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US death toll hits 4,000

By Kim Gamel
Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD -- The overall U.S. death toll in Iraq rose to 4,000 after four soldiers were killed in a roadside bombing in Baghdad, a grim milestone that is likely to fuel calls for the withdrawal of American forces as the war enters its sixth year.

The American deaths occurred Sunday, the same day rockets and mortars pounded the U.S.-protected Green Zone in Baghdad and a wave of attacks left at least 61 Iraqis dead nationwide.

An Iraqi military spokesman said today that troops had found rocket launching pads in different areas in predominantly Shiite eastern Baghdad that had been used by extremists to fire on the Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy and the Iraqi government headquarters.

"We hope to deal with this issue professionally to avoid civilian casualties," said spokesman Qassim al-Moussawi.

The four soldiers with Multi-National Division -- Baghdad were on a patrol when their vehicle was struck at about 10 p.m. Sunday in southern Baghdad, the U.S. military said. Another soldier was wounded in the attack -- less than a week after the fifth anniversary of the conflict.

Navy Lt. Patrick Evans, a military spokesman, expressed condolences to all the families of soldiers killed in Iraq, saying each death is "equally tragic."

"There have been some significant gains. However, this enemy is resilient and will not give up, nor will we," he said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."

Last year, U.S. military deaths spiked as U.S. troops sought to regain control of Baghdad and surrounding areas. The death toll has seesawed since, with 2007 ending as the deadliest year for American troops at 901 deaths. That was 51 more deaths than 2004, the second deadliest year for U.S. soldiers.

The Associated Press count of 4,000 deaths is based on U.S. military reports and includes eight civilians who worked for the Department of Defense.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians also have been killed since the U.S.-led invasion on March 20, 2003, although estimates of a specific figure vary widely due to the difficulty in collecting accurate information.

One widely respected tally by Iraq Body Count, which collects figures based mostly on media reports, estimates that 82,349 to 89,867 Iraqi civilians have lost their lives in the conflict.

Overall attacks also have decreased against Iraqi civilians but recent weeks have seen several high-profile bombings, underscoring the fragile security situation and the resilience of both Sunni and Shiite extremist groups.

Mosul, Iraq's third largest city about 225 miles northwest of Baghdad, has been described as the last major urban area where the Sunni extremist al-Qaida group maintains a significant presence.

The persistent violence has led to strong public opposition to the war in the United States, with both Democratic presidential hopefuls Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton promising a quick pullout if they are elected.

President Bush has insisted the decline in violence shows his strategy is working and needs more time, a position taken by Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.

Iraq's National Security Adviser Mouwaffak al-Rubaie said he sympathized with the American losses but warned against pulling out U.S. troops before Iraqi forces are ready to take over their own security and the situation is sufficiently stable.

"Honestly, this war is well worth fighting. This war, we are talking about war against global terror," he said Sunday in an interview with CNN.

No group claimed responsibility for the Green Zone attacks, but suspicion fell on Shiite extremists based on the eastern areas from which the weapons appeared to have been fired.

At least 10 civilians were killed and 20 more were wounded in rocket or mortar blasts in scattered areas of eastern Baghdad, some probably due to rounds aimed at the Green Zone that fell short.

The U.S. Embassy said at least five people were injured but no Americans were reported killed in the Green Zone attacks, which sent dark plumes of smoke rising over the district in the heart of the capital.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to release the information, said those injured included an American and four third-country nationals, meaning they were not American, British or Iraqi.

(March 24, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:56 AM:

" The body count in this bogus war is outrageous. And it's all thanks to two guys who were in the military but never in a war. Supporting this war will only prolong the catastrophe of Iraq. I hope future President Hillary Clinton will get the troops out of there soon. "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:20 PM:

" I remember General Wesley Clark proclaiming that the Americans deaths in the first few days of the conflict, before we even reached Baghdad, would be measured in the tens of thousands. I wonder what the current enemy body count is? "

aufever wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:13 PM:

" Mrs.D if we go by your criteria, then we should abandon Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. what you are not seeing in the major media is what is really happening in the country, Oil exports are now above pre-war levels and gradually infrastructure ( schools,power, water and sewage) are being built that surpasses anything in the Middle-East with the exception of Israel. I would hasten to remind you that the only Democracy in the Middle-East is Israel and we have planted the seeds of democracy in Iraq. As to this war being Bogus, then thank President Clinton's Appointee as head of the CIA for his assessment of the Intelligence Leading up to this war. But I could not come up with a better place to inject a little Democracy into the Middle -East. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:28 AM:

" Well written, Mrs. D! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:33 AM:

" A bogus War Mrs. D? I think not. This is a real war. As some may know, I'm currently deployed and engaged in this "bogus war" (as Mrs. D. calls it). I and soldier's I serve with in my unit provide convoy security for 95% of all supplies that go into Iraq. We are shot at, struck by IED's (roadside bombs), mortared, rocketed and face the high chance of vehicle accidents do to extremely poor road conditions. We deal with 130+ temperatures in the summer and below 30 in the winter (today's temp is 107). This war is not BOGUS for us! And on top of all this, because the enemy is invisible; typically hiding in buildings, or are amongst crowds of innocent people. This cowardness prevents us from engaging them as warriors do.

As far as the "Catastrophe" in Iraq; it is a guarantee that if we pull out and leave this country will become far worse then what you see on the evening news, and far worse then it was 5 years ago. Civil unrest amongst the different tribal clans is what causes the unrest here.
"

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:52 AM:

" If anything, the presence of US Forces, Brit Forces, Australian, Polish, Korean, Japanese, Georgian, Armenian... and many many other countries is only helping to secure this country from civil unrest from the Sunni's, Shia's and Kurds, let alone from the Iranian's, Turks, Al Qaeda and every other group wanting some sort of power here.

The problem over here is not the USA and our leadership in the Whitehouse, the problem is the corruption in the Iraqi government. Over here, anything can be bought! And most people have a low price tag... and if your not from the same tribe as another official, you don't get support. Here in Southern Iraq, we deal with corrupt Iraqi Police more then anything. It is "believed" that the IP's are responsible for the majority of all IED's that take place (Its pretty good that an IED can go off between two IP Checkpoints, 300 meters away from both of them, but the IP's didn't see or know anything... right...

As far as Hillary Clinton goes... this is my opinion, but her significant other is more responsible for the reason's I am here, then those currently in office.
"

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:08 AM:

" President Clinton had ample opportunities to argue UN sanctions that were not being enforced. He had chances to enforce the "No Fly Zones" in the North and the South of Iraq that were broke repeatedly... he choose not to. He even had occasions to remove suppressive leaders from power... he choose not to. Instead, President Clinton was to busy "engaging in more personal matters and activities" in the oval office.

The 4000+ that have lost their lives defending your freedom to not support the war are my brothers and sisters; and they are NOT A BODY COUNT! These 4000+ fighting men and women are somebody's loved one. They have names, and though probably very few of them WANTED to come here, when called upon, each answered the call without objection. You may object to the war, that is your right. But don't object to the fact that fighting Men and Women are here defending your right to be against the war; and we all know why we're here. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:32 AM:

" Most at home forget about the thousands of Iraq's lost their lives for not supporting an evil regime. How many have stories of being tortured or watched as their children were tortured, raped or killed? I can say that we quickly forget about these atrocities because it does not happen to us. The evening news can take our attention from finding a mass grave outside Taji or Bashra, to a coal mine accident in Utah in just 5 minutes.

Daily, good things are happening over here. Schools, Hospitals, roads, water plants, ect... are being built and how many times do you hear about that at home, that's right, you don't! But you sure hear about the carnage over here. Why, because as an American society we dwell on negative news and forget about the positive things.

Mrs. D, I respect your right to be against this war. But it's not bogus, far from it! If you disagree, then I ask you to come over here and talk to soldiers yourself; but first pay a visit to DALLAS/FT WORTH Airport; visit the soldiers coming home! You'll be emotionally moved! "

Not so mad in Nevada at the moment wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:53 AM:

" I have to say that I agree with Blue Falcon. I think that although Bush knew what he was getting into that he got a raw deal on the fact that we were already at war with Iraq. We have been for a very long time. Just because it hasn't always been right there out in the open it's been there. Nobody wants to go to war but in order for us to continue the freedoms we love so much I really don't see any other option. "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:56 AM:

" This war was created because of President Bush's campaign promise; topple Saddam Hussein. Why? Because he couldn't think of anything really clever. 9/11 happened and Bush had an even better reason to invade Iraq. He didn't want to upset old family friends, the bin Ladens of Saudi Arabia, so he chose to blame Iraq. Now, after all these years we just have a lot of dead soldiers and grieving families of these soldiers. There's also a recession in this country because of the war; there's high gas prices because of this war; there's a lot of sour people in this world because of the war; and there's no money for social programs because of the war. Now, can anyone think of anything good coming out of this war? NO. "

why? wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Anyone against the war is painted as "un-American". I am certainly support our troops - I have friends in Iraq right now. But I would prefer they not have to die for a country we will never be able to fix. This is a war begun under false pretense and continued for whose benefit? There are plenty countries that are literally falling apart -we can't and shouldn't try to save them all. We are not the police of the world. Bush calls this a "war against global terrorism". 15 of the 19
9-11 terrorists were from Saudia Arabia (two from UAE and 1 from Lebanon) but we didn't bomb or invade them. That might have been more appropriate but could have damaged Dubya's friendship with Prince Bandar. Saudi Arabia's treatment of women doesn't seem a whole lot worse than the Taliban's. In Saudia Arabia, women cannot vote or drive. They cannot be admitted to a hospital or seen by a doctor without a male family member present. They must be covered head to foot while in public. Saudia Arabia is known to torture political prisoners. "

why? wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:08 AM:

" So maybe we invaded the wrong country? Seems like if you want to prevent terrorism you should tackle the country from which the terrorist come. Yes, Iraq had/has a terrible human rights record - so does Saudia Arabia and many other countries out there too. Support our troops - bring them home! "

Tired wrote on Mar 25, 2008 1:55 PM:

" I am a veteran and a military spouse of a husband who has made numerous long deployments due to this war and the both of us don't agree with it, that doesn't make us unamerican or unsupportive of the troops and I too feel that Bush led us in this war under false pretenses. I don't pretend to walk into the shoes of our brave soldiers, being a veteran I understand that they are following orders and my husband is one of those people, but for an administration so for this war why not take care of the troops fighting this war and maybe cut back on those folks who have done 2 or 3 deployments? Many of our friends were not given the protective gear, and some of them had to pay out of pocket for items the military should have provided for their safety, these things are not cheap. Like my husband many of our friends are doing more then one tour being gone for as long as a year, my husband one of them. "

SJT wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:29 PM:

" PBS is airing Frontline: Bush's War this week. Check your local listing for show times. You're likely to get a fairly accurate account of the basis to invade Iraq. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Blue Falcon I for one totally agree with every statement you made. I also whole heartedly support you and your fellow soldiers, marines, airmen and seaman in your efforts. We lost one war because of the cowards who didn't have the nerve to stand up and support our troops. Many make comparison's to that war and your war but in reality 35,000 men and women were killed or MIA in that war and I do not want to see your numbers reach that number, but I also know that if they must you and your brothers and sisters will face that tragedy. Do not let anyone fault you for believing in what you are doing. Along with all the good you have mentioned you are also there to protect those who are with you as they work very hard to protect you. Enjoy those relationships you are forming they will last for a lifetime, you will find friends there unlike any you've ever known. It's hard for civilians to relate to the activities that go on in time of war on the battlefield and in the fight, because they've never been there. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:54 PM:

" Blue Falcon I also want you all back home, with your heads held high with the knowledge your mission has been completed. Even Bin Laden has admitted the terrorist war has gathered in Iraq to make a stand. In his most recent tape he seeks help from Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and any other terrorist ridden country to join in on the current Jihad which is the largest battle they have currently accoding to Bin Laden. So yes, when he and George Bush agree that is where the war is then that is where our troops need to be. If Bush would have listened to McCain our next President of the United States earlier, your job might be a little easier today. I say a prayer every night for you all and for John McCain the only one running for President that is qualified to be Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces. You are absolutely right about Clinton's inaction and his fooling around in the whitehouse that's been documented. I know you don't want the woman who forgave that to be your next boss. Obama is not experienced enough. "

ProtectUsAll wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:03 PM:

" Outrageous body count, eh Mrs. D.? Do you recall the following?

American deaths from the Vietnam War:
58,193
(- from U.S. National Archives)

A war Democratic presidents approved, escalated and perpetuated, until a Republican president got us out.

Charismatic president J.F. Kennedy was determined to 'draw a line in the sand' and prevent a communist victory in Vietnam saying, "Now we have a problem making our power credible and Vietnam looks like the place" to James Reston of the New York Times. from wikipedia

Remember the failed Bay of Pigs invasion approved by Kennedy that was such a debacle? He drew the line there too, and then he abandoned those courageous freedom fighters.

Do you remember the phrase: "All the way with LBJ?" What happened when this Democrat ratcheted up the action in that faraway land? More American deaths.

Which president got us out? A Republican. And now we expect that a Democrat will solve our current problem by running away? Not hardly!

Oh yes, Mrs. Democrat selectively forgets. Others here do not. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:20 PM:

" Blue Falcon just wanted to add one thing. I would want a former Admiral who had been in captivity and been tortured to make decisions about deployment, wouldn't you? If you want someone who can negotiate about torture there is nothing like having someone who has been there. Admiral John S. McCain was a fighter pilot in one of the best jet aircraft ever produced on our soil. He flew day and night missions from his ship, he landed his plane on that little postage stamp in the middle of that big blue ocean over and over again. He had served his time and was headed home and volunteered to go back on another ship and that was when he was shot down. That's the kind of leader America needs as it's Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States Of America. But until then, our prayers and gratitude are with you, as you do what's right for your country. Everyone is entitled to there opinion but that doesn't mean yours isn't the right one. Service Members and Veterans Rule Blue Falcon. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:29 PM:

" Mrs. D I cannot believe you can set there and say bring the troops home, when they are finally begining to see some difference their effort has made. You may not support the war, I get that, but don't tell a service member he/she is fighting a Bogus War. You know Vietnam would have had a lot different ending if the public would have supported the troops over there. But that time has come and gone. The Vietnamese Government didn't attack us on our soil. Have you not watched your television as the Aljeda regime has beheaded military and civilians alike. If those aren't terrorist pray tell who is mam? Saddam and his sons were the closest thing to Weapons of Mass Destruction I have ever seen or heard of in many many years. Had you written this blog during Saddam's reign and you were residing in Iraq, you would be walking around with your head detached from your shoulders, and probably raped by his sons. No Blue Falcon and his brothers and sisters are fighting a Just War in the correct location. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Scott you found your Mrs. D, I will begin on that new Graduate Script immediately. Talk to you soon Benjamin, I mean Scott. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:48 PM:

" Mrs. D,
You are at least a century ahead of yourself with this Hillary Clinton thing, she couldn't even catch her husband cheating on her in the Whitehouse do you seriously want to put her in charge of our nations security? He was busy with what's her name who doesn't clean her dress after a date with the President and didn't see 9/11 coming? The Middle East has been at war with somebody down through time Mrs. D it didn't start with George W. I'll tell you what if she gets elected I'll send Bill a brand new box of cigars cause it will be more of the same with a different dame. What did the Clinton administration do for us other than give the news agency plenty to write about? They both wrote books which I wouldn't purchase or read to support their war chest, which she has already started diggin in to. She made a mis-statement about being under fire while landing at an airport and even Sinbad the comedian said it didn't happen. Believe me if you are ever under fire you don't mis-state about it. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Mrs. D,
Do you really want someone in the Whitehouse who says people are shooting at her, when they are not? She landed on that airport twelve years ago and can't remember such details. Lady I was in Vietnam in 1970 and I remember when someone launched a mortar in my direction. You don't forget those little events in your life, nor do you mis-state the event. The details become etched in your mind and even later when you hear a similar sound you may duck for cover, because that could be the difference in writing a blog 38 years later or being blown to bits. As for Obama don't think the man is qualified to run a Super~Wal~mart much less the Whitehouse. He would want to change everything to the extreme and would be terminated within a month. First time he said we can make more money if we charge !.49 instead of 1.47 he would be gone. His experience is too limited he wouldn't know where to place the wreath at the Unknown soldiers Tomb and Pastor Wright would make a Wrong comment and embarass him. "

Jay wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:00 PM:

