'Those Voices Don't Speak for US'

President Ronald Reagan reminds us of an age old concept which we must write on our hearts. Those voices do not speak for US. The Left is so far out of touch because their process has been corrupted by the ideals of those who've only sought power, not freedom nor Liberty. Please listen. It's only 2:17 minutes long, but as usual, it says a lot.

"Video: 'Those Voices Don't Speak for the rest of US' " - Patriot Update.

Here's the URL in case you cannot view the video. ;)

Source: Patriot Update.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Former Pres Greets Soldiers

Do you remember those signs that said, 'Do you miss me yet?' This video is musical combined with Former President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush greeting our men and women home from The War. It takes me back. Very heart-warming.

Here is the link in case my computer is out to lunch. ;)

Hat Tip: Michael G. Castle via Twana.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Carvill on 'Good Morning America'

'Political Stupidity': Democrat James Carville Slams Obama's Response to BP Oil Spill from ABC News.com.

Hat tip: The Patriotic Update (FB).

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Greta: AZ Gov Brewer

I don't have to say much on this topic. Either you agree with the overwhelming number of Americans who believe in the rule of law, or you don't. Those of you do not are the ones that tearing down our beloved country. Stop it.

Have a nice day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

McClintock's Response to President Calderon

It is about time someone had the cajones to tell foreigners to get out of our business. Now if only we could get this administration to do it's job, I wouldn't find it necessary to write posts like the one just before this.

If the video isn't working, here is the link to YouTube courtesy of Congressman Tom McClintock.

Now if only we could just have 434 other members like him...

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Arizona v Obama+Illegal Aliens

The news I have to bring to your attention saddens me greatly. I never in my lifetime thought I would ever see the POTUS declare that he was not going to protect one of the states in our Union. Friends and countrymen, there is no longer a United States. We are under Tyranny. Thank you so much you Leftists commies.

Feds Will Not Process Arizona Illegal Aliens.
May 21, 2010, 06:39 PM

Today, the President had an agent of the Secretary of Homeland Security announce that Arizona is now a free place for illegal aliens. Arizona has been declared by President Obama to be an Open Border State --that is his answer to the Rule of Law.

"A top Department of Homeland Security official reportedly said his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona authorities.

John Morton, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, made the comment during a meeting on Wednesday with the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, the newspaper reports.

"I don't think the Arizona law, or laws like it, are the solution," Morton told the newspaper."

Imagine the Federal government announcing, openly and defiantly, that it will not obey or enforcement laws passed by Congress and signed by a President?

This is anarchy, from a man who calls a well known terrorist, Bill Ayres a friend. This from the President who had a State department official apologize to China for a State that was enforcing Federal law.

This was from a man who welcomed a foreign president, the head of Mexico , into the White House, and agreed with him in his denouncing an American State for following the Federal law.

Disgrace is not a strong enough word. Outrage is not a word that conveys the strength of feeling of betrayal by our President.

Disgust comes closest. If you want to turn in illegal aliens call 866-347-2423. If you are calling from Arizona please know the President no longer recognizes you as a State.

Read More...

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After reading the article, I got very angry. This is not only reckless, unconstitutional, and arrogant, it is criminal. To announce publicly that you will not carry out the responsibilities for which you took an oath ought to be grounds for prison time. How dare you tell one of our states that you are not going to process any of their illegal aliens! Did you READ the damn law?

I doubt it. No one else in this adminstration has, why should he be any different? He probably hasn't heard of the Mexican Army incursions into our country either, or the kidnappings, rapes, and murders by illegal aliens.

Is every crime committed by an illegal aliens? NO. But the ones that are would not have happened if the federal government had gotten off their arses and done their job.

JUNE 5th THEIR WILL BE A TEA PARTY IN SUPPORT OF ARIZONA'S LAW IN ARIZONA. If you would like more information, I will get it for you. I am so pee'd I can't even write anymore right now, so have a great weekend all.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Obama Said WHAT?

