Once again the gubmint is trying to "fix" it's financial woes on the backs of those who serve the greater good. I'll fight this proposal tooth and nail to the end. Military members have to serve honorably for 20 years to be eligible for their retirement and they do so in far off and oftentimes hostile environments. They have earned their retirement.

Now, if Congress is willing to forgo their retirements (which they are eligible for after a mere 5 years) then we can start to talk, until then, I say this to our elected officials: Keep your fucking hands OFF military retirement.

Military members who complete 20 years of honorable service are eligible for 40% of the average of their last 3 years pay, with a 2.5% increase for each year after 20. So if a person serves 25 years, they are eligible for 52.5% of the average of their final three years of pay. To be eligible for 80%, a member has to serve for 36 years. In comparison, the starting amount for a member of congress' retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of their final pay. Remember, congress is eligible for their retirement after only 5 years; oh yeah, and they are not in harms way.

I Hope I'm Wrong

So now it starts...

I hope I’m wrong, but I foresee the writing on the wall. The leftist bleeding hearts are going to start putting pressure on SEAL Team Six for killing OBL instead of capturing him. I hope to hell these warriors are not scapegoated and charged with murder, as so often seems to happen.

It seems to me, as an admitted pessimist when it comes to this administration and the MSM, that ground work is being laid to vilify yet again our great military. I hope I’m wrong.

Keep an eye on this folks and stand ready to defend the SEALs if necessary.

Basic Finances for Government Idiots

I just don’t get it. Do our elected officials really think we the American people are stupid? Granted, by our own actions we’ve help perpetrate that idea by continually, year after year, allowing them to get away with their lies. We allow them to spout worthless platitudes that sound good, but don’t say anything of substance. Then we allow them to keep right on passing legislation that puts our nation further and further in debt and at risk.

The most important lesson I ever learned was to think critically. To LISTEN and analyze what is being said; to look beyond the words and find what is really being said.

For example, when president O says that “We cannot continue to spend more than we bring in…” I know what he’s saying is “raise taxes”; not “let’s reduce our spending”. And we keep letting them do it to us!

I wish I could get away with that sort of mentality. “Hey boss, I’m spending more than I make, so I need you to give me more money.” Hey, that should work right?

For those of you like me who are feeling the pinch of $4 + a gallon of fuel and rising costs on just about every conceivable consumable, without an increase in wages, we’ve had to make some adjustments to our budgets. I’m spending less. I’m doing without certain things and trying to be as efficient as possible.

What I HAVEN’T done is borrow more money to offset the increased living expenses. In other words, I haven’t raised my debt ceiling.

I’m not surprised that president O’s first and seemingly only reaction is to increase the government’s income. He did the same thing during his campaign; whenever funds were slowing down or lacking, he just went out and stroked the sheep to give him more money. He raised over $745 MILLION dollars (with vast amounts from questionable sources) for his campaign, nearly double what McCain raised. The point is, it never occurs to him to adjust spending, just go get more money!

Sorry Mr. president, but you can’t just keep telling us to give give and then give some more. You need to make dramatic and drastic cuts to spending if we’re ever going to get out of this mess.

How about this Mr. president; ask all the non-producing citizens (and especially non-citizens who are getting benefits from Uncle Sam) to give a little. Have them give up some freebies that us producers are paying for.

They talk about the evil corporations and how they’re sending jobs overseas or paying very little in taxes. They rely on our ambivalence or ignorance to not ask why corporations are doing these things. Because our elected leaders have hobbled them with so many regulations that they can’t afford NOT to send jobs overseas, or that THEY are the ones who wrote the tax codes, GIVING the corporations LEGAL loopholes to reduce their tax liability. Who’s really to blame?

And why is it that when they raise taxes on the “rich”, my taxes still seem to go up? Hmmmm, interesting phenomenon.

I’m by no means the smartest guy around, but I listen and think for myself. I ask questions instead of blindly accepting what is being said.