" Mrs D. is a product of our liberal media. Dem's (including Hillary) & Rep's in Washington went right along with the President when it came to sending our military into Iraq, and it was due to the high probability that Saddam had WMD. Now weve removed the dictator who was nearly as bad as Hitler, and done so with the loss of only 4000 soldiers. Although all deaths are tragic, how would you feel if we did nothing and Saddam launched a ballistic nuclear missile which hit New York? There would be far more than 4000 casualties, which would have been innocent civilians and you would have blamed Pres Bush for not doing anything to stop it. Im sure you think the scenario is far fetched, but on Sept 10, 2001 you probably thought the Twin Towers were safe too! We are a nation of spoiled citizens, who do not live in reality or realize its better (and safer) to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to military actions. Lastly, if you think Hillary will bring our troops home immediately, your really naive. "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Mrs. D,
The reason the Democrats aren't gonna win this time is because they don't have a valid candidate for the position President of the United States.
I think Oprah W. could win, but not her candidate. When the American voter public wake up on voter day, a Republican will win the office again. There is a prediction for you Scott, not a statistic but a prediction. Mrs. D I am sorry but I just don't think you are aware of what is at stake in Iraq and the Middle East but read your bible maybe that might fill in the blanks for you.
In Islam accoding to Bin Laden if you are not islamic you are dead, end of discussion. Every one else is classified as an infadel thereby worthy of being beheaded. Welcome to Bin Laden 101 Mrs. D. Bin Laden has taken credit for both attempts to destroy the twin towers sending the Economy into ruination. Have we got him yet no, but pulling out of Iraq/Afghanistan is not going to get him either. He doesn't walk around the desert with a sign "mass murderer". "

DaTruth wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:14 PM:

" 4000 deaths in 5 years... You ever think about the DUI casualties here at home? In listening to the news, we are quick to hear about the rising death toll in Iraq. Interestingly enough though, it still loses out to the number of fatalities caused by drunk driving in the United States by a ratio of about 17 to 1.... 17 to 1, that’s in favor of drunk driving. There are some big differences, too. Those who serve in our military do so with a commitment to laying their life on the line in the defense of our nation. Those killed by drunk driving accidents are often on their way home from the store, taking kids to a school play, going to see a movie, etc. How is that fair? Why do people spend so much energy slamming Bush for his foreign policy while we let 15 more people die here for every one that loses a life in Iraq and we do relatively nothing about it. Why? I guess it’s a weak and easy strategy to heave blame on someone else so we don’t have to feel guilt for our own misdeeds? Where's the outcry on this issue? "

All for the Troops wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Mrs. D,
Hillary Clinton couldn't keep Monica out of the Whitehouse, what do you think she can do about bringing the troops home from Iraq? We already had a run as Hillary for President and when she couldn't get her health care plan passed she put her dress between her legs and quit making decisions for Bill and having anything else to do with him, hense Monica. Monica has made almost as much money selling purses as Hillary made on her book only difference is Monica is still selling purses.
Now if you want a woman in Office I would suggest the original Mrs. Bush and mother of the current President. She could do the job and still have time for all the George's in her life. She's the best first lady since Nancy Reagan. Put that in your camel pack and smoke it.
Catastrophe of Iraq you write, body count you talk about those are terms I also remember from Vietnam, you're playing your ace in the hole be careful. You're done if you threaten to burn your bra downtown. Then we will know you are in that same era. "

To not so mad in Nevada wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Wish you would move back to Hanford, you would be a good addition to the voting community in this little town.
I agree with most of your comments and at least you spell out those I might not agree with, that's more than that foreigner who assasinates character, throws out unfounded statistics and badmouths America while in a foreign country. There was a time in history he would have been shot as a traitor. I'm glad he wasn't around in that era where loose lips sink ships, he would have given away every location of every vessel. But stay tuned and keep bloggin' it is appreciated not so mad in Nevada. At least you moved to my favorite state. "

To Protect Us All wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:03 PM:

" I stand corrected I was way off on the number but I have statistics that say In Memory 1959-1975 58,479 Brothers and Sisters who never returned from the Vietnam War. That information is from the MIA Foundation. So in either case more than 58,000 men and women did not return to their families after the war was over. There are still bodies who have not been returned and my bet is there are still some in Russia who will never be even acknowledged. So I guess Mrs. D will determine that was a Bogus War and all those men and women parished for nothing. Wow stop and think about it, that is probably about the size of the residents in Hanford, Armona and Lemoore all added together. Who's lives might they have changed, how might we have changed the lives of their families had we won the war and Vietnam was a Democratic Country? What if France had given up on us during the beginning when we were struggling as a Country. Had England won would we be called her majesties subjects? How might that have changed history all together. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:42 PM:

" Dear "To not so mad in Nevada": I can only assume that you must be referring to me, but I can't be sure, because, in your comment, you refer to a foreigner, and when I last looked at my passport, it said that I was a citizen of the USA.

Calling someone a traitor who should be SHOT for voicing an opinion...Talk about CHARACTER ASSASINATION!

Unfounded statistics? I rarely use statistics in my comments, so please, do show us the ones you are referring to.

Badmouths America? I criticize policy and voice opinions regarding the Bush Administration's failures, but I never badmouth the country of my birth, the country where my family lives, the country for which my grandfather fought in WWII, MY COUNTRY!

What, Americans who live overseas are in your opinion traitors? That makes for a lot of traitors. I better go run down the street and inform Mr. Coneway, the US Ambassador to Switzerland (his residence is literally 3 blocks over from my place), that, if he so much as even thinks about disagreeing with some Bush Administration policy, he, too, will be considered a traitor! So much for freedom of speech. "

JC wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:49 PM:

" Blue Falcon, I agree 100% with you. I was deployed to Kuwait 2 months before the war started and returned to the U.S. 11 months later. If Mrs. D was to taka a "vacation" to Iraq, she would notice all the great things that are happening there. The base for her opinion is CNN and FOX NEWS. She believes that Mrs. C (clinton) will be the savior. She does not realize that it was Mr. Clinton's adminstration who failed to act at the appropriate time, and by the time president Bush came into office,.... then the 9/11 attacks..... it was time to act. If we would have had another democrat in the office, we would still be having useless meetings in the United Nations and perhaps would have been attacked over and over before they decide to act. MRS. D, our brothers and sisters ore not a "Body Count" and war is not "bogus". You are disrespecting every member past and present of the best military in the world. Instead, of bad-mouthing us, just say "Thank you".... "

Former Veteran wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:45 AM:

" To Tired, I relate to your comments and feel your pain. I am a Vietnam Veteran and believe me my generation knows the thankless feeling you are currently experiencing. What people often times lose track of is we were civilians before we were military and we still have responsibilities to our families and friends at home. I Thank You and your husband for your service and yes you continue to serve as his failsafe, his one part in the world that he knows will never change, so continue to support him and his friends and know that there is at least one individual that understands your sacrifices and your tiredness, when I returned from Vietnam I slept for three days and nights, I was so tired. I know it doesn't seem fair that you and your husband should have to face this but one thing I learned in the military is someone has always got be be willing to fight anyone, anywhere at anytime. That's what the military prepares for that is what the military does. Deployments are necessary evils we all had to face at one time or another. I Salute You. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:52 AM:

" Being a soldier, I don't ask for thanks, I'm a Staff Sergeant, and quite frankly, I've received my share of support over the years. Every time someone thanks me, honestly, I don't know what to say back to them. I don't think there are words to really describe how honored we are when someone tells us thanks. I know that every service member that came before me paved the way to make my military life better. The pains that those before me went through were far tougher then today. Vietnam, Korea, WW2. You guys had it rough compared to what we have today! Without your service, today's warriors would not exist.

I came home on leave in October. After enduring the most uncomfortable flight of my life, we arrived in Dallas/Ft Worth via Atlanta. The reception every military member gets, getting off that plane and walking through the terminal is of amazing proportions... words cannot describe it. You walk out of the gate, into the terminal, and there standing in front of you is about a hundred or so volunteers in a line greeting us, thanking us, hugging us.
"

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:13 AM:

" These actions caused every person in that terminal to stop what they were doing, and to stand up, and applaud. As we walked from the gate through the terminal to the secured area for us, which was all of about a minute or two, but seemed like an eternity, I thought to myself, how do you say thank you to something like that? I felt cheated! Because I knew that most of the people volunteering their thanks in that line probably didn’t get the same welcoming home as we did. I knew this by the hats most were wearing… of which I’d say 85% said “Vietnam Veteran” on their hats.

So after we did a bit more processing of our leave paperwork, we left the secured area to go to the baggage claim… again, another large line of volunteers “thanking us”. This time around, I ensured that I stopped and shook the hand of every single person in that line. And I ensured that I told every single person that I could recognize as a Vietnam Veteran thank you for their service.
"

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:24 AM:

" I did this because I knew that when they came home, many received quite the opposite welcoming home ceremony. Many were spit on, called names like “baby killer” and “war monger”. And I can tell you, that none of these warriors then wanted to go off to war, but they were told to and they did it!

It hurts me to know that there are still many out there that are so ignorant that they are still willing to protest this war. I have more respect for those over here trying to kill us, at least they are willing to die for what they believe in, then a protester at home or someone that says negative things about service members and stuff they really don’t know about. Until “you” come over here and experience the life of what it’s like to be away from home. To say goodbye to your loved ones, and not knowing if you’ll ever see them again. To give up every luxury we as American’s have, our TV’s, our cars, our homes, our pets, our “Red Lobsters” or “Olive Garden”. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:49 AM:

" Then people like Mrs. D or Scott Tucker, either sit at home and watch the evening news and wish they had the courage to stand up and come here, or you flip the channel because you dare not think about what could happen. Instead of speaking out against this war, and/or protesting and bashing the current administration, maybe you should be looking for a solution. I challenge you to find the solution to lowering gas prices, and to ending this war, since you obviously blame this war over Oil. But instead you’ll continue to be against refining Alaska and other places and argue about gas prices and the war.

During WW2, American’s sacrificed many things. Stay at home moms went to work to not only provide for their families, but because our nation called! Just like then with Pearl Harbor being bombed; on 9/11/01, America was attacked again. The financial trademark and military symbol of the world was put to ruins. Have you forgotten about that? Have you since; put your American Flag in your closet? Have you forgotten who has given you your freedoms?
"

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 2:07 AM:

" I don’t think anyone disagrees to the fact that Saudi Arabia is a hot bed for terrorism; I think it’s the “tree of terrorism”. And what a better place to plant your seed then Iraq! The borders are not secure because of corruption, and corrupt officials plague politics over here; that’s a fact!

And at home we have a Republican administration fighting with a democratic house and senate. Politics have now plagued this war because people at home can’t agree over how much money should be provided to help rebuild a country and continue to water the seed of democracy we planted. The Generals need to run this war; not a politician. And who better to have in office then a former wartime hero, who had to learn to walk properly again from all his torture, “John McCain”. Libs like Boxer, Kerry, Feinstein, Pelosi, Kennedy, Clinton and Obama have only made things worse for us over here. You want to bring us home, write your Senators and Congressmen and tell them to continue to support the war effort by voting for bills to continue to fund and support troops and the rebuilding of the "

Viet Nam Veteran wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:02 AM:

" First: My sincere condolances to the families of our fallen troops. "All gave some, and Some gave ALL"!
Second: Freedom is never "Free"! Respect those that pay for your freedom.
Third: We must refrain from condemming those that go to "WAR" on our behalf and support them. Of course we should have the option to speak our minds about the actual conflict being right or wrong, but never those that have to comply with the orders of the President of the United States.
Forth: Remember a Vet - everyday. Remember 9-11 everyday, remember the fireman & policeman - EVERYDAY! They remember you by just going to work - EVERYDAY! ! ! "

Dandre wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:22 AM:

" 'Bush's War' on PBS laid out this disaster!
Blue Falcon, God Bless your service but it's up to true Patriots to GET YOU HOME!
The propaganda is alive and well!
This WAR belongs to the NEO-CON's.
The SAME people in this administration that MADE UP the INTELLIGENCE that took us into IRAQ, are the SAME PEOPLE that ARMED Saddam with WMD during the St. Ronald Reagan administration.
While the RIGHT WING is trying every dirty trick they can muster to steal another election, the AMERICAN PEOPLE are getting a good look at the TRUTH!
The Progressive MOVEMENT is the MOVEMENT of WE THE PEOPLE.
Iraq is, or at least was, to be the shining example of conservative policies rebuilding a country.
The conservatives were humiliated after WWII for appeasing the Nazi's and watching as the United States, after defeating Germany and Japan, gave them a bunch of money and a bunch of 'LIBERAL' policies and told them 'Rebuild your countries! They became the second and third economic powers behind us in 2 decades!
And here we are....
"

mE wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:07 AM:

" Hello, Mrs. D - Bill Clinton sent our troops into Bosnia? Are you pleading to bring our men and women home from there?

The bottom line is this - my son was deployed for the beginning of IRAQI FREEDOM when they left Kuwait and pushed forward to the Bagdhad airport. He slept on a cot and ate MRE's for the next several months. He came home from that deployment and told me that Iraqi Freedom was the right action for our Country. He saw first hand the mass graves, the poor living conditions, etc. in comparison with Saddam's elaborate palaces.

My son is again deployed to Iraq for 15 months. He has told me that there is so much improvement there. He and his troops are proud of the accomplishments they are realizing and feel that they are keeping our County safe while helping another country improve their standard of living.

My son's opinion and those of the military down range are really the only ones that matter! Just be happy that our military fight and die to allow you the freedom to express yourself! "

jeff wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:32 AM:

" I’m very confused on what Blue Falcon and All for the Troops are arguing for or against. I haven’t seen anyone here write anything remotely about not supporting Americans in our armed services. I would still like for someone to explain to me how being against war and never wanting Americans to be in war is not supporting them. Seems to me if we never sent them to Iraq their chances of being wounded or killed would be significantly less then they are now. The only reason that Iraq is where the war is is because we made it the battlefield. When Hussein was in charge terrorists didn’t live there. This war is our doing it was not happening prior to us invading Iraq. ProtectUsAll, what kind of argument is it to say Democrats got us into a war in the past so it’s perfectly fine for Republicans to do it now. Your logic is ridiculously flawed jut because someone else did it before doesn’t make it right now. "

jeff wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:32 AM:

" All for the Troops, if you’re so patriotic and feel this war is just why aren’t you there fighting? Blue Falcon made quite a blunder and it seems no one saw it. Mrs. D was not saying that the war was bogus in the sense that it doesn’t exist but this is how Blue Falcon starts his comment. It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to see what her point was. This war was started under false pretenses; the American public was lied to. This makes it a ‘Bogus’ war. We know there was no 911 link, we know there were no WMD’s and last week the CIA finally confessed that there was no link to Al-Qaeda. Now you will try this excuse that Saddam, his sons and Chemical Ali were the WMD’s. If you really cared about saving lives (How many times do I have to say this?) you would be asking our government to invade Sudan, Guatemala, China, North Korea and Iran. You don’t want this though and why not? Humanitarian efforts are not something you care about. You use this as an excuse to pretend that your belief system is a valid one and it’s a weak defense. "

jeff wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:32 AM:

" To Protect Us All, you state 58,000 Americans not returned from Viet Nam then say ‘Who’s lives might have changed?” That’s the problem though isn’t it? We will never know because they died fighting a war we had no business to be in. All of the American soldiers that have and will be killed in Iraq suffer the same fate. To say I’m patriotic and I support American soldiers because I love having them in an unjust war where they have a high rate of being killed is ridiculous and every time you and your kind open your mouths this is what you say. You are not supporting them by going out of your way to get them killed. Comparing the Iraq invasion to the Revolutionary War is inane. They are completely different and you may want to read some History books. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Many of you are confusing the issue. We are not criticizing or badmouthing the soldiers. We are criticizing the policy makers. My grandfather was a soldier, my step-father was a soldier, my step-brother was a soldier and even lost an eye while serving his country. I honor their service as do I honor the service of all of the military men and women who are fighting in Iraq and Afganistan today. We all know that it is not the Paul Baeumers of this world who make policy. The 4000+ dead soldiers had very little to do with the reasons why they found themselves in Iraq in the first place. Please stop confusing our criticism of policy makers with troop support. They are two entirely different things. Criticism of Bush politics does not equate to criticism of our military men and women. Thanks to all the troops who are out there doing their jobs and keeping us safe. Let us do the right thing and make sure they return safely to their loved ones. "

SJT wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Opposition to the Iraq occupation include not only around 70% of Americans, but several (mostly recently retired) military flag officers have gone against thier code of silence and also joined the ranks of dissentors to the invasion and subsequent occupation. Names like Zinni, Eaton, Batiste, Johns, Gard comprise the list - about 20. Many of them served on active duty at the run-up and outset of the invasion. None really relish having to speak out, but thought to keep silent would have been overwhilmingly regrettable. Many don't approve simply because we believe we were lied to to go in the first place and add that al qaeda has resurfaced with the Taliban in the mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan while we faciliated a civl war in Iraq. We're in year six now, and today we hear of the Shia militias breaking their deal to a cease fire, again. And the fighting continues. McBush suggests another 100 years of this. So, it kinda stands to reason that opposition is as robust as it is. There is a war for us to fight and it is with al qaeda. We went to in Iraq and they followed. What a quagmire. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:42 PM:

" protect us all from the BIG holes in your history lesson. It was the PROGRESSIVES of this country that ended the Viet Nam WAR! I beg your pardon, the Viet Nam POLICE ACTION, they didn't even have the guts to call it a war.
The same 'gov't destabilizing' powers that got us caught up in torture and assasinations and Iran-Contra then has dragged us into this oil grab.
Call it what it was originally named..Operation Iraqi Liberation.......O.I.L.
The 'Political' reconciliation that has been the problem with their government is WE WANT 80% OF THEIR OIL FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS!
OUR Country is headed for another republican great dpression and you guys are using our CHILDREN'S credit card to REMODEL somebody else's HOUSE........BRILLIANT!! "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 26, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Hey, folks, get the red white and blue out of your eyes. This war is full of lies and more lies. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11; there weren't WMD's; if the Iraqis wanted to rid themselves of Hussein, they could have done it themselves. The Vietnam War was something the French got involved with in the late 1950's and it sucked the US in later based on fears that Communism would rule the nation. The Iraq war was created by Dubya on the fear of 9/11 and in my earlier statement, Iraq had nothing to do with! So far this war has wasted more money than anything in the history of the USA. Oh, and in the defense of Pres. Bill Clinton, there was a surplus of money when he left office. The current President blew through that money when he came in! "

* wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:17 PM:

" END THIS WAR "

Mr. Truth wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:29 PM:

" Sounds like 'Mrs. D' needs to call the ''wah-m-bu-lance'
Or, maybe get a hamburger and french cries.
Whining libs keep whining, but 'do' nothing.
I love the way Obama and Hillary are tearing each other apart. "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:07 PM:

" RE: Mr. Truth, the mister part is a misnomer. "

mE wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:33 PM:

" Well, Ms. D. - seems like you dodged the "Bosnia" question, now, didn't you!?!