Hat tip: Snooper.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Military Response: Bush v Obama

As I was viewing Twitter today, I came across this one excellent video. Someone has captured both presidents, Bush and Obama, when they first entered to speak to the Marines and when they left. This you probably already know, but it is remarkable to actually see the stark difference.

Here is the link in case the video does not work.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Pres Reagan vs Pres Obama

Someone had the brilliant idea of putting together a make-believe debate between President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama. This is a hoot...a scary one at that.

Hat tip: Doris.

Wow. Who knew? Dutch did, and he warned us. Now it is time for us to stand up and do something about this mess we have allowed to be created. No more letting others disappoint us. No more expecting them to keep their word. I wonder, sometimes, if they even know what their own words are?

If you are a good person who does not want to lose your liberty, please join me in this silent struggle. Except we won't be silent any longer. We are the Silent No More Majority! And proud of it.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Happy Birthday President Ronald Reagan

February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Hat tip: Ron of JammieWearingFool.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

My Prescription For Obama

I received this email a couple weeks ago, but it is so pertinent today. Please follow the link on this one. It will be worth your time.

Drug Store Stops Medicaid Drug Sales
January 08, 2010, 12:57 PM

Yes, this story is from the State of Washington--but it shows what is going to happen to seniors with Obamacare.

Under the current Medicare, doctors and drug stores are no longer taking new clients and ending sales and relationships with old clients.

Obamacare is going to cut, off the top, $500 billion from Medicare--meaning many more doctors and drug stores will stop supporting the Feds effort.

Plumbers get $65 just to show up at your door. Doctors, under medicare get paid $35 to have you sit on a table.

The Feds do have a plan to ration health care--less money, meaning fewer providers.

Obama does have a death panel--fewer providers of health care and drugs means fewer people getting life saving care--that is a death sentence--except for the rich--who BO is really representing.

Get angry, your life depends on it. Read More...

So we are supposed to believe there will be no death panels? Let me see if I can figure this out.

We start out with (let's say for sake of simplicity) 100 doctors and 10 pharmacies. Add to that 10,000 patients who are on medicare. That would make it - on average - 2,000 patients per doctor and 20,000 patients per pharmacist.

Now let's follow Obama's plan. Let's pretend that no one loses their job and all things remain equal. In the plan, the price per doctor is #35 dollars, and the pharmacist usually has to put up some of his own money becuase they don't even pay him at cost prices. (I can't price every pill.)

The government, your so-called friend, is going to reduce the amount paid to both the doctor and the pharmacist, because they have now added everyone to their coffers-er-bailouts-er-general fund. We now have 300,000,000 people plus living here. Eventually everyone will be on this government plan.

Now for this exercise, let's say that there are only 1,000,000 people. That would mean that only 10% of the people are currently on the plan. If the doctors and the pharmacists are not making enuogh money to cover their expenses now, what do you think would happen when 900% of people were thrust upon them?

Let me ask you one question. Why do you go to work? Don't you want to get paid? Why? You greedy sob! What? You mean you worked for that money? But you don't understand! That belongs to the government! It has to in order to pay for all the things everyone wants that they could buy themselves. Oh, I got off track? Yes, that happens.

Okay, the doctor has 2000 patients at $35 which equals $70,000. But wait a minute. There has been a cut in pay. I don't know how much, but let's say 20%. That would equal a $7 pay cut. ($35-7=$29) That would leave him $64,000. And he still has to pay taxes! Can he claim any losses? NO.

(Try to get a plumber to come to your house for $29!)

They make more than that now. What happened? Oh, these are medicare patients. It's amazing that my neurologist makes so much more than this. Most specialists do. They see people this way like they see cattle for sale. Ship 'em in, take a look, next! What happened to those nice doctors who used to come to my house to check up on me? LAWYERS.

President Obama. Your plan will destroy the will for many young people who are making up their mind whether to become a doctor or a politician. With the plan you put out there last night, it is better to work for the government? Like heck it is! STOP GROWING GOVERNMENT, and LEAVE OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM ALONE.

