December 29, 2004

A Real Hero

Blackfive has an inspiring story of a true American Hero, Major Tammy Duckworth. We often tend to forget that women are contributing in a larger part than ever before in combat type operations.

The thing that makes Maj. Duckworth a real hero in my eyes is her determination to reassume her duties in the military despite the extent of her injuries. I certainly wish her well in her quest. Maj. Duckworth is the embodiment of the best qualities of Military service, Pride, Honor, and Faithfulness.

Kudos to Blackfive on being named Best Military Blog in the 2004 Blog Awards!
He certainly earned it.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 10:12 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

The P-o-D shows himself

Hmm...It seems that Satan himself has joined the Blogging community! Things must not be going well in Hell if He has to resort to Blog-snot as His host though, I would have thought with all the lawyers,politicians, and system programmers He has under His purview that He could have been His own hosting entity. You'd think that MT™ and Satan would be a natural fit. I AM sure that he uses MicroSoft™ as his operating system though.

At least He admits that He's responsible for the crap that is known as Rap. I KNEW it was Satanic! LOL

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 08:59 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Troops view of Rumsfeld

Kim du Toit received an e-mail from a SSgt. who had attended the Rumsfeld town hall meeting with the troops.

The SSgt. was amazed at the difference between what he observed at the meeting and how the MSM reported the meeting. The MSM media would have you believe that soldiers were disgruntled and were wanting a chance to castigate the SecDef. The truth was, in the SSgts. own words:

"There are over 12,000 troops on our base. Only 2,000 or so had the opportunity to attend the gathering and I can tell you, those were hotly contested seats. Not as the media would have you believe, so we could voice our displeasure, but rather to have the opportunity to see and hear the man we admire."

He went on to further say:

"He was applauded, he was given a standing ovation and he was loved. He stood there like a professional, like a man, and he took the heat because that's what leaders do. And yet somehow, the American media turned that wonderful event into a "disgruntled troops meet with Secretary Rumsfeld" headline."

And here's the statment that made me the proudest of our troops:

"The morale is high, the equipment is good and improving daily. Disregard what you read and hear from the media, and trust in the American fighting men and women to do the right thing. We have excellent leadership and are doing what we signed up to do."

Sentiments like these expressed by our troops need to be disseminated far and wide by the blogging community; The MSM will never show this side of the conflict. If WE don't do it, it won't get done. It's far past time that we allow the MSM free hand in passing off their bias as fact without challenge.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 08:34 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 28, 2004

Disaster in Asia

Well, the death toll stands at least at 40,000 people in the wake of the recent earthquake induced Tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

This is something that a human mind can not really comprehend, the number is just too large. The island of Sumatra, the size of California, was moved 100 feet to the southwest in the earthquake. Power such as capable of doing that is incomprehensible.

America was in the forefront of offering aid. The US Navy was utilyzing survelliance planes to try to help locate survivors even as the waters were just starting to recede. The US government has pledged $25M in initial emergency aid within hours of the event, and I'm sure that much more will be forthcoming in the near future.

How long will it be before the Leftards start saying "We aren't doing enough" or "It was Americas fault that this happened"?

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 08:20 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Happy Blogiversary!

Gut Rumbles is three years old today. Go give Rob a hearty congratulations.

Rob doesn't nibble at life, he takes huge bites. Agree or disagree with him; he'll always make you think, and usually give you a hearty laugh to boot.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 05:40 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Military Funding

The Left has made much of Rumsfeld's comment that "you go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you want". Given the level of funding the Left would WANT to give the Military, here's an example of the aircraft defensive systems they would allow:

(note: NO body armor!)

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 05:23 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Have Fun but STAY SAFE!

As we continue the revelries of the the Christmas/New Year season, I think that it is important for everyone to take a step back and remember that we can all have fun without getting dangerous.

I've attached a rather graphic picture of an overdose victim, not for its shock value, but in the hope that everyone remains aware of his or her limits.

When you look at the picture below,

remember, that this did not have to happen.

Thanks Catfish!

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 05:04 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Tribute, Part Two

Here's another E-mail from Brandon.

The Story:

Claire Elizabeth Bailey was a friend of mine (a best friend's best friend) that was tragically lost in a car accident on April 18, 2003. She was on her way home from college, driving out to her parent's lake house, driving 35 in a 35, seat belt on, hydroplaned in the rain. She got hit by a Chevy Van on the passenger's side...she was doing everything right. Everything worked in her favor...yet still, the Lord called on her hand...and took her to her final resting place.

