Bill Russell For Congress Video Ad

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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.

Today I am having a Linkfest party for all my friends, they ones I know and they ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share with more people, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback Everyone have a nice day.

Friends I have trackbacked today through Linkfest and a prior post, Are We Paralyzed?: third world county - Belly Laugh of the Day, The World According To Carl - Lake Ella: Flooded Due To Tropical Storm Fay, Beagle Scout - On the Lookout for Storms in Mississippi, Mark My Words - Reasoned discourse, Stageleft:. Life on the left side - Well, That Should Make Everyone Feel Safer, Pirate's Cove: AGW Today: Vultures At U.N. Talks, Carbon Credits, Dems And Nukes, Beagle Scout - More Hurricane Forecast Maps, Beagle Scout - With Arugula in one hand, and Shield in the other, I declare myself Emperor of Denver!, Mark My Words - Who covers up good news?, thank to Linkfest Haven - The Bloggers Oasis.

Friends who have shared their posts for your reading pleasure:
1. Diary of the Mad Pigeon: Gustav and the Federalist System.
2. Potbelly Stove: More on Putin's Character.
3. 123beta: My Other God: Jimi.
4. Mark My Words: Class vs the old politics.
5. Adam's Blog: Obama Accepts.
6. third world county: Zeros With The Rims Kicked Off.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Founders' Daily Quote: 28 Aug 08

"All good men wish the entire abolition of slavery, as soon as it can take place with safety to the public, and for the lasting good of the present wretched race of slaves. The only possible step that could be taken towards it by the convention was to fix a period after which they should not be imported."

--Oliver Ellsworth (The Landholder, 10 December 1787); Reference: The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, Farrand, ed., vol. 3 (165)

Bastard.

Update: Lobo has reminded me that I need more clarity than just one word thoughts left in my head! The reason I called this decision a 'bastard' is because when something is wrong it is wrong. You don't wait decades until there is war over it to settle it. I also did not appreciate the way he referred to my brothers and sisters as 'wretched race of slaves'. Wretched? How do he! I understand that this was a different time, but it leaves me shaken. I have epilepsy. Before, they used to put people with epilepsy in mental hospitals for life. I could not bear the thought!

I know little was known about the disease, but come on! I'm still a human being. What kind of equal right did I have to protest back then? What kind of due process when the judges were just fine with my imprisonment?

I guess maybe it is a little (lot!) too personal for me. When something is wrong, you must stand against it. When something is right, you must stand for it. Otherwise, someone else will determine your outcome. What kind of Liberty is that?

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Coalition Forces Help Rawah Focus

Sunday, 24 August 2008
By Lance Cpl. Paul M. Torres
Regimental Combat Team 5

RAWAH — The town of Rawah has had many improvements since Coalition forces arrived. With their help, and the assistance of several organizations from Colorado, the local residents will soon be able to see the progress a little better. Coalition forces recently delivered over 700 prescription eyeglasses to help provide the residents of Rawah with badly needed prescription lenses.

“We are helping increase the quality of life for many of the people who could otherwise not afford prescription glasses,” said Navy Lt. Malcolm Brown, battalion surgeon for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5. “There have been instances where Iraqis have gotten themselves in a life-threatening situation because they could not read the warning signs, so we are potentially saving lives.” Poor eyesight can be easily treated with a simple pair of glasses, if glasses are available.

“They don’t have a proper hospital where they can go to be treated,” said 1st Lt. Daniel M. Thomas, team leader for Civil Affairs Team 5, Detachment 1, Regimental Combat Team 5. “The clinic they do have is lacking medical supplies, such as glasses, and the facilities to treat some of the more severe eyesight problems.”

The glasses were delivered to the mayor’s office in Rawah, and the local optometrist met with members of Coalition forces to discuss how the glasses were to be distributed. “The local optometrist will be handing out most of the glasses for free,” said Thomas. The glasses were donated by three organizations from Colorado: the Fort Collins Lions Club, the Sterling Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Fort Collins. The Rotary and Lions clubs collected and sorted the glasses by prescription before sending them.

“It’s great that there are people back in the states that are willing to help the people out here,” said Lance Cpl. Kyle J. Friel, a motor transportation mechanic with CA Team 5. “By helping the people, they are also helping our mission to aid the Iraqis in rebuilding their infrastructure.”

