Hear! Hear!

To Freedom!

Posted by: Pass It On at May 29, 2006 10:37 AM

I fiercely love my country and have so much respect for our fighting people and I am very grateful for them. I do wish, however, that we would get them out of that mess in the middle east and just let the muslims fight it out.

Posted by: fireangel at May 29, 2006 10:50 AM

My greatest hope on this Memorial Day is that our political, and military leaders will form a greater understanding of how entrenched the world of Islam is within its Ideology and core beliefs.

Most of us before 9-11 had very little understanding about Islam. We tried to fight, and win a war against dictators, despots,and Islamic terrorism after 9-11.

Our causes where noble in the defence of freedom within the western world, but in the end we find ourselves up against those that we tried to liberate,defend,and befriend because their real and final allegiances still belongs to Islam.

GOD BLESS our American Soldiers and those fellow troops from other countries that have tried to make a difference.

Posted by: Mackie at May 29, 2006 11:15 AM

Here's an awesome video tribute to the troops:

http://livedigital.com/content/309642/p1

God bless America...

Posted by: Dumb Ox at May 29, 2006 11:21 AM

Great vid Ox.Check this one out:http://www.nmam.org/wesupportu.htm

Thank you verterans!!That made it posible for me and my family to live free.May God continue to bless you and America!!

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 11:33 AM

RS,

A special thanks to YOU, because we all know criticizing Islam means there is a constant threat of death over you and everyone at JW/DW. You are not unlike a soldier, but your weapons are far more powerful than those wielded by our modern military.

While I hopefully have your attention, I implore you to ignore my ill-founded advice of several months ago, and stop answering critics like Esmay and Larry Auster in kind. Even though you are technically correct when you engage these sort of people, it serves no purpose. In fact, it brings you down to their level. If anything, I suggest finding a way to establish a personal rapport with your critics (here I go again with ideas that might backfire). Answer personal attacks by complimenting that which you find agreeable. This will bring more interest to you and your ideas, and might win you some allies from among your detractors. Obviously Larry Auster deserves different treatment than Esmay, but in the end neither one sees himself as a friend of the global Jihad. Try not to take criticism personally. It is a quite sincere form of flattery, akin to immitation. They are jealous of your audience, as well as the way you have the evidence on your side. We are not battling these people, we are battling the global Jihad. Magnanimity is in order, even if it is unrequited.

Esmay and his ilk are playing out their own difficulty with their religion; their dissembling is not taqqiya but rather a way of dealing with their own confusion. I for one admire Esmay's willingness to criticize his own canonical texts. He is not a dogmatic thinker and has taken the half step out of Islam; children raised by someone like him will most likely stray still further and perhaps see the relition for what it is. If more Muslims were like him, we would have fewer problems, though it might take a generation or two to play out. Try to take the long view.

Posted by: Quijybo at May 29, 2006 12:08 PM

Tears For Your Fallen


Just the thought of what
you went through
and the lasting memory
of the loss of your loved one,
who died serving
our great country
and fellow Americans
grips this parent's heart,
so very much that
words fail to capture
what truly yours must feel.
I see the little one
with those innocent bright eyes
and toothless happy grins
giving those adoring big hugs
out of pure, unconditional love...
even now as an adult.
Misty eyes, followed by the tears,
cannot be hidden,
knowing a parent's blind love
of their child can only be expressed
in memories past,
looking upwards Above in prayer,
sharing words with loved ones and friends,
and somber visits to the grave.
And while there will always be
that tremendous pride
in valiantly being there
for country, fellow citizens, and you...
nothing can ever replace
seeing your little one grown,
walking through the door
and giving you
a happy, loving smile
and a big ole hug.
By David G. Bancroft

THE FINAL
INSPECTION
The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
~Author Unknown~

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 12:14 PM

Quijybo:

Esmay is not a Muslim.

Cordially
Robert Spencer

Posted by: jihadwatch at May 29, 2006 12:16 PM

"Esmay is not a Muslim"

But he is a useful idiot. For both sides, interestingly enough.

