Vox

What-A-Burger®

Actually, it was more of a Whopper® -

Have you heard the one about how O & Joe are winning the war in Iraq. It's a knee slapper....

Or not. What this actually was, was simply this: perhaps the most brazen engagement in revisionist history — if not the most brazen outright lie — ever to leave the lips of a man who is known for his embellishments.

World of Difference

Torture:

Their version

Our version

Excusing the abuses at Abu Ghraib? Nope, just trying to give ya' a little perspective.

Is It Hot In Here?

Scott Adams has the prescription for world peace - AC.

Excessive Force?

The US dropped 2 bombs on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's "safe" house and he is dead. This is a good thing.

Now there are accusations against the military that they may have beaten and then shot him. I don't believe those accusations.

But tell me this - why are people bothered by the idea that the ground troops may have shot him? Is that considered too brutal? After we dropped bombs in his lap? We can blow him up but we can't just blow him away?

I'm just asking because I really don't understand the equation.

Encourage Democracy

Factual vs Truthful

When is a secret not a secret - when it is available for all to see.

Though, apparently, like the tree in the forest, if a reporter doesn't actually read it for themselves, they can still say it was a secret from them..

Death Perception

American Dinosaur posts the staggering statistics on the cost of war - and what we gain.

Many in this country have no sense of history - perhaps his post will help people gain a little perspective.

"...your son was not a victim."

A Letter to Cindy Sheehan from a veteran

UPDATE: Since I just found out that clicking that link results in really annoying noise emanating from your computer, and I want to spare you, I am posting the text in my extended entry - You're welcome.

Letter From a Veteran on the Cindy Sheehan Situation...
Over at my blog, I received a letter from a Veteran about Cindy Sheehan. I'd like to share it with you.

Dear Armchair Pundit:

This may be too long to qualify as a comment. If so, feel free to consign to the blogosphere wastebasket. I am sorry for her son & I am sorry for Ms. Sheehan, although I am not quite as sorry for her as I might be. Part of my sorrow for her has been diverted into a channel of repugnance by the way she’s behaving.

I was glad & relieved to embark on a military adventure when I was 17 years old. I was a high school dropout & had been moping around the house in a depression for over a year. I knew by then that I was in serious trouble as far as prospects in life were concerned. I didn’t know how to get a job & my confidence level was so low that I was beyond trying. The manager at the nearby store had looked at snaggle-toothed, gawky me & snickered when I had gathered my small bit of courage & haltingly asked if he had a job. That ridicule had destroyed me, had chopped me down like a sapling in a field.

But here was this recruiter who didn’t laugh, didn’t roll his eyes or curl his lip with disdain. My Navy recruitment officer in Houston back in 1960 was blunt about the wages, something like "You’ll never get rich, boy," & a chart of the pay scale was handed to me. But I wasn’t after big money; I was after a life; I was after something to be. I will admit the recruiter did not stress the possibility of danger, but I had seen a lot of war movies & knew that if any shooting started I would be expected to put myself at risk. I was young but not so dumb that I didn’t know that.

So her son probably knew but I guess Ms. Sheehan didn’t know that her son stood a chance of being killed by dint of joining the Army. No, that was an aspect of military life she had never contemplated. Or maybe she believed that her son’s death could only happen during a war of which she approved.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you, but the President did not steal your son from your arms. Your son walked into a recruitment office & must have known, even if you do not, what that meant.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you but your son was not a victim. Your son is a hero. Your son died so you can shed tears on CNN & have a retinue of reporters follow you & so you can be famous for awhile & draw a lot of media attention & be fawned over by those who are against the war.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you but there are others who are pleased, although they will not say so - yes, happy that you have presented them with a perfect storm of a mother to help them blow away & sink Iraq like a scuttled ship. They care nothing for your dead son but they will shed tears - oh yes, a river of hypocritical, sanctimonious tears from avid, eager eyes upon your head & breast & you will shed tears on them, too. And everyone will be covered with tears on CNN & in the pages of the New York Times & probably on NPR & perhaps even Aljazeera. Fame is a wraith that whispers in our ear. Fame is seductive.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you but when you tire of camping in Texas will you pitch your tent outside the door of the Iranian delegation to the United Nations? If you do your new-found friends will be nowhere around. Will you hold up the photographs of your son outside the Syrian embassy in Washington & shed some tears onto their doorstep? If you do you will find that those who now promote your grief better than Barnum promoted freaks will then be gone.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you but do you realize the ones who killed your son are nodding smugly to each other & smiling & chuckling at what you do?