Hamed Khalid Abrahim, the mayor of Rawah, Iraq, tries on a new pair of glasses in Rawah, Aug 13, 2008. Coalition forces delivered 720 pairs of prescription glasses to the local optometrist in Rawah. Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul M. Torres.

Source(s): MNF-I and CENTCOM.

(Hopefully one of these links will remain functional.)

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

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.

Founders' Daily Quote: 27 Aug 08

"I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man."

--Alexander Hamilton (Federalist No. 85, 1788); Reference: The Federalist

Aha! So that's where I've been making my mistake. I guess I'll just never get married then! (lol)

Hat tip: Patriot Post.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Still Moving Posts Manually

I'm quite busy right now, so I won't be able to write much. Not there's that much to write about, unless you consider the Soviets making deals with Cuba to become partners again...but I guess that's not important. Oh no. Gotta be all about politics. It doesn't matter that Pakistan's gov't collapsed. Nope. Those Dems don't care about anything but winning. God help us.

Times Online: Pakistan coalition collapses over judge deal.
Belfast Telegraph: Pakistan in turmoil after collapse of ruling coalition.
al-Reuters: Talk of Russia-Cuba ties seen as warning to U.S..
American Thinker: Rollback Russian Expansionism.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Founders' Daily Quote: 26 Aug 08

"Among the features peculiar to the political system of the United States, is the perfect equality of rights which it secures to every religious sect."

--James Madison (letter to Jacob de la Motta, August 1820); Reference: Our Sacred Honor, Bennett, pg. 333

Um...that was before your good friend wrote that letter to a pastor in Mass. After that, a considerable amount of time I'll admit, they managed to kick God out of politics...except for the Democrats, that is.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Are We Paralyzed?

It appears to me that our foreign policy is one of paralysis. Why are there no back-up troops in Georgia telling the Soviets to get out? Why is Iran allowed to continue their march to successfully aquire nuclear weapons? Why does North Korea get to keep their weapons while we feed their army? Why is China given the privilege of hosting the Olympics while squashing the free speech of several free-speech countries? Why is everyone treating them with kid gloves when they are using 13 and 14 year old children when the rules demand they are supposed to be at least 16?

Because the Left-Marxists in this country and around the world do not care about such things. They only care about the destruction of America. If anyone requires more proof, just look to the United Nations. That is their tool, right? Well, they are not happy with the Soviets, but they have a veto on everything and anything we try to do to stop their invasion!

Do you hear anyone screaming that the Soviets are fighting a war for oil? Well, that's what they're doing! Have we become so whipped that we cannot see the realities of today? Is it true that we give a hoot about what other people say about us?

I'd rather they feared us the way they fear the Soviets and China! Honestly. If I were president, I would not let these things stand. Forget about the rest of the world. If necessary, kick out everyone who is not a citizen for a while. That would go very far in reducing the federal debt.

As far as what to do about every situation, I have a few ideas. First, I would make sure that North Korean government didn't get another dime. I would drop food all over their country with pamphlets encouraging them to take control of their land. As far as the standing army, I would offer them their families sustanance if they would lay would lay down their arms. If they refused, I would help move the people as far away as they could go for a while. Then I would blow up their reactors. Problem solved.

At the same time I would tell Iran to give up their weapons or face the consequences that have been awaiting them for over three decades. The same idea as with North Korea, help the people who want nothing to do with these scumbags, and the heck with the rest. When, not if, they refuse, there goes most of Iran. End of problem.

Now to address Georgia. Soviets get out or there will be war. Old Europe will no longer be a part of NATO. They are no longer an ally. They have been against us at every turn. What happened to, 'You are either with us or you are with them, but there is no middle ground here.'? They chose their side. It is time to chose ours.

There was a time when our so-called leaders used to not put up with tyrants like this in this manner. What happened? They became paralyzed by the Left and the idea that everyone has to get along. Since when?

PS. I understand my logic may be way off, and that's okay. It's the first plan I've seen so far, so I expect there to be many things incorrect with it. But at least I proposed one. Where is everyone else's?

