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'Supporting the troops'?
Thomas Sowell (back to web version) | Send
 

November 18, 2004

During the recent election campaign, it has been a liberal mantra that they "support the troops" while opposing the war in Iraq. Just what does supporting the troops mean -- other than just a throwaway line to escape the political consequences of a long history of being anti-military?

 It certainly does not mean making the slightest effort to understand the pressures and dangers of combat, so as to avoid the obscenity of sitting in peace and comfort while second-guessing at leisure some life-and-death decisions that had to be made in a split second by men 10,000 miles away.

 The latest example is the now widely-publicized incident in which an American Marine in Iraq shot and killed a wounded terrorist in Fallujah. Chris Matthews on Hardball spoke of "what may be the illegal killing of a wounded, unarmed insurgent" -- the politically correct media term for a terrorist -- and asked: "Is there ever a justification for shooting an unarmed enemy?"

 The unreality of this question is breath-taking, both logically and historically. How do you know that someone is unarmed, when finding out can cost you your life? A hand grenade is easily concealed and can kill you just as dead as if you were shot by a machine gun or hit by a nuclear missile.

 American troops in Iraq have already been killed by booby-trapped bodies. During World War II, wounded Japanese soldiers sometimes waited for an American medical corpsman to come over to help them and then exploded a hand grenade, killing them both.

 Assuming that somehow you are certain that an enemy is unarmed, perhaps because you have already searched him or disarmed him, is it ever justified to kill him anyway? That question was answered more than half a century ago, when German troops wearing American uniforms and speaking English infiltrated American lines during the Battle of the Bulge.

 Those German troops, when captured, were lined up against a wall and shot dead. And nobody wrung his hands about it.

 The rules of war, the Geneva Convention, do not protect soldiers who are not wearing their own country's uniforms. To get the protection of rules, you have to play by the rules.

 Terrorists are not enemy soldiers covered by the rules of war. Nor should they be. They observe no rules.

 Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations can all talk about "the Geneva Convention." But that agreement on the rules of war has never applied to combatants not wearing the uniform of any country that is a party to the Geneva Convention.

 Terrorists wear no uniform and show no mercy, as they have repeatedly demonstrated by beheading innocent civilians, including women.

 Why any such terrorists should be captured alive in the first place is a real question. Maybe they have information that could be useful. But every terrorist our troops try to capture alive increases the risk of death for American combat troops.

 Their information better be damned important for that.

 It is more than enough to ask a man to put his life on the line for his country, without needlessly increasing those risks by trying to be nobler than thou or playing to the international gallery. The very fact that this Marine in Fallujah has been taken out of combat and is under investigation can only have an inhibiting effect on other troops.

 The inhibitions under which American troops have already had to fight have needlessly jeopardized their safety while we tiptoe around the delicate sensibilities of the media, European critics and "the Arab street."

 The Times of London refers to a Marine "killing an unarmed man in cold blood." If that was his purpose he could have opened fire when he entered the room, instead of waiting until he saw an Iraqi terrorist faking being dead -- for what purpose the Marine had no way of knowing.

 We cannot fight wars to please The Times of London or the other nay-sayers and nit-pickers who have been against us from the beginning. There is no point trying to appease people who are not going to be appeased anyway. And to do so at an increased risk to American lives would be criminal.

 

Something to think about!

 

Not very long, but very informative. You have to read the catalogue of events in this brief piece. Then, ask yourself how anyone can take the position that all we have to do is bring our troops home from Iraq, sit back, re-set the snooze alarm, go back to sleep, and no one will ever bother us again. In case you missedit, World War III began in November 1979... that alarm has been ringing for years.

 

 

U.S. Navy Captain Ouimette is the Executive Officer at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Here is a copy of the speech he gave last month. It is an accurate account of why we are in so much trouble today and why this action is so necessary.

 

AMERICA NEEDS TO WAKE UP!

 

That's what we think we heard on the 11th of September 2001 (When more than 3,000 Americans were killed) and maybe it was, but I think it should have been "Get Out of Bed!" In fact, I think the alarm clock has been buzzing since 1979 and we have continued to hit the snooze button and roll over for a few more minutes of peaceful sleep since then. </! o:p>

 

It was a cool fall day in November 1979 in a country going through a religious and political upheaval when a group of Iranian students attacked and seized the American Embassy in Tehran. This seizure was an outright attack on American soil; it was an attack that held the world's most powerful country hostage and paralyzed a Presidency. The attack on this sovereign U. S. embassy set the stage for events to follow for the next 23 years.

 

America was still reeling from the aftermath of the Vietnam experience and had a serious threat from the Soviet Union when then, President Carter, had to do something. He chose to conduct a clandestine raid in the desert. The ill-fated mission ended in ruin, but stood as a symbol of America's inability to deal with terrorism.