Grief is embracing one another in the alcove of the funeral home. Grief is choking on tears but continuing with the eulogy. Grief is the hollow resonance of dirt falling onto a coffin. Grief is reminiscing with family & friends. Grief is remembering 10 years later what their voice sounded like. Grief is as mute as an empty room. Grief is as hushed as a wreath.

Ms. Sheehan I am sorry for you.

Check out my blog at: http://www.rapidpolitics.com

Far Away, But Close In Our Hearts

Got some readers using an Army computer over in Qatar. Welcome, and as has been said so many times before (but can never be said enough) Thank you so much for your service!

Take care and remember you are never far from our thoughts.

Good News/Bad news?

Weddings!
Prosperity!
Communication!
Access!
Cooperation!

Doom?

1000 Words

I had seen this picture and my first thought was "wow" and then "that says so much about our soldiers". Heartwrenching.

Now that Michael Yon has given us the backstory (Hat Tip to Michelle Malkin) it says even more.

One thing seems certain; the people in that neighborhood share our feelings about the terrorists. We are going to go back there, and if any terrorists come out, the soldiers hope to find them.

He has several posts that should be read, like this one about a young girl with big dreams.

As I walked away, I wondered where courage is born to dream with such determination while living in a tent without running water tottering on the border between Iraq and Iran.

In Real Life

A Soldier Comes Home - and writes a moving recap.

Feeling Crafty?

For those of you so inclined, there are some great military stickers and embellishments available for scrapbooks (or whatever) at Uniform Designs. You can find them in Arizona at these stores.

Even His Enemy

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

--Thomas Paine

Hands, Hope

Cao gives us a disturbing - and uplifting - story of 7 men who suffered under Saddam's rule, and were given another chance by American generosity.

From A Marine

Doesn't need any commentary from me:

The following is an email from my son regarding the NBC report (with embedded reporter Kevin Sites), concerning the Marine who is being investigated for "murdering" the insurgent in Fallaja. I will be sending his mail to every news program's email I can find. I find it sickening that this Kevin Sites is even allowed to be embedded with our Marines, as this isn't the first report I've heard from him that took on a decidedly unfriendly tone. My son also gave me permission to release it to anyone that wants to pass it on, as long as it remains unedited.

This is one story of many that people normally don't hear, and one that everyone does.

This is just one most don't hear:
A young Marine and his cover man cautiously enter a room just recently filled with insurgents armed with AK-47's and RPG's. There are three dead, another wailing in pain. The insurgent can be heard saying, "Mister, mister! Diktoor, diktoor(doctor)!" He is badly wounded, lying in a pool of his own blood. The Marine and his cover man slowly walk toward the injured man, scanning to make sure no enemies come from behind. In a split second, the pressure in the room greatly exceeds that of the outside, and the concussion seems to be felt before the blast is heard. Marines outside rush to the room, and look in horror as the dust gradually settles. The result is a room filled with the barely recognizable remains of the deceased, caused by an insurgent setting off several pounds of explosives. The Marines' remains are gathered by teary eyed comrades, brothers in arms, and shipped home in a box. The families can only mourn over a casket and a picture of their loved one, a life cut short by someone who hid behind a white flag. But no one hears these stories, except those who have lived to carry remains of a friend, and the families who loved the dead. No one hears this, so no one cares.

This is the story everyone hears:

A young Marine and his fire team cautiously enter a room just recently filled with insurgents armed with AK-47's and RPG's. There are three dead, another wailing in pain. The insurgent can be heard saying, "Mister,mister! Diktoor, diktoor(doctor)!" He is badly wounded. Suddenly, he pulls from under his bloody clothes a grenade, without the pin. The explosion rocks the room, killing one Marine, wounding the others. The young Marine catches shrapnel in the face. The next day, same Marine, same type of situation, a different story. The young Marine and his cover man enter a room with two wounded insurgents. One lies on the floor in puddle of blood, another against the wall. A reporter and his camera survey the wreckage inside, and in the background can be heard the voice of a Marine, "He's moving, he's moving!"
The pop of a rifle is heard, and the insurgent against the wall is now dead.

