As the new year rapidly approaches, I am left to examine the year gone by. So much has happened in my world, all of it incredibly wonderful.
In February, I found Gathering of Eagles. This group would soon become "family", as we work hand in hand to accomplish what no others have yet to accomplish. We piss off the left, we stand, solidly, behind our men and women in uniform and defend them as they take on the bigger (?) threat of terrorists overseas. We love you all! Thank you!
In March, GoE gathered for the first time as a team. It was cold and windy in DC that day, but the love and brotherhood shared by all kept us warm. It was a day of tears, laughter and healing. Time well spent.
Throughout the year, we gathered in various places across the country. I made most of the Northeast events, from DC up to Maine. Each time we gathered, it was with our active duty and veterans in mind. We kept them close to our hearts and kept our mission firmly in the forefront. NEVER AGAIN!
I accepted the Vermont state coordinator position in April, never thinking that 9 months later I would still be leading a VT team of 3-4. There are many fine folks that I can, and do, call on when needed. PGR, Combat Vets, Vermont Fallen Families, Sandy and a multitude of others who try to make the few events that we have here in the frozen tundra. Thank you all for all that you do! I certainly couldn't do this alone!
In November, I created and asked for the position of Marketing Director. I haven't really taken it anywhere, but after the new year begins, I shall endeavor in earnest to get us out there. I always love a challenge!
So the New Year finds me busy on the computer, networking, scheming and completely content with the way my life is going. Many have commented that I spend to much of my free time involved with GoE matters. To them I say: We have over 150,000 kids serving our country overseas in hostile environments. They are spending their holiday without family and loved ones. They are voluntarily giving, in some cases all, to defend the things that I hold dear. Freedom for myself and my children, my country and my right to persue happiness. If they are willing to do all this, it is the very least that I can do to make sure that NO group that would attempt to demean or undermine them goes unchallenged. If you don't approve of the what I am doing, or the amount of time I spend doing it, the front door works both ways, you are free to leave at any time.
I choose, for the coming year, to continue the good fight. How can I not? My heart is with all those kids and with the so many that are in hospitals around the world recovering from life altering injuries they have endured in defense of my country. You all are truly my heroes and I will work tirelessly to cover your backs here on the homefront.
To my new Eagle family, thank you for all you have given me. For the love, friendship and peace that you have brought to my world. Thank you for providing me with a venue in which to serve. Your strength and dedication inspires me, and I will do all that I possibly can not to let you down.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Discussions with a moonbat
So since Christopher felt it necessary to post what I thought was a personal email exchange on democratict underground, I suppose it's ok for me to post it here as well. Start at the bottom so you can see the full discussion and fruitlessness of it. I've provide the link so you can go see for yourself what they had to say about me...:)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2302569#2302611
go west young man (1000+ posts) Sat Nov-17-07 11:48 AM
Original message
My email exchange with "Gathering of Eagles" leader Kathy Upton.
I just wanted to post this so DU'ers can see what we're up against trying to stop the war movement. This is my 1000th DU post so I figure it's a notable worthy one. Just a few things to clarify first. Kathy Upton assumes I'm a Christian. I'm not. I'm an agnostic/pagan type. She assumes the ANSWER coalition represents all things left. Also because it's an email exchange you have to start at the bottom and work upward. I have yet to reply back to her last post. Here's the exchange.
Chris,
I apologize for not answering your question before...I am not a veteran. I am an army brat, does that now disqualify any of my opinions?
A stable Middle East will procure those oil resources for generations to come. Of course we need to focus on renewable energy sources. Wind power, solar power, hydro-electric..the problem we have here in Vermont is environmentalists (the extremists) not wanting wind towers (there was a bird once that flew into one and got killed and they destroy the beauty of the ridgeline) It seems they like to scream about OIL, but any alternatives are fought tooth and nail.
BUT, this discussion is not about environmentalists. No, you won't change my opinion. I have had to many discussions and to many emails from those serving or having just come back from Afghanistan and Iraq, I have seen to many veterans determined to not let what happened to them happen to the current generation of military.
If we pull out of Iraq now, millions will die. Aren't their lives worth something as well? Or are you saying that only American lives are important? That wouldn't be very Christian of you. Would your Lord Jesus Christ say the same thing do you think?
I am pagan. My belief system involves the entire natural world. I want peace as much as anyone else, we are not "war-mongers", but we also realize that there are times when war is the only answer. The people we fight don't believe in peace unless we are willing to subject ourselves to the laws of Islam. I am NOT.
So yes, I will continue on with Gathering of Eagles and other like minded organizations, fighting the anti-war movement as much as I can. Remember this please: When you march under ANSWER, regardless of what your message may be, it is lost. I've provided their steering committee below for your review. I had a nice conversation with a couple of mid 20 age kids in Kennebunkport in August after the rally. They were hitchhiking back to their bus and I gave them a ride. Like you, they were articulate and passionate about their position. I told them the same thing I just said to you: Watch who you position yourself with. The world sees a big anti war rally sponsored by ANSWER and/or Code Pink and if you are in that crowd, you voice is lost to their tyrantical views. Those kids and I parted friendly, hoping to see each other again in DC on the 15th.
I respect, though disagree with your stance. I think that it is good we can have discussions without reverting to name calling and all the other nonsense that high emotions reveal. Trust me, yours was the most comprehensive and polite email from a "moonbat" that registered on GoE and received my email that I got. LOL...
Good Luck to you, and may you find the peace you are searching for.
Kathy
Look over this steering committee and think about what American interests they may hold:
IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Free Palestine Alliance - U.S.
Haiti Support Network
Partnership for Civil Justice - LDEF
Nicaragua Network
Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines
Korea Truth Commission
Muslim Student Association - National
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Mexico Solidarity Network
Party for Socialism and Liberation
On 11/17/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Kathy, we lost in Vietnam because we should have never been there in the first place. It was a bad policy. Same as this one now. Iraq is more than just about oil. I mentioned a few other things as well as oil. But oil is the primary reason. The Iraqi oil is not yet available hence the high price now as the market is unstable. If the US stays ten years and many more people die then that oil will be available to the US. The funny thing is if our government was more progressive we could have had renewable energy years ago. As a former Marine I don't believe in people saying support the troops and support the mission. They are seperate things. The mission can be a bad one. The troops have no choice. many of my friends who have served feel that we are an invading force and that we are fighting Iraqi insurgents not terrorists. They are fighting for their country same as we would do if we were invaded. Bush uses the troops for his bad policy. I don't think I'm gonna change your mind but I hope you realize many troops don't feel the way you do. Once again I ask you what branch you have served and hope you switch over to an antiwar belief like my own. It's healthier. Since I became a pacifist I feel a lot better about life and I feel that Jesus Christ is more closely aligned to my thinking than that of people who advocate for war. Peace is the answer. Love and peace as John Lennon said long before he was killed. Good luck in your life, Chris
Kathy Upton wrote:
Well Chris,
I believe we should be conducting stem cell research. You see, just because I support our troops AND their mission, does not
necessarily translate into and unthinking approval of the things that President Bush does.
Do I think that we should pull our troops out of Iraq? No, I don't. I believe that if we do there will be much the same thing happen there as happened when we pulled out of Vietnam. Ask the millions of Vietnames families how they feel about that. I also believe that if we DON'T deal with this threat now, we will just be back over there in the near future.
Politicians on BOTH sides of the isle play us like we are fools. They hope (and in the majority of instances are correct) that American's won't indulge themselves to find out the truth. Think about this...IF it is about the oil, why is gas now $3.12 per gallon? Why did I just have to put a wood stove in my home so that I could heat it? I live in Vermont, do you think that $800+ is doable a month for heating oil? IF it was about oil, why didn't we just go in and take it? Claim Iraq as an American territory? We certainly have the military power to do so?
No...we haven't caught Bin Laden yet? Why is that? Our military force is one of the most highly trained and best equipped armies in the world. If they were given the green light, without all the political pandering, and congress trying to run the military for which they have NO qualification (with rare instances), they would have accomplished this mission long ago.
Listen, I don't get into politics, because personally, I don't trust a damn one of them. What I do know, is that we have well over 200,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who won't be home this holiday season as you and I are. What I do know is that they deserve to turn on a news report and instead of seeing a sea of yellow posters and posters decrying everything they are fighting for, they deserve to see a country that loves and supports them and wants them to come home victorious. These are trained, VOLUNTEER soldiers. They want peace more than anyone, after all, it's they who put their lives on the line! But they also want to be victorious. They know the threats this country face, and they are willing to defend this country for the future of their children and grandchildren.
Support....them and their mission. We welcome you to come to our side as well...
On 11/16/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
I don't hate you and I'm on the left I believe. That's what our country is about freedom of choice. You stand a much better chance of dying from a disease that stem cell research can cure than you do of being hurt by a "jihadist". Note that we are over there and have been for a long time. They only recently came over here and attacked us. Your odds of being killed by one of "them" is miniscule. Your odds of yourself or one of your family members dying from cancer or some other illness is almost gauranteed. which way does a smart person vote in that situation? Think about it. Think deeply. The Bush administration uses terrorism just like jihadists do. To further their political agenda. That agenda relies upon people like yourself to go along. I'm not fooled. I served in the Marines and did my time and have the right to say that. I am curious what branch you served and how you feel about stem cell research? I believe the Bush admin uses fear as a political tool. And to quote another famous American phrase. "These colors never run." I see Bush and Faux news using fear for their own selfish gains. That is pathetic. they have exploited Sept.11 and disgraced the families. They have not caught Osama Bin Laden but they have managed to get a foothold in two oil rich countries. I would recommend you read up on "The Big Game" for oil. As Bertrand Russell called. Geopolitically the US is using "terra" as a ruse in order to achieve nefarious goals. Procurement of oil, containment of Russia, China and other states, protection of Israel. All these things have hurt the US. When we could have switched to renewable resources, focused on our own national interests and established a helpful relationship with Russia instead of reigniting a new cold war. Who is being served? Well the numbers don't lie. Cheney is making a fortune as are the weapons companies. Look deeper Kathy and you will see more clearly. I welcome you to our fold as in the long run we will be the true savoirs of the US. Cheers and come on over, Chris
Kathy Upton wrote:
I am well aware of what Semper Fi means, but thank you for the lesson. The only anger you will ever find in me is when I am on the streets facing the anti-war protesters as they burn a flag, drag it on the ground, shout to veterans who are standing shoulder to shoulder that they are murderer's and they deserve to die. Don't think that happens? Come on out to one of ANSWER or Code Pinks rally, see what they really think of you guys in the service.The only hate I harbor is for extremist's on any side of any issue. People who don't know enough and follow along blindly like sheep.
