It looks like, from the last two months events and the various apology tours, that the current administration is a good friend of every two cent tyrant currently circulating the world stage. May he be the theocracy in Iran or the Venezuelan Chavez, Obama & Co. are very much taking a position of tacit support.
The former president of Honduras fits perfectly with the current White House behavioral pattern. After he was ousted by the military upon orders from the Judiciary of that country, Manuel Zelaya was sent packing into exile, sparking the reaction of another totalitarian-friendly organization called United Nations.
The turmoil in Honduras started when Zelaya attempted to run a referendum, which would give him the ability to subvert the country’s constitution and allow him to circumvent the “one term limit” clause every president is held to. Basically Zelaya tried to render the country’s constitution useless and consequently be able to assume absolute powers. His mentor in this endeavor has been no other than Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who did the same and is now the dictator of his country.
Smelling the rotten deal, the Honduras Supreme Court ordered the Military to depose Zelaya and send him packing, while the reins of Honduras were passed to the new leader of the country, one Roberto Micheletti.
The latest development is that the president of Costa Rica Oscar Arias is going to assume the role of mediator between Zeleya and the current leadership of Honduras, which, by the way, is not military as the Media in the US would like you to believe, but civilian.
Yesterday, Sec. of State Clinton met privately with Zelaya in Washington in a meeting she described as ‘productive’, which is a scary thought.
Obama has been less than consistent in his approach to foreign policy as it referred to the Iranian events and the Honduras crisis.
As the Iranian protestors were been slaughtered in the streets of Teheran and other cities, Obama had but a very tepid reaction to the cries for freedom coming from the people, excusing his lack of uevos stating his reluctance to meddle in the internal affairs of the country.
But Obama gained instantly the previously missing uevos when he openly condemned the actions of the Honduras Supreme Court and Military, suddenly not too concerned any longer of the danger of meddling in that country’s internal affairs.
Now, as I witness the double standard approach from good old Obama toward Iran and Honduras, I cannot help but have some personal thoughts.
Since Obama has stated on several occasions that he was willing to talk with the enemies of America without any preconditions, it is almost clear to me that he, for some sinister reason, is bent on having communication established with Ahmedinajad. The reason? Maybe because the Iranian nutcase is a conduit toward the Islamic Council, the religious extremists who really control the country and maybe they are the ones he is trying to reach. After all, he did bow to the King of Saudi Arabia.
The protests happening on the streets of Iranian cities were a distraction and a disturbance for the President, who would have preferred to just have the dinner-jacketed moron just win outright so things could stay the same. Not being interested in supporting liberty around the globe, an American tradition he is hard at work to erase, the hunger for freedom demonstrated by the Iranian protesters was an uncomfortable occurrence, best countered by just being apathetic and wimpy in response.
On the other hand, the principle of refrain from meddling in another country’s affair was unmercifully rolled over by Obama when it came to Honduras, as Obama probably saw a really ugly precedent in the events in Tegucigalpa: one branch of the government taking it upon itself to counter another for the maintenance and respect of the constitution, and utilizing one of the arms of the government, the military, to get the job done. Too close to home, Mr. Obama?
There is no military junta controlling Honduras. But what instead can be found is open support for the country’s constitution and the rule of law.
The events in Honduras not only proved to be disturbing for Obama, but our President finds himself in good company, as criticism and outrage and even military threats are expressed, with great freedom champions like Higo Chavez and Daniel Ortega and Raul Castro.
If I was the President, the last thing I would do is to align with well known thugs whose goal is dictatorial powers. Unless, of course, Obama identifies with these kind of people.
But there is a basic, visceral, core difference between Obama and me. I believe in the goodness of America, because I saw it personally; I believe in America being the beacon of freedom and self-reliance; I believe in America being the very last bastion of resistance against chaos and blood shed on a scale of unimaginable proportions. And Obama doesn’t.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Death By A Thousand Cuts
That is exactly what is happening to America. Our country is dieing slowly and inexorably, and all thanks to that societal tumor that has infected our everyday existence.