Minutes, hours later, the scene is aired on national television, and the Marine is being held for committing a war crime. Unlawful killing.

And now, another Marine has the possibility of being burned at the stake for protecting the life of his brethren. His family now wrings their hands in grief, tears streaming down their face. Brother, should I have been in your boots, I too would have done the same.

For those of you who don't know, we Marines, Band of Brothers, Jarheads, Leathernecks, etc., do not fight because we think it is right, or think it is wrong. We are here for the man to our left, and the man to our right. We choose to give our lives so that the man or woman next to us can go home and see their husbands, wives, children, friends and families.

For those of you who sit on your couches in front of your television, and choose to condemn this man's actions, I have but one thing to say to you. Get out of you recliner, lace up my boots, pick up a rifle, leave your family behind and join me. See what I've seen, walk where I have walked. To those of you who support us, my sincerest gratitude. You keep us alive.

I am a Marine currently doing his second tour in xxxx Iraq. These are my opinions and mine alone. They do not represent those of the Marine Corps or of the US military, or any other.

"Gets It"

OK, in the last post I kinda dissed the Bush/Cheney blog, and now I am linking it. So sue me - today they posted a letter from a woman whose brother is working in Iraq and it is definitely worth a read.

You see, my brother “gets it.” He understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. He understands that much is at stake right now. The September 11th terrorist attacks forever changed things. Chris understands that we can no longer afford to be unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, or to prefer hyper cautious political correctness over boldness. He understands that we can no longer afford to be ambivalent about protecting our country’s freedoms. He also understands that we not only need, but already have, a President who will make difficult and perhaps unpopular decisions, to do what is best for this Country rather than for his own political or personal gain. Terrorism is a real and serious issue which HAS to be dealt with.

Chris's team was killed last Thursday in the Green Zone, while Chris was home for a wedding. He could have stayed home but chose to go back, to finish his work, to honor "his fallen brothers—his heroes”, to help make a stronger, safer Iraq - to help make a stronger, safer world.

That Day

Cox & Forkum
Go see the image at their site

I was asleep when the first plane hit. When I woke up I went to my computer and logged on - it's just what I do. No radio or TV turned on yet, so I am still completely in the dark.

Then I get an IM from Daniel who says "It is a sad sick world"
"What????"
"Someone just flew a plane into the World Trade Center"
"NO - on purpose?"
"yeah, I think so"
"talk to you later"

So I turned on the TV and stared at it for what seems like days, flipping channels, willing the newscasters to tell me a different story. Seeing the second plane had hit, the news about the Pentagon, the crash in PA, the towers collapsing - it all was just a blur of shock and sorrow and rage. I sobbed for hours thinking of the people who might be trapped in the rubble, hurting for the families and friends who were waiting for news of their loved ones.

I talked to my ex for a couple of minutes. He is an Air Force pilot and I wanted to know he was OK, was going to be OK, didn't know any of those lost at the Pentagon - as if he would already know those things. Mostly I just needed to hear his voice. We were married just before Desert Storm and I sat many sleepless nights then. I knew the US was going back there, I knew he would be going back there. I knew he would be able to say something to make me feel better...but he was at a loss as well. And then, obviously, he had to go - there was work to be done.

And now it has been three years and the anger and the sorrow and the shock and the disbelief are just as strong. Now they are directed not only at the events of that day, but also at the reaction of so many in this country and around the world. The idea that we deserved it, that we should just try to appease the murdering bastards, that fighting to free Afghanistan and Iraq won't make the world a better, safer place. Humans have a short attention span - perhaps the anniversary will remind a few of them just what we lost that day - and what we are fighting for now.

* See also the timeline Lori has posted for the events of that day.
* And Jeff Jarvis' post as he visits the site. He visits each 9/11 (and throughout the year), thankful to be alive, having been there that day three years ago. He is the very definition of politically centrist - but he got pushed a bit to the right on that day, on that issue.
* Janie, another Arizona blogger, has some powerful memories to share as well.