 

America's military had been decimated and downsized/right sized since the end of the Vietnam War A poorly trained, poorly equipped and poorly organized military was called on to execute a complex mission that was doomed from the start.

 

Shortly after the Tehran experience, Americans began to be kidnapped and killed throughout the Middle East. America could do little to protect her citizens living and working abroad. The attacks against US soil continued.

 

In April of 1983 a large vehicle packed with high explosives was driven into the US Embassy compound in Beirut. When it explodes, it kills 63 people. The alarm went off again and America hit the Snooze Button once more.

 

Then just six short months later a large truck heavily laden down with over 2500 pounds of TNT smashed through the main gate of the US Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut and 241 US servicemen are killed. America mourns her dead and hit the Snooze Button once more.

 

Two months later in December 1983, another truck loaded with explosives is driven into the US Embassy in Kuwait, and America continues her slumber.

 

The following year, in September 1984, another van was driven into the gate of the US Embassy in Beirut and America slept.

 

Soon the terrorism spreads to Europe. In April 1985 a bomb explodes in a restaurant frequented by US soldiers in Madrid.

 

Then in August a Volkswagen loaded with explosives is driven into the main gate of the US Air Force Base at Rhein-Main, 22 are killed and the snooze alarm is buzzing louder and louder as US interests are continually attacked.

 

Fifty-nine days later a cruise ship, the Achille Lauro is hijacked and we watched as an American in a wheelchair is singled out of the passenger list and executed.

 

The terrorists then shift their tactics to bombing civilian airliners when they bomb TWA Flight 840 in April of 1986 that killed 4 and the most tragic bombing, Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988, killing 259.

 

Clinton treated these terrorist acts as crimes; in fact we are still trying to bring these people to trial. These are acts of war.

 

The wake up alarm is getting louder and louder.

 

The terrorists decide to bring the fight to America. In January 1993, two CIA agents are shot and killed as they enter CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

 

The following month, February 1993, a group of terrorists are arrested after a rented van packed with explosives is driven into the underground parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City. Six people are killed and over 1000 are injured. Still this is a crime and not an act of war?

 

The Snooze alarm is depressed again.

 

Then in November 1995 a car bomb explodes at a US military complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia killing seven service men and women.

 

A few months later in June of 1996, another truck bomb explodes only 35 yards from the US military compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It destroys the Khobar Towers, a US Air Force barracks, killing 19 and injuring over 500. The terrorists are getting braver and smarter as they see that America does not respond decisively.

 

They move to coordinate their attacks in a simultaneous attack on two US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. These attacks were planned with precision. They kill 224. America responds with cruise missile attacks and goes back to sleep.

 

The USS Cole was docked in the port of Aden, Yemen for refueling on 12 October 2000, when a small craft pulled along side the ship and exploded killing 17 US Navy Sailors. Attacking a US War Ship is an act of war, but we sent the FBI to investigate the crime and went back to sleep.

 

And of course you know the events of 11 September 2001. Most Americans think this was the first attack against US soil or in America. How wrong they are. America has been under a constant attack since 1979 and we chose to hit the snooze alarm and roll over and go back to s! leep.

 

In the news lately we have seen lots of finger pointing from every high officials in government over what they knew and what they didn't know. But if you've read the papers and paid a little attention I think you can see exactly what they knew. You don't have to be in the FBI or CIA or on the National Security Council to see the pattern that has been developing since 1979.

 

The President is right on when he says we are engaged in a war. I think we have been in a war for the past 23 years and it will continue until we as a people decide enough is enough.

 

America needs to "Get out of Bed" and act decisively now. America has been changed forever. We have to be ready to pay the price and make th! e sacrifice to ensure our way of life continues. We cannot afford to keep hitting the snooze button again and again and roll over and go back to sleep.

 

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Admiral Yamamoto said "...it seems all we have done is awakened a sleeping giant." This is the message we need to disseminate to terrorists around the world.

 

This is not a political thing to be hashed over in an election year this is

An AMERICAN thing.

 

This is about our Freedom and the Freedom of our children in

years to come.

 

If you believe in our country then PLEASE forward this to ALL your friends and family and to as many people as you can!

 

This is a good counter balance story to the
Jane Fonda/Vietnam/Woman Of The Year
story I have received many times in my e-mail.


 

Ann Margaret



Viet Nam 1966



 

 

 

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.  Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo.  When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand.  I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo.  I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'"

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him.  She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them.  There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear.  She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears.  "That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army," he said.

That night was a turning point for him.  He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.  I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say "Thank you" to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.



 

 

Commentary

> >Dear Civilians:


> > We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation have many
> > civilians up in arms and excited to join the military. For those of you
> > who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas
> > we would like your assistance:

1) The next time you see an adult talking (or wearing a hat) during the
playing of the National Anthem ...kick their ass.