The tumor is not lethal as of yet, but it is relentlessly growing as the cure is ignored and, at some level, feared. This tumor is Political Correctness.
I have been screaming about the damage that PC has been causing to our country for years and the slippage into the abyss continues.
Case in point: Nampa, Idaho and their four decades old God and Country Family Festival.
This is a festival based on the celebration of those principles so dear to real Americans: the love for America, the importance of family unity and, yes, the belief in God.
For over forty years the Festival had had a major point of attraction for people to attend and it was a flyover from USAF aircrafts. No Military display sparks patriotic enthusiasm as much as the sight and sound of a Military jet.
This year, as the organizers did every year, all the permits were applied for and approvals received, with the exception of one, the very last hurdle: the Pentagon’s.
One member of the board organizing the Festival, Patti Syme, was surprised when she received the communication of refusal, so, thinking of a mistake, she sent an e-mail to the Pentagon and received an answer back that utterly shocked her.
DoD guidelines prohibits the endorsement of any activity that is specifically aimed at favoring a specific race or gender or religious persuasion.
Ms. Syme called the person at the Pentagon who told her that personally he would love to attend the festival, but that officially the festival was openly catering to Christians and therefore the official participation of the Military would be a violation.
So, if I understand this correctly, the Pentagon would not allow USAF flyover on the Festival because of the “openly Christian” nature of the festival. The flyover could be construed as an endorsement of Christianity.
What I gather from this incident is that political correctness has reached into some of the most innocent traditions of our country. It also appears to me that the difference between the last forty years plus and this year is the presence of the current occupant of the White House. It is obvious that in the past those in charge of giving these sorts of authorizations were not fearful of any repercussion, while those in charge today must have made sure that such decisions are controlled by an ever increasing hostile environment for God fearing, and especially Christian, Americans. I fear that there is a reign of terror fostered by the Obama administration that is threatening to paralyze the actions of even the smallest governmental operations. Every move has to be calculated as no higher up backing can be expected.
So to me this is just another little cut into the very fiber of America, and the bleeding is continuing for the entire country. As it happens in a human body, the loss of blood is weakening the whole country, making us ever so vulnerable to external attacks and internal tyranny.
That’s the hope and change the American people voted for!
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
The tumor is not lethal as of yet, but it is relentlessly growing as the cure is ignored and, at some level, feared. This tumor is Political Correctness.
I have been screaming about the damage that PC has been causing to our country for years and the slippage into the abyss continues.
Case in point: Nampa, Idaho and their four decades old God and Country Family Festival.
This is a festival based on the celebration of those principles so dear to real Americans: the love for America, the importance of family unity and, yes, the belief in God.
For over forty years the Festival had had a major point of attraction for people to attend and it was a flyover from USAF aircrafts. No Military display sparks patriotic enthusiasm as much as the sight and sound of a Military jet.
This year, as the organizers did every year, all the permits were applied for and approvals received, with the exception of one, the very last hurdle: the Pentagon’s.
One member of the board organizing the Festival, Patti Syme, was surprised when she received the communication of refusal, so, thinking of a mistake, she sent an e-mail to the Pentagon and received an answer back that utterly shocked her.
DoD guidelines prohibits the endorsement of any activity that is specifically aimed at favoring a specific race or gender or religious persuasion.
Ms. Syme called the person at the Pentagon who told her that personally he would love to attend the festival, but that officially the festival was openly catering to Christians and therefore the official participation of the Military would be a violation.
So, if I understand this correctly, the Pentagon would not allow USAF flyover on the Festival because of the “openly Christian” nature of the festival. The flyover could be construed as an endorsement of Christianity.
What I gather from this incident is that political correctness has reached into some of the most innocent traditions of our country. It also appears to me that the difference between the last forty years plus and this year is the presence of the current occupant of the White House. It is obvious that in the past those in charge of giving these sorts of authorizations were not fearful of any repercussion, while those in charge today must have made sure that such decisions are controlled by an ever increasing hostile environment for God fearing, and especially Christian, Americans. I fear that there is a reign of terror fostered by the Obama administration that is threatening to paralyze the actions of even the smallest governmental operations. Every move has to be calculated as no higher up backing can be expected.
