From Baghdad: Iraq Unplugged

This is fast becoming one of my most favorite albums. Each time I listen to it, I'm more amazed how good it is. Just two guys with acoustic guitars, dusty DCUs, downloaded recording software, in the middle of Hell, and an immense amount of talent.

I read about the CD over at Mudville, and Greyhawk has a terrific interview with the guys.



Check them out at Songs of Iraq from the American Soldier. For $10 + 2.95 S&H you can't go wrong.

My favorites are "I am a Patriot", "Mortaritaville", and "Lay your head down". But they're all great!

Linky Love - or - I've got nuttin' on my own

I love these kinds of stories. Rob B. of File it Under posts a great WW2 story related by his grandfather called Birthdays and Battle Stories. All you Gen. Patton fans will love this.

HatTip: Blackfive

Dr. Phat Tony has a statistic that all good gun nuts should memorize. Whether you love or hate guns, you should buy his swag. It's swaggilicious!

You should also TrackBack to DPT's posts. JimmyB may not care or even notice if he's got 'em, but us smallfry bloggers live for links & TrackBacks. TrackBack early and often!

And buy Dr. Phat Tony Swag.

Gratuitous pic of Natl. Zoo's baby panda. Aaaawwwww!

More good reporting from Crawford, and a CUG History lesson

Gunner of Target Centermass went down to see the hoopla in Crawford and came back with a great post. Great pics, too. He expands on Amy's description and emotional impact of Ft. Qualls, and gives a clue into the types of folks inhabiting Camp Casey 2.

Meanwhile, Jimmy"First!"B the Conservative UAW Guy, combines history and SciFi with Asimov and the Star Spangled Banner. You think ole' Isaac only came up with the 3 Laws of Robotics? Go get a lesson.

Now, having read Basil's How Many Backs Could a Trackback ack if a Backtrak Could Chuck Wood post, I first satisfy this point:

If you've written about another post, you should have linked to it. You're wanting the other site to know about it and you'd like a link back to your post. And the TrackBack does that.

Do I want a link back to this post? All I've done here is point to someone else's work. I think I'll leave it up to whoever reads this and ask that you leave your opinion in the comments.

But if I don't use a TrackBack, I won't know if Gunner or CUG will know that I've linked to them. Basil won't know that I've tried to apply his lesson. Oh, the humanity!

To heck with it. I'll trackback and see what happens. Comments still welcome.

To Amy & Justin - Thank You

I have not wanted to write a post about Cindy Sheehan.
I feel sorry for her and nothing but contempt for those who are exploiting her. I've known since the 18th that Move America Forward was planning a caravan of support to oppose those protesting in Crawford. I'm on MAF's mailing list and got updates from the road by Melanie Morgan, but I still had no desire to put in my 2 cents worth. I changed my mind on Sunday when I received an email from Amy, the wife of a soldier on his second tour in Iraq.

Amy is a lovely young lady who packed up her two small children and drove up from Ft. Hood, TX, to be with MAF for the end-of-the-line rally in Crawford on Saturday. She sent me a bucketful of terrific pictures and gave me permission to use them here. Amy's husband, SSG Justin, is a 12 year career soldier who reenlisted "indefinitely" after he'd completed his first 12 month deployment to Iraq, and is currently back there on his second tour. They are both dedicated to the country, to the military, and to the mission upon which we have embarked.

I was searching for what to say in this post. I wanted to write about the "good guys" and relegate the anti-war types to the back burner. So I wrote Amy back and asked her some more questions in an "interview" style to get some ideas. When I read her responses, the post wrote itself. The rest is from Amy.

GN: Who went with you to Crawford?
My two small children ... accompanied me to Crawford in show of support to their father, my husband, and to all of our brave men and woman in uniform serving abroad and at home. A 45 minute drive in 102 degree Texas heat was the least I could do to show my support to my country and our Military.

GN: Have you been to Crawford before last weekend?
Yes, when my husband first deployed to Iraq in March 2003, my mother and step father accompanied me to Crawford to see the place where the President spends his vacation time. Also, when my husband was on R&R this month, we made the trip up the weekend of 8/20 to check out the media circus and Sheehan movement.


