20 Minutes in Falluja

This video from the BBC is a must see.

It is the best I have seen so far. I usually look a bit askance at anything by the BBC, but this is an exception.

1% of the reporter’s comments aside; simply outstanding.

Hat Tip: BLACKFIVE

Update: The Commissar over at "The Politburo Diktat" makes a great point.

This is what I think of when I think of "war reporting," but somehow, in this conflict, we are offered Abu Ghraib, Kevin Sites, and unarmored-Humvee-Q&A as "war reporting." A welcome, and informative, piece.

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UPDATE II - Electric Boogaloo:Man, this entry has legs. Here it is mid-JUL 05 and this one post itself still gets ~20 hits a day. Hat tip to Jaybob you can now download this movie and another here. The BBC on is on the right.

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Left2Right2Clueless2Know

Left2Right is trying to be an upfront, calm, honest, and direct blog that,

“…Left must learn how to speak more effectively to ears attuned to the Right.
How can we better express our values?”

Geeeee wizzz people, try by not talking down to the Right and being so, so, well Moonbatty.

The entry Supporting Our Troops is a case in point.

Oh….. lets Fisk this thing.

“Vehicles in New Jersey are covered with decals representing little ribbons inscribed with the legend: “Support Our Troops.” I have done a lot of driving recently and have noticed geographical disparities in the distribution of these symbols. There are fewer in the Midwest and very few at all in the LA area.”

Mmmmm, unsophistaced Rubes in Red America again? Thinking of this?

“They are also disproportionately displayed on SUVs and vans, which isn’t surprising given that the owners are disproportionately reliant on the oil supplies that our soldiers are in Iraq to protect (among their other purposes).”

Oh, that’s right. We only serve so our friends and family can swill petrol like water. That shows such a depth of understanding of why people serve, and it is obvious that you spend lots of time with service members.

Wait, what was that quote we read a bit ago..

“I have done a lot of driving recently…..”

Shouldn’t you have one of those stickers?

“What is it exactly that these decals exhort us to do? How can I, or anyone, support the troops themselves? What can we possibly do for them?”

I will give you the benefit of the doubt on this one. The decals are what the placer wants them to be. A thank you. A memory of a friend or family member, or a way to piss of the Deaniac next door. What can you do for them? Well, you can try here, or here, or here, or just do a Google search.

“The aim of such an effort is to make it seem that to criticize the war is to criticize our young soldiers and perhaps to increase their peril by weakening the war effort.”

Sure nothing like this:

“Moore Compared Iraqi Terrorists To American Revolutionary War Heroes.
”As for the current situation in Iraq, Moore has written: 'The Iraqis
who have risen up against the occupation are not "insurgents" or
”terrorists" or "The Enemy." They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen,
and their numbers will grow - and they will win.'" (Michael Barone,
Op-Ed, "The Company They Keep," U.S. News & World Report, 7/12/04)”

Isn’t Michael Moore considered good enough by the Left to sit in the Presidential Box at the DNC?

“I recall that in the late stages of the presidential campaign Bush tried – successfully, it seems – to score points by claiming that to say the war in Iraq was wrong was tantamount to saying that those of our troops who had died there had died in vain. And of course no one wanted to be accused of saying that.”

Of course not…..

“But of course if the war is unjust they have died largely in vain…”

Arrrghhh…. You just said it!!!!

“If they have been sent to die for a misconceived political agenda, that should be a source of remorse, not something to be exploited for further advantage in political debate.”

Kind of like this?

Yep, the Left in the Bay Area really know how to reach out…..

“If the war is unjust, as I believe it is…”

Arrrghh…. You said it again!!!!!!!

“….Bush’s remarks exploit the sacrifices of the dead while the ribbon decals further exploit those young soldiers still stationed in Iraq by invoking their peril to stifle opposition to a war in which they will remain embroiled. The decals don’t support our troops but unnecessarily endanger them by seeking to prolong an unjust war.”

OK. Tell that to those who serve. To their face. Instead of burning up gasoline in your driving, take a plane ride with a long layover in Atlanta. Walk around the concourses. See those guys in the Desert Camouflage? They are on their mid-deployment break. Go over and buy them a sandwich and talk. Reach out. You might be surprised.

I have written about the "Military-to-Left" cultural divide here and here. It is real. It is there. It is not good for our country nor healthy for our culture. There are exceptions of course (I have served with a VERY Left wing Admiral of the Senator Bradley stripe – an outstanding Admiral BTW), but the Military does not understand the Left because there are very few onboard the ship, in the squadron, or leading the division. The Left doesn’t understand the Military because they don’t serve, their parents didn’t serve, and their children will unquestionably not serve. A shame, but they need to remember - the Left abandoned the Military. The Military did not abandon the Left.