But it's ok, even though you despise us, we stll will fight.
I would recommend you visit www.jihadwatch.com and learn who the real enemy is. You can whine all you want about gas prices and taxes....the US military has fought and died for your right to do so.
On 11/15/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Oh I'm contributing cash everyday for this illegal war. Through taxes and gasoline. I have to or break the law. I bet Bush and Cheney are pretty happy with all the money they've made. Cheney and Halliburton have been raking it in. So has Rumsfeld and The Carlyle Group. I would recommend you read up on what Eisenhower said about the military industrial complex. These folks are robbing you and me blind. Come on over to the truth and all is forgiven. We want to see you full of light and love, not hate and anger. In the words of Chesty Puller Semper Fi. Always faithful. Chris
Kathy Upton wrote:
Hi Chris,
Look across the street at any rally and you will see me on the good side. I'm sorry to hear you feel the way you do, but we will always disagree on this. Gonna contribute some cash anyway?
Kathy
On 11/13/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Gathering of hawks is more like it. Take it from this U.S. Marine living in NC. 1st battalion, 6th marines, 2nd mar div, MOS 0341, mortarman. You guys are supporting an illegal and immoral war. Grow up. It was never about WMD. It was always about oil. You are foolishly being used by Bush to fatten his bank account. The sooner we pull out and indict these criminals in office the better off we all will be. Hope to see you on the good side of things in the future. Chris
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2302569#2302611
go west young man (1000+ posts) Sat Nov-17-07 11:48 AM
Original message
My email exchange with "Gathering of Eagles" leader Kathy Upton.
I just wanted to post this so DU'ers can see what we're up against trying to stop the war movement. This is my 1000th DU post so I figure it's a notable worthy one. Just a few things to clarify first. Kathy Upton assumes I'm a Christian. I'm not. I'm an agnostic/pagan type. She assumes the ANSWER coalition represents all things left. Also because it's an email exchange you have to start at the bottom and work upward. I have yet to reply back to her last post. Here's the exchange.
Chris,
I apologize for not answering your question before...I am not a veteran. I am an army brat, does that now disqualify any of my opinions?
A stable Middle East will procure those oil resources for generations to come. Of course we need to focus on renewable energy sources. Wind power, solar power, hydro-electric..the problem we have here in Vermont is environmentalists (the extremists) not wanting wind towers (there was a bird once that flew into one and got killed and they destroy the beauty of the ridgeline) It seems they like to scream about OIL, but any alternatives are fought tooth and nail.
BUT, this discussion is not about environmentalists. No, you won't change my opinion. I have had to many discussions and to many emails from those serving or having just come back from Afghanistan and Iraq, I have seen to many veterans determined to not let what happened to them happen to the current generation of military.
If we pull out of Iraq now, millions will die. Aren't their lives worth something as well? Or are you saying that only American lives are important? That wouldn't be very Christian of you. Would your Lord Jesus Christ say the same thing do you think?
I am pagan. My belief system involves the entire natural world. I want peace as much as anyone else, we are not "war-mongers", but we also realize that there are times when war is the only answer. The people we fight don't believe in peace unless we are willing to subject ourselves to the laws of Islam. I am NOT.
So yes, I will continue on with Gathering of Eagles and other like minded organizations, fighting the anti-war movement as much as I can. Remember this please: When you march under ANSWER, regardless of what your message may be, it is lost. I've provided their steering committee below for your review. I had a nice conversation with a couple of mid 20 age kids in Kennebunkport in August after the rally. They were hitchhiking back to their bus and I gave them a ride. Like you, they were articulate and passionate about their position. I told them the same thing I just said to you: Watch who you position yourself with. The world sees a big anti war rally sponsored by ANSWER and/or Code Pink and if you are in that crowd, you voice is lost to their tyrantical views. Those kids and I parted friendly, hoping to see each other again in DC on the 15th.
I respect, though disagree with your stance. I think that it is good we can have discussions without reverting to name calling and all the other nonsense that high emotions reveal. Trust me, yours was the most comprehensive and polite email from a "moonbat" that registered on GoE and received my email that I got. LOL...
Good Luck to you, and may you find the peace you are searching for.
Kathy
Look over this steering committee and think about what American interests they may hold:
IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Free Palestine Alliance - U.S.
Haiti Support Network
Partnership for Civil Justice - LDEF
Nicaragua Network
Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines
Korea Truth Commission
Muslim Student Association - National
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Mexico Solidarity Network
Party for Socialism and Liberation
On 11/17/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Kathy, we lost in Vietnam because we should have never been there in the first place. It was a bad policy. Same as this one now. Iraq is more than just about oil. I mentioned a few other things as well as oil. But oil is the primary reason. The Iraqi oil is not yet available hence the high price now as the market is unstable. If the US stays ten years and many more people die then that oil will be available to the US. The funny thing is if our government was more progressive we could have had renewable energy years ago. As a former Marine I don't believe in people saying support the troops and support the mission. They are seperate things. The mission can be a bad one. The troops have no choice. many of my friends who have served feel that we are an invading force and that we are fighting Iraqi insurgents not terrorists. They are fighting for their country same as we would do if we were invaded. Bush uses the troops for his bad policy. I don't think I'm gonna change your mind but I hope you realize many troops don't feel the way you do. Once again I ask you what branch you have served and hope you switch over to an antiwar belief like my own. It's healthier. Since I became a pacifist I feel a lot better about life and I feel that Jesus Christ is more closely aligned to my thinking than that of people who advocate for war. Peace is the answer. Love and peace as John Lennon said long before he was killed. Good luck in your life, Chris
Kathy Upton
Well Chris,
I believe we should be conducting stem cell research. You see, just because I support our troops AND their mission, does not
necessarily translate into and unthinking approval of the things that President Bush does.
Do I think that we should pull our troops out of Iraq? No, I don't. I believe that if we do there will be much the same thing happen there as happened when we pulled out of Vietnam. Ask the millions of Vietnames families how they feel about that. I also believe that if we DON'T deal with this threat now, we will just be back over there in the near future.
Politicians on BOTH sides of the isle play us like we are fools. They hope (and in the majority of instances are correct) that American's won't indulge themselves to find out the truth. Think about this...IF it is about the oil, why is gas now $3.12 per gallon? Why did I just have to put a wood stove in my home so that I could heat it? I live in Vermont, do you think that $800+ is doable a month for heating oil? IF it was about oil, why didn't we just go in and take it? Claim Iraq as an American territory? We certainly have the military power to do so?
No...we haven't caught Bin Laden yet? Why is that? Our military force is one of the most highly trained and best equipped armies in the world. If they were given the green light, without all the political pandering, and congress trying to run the military for which they have NO qualification (with rare instances), they would have accomplished this mission long ago.
Listen, I don't get into politics, because personally, I don't trust a damn one of them. What I do know, is that we have well over 200,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who won't be home this holiday season as you and I are. What I do know is that they deserve to turn on a news report and instead of seeing a sea of yellow posters and posters decrying everything they are fighting for, they deserve to see a country that loves and supports them and wants them to come home victorious. These are trained, VOLUNTEER soldiers. They want peace more than anyone, after all, it's they who put their lives on the line! But they also want to be victorious. They know the threats this country face, and they are willing to defend this country for the future of their children and grandchildren.
Support....them and their mission. We welcome you to come to our side as well...
On 11/16/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
I don't hate you and I'm on the left I believe. That's what our country is about freedom of choice. You stand a much better chance of dying from a disease that stem cell research can cure than you do of being hurt by a "jihadist". Note that we are over there and have been for a long time. They only recently came over here and attacked us. Your odds of being killed by one of "them" is miniscule. Your odds of yourself or one of your family members dying from cancer or some other illness is almost gauranteed. which way does a smart person vote in that situation? Think about it. Think deeply. The Bush administration uses terrorism just like jihadists do. To further their political agenda. That agenda relies upon people like yourself to go along. I'm not fooled. I served in the Marines and did my time and have the right to say that. I am curious what branch you served and how you feel about stem cell research? I believe the Bush admin uses fear as a political tool. And to quote another famous American phrase. "These colors never run." I see Bush and Faux news using fear for their own selfish gains. That is pathetic. they have exploited Sept.11 and disgraced the families. They have not caught Osama Bin Laden but they have managed to get a foothold in two oil rich countries. I would recommend you read up on "The Big Game" for oil. As Bertrand Russell called. Geopolitically the US is using "terra" as a ruse in order to achieve nefarious goals. Procurement of oil, containment of Russia, China and other states, protection of Israel. All these things have hurt the US. When we could have switched to renewable resources, focused on our own national interests and established a helpful relationship with Russia instead of reigniting a new cold war. Who is being served? Well the numbers don't lie. Cheney is making a fortune as are the weapons companies. Look deeper Kathy and you will see more clearly. I welcome you to our fold as in the long run we will be the true savoirs of the US. Cheers and come on over, Chris
Kathy Upton
I am well aware of what Semper Fi means, but thank you for the lesson. The only anger you will ever find in me is when I am on the streets facing the anti-war protesters as they burn a flag, drag it on the ground, shout to veterans who are standing shoulder to shoulder that they are murderer's and they deserve to die. Don't think that happens? Come on out to one of ANSWER or Code Pinks rally, see what they really think of you guys in the service.The only hate I harbor is for extremist's on any side of any issue. People who don't know enough and follow along blindly like sheep.
But it's ok, even though you despise us, we stll will fight.
I would recommend you visit www.jihadwatch.com and learn who the real enemy is. You can whine all you want about gas prices and taxes....the US military has fought and died for your right to do so.