Already 45% of our doctors are ready to quit because they cannot afford to make a living on your plan. With 900% more need, 45% of the doctors gone, pharmacists closing, how do you expect to stay alive?

Yes, you brought change. Keep it. I'd rather have the dollars.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Smacking Allies In The Face Isn't Healthy

Right now I am so frustrated and angry (ie. frightened) that I am going to refer you to the article I just read in the Wall Street Journal opinion section. I don't know if I can withstand another 9/11/2001. Can you?

Here is the link. Please read this so you know what I am talking about. Talking about "chickens coming home to roost'! This is going to make us more vulnerable, not safe.

Since when does the Commie state of the USSR get a veto over whether we put defensive missiles wherever we need them? Oh, Obama, if you only knew how weak you appear to the entire world. These commies invade Georgia, you want them to sit down and talk. If someone invades my apartment, they're dead. There will be no time for talking. If they were not invited and I don't know them, they are there for one reason and isn't a good one.

You have smacked all of our allies in the face, pretty hard I might add, while at the same time trying to make friends with our enemies. Have you given it ANY thought as to why they are our enemies? Could it be they hate our Republic? Yes, it could. And they love your weakness and feeble mind.

Please remember that you are president of the United States and us alone. Your job is to protect us. If anything happens to us while you are president, I will blame you without forgiveness. What you have done by snatching away our agreement with Poland and the Czech Republic is unconscionable. Please rethink your decision.

Until then, Tea Party On! Also, Congresswoman Richardson (CA-D) of the 37th district was found to be one of the 15 most corrupt people in Congress, but I cannot find the source for that statement. That leaves me with a very difficult question. Should I run for Congress? How do I start an exploratory thingy. (Is that grass roots enough for ya? haha.) Please let me know what you think. It takes money which I don't have. But it also takes passion to do the right thing which I do have. I'll be waiting for your input.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

9/12/09 March On DC Tea Party Videos

Wow. One of my friends sent me an e-mail with many pictures and videos. They are awesome. The videos I have chosen to share with you have 8 parts to them. (I think.) These are being provided by MoxNewsDotCom. The site may be found at MOXNews.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.1. 10:57. I call it the history of the beginning of the end of the beginning. Jenny: CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?

Dick Armey Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.2 REDUX. 8:36. Brendan Steinhauser and Dick Armey speak.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.3. 7:30. James Anderer was a victim of the government when they stole his car dealership that he had in his family for quite a while.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.4. 10:56.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.5. 8:33.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.6. 10:53.

I have chosen this one to play here (although I will provide the link in case my computer goes screwy), because it includes many of the people I care about. They sign a rap song to salute our brave men and women, yes--they are not forgotten, and a lady I adore. Yes, she speaks for me!

Here is the link: Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.7. 9:51 minutes.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.8. 10:41.

Senator DeMint Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.9. 10:54.

Betsy McCaughey Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.10. 10:06. Greg Harrell, Ohio Coal Miner.

Congressman Pence Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.11. 10:19.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.12. Doc Thompson, Radio Talk Show host from Virginia.

Congresswoman Blackburn Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.13. 9:36.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.14. 10:47.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.15. 10:58. Mario Lopez, National Hispanic Leadership Fund, Founder and President. Kelly Hoag, Former Marine Captain, Iraq War Veteran, Hector Barreto, Latino Coalition Chairman, Former Admistrator, SBA 2001-2006. Plus more.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.16. 9:21. Bomb scare. Nice, jackass.

Tea Party (Taxpayer) March On Washington DC pt.17. 10:59.

Well, I hope you get the idea. There are many more videos from other people, all of these were posted by MoxNewsDotCom. Everytime I thought I was almost done, bam! There's 5 more! ;)

He/she did a very good job of making what appears to be a continuous video. I guess the camera or the upload at YouTube would only allow 11 minutes at a time, so he/she sliced them together. That is why I posted so many. Some tapes end in the middle of what someone is saying, and the next one picks up the rest of the speech. Cool! I know that was a lot of work. Please check them out. Have a great day, ya'll!

