CJ Fed Up
July 13th, 2008 by CJ
You know, I'm fed up with politics. By writing this post, I do not advocate nor support voting for or against either the subject of this post or his opponents (yes, there are more than one!). But, I can't keep my mouth shut about the fact that a man that won't accept the truth about the realities of combat may one day become my boss. Naturally, I'm talking about Barack Obama. And I'm talking specifically about his views on MILITARY-related topics. It is up to YOU to look at each candidate based the entirety of their views and choose accordingly. I simply offer my views as an American who happens to be in the military and will be greatly affected by the policies of ANY President. I criticize now as I will be unable to do so to President Obama without grave consequences.
In 2007, President announced plans for what became known as the "surge." Senator Barack Obama was riding the anti-war wave like a professional surfer and publicly (and ignorantly) declared, "I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse.†Only one month into the surge, he proudly proclaimed "what we know. The surge has not worked." He even went so far as to say that the surge was doing the exact opposite and "actually worsening, potentially, a situation there." Even Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival at the time, had acknowledged the truth months earlier of the surge's success. At the time, Obama was calling the limited success "short term" and refused to admit that the strategy would or could work. Just two months ago, Obama criticized McCain for backing the surge and called it "a failed policy."
This is the man that wants to be Commander in Chief yet fails to understand the recognize the successes HIS troops would have. "Sectarian violence" is now almost nonexistent. Attacks against coalition troops and civilians is down 90% from the start of the surge. Very few provinces remain that are not under Iraqi government control. Even the restive regions of Anbar and southern Baghdad (as well as Sadr City) are experiences levels of peace not seen since the invasion. As Joel Arends put it in his recent National Review Online op-ed, "You consistently claim to have the judgment to lead our great nation, Senator Obama; now it’s time to use that judgment and acknowledge reality."
The reality is that the surge has worked and that the people responsible – our military and the Bush administration – deserve the credit. Frankly, I don't want a President who's unwilling to acknowledge the good deeds of this country.
I criticize now as I will be unable to do so to President Obama without grave consequences
Ok, there are two words in that sentence that just DO NOT go together,,gave me the willies just reading them.
I agree with Karen, those two words just should never go together.
I have a feeling we better get used to them, though! At least for 4 years!!
Obama and McCain are interchangeable candidates. We will get the same thing from either of them. Both of them pander to AIPAC and the war-profiteering corporations.
"war-profiteering corporations"
I love it. Who would that be? Should we go ahead and nationalize those entities and make them government bureaucracies instead? We can raise taxes to ensure that the research and development that goes into making our country's military the best on earth is fully funded instead of allowing "war-profiteering corporations" to do the dirty work for us.
Possible "war-profiteering corporations":
The makers of baby wipes, camelback, Tylenol, Motrin (heck any pain reliever really), hand sanitizer, Tootsie Rolls, the bakers who make Girl Scout cookies, Dell computers, Underarmor, Springfield Armory, Boeing, Exxon/Mobile, corporation for the blind (they provide our pens, paper and other needed office junk), AT&T, Wiley-X, US Cavalry, etc. I guess I could go on and on. Do corporations profit in a time of war? Yes, absolutely. But, let's be honest with ourselves. The only alternative is to nationalize the entire process and become WWII Germany. Are you willing to do that? You don't mind working in a sweatshop do you?
And once again, JD, you ignore the main point. Predictable.
I think Obama's puppeteers will figure out a way to spin the victory and the redeployment of troops so that he'll get the credit instead of the 'evil Bush' and the 'stupid, undereducated, minority-riddled military'. Don't know how America has made it 232 years without Obama's leadership.
Obviously, I'm fed up, too!
CJ,
"We better get used to them"
Hey CJ, I thought in the army they would teach you to be confident even in the face of defeat (I'm sure Marines do too). At least have some faith in your fellow Americans.