I am irked when whiners complain about how much Iraqi Freedom is costing Are you saying that we are wasting our money paying soldiers who are deployed? Are you saying we are wasting American tax dollars to keep them fed and equipped? If so, then shame on you. If not, then please elaborate more on how we are wasting money with verifiable facts and not your opinions. Remember, the U.S. gives money to many poorer countries in the world, too!

Also remember that I only care about the opinion of my son who is down range fighting for your freedom and safety right now. So, don't tell me or anyone else to get the red, white and blue out of our eyes. You sound very ungrateful!!!

Intelligent people have gotten past what got us into Iraq. That ship has sailed and it no longer matters if there were actual links to 911 or WMD's. As of today in 2008, we are there and we must stay there until our mission is complete! "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Mrs. D I have red white and blue in my blood and it's staying there. You, Scott and Jeff must of had your heads buried in the sand like Ostrich"s before this invation took place. President Bush, United Nations, Vice President Chaney and the rest of the world put Saddam Insane on notice that if he didn't let inspectors back into his country with free access to prove their were no WMD's action would be taken. Saddam Insane sounded a whole lot like a neighboring country does prior to the invasion. Deny Deny Deny sounds like a cheating spouse to me, doesn't it to you. Walk softly and carry a big stick, remember but sometimes you have to trump a coward when he spits in your face. The overall management of the war hasn't been cohesive, mistakes have been made, but we aren't killing people for the heck of it and Sad man and his sons were. Chemical Ali, come on he was eveything the name implies and he worked for a madman, you don't tell someone with a nuclear capabiltiy go ahead make my day and expect nothing to happen. "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:23 PM:

" Mrs. D did you think that during the time Saddam was calling the world's bluff he couldn't have moved his WMD's to Iran, Syria or some other supporting country? That's where my money lies and they haven't used them against our troops because that would give creditablity to the war. This isn't a war being fought with just small arms and rockets, there is a propaganda effect like in any other war before it. Maybe that is why the leader of Iran is being so bold right now or maybe they do already have the nuclear capability. Hard to say in the world we live in anything is for sale for a price. All I can say is if you think troup withdrawal is the answer to this problem move to New York or wherever the next target they have chosen. By the way I don't think you said it, but whoever quoted all the way with LBJ that was his campaign slogan not a war cry. McCain said going in there were not enough boots on the ground, he knew that was the problem in Vietnam, in the beginning. "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:31 PM:

" You want an end to the war and the world just pull all our troops out drop a Nuclear bomb and it will take care of all our enemies, oh but it will also take out a bunch of our allies as well. You people just aren't tinking clearly, that is why a Nuclear weapon wasn't used in Vietnam you silly people. We could have won the war but lost the continent, that isn't what we were there for silly rabbit. The United States has the mite to destroy anyone in it's way, but that is not what democracy and freedom is about, just be glad Hitler/Saddam didn't have the technology yet that's all I can say.
They were both seeking it prior to their deaths. Why haven't we found Osama Bin Hiding yet because he is probably in some hole in the earth sweating his juevos off just like Saddam. We just haven't found his hole yet. But don't worry every good spoiler gets his day. You must realize coming home doesn't end it, it will continue if left unchecked instead of there over here remember 9/11? "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:41 PM:

" Mrs. D, Scott, Jeff do you know what I want? I want it ended too, but I want it ended in a way so that all the first responders in this country can go to work and do their jobs without worry of being killed doing their civilian jobs. I want civilians to go to work knowing they aren't going to die at the coffee pot, water fountain or doing their jobs at their desks. No more death in the workplace by insane people claiming that catasrophe is their form of religion. I want to know that our allies and our civilian population can get on public trasnportation without the fear of being used as a weapon or just being blown to bits. You say no terrorism was in Iraq before we brought them there. Let's see ask a citizen of Kuwait if they feel the same way, then ask the Kurds in the north or even ask Iran itself. That murdering *%)#! and his regime were terrorist and they support all other terrorists that kill americans and their allies, when are you gonna wake up. "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Let's see over a million citizens left Iraq, there were no terrorist there before we were. I guess the mass exoducs covered up all those terrorist who checked their passports at the borders on the way in. We are positive there wasn't a single terrorist in Iraq before the United States and it's allies arrived? I won't repeat what I said above but think there's a hole big enough to fly a jet airplane through in that cinerio. It was just announced in the newspaper that Saddam gave a cleric in the states 2,000,000 barrels of oil (@X$80 per barrel) to smuggle three Democratic Senators into Iraq and Saddam picked up the bill for transportation during the pre-arrival of the US . This was done in an effort to support Iraq'a position and none of these Intelligent Dems suspected a thing. They all three said they thought they were being flown their all expense paid to check on the children in Iraq, wouldn't it have been better to have donated the oil and transportation costs to those children if that was really their concern? 160 Million reasons I support our troops. "

All For It wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:10 PM:

" I might buy those Democrats stories if they were nine year olds being led to Neverland. Politics be darned it could have been Republicans but Saddam Insane was smarter than the Democrats he knew he couldn't get a bunch of oil rich Republicans to buy his story. I agree Haliburton is changing it's name to Gold Incorporated over this war now that is a crime. You can thank Vice President former board member Chaney for that one, I'll give you that one. But how can you blame a guy who accidently shoots a partner while hunting, did the guy mention audit, or what? There are and have been problems with the execution of this handing the government of Iraq back. But the military boots on the ground have performed their job flawlessly and should be held in the highest esteem. Not told they are fighting a Bogus War and that Bush is really Hitler in drag or any of that nonsense, you want respect it's something that is earned. You want your opinion heard offer a serisous solution don't just condemn the people for trying to solve it. "

O. G. wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:37 PM:

" I agree with Blue Falcon on about everything except when he said, "I'm currently deployed and engaged in this 'bogus war' (as Mrs. D. calls it).
We deal with 130+ temperatures in the summer and below 30 in the winter (today's temp is 107)." (March 25, 2008).
What part of Iraq was that? I haven't seen that temperature in all of Iraq this year, though it was 94 degrees today in Kuwait, Baghdad has been in the 80's and low 90's... "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:22 PM:

" Mrs. D, respectively, if there are not WMD here, then why, 1. am I still caring my JLIST Chemical protective gear with me when I go North across that berm? 2. Please read this article (though most will say its been twisted by the media (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,200499,00.html). 3. Please tell me what happened on 17 May 2004, when an IED containing sarin gas exploded next to an American convoy and causing two soldiers to be treated to exposure of a "chemical weapon"? 4. Why am I still receiving ANTHRAX vaccines? 5. In 1988; 5,000 Kurds died during the gassing of Halabja (Northern Kurdish Town in Iraq). 6. Iran/Iraq war... we know what happened there, SH ordered the gassing of his own people.

Now lets talk about a few other things... if he didn't have WMD's, then why not let UN weapons inspectors in? Mrs D, Iraq is a big country, with a lot of sand! The western part of this country is nothing but sand! If the Iraqi's can bury and hide entire squadrons of jets, they can hide WMD's! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:43 PM:

" Furthermore, the Iraqi's attempted to rid themselves of Saddam Hussein when he visited Dujail, Dawa Iraq. Their attempt was thwarted and he escaped. In return, thousands were killed.

Last point on Saddam, The day Saddam came to power, he called hundreds of Iraqi "leaders" into a room, during this time, he had the names of well over a hundred Iraqis called out... each one was took away, most of which were never heard from again... those that did survive, speak of torture of inhumane proportions. I suppose all this is ok with you.

I'm curious Mrs D. how many more deaths would there be for US Forces if the United States and "President Bush" did not spend as much as they have thus far? I'm glad I roll in an Up Armored HUMMVE, that can take most IED strikes! Aren't you? The price for technology is not cheap. I said it before, thank you, to all the service members that came before me, without them and what they went through my military life would be much more difficult. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:53 PM:

" One last comment, and this is my opinion, the reason why President Clinton (note, I call him President and not "Bill" as you refer to President Bush as "Dubya") was able to balance the budget is because he reduced everything, except the unemployment rate, taxes, stains on dresses and on the carpet in the oval office, and scandals in The Whitehouse. How many people lost jobs because of Military Base closures under his 8 years? How many communities were hurt by this?

And I have another word for you; "Whitewater"! How many times is Hillary Clinton going to "lie" about things? "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Blue Falcon once again you eloquently stated fact not propaganda statistics like Scott and Jeff. I do Thank You for your service and Salute you for your efforts you make us Vietnam Vets Proud because you've nailed it to a Tee. Those same irresponsible, unappreciatvie people who welcomed us home are still around and have had offspring and poisened their mines with all this anti war hullabulla too. So just tune them out remember how my brothers and sisters welcomed you home and we look forward to doing so again. Those who aren't willing to put anything on the line for freedom just don't know the pride those of us who did and do receive from it. To Dandre if you think our history isn't similar then you and Jeff are the one's who need to bone up on History. Taxation without representation, English Monarchy trying to Rule America, Death squads for those who wouldn't cooperate, I see a lot of similarities. They say History repeats itself so I guess you are right everything before during and after your lifetimes is just Bogus. Blue Falcon, I bid you continued success. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:33 AM:

" Blue Falcon the reason you felt the emotions you felt are for the same reason we who came before you feel it for you. We are Brothers and Sisters even though in a different war and different time we Salute you for having the Courage, Strength and Dignity to protect our nation from evil once again. These simple minded clones can't help not getting it, their contributing donors to their dna didn't get it either, they can't help it. Anyone who resides in a foreign country and puts down the current administration, but longs to claim his loyalty through the service of his other family members but yet refuses to put his own behind on the line isn't worth listening too anyway. He is so connected to being anti-american, anti-war and anti want to reside here he has made his choice. All I can tell him is his passport isn't valid anymore because since his leaving we have reissued all new one's good luck Scott Tucker. Scott since you love the United States so much are you still paying taxes here? Well didn't think so, Mr. no voice. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:05 AM:

" Blue Falcon - I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the dis-respect you receive on this blog from a very few. The majority of us do get what you are trying to convey and appreciate your service and it's sad you have to spend your off duty time explaining to them what should be of common knowledge. You can't explain to people who are born with our freedoms and who don't know what it is to have a cause worth laying their lives on the line and putting themselves in harms way is all about. When you've been spoiled with the ability to come and go as you please, all the food available you could ever eat, medical treatment on every corner, having a say without fear of retaliation. When you grow up with all those gifts brought to you by people willing to put it on the line for your freedoms you get very unappreciative and self-centered evidently. They haven't experienced rule by a dictator, hunger, deprivation, filth and every disease in the book. All they did to get what they have is be born in the United States. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:41 AM:

" All For The Troops, You are new here, so let me explain (again). My passport is valid until it expires, then I will be issued a new US passport and it will be valid until it expires. You see, as a US citizen, I get to have a US passport no matter where I choose to live. Do I still pay taxes in the United States? As a matter of fact, I do. All US citizens must complete and file a US tax return every year, no matter where they are living. And since I pay taxes to the US governement, and because I am a US citizen, I get to voice my opinion about the policies the US government practices. Again, please show us these "propaganda statistics" that you refer to. Like I wrote before, I hardly ever use stats in my comments, so you will be hard pressed to find some. You just don't seem to get it, do you? "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:13 AM:

" To O.G. You've never lived in the desert have you? Let’s start with the bottom end of the Temperature... did you know it snowed in Baghdad a few months ago. Sand does not hold temperature. I'd also like to focus your attention to where you look at temperatures... Kuwait City, is next to the Persian Gulf, with a very nice comfortable breeze... Here to the North West of KC, Temperatures change quite a bit... This morning when I woke up it was a beautiful day, by lunch, we had 25 MPH winds, and an orange haze in the air...its 8pm here now and it’s back to beauty. You're not going to get "Weather Channel" Temperatures for military camps built in the middle of the desert. I don't know how else to prove it to you; except for you to come join me. Your local recruiters office is on 7th St. I'm sure after about a week here, you'll be wishing you could be reading these blogs from the A/C comforts of your home and not a tent; I don't live in a hard building! "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:42 AM:

" ALL FOR IT- GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT- the weapons inspectors were IN IRAQ ,the 'shrub' told them to get OUT when WE attacked a SOVEREIGN NATION WHO had NOTHING to do with 9-11
FOR THE LIBERALS here.
What you are witnessing is the republican CIRCULAR LOGIC!!
These are the 'cool-aid' drinkers!
The STORY that was leaked to the NY Times about Saddam trying to go nuclear was leaked by Cheney on Saturday then Cheney USES the NY TIMES column to VERIFY THE STORY-CIRCULAR LOGIC- MAKE UP A LIE AND JUST START REPEATING IT!
I am a Viet nam Vet, who has partied with kings, admirals and generals. PATIOTISM is not BLIND FAITH! DISSENT is the LIFE'S BLOOD of this Country and ANYBODY who tries to stifle that dissent is UNpatriotic! The CONSERVATIVES who are missing the GOD GIVEN 'gene' that makes US LIBERALS are 'lemmings' that will jump off that cliff with their 'Daddy Figure'!
THE blind faith crowd is PROOF that the Ottmeyer studies after WWII are still ACCURATE today, 50 yrs later!
Scott, Jeff, et al, keep the faith!!
There are MANY PROMINENT TRUE CONSERVATIVES on OUR SIDE of the argument- the people here- Ideologues! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:51 AM:

" To All For The Troops: Thank you for you kind words; again you are a true patriot!

Believe me when I say that people like Mrs. D, Scott Tucker and Jeff, they don't get me down. In fact, I find humor in their opinions because I know that they really don't know what’s going on at all. They have no clue what's really taking place here. We know that good things are happening, and are ever changing only for the better. Freedom is not free; but there are some though that do want it free, aren't there?

I know the Hanford Sentinel would never go for this, but I'd sure love to have a "question and answer" blog for what it's like being a soldier here. I'd love to post some pictures and videos of the sights and sounds that take place here.

Where I'm at, I actually have it pretty good, compared to some warriors "up the road", those guys are in some pretty rough "Indian Country" and there doing one heck of good job up there!

