HC, humper, recon -
Damn, I dread getting into this thing... mainly because it's so important and I ain't got but the one measly stripe; but here goes... y'all might just as well open up the dang batteries all at once and get it over with, by now I've learned well how to take cover in the hole you taught me how to dig. DO NOT want to hear one thing about my buttons or the spit shine afterward though! When the smoke clears, I'll still have the same questions, if'n your fire doesn't snuff me out.
First, I trust my commander-in-chief. If he thinks it's time to go before the UN, then it's time to go before the UN. When he thought it was time to give those orders to commence the two Freedom campaigns we got goin' on, it was time.
Second, I listened to as much as I could of Secretary Anan's speech today on radio. I found it among the finest war-time peacemaker speeches I have ever heard, and it gave me a little hope like maybe Churchill's talks way back when must've, for some.
Third, I appreciate and value the UN, guys... maybe for different reasons than others don't. I believe they are a body and the SOLE body, with many faults, whose role has a chance, a prayer, to keep most of our troopers coming home, sooner, on their own two legs... what battle does to the mind and heart I am unqualified to say. At the same time, I can almost readily understand a regiment of experienced warriors (PF has about 4500 of us, still not sure how many are IN a regiment!) not seeing things quite this way... and I know so many of us regard it as being crazy to WANT war, or see it go on longer than must be.
> Dunno what to make of France yet, but I will defend their sovereign right to vote as they please in a democracy. I do not regard them as an enemy, sorry. They are not the only ones who have a vested interest in Iraq and the middle east.
> Once ya set loose war dogs, then there's no telling what might happen, and everyone gets on edge. They're mighty hard to call back on voice commands alone, because all of a sudden stuff goes from the "general" to the "specific", in a big hurry.
> Mr. Anan did not, in my opinion, "chide" the US for unilateral action... what I think he said was that there are consequences when such action is taken, and those results tend to disrupt global harmony, right or wrong.
> Calling his colleagues "Excellency" is a formal courtesy any of us who might serve in that body would expect and render, for the sake of peace and dignity.
> Dunno if the UN is trying a "power grab" or not, seems unlikely and all but impossible, frankly... given who has the bigger badder guns and financing, eh?
> Chalabi, is there anyone in America other than perhaps a newborn who did not understand why that fella got in the position he was put in? Who, again, PUT him there?
> If we need "deadbeat" UN nations to share the cost of this deal, then isn't it better to ask nicely and persuade, rather than just beat the livin' daylights out of them? If one is a fellow of Project for The New American Century, of course, then all bets are off... it is your manifest destiny to expect ALL demands to be accomodated, instantly. Sorry for the sarcasm...
> Many say that the statute of limitations has run out on America's debt of gratitude to France, Lafayette and the French Navy for their generous services to our people in that hour of need 216 years ago. I say, "Not so." I will no more forget what they did than I could forget a single PH well-earned in a jungle, far away, decades ago... not for a moment. And, their help to America has been availed many times since... not least of which is symbolized by our own Statue of Liberty of whom we all are so proud.
Our president is a brave man, becoming braver with each passing day. I honor him, and those who honor him, who is striving every minute of his life to protect and defend our beloved land and people. That he would stand before the world, and give his speech, come what may... he is no fool.
Respectfully.
|