Posted by: USAFan at May 29, 2006 12:28 PM

I like that line about 'Wilsonian adventurism'. There are two kinds of conservatives: those who are sober about our capabilities and about human nature in general, and those who drink the kool-aid of their own rhetoric. The so-called neocons had good intentions; the leftists who deny them that are simply nasty and ignorant. However, there was a deplorable failure to understand Islam as well as the reality on the ground in the Middle East, which I find curious in those who claim to be so 'intellectual', like the good folks over at Commentary and like-minded organizations. Then again, in any gamble, there is a chance of success. Still, it's better to plan according to realistic probabilities. A little fear of unintended consequences doesn't hurt either. It helps to keep us sane.

Posted by: Benjamin at May 29, 2006 12:39 PM

I would like to give my gratitude from the UK for all the US servicemen who gave their lives and their futures to ensure that we had the freedoms many are taking for granted today in Europe and the UK. Thanks lads, you will be remembered.

Posted by: IceDragon at May 29, 2006 12:45 PM

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

"It is courage than vanquishes in war, not weapons."

Best to all on this Memorial Day.

Posted by: profitsbeard at May 29, 2006 12:46 PM

THIS TYPE OF PAIN
WE WOULD NOT KNOW
IF OFF TO WAR
WE DID NOT GO
BUT OFF TO WAR
WE HAD TO GO
TO RID THE WORLD
OF EVIL FOE
WE GAVE THEM THE CHANCE
TO DROP THEIR ARMS
TO GET RID OF THE TYRANNY
BEFORE THEY COULD DO SUCH HARM
BUT ALL THE CHANCES
CAME TO NO AVAIL
AND NOW OUR PEOPLE
ARE FACING HELL
SO LET US HOPE
AND LET US PRAY
TO BRING THEM HOME
LET'S FIND A WAY

The first step would be to make a statemnnent and get rid of that idiot Bush..

Posted by: eloivsdiablo at May 29, 2006 12:51 PM

We gave our hearts
We gave it all
Flame in the fire
Burns forevermore

The sorrow in believing
Honor and truth
Gray spires climbing
Wrapped around our youth

Peace in our life
Remember the call
Oh, a cheer for my brothers
Think of them all
Home of the brave
We'll never fall
The strength of our nation
Belongs to us all.

Time is the healing
of souls laid to rest
Peace is the virtue
Never forget
Tomorrow's an angel
Watching us all
Telling the people
she wraps around our hearts

Peace in our life
Remember the call
Oh, a cheer for my brothers
Think of them all
Home of the brave
We'll never fall
The strength of our nation
Belongs to us all.

Posted by: arjun.sevak at May 29, 2006 12:55 PM

The first step would be to make a statemnnent and get rid of that idiot Bush..
Ahmen to that.

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 12:55 PM

If you don't want Iraq and Afghanistan to be the battle space, where would you prefer that battle space to be?

If not here, WHERE?

If not now, WHEN?

If not at this time, when we maintain overall military and economic preponderance, at what time?

I would like to point something to Robert and Hugh.

Both of whom apparently adhere to the "tarbaby" description of our "Wilsonian" efforts in the middle east.

THE suggestion that we should embark upon a new Cold War with wider islam, WHEN WE ARE ON THE VERGE on initiating a similar Cold War against Peking, seems to me to be a recipe for defeat, or a recipe for a global collision without parallel in human history.

Think of it this way, as the decades unfold during the new Cold War against China and islam, DON'T YOU THINK they are going to see the common interests they share, don't you think they are going to see the reason and logic of joining forces to destroy or neutralize the United States? Instead of the isolation you desire to see, YOU WILL SEE THEM JOIN FORCES. They're already joining forces for purposes of illicit weapons and nuclear programs. It's already beginning.

That being the case, the solution to the problem must entail the ruination and destruction of militant islam, so that in the decades to come, we can focus our attention exclusively on Peking.

We are about to see our very economic hegemony SERIOUSLY THREATENED, in a way WE'VE never expereinced before.

