Why Would ANYONE Want His Job?

I just read something over on The Mudville Gazette and my blood's absolutely boiling... Go read this article...and c'mon back. Like with most things, I've got a strong opinion on this one.

Rumsfeld Failed to Lick Stamps...

I'm not sure what has me spun up more...the comment about Senator Hagel handwriting his response to the article...or some of the comments by the Mudville Gazette's readers.

Can I ask the "so what" question about Rummy's DNA not being on the stamps of the letters to families who have suffered loss? Do you think that the family's care? Would the presence of his DNA on the envelopes bring the loved ones back?

I've spent the past several days listening to people, mostly within the mainstream media call Mr. Rumsfeld everything BUT a Christian. While I'm sure that he has his faults...and I've heard about quite a few of them, I believe that we're seeing the politics of personal destruction in the works here. Mr. Rumsfeld is the Secretary of Defense of the most powerful nation on Earth. His forces are deployed in more than one hundred countries. His forces are fighting on two fronts right now, in Afghanistan and Iraq. The day to day decisions he makes in supporting those efforts are infinitely more important than his personally licking stamps of any kind.

Why is this Secretary of Defense being subjected to the rectal examination he is? I have my suspicions that since Bush is acceptable to at least 51% of the American public as demonstrated by the November election results, Mr. Rumsfeld is the next most prominent member of the Administration...let's go after him.

For those folks that can't seem to understand that cabinet level officials are busy people with enormous staffs to assist them through the day to day business...I feel badly for you. If you're running your own business...and tried to do EVERYTHING yourself, you'd be out on the streets in months. I am quite certain that Mr. Rumsfeld is every bit as hit by each and every battlefield death as we all are. He was one of the folks that put people into harms way...and I know that decision weighs heavy on his heart. The thing we should try and realize is that despite the lack of finding huge stockpiles of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons...it was something that we were compelled to check out. Since the UN couldn't seem to do the job, we stepped in to fill the gap. Mr. Rumsfeld's department is responsible for implimenting this final means of diplomacy.

I think it's high time we jumped off his back and allowed him to prosecute the efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq without the petty attacks on his character, patriotism or compassion. He'll be judged in due time by the power that has the right to judge. I believe that when that day comes and Mr. Rumsfeld arrives at the Pearly Gates, he'll be welcomed with open arms...shown his office...and then have a long 'sitdown' with "The Boss." That little chat will explain to him who is REALLY in charge.

See y'all on the high ground AND Merry Christmas!

MajorDad

UPDATE:

I've had a reader point out that the author of the article that got my blood up was in fact a satirist...and it was Jack Daniels that got my BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) up.

Yes, after waiting a few hours since my last Jack and Coke...and re-reading the initial article...you're probably right.

That's a lesson to you all this festive, holiday season boys and girls...never drink and blog. If you're going to drink...give your keyboards to a trusted friend. And remember, friends don't let other friends blog drunk.

Turning myself in for B.W.I. (Blogging While Imbibing) on the high ground,

MajorDad

. And here is the rest of it.

How Soon They Forget

Apparently the founder of USA TODAY, the paper that began the dumbing down of America by catering to the attention span of a gnat...declares

I Would Gladly Serve in a Just War

Ah...but he caveats his comments with, if I were properly armed and equipped. First, I'd like to thank him for his service during WWII in France, Germany and in the Phillipines as an infantryman. As a former infantryman myself, I'm sure he's done his part. However...I think he's losing sight of the rightness or wrongness of this war.

The same types of goals existed in WWII whether it was wrestling Europe back from the Italians and Germans or Asia back from the Japanese. In this conflict, we're taking back two nations that were being run by thugs in the most heinous of ways. We've successfully established a fledgling democracy in Afghanistan and within a few short weeks, we can add Iraq to the rolls of democracies. Sounds like a pretty noble goal to me.

Why should we not share democracy with our Arab brethren...when they're finally showing that they want to give it a try?

See you on the high ground.

MajorDad

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And then One Step Back?

Here's a story you might have missed...it hasn't been that widely reported.

Border Patrol Issuing Blankets and Heat Packs to Illegals

Again it will probably sound like ole MajorDad's not a compassionate American, but something has to give here. I understand completely the need to care for my fellow man. If we scoop up illegal aliens crossing into our country, we are indeed obligated to care for them until we return them to their native soil. If blankets and heat packs are necessary, then so be it.

To solve the problem of illegal immigration, both the US and Mexico need to work together to fix what's broke!