Isaac, I'd love to have faith in them but there are so many who get their "news" from Leno and Letterman and who vote only Democrat because they were "born that way" that it might be a slam dunk. People simple aren't paying attention. And maybe McCain ISNT the perfect candidate, but at least he will stand and salute the flag and he fought for this country and sacrificed for it and understands what it means for our military to do their job. Obama hasn't a clue. He doesn't like this country, he doesn't like white people, he doesn't like our flag, and he hates Israel among other things that I'm sure we all know.
This is NOT a man who belongs in the White House. Oh and one other thing. He has no worries about condoning the Radical Muslim rantings of his Pastor or what ever he is called and HIS hatred of America. He's also way too passive in his views about Iran and I don't want to be wearin a freakin burka and not bein allowed to drive myself where I want to go and think freely as a woman. THAT is important to me.
If Obama wins then you should resign from the military. It would be hypocritical to serve a Commander in Chief for whom you have no respect.
Wear the burqa Sue, it will be an improvement!
Steve, your comment makes no sense. Does one quit a civilian job because a new temporary boss is not respected?
Steve also says, 'Wear the burqa, Sue, it will be an improvement." Improvement over freedom of speech?
Your comments place you in the support-camp of a wanna-be leader-who-wants-to-change-America into-a-third-world-nation.
Steve, I didn't respect Clinton for ruining his marriage either, but I Soldiered through it. He decimated my military and I Soldiered through it. And I didn't undermine him, either. The military is not and should not become a political pawn where enlistments and service are predicated on who is in office. I won't like my boss and I won't respect him if it happens to be Obama, but I'll obey his orders and serve with honor. I won't undermine him unlike those of you with BDS. You should have learned that when you were in the military…
"He doesn't like this country, he doesn't like white people, he doesn't like our flag, and he hates Israel among other things that I'm sure we all know."
Your dislike seems to be based on personal fear, not fact-based, logical reasoning. America's political apathy is disturbing. Half the population is oblivious, (far more preoccupied with Brangelina's babies)and the other half is woefully misinformed. It's our job as voters to research each candidate thoroughly. I'm not too keen on either candidate, and I'm non-partisan, as I tend to vote on the issues. McCain represents a relic demographic out of touch with America's fading military and economic hegemony, and his policies have been equally myopic. Our hubris and complacency are eerily similar to the Roman empire. And like our brethren of antiquity, it too, shall be our downfall.
Sue, to be fair, Obama does like our flag. I think Obama is a very patriotic American who just loathes our military and our freedoms. His version of change will mean that we all become public servants, subservient to a central government for which we work day in and day out for the simple privilege of living here. We will have no accountability because the government will control every aspect of our lives. Sort of like Lucifer's plan in heaven.
"Sectarian violence is now almost nonexistent. Attacks against coalition troops and civilians is down 90% from the start of the surge."
It seems to me the violence hasn't really stopped. It's simply moved on to greener pastures (aka Afghanistan).
Venessa, ever the pessimist. It really does go against the very core of your being to admit success and progress where it happens, doesn't it? I really feel sorry for people who live like you. Are you going to start protesting Afghanistan now?
I sooooo wish we could chuck McPain and nominate someone else. Maybe there will be a mutiny at the convention and we'll get a candidate who will actually run a campaign and not constantly bend over for the lefties.
I know you'll do your best job no matter who is elected, CJ. I just wish you could get a great boss that you can really respect.
We are still a country of stupid and susceptible people, as evidenced by the quote below taken from the above comment by sue:
"This is NOT a man who belongs in the White House. Oh and one other thing. He has no worries about condoning the Radical Muslim rantings of his Pastor or what ever he is called and HIS hatred of America. He's also way too passive in his views about Iran and I don't want to be wearin a freakin burka and not bein allowed to drive myself where I want to go and think freely as a woman. THAT is important to me."
sue, you and like-minded folks make me afraid for our country, very afraid!
I was liking Ron Paul myself. Maybe he will still get the nod since McCain seems to not be a citizen.