WARNING Adult Language Ahead

It’s time to quit fucking around and pull your head out of your ass Mr. president, and everyone on Capitol Hill. Stop fucking lying to me; I’m smarter than you think. Be a leader and make some tough calls for once. If you’re not willing to do that, then take your ass back to Chicago and go organize a community or two.

General Ron Fogelman; Real Leadership

Recently, I've been thinking about leadership. Actually, I think about it all the time, a result of nearly a quarter century of military service. Over my life, I have been blessed to observe real leadership in many forms. From my Grandpa who never learned to read very well, or to write little more than his name, but taught his sons, daughters and grandchildren the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. He did this quietly through his own example. From countless junior and senior NCOs throughout the years. I remember their names and lessons, both good and bad vividly. They taught me the value and art of leadership either directly or merely through their actions. And from many junior and senior officers too numerous to mention.

However, there have always been a few standouts; those that clearly had a significant impact on my leadership style that I can pinpoint. One in particular was General Ron Fogelman, a former AF Chief of Staff. I first met then Lt Gen Fogelman in Korea. He was the 7th AF Commander, and I was an E5 Staff Sergeant working on the F-16. As the 7th CC, he didn't get to fly as much as he wanted I'm sure, but whenever he did, I was always impressed as to his approachability, willingness to find out how things were going "out on the flightline" direct from those of us who were in the middle of it, and lack of pretentiousness. He wanted the unvarnished truth of how things were going. Sure, he got briefings all the time, but usually from folks 3 or more times removed from the action, and who usually sugar-coated the info. He endured the usual pomp and circumstance that always accompanies VIPs, but he never seemed very comfortable with it. He was a tough commander but he was fair and made decisions based on what was right, not what was popular or politically correct. He took the heat for his decisions and didn't pass the buck. I even had the pleasure of meeting his wife, known as Miss Jane, during a photo op for their Christmas card. She too made an impression on me that day. She was polite and pleasant to even those of us who were mere grease monkeys. Classy is how I would describe her.

Years later, he was appointed as the AF Chief of Staff amid a bit of grumbling and controversy due to his being a rather junior General. He continued his steadfast leadership style of doing what was right and taking full responsibility for his actions. Integrity and Honor were not buzz words to General Fogelman, they were defining, unwavering commitments to him. He faced some very sensitive issues during his watch, and finally resigned a year early in what I feel is one of the most courageous acts of leadership. He faced the problems with integrating women into the cockpit of offensive aircraft, to the aftermath of the Khobar Tower bombings with distinction. From his success in the Kelly Flinn case to his resignation over the politically motivated scape-goating of Brig. Gen. Terry Schwalier for the Khobar Towers attack, General Fogelman showed what real leadership is.

I'm proud to have served with so many fine, dedicated, real leaders, and sadly watch as they seem to becoming a dying breed. I read once that the Navy used to be made up of wooden ships and iron men, but now consisted of iron ships and wooden men. I know that is not entirely true; that in today's military there are still plenty of iron men and women. However, the civilian side of the leadership equation is sadly lacking in that department. I only hope and pray that the iron men and women survive, and go on to change the paradigm of civilian leadership.

I found this article from several months ago that describes General Fogelman's resignation and compares his leadership to what happened recently with Obama's criminal (in my opinion) delay in getting needed troops to Afghanistan. Pay particular attention to General Fogelman's statement:

“As chief of staff of the United States Air Force, charged with providing military advice to the civilian leadership that the civilian leadership did not value for whatever reason, I had become ineffective as a spokesman. This was a crowd that took any kind of military advice that ran counter to administration policy or desires as a sign of disloyalty on the part of the person providing the advice. That was one element; the other was based on what I had seen and the way the Khobar Towers tragedy had been handled. I simply lost respect and confidence in the leadership that I was supposed to be following.”

Iron man.