Thanks, and continue to support service members! "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:58 AM:

" Blue Falcon, feel free to support this war. My point is that this war is a joke! It was built on lies and misinformation. The actual soldiers in this war are being mamed, injured, and killed. VA hospitals are being filled with the injured who are missing legs, arms and parts of their skulls. It would do a great injustice to them to keep this war going. Our national debt is being run up everyday by the billions just to show the world that the US is bad butt. We're all the blue dress now! "

Jackie K. wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:59 AM:

" Yes, Blue Falcon, a Q&A would be great! I'll see if I can set it up. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:25 AM:

" AFTER 5 YEARS- Al Sadr's cease fire is what is keeping Iraq from EXPLODING, Iran's president rides through Bagdad streets like a rockstar, the 'shrub' has to sneak in and out when he visits!
Most Iraqi's think its o.k. to shoot Americans. This 'attitude' is a Neo-con by-product.
The day after 9-11 the WORLD stood behind us.
To discuss this war without talking about the realities of the list of people we are fighting in Iraq is anemic. The factions that make up the factions that make up the factions that make up Iraq being all called ‘Islamofacists’ keeps the propaganda abstract enough for the sheep to swallow and still be able to regurgitate.
The ‘grasping for straws’ foreign policy has created the situation where We are funding ALL the DIFFERENT factions, supporting a shia Maliki who is buddies with Iran who hate Al Queda who we are getting ready to bomb because they hate Israel who hate the Saudi’s who bush love’s WHO ATTACKED US!
6 weeks before the invasion the 'shrub' didn't know there was a difference betrween Sunni and Shia.
This TYPE of IGNORANCE is par for the 'shrub' and that 'right wing circular logic'. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:55 AM:

" UNDERSTANDING PLAYERS IN IRAQ'S CIVIL WARS: As Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Brian Katulis explained, the violence "brings into the open this long-running intra-Shi'a civil war." The fighting across southern Iraq has pitted Sadr's Madhi Army against Abdul Aziz Al Hakim's Islamic Supreme Council (ISCI) of the so-called Badr Brigade, which has support from Prime Minister al-Maliki. Adding another layer to just one component of Iraqs many civil wars, "a third Shi'a faction, the Fadhila movement, is also engaged in the struggle for power in Basra," Katulis writes. The result is a show of force from Sadr. "If these violations continue, a huge popular eruption will take place that no power on Earth can stop," said Nassar al-Rubaei, leader of the Sadrist bloc in parliament. Most ironically, if Iraqi security forces and their militia allies prevail, Iran's hand in Iraq will be heavily bolstered. "The Badr Organisation and the ISCI had always been and remained the most pro-Iranian political-military forces in Iraq, having been established, trained and funded by the IRGC from Shiite exiles in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war,"
And YOU thought the 'shrub' was in charge? "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:12 PM:

" "[T]his is really a fairly transparent partisan effort by the Supreme Council dressed in government uniforms to fight the Sadrists and Fadila," said Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group. "Maliki in alliance with ISCI are doing their best to marginalize their political enemies locally – in preparation for local elections in October 2008," argued historian Reidar Visser. The result? "It seems far more likely that even the best case outcome is going be one that favors Iraqracy over democracy," says Cordesman. Furthermore, this is not a hands-off situation. The U.S. is providing air support -- "help just in case they need it," explained White House Press Secretary Perino.
AIR SUPPORT FOR THE PRO_IRANIAN IRAQI'S!!
SOOOOOO...WHO ARE WE FIGHTING? "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:05 PM:

" This seems to have developed into the ‘cons’ all standing behind Blue Falcon waiting and hoping that a ’lib’ will say something that can be demonized into that’s unpatriotic or attacking the troops and Blue Falcon.
S.O.S.
Blue Falcon, with all due respect, you are in the minority. The majority of boots are against this war, the majority of Iraq/Afghan vets running for or in office are Democrats,
Polls show Ron Paul as the military’s favorite, you know the anti-war guy! Also,your anti-Clinton propaganda is obvious! You leave out 1 big factor, the OBSTRUCTIONIST republican party> Clinton’s 8 years were spent dodging investigations that went NOWHERE by a party that was exposing itself as the party of 100% politics
ALL of the republican effort was put into becoming the ‘permanent majority’ according to Rove. A result of this arrogance was that no ‘oversight’ was expected, so, the Democratic investigations are turning over rocks and the ‘lil repub cockroaches can be seen scurrying all over the place just about daily on CSPAN.

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:39 PM:

" “The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor. We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against aggression and to preserve freedom and peace.”
Ronald Reagan – 1983
The republican party has abandoned that principle. In fact, the only principles they employ, are ‘PARTY FIRST’ – the Rove Doctrine.
The White House claims to have LOST 5MILLION emails covering the run up to the war and other alleged criminal activity and you guys want to talk about whitewater and bosnia! By the way, those email accounts were on a SECRET server!
CIA agents outted, lied into war, gutted economy, a president who for the first time in history used his veto power to protect his right to TORTURE!
But according to you all everything is just great!
That is NOT the America I grew up with!
"

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:44 PM:

" ALL FOR THE TROOPS – I grew up reading William F Buckley and Barry Goldwater’, graduated from a college prep h.s. in the middle of Orange Co, the #1 hotbed of conservative republican moneytypes.I enlisted and was remotely involved with the Mai Lei court-martials, I get email from Newmax, the conservative review, Ann ‘the man’ Coulter and I listened to Rush before anybody knew who he was, in fact I know a minister who grew up with this clown and Rush Limbaugh is a cartoon character!
A ‘soul mate’ of mine was a Navy Seal who for Bush1 did some things in So America that movies are made of! This MAN was the staunchest conservative I knew and he died a victim of this administrations policies and as LIBERAL as they come!
The guy I went into the Army with in 1969 is dying of agent orange complications as we speak and still fighting VA about it!
I give you enough credit to think that if you were in my shoes and saw the things I have seen in my 59 years that you would share my world view and concerns. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:47 PM:

" HOWEVER, you must possess that God Given ‘Liberal’ Gene for that to be possible, its called COMPASSION. It’s the ability to see bad situations from the perspective of both the aggressor AND the victim and using those perspectives to root out and solve legimate problems rather than getting caught up in the demonization tactics that have created the mess that we are in now.
The Conservative survival depends on keeping you saying, ‘They are all the same’, that is their basis for ‘divide and conquer’ politics. Logic and compassion are their enemy.
This Country has moved to the ‘right’ in the last 30 years, TO ITS DETREMENT!
The Super Class, a new designation, is moving to Dubai and leaving the rest of us here to fight over the scraps and you guys will defend them to the end.
Oh, by the way,
While you guys were hyperventilating over the Rev Wright’s comments- 200 billion tax dollars was ‘bailing out’ bear stearns- I thought you guys were against Socialism, that’s one of the biggest Socialist programs I’ve seen.
That damned Clinton!
Turn off Faux news and pay attention!

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 27, 2008 4:07 PM:

" ALL FOR.... Bin Laden is responsible for the economy being in the tank? you have got to be kidding!
Go look at Exon's and Haliburton's financial reports and tell me who has this Nation by the Throat!
and then were you going to try to justify all this with the bible?
Here is an educated guess, God doesn't want anything to do with your god dam#ed war.
I KNOW, we are torturing for Christ!
Hey that's a good slogan for your party! No real big words and its got god in it......
Ms. D obviously, even our God is smarter then theirs.....Peace
"

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:02 PM:

" Dandre - you are real good about repeating something and giving credit to the person with a brain, for your thoughts. (But any well educated and trained Parrot can do the same thing) Can you carry on an intelligent conversation without having to quote everyone else or do you not think for yourself at all. You are so good on quotes I have one I would like to read to you: "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have." What Rush bleeb was that taken from my friend? None the man who made that statement was Thomas Jefferson. But keep speaking your speak and building your over programmed Democratic Government and watch it get taken away. While you hide under the misgiven indication that your DD214 means anything more than mine does, which has the statement served in vietnam on it by the way. But then when you said you were raised in Orange County valley boy I got your entire message. I was a valley boy too, right here not in the water sucking south "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Dandre' if you truly served I commend you, but sorry it's still a bitter taste in your mouth, quite obviously you were drafted college boy. I on the other hand enlisted to fight for my country because I understand freedom isn't free and you know what I wish Bush/Chaney would have started the draft again, just so many who are spoiled in this country could be indoctrinated into what it is to serve a cause rather than become one. There are enough government programs in place right now to support ten third world countries and I have no doubt you are receiving your fair share. As for Agent Orange I too am fighting the effects of that silent killer so don't tell me I don't friggin understand you ingrate. Out of control diabetes, neuropathy, heart problems, and ms is probably the next step hero. But once again what was throught to be a solution turned out to be a problem. All those problems you speak of in our government regarding the economy lead right back to the Democratic free ride that's been negotiated over the years, silly rabbit. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:18 PM:

" Dandre' you are right and I agree with you about Halliburton the oil companies etc., but just like tobacco one day a whistle blower will step up and those problems will be dealt with in due time. What I don't agree with is just like sending army national guard to vietnam with one clip of ammunition, we shouldn't have ever sent boots to Iraq without proper amor and every tool they needed. We paid for Vietnam in so many ways we will pay for Iraq as well. You act as if 9/11 never happened were all your television sets off that day? I don't understand did you not get the memo? Were you stuck in line getting commodities? I just don't understand how a certain population in this country doesn't remember the over 3,000 who parished and those first line responders who didn't make it home that day. You keep saying there was no terrorism what was the Taliban? What is Al hate ya? I can't believe suddenly the minute we came into Afghanistan and Iraq all these terrorist showed up. We need that mass transportation system here. "

THE REALDOG wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:29 PM:

" Hey MRS D

Why dont you move to Iraq so are troops can come home......... "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:43 PM:

" Scott Tucker you are absolutely correct I may not be up to date on passports because sir my military pass port was my military I. D. card when I traveled abroad. But while you are informing me of all those rights you have, who put them there people working overseas or people fighting overseas. I would like to see one of those tax returns probably full of zeros for sure. I know military men and women don't have to pay taxes because they are paying with their skin in a battle zone and most deployments these days are not to the Riviera or Cabo last I heard. So keep bellowing all those rights you have and make my case for me Scott Tucker. Besides you need to have that pass port, at the first sign of trouble you'll run the other way, back to America, I bet. I noticed in your or Jeffs' argument there was a lot of Step mentioned knew it couldn't have been blood relations who actrually stood for a just cause. How's the wine Scott? French is it? We have American Fries oh yeah you are informed. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:46 PM:

" Scott, Jeff Mrs. D, you ought to thank us just for giving you another holiday a year. Oh that's right Scott you don't get it in Propagandaville. Well that's all I had to add, since you can't understand common sense. "

ToSentinel wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:14 PM:

" You own Dandre. He wrote here, the best piece I'd ever read in your newspaper, both print & online - by far. "

Whitie wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:08 PM:

" I was going to give my opinion on some things, but Dandre I think you coverd all of it. Tell it like it is. You are a true Patriot. Support our troops, and end this war! "

All For the Troops wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:19 PM:

" Dandre' I was referring to their target it was the World Trade Center or do you not know or understand how our economy works. As with all business it doesn't just happen on Wall Street their are investment centers where investors from around the world trade, do you not get that Dandre' you claim you know who is killing our econcomy and as I aleady in earlier blogs agree Halliburton and Oil companies are ripping us off, but rebuilding the destruction which happened on 9/11 is not paid for with Arab/Middle East Money it is with taxpayers dollars. The money given to the the families of those lost is taxpayers money. If the Middle East hadn't performed that dastardly deed we wouldn't be spending that money nor the 3 trillion dollars we are spending on the war. So I don't think the terrorist are free and clear in all of this as you would like us to believe. You sure your name isn't Ali, Saddam or Mohamed Dandre'? We didn't bomb Iraq prior to 9/11 it was the reverse in case you didn't hear the story. Read Blue Falcon's latest blog. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:55 AM:

" Scott - Jeff here it is plain and simple. Convince me that those people on those jet airliners - in the twin towers - first reponders - military and civilians in the pentagon - did to deserve those acts by the cowardess hijacking terrorist on 9/11. Diplomacy how can you be diplomatic with people who carry box cutters to slit the throats of innocent people going about their business and traveling to see family. Finally if we can corner every terrorist and encourage every terrorist to go to Iraq and do battle with our armed forces how simple the end of this could be. If we are the reason terrorist went to Iraq, so what, that is what we want a face to face battle not hit and run motorcycle attacks with rockets a draw a line get ready set three go battle to end this once and for all. We have been taking terrorist out over there by the hundred, good keep doing that they aren't elsewhere killing innocent civilians to go get virgins in their heaven. You said go get the terrorist didn't you? "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:03 AM:

" Mrs. D you think this war is so bogus well go tell the Iraqi's what you think in person by yourself, without benefit of the armed forces to back you up and see how far you get? That hornet's nest was not stirred up by us, some one I believe it was Dandre brought Isreal into this. Let me ask Mr. Dandre' something how would you like to be the leader of Isreal and be the only democratic government in the Middle East. Isreal sometimes knows how to deal in that world better than we do because they have been surviving in it for hundreds of years. No one cried fowl when Isreal launched aircraft into Iraq and blew up what was known to be a start of a nuclear weapons facility. Iran talks tough to Isreal but pretty much leaves them alone, cause they know they aren't to be messed with. Isreal was the first and the best to develop anti-terrorist squads to deal out death and destruction to them in a manner only they understand. So don't go bogus on me until you check your facts. "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:20 AM:

" RE: to THE REALDOG and others;

I don't have to support this war. No one has to support it. If you want to support the war, go ahead.

The dead don't come back from the other side. Why don't you guys move to Iraq and celebrate Ultraconservative Sunday Christian Day. I'm sure it will go over well! "

jeff wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:11 AM:

" All for it, it’s hard to respond to your latest round of tantrums since much of it is incoherent rambling and you still bring up issues (As you have been doing since you started here) that no one else has brought up so I am still left to wonder if you believe the voices in your head are coming from Dandre, Scott. Mrs.D or myself? I don’t have to convince you of anything and no of course the people killed on 9/11 didn’t deserve it but do all of the Iraqi civilians now being killed because of us deserve it? Iraq was not a nation full of terrorists and the fact that you believe this just goes to show how uneducated you are. The war on Iraq is doing nothing to preserve my freedom so I do not feel obligated to thank anyone for anything that is happening over there. I’m just as free now as I was before 9/11, on 9/11 and after 9/11. The error in your thinking is right in most of your tantrum. The fact that knowledge of things is what you attack goes to prove your ignorance. "

jeff wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:11 AM:

" You quote Thomas Jefferson do you even realize that if he was alive today he would very well be against this war. Have you ever read any of his writings? Do you know that he considered himself to be an Epicurean; do you even know what that is? He was also a follower of Thomas Paine and Marquis de Condorcet, have you ever read any of their works? Do you even know who these people are? Have you ever heard of Frederick Bastiat? Have you ever read ‘The Law’? Try educating yourself a little bit, you claim to have fought so that Americans could have such freedoms aren’t you doing yourself a disservice by not enjoying them? “A long habit of not thinking a thing WRONG, gives it a superficial appearance of being RIGHT, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom” Thomas Paine. "

THEREALDOG wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:02 AM:

" Hey Mrs. D

Here is a number for you 2,819 INNOCENT lives DEAD......If your not sure what I'm talking about go to New York and go to the spot where those 2 big buildings were I think they call it groung O now!!!
After that there were sayings that said WE WILL NEVER FORGET......i guess you did..... "

Not so mad in Nevada at the moment wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:23 AM:

" I can't believe how everyone won't let go of the fact that Scott at the moment doesn't live in the US. Just because he is living out of the country at the moment doesn't mean his loyalities lie somewhere else. I think in some ways he has an advantage to us who have never been out of the country, We don't know what it's like anywhere else where as he has something to compare it to. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:42 AM:

" CIRCULAR LOGIC- ITS AN EPIDEMIC!!
ALL FOR IT..... YOU ARE A JOKE!
I haven't seen that Sh%T much since my toilet backed up!
You could be a speech writter for the shrub but you gotta loose the BIG words!
Your name calling is typical!You and your hypotheticals would be funny if they weren't TRAGIC because morons like you put this retard in WH.
I got a Marine Wife you and your neo-doward buddies should visit:

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_yaybob_070425_war_widow_lashes_out.htm

By the way, I have been involved in rael eastate financing for some time and DO KNOW how the economy works. If your KNOWLEDGE of finances is like your KNOWLEDGE of this WAR, you better stick to pennies!

ALL YOU SHEEP-
AMERICA IS MADE UP OF ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT DON'T LOOK LIKE YOU AND,THANK GOD, DON'T THINK LIKE YOU!

and who did you say we were fighting......

"

jeff wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Not so mad, I think you might be the smartest person commenting here. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:54 AM:

" HEY realdog, leave the LADY alone.
Are you still trying to connect this war to 9-11?
According to the PENTAGON - THERE WAS NO CONNECTION! Repeat that over and over until it penetrates that 'pea' between your ears!
Anybody trying to sell that load of crap is either lying or stupid! I think I know your problem, get educated son, before you embarrass yourself anymore.
Keep the Faith Ms D!
The Founders along with Jesus Christ and alot of RETIRED military are on OUR side of the aisle!
On that side, alot of pointy hats and swastikas,
BAHHHHHHHH "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Scott- the mental midgets on this site questioning your patriotism are infected with that 'CIRCLE LOGIC' thing I mentioned.
I have observed this phenomenon for a long time and we are working on a cure. Newborns that go into HYSTERICS, when the 'cord' gets cut, usually are infected with this logic-debilitating disease. These kids never outgrow the 'babble' stage of their developement and grow up to be the kids that get 'trash canned' in school because they are so obnoxous! They are pretty easy to recognize by their glazed eyes and lack of reason.
John Dean does an excellent job of defining the different catagories of conservatives in his book, 'Conservatives Without Conscience'. Read this book and you will know more about them than they do!
the Ottmeyer Studies after WWII shined a big light on the conservative mental deficiencies that were expoited by the Third Reich.
Those defeciencies can be seen in all their glory right here and I know you know who I am talking about.....;) "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:44 AM:

" Dandre, you say that the majority of “boots” are against the war. I don’t get that same response over here. What we’re against, my opinion, is lack of support from home!