You're both failing to see the WIDER battle space, which is now global.

Posted by: Dan at May 29, 2006 1:05 PM

Both of you focus too exclusively upon islam, and your overlooking the greatest threat to our power emerging in the FAR EAST, and not the mideast.

Posted by: Dan at May 29, 2006 1:07 PM

“For that any gratitude expressed in words would be insufficient,…”
Dear Robert,
Since the invention of money, expression of gratitude became quite a simple affair.
Our gratitude should be shown in a way we look after our military men, women and their families, especially the families which lost their loved ones in the line of duty.
In Australia, $60 bln goes to pay unemployment benefits to people, who simply do not want to work. A large portion of those benefits goes to the muslim community of Australia. In some areas the rate of unemployment is almost 30% among the muslim communities. The military budget is only 20% of what is paid in welfare.

Posted by: pong at May 29, 2006 1:12 PM

Ice Dragon,

that goes both ways. We in the States are humbled by the friendship we've enjoyed with Great Britain over the many decades. We've known the hours, we've known the days, we've known battle, and we've known victory.

And we're not done yet.

Posted by: Dan at May 29, 2006 1:19 PM

Robert,

Thank-you for your heart-felt reflection on this Memorial Day 2006. The article spoke much better then what I can put in even my own words. For those who served the USA and post here as well as to remember those who gaved their very lives,each of yous did God's work. I came upon an article by Ben Stein expressing what I also have typed online.

http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=9877

Consider you are also a solder for freedom Robert and is doing God's work with the JW/DW website. Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

Posted by: bigcatgirl13106 at May 29, 2006 1:25 PM

Dan-- acknowledging one danger doesn't deny the existence of another. And, the jihadist issue is often intertwined with China, Russia, and North Korea. Those two blocs have been buddies for years, particularly through the Non-Aligned Movement, which, in spite of its name, closely tied its member states with the former Soviet Union.

But infidels are infidels, and eventually the Islamic states will turn on them as well: They may be all smiles now while making oil deals, but that's ammunition for blackmail on the part of the oil-producing countries later on.

Meanwhile, the nature of the Chinese threat is different: First, they have something to lose: Prosperity, economic power, and control over their population. That regime won't last forever; keeping the people fed and relatively content for the time being only delays their end.

Secondly, as atheists, the communist party elite have no afterlife as an incentive for martyrdom, let alone the eternal frat party that the mujahedin believe awaits them: He who dies in glory for the communist Motherland is still, well, dead.

Shifting gears, I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to our armed forces, past and present.

Posted by: Shinoliite at May 29, 2006 1:27 PM

Dan,

You say: "Both of you focus too exclusively upon islam, and your overlooking the greatest threat to our power emerging in the FAR EAST, and not the mideast."

This site is called "Jihad Watch."

You seem to be seeking a "China Watch," which you will have to find elsewhere.

Much as I would like to, I don't have time to watch everything. But in any case, please note that I have never said, and would never say, that the jihad is the only danger the U.S. faces in the world today.

Cordially
Robert Spencer

Posted by: jihadwatch at May 29, 2006 1:30 PM

LGF has several poems on the open thread. And a link to donate towards the minuteman fence.

Does anyone know what kind of camera Charles Johnson uses for his beautiful open thread photos?

And to all those serving, including my relative in Iraq (here's hoping he is safe) a heartfelt thank you.

My father lived with a war wound which made life difficult for him his whole life and never complained. The war he served in consumed his thoughts long after it was over (his whole life). I wish I could ask him what he thinks about fighting on land to free it only to have the country allow so much muslim immigration that the country will break apart and be destroyed. If he had seen the future would he have volunteered to fight for a country that would turn itself over to invaders without a shot? I don't think so. He barely escaped the fierce fighting, hand to hand and bayonet to bayonet. It makes me sad that those who fight overseas for their country whenever it asks cannot fight for their home turf without being called names and cannot protect their own neighborhoods without being called vigilanties, by their own leaders no less. I can still remember him saying that when he came back his neighborhood had been taken over. It still seems to be that way. While our soldiers are off fighting in other lands, this land is being handed over without a shot. What's it all for?

