commanders ordered the killings, and soldiers and Marines carried out those orders. These allegations are serious, and in order to protect our democracy from rogue military elements, this has to be investigated. So either the MSM is incapable of determining whether or not the military killed/tortured 12 reporters, or they are not interested in finding out. Either way, they must not be very good at what they do.

Of course the reason it is not being thoroughly examined is because everyone recognizes that there is very little chance that these charges are true, and that the real issue is that Jordon is off his rocker…something the other elements of the MSM are not too eager to expose. But, by ignoring this side of the story, they begin down the slippery slopes of “controlling” what is “news,” and conspiring to protect their brethren…something they loathe the military for.

If the MSM smelled a hint of truth in a conspiracy and cover-up, they would be all over it like a dirty shirt. This is the type of thing they would commit considerable resources to expose. To maintain a scintilla of credibility all MSM sectors should thoroughly investigate both sides of the question, and no wiggle room should be given to Jordon or CNN, when they are found not credible.

Issue #2. What has our military done to justify these types of comments? They have fought and died for this country. They have protected the freedoms of the very people who slander their reputations. You may disagree with the President and his policies, and in the process exercise your rights to free speech and criticize your country, but leave the reputations of the men who have valorously defended freedom across the globe out of your venom filled myopia.

Our military has dug itself out of a post-Vietnam malaise, and formed itself into one of the most powerful, effective, efficient, and professional institutions the world has known. How has the MSM progressed? Multitudes of completely fabricated stories, forged documents, staged “investigative” productions, several Pulitzer Prizes awarded to news pieces that were pure fiction, no self-regulation or discipline, and an approach to the “news” so partisan a Chia Pet could see it. Get off the military. Bash Bush at UN cocktail parties…he can take it, but leave the country and its protectors alone, unless you bring the proof with you.

Issue #3. CNN has to send a clear message via the firing of Jordan. When it is credibly exposed that Jordan is a fabricator of substantial proportions, he must be unceremoniously fired. Without self-regulation and discipline, a “profession” cannot exist. Slowly the MSM is killing the “profession” of journalism through excuse building, story fabrication, bias, and covering for their own. Sounds a lot like what the press often accuses doctors and lawyers of.

There are certainly skilled journalists about, but they and their efforts are being tarnished by the sloppy, biased, and “unprofessional” work of a growing number of journalists. Failure to condemn this action, by CNN and the MSM at large, serves to put all into the same sinking boat. If there is to be a journalism “profession,” it needs to discipline one of its own, NOW. It is time for the Neil Sheehans and David Halberstams to speak up.

Issue #4 (recurring theme). The US isn’t always right. Conversely it isn’t always wrong. Bush isn’t always right. Conversely, he isn’t always wrong. No system, no country, no President is perfect, but perfect can be the enemy of good enough. Let’s get the discourse out of the mud. Disagree with Bush, but bring something constructive to the table. It is mathematically impossible for Bush to have been wrong on every single thing he has done since he has taken office, but the media and the Dems have yet to acknowledge that he has been successful in even one area. This right-wrong discourse is what is dividing this country, and it is killing productive debate on complex issues. Go into debates looking for common ground and solutions, not looking for more vociferous ways to disagree.

The lack of meaningful discourse, and the decline in consistent and even communication is chipping away at our democratic foundation. Let’s all play like adults. Our future, the future of our institutions, and even the future of our very country are at stake.

John Kerry's Record

2005-02-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

MTP Transcript

After reviewing the transcripts of Sunday's "Meet the Press," I continue to be struck by how disingenuous Kerry is. He claims...

"RUSSERT: Would you sign Form 180?
KERRY: Yes, I will. But everything that we put in it, Tim -- everything we put in -- I mean, everything that was out was a full documentation of all of the medical records, all of the fitness reports.
And I'd call on those who have challenged me, let's see their records. I want to see the records of each of those people who have put up a challenge, because some of them have some serious questions in them... "

What records should we be interested and why.

A copy of his original DD214. This would show all of his training, awards, MOSs, etc., but it would also have the character of his first discharge (circa 1972). The questions about the character of his first discharge have not been cleared up with the controlled release of information.

An authentic copy of his first discharge certificate, again (circa 1972), not the one he had re-issued once he was sworn in as a Senator. The only relevant one is the original, that will likely reflect his anti-war behavior. Behavior he was involved with prior to his final discharge, and behavior he is responsible for. Understanding the full character of his first discharge is critical in putting his reputation into context.