I was working really late one night and I sat down with a pen in my hand and saw a scratch piece of paper sitting in front of me. I don't know why but I was compelled to write down my feelings...I started and the whole thing just flowed from my brain to my fingers, from pen to paper. What was really weird is I hadn't written anything "poetic" since 7th grade...

The Poem:

CLAIRE

I sit here and think
As the rain hits the ground
My heart rests empty
Loneliness is around

The room echoes
With every word I whisper
There is no doubt in my mind
That I should be with her

She left quickly, quietly
Tiptoed through the night
Left it all behind
Vanished out of sight

The news ate at my heart
Like a plague-ridden rose
Tore through my soul
Worse than anything I've known

I'd like to ask why
But I know the answer
He called upon her hand
For he has his follower

What once was an angle on earth
Is now a star shining bright
She looks out over us
And protects with all her might

Darkness falls on this world of mine
Without her just the same
But knowing her light shines brightly above
Calms and soothes my pain

As I travel on my journey
I know we'll never part
She will be there by my side
Holding the key to my heart

Brandon

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 04:50 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Tribute to a Friend

I received an e-mail today from Cpl. Brandon Strassler USMC today. Brandon was a good friend of Cpl. Kyle Renahan's from Cherry Point. He had written a poem about how he felt about Kyles death, and Claire's death too. Here it is:

GROWTH

I'm learning to grow
I'm seeing the light
I realize what is happening
It's all about the fight

My emotions run deep
My soul cries out
I witness my purpose
I learn what life's all about

He whispers his words
He feeds my heart
I fuel my curiosity
I try to do my part

She shows me her love
She leads me her way
I tiptoe so softly
I catch up someday

His memory keeps me going
His memory soothes my pain
I smile at his picture
I know he didn't pass in vain

They both were called upon
They had completed their journey
I look back and see it now
I hope to learn from their maturity

I'm learning to grow
I'm feeling so safe
I FINALLY realize what is happening
It's all about the faith

Brandon
26 Dec 04

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 04:44 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 27, 2004

Military Poll

Here is a poll that shows the attitude of the men and women on the "pointed end of the stick" in regards to Iraq.

These are the people who take the risks and see what is really happening on the ground in Iraq. I found it interesting to note that the support for the operations there was highest among those who had served there the longest.

It also shows that that the troops are under no illusions as to how long we may have to continue operations. I only pray that we don't have a repeat of the CIVILIAN anti-war crowd that we experienced in Viet Nam. It would be an immoral travesty to negate the sacrifices made by our troops in Iraq as we did in Viet Nam.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 06:33 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

David Horowitz

Here's another column by David Horowitz which shows the immorality of the Left's position towards Iraq. He says it as only he can.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 06:11 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Rumsfeld NOT the Ogre

The MSM has done everything in it's power to make Donald Rumsfeld out to be an overbearing, self-righteous ogre that cares little for the welfare of the troops under his purview. One father of a Marine captain killed in Iraq has a different view.

I think the reason for the villification of Rumsfeld is that he stands up to the press and answers their questions with cold logic and not a hand wringing angst of "what did we do?" Rumsfeld is a MAN in a mans position, and the press act like little children trying to play "gotcha" and playing as if the the cold hard facts of life in war don't apply to american soldiers. The questions SHOULD be tough about any military operations, but the focus shouldn't be about a personality, but about facts, results and consequences. Mr. Rumsfeld has shown himself to be able to handle his responsibilities like an adult, and it's irritating the childlike press.

The fact that Rumsfeld visits the wounded at Bethesda often and WITHOUT PRESS COVERAGE speaks volumes about the man in my mind. He could use these visits as photo-ops to ease the pressure against him, but he knows that only children and polititians think that way. He goes because it is the RIGHT thing for him to do. He takes his responsibilities personally and ackowledges the sacrifices made by the men and women who are affected by his decisions in a personal and heartfelt manner, not as a part of a political game.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 05:53 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 25, 2004

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 04:38 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Rummy Visits Wounded

The Banty Rooster has a first hand account by an Army nurse anesthetist who witnessed an encounter between Donald Rumsfeld and a badly wounded soldier.

Read it. Bookmark it. And the next time someone disparages our SecDef, point the moonbat to this story and show him how a real man acts like.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 04:17 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 24, 2004

Native Wisdom

Another bit of humorous wisdom from Catfish:

An old Indian chief sat in his hut on the reservation, smoking a
ceremonial pipe and eyeing two U.S. government officials sent to interview
him.

