20090430
WAS THE NYC FLYOVER RACIALLY MOTIVATED?
Air Force Officials have apparently confirmed that the F-16's came from the Alabama ANG not the DC ANG.
Will we ever find out? Probably not. Am I walking down conspiracy theory road, a little bit. But I have no doubt that this president would be more than willing to use and abuse our military to advance himself.
If it was a legit honoring of the service GOOD, and NYC should be willing to honor along with the rest of us (take a breath, it was not 9/11). But I am seriously concerned that this White House will politicize the military more than any other in history. This does not bode well for the military, hence our national security, hence OBAMA IS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO AMERICA.
20090429
History on Obama's 100th day.
Dear Excellency and Friend,On this 100th day of Obama's Presidency I reference back to running from Saigon. Will he stand tall with a backbone and protect our national interests, or will he side with "the world." Destroying America as we know it?
I thank you very sincerely for your letter and your offer to transport me towards freedom. I cannot, alas, leave in such a cowardly fashion. As for you, and in particular for your great country, I never believed for a moment that you would have this sentiment of abandoning a people, which has chosen liberty. You have refused us your protection, and we can do nothing about it. You leave, and my wish is that you and your country will find happiness under this sky. But, mark it well, that if I shall die here on the spot and in my country that I love, it is too bad, because we are all born and must die one day. I have committed this mistake of believing in you, the Americans. Please accept, Excellency, my dear friend, my faithful and friendly sentiments.-Prince Sirik Matak
I have a sickening feeling that around the world those under the thumbs of tyrants in Venezuela, DPRK, Iran, and others will watch this President cuddle up with the men that destroy lives and oppress and will be thinking, feeling, and voicing:
I have committed the mistake of believing patriotism would always shine in the Office of the President, Mr. Obama.-md
20090428
Get rid of the USAF, retort.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ recent budget proposals have sparked a national conversation about where and how to strike a balance between the twin imperatives of fiscal responsibility and national security. A recent contribution to that conversation is troubling, however. Paul Kane’s New York Times Op-Ed (“Up, Up and Out,” April 21, 2009) argues for eliminating the Air Force as an independent service because it “is simply not structured to be in the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Today’s Air Force: More Than Just Bombs on Target
Colonel Peter W. Huggins, USAF, Professor of Comparative Military Studies at the USAF School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Today’s counterinsurgency and stability operations are ground centric. These struggles are inherently political and are being fought person by person, street by street, town by town. Our nation’s ground forces, along with those of our allies, bear the weight of this effort and deserve the nation’s gratitude. Air power and the United States Air Force, however, are making significant contributions to this struggle, enabling the success of our troops on the ground. Most of this effort occurs beyond the direct combat capabilities supporting Soldiers and Marines on a daily basis.
For the sake of argument, though, let us briefly consider Mr. Kane’s solution of eliminating the Air Force. It invites a long list of questions. Here are just four of them:
Finish reading the piece here that provides reasons that Paul Kane is a moron. A piece recommended for Media Lizzy as well who once said of the USAF that they just "drop bombs from 50,000 feet."
**Slight editorial note from my part. Those Navy SeALs that took out the pirates, how do you think they got from stateside to the other side of the world so quick? Did they set sail on a destroyer? No, the jumped from a USAF C-17.**
20090427
Erik Kristensen Eye Street Klassic
The Erik Kristensen Eye Street Klassic celebrates the life and accomplishments of LCDR Erik Kristensen, SEAL Team 10, who courageously gave his life for his teammates and country while serving in Afghanistan. The Klassic will raise funds to strengthen Erik's scholarship fund at his alma mater, Gonzaga College High School, in Washington, DC.
20090426
GENEVA
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
At 7 minutes Norah goes in to Geneva (which does not apply because they do not follow the laws of war), and how the world hates us because of interrogations. Liz makes the wonderful point of how "they" treat our men and women, and how it is childish to think that will change.
Since leaving my post as CIA director almost three years ago, I have remained largely silent on the public stage. I am speaking out now because I feel our government has crossed the red line between properly protecting our national security and trying to gain partisan political advantage. We can’t have a secret intelligence service if we keep giving away all the secrets. Americans have to decide now. -Porter Goss
20090424
20090423
Congress Knew About the Interrogations
By PETER HOEKSTRA
Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair got it right last week when he noted how easy it is to condemn the enhanced interrogation program "on a bright sunny day in April 2009." Reactions to this former CIA program, which was used against senior al Qaeda suspects in 2002 and 2003, are demonstrating how little President Barack Obama and some Democratic members of Congress understand the dire threats to our nation.