Hat tip: President/Boardmember of Eagles UP!

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Long Beach Patriots. Digg!

Please Sign Vets For Freedom's Petition

Below is a petition which I have signed, and I am asking you to do the same. These brave men are over in Afghanistan fighting for our freedoms and lives, and it is the least we can do to make sure they have the troops and equipment they need to win the victory. We owe this to them.

To sign the petition, all you have to do is check the little box on top of the information, fill in the information, then hit submit. If you do not see it at first, click onto the information and go downward. It will force it up. (That's what I had to do. Then again, my fonts are messed up.)

This is very important to our Military, the Afghans, and us at home. Don't quit now. We are not losers, no matter what others want you to believe. If you don't believe me, then go to Vets For Freedom and ask them if it is worth it. They have been there. They know. Thank you.

To President Obama.

We, the undersigned U.S. war veterans and patriotic Americans, petition you with one simple request:

Listen to the commander on the ground in Afghanistan—General Stanley A. McChrystal—and provide him with the troops he says he needs to win the war in Afghanistan.

By accepting the troop recommendations of General McChrystal—and his boss General David Petraeus—we have a chance to turn the war in Afghanistan around. This is a moment in history we must not miss.

Like General Petraeus in Iraq, General McChrystal is an outside-the-box thinker who thrives in the ambiguity of asymmetrical battlefields. Like General Petraeus in Iraq, General McChrystal has the right strategy—a comprehensive counterinsurgency plan.

In 2007, General Petraeus was given the troops he needed (the "Surge") to win, and Iraq has turned around—resulting in dramatically lower U.S. casualties, a more stable Iraq, and a drawdown of American forces.

General McChrystal—and all our brave Soldiers and Marines on the ground—deserve the same chance to win in Afghanistan. They deserve the additional troops needed to turn a winning strategy into a winning result.

We fully acknowledge that the war in Afghanistan has been tough, and is currently headed in the wrong direction. And as you have said, it has been under-resourced, under-funded, and under-manned for years. You have also said that it is a war we must win. We agree on all fronts.

Unlike Iraq, there was consensus at the beginning of the war in Afghanistan that America must be successful in toppling the Taliban and dismantling Al Qaeda, for the safety of our country. Eight years later, the consensus on the war in Afghanistan is fractured; however we believe—as do you—that the need for victory has not changed.

During this time of domestic uncertainty and global threats, winning the war will require steadfast Presidential leadership; a Commander-in-Chief who is unwilling to be swayed by lagging poll numbers or party leaders who want to block troop increases.

Now is the time for your leadership. If you listen to commanders on the ground, give them what they need, and stand behind our warriors in Afghanistan—we will stand with you. If you don't, and would rather fight the "war of necessity" with one hand tied behind our back, then we will loudly object.

Many—in fact a majority—said the war in Iraq was "unwinnable," yet our troops persevered and turned the tide. Despite the drumbeat of detractors—on both sides of the aisle—this is another war we can win. But we must act now.

We owe it to the Marines and Soldiers slogging it out with insurgents every day to get this right. If we do, they'll fight, they'll persevere, and they'll win. If we don't, we are setting them up for failure. No less than America's greatness—and the legacy of America's finest warriors—is at stake. [Please sign the petition here.]

Hat tip: Elyse, President/Boardmember of Eagles UP!

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

One Man's POV On Obama's HealthScare

Yesterday night President Obama gave a tired old speech about what he considers a health care insurance 'crisis'. (Isn't everything with these peeps?) The only thing I found to be new was lip-service to malpractice insurance. It was boring, it was full of lies, and it was insulting to at least half of America.

Liars are we? I was happy when CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON of South Carolina called him to task when Obama did lie. He did apologize, but he also energized both the Left, the Right, and most people in between! Please donate today! The Leftist Marxists are collecting on what happened, let's outdo them. ;)

A friend of mine wrote about this event (speech) today as well. I will share some of it with you, and then you can decide if you choose to continue reading his article.