I’m going to explain to you how “politics” has shaped this war. During the openings days, months, and about the first two years; Iraq was a brutal place, kids came over, fought, and went home as men! Since then the country of Iraq has stabilized and the battle lines have been drawn. Terrorist adapted to our fighting style and they developed a very useful weapon against our number one mobile vehicle, the HUMMV. Which at this time was not armored, and very light and prone to explosions; the enemy developed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED – roadside bomb). Make shift armor for these vehicles was fabricated out of medal scrapes and previously destroyed vehicles; skilled soldiers did this by the way. The enemy also learned that they could not face us on an open battlefield, because if they did, they’d get their butt whooped! So the Terrorist pulled back, regrouped, and took to the cities. Their weapon of choice became the IED. Our response; Up Armored HUMMV’s. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:45 AM:

" City fighting has always been more complex then on an asymmetrical battlefield. Why? Because you now add to the equation, unnecessary collateral damage, and civilian casualties (human shields). This led to some pretty tough fights, Fallujah, Ramadi, Mosul, just to name of few. But in the end, sure we got our nose a little blood, but we won those battles. Today each of those cities is no longer a major threat to US Forces. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:48 AM:

" With the battle lines drawn and major fighting at a standstill brings in politics. Calls from people like “Cindy Sheehan” to end the war do to some harsh bitterness from losing her son in Combat, frankly she lost a loved one, she has every right to protest. But, her calls and Anti-War effort led to people like, Kerry, Clinton, Kennedy, just to name a few to start asking… “What’s going on over there”? Next thing you know, scandals start taking place, Abu Grab leading the headlines. I’m not defending the actions of those that took place with this scandal, but frankly, those prisoners, terrorists, would have did far worse to use then putting a dog collar on our necks and stacking us in human pyramid… folks, that’s boredom at its finest! Frankly, some of those prisoners probably enjoyed it; man love Thursday in full affect! But, I’m not saying I agree with their actions. These “bad apples”, spoiled us all, and gave us a bad wrap around the world. With stuff like that, the United States had to look at the way we were operating over here, this led to new rules of being a Warfigher. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:48 AM:

" CONT - Rules of Engagement (ROE’s). At the start of this war, everyone was considered the enemy; that’s the way all wars start out. But with ROE’s (which aren’t necessarily bad for us) comes more “risky business”. Now instead of shooting to disable a vehicle, or its occupants for not following simple directions like staying back 100 meters (this is wrote in English and Arabic) from convoys, or to not approach until motioned forward which are in place for our safety and theirs. People started to break these rules (ok, terrorists) and they started to find different weaknesses. They learned that they now were able to drive right up next to an American checkpoint, by playing dumb, then blowing their vehicle into 23,000 pieces. Killing themselves and the American’s at the checkpoints… why Americans you may ask… "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:49 AM:

" CONT - because there was no standing Iraqi Army yet. But because of admin style leadership at the top, these ROE’s still had to be followed, until a better idea could come up. Decision makers weren’t on the ground like they should have been, taking proper facts back to senior CENTCOM officials; instead CENTCOM was bypassed and the Pentagon started calling the shots. Look, folks, the Pentagon makes regulations; it’s full of administrative leaders. CENTCOM, ARCENT and Theater Command should have continued to run this war; that’s leadership on the ground! But instead, brass back in Washington started to influence the Sec. of Def, so he allowed the Pentagon to start having more of a say as to what went on in regards to the war in Iraq. General Franks was no longer in command and had since retired. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:50 AM:

" Once an Iraqi army and police force was formed, then they were placed at the lead positions of these checkpoints. This newly formed, under paid, Iraqi army and police force was easily bought and bribed. Corrupt was at its best. Terrorist found another weakness in our battlefield tactics; they took advantage of it. Bottom line, they adapt, we adapt, they adapt, we adapt, and on and on and on. Today, civilian vehicles are able to enter mingle with our convoys, just as if we were everyday traffic. This causes more problems. But as soldiers we must obey are orders.

Today, we rely on our Body Armor, which is heavy, uncomfortable, cumbersome, but is there to protect us. We rely on Up Armored HUMMV’s to provide us protection while moving; and we rely on trust that don’t exist, that the Iraqi Police will do their job on the highways and roads; which is not the case. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:51 AM:

" Over here, cowards will attack us, then run and hide in a Mosque. And we all know what happens if we attack a Mosque. Then you’ll have the Libs screaming at the top of their lungs… “You disrespected their religion, this could have been avoided”! Yeah, sure, just to happen again the next day. There has to be a time when enough is enough. You’re not going to keep allowing your kid to steal cookies from the cookie jar right before dinner, and turn out not to be hungry every night… you’re going to put a stop to that action, so your kid eats proper meals and remains healthy. Same concept. If we allow them to run and hide in a mosque, there just going to keep doing it because they know they can get away with it. But level that SOB with a 1,000 pound bomb, killing all inside, even those that allowed them to remain inside and that will start changing tactics… and it will drive the enemy further away.Therefore allowing us the opportunity to rebuild that mosque, and to show the Iraqi people the reasons why it is important not to harbor terrorists. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:52 AM:

" The Israelis have a great concept. When a suicide bomber blows up a bus in Tel Aviv, they go to the Gaza or West bank with bull dozers and tanks and they level the SB’s house, his parent’s house (which is usually the same place). They level his brother’s house, his work, his bank and his favorite place to eat. This in return sends a clear message to the Palestinian’s that if you “mess with us” we’re going to ruin the lives of the people that supported you. In return, because nobody wants their house bulldozed, neighbors start “diming” each other out, giving solid Intel of where bombs are being made or who’s planning what.

This same concept is being used in Iraq; except we don’t destroy a house. Instead, we have arrested the supporters. Next thing you see is wives, and other woman giving up their husbands, and male relatives because the woman still want to have a life and a chance to be free. Without their husbands, the providers, they will soon be outcasts in this society. "

Mr. Truth wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:52 AM:

" To Mrs. D
Here's an idea, if you don't like our government...
...VOTE FOR A NEW ONE! The problem with liberals is that they just can't quite 'get it together' at the polls......Try either voting, or simply move.
I think you and Canada would look great together.
I have a truck, let's get you packed! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:53 AM:

" During the planning of the Operation to bring us to war with Iraq, General Tommy Franks outline the following. 1. End the Regime of Saddam Hussein. 2. Identify, isolate and eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. 3. Search for, capture and drive out terrorists operating in Iraq. 4. To collect such intelligences as we can relate to terrorist networks. 5. Collect such intelligence as we can related to the global network of illicit weapons of mass destruction. 6. End sanctions and to immediately deliver humanitarian support to the displaced and too many needy Iraqi citizens. 7. Secure Iraq's oil fields and resources, which belong to the Iraqi people. 8. Help the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a representative self-government. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:53 AM:

" So out of these goals, I see them all being accomplished or succeeding as we speak? I think everyone of these is so far a success. Saddam is gone, no mass amount of WMD’s has been located (yet) but some have been found, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We’re capturing and driving out terrorists every day. Intel is fabulous, we’ve gained so much ground and knowledge as to what’s going on with terrorist groups, and we capture senior leaders on a weekly basis. We’re preventing attacks from happening, (dirty bomb suspect caught), terror rings broke up in England and various places around the globe, including right there at home in Lodi, California. The Iraqi people have food and the Iraqi Government is able to sell their resources for country growth, the Oil is secure. Like I just mentioned, the Iraqi government is able to once again sale there oil (which is another topic). And currently we are helping the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a DEMOCRACY which is self governed. Folks, tell me how this is not a success? "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:57 AM:

" America was not built over night. We fought against the British Crown, and our own people which supported the British crown. We even had a civil war. A lot of soldiers died. Each defined the shape of America. During this time, we had the aid of another country (France) on our side. Why not provide that same aid to another country trying to shape itself into a Democracy? I think some people have forgotten about what took so long to build. Principals, values, professionalism; FREEDOMS! The respect to “all men are created equal”. By helping define a country today will define our children’s futures tomorrow.

I don’t want my daughter growing up with the fear that she could be blown up by a bomb on her way to school. Maybe you want your kids to have this fear. I don’t, and I’m willing to fight for my kids safety, along with everyone else’s. And I’m betting you that every soldier over here is willing to do the same, or they would not be here. Instead they would have run off to Canada, like former President Clinton did! "

ToSentinel wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Meant to say "You OWE Dandre.. Need a weekly guest scribe? There's your guy. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:29 AM:

" WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE EAST FIGHTING CONSERVATIVES ON STEROIDS! OUR FOREIGN POICIES HELPED CREATE THE PROBLEMS WE ARE DEALING WITH THERE'
If you are not mature enough to deal with those FACTS then go to your corner and throw your tantrums and get the name calling out of your system......
ALL FOR.... with ALL of your problems and you are still voting for these neo-cons?
By the way, you do understand where the Neo-Cons came from don't you?
The Founders of the Neo-Con movement in the 40's and 50's wre the EXTREME LEFTWING!!
YOU ARE SUPPORTING POLITICIANS WHOSE ROOTS ARE DEEPLY INBEDDED IN THE FARRRRR LEFFFFFT of the political spectrum....
David Horowitz was a RABID LEFT WINGER in college and flipped to the right when it was safe that he wouldn't be held accountable for his WAR-MONGERING PERSONALITY!
Just like Ray Appleton, 'liberal' and 'anti-war' to cover his arse but receiving limbaugh DNA injections since he WON'T be required to PROVE his PATRIOTISM!
COWARDS ALL-
THE NEO-CONS are the face of your party and being IGNORANT of who these people are, makes YOU the UNEDUCATED ELECTORATE that has been exploited for 30 years! "

All For It wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:35 AM:

" Jeff you still don't answer my questions, your lips are moving but you aren't saying anything once again. But I think we should just agree to disagree because niether one of us is gonna convince the other we are right. I really hope you're never put in a position where you or your family is threatened and you have to protect yourself or them, I shutter at the outcome in fact. Evidently nothing is worth preserving or protecting in your eyes, if you come in contact with a mugger are you gonna take the time to go get a self defense course and then react or just pull your book out and hit him in the head? I just don't understand your thought process, but then evidently you don't understand mine. Just you and Scott be glad there are people who care enough to cash your checks for you. What is your big Homeland Security Plan that is going to prevent terrorism? I am sure we would all love to hear it college boy. By the way aren't most military officers College Graduates? Oh you haven't read a Blue Jackets Manual. "

ALL FOR IT wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:50 AM:

" Dandre' did you calim to be former military or not I don't recall. I am sure if you were you entered and left the military the same way as an E-1. At any rate you seem full of anger did someone in the military make you follow an order you didn't want to, or was it an authority figure in civilian life. Relax, you don't have to capitalize every word to get your point across in fact in email that is considered rude, sorry RUDE. . . . . iF YOU WANT TO EMPHASIZE A POINT MAKE IT SOMETHING WORTH READING, THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO DO. "

THEREALDOG wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:53 AM:

" THEN GO LIVE WITH SCOTT....AND TAKE THE BALDWIN BROTHERS WITH YOU.....THEY SAID IF PRESIDENT BUSH WINS THEY ARE MOVING TO CANANDA........O YA TAKE MRS D "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Sending MORE troops into harms way to support BAD policy IS NOT patriotic! It IS unAmerican and idiotic!
there's another THING, the WORD 'troops':
the 'Neo-cowards' replaced the word 'Soldiers' with the word 'Troops' in order to minimize the INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES of the American KIA's!
And it makes the 'sheep' feel like they know what they are talking about.......
PREDICTABLE!!!! "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 28, 2008 12:14 PM:

" THEREALDOG, you're just as bad as the current administration. You are tying in the events of 9/11 to the Iraqis. Everyone knows that Iraq had nothing to do with with the attacks on the Twin Towers.

Do not scandalize the memories of the people who died on that day to justify lies. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:48 PM:

" Realdog - Does that total include all the first repsonders and passengers in those air planes? I know it doesn't include the one's in the Pentagon of course nor the one in the field that was forced down by brave souls on the flight. What a tragedy, too bad the other three planes weren't stopped before they reached their destination
You are right Realdog too bad some of us have forgotten but guaranteed many of us have not.
Some want to use three dollar words to cover up their sincere distain for what happened and to almost justify it and make statements like we brought the Terrorist to Iraq, I'm glad they are in Iraq we are better prepared to deal with them there than we are on our city streets. Don't worry libs their soon will be another attack on our soil just to prove a point. The point being that they can do it, I predict shortly after the elections terror will pay us another visit, I hope I am wrong but my gut tells me I am not. "

All For The Troops wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:15 PM:

" Attention Dandre', Jeff, Scott, Mrs. D,, SJT forward march, column right march quick time march. Avoid left hand turns. "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:22 PM:

" WOW! I have a ‘lil dare for all you patriots check out this Story:

House to investigate defense contract to firm that shipped Chinese-made ammo to Afghanistan
Nick Juliano
Published: Thursday March 27, 2008
A lengthy investigation published Thursday reveals that the Pentagon gave an inexperienced 22-year-old a $300 million contract to provide ammunition to Afghanistan. The shady deal resulted in decades old, substandard munitions being delivered to US and Afghan troops fighting on the front lines of the war on terror.
Following publication of a lengthy New York Times article, the House Oversight Committee announced it would investigate AEY Inc., a fledgling company that thrived after 2003 as the US government began handing out billions of dollars to private defense contractors. Chairman Henry Waxman invited company officials as well as representatives of the State and Defense departments to testify at a hearing next month, according to a news release.
The results of that investigation, which sent seven reporters across three continents, were published Thursday.

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:26 PM:

" But to arm the Afghan forces that it hopes will lead this fight, the American military has relied since early last year on a fledgling company led by a 22-year-old man whose vice president was a licensed masseur...........
There is more to this including stuff about the CIA and the mafia......
support the troops???
NOW give me your BEST ‘You’re doin’ a heck of a job, Brownie!’
Maybe you guys can start flushing your money down the toilet and the likes of Cheney, rummy, wolfowitz, pearl and the rest of the Neo-cowards will suck it up – kind of like direct deposit!

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:31 PM:

" IN CASE YOU DIDN'T GET THE MATH- this kid has had this contract since 2003, HE WAS 18!!
Now, how do you suppose the clintons convinced this kid to act like a re-pub?
War profiteering used to be treasonous the re-pubs have turned it into an art. "

mud raw wrote on Mar 28, 2008 4:27 PM:

" when i read the comments from people supporting this war its as if i was still in college in the late sixties and all the morons that supported the war in Vietnam were running around campus saying,"we have to fight them over there so we don't have to fight them over here","if your against the war your against the troops."Questioning our leaders or any decision they make is unpatriotic"We have heard all of this before.This war is another part of a reoccuring nightmare that just won't go away.Our leaders lied to us then they are lying to us now and young men and women died and are dying as a result.Those of you who are supporting this war are going to be very disappointed when it's over,because the truth will surface and "the truth will not set you free". "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Mar 28, 2008 4:53 PM:

" It's all about facts and choices, Not So Mad, and how we react to them.

Scott chooses not to live in America; no one forced him to go. As I recall he has been gone for several years, and that is his right. So he is at best a nonresident who feels he has to comment and correct the citizens of Hanford, Kings County, and America. Without actually being here.

He chooses to believe, support, and expound upon liberal causes across the board and expects us to listen to his opinions and believe that they are universal truths. They are not.

He chooses to seek out all things bad or flawed with the United States. As a distant blogger he makes point after point in chastising the country he used to reside in. Once again, it is his choice to do so.

