Ambassador Bolton Needs to STAY in the UN

It is one thing to have a "change in direction" in Iraq - most would agree that some fresh tactics and a revamped strategy are in order. It is another thing entirely to replace our stolid Ambassador to the UN who, in such a short and trying time, has done a fantastic job. In times like these, one who can stand up to an impetuous nuclear-hungry dictator like Kim Jong Il; or a sulphur-sniffing banana-republic bully like Hugo Chavez.

In times like these - we need John Bolton.

As stated recently in the New York Post:

John Bolton has been too good an ambassador - at a time when America sorely needs an effective envoy at Turtle Bay - to be tossed on the scrap heap because of the Democrats' short-sightedness.

• It was Bolton who recently organized the majority coalition that blocked Hugo Chavez's Venezuela from winning a seat on the Security Council.
• It was Bolton who worked with France to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah (flawed as it was).
• It was Bolton who took the lead in pressing for comprehensive reform of the U.N.'s rotting institutional infrastructure.
• It is Bolton who has refused to play the game of diplomatic double-talk, refusing to participate in the new - and already discredited - Human Rights Council, which he memorably called a case of "putting lipstick on a caterpillar and calling it a butterfly."

...Last week, Tehran called Tueday's elections a victory for Iran, Chavez called for Bush's execution, al Qaeda in Iraq said it wouldn't rest until it blew up the White House, and former Gitmo detainees moved to bring criminal charges in Germany against top Bush administration officials.

Much of this, of course, is little more than a postelection pile-on against a president seen as a powerless lame duck. But it may also represent a genuine belief that the Democrats, who campaigned against every aspect of Bush's foreign policy, will go soft in the War on Terror.

Like it or not, the United States needs a man who can unflinchingly assert American influence on this fallible body of (mostly) hostile nations.

But the emboldened majority, who has promised "no payback" seems to have anticipated an end to the honeymoon. The pile-on has begun, and for no good reason other than partisan revenge. Also from the Post:

Democrats have an obligation to demonstrate conclusively to America's enemies that they don't have allies on Capitol Hill. By moving so swiftly to torpedo John Bolton, they've sent precisely the opposite signal.

Apparently, if the President is forced to do another recess appointment that will give us another year of Ambassador Bolton, it will have to be without salary. Claudia of The Rosset Report has suggested that WE AMERICANS put together a fund to pay his salary. Not a bad idea - and what a mandate that would be for Mr. Bolton (and a slap to some of these heel-nipping Democrats)!

Happy 231st Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!

As a career Navy man, I would normally refer to my "Devil Dog" shipmates, now colleagues and friends, as "Jar-Head," "Leather-Neck," or any number of colorful terms of, er, endearment. But they were always held in my highest esteem (even if I didn't necessarily tell them that), and when it comes to discipline and esprit de corps, NO ONE has it over these most excellent American Patriots. As defenders of our way of life, there is no way we can thank them enough for what they have done and sacrificed for us over these 231 years.

"There is a special aura surrounding the word "Marine." It means something different than a soldier, a cut above, and more can be expected from this person. Pride and cockiness are the trademarks of Marines, the strongest brotherhood in the world. To serve in the Marine Corps is to serve in an organization that demands and delivers excellence beyond all others. Service in the Marines leaves a lasting impression upon the innermost being of everyone who is privileged enough to serve. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." To dispute this is to invite a brawl." ~ A Former Marine

After having spoken to many Marines about why on Earth they would join the strictest of all military branches, the answer usually has something to do with the idea of Grit. They either want it, want to prove they have it, or already have it and no other uniformed service could satisfy it.

History of the USMC
The Corps got its first sense of identity from (in fact was largely modeled after) the British Royal Marines. The USMC emblem was also inspired by that of the Royal Marines - unlike other military branches, neither incorporates a shield signifying defense (suggesting singleminded offense, perhaps).