PSS. I would also flatten Khartoum. No questions asked. No warning. They've had enough time and too many people have been murdered, raped, tortured, etc, and al Qaida is still there in the mountains. Is anyone looking there? No, they are not. Why not? Because the body created for the purpose of preventing another genocide cannot even bring itself to name what is happening Darfur, Sudan, genocide. Shall we just lay down and die for them? Make it easier? NOT ME!

THIS IS A PERSONAL RANT, AND IT DOES NOT REFLECT THE BELIEFS OF THIS SITE (the Talon). I am frustrated over the situations around the world, and it appears no one is paying attention. BTW, Pakistan's government is falling apart as of today. Watch out for something to happen over there.

Elections or no, politics should never govern foreign policy.

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.

Today I am having a Linkfest party for all my friends, they ones I know and they ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share with more people, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback. Everyone have a nice day.

Friends I have trackbacked to today through Linkfest and others who are having an open trackback party themselves: The World According To Carl - Uncle Jay Explains The News — August 25, 2008, Blog @ MoreWhat.com - Open Trackback Linkfest Tuesday, MacBros Reviews - Open Trackback Post #10, Blog @ MoreWhat.com - Dems Head to the Kook-Aid Trough.

Friends who have shared their posts for your reading pleasure:
1. third world county: Belly Laugh of the Day.
2. The World According To Carl: Lake Ella: Flooded Due To Tropical Storm Fay.
3. Beagle Scout: On the Lookout for Storms in Mississippi.
4. Mark My Words: Reasoned discourse.
5. Stageleft:. Life on the left side: Well, That Should Make Everyone Feel Safer.
6. Pirate's Cove: AGW Today: Vultures At U.N. Talks, Carbon Credits, Dems And Nukes.
7. Beagle Scout: More Hurricane Forecast Maps.
8. Beagle Scout: With Arugula in one hand, and Shield in the other, I declare myself Emperor of Denver!
9. Mark My Words: Who covers up good news?

Cross-posted @ The Talon and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Founders' Daily Quote: 25 Aug 08

"At the establishment of our constitutions, the judiciary bodies were supposed to be the most helpless and harmless members of the government. Experience, however, soon showed in what way they were to become the most dangerous; that the insufficiency of the means provided for their removal gave them a freehold and irresponsibility in office; that their decisions, seeming to concern individual suitors only, pass silent and unheeded by the public at large; that these decisions, nevertheless, become law by precedent, sapping, by little and little, the foundations of the constitution, and working its change by construction, before any one has perceived that that invisible and helpless worm has been busily employed in consuming its substance. In truth, man is not made to be trusted for life, if secured against all liability to account."

--Thomas Jefferson (letter to Monsieur A. Coray, 31 October 1823); Reference: respec. Quoted.

AMEN.

Source: Patriot Post.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

ZzzzZzzzZzzz

A sweet lady by the name of Angel wrote a nice article the other day called, "ResT & RelaxatioN..Ahhh". I laughed in its face (the post), put it aside, out of my mind...or did I? I usually get around two to three hours of sleep at a time, and that's only when my body says, 'No more!' I have fallen asleep in some very strange places, and that isn't too safe.

Ah yes, back to the point. I'm about to pass out again. I can usually tell when it is about to happen. My problem is that I fight it. Why? So much to do! But not this time.

Thanks, Angel. I'm going to stop laughing and take your advice. Your post was very timely! ;)

PS. This could also apply to all the gushing happening in Denver, CO. If you do not know why, just google "media OR democrat national convention". Blah!

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

Today I am having a Linkfest party for all my friends, they ones I know and they ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share with more people, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback Everyone have a nice day.

Some posts from Cha-cha-cha-chan-ges, and others because I want to share them with you: Woman Honor Thyself - ObamA, Biden, Germany and SwastikaS, The Virtuous Republic - Doonesbury: Worst Comic Ever, Right Truth - Right Truth Two - open for business.

Friends that have trackbacked to this post for your reading pleasure:
1. Shadowscope: Blogs for Borders Video Blogburst.
Our weekly vlog -- podcast on illegal immigration and border security issues. In this weeks edition... You Do The Math: Is the ID theft associated with illegal immigration really a 'victimless crime?' We investigate. Welcome to post America: LA slide...
2. The World According To Carl: Uncle Jay Explains The News — August 25, 2008.
Uncle Jay's News Word for this week is "nominee."
3. Blog @ MoreWhat.com: Dems Head to the Kook-Aid Trough.
For weeks now and to the opening of the Dems convention the talk has been 'party unity'. With groups like PUMA and the modified words of the acronym, party unity my ass, does it seem unity is not a guarantee? Obama having to appease the...