Call to Arms

I'm stumped. And I'm scared. The country I love and willing to die for is being fundamentally changed into something I don't recognize; where personal achievement and success is punished by the government. Where the very foundations of this nation are being destroyed by those who are sworn to protect her. Each and every member of Congress took an oath very similar to the one I took over and over during my military service; ...to SUPPORT and DEFEND the CONSTITUTION of the United States against ALL ENEMIES, foreign and DOMESTIC... The apathy of the American people is appalling. To let our elected officials get away with destroying the fabric of the greatest nation in the history of man, is sickening. The greed of the non-contributing citizen coupled with the guilt of many for achieving success while others fail, added to the power-drunk politicians equals an environment that could very well be the downfall of America as we know it.

Healthcare is the first step and if we don't get off our backsides and stop them right now, in their tracks, America will no longer be the "Shinning city on the hill" the world looks to in times of trouble. She will no longer be a beacon of truth and light to the down-trodden masses. Instead, she will become a used up whore.

It's time to stand up or stand aside. Pray endlessly for our country. Attend functions, campaign for worthy candidates and without fail, write, call and visit your representatives that voted or otherwise supported this disastrous legislation and let them know you will do everything in your power to see them run out of town on a rail.

God save us from our "representatives".

UPDATE

Bob Lonsberry has a great piece over at his site.

As usual, my friend Cara has a terrific analysis of this illuminating poll.

Go over and give it a read; you won't be disappointed.

Scary Shit

This is scary. The economy is in a death spiral and unless it is stopped, and stopped ASAP, we're going down.

Petulant Jackass

What a spoiled little jackass we have running the country. Instead of arguing his point, he tries to bully his position. "The election is over..." in other words, shut up. We're playing in my yard so I make the rules.

As the 2 or three people who read this blog know, I'm vehemently opposed to this so called health care reform. I'm sick of the semantics and creative financing touted as being a good thing. For example, the latest cry from the left is that the insurance companies want to raise their rates in spite of the fact that they made billions in profits. Well, let's take a look at that. First of all, not all health insurance companies made such large profits, Here is the latest info I could find. Secondly, the amount of profit doesn't mean anything. It's the profit MARGIN that tells whether or not a company is gouging the customer. Anyone who has run a business knows that anything under a 7% profit margin is near impossible to stay in business. So what is the health care insurance average profit margin? 3.4%. The reason for the large profits is the VOLUME of sales, not the gouging of customers. The only way you can sustain a business on 3.4% profit is by large volumes. Adult beverages averaged over 25% profit. Where's the out cry there?

I have a vested interest in health care reform; my lovely wife is a health care provider. Right now, her clinic is losing money, mainly for two reasons. First, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements are so low that they are having to refuse new patients with these programs. Second, the other insurance companies are running scared (my opinion) and are not reimbursing in a timely manner.

Another popular line out there now is the promise "...not to add one dime to our deficit." or "The plan will be deficit neutral." Sounds good right? Um, not so much cause you see the 1 plus TRILLION dollars has to come from somewhere, and the ONLY place the US government gets money to spend is from TAXES. Nothing is free. They try and spin it so it sounds free, but the only way it can happen is to raise taxes or cut spending somewhere. Yeah right, cut over a trillion dollars somewhere else in the budget? Ain't happening.

I'm not the smartest guy in the room although I do have an IQ higher than Joe Biden; but the fact is simple, basic economics proves that this approach to health care reform is the wrong way. Besides, if it was so f'ing good, why is congress exempting themselves from it?

Whew, my blood pressure is going up, and the way things are going, I won't be able to get health care, so I'd better shut up now.

Telling It Like It Is

This guy is giving me hope for our government.

It's about damn time that the clowns in office figure out that business as usual ain't gonna cut it anymore.

The Freedom to Breath

There is a bill on the table in Arizona that needs to be passed. Colorado needs to copy this bill and pass it ASAP.

God save the 10th amendment!

Aviation Pr0n :)

Military aviation was my profession for most of my life, and now falls into my fetish category. This video shows the simply amazing maneuverability of the Raptor (F22).