2) When you witness firsthand someone burning the American Flag in
protest...kick their ass.

3) Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest
amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise,
quietly pull them aside and explain how these Veterans fought for the
very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many
sacrifices these Veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold
them down while a Disabled Veteran...kicks their ass.
>
4) (GUYS) If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you
were. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDU's), telling others that you
used to be "Special Forces," and collecting GI Joe memorabilia, might
have been okay if you were still seven. Now, it will only make you look
stupid and...get your ass kicked.

5) Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them, "Doyou
fly a jet?" Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such
ignorance deserves an ass kicking (children are exempt).

6) If you witness someone calling the U.S. Coast Guard nonmilitary, inform
them of their mistake...and kick their ass.

7) Next time Old Glory (U.S. flag) prances by during a parade, get on your
damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart.
Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be
carrying her...of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a
severe
Ass kicking.

8) What Jane Fonda did during the Vietnam War makes her the enemy. The
proper word to describe her is "traitor." Just mention her nomination for
"Woman of the Year"...and get your ass kicked.

9) Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran.
We are Americans and we all bleed the same regardless of our party
affiliation.  Our Chain of Command, is to include our commander in Chief.
The President (for those who didn't know) is our CIC regardless of
political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big
important buildings where all those representatives meet. All we know is
that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they call
upon the military to go straighten it out. The military member might direct
you to Oliver North. (I can see him kicking your ass already.)

10) "Your mama wears combat boots" never made sense to me ... stop saying
it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore, could kick
your ass!

11) Bin Laden and the Taliban are not communists, so stop saying "Let's go
kill those Commie's!" And stop asking us where he is! Crystal balls are not
standard issue in the military. That reminds me ... if you see
anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers; let me know, so I can go
kick their ass.

12) Flyboy (Air Force), Jar Head (Marines), Grunt (Army), Squid (Navy)
     etc, are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you
are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. That
could get your ass kicked.

14) Last but not least, whether or not you become a member of the
military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and
religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember
that there are literally thousands of sailors and troops far from home
wishing
they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the
sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our country would get its ass
kicked.

It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to
demonstrate.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn
The flag.

(Authored by:) Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMC

(Please pass this on so I won't have to kick your ass!)

 

Subject: Billy and His Bride

Billy and His Bride

Bill Clinton registers for the draft on September 08, 1964, accepting all contractual conditions of registering for the draft. Given Selective Service Number 3 26 46 228.

Bill Clinton classified 2-S on November 17, 1964.

Bill Clinton reclassified 1-A on March 20, 1968.

Bill Clinton ordered to report for induction on July 28, 1969.

Bill Clinton dishonors order to report and is not inducted into the military.

Bill Clinton reclassified 1-D after enlisting in the United States Army Reserves on August 07,1969 under authority of Col. E. Holmes.

Clinton signs enlistment papers and takes oath of enlistment.

Bill Clinton fails to report to his duty station at the University of Arkansas ROTC, September 1969.

Bill Clinton reclassified 1-A on October 30, 1969, as enlistment with Army Reserves is revoked by Colonel E. Holmes and Clinton now AWOL and subject to arrest under Public Law 90-40 (2)(a) "registrant who has failed to report...remain liable for induction".

Bill Clinton's birth date lottery number is 311, drawn December

1,1969, but anyone who has already been ordered to report for induction is INELIGIBLE!

Bill Clinton runs for Congress (1974), while a fugitive from justice under Public Law 90-40.

Bill Clinton runs for Arkansas Attorney General (1976), while a fugitive from justice.

Bill Clinton receives pardon on January 21, 1977, from Carter.

Bill Clinton (FIRST PARDONED FEDERAL FELON) ever to serve as President.

All these facts come from Freedom of Information requests, public laws, and various books that have been published, and have not been refuted by Clinton.

After the 1993WorldTradeCenter bombing, which killed six and injured

1,000; President Clinton promised that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

After the 1995 bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed five U.S.

military personnel; Clinton promised that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

After the 1996KhobarTowers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed

19 and injured 200U.S. military personnel; Clinton promised that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

After the 1998 bombing ofU.S. embassies in Africa, which killed

224 and injured 5,000,Clinton promised that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

After the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, which killed 17 and injured

39 U.S. sailors, Clinton promised that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

Maybe If Clinton had kept those promises, an estimated 3,000 people in New York and Washington,D.C. that are now dead would be alive today.

AN INTERESTING QUESTION:

This question was raised on a Philly radio call-in show.

Without casting stones, it is a legitimate question. There are two men, both extremely wealthy. One develops relatively cheap software and gives billions of dollars to charity. The other sponsors terrorism. That being the case, why was it that the Clinton Administration spent more money chasing down Bill Gates over the eight years in office, than Osama bin Laden?