On 11/15/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Oh I'm contributing cash everyday for this illegal war. Through taxes and gasoline. I have to or break the law. I bet Bush and Cheney are pretty happy with all the money they've made. Cheney and Halliburton have been raking it in. So has Rumsfeld and The Carlyle Group. I would recommend you read up on what Eisenhower said about the military industrial complex. These folks are robbing you and me blind. Come on over to the truth and all is forgiven. We want to see you full of light and love, not hate and anger. In the words of Chesty Puller Semper Fi. Always faithful. Chris
Kathy Upton
Hi Chris,
Look across the street at any rally and you will see me on the good side. I'm sorry to hear you feel the way you do, but we will always disagree on this. Gonna contribute some cash anyway?
Kathy
On 11/13/07, christopher harrison < christopherharrison31525@yahoo.com > wrote:
Gathering of hawks is more like it. Take it from this U.S. Marine living in NC. 1st battalion, 6th marines, 2nd mar div, MOS 0341, mortarman. You guys are supporting an illegal and immoral war. Grow up. It was never about WMD. It was always about oil. You are foolishly being used by Bush to fatten his bank account. The sooner we pull out and indict these criminals in office the better off we all will be. Hope to see you on the good side of things in the future. Chris
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
You are not forgotten.
Though it was a nearly steady rain, about 8 members of Veteran's Combat Assoc and some Shamrock MC rode their motorcycles from as far away as Swanton and Derby to be present at the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial. One die-hard from the Vietnam Veterans NE MC rode in from Maine!
Gov. Jim Douglas made a very nice (non-political) speach:
Thanks to Bill Wolf and his color guard that came from NY. This was a nice touch:
Reading of the 113 names of Vermonters that died in Vietnam:
It was a very nice service. This lady laid the wreath during the ceremony.
Despite the rain, it was a good turnout. My guess would be about 100 showed up and stood in the rain and chilly fall weather to remember all those who gave so much and all those who have yet to come home. A special thanks goes out to Marion Gray and the Vt Fallen Families and to Charlie for helping spread the word about this little known event.
Friday, October 26, 2007
If this doesn't upset you....it's probably time to check your meds.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_flag25.3ee2dc9.html
Now I'm a practicing Pagan. While my definition of "God" may differ from other religions, I do not feel threatened when someone mentions "God" in my presence. I do not feel I am being slighted when I recite the Pledge of Allegence, "One nation, under God", nor do I reword it to include "Goddess". When did American's get such thin skinned that we can't even translate in our minds the word "God" to mean whatever it means to us?
I'm just saying..........
After complaint in Riverside, flag-folding recitation banned at veterans cemeteries nationwide
Download story podcast
08:12 AM PDT on Thursday, October 25, 2007
By JOE VARGO
The Press-Enterprise
Through thousands of military burials, Memorial Honor Detail volunteers at Riverside National Cemetery have folded the American flag 13 times and recited the significance of every fold to survivors of those being laid to rest.
The first fold, a narrator tells relatives, represents life, the second a belief in eternal life.
The 11th fold celebrates Jewish war veterans and "glorifies the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."
A single complaint lodged against the words for the 11th fold recently prompted the National Cemetery Administration to ban the entire recital at all 125 national cemeteries.
A spokesman in Washington said the complaint originated from someone who witnessed the ceremony at Riverside National but would provide no other details and declined to release the directive banning the flag-folding recital, saying it was "an internal working document not meant for public distribution."
Veterans are furious.
The recitation of the 13 folds of the U.S. flag can no longer be made at national cemeteries. Veterans and honor detail volunteers, such as Bobby Castillo, 85, left, and Rees Lloyd, 59, are furious.
"That the actions of one disgruntled, whining, narcissistic and intolerant individual is preventing veterans from getting the honors they deserve is truly an outrage," said Rees Lloyd, 59, a Vietnam-era veteran and Memorial Honor Detail volunteer. "This is another attempt by secularist fanatics to cleanse any reference to God."
World War II Navy sailor Bobby Castillo, 85, another member of Memorial Honor Detail 12, called the federal decision "a slap in the face to every veteran."
"When we got back from the war, we didn't ask for a whole lot," said Castillo, who was wounded in 1944 as he supported the Allied landings in France. "We just want to give our veterans the respect they deserve. No one has ever complained to us about it. I just don't understand."
The pair, part of a team that has performed military honors at more than 1,400 services, said they were preparing to read the flag-folding remarks when workers in a staff car came up to them and stopped them.
Charlie Waters, parliamentarian for the American Legion of California, said he's advising memorial honor details to ignore the edict, even if it means being kicked out of cemeteries.
"This is nuts," Waters, a Korean War veteran, said in a telephone interview from Fresno. "There are 26 million veterans in this country and they're not going to take us all to prison."
Washington's Explanation
Mike Nacincik, the spokesman for the National Cemetery Administration, said the new policy, which was outlined in a Sept. 27 memo, is aimed at creating uniform services throughout the military graveyard system.
He said the 13-fold recital is not part of the U.S. Flag Code and is not government approved. After the complaint made its way through government channels, Steve Muro, director of field operations, wrote the new policy.
Nacincik said that while the flag-folding narrative includes references to God that the government does not endorse, the main reason for the new rules is uniformity.
"We are looking at consistency," Nacincik said. "We think that's important."
As for comments that the edict is an attack on religious beliefs, Nacincik said, "People are going to have their own views on that."
He said the flag-folding narrative can be read but only if families make arrangements on their own and do not use cemetery workers, which include volunteers. The U.S. government owns Riverside National, the most active national cemetery in the country with more than 8,000 burials of veterans and immediate family members each year.
A Jewish Perspective
Rabbi Yitzhak Miller, of Riverside's Temple Beth El, said he understands the government's decision to ban the recitation but believes it is a quick solution to a complex issue.
"It is a perfect example of government choosing to ignore religion in order to avoid offending some religions," Miller said. "To me, ignoring religion in general is just as problematic as endorsing any one religion."
Miller said the 11th fold, and the 12th fold, which refers to the Christian Trinity -- "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost -- amounts to an endorsement of Judaism and Christianity. He said he would like to see a reference to "God as we understand God" mentioned in the ritual but without endorsing any specific tradition.
"To acknowledge those two without acknowledging others denigrates the patriotic men and women of other faiths who serve our country," he said.
Family Wishes
Lloyd and Castillo said they always speak to families before providing military honors to their loved ones. Honors include a rifle salute, the playing of taps and the folding of the flag. Some families don't want any honors; others decline specific parts of the ceremony. Those wishes are paramount and are always respected.
Lloyd said the 16 members of the Memorial Honor Detail he serves on have distributed hundreds of copies of the script they recite while folding the flag. They've received dozens of letters thanking them, and several mention in particular the flag-folding recitation. But now presenting families that memento isn't allowed under the directive.
Lloyd, a member of the state American Legion, said he knows Riverside National Cemetery workers are just obeying orders. The real battle is with Washington.
"We're going to fight this tooth and nail, hammer and boot," he said.
Flag folds
These meanings, not part of the U.S. Flag Code, have been ascribed to the 13 folds of American flags at veterans burial services:
1. Symbol of life.
2. Symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. In honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. Represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. A tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. Represents where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. A tribute to our armed forces.
8. A tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. A tribute to womanhood.
10. A tribute to father.
11. In the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. In the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."
Sources: USHistory.com, other Web site
Now I'm a practicing Pagan. While my definition of "God" may differ from other religions, I do not feel threatened when someone mentions "God" in my presence. I do not feel I am being slighted when I recite the Pledge of Allegence, "One nation, under God", nor do I reword it to include "Goddess". When did American's get such thin skinned that we can't even translate in our minds the word "God" to mean whatever it means to us?
I'm just saying..........
After complaint in Riverside, flag-folding recitation banned at veterans cemeteries nationwide
Download story podcast
08:12 AM PDT on Thursday, October 25, 2007
By JOE VARGO
The Press-Enterprise
Through thousands of military burials, Memorial Honor Detail volunteers at Riverside National Cemetery have folded the American flag 13 times and recited the significance of every fold to survivors of those being laid to rest.
The first fold, a narrator tells relatives, represents life, the second a belief in eternal life.
The 11th fold celebrates Jewish war veterans and "glorifies the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."
A single complaint lodged against the words for the 11th fold recently prompted the National Cemetery Administration to ban the entire recital at all 125 national cemeteries.
A spokesman in Washington said the complaint originated from someone who witnessed the ceremony at Riverside National but would provide no other details and declined to release the directive banning the flag-folding recital, saying it was "an internal working document not meant for public distribution."
Veterans are furious.
The recitation of the 13 folds of the U.S. flag can no longer be made at national cemeteries. Veterans and honor detail volunteers, such as Bobby Castillo, 85, left, and Rees Lloyd, 59, are furious.
"That the actions of one disgruntled, whining, narcissistic and intolerant individual is preventing veterans from getting the honors they deserve is truly an outrage," said Rees Lloyd, 59, a Vietnam-era veteran and Memorial Honor Detail volunteer. "This is another attempt by secularist fanatics to cleanse any reference to God."
World War II Navy sailor Bobby Castillo, 85, another member of Memorial Honor Detail 12, called the federal decision "a slap in the face to every veteran."
"When we got back from the war, we didn't ask for a whole lot," said Castillo, who was wounded in 1944 as he supported the Allied landings in France. "We just want to give our veterans the respect they deserve. No one has ever complained to us about it. I just don't understand."
The pair, part of a team that has performed military honors at more than 1,400 services, said they were preparing to read the flag-folding remarks when workers in a staff car came up to them and stopped them.
Charlie Waters, parliamentarian for the American Legion of California, said he's advising memorial honor details to ignore the edict, even if it means being kicked out of cemeteries.
"This is nuts," Waters, a Korean War veteran, said in a telephone interview from Fresno. "There are 26 million veterans in this country and they're not going to take us all to prison."
Washington's Explanation
Mike Nacincik, the spokesman for the National Cemetery Administration, said the new policy, which was outlined in a Sept. 27 memo, is aimed at creating uniform services throughout the military graveyard system.
He said the 13-fold recital is not part of the U.S. Flag Code and is not government approved. After the complaint made its way through government channels, Steve Muro, director of field operations, wrote the new policy.