Boy, I can see why congress decided to stop production on it. I mean c'mon, who needs Air Superiority anyway? We'll just step up production of this little wonder instead.

Thanks to Laura for the video link.

Conservatism

My friend Cara has a great post about Conservatism. Once again she writes what I want to say.

He is at it again. All I can say is FUBO. Why is bipartisanship always defined as Republicans abdicating to Democrats? He is so full of shit it makes my head hurt. I listened to him today squawking about how the Repulicans need to stop obstructing and bring some ideas to the table. Again, let me say this. Better yet, in the one's own language... "Let me be perfectly clear," ttthe Repulicans have been bringing ideas, good ideas, to the table and the DEMONcrats are the ones dismissing them out of hand. Again, FUBO.

I never in my life thought I'd utter these words, but it might just be time for a revolution. Mr Obama can revolve his ass on the foot America needs to plant there.

FUBO; figure it out.

Un-frickin-believable: U.S. Military Serving as Chauffeurs, Babysitters for the Pelosi Kids: Receipts That Will Blow Your Mind

Un-frickin-believable: U.S. Military Serving as Chauffeurs, Babysitters for the Pelosi Kids: Receipts That Will Blow Your Mind

Visit the site, see the evidence and get pissed.

speaker Pelosi needs to be brought up on charges ASAP.

The president (yeah, not capitalized) never ceases to amaze me. He goes in front of the Republicans during their retreat and blames them for "obstructing" progress.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the democrats, his party, had a filibuster proof majority for a year, and failed to accomplish anything (thank God!). So how did the republicans obstruct progress?

The president is giving them credit for a lot more power than they actually held. How about this Mr. O; the American people put the (deserved) fear of God into your party (and hopefully into the rhinos) and prevented your socialistic agenda.

I just wonder what color the sky is in his little fantasy world. Gotta hand it to him, he has some set of huevos.

Am I The Only One Tired Of It All?

Several things have been rambling around inside my noggin lately, but I just don't seem to have the energy to put it all down on paper.

Chris Dodd; I think his decision to not seek reelection is simply this: By not running, he is free to shove healthcare reform, cap and trade and any other legislation not wanted by the majority of Americans down our throat with out repercussion. Discuss.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab: He is NOT a SUSPECTED terrorist, nor did he ALLEGEDLY try and blow up flight 253. He IS a terrorist and he DID try and blow up flight 253. He set his fucking balls on fire trying to do it; that is conclusive to anyone I know.
Feel free to talk amongst yourselves.

Janet Napolitano: Can anyone be a more embarrassing head of an organization? Wait, oh yeah... Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid... Never mind.

TSA Agents: Good on them for identifying and detaining the guy in Bakersfield, but then being overcome by honey fumes? What a bunch of clowns.

Media and the Left: When will the statute of limitations run out on blaming GWB for everything? Your thoughts?

Sorry for the lack of deep thinking over here, I just ain't into it right now.

A Senatorial Non-response

At least Senator Bennet responded to my letter. Senator Udall has a bad habit of turning off his phones and ignoring critical emails.

This is what Sen. Bennet wrote me, and my responses I'll be sending back to him.

Dear Rude1: 



Thank you for contacting me regarding comprehensive health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you. 



On Saturday, November 21st, the Senate voted to begin debate on The Patient Protection and Affordability Act. I also voted to start debate on this bill. We're going to go through weeks of debate and amendments to improve the bill.

Please explain to me Senator, why you and your colleagues insist on improving this bill, instead of starting at the beginning by identifying the problem (supposedly sky-rocketing insurance costs), narrowing the problem down to root causes, and writing a bill that will fix THAT problem instead of turning the world’s best healthcare system into a bureaucratic nightmare?

That is the right process to go through. If we stick with it and we do the hard work that people in Colorado and across the country need us to do, we will have made a meaningful difference.

Define meaningful difference please sir. Wouldn’t a better plan of action focus on making meaningful, quantifiable improvements? 