First, we have to make it less appealing to take the chance to illegally enter a sovereign nation. I don't skip over the mountains south of Tucson to make my way to the beach resorts in Mexico...so I don't expect the Mexicans and others to try and make a reverse trek north. We can no longer afford to provide handout after handout to people breaking our laws. Isn't this like giving a puppy that's just peed on your floor a Milkbone?

Secondly, the Mexican government needs to address the problems they have south of the border. There must be some reason that 3,000,000 people seem to find the grass on the other side of the fence greener each year. George and Vicente need to talk about this around the fire at Crawford next time he visits. I have no doubt that Mexico has an untapped potential, but the certainly need to take a look at the governmental corruption problems that seem to plague that part of the world. Sure, I just teed it up for the liberals that would say that we don't have to look that far south for governmental corruption...but I'd say that they make our crooked politicians look like Eagle Scouts. Here it's a hobby, down there it's an art.

See you on the high ground...

MajorDad1984

And here is the rest of it.

And a Step in the Right Direction

The voters in Arizona seem to have gotten it right here.

Proof of Immigration Status Required for Public Services

Folks, I realize that we're a nation descended from mostly immigrants. Note what I said here...DESCENDED from immigrants! Not of immigrants.

I would not propose we deny legal immigration or political asylum for the deserving or potentially productive members of our society, but we have to start drawing the line somewhere. We can no longer afford to spend money like drunken sailors (Editorial Note: I've never seen SMASH drunk or spending money) on social programs for people that thumb their noses at the legal immigration policies of this great nation. There's a right way and a wrong way to enter this country. If you want to be part of our society and take your swing at the apple called the "American Dream" you best be here legally.

Let's hope that the Arizona judge presiding over this case realizes that while there's a time and a place for compassion, if he overturns Arizona's Proposition 200, he's kissing butt with someone else's lips. That's never a good thing!

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad

And here is the rest of it.

And Who Says There's No Good News Out There?

Well, apparently some angry Democrats are making good with their claim.

Record Number of Americans Applying for Canadian Visas

Now if we could only pick and choose the ones that leave. Michael Moore, Alec Baldwin, Barbara Streisand all come to mind.

If you were the king and had your way...who would you send to Canada today?

See you on the high ground, eh?

MajorDad1984

And here is the rest of it.

One Lump or Two? Of Coal that is...

Wow...there's at least one little kid out there a little relieved this close to Christmas. While he thought that he might be on Santa's 'bad list,' I'd say that fighting with your sister is small potatoes compared to this. I think that the lump of coal he was going to get goes to the villian in this story.

Teen Shoots Santa With Pellet Gun

Ho, ho, OUCH!!!! From the high ground!

MajorDad

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Those Navy Guys...

That's what I love about the guys/girls from Annapolis. They're such good winners...NOT!

Visit LT-SMASH's Blog for a minute...hurry back and for God's sake, don't touch anything over there. If you do, some Purel.

Anyone else that's in the Army or formerly in the Army say "S.O.B.?"

Nah, it's all in good fun. He and the Squids won the game fair and square. There's always next year...or the year after...or the year after that. I'll have to show a print I've got commemorating the following record....

• 1992 Army 25-24 Veterans Stadium
• 1993 Army 16-14 Giants Stadium
• 1994 Army 22-20 Veterans Stadium
• 1995 Army 14-13 Veterans Stadium
• 1996 Army 28-24 Veterans Stadium

From the high ground...in my scratchy wool "Old Corps" robe...

MajorDad1984

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Homespun Symposium VI - Rummy a Dummy? Not By a Long Shot!

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld now finds himself in the midst of the bitter and often cruel politics which have become a hallmark of the D.C. political landscape. In the past few weeks Rumsfeld has weathered criticism over his handling of the ambush-like question planted by a reporter during a question and answer session with the troops, the defense secretary has received harsh indictments from the likes of John McCain and Trent Lott, and Rumsfeld has endured embarassing exposés fueled by Pentagon leaks.

Is all the controversy surrounding Rumsfeld justified?

No, Rumsfeld is serving as a wartime Secretary of Defense and as "perfect" as the American people think our government and military should be, it takes time to make the necessary changes to weapons, equipment and even tactics in combat.

The enemy is never going to come at you the same way, every time. Especially if the result is a sizeable number of them headed off to paradise to de-flower dark eyed virgins. As hot as they seem to get to any virgins...self preservation is still something to be considered worthwhile. They've simply been able to switch gears faster than us in some instances. IEDs will be a thing of the past inside 12 months. Just believe me on this one.

In your opinion, are these attacks on the defense secretary fair?