Come to my open trackback party

I am going to have an Open Trackback Party for something I posted yesterday: US Soldiers Use CLS Skills To Aid Crash Victims.

I'm doing this because I have do not have enough time to write anything before my privately set deadline. Please share your posts with my readers. Let them enjoy your writings as much as I do. (Here is the Trackback UPI.)

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

Today I am having a Linkfest party for all my friends, they ones I know and they ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share with more people, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback Everyone have a nice day.

Friends I have trackbacked today through Linkfest and others:
Pet's Garden Blog - China's Alternate Universe, Perri Nelson's Website - A simple observation on the nature of law and government, Blog @ MoreWhat.com - Open Trackback Linkfest Saturday, A Blog For All - Photo Of The Day, Woman Honor Thyself - ResT & RelaxatioN..Ahhh, The World According to Carl - Godly Wisdom — August 23, 2008, Shadowscope - Caylee Anthony Updates III, The Amboy Times - Exclusive: Biden's VP Interview, Leaning Straight Up - Obama picks a fairly un-fresh VP, tells Hillary to keep the 'change' (Ooh, that's cold!), Dumb Ox Daily News - EPA In Global Warming Power Grab Action, and Democrat=Socialist - News & Opinion Roundup (23 Aug 08) Obama/Biden Edition, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

U.S. Soldiers use CLS skills to aid crash victims

By Air Force Tech. Sgt Kati Garcia CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

CAMP LEMIONER, Djibouti – U.S. Soldiers raced to the aid of several injured Djiboutians following a vehicle rollover accident here June 24th. Members of Charlie and Bravo Combat Search and Rescue platoons, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, were in a five-vehicle convoy returning from a day of weapons training at a firing range. Not long after their convoy reached the highway, the Soldiers witnessed a dump truck veer off the paved road and then overturn.

There were roughly 60 Soldiers at the scene as the accident occurred. “Everyone reacted very quickly and there was no hesitation,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Gallup, Charlie CSAR platoon leader. “The Soldiers took charge of the scene and provided medical aid to the injured. There were other Soldiers who helped direct traffic, preventing further accidents and still others who kept the onlookers from crowding the site.

“I was very impressed with the rapid response and the teamwork from everyone involved,” Gallup went on to say.

Witnesses said there were five people in the dirt-filled truck, three in the cab and two in the bed. One of the men in the back of the truck was thrown clear of the vehicle but the other became trapped under the mound of soil he had been standing on.

“Immediately, our guys were working to dig the man out,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Liptak, Charlie platoon’s squad leader. “I saw the truck roll and thought there was no way anyone in the back survived. But our Soldiers worked quickly and had him freed almost immediately.”

Spc. Brandon Melrose, a combat medic with Bravo battery, ran to the scene looking to help the most critically injured victims. He immediately set to work stabilizing the man who had become trapped under the dirt and debris while his fellow soldiers assessed the injuries of the others.

While there were three Army medics on the scene, they were not the only ones to provide assistance. All members of the 2-18 FAR received some form of combat lifesaving training and several were able to put those skills to use.

After rendering first aid, several of the U.S. Soldiers rushed the most severally injured man to a nearby French Foreign Legion Post where he was then transported to a local hospital by ambulance.

“We’re in an area with no 9-1-1 or emergency call system,” said Sgt. Richard Hardy, joint CSAR security team leader. “With no medevacs and no means of contacting help, we knew we had to be the ones to get him some assistance.”

The remaining crash victims suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts to bruises and abrasions. “Today, months and months of training and rehearsals paid off in a huge way. You can train for any type of emergency situation you want, but the true measure of a Solider is shown when Soldiers can act without hesitation or prompting and do their jobs,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Taylor, Bravo CSAR platoon leader. “I am very proud of my Soldiers and how they reacted to a bad situation, potentially saving a man’s life.”

Hardy said his CLS helped him immensely during the emergency. And he stressed the need for all Soldiers to be proficient in their first aid techniques and familiar with the equipment in their CLS packs.