If we are going to solve the fiscal problems that threaten our economy and our kids’ future, we need to pass effective reform that will rein in skyrocketing health care costs.

Again, have you and the brilliant minds in Washington identified the root causes of these rising costs? If so, then why aren’t the lawyers who instigate frivolous malpractice suits for astronomical settlements being vilified instead of the insurance companies? You know, the companies who have to PAY the astronomical settlements, with money from their fees. Why is there such a vicious opposition to tort reform?

This bill will significantly reduce the deficit, bring down costs and provide affordable health insurance to all Americans.

How exactly, and what do you mean by significantly? Currently our annual deficit is close to 1.5 TRILLION dollars; that to me sir is significant. How can yet another government program reduce that when said program will cost over a trillion dollars itself? Stop telling me how great this is and start showing me the numbers. I’m sorry Senator, but your word on this is not good enough. I’m still confused as to how increased government programs can result in decreased deficit? Simple economics deems this impossible. Where will the money come from? How will the cost of health insurance go down? Will the decreased cost offset the increased taxes? Please don’t tell me that only the “rich” will be taxes to pay for this. We both know that is not true. Don’t tell me you are going to make existing programs more efficient to cover these costs. Instead sir, why don’t you make them more efficient NOW? Prove to me that you can and will fix the broken existing systems before you ask me to fund another sinking ship.

Now is the time to put politics and special interests aside and enact meaningful, fiscally-responsible health care reform that will put our families, our small businesses and our country on a sounder footing for generations to come.

Okay, I agree that we need to put aside politics and special interests. Now I expect YOU to adhere to your own words. From what I see out of Washington, your definition of putting politics and special interest aside means that anyone opposed to this farce of legislation needs to abandon their beliefs and embrace yours. Stop with the worthless rhetoric and put some action behind your own words; put your money where your mouth is.

Coloradans, like all Americans, want a health care system that affords real choice – so you can keep your doctor – and you can select the health coverage that best suits your needs and those of your family. Reform must also end annual double-digit increases to health care costs, and promote better access to affordable quality care for more families. Coloradans want these changes accomplished in a fiscally responsible way. We should be open to any and all options that will help achieve these goals.

Yes you should be Senator, but you are not. If you were, TORT reform would be at the forefront of this legislation, abortion provisions would be strictly forbidden, tax breaks for personal insurance would be key, and portable insurance, not allowance of pre-existing conditions, would be critical facets of the bill. 



Coloradans are frustrated because they are seeing double digit increases in their premiums, do not have adequate access to doctors and nurses and, in many cases, are being completely shut out of the system.

No sir, we are frustrated that YOU and your colleagues refuse to listen to what we’re saying. NO ONE is refused treatment in this country. I’d like for you to provide concrete, verifiable examples of these claims of people being “shut out of the system” or denied adequate access to healthcare. 
We’re frustrated that our government continues to spend money like an out of control spoiled socialite with no sense of responsibility. 


Small businesses are under enormous pressure to stay competitive in this economy. As health care becomes more costly, small and even large businesses are dropping employer-based coverage, leaving individuals at-risk of unaffordable coverage, or denials due to pre-existing conditions.

Okay, let’s talk pre-existing conditions. Why can’t I buy auto insurance that will fix my previously wrecked car? Because it is fiscally irresponsible! You cannot expect anyone to pay a few hundred dollars in start up premiums and immediately put in a claim for tens of thousands and expect it to be paid! This argument for pre-existing conditions is ludicrous. No company can sustain itself (make a profit) by doing business this way. Health insurance is no different. A better option here Senator is to open interstate commerce for health insurance, thus making it portable and open to competition (which would not only reduce the pre-existing condition argument, but would in fact lower coverage costs; again, simple economics).

Colorado leads the nation in entrepreneurship and innovation and we cannot allow health care costs to continue to be such a burden to our businesses. 



We must also invest in cutting-edge medical research to save lives and bring competitive biotechnology jobs to Colorado. We must be committed to establishing a fair Medicare and Medicaid payment system that does not hurt providers and does not put beneficiaries at risk of losing coverage.