So to me this is just another little cut into the very fiber of America, and the bleeding is continuing for the entire country. As it happens in a human body, the loss of blood is weakening the whole country, making us ever so vulnerable to external attacks and internal tyranny.
That’s the hope and change the American people voted for!
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Military Families
It was a normal day in April in 2005. Nothing was betraying that on that day our life would change fairly drastically. In an unusual fashion, our 17 and one half years old son came home earlier than usual. Typically, he would stay out with his friends until late evening, but on that April day he came in and asked his mom and me to sit down with him as he had something to tell us. As the request was unusual, I was a little on edge to find out if he had gotten himself in some trouble.
He was not the kind of teenager that every week would present us with some nasty parental challenge, but the seriousness of his request was unnerving.
He just blurted it out and with his words our lives immediately changed: mom, dad, I have decided to join the Marines after graduating High School.
With those few words, we became a Military family, on one hand busting with pride for such a mature decision, on the other completely terrified by his joining in a time of war. He left for the dreaded Marine Corps boot camp the following August. For the three months he was in basic training, the only communication with him was through letters and two phone calls. During his permanence at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, San Diego, my wife and I, and sometimes my daughter, would drive to the depot on Sundays to attend the Mass my son attended. The religious service was attended by hundreds of recruits and at times it was difficult to locate our son. But we still went, every Sunday, with the hope to get a fleeting glimpse of him.
Finally, graduation came. And our boy was back home.
Even before my son joined the USMC, I had noticed a troublesome disconnect between the Military and the civilian world. The volunteer nature of the US Armed Forces has its good and its negative connotation. In a positive way, the vast majority of those signing up for the Military are going to do so in response to a sense of duty toward their country. Conversely, those among the population who have no direct relation with someone in uniform tend to see the Military as a distant entity. Very disturbing is the impression I received from so many that the Military is there, is expected to be there, is expected to protect the country, but not my son or brother or any close relative.
Our family does not have a military tradition. I came from Italy and although I almost joined the USMC in 1980, I did not after meeting the woman who is today my wife of 27 years. She came from a family who had mostly on the liberal tendency. She had an uncle and a cousin that had been Marines, but these individuals were definitely not an influence on my son.
But what my son and daughter witnessed as they were growing up was a great show of respect for the Military and of love for our country. And that must have been the influencing factor for my children growing up with a deep sense of personal character and ethics.
There are some aspects of the new categorization as a Military family that come with the territory and are not always pleasant. Mostly, it is the comments coming from those people who not only have no relative in the Armed Forces, but also are so detached from the reality of the world we live in that they basically just do not get it.
The first impact comes from the comments received. As I am very proud of my son and his decision to serve the country as a Marine in a time when America is involved in two separate conflicts, our family is very vocal regarding my son’s service. The comments have been as disparate as they have been bizarre.
One lady, for example, upon hearing from my wife of our son’s joining promptly retorted: “Is he crazy? Does he want to commit suicide?” which forced my wife to resort to all her inner strength not to physically hurt the woman.
One of the most common responses we got before Obama became President was an immediate “oh, I don’t agree with this war” to which I say “nobody asked your opinion on the war”.
Of course that happened mostly when Bush was President because it had nothing to do with the war or the Military, but only with a political stand. So, by the same reference point, I should be bitter toward my son’s impending deployment because I am opposed to Obama and he is Commander in Chief now that my Marine is going to be deployed.
It is very common for Military families to basically retreat from social activities as their loved one is deployed. Shying away from parties or vacations is not unusual. There is a common sense of guilt for doing anything that is somewhat pleasant knowing that our loved one is probably humping in 120 degrees heat with 100lb pack on his back, risking to be shot at any step. Comments are: “why are you sacrificing? He is the one that volunteered”, or, even better: “why are you so worried sick, he is the one that chose to join”, as if the fact that my son joined the US Marines without being forced, on his own accord is good enough reason not to care about him and his safety any longer.