George Tenet, who served as CIA director under Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, believes the enhanced interrogations program saved lives. He told CBS's "60 Minutes" in April 2007: "I know this program alone is worth more than the FBI, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency put together have been able to tell us."
Last week, Mr. Blair made a similar statement in an internal memo to his staff when he wrote that "[h]igh value information came from interrogations in which those methods were used and provided a deeper understanding of the al Qa'ida organization that was attacking this country."
Yet last week Mr. Obama overruled the advice of his CIA director, Leon Panetta, and four prior CIA directors by releasing the details of the enhanced interrogation program. Former CIA director Michael Hayden has stated clearly that declassifying the memos will make it more difficult for the CIA to defend the nation.
It was not necessary to release details of the enhanced interrogation techniques, because members of Congress from both parties have been fully aware of them since the program began in 2002. We believed it was something that had to be done in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to keep our nation safe. After many long and contentious debates, Congress repeatedly approved and funded this program on a bipartisan basis in both Republican and Democratic Congresses.
Last week, Mr. Obama argued that those who implemented this program should not be prosecuted -- even though the release of the memos still places many individuals at other forms of unfair legal risk. It appeared that Mr. Obama understood it would be unfair to prosecute U.S. government employees for carrying out a policy that had been fully vetted and approved by the executive branch and Congress. The president explained this decision with these gracious words: "nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past." I agreed.
Unfortunately, on April 21, Mr. Obama backtracked and opened the door to possible prosecution of Justice Department attorneys who provided legal advice with respect to the enhanced interrogations program. The president also signaled that he may support some kind of independent inquiry into the program. It seems that he has capitulated to left-wing groups and some in Congress who are demanding show trials over this program.
Members of Congress calling for an investigation of the enhanced interrogation program should remember that such an investigation can't be a selective review of information, or solely focus on the lawyers who wrote the memos, or the low-level employees who carried out this program. I have asked Mr. Blair to provide me with a list of the dates, locations and names of all members of Congress who attended briefings on enhanced interrogation techniques.
Any investigation must include this information as part of a review of those in Congress and the Bush administration who reviewed and supported this program. To get a complete picture of the enhanced interrogation program, a fair investigation will also require that the Obama administration release the memos requested by former Vice President Dick Cheney on the successes of this program.
An honest and thorough review of the enhanced interrogation program must also assess the likely damage done to U.S. national security by Mr. Obama's decision to release the memos over the objections of Mr. Panetta and four of his predecessors. Such a review should assess what this decision communicated to our enemies, and also whether it will discourage intelligence professionals from offering their frank opinions in sensitive counterterrorist cases for fear that they will be prosecuted by a future administration.
Perhaps we need an investigation not of the enhanced interrogation program, but of what the Obama administration may be doing to endanger the security our nation has enjoyed because of interrogations and other antiterrorism measures implemented since Sept. 12, 2001.
Mr. Hoekstra, a congressman from Michigan, is ranking Republican on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
20090422
Obama's Comedy tour...funny stuff!
I have obtained the classified schedule of Mr. Obama's upcoming Comedy tour, get your tickets now. Here is the schedule of locations that you will find here and only here:
April 20th, 2009 -- SOLD OUT
September 11th, 2009
November 1st, 2009
November 11th, 2009
December 7th, 2009
Get your tickets now! The kids will love the gifts from the gift shop. The President will be bringing laughter and disrespect to all the right places!
Why Obama could never be a Marine.
On Interrogation Policies, Another Delicate Compromise From Obama
Yesterday, Obama attempted his latest high-wire act. The Justice Department released memos detailing brutal interrogation methods used by the CIA, even as Obama said that the CIA operatives who used the methods would not face prosecution. The release comes after a heated internal debate at the White House, and the morning after, it appears that no one is completely happy with the compromise.
President Obama, go back to YOUR community and get the FUCK OUT OF MINE.