The pics of the crosses are located at Ft Qualls in downtown Crawford. Mr. Qualls, who lost his son, Marine CPL. Louis Qualls in the fall of Fallujah, erected this Memorial for the fallen and their families and our troops abroad and at home. The crosses you see are the ones that families took up from Mrs. Sheehan's Anti-war site at Camp Casey. They oppose her view and did not want their loved ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq to be at an Anti-War site. Mr. Qualls told me and Justin personally last weekend that he had asked Mrs. Sheehan and her group not to place his son's name at her site on a cross after he removed the 1st one....he has since gone back out to her site and removed 2 more. I think that is incredibly disrespectful - especially after this father had asked her not to place a cross out with CPL Qualls name on it. Anyways -- the crosses you see here are the Pro-troops Memorial at Ft Qualls.



GN: Were people lined up along the streets leading into town showing support?
Oh, Absolutely! You bet there were and unfortunately our main stream media failed to report the crowd of supporters of our Military and President this weekend. It took me approximately 20 minutes to reach the only red light in town from about 2 miles out of town. Cars had colorful paint on the windows, trucks had U.S. flags waving in the back along with their branch of military flag and our very Patriotic Bikers had U.S., Military and P.O.W. flags waving behind the seat in which they drove. It was truly amazing! An awesome American - Patriotic sight! The support was breathtaking!

GN: Do you think the Crawford residents were mostly opposed to the protesters?
definitely opposed!! Signs were posted in trees, on fence posts, on businesses, road signs and cars showing their adamant dissent towards Mrs Sheehan's movement and their loyal support to our Troops and President. I actually ate lunch at the Crawford Coffee Shop and was told by a local that 80% of residents supported the President and opposed the Cindy Sheehan Anti-War movement that had invaded their small community.

GN: How did the hippies behave? Were they polite or rude?
Well, I did see tempers flare on both sides, but from the beginning of the Protest, it was the Protestors that were calling our military men and woman "Baby Killers", "Murderers", "War Mongers" and "Thugs". When I was at Camp George/Camp Reality, which is across the street from Camp Casey - I held up a picture of my husband in his uniform at which time I was laughed at by the Anti-War protestors and told to return to my home. I felt that this demeanor was disrespectful and I had just experienced first had that these Protestors were not as Peaceful as they proclaimed to be.


(check out the sponsors of the "Bush Lies" sign-GN)

GN: Were the hippy-protesters and the "good guys" ever in contact with each other? Did the groups interact?
There was verbal communication between the two sides but never any physical contact that I am aware of or have seen or heard via the Waco News channels here that perpetually report the situation in Crawford. When I was present at the Protest I encountered Protestors who wanted to talk to me as if they wanted to convert me to their side - or to convince me that the war is wrong. But mostly, the Protests seemed rather quiet other than some yelling back and forth across the road between the two camps.

GN: How did the patriotic folks behave? Were they polite and happy or were they more vocally angry?
As with the Protestors, there were both Angry and calm individuals who represented the Pro-troops/President rally. It was truly and emotional rally in which both families of military men and woman and citizens who support our military were there to show their loyal support to our country and military. But mostly I feel that they were more happy and definitely proud of the cause they were supporting and that was our military men and woman. The mood was upbeat, proud, people were happy and definitely Patriotic!! Everyone was eager to show off their Soldier, Marine, Airman, Seaman or Coast Guardman who was previously or currently serving in Iraq in show of support. It was an amazing sight! I would say the mood and behavior was appropriate under the conditions.

GN: Tell me about the real Americans. Who impressed you?
It had to be the Veterans who were there - some disabled and some not that were honoring our men and woman in uniform with very large flags, both U.S. and military flags and signs showing their unwavering support. They touched me the most along with the families there that had lost a loved one in the fight of Iraq who were there showing their support to our mission in Iraq. I was also incredibly impressed by the soldiers, not in uniform, who traveled up to Crawford from Ft Hood to represent and support their fellow comrades currently fighting terrorism in Iraq. With my husband being in Iraq for the second time it meant so much to me to see our own military men and woman, both present and past, show up with signs and flags and show such passionate Patriotism towards our country, troops and President.


I'm truly honored that Amy let me tell this story. She made a really distasteful situation in Crawford (that I was trying to ignore) into a personal and uplifting event. This is the perfect way to get the "real news" on the ground. For Amy, Justin and the kids - HOOAH!

I Have Arrived

I have been recognized as a jenuwine Right Wing Chickenhawk by DU! Thank you, thank you all so much. You hate me, you really hate me!

Michael Graham is BAAAAAACCCCKKK!

He's on RightTalk.com right now! Click here for the asx. New show is call Michael Graham Unleashed. Hooray!