I heard the most accurate definition of a Military family mental condition: yes our sons or daughters voluntarily joined, but the families were drafted.
There are many more statements that clearly define military families and their feelings. For example some parents have stated that they have not taken a deep breath since their child joined. That is very accurate and true as their deployment to a combat zone approaches.
In my own opinion, this is a pure case of the “walk in my shoes for a while” phenomenon. While the families of Military are consumed by worries and anxieties, those around them without Military concern are totally clueless and tend to show it. If only these non-Military families would realize that the best thing to do is to be close emotionally, to lend an ear when the going gets rough. There is really no fix that anyone can bring to a mom whose son is in the middle of an active combat zone. The only cure for that “disease” is for that son to be home.
So if you know someone whose loved one is in Iraq or Afghanistan, please do not try to ‘make it better’ or ‘take their minds off’ because it is very annoying. And definitely do NOT bring a political opinion into the equation. Military families are so far removed from the political environment surrounding their kid’s situation as possible. A serviceman or woman does not pledge allegiance to a specific politician or party. Their oath is to defend the United States Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic. A specific Commander-in-Chief is also not the focus of their allegiance, but the office the person represents.
I could spend a lot more time on the issue of Military families, especially since I have joined, or should be better stated been drafted, into that segment of the population. Just be close to them emotionally and be understanding about the fact that more often than not, their minds are very far from the place and time. And enjoy the moment when we will be finally taking a deep breath again.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
He was not the kind of teenager that every week would present us with some nasty parental challenge, but the seriousness of his request was unnerving.
He just blurted it out and with his words our lives immediately changed: mom, dad, I have decided to join the Marines after graduating High School.
With those few words, we became a Military family, on one hand busting with pride for such a mature decision, on the other completely terrified by his joining in a time of war. He left for the dreaded Marine Corps boot camp the following August. For the three months he was in basic training, the only communication with him was through letters and two phone calls. During his permanence at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, San Diego, my wife and I, and sometimes my daughter, would drive to the depot on Sundays to attend the Mass my son attended. The religious service was attended by hundreds of recruits and at times it was difficult to locate our son. But we still went, every Sunday, with the hope to get a fleeting glimpse of him.
Finally, graduation came. And our boy was back home.
Even before my son joined the USMC, I had noticed a troublesome disconnect between the Military and the civilian world. The volunteer nature of the US Armed Forces has its good and its negative connotation. In a positive way, the vast majority of those signing up for the Military are going to do so in response to a sense of duty toward their country. Conversely, those among the population who have no direct relation with someone in uniform tend to see the Military as a distant entity. Very disturbing is the impression I received from so many that the Military is there, is expected to be there, is expected to protect the country, but not my son or brother or any close relative.
Our family does not have a military tradition. I came from Italy and although I almost joined the USMC in 1980, I did not after meeting the woman who is today my wife of 27 years. She came from a family who had mostly on the liberal tendency. She had an uncle and a cousin that had been Marines, but these individuals were definitely not an influence on my son.
But what my son and daughter witnessed as they were growing up was a great show of respect for the Military and of love for our country. And that must have been the influencing factor for my children growing up with a deep sense of personal character and ethics.
There are some aspects of the new categorization as a Military family that come with the territory and are not always pleasant. Mostly, it is the comments coming from those people who not only have no relative in the Armed Forces, but also are so detached from the reality of the world we live in that they basically just do not get it.
The first impact comes from the comments received. As I am very proud of my son and his decision to serve the country as a Marine in a time when America is involved in two separate conflicts, our family is very vocal regarding my son’s service. The comments have been as disparate as they have been bizarre.
One lady, for example, upon hearing from my wife of our son’s joining promptly retorted: “Is he crazy? Does he want to commit suicide?” which forced my wife to resort to all her inner strength not to physically hurt the woman.