Recently, I read Obama was getting more donations from service members than McCain.
Steve's first six words from the last comment explain it all. Really. It does.
Careful, the Ron Paul machine may try to use ASP for gas if we don't admit to Darth Paul's superiority!
"We will have no accountability because the government will control every aspect of our lives."
Isn't this the same thing that the Taliban or Al-Qaeda wants to do to the rest of the world? Force-fed adherence to a strict set of religious standards, whether we truly believe or not, with a theocracy controlling every aspect of our lives… My definition of the ultimate evil… Is this kind of "change we can believe in" really the kind of change we want?
I appreciate your "Fed up"ness. Obvously you'd proundly serve whomever the POTUS was as it is part of being a professional soldier. I'm not seeing substance out of Mr. Obama and yet I don't see McCain as a viable alternative. Despite postings to the contrary, I don't believe he or his wife hate America or white people. I've worked in the financial area with several black guys and have seen where they have to prove themselves twice as much in order to make it. The ones that do make it don't curse the system, they just play the hand that's dealt. As for his military stance, I wish he would acknoledge the efforts more readily and not just repeat the Democratic dogma of pulling out. Maybe its an excellent comparison to CJ's statement. If elected, he will have to assume control over military operations as commander in chief. In the same mannor as CJ indicated that he soldiered on under Clinton, despite his personal disagreement with the man, I hope Obama will soldier on and finish the war despite his disagreement with how it got started. We can hope, pray and vote.
NY-David
"since McCain seems to not be a citizen"
Oh, this I gotta hear. I sure hope you aren't playing off that "he was born in Panama" thing?! I'm all ears, Steve.
Ha Ha Ha Steve and CF nothing makes me happier than the thought that a woman who thinks frightens you so much. Small men, small minds, small . . . .
And CJ, you yourself posted the picture of Mr Obama shortly after his refusal to wear the flag pin refusing to place his hand over his heart during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. (soldierspersp...ing-america/) This in my book is disgustingly disrespectful to our flag and our country and not Presidential behavior. His reasons for his behavior didn't cut it with me and my opinion that I drew from his actions is that he doesn't like our flag. If you drew a different conclusion thats ok because that's what America is all about. Contrary to what CF and Steve believe.
sue:
I think if you were to reread both your comment and mine, you would find that the farthest thing from my mind is being frightened by a woman who thinks. Indeed, my support for Hillary Clinton, Barbara Boxer, etc. should convince you of that.
No, what frightens me is that fact that folks like you actually are concerned that were Obama elected president, you might be forced to wear a burka and not be allowed to drive where you like. Further, it concerns me that folks like you are prone to judge a person's patriotism by the size of the flag pin they wear on their lapel.
At any rate, should I assume given your comment that the following characteristics describe you: Big woman, big mind, big ….
Steve,
Playing devil's advocate on both sides here. I do think that Obama is patriotic, but at the same time has issues with standard customs and courtesies in this country as it relates to our flag. He doesn't "respect" the flag the way that conservatives (and patriots) do.
The women you describe are not women to be held up as beacons of exemplary womanhood nor examples of "thinking" women. Both have long records to the contrary. But your support of both of them comes as no shock or surprise to me. And my opinion of Obama had nothing to do with the size of his pin, it had to do with the lack of respect that he has shown toward this country and its "standard customs and courtesies" as CJ put it.
Oh and by the way CF, I can't believe you're NOT worried about it.
sue:
First of all, I would simply point out that a comment that Clinton and Boxer are not thinking women is simply asinine. You may not agree with their policies, but to label them as non-thinking makes you sound entirely unreasonable. Indeed, while you disagree with them, you should commend them for their efforts in breaking glass ceilings that have been unbreakable for near your, or at least your mother's, entire life!
Second, since just when did wearing a lapel pin become enshrined in our "standard customs and courtesies"?
CF said; "You may not agree with their policies, but to label them as non-thinking makes you sound entirely unreasonable."