We've had less apt Secretaries of Defense in the recent past. At least this guy seems to be doing SOMETHING. If you're wanting to tar and feather Rummy for the lack of uparmored HMMWVs...you'd have the same problem with me. The vehicles in question were NEVER intended to have armor on them...ever. The "shade tree mechanic" solutions are upsetting me even as I type this. If you put another ton of armor on a vehicle that has a rating of 3000 pounds of cargo loading...where do you put the other 2000 lbs of troops, equipment, ammunition, rations? Okay, you have a pillbox (hardly...there are IEDs out there that will take out M1 tanks)...that can't move anything. Good thinking, Sparky.

On the other hand, the Department of Defense seems to be pretty keen on getting newly designed vehicles that have been up-engined and re-engineered to carry the additional weight to the battlefield. Is it getting there fast enough...for some folks, not. At this point in the game I'd turn to some quick thinking young infantry officers and non-commissioned officers and figure out if we can kick the IED problem dead in the ass without having to wait for a materiel solution.

I read somewhere that the Marine Recon boys created "trojan horse" soft targets filled to the teeth with some pretty nasty weapons inside. They dared the insurgents to target them...and they did. The result? Plenty of de-flowered dark eyed former virgins in paradise that night my friends.

And finally - borrowing a slightly modified line from The Clash - should he (Rumsfield) stay or should he go now?

No, if the President has faith in the job he's doing...and he wants to remain at his post, by all means allow him to continue to serve and hopefully finish his tour. Like I said earlier...he's certainly not the worst we've had...and he might not be the best. Bottom line: He's the one we've got. Let's stand shoulder to shoulder behind him and help him get the job done.

That is all...

MajorDad1984

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Blogging Your Broken Dreams, In and Out of the Beams of a Neon Moon

Hey...today was a pretty good day! My neon moon got here...all in one piece and it's currently right above me here. Considering I ordered it on Friday...and it was here by Tuesday shipping's pretty quick!

If you haven't gone and checked out these sites...you really need to! While it might be too late for Christmas, some day you'll need that gift for a special person in your life. And if you're shopping for that "hard to buy for" person, you can DEFINITELY find something they don't have. I suppose I've made MajorMom's job just a little bit harder...as I now have a blue neon moon in my office.

Neon by Udo and Paula's Piddlins

Remember to fill the kettle between now and Christmas Eve's closing time at your local Walmart. Walmart is matching dollar for dollar up to 1 million dollars!!! Make 'em pay! Just kidding, Walmart's one of my favorite places to shop.

Let me give you the "guy's creed." Gents...say it along with me:

If you can't buy it at Walmart, you don't need it.

Glowing on the high ground.

MajorDad1984

All We Want for Christmas Update...

I want someone to tell me that "He" doesn't work in strange and mysterious ways...

I just read about this on Worldnet Daily.

Note the line in "All We Want for Christmas" about dropping spare cash in "the kettle." Check out this link...

Walmart to Make Up Target's Shortfall

If you were planning a year end donation to a charity...do it today. From now until Friday (Christmas Eve) for every dollar you contribute, Walmart's going to match it up to 1 million bucks.

I'm sure Sam Walton is very proud of his company...he should be! Whatever you drop in...Walmart will match. I'm in for $250.00! Who's with me?

As you were...

All We Want for Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas, the house seemed so sad,
Early this year, this family lost “Dad.”
He’d been a soldier, in Afghanistan serving,
To help people live free, now thankful, deserving.

His wife and the kids have cried a river of tears,
They had known this could happen, through all of the years.
It’s a dangerous business, no place for wimps.
Some don’t come home, some others with limps.

As I slipped down the chimney, I really did dread…
That I’d fall straight apart in this house with war dead.
I crept from the hearth, wondering what would I see,
What my eyes would behold, in this land of the free.

The home was decorated, with the tree and some lights
The milk, plate of cookies, and some other tasty bites.
Next to this was a note, from the boys up in bed,
I picked the page up and here’s what it said.

“Dear Santa we know that you’re busy and need to be speedy
So we’ll keep it short, we don’t want to sound greedy.
You know already that our Daddy’s not here,
He went to heaven, that's perfectly clear.

Tonight as you travel across the cold Christmas skies.
We want you to help, take the tears from the eyes.
Of the other kids missing a Mom or a Dad.
Please help them to realize that it’s not so bad.

Our Dad died doing what was just, what was right.
His nation had called him, to head off to the fight.
To free the oppressed and protect us all here,
He went with a smile, a heart without fear.

One month ago, we had gotten the news
An airplane was missing, along with its crew.
Up in the mountains with weather so cold,
One of the missing, our daddy…a pilot, so bold.