SA Project Valour-IT - Monday Update

FbL of Fuzzilicious Thinking has an excellent post today about the extent to which Voice-Activated Laptops can contribute to the health and welfare of our wounded warriors. In More Than Just a Laptop, she writes:

Many articulate bloggers have written on why Valour-IT is such a special project. They've described it in emotional, practical, and patriotic terms. But today (thanks to Kat, The Middle Ground), I've found some scientific terms.

It's touching to think of wounded warriors being able to chat online with their loved ones or email guys still in the fight, right from their hospital beds. However, access to a computer can even affect the healing process.

So, what are you waiting for? Go read the rest and Donate.

Some More Thoughts on Walter Reed

I must first apologize for the lame title of my previous post. It gave the impression that the DC Freeps chased away the Pinkos, and that was not the case. I don't know what will make those folks go away but I hope that an enormous crowd of people who truly support the troops will make the anti-war types invisible.

The work and dedication of the people from FreeRepublic cannot go unheralded. They are nice, happy, hardworking people that I really enjoyed meeting. I'm looking forward to next Friday when I can again hold a sign, wave a flag, and yell "thank you!" to the troops pulling in and out of the hospital. If you are in the area, come on down between 6:30 and 9:30 to the main entrance of Walter Reed.

W04Man took a lot more (and better) photos. You can see them here.

DC Freeps Take Back Walter Reed

Tonight I attended my very first "protest rally", or rather an "anti-protest, Support the Troops Rally" with the DC FreeRepublic people at Walter Reed Army Medial Center in NW Washington. These guys and gals rule! We had a great time and the commie-pinko-America hating-tards were total losers.

This guy was nicknamed "Squeegie", or something. I was told he's usually out in the road making trouble. Its a fuzzy picture, but he's ugly anyway.





The bikers in this picture started out on our side and decided to go have a chat with the Pink Pansys.



Scared wittle pink wabbits! Help! Police!

Nice Cop. "You go back over there. It's not nice to pick on mentally handicapped."




The commie-pinko wabbits inhabited the SW corner. We had the other three. Best estimates were we outnumbered them 3-1. I was told that it was the largest turnout yet for the good guys.


There were lots of professional looking video cameras about. CNN was supposedly there. I'll be very curious to see if we make the news or if the commie-pinko-asshats are the only ones shown.

There was lots of honking and flag waiving and chanting of "Support the Troops!" There was no foul language, but a distinct smell of wet diapers was coming from that SW corner. Ours smelled like the yummy pizza we ate.


The commie-pinko-soiled-diaper gang folded up and left after a bus carrying wounded warriors came into the hospital thru the gates after a night on the town. I guess its the ritual end to their evening to be given the single-digit salute by the brave men and women they dishonor.

I've got to get a better night-time camera so I can capture the event next time.




Extra Credit! Guess who this is and win a special prize! (No, its not me or Dick Cheney)




Update: Hooray! Commenter Tina guessed correctly and wins the prize. Its non other than NRA news guy Cam Edwards who has a great article about the event on his site. Unfortunately, I was going to promote the winner's blog as the prize, but Tina didn't give an address for the linky-love. Thanks anyway Tina!

Also big thanks to all who comment and trackback. I really appreciate it!

UPDATE 08/28: Tantor was there, too! He's written an excellent article filled with pics. You go read now!

Too Good to Pass Up

I know Mudville's omnicient Mrs. G has already included these in her Dawn Patrol, but since they are my own required reading as well I had to point out two posts that are just terrific.

The first is from Cpt. Chuck Ziegenfuss in answering a few questions. He says what many of us wish Pres. Bush would say to the nation and backs it up with his own unasailable experience.

Second is from Ma Deuce Gunner, fresh from R&R, with a brilliantly descriptive post about a routine activity.

OK, one more: Hurl has been posting photos of scenes in Iraq taken from his Cobra. He's adding a few at a time under the same post, with captions and observations. They are a real treat for those of us who long for visual as well as written info from Iraq.

Update: OK, really only one more. Michael Yon can stop your heart with Gates of Fire. You go read now.

SA Project Valour-IT Pops-up Down Under

Frank at The Cool Blue Blog posts the latest news today about Valour-IT. Seawitch got a great response from an Aussie reader and FbL highlights the importance of your contributions.

SA Project Valour-IT: Ain't Technology Great?

Today's project update is on Righty in a Lefty State. Barb gives even more reasons to pony up some bucks and help out with this terrific project.