Obama lied, his credibility died.
By J. Matt Barber.

On Wednesday night President Obama threw a universal healthcare Hail Mary. The call? Incomplete pass.

His much anticipated address to a joint session of Congress promised to finally — for real, this time — provide details about his "healthcare reform plan" (the government takeover of about 20 percent of America's once free market).

Instead, the President regurgitated the same worn-out talking points, tired platitudes and baseless rhetoric he's been spouting for months, generating more confusion than clarity.

As his approval ratings sink faster than an Olds off the bridge Chappaquiddick, the speech-giver-in-chief's latest lecture was a transparently desperate attempt to salvage his signature issue and, by extension, the very presidency he's wagered on it. He even went so far as to breathlessly suggest this time that a failure to implement his governmental healthcare scheme means that "more Americans will die." It was embarrassing.

This was Obama's umpteenth healthcare homily amid an average of more than one speech per day since he's taken office. True, it's better he should run his mouth than actually attempt to govern, but, nonetheless, it's become annoying that he continues to stubbornly refuse America's, "Not only no but h--- no," answer to his persistent "pretty please."

"I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last," he proclaimed. To that end he may succeed. Indeed, in light of America's boisterous rejection of his socialist vision, future presidents may avoid — like Harry Reid avoids Nevada — the polarizing issue altogether.

As for the speech: I'll leave it to other pundits to tackle the President's arrogantly partisan, condescending and less-than-convincing Windy City tough-guy tone. Instead, I want to address — at the risk of being "called out" by chief thug, Rahm Emanuel (scary, I know) — the fact that Obama, with a straight face, repeatedly lied to the American people (the teleprompter made him do it). I was reminded of my eight year-old, standing before me with chocolaty crumb covered cheeks, saying, "Cookie? What cookie?" [Continue reading Renew America.]

It gets better. Truly. Well, then again, I guess that would depend on if you are still able to do a little critical thinking for yourself. I am so grateful I am able to do so. Have a great night everyone. Don't forget, tomorrow is September 11, 2009. Even though the Left may desire to turn it into Service Day, do not allow this to upset you. We remember...

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

News, Military, Reagan, Videos

And the saga continues. I am still posting from June, but I don't have that many to go (I hope!). Pretty soon I'll be in July. What is this? September? This is the reason I have not been posting as often as usual. Please give time to catch up. I do have quite a bit to say about what is happening, but I'm too busy being a part of history to write it down.

If I can some of my Long Beach Tea Party Patriots to help me with writing over at my new site, that would really help. This site is closed to only me. Sorry. I guess I am a little possesive. ;)

Well, here is some news that may have gone by unnoticed due to the fact that the media can't take their lips of the new president's backside long enough to look for news let alone write about it.

CENTCOM.
Oil market prompts shift in Iraqi security strategy. 6/8/09
Portuguese Navy thwarts pirate attack. 6/22/09
U.S., Iraq closer to meeting deadlines. 6/24/09
Kyrgyz parliament approves Manas Air Base agreement. 6/25/09.

NEWS.
Maine Fines Group for 'Inflammatory Anti-Muslim Message'. by Patrick Poole via ACT! For America.


Ronald Reagan.
A 10 minute reminder as to why we are fighting the forces to be this September 12th.

Please pass on this video to others. Email it, post it, or just keep listening to it until we have defeated this horrible bill(s) that is winding its way through Congress at our expense. If it passes, we shall have Liberty Lost Day as a national holiday, and it will be our fault for the failure to keep our country safe while our brave men and women are risky their lives to keep us free

YouTube.
To finish up this month of June, I have some videos for you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

ReasonTV.
Turning Japanese - Is the US Creating It's Own Lost Decade?
What if Government Ran Health Care? (Sprint Ad Remix).