Copies of each of the medical reports for each of his Purple Hearts. This goes dead to the issue of his motive to push for these awards. For those who have served, it is clear he was developing his own personal "exit strategy." I am pretty sure this Marine would release his full medical records were he to run for President.
(photo)

John Kerry can clear up this issue by simply releasing his treatment record for those injuries.

He needs to provide copies of the combat action logs for the Christmas in Cambodia trip,...now an ambush. To this point, there were never any claims about combat action on this supposed mission. He threw this out on MTP, now he needs to back it up.

John Kerry needs to fade into the sunset. His service record is tattered, not because he simply served in Vietnam, but because it appears that some of his awards were issued without merit, because of his many exaggerations and false stories, and because he still has not signed the Form 180 that would allow an uncensored release of his record. Until his entire, unedited, record hits the wire he has NO credibility, and indeed is completely shamed by the courageous actions like that of the Marine above. Kerry couldn't carry his canteen.

Courage America

2005-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Chris Wallace made a few comments on the Hugh Hewitt show last week that caused me some concern. As he and Hugh were talking about the (then) upcoming elections in Iraq, Chris and Hugh noted the potential dangers to the Iraqi voters. Then Chris tossed out a line that made me pause...he said, “I am not sure I would vote,” or words to that effect. I hope that if Chris took the time to reflect on his comments, he would reconsider his stance.

Living in a democracy takes courage…not just from our soldiers, but also from every one of our citizens. As soon as we become afraid to exercise our hard fought freedoms, we will lose them. At what point is Chris willing to risk his life to participate in this democracy that he greatly benefits from? I am not railing Chris, but his attitude mirrors a growing majority of the population that wants democracy, but cowers when the going gets tough.

What would Chris have done if he had been on flight 93 as it was heading back to DC? Protecting our freedoms takes a firm resolve of ALL of our citizens…men, women, and maybe children. If our citizens ever fail to vote because they simply fear for their personal safety, we are through as a nation. We have to KNOW that we would vote, regardless of the personal risks. It is this kind of resolve that protects our democracy.

Failing to participate out of fear will open the door to myriad of anti-democratic forces. Imminent? No, but exercising our rights is what keeps our system functioning, just as physical exercise strengthens the body.

Our Defense Department only protects the citizens, the citizens protect the democracy. We need to understand that voting IS worth any risk. And while the physical risks in defending our democracy are usually borne by our soldiers, everyone needs to be prepared to assume some of that risk should the time come.

Additional Comments on Bill Clinton Davos Remarks

2005-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

RadioBlogger

I had an opportunity to comment on air last night on the Hugh Hewitt show about Charlie Rose's interview with Bill Clinton in Davos, Switzerland. Kudos to Radioblogger for his adept Tivo'ing of the ridiculous exchange...a masterpiece to be preserved for the ages.

I will elaborate on my main "on-air" points. Foremost, it seems that Bill is auditioning for the Chauncey Gardiner role in a remake of "Being There." He adds about as much depth to a conversation as adding water to broth would thicken a soup, but Charlie is hanging on his every word as if he was gaining insight from Pythia at the Oracle at Delphi, or was that the Dalai Lama? His rambling comments left me open-mouthed as I was driving home. I am sure those in the fast lane could count my full set of teeth. I simply cannot understand how Clinton can get away with his slack comments on Tianemen Square, have them lapped up by the audience, and not pounced on by Charlie Rose.

Some potential follow-up questions...What pressure did you put on the Chinese government post-Tianemen Square to insure expansion of human rights in China? Do you view China's inclusion into the WTO as appropriate based on their human rights performance? How can Charlie not ask tougher questions?

Bill Clinton is not a fountain of accurate historical, political, or geo-political discourse, but because he is who he is...the only bright light for the Dems since, hmmm, JFK (the first one)...he gets the hanging fastball every time. And even with this advantage, he fails to impress with his embarrassingly shallow and inane answers.

Secondly...the increasingly more frequent and biting attacks that he launches at GWB, via America, are a sign that the Dems are about out of useful political ammunition. The fact that they are relying on JC (not that one, Jimmy Carter) and BC to engage in post-presidential politics to carry their water is a sign of their desperation. If the Dems HAD political capital they wouldn't be relying on delaying nominees in the Senate, nor would they have to trash America to get to the President and his policies. When former Presidents have to carry the fight for the party it is a sure sign that they are running out of tools in their tool box. The VIABLE end of the Democrat Party is near. They will hang on and suffer for some time, but their viability is diminishing along logarithmic lines.

