NGAUS Notes-8/4/2006

Blum: Equipment Shortages Crippling Army Guard Readiness.
More than two-thirds of the Army National Guard’s 34 combat brigades are not combat ready due to significant equipment shortfalls, the National Bureau Chief told reporters in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum’s comments followed recent Army disclosures that two-thirds of active-component brigades are not rated ready.

The problem, officials say, is current budget constraints that prohibit the Army from completing the equipment repairs and replacement needed when units return from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Things are especially acute in the Army Guard, which was purposely shorted funds before the war on terror, General Blum said, because few thought the Guard would be used as it is today.

“We were under resourced, deliberately, that was the national strategy, so I’m further behind,” he said, in published reports. “I’m in an even more dire situation than the Army. We’re both sick, I just have a higher fever.”

Because the Army Guard wasn’t equipped as fully as the active component, “we went into [the war] with a deeper deficit,” but the Guard and its equipment went through the same wear and tear, General Blum said.

“There’s a clear need to re-equip both the active [component] and the Guard,” he said.

The Guard needs $21 billion to reequip itself, General Blum added.

“That is not just reset, that’s to buy them the equipment they must have to do their job,” he said.

He indicated Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker and Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey are committed to providing the Guard that money over five years.

Pentagon Organizes Second Annual Freedom Walk.
The Defense Department announced Monday it will hold the second annual America Supports You Freedom Walk Sept. 10, the night before the five-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will follow a two-mile route from the National Mall to the Pentagon. Participants will pass several national memorials, then will proceed over Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery before arriving at the Pentagon.

Immediately following the walk, musical star Denyce Graves will perform.

Last year’s inaugural walk drew more than 15,000 participants, including family members of Sept. 11 victims and members of Congress.

It also inspired more than two dozen cities across the country to hold their own Freedom Walks as a new tradition of patriotic support, and the number is expected to grow.

In Sebring, Ohio, 9-year-old Colton Lockner is organizing a Freedom Walk for his hometown. Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, is overseeing walks in several cities. Chicago also has pledged its support to launch the city’s first Freedom Walk, and mayors Tammy Moore of Belleview, Fla., and Ernie Currier of Enid, Okla., are among the growing number of city officials creating Freedom Walk traditions in their cities and towns.

Anyone interested in starting a local Freedom Walk can download the Freedom Walk planning guide for assistance and recommendations and register it on the America Supports You Web site.

Locations of other walks across the country as well as registration, time and location information for the Washington, D.C. Freedom Walk also can be found at the America Supports You Web site at www. americasupportsyou. mil.

Short Film on Army National Guard Debuts Nationwide Today.
A two-minute film highlighting the missions of the Army National Guard will appear in 2,000 movie theaters nationwide beginning today.

The short, Citizen-Soldier, will play before the feature film and is meant to create an understanding of how the Guard serves America, demonstrating the character and commitment of its soldiers.

It will run in movie theaters through Sept. 7. It will also run in college theaters from Sept. 8 to Oct. 5.

Most civilians never have an opportunity to witness the dynamic range of actions required to perform the missions of the National Guard, according to Col. Richard R. Guzzetta, Army National Guard’s Strength Maintenance Division chief.

This film provides a glimpse of these capabilities and of the soldiers who perform them, he said.

The film is a culmination of footage of Army Guard units across the country in training and real-life missions shot by embedded civilian and Guard cameramen.

The film will be promoted to the general public in the following manner:

* Operators at 1-800-GO-GUARD telling callers about it;
* E-mails to 2006 lead database; and
* Text messages to nonprior service leads.

Contact Andy Blenkle, LM&O Advertising, at 703-797-7109 or via email at andyblenkle@lmo.com for a list of participating theaters, or Lt. Col. Mike Jones, Army Guard Strength Maintenance Division deputy chief, at Michael.jones@ngb.army.mil.

Call 1-800-GO-GUARD or e-mail Mr.Blenkle@LM&O with your name, address, phone and intended use of the film to order DVD copies.

Legislative Director Speaks to State Leaders.
Retired Brig. Gen. Richard Green, NGAUS legislative director, served as one of four panelists addressing the impact on the National Guard of current worldwide operations at the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference (CSGERC) Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Combat readiness, equipment shortages, longer deployments and whether the deployment of some emergency “first responders” overseas puts states at risk were among the topics discussed.

New Hampshire State Sen. Joseph Kenney, a Marine Reserve lieutenant colonel, Maj. Gen. Robert P. French, deputy Pennsylvania adjutant general (Army), and Brig. Gen. James Joseph, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director, were also on the panel.

The panel was part of the CSGERC’s annual business meeting that gathers state policy makers, business leaders and the academic community from the organization’s 17 member jurisdictions.

General Green’s participation was part of the NGAUS legislative department’s continuing outreach efforts.

Week in Guard History.
August 1, 1956: Capt. Norma Parsons becomes the first woman to join the National Guard when she was sworn in as a nurse at the 106th Tactical Hospital, part of the New York Air National Guard.

Only two days earlier, and after much debate, Congress finally enacted Public Law 845, allowing the participation of women in the Guard. But there were serious restrictions. Only female officers were allowed to serve, and they could serve only as nurses or in medically-related specialties such as dietitians, physical therapists or laboratory technicians.

The Army Guard’s first female member was 1st Lt. Marie Saint Charles Law who joined Alabama’s 109th Evacuation Hospital in January 1957.

To learn more about Captain Parsons, please visit The National Guard Memorial Museum at The National Guard Memorial in Washington. The museum highlights the achievements of Guard personnel, such as Captain Parsons, and is the only national museum dedicated to the National Guard. The museum tells the Guard story from the First Muster in 1636 through its participation in conflicts throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries as well as its most recent participation in the war on terror. It is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NGAUS History.
In 1974, President Nixon signed a bill into law permitting Guardsmen who die “under honorable circumstances” after May 28, 1974, to leave their families with a U.S. flag at their burial.

This was a subject of resolutions for two years at the NGAUS general conference. The law stipulates that the service secretary concerned may pay for a flag to be presented to the appropriate person for a member of the Guard or Reserve who dies under honorable circumstances while a member of the Ready Reserve or with at least 20 years of service.

Rep. Lucien N. Nedzi, D-Mich., introduced the bill.

Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department.Comments and questions should be directed to ngaus@ngaus.org.

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NGAUS Legislative Update; August 4, 2006

Congressional Recess

Don’t forget that both chambers of Congress are out of session during the month of August. The House adjourned last Friday. The Senate hopes to leave town on Friday, August 4, 2006. Both will return to work on September 4. Members of Congress are out shopping for votes. Make sure you ask for them to pay via their support for Guard issues. Check our legislative alerts on the NGAUS website www.NGAUS.org. They’ll provide you the talking points and information you need. Make your voice…and your vote…work for the Guard!

Senate Action on Approps

On Wednesday, the Senate began debate on its version of the Defense Appropriations bill. The measure would provide funding to support U.S. military operations at home and world-wide. During the debate, Senator Stevens, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, proposed an amendment that would add $13.1 billion for Army and Marine Corps equipment recapitalization. This amendment was accepted via voice vote. On Thursday, the co-chairs of the Guard Caucus, Senators Bond and Leahy, offered an amendment that would “fence” $2.4 billion of the $13.1B recap money specifically for the Army Guard and Reserve. The amendment was accepted by voice vote and will be part of the Defense Appropriations bill. Once the Senate completes action of the defense bill, the legislation will have to be reconciled with the House version of the appropriations measure.

SASC Hold Iraq Hearing

The Secretary of Defense appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on Thursday to discuss operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Originally, Secretary Rumsfeld had been unable to rearrange his schedule for the SASC hearing, but later agreed to appear before the panel. Joining the Secretary were GEN Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and GEN John P. Abizaid, Commander of U.S. Central Command. Senators grilled the top civilian leadership and the top military leadership on the conduct of the operations in Iraq. In addition, the witnesses fielded questions regarding the readiness and equipping of Army forces. Transcripts of the hearing will be posted on the NGAUS website once they become available.

NGA Opposes Call Up Language

The leadership of the National Governors Association (NGA) penned a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee opposing language included within the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5122). The language, included in the House version of the bill, provides authority to the President to call up members of the Guard. The governors assert that the language does not provide for the consent of the governors when calling up Guard personnel to address “serious natural or manmade disasters, accidents or catastrophes that occur in the United States, its territories and possessions, the District of Columbia and the Common wealth of Puerto Rico.” Currently, House and Senate Authorizers are in conference to reconcile differences in the two bills before it can be signed into law. A copy of the letter can be found at www.NGA.org.

Parliamentarians Needed!

As the NGAUS Legislative Staff prepares for the General Conference in New Mexico, the call is going out for volunteers to serve as parliamentarians for the resolutions sessions. Each resolution subcommittee (Army and Air) needs an experienced individual parliamentarian for the respective resolutions committees. One parliamentarian will serve the Joint committee as well. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Bernie Phelps at (202) 408-5884.

