My family has grown!

The new entry in my sidebar is my BlogSon Sned, who just started his blog yesterday. Please go visit and welcome him to the blogosphere! Welcome, Sned!!

Continuing the Sheepdog theme

Some other interesting and thought-provoking responses to the events at Virginia Tech that have caught my attention: Francis Marion describes how he would approach the situation, in his response to Grim's wargame proposal. The Bastidge talks about thought processes. Mrs. du Toit Can't get there from here. Be sure to read the comments - a worthy discussion. David at Random Nuclear Strikes has more on the shooter's mental instability and the law. Heartless Libertarian ticks off the number of existing gun laws broken by the VT shooter. Chuck points out the obvious - Gun control does not work. Neptunus Lex and his eldest daughter discuss Free Will vs. Fatalism. Uncle Jimbo and Snarkatron each take on the shameless media. Wandering, Blissful Musings - The American Way: Why things were not this bad when I was in school

Taking apart Conspiracy theories

Bill Whittle has posted up essay #2 on conspiracy theories and critical thinking. I'm shocked to say that Bill has let me down. In Part #1 he promised that the next episode would take on "... 9/11 conspiracies, Global Warming, Chemtrails, professional cynics and Our Friends the Press ..." But he wasn't quite up to the task, sadly, so we have to wait a little longer for the take-down on Global Warming. All kidding aside, he takes on the rest of the agenda in typical Bill Whittle fashion. To whit: Intellectually honest people, people without a deep, vested emotional need to believe the worst, are usually relieved to hear the facts that demolish superstitions like the Bermuda Triangle and the Loch Ness Monster. While there may be disappointment at the loss of an unseen world, people who have chosen to live in reality find comfort in the fact that reality is, in fact, made up of the real and not the wished for. No, what fascinates me is the emotional motive of people who, presented with overwhelming evidence that the events that transpired on November 22nd, 1963 or September 11th, 2001 really happened exactly the way it appeared, continue to spin ever more elaborate webs in order to get to a place they need to be emotionally. Who are you going to believe: them or your own lying eyes? Get a cuppa joe, and go read.

Fun and Informative

I can't believe I missed the April 1 cartoon at Cox & Forkum. I'm not pasting it here - you need to go see it in action! Bloodspite exposes the Real Pelosi ... *shudder* Dusty celebrated a Natal Day yesterday, and it's *not* my fault for missing it ... this year. Happy Birthday, Dusty!

Reforming the system

Chuck can spin out more ideas in a 20-minute rant than any other 10 people I know! He brainstorms on some ways to reform the system to ensure the availability of quality Healthcare for military and veterans and their families. His list has some gems I just love: A fifty-cent surcharge to all dating-service phone calls, and a $1 surcharge to all American Idol type voter call in shows. A $25 dollar tax on every person who says "Long time listener, first time caller" on a radio show. A $50 tax for anyone who calls Dr. Laura for advice--not for the advice, but for being so stupid they need her to tell them what to do. That's just a tiny sample ... go read the whole list!

Sunday slow

Thank you to all who commented or made suggestions about the new blog layout. Apparently I need more color, or maybe just different ones. And more hardware, like tanks. This will definitely be taken under consideration. Other than twiddling with the blog, my weekend has been spent performing a Chinese fire drill on two laptops, moving all of the profiles around to change ownership. (Let's see, I copied the stuff from A to X to preserve it, then I copy the stuff from B to A, and then X to B. Right? Argghhh!) But I was able to drag the Hubster off to see the movie "300" today, and we both had a great time. Everything Kat wrote about it was right, and we loved the great lines, the stylistic imagery, the wrong vs. right absolutes -- all of it! And to add to that warm glow, I followed the link from the H&I Fires to Jules Crittendon's Warmongerly Yours post - a wonderful gathering of links for various angles on the war and the political situation here at home. In fact, one item from Bluto at the Jawa Report has an interesting parallel to the actions of the renegade senator in 300, methinks.