You are already too late on this one sir; reimbursement to providers is already so low that healthcare providers are forsaking new Medicare and Medicaid patients in droves. If you cannot provide just compensation to providers now, how do you propose to do so with even more people covered?

I will continue to support legislation to modernize our health care system by encouraging hospitals, nursing facilities, health centers, and physicians to keep investing in information technology, saving both lives and dollars.

Nice words Senator, but how do you expect them to pay for these investments? It seems to me that the money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere will be increased costs to the patient for services, or through government assistance. Government assistance would mean higher taxes wouldn’t it sir? So how does this help lower costs again? 



I hear countless stories from Coloradans across our state about how year after year they have paid for private insurance only to discover that when they needed coverage the most, it wasn’t there.

Really Senator, countless stories just from within Colorado? I find that EXTREMELY hard to believe. In a state this size, I would figure there is probably less than 50 examples of this, and that is being generous. By the way Senator, did you happen to get any details of these examples? What were the circumstances behind your so-called countless examples? Were they legal citizens, did they pursue all available avenues to help themselves or did they simply throw up their hands and cry “Government save me!”?

The public option is a common-sense approach that would inject competition into the marketplace, drive down costs, and provide affordable health insurance for Coloradans.

Based on what, the example of Canada or Great Britain’s exemplary systems? Or maybe based on some computer model where only select data is input to guarantee the results you want?

If we are going to require people to have insurance, we need to make sure they have a choice.

Explain to me again WHY you feel the need to REQUIRE people to have insurance? Oh that’s right, you have never explained this yet…

A public option should be just that, an option, one of a number of choices – public, private, and non-profit – that families and small businesses can choose from. The public option should also be affordable, self-sustaining, and shouldn’t pay at Medicare reimbursement rates.

And why shouldn’t it pay at Medicare reimbursement rates? Is it because Medicare is a broken system, a sinking ship? Or are you proposing that this wonderful new option would pay at an even LESS rate than Medicare pays? 



As the Senate continues its work to address this crisis, I will keep your thoughts in mind. I value the input of fellow Coloradans in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate. I hope you will continue to inform me of your thoughts and concerns.

Crisis sir? What crisis? According to poll after poll after poll; the majority of Americans are happy with their healthcare. This “crisis” is a manufactured scenario that Washington has created to pander to non-contributing individuals and the guilt complex of the rest. Don’t worry Senator, I certainly will continue to keep you informed, but I’m not sure why since you have failed to address even one of my concerns. Instead you send me a letter that by all accounts reads like a talking point paper, yet fails to address or even mention a single point I raised. I say again, LISTEN to us and stop the lies! 



For more information about my priorities as a U.S. Senator, I invite you to visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov/. Again, thank you for contacting me. 





Sincerely, 


Michael Bennet

United States Senator



Please do not respond to this email. To send another message please visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov and fill out the webform for a prompt response. Thank you.

Open Letter to Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall

Senators Bennet and Udall,
It is my duty as a registered and active voter to inform you of my dismay and dissatisfaction at the direction you and your colleagues are heading with the so-called “Health Care Reform.” You Sir are preying on the fears of the uninformed and are ignoring the wants and wishes of the majority of citizens of Colorado and these United States. You Sir were sent to Washington to represent the interests of the people of the State of Colorado; not to get caught up in the frenzy of passing feel good legislation that has little or no value added benefit.

This proposed legislation is constantly being described as historic, revolutionary, urgent, or many other worthless platitudes that never actually say anything. We’re constantly being told that the “status quo” is no longer an option. Let me tell you something Senator; the “status quo” is a better option than what is currently being proposed. The “status quo” is still the best health care system in the world, where no one is left untreated, despite what the spin doctors say. Yes it has faults, yes there should be changes and improvements; but heed the age-old cliché: “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!”

