Spineless

"...as soon as we commit militarily, a good portion of the country starts questioning everything. Some think it's a mark of our civility, but that seems to be making a virtue of spinelessness. If we don't even have the moral courage to know our right to defend ourselves as a country, how can anyone take us seriously?"

This is probably one of the best editorials I have read in a while. Although IMAO is known for their humor, today, Frank J. posted a serious editorial that I feel goes right to the heart of one of the biggest problems in America. This writing also opens up many questions and issues that I feel are vital that we address.

I'm with Fred

"I am tired of people apologizing for America, the greatest beacon of hope for all freedom seeking people in the world."
-Fred Thompson

It is refreshing to hear words like this spoken by some one who could possibly be our next president. I know that if Fred runs, he will have my vote.

If you haven't, go check out his blog, Fred File.

Let us remember

For love of country they accepted death...
~James A. Garfield

On this Memorial Day, let us remember those who have given their last measure for our freedom.

Also, be sure to say a prayer for those who are currently serving our country during the ongoing War on Terrorism.



And to my Air Force brethren:

Here's a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down they soared to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!

Fireside Chats Revived

In my last post I mentioned Fred Thompson's internet video response to Micheal Moore's challenge. In that post I was discussing the contents of the video - I want to step back a minute and talk about the format itself.

Candidates issuing videos is nothing new, however, Fred Thompson posted this response just hours after Moore made the initial challenge. I believe this bods well for his candidacy if he runs. Most candidates run topics by their advisers and opinion polls before issuing a statement. Fred Thompson has shown that he is not afraid to make his views known by issuing a digital video - imagine how far ahead he could stay of his opponents if he continued this throughout the campaign - blindsiding opponents before they can even consider a response.

Let's take this idea of digital videos one step further. Pretend for a moment Thompson is elected president. Imagine a weekly video from Thompson posted on youtube. This could be the modern day version of Roosevelt's fireside chats. By speaking directly to the citizens on a weekly basis using this new format, Thompson could truly be a president of the people. Than again, so could any president that is wise enough to use this new tool.

Media

It's still a long ways out, but you can't help but hear about the presidential candidates. I'm not paying too much attention to all the gossip about them, primarily because the man I want in office hasn't announced he is in the running yet - Fred Thompson. Thompson is a man among boys - if you have been living under a rock and missed his response to Micheal Moore, go watch it now. I swear I'll get an alias just so I can vote for this man twice.

I did happen to watch Rudy Giuliani on Letterman last night and was impressed by some of his answers to Dave's queries. Letterman kept asking questions slanted to try to get Rudy to blame Bush for Iraq, buy Rudy wouldn't give it too him. Letterman kept on digging trying to sling mud on Bush, but Rudy just stuck to his guns. This is one of the things that sickens me - the media will take absolutely anything and try to use it to make Bush look bad. They hate him so vehemently it clouds their every thought.

How I long for the days when major media outlets actually cared about reporting the truth.

A Table in the Presence

A very close friend of mine gave me a book this past Sunday that he thought I would enjoy reading. It is "A Table in the Presence" by LT. Carey Cash. I don't read books that often, but sometime about this book really caught my attention.

LT. Cash served in Iraq during the initial invasion as a chaplain attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. The cover of the book bills it as "The Dramatic Account of How a U.S. Marine Battalion Experienced God's Presence Amidst the Chaos of the War in Iraq".

I am only two chapters into the book, but it has been excellent so far. LT. Cash has described how God was present with these Marines no matter what. I have found this to be very inspirational, because lately, as shameful as it is to admit this, I have struggled with some doubts. I don't think it is any coincidence that my friend chose now to loan me this book.

I plan to post a some more complete thoughts on this book when I finish it, but so far I would highly recommend it.

Mourning

Today, well, today has been an interesting day to say the least.

Today, I had the honor of paying my respects to a young man who laid down his life for our country. Twenty year-old Private First Class Chad Marsh was killed in action Feb. 18th when a grenade exploded near him in Baghdad, Iraq.

Twenty years old -- just a few months older than me. When I found out his funeral procession would be passing by near to where I live, deep down I felt that I needed to be there. After lunch, I picked out a spot along the procession route and waited. After about 45 minutes the roar of motorcycles could be heard in the distance. As I rose to my feet, they came into view - a flag waving group of motorcycles escorting a hearse, followed by a hummer and more motorcycles, and finally the family and friends. Other passing motorists stopped their vehicles and stood beside them to pay their respects.

I have not cried in recent memory, but today for this young soldier I did not know, I cried.