Leadership essentials ... motivation

Jack Army shares a story of how a leader motivates the troops in Iraq, even in the face of the frustrating actions of Congress. "Know one way to end the debate? Complete the mission! So let's get it done!"

Tidbits

It's good to know that there are tributes and memorials to our four-footed troops. Check out this fascinating look at the evolution of digital media. Hat tip to Amy of GentleWhisper. Should the military pay income tax? Check out Jack Army's view at VAJoe.

Quick links

I want to highlight the site of Bill Rollins, who is training to run an Ironman, and using the event to raise money for the Fisher House Organization. "Fisher House provides temporary lodging in a caring environment that allows military and veterans' families to face a medical crisis together. This program has served more than 100,000 families and saved them more than $80 million since it began in 1990." If you want to keep up with Jack Army these days, you need to check two sites. He is now guest posting at the VAJoe site as well. Check out his post Will We or Won't We? And here's a site that lets you send a brew to deployed troops ... Six Packs for Soldiers. Heck - this way even a MWD (Military Working Dog) can get in on the donating!

Interesting things

No theme, just random links to things that caught my eye. My blogson explains the parallel between policing the ghetto and being a Marine in Iraq, in Defense of the Defenseless. @WR shares what would be a joke, except for being the truth. Check out the letter from Marine SSgt Farrar, posted at HughHewitt.com. He is part of the Semper Fi Society at the Citadel, and needs some help with a project. In other odd happenings, ... Jack points out the illogic of certain folks regarding Daylight Savings Time. ... Lex takes wicked pleasure in the reaction to the movie "300". ... Bad Cat Robot would be reading Physics Today ... and blogging about it. ... Wayne wants to know if he can have some of your willows. Finally, John Donovan shows his warrior poet side in memory of his mother, a woman who obviously took great joy in her life and family.

War and Weariness

Fellow Denizen Ry started something over at Castle Argghhh, with his views on what it is exactly that we 'normals' (ie., civilians) have to feel tired about regarding Iraq, in response to Murdoc's post America is at the mall. Be sure to read the responses to Ry, as the comments generated cover some interesting ground. As I wandered about, exercising the new links in my sidebar, I was intrigued by the viewpoint from Joel Maxwell on the whole debate in Washington. From his position in Afghanistan, where he is deployed, Joel ponders on the politics, and has some good questions ... which don't have clear cut answers. On her own blog, his wife Amy was kind enough to point to several posts by military Chaplains. I was especially intrigued by Chaplain Christian's post The Dichotomy. His words are worth reading in their entirety, but this bit resonated strongly with me... I am called to nourish the living, care for the wounded, and honor the dead. I can do that regardless of what I think about the politics behind the war. Yet, I also happen to think the war is the right thing to be doing. That doesn’t make my job worthwhile, but it certainly makes it more worthwhile. I hope that makes sense. It would be much more difficult to do my job if I thought what we were doing was wrong, or evil. Yet, this is what the public projects on us. If you say the war in immoral, and that we came for the wrong reasons, and that we’re doing the wrong thing, you have to understand that it will affect those actually conducting the war! I added my own thoughts to each of these conversations. But I'd rather leave you with the thoughts of Kat-Missouri, who nailed it (again) better than I could. I'll sum it up: War sucks. Death sucks. Seeing mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, wives crying over a flag draped coffin sucks. Looking at pictures of 18 year olds who will never see 19 sucks. Knowing you can't be there to help them carry the load sucks. Trying to figure out what's going on and not getting the whole picture sucks. Knowing that all of this sucks and you still believe we should do it because, while it all sucks, what you imagine happens next sucks more. Knowing that tomorrow, our representative republic could decide to leave either or both fronts and leave hundreds of thousands of people to die (if not millions - some of who have become friends through organizations and internet) sucks. It all sucks. Tomorrow, here and there, we will wake up and do it again like an ugly groundhog day. Sometimes I am angry, sometimes I am sad, sometimes I am energized. It is those ups and downs that make me weary. Still, most days I only feel resolute. I suck it all in and add it to that resolution, because we aren't done until the mission is done. Still, it sucks.