This legislation is being written behind closed doors, and we the people are being purposely misled as to its contents. The costs involved can and will have catastrophic consequences to our economy. Those of you in Washington can spin the numbers with your creative accounting, but at the end of the day, this sort of reckless spending and sleight of hand financing will have dire results. The back alley shenanigans and down right lies need to stop now! If you are so supportive of this bill, then put it out there where we can read it, analyze it, and come to our own conclusions. It’s time that you and yours quit underestimating the intelligence of the American people.

It’s amazing to me that out of all the highly educated people on Capitol Hill, not one seems to have applied even the most basic of problem solving skills to identify the root cause(s) of the increasing health care costs. If they had, the legislation being proposed would be drastically and significantly different than what you are all fighting for, and it would probably have the support of the majority of the people. The US government spent a lot of time and money teaching me how to identify root causes and implement effective changes. I offer those services to you should you really want to fix the problem.

I urge you Senator to do what is right for the people of Colorado, to listen to the majority of your constituents. You asked for this job. The primary action required on your part to keep this job, is to do what your constituents want you to do, NOT to do what YOU want to do.

The people of Colorado (and the rest of the country) are fed up with the elitist attitude prevalent in Washington. We are angry that those of you we sent to Washington are not listening to us. We don’t want half-baked legislation rushed through without careful and due consideration. We don’t want anything forced upon us, especially if you yourselves are not forced to live with the same legislation. Quit playing cute semantic games. If you support the legislation, then take out the loopholes that exempt you from your own legislation.

Get out and talk to the people Senator, and LISTEN to them. You may not agree with their views, but not only is it your job, but also your DUTY to support the majority. If you are not willing to do that, then you might as well start packing and say goodbye to the luxurious Washington lifestyle.

I’m urging you not to support this worthless legislation Senator. Stand up and be strong, do the right thing. You would do well to apply this philosophy to all legislation, not just this issue.

Respectfully,

Rude1

Respect? I Think Not

It's hard for me to respect someone who shows so little respect for all that I hold dear. I spent the majority of my life serving this great nation and I get a little riled up when anyone, especially anyone in power, disrespects this country or by extension, any of the symbols of it. Be it the National Anthem, the Flag, or the uniform of those who protect her, do NOT disrespect this country that better men and women than me have given so much for.





As a leader, I know the importance of image. You must portray an air of confidence, strength and ability. You do NOT show weakness or servitude to your peers. Doing so undermines your ability to lead; you become a joke, a puppet. Your subordinates, peers and superiors lose confidence in you.





I will always respect the office of the President; but I can NEVER respect the man currently holding it. His staff, or anyone else can spin his actions any way they want. Bottom line is he is in way over his head and is not only disrespecting this great nation, but is driving her right into the fires of hell.

The President of the United States bows to no one.

SLAM!

BR posted this video of the attorney general (not capitalized on purpose) getting rightfully slammed by Sen. Graham about his decision to try KSM and others in federal court. I listened to parts of the hearing the other day and couldn't get over the ineptitude of the AG. He kept trying to justify his decision by saying that 5 others were being tried by the military. It seems fishy to me that there is exactly the same number being tried by military as there are being tried in civilian court. Using his own argument, at least two of the five being tried in military court should have been tried in federal court.

IMHO, this is just another case of political showmanship by this administration. The only possible reason for this theater is to put the Bush administration and their policies on trial; not to seek justice.

I'm not the smartest guy in the room, but I do know that the majority of the condemning evidence will not be allowed in a civilian court. Also, there is already grounds for an appeal based on presumption of guilt statements made by not only the AG, but by the president himself (no cap on purpose). Both have all but stated that KSM will be found guilty and sentenced to death.

Sorry Mr. ag and Mr. president, but the pair of you have screwed the pooch on this one. Hard to believe that two so highly educated men, and lawyers to boot, could make such a basic mistake. But then, it isn't a mistake is it?

How cool would it have been to see Sen Graham stand up and tell Holder just after the video ends "Kapow, take that Slappy!"