Since33AD.
The Evidence - Part 6/6.
The Evidence - Part 5/6.
The Evidence - Part 4/6.
The Evidence - Part 3/6.
The Evidence - Part 2/6.

VoteMcClintock. (A new but good one!)
Congressman McClintock: Time for Tough Love for California's Budget.
Rep. McClintock: Health Dangers of Tobacco? Risks of Smoking?

Obama congratulates Afghans on election

by John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Aug. 21, 2009) – President Barack Obama praised the courage of the Afghan people for participating in last week’s national election despite threats by the Taliban to disrupt the process.

“Over the last few days — and particularly yesterday — we've seen acts of violence and intimidation by the Taliban, and there may be more in the days to come,” the president said. “We knew that the Taliban would try to derail this election. Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders and determine their own destiny. And as I watched the election, I was struck by their courage in the face of intimidation, and their dignity in the face of disorder.”

Obama called the election “an important step forward in the Afghan people's effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists are trying to stand in their way.”

It was the first democratic election run by Afghans in more than three decades, with more than 30 presidential candidates and more than 3,000 provincial council candidates running for office, including a record number of women, the president noted. Some 6,000 polling stations were open around the country, and Afghan national security forces took the lead in providing security, he added.

“There is a clear contrast between those who seek to control their future at the ballot box and those who kill to prevent that from happening,” Obama said. “Once again, extremists in Afghanistan have shown themselves willing to murder innocent Muslims -- men, women and children — to advance their aims.

“But I believe that the future belongs to those who want to build — not those who want to destroy. And that is the future that was sought by the Afghans who went to the polls, and the Afghan national security forces who protected them.”

The president emphasized that the United States did not support any candidate in this election. “Our only interest was the result fairly, accurately reflecting the will of the Afghan people, and that is what we will continue to support as the votes are counted, and we wait for the official results from the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission,” he said.

Obama also praised the American servicemembers and civilians serving in Afghanistan.

“Our men and women in uniform are doing an extraordinary job in Afghanistan. So are the civilians who serve by their side,” he said. “All of them are in our thoughts and prayers, as are their families back home. This is not a challenge that we asked for -- it came to our shores when al-Qaida launched the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan. But America, our allies and partners -- and above all, the Afghan people — share a common interest in pursuing security, opportunity, and justice.”

Meanwhile, he added, the United States will continue to work with its Afghan partners to strengthen security, governance and opportunity in Afghanistan.

“Our goal is clear: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and their extremist allies,” the president said. “That goal will be achieved — and our troops will be able to come home — as Afghans continue to strengthen their own capacity, and take responsibility for their own future.”

Source: CENTCOM.

President hails Iraq city withdrawal as 'important step'

by John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (June 30, 2009) – President Barack Obama hailed the completed withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities today as “an important step forward” and a testament to the commitment of American troops.

In accordance with the status of forces agreement between the United States and Iraq, only a contingent of U.S. trainers and advisors will remain as brigades and battalions depart the cities, where Iraqi forces now have primary authority.

“Today, American troops have transferred control of all Iraqi cities and towns to Iraq's government and security forces,” Obama said, as an audience at the White House East Room applauded. “This is an important step forward, as a sovereign and united Iraq continues to take control of its own destiny.”

The move represents part of the U.S. strategy to responsibly end the war, said Obama, who has begun implementing the phased drawdown of U.S. combat brigades from Iraq to be completed by Aug. 31, 2010.

The president said Iraqis were rightly treating the day as a celebration, with news reports from Baghdad describing Iraqis marking the day with a military parade and Baghdad declaring a national holiday. Obama said that while the U.S. will remain an ally, today’s progress in Iraq comes with added responsibility.

“Iraq's future is in the hands of its own people,” he said. “And Iraq's leaders must now make some hard choices necessary to resolve key political questions, to advance opportunity, and to provide security for their towns and their cities.”

Obama said today’s bombing in Kirkuk, which reportedly killed as many as 41 people, underscores that violence in Iraq will continue and that “difficult days” loom. But he expressed confidence, however, that insurgent forces would fail.