NGAUS Task Forces

NGAUS has established Task Forces as a mechanism to provide advice and expertise to the NGAUS legislative staff in development of legislative priorities based on the resolutions that are passed each year at the annual conference. NGAUS has eleven Task Forces and they are listed below:

Joint Task Forces
Personnel/Benefits
Medical Task Force

Army Task Forces
Fire Support Task Force
Combat Vehicle Task Force
Combat Support/Combat
Service Support Task Force
Army Aviation Task Force
C4I Task Force
Engineer Task Force

Air Task Forces
Airlift/Tanker/Rescue
C4I Task Force

The Task Forces are comprised of Chairs and Vice Chairs and are expected to meet two times a year. NGAUS is seeking interested volunteers to serve on the Task Forces. If you are interested, contact the NGAUS legislative staff or contact the Task Force Chairs listed on our website.

“We Serve”

Providing NGAUS members with effective and knowledgeable representation on Capitol Hill.

Published by the NGAUS Legislative Staff:
Brig Gen (ret) Richard M. Green, Legislative Director
Scott Hommel, Deputy Director
Michele Traficante, Joint Programs
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Andy Vanlandingham, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Emily Breitbach, Legislative Analyst

For more information on NGAUS, check out our website: www.NGAUS.org.

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NGAUS Notes-7/30/2006

NGB Chief Touts Diversity, Receives Award at NAACP Gathering
Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief, told the NAACP last week that the organization had helped the Guard reach out to American communities and encourage joining diversity among the force.

"Today, minorities account for about 20 percent of our total Guard force, and females account for about 14 percent of our total Guard force," he said in a keynote address at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's 31st annual Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Awards Dinner.

The dinner was held during the NAACP's national convention.

At the event, General Blum received the 2006 NAACP Meritorious Service Award. Established in 1975 by the NAACP's Armed Services Veterans Affairs Department, the award is presented annually to a service man or woman in a policy-making position for the highest achievement in military equal opportunity.

"As I stand before you here this evening, we owe you a debt of gratitude and need your continued support," General Blum said. "It's critically important that the Guard look like America."

He said the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard offer the greatest opportunity for the youth of America. "You put them in there and there's great pressure to keep them drug-free, not to abuse alcohol, and they teach them character and values," he said.

General Blum compared the military services' capabilities to the strength of diversity in America. When the services work individually, they're good, but when they work together, they're unbeatable.

Conference, Membership Dominate Board Discussions
The upcoming 128th General Conference and Exhibition and membership dominated discussions at the NGAUS board of directors meeting last weekend at The National Guard Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Board members approved 114 NGAUS Individual Awards for presentation at the conference. The complete list of recipients will be released next week. Thirty-five states nominated people this year.

Honorees this year include the inaugural recipients of the NGAUS Company Grade Leadership Award.

The board also referred a change to the NGAUS bylaws to create a new standing committee to help with future conference planning and discussed further growth of conference professional development sessions.

The 128th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition is set for Sept. 15 to 18 in Albuquerque, N.M.

In addition, board members received the annual audit report, reviewed the mid-year budget and received the traditional six-month membership figures that determine membership awards and seating at the conference.

They heard that the nationwide June 30 membership stood at 63 percent, the same total as last year at this time. However, some properly postmarked but late-arriving checks pushed to the total to 64 percent this week.

Fifteen states were at full membership. Alabama was the most improved state, going from 54 percent last year to 80 percent thus far in 2006.

Among board actions, members selected Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia adjutant general (TAG) and Area III TAG representative, to fill the remaining two-month term of retired Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch, NGAUS vice chairman (Air).

General Lynch resigned from the board in June to take a U.S. State Department position in Baghdad.

Christmas in July will Ensure Christmas for Troops in December
Thanks to the efforts of Stars for Stripes and Operation Give, troops in Iraq will have Christmas stockings this holiday season. But Paul Holton, the operation's founder and an Army Guardsman, encourages early donations to the program's Salt Lake City warehouse, preferably by Oct. 15.

He said this year's goal is to ship at least 10,000 stockings.

"If we take care of every boot on the ground, then we would start giving them to the kids," added Judy Seale, president and CEO of Stars for Stripes. "[We] cannot send too many."

Operation Give is a nonprofit organization that coordinates the collection and distribution of items for Iraqi children, who, after years of tyranny and war, have almost nothing.

Stars for Stripes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. military forces.

Items such as hygiene, entertainment, and comfort items will be included in the stockings. The actual stockings are needed, as well.

Mr. Holton said Operation Give's donations come from many sources including scouting groups, church and civic groups, as well as corporations and individuals.

Mr. Holton knows a little piece of home goes a long way when you're away from family and friends. He spent all of 2003 and half of 2004 in Iraq, and said the Christmas tree, ornaments and gifts the troops in his unit received made them all feel good.

"It's just a boost of morale," he said. "I know how important it is to get stuff from home during Christmas."

Visit Operation Give for complete information.

Recent War on Terror Photographs Sought
National Guard magazine is looking for recent pictures of the Army and Air Guard around the world for a September picture story. Selected photos will be used in a special "Starting Point" chronicling the fifth year of the war on terror.

Suggested subjects include Guardsmen and Guard equipment supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OIF/OEF), homeland security missions, predeployment training, and deployment/redeployment ceremonies.

Submissions must be high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) digital images taken since Sept. 11, 2005. Images along with full caption and byline information should be sent to magazine@ngaus.org. Deadline is Aug. 4.

Public affairs personnel, individual soldiers and airmen, family members and friends are all invited to submit.

All photos will also be forwarded to the National Guard Educational Foundation for possible inclusion in the National Guard Memorial Museum's new OIF/OEF exhibit, which is under development.

More information can be obtained from Maureen Hearn, magazine production manager, at 888-226-4287 or magazine@ngaus.org.

NGAUS History
Delegates to the 1946 General Conference in Buffalo, N.Y., unanimously adopted by laws that provided for several classes of individual membership.

The first 10 life members included: Maj. Gen. Ellard A. Walsh, Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord, Brig. Gen. Charles H. Grahl, Col. Oliver P. Bennett, Maj. Gen. Edward J. Stackpole, Maj. Gen. Jim Dan Hill, Maj. Gen. Ray C. Fountain, Maj. Gen. George. E. Leach, Col. Ross H. Routh and Maj. Gen. Roger W. Eckfeldt.

To become a NGAUS life member visit the "Membership and Benefits" section at www.ngaus.org.

Week In Guard History
July 27, 1944: Allied forces continue their assaults in Operation Cobra, the planned Allied breakout from Normandy, France, killing and capturing large numbers of German soldiers and destroying their armored equipment by constant air attack.

This operation, which was supposed to start with a massive aerial bombardment of German defenses along the Vire River July 24, led instead to one of the worst incidents of "friendly fire" during World War II.

Poor visibility postponed a bomber strike, but some of the squadrons did not get the word and dropped their loads on top of North Carolina's 120th Infantry, an element of the 30th Infantry Division, composed of Guard units from North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Because word of the cancelled attack didn't reach the frontline, soldiers of the 120th were exposed while waiting for the word to advance.

More than 150 men were killed or wounded in this mistake. Cobra started the next day, again with friendly fire casualties, but it also inflicted a heavy toll on the enemy. The 30th division and other American units punched through the Nazi lines, and by early August the Allied armies would break out of Normandy completely, liberating Paris Aug. 25.

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NGAUS Legislative Update: 7/28/2006

I've received this through an e-mail, and I would like to share this news with you. Please read this, if you really do support the troops. This is one way to prove it. Thank you.

Senate Defense Approps Update

The full Senate is moving toward floor action on the Senate’s version of the Defense Appropriations bill next week. The Senate hopes to complete action on the Appropriations bill before the beginning of the month-long August recess. NGAUS will update members on amendments and issues relating to the Appropriations debate as details become available.

Congressional Recess

As a reminder, the House of Representatives will be out of session beginning next week (July 31 to Sept. 4). The Senate will begin its recess the week after next (Aug 7 to Sept. 4). Both chambers will be out for the entire month of August. As many of you know, this year is an election year for members of Congress. With members heading back home to campaign and meet with constituents, August is the perfect month to talk to your Congressman/woman and Senators. If you see them, be sure to ask for support on critical Guard issues such as: TRICARE, Reduction in Retirement Age, the National Guard Empowerment Act and funding for needed Army and Air Guard equipment. Check our legislative alerts on the topics above on the NGAUS website http://www.ngaus.org/. They’ll provide you the talking points and information you need. Make your voice…and your vote…work for the Guard!

Empowerment Engagement

NGAUS President, Brig Gen Stephen M. Koper (ret) along with several Adjutants General have been lobbying members of Congress on the importance of the Empowerment Act language included in the Senate Authorization report that is currently in Congress. The meeting over the two day span included: MG Raymond F. Rees (TAG-Ore.), Maj Gen Timothy J. Lowenberg (TAG-Wash.), and Maj Gen Roger P. Lempke (TAG-Neb.), President of the Adjutants General Association. The meetings focused on members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee who are and will be participating in the conference committee meetings to reconcile the difference between the House and Senate Authorization bills. The Senate bill includes language that would promote the Chief of NGB to 4-star position, and designate the Deputy Commander at NORTHCOM to be a member of the Guard. The House contains no such position. NGAUS is strongly encouraging members of both chambers to support the Senate position.

Senators Address JCA

Senators DeWine and Voinovich from Ohio penned a letter to address the cut in funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). In a letter addressed to Senator Warner, Chairman and Senator Levin, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee requested that the Senate recede to the House position which fully funds the Joint Cargo Aircraft at $109M. The Senate Armed Services Committee recommended a cut of $109M, virtually all funding for the aircraft, in its version of the Authorization bill. A copy of the letter can be found on our website: www.ngaus.org.