Nacincik said that while the flag-folding narrative includes references to God that the government does not endorse, the main reason for the new rules is uniformity.
"We are looking at consistency," Nacincik said. "We think that's important."
As for comments that the edict is an attack on religious beliefs, Nacincik said, "People are going to have their own views on that."
He said the flag-folding narrative can be read but only if families make arrangements on their own and do not use cemetery workers, which include volunteers. The U.S. government owns Riverside National, the most active national cemetery in the country with more than 8,000 burials of veterans and immediate family members each year.
A Jewish Perspective
Rabbi Yitzhak Miller, of Riverside's Temple Beth El, said he understands the government's decision to ban the recitation but believes it is a quick solution to a complex issue.
"It is a perfect example of government choosing to ignore religion in order to avoid offending some religions," Miller said. "To me, ignoring religion in general is just as problematic as endorsing any one religion."
Miller said the 11th fold, and the 12th fold, which refers to the Christian Trinity -- "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost -- amounts to an endorsement of Judaism and Christianity. He said he would like to see a reference to "God as we understand God" mentioned in the ritual but without endorsing any specific tradition.
"To acknowledge those two without acknowledging others denigrates the patriotic men and women of other faiths who serve our country," he said.
Family Wishes
Lloyd and Castillo said they always speak to families before providing military honors to their loved ones. Honors include a rifle salute, the playing of taps and the folding of the flag. Some families don't want any honors; others decline specific parts of the ceremony. Those wishes are paramount and are always respected.
Lloyd said the 16 members of the Memorial Honor Detail he serves on have distributed hundreds of copies of the script they recite while folding the flag. They've received dozens of letters thanking them, and several mention in particular the flag-folding recitation. But now presenting families that memento isn't allowed under the directive.
Lloyd, a member of the state American Legion, said he knows Riverside National Cemetery workers are just obeying orders. The real battle is with Washington.
"We're going to fight this tooth and nail, hammer and boot," he said.
Flag folds
These meanings, not part of the U.S. Flag Code, have been ascribed to the 13 folds of American flags at veterans burial services:
1. Symbol of life.
2. Symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. In honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. Represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. A tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. Represents where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. A tribute to our armed forces.
8. A tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. A tribute to womanhood.
10. A tribute to father.
11. In the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. In the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."
Sources: USHistory.com, other Web site
Sunday, October 21, 2007
October 27, 2007
On Oct 27th, there will be a service at the Vietnam Memorial in Vermont to commemorate the 25th anniversary. I've attached a tenative schedule. For those coming from the south, take 91 North to 89. Once on 89 go past the Sharon exit and the memorial is at the next rest area. For those coming from NH...take 93 to Concord, then 89 across.
I hope to see alot of you there!
Tentative program
1:00 PM Posting of Color Guard VT - National Guard
1:05 PM Opening Prayer - Ed Jones
1:10 PM Singing of our National Anthem - Maiden VT
1:15 PM John Miner introduce our Master of Ceremony-
Rick Weidman
1:25 PM Guest Speaker - Gov. Jim Douglas
1:35 PM Guest Speaker - Gen. Richard Cody - Tentative
1:45 PM Guest Speaker - Senator Bernie Sanders
1:55 PM Guest Speaker - Congressmen Peter Welch
2:05 PM Recognizing other notables in the group
2:15 PM Reading of Names on Memorial
2:30 PM Laying of Wreath
2: 35 PM Rifle Salute
2:40 PM Taps
I hope to see alot of you there!
Tentative program
1:00 PM Posting of Color Guard VT - National Guard
1:05 PM Opening Prayer - Ed Jones
1:10 PM Singing of our National Anthem - Maiden VT
1:15 PM John Miner introduce our Master of Ceremony-
Rick Weidman
1:25 PM Guest Speaker - Gov. Jim Douglas
1:35 PM Guest Speaker - Gen. Richard Cody - Tentative
1:45 PM Guest Speaker - Senator Bernie Sanders
1:55 PM Guest Speaker - Congressmen Peter Welch
2:05 PM Recognizing other notables in the group
2:15 PM Reading of Names on Memorial
2:30 PM Laying of Wreath
2: 35 PM Rifle Salute
2:40 PM Taps
Friday, October 12, 2007
More Lies from Kokesh
Ok, I'm not even going to bother with repuditing the lies in this peice from Kokesh. But I want to make sure they are recorded. I didn't transfer the pics. Adam's BS is in bold
Last phrase in Kokesh's post: "Fortunately, an effort is under way to track down and hold these men accountable. Pray to whatever you believe in that they are brought to justice. And I don't just mean by a judge . . ."
Two More Members of the Gathering of Pigeons On My Shitlist
Meet Fred Peterson:
Apparently, he scuffed his elbow while beating up on Carlos Arredondo.
I'm not even going to comment on this, but please note the use of the word "liberated."
From an anonymous poster at After Downing Street:
Cut and paste from the GOE forums.
From the pen of Fred Peterson:
I was leaving Capitol Grounds. The activity there had just about ended with the arrest of over 600 provocateurs and agents 'anti-war' of violence. There, we Eagles had organized teams of six men - mostly veterans- to protect the safety of Gold Star Moms (and Dads) from the physical threats and insults of hard-edge left socialists, Seattle anarchists, random lefty Raggamuffins and reflexive anti-Americans who made up the ANSWER Coalition …
My teams broke up at the Capitol, mission accomplished, and I was walking alone back to the Mall when I saw the photo-image of a proud young Marine in dress blues being held hostage in company not of his own choosing and affixed to a coffin not his own.
The insult to his honor and disrespect to his Corps and cause by his captors was immediately obvious and intended. These same peddlers of provocation are paid to push their coffin-prop all over the country they revile. They subvert a common will and undermine the cause and country for which this hostage-Marine had sacrificed his very life.
The captive Marine was not among his own. He was surrounded and outnumbered by those who shamelessly exploit his image and memory, disgrace his uniform, his brothers in arms, and his willing sacrifice. He would never choose such company. He needed a rescue…
I liberated his image from the midst of the hostile crowd, intending to replace it in a position of honor Arlington, where he would rest with heroes and among his own …I respectfully carried the image of the fallen Marine and was not opposed nor confronted in any way until I has walked perhaps 25 yards down the sidewalk. There, I was attacked without warning and tackled from behind by a demonstrator who crashed into my back at a full run. I went down forward, tearing pants knees and shirt sleeve and five separate wounds requiring hospital attention. The Marine's image, along with camera and sunglasses were smashed into the pavement. Before I could respond, six or so Eagles-vets were immediately pulling me away from the anti-war attacker.
Police Interviews were conducted and Eagles were asked if they wanted to prefer charges…No charges were filed by Eagles, who are unaccustomed to whining about minor injuries when they stand in defense of larger principles unappreciated - uncomprehended - by their attackers.
Two Gold Star Mothers who witnessed the entire episode and gave police statements said, "I am so proud of what you did! I wanted to do it myself …That coffin is such a disgrace to my son and all the others who have died to help others be free. Thank you so much! It made my day."
Well, actually, - those few precious words, from one who has given the full measure of issue from her own body to the defense ofour country, 'made my day' also …
Let me get this straight. By wingnut logic, this guy didn't deserve to have a picture of his own son. So this thug, Peterson, decides to steal the picture, with about five other goons as backup?
Then he plays the martyr angle, when he gets tackled trying to make his getaway. And he claims to be noble for not going to court.
Am I reading this right?
Meet Asshole Number Two:
DC BrownShirt #2: ASSholes' BLOG MODERATOR "RORY"
Submitted by Matty on Wed, 2007-09-19 17:40.
Yes, I did take a look at that "must-read" thread - where I ALSO happened to notice the following "avatar" - the little, signature picture - for the following blogger who is their forum moderator:
LogOn: "SpockWasRight"
Does that pus look familiar; from the above pics of the assault on Arredondo? You be the judge:Here it is (left); scaled to more or less the same height as a headshot cropped from one of the above, Arredondo assault pics. Same nose, same style sunglasses, same (potato-) shaped head.
Who is this prick? Well, on his personal profile page he self-identifies as "RORY" FROM CONNECTICUT.
So this guy who assaulted Arredondo is obviously from within the inner circle of the Gathering of ASSholes; he is not just some random, pissed-off neighbor. And his (first) post above smacks of pure CIA-type psy-op - just exactly the kind of professional shit-stirring you'd expect from a spook with "extensive post military travel to and residence in some 23 different countries", as claimed in his profile.
This guy - and clearly, the leadership of the Gathering of DipShits - are TRUE, PAID PROVOCATEURS - precisely that which they accuse the protesters of being - except these people truly are from a government conspiracy - probably straight from the CIA itself.
"Rory"'s profile names his "Industry" as "Communications or Media". No fucking doubt! Why, here he is "communicating" in his preferred "medium" - attempted intimidation - in DC last Saturday:It's hard to know just exactly what he was screaming, but I daresay it couldn't have been much other than: "SOMEBODY PLEASE LOCK ME THE FUCK UP AS I AM A LUNATIC GOON, WORKING FOR A FUCKING LUNATIC GOVERNMENT!"
I take one look at this asshole and I say only this:
Fortunately, an effort is under way to track down and hold these men accountable. Pray to whatever you believe in that they are brought to justice. And I don't just mean by a judge . . .
Last phrase in Kokesh's post: "Fortunately, an effort is under way to track down and hold these men accountable. Pray to whatever you believe in that they are brought to justice. And I don't just mean by a judge . . ."
Two More Members of the Gathering of Pigeons On My Shitlist
Meet Fred Peterson:
Apparently, he scuffed his elbow while beating up on Carlos Arredondo.
I'm not even going to comment on this, but please note the use of the word "liberated."
From an anonymous poster at After Downing Street:
Cut and paste from the GOE forums.