Posted by: Borg at May 29, 2006 1:45 PM

Thank you, to all those who have served and suffered for my Country.

If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbors. There is no other.
Carl Schurz

Posted by: Bar at May 29, 2006 1:51 PM

I woke up this morning thinking about what it means to be American...the good, the bad and the ugly.

I was thinking about the quintessentially American cultural icons we have and how unique they are:

The stream-of-consciousness lyricism of Bob Dylan, an extraordinary artistic innovation sung with "a voice like sand and glue,"; the sweet, sweet crooning of old 'Blue Eyes,'; the personna of a young Elvis; the political humor of Will Rogers; George Carlin's remarkable use of language; Richard Pryor's (God rest his soul) naked humanity emerging so starkly between his matter-of-fact use of expletives; the 'Duke' and his one-dimensional heroism; the complexities of character actors like Duston Hoffman and Meryle Streep; a writer like Hemingway, with all his human frailties and ego contributing somehow with great effect to his work; incredibly innovate dancers like Fred Astair and Gene Kelly; athletes par excellence, like Muhammad Ali, a mixed bag to be sure, but a remarkable personality and incredibly swift of hand and foot, the 'Babe,' Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, the list is endless...

Surely people as remarkable as these exist in other nations, but often go through life completely under the radar, their ultimate potential never realized. But these were allowed to rise and flourish in America...and only because of the opportunities afforded us, born of freedom.

Which brings us to the soldiers who have fought and died for this nation throughout its history. Got to be humbled by such brave souls.

Today, the young men and women fighting and sometimes dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are the cream of American society, laying it all on the line for their country. They are the real heros. As I sit in my own home, with only the mundane worries of a comfortable existence, I can only feel completely humbled.

God, get them home safely, sooner than later.

Posted by: Cornelius at May 29, 2006 1:59 PM

Muhammad I-won't-fight-for-this-country-that-hates-me-because-I'm-black-though-it-made-me-a-millionaire, islam-is-a-relion-of-peace Ali? You shouldn't use his name here. Cassius Clay chose the muslim name Muhammad Ali, a warrior who fought in Arabia, and then had the nerve to say islam means peace. Hypocrit.

Posted by: Borg at May 29, 2006 2:10 PM

It's never so true today that "Freedom isn't Free."
There is a price we must all pay for freedom in one form or another.

As a Vietnam era veteran I constantly remember those who gave the ultimate sacrafice before and after me.
I also remember the oath I swore when I enlisted in the U.S. Army: "I will defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."

We must also remember the words of the Revolutionary War Hero Patrick Henry;
"Give me Liberty or give me Death!"

Today, as a veteran, I am still ready to die for "Old Glory!"

Posted by: frazedog at May 29, 2006 2:13 PM

In fact that whole list, except for Elvis and Gene Kelly, did nothing for their country, except entertain it.

Posted by: Borg at May 29, 2006 2:14 PM

Nice name he choose too, Muhammad,what a man to admire,a dam pedifile.Did Cassius have a thing for little girls who are still playing with their dolls?

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 2:16 PM

Mr. Spencer,

I know you can't keep an eye on China too, and I'm stunned at your ability to keep abreast of all the events going on throughout islam. The amount of reading and research that you've invested is staggering.

My point is a rather narrow one. Especially it focuses on Mr. Fitzgerald's advocacy of a policy of isolation of islam, and disengagement from the region. He has other prescriptions, as you know, which are somewhat irrelevant for purposes of my critique.

A policy of isolation is going to take a long time to unfold. Simultaneous to that policy, we're seeing the rise of a powerful, nationalistic and autocratic China. The Chinese are buiding a blue water navy, purchasing a first rate air force, and spending hundreds of billions of dollars, which they've acquired through the trade imbalance, on weaponry, and on sophisticated weaponry at that.

China's economy is growing almost at 10% per annum.

If we seek to initiate simultaneous Cold Wars, we should anticipate our foes finding common interest, and making common cause.