Parliamentarians Needed!

As the NGAUS Legislative Staff prepares for the General Conference in New Mexico, the call is going out for volunteers to serve as parliamentarians for the resolutions sessions. Each resolution subcommittee (Army and Air) needs an experienced individual parliamentarian for the respective resolutions committees. One parliamentarian will serve the Joint committee as well. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Bernie Phelps at (202) 408-5884.

NGAUS CACO
In anticipation for next year, NGAUS has already secured hotel rooms for next year’s CACO Legislative Conference. The conference will be held on March 5 and 6, 2007. For information regarding the 2008 conference, check out the Legislative page of the NGAUS website.

NGAUS Task Forces
NGAUS has established Task Forces as a mechanism to provide advice and expertise to the NGAUS legislative staff in development of legislative priorities based on the resolutions that are passed each year at the annual conference. NGAUS Task Forces are listed below:

Joint Task Forces
Personnel/Benefits
Medical Task Force

Army Task Forces
Fire Support Task Force
Combat Vehicle Task Force
Combat Support/Combat Service Support Task Force
Army Aviation Task Force
C4I Task Force
Engineer Task Force

Air Task Forces
Airlift/Tanker/Rescue Fighter Task ForceC4I Task Force
The Task Forces are comprised of Chairs and Vice Chairs and are expected to meet two times a year.

NGAUS is seeking interested volunteers to serve on the Task Forces. If you are interested, contact the NGAUS legislative staff or contact the Task Force Chairs listed on our website.

“We Serve”

Providing NGAUS members with effective and knowledgeable representation on Capitol Hill.

Published by the NGAUS Legislative Staff:
Brig Gen (ret) Richard M. Green, Legislative Director
Scott Hommel, Deputy Director
Michele Traficante, Joint Programs
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Andy Vanlandingham, Air ProgramsBernie Phelps, Senior Legislative AnalystEmily Breitbach, Legislative Analyst.

Category: NGAUS.

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Thank you, Mr. Roth

I would like to thank Mr. Roth for his quick response. Wow! He answered my e-mail right away. Not only did he answer my e-mail, but he armed me with ammunition that is valued for a pork-hunter.

I shall be adding these links to top of the my links. Would anyone like to name it? I'm thinking in the line of, "The Porked" or "My Hit List." I know there is a more creative name out there for the title of the links I will use to gather data for this site, so feel free to express yourself.

Mr. Roth has made it known that it is not just conservatives who answered the call for government oversight. Liberals, at least the Classic ones, have also answered the call. I'm very happy about that. I have believed for a long time that there is not that much of a difference between us when it comes to people stealing our money! Welcome aboard.

Let me know who you are, everyone, and I will add you link to a category named "Pork Hunters." That one is not up for debate. lol. Have a great day.

Originally posted at Pork Hunters.

Porkers should fear me

I love this mission. I have always wanted to do this. I do not know exactly how I am going to do it, but I will find the truth because it is out there.

The porkers I am referring to are our very own legistators. They write the laws that make a grown man cry, then they excuse themselves from such obedience! (I started out writing a sentence to the song, "Piano Man". Yeah, okay. So I'm a little sick. lol)

What I am specifically targeting is those legislators who think they can take our money at gunpoint, and spend it any willy-nilly way they feel.

Well, thanks to Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ-R), there is now sunlight in the Congress. He has succeeded in his endeavor to fight the good fight against pork-spending. No more secret amendments. No more midnight slip-of-the-paper-amendment tricks. Each item must be voted upon, and each item is indeed recorded into the record.

There is also a great article written by the Club for Growth. Mr. Roth has begun a country-wide, district by district, hunt for bloggers who are willing to rise to the challenge of watching their Congressman to make sure they are doing what they were sent to Congress to do.

Help us to rid ourselves of those who have a complete disregar for the taxpayers. That's you and me. Help us to shame them, if there is any still in existence. May we work together for a freer, better market, and with this, a free and better America. Thank you.

PS. If you are interested in joining in this fight against porkbarrel spending in Congress, please contact aroth AT clubforgrowth DOT org.

NGAUS Notes 7/21/2006

'Three-Tier' Tricare Program Begins
Every National Guardsmen is now eligible to purchase Tricare health coverage, but only for a limited time and at prices that vary dramatically depending on one's deployment history and eligibility for other health insurance.

The new Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) program, established by the fiscal 2006 Defense Authorization Act, creates three separate premium categories or tiers.

Tier 1 includes Guardsmen recently called to active duty. They are eligible to purchase one year of TRS at 28 percent of the program's cost for every 90 days of active service. But they only have 90 days following separation from active duty to enroll.

Guardsmen without recent active service who are either unemployed or don't otherwise qualify for health insurance are in tier 2. They pay 50 percent.

Tier 3 includes everyone else. They pay 85 percent of the program's costs.

The government picks up the balance in all three tiers.

Coverage for tiers 2 and 3 can begin as soon as Oct. 1, if all required paperwork is complete by Sept. 25. The qualification window for coverage in 2007 ends Nov. 25.

Guardsmen must have their eligibility verified by their personnel office and complete the Department of Defense Form 2895, "Agreement to Serve in the Selected Reserve for TRICARE Reserve Select," before they can submit their purchase application.

Additional information about this new program is available here.

Board of Directors Convene This Week
Fiscal matters, the current legislative session and the upcoming general conference top the agenda as the NGAUS board of directors gather at The National Guard Memorial in Washington, D.C., this weekend for their annual summer meeting.

The board will gather in full session tomorrow after a series of committee meetings today. The governing bodies of the National Guard Educational Foundation and the NGAUS Insurance Trust also will meet today.

Board members will review the NGAUS mid-year 2006 budget and receive the annual financial audit before moving on to legislative issues and planning for the 128th General Conference and Exhibition, Sept, 15 to 18, in Albuquerque, N.M.

They will also receive reports from the National Guard Executive Directors Association, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, the Adjutants General Association, the NGAUS Corporate Advisory Panel and senior National Guard Bureau officials.

The board will also consider nominations for 2006 NGAUS Individual Awards.

NGAUS membership, current operations and strategic planning also will be discussed.

This will be the last board meeting headed by Brig. Gen. Robert V. Taylor, NGAUS chairman of the board. Association bylaws limit the board chairman to a single two-year term. The post is up for election at the conference.

The 29-member NGAUS board is the association's elected governing body. It meets three times a year.

Former Guard Leader Dies
A former South Carolina adjutant general who was active for decades in NGAUS and the Adjutants General Association died this week.

Retired Maj. Gen. T. Eston Marchant Jr., South Carolina adjutant general from 1979 to 1994, died Wednesday in Columbia, S.C. He was 85.

General Marchant started his military career in the Marines during Wolrd War II. He returned home after the war and began his long career in the South Carolina National Guard.

General Marchant was also a member of the Legion de Lafayette, a group of significant contributors to the National Guard Educational Foundation.

NGB Chief: Guard Border Security Mission on Schedule
With about 3,600 troops reporting on or ahead of schedule so far for border security duty in the Southwest, the National Guard is on track to meet the requirement of up to 6,000 troops by Aug. 1, the Guard Bureau chief told Pentagon reporters last Friday.

Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum said he's received nothing but positive feedback about the Guard response to the mission, both about its speed and the capabilities it brings in support of the U.S. Border Patrol.

As Operation Jump Start kicked off June 15, just a month after President Bush announced it, the Guard had already exceeded the scheduled commitment of 800 troops by 237, he noted.

By the month's end, the Guard's commitment skyrocketed to 2,800 - 300 above the expectation.

Most of the Guardsmen are coming from the four border states: Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.

Arizona and New Mexico, both with smaller National Guard forces than their immediate neighbors, will rely more heavily on augmentees from other states, General Blum said.

Arizona, with two of the biggest areas of focus - Tucson and Yuma - is likely to see the most out-of-state forces, he said.

These troops will generally rotate to the region for three-week rotations conducted as their regularly scheduled annual training periods, General Blum explained.

So far, 30 state governors have committed to support the mission, with no governors refusing, he said.

During Operation Jump Start, Guardsmen are providing communications, transportation, logistics, training, medical and construction support to the Border Patrol as it boosts its own ranks.

Recent War on Terror Photographs Sought
National Guard magazine is looking for recent pictures of the Army and Air Guard around the world for a September picture story. Selected photos will be used in a special "Starting Point" chronicling the fifth year of the nation's war on terror.

Suggested subjects include Guardsmen and Guard equipment supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OIF/OEF), homeland security missions, predeployment training, and deployment and redeployment ceremonies.

Submissions must be high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) digital images taken since Sept. 11, 2005. Images along with full caption and byline information should be sent to magazine@ngaus.org. Deadline is Aug. 4.

Public affairs personnel, individual soldiers and airmen, family members and friends are all invited to submit.

All photos will also be forwarded to the National Guard Educational Foundation for possible inclusion in the National Guard Memorial Museum's new OIF/OEF exhibit, which is under development.

More information can be obtained from Maureen Hearn, magazine production manager, at 888-226-4287 or magazine@ngaus.org.

Week in Guard History
July 18, 1863: The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, with other Union regiments, assault but fail to capture Battery Wagner near Charleston Harbor, S.C., from Confederate forces.