One of the most common responses we got before Obama became President was an immediate “oh, I don’t agree with this war” to which I say “nobody asked your opinion on the war”.
Of course that happened mostly when Bush was President because it had nothing to do with the war or the Military, but only with a political stand. So, by the same reference point, I should be bitter toward my son’s impending deployment because I am opposed to Obama and he is Commander in Chief now that my Marine is going to be deployed.
It is very common for Military families to basically retreat from social activities as their loved one is deployed. Shying away from parties or vacations is not unusual. There is a common sense of guilt for doing anything that is somewhat pleasant knowing that our loved one is probably humping in 120 degrees heat with 100lb pack on his back, risking to be shot at any step. Comments are: “why are you sacrificing? He is the one that volunteered”, or, even better: “why are you so worried sick, he is the one that chose to join”, as if the fact that my son joined the US Marines without being forced, on his own accord is good enough reason not to care about him and his safety any longer.
I heard the most accurate definition of a Military family mental condition: yes our sons or daughters voluntarily joined, but the families were drafted.
There are many more statements that clearly define military families and their feelings. For example some parents have stated that they have not taken a deep breath since their child joined. That is very accurate and true as their deployment to a combat zone approaches.
In my own opinion, this is a pure case of the “walk in my shoes for a while” phenomenon. While the families of Military are consumed by worries and anxieties, those around them without Military concern are totally clueless and tend to show it. If only these non-Military families would realize that the best thing to do is to be close emotionally, to lend an ear when the going gets rough. There is really no fix that anyone can bring to a mom whose son is in the middle of an active combat zone. The only cure for that “disease” is for that son to be home.
So if you know someone whose loved one is in Iraq or Afghanistan, please do not try to ‘make it better’ or ‘take their minds off’ because it is very annoying. And definitely do NOT bring a political opinion into the equation. Military families are so far removed from the political environment surrounding their kid’s situation as possible. A serviceman or woman does not pledge allegiance to a specific politician or party. Their oath is to defend the United States Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic. A specific Commander-in-Chief is also not the focus of their allegiance, but the office the person represents.
I could spend a lot more time on the issue of Military families, especially since I have joined, or should be better stated been drafted, into that segment of the population. Just be close to them emotionally and be understanding about the fact that more often than not, their minds are very far from the place and time. And enjoy the moment when we will be finally taking a deep breath again.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
Getting Ready
It is well known that the Marine infantryman is one of the best trained troop any country can have, but even the best trained combat professional may decide to take that extra step in getting ready for battle.
Here are some Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade praying just before boarding the Super Stallion (CH-53E) helicopter that is going to take them into battle deep into the Helmand province of Afghanistan. This is in preparation for the offensive that begun on 3 July.
Here are some Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade praying just before boarding the Super Stallion (CH-53E) helicopter that is going to take them into battle deep into the Helmand province of Afghanistan. This is in preparation for the offensive that begun on 3 July.
Regimental Combat Team 3 Photo by Philippe E. Chasse
Surely the ACLU will probably file a law suit against the Marine Corps because these Marines violated the separation of Church and State while engaged in a governmentally sanctioned event. And I hope the ACLU will go straight to these Marines in Afghanistan and tell them personally they cannot pray!
I attach my prayers for these men as they prepare for battle.
May the Lord walk next each one of you and protect you.
May He insure victory and safe return of each of you to your loved ones.
May He embrace those He will receive in His gracious arms.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Reflections On The 4th Of July
Just one day after the celebrations of the birthday of the United States, I find myself reflecting on what I have witnessed and what I have read, clearly biased by my prospective as the father of a United States Marine getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan.
As America was preparing to celebrate this very important day in its history, the legacy of freedom that has been the hallmark of our country still continues a world away, in the deserts and cities of Iraq and especially in the desolation of Afghanistan. Thousands of Military personnel spent the 233rd birthday of their country facing a ruthless enemy bent on keeping millions of people in a state of oppression and servitude, driven by contorted religious bigotry and a thirst for absolute power. And for the millions who are in danger, the only hope for any kind of self determination is the presence of the American G.I.