"Chief Two Eagles" asked one official, "You have observed the white man
for 90 years. You've seen his wars and his material wealth. You've seen his
progress, and the damage he's done."

The chief nodded in agreement.

The official continued,"Considering all these events, in your opinion,
where did the white man go wrong?"

The chief stared at the government officials for over a minute and then
calmly replied, "When white man found the land, Indians were running it. No
taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver, women did all the work,
medicine man free, Indian man spent all day hunting and fishing, all night
having sex."

Then the chief leaned back and smiled "Only white man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that."

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 01:12 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 22, 2004

Hoo-ah!

Tony Blankley has a great opinion piece about Donald Rumsfeld where he takes Rummy's detractors to the woodshed and delivers some well deserved Cluebat™ upside their mush filled heads.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 11:37 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

One Picture, No Words Needed

SOMETIMES, NOTHING MORE NEED BE SAID....

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 10:40 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

A New Paradigm?

Thanks to Sir George Turner(you need to cut back on work and post more on your OWN site George!) for sending Mama a link to a two and a half hour power point presentation of Thomas P.M. Barnett, a senior Analyst/Professor for the Navy War College.

Mr. Barnetts contention is that we must develop a new paradigm in dealing with other countries in the face of Globalization. He proposes that, while the US is undoubtedly number one in the world in the capability of projecting military force, we are woefully inadequate in securing a stable long term peace after the conflict is won, and that, in essence, it takes a "global village", working in unision, to effect a stable peace.

He avers that we are dealing in the world by how we want it to be, not how, in reality, it really is. And that misalignment of views is dangerous to our national security.

At first I found myself resistant to some of his ideas, thinking them just a reiteration of Leftist Moonbat ideas of a Global Community singing Kum-Ba-Ya in perfect harmony. But in furthur listening to him I found that Mr. Barnett is hardly a Leftist Moonbat, he is a hardheaded realist. Yes, some of his ideas at first glance seem to smack of a Idealists vision, but he backs up his contentions in a cogent, realistic way, and what is even more unusual, he provides a step by step road map of how to achieve his vision of the world. He admits that it won't be easy, but that it is inevitable, and the big question is, how much pain it will take before it is achieved.

I think that his ideas merit serious study and consideration.

I put his web site at the top of my "People that make me think" blogroll, and I will be visiting it often.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 08:00 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Talk About Guns, but take care When you do

Riverdog has an interesting post on gun blogging and the possible ramifications thereof.

I have less than half the experience in Law Enforcement than he has, but I have to say from my own experience that he clearly points out the reality of the dangers that any blogger must face up to if they want to express their opinions vis a vis the Second Amendment and the private ownership of weapons, and he gives some sage advice to follow to prevent unnecessary harrassment from the government and it's enforcement agencies. As Riverdog stated: "It (list of gun contacts/expressions)does exist in field contact reports as they are coded and maintained by local police. I know, because I used to write these reports myself." I did also, so I know he is correct.

It is a fine line that you must walk, or in the doublespeak world of government law enforcement, you ARE guilty of heinious crimes against an oprderly society, just by expressing your opinion.

I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if I was on "the list" in some obscure government agency for my outspoken opinions on the Second Amendment.
And I have to admit that in my more paranoid moments that thought frightens me.

I do not believe in armed insurrection against the government as it stands, but I believe that the Second Amendment was put into place in case of a tyranical turn of that government, and the responsibility of the citizens of this country to be prepared for that eventuality by keeping arms and by using those arms if the situation warranted it.

I do believe we should be "A Nation of Riflemen" as Kim du Toit terms it. A just and honest government has nothing to fear from that concept.

But it seems that anyone of that mindset has to fear that those ideas may put him at odds with a government that has become more authoritarian the farther the ideas espoused by the Left has pemeated it. The more that Groupthink government control comes into vogue, the greater the danger to independant and self-reliant people; who must therefor guard their own public expressions of belief, lest they become victims of that groupthink mentality.

Acidman and McGehee have their own two cents to add too, and worth the read.

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 03:55 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 21, 2004

Another one gets hooked

So. My brother comes over to check out the net.....I don't know how impressed he was, I have a habit of showing things I'M interested in, not what floats his boat. But he did find a couple of things he liked, like this sweet 55' Chevy Bel Aire:

Now I think I might have gotten him interested...you can find/buy cars with this thing?!? And rare parts? And talk to hot chicks women?

Maybe Santa will fix him up with his own system this Christmas. I sure hope so, cause I sure can't!

Posted by: Delftsman3 at 11:11 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

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