During the War of 1812 with England, the British burned every public building in Washington D.C. (including the White House). Every one, except for the U.S. Marine barracks which was spared out of respect.

See this great rundown of U.S. Marine History RIGHT HERE!

Reality Check: For those set against our War on Terror and are horrified at the price this war has exacted in Iraq; and especially for those who gleefully decried (and, it has to be said, reveled in) the landmark 2,000th military death after more than two years of fighting, here is something to think about: 2,321 U.S. Marines died in six hours during the Battle of Iwo Jima. I think it is safe to say that the overwhelming majority of these Brave Men and Women of the Marines believe in what they are doing, and now MORE THAN EVER, along with their brave Army, Air Force and Navy comrades, they need our support. Why not say a simple "Thanks!" whenever you see them? It costs nothing to say it, and to them it means everything

Happy Birthday, Devil Dogs! and Semper Fi!

Thank a Veteran for What You Have

It is again time for us to thank our Armed Forces for their brave and selfless service in the defense of this country and our ideals.

We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. ~ George Orwell (1903 - 1950)

• It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
  
• It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
  
• It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
  
• It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
  
• It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
  
• It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
  

Happy Vets day to all who have served. Everyone else - please thank a G.I. for all that he and his comrades have done for you.

America Has Spoken - Get Over It!

As you might have guessed from the title, this will not be a typical "Righting America" offering. And unlike many of my fellow Conservative/Republican bloggers, I will not waste time and energy making excuses for a gaggle of politicians who, as a party, got what they deserved. Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" was full of promise and gave Americans something to hope for. This promise, while kept by some, was broken by most. The "Grand Old Party" lost its focus and became drunk with its own power.

This is not to say that the Democrats are better. This election was not won by the rudderless and nagging Democratic party - it was lost by the GOP, plain and simple.

Let me recount an epiphany I had whilst driving to work this morning. As I listened to C-Span on my radio, I was completely taken aback by many of the Republican callers and their reactions to this election. Caller after caller bitterly vilified the victorious Democratic candidates - stating that they hoped the new Republican Minority would punish the new Democratic Majority by stalling evey single initiative, vote or bill put forward by them. Frankly, this pissed me off. It is, in my estimation, the very LAST thing we should do.

I am not making excuses for Democratic behavior over these past six years - far from it. The word "Filibuster" is now a recognizable word in the American lexicon precisely because of minority abuses. But the way I see it, that was THEN and this is NOW. It is time for our fractured country to move on.

Nancy Pelosi, whether being disingenuous or not (time will tell), said exactly the right things today. Don't faint - yeah, I said it! She called repeatedly for partisanship, swore up and down that she would pursue a good working relationship with the President and new Minority, and emphatically stated that impeachment of President Bush is not on the table. She even referred to him as "our President." Now, I may very well be calling for her head next week (or next month or next year), but for now she actually managed to impress me with that sentiment.

President Bush, for his part, also showed a great deal of class and leadership today. He called "Speaker-Elect Pelosi" to congratulate her and to invite her to lunch tomorrow. And then, he announced the resignation of SECDEF Donald Rumsfeld - a gesture not lost on the new congressional leadership.

There is an old saying, "Be careful what you wish for." This can well be applied to the new Democratic Majority in the House (and probably the Senate, after the final tally). Pelosi and Co have now taken shared ownership of the Iraq War and other major issues. They have made grand promises, and it will be a huge burden for them to prove their worthiness over the next two years. In the 2008 Elections, if they are not very careful and effective, it could be their undoing. Again.

Like all of us, I am many things. In my case I would list it this way: Citizen of the World, Family Man, American Patriot, Conservative Republican and Blogger....pretty much in that order. Of course, I left out other stuff like "Veteran" and "Great Guy" but you all knew that already!

My point in listing all of this? Simple: I would rather see us succeed - as a world and as a nation - than worry about which politicians got us there. If the Democrats and Republicans can jointly figure out a better way to fight the War on Terror, promote world peace, secure our borders, maintain our robust economy, protect civil rights, provide decent and affordable education and health care, reduce our oil dependency...hey, I'M THERE.