Milbloggies - Pick your favs

I've logged my Milbloggie votes -- now it's your turn. Go vote for your choice in each of the categories. The voting closes on the 27th, so don't waste any time! Yes, you will need to register with Milblogging.com in order to cast votes. After I finished selecting my choices, I scanned the Recently Updated list to see what was new. And wandered right into two blogs owned by Amy and Joel Maxwell. Joel is an officer in the Army Reserve, currently activated and deployed in Afghanistan, and just barely arrived in country. His post on separating from his family went straight to my heart. I couldn't help but grin as I read his wife Amy's blog post describing herself and their family, especially as I read her 'Lessons Learned'. I have the feeling that Chaplain Candidate Maxwell is going to bring comfort to many a soldier in her career! But first, she and the children must make it through Joel's Deployment. This is the kind of spirit and service that both humbles me, and makes me incredibly grateful. Thank you, Amy and Joel.

Supporting the Troops

Walt Gaya has a must read about a Tacoma woman who works glass to make art and touch hearts. Go read his Hearts of Hope post, and find out why she has a huge PG&E gas bill to pay. [Cross-posted at the Castle H&I Fires post today.] I've also been catching up on Michael Yon's latest dispatches, of which there are many: The Hands of God Desolate Roads - part 1 of 2 Desolate Roads - part 2 of 2 Walking the Line Part 3 Walking the Line Part 2 Walking the Line Part 1 Mike is doing important work ... as an independent. If you have a few bucks, he can use the bump in his donation bucket.

Fisking Arkin

In the Castle Argghhh H&I post today, John pointed out a post by Dusty that I'd managed to miss. (Yeah, Boq - 50 lashes with the wet noodle). Dusty's fisking of Arkin for his blathering and stupid statements on supporting the troops is a must-read ... go now. Also not to be missed is Cassandra's two part take : Original and Part Deux. For down to earth straight forward smack-downs, though, don't miss Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive. *** UPDATE *** Francis Marion, who is currently serving with Army SF in the Philippines adds his viewpoint on Arkin and others of his ilk. His reasons for serving speak volumes: "Some call me a mercenary just because I receive a – less than honest – wage. Can I apologize now for needing some money to live on? If I had alternative means to support my family, I would still be here even without pay if necessary because the job must be done! I have walked on foreign soil and have seen the price paid by those who do not stand up against despots and I will not lay that burden on my children." [emphasis added] Go ... read the whole thing.

Send Hook to Washington!

The amazing Sgt Hook needs a boost, folks. If you like what you read at his fine blog, then you owe it to him to hit the Vote button at You Served. There's a short time window left for voting, and he's only about 200 votes down -- so he'll be grateful for every vote cast. You see, he needs to find a way to fund the trip to Washington for the milblog conference this spring ... and this contest is a great way to do that! Go Vote now!

Good stuff

I can't keep up with all the good reading material out there. Here's just a few of the posts that have captured my attention... John of Castle Argghhh shares a tale of two Marine mothers, one who's son gave his life for his brothers, and one who has to live with the fact. Read the whole story, and thank whatever providence you wish that we have men like Cpl. Dunham and Cpl. Miller. Mike Yon is back in Iraq, and Walking the Line. Jack Army says he is at War. Yes, he's in Iraq, but that isn't what he means. Homefront Six fisks Watada, as only a military spouse with a hubby serving in Iraq can. Way to go, HfS! At SpouseBuzz, Airforcewife reminds the so-called News Media that there is a time to write about events, and a time to Shut Up. Francis Marion points to some news from the front - although it is not the front you may be thinking. He's in one of those other places. It's not called the GWOT for nothing. Chuck defines a Bad American ... and his definition works fine for me as well. Maj Pain shares a Secret Letter from a Marine in Iraq - a must read! Matty at Blackfive has an awesome collection of links to help prepare for thoughtful listening to the President on Wednesday.