Raised as part of the Massachusetts Militia in 1863, the 54th was the first all-black unit (with white officers) organized for federal duty since the American Revolution. Its story inspired the 1989 movie Glory. But Hollywood altered many details.

For example, almost all its original members were "free born" and not former slaves. In addition, the sergeant major, played as a fictitious character by Morgan Freeman, was actually the eldest son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

But the 54th did receive glory. Sgt. William Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Battery Wagner - the first of 18 African Americans to earn the award during the war.

NGAUS History
Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, a native of Virginia and graduate of West Point, may be the father of NGAUS. After the Civil War, he was among many militia officers nationwide who had grown frustrated with War Department funding of state militia units. So he deiced to do something about it.

In 1878, General Maury invited groups of militia officers from the North and South - men who opposed each other in battle only a decade earlier - to gather in Richmond, Va., and discuss collective actions.

Meeting minutes were not reproduced or widely distributed, but this two-day assembly would be the first of many annual conventions. And NGAUS was born.

A scholar of Southern military history, General Maury founded the Southern Historical Society in 1868.

General Maury spent most of the Civil War in campaigns along the Mississippi River states. At war's end, he was commander of the Confederacy's Military Department of the Gulf. He served in the Regular Army during the Mexican War.

Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to ngaus@ngaus.org.

This post was moved from DoD Daily News-2.

NGAUS: Legislation Update, 7/21/2006

Senate Appropriations Action

This week the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) marked its version of the FY07 Defense Appropriations Act. The $414.5 billion dollar measure would provide funding for the Department of Defense, the military services and military personnel with benefits and equipment to support worldwide operations. Highlights of the bill include:

-Funding for a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise for military personnel (met the President's budget request);

-Pay and allowances for mobilized Reserve and Guard Soldiers to provide military operations support to GWOT;

-Additional Combat Benefits for death and traumatic injury;

-Required Pre- and Post-Mobilization Training for Reserve and Guard units and personnel;

-Funding to support an Army National Guard end strength of 350,000 Soldiers;

-$50 billion in “bridge” funding to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;

-Deferring funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA), citing that it was “…premature to procure these aircraft until a further analysis of the joint intra-theater mission requirement is completed…..;”

-$10.M for targeting pods for Air Guard;

-$4.0 for Army Guard Lightweight Tactical Utility Vehicles;

-Continued funding for the procurement of C-17 aircraft; and

-$10.0M for Army Guard Improved Chemical Agent Monitor.

NGAUS will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Omnibus Reprogramming
The Department of Defense has requested that Congress approve three reprogramming notifications that would transfer $276.5 million from the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) program. These reductions, combined with an earlier reduction of $180 million from the FY06 Emergency Supplemental, would total a $456.5 million cut in the procurement of FMTVs for the active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve. Approval of all requests would result in the loss of over 3,000 vehicles. NGAUS is working to update members of Congress and their staffs to the immediate detrimental impact that this DoD reprogramming would have on the Army National Guard.

Defense Authorization
The House and Senate began conference on the FY07 Authorization Act (H.R. 5122 and S. 2507). While House conferees have yet to be named, the staffs have already begun discussions on reconciling the differences between the two bills. Differences of interest include:

-Reconciling differences between House and Senate language on TRICARE. NGAUS supports the more enhanced House version of TRICARE;

-Addressing Guard Early Access to retirement—the Senate provision would reduce age in which Guard and Reserve members can access their retirement by 3 months for every 90 day served on active duty since 2001. NGAUS supports the Senate version as the House does not contain such a provision;

-Guard Empowerment—the Senate included language introduced by Senators Bond and Leahy (provisions of the Guard Empowerment Act) that would promote the Chief of the Guard Bureau to a four-star position, and designate that the deputy commander at NORTHCOM be a Guard member. NGAUS supports the Senate language.

Alert on Alerts

NGAUS currently has three alerts on it’s website relating to: TRICARE, Guard Empowerment and the Joint Cargo Aircraft. Please visit out website so that you can write your member of Congress and voice your opinion on these critical topics. Congress needs to hear from you!

Road Trip: Guard Commission
The Commission on the Role of the National Guard and Reserves held its first field hearing. The Commission heard testimony from the Reserve Chiefs and enlisted members of the services. For a list of witness and their statements, check out the Commission’s website at www.cngr.gov.

Fire Support Task Force
Members of the NGAUS’ Army Guard Fire Support Task Force held a task force meeting in Washington, DC on Wednesday at the NGAUS building. Member of the task force discussed top issues relating to the Fire Support community. Several industry representatives provided presentations to the members of the task force. MG Harry Sykora, USA (ret) is the Chair of the Task Force.

Maryland Visits Delegation
Maj Gen Bruce F. Tuxill, Adjutant General of Maryland, and members of his staff were on Capitol Hill last week. They met with members of their Congressional delegation to discuss support for the Guard Empowerment Act, Joint Cargo Aircraft and state issues important to Maryland.

NGAUS Task Forces
NGAUS has established Task Forces as a mechanism to provide advice and expertise to the NGAUS legislative staff in development of legislative priorities based on the resolutions that are passed each year at the annual conference. NGAUS has eleven Task Forces and are listed below:

Joint Task Forces
Personnel/Benefits
Medical Task Force

Army Task Forces
Fire Support Task Force
Combat Vehicle Task Force
Combat Support/Combat Service Support Task Force
Army Aviation Task Force
C4I Task Force
Engineer Task Force

Air Task Forces
Airlift/Tanker/Rescue
Fighter Task Force
C4I Task Force

The Task Forces are comprised of Chairs and Vice Chairs and are expected to meet two times a year. NGAUS is seeking interested volunteers to serve on the Task Forces. If you are interested, contact the NGAUS legislative staff or contact the Task Force Chairs listed on our website. The Task Forces will be meeting at the NGAUS Conference on Sunday, September 17.

For more information on NGAUS, check out our website: www.ngaus.org

This post moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

No Cease-fire in the throws of war

Today I have read an article by Mohammed of Iraq the Model (ITM), and I must say I concur. The Middle East is a hot spot today, to those of you who have no idea about the Middle East. To those who live there, to those who have become educated, it is an ongoing cycle that must be broken in order for victory to be achieved.

We have Israel in a war with Hamas and Hizbollah, and we have the Coalition Forces and Iraqis in a war with ex-Ba'athists, militias, Syrians, Saudis and Iranians. Iran is on the verge of gaining nuclear weapons capability, and all the people on the outside want to do is talk. They do not understand the mindset of the Middle East.

The one with the most strength and endurance is the victor. It has been this way forever. The Revolutionary War took 8 years! The last Brit to leave was evacuated from Brooklyn, NY November 25, 1783. If our freedom was worth this much rancor, so is the Middle East's. (Source: REVOLUTIONARY WAR TIMELINE.)

We have talked for years as Iran used its knowledge to develop nuclear weapons. What did this achieve? The Iranian people suffered more at the hand of Ahmadinejad, human rights were grossly violated daily, people were murdered in prison by the guards. Some of them were raped. Where is the outrage? Where are the investigations?

We have forced Israel to sit at the table with terrorists who are bent only on their destruction, and what did Israel get in return? War. Let me ask you this: If President Bush wanted to sit down with Osama bin Laden after September 11, 2001, would you have agreed with him or have him impeached? I know my answer, so why should Israel's be any different?

We have to put an end to these terrorists, and that means killing them dead. If it takes a few tapings of rubbing their faces in pigs blood and showing it to the Middle East to show we mean business, maybe then they would get the message. Their families would be disgraced, they would not be going to heaven, and the next time you kill another innocent? We take someone from Gitmo and slit his throat after dipping the knife in pigs blood.

My heart aches everyday as I hear about the Iraqis, Lebanese, Israelis, and Iranians dying. Let us get serious, and understand once and for all: WE ARE AT WAR.

This week's Iran

LA's Iranian exiles seek unity on regime change in Iran. Friday, July 7, 2006.
Ahmadinejad warns Jews in Israel to leave Israel. Saturday, July 8, 2006.
Why El Baradei must be forced out of the IAEA. Sunday, July 9, 2006.
Iran and this week's G-8 Summit in Russia. Monday, July 10, 2006.
Iranian Press hides EU blacklisting of Iran. Tuesday, July 11, 2006.
Iranian dissident to meet with Noan Chomsky. [How disappointing.] Wednesday, July 12, 2006.
Iran behind Hezbollah's war on Israel. Thursday, July 13, 2006.

Those are the titles of the list of articles. Usually, Doctor Zin will use the first article in the list of many to name the article of the day. Please check every link to find more articles. Thank you, and have a great day.

PS. Here is a topical organization of the week in review.

My Thoughts on Current Events

It's me, again. Yes, I just woke up. It's almost 6pm! Holy cow. It was a busy weekend, eh? How do like those Chinese 'partners'? I like them fried. With a little soy sauce.

I am one of those who is of the belief that want domination. Over what and who is the only question for disagreement. You do know they control NK, don't you? That is why they won't put any sanctions on them in that dreaded bastion of useless diplomats known as the UN.

Did anyone see any pictures of the protests against the Iranian regime? I'd like to have some if you come across them. Sunday was the 9th of July, the Day of Remembrance. What are they remembering? I'm so glad you asked!

On July 9, 1999, the students were protesting the way they were being denied human rights, the people disappearing, the people being thrown in prison for no reason except the whim of the IRI. What laws? They also desired democracy and freedom. What a crime, eh?