So get on over there and check her out! Don't let anything break your concentration.

CES: Un-freaking-believable

Warning: This post contains very bad language.

Commies Eat Shit - This is from the Fairfield County Weekly article A New (London) Low:

Those who believe in the adage "when it rains, it pours" might take the tale of the plaintiffs in Kelo v. New London as a cue to buy two of every animal and a load of wood from Home Depot. The U.S. Supreme Court recently found that the city's original seizure of private property was constitutional under the principal of eminent domain, and now New London is claiming that the affected homeowners were living on city land for the duration of the lawsuit and owe back rent. It's a new definition of chutzpah: Confiscate land and charge back rent for the years the owners fought confiscation.

In some cases, their debt could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Moreover, the homeowners are being offered buyouts based on the market rate as it was in 2000.

...

And there are more storms on the horizon. In June 2004, NLDC sent the seven affected residents a letter indicating that after the completion of the case, the city would expect to receive retroactive "use and occupancy" payments (also known as "rent") from the residents.

In the letter, lawyers argued that because the takeover took place in 2000, the residents had been living on city property for nearly five years, and would therefore owe rent for the duration of their stay at the close of the trial. Any money made from tenants [some residents' only form of income] would also have to be paid to the city.

With language seemingly lifted straight from The Goonies, NLDC's lawyers wrote, "We know your clients did not expect to live in city-owned property for free, or rent out that property and pocket the profits, if they ultimately lost the case." They warned that "this problem will only get worse with the passage of time," and that the city was prepared to sue for the money if need be.

A lawyer for the residents, Scott Bullock, responded to the letter on July 8, 2004, asserting that the NLDC had agreed to forgo rents as part of a pretrial agreement in which the residents in turn agreed to a hastened trial schedule. Bullock called the NLDC's effort at obtaining back rent "a new low."

"It seems like it is simply a desperate attempt by a nearly broke organization to try to come up with more funds to perpetuate its own existence," Bullock wrote. He vowed to respond to any lawsuit with another.

With the case nearly closed, the NLDC may soon make good on its promise to sue. Jeremy Paul, an associate UConn law dean who teaches property law, says it's not clear who might prevail in a legal battle over rent. "From a political standpoint, the city might be better off trying to reach some settlement with the homeowners," he says.

An NLDC estimate assessed Dery for $6,100 per month since the takeover, a debt of more than $300K. One of his neighbors, case namesake Susette Kelo, who owns a single-family house with her husband, learned she would owe in the ballpark of 57 grand. "I'd leave here broke," says Kelo. "I wouldn't have a home or any money to get one. I could probably get a large-size refrigerator box and live under the bridge."

That's one way to get out of the rain.

Shazam! Let's take their property and charge them for the convenience of living. How else can we screw these people? We'll just keep making up stupid shit since the SCOTUS has shown a complete disdain for the document they're sworn to uphold.

How can these shitheads sleep at night? How can the Commie 5 refuse to revisit this case after they see the destruction wrought by their egregious decision?

Red Guy in a Blue State has been corresponding with Dave Goebel, the C.O.O. of the New London Development Corp. Surprisingly, Mr. Goebel responded to Red Guy's message and, along with some other rationalizations, had this to say about people criticizing this latest abomination:

4. This was all about money. Had we been able to pay the residents what they wanted, all would have been happy. But, state statue [sic] does not permit that. Not here and not in Fairfield.
I find it interesting that you chose to comment on this based on a July 14th article. That is over one month ago. It is odd that people's passions get aroused one month after the article is published. And, you might be interested to know that I received one other comment from the Fairfield area as well, based on the same article. Seems odd to me.

So, the statute of limitations for criticism is less than a month? That fucking "seems odd to me", too. I'll criticize anytime I want, you asshat! Isn't that the new Lib'tard definition of "Patriotism"?

This decision has infuriated me like no other. I'm going to the range tonight to exercise my 2nd Amendment Right to Keep and Bear Arms (while it still exists) and shoot the hell out of some imaginary bastards.
/cursing off

Hat tip: Barb at Righty in a Lefty State.

Sometimes I'm a bit slow to find stuff. There's lots more commentary and info at The Truth Laid Bear's Kelo topic page.

Not Right At All

Michael Graham has officially been fired. This really stinks. CAIR had only been asking for Graham to be reprimanded. CAIR Maryland had this to say under Announcements:

CONTACT WMAL TO REPRIMAND MICHAEL GRAHAM FOR ‘HATE-FILLED REMARKS’
Extremist Rhetoric From Talk-Show Host Michael Graham Hurts Our National Image

What "National Image" might that be?