THINK ABOUT IT!

It is a strange turn of events. Hillary gets $8 Million for her forthcoming memoir. Bill gets about $12 Million for his memoir yet to be written. This from two people who spent 8 years being unable to recall anything about past events while under oath!

Sincerely,

Cdr. Hamilton McWhorter USN (ret)

 

Colin Powell Quote

When in England at a fairly large conference,
Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury
if our plans for Iraq were just an example of
empire building by George Bush.
He answered by saying that, "Over the years, the
United States has sent many of its fine young men
and women into great peril to fight for freedom
beyond our borders. The only amount of land we
have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those
that did not return."

It became very quiet in the room.
 

 

This says it all!

After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a
Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face
covered this is an editorial written by an American citizen, published
in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation
worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their
culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a
surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from
the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd
began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was
offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who
is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost
entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few
things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently
some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a
multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and
our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own
society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been
developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions
of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese,
Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of
our society, learn the language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian,
right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian
men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is
clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the
walls o f our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider
another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our
culture.

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you
should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are
happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't
care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our
land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every! citizen the
right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to
do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our
flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly
encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE
RIGHT TO LEAVE.

If you agree -- pass this along; if you don't agree -- delete it!

>AMEN
I figure if we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it
will also ,sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try,
please
 

DO NOT FORGET"

I sat in a movie theater watching "Schindler's List," asked myself, "Why didn't the Jews fight back?"

Now I know why.

I sat in a movie theater, watching "Pearl Harbor" and asked myself, "Why weren't we prepared?"

Now I know why.

Civilized people cannot fathom, much less predict, the actions of evil  people.

On September 11, dozens of capable airplane passengers allowed themselves  to be overpowered by a handful of poorly armed terrorists because they did  not comprehend the depth of hatred that motivated their captors.

On September 11, thousands of innocent people were murdered because too many Americans naively reject the reality that some nations are dedicated to  the dominance of others. Many political pundits, pacifists and media  personnel want us to forget the carnage. They say we must focus on the  bravery of the rescuers and ignore the cowardice of the killers. They  implore us to understand the motivation of the perpetrators. Major  television stations  have announced they will assist the healing process by not replaying  devastating footage of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers.

I will not be manipulated.

I will not pretend to understand.

I will not forget.

I will not forget the liberal media who abused freedom of the press to kick  our country when it was vulnerable and hurting.

I will not forget that CBS anchor Dan Rather preceded President Bush's  address to the nation with the snide remark, "No matter how you feel about  him, he is still our president."

I will not forget that ABC TV anchor Peter Jennings questioned President  Bush's motives for not returning immediately to Washington, DC and commented, "We're all pretty skeptical and cynical about Washington."

And I will not forget that ABC's Mark Halperin warned if reporters weren't  informed of every little detail of this war, they aren't "likely -- nor  should they be expected -- to show deference."

I will not isolate myself from my fellow Americans by pretending an attack  on the USS Cole in Yemen was not an attack on the United States of America.

I will not forget the Clinton administration equipped Islamic terrorists and  their supporters with the world's most sophisticated telecommunications equipment and encryption technology, thereby compromising America's  ability to trace terrorist radio, cell phone, land lines, faxes and modem communications.

I will not be appeased with pointless, quick retaliatory strikes like those  perfected by the previous administration.

I will not be comforted by "feel-good, do nothing" regulations like the silly  "Have your bags been under your control?" question at the airport.

I will not be influenced by so called,"antiwar demonstrators" who exploit the  right of expression to chant anti-American obscenities.

I will not forget the moral victory handed the North Vietnamese by American  war protesters who reviled and spat upon the returning soldiers, airmen,  sailors and Marines.

I will not be softened by the wishful thinking of pacifists who chose  reassurance over reality.

I will embrace the wise words of Prime Minister Tony Blair who told Labor  Party conference, "They have no moral inhibition on the slaughter of the  innocent. If they could have murdered not 7,000 but 70,000, does anyone  doubt they would have done so and rejoiced in it?

There is no compromise possible with such people, no meeting of minds, no  point of understanding with such terror. Just a choice: defeat it or be defeated by it.   And defeat it we must!"

I will force myself to:


-hear the weeping
-feel the helplessness
-imagine the terror
-sense the panic
-smell the burning flesh
- experience the loss
- remember the hatred.

I sat in a movie theater, watching "Private Ryan" and asked myself, "Where did they find the courage?"

Now I know.

We have no choice. Living without liberty is not living.

-- Ed Evans, MGySgt., USMC (Ret.)
Not as lean, Not as mean, But still a Marine.

Keep this going until every living American has read it and memorized it so  we don't make the same mistake again