For this, 17 of them were murdered, hundreds were injured, and thousands were jailed. How would you like to live under those conditions? Think about this the next time you even think about calling our President a name like Hitler. You show your ignorance. That is why no one takes you seriously.

I disagree with the president on many issues. Which ones? Illegal aliens, not funding pro-democracy groups inside Iran, not sending troops to Darfur and getting rid of the janjaweed, he's spending way too much, he's not putting the good news about Iraq on the table so it can be printed, he has taken his eyes off Afghanistan, should I go on?

You don't read me going nuts (too often, lol). If you would come up with a rational thought, maybe people would listen. Please do not insult our intelligence, however. Do not choose a speaker like Sheehan, Kennedy, Kerry, Clinton, etc. We not only will not listen, we will never believe you!

Why am I giving you some advise? Because I'd like to bring politics back to a debate. Let us debate the ISSUES, not tear each other from limb to limb. We won't get anywhere that way. I'm sick and tired of going in circles. We are much better than that. If you're not, I am. (lol) Have a great day.

A High Price to Pay for Freedom

Tiananmen Veteran Voices 'Remorse' Towards Mao Portrait Protesters Wednesday, May 18, 2006.

This is an eye-opening article for those who only heard about what happened that horrific day, June 4, 1989. It was a massacre, then the Communists PRC rounded up the students and threw them in prison. This article is a story of a few that survived, one after 17 years in prison. Be grateful for what you have. It is more precious and valuable than you may ever know...

Please go to the site to read the article. For some reason, I cannot copy/paste it here. Thank you.

This was first posted at Causes of Interest.

Radio Free Asia 3/28/2006

First posted at Causes of Interest.

U.S. Could Take 200 North Korean Refugees in 2006
The United States could process asylum claims for up to 200 North Koreans this year, a U.S. source tells RFA's Korean service, despite the unique difficulty of conducting required background probes into refugees from the world's most tightly closed country. “We will consider any North Koreans brought to our attention by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, by U.S. embassies and consulates, and by reputable nongovernmental organizations,” one U.S. source said...

China Releases Mao Portrait Protester After 17 Years
The last of three protesters jailed by the Chinese authorities for defacing the portrait of Mao Zedong during the 1989 demonstrations on Tiananmen Square is released after serving 17 years in jail. Former newspaper editor Yu Dongyue left Chishan Prison, Yuanjiang city in the central province of Hunan, under police escort, his mother Wu Pinghua told RFA’s Cantonese service. Asked about Yu Dongyue’s physical condition, his sister, Yu Rixia, told RFA's Mandarin service: “His health is not very good. He can not manage his own personal chores. The priority now is for him to adjust to the current situation and hope that his health can be gradually improved.”...

My apologies. This article is dated March 4, 2006.

Two weeks ahead of a new round of voting for Tibet's exile government, RFA's Tibetan service has begun a series of live broadcasts of election-related coverage. Thousands of exiled Tibetans are expected to cast ballots on March 18. Go to www.RFA.org/Tibetan for detailed program guides.

Burma Blocks Humanitarian Prison Visits.
Burma’s military junta is blocking regular visits by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and putting pressure on them to work in tandem with local groups approved by officials, RFA's Burmese service reports...

North Korean Refugees Head For Europe.
Increasing numbers of defectors from North Korea are finding their way to Europe, often after a marathon journey spanning several years and tens of thousands of miles—the result of a complex network of people-smugglers, defectors, and South Korean missionaries...

Turkey-based Publisher Keeps Uyghur Letters Alive.
A modest publishing house in Turkey is increasingly keeping the Uyghur language and culture alive from its place of exile, sending out volumes of poetry, history, and Islamic scholarship free of charge even as Beijing clamps down on the millions of Uyghurs under its control...

Vietnamese Journalist Questions 'Socialist Economy'.
A prominent Vietnamese journalist has called on the ruling Communist Party to do more to overhaul the country’s massive bureaucracy and "disoriented”economy and to clarify who runs Vietnam—party or state...

Iranian Woman to be Executed: Call Congress!

Calling all people who care about human rights and just plain decency. There is an issue at hand that the Iranian government is trying to slip under the eyes of the world community. They are planning to execute a woman for protecting her 15 year old daughter from being raped by her 'temporary' husband. This is going to happen on or before April 1, 2006.

They have already yielded to outside pressure once in this matter. Now, with our eyes on their nuclear program and interference in Iraq, they have raised this issue again. They have raised it to make a point to all women in Iran: You demonstrate for freedom, human rights, etc, this will happen to you! We must act.

Please call your Congressperson and Senators immediately. (Toll free 877-762-8762, President's comment line: 202-456-1111.) Make as much noise as you can. We cannot allow this to stand. Let us ban together in prayer and voice to free this woman. In turn, we will be on the side of all the women in Iran.

Here is one report I have received, and I was also alerted to this tragedy by Right Truth. Thank you.

A Daily Briefing On Iran:

Iran Press News: Translation by Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has yet again slated Fatemeh Haghighat-Pajooh for execution. Haghighat-Pajooh murdered her “temporary husband” for attempted rape of her 15-year-old daughter, from her first marriage and in 1997 was charged with murder, by the misogynist Mullah judiciary and sentenced to death.

Haghighat-Pajooh was originally scheduled for execution in 2002 however due to international pressure the execution was stayed. Once again however, the Islamic Republic of Iran's high tribunal has reinstated the ruling and has every intention of seeing the execution through.

Her execution, is reportedly scheduled to take place by or before April 1st, which is the last day of the Persian New Year.

According to various received reports, the Islamic regime is planning to execute her quietly so that any pressure from the international human rights groups can be foiled. The Islamic regime, fearing any further protests and challenges by Iranian women, plans to use Haghighat-Pajooh’s case in order to strike more fear and intimidation in the hearts of Iranian women.

Fatemeh’s daughter appeals to all freedom-loving people around the world as well as international human rights groups for immediate attention to her mother’s case.

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 @ Rosemary's Thoughts. Rosemary's News and Ideas.

The worshippers of death and the camel's nose

Please forgive me. I have had this one for a while, so I really should get around to publishing! This is another one by Jack Lewis, and it will outrage you. That is, if you think about it.

SUMMARY: British courts saved the life of a young boy whose doctors had tried to kill. The boy is not in a persistent vegetated state, but the doctors simply determine him to be "suffering" due to his paralyses. Quite a large step the worshippers of death are taking from their victory in the torture and murder of Terri Schiavo. They are serious about taking more ground in their war against life. But how much ground have they really won? The truth may amaze you.

TEXT: March 16, 2006
From the London Telegraph:

An 18-month-old terminally ill boy with an incurable condition should be kept alive, a High Court judge ruled.

Mr Justice Holman concluded in a 29-page judgment that it was not in the boy's best interests to withdraw life-saving ventilation. The boy, known only as MB, suffers from spinal muscular atrophy. He cannot breathe, chew or swallow and has been in intensive care since he was seven weeks old.

His doctors had gone to the court to seek to withdraw ventilation. It was the first time a court had been asked to make a life-or-death ruling on a patient who was not in a persistent vegetative state. The doctors had argued that the boy's life was "intolerable". One said that he would lose his ability to open his eyelids, probably within the next few months and would have growing problems with heart rate and blood pressure.

The judge, while expressing his "great and genuine respect" for the medical team, said the pleasures the boy enjoyed outweighed the discomfort and distress he suffered every day.

They might have lost this one, but the fact that they even tried shows they are on the move and looking to expand the types of people they can murder. Last year it was Terri Schiavo. This year they attempted more, and were turned back. They'll be back. [Continue reading.]

When calling one of my state legislatures about legislation that would prevent the murder of the disabled, I was told, "We don't need the government interfering in family decisions" The legislator said it with enough conviction that I knew I wouldn't get anywhere arguing with him. Sure I could have pointed out that the state meddles with family decisions all the time when it comes to children, why would the disabled be of less concern? What I've learned since then is that the idea of quietly helping someone, who is perceived to be suffering, to die is an idea that has already by and large been accepted by most Americans. It was a chilling realization. We are that far along the slippery slope toward another Nazi regime.

When Hitler came to power he wasn't enthusiastically endorsed by the German people—he was tolerated out of perceived necessity. As he slowly gained more power, they continued to tolerate it, since he also brought economic stability and a sense of national pride. He allowed them to shift their anger and resentment toward a scapegoat (the Jews) and by the time they realized the price they were expected to pay for his insanity was too high, it was far too late.

People like Boenhoffer and Niemoller tried to warn the German people, but were silenced permanently in the case of Boenhoffer, who was executed after Hitler accused him of attempting to assassinate him (an accusation curiously accepted as truth by historians, in spite of the lack of any evidence to support it). Niemoller escaped, which took him out of the position to further influence the German people.

Voices are crying today, warning of the dangers of belittling the value of human life, but those voices are being ignored and laws are being twisted, warped or just plain ignored in an effort to quietly remove those people whose existence most find inconvenient, just as the Germans found the Jews' existence inconvenient.

Martin Niemoller offered this warning to people everywhere...

In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionists. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I am protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.