Just as it happened in Europe in the 1940s and in Korea in the 1950s and in Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, the American ideals, stained by the blood and sacrifice of the American solider, have always represented a ray of hope to the common person. And today it is no different, as the people of Iraq and Afghanistan are in the position of benefiting from the sacrifice of America. And all they have to do is realize the enormous gift that the sons and daughters of America are giving them.
On this 4th of July 2009, America is still the country of liberty, that beacon of freedom and hope toward which so many around the world turn to keep the flame of hope alive.
On a personal basis, since September 11, 2001 the meaning of Independence Day has taken a whole new form. It has ceased to be just another long weekend off from work, the opportunity for a party, the chance to indulge in hot dogs and beer drinking.
From the start of the Afghani campaign in 2001 to the invasion of Iraq and through all the ups and downs of those military involvements, I found myself reflecting more deeply on the true meaning of days like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day.
So as most people were getting ready to fire up their bar-b-cues, as the parties started and as plans were being made to go watch the local display of fireworks, my thoughts were for the families of those who are in harm’s way.
The anxiety of insuring that enough food had been prepared or that there was enough to drink is as far from the anxiety felt by these families as their loved ones are physically on the ground in theater.
While most people were too busy in their party preparation to find the time to place Old Glory on their homes, these families made sure the Star and Stripes and the Blue Star and yellow ribbons are free of wrinkles on their front porches.
My thoughts concentrated on my friend Erin, whose husband Bill was getting ready to go on a mission in Afghanistan on Saturday.
My thoughts concentrated on the families of those Marines directly involved in the offensive currently taking place in Afghanistan. The anxiety palpable even in the impersonal MarineParents.com posting, as they await any communication from their sons, husbands, fathers to just say “I am doing fine”.
And my thoughts went to the family of Aaron Fairbairn, whose life was lost just yesterday, Independence Day, in eastern Afghanistan when the Taliban attacked the base Aaron was stationed, killing Aaron and another soldier. As posted on Michelle Malkin’s web site, Aaron’s step-father David put this on his twitter:
“On Independence Day, a few hours ago, they killed my son, Aaron in Afghanistan”
Any parent worst nightmare became a reality for the Masters and Fairbairn families and the family of the other soldier. The latest sacrifice to the altar of Freedom. The last measure of devotion to the greatest country in the world.
So as I sat on the fresh grass of the park near my home, waiting for the local firework display to begin, I watched my wife quietly interacting with my daughter, I watched my Marine son enjoying the cool summer breeze with his wife and my grandson. And I cringed as his deployment time is creeping closer.
I watched the small crowd gathered at the park around us, laughing and enjoying the evening. And my eyes begun to fill with tears as my thoughts went to the families of Aaron and of the other soldier and of the Marine who was killed on Friday. Surely a much different remembrance for them.
It is a goal in my life to insure that those who have and continue to sacrifice for this great Nation are always going to be remembered as the Heroes that have stepped up to the plate to insure that the ideals of the document signed on July 4th 1776 will remain alive and intact.
Just My Thoughts
Frank Semperpapa
As America was preparing to celebrate this very important day in its history, the legacy of freedom that has been the hallmark of our country still continues a world away, in the deserts and cities of Iraq and especially in the desolation of Afghanistan. Thousands of Military personnel spent the 233rd birthday of their country facing a ruthless enemy bent on keeping millions of people in a state of oppression and servitude, driven by contorted religious bigotry and a thirst for absolute power. And for the millions who are in danger, the only hope for any kind of self determination is the presence of the American G.I.
Just as it happened in Europe in the 1940s and in Korea in the 1950s and in Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, the American ideals, stained by the blood and sacrifice of the American solider, have always represented a ray of hope to the common person. And today it is no different, as the people of Iraq and Afghanistan are in the position of benefiting from the sacrifice of America. And all they have to do is realize the enormous gift that the sons and daughters of America are giving them.