And we've never faced anything quite like that.

The Cold War against the Soviet involved only the Soviet. Other Communist powers paled to the menace posed by Moscow.

So my critique isn't about your descriptions of islam, but only about the policy that we should adopt towards islam, and Iraq.

But I think you run an exceptional website.

And having blogged myself, I'm humbled at the amount of labour that has gone forth into the maintenance of not just one website, Jihadwatch, but TWO, Dhimmiwatch.

Posted by: Dan at May 29, 2006 2:18 PM

Pat Tillman should have been on that list,he had the EASY life,multi-million dollar contract,gave it up when we were attacked.Now thats a GREAT American.

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 2:20 PM

Amen to all of that, Robert.

It's a cliche, but we really do owe much of our way of life to our armed forces.

Hopefully, we will get our eyes back on target and fight the real threats to our lives; The Global Jihad.

Posted by: amana39 at May 29, 2006 2:22 PM

Americans were not attacked on 9/11, America was. America has grown into a universal symbol of freedom and hope for mankind. The most powerful nation on this planet and one of the few willing to risk its children to defend anyone in need. I can not say with confidence we were always right but I am confident we do our best. We can all be proud of the simple fact that we have done more good to further the cause of freedom than any nation ever. We routinely get attacked and threatened our good deeds are readily dismissed and yet our Nation still responds to all calls for help. God Bless America and help her smite those who oppose her.

Posted by: Ronin at May 29, 2006 2:25 PM

l am so thankful for the men and women who have fought for our freedom over the centuries. l am thankful for having a great neighbour to the south of me, knowing that they keep us safe. l am also thankful for our Canadian soldiers who have fought in all the wars alongside our American brothers and sisters and continue today in a small way in Afganistan. My uncle was a soldier in WW2, he said that he wished we had a true Canadian flag to fight under. he did get his wish in the 60's when we got our own flag. and now my niece's fiance is leaving soon for Afganistan, and l pray for his safety, yes the best and bravest fight to keep our freedoms, and
l will always be thankful.

Posted by: Lulu at May 29, 2006 2:28 PM

You have a gift, Robert, for stating the obvious--given the atmosphere of political correctness and appeasement (and the whole leftist ruse to defeat Western values and virtues in the miasma of "complexity" and moral equivocation) no mean feat!

Keep up your battle. And thank you.

Each one of us has to wage the struggle for truth and liberty where they find themselves. I happen to be on the frontline of the culture wars (in academia), risking only status and income. My admiration and respect for those who risked life and limb, and for those who paid the ultimate price for freedom, is unbounded.

God bless those great Americans!

D. Ox

Posted by: Dumb Ox at May 29, 2006 2:29 PM

"God Bless America and help her smite those who oppose her."

Amen to that, brother!

Posted by: jsla at May 29, 2006 2:54 PM

There is a website that many of you would enjoy, it has some slideshow tributes to our forces, it's over at GCS Distributing, { http://www.gcsdistributing.com/ }.

Posted by: Dan at May 29, 2006 3:17 PM

Amen to that, Robert. One thing we need to remember as our cowardly politicians continue to try to break this great nation up, allowing it to be divested for the sake of political correctness, is that all of these illegal aliens, and especially the Muslims, namely groups like MPAC and CAIR, have no regard for what it took to put this country together, or the sacrifices that came with it.

They are here for a free handout, and to further their Mohammedist agendas. They are no better than ticks on a dog's back. Leeches, sponges, and parasites.

Posted by: Prickzilla at May 29, 2006 3:29 PM

very nice dan

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 3:49 PM

http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/flag.htm

very moveing poem,was changed some after 9/11,to honor them

Posted by: patriot4 at May 29, 2006 3:53 PM

As many have said this day of Honor to those who have payed for my freedom. I owe you my deepest respect and graditude and I will never be able to pay my debt to you and your fellow American Soldiers. Blood is the payment for freedom and nothing else will satify it.

This and many other places of free speech and dialoge are a true testimony of what you died for. May the Lord keep you close to his heart and that your place in his house be the best of all.