It's a much misused quote, which is to be expected, but in this case it is exactly what Niemoller was speaking to. I have two children with a congenital condition serious enough that some have felt it their duty to attempt to use the government to prevent us from having more children, even though it is doubtful those same people could tell which of our children actually have the condition, even if they were to watch them for hours on end. When people demand the power of life and death over others, without demonstrating a healthy respect for life in general, is Nazism far behind? They came for Terri Schiavo, tortured her to death, and few spoke up because they found her uncomfortable to watch. They come for handicapped children, and most ignore it because it's not their child. But how long until it is your child? How long until it's you they come for?

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 @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

JP's McCain 2008 PRO & CON Analysis

JP's thoughts on McCain in 2008, the pros and the cons. He has done some analysis, and I am going to post them here for him. If you like them, I suggest you link to his site. He is a very good writer!

JP's McCain 2008 PRO & CON Analysis

PROS:

1. Has always been fiscally responsible, voting against pork, excessive spending, etc. He is currently working with Sen. Coburn to highlight each individual earmark.

2. Has consistently favored higher defense spending, favors a forward-leaning defense posture, and is one of the strongest defenders and communicators of our Long-War & War on Terror strategy in Afghanistan, Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. He agrees that advocating democracy and freedom can increase our peace and security over the long run. He understands the "neo-con" view of the world, of which I subscribe. This view holds that from 1945-2001, we supported dictators in the Middle East, which linked the US with those dictators, and caused the people to slowly turn against us because of the inherent corruption, poverty & joblessness that always results from dictatorships. This bad economic, political and social environment then fostered hatred & intolerance.

3. He has generally been pro-life, but much like my view, is not completely intolerant to the view that the woman should have control of her own person when there are mitigating circumstances. However, I believe strongly that states and the people within them should have the power to set their own laws when it comes to this issue and NOT judges, and he has recently said that he would sign the SD bill.

4. McCain has become much more of a party-supporter over the last 2 years. He campaigned vigorously for the President and many colleagues in 2004, and will do so again in 2006. I believe he has learned that bucking the party only gains him Dem friends, and he'll never be President without 85% of the GOP votes. It seems as though he has mended fences with the Bush administration and is also gaining in key-politicos and donor personnel. This will take time, but must be a focus.

CONS:

1. McCain voted against the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts in both the budget and separate votes. Although he supported the tax cuts in 2005, his view on this critical item is suspect and I demand more from a GOP Presidential candidate, especially when these cuts have been proven to both grow tax revenues and the economy over time. McCain may have some "evolving" to do on this issue, which it looks like he is trying to do, and this is critical for him to gain GOP votes. He has to get out in front of any potential tax reform efforts and lead to have any credibility, but CPR is possible here.

2. Freedom of speech issues are a problem as well. The campaign finance reform issue was a big one for McCain, and I am fully against limiting individual contributions. However, McCain Feingold was a boon for the GOP in that it did double the hard-dollar limits. My view is that both corporate and union money should be banned completely, and that individual limits should be doubled again, but this will never happen. This issue is a problem for McCain, and I don't see him fixing GOP opinion much here.

3. Judges is the 3rd problem for McCain. He brokered the "gang of 14" which did help to confirm some of the blocked appeals court nominees, and ensured Alito and Roberts passage, but the agreement appeared to many GOP faithful to be another cave to the left. He needs to be a forceful advocate for "judicial restraint" and come out aggressively against any liberal judicial rulings over the next 2 years.

4. Because he has bucked GOP orthodoxy so many times over the past 5 years, there is little trust in McCain from the GOP grassroots. This can be overcome, but must be a long-term effort that is consistent and visible.

GOP Competitors:

Rudy Giuliani has a shot, but McCain is much more socially conservative. Head to head, John would win 2-1.

George Allen is a popular, gregarious fellow, but I think he's probably just a bit too much like President Bush in personality & communication style. Now matter how much I like GWB, I think the broader electorate will probably be looking for something a bit different.

Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee are good conservatives but would need $1 Billion apiece just to get the Name Recognition that McCain already has. Both will lose to most DEMs.

Governor & former Olympics coordinator Mitt Romney is probably the most likely competitor down the stretch, although he is also a bit unknown. However, his strong showing at the SRLC in Tennessee opened a lot of eyes. He is socially conservative, balanced a huge budget deficit in Massachusetts without a tax hike, and has pretty good organization already set. He is running, and I think will be the conservative challenger to McCain.

Condi Rice or JEB Bush would be fantastic Presidents, both, but I believe neither are running. Both might be running for VEEP, and both would make fantastic running mates.

Pataki and the rest of the also-rans should drop their thoughts of running. They don't have a shot at beating any one of the above names. Oh I forgot Bill Frist, sorry. That should give you some idea of what I think of his chancesssssszzzzzzzz

GOP Nomination Summary:

I think McCain has the best shot right now at winning the GOP nomination in 2008. Independents love him, and he gain win back most of the GOP, if he works consistently & patiently over the next 2.5 years to show that he has both learned that some of his prior positions were incorrect and that he is a more Conservative politician than the GOP grassroots think he is.

DEM Competitors:
Hillary is most likely the nominee, but Mark Warner wil be her credible challenger from the "center-left", Russ Feingold will be the competitor from the liberal quarter, and a DEM Latino governor from the southwest (New Mexico) named Bill Richardson gives me the willies, but it seems as though he is too disorganized and childish (read: Bill Clinton) to have a credible shot at anything but VEEP. Any one of these candidates will get 48% guaranteed in the General, and Hillary or Warner could get 49%. 2008

GENERAL Conclusion:

McCain will win if he runs a credible campaign, and could win by more than GWB in 2004. If Romney is the nominee, the race is closer, he has to run a perfect campaign, and any other GOP candidate could likely lose.

Editors Note: I hope not! ;)

Update: (6/6/09) Boy, wasn't this a crock? Who wrote this? JP, how could you! *sigh*

Should the Axis of Evil be Extended to Chavez?

Chavez has been going to NK and has a 'Friendship and Cultural Association' pact with NK, Iran, and Hizbollah. He has ambitions for nuclear proliferations, and I hope he is stopped before it is too late.

Iran already has plans to ship missles to Chavez in oil tankers so as not to be suspected. If Iran is going to do this, wouldn't that mean they have them to ship? Hmm.

This information can be found in an article written by Kenneth Rijock, Investigative Report, La Nueva Cuba, March 6, 2006.

This was first posted at My Newz 'n Ideas.

Olympics 2006

I don't care what anyone says, I LOVE those ice skaters! They are so handsome and beautiful. They put a lot of hard work into their skating, and it shows. They make it look so easy,but I guarantee you--it is not. Gotta go, someone's on the rink.

Transcript: Bush Discusses War on Terrorism

Washington Post: Transcript of President Bush' speech at the National Endowment for Democracy Thursday, October 6, 2005.

Hat tip to Jenny over at For the Freedom of Iran.

BUSH: Thank you for the warm welcome.

I'm honored once again to be with the supporters of the National Endowment for Democracy.

Since the day President Ronald Reagan set out the vision for this endowment, the world has seen the swiftest advance of democratic institutions in history. And Americans are proud to have played our role in this great story.

Our nation stood guard on tense borders. We spoke for the rights of dissidents and the hopes of exiles. We aided the rise of new democracies on the ruins of tyranny.

BUSH: And all the costs and sacrifice of that struggle has been worth it because from Latin America to Europe to Asia we've gained the peace that freedom brings.

In this new century, freedom is once again assaulted by enemies, determined to roll back generations of democratic progress. Once again, we're responding to a global campaign of fear with a global campaign of freedom. And once again, we will see freedom's victory.

(APPLAUSE)

Again, I want to thank you for inviting me back. Thank you for the short introduction.

(LAUGHTER)

I appreciate Carl Gershman.

I want to welcome former Congressman Dick Gephardt, who is a board member of the National Endowment for Democracy.

It's good to see you, Dick.

BUSH: And I appreciate Chris Cox, who's the chairman of the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission and a board member for the National Endowment of Democracy, for being here as well.

And I want to thank all the other board members.

I appreciate the secretary of state, Condi Rice, who has joined us. Alongside her, our secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld.

Thank you all for being here.

I'm proud as well that the newly sworn-in chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the first Marine ever to hold that position, is with us today, General Peter Pace.

(APPLAUSE)

And I thank members of the diplomatic corps who are here, as well.

BUSH: Recently, our country observed the fourth anniversary of a great evil and looked back on a great turning point in our history.

We still remember a proud city covered in smoke and ashes, a fire across the Potomac, and passengers who spent their final moments on Earth fighting the enemy. We still remember the men who rejoice in every death, and Americans in uniform rising to duty. And we remember the calling that came to us on that day and continues to this hour.

We will confront this mortal danger to all humanity. We will not tire or rest until the war on terror is won.

(APPLAUSE)

The images and experience of September the 11th are unique for Americans.

BUSH: Yet the evil of that morning has reappeared on other days in other places -- in Mombasa and Casablanca and Riyadh and Jakarta and Istanbul, in Madrid, in Beslan, in Taba and Natanya and Baghdad and elsewhere.

In the past few months, we've seen a new terror offensive with attacks in London, Sharm el-Sheikh and a deadly bombing in Bali once again.

All these separate images of destruction and suffering that we see on the new can seem like random and isolated acts of madness. Innocent men and women and children have died simply because they boarded the wrong train or worked in the wrong building or checked into the wrong hotel.

And while the killers choose their victims indiscriminately, their attacks serve a clear and focused ideology, a set of beliefs and goals that are evil but not insane.