No, a comment like that makes you sound observant. Also, neither of these woman have broken any glass ceilings. They've done nothing remotely close to what women like; Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott have done.
Who in fact have broken glass ceilings, the glass ceilings which are keeping both Clinton and Boxer out of the unemployment line. Your claim that they have done things like these exemplary woman is absurd with wreaks of mendacity.
Ryan is absolutely correct. I did put "thinking" in quotes, as to MY standard of "thinking" women, they don't even come close. They are also as I said not beacons of exemplary womanhood that I would hold up as a defense to anyone or anything. And you are so focused on the pin thing, you are missing the point as usual. Your issues are showing.
sue:
I am focused on the pin thing? Check back and see who first brought it up.
Why are you so filled with hatred, sue? You should really seek some assistance to guide you through these trying times … and that would be at least the next 8 years and probably much longer!!! LOL!!!
"The only alternative is to nationalize the entire process and become WWII Germany. Are you willing to do that?"
Absolutely! If the cause is necessary, noble, and worthwhile that is exactly where we should be as a nation. If not, then we are just being told lies.
This link is from the other day. It goes to a right wing site…
newsmax.com/i.../112031.html
Sue, what makes you think I am afraid of a thinking woman? No offense but I don't necessarily think you are a woman. Just because you put Sue down as your name doesn't mean you are a woman. You could be a 14 year old boy for all I know. I don't think of "critical facts" as male or female. As proof I am not afraid of a thinking woman I could point out my wife is a university professor but you would just say something like "well then she must be a liberal so that proves she doesn't think" etc etc. Either way, nothing you have posted has shown you to be either a woman or thinking.
As far as the flag and patriotism. I'd like to see more respect shown to fewer flags. The local Burger King flys a Garrison Flag, the recruiter's standard flag is indoors. Who is more patriotic? The local American Legion flys a flag at night, un-illuminated. A nearby car dealership uses the Flag incorporated into banners to sell cars. I've seen American Flag door mats. A dollar store had shopping bags with a Flag on them. Which I've seen used as trash bags. So go ahead and wrap yourself in the Flag, it doesn't make you a patriot.
Sue, I suppose if Obama doesn't like white people, he must really dislike his own mother.
It's scary to think people base their vote on such soporific, deluded absurdities.
Aww CF you're so cute.
And Steve you're right, I'm a 14 year old boy. You got me. As far as your wife is concerned, I wouldn't say something like that because I don't know her or anything about her. Except that she married you.
So CF how hard will you be laughing when Obama grants amnesty to the 20 million illegals and gives them all drivers licenses as he has proposed?
sue:
Your comment illuminates why debating fringe elements is like pounding one's head against a concrete wall.
Your comment that Obama has proposed granting amnesty and driver licenses to 20 million illegals is without merit, and either you are simply way out of touch or uninformed or both.
Obama, as best I am aware, has proposed to address immigration reform early in his presidency, and his ideas for reform will likely not be much different than those previously proposed by the current president. Indeed, both Obama and Bush recognize the folly in trying to round up 12 or 20 million folks and bus them across the border – what border, what folks, what buses? Do the math, sue, it won't work!
And as to insurance, would you rather 20 million unlicensed and uninsured drivers on the roads, or a fraction of that number, the rest having some sort of driver privilege card (or whatever) and insurance.
At some point, sue, you have to get real, and hating Obama because of some right-wing talking point that he must be a terrorist because Hussein is his middle name is not real, not to yourself, your family or to anyone else who might listen to what you have to say.
You should grab a nice cool Kool-Aid and take a break from the heat!
Although this has gotten off topic, I will remark that Obama has never said that he'd give amnesty to anyone. You may want to check your facts on this one. No one can fix immigration until they fix the system that got them here, namely INS. It scores poorly in Federal IT reports and consistantly loses its budget. Until that gets fixed, the rest is just a bandaid.
NY-David