WMD Quotes

Got this in email today:

"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."

- President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998

"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."

- President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998

"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."

- Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998

"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."

- Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998

"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."

- Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI), Tom Daschle (D-SD), John Kerry ( D - MA), and others Oct. 9, 1998

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."

- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998

"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."

- Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999

"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies."

- Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, December 5, 2001

"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them."

- Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."

- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."

- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."

- Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons...."

- Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002

"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."

- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."

- Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002

"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do."

- Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapon stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."

- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002

"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction."

- Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002

"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation .. And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real."

- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003

How quickly they forget.

Good *cough* Cause

At least they are using their own money for this trash:

Religious leaders will condemn the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers in a new television commercial set to begin running on Arab networks next Tuesday.

The ad, in English with Arabic subtitles, is sponsored by FaithfulAmerica.org, which bills itself as "an online wing of a powerful new progressive faith movement."

The ad expresses "deep sorrow" at alleged abuses committed by American soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison.

"We stand in solidarity with all those in Iraq and everywhere who demand justice and human dignity. We condemn the sinful and systemic abuses committed in our name, and pledge to work to right these wrongs," the ad says.

The 30-second commercial is a compilation of phrases spoken by several people: the Rev. Don Shriver, president of the Union Theological Seminary in New York; Imam Feisal Abdur Rauf, president of the American Sufi Muslim Association; Sister Betty Obal, a nun with the Sisters of Loretto; and Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia.

The ad will air on the Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya networks in a modest $20,000 buy. How long it runs depends on how much money the group raises.

emphasis mine

Quote

From The Federalist:

"We've been here before. Not only was there very little shown of the burning and beating and hanging of the contract workers in Fallujah at the end of March; you cannot even get those images now. ... Why do we not see the plastic shredders that humans were placed in under Saddam Hussein, sometimes head first, sometimes feet first? Why do we not see Hussein's torture chambers, which were operated as a matter of policy, and see instead only our abuse, which was an aberration? Why do we not see the mass graves of al-Hilla? Why do we only see our abuse and not their terror? And why do you almost exclusively have to read Victor Davis Hanson and Jeff Jacoby to learn about the successes in Iraq? Why -- as Christopher Hitchens has said -- do you have to go to Iraq yourself to see what is actually being done by our soldiers, what is being done to help, repair, fix, make better, that one-time cradle of civilization that Hussein turned into a deathbed and hellhole?"

William J. Bennett

More Ways To Help

The Command Post gives us suggestions on some other ways to help the effort in Iraq, and those who are in the trenches there.

How To Say Thanks

One of my Protest Warrior friends, Amber, has gone through the grueling process of getting a soldier pen-pal. Not a quick and easy task, but well worth it. If you have the time to devote to it, I recommend signing up yourself (she can tell you how). If you can't be sure you'll write on a regular basis, read the email below for how to make the connection our soldiers need.

Hello All,

I just wanted to let you know that I finally got the approval for a Soldier pen pal. The organization is pretty strict, and rightfully so, in the past some mail addressed to 'any soldier' was hurtful and malicious. Now they are very thorough in whom they give addresses to. Luckily, after more than a month of waiting and a phone interview, I got the name and address of my soldier.

I want to ask all of you to send me general emails of thanks, praise, and encouragement that I will send to my soldier to share with his mates who may not get mail. I also have a Chaplain's address and I'm sure he knows best who needs your letters.

Here is a story I heard at a Support our Troops rally that may help you understand:

We heard from a mother with two sons away fighting for us, and for Iraq. One of her boys was coming home on Mother's Day. Then her son called her in tears, and she was afraid to hear what he had to say. But the potential bad news was not so bad; he was stopped on a layover on the East coast. He had called emotionally overwhelmed because there was a giant group of people there to meet the soldiers. There were banners and flags everywhere, all because we appreciate those young men and women fighting for us. He said that he had no idea that anyone here still cared. He had been fed a constant left view via CNN and thought the country was spiteful.

Because of stories like this, and because we do care about these soldiers, please take a minuet to write a thank you note to one. What else can you do so quickly that will touch someone in need? I have created a new email address that you can CONTINUOUSLY submit emails to that I will regularly send to those in need.