Some call this evil Islamic radicalism. Others militant jihadism.

BUSH: Still, others Islamo-fascism.

Whatever it's called, this ideology is very different from the religion of Islam. This form of radicalism exploits Islam to serve a violent political vision: the establishment, by terrorism and subversion and insurgency, of a totalitarian empire that denies all political and religious freedom.

These extremists distort the idea of jihad into a call for terrorist murder against Christians and Jews and Hindus and also against Muslims from other traditions that they regard as heretics.

BUSH: Many militants are part of global borderless terrorist organizations like Al Qaida, which spreads propaganda and provides financing and technical assistance to local extremists and conducts dramatic and brutal operations like September 11th.

Other militants are found in regional groups often associated with Al Qaida; paramilitary insurgencies and separatist movements in places like Somalia and the Philippines and Pakistan and Chechnya and Kashmir and Algeria.

Still others spring up in local cells inspired by Islamic radicalism but not centrally directed.

BUSH: Islamic radicalism is more like a loose network with many branches than an army under a single command. Yet these operatives fighting on scattered battlefields share a similar ideology and vision for our world.

We know the vision of the radicals because they've openly stated it in videos and audiotapes and letters and declarations and Web sites.

First, these extremists want to end American and Western influence in the broader Middle East, because we stand for democracy and peace and stand in the way of their ambitions.

Al Qaida's leader, Osama bin Laden, has called on Muslims to dedicate, quote, "their resources sons and money to driving infidels out of their lands."

BUSH: Their tactic to meet this goal has been consistent for a quarter century: They hit us and expect us to run.

They want us to repeat the sad history of Beirut in 1983 and Mogadishu in 1993, only this time on a larger scale with greater consequences.

Second, the militant network wants to use the vacuum created by an American retreat to gain control of a country, a base from which to launch attacks and conduct their war against non-radical Muslim governments.

BUSH: Over the past few decades, radicals have specifically targeted Egypt and Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and Jordan for potential takeover.

They achieved their goal for a time in Afghanistan. Now they've set their sights on Iraq.

Bin Laden has stated the whole world is watching this war and the two adversaries: It's either victory and glory or misery and humiliation.

The terrorists regard Iraq as the central front in their war against humanity, and we must recognize Iraq as the central front in our war on terror.

Third, the militants believe that controlling one country will rally the Muslim masses, enabling them to overthrow all moderate governments in the region and establish a radical Islamic empire that spans from Spain to Indonesia.

BUSH: With greater economic and military and political power, the terrorists would be able to advance their stated agenda: to develop weapons of mass destruction, to destroy Israel, to intimidate Europe, to assault the American people and to blackmail our government into isolation.

Some might be tempted to dismiss these goals as fanatical or extreme. Well, they are fanatical and extreme and they should not be dismissed.

BUSH: Our enemy is utterly committed. As Zarqawi has vowed, "We will either we achieve victory over the human race or we will pass to the eternal life."

And the civilized world knows very well that other fanatics in history, from Hitler to Stalin to Pol Pot, consumed whole nations in war and genocide before leaving the stage of history.

Evil men obsessed with ambition and unburdened by conscience must be taken very seriously, and we must stop them before their crimes can multiply.

Defeating a militant network is difficult because it thrives like a parasite on the suffering and frustration of others.

The radicals exploit local conflicts to build a culture of victimization in which someone else is always to blame and violence is always the solution.

They exploit resentful and disillusioned young men and women, recruiting them through radical mosques as the pawns of terror.

And they exploit modern technology to multiply their destructive power. Instead of attending faraway training camps, recruits can now access online training libraries to learn how to build a roadside bomb or fire a rocket-propelled grenade.

BUSH: And this further spreads the threat of violence, even within peaceful democratic societies.

The influence of Islamic radicalism is also magnified by helpers and enablers. They have been sheltered by authoritarian regimes: allies of convenience like Syria and Iran that share the goal of hurting America and moderate Muslim governments and use terrorist propaganda to blame their own failures on the West and America and on the Jews.

The radicals depend on front operations such as corrupted charities which direct money to terrorist activity. They are strengthened by those who aggressively fund the spread of radical, intolerant versions of Islam in unstable parts of the world.

The militants are aided as well by elements of the Arab news media that incite hatred and anti-Semitism, that feed conspiracy theories and speak of so-called "American war on Islam" with seldom a word about American actions to protect Muslims in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, Kosovo, Kuwait and Iraq.

BUSH: Some have also argued that extremism has been strengthened by the actions of our coalition in Iraq, claiming that our presence in that country has somehow caused or triggered the rage of radicals.

I would remind them that we were not in Iraq on September the 11th, 2001, and Al Qaida attacked us anyway.

The hatred of the radicals existed before Iraq was an issue and it will exist after Iraq is no longer an excuse.

The government of Russia did not support Operation Iraqi Freedom, and yet militants killed more than 180 Russian school children in Beslan.

BUSH: Over the years, these extremists have used a litany of excuses for violence: Israeli presence on the West Bank or the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia or the defeat of the Taliban or the crusades of a thousand years ago.

In fact, we're not facing a set of grievances that can be soothed and addressed. We're facing a radical ideology with unalterable objectives: to enslave whole nations and intimidate the world.

BUSH: No act of ours invited the rage of the killers, and no concession, bribe or act of appeasement would change or limit their plans for murder.

On the contrary, they target nations whose behavior they believe they can change through violence.

Against such an enemy there is only one effective response: We will never back down, never give in and never accept anything less than complete victory.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: The murderous ideology of the Islamic radicals is the great challenge of our new century. Yet in many ways, this fight resembles the struggle against communism in the last century.

Like the ideology of communism, Islamic radicalism is elitist, led by a self-appointed vanguard that presumes to speak for the Muslim masses.

Osama bin Laden says his own role is to tell Muslims, quote, "what is good for them and what is not." And what this man who grew up in wealth and privilege considers good for poor Muslims is that they become killers and suicide bombers.

BUSH: He assures them that this is the road to paradise, though he never offers to go along for the ride.

Like the ideology of communism, our new enemy teaches that innocent individuals can be sacrificed to serve a political vision. And this explains their cold-blooded contempt for human life.

We've seen it in the murders of Daniel Pearl, Nicholas Berg and Margaret Hassan and many others.

In a courtroom in the Netherlands, the killer of Theo Van Gogh turned to the victim's grieving mother and said, "I do not feel your pain because I believe you are an infidel."

And in spite of this veneer of religious rhetoric, most of the victims claimed by the militants are fellow Muslims.

BUSH: When 25 Iraqi children are killed in a bombing or Iraqi teachers are executed at their school or hospital workers are killed caring for the wounded, this is murder, pure and simple; the total rejection of justice and honor and moral and religion.

These militants are not just the enemies of America or the enemies of Iraq, they are the enemies of Islam and the enemies of humanity.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: We have seen this kind of shameless cruelty before, in the heartless zealotry that led to the gulags and the Cultural Revolution and the killing fields.

Like the ideology of communism, our new enemy pursues totalitarian aims. Its leaders pretend to be in an aggrieved party, representing the powerless against imperial enemies.

In truth, they have endless ambitions of imperial domination and they wish to make everyone powerless except themselves.

Under their rule, they have banned books and desecrated historical monuments and brutalized women.

BUSH: They seek to end dissent in every form and to control every aspect of life and to rule the soul itself.

While promising a future of justice and holiness, the terrorists are preparing for a future of oppression and misery.

Like the ideology of communism, our new enemy is dismissive of free peoples, claiming that men and women who live in liberty are weak and decadent.

Zarqawi has said that Americans are, quote, "the most cowardly of God's creatures," but let's be clear: It is cowardice that seeks to kill children and the elderly with car bombs and cuts the throat of a bound captive and targets worshipers leaving a mosque.

BUSH: It is courage that liberated more than 50 million people. It is courage that keeps an untiring vigil against the enemies of a rising democracy. And it is courage and the cause of freedom that once again will destroy the enemies of freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: And Islamic radicalism, like the ideology of communism, contains inherent contradictions that doom it to failure.

By fearing freedom, by distrusting human creativity and punishing change and limiting the contributions of half the population, this ideology undermines the very qualities that make human progress possible and human society successful.

The only thing modern about the militants' vision is the weapons they want to use against us. The rest of their grim vision is defined by a warped image of the past, a declaration of war on the idea of progress itself.

BUSH: And whatever lies ahead in the war against this ideology, the outcome is not in doubt: Those who despise freedom and progress have condemned themselves to isolation decline and collapse.

Because free peoples believe in the future, free peoples will own the future.

(APPLAUSE)

We didn't ask for this global struggle, but we're answering history's call with confidence and a comprehensive strategy.

Defeating a broad and adaptive network requires patience, constant pressure, and strong partners in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and beyond.

BUSH: Working with these partners, we're disrupting militant conspiracies, destroying their ability to make war, and working to give millions in a troubled region of the world a hopeful alternative to resentment and violence.

First, we're determined to prevent the attacks of terrorist network before they occur. We're reorganizing our government to give this nation a broad and coordinated homeland defense. We're reforming our intelligence agency for the incredibly difficult task of tracking enemy activity, based on information that often comes in small fragments from widely scattered sources here and abroad.

We're acting, along with the governments from many countries, to destroy the terrorist networks and incapacitate their leaders.