And lastly, it is shcoking to me how little a two term President understands about about the intricacies and delicacies of nuclear weapons and their influence on foreign policy. His glib comments about an exchange with Boris Yeltsin, are near criminal. While certainly no one expected Bill Clinton to launch an unprovoked attack into Russia, we certainly expected him to have the capacity to do it if required. The crux of nuclear deterrent policy for nearly fifty years was that sane men would not initiate the irrational, BUT it was made clear that these same sane men would respond in kind if required. Clinton leaves in question whether he ever understood this basic premise of nuclear deterrence...a strategy, while tenuous, proved to be the correct mechanism for guiding us through and eventually winning the cold war. Scares the bejeeezus out of me. I recommend that Hillary take a few sophomore foreign policy and history courses before she runs...I certainly wouldn't be relying on Bill for any meaninful help with complex issues.

I won't be posting over the weekend, unless my pool team is eliminated early from our 8-ball tourney (not impossible, but not expected).

Jonathan Rauch Part Deux

2005-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Credit to Jonathon Rauch for doing an honest re-assessment of his work (HughHewitt.com). Having had a couple of my printed articles blue penned into a non-recognizable state, yet improved, I know it can be hard to accept well meaning criticism. I believe Jonathan has graciously taken all of the input, and he as deftly clarified his reasoning.

I still have a small disagreement with his argument for inclusion of the activist elements of each party. Unfortunately via the eco-movement, some elements of the anti-abortion movement, and the many violent protests of the sixties, activism has come to mean disruption, destruction, anarchy, and sometimes, violence. In the MSM driven hype to sell newspapers and airtime, these behaviors garner a disproportionate amount of coverage. Sit-ins and hunger strikes are scoffed at for their effectiveness and they have given way to more aggressive methods. Burning houses and SUVs, vulgar chanting at high visibility events, and using subterfuge to gain entry into private events are aptly rewarded by the press, and thus adopted as future strategies. This is why most “activists” are preferred outside the tent, because once inside the tent there is no guarantee that these elements will conform to the established “rules” of the respective parties. And rather than being outside nuisances, they then become destructive forces from within.

If you want to REALLY change either party’s platforms in a meaningful way, you have to do it with reason, logic, salesmanship, and sometimes, political maneuvering. Changes made in this fashion will, indeed, change the party. Changes made through aggressive momentum, coercion, and destructive activism have little chance of taking root in the short or long term, e.g. Howard Dean fizzle.

While the Democrats have given Michael Moore and Howard Dean a voice, I don’t believe they have strengthened their party in any way. The Dems problem now is what to do with them now that they are in the tent, e.g. Howard Dean’s desire to be Dem Party Chair. Today’s activists are useful in bringing to light many issues, however these issues, and their messengers, need to be carefully considered before letting them in the house.

Comments on Jonathon Rauch's Piece posted at HughHewitt.com

2005-01-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Comments on the Jonathan Rauch piece linked at HughHewitt.com

“On balance it is probably healthier if religious conservatives are inside the political system than if they operate as insurgents and provocateurs on the outside. Better they should write anti-abortion planks into the Republican platform than bomb abortion clinics. The same is true of the left. The clashes over civil rights and Vietnam turned into street warfare partly because activists were locked out of their own party establishments and had to fight, literally, to be heard. When Michael Moore receives a hero’s welcome at the Democratic National Convention, we moderates grumble; but if the parties engage fierce activists while marginalizing tame centrists, that is probably better for the social peace than the other way around.”

I have a couple of problems with this piece. First, not all religious conservatives are abortion clinic bombers. And second, embracing the true radicals into either party is a strategy that will, in the end, erode social peace not promote it.

True religious conservatives no more embrace the potential harm that abortion clinic bombers may cause workers in those clinics, than they embrace the carnage that routinely takes place inside. Additionally, the actions of these nut cases is not embraced by the mainstream pro-life crowd. And lastly, when exactly was the last abortion clinic bombing?

Michael Moore and his proven falsehoods are being accepted as truth by the “moderates” within the Democrat Party, and subsequently moving the moderate position even farther to the left. Counter to the rejection that abortion clinic bombers receive from the mainstream elements of the Republican Party, the acquiescence of the moderates within the Democrat Party to the Michael Moores and Howard Deans has virtually handed control over to the radical elements within the party. While this may be better for the “social peace,” is doesn’t bode well for future Democrat Party success, and may in the end lend legitimacy to the violent radical elements as frustration at their eroding support grows.

I think Jonathan is on thin ground here, for this country is not in need of violent change via radical elements, it is in dire need of improved political discourse based on reason, compromise, and common sense. None of which has been shown by Michael Moore and his ilk.