AmbersSoldier@bkennelly.com (note the 2 s's)

I thank you for your time and in advance for your many letters that I can send to my soldier! And I'm sure the soldiers thank you!

Please take a minute or two each week and remember what those soldiers are going through - and let them know you are grateful.

American Boy

Via BuzzMachine I found this story of a young American who may become the first Medal of Honor recipient since 1993.

Once again, words fail me. The caliber of the young men and women serving in our military is staggering. My heart felt thank you seems small...but it is offered to his family, none the less.

The Speech

I was going to try and write something in depth about the President's speech, but I don't have to..go read about the Speech at Junkyard Blog.

"By his silence over the past few weeks, the President has largely left the field of rhetorical battle to his domestic enemies. Tonight he joined the fight, and acquitted himself well.

The gauntlet he laid down to his opponents is a simple question: What will you do that is different from what I have done and plan to do? By laying out a plan, he has marginalized the cut and run crowd who should never have been taken seriously anyway. He has forced his opponents to articulate something beyond "It's a failure!" And he has exposed the cruelty both of his political opponents and our nation's terrorist foes."

Read the whole thing.

Support Our Troops II

KFYI has posted their pictures from Friday's Support Our Troops Rally. You can still see the pictures Amber took here.

Support Our Troops

Our local talk radio station sponsored a Support Our Troops rally yesterday. I attended with a couple of my Protest Warrior buddies. There were a few hundred people who visited over the 3 hour period, not sure how many at any given time. Just wonderful to see the ocean of red, white & blue.

The station had a professional photographer there taking pics, but they are slow to post them online. Fortunately, Amber took a few shots as well - and she is fast. I have linked some small versions here, if you want to see them in all their high quality/large scale glory visit her Support Our Troops page (for broadband only, trust me). She even got me in a few shots (I'll give you a hint, I am wearing red, white & blue and I have a flag)

One of the sad points was a mother talking about her son coming home just in time for Mother's Day. She said he called in tears from the airport in Bangor, Maine where he had been overwhelmed by the people who showed up to welcome them back to the states. He said that the only news they get over there makes it sound like everyone here is against them and he was so surprised to find people willing to take the time to come out and show them the truth. We need to work at getting the word out that we support them and their mission, and we appreciate what they go through - for us.

As one of the rally signs said "We Support Our Troops. They Support Our Freedom"

Lance Corporal Jeremiah Savage

I hope that you all have taken the time to visit the sites on my sidebar, and gotten to know the people I visit regularly. One of them, Gennie over at Dizzy-Girl, has had the war brought painfully home. Her nephew was killed last week in Iraq, leaving many proud but grieving family members.

Take a minute to stop by and share your thoughts, I'm sure she can use the lift.

Getting It Done

T.C.H.O.T.P. points to this story about outnumbered Scottish soldiers showing what is really under their kilts. Solid brass.

What Kind of Support

From The Federalist today:

"The Marines fought hard in Fallujah and took a lot of very evil people out of the fight. That effort, and the associated loss of Marine lives, was not in vain... [However], we're reading that everyone back home is starting to lose faith in our efforts in Iraq. The last CBS poll put the numbers under 50 percent for the first time. I know that doesn't mean a loss in support for the troops, but supporting 'the troops' while not supporting the mission doesn't do much for us."

Unnamed Marine Corps officer

Yahoo "News"

Here is the opening paragraph of the Yahoo! story about the murder of Ezzedine Salim:

US President George W. Bush branded as "terrorism" the death of the head of the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council, Ezzedine Salim, in a lethal Baghdad car bomb suicide attack.

The scare quotes are theirs...why? If it was meant simply as a quote you wouldn't enclose only that one word. Are we really at the point that we can't call terrorists by their proper names? Are they worried the suicide bomber might sue them for slander?

There are many appropriate labels that don't require scare quotes;
   murderers, terrorists, psychotics.....
And labels that do;
   "insurgents", "dissenters", "protestors"......

Speaking Volumes

I had thought that the murder of Nick Berg required no commentary - so obvious was the depravity of the terrorists who killed him. I was sure that his pain, and that of his family, would be testimony enough to open the eyes of many in the world who did not understand who/what we are fighting and why.