Not So Mad, you don't live in the Hanford/Kings County area anymore but have proven yourself to be a caring, genuine, and spiritual individual. We choose to celebrate you for who you are, as we also choose to reject Scott Tucker for who he is. "

The Oracle Says... wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:05 PM:

" ...Oh I full well know what it's like outside the US. Thats whay I love this imperfect country so much. Real facts are that you libs are going to throw the standard lines out over the war, "Bush Lied, no WMD's, etc.." You know that you cant verbally espouse your hatred of the military, just like Hillary can't, and remain politically relevant to the majority of the US. So you say things like, "we support the troops, but not the war." I call BS on that. You want to "save" the troops...well the troops don't need, nor want to be "saved" by some snivel drivel code pink liberal. Troops are overwhelmingly conservative. You only hear the few liberal retired military people with rank espousing their liberal views. Sort of like Chiefs of police saying they are for gun control, when 99.9% of street cops dont believe in it. Please don't insult Blue Falcon, who IS THERE, by saying you know better. Until you are standing in it, smelling it and living it, you DONT KNOW what you dont know. "

Duane Andre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Of all the manure that flowed down this hill, not one of you were able to wrap your mind around the breakdown of groups that make who we are fighting!
We have destabilized the WHOLE middle east because you IDEOLOGUES went into these same hysterics the last time we were doing this sh%t in so America! And these SAME neo-cons got rich off Iran/Contra - they should have been hung then!YOUR continued use of the generic term 'terrorist'
destroys the credibility of your argument. If you CAN'T speak in specifics then just admit that you don't know what you are talking about, instead of the 'verbal vomit'
Blue Falcon - throughout your rant you refer to things that happened that you didn't agree with, the mistakes. Well. people were predicting those mistakes from the very beginning and they were marginalized by the likes of the bombthrowers on this site, yet, you think the people that made all of the mistakes are who to follow.....CIRCULAR LOGIC!!
THE NEO-CONS USED ALL OF YOUR SHORT ATTENTION SPANS AND INHERENT FEAR OF THE BOOGIE MAN TO FOOL YOU THEN AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF THEY ARE NOT DOING IT AGAIN!
AMAZING!

"

Mr. Truth wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:51 PM:

" MRS D LOSES
Anytime you play the 'twin towers' card you have lost your conversational battle and are backpeddling like a ...well, u kno......it simply amazes me how 'supposed americans' like Dandriff and Mrs D(whose frozen apple pies I luv) sit here and bag on this and that while THEY DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.
Either contribute or make another country your home.
E O M "

Bill Moyers wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:13 PM:

" "The only thing Republicans loathe more than Liberals is the truth". "

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:19 PM:

" FELLOW LIBERALS ON THIS SITE!
I wear that name Proudly in the tradition of the Founding Fathers of this Country who were ‘Children of the Enlightenment’ and formed a country based on LIBERAL PRINCIPLES! WE ARE a LIBERAL experiment, NO MATTER HOW MUCH ann’the man’ coulter tries to re-write history or demonize LIBERALS, THAT IS A FACT!
George Washington was ONE OF THE MOST LIBERAL LEADERS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD and professed his LIBERALISM often.
NOT torturing was a WASHINGTONIAN PRINCIPLE that has been surrendered by the United States, for the first time in history.
We are now considered a ‘torture’ state by at least Canada, probably others, documented in a memo leaked by the Canadian gov’t, sent to their ambassadors to try to protect their abroad citizens from possible ‘extreme rendition’.
When We, as a Country, have lost the ability to at least ‘fake’ showing any kind of regard for individual human lives, WE ARE LOST AS A NATION!
Listen to the demonization that is going on here!
"

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:20 PM:

" If you didn’t catch it the first time I brought it up, THE mantra of these tactics is, ‘THEY ARE ALL THE SAME!’, presently, they are saying that about ANYBODY that they don’t agree with! As long as these ‘authoritative conservative FOLLOWERS’ can keep themselves in a ‘feeding frenzy’ chanting their mantra, THEY CAN BE MADE TO COMMITT GENOCIDE. Don’t take my word for it, again, I refer to the Ottmeyer studies after WWII. There is even video showing ‘conservative guinea pigs’ surrendering their morals to an authority figure and applying what they thought was enough of an electric shock to even kill someone on the WORD of that authority! THE LEMMING SYNDROME!
The corporatists keep these lemmings in a lather chasing ghosts while the Co’s rob us blind, if a 22 yr old can scam this pentagon out of $300 million! What do you think the sharks at Halliburton are doing? Blue Falcon, you didn’t get any of that poison water did you? And be careful SOLDIERS are getting electrocuted in their showers.

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Liberals! Change the FRAME of the debate!
Quit using the word ‘troop’ they are SOLDIERS, This is an OCCUPATION and not a war – you promote the ‘lemming’mentality by using their brainwashing phraseology. Be aware of these types of demonization tricks and when a lemming ‘goes off’ like many here are inclined to do, step back and just make sure that you don’t get any of it on you! We can always ‘hose them off’ when they have calmed down….

ALL FOR IT… brought up the War of Independence and the British – the conservatives then wanted to keep us BRITISH! ‘lil scardey cats!

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:42 PM:

" For all of you who question the patriotism of 'We the People' that criticize the policies that have been so needlessly destructive to our country, I have a test for YOUR patriotism and trust of Geo Bush- Get about a dozen of those lapel pins you guys are so fond of, and suck on 'em for about an hour!
You can get a rush of the ole' Red, White and Blue DIRECTLY into your system!....but, be careful not to swallow one of those pins! We don't want you to hurt yourself!
By the way, know where those pins were originally worn?.... they were first worn by Watergate criminals as they testified in Congress to soften the sound of the treason they were involved in!
God Bless America and the American Middle Class, we and our Constitution are under assault and only time will tell, by whom.
Peace... "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:42 PM:

" Dandre, where are you're facts? You state a lot of other peoples opinions, but you show nothing to back up your gibberish. Facts, where are they?

When you first started blogging here, you started out clean and had a point... but now your frustration is really showing. I find this humorous, because it shows the FACT that your wrong.

I'm also curious Dandre, when did you serve, how long, and what was your grade? And just so you know, serving with "Green Peace" doesn't make you a VET. I'm just saying; not saying this pertains to you...

You also bring into this an article about ammo to Afghanistan... We're talking about Iraq here, not Afghanistan, unless you want to start talking about that too... and I think we all can agree why we went into that country. And since I know that Dandre will now bring Afghanistan and Osama into the subject, let me beat him to "facts". Saddam was hated by millions, Osama Bin Laden is loved and celebrated by millions! You're not harboring him are you? If so let me know, I'd like the reward money! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:09 AM:

" Scott, I could care less that you live in another country. Good for you; I have no clue what you do as a profession, I don't really care. But the benefit of you living in another country is you get to compare America to another place and it gives you the chance to say "America is better because" or "America is not better because". I can say this because, I, like Scott lived in another country, Egypt for one year; actually I was stationed in Sinai Egypt, in support of the Camp David Peace Accords and assigned to MFO Forces to up hold peace between Egypt and Israel. The best time of my life!

The number one thing that I learned was, we as American's take things for granted. All our rights as citizen's we have, we just assume its our right to have them. What we always forget to think about, is all the "rights" we have is because somebody fought and died to protect our rights and freedoms from tyranny so we could have it. Nazi Germany did not attack America, but the world is better off because we went to war with Germany; right? "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:16 AM:

" Thanks, Not so Mad... "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:16 AM:

" To O.G.

Because I state facts, I've attached a photo at the following link, just for you, providing todays temperature. Also, just for everyone else, please note the tents and HUMMV. In the background!

http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn20/bluefalcon559/

Don't ever under estimate the "Blue Falcon"! "

Sid wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:25 AM:

" Scott, Mrs.D, et al,

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself" -John Stuart Mill, 1868 "

Duane Andre wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:31 AM:

" My last comment in what has broken down to the basics…..
Blue Falcon, you sound like a fairly bright kid but the crowd you hang around is suspect…In case you missed it, let me quote Hand holder, or ALL FOR IT or whoever this troll decides he is today…..

‘Alright if it makes you jealous I will quit complimenting Oracle and yes I am All For It as well you busted me, I am also CC Watchdog and anything I want to be, that is part of the blog is it not?’

THAT’S your support on this blog Falcon – staring you right in the face – the DISHONESTY and corruption in your so-called party!

YOU are at a cross-roads Falcon – there is a lesson here for you and heed it well-

YOU challenged my service and patriotism while the people you use to prop up your opinion are FRAUDS! Grunt to Grunt - I treated you with respect you but you can take your 'greenpeace'
comment and stick it!
"

Duane Andre wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:35 AM:

" FROM TOP to BOTTOM……………..Your c&c sent a team to SCOUR his military records before his 1st presidential run, that’s a fact, and if you are too lazy to find out for yourself then that’s your problem.

YOU question the people I quote to reinforce the things that I KNOW and now we get a glimpse at YOUR character judgement.

Also, if ALL for IT, handholder,etc., etc. asks you to send pics sans your fatigues, I wouldn’t…… I think he’s really Mark Folley or maybe Larry Craig……

Getting’ a good look at the ‘ingrates’ (again to quote HH) on your side of the argument…

I HAVE SAID THIS FOR 25 YEARS- THE REPUBLICAN PARTY CANNOT STAND THE LIGHT OF DAY BECAUSE THEY ARE POLITICAL VAMPIRES, ONCE EXPOSED THEY TURN INTO A STEAMING PUDDLE.

People like HH will always be there to prove my point…….get educated Falcon, otherwise, you are a HandHolder waitin' to happen....
PEACE
"

Sid wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:36 AM:

" "Blue Falcon" has the enthusiasm of someone performing a difficult job BUT in company of many others who are doing the same. I appreciate his service and perspective from the front...

Opposition to the war (which is fine) needs to be so from a position of LOGIC and not from a position of merely "hating Bush", etc. He "lied" etc.

They should look at the historical context of the build up to war: Iraq's murderous regime, Clinton not actiing against terrorism, 17 UN resolutions unenforced, the never ending no fly zones with our folks being shot at, etc. etc.

If someone blows off the UN, what are alleged "civilized" folks left to do? Forget about the whole thing and go home because enforcement is too hard? (Not to mention any particular nations selfish reasons for NOT enforcing what they said in these resolutions: France, Germany, etc.) Saddam's violating the 1991 cease fire is OK? Etc.

Perhaps some nations DID learn from the Hitler/Nazi experience after all: Squash it sooner rather than later before it gets even harder to do. Saddam was a victim of that learning curve...

"

Marc wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:41 AM:

" Hitler tried, and almost got away with it. If it wasn’t for United States and Allies Hitler might of concurred the world. Saddam started by invading Kuwait. What lot of you people seem to forget Saddan’s mentality was to overtake the whole Middle East if he was allowed. How can you defend some one like Sadden that even killed his own sons? He had 11 multi million dollar palaces thru out his Country and at same time was killing woman and children, hanging hundreds of people in soccer stadiums instead of having a ball game. It never seizes to amaze me how some people in this country continuously complain about anything they find a reason to. Would all the Anti War people and Bush haters complain about the war if instead we went into Iraq under different circumstances. Are the people of Iraq excluded from human rights. We went in because it seemed to be the right thing to do at the time. Except it and forget about the weapons of mass destruction we gave four thousand lives to save possibly a few hundred thousand more. "

Sid wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Belatedly after terrorist attacks ON US in the 1990's that went unanswered, they are feeling our belated reaction.

Is it pretty or clear cut? No.

You MUST look at it in a larger perspective than the easy, trendy hate-war position of selective outrage.

Scott, I challenged you to compare Britain/France or the League of Nations NOT stopping Hitler's build up in the1930s with the UN (17 resolutions with no teeth, etc.) not squelching Saddam after the 1991 Gulf War cease fire.

You didn't want to go there...

Because they are similar, TOO similar. WWII was the price of not keeping Hitler in check.

What would the price be for not stopping Saddam? Or sticking it to terrorism (belatedly) in the middle of the Middle East where it is a REGIONAL (religious too?), not any specific COUNTRY problem. Iraq was an "easy" target because the actions of Saddam in Kuwait, inside his own country, the 1991 Gulf War Cease Fire violations and 17 UN resolutions were the "legal" path to attack a festering Iraq AND terrorism in a REGIONAL manner.

Reread "Blue Falcon's" posts with a new perspective please.

"

Dandre wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:34 PM:

" Hey. One more thing to all of you that have been attacked by the likes of … All For Holding Hands and the others. Go back through these posts and take a look at who used what looks like something close to their real name and look at the posts of who had to make something up to call themselves because their conservative logic told them that if they can pretend to be 3 mental midgets its better than one!
And I got news for you brother, you ain’t a blue falcon! You’re an American G.I., who the REAL Patriots here at home are trying to save from an IMPERIALISTIC Neo-con/jihadist ‘pi#sing’ contest! And by the way, your ‘lil fraud buddy damaged YOUR credibility…..how do we know you are who you say you are…..how do we know you’re not one of them………..live by CIRCULAR LOGIC…die by CIRCULAR LOGIC…..
Peace of I
"

ALEJANDRO wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Isn't online contributor
"Duane Andre/dandre"
really the right Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of the Church of the Sentinel Blog?

Amazing coincidence! "

Samantha Rix wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:12 PM:

" You all have WAY too much time on your hands. Especially Blue Falcon. "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:24 PM:

" Mr. Truth, you should really change your name to "Mr. I Like To Hear Myself Talk". Go back to Bill O'Reilly to get more nonsense to say.

Like this war, you have no end in a cycle of lies. "

All For It wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Dandre' you and all those war zealouts in Washington with that same simpleton mentality refused to call Vietnam a "War". Well just for your benefit I just looked up War in Wikepedia for you and guess what. The definition says: "War is any large scale, violent conflict". The word is derived from the word tribal warfare. The term Police Action indicates policing for a short period of time. I think Vietnam was both violent and on a large scale. It went on from 59-75 I think of police action as something ocurring on our city streets not the jungles of far off Vietnam. What failed in Vietnam was Lindon Johnson thought he was a General and wanted to conduct the war from his oval office and the pentagon, not on the ground by the General's and other Officers fighting the fight. He is the one who wanted to bomb instead of send in more tunnel rats to fight the viet cong like the Officers on the ground insisted they needed. His tactics didn't work. Have you ever thought that while most troops were on leave is when the Tet happened. "

All For It wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:40 PM:

" Continued Do you know why Vietnam failed? Because people back home lost interest in trying to help another country achieve some of the freedoms we are handed on a silver platter. The media blitz was way so bad, people got tired of watching it at dinner time every night. Have you ever stopped to think how many News people's careers were launched because of Vietnam. Cronkite was a for-runner. They didn't advertise the help the C.B.'s and Army Engineers were giving that country and our brave and bold medical corps. Kids and adults were treated by our medical corps everyday in Vietnam. We weren't all about death and destruction, once again you have the wrong team in mind. When Johnson bombed north he was only trying to cut off supply lines cause soldiers don't fight well without ammunition and food. That was the smartest campaign he launched over there but it didn't last long enough and we didn't have bunker busters back then. I now understand I was confused you were never in the military, you don't have the vocabulary nor the experience behind you. "

All For It wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:53 PM:

" Those of you who have never participated in a war need to refrain from speaking about it. I don't want a surgery performed by a Psychologist/GYN when any part of my body ails me. If I have a heart ailment I want a Cardiologist not a Proctologist. I figured it out Blue Falcon we are dealing with a bunch of board certified Proctologist that's why they keep trying to blow bubbles up our butts. Don't listen anymore to their leftest propoganda. It's full of human excrimate the biggest problem is we all know that carries diseases and parasites. "

All For It wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:01 PM:

" Dandre' you shoot your mouth off about ammunition shipped to Afghanistan that didnt work and go on and on. Vietnam had a rifle that continually jammed when you fired it alot. Stuff happens in war and then you deal with it. We had our MacNamara Blue Falcon had Rumsfeld no one was happier than I when Rummy left because he was arogant and misdirecting. By the way if you were the one the comment about the water was a low blow to Blue Falcon and totally uncalled for and I think you should apologize for it. Besides that problem was in a section containing marines. We already know that problems exist with returning vets you don't need to poke fun at that or joke about it, that's a sick brain that engages in that type of stuff. Halliburton has done some pretty underhanded stuff and steps are being taken to correct some of that stuff. But what are you saying about contracts the little guy shouldn't get a chance everything should go to the Halliborton's of the world? Your arguments are lacking common sense. "

To Dandre" wrote on Mar 30, 2008 4:58 AM:

" Wrong again Mr. Know It All. The first time I remember seeing those American Flag pins you mention, they were affixed to the wives of service members returning from Vietnam. That was also when those bracelets for MIA were manufactured and every service member and their spouse wore one idget. Did you just land here from Venus or Mars or Jupiter, I can't believe you have gotten so many facts wrong.
You rant and rave and spit out incorrect data and expect the average person to accept it because you say it. Anyone with an IQ over +45 doesn't buy the bull your slinging cousin.
As for your buddies they been slinging it so long on here people just kind of chuckle and go on about their business.
It's challenging having a discussion with you, I'll say that much. But I guess that is what makes the world go round' I may not agree with your mind set but I guess that is why these Blogs were put on to begin with, so everyone could state their own opinion. "

O. G. wrote on Mar 30, 2008 10:28 PM:

" TO Blue Falcon and the wild bunch at Camp Virginia, Kuwait
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Get home safe guys. "

O. G. wrote on Mar 30, 2008 11:07 PM:

" Blue Falcon,
I've seen the pictures you posted and so I thought you guys might like to see some American Sand...so I posted some of my Death Valley Photos from this last February. The temperatures when I took these shots on this day were about 72 degrees. We were treated to an air show as from our campsite at Stovepipe Wells we saw the Marines from China Lake practicing aireal manuvers directly overhead in their F-18's.
Now that I know we can communicate like this I'll be posting some more stuff. "

O. G. wrote on Mar 30, 2008 11:07 PM:

" Blue Falcon,
I've seen the pictures you posted and so I thought you guys might like to see some American Sand...so I posted some of my Death Valley Photos from this last February. The temperatures when I took these shots on this day were about 72 degrees. We were treated to an air show as from our campsite at Stovepipe Wells we saw the Marines from China Lake practicing aireal manuvers directly overhead in their F-18's. http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn44/O-G-2008/
Now that I know we can communicate like this I'll be posting some more stuff. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Mar 31, 2008 1:43 AM:

" Blue Falcon, you may have been "stationed" in another country, but that is not the same as "living" in another country. Just thought I'd point out this small, but important, difference. BTW, nice videos on your photobucket site. Are you the "Cannibal"? "

THEREALDOG wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:48 AM:

" ALL FOR THE TROOPS:
(FOR PRESIDENT)

I think that Mrs D and Scott Tucker like each other....Mrs D we are not there for the oil....If we wanted oil we would take over the country of Iraq.....It would be part of the united states.....we would have a Chevron or a shell station there at the corner of LIBERAL BLVD. and CLINTON AVE in Iraq..... we have so much oil in this state we dont need their oil....And Scott Tucker why dont you stay were your at this is a better country without you.......and if you do come back move to the bay area with all your liberal people........and Mrs D and yourself can go to dinner and talk about how bad this county is and terrible Bush is and how great Mrs and MRS. Clinton are.....you do that ok and have a nice dinner........while are troops are over there letting you sit there at a PEACEFUL restauraunt.....and dont have to worry about to airliners crashing into the building while you eat........... "

Blue Falcon wrote on Mar 31, 2008 10:39 AM:

" It’s very obvious to me, that we'll never get passed which side is right and which side is wrong; correct Dandre?