From the pen of Fred Peterson:
I was leaving Capitol Grounds. The activity there had just about ended with the arrest of over 600 provocateurs and agents 'anti-war' of violence. There, we Eagles had organized teams of six men - mostly veterans- to protect the safety of Gold Star Moms (and Dads) from the physical threats and insults of hard-edge left socialists, Seattle anarchists, random lefty Raggamuffins and reflexive anti-Americans who made up the ANSWER Coalition …
My teams broke up at the Capitol, mission accomplished, and I was walking alone back to the Mall when I saw the photo-image of a proud young Marine in dress blues being held hostage in company not of his own choosing and affixed to a coffin not his own.
The insult to his honor and disrespect to his Corps and cause by his captors was immediately obvious and intended. These same peddlers of provocation are paid to push their coffin-prop all over the country they revile. They subvert a common will and undermine the cause and country for which this hostage-Marine had sacrificed his very life.
The captive Marine was not among his own. He was surrounded and outnumbered by those who shamelessly exploit his image and memory, disgrace his uniform, his brothers in arms, and his willing sacrifice. He would never choose such company. He needed a rescue…
I liberated his image from the midst of the hostile crowd, intending to replace it in a position of honor Arlington, where he would rest with heroes and among his own …I respectfully carried the image of the fallen Marine and was not opposed nor confronted in any way until I has walked perhaps 25 yards down the sidewalk. There, I was attacked without warning and tackled from behind by a demonstrator who crashed into my back at a full run. I went down forward, tearing pants knees and shirt sleeve and five separate wounds requiring hospital attention. The Marine's image, along with camera and sunglasses were smashed into the pavement. Before I could respond, six or so Eagles-vets were immediately pulling me away from the anti-war attacker.
Police Interviews were conducted and Eagles were asked if they wanted to prefer charges…No charges were filed by Eagles, who are unaccustomed to whining about minor injuries when they stand in defense of larger principles unappreciated - uncomprehended - by their attackers.
Two Gold Star Mothers who witnessed the entire episode and gave police statements said, "I am so proud of what you did! I wanted to do it myself …That coffin is such a disgrace to my son and all the others who have died to help others be free. Thank you so much! It made my day."
Well, actually, - those few precious words, from one who has given the full measure of issue from her own body to the defense ofour country, 'made my day' also …
Let me get this straight. By wingnut logic, this guy didn't deserve to have a picture of his own son. So this thug, Peterson, decides to steal the picture, with about five other goons as backup?
Then he plays the martyr angle, when he gets tackled trying to make his getaway. And he claims to be noble for not going to court.
Am I reading this right?
Meet Asshole Number Two:
DC BrownShirt #2: ASSholes' BLOG MODERATOR "RORY"
Submitted by Matty on Wed, 2007-09-19 17:40.
Yes, I did take a look at that "must-read" thread - where I ALSO happened to notice the following "avatar" - the little, signature picture - for the following blogger who is their forum moderator:
LogOn: "SpockWasRight"
Does that pus look familiar; from the above pics of the assault on Arredondo? You be the judge:Here it is (left); scaled to more or less the same height as a headshot cropped from one of the above, Arredondo assault pics. Same nose, same style sunglasses, same (potato-) shaped head.
Who is this prick? Well, on his personal profile page he self-identifies as "RORY" FROM CONNECTICUT.
So this guy who assaulted Arredondo is obviously from within the inner circle of the Gathering of ASSholes; he is not just some random, pissed-off neighbor. And his (first) post above smacks of pure CIA-type psy-op - just exactly the kind of professional shit-stirring you'd expect from a spook with "extensive post military travel to and residence in some 23 different countries", as claimed in his profile.
This guy - and clearly, the leadership of the Gathering of DipShits - are TRUE, PAID PROVOCATEURS - precisely that which they accuse the protesters of being - except these people truly are from a government conspiracy - probably straight from the CIA itself.
"Rory"'s profile names his "Industry" as "Communications or Media". No fucking doubt! Why, here he is "communicating" in his preferred "medium" - attempted intimidation - in DC last Saturday:It's hard to know just exactly what he was screaming, but I daresay it couldn't have been much other than: "SOMEBODY PLEASE LOCK ME THE FUCK UP AS I AM A LUNATIC GOON, WORKING FOR A FUCKING LUNATIC GOVERNMENT!"
I take one look at this asshole and I say only this:
Fortunately, an effort is under way to track down and hold these men accountable. Pray to whatever you believe in that they are brought to justice. And I don't just mean by a judge . . .
Thursday, October 11, 2007
RETALIATE
This is a repost from the Gathering of Eagles website. It is currently down due to some attacks from ??? Gee I wonder who. Please DO NOT go to the IVAW website, we don't want them to get the hits. (pictures didn't come thru, but I will post them this evening.)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Heaven Help This Guy If I Run Into Him On The Street
Courtesy of David Rubinson
The Bastard Who Jumped Carlos
Here is the bastard from Gathering of Eagles who jumped Carlos on Sept 15, seen here with his biggest supporter and good friend and pal GWB, at a White House breakfast hosting The G.O.E. and Chris Hill three days AFTER they attacked Carlos, in full knowledge and clear support for what had been perpetrated.
We can have no illusions about what we are fighting -
These are the hired Brown Shirts, organized and financed by we all know Who.
This is all part of The Plan, part of business as usual.
It's time for business as usual to be stopped.
As Cindy just wrote: Imagine.......
Chris Hill ('National Director of Ops' for the Gathering of Eagles, a pro-war advocacy group) and other members of his group verbally and physically attacked a Gold Star father of a fallen soldier who was participating in a anti-war march on 9/15. The Gold Star father, Carlos Arredondo, was marching with a picture of his fallen son when Hill and members of the pro-war group began verbally harassing him and then physically confronted him to take away the photo of his son. In the process Mr. Arredondo was knocked to the ground and kicked. Hill wrestled the photo of Mr. Arredondo's son, Alex, away from Gold Star father, claiming to have liberated it. The Gathering of Eagles Group had attended the anti-war march for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the protesters.
Three days later, the President, his wife Laura, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes, and, of course, fellow chicken-hawk Dick Cheney hosted a breakfast on the south lawn of the White House to honor pro-war groups, including the Gathering of Eagles, who they consider to be properly "supporting the troops." Although the attack on the Gold Star father was well known at the time, the President proudly takes a photo with Chris Hill to show that this is his kind of guy.
The attached photos are of Chris Hill posing with Bush on the WH lawn, and Chris Hill and fellow G.O.E. at the anti-war march.
CHRIS HILL'S RESPONSE:
Well, as you can see from the post, outright lies have not been enough for the anti-American forces. They have now resorted to a threat of physical violence against me in a public forum. Other threats have been made before this, both against me and others, but always via email, or in forums. This changes things. I assure I am taking it seriously, but not overly. Anyone who would make such a public proclamation is obviously engaging in the vilest demagoguery. I am only posting it here to prevent all of you from going to his site. That will only assure that it stays up longer. I am fervently asking that no one take any action to rebut this, in any way, shape, form or fashion. Do not post responses here or elsewhere regarding it. Do not respond to any bait regarding it. Remember the mission is what is important. We cannot jeopardize the cause. Our men and women in uniform need champions. If just one person responds inappropriately, it will be spun as if it was a coordinated, endorsed attack by our organization and all we have work so tirelessly for will be lost. Do not worry about me either. I have taken certain legal precautions and I am, now and forever, an infantryman. I will watch my six. Thank you for the support. Manchu.
--
Chris Hill
Gathering of Eagles
National Director for Operations
http://www.gatheringofeagles.org/
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Heaven Help This Guy If I Run Into Him On The Street
Courtesy of David Rubinson
The Bastard Who Jumped Carlos
Here is the bastard from Gathering of Eagles who jumped Carlos on Sept 15, seen here with his biggest supporter and good friend and pal GWB, at a White House breakfast hosting The G.O.E. and Chris Hill three days AFTER they attacked Carlos, in full knowledge and clear support for what had been perpetrated.
We can have no illusions about what we are fighting -
These are the hired Brown Shirts, organized and financed by we all know Who.
This is all part of The Plan, part of business as usual.
It's time for business as usual to be stopped.
As Cindy just wrote: Imagine.......
Chris Hill ('National Director of Ops' for the Gathering of Eagles, a pro-war advocacy group) and other members of his group verbally and physically attacked a Gold Star father of a fallen soldier who was participating in a anti-war march on 9/15. The Gold Star father, Carlos Arredondo, was marching with a picture of his fallen son when Hill and members of the pro-war group began verbally harassing him and then physically confronted him to take away the photo of his son. In the process Mr. Arredondo was knocked to the ground and kicked. Hill wrestled the photo of Mr. Arredondo's son, Alex, away from Gold Star father, claiming to have liberated it. The Gathering of Eagles Group had attended the anti-war march for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the protesters.
Three days later, the President, his wife Laura, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes, and, of course, fellow chicken-hawk Dick Cheney hosted a breakfast on the south lawn of the White House to honor pro-war groups, including the Gathering of Eagles, who they consider to be properly "supporting the troops." Although the attack on the Gold Star father was well known at the time, the President proudly takes a photo with Chris Hill to show that this is his kind of guy.
The attached photos are of Chris Hill posing with Bush on the WH lawn, and Chris Hill and fellow G.O.E. at the anti-war march.
CHRIS HILL'S RESPONSE:
Well, as you can see from the post, outright lies have not been enough for the anti-American forces. They have now resorted to a threat of physical violence against me in a public forum. Other threats have been made before this, both against me and others, but always via email, or in forums. This changes things. I assure I am taking it seriously, but not overly. Anyone who would make such a public proclamation is obviously engaging in the vilest demagoguery. I am only posting it here to prevent all of you from going to his site. That will only assure that it stays up longer. I am fervently asking that no one take any action to rebut this, in any way, shape, form or fashion. Do not post responses here or elsewhere regarding it. Do not respond to any bait regarding it. Remember the mission is what is important. We cannot jeopardize the cause. Our men and women in uniform need champions. If just one person responds inappropriately, it will be spun as if it was a coordinated, endorsed attack by our organization and all we have work so tirelessly for will be lost. Do not worry about me either. I have taken certain legal precautions and I am, now and forever, an infantryman. I will watch my six. Thank you for the support. Manchu.
--
Chris Hill
Gathering of Eagles
National Director for Operations
http://www.gatheringofeagles.org/
Friday, July 20, 2007
Shee-Hag Al-kezera is back!