UPDATE: Looks like Left2Right closed comments to the above link. BAAAWAAAHAA. I guess they didn't like it when those they "reached out" to reached back and grabbed them by the neck. Note to the Cacooned Left: don't talk down to others; even lesser beings than yourself have pride, conviction, and maybe a wee bit of backbone.
UPDATE II-Electric Boogaloo: Welcome aboard Arrghhhh! readers!!! Come across the Quarterdeck early and often. I am honored by the visit. Now lets walk over to the Royal Navy ship across the pier. They have booze in their wardroom.......

Pearl Harbor Day – A day all should remember

Almost all remember Pearl Harbor. Those that don’t are fools. I think one of the best ways to remember this lesson, is to hear what President Roosevelt said that day. Rarely have so few words carried so much weight

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Hat Tip: Power Line. Also a nice overview from Argghhhh!

INVADE CANADA!!!!

Take their beer and aggressive Newfoundland women!!!!!

Jonah’s military guys over at Castle Argghhh have a great pic and story about our troops heading from New England into Canada to engage Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.



I am sure that invading Canada sounds like lots of fun and all, but I can’t help of thinking of our first and second time we tried, it didn’t work out too well.

Now that I read further, I now see that this is just the Canadians letting us come play in their back yard. Cool.

However there Arghhh guys, this is real artillery - and we give guest front row seats.

The death of Europe as we know it

Everyone loves the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Iroquois Nation…..except that they no longer exist. Through a combination of a lack of will, a host of enemies, politics, and demographics, these societies now lie in the dustbin of history. Their culture and people have either been scattered, absorbed, diluted, or destroyed.

Europe, from Spain to Russia, you're next.

Not a new subject, but the British political analyst David Pryce-Jones does a great job breaking it down for us in Commentary Magazine.

What, pray tell, does this have to do with a Navy centered blog? Well, lets review.

NATO, or the concept at least, is about 50 years old now, to use a nice round number. Stop. Ponder. Think. Review.

In 50 years it will be 2054. Think about the demographics of Europe. Review the demographics of Muslims both in Europe and North Africa.

Basically, hundreds of years of fratricide have led the Europeans to the point they hate themselves and their culture so much that they are willing to let both die. In Holland they euthanize less than fully viable people. Why not euthanize an entire culture? The question is moot.

Europe. The walking dead.

Who will be America’s great ally in 2054 that can fight? That will fight? And they wonder why Americans insist that they can do things alone if need be?

If America withdrawals across the Atlantic because it has to put all its energy to the Pacific, who will defend Europe from Islamic oil-blackmail or civil war following overwhelming immigration-invasion of a non-Western foreign culture?

Europe? Defend itself? Where is their will? Where are their forces? How will they fight when Belgian troops will not stay in the field in tents? When they cannot even manage the weak, relatively secular Bosnia or more radical Kosovo?

France et al, be careful what you say about the Bosnian Serbs. Their present is your future.

Unless Europe starts moving its politics towards the Dutch and Danish right, and starts having a non-Muslim population demographic like Utah, Europe is done. A sad loss.

I have spent way too much of my life living in Islam culture dominated societies. I would not wish this on my worst enemies, which is why Muslims are moving out of Dar Al-Islam to Dar al-Harb. Though I ping on their lilly-livered politics, I love Europe and Europeans (expecially those few that are in the military), which is why this pisses me off so much.

OK, Europe gave us Fascism, Communism, and Techno-pop; they also gave us The Enlightenment, Christian global evangelism, and soccer. Europe is a keeper. Here is a little tough love.

Europeans, start having more babies or learn how to be a Dhimmi. Again.


Hat Tip Powerline blog

Hey Powerline fans. Welcome! I am honored and humbled by your visit. Come by and visit again!!!


UPDATE: A trend starting here in the United States may hold the key to Europe's future - Natalism. David Brooks in The New York Times (free subscription required) has a great overview. ABC News is starting to get on the hunt as well.
UPDATE II - Electric Boogaloo: The incredible Victor Davis Hanson builds on this theme in "The Ents of Europe" in a way only he can. A MUST READ (especially of you are a LOTR fan)
UPDATE III: The Jawa Report brings up another angle on this. Add to bed death; the death of freedom of speech.
Another take on the death of free speech in the UK at Samizdata.

The Navy Times: Mouthpiece for a Known Vietnam Fraud

Email, I love email. A little birdie sent this my way. I couldn't write it better myself. As a matter of fact, he wants to remain anon and told me to claim as my own. With the traffic this blog sees, his secret is safe.