OHHHHHH-bama
But don't fret, the stimulus has done the job:
In its fourth-quarter report, Caterpillar said the worst has yet to pass, saying 2009 looks to be the weakest year for economic growth in the postwar period.But don't worry, President Obama only mis-understands statements once in a blue moon; and usually not on things of any importance:
Earlier this year, Caterpillar announced the gradual elimination of 22,000 jobs worldwide in an attempt to grapple with the drop in new orders.
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro said President Obama misinterpreted remarks by his brother and successor, Raul, and bristled at the suggestion that the island should free political prisoners or cut taxes on remittances from abroad as a goodwill gesture to the U.S.
Raul Castro touched off a whirlwind of speculation last week that the U.S. and Cuba could be headed toward a thaw in nearly a half-century of chilly relations. The speculation began when the Cuban president said leaders would be willing to sit down with their U.S. counterparts and discuss everything, including human rights, freedom of the press and expression, and political prisoners on the island.
Obama responded at the Summit of the Americas by saying Washington seeks a new beginning with Cuba, but he also said Sunday that Cuba should release some political prisoners and reduce official taxes on remittances sent to the island from the U.S.
That appeared to enrage Fidel Castro, 82, who wrote in an essay posted on a government website that Obama "without a doubt misinterpreted Raul's declarations."
The former president appeared to be throwing cold water on expectations for improved bilateral relations -- suggesting that Obama had no right to urge Cuba to make even small concessions. He also seemed to suggest too much was being made of Raul's comments about discussing everything with U.S. authorities.
20090421
Pony up Obama!!!!
Great piece on this issue at Politico.com.
20090418
Make what you will, will makers...
I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before, although tonight I speak to you not as a candidate for president, but as a citizen, a proud citizen of the United States and a fellow citizen of the world.
...
Yes, there have been differences between America and Europe. No doubt, there will be differences in the future. But the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together.
I believe that a man must be a good patriot before he can be, and as the only possible way of being, a good citizen of the world. Experience teaches us that the average man who protests that his international feeling swamps his national feeling, that he does not care for his country because he cares so much for mankind, in actual practice proves himself the foe of mankind; that the man who says that he does not care to be a citizen of any one country, because he is the citizen of the world, is in fact usually and exceedingly undesirable citizen of whatever corner of the world he happens at the moment to be in. In the dim future all moral needs and moral standards may change; but at present, if a man can view his own country and all others countries from the same level with tepid indifference, it is wise to distrust him, just as it is wise to distrust the man who can take the same dispassionate view of his wife and mother. However broad and deep a man's sympathies, however intense his activities, he need have no fear that they will be cramped by love of his native land.
20090411
USSR is right on principle.*
"Test launches of new missiles have become routine in recent years, and the Kremlin says the financial crisis will not discourage it from spending as much money as needed on defense. The Topol, which entered service in 1985, was last test-fired last October."
We could be making the necessary moves in defense to make it the best force possible. But to hear our Government very publicly use the economy as a reason to skirt their main duty "provide for the common defense" is pathetic and cowardly.
Guess what, that "military industrial complex" that the left fumes over. It provides security. It provides jobs!
20090409
Congressional Black Caucus: "Useful Idiots."
Whoa there, don't send the hate mail to me!
The term is commonly attributed to Vladimir Lenin, sometimes in the form "useful idiots of the West", to describe those Western reporters and travelers who would endorse the Soviet Union and its policies in the West.
Congressional Black Caucus Smitten With Castro:
"The Negro is indolent and spends his money on frivolities, whereas the European is forward-looking, organized and intelligent... We're going to do for blacks exactly what blacks did for the Cuban revolution. By which I mean: NOTHING!"- (Ernesto "Che" Guevara.)
20090407
Public access for hero arrival...
My two cents — changing this policy is a good idea, if only because it gives the public (through the lens of an eager media) to see the seriousness with which the military honors it’s fallen heroes. The Washington Post did an excellent job capturing the scene in it’s coverage today.There are people on all sides with differing views, like the one above of Pete Hegseth (the chairman of Vets for Freedom). I don't agree with that idea for the simple fact that I do not believe the media is there to honor. My evidence, why does the media not cover the hundreds of returning heroes... why is the media thin at the following events:
Yet they are furious at not being allowed to photograph coffins? My reply is not they want to honor the heroes, they want political statements. In addition I cannot feel that the piece mentioned in the WaPo is all that respectful when they say things like:
Old Guard members also are assigned the funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. To make it into the Old Guard, they've already survived a sort of basic training in which, instead of climbing walls and crawling under barbed wire, they learn to stand as still as a marble column and as stolidly as a beefeater.