Together, we've killed or captured nearly all of those directly responsible for the September the 11th attacks, as well as some of bin Laden's most senior deputies, Al Qaida managers and operatives in more than 24 countries: the mastermind of the USS Cole bombing who was chief of Al Qaida operations in the Persian Gulf, the mastermind of the Jakarta and the first Bali bombings, a senior Zarqawi terrorist planner who was planning attacks in Turkey, and many of Al Qaida's senior leaders in Saudi Arabia.

BUSH: Overall, the United States and our partners have disrupted at least 10 serious Al Qaida terrorist plots since September the 11th, including three Al Qaida plots to attack inside the United States. We've stopped at least five more Al Qaida efforts to case targets in the United States or infiltrate operatives into our country.

Because of the steady progress, the enemy is wounded. But the enemy is still capable of global operations.

BUSH: Our commitment is clear: We will not relent until the organized, international terror networks are exposed and broken and their leaders held to account for their acts of murder.

Second, we're determined to deny weapons of mass destruction to outlaw regimes and to their terrorist allies who would use them without hesitation.

The United States, working with Great Britain, Pakistan and other nations, has exposed and disrupted a major black market operation in nuclear technology led by A.Q. Khan.

Libya has abandoned its chemical and nuclear programs as well as long-range ballistic missiles.

In this last year, America and our partners in the Proliferation Security Initiative have stopped more than a dozen shipments of suspected weapons technology, including equipment for Iran's ballistic missile program.

This progress has reduced the danger to free nations, but it has not removed it.

BUSH: Evil men who want to use horrendous weapons against us are working in deadly earnest to gain them. And we're working urgently to keep weapons of mass destruction out of their hands.

Third, we're determined to deny radical groups the support and sanctuary of outlaw regimes. State sponsors like Syria and Iran have a long history of collaboration with terrorists, and they deserve no patience from the victims of terror.

The United States makes no distinction between those who commit acts of terror and those who support and harbor them, because they're equally as guilty of murder.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Any government that chooses to be an ally of terror has also chosen to be an enemy of civilization. And the civilized world must hold those regimes to account.

Fourth, we're determined to deny the militant's control of any nation which they would use as a home base and a launching pad for terror.

For this reason, we're fighting beside our Afghan partners against remnants of the Taliban and their Al Qaida allies. For this reason, we're working with President Musharraf to oppose and isolate the militants in Pakistan. And for this reason, we're fighting the regime remnants and terrorists in Iraq.

The terrorists' goal is to overthrow a rising democracy, claim a strategic country as a haven for terror, destabilize the Middle East and strike America and other free nations with ever-increasing violence.

BUSH: Our goal is to defeat the terrorists and their allies at the heart of their power. And so we will defeat the enemy in Iraq.

Our coalition, along with our Iraqi allies, is moving forward with a comprehensive, specific military plan. Area by area, city by city, we're conducting offensive operations to clear out enemy forces and leaving behind Iraqi units to prevent the enemy from returning.

Within these areas, we're working for tangible improvements in the lives of Iraqi citizens. And we're aiding the rise of an elected government that unites the Iraqi people against extremism and violence.

This work involves great risk for Iraqis and for Americans and coalition forces.

BUSH: Wars are not won without sacrifice and this war will require more sacrifice, more time and more resolve.

The terrorists are as brutal an enemy as we've ever faced. They're unconstrained by any notion of our common humanity or by the rules of warfare.

No one should underestimate the difficulties ahead, nor should they overlook the advantages we bring to this fight.

Some observers look at the job ahead and adopt a self-defeating pessimism. It is not justified.

With every random bombing and with every funeral of a child it becomes more clear that the extremists are not patriots or resistance fighters. They are murderers at war with the Iraqi people themselves.

In contrast, the elected leaders of Iraq are proving to be strong and steadfast. By any standard or precedent of history, Iraq has made incredible political progress: from tyranny, to liberation, to national elections, to the writing of a constitution in the space of two and a half years.

BUSH: With our help, the Iraqi military is gaining new capabilities and new confidence with every passing month.

At the time of our Fallujah operations 11 months ago there were only a few Iraqi army battalions in combat. Today there are more than 80 Iraqi army battalions fighting the insurgency alongside our forces.

Progress isn't easy, but it is steady.

BUSH: And no fair-minded person should ignore, deny or dismiss the achievements of the Iraqi people.

Some observers question the durability of democracy in Iraq. They underestimate the power and appeal of freedom.

We've heard it suggested that Iraq's democracy must be on shaky ground because Iraqis are arguing with each other. But that's the essence of democracy: making your case, debating with those who disagree, building consensus by persuasion and answering to the will of the people.

We've heard it said that the Shias, Sunnis and Kurds of Iraq are too divided to form a lasting democracy.

BUSH: In fact, democratic federalism is the best hope for unifying a diverse population, because a federal constitutional system respects the rights and religious traditions of all citizens while giving all minorities, including the Sunnis, a stake and a voice in the future of their country.

It is true that the seeds of freedom have only recently been planted in Iraq but democracy, when it grows, is not a fragile flower. It is a healthy, sturdy tree.

(APPLAUSE)

As Americans, we believe that people everywhere -- everywhere prefer freedom to slavery and that liberty, once chosen, improves the lives of all.

BUSH: And so we're confident, as our coalition and the Iraqi people each do their part, Iraqi democracy will succeed.

Some observers also claim that America would be better off by cutting our losses and leaving Iraq now. It's a dangerous illusion refuted with a simple question: Would the United States and other free nations be more safe or less safe with Zarqawi and bin Laden in control of Iraq, its people and its resources?

Having removed a dictator and aided free peoples, we will not stand by as a new set of killers dedicated to the destruction of our own country seizes control of Iraq by violence.

BUSH: There's always a temptation in the middle of a long struggle to seek the quiet life, to escape the duties and problems of the world, and to hope the enemy grows weary of fanaticism and tired of murder.

This would be a pleasant world, but it's not the world we live in. The enemy is never tired, never sated, never content with yesterday's brutality.

The enemy considers every retreat of the civilized world as an invitation to greater violence.

In Iraq, there is no peace without victory.

BUSH: We will keep our nerve and we will win that victory.

(APPLAUSE)

The fifth element of our strategy in the war on terror is to deny the militants future recruits by replacing hatred and resentment with democracy and hope across the broader Middle East.

This is a difficult, long-term project, yet there's no alternative to it. Our future and the future of that region are linked.

If the broader Middle East is left to grow in bitterness, if countries remain in misery, while radicals stir the resentments of millions, then that part of the world will be a source of endless conflict and mounting danger for our generation and the next.

BUSH: If the peoples in that region are permitted to chose their own destiny and advance by their own energy and by their participation as free men and women, then the extremists will be marginalized and the flow of violent radicalism to the rest of the world will slow and eventually end.

By standing for the hope and freedom of others we make our own freedom more secure.

America is making this stand in practical ways. We're encouraging our friends in the Middle East, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to take the path of reform, to strengthen their own societies in the fight against terror by respecting the rights and choices of their own people.

We're standing with dissidents and exiles against oppressive regimes, because we know that the dissidents of today will be the democratic leaders of tomorrow.

BUSH: We're making our case through public diplomacy, stating clearly and confidently our belief in self-determination and the rule of law and religious freedom and equal rights for women; beliefs that are right and true in every land and in every culture.

(APPLAUSE)

As we do our part to confront radicalism, we know that the most vital work will be done within the Islamic world itself.

BUSH: And this work has begun.

Many Muslim scholars have already publicly condemned terrorism, often citing Chapter 5, Verse 32 of the Koran, which states that killing an innocent human being is like killing all humanity, and saving the life of one person is like saving all of humanity.

After the attacks in London on July the 7th, an imam in the United Arab Emirates declared, "Whoever does such a thing is not a Muslim, nor a religious person."

The time has come for all responsible Islamic leaders to join in denouncing an ideology that exploits Islam for political ends and defiles a noble faith.

Many people of the Muslim faith are proving their commitment at great personal risk. Everywhere we have engaged the fight against extremism, Muslim allies have stood up and joined the fight, becoming partners in a vital cause.

BUSH: Afghan troops are in combat against Taliban remnants. Iraqi soldiers are sacrificing to defeat Al Qaida in their own country.

These brave citizens know the stakes: the survival of their own liberty, the future of their own region, the justice and humanity of their own tradition. And the United States of America is proud to stand beside them.

(APPLAUSE)

With the rise of a deadly enemy and the unfolding of a global ideological struggle, our time in history will be remembered for new challenges and unprecedented dangers. And yet the fight we have joined is also the current expression of an ancient struggle between those who put their faith in dictators and those who put their faith in the people.

BUSH: Throughout history, tyrants and would-be tyrants have always claimed that murder is justified to serve their grand vision. And they end up alienating decent people across the globe.

Tyrants and would-be tyrants have always claimed that regimented societies are strong and pure until those societies collapse in corruption and decay.

Tyrants and would-be tyrants have always claimed that free men and women are weak and decadent until the day that free men and women defeat them.

We don't know the course of our own struggle, the course our own struggle will take, or the sacrifices that might lie ahead.

BUSH: We do know, however, that the defense of freedom is worth our sacrifice. We do know the love of freedom is the mightiest force of history. And we do know the cause of freedom will once again prevail.

May God bless you.

(APPLAUSE)

END

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 @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.