I think we can all agree that the cost of war is high! But that is the price of Freedom. As service members, we carry that burden on our shoulders. Most of us our willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect the right to the "pursuit of happiness". I would much rather be home enjoying the cool evening air, then waking up with sand in my ears. But, I believe in protecting the freedoms we as Americans have. Even if others don't see the freedoms clearly. Everything that happens in this world today will affect us tomorrow. I actually find humor out of what most of you are writing, especially what you write dandre, your frustration shows, no pun intended.

I think everyone on here says they support the troops, but what happens tomorrow? What's next? Soon, there will be some of you that will turn from this stance... then what? What will the world think of America then?
"

Ashley wrote on Mar 31, 2008 11:22 AM:

" Thank You Dandre, I think you've said all that needs to be said ... but, they'll keep on keepin' on with their circular logic: like puppies chasin' their own tails! "

Mrs.D wrote on Mar 31, 2008 1:10 PM:

" THEREALDOG, why don't you go to every widow or parent of a soldier and say,"Thanks to your son/daughter/husband/wife for catching that bullet! It makes me feel a lot safer and happier that no Iraqi will come after me!!". I would love to see the response you get.

When you come in contact with reality, do you still hear Lee Greenwood, THEREALDOG? Or is it harmonious in your section of the universe? "

The Oracle Says... wrote on Mar 31, 2008 5:58 PM:

" DANDRE......Dude, your posts read like the movie "Conspiracy theory." The CIA and the mafia??? Hhahahaaha Man, you need to chill out before the U.N. black helicopters come for you. I can almost see the spittle flying onto the screen as you pound away on the keyboard. And your comment about the "REAL" patriots not being the soldiers, but people like you back here trying to end the war...well thats just lunacy. Note to self...If you really believe what you have been typing, step away from the keyboard, and take off your tinfoil hat, and go talk to somebody "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:03 AM:

" Blue Falcon it's alright everyone doesn't get the same amount of common sense as clearly indicated by the far left crowd. But Dandre' there's one for the books, a study on that mind would certainly lead to a Doctorate for someone I am sure. But now Ashley has joined their court, think she is a first timer, so she probably doesn't know any better. Keep 'em coming Blue, Oracle, Marc, and those who truly awake in the morning and see the sun instead of that dreaded cursed flame burning through their hearts. Peace Out. "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:18 AM:

" Scott - you are absolutely right being a civilian in a foreign country is different than being stationed in a foreign country. When you are in the military you have all the others in the military to show you the ropes and make sure you appreciate the culture as well as mingle and meet native born citizens of that country. You however as a civilian must hit and miss and hope you see what there is to see and meet whoever you might bump into through the course of your time there. I must assume you prefer your new found homeland as you choose to remain there and that is probably for everyone's good and in their best interest. I only feel you are being cheated because you don't have the recommendations of thousands of others who have been there longer and traveled more than you will ever hope to. Then again as a civilian you don't share in the goodwill that most servicemen receive while in other countries. You aren't invited to serve in embassy duty where most of the inner relations of countries are really established. Poor you. "

Sid wrote on Apr 1, 2008 10:19 AM:

" "All for the Troops", you and I share many sentiments.

However, Scott had a logistical decision to make: His wife is from Switzerland so he logically has a reason for being there. A choice that any of us so confronted may have made.

Now you can focus on how his perspective on issues viewed from Swizerland is in question, there you go...

Or as I try, challenge him on sheer logic of issues. There is fodder there for quite a bit of dialog!

Scott, still haven't compared/contrasted Hitler's unchallenged rise to power and subsequent WWII with the Iraq scenario as I described/asked a couple of days ago. Pleae scroll up a few blogs from here where I restated it for you. As a teacher of history, this should be right up your alley.

Shouldn't we apply history's lessons to current events where applicable? Sure, the WHAT LESSONS and HOW to APPLY THEM are debatable...so lets do it. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 1, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Ersatz-US Culture vs. the real deal. Seeing the country through military-tinted glasses vs. meeting real residents. Burgers from the mess hall vs. home grown food from the local market. Being "stationed" somewhere means you are on a station, a base, an ersatz-piece of the USA. You don't really learn about a country, its customs, its people, its traditions, etc. when you are sitting around the base with your buddies speaking the language of home, eating comfort-food from home, listening to music and watching tv shows from home. This was my point.

Don't worry All For The Troops, you see, I don't really need all the others in the military to show me the ropes and to make sure that I appreciate the culture. I can do that very well on my own.

Also, in case you have forgotten or simply did not know, my wife is Swiss. We live in her country. Would you call her unpatriotic if we decided to live in the USA instead? "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 1, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Tonight on PBS Frontline, as a previous blogger mentioned, there will be the showing of, "Bad Voodoo's War"; this platoon, happens to be from our "Bravo Company" of the Battalion I'm in, Yep, from the California Army National Guard. I can't give you the pro's or con's on what "Nunn" and his soldier's will talk about or show, because we don't know, it was a surprise to all of us here, until today; we're hoping its the truth, but we're anxious. Nunn is already under some scrutiny for this from "public affairs" here. Some like the "Hollywood Spotlight", this is the "California" Army National Guard... I guess there might be more to follow, huh Dandre? (laugh that's a joke dude).

Ashley... word to the wise, if you’re not prepared to run with the big dogs, then you might want to think about staying on the porch. This is not a blog for the faint at heart...

Oracle... you have always been one of my favorite bloggers on the HS.com. I've been expecting you and your words of wisdom; thanks! I enjoyed your post.
"

Sid wrote on Apr 1, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Scott,

Your extreme ignorance or your lefty-socialist bias on display as you opine about being stationed vice living in another country? Or both perhaps?

Our military is our best ambassadors. Many go to language school before getting "stationed" overseas to better meld with the population. One school is up in Monterey. Our military OFTEN has exchange tours with the military of other nations with some of them here and our troops there; similar folks charged with the defense of their nation too. What better common bond than that?

The few failings in conduct of our servicemen are played up for that reason: There are only a few. Some, like yourself, often play those up for effect with no consideration how that compares to other nations soldiers let alone stateless terrorists. That also emboldens our enemies. Thanks a lot...

The loathing of your dialog describing "hanging around base..." etc. is quite apparent. All those relatives you profess to have that served were cut from the same cloth and did similar service as todays soldiers.

Your cut against today's servicemembers is also a cut against your own relatives similar military experience. Once again, they must be thrilled... "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Patriotic Americans support our troops. Period.

Once again expatriate Scott Tucker thumbs his nose at the United States of America. When talking about our troops stationed/assigned to another country, he says that its really comparing "Ersatz-US Culture vs. the real deal."

Teacher and educator Tucker either used the word ‘ersatz' with full knowledge of its meaning OR perhaps he was unaware that he let his true feeling slip out.

Ersatz means:

"an artificial or inferior substitute or imitation"
(source: www.wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)

"substitute. As a rule, the term implies that the Ersatz is inferior to the article for which it is a substitute.
(source: www.mises.org/easier/E.asp)

Scott is actually saying, and not just implying, that American culture, no matter where it is located around the world, is fake, a sham, or at best an inferior product. His feelings are usually expressed thusly and that is what we react to. Poor choice of words or truth? You decide.

And he wonders WHY we question his patriotism? "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:47 PM:

" In WWII, the US was attacked by Japan. Japan's allies, Germany and Italy, also declared war on the US. Iraq did not attack us, nor was it in any position to do so. Both Germany and Japan were capable military powers with designs on dominating Europe and Asia, respectively. Saddam's Iraq was a third-rate power with none of the weapons the Bush administration misleadingly claimed he had (weapons provided by the USA to fight against Iran -- Rumsfield and Saddam were bosom buddies, ya know). International weapons experts also verified that he had no weapons.
Yes, Saddam was a bad guy, but he was definitely in no position to threaten the world. There were/are lots of bad guys in this world, many of whom were enabled by the USA. Saddam is one, Pinochet is another, Carlos Castillo Armas is another, Bin Laden comes to mind, loads of former African statesmen are on the list, the Saudi leaders aren't the best fellas either (and most of those who attacked us on 9/11 were Saudis), but you don't see us attacking them. Why Iraq? Why then, when there was no proof, no links, and only lies to back up claims?

"

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:54 PM:

" Scott, I watch one TV station, CNN (international), not to my choice, which is while I eat in the DFAC that services, US, GB, Fijian, Polish, Korean, Japanese, Georgian, Armenian, Bosnian, Czechoslovakian, Australian, forces and many others.... shall I keep naming them? The food is not a comfort... IT SUCKS! TV here is AFN (Armed Forced Network). Have you seen the cr*p they show on AFN? I speak and understand enough Arabic (Farsi/Parsi) to carry a conversation with the Iraqi Police/Army/Civilians; of which, 99% of the Iraqi people are polite, humble, generous people. It’s that 1% that we tend to have a bit of a problem with over here, but other than that there good "working" people. And as far as the rest of the Culture bit goes, it is one of the most rewarding things about being in the military, see, i'm not a barracks rat. I want to learn all I can about other places and people in hopes that people will have a change of opinion about Americans. 15 years in the Army this month, 3 years of which is spent in the Middle East, I think I know abit about the culture... "

Dandre wrote on Apr 1, 2008 1:01 PM:

" ASHLEY - keep the faith, girl!
Here is an example of their bs........

The Oracle Says...
" Great...More from the Hate America first crowd....."We arent always the good guys"...Ok, who is then? France, Switzerland, China, Russia? Maybe North Korea? I utterly detest you people that hate this country first, or trash it from afar. I guess thats why there is such a divide between conservatives and :code pink" syle liberals. You want Obama as President? with a 20 yr advisor who spewed hate and racism? "In was not aware of that" he said...REALLY...when he travelled with Farahakan to LIBYA, to meet Ghadaffi???? Obama really wants us to believe that? WOW "

This ideologue is either dishonest or can't read but his references to things I said are flat out inaccurate. He has no argument so distort and apply the old 'circle logic' and his clones get excited.
Not one here ever did answer my basic question, 'who are we fighting?'
My intent was to shine a light on this cesspool and bait the clones into exposure and Ashley, your response is my validation.
God Bless America and Her Middle Class!
"

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 1, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Even Republican Senator Chuck Hagel knows there is no justification for the war in Iraq. In response to a question regarding the war's justification by the Bush Administration, he says:

"[...] they continue to justify something that’s not justifiable. It’s Alice in Wonderland: what’s up is down, what’s down is up." - 31 March 2008

Even he recognizes Bush's double-speak and tells us to beware the Jabberwock!! "

Dandre wrote on Apr 1, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Refence the 'Lie's' that took us to war' here and the response is,'you're a bush hater'.......'get over it'..........'they weren't lies!' OR you are Benedict Arnold.
By the way, for the clone that brought him up, Benedict Arnold was a conservative who turned on the American LIBERAL Patriots who were birthing this Nation! Those Patriots were being called terrorists by Great Britan. The British tortured Patriots but General Washington told his soldiers that the British were NOT to be tortured!
A moral high ground that the blind, amoral, arrogant ignorance of the 20% that still back these clowns surrendered! Yea' SURRENDERED!
This is from the same crowd that can't 'get over' Bill Clinton and the '90's!
Conservatives that don't 'believe' in evolution are not capable of 'evolution'....
'Stay, strong, we are the majority and EDUCATE your friends. "

Mrs.D wrote on Apr 1, 2008 6:22 PM:

" America was founded on dissent.

George W. Bush Jr. was elected by a fraudulent election.

9/11/01 Was carried out by Arabs and friends of Bush Jr.

The invasion of Iraq was the only kept campaign promise by Bush Jr.

This war on terrorism was brought on by lies and misinformation.

3000 Americans were killed in NY. 4000+ soldiers killed in Iraq.

Not one count of murder is charged to the current administration, the bin Ladens, or the Saudis government.

But thank God we're safe! "

The Oracle Says... wrote on Apr 1, 2008 7:01 PM:

" Scott, honest question...Democrat gets elected and decides to immediately withdraw from Iraq. Civil war/chaos ensues, with Iran pushing troops acroos the border into Iraq to "stabilize" the situation. Syria becomes enraged at this and threatens to do likewise. What would be your solution to this? Even Obama has said he would put troops back in under certain circumstances. (Of course it had to be pointed out that Al-Queda WAS IN Iraq..but I digress) This is not as simple as just leaving, no matter how bad the left wants it that way. You want to equate radical Islam with a state Army, ie "the Japanese attacked us." These are non state actors on a global Jihad. They know no nation boundaries. Simply holding hands and singing cumbaya with code pink types, is not going to solve this issue. Lets hear your real ideas on this... "

Sid wrote on Apr 1, 2008 10:20 PM:

" Scott,

Once again avoiding THE QUESTION...

Should Britain & France have PREEMPTED Hiter in his remiliterization of the Rhineland in 1936 in violation of the Versailles Treaty or not? The Anschluss in Austria? The Sudetenland and the later grab of the rest of Czeckoslovakia? All violations with the League of Nations?

Their preemptions may have ended WWII (in Europe) before it started and all according to treaty violations or one nations aggression opposed by others...

Iraq failed in its 1991 Cease Fire agreements, violated the no-fly zones, slaughtered the mini-uprising in the south and Kurds, he and sons torturted/killed his own people, attempted to assasinate a former US President, mobilized his Army a SECOND TIME next to Kuwait, kicked out and played chicken with weapons inspectors and violated 17 UN resolutions from the "civilizing presence" of the UN.

And you think WE, the US was the bad guy in stopping this festering sore with full Cease Fire violations and UN resolution violations as our legality to do so sooner rather than later???

As a teacher of history you should be able to apply its lessons too... "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 4:52 AM:

" Of course I know the meaning of the word "Ersatz". Immerhin ist Deutsch meine Alltagssprache. The entire point that I was trying to make, is that being stationed somewhere and learning the culture of that country is not the same as actually living somewhere and being fully immersed in that culture. BF's perspective of the cultures where he served as a soldier are not the same as someone who lives in that country for other reasons. BF has told us why he has so much Middle East experience and I am not trying to make it sound like his experience is not valid. It is what it is, the experience of a soldier. Whereas my experience as a foreigner living in Switzerland is the experience of a member of Swiss society, who buys food from the local markets, who speaks the local dialect, who works in the local economy, who rides public transportation, etc. It is not the same to say you know the culture of a place, when your only experience of that place is as a soldier who sleeps, eats, works, etc. on an American base. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 5:05 AM:

" BF, I am sorry you don't get your choice stations there. Yes, I have watched AFN during my stays in Korea and Germany, and you are right, the programming is not the best. I can imagine that the food does suck. It is nice that you get to work with so many different people from all over the world. I worked for organizations where it seemed every worker was from a different country. Makes things interesting. I envy you that you have a good foundation in Arabic. It is a language that I wouldn't mind knowing. And I have no doubt that you know a bit about the local culture. After 3 years in one place, who wouldn't know a bit about it. My whole point was one regarding context. I know you are a bright guy and can understand that the context is not the same.