The Soldiers from 2-18 FAR are deployed to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa from Ft. Sill, Okla. They are expected to serve 15 months in the eastern African region providing CSAR support and force protection for the more than 2,000 U.S. military forces assigned to the region.

Source: HOA - CENTCOM.
Photos by: Air Force Tech Sgt. Katherine Garcia.

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. Digg!

Iraqi troops fill Georgians' security role

This is some very good progress that we are seeing. These men not only manned up when the need presented itself, but they handled it in a way that was professional and quick. They wanted to let their other countrymen know that they would not be abandoned. This is a major improvement in the quality of Soldiers we have been allowed to know about. However if you've been reading this for any length of time, you would not be surprised. Good on you, Guys. Now for Sgt. First Class (SFC) Joe Thomson's article.

by Sgt. First Class Joe Thompson
41st Fires Brigade

FOB DELTA — The 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade immediately offered their help to maintain security in Wasit province when word broke of the 1st Georgian Brigade’s departure from Iraq. “We knew it was unfortunate that the Georgians had to leave, but it provided us with the opportunity to take an active role in securing the checkpoints along the main routes in Wasit,” said Brig. Gen. Abed Gabr Mazloum, commander of the 32nd IA Brigade.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment are partnering with the IA Soldiers at the checkpoints and patrol bases in Wasit. “We are working hand-in-hand with our Iraqi partners,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, commander, 2-20 FA. “They have the lead in running the traffic control points, and we plan on training them in patrol base operations, temporary traffic control points and presence patrols around their respective patrol bases,” said Bush.

“The people of Wasit need to know that the Iraqi Army is here to help maintain their safety and security, and we are very fortunate to have our great friends, the Americans, by our side in this mission,” said Abed.

Abed began working with Col. Richard M. Francey Jr., commander of 41st Fires Brigade, to develop an actionable plan to sustain the security situation in Wasit. In less than 24 hours, both units sent Soldiers to man the checkpoints and patrol bases previously occupied by the 1st Georgian Brigade.“We began planning with our Iraqi partners to take over the Georgian mission as soon as we found out they may have to go home,” said Francey.

“Brig. Gen. Abed was very supportive in sending Iraqi Army Soldiers out to the different checkpoints to help fill the positions left by the Georgians, ensuring the safe and stable security situation in Wasit remained the same.”

The relationships fostered by the 32nd IA Military Training Team enabled Iraqi and U.S. forces to implement a plan rapidly. The MiTT has been working with the 32nd IA Brigade for the last three months. “The relationships that we have fostered played a vital role in the cooperative effort to take on the immediate security mission in the province,” said Maj. Kirk Calloway, 32nd IA MiTT adviser.

“The Iraqi Soldiers we have been working with have been very eager and professional in improving how they conduct their day-to-day operations,” said Calloway. These positive relationships further ensured a smooth transition of the Georgians’ missions at three checkpoints and Patrol Base Shocker.

“We were able to reposition our forces to enable the Georgians to begin movement back to Georgia in a very short period,” said Maj. E.J. Karlberg, operations officer for the 41st Fires Brigade. “All but a small contingent of Georgians were flown back to Georgia by Monday, and those left behind are working on getting the rest of the Georgian equipment loaded up and sent back home,” said Karlberg.

An Iraqi Army Soldier keeps watch from a guard tower at Joint Security Site 2. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tiffany Dusterhoft).

Source: CENTCOM.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

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.

Founders' Daily Quote: 22 Aug 08

"The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security."

--James Madison (Federalist No. 45, 1788); Reference: The Federalist

Source: Patriot Post.

So one would like to believe...unfortunately they've gone hog-wild!

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

'Normalcy' returning to Kirkuk village

by Spc. Jason Jordan
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

KIRKUK (Aug. 19, 2008) — In the southern Rishad valley of Kirkuk province lies the remote village of Gaydah, located several miles from the nearest highway and even further from the nearest substantial city or district. Already accustomed to seclusion, the village residents were surprised when Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division showed up in their community in February. The residents were more surprised when they announced that they would set up operations there, living and working with the residents for the next two months.

Operating from within a schoolhouse in the area, the Soldiers spent the next several weeks meeting with the villagers, providing humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructures, and planning future civil service projects.