Sheehan Blogs about GOE!
Posted in Media For You, After Action Reports, Guest Authors, Media by Gabi on July 19, 2007
(Contributed by CLEVE R. WOOTSON JR. published by Charlotte Observer)
”At the School of the Assassins in Columbus, GA, and in Charlotte, NC, we ran into similar problems: police presence that seemed to be there to foster violence. At both places the neo-Nazi, pro-war fascist group “Gathering of Eagles” came out to mostly try to intimidate us from our mission,” Sheehan writes in her blog.
A blog written by antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan and posted on MichaelMoore.com criticizes Charlotte police for allowing counter-protesters to “try to intimidate us” during Sheehan’s antiwar rally Tuesday in Bryant Park.
But in a memo to top police administrators, one captain said officers had no issues during the two-hour event and expressed surprise at the complaints.
“At the School of the Assassins in Columbus, GA, and in Charlotte, NC, we ran into similar problems: police presence that seemed to be there to foster violence. At both places the neo-Nazi, pro-war fascist group “Gathering of Eagles” came out to mostly try to intimidate us from our mission,” Sheehan writes in her blog.
“At Ft. Benning, after we complained, the police kept them separate from us, but in Charlotte, the police refused saying that the Eagles had their rights to `freedom of speech.’ “
Sheehan, one of the best-known opponents of the war in Iraq, stayed in her car during the antiwar rally at Bryant Park that drew about 125 people.
Instead of addressing the crowd — some of her supporters said there was concern about her safety — Sheehan moved to Talley’s Green Grocery in Dilworth.
In a police memo dated July 19, Capt. Doug Gallant, who reviewed and evaluated the event in Bryant Park, said he was “quite frankly, surprised there have been complaints….”
The police memo says the 14 officers on hand noticed no displays that violated North Carolina law. One protester began using profanity, the memo says, and an officer asked the person to stop cursing.
The memo also says that police didn’t have to bring in physical barriers, like bike racks, to keep the groups away from each other. At one point, Sheehan’s security advisor said she had concerns about the Gathering of Eagles, and officers asked the group to move back, creating a buffer of at least 25 feet.
Comments (8)
Comments
1. George Samek Said,
A special thanks to all you wonderful Eagles who stood up to the darling of the anti-war movement and showed her you had a right to free speech and that did not end when in her presents.
You all conducted yourselfs in a manner which brings great credit to you and increases out stature in the public eye. The MSM gave us our proper share of fair & balanced reporting, they are to be commended.
The CMPD stated we were fully within the laws od NC & that we followed their direction to the letter at all time during our counter rally.
God Bless Every One Of You.
Pure and simple, Cindy Blinked before a group of uncaged Eagles and to her shame she drove off to leave her paid, and unpaid followers to fact the true she so often is allowed to avoid.
Boo Hoo Cindy, Cpt Bailey was standinf tall with us and remained rock steady to lead us to victory in Charlotte.
I was very proud to play a small part in our “Civics Lession” for Cindy, once again I say thank you brothers and sisters for makeing history for the great state of NC, you did her proud, the citixens of Charlotte are proud of you,
If we maintain the degree of Eagle spirit we showed in Bryant Park in Charlotte NC we will be well prepared to face evil in DC on Sept 15.
2. Matt Krause Said,
If I had the money I’d take her to court for slander. A Neo-nazi am I? Kiss my grits Cindy!
We only got close to Cindy at Ft. Benning once, for less than 2 minutes, and then we were still 10 feet away, with police between us and them. They must have pooped their pants or something.
Awesome job in NC Eagles.
3. Matt Krause Said,
I took this straight off the same blog….
“But the Eagles’ freedom of speech has included physical threats against me and actual physical force against kids and women. When the Charlotte police were told this, they said that they couldn’t keep them apart from our group until the Eagles actually did something. So I chose to stay away from the rally then go and perhaps cause them to hurt someone else because of my presence.
Freedom of speech is one thing, but I don’t believe that the First Amendment protects violent speech, especially if it is one of the neocons or their media supporters calling for increased violence in the Middle East.”
It’s amazing how she explains her cowardess. She really wants to be able to limit our freedom of speech because we disagree with her. Isn’t that facist of her?
4. Matt Krause Said,
One last post I swear. She goes on to mention that “It is my belief that for all human history, we have been giving “war a chance” and it has never worked.” If that were the case, we’d still be a colony of Britain, or worse yet, we’d all be speaking German:)
5. 15thMS Said,
Sindy al-Sheehani has devolved into a worthless, rotten,
lying , mangey cur , facimille of a human being.
A blatant and scurillous traitor and consorter with the sworn enemies of the United States .
She is the one that should thank her luck that she is even allowed to go around and spew her vile trash talk about the sacred land of her birth.
Time was when cretins like her would have been tarred and feathered and run outta town tied to a rail.
Today , they stand in front of the TV cameras
and gloat self righteously .
This worm should be dogged at each any every event she attempts to present her stupid sedition to , including visits to the offices of elected officials.
Even TV stations where she goes to give ‘interviews’ should be picketed and rallied at.
Are there among us any dedicated slueths that can suss out and report her every announced appearance? She’s had a free ticket to ride about long enough . She should have stayed in ‘retirement’ and allowed her son’s spirit to rest in peace….shame shame shame on her .
6. bama ll Said,
I’m proud of you guys. If I looked at those pictures right, most of you are veterans and served your country. Why should you not be able to use freedom of speech? I don’t recall Cindy serving her country, her son did! She is mad because someone has finally called her on her stunts. I’m gonna ask her the same question she asked the president. Did you think the good people of NC were gonna come out and greet you with smiles and roses? As I have said before, what you put out comes back to you. Looks like Cindy’s return time has started. I read all the newspaper clippings and saw nothing to back her claim on Moore’s site. So keep supporting our troops and protecting our momuments. It’s men and women like you that made this country great and I have no doubt you will continue to serve her!
7. Kathy Said,
Here you go! This will get Eagles started: (straight fromt he ANSWER page)
Support Cindy Sheehan’s Walk for Humanity!
Date Leave Arrive
July 19 Greensboro NC Lynchburg VA
July 20 Lynchburg VA Charlottesville
July 21 Charlottesville Va. Richmond
July 22 Richmond Va. Arlington
July 23 Arlington Cem White House
July 23 Washington DC Philadelphia
July 24 Philadelphia PA Allentown PA
July 25 Allentown PA New York City
July 26 United Nations Action
July 27 Begin to Gather at Central Park
July 28 TBA
July 29 Gathering of Hearts Central Park
8. DanNY Said,
Besides those that Kathy noted above, the SheHag is also going to be at Kennebunkport, Maine, on August 25th.
We New Yorkers intend to drop in at her Gathering of (faint) Hearts in New York City’s Central Park on July 29th and give her a rousing Bronx cheer!
We will also confront her again in Kennebunkport with our Northeastern Eagles on August 25th.
We welcome All Eagles and Patriots who would like to join us!
Posted in Media For You, After Action Reports, Guest Authors, Media by Gabi on July 19, 2007
(Contributed by CLEVE R. WOOTSON JR. published by Charlotte Observer)
”At the School of the Assassins in Columbus, GA, and in Charlotte, NC, we ran into similar problems: police presence that seemed to be there to foster violence. At both places the neo-Nazi, pro-war fascist group “Gathering of Eagles” came out to mostly try to intimidate us from our mission,” Sheehan writes in her blog.
A blog written by antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan and posted on MichaelMoore.com criticizes Charlotte police for allowing counter-protesters to “try to intimidate us” during Sheehan’s antiwar rally Tuesday in Bryant Park.
But in a memo to top police administrators, one captain said officers had no issues during the two-hour event and expressed surprise at the complaints.
“At the School of the Assassins in Columbus, GA, and in Charlotte, NC, we ran into similar problems: police presence that seemed to be there to foster violence. At both places the neo-Nazi, pro-war fascist group “Gathering of Eagles” came out to mostly try to intimidate us from our mission,” Sheehan writes in her blog.
“At Ft. Benning, after we complained, the police kept them separate from us, but in Charlotte, the police refused saying that the Eagles had their rights to `freedom of speech.’ “
Sheehan, one of the best-known opponents of the war in Iraq, stayed in her car during the antiwar rally at Bryant Park that drew about 125 people.
Instead of addressing the crowd — some of her supporters said there was concern about her safety — Sheehan moved to Talley’s Green Grocery in Dilworth.
In a police memo dated July 19, Capt. Doug Gallant, who reviewed and evaluated the event in Bryant Park, said he was “quite frankly, surprised there have been complaints….”
The police memo says the 14 officers on hand noticed no displays that violated North Carolina law. One protester began using profanity, the memo says, and an officer asked the person to stop cursing.
The memo also says that police didn’t have to bring in physical barriers, like bike racks, to keep the groups away from each other. At one point, Sheehan’s security advisor said she had concerns about the Gathering of Eagles, and officers asked the group to move back, creating a buffer of at least 25 feet.
Comments (8)
Comments
1. George Samek Said,
A special thanks to all you wonderful Eagles who stood up to the darling of the anti-war movement and showed her you had a right to free speech and that did not end when in her presents.
You all conducted yourselfs in a manner which brings great credit to you and increases out stature in the public eye. The MSM gave us our proper share of fair & balanced reporting, they are to be commended.
The CMPD stated we were fully within the laws od NC & that we followed their direction to the letter at all time during our counter rally.
God Bless Every One Of You.
Pure and simple, Cindy Blinked before a group of uncaged Eagles and to her shame she drove off to leave her paid, and unpaid followers to fact the true she so often is allowed to avoid.
Boo Hoo Cindy, Cpt Bailey was standinf tall with us and remained rock steady to lead us to victory in Charlotte.
I was very proud to play a small part in our “Civics Lession” for Cindy, once again I say thank you brothers and sisters for makeing history for the great state of NC, you did her proud, the citixens of Charlotte are proud of you,
If we maintain the degree of Eagle spirit we showed in Bryant Park in Charlotte NC we will be well prepared to face evil in DC on Sept 15.
2. Matt Krause Said,
If I had the money I’d take her to court for slander. A Neo-nazi am I? Kiss my grits Cindy!