If they can find a way to bring our brave troops home - not sudden cut-and-run but VICTORIOUS - then I will sing their praises right here on this blog.

As depicted in the image above, I have crossed halfway over this bridge - if for no other reason, to see what the other side offers. Why not? Here is their chance with me and other realistic, like-minded people...and I honestly hope they don't blow it.

It's Up To US Now

Well, the polls will open in about five hours. And regardless of how the candidates have done - with so many close races - it is now down to voter turnout.

I predict the following for the races I am most concerned with:

Maryland Senate: Michael Steele
Maryland Governor: Bob Ehrlich

House Majority: Democrat
Senate Majority: Republican

And believe me, I REALLY HOPE that I am wrong about the House! Good luck to everyone, and DO NOT FORGET to vote!

---

UPDATE - Tuesday Night 11:45 :

As I predicted, the House is lost...probably by a lot. But the Senate is VERY tight and impossible to call at this time. Allen of Virginia should (hopefully!) save it. But only just.

Not looking good for Ehrlich or Steele.
Fox News and others have already called those two for the Democrats, but they are close enough with less than half the votes counted that the 200,000 absentee ballots (approx 10% of the vote) might very well come into play. Keep those fingers crossed!

So Long Saddam - It's YOUR TURN Now!

After a painful and prolonged series of trials (and error), justice prevailed this morning and Saddam Hussein will pay for his murderous tyranny of Iraq with his own life; fittingly, this monster will take his last breath dangling at the end of a rope.

As the "Butcher of Baghdad" raised his once-powerful and feared right-hand index finger (with which he had pointed out thousands to be slaughtered) to the sky in anger, the Bailiff easily pulled it down again (see image). As Saddam shouted his defiance in the name of Allah, the no-nonsense Judge Mohammed al-Uraibiy gave him no quarter.

"Make him stand" ordered The Judge; and Saddam was unceremoniously hustled to his feet like the pathetic and weak old man that he truly is. It was then that The Judge, in a clear and steady voice, announced to Saddam and the world that his fate had been decided - the Tyrant is to meet his well-earned doom, but only after he is given the opportunity for one appeal. Failing that, the lawfully elected Government of Iraq will have 30 days to carry out sentence.

As Saddam and his monstrous sons (Uday and Qusay) treated Iraq as their own private "Wild West," free to ravage the towns and countryside with their gang of "Outlaws" with all of the territory's Sheriffs, Marshals, Mayors, Mine-owners and Land barons in their pockets - it seems fitting that his sons met their end in an "O.K. Corral" gunfight and that he will get to play the opening scene in "Hang 'em High."

But Saddam Hussein ain't no Marshall Cooper - nor Clint Eastwood, for that matter. And this time there will be no one to save him.

John Kerry: Dumbass of the Week

News Flash: The "smartest man in America" has stepped in it - yet again! Just when one starts to wonder if John Kerry has finally learned to mind his words, he is right on time - just like the world-famous time-pieces from that French-speaking, historically pacifistic alpine country in which young Kerry spent one of his formative years attending that exclusive elitist school (where he got reeeeeeeeeally educated).

Of course, I'm speaking of this monumentally offensive faux pas from our (self-styled Vietnam) hero during a campaign event in California:

"You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

Yes, that is a direct quote and in context. Ya' just couldn't beat this one - even with an imaginary well-placed, intentionally spun "Rovian" misquote! And it's even better when you watch the video!

Ya' think he might be just a tad bit elitist? Can he honestly believe that our modern military is made up of folks who either washed out or didn't go to college? Does this moron ever look at things like statistics? Here is a little something special, Senator...just for YOU from our troops (click here) !!!

Understandably, the veritable excrement has impacted the propeller on this one...

*To see full article, go to:
Timmer's Dumbass of the Week

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