I chose not to comment because I thought words were unnecessary.

Now comes the story of two 'shock jocks' playing the audio of that murder - accompanied by their jokes and laughter.

I have no comment because there are no words.

One Man's Abuse

One of the photos getting a great deal of air time shows Lyndie England holding a leash which is attched to an Iraqi prisoner.

I went to Home Depot today where I saw a couple doing their shopping; he wearing a dog collar and leash, she holding the leash handle. The nation is outraged by a photo of a situation this guy chooses.....for buying light bulbs.

Yes, I realize there are far more disturbing images. No, I am not trying to dismiss the mistreatment of the prisoners (though I do believe that we need to accept that the situation is being handled so we can move on and get back to business) I am simply pointing out an interesting contrast.

The Other Side

Over at Blackfive you will find this moving account of Someone You Should Know He gives us a glimpse of what some of the other soldiers are doing over there - definitely a perspective worth focusing on.

That's what doesn't seem to be making the evening news. Accounts of American valor are dismissed by the press as propaganda, yet accounts of American difficulties are heralded as objectivity. It makes you wonder if the role of the media is to inform, or to depress - to report or to deride. To tell the truth, or to feed us lies.

Read the whole thing, you'll be glad you did.

(Hat Tip to The Smallest Minority)

The Difference Is...

Thomas Sowell has several good points in his most recent Random Thoughts. Among them:

Under the terrible stresses of war, there are some in every country who commit atrocities. The difference is that Americans are upset, ashamed, or angry when their troops do it, while people in some Middle Eastern countries danced in the streets on 9/11 and when the bodies of dead American civilians were dragged through the streets in Iraq.

This is indeed the big differencce, W on TV apologizing for actions he knew nothing about. Americans everywhere expressing their disgust and confusion. Not many countries would do that - fortunately, those that would are fighting with us in Iraq.

Heroes

I think this list is important to see. Not to show that the war in Iraq is going poorly, but to show the caliber of American men & women in that conflict. The only ones who don't know that war is hell, and the costs high, are children and idiots.

List of war dead

We have suffered tragic losses in this valiant effort. If you know a member of the military or their family, make sure you let them know we understand and appreciate the sacrifice.

Semper Fi

"The 15 Marines were trapped in a house, surrounded by hundreds of Iraqis armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles, their armoured vehicle in flames on the street outside. Each man was down to his last two magazines."

Riveting read. One of the many stories that you probably won't get from the mainstream media.

(Hat Tip - T.C.H.O.T.P.)

Big Ones

After receiving confirmation that an Italian hostage had indeed been killed by militants, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has ruled out any withdrawal of troops. In a statement he said, "They have cut short a life. They have not damaged our values and our commitment to peace".

Spain could learn a lot from the Italians.....

Quote

Kahlil Gibran:

"In battling evil, excess is good; for he who is moderate in announcing the truth is presenting half-truth. He conceals the other half out of fear of people's wrath"

Thus, today's media refer to 'alleged' terrorists and call Yassin a 'moderate'

And say those pushing the agenda of abortion are pro-'choice'.

And say that Iraq is a 'quagmire' and that the incidents in Fullujah prove we 'can't win'

I hope and trust that W has the spine to push forth with whatever excess is necessary to bring peace and the beginnings of stability to Iraq. We can't let them down.

The Shadow

From Michael Barone, thought's on Vietnam’s Long Shadow. The gist:

The present contest between Bush and Kerry is a contest between different visions of American history, and a test of whether we still live under the specter of Vietnam or whether we have moved on.

(Hat tip to T.C.H.O.T.P., of course)

Choked Up

Nothing to add to this, which starts out with re-enlistment numbers and then reminds us again who our military men are - and why they are there.

Hard to type when your eyes are all misty......

Straight From Iraq

Once again, Jeff Jarvis finds interesting links.

Daily news translated from Iraqi papers.

BTW: if you haven't already bookmarked Buzzmachine, do it now. Jeff has all the scoops and updates often (I can't read fast enough) Don't miss the links on his sidebar.

Live in Iraq

Jeff Jarvis points out Adam Curry's blog trip to Iraq. Check out the great pictures like this one.