Dancing Partners: Dowd and Boxer

2005-01-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Maureen Dowd, NYT Jan 20th

Maureen Dowd publishes an inane and witless piece on Jan 20th, replicating Barbara Boxer’s ridiculous attacks on Condoleezza Rice last week. Coincidence or strategy? Barbara Boxer’s voodoo like skewering, was a completely naked attempt to blame MS. Rice for every issue she has with the Bush Administration. Ms. Dowd’s piece is no better clothed, and in the process she manages to offend sensible people, mathematicians, economists, physicists, and even Sam Cooke fans.

Ms. Dowd must need a refresher course in civics, if she believes that the National Security Advisor is responsible for the signing of death notices to soldier’s families, oil revenue projections from Iraq, and offensive military tactics in Iraq. Certainly, when a nation is engaged in war, all of these issues are up for discussion. These issues are likely to be politicized to the greatest extent possible, but these strikingly similar strategies of trying to blame a Presidential Advisor and post nominee for the wide range of issues that Dowd and Boxer are trying to blame Ms. Rice for, cannot be ignored.

In the short time since the Rathergate report has been released the MSM has fought to preserve its routinely doubted, air of neutrality. This lock-step message by Boxer and Dowd only highlights the continued skepticism we should continue to give the MSM, as such parallel attacks could hardly occur without the syncopation that has become the hallmark of Democrat party operations and MSM productions. The press will not escape this until they can truly wean themselves from their liberal bias.

Condi Rice is a job applicant, and needs to be asked probing questions. But truly, a candidate for a position cannot be held responsible for activities that occurred in departments outside of her purview, where again, she held the position of “advisor” not “policy maker.” Swing at Rumsfeld, swing at the President, swing at DOJ, in the proper forums. But don’t swing at a highly respected, highly qualified, exceptionally bright, diverse candidate for a critical office during a confirmation hearing where her connection to these issues is thin at best.

Remember, critics have their place, but… “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Teddy Roosevelt.

I don’t see individual Senators leading anything, nor do I see Maureen Dowd as anything more than a shallow, witless critic. Let the doers do, and have the critics get out of their way.

Out of Town, Out of Touch

2005-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I was out of town last week on business, and was unable to get my seven year old laptop (boat anchor) to hold a charge, so no web for me last week.

I'll get something fresh out there today...hopefully.
Major Mike

Email to Hugh Hewitt After Jan 14 O'Reilly Show

2005-01-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

I sent Hugh the following email after his appearance on The Factor last Friday. The email contains most of my thoughts, but I am still struck by the hypocritical nature of the TV press, including O'Reilly, who believe that their pre-formed opinions are the Rosetta Stone, and that they remain intent on shoving them down our throats regardless of the information their well-informed guests bring to the table. If FOX isn't careful, the self-righteous nature found in the MSM will begin migrating to them. As the big three start to slip, and FOXNEWS' rating climb, they will be susceptible to the same pitfalls the Big 3 are nose-diving from...snobbishness, elitism, and deafness.

To this point, bloggers still have plenty of mistakes to make before they come close to rivalling the MANY egregious mistakes made by the the print and video media...many of which they still have yet to rectify or apologize for.

It is the RESPONSIBILITY of every American to protect the information flow in this country, not just the responsibility of good looking(?) news anchors and biased print editors. Technology has collided with opportunity, and the internet is empowering us with this responsibility. Use it wisely, but don't be drowned out by the likes of O'Reilly.

MM

Hugh,

Interesting that Bill was "really" interested in what you had to say...NOT. It seems that even FOX will succumb eventually (soon?) to the snobbish assumption that they have the all answers and that the guests are simply props to add to the production values. Great job of staying on message, but unfortunately you were drowned out by Bill's control of the production elements and his preproduction bias. He didn't hear a word you had to say. How can he harp on a few rogue bloggers, in the face of the bloggers' excellent work on Rathergate and many other issues (SwiftVets, etc.), which the cable TV News orgs (FOX) are now taking credit for breaking/illuminating. Shameful on their part.

Hugh, I admire you for sticking your nose into the fight EVERY day. Keep it up! In the end the calm voices of reason will win out. Although I am just discovering the allure and responsibilities of blogging/publishing, I am convinced that the multitude of well informed and printable bloggers will indeed see that the intentions of the First Amendment are more purely exercised than the self righteous, "conventional" media, including FOX.

In its purest form, the First Amendment was meant for the Thomas Paines of the world. Blogging is just expanding the intentions of the First Amendment. O'Reilly's artificial protestations about the limited problems encountered on line to date, are just the early signs of defensive measures the will eventually put FOX in CBS's category if they don't adapt.

Great job tonight. Personal thanks for your encouragement and support. You are on the mark. It won't be long before you have O'Reilly's spot.

Best Wishes. Sincerely,

Major Mike