Also on this day let's not forget those who have taken up the arms for freedom and have and still are fighing for it.

God bless you all and may God protect you from harm today and through out this struggle against this truely EVIL foe.

Posted by: rightofattila at May 29, 2006 4:14 PM

RE: Wilsonian adventures....

I guess WW1 was a Wilsonian adventure? On a day we honor those that paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy, I was disappointed to see such left-handed praise.

Second, Dan has it right, good post. "Where" & "When"

Posted by: GrimReaperxxx at May 29, 2006 4:17 PM

Today, let us never forget that "freedom is NEVER free ". It was bought by the lifeblood of those who have served.

God Bless those who have served and died for the USA.

Posted by: bigcatgirl13106 at May 29, 2006 4:18 PM

God keep the souls of those that have died to keep America and the world free and we pray to God to keep America free and our soldiers safe in the wars we are fighting and those that we will have to fight in the future to keep America free.

Freedom, the only choice at any cost and the cost has been with the blood and lives of countless American soldiers to keep America free.

Thanks to all that have gone before and to those serving and those that will serve in this valiant endeavor to keep America and the world forever free.

God bless.

The Texican.

Posted by: Texican at May 29, 2006 4:29 PM

As a Navy veteran of six years and for my brother that served ten in the Air Force, my other brother that served eight in the Army and for my cousin a SGTMAJ in the Marines on his third tour of Iraq I thank you for you kind comments and consideration.
God Bless America and may she shine among nations.

Posted by: disciple at May 29, 2006 5:38 PM

As a European I too would like to express my deep gratitude to America for the sacrifices she and her people have made on our behalf. No nation could ever have been a better friend. I am so proud of you.

I would also like to offer my apologies for the hateful, ignorant ingratitude that so many of Europeans espouse. They are merely projecting their unbearable shame, for all the suffering and horror that they have visited on the world, onto America.

Thank you and please forgive us.

Posted by: seanb at May 29, 2006 5:43 PM

Borg, I can't speak about Gene Kelly, but The Pelvis spent two years in an armored division in Germany. By all accounts his service was very ordinary, and he was not given special privledges. Rumors exist that Elvis' getting drafted was orchestrated by Tom Parker because of the negative attitude toward Elvis from the older generation. It was a gamble that paid off. Nevertheless, Elvis has a military resume similar to many young men who were drafted in the late fifties during the cold war and before Viet Nam.

Posted by: Pelayo at May 29, 2006 5:46 PM

Again and again American soldiers have not only fought for America's freedom and safety, but as well for the safety and freedom of others.

Thank you, America.

When I was a small girl my grandfather taught me never to forget to be grateful to the American soldiers who liberated us from hell. Never to forget those brave American soldiers, who fought and died in a war far away from their home and who were the only cause that I was born in a free country. Never to forget their astonishing, unexpected and undeserved friendliness during occupation. And I have not forgotten and have taught the same to my son and I'm sure, he will teatch it to the children he might have in future.

Thank you, America.

I remember your recend words, dear Robert, that you won't give in Europe. That was astonishing friendliness as well. Why on earth do you Americans still like us? Why don't you hate Europe with all her anti-american dhimmi-politicians, dhimmi-media and dhimmi-peaceniks, with all their "critisism", which is not critisism but nothing more than ungratefulness and self-rightous stupidity? I don't know why. And indeed I don't really understand your friendliness towards us. But I feel happy and grateful, that you are what you are.

Thank you, America.

I feel warm with all your soldiers who defend our civilization, our freedom in the Middle East hellholes. And I feel humbled when I think of all those who got hurt physically and psychically and those who lost their dearest ones. May your heroes come home to you safe as soon as possible and my God comfort all those who are crying and lamenting someone.

Thank you, America. Danke.

