Archive for January 14th, 2008
Heroes Indeed
January 14th, 2008
Courtesy of Soldiers Angels Germany, comes this compelling video.
Dramatic and moving images of US Army Paratroopers and Afghan Army soldiers being evacuated after a November 2007 ambush near Forward Operating Base Bella, home of Chosen Company, 2-503rd PIR, 173rd ABCT in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.
The troops were on their way back from a meeting in a nearby village just two miles from OP Bella when they were attacked on 9 November. Five Soldiers from the 173rd ABCT and one Marine were killed. Eight more Sky Soldiers and 11 ANA were wounded.
Eight separate air crews subsequently conducted what was to become a 31-hour medevac mission involving multiple lifts.
The balance of the story of this heroic rescue may be found here.
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A President for all the people??
January 14th, 2008
All this pandering to certain groups, be they special interest, racial, religious, or gender related when involved in a Presidential race, has become ridiculous.
Just because I am a woman, does not obligate me in any fashion to vote for a female, and being caucasian most certainly does not negate my voting for an African American if I feel he or she is the most qualified to run this country.
Is there a reason that someone of the Jewish persuasion would not be qualified to sit in the Oval Office? How about an Asian or a Hispanic? Soon we will be required to trace the bloodlines of each candidate and if there is a nationality which doesn’t leave us feeling warm and cuddly, well then that candidate certainly is not capable of being the leader of the free world.
You know the stereotypes. The Irish, well maybe they drink too much, those Germans are known to have a stubborn streak. If your ancestors come from Poland..well we all have heard the jokes, and on and on and on.
What is happening to us? Are we more interested in a persons color than his qualifications? Have we been reduced to candidates who use their religion in ways not seen before to win elections? Should a woman have an advantage just because..well she’s a woman?
Resumes on issues are becoming overshadowed by all the gobbledy-gook that is enveloping these primary races.
Some candidates skip one state or another looking only at what they consider the “big prize.” Last I looked, a president is elected for all the people, not just those who can produce the delegates necessary to win a nomination.
Speaking for no one but myself, when I walk in that booth to make my choice for an office as important as President of the United States, all this campaign nonsense is the furthest thing from my thoughts. Yes, ones stand on the issue are important, but so are sincerity, a moral compass and tenacity.
Do I believe not only what you say but who you are? Can I trust that what you have told me in the past is true and not empty words spoken simply to garner votes?
Are you genuine or no more than the shell of a politician reaching for the prize? Will you stand up for what is right for the entire country no matter the cost to yourself or the career you hold dear?
When it applies to the United States Military, have you always shown the respect which is due these men and women who you may one day have to commit to battle?
As President, would the Constitution be your guide in the appointment of judges to all courts, ideology aside?
Do you have the humility to not take credit for every “good” which happens and the ability to not blame others when things go awry?
This list could go on to infinity and I’m sure by now you get the idea.
We will all continue to write on these candidates all the way through election day and I would hope, sooner or later, they will all give us something positive to take with us as we make this most important decision.
It is fair to point out differences in each candidate, but those should not be based on superficial things but rather on character and issues.
When they step in the mud, it is fair to criticize, even harshly if deserved..after all, it is the only way we can answer those important questions we all have when selecting a Commander in Chief.