“The future belongs to those who build, not those who destroy,” he said. “And today's transition is further proof that those who have tried to pull Iraq into the abyss of disunion and civil war are on the wrong side of history.”

The fact that Iraqis are celebrating today’s transfer of authority is a testament to the courage, capability and commitment of Americans who have served in Iraq, Obama said.

“Through tour after tour of duty, our troops have overcome every obstacle to extend this precious opportunity to the Iraqi people,” he said. “These women and men are not always in the headlines, but they're in our hearts and prayers, and we will forever honor their selfless service and sacrifice, as well as the service and sacrifice of their families.

“There is more work to be done, but we've made important progress in supporting a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq. And everyone who has served there, both in uniform as well as our civilians, deserves our thanks.”

Source: CENTCOM.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

President Praises Troops During Surprise Baghdad Visit

by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2009) – In a surprise visit to Iraq Tuesday, President Barack Obama declared to troops in Baghdad that now is the time for Iraqis “to take responsibility for their country.”

Obama’s stop to visit some 1,500 troops, government civilians and contractors at Camp Victory’s Al Faw Palace in Baghdad was his first to Iraq as president. Obama promptly thanked the troops for their service and personal sacrifice “under enormous strain … through controversy and difficulty and politics.”

"You have performed brilliantly in every mission that has been given to you. You’ve kept your eyes focused on just doing your job,” Obama said. “You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country.” The next 18 months will be critical for the Iraqis to make political accommodations and resolve their constitutional differences, he said.

The United States is committed to Iraq’s success, and will continue to work with Iraq’s security forces and government to ensure Iraq remains stable. The U.S. military still remains an important aspect to Iraq’s stability, and Obama said he hopes Iraq will continue to be a “good neighbor and a good ally.”

“We can’t do it for them,” he said. “But what we can do is make sure that we are a stalwart partner; that we are working alongside them.”

Obama also stressed that although the spotlight has shifted to Afghanistan, it’s important not to lose focus in Iraq. He said military efforts in Iraq “have to be even more focused.”

“Obviously we’ve spent a lot of time trying to get Afghanistan right,” he said. “But I think It's important for us to remember that there’s still a lot of work to be done here.”

In closing, the president assured the audience that "we have not forgotten what you have already done; we are grateful for what you will do; and as long as I'm in the White House, you're going to get the support you need and the thanks that you deserve from a grateful nation."

In a press availability prior to speaking to the troops, Obama told reporters that the upcoming national elections may resurface unresolved political and religious issues.

“It’s very important for [the United States] to use all of our influence to encourage parties to resolve these issues in ways that are equitable and fair,” he said.

Following his visit with Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and his troops, Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talibani.

President Barack Obama visits Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Iraq, April 7, 2009. This was Obama's first visit to Iraq as commander in chief and he took time to talk to troops and civilians.

Source: CENTCOM.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Call Obama Or Lose The F-22 Fighters

It has come to my attention that Lockheed Martin will begin shutting down production of the valued F-22 fighter planes which the US Air Force needs (a total of) 243 more of unless President Obama "certifies that continued production of the F-22 is in the national interest" by March 1, 2009. Here are the links to a few artices: (Reuters) U.S. Air Force says needs more F-22 fighters, (UPI) Obama needs to rescue the F-22 Raptor from being scrapped and (War is Boring) Only 60 More Raptors? Everybody Panic!

Please read these articles before you make any calls. I want you to know what they are saying. You may also have a better handle on this than I do, and I'm not too proud to admit it.

The Capitol: 202-224-3121. The White House: 202-456-1111 or 456-1414.
House Committees: Armed Services 202-225-4151.
Senate: Armed Services: 202-224-3871, Foreign Relation: 202-224-4651.

Source(s): Jim Wolf, Reuters; UPI, Loren B. Thompson; Ethan Kendrick, Hynes Communications; and 'War is Boring'.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Talon, The Conservative Underground, SmartGirlPolitics and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!