Posted by: Eisvogel at May 29, 2006 7:00 PM

Medlaw, don't get paranoid about the Indians, they are good people and are probably just being pragmatic. They are fully aware of the danger that their huge, undemocratic neighbour presents. Now is not the time to make new enemies. Furthermore, Indian Hindus have suffered more than any other nation on Earth from the barbarism of jihad and have much more experience of this than America. India is a semi-member of the anglosphere and Bush was correct in trying to draw them closer in.
Not all foreigners are America's enemies.

Posted by: seanb at May 29, 2006 7:40 PM

Borg-

Ernest Hemingway, who was rejected for regular military service because of a bad eye, then volunteered as a Red Cross ambulance driver in WW I, where he was wounded and decorated for heroism.

The story of "A Farewell to Arms" is based on his experiences in combat.

He was also a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War, writing to warn the slumbering world about the threat of the fascists (who served in false Spanish uniforms from Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy).

In WW II he again worked as a journalist and crossed the English Channel with American troops on D-Day, joining up with the 4th Armored Division, and participated in the seige of Normandy, the liberation of Paris, and the Battle of the Bulge first hand.

Not bad for a 4-F.

As he said:

"Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated."

Posted by: profitsbeard at May 29, 2006 8:18 PM

Somewhere I took a wrong turn and ended up at “China Watch”.

Cordially, Off topic

Posted by: Bar at May 29, 2006 8:18 PM

IceDragon:

And I thank the Brits and Aussies who have fought with my father against Japanese imperialism decades ago and who are currently fighting with my son against Islamic fascism today.

Posted by: Don Miguel at May 29, 2006 8:28 PM

thanks, profitsbeard I didn't know that about him.

And may I say I always enjoy your writings and all but once (Auster but maybe I don't know enough there either) have completely agreed with your views. Any info on yourself you can share?

Posted by: Borg at May 29, 2006 9:16 PM

I'm late here, but I'd like to join those in thanking all our men & women in uniform who protect our freedoms. Since we have quite a few of them posting here, I'd like to personally salute those of you who are serving = past, present & future - and happen to be reading this.

Since Memorial Day has passed, I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend.

Posted by: Infidel Pride at May 30, 2006 12:18 AM

borg-

My military service involved killing no one (although I'd like to strangle the idiots at the VA who recently lost my and 27 millions other vets' vital info stored stupidly on a stolen laptop) but in listening to foreign pilots in code. Not in Arabic, unfortunately, (because I would have gladly offered my services to the Army after 9/11) having served before the fall of the Berlin Wall, when Eastern European languages were more in demand.

After that... well, any further info might give those who like using knives on necks more data than they really need.

Wearing Kevlar daily is nothing I want to have to do, yet, or worrying about my dogs being poisoned, since hair-up-their-butt, potentially-violent Mohammedans are everywhere (last week I spotted a guy in the nearest city to me wearing a T-shirt that simply said "MUSLIM" and thought: "Thanks for warning me."), and I'm sure they trade irritating infidels' names over the net.

Let them worry about who I might be.

Perhaps the unlikely-looking guy standing right next to them.

Maybe reading a well-thumbed Penguin al-Qur'an.

Or chuckling to myself about Bukhari's Hadith 2;26;666.

(Possibly helping Larry Auster pick up his dropped copy of "How To Win Friends And Influence People"?)

Posted by: profitsbeard at May 30, 2006 1:36 AM

Dear ALL, it is still Memorial Day for me, as I wipe the tears away after reading all the words of love, support, hope, and much gratitude offered to all those who are putting their lives on the line every moment for what we cherish and appreciate the most - FREEDOM.
May God keep them safe, and may they return home to their loved ones soon.

Posted by: freetoBEfree at May 30, 2006 3:00 AM

You are ALL very welcome. Thank you for the appreciation you have expressed. I must say, it is nice to be home with my family for Memorial Day, though a part of me feels duty bound to be destroying the enemy with my brothers.

Posted by: Knight4AO at May 30, 2006 6:56 PM

Dumb Ox,
Great video. I want to save it on my computer. I tried to download it from grouchymedia.com but their link is not working. Could you help me get a copy ?

Posted by: arjun.sevak at June 1, 2006 12:12 PM