On this 4th of July 2009, America is still the country of liberty, that beacon of freedom and hope toward which so many around the world turn to keep the flame of hope alive.
On a personal basis, since September 11, 2001 the meaning of Independence Day has taken a whole new form. It has ceased to be just another long weekend off from work, the opportunity for a party, the chance to indulge in hot dogs and beer drinking.
From the start of the Afghani campaign in 2001 to the invasion of Iraq and through all the ups and downs of those military involvements, I found myself reflecting more deeply on the true meaning of days like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day.
So as most people were getting ready to fire up their bar-b-cues, as the parties started and as plans were being made to go watch the local display of fireworks, my thoughts were for the families of those who are in harm’s way.
The anxiety of insuring that enough food had been prepared or that there was enough to drink is as far from the anxiety felt by these families as their loved ones are physically on the ground in theater.
While most people were too busy in their party preparation to find the time to place Old Glory on their homes, these families made sure the Star and Stripes and the Blue Star and yellow ribbons are free of wrinkles on their front porches.
My thoughts concentrated on my friend Erin, whose husband Bill was getting ready to go on a mission in Afghanistan on Saturday.
My thoughts concentrated on the families of those Marines directly involved in the offensive currently taking place in Afghanistan. The anxiety palpable even in the impersonal MarineParents.com posting, as they await any communication from their sons, husbands, fathers to just say “I am doing fine”.
And my thoughts went to the family of Aaron Fairbairn, whose life was lost just yesterday, Independence Day, in eastern Afghanistan when the Taliban attacked the base Aaron was stationed, killing Aaron and another soldier. As posted on Michelle Malkin’s web site, Aaron’s step-father David put this on his twitter:
“On Independence Day, a few hours ago, they killed my son, Aaron in Afghanistan”
Any parent worst nightmare became a reality for the Masters and Fairbairn families and the family of the other soldier. The latest sacrifice to the altar of Freedom. The last measure of devotion to the greatest country in the world.
So as I sat on the fresh grass of the park near my home, waiting for the local firework display to begin, I watched my wife quietly interacting with my daughter, I watched my Marine son enjoying the cool summer breeze with his wife and my grandson. And I cringed as his deployment time is creeping closer.
I watched the small crowd gathered at the park around us, laughing and enjoying the evening. And my eyes begun to fill with tears as my thoughts went to the families of Aaron and of the other soldier and of the Marine who was killed on Friday. Surely a much different remembrance for them.
It is a goal in my life to insure that those who have and continue to sacrifice for this great Nation are always going to be remembered as the Heroes that have stepped up to the plate to insure that the ideals of the document signed on July 4th 1776 will remain alive and intact.
Just My Thoughts
Frank Semperpapa
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Good Lord, Cinthya
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Another One Against Common Sense
The signs appearing on the side of the road are disgusting, vile and hurtful. Upon seeing them, emotions already strained to the limit, strain even more, reaching the air-trigger level.
“Thank God for dead soldiers” and “thank God for IEDs” in eye-catching colors pollute the roadside as this miscreants self identified Christians attempt to make the strongest impact on the public to support their insane, evil agenda.
This is the modus operandi of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. The scope for their protest is to bring attention to the fact that dead soldiers are God’s punishment for the Military acceptance of gays and lesbians in the Military.
Should the protest be conducted in some shopping mall or in front of some government building, these disgraceful excuses for human beings would probably be just ignored or derided.
So to make a true impact, they stage their protest at the funeral services of Military personnel that has been killed in action.
The impact of their actions falls solely on the family and friends of the fallen, as in that setting no person is really much concerned about the gay/lesbian policy of our Armed Forces. The sole concern is for the family of the person being buried.
When the WBC started this disgraceful display of callousness and pure hatred filled behavior, some of those who were attending the funerals were justifiably angry about it and in some cases they even resorted to violence against the protesters. This was exactly the goal, as the protesters always have someone taking videos and they sue those that take matters in their own hands. That is the way this so-called church funds itself.