So far, the best commentary I've found that expresses my own opinion is that of LaShawn Barber. We both seem to agree that WMAL and ABC are buisness entities and should retain the right to hire and fire personnel. If I owned a store and one of my employees drove customers away by being obnoxious, I would expect to be able to dicipline or fire the imbecile. The First Amendment doesn't give anyone the right to ruin my business.

That being said, I think WMAL and ABC made a bad business decision. The station has listeners from all political and ideological persuasions, but the majority are conservative. This isn't sitting well with them. Many people disagreed with Graham (including me) on various issues, but he was always entertaining and open to views from his listeners. He always responded to my emails whether I was on his side or not, and that made me a fan.

I think more is going on behind the scenes than just pressure from CAIR. I expect Michelle Malkin will have some insights in days to come.

Tinfoil Hat: It's all Fred Grandy's fault! Yes, that Fred Grandy! Gopher on Love Boat and former Republican Congressman from Iowa. The morning after Graham made his infamous comments, Grandy was fit to be tied. He and Andy Parks host the 6-9am slot, and when Graham showed up in the studio, Grandy went postal on him.

Could he have lobbied for Graham's termination from the station? Hmmm...

Dr. Phat Tony gives his typically intellectual observation of the situation.

Stewart Doesn't Win. Crisis Averted

There will be no need for a "suicide watch" over at Support Your Local Gunfighter this week. Jeremy Mayfield took the checkered first at Michigan and the hated #20 finished a distant 5th.

Unfortunately for Wyatt, "Pretty Boy" Gordon finished 15th. Heh.

On a brighter note, Bobby Labonte finished 16th! He didn't blow up and nobody wrecked him.






Disclaimer: Just kidding, Earp! You know I love ya, Bud...

Git down wicha bad self!

My bad-ass sister with her newly black-belted 11 year old daughter. I had to put the bars over their faces 'cause Sis doesn't like to brag. It was a gruelling 4-hour test, but the wee one made her parents and her adoring aunt proud!

Valour-IT update

There is a good article in the WaPo today For Battle-Scarred, Airborne Backup
Seawitch has a recap of the history of the project, and some new info. Check her out here.

What makes a hero?

Captain Z. went on a very special "road trip" where he and a group of fellow wounded warriors were given a hero's welcome. The good Captain is perplexed by the high esteem in which he is held.

I don't feel like a hero for what has happened since I woke up in Walter Reed, or even for the things I did before I got blown up. I suppose heroism is a lot like humility... as soon as you realize you've got it, it's lost.

Grab a hanky and go read. Hat tip: Mudville's omniscient Mrs. G.

“YOU DON’T SPEAK FOR ME, CINDY” - The Tour

CJ (a Soldier's Perspective) has a story out of Sacramento guaranteed to warm the heart!

Move America Forward, quickly becoming my favorite group in the world, though still trailing AAP (what’s up with the message boards), is mobilizing again. This time, their target is the protesters in Crawford, Texas. They are determined not to make this war “another Vietnam.” With people like this watching my back at home, it makes my job elsewhere a whole lot easier.

Check out his essay Warnings Of Bin Laden while you're there.

Instead of sitting around and urging people not to overreact, Bush said, “The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice.” The American people NEEDED to overreact to this. Clinton said that he would implement a policy of “continued monitoring” while Bush policy directed that “we will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” In other words, action versus words.

A Warrior's Message for Friends and Family

WarriorJason is a Marine leaving for his second tour in Iraq. In this post, he and his wife share a very personal message to those who will be affected by his absence.

Being a Marine and serving in a war time Marine Corps is what I do, and I do it by choice. I am aware of the reality and dangers of my job. I volunteered to be a Marine and I volunteered to join a combat unit, as I knew they would be going back to Iraq. I realize that everyone has a difference of opinion, therefore I request that my name and/or my service not be used to speak out against this war. This is my choice and I know the risks I take. I support your right to say what you feel but please do not use my name, our relationship or my service to do so.

Go on over to Warrior's Voice and let him know how much he and the Mrs. are appreciated.

The Old Dominion Hit with PC Nuttiness

Virginia, my home no matter where I might be living, is being overrun with PC crazies. This morning, on the front page of the Wash. Times I read this:

To hear some newcomers to Hanover County, Virginia, tell it, "Dixie" is a five-letter four-letter word. They want to change the county's annual Civil War commemoration from "Dixie Days" to something else, to avoid, among other things, offending Yankees who have moved into the county.