BTW: is the film of the IED explosion your video? Scary stuff. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 5:19 AM:

" Sid, First, thanks for being the only one who understands why I live in Switzerland. I appreciate you not joining in the same nonsense as the others on this issue.

Now, I have no doubt that our military men and women can be and are great ambassadors. But, did it ever occur to you that non-military men and women can be great ambassadors as well? You see, when we (the non-military types) do our ambassador work, the locals don't feel that they have to smile just because we are holding a big gun.

I don't play up the few failings in conduct to make the military look bad. I play them up because those failings in conduct are inherently wrong and deserving of criticism. I highly doubt that my insignificant rants in this forum embolden anyone, except for perhaps my critics in this forum.

Don't soldiers get down-time? Don't they hang around during down-time? Some write letters or email family members, some play cards, some sleep, and some, like BF, make movies and write lots of comments in the Sentinel forums. I know my step-brother hung around on the base, because he told me so. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 6:04 AM:

" BF, a quick question: You haven't been secretly hired by the Dept. of Defense to post comments here, have you?

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/03/report-recruit.html

Just thought I'd ask. "

Sid wrote on Apr 2, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Dandre's use of the US Revolution to make an example of has some probelms...

Part of the revolution was over "No taxation without representation" and...

The Boston Tea Party was in protest for an increased tax on tea, and...

The opening of hostilities at Lexington and Concord was over the British attempt to confiscate the gun powder and wepons of the civilian population and militia.

Low taxes and the ability to bear arms? Solid Conservative values, not liberal ones today...But perhaps in the 1770's it was "liberal" to oppose any government oppression like the above. Now those same values are labeled conservative, not liberal.

By Dandre's yardstick, Washington was a "liberal slaveholder" too. The "liberal patriots" of those days were mostly in favor of the institution of slavery that a republican (conservative?) president (Lincoln) started to abolish in 1863.

Point: It is easy to use history as your point-maker by cherry picking your examples. A blanket assumption of today's values placed on yesterdays actions often fails under scrutiny. "

Sid wrote on Apr 2, 2008 10:07 AM:

" Scott,

I checked out your Defense Department Blogging article you questioned BF on...

If you read the last paragraph of it's summary, you will note it is directed at FOREIGN blogs, not US ones.

It uses the US as examples as the data from our country is well know/out there. But notes blogging on foreign sites will need to take into account language particulars, etc.

So these "black helicopter bloggers" are actually not targeting internal US communications, but those of our enemies OR regional areas of conflict, such as the Middle East.

Looks like good contingency planning by the military to me...PSYOPS has always been a part of conflicts.

Regardless, the content of the blogs message is secondary to who wrote it if it makes you think... "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 2, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Scott, to answer your questions. Is the IED Blast video mine? No. It is a good representation though of what happens on the roads in Iraq at any time, anywhere and to any soldier, including us. In fact this explosion happened on ASR Aspen, 10 miles from the Kuwait/Iraq border, reminders of that earth moving experience are still visible on the road.

Do soldiers get down time? Yes; but it's not like some think. Here in Kuwait, things are relatively safe, no IED's or people shooting at us, but we do receive threats occasionally. So because of this, we are limited to Camp 99% of the time when not on mission. But that 1% of time when were allowed to go off to experience "tourist traps" like shopping malls, the Kuwait towers, ect... are what we call "Organized fun" large groups of people that have to stay together... sorry, not fun. So yes, here in Kuwait, because there is a war 35 minutes north of here, we are limited to Camp. I'm not a small person, my down time I spend in the gym, or browsing the net; especially the HanfordSentinel.com "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:01 AM:

" I'd like to talk about the internet here in Kuwait. To start with, the US Army does not pump in internet service into the tents I and the soldiers in my unit sleep in (we're not sure why). But bigger camps like Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, which is where all the Brass are, has the internet piped in to every barracks and living quarters; its wireless too. To get back to Camp Virginia, where I'm at, AAFES does have a contract with two local service providers that has the internet brought in, its wireless, costs money and has limited range... guess what... the range don't reach are tents. So I and hundreds others in my unit were left with one choice... to buy internet service through a local rip off company in Kuwait City that works off of cell towers... it is EXTREMELY SLOW (avg 20kb down, 5kb up). There is an MWR building I can go to, but because MANY soldiers use it, the wait is long and the computers are not in good condition. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Sorry to jump around, but I want to jump back to trips off post for morale purposes... on Thanksgiving, myself and a few buddies of mine won a trip the "Hilton" for dinner. A few American businesses' back home put it together and really took care of us, it was GREAT! Hundreds of soldiers were there, most from Camp Arifjan (Brass) and 95% of them were from "POOG" units (units that don't see combat upfront). But it was great, and I was glad to see our over worked and under paid "Doc" there; he is a true hero. While there, we were able to swim in the Persian Gulf, and do a few other things. The water was warm; but VERY DIRTY. I had a pretty good case of "athlete’s foot" going at this time and within two days after this I had noticed a remarkable healing process... Obviously the bacteria in the water killed whatever was growing on my foot, haha, the water was NASTY! The trip to the Hilton was called short. It seemed that somebody did not want us there and called in a bomb threat! "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Back on Virginia we have few things to do but like I said, go to the gym or MWR center. At the MWR center they have video games, and TV's set up to watch movies, along with pool tables, ping pong, foosball, air hockey... and just about every board game you can think of. But, simply put, with all the units that rotate out through Camp Virginia going home, most of this stuff is in non working order or in very poor condition. When I'm not at the Hanfordsentinel.com I will watch movies in my tent or sit around with buddies, usually smoking a cigar and drinking a near beer (I can't wait for a real one). We do have a few fast food places to eat at here on Camp. McDonalds (go figure) and Subway. Along with a very lousy pizza shack, and terrible Chinese food. All contracted out by AAFES! To all the Vets out there; yes AAFES is still VERY OVER PRICED.

And to answer your question about being a blogger for the DoD. You'll only find the Blue Falcon at the Hanfordsentinel.com. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:26 AM:

" I'd also like to point out to everyone that the Hanford Sentinel has given me the great pleasure of having my own blog. It is such an honor for me to have this and to share with everyone what it’s like for me being a soldier deployed in time of war. I am going to try and keep things away from the "political razor's edge" and talk about my experiences.

You can find it from the Home Page of the HS.com by going to "Opinion's, Blogs"... look for Blue Falcon.

And one last comment, for Scott. Just so you know, you and I went to school together and even graduated the same year.
"

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 12:29 PM:

" Oracle, honest answer to your hypothetical: We really got it wrong and and made a big mess. Obviously we should stick around a while and help clean it up. Best thing to do would be to regain the support and esteem of the international community by admitting that the Bush plans really were ill-conceived. We should come clean about our love-affair with torture, re-establish many of the rights that have been nullified by Bush administration, and reconsider our attitute regarding the "quaintness" of the Geneva Conventions. It is a very big mess and will need a lot of support. But the first step is admitting that we messed it up, big time. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 12:54 PM:

" BF,

Wow, a fellow alumnus. Amazing the roads life takes us down. It would be nice to put a name to the moniker, but I guess for now BF will have to do. I offered my email address (which Alejandro claims is some lefty, socialist, communist email address) for bloggers a few weeks ago. If you ever want to send an email, here it is again: scott.tucker@gmx.ch

Thanks for your answers. And thanks for painting us a picture of what "down-time" is like for you. Gives us a good idea of what you guys and gals have to put up with there on a daily basis. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Apr 2, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Blue Falcon, I have been reading here and on your blog and have to say that you are the most professional and descriptive individual I have ever read, posting on the internet.

You must be a professional writer; if not, you should be. You actually impart to the reader a sense of responsibility that draws us into your daily living.

As for your service to America, I salute and respect you more that words can ever describe.

Funny, but I don't really have to know or care about your political beliefs; I will respect them whatever you choose to disclose.

More of us should be like you... "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Apr 2, 2008 4:34 PM:

" RE: ('Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 2, 2008 2:29 PM...')

Well, finally the definitive Scott Tucker manifesto in a nutshell! Not one thing about his country to be proud of! Always criticism screaming out "America is BAD."

Each point he makes exclusively benefits our enemies, the terrorists, while exposing us to shame and ridicule. That's if you assume that Scott is correct in his politics. He is not.

As we all read his manifesto in toto, the words 'patriotic American' become ever so clear in the minds of those who chose to love, live in, and support America.

And Scott, try the accuracy for a change: about your web site, I actually said on Feb 28, 2008 10:06 PM:
"Hey Scott: What is that weird webmail address you gave with a 'gmx.ch?' Some liberal European alternative service?"

So try not to pump up the drama: stick to the truth - it will set you free! "

All For It wrote on Apr 2, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Mrs. D evidently you don't realize for every soldier who dies in combat/captured the family is visited by at least one military member possibly more to inform them of their loss. The military also supplies soldiers to accompany the bodies home and also offer honors at the funeral of every military member. This is part of the military taking care of their own. They do have to explain to the family members as much information as they have about how the individual died and under what circumstances to the best of their ability. It is a very unpleasant job but it must be done. All veterans are eligible for those honors and while in the service I participated in several rifle squads at funerals. It's always a somber occassion and very upsetting when any military member passes for any reason. Death however, is one of the only guarantees we receive in life, that and paying taxes. As for explaining anything to anyone about the politics of war, we have an all volunteer military now, they know going in it is anywhere, anytime, any one. Even our own city streets. "

All For It wrote on Apr 2, 2008 9:20 PM:

" Scott this is from me to you copied from Newsmax - Headline - All Iraqi Roads Lead to Terrorism. Contrary to the accounts that have appeared in mainstreet media outlets, the Harmony documents and the IDA report show beyond any doubt that Saddam Hussein was willing to fund, train, and use Islamic terrorists, including groups affiliated with Al-Qaida, to carry out his long-standing plans against the United States and U.S. allies in the region."Saddam supported groups that either associated directly with al_Queda (such as the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, led at one time by bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri), or that generally shared al-Qaida"s stated goals and ofjectives, " the IDA report states. So there you have it Scott those relationships you said didn't exist, are right here in black and white for you. Poor over that while you enjoy that next Swiss Mocha. I do apologize for the comment I made about you chosing to stay I guess under the circumstances you didn't have much choice in the matter. For Mrs. D here is that tying in that you were looking for he provided funding for al-Qaida so might that not have paid 4 9/11? "

All For It wrote on Apr 2, 2008 9:34 PM:

" Mrs. D Also please read the following - Preparations for Suicide Operations Against U.S.
While the IDA study includes no information that would show operational ties between Saddam's regime and the 9/11 hijackers, it reveals that Saddam personally gave orders on Sept. 17, 2001 to his general military intelligence directorate to recruit Iraqi-Officers for "suicide operations" against the United States. The 112-page Harmony data file ISGQ-2005-00037352 contains Saddam's order, as well as personal pledges to carry out suicide operations from more than one hundred "volunteers", including a brigadier general. In the order he issued just one week after the 9/11 attacks, Saddam stated that the volunteers should sign pledges "to be written in blood," presumably their own. Four years before his order, Saddam announced with great fanfare that he had asked a prominent Iraqi calligrapher to produce a Quran written with his own blood. Saddam reportedly had doctors draw his blood for the task. Does this give you any better picture of the animal we were dealing with Mrs. D? Are you still confused about where his sentiments lay and what needed to be done? BF God Bless You, I hope this helps. "

jeff wrote on Apr 3, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Blue Falcon, your last few posts were probably the most interesting reading that has happened on this article (At least for me). It’s made me read all your previous comments in a new light, thanks for that. I’m sorry to hear you have such crappy food, no real internet and were moved out of your night at the Hilton abruptly. It seems wrong to me that the big wigs are getting free fast internet and you have to buy it from the locals. This is just another poor decision made about this war. I sincerely hope you make it home safe along with all of the other servicemen and women there. Thank you for your service to our country. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Apr 3, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Hey All For It, I think you meant Shiites and Sunnis. The Kurds, although predominantly Sunni Muslim, have not really been involved in the Shia/Sunni fighting that is ripping apart Iraq. The Kurdish PKK party has, however, been involved in recent fighting against Turkish troops.

You are right, religion shouldn't enter into the election process, but most conservative columnists and conservative politicians keep making it an issue. "

jeff wrote on Apr 3, 2008 11:33 AM:

" All for it, I’m going to chose to believe the CIA and not Newsmax. “The debunking of the Bush administration's pre-war certainties on Iraq gathered pace yesterday when it emerged that the CIA knew for months that a connection between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaida was highly unlikely.” I would list a source but there’s so many I couldn’t decide on one I’m sure you can find it for yourself on the internet. Anyways I thought you said prior that we should stop thinking about the past and that we’re there now and we need to focus on the present. “Intelligent people have gotten past what got us into Iraq. That ship has sailed and it no longer matters if there were actual links to 911 or WMD's. As of today in 2008, we are there and we must stay there until our mission is complete! " or are you not ‘mE’ you use so many names I can never be sure. "

Mrs.D wrote on Apr 3, 2008 12:29 PM:

" RE: All for it.

Did you get that in a mass e-mail? "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 3, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Scott sounds like you are coming around all I have said all along is I support the troops, not the war. I say that will all sincerity, and have said it from the beging of All For The Troops/All For It as you say and yes I made those comments and I finally have something to agree with you about. Now is not the time for troop withdrawal it is time to support the troops so we don't have another Vietnam. When the general public backs the troops Congressmen/women are more likely to alocate funding and necessary equipment to continue to a conclusion. I have stated previously the initial entry into Iraq was handled flawlessly with the least amount of loss of life and casualties. The handling of Iraq since that time politically and administratively has been a nightmare. No one had a plan for after taking back the country for the Iraqi people, that is where Bush, Rummy and the Pentagon dropped the ball. The Boots on the ground did what they were suppose to do during the initial fighting and the brass dropped the ball. "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 3, 2008 10:10 PM:

" Scott/Jeff I agree it's a monkey trying to grease a pig over there right now because of bad/no planning on what to do with Iraq once it was taken back for the people of Iraq. Jeff, regarding Kurds I may have mis-spoke when I was talking shiites and kurds I was thinking of Saddam who was a Shiite who rained chemical death down in them in the north. He also had them killed and placed in mass graves as well prior to the U.S. intervention. The Kurds and the Turks have been going at it and it has contributed to another piece of charcoal politically because we have an airforce base in Turkey. I know my nephew is attached for duty there periodically. The air force is somewhat luckier than the other troops because the duration of their deployments are shorter. You are absolutely correct the problems are vast and wide and they do need to be dealth with and that is what quality people like BF are trying to do over there, so let's support them in anyway we can. Damn the politics. "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 3, 2008 10:16 PM:

" Mrs. D. now you want to question the source of my information when all you do is spit out stuff without any credit given for the information so I must assume it is your vast knowledge of the Middle East and it's waring factions that you talk of, or is it straight from CNN or Fox News Network who are as far from the action as I am? Come on wake up these investigations are non partial it tells both sides of the story but we wouldn't have enough days for me to quote 112 pages of a report her in a blog. Jeff, as for the FBI didn't they investigate the Kennedy assassination and determine it was a lone gunman? That those puffs of smoke on the grassy knoll were cigarette smoke not from a rifle. They can't even decide to agree on that scenario much less what is going on in Iraq and as for the CIA wasn't the Senior President Bush in charge of that organization. This from the one's who hate the Bush's, you are gonna have to do better than that my friends. The CIA dreams all this up. "

All For The Troops wrote on Apr 3, 2008 10:22 PM:

" Mrs. D., I know nothing about your background but you really need an education regarding quotes and scenarios they carry as much substance as you are willing to believe. That was my point for putting that out there, several on here quote people all the time, I gave specifics and the name of the report for you to investigate if you are too lazy to investigate it, that's on you. This is a forum, it's just you don't seem to have any life experiences in the military that you have shared with us nor do you document where your information comes from. I was in Vietnam I know what it is like to fight an unpopular war and the reason that war was lost. Like Iraq we were already there and committed and a bunch of yuppies on the college campus decided they didn't want to get drafted so they started protesting to end that war and that is how it was lost. Because all though it shouldn't be even war is a popularity contest. That is why I adimantly support our troops, so they won't be forgotten ever again. Go BF! "

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