The mission complete, Soldiers left. But they returned Aug. 20, along with members of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, to receive updates and determine plans of action. “The people of this village have been wary of the Coalition forces for the past several years because they have seen units come and go, and promises made that were never fulfilled,” said Capt. Gregory Hotaling, commander, Company D, 2-22 Inf. Regt. “We wanted to assure them that we were different, and to help prove our resolve, we lived among them in their impoverished community; experiencing for a short time the life they have always known.”

The community welcomed their friends back with open arms, grateful to see the Soldiers had kept their promise. Leaders with the two units spent several hours inside the village mayor’s home; discussing the current situation of the area and future projects – while other Soldiers spent time talking and playing with the children outside.

Among the key issues discussed was the plan for a complete transfer of authority regarding the Iraqi infrastructure and planned projects. “One of our main goals at this point is to put control of all future developments into the hands of the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Peter Colt, 443rd Battalion. “We want Iraqi people in charge of Iraqi projects – using Iraqi money and Iraqi workers as soon as possible, which will further stabilize the country and allow our forces to withdraw. ”

Until recently, the U.S. government has provided American dollars for all projects, with Coalition forces conducting the labor and Iraqi Security Forces following their lead. The focus is now being completely transformed, with the Iraqi people in charge of all future projects, while Coaliton forces step into the background, assisting only when necessary.

Relationships such as the one occurring between American troops and the village of Gaydah are emerging all over the country, signifying the kind of change the world hoped to see when operations first began here. Such changes have been increasingly evident in the Kirkuk region, where Coaliton forces have witnessed security gains measured as a 67 percent reduction in total attacks across the province, according to military reports.

“No matter how big or small our operations might be, we remain dedicated in our efforts to help the Iraqi people gain a new life,” said Sgt. Kody Lunstrum, 2-22 Inf. Regt. “Despite the best of intentions, it is impossible to change the minds of everyone, but every little bit helps. Each new gesture that makes a difference is another step closer to permanent change.”

Lunstrum’s sentiment is echoed by his fellow Soldiers, who witness positive changes the rest of the world cannot see. “When I talk to my family and friends back home, they want to know what it’s really like over here and if we are truly making a difference,” Hotaling said. “Each time, I have explained to them the kind of change they have not witnessed yet. Battles and lethal operations have long ago ceased to be priorities. Our focus now is a return to normalcy – living and working and interacting with the Iraqi people. Positive changes are happening every day. They might not be big or flashy, but they are making lasting improvements that have already put victory for the Iraqi people within their reach.”

Staff Sgt. Cole Abernethy and Maj. Peter Colt play with Iraqi children in Gaydah village, in Kirkuk province, northeastern Iraq. The Soldiers met with village leaders, Aug. 13 to discuss current developments and civil service projects that will benefit the area.

Source: CENTCOM.

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

Romney Wrong For VP

Tom has a great article today about this very topic. Gregg Jackson and I have been trying to warn you also for a very long time now. Now, you decide for yourself.

Please read Tom's article, Romney, Russia, Georgia, and Iran: The Last Straw as well. This will help you to understand the hypocracy of this man. Some of these business associates you have seen in the video are Soviets and Iranian backers. Whose side are you on?

Other articles on Romney here and here. To see more, use my 'search this blog' tool.

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.

Friends I've shared this post with: BizzyBlog - Romney, Russia, Georgia, and Iran: The Last Straw, Right Voices - Oh Barry, I am Certain That McCain And The Rest Of The Class Know What He Is Up Against…Psst.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Founders' Daily Quote: 21 Aug 08

"Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them."

--Thomas Jefferson (letter to Edward Carrington, 16 January 1787); Reference: Jefferson: Writings, Peterson ed., Library of America (880)

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

We Are Revolutionary People At Heart

It is nice to know I'm not alone in my thinking. I've always known this, but it's still nice to hear it put into words.

Hat tip: Dumb Ox Daily News.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

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.

Friends I've shared this post with: Right Voices - Oh Barry, I am Certain That McCain And The Rest Of The Class Know What He Is Up Against…Psst, Wolf Pangloss - Infanticide: The Video, Cao's Blog - papers filed questioning Obama’s eligibility for the presidency, Leaning Straight Up - Thinkin' bout drinkin', View From The Ridge - "A Leader God Has Blessed Us With At This Time!"