Dixie cups are probably OK, concedes one county official, but not "Dixie" ? that reminds everyone of, well, the South. Jamelle Wilson, a member of an advisory panel reviewing the annual event, told a public gathering earlier this month that "Dixie Days" is "problematic" and that calling a Civil War commemoration by that name "tends to represent the past." If "Dixie" remains, the county schools shouldn't promote or endorse it, she said.

"tends to represent the past."?!? OMG! We can't do anything that teaches actual *gasp* History!

Grayson Jennings, commander of the Cold Harbor Guards Camp division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans of Virginia, would rather hold the commemoration on private property or even outside Hanover County, than change the name from Dixie Days.
"It's our event. We can call it what we want," Mr. Jennings says. "This is our heritage. We are not changing the name."
...
Some residents, county officials say, find "Dixie Days" offensive and a symbol of slavery and racism. "The Hanover County community is changing rapidly with many newcomers that may be offended by the name," Ms. Wilson said.

If you're offended by the South, why the hell don't you move back North??? If you won't move, why don't you study Virginia's history and get a better understanding of what makes it such a great state? Don't come down here and try to change what's worked pretty darned well for almost 400 years!!

The advisory panel says the event shouldn't be allowed in a county park if the name remains, because some people say it can be "offensive, misinterpreted and problematic" and opens an "opportunity for media to create controversy."

I take that to mean the media will be asked to create a controversy.
Yankee Go Home!

That's My President, HOOAH!

This story from WAPO writer Dana Milbank is almost a year old now, but it has stuck with me ever since I saw Blackfive's post. Amidst the constant barage of 24/7 Cindy Sheehan "news" I keep seeing Pres. Bush on that plane making sure every Guard member knows how grateful he is.

"May God bless you all," the commander in chief said over the plane's public address system. "May God keep you safe." As he worked his way up and down the plane's aisles, posing for photographs, signing autographs and shaking hands, the happily surprised troops called out to him.

"That's my president, hooah!" shouted Sgt. Wanda Dabbs, 22, a member of the 230th Area Support Group, a Guard unit from Tennessee. Others seconded her cheer.

Sure, it was almost election time and many saw this as a stunt. I think Bush would have done the same if the opportunity arose today. It's going to take a lot more than Mikey Maroon has in his arsenal to get this image out of my head.

SA Project Valour-IT Gaining Momentum

Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops
In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss

(great poster shamelessly stolen from Fusileer 6 over at Castle Argghhh!)

Along with the main Soldiers' Angels Project site, there is a Project blog available to those in the blogododecahedron that would like to be part of this inspired work. There are some specialty positions open for folks who would like to donate their talent. If you have no talent (yours truly included :) make a donation!

Check out Fuzzibear Lioness' site! She's doing yeoman's work for the project and deserves mucho cudos!

The Castle has lots of info and updates as well.

Click on any of the sites listed under the Valour-IT blogroll on the sidebar. Show them some support for helping those who have given so much for us!

I'm a bloodthirsty warmonger

OK, so there I was watching the Redskins losing their first pre-season game, when at halftime I switch over to Fox News. Low and behold, its a show about the Marines in Fallujah. I've missed the first 30 minutes, but its a two hour show so I decide to watch it instead of the game.

Greg Palkot is the embedded reporter. He's done previous work with India Company and I assume he knows the guys pretty well. Scenes of the battle are pretty good and he's got interviews with a few of the Marines as they prepare for the start of the action. But then I start to get annoyed. Too many commercial breaks, too much repetition of small facts and re-re-review of things to come. Some stupid questions that I would expect to hear on other MSM channels.

On Day 4 of the battle, the company suffers its first KIA when Lieutenant J.P. Blecksmith is shot in the back. Palkot asks "How does the death of a man like this make you feel?", and then extends the mic towards Captain Brian Chontosh, the company commander. Chontosh has his back towards the camera, and it takes a couple of seconds before he turns towards the mic. It is another second or two before he speaks. In that brief time it is apparent that there is a violent battle going on not only in the city around him, but in the mind of Chontosh as well. He's obviously biting back words (and maybe a fist) as he says "Any man goin' down, you know? It doesn't matter who it is." Palkot quickly follows with "How are the men taking it?" Chontosh answers after a second "The way you'd expect them to take it."