With minor editing.....

I know something sounded wrong as I started reading Wayne Smith’s piece in the Opinion Back Talk section of Navy Times September 27, 2004 issue. Besides the obviously twisted prose and alarmist tone, I noticed something old, putrid, and discredited. His name rang a bell.

Right after Vietnam, an entire army of poseurs, fakers, and professional victim pimps began a process of smearing and mal-defining an entire generation of men that served their country with distinction and honor; the Vietnam Generation. The whole “We are creating monsters” theme of the article brought me back to a book that every military professional should read as part of their professional education; Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of its Heroes and its History, by B.G. Burkett and Glenna Whitley; Verity Press, INC., 1998. Burkett and Glenna produced a detailed and meticulously documented work. All of the following information is easily found in the index pages and is where I gathered the information on Mr. Smith’s background.

There is a reason that Mr. Smith is trying to smear today’s war veterans with the same filth he spread over the honor of those men 30 years ago, he has made a career of it.

He is not, however, someone that any reputable publication, much less Navy Times, should expend paper and ink to send out to their readers.

In the early 1990’s many veterans’ organizations were having a problem with fake vets in their organizations, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). While the VFW and other organizations made a solid effort to purge their rolls of these poseurs and fakes, the Membership Director for VVA at the time, Wayne Smith, fearing loosing so many members perhaps, elected not to. Then again, Mr. Smith is not the type who wants records reviewed in any detail.

Mr. Smith is a Vietnam veteran, but not the kind of person you want speaking to your High School age child’s history class. According to Mr. Smith’s military record pulled via a Freedom of Information Act request by Mr. Burkett in 1992, while in the service Mr. Smith was sentenced to hard labor for going AWOL. Additionally, once he left the service he expanded his record of honor. In 1971 Mr. Smith was indicted for the 1971 murder of Kenneth Donnelly, finally convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years on 03 January 1973 (State of Rhode Island vs. Wayne Smith, Case #72-288).

As reported in the 06 August 1993 edition of The Washington Post, these facts finally caught up with Mr. Smith’s career when he was disqualified as a candidate for President of the VVA after loosing his previous job at the VVA. He then moved on the National Vietnam Memorial Fund. Doing a quick Google search, it appears that after spending time with far-left organizations such as “The Justice Project”, he is now with another far-left organization, the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, an organization that seems mostly concerned with landmines.

Perhaps he sees another growth opportunity for his Victim Industry coming out of the Global War on Terrorism. The space in Navy Times almost seems like his first advertisement. I see his field of specialty has changed little.

Just the fact that Mr. Smith has such a history with the VVA should have raised the alert at Navy Times. As described in Stolen Valor,

“The VVA, while claiming to be the spokesman and friend of Vietnam veterans, has actually done more damage to their public image than any other group in America. They’ve made patriotic and honorable men appear to be whining welfare cases, men who have no pride in their service, and men who can find nothing better to do with their lives than bellyache about what an immoral government did to them.”

Mr. Smith does not have an opinion, he has an agenda.

Let a thousand voices sing, from the left to the right, but as a publication that purports to serve the Navy team, The Navy Times owes it to their subscribers to show judgment and due diligence on your choices. They owe their subscribers an apology for putting such a charlatan, criminal, and disgraced peddler from the professional Victim Industry on the Opinion Back Page.

European Appeasement: Why do we keep going there?

The “E3” of France, Germany, and Britain are trying to not get slapped around by the Iranians. Geeeezzzzeeee, have any of these people shopped at a Souk?

Lets review the wonderful history of European “Pre-emptive Diplomacy.” Let’s stick to the 25 year high-water mark roughly 80 years ago, I do have a job here.

- Treaty of Versailles: How many more centuries will we be paying for this nightmare?

- Sykes-Picot Agreement: The blood. The nightmare. The horror.

- League of Nations: Do we really need to say more?

- The Stresa Front: OK, everyone say it for the first time in their life, “Mussolini was right. Britain and France should have followed his lead.” Now go take a shower and pray for forgiveness.

- Munich: Prime Minister Chamberlain. Do we need to say more? The self-delusion of the European diplomat is best summed up by this lovely man, “ ‘Oh dear,’ said Mr. Chamberlain, thunderstruck. ‘He has betrayed my trust.’ ”

OK, the US has dorked up a lot of stuff over the last few centuries (See the Korean Nuke Deal in the 1990’s). But, as Europeans like to say, “The Americans are unsophisticated compared to Europeans.”

UPDATE: Dusty at Argghhh! is on the appeasement watch as well. This time with some good news. A couple wiffs of clue coming out of Germany. Germany. Always watch the Germans. Nuff said.