Later we learned that God had called him that day
He needed a pilot, so tough and so brave.
We cried and we cried, the tears would not cease,
Daddy’s West Point friends wrote, “Mike…be thou at peace.”

We need your help Santa, for our Mommy tonight,
She misses him so, they were so tight.
All we want for Christmas is for her to be happy,
Knowing Daddy still watches over us, a flier so scrappy.”

Could I help these kids? I scratched my old head.
I snuck up the stairs and found Mom in bed.
Her eyes were still red, it was plain she’d been crying.
But a smile on her face, in her dreams she was flying.

Along with her pilot…her husband…her mate…
This lady was special, so obviously great.
My task wasn’t tough, really it ain’t.
After all, my name is Nicholas and I am a saint!

I straightened my suit, combed back my long hair…
Then as quiet as a mouse, I pulled up a chair.
I touched her calm face and closed tight my eyes…
My mind it was reeling, I started to cry.

Then inside my head, I heard a soft voice…

“Santa it’s Mike. Buck up, you don’t have a choice.
You know where I am…and I’ll tell you quite clear,
If I can’t have Christmas there…it’s not so bad being here.

I’m no longer with them, they know that it’s true,
That doesn’t mean I can’t see what they do.
When you pray for my wife and my kids Christmas night,
Let them know I’m on duty and I am alright.

My crew's here too and we’re flying tonight…
Take a look over your shoulder, make it your right!
You need to be careful. You need to “check six.”
That’s us behind you…Chief, give the lights a few flicks.”

Santa it’s time. Your job here is through…
The night’s not half over,
you’ve still plenty to do.

No need to worry, you need to be quick.
They’re in great hands, Jeanette’s got the stick,
You prayed for them all and showed them the way,
A soldier still stands guard over them every day.”

I knew Mike was right, it was getting late.
The world only half covered, I just couldn’t wait.

I stopped by the rooms of each of his boys…
I had to be careful to avoid clothes and some toys.
Mike Jr., Thomas, and Ricky lay snug in their beds…
I gave this blessing to each as I touched their heads.

“Your daddy was special, fighting for peace.
May you boys be spared from combat when all conflicts have ceased.”

With that I took leave from this Hawaiian home,
Through the skies I’d be flying, though not alone.
I did look back a number of times, more than a few.
And yes, on the horizon was my escort crew.

Across the world tonight, I saw the same scenes,
Homes full of sorrow, homes full of need.
After you read this, give it some thought.
Can I be happy with just what I’ve got?

Dig deep into your pockets, you’ve got spare cash.
Drop it in the kettle; it’ll help tighten your sash.
It will make you feel good; it will make you feel right…
Merry Christmas to all, and to all….a good night!

I wrote this in memory of LTC Mike McMahon, USMA 1985 and his family.

Here's an article that appeared recently in the Honolulu Times. Sounds like Mike's youngest read my mind.

Merry Christmas to My Comrades in Arms...

Many of you have probably seen this...maybe even year after year via email, but each Christmas season, this still brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. It really does.

Many thanks to Blackfive for bringing this new classic to the Blogosphere...along with the audio that you can stream or download here. (If you're on dial-up, the audio will take awhile, but I highly recommend that you listen to it...it adds to the effect of the poem below.)

You'll notice that the audio version is changed to be a little more inclusive of all soldiers that stand watch over our freedoms...and those of the oppressed who need a little more help to secure their own. Not to take away from the original poem, the sentiment and deeply felt gratitude should go out to anyone that has donned the uniform and stood ready to protect us all.

I truly believe that those who serve don't want you to feel sorry for them and the last few lines of this should reassure you of this. They've made a choice and answered a call to defend against those that would take away the freedoms that so many of you are enjoying...as evidenced by your access to the Internet. Remember that there are places around the world where the Interent is still something to be discussed in whispers...a far off dream.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

I'm sure that I speak for the author...share this with your friends and family. If nothing else, as a reminder to people that while they're enjoying their time around the Christmas tree next Saturday morning...watching the wrapping paper and bows fly from the packages (yes, I'm talking about you MajorBaby), sitting down to Christmas dinner with family and friends, and finally relaxing in the big soft recliner at the end of the day...that thousands of men and women voluntarily stand guard around this great nation and the globe to guarranty that you can continue the holiday traditions freely for years to come. There really are those out there that want to take that away from us.

Merry Christmas wishes go out to you reading this...and to those serving in far away lands.

From the high ground...and the entire MajorFamily.

MajorDad1984