The other problem I had with the production were the numerous up-close-and-personal interviews with grieving family members. They were interspersed throughout the show and actually took up more time than the scenes of fighting. I feel like I'm being cold and callous expressing such a complaint. I've never lost a loved one in such a violent manner so I can't pretend to know how it feels. I do care about the Marines and I feel a very real pain in my heart when I hear about the death of one of them. I just don't see the point in focusing so much attention on the bad things that happened in Fallujah when there are a gazillion good things to report.

I guess I could be spoiled by all the videos the troops have made themselves. You don't see much soul searching or grasping for answers in them. Rather, you see what the soldiers and Marines think is important, and that's mostly action.

If I were Roger Ailes and I were looking over my "talent" pool to decide who should do this story, I'd have several perquisites in mind:

1. The correspondent has some experience reporting "under duress"
2. The Pentagon would approve the embedding of this correspondent
3. The correspondent will make the most of the opportunity
4. The correspondent knows his ass from a hole in the ground

Given the talent available, I would have given the assignment to Greg Kelly. He was embedded during the initial push into Baghdad, and from his official Fox News bio:

Before pursing his career in journalism, Kelly spent nine years as a fighter jet pilot in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, Kelly amassed 158 aircraft carrier landings and flew over Iraq in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the United Nations imposed "No-Fly Zone." He currently holds the rank of Major in the Marine Corp Reserves.

Duh, sounds like the best guy for the job to me! But, hey, what do I know?

At the end of the show was a scene that gave me a lift. The company was posed for a group photo, and they were sounding off. The last thing they shouted was "GET SOME!"

Now that's more like it.

One Busy Guy

Ever wondered what a typical day is like for a Marine Cobra pilot in Iraq? Then click over to Hurl's site and read a Busy Day. These are some hard working guys!

A great new way to help wounded troops

Project Valour IT (a Soldiers' Angels program) is up and running and accepting donations. It's mission is to provide computer access for wounded warriors like Cpt. Chuck. From the site:

Currently we are forming "libraries" of laptops equipped with the voice-controlled software for wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines at each major military medical center to check-out for a few hours at a time. In the next stage, a fully-equipped laptop will be provided to each servicemember for use throughout in-hospital recovery. Finally, copies of the voice-controlled software for use on home computers will be supplied to servicemembers who still need it as they leave the medical center.

Sounds like a great effort and well worth our help. Hat tip Blackfive

UPDATE: See Sgt. B's post concerning this new project. Get a hanky first.

If I'm dreaming, Don't Wake Me Up

fmragtops is providing a "dream interpretation" service to his readers. Pretty cool idea, but I rarely remember my dreams - until this morning! I awoke to a story that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not only a Redskins fan, but he wants to drive for Coach Gibbs!!!!

OVERHEARD
"When I was a kid walking through the garage, I would get a glimpse of Joe Gibbs, and it was like seeing Elvis. I was scared to even talk to him."
— NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Lets see, Joe Gibbs Racing let go Leffler, so the #11 is available. Sure, they promised Terry Labonte a ride, but come on! "Jr.?, Labonte? Jr.? Labonte? OK Jr! Sorry Terry, you're a great driver and a class guy, but only one Labonte per team and we're pretty happy with Bobby (even though he's snake-bit this year)."

Problem is, Coach says Jr. makes $50M and he can't afford that. Do you suppose that between me and my 5 readers we could cough up enough bling to make my dream a reality? Yeah right. Dream on...

Outlaw1 Adds to His Resume

Chris Boggiano posts the latest installment of the Battle of Fallujah over at Armor Geddon. He's on the outside looking in during the incoming artillery that nearly ended the tale. Here's a part of the latest episode.

BOOM!!!

I couldn’t see Neil’s tank anymore. It was obscured in black smoke.

“Holy shit! Get on the trucks. That round just landed right on top of them. Let’s get out there.”

By now my platoon was scrambling. We had just watched our own artillery move 200 meters in the wrong direction and land right on his tank. I hopped in my seat and grabbed the radio.

“Red6, Outlaw1, are you guys alright.”

I got no response.

More Good Stuff from Michael Yon

FrankJ's gotta love Michael Yon's new dispatch from Iraq. It includes such priceless observations as:

The Deuce Four soldiers left quickly with the "casualties," "abandoning" the burning truck in the traffic circle. The enemy took the bait. Terrorists came out and started with the AK-rifle-monkey-pump, shooting into the truck, their own video crews capturing the moment of glory. That's when the American snipers opened fire and killed everybody with a weapon. Until now, only insiders knew about the AK-monkey-pumpers smack-down.