As the news of these events begun to spread, some of the American Legion Riders decided that it was not right and they begun to show up at funerals and stand in front of the protestors with American flags to shield families and friends from having to even see them. And they would rev their motorcycles engines to drown the disgusting chants.
While one must be a Veteran to be part of the ALR, many non-Vets wanted to volunteer for these protective missions, so the Patriot Guard Riders was founded.
This is a group of American volunteers, Veterans and civilians, motorcycle riders and not, and most of all a completely non-political group. Anyone can be part of the PGR as the only requirement is to insure that the funerals of those who paid the ultimate price in the service of their country will be free of any disruption and the family will be allowed to mourn their loved one in as much peace as possible. Patriot Guard Riders have and will accomplish their missions in a non violent, non confrontational manner.
Clearly disgusted by the actions of the WBC, the state of Missouri had legislated a ban on any kind of protest at Military funerals. The WBC appealed and the ruling was blocked by the Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals which believed the protection of the freedom of speech was paramount to the application of the US Constitution. So the case went all the way up to the US Supreme Court.
On June 29, 2009, the US Supreme Court refused to hear the case, basically handing a victory to the WBC, who has been effectively cleared to continue their nefarious actions.
So this is the law as the protection of free speech clause of the US Constitution has to apply even to something so appalling as these sub-human hateful expressions. So the mission of the Patriot Guard Riders continues until the last member of the Military is home. And as far as the American Judicial System and the Supreme Court, this represents just another mark against any plausible common sense.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
“Thank God for dead soldiers” and “thank God for IEDs” in eye-catching colors pollute the roadside as this miscreants self identified Christians attempt to make the strongest impact on the public to support their insane, evil agenda.
This is the modus operandi of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. The scope for their protest is to bring attention to the fact that dead soldiers are God’s punishment for the Military acceptance of gays and lesbians in the Military.
Should the protest be conducted in some shopping mall or in front of some government building, these disgraceful excuses for human beings would probably be just ignored or derided.
So to make a true impact, they stage their protest at the funeral services of Military personnel that has been killed in action.
The impact of their actions falls solely on the family and friends of the fallen, as in that setting no person is really much concerned about the gay/lesbian policy of our Armed Forces. The sole concern is for the family of the person being buried.
When the WBC started this disgraceful display of callousness and pure hatred filled behavior, some of those who were attending the funerals were justifiably angry about it and in some cases they even resorted to violence against the protesters. This was exactly the goal, as the protesters always have someone taking videos and they sue those that take matters in their own hands. That is the way this so-called church funds itself.
As the news of these events begun to spread, some of the American Legion Riders decided that it was not right and they begun to show up at funerals and stand in front of the protestors with American flags to shield families and friends from having to even see them. And they would rev their motorcycles engines to drown the disgusting chants.
While one must be a Veteran to be part of the ALR, many non-Vets wanted to volunteer for these protective missions, so the Patriot Guard Riders was founded.
This is a group of American volunteers, Veterans and civilians, motorcycle riders and not, and most of all a completely non-political group. Anyone can be part of the PGR as the only requirement is to insure that the funerals of those who paid the ultimate price in the service of their country will be free of any disruption and the family will be allowed to mourn their loved one in as much peace as possible. Patriot Guard Riders have and will accomplish their missions in a non violent, non confrontational manner.
Clearly disgusted by the actions of the WBC, the state of Missouri had legislated a ban on any kind of protest at Military funerals. The WBC appealed and the ruling was blocked by the Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals which believed the protection of the freedom of speech was paramount to the application of the US Constitution. So the case went all the way up to the US Supreme Court.
On June 29, 2009, the US Supreme Court refused to hear the case, basically handing a victory to the WBC, who has been effectively cleared to continue their nefarious actions.
So this is the law as the protection of free speech clause of the US Constitution has to apply even to something so appalling as these sub-human hateful expressions. So the mission of the Patriot Guard Riders continues until the last member of the Military is home. And as far as the American Judicial System and the Supreme Court, this represents just another mark against any plausible common sense.
And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”
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