They are soldiers first and did not complete "a sort of basic training," they completed the same training to serve honorably in the United States Army as all the other men and women.
When I see the same amount of coverage done for every single homecoming, causality or not, then I will believe the media has honor and best interest in mind.
20090406
SECDEF Gates drops the axes... (UPDATED)
I am happy that it seems that missile defense is not going to be ignored. But some of the promising future is no more.
To better protect our forces and those of our allies in theater from ballistic missile attack, we will add $700 million to field more of our most capable theater missile defense systems, specifically the terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System and Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) programs.
We will also add $200 million to fund conversion of six additional Aegis ships to provide ballistic missile defense capabilities.
In the area of missile defense:
• We will restructure the program to focus on the rogue state and theater missile threat.
• We will not increase the number of current ground-based interceptors in Alaska as had been planned. But we will continue to robustly fund continued research and development to improve the capability we already have to defend against long-range rogue missile threats – a threat North Korea’s missile launch this past weekend reminds us is real.
• We will cancel the second airborne laser (ABL) prototype aircraft. We will keep the existing aircraft and shift the program to an R&D effort. The ABL program has significant affordability and technology problems and the program’s proposed operational role is highly questionable."Because of its significant technical challenges"?
• We will terminate the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) program because of its significant technical challenges and the need to take a fresh look at the requirement.
• Overall, the Missile Defense Agency program will be reduced by $1.4 billion.
Are you serious. The plane, happened overnight. Missiles overnight. Aircraft carrier overnight. Everything was so easy. I must say it seems as though Gates has fallen in lockstep with POTUS.
We no longer live by Kennedy logic "we choose not to do these things because they are easy, but because they are hard." We live by Obama logic "if it is hard we don't bother with it, because gosh darn it people like me."
The evasive measures were of no effect and due to this decision we will not have the aircraft and many good people will be losing their jobs. Close to 100,000.
We will end production of the F-22 fighter at 187 – representing 183 planes plus four recommended for inclusion in the FY 2009 supplemental.[UPDATE:]
[UPDATE:]
In the Hill:
“Cooperation on missile defense is now a critical component of many of our closest security partnerships around the world,” Lieberman wrote in a letter to the president. “We fear that cuts to the budget for missile defense could inadvertently undermine these relationships and foster the impression that the United States is an unreliable ally.
“Moreover, sharp cuts would leave us and our friends around the world less capable of responding to the growing ballistic missile threat.”
Lieberman, a longtime supporter of a robust missile defense program, is the lead signatory on the letter.
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich (D) and four Republicans, Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Jeff Sessions (Ala.) and James Inhofe (Okla.), also signed it. (An important battery of interceptor missiles is based in Fort Greely, Alaska.)
20090403
Congratulations to Charles Krauthammer!
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and commentator Charles Krauthammer has won the 11th annual Eric Breindel Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Krauthammer -- a regular panelist on FOX News' "Special Report" whose weekly column in The Washington Post is syndicated in more than 200 newspapers worldwide -- won the $20,000 award for depicting "love of country and its democratic institutions," the Eric Breindel Foundation announced Thursday.
"I was surprised and extremely gratified," Krauthammer told FOXNews.com. "I was very happy when I got the call. It means a lot because I knew Eric, he was a friend of mine and he was a courageous journalist. To win an award in honor of him is extremely gratifying."
20090402
Missile defense, DPRK, "Change."
The bottom line? It's an "I will not be ignored" moment: The Dear Leader is sending a shot across the bow of the Obama administration, which had blamed testy US ties with North Korea on bad Bush-era policies.
Indeed, the administration seems to be downplaying the upcoming missile shot as a done deal, threatening unspecified "consequences" for naughty North Korean behavior. It hasn't even indicated that it would put US missile defenses in Alaska and California on operational alert in advance of a launch (as George W. Bush did in 2006).
Team Obama's response is so restrained, in fact, it signals resignation and weakness in the eyes of some.
One thing's absolutely clear: Obama's notion that the world's troublemakers would naturally "change" course once he took office continues to crumble. North Korea is just the latest example.NORTH KOREA GOING BALLISTIC, Peter Brookes