BWWWAAAAHAAA!

Get yer "Gun Porn" Fix

Whew! Looky here at Marines doing what Marines like to do. Found this at Gateway Pundit who linked it from Open Fire.

US Marines lead the assault on the town of Fallujah in the fall of 2004. This video was shot on those mean streets by the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (The Raiders) as they fought and killed hardcore Islamic radicals.

Read the commentary at Gateway Pundit, too.

Discovery Lands

Hooray! This proves that dispite NASA's fleet being a wee bit long-in-the-tooth, we still kick ass!

The Beverly Kennedys

Let me tell you a little story 'bout a man named Ted
A rich northern Yank drank so much his nose was red
And then one day he was barking at the Senate
When up popped a voice said "man, you just don't get it"

Gitmo, that is
terrorists
bad guys


Well the next thing you know old Teddy's in the air
His handlers said "Ted, get your ass down there!"
"And find some guards who are peein' on Korans"
"Then come back here and blame evil 'Publicans"

Nazis, that is
Pol Pot
Gulags



When Ted touched down on lovely Gitmo Bay
He rolled out the plane sayin' "Man, this place is gay!"
Reverend Phelps asked "Ted, are you into S&M?"
"Forget about the jail, drop your pants and come on in!"

Chains, that is
leather thongs
gay bars



Soon the news got out that the Senator was lost
The guards began a search fearin' Teddy had got sauced
They found him on the beach wearin' nothing but a grin
So they hauled him off to jail, took his drink and booked him in

jumpsuits, that is
chain link fences
Club Med

Now the moral of this story is Do Not Trust Ted
A rich northern Yank, likes his dates best when they're dead
He wants all your dough so he can tell you what to do
But all that comes out his mouth is more like a giant poo

Turds, that is
stinky stuff
log style

Ya'll come back now, y'hear!

Pictures Rule!

Michael Yon got his new camera - Hooray! Oh, yeah...there's a great new dispatch that goes with it.

Lcpl. Pete, USMC, and another Saddam

Here's my adopted Marine with a buddy.

Pete, you guys rock! Semper Fi and HOORAH!

Sage Examples -or- Why Commies suck!

The latest words of wisdom from one of my favorite sage's Prof. Walter E. Williams is up on TownHall.com. Today he gives some great examples of "property rights = human rights" and ends with this:

As President John Adams (1797-1801) put it, "Property is surely a right of mankind as real as liberty." Adding, "The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence."

Chuck's got a new voice

Capt. Z received his voice recognition software and has mastered it already. Even under heavy narcotics he's managed to virtually bang-out a great new post.
He seems genuinely surprised that so many people care about him, and are willing to show it beyond just leaving comments. I'm sure all the support he's getting from us will help him heal.

CES!: Breyer Next in the "takings" crosshairs

Another edition of CES! (Commies Eat Shit!).

Justice Souter's Weare, NH property is going to be turned into the Lost Liberty Hotel via the eminent domain hammer that the Commie 5 pulled out of their collective arses. Now Justice Breyer is facing the same righteous retribution for the heinous Kelo decision.

QandO Blog reports that steps are underway to seize Breyer's 167 acre NH vacation property and turn it into Constitution Park.

Commies suck so bad! At least some people are trying to make them squirm. heh

Lawrence of Arabia Redux

American soldier becomes Iraqi sheik - Washington Times

QAYYARAH, Iraq -- Sheik Horn floats around the room in white robe and headdress, exchanging pleasantries with dozens of village leaders.

Sheik Horn is actually Army Staff Sgt. Dale L. Horn. In an effort to stop the attacks on his base, Sgt. Horn began visiting and meeting the people of the 37 villages and towns that he patrols. He procured $136,000 of aid for the area which evidently impressed the village leaders:

Sheik Ahmed, Sgt. Horn's mentor and known for his dry sense of humor, eventually suggested during a meeting of village leaders that Sgt. Horn be named a sheik. The sheiks approved by voice vote...

They gave him some land, some sheep, and suggested he take a second wife. Wife in States nixed that idea. Its gone beyond joking now, and the villagers have accepted Horn as one of their own.

I think this is very cool! For one thing, the story reports that the base hasn't been attacked since Horn became a sheik. Seems like this is a win-win for all concerned.