Sheepdogs

America's Son didn't really take a vacation from blogging this summer/fall, he was just a bit wrapped up in the transition from Marine to Police Officer. There are still wolves to be dealt with, and fellow Sheepdogs to honor. There are also some somber but important parallels between Suffolk County and Al Anbar province.

Sunday links

Tha Armorer has a must-read Denizen linkfest posted today ... don't miss the discussions he points to on immigration and the intel community. John and Beth also represented the Castle well this week, as the Leavenworth community paid their respects to Cpl David Unger. Rest in peace, soldier. Fellow Denizenne Maggie points out something scary for Halloween, with hat tip to the guys at Op-For. *Brrrr* ... makes me shudder. Kate of Small Dead Animals links to an enjoyable slap-down of CNN by Lynn Cheney. Smack 'em until they apologize! Beccy Cole's terrific video is all over the web, linked at Argghhh and Blackfive, among others. I'm posting it here for the few folks who might not have seen it yet. Beccy Cole supports her troops ... my hat's off to her and the Diggers she loves.

Lazy Blogging

Harumph ... John accuses me of being lazy, since the blogging around these parts has been lite lately. Well, just spell lazy "B-u-s-y", big guy. I don't have a bunch of smart folks posting interesting things on MY blog every day, like SOME people. However, it is decidedly NOT lazy to post a link to this perfect letter written by a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant to big-mouth Murtha. (Posted by Bill Faith at Old War Dogs) Go and read the letter, it's not to be missed. Well said, GySgt (ret.) Grimstead, extremely well said. Whoops -- The Armorer already had this posted! My bad...

Linky goodness

I've been meaning to get up a linky post, since I'm so far behind on blogging. (But there is a new post below this one!!) Are you mad yet about the rough treatment of Michael Yon by Hachette (HFM) over their misuse of his photograph? If you aren't, then you aren't following the story. Check out the Huntress, she's got the Shock and Awe for you. Blackfive provides a way to send condolences to the families of Thomas Tucker, Kristian Menchaca, and David Babineau, via Soldiers' Angels. Fuzzybear Lioness reported on the success of the Project Valour-IT fund raising - over $18K raised! Awesome - Thanks to everyone who contributed! Bloodspite has a request - and it's not for himself. If you can help, bless you. The Armorer of Argghhh! shares a letter from Homefront6, wife of a soldier set to deploy, written to Lt. Watada, who has refused his duty to deploy. I'd say that's a direct hit! Check out the latest on the movie The War Tapes ... Dear War Tapes Community: Thanks to your support, The War Tapes opened strongly in NYC. Theatres around the country are starting to call us-- In the last week we have added 15 additional cities! Two new theatres in NYC are showing it now (please see below or here for a full list of the screenings). We don't have Hollywood money so we have little ads but lots of friends. Please forward this e-mail to as many people as you can and ask them to see the preview at: http://www.thewartapes.com /trailer And then go see the movie. We have a new clip (the 13th clip we've put on the site!) with Zack and Mike discussing to Abu Ghraib scandal. You can find the clip here: http://www.thewartapes.com /2006/06/abu_ghraib.shtml Please welcome Wayne of Savannah Daydreamin' to the blogosphere. He's been to Iraq, he's a helicopter pilot, and he has lots of videos and attitude (might not be safe - depending on your workplace ... Ry, watch out!). Operation Support Our Troops is planning a pro-troops rally to show our support for the soldiers preparing to deploy from Ft. Lewis: It's time for all of us to speak out loud and clear again – Never again! Never again will our Troops be treated the way our Vietnam Veterans were treated! Never again will we turn our backs on the men and women who serve our country so honorably! Please join OSOT on June 24 to show the soldiers at Fort Lewis that we support them and their mission. The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis is deploying for the second time to Iraq – be there to show them we care!! When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 Where: Exit 119 off I-5 (DuPont Gate Entrance to Fort Lewis) Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ... Guess where Bad Cat Robot and I plan to be on Saturday?