Ch-ch-ch-Chan-ges...

I must confess, I received this in an email from my brother who received it from someone who...well, you know. I am not claiming that anything in this post is true (except most of it, but I don't feel like taking the time to prove it to people who haven't paid attention), so don't come yelling at me. Just check it out. It's hilarious.

BEGIN E-MAIL:

From a Republican friend.

George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years.

The first six the economy was fine. A little over one year ago:

1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high--14,000 +
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacations o'seas, living large!...

But American's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress & yep--we got 'CHANGE' all right!...

1) Consumer confidence has plummeted;
2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;
3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS & prices still dropping;
5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~11,300--$2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS has evaporated from their stocks, bonds & mutual funds investment portfolios!

Yep, in 2006 America voted for change!...and sure as heck got it!

NOW the DEM'S Candidate for president--and the polls say he's gonna be 'the man'--claims he's gonna REALLY give us (ka-ching) CHANGE!

JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YA THINK YOU CAN STAND???

END E-MAIL

Marvelous! Yes, the stock market did break 14,000. Yes, we did have a positive consumer confidence rating. Yes, we did have lower unemployment rates. Yes, we did have cheaper (although unlikeable) gasoline, and we also carried on as if there were no tomorrow. So what happened?

The democrats. If you don't get it now, chances are you never will. It is because of people like you we are suffering. Why don't you go away and ponder on that for awhile? Don't worry. You can make it back in time for the general election on November 5, 2008.

Shhhh! If you understand what I did, please don't say anything. If you do not understand what I did, it's no big deal. Just an inside joke. ;)

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.

Today I am having a Linkfest party for all my friends, they ones I know and they ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share with more people, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback Everyone have a nice day.

Friends who have shared their posts for your reading pleasure:
1. Right Voices: Oh Barry, I am Certain That McCain And The Rest Of The Class Know What He Is Up Against…Psst.
2. Mark My Words: Promote capitalism and irritate the right people.
3. Wolf Pangloss: Infanticide: The Video.
4. Cao's Blog: papers filed questioning Obama’s eligibility for the presidency.
5. Leaning Straight Up: Thinkin' bout drinkin'.
6. View From The Ridge: "A Leader God Has Blessed Us With At This Time!"
7. Mark My Words: Stem cells, minus the embryo?
8. Leaning Straight Up: Obama picks a fairly un-fresh VP, tells Hillary to keep the ‘change’.
9. Conservative Cat: A Whole Day of Journalists Going Nuts and We End Up With Biden.
10. The Amboy Times: Exclusive: Biden's VP Interview.
11. Mark My Words: New product at Mark My Words online store.
12. Mark My Words: "That's a storybook man!".
13. Woman Honor Thyself: ObamA, Biden, Germany and SwastikaS.
14. The Virtuous Republic: Doonesbury: Worst Comic Ever.
15. Right Truth: Right Truth Two - open for business.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

U.S. troops bring safe water to Kenyans

by Sr. Master Sgt. John Jones
CJTF-HOA

GARISSA, Kenya (Aug. 13, 2008) — Members of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa joined Kenyan Ministry of Defense personnel, municipality leaders and the people of the villages of Shabah and Delolo to celebrate the dedication of two new wells.

A ceremony marked a district-wide campaign to bring clean drinking water to the people of Garissa, rather than risk retrieving water from the Tana River located some five to six miles away. Local elders spoke of the many hazards to villagers from being attacked by the many crocodiles that inhabit the river’s banks. “The wells in Delolo, and the one in Shabah, will provide safe drinking water for the people and keep them safe from crocodile attacks. The people are grateful to the Ministry of Defense and the United States government for these wells," said Lt. Col. Juma, commander, 9th Kenyan Rifles Battalion.

More than 300 people attended the events, including several community leaders, local sheiks and imams, as well as television, radio and print media from Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

In a speech to the villagers of Shabah, U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Hastings, civil military officer for CJTF-HOA, stated this type of cooperation is precisely the task force's goal. “The U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team (402nd Civil Affairs Battalion) and the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion well drillers (Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74) are a part of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Our job is to prevent conflict,” Hastings said. “We do this by working with our partners, and Kenya is both a partner and a friend. We are here to support the Kenyan Ministry of Defense to the extent that we can, and we are both honored and grateful.”

Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Countermine, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., of Garissa's 402nd CA BN, based out of Tonawana, N.Y., said most of the 100,000 people who live in Garissa are nomadic pastoralists whose lives depend on their daily treks to get water. “If we can prevent the loss of life from crocodile attacks along the river by bringing wells to the people, it will go a long way towards changing negative perceptions about Americans in the region.” he said “These wells are helping build trust and relationships.”

The Navy Seabees, based out of Gulfport, Miss., worked with the Kenyan Ministry of Defense water well team, forging cooperative relationships and exchanging technical knowledge. Their efforts enabled the Kenyan drillers to complete the Delolo well, gaining valuable work-experience, increasing their capacity to create additional well sites in the future.

During the ceremony, village elders and religious leaders thanked the members of CJTF-HOA for all the work they have done in bringing water to the people, and said they hope that the friendships forged between the United States and Kenya will continue. The mission of CJTF-HOA is to conduct unified action with local military forces and government representatives in eastern Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and build regional security capacity.

U.S. Forces in Kenya are commanded by CJTF-HOA and are deployed from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. The vision of CJTF-HOA is to build friendships, forge relationships and create partnerships while integrating diplomacy, development and defense efforts essential to ensuring success. With effective partnerships, the hope is that partner nations will see increased security, improved stability and strengthened sovereignty across the Horn of Africa.

PHOTO: Lt. Col. Juma, commander of 9th Kenyan Rifles Battalion, helps pump water from newly dedicated well in Delolo, Kenya. American Soldiers and Sailors teamed with local Kenyans to install the well.

Source(s): CENTCOM and CJTF-HOA.

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

Weekly paper up and running in Asad Abad

Before you read this, I'd just like to say that I think this is a very good move forward for the Konar community. Governor Wahili is surely do all he can with what little he has for the better of his community. I am proud of the progress he is making. I have been writing about Konar for sometime now, and this is truly an advancement. Are we winning? You bet! Just as important, so are they. Thank you, now for Navy Lt. Neil Myers' article:

by Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Konar PRT

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (August 12, 2008) — A ceremony marked the opening of a new printing press facility in downtown Asad Abad, Afghanistan. Prior to this facility, all print material including Asad Abad’s weekly newspaper was printed in Jalalabad, Kabul or in Pakistan. The Konar PRT funded this facility to provide a locally-produced, independent print media capacity in Konar. The printing press is co-located with the Konar Radio and Television Station inside the media culture and information complex.

The printing press will help promote the exchange of information and ideas vital to democracy, said Gov. Sayeed Wahidi, Konar’s governor. Most Konar residents currently receive their news from the radio but that may soon change. Wahidi encouraged all poets, magazine writers, and authors to use the printing press to tell their stories and express their opinions.

Isamil Youn, an advisor for the Afghan Security Council, urged the media outlets to present facts and portray reality in their reporting. “The media has long been considered the fourth force within the system of government in addition to the executive, judicial and legislative forces,” said Youn. The media plays a key role in the life of the people in the entire community.

PRT Konar’s Department of State representative Alison Blosser said that in order to get their message out the members of parliament, Wahidi and other government authorities must travel to various remote areas that are sometimes difficult to reach. Now, the printing press will enable them to convey news and information easily and without delay.

Wahidi addressed the authors, cultural representatives and reporters attending the ceremony. “The new printing press will reflect the information needs and the development of the Konar people,” he said. “It will convey the message of the people to the world. The government is trying to fight the enemy using the media to talk about development projects. I will fight the enemies in this province with the information that will be printed through this machine.”

He stated that whatever happens in the country is reported through the media-outlets and pointed to recent news articles about Konar as an example of the power of the media to spread the good news about development in Konar.

Governor Wahidi and other officials toured the printing press facility and witnessed the first run of the press.

Gov. Sayeed Wahidi, the governor of Konar province, Afghanistan (dark suit), tours a new printing press facility in downtown Asad Abad. Prior to the facility opening, all print material including Asad Abad’s weekly newspaper was printed in Jalalabad, Kabul or in Pakistan.

Source: CENTCOM.

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