We only got close to Cindy at Ft. Benning once, for less than 2 minutes, and then we were still 10 feet away, with police between us and them. They must have pooped their pants or something.
Awesome job in NC Eagles.
3. Matt Krause Said,
I took this straight off the same blog….
“But the Eagles’ freedom of speech has included physical threats against me and actual physical force against kids and women. When the Charlotte police were told this, they said that they couldn’t keep them apart from our group until the Eagles actually did something. So I chose to stay away from the rally then go and perhaps cause them to hurt someone else because of my presence.
Freedom of speech is one thing, but I don’t believe that the First Amendment protects violent speech, especially if it is one of the neocons or their media supporters calling for increased violence in the Middle East.”
It’s amazing how she explains her cowardess. She really wants to be able to limit our freedom of speech because we disagree with her. Isn’t that facist of her?
4. Matt Krause Said,
One last post I swear. She goes on to mention that “It is my belief that for all human history, we have been giving “war a chance” and it has never worked.” If that were the case, we’d still be a colony of Britain, or worse yet, we’d all be speaking German:)
5. 15thMS Said,
Sindy al-Sheehani has devolved into a worthless, rotten,
lying , mangey cur , facimille of a human being.
A blatant and scurillous traitor and consorter with the sworn enemies of the United States .
She is the one that should thank her luck that she is even allowed to go around and spew her vile trash talk about the sacred land of her birth.
Time was when cretins like her would have been tarred and feathered and run outta town tied to a rail.
Today , they stand in front of the TV cameras
and gloat self righteously .
This worm should be dogged at each any every event she attempts to present her stupid sedition to , including visits to the offices of elected officials.
Even TV stations where she goes to give ‘interviews’ should be picketed and rallied at.
Are there among us any dedicated slueths that can suss out and report her every announced appearance? She’s had a free ticket to ride about long enough . She should have stayed in ‘retirement’ and allowed her son’s spirit to rest in peace….shame shame shame on her .
6. bama ll Said,
I’m proud of you guys. If I looked at those pictures right, most of you are veterans and served your country. Why should you not be able to use freedom of speech? I don’t recall Cindy serving her country, her son did! She is mad because someone has finally called her on her stunts. I’m gonna ask her the same question she asked the president. Did you think the good people of NC were gonna come out and greet you with smiles and roses? As I have said before, what you put out comes back to you. Looks like Cindy’s return time has started. I read all the newspaper clippings and saw nothing to back her claim on Moore’s site. So keep supporting our troops and protecting our momuments. It’s men and women like you that made this country great and I have no doubt you will continue to serve her!
7. Kathy Said,
Here you go! This will get Eagles started: (straight fromt he ANSWER page)
Support Cindy Sheehan’s Walk for Humanity!
Date Leave Arrive
July 19 Greensboro NC Lynchburg VA
July 20 Lynchburg VA Charlottesville
July 21 Charlottesville Va. Richmond
July 22 Richmond Va. Arlington
July 23 Arlington Cem White House
July 23 Washington DC Philadelphia
July 24 Philadelphia PA Allentown PA
July 25 Allentown PA New York City
July 26 United Nations Action
July 27 Begin to Gather at Central Park
July 28 TBA
July 29 Gathering of Hearts Central Park
8. DanNY Said,
Besides those that Kathy noted above, the SheHag is also going to be at Kennebunkport, Maine, on August 25th.
We New Yorkers intend to drop in at her Gathering of (faint) Hearts in New York City’s Central Park on July 29th and give her a rousing Bronx cheer!
We will also confront her again in Kennebunkport with our Northeastern Eagles on August 25th.
We welcome All Eagles and Patriots who would like to join us!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Petition Against HR 2956
Please click the link and sign the petition!
http://www.gopetition.com/online/13337.html
http://www.gopetition.com/online/13337.html
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Whose side are YOU on?
Some of you know me, many of you have met me briefly on the counter rally line at any number of Northeast events this past spring, most of you don't know me from squat. Like any real Vermont'a, when I commit myself to something, it's all or nothing. There are no half ass commitments, or "ok, I'll do this...but not this" type of attitudes.
So it is with the GoE, and while I have no idea what it is that I'm doing here, I'm learning along the way thanks to some wonderful mentoring from some great people and true American hereos. These guys and gals are the reason I'm involved as far as I am.
The focus of GoE has shifted since I first became involved. What started out as simply a group of (mostly) vets going to DC to protect The Wall, has evolved into a full on troop support organization. We have lost some people along the way, we have gained others. What we are trying to do is important and necessary. I shudder to think what the consequences will be if we don't get the backing for our military men and women in September to continue their mission.
You only have to read the news, and not even the entire articles, how about just the headlines from the past 24 hours?
• 20 beheaded bodies found in Iraq http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070628/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
Israeli troops battle Fatah militants
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070628/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians
OR this:
"Muslims need to recognize that we distinguish between traditional Islam and the radical Islamists who want to use it as a means of seizing power and imposing a totalitarian vision on other Muslims," Mr. Phillips said.
Then, last August, Mr. Bush referred to "Islamic fascists" after British authorities foiled a plot by Muslim terrorists to blow up several airplanes bound for the United States.
"This nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation," he said on Aug. 10, 2006.
Peter Singer, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said that term was overly provocative, and was interpreted by many Muslims as a criticism of Islam itself.
"Why do you think we haven't heard it again since then?" Mr. Singer said.
White House spokesman Tony Snow yesterday reaffirmed that the president views Islam as "a religion of peace."
"He also believes that it has been hijacked, in some cases, by people who use Islam as a shield for murdering people, who use it as a way of spreading terrorism, rather than tolerance," Mr. Snow said.
A senior White House official said the president shifted away from using the term "Islamic fascists" because he did not think it helped him contrast radical Muslims with moderate Muslims.
A recent study found that there is substantial sympathy for Islamic terrorism among Western Muslims, including those in the United States.
The Pew Research Center found that 26 percent of 18- to 29-year-old Muslims in the United States think suicide bombings are sometimes justified to defend Islam.
Radwan Masmoudi, founder and president of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, said that he was disturbed by those findings, but added that such views are "not reflective of who we are or what our religion teaches."
Maybe it isn't, but the jihadists are saying that it is, and making recruits on that basis. More than a simple denial is needed from Radwan Masmoudi and others like him, if this is ever going to stop.
Posted by Robert at 7:18 AM | Comments (46)
Email this entry | Print this entry | Digg this | del.icio.us
OR:
"There are only two options for Muslims; to win or to die"
Not, in this view, "to coexist peacefully as equals with non-Muslims on an indefinite basis."
More efforts to impede the anti-jihad resistance by playing on Western phobias about "bigotry": "West funds elite unit to destroy Islam: hardliners," by Mark Forbes for the Brisbane Herald (thanks to the Constantinopolitan Irredentist):
INDONESIAN Muslim hardliners have called for the Australian-backed anti-terrorism squad Detachment 88 to be abolished because they say it is financed and trained by foreign countries to destroy Islam.
Islamic leaders including the cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, the alleged former leader of the terrorist network Jemaah Islamiah, and lawyers for terrorist suspects recently arrested by the squad, made the demand at a press conference yesterday.
Throwing down the gauntlet to authorities after the capture of two JI leaders, Kholil Ridwan, of the Islamic Community Forum, said Detachment 88 was a US tool to "stigmatise Islam".
"We call on the Indonesian Government to stop co-operation with the United States and its allies in the global war on terror," Mr Ridwan said. "The United States' war on terror, with the help of its sheriff, Australia, and deputy sheriff, Singapore, is a war against Islam."
It most certainly is nothing of the kind. But this just shows that all the blather about the Religion of Peace, and all the efforts to emphasize that this is not a war against Islam, have accomplished nothing. We would have been much better off had Western leaders spoken forthrightly about this effort as a defense against the global jihad, and called upon peaceful Muslims to reject the ideology of the jihadists, instead of ignoring it and denying it exists.
Bashir denied terrorists existed in Indonesia, saying: "Those who did bombings, they are just doing counter-terrorism. They are holy warriors to defend Muslims terrorised in other countries." The real terrorist was America, he said, though it was a mistake for bombers to target peaceful areas....
Dujana told CNN the group would continue its fight for Islamic rule but he wanted it to limit civilian casualties....
A team of 13 lawyers will today file a lawsuit demanding Detachment 88 be disbanded on behalf of Muslim activists who say they have been wrongfully arrested. "We don't want any more arrests taking place," said one lawyer, Munarman.
He said the unit was torturing holy warriors who were trying to defend Islam.
Bashir warned all Muslims against helping the squad. "We know that Detachment 88 is a tool of Americans and Jews and any Muslim who helps infidels is an apostate," he said....
All Muslims should fight to create an Islamic state, he urged. "There are only two options for Muslims; to win or to die."
The entire non-muslim world is under attack. Don't think that we are not. Personally, I don't relish the idea of wearing a burka, in fact there is NO ONE in this world that will make me.
I will fight to defend the freedoms that my grandfather and father have fought to retain. I will fight to support those who are fighting for us. I will not lose focus of what the GoE stands for. I will NOT allow my daughter to live in a muslim state. I have raised her to be a strong, independent AMERICAN woman.
We can not lose. Wake up America. Burying your head in the sand does not make this threat go away. Chanting "peace" in the street is not going to sway the desires of the islamic nation. And their desire is world domination. What color do you want YOUR burka ladies? How will you feel when the events that are happening all over the world as a result of jihad are happening dailey in YOUR neighborhood? How will you feel when it's YOUR child that a suicide bomb is strapped to?
"That won't happen here". Ummmm.....yeah. WAKE UP! If you don't want that to happen here, SUPPORT OUR MILITARY. They are the ONLY ones standing between them and us! Pelosi, Reid, Clinton(s), Obama, Kerry, Gore, Dean (list goes on to include 99.9% of politicians in BOTH parties) will not be standing up with you if terrorists come knocking in your neighborhood. You can trust that. They will be hiding out, saying "oh my...we should have listened", and "but WE supported you! you said you would leave us alone if we pulled out of Iraq".
Grow up America! This is NOT a game of Risk.
NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD........NOT ON MY WATCH........
I choose the side of victory for our military. Which side are you on?
So it is with the GoE, and while I have no idea what it is that I'm doing here, I'm learning along the way thanks to some wonderful mentoring from some great people and true American hereos. These guys and gals are the reason I'm involved as far as I am.
The focus of GoE has shifted since I first became involved. What started out as simply a group of (mostly) vets going to DC to protect The Wall, has evolved into a full on troop support organization. We have lost some people along the way, we have gained others. What we are trying to do is important and necessary. I shudder to think what the consequences will be if we don't get the backing for our military men and women in September to continue their mission.
You only have to read the news, and not even the entire articles, how about just the headlines from the past 24 hours?
• 20 beheaded bodies found in Iraq http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070628/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
Israeli troops battle Fatah militants
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070628/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians
OR this:
"Muslims need to recognize that we distinguish between traditional Islam and the radical Islamists who want to use it as a means of seizing power and imposing a totalitarian vision on other Muslims," Mr. Phillips said.
Then, last August, Mr. Bush referred to "Islamic fascists" after British authorities foiled a plot by Muslim terrorists to blow up several airplanes bound for the United States.
"This nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation," he said on Aug. 10, 2006.
Peter Singer, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said that term was overly provocative, and was interpreted by many Muslims as a criticism of Islam itself.
"Why do you think we haven't heard it again since then?" Mr. Singer said.
White House spokesman Tony Snow yesterday reaffirmed that the president views Islam as "a religion of peace."
"He also believes that it has been hijacked, in some cases, by people who use Islam as a shield for murdering people, who use it as a way of spreading terrorism, rather than tolerance," Mr. Snow said.
A senior White House official said the president shifted away from using the term "Islamic fascists" because he did not think it helped him contrast radical Muslims with moderate Muslims.
A recent study found that there is substantial sympathy for Islamic terrorism among Western Muslims, including those in the United States.
The Pew Research Center found that 26 percent of 18- to 29-year-old Muslims in the United States think suicide bombings are sometimes justified to defend Islam.
Radwan Masmoudi, founder and president of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, said that he was disturbed by those findings, but added that such views are "not reflective of who we are or what our religion teaches."
Maybe it isn't, but the jihadists are saying that it is, and making recruits on that basis. More than a simple denial is needed from Radwan Masmoudi and others like him, if this is ever going to stop.
Posted by Robert at 7:18 AM | Comments (46)
Email this entry | Print this entry | Digg this | del.icio.us
OR:
"There are only two options for Muslims; to win or to die"
Not, in this view, "to coexist peacefully as equals with non-Muslims on an indefinite basis."
More efforts to impede the anti-jihad resistance by playing on Western phobias about "bigotry": "West funds elite unit to destroy Islam: hardliners," by Mark Forbes for the Brisbane Herald (thanks to the Constantinopolitan Irredentist):
INDONESIAN Muslim hardliners have called for the Australian-backed anti-terrorism squad Detachment 88 to be abolished because they say it is financed and trained by foreign countries to destroy Islam.
Islamic leaders including the cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, the alleged former leader of the terrorist network Jemaah Islamiah, and lawyers for terrorist suspects recently arrested by the squad, made the demand at a press conference yesterday.
Throwing down the gauntlet to authorities after the capture of two JI leaders, Kholil Ridwan, of the Islamic Community Forum, said Detachment 88 was a US tool to "stigmatise Islam".
"We call on the Indonesian Government to stop co-operation with the United States and its allies in the global war on terror," Mr Ridwan said. "The United States' war on terror, with the help of its sheriff, Australia, and deputy sheriff, Singapore, is a war against Islam."
It most certainly is nothing of the kind. But this just shows that all the blather about the Religion of Peace, and all the efforts to emphasize that this is not a war against Islam, have accomplished nothing. We would have been much better off had Western leaders spoken forthrightly about this effort as a defense against the global jihad, and called upon peaceful Muslims to reject the ideology of the jihadists, instead of ignoring it and denying it exists.
Bashir denied terrorists existed in Indonesia, saying: "Those who did bombings, they are just doing counter-terrorism. They are holy warriors to defend Muslims terrorised in other countries." The real terrorist was America, he said, though it was a mistake for bombers to target peaceful areas....
Dujana told CNN the group would continue its fight for Islamic rule but he wanted it to limit civilian casualties....
A team of 13 lawyers will today file a lawsuit demanding Detachment 88 be disbanded on behalf of Muslim activists who say they have been wrongfully arrested. "We don't want any more arrests taking place," said one lawyer, Munarman.
He said the unit was torturing holy warriors who were trying to defend Islam.
Bashir warned all Muslims against helping the squad. "We know that Detachment 88 is a tool of Americans and Jews and any Muslim who helps infidels is an apostate," he said....
All Muslims should fight to create an Islamic state, he urged. "There are only two options for Muslims; to win or to die."
The entire non-muslim world is under attack. Don't think that we are not. Personally, I don't relish the idea of wearing a burka, in fact there is NO ONE in this world that will make me.
I will fight to defend the freedoms that my grandfather and father have fought to retain. I will fight to support those who are fighting for us. I will not lose focus of what the GoE stands for. I will NOT allow my daughter to live in a muslim state. I have raised her to be a strong, independent AMERICAN woman.
We can not lose. Wake up America. Burying your head in the sand does not make this threat go away. Chanting "peace" in the street is not going to sway the desires of the islamic nation. And their desire is world domination. What color do you want YOUR burka ladies? How will you feel when the events that are happening all over the world as a result of jihad are happening dailey in YOUR neighborhood? How will you feel when it's YOUR child that a suicide bomb is strapped to?
"That won't happen here". Ummmm.....yeah. WAKE UP! If you don't want that to happen here, SUPPORT OUR MILITARY. They are the ONLY ones standing between them and us! Pelosi, Reid, Clinton(s), Obama, Kerry, Gore, Dean (list goes on to include 99.9% of politicians in BOTH parties) will not be standing up with you if terrorists come knocking in your neighborhood. You can trust that. They will be hiding out, saying "oh my...we should have listened", and "but WE supported you! you said you would leave us alone if we pulled out of Iraq".
Grow up America! This is NOT a game of Risk.
NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD........NOT ON MY WATCH........
I choose the side of victory for our military. Which side are you on?
From the GoE forum
Would like to relay a great story from a senior leader currently deployed in Baghdad, Iraq……
—"I was in line at our deli this week with a 21 year old PFC ftrom the 82d Airborne Division. He was soaked in sweat and had an M4 slung over his back and a big grin on his face. I started talking to him and found out he was in here on a quick break to drop off something at the Hqs/Palace while they patrolled Haifa Street just outside the embassy. They decided to grab lunch while they were here (good call). Haifa Street is one of the nastiest places on earth.
Al Qaeda considers the street its turf. The 82d Airborne vigorously disputes that claim. This young trooper was the most upbeat and enthusiastic person I have met since I have been here. After seven months of doing combat patrols, seeing his friends killed and getting shot at on a daily basis, he was not the least bit daunted or disillusioned. What he told me was, 'this is a tough fight with bad people. They mean us harm. I am a paratrooper. I'm here to take care of it. There is plenty of work to do, but we are up to it.'
I was immediately reminded of a picture and quote taken during the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944—-An entire US Armored Division was retreating from the Germans in the Ardennes Forest when a sergeant in a tank destroyer spotted an American digging a foxhole. The GI, PFC Martin, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, looked up and asked, 'are you looking for a safe place?? Yeah, answered the tanker. Well, buddy, he drawled, just pull your vehicle behind me….I'm the 82d Airborne and this is as far as the bastards are going.'
That young airborne PFC I met this week, once again, made me thank God for brave young paratroopers. I have no doubt that Haifa Street is as far as these bastards are going too. We all need to pause and thank God that our nation has been blessed, generation after generation, with young men and women like these two PFCs who, separated by 63 years and continents, are full of optimism and courage and do not take counsel of anyone's fears.
The name and faces may change, but the spirit of our soldiers remains. This is why we do what we do for a living—-it's all about soldiers."
And that's why GOE will always do what we do—-support our soldiers.
God bless all of them.
RANGER566
Company C, 1/508th Airborne Infantry Battalion
82d Airborne Division
1966
"Sometimes supporting the troops is more than buying a four dollar magnetic ribbon that was made in China and slapping it on a gas guzzling SUV."---HYTEC
—"I was in line at our deli this week with a 21 year old PFC ftrom the 82d Airborne Division. He was soaked in sweat and had an M4 slung over his back and a big grin on his face. I started talking to him and found out he was in here on a quick break to drop off something at the Hqs/Palace while they patrolled Haifa Street just outside the embassy. They decided to grab lunch while they were here (good call). Haifa Street is one of the nastiest places on earth.
Al Qaeda considers the street its turf. The 82d Airborne vigorously disputes that claim. This young trooper was the most upbeat and enthusiastic person I have met since I have been here. After seven months of doing combat patrols, seeing his friends killed and getting shot at on a daily basis, he was not the least bit daunted or disillusioned. What he told me was, 'this is a tough fight with bad people. They mean us harm. I am a paratrooper. I'm here to take care of it. There is plenty of work to do, but we are up to it.'
I was immediately reminded of a picture and quote taken during the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944—-An entire US Armored Division was retreating from the Germans in the Ardennes Forest when a sergeant in a tank destroyer spotted an American digging a foxhole. The GI, PFC Martin, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, looked up and asked, 'are you looking for a safe place?? Yeah, answered the tanker. Well, buddy, he drawled, just pull your vehicle behind me….I'm the 82d Airborne and this is as far as the bastards are going.'
That young airborne PFC I met this week, once again, made me thank God for brave young paratroopers. I have no doubt that Haifa Street is as far as these bastards are going too. We all need to pause and thank God that our nation has been blessed, generation after generation, with young men and women like these two PFCs who, separated by 63 years and continents, are full of optimism and courage and do not take counsel of anyone's fears.
The name and faces may change, but the spirit of our soldiers remains. This is why we do what we do for a living—-it's all about soldiers."
And that's why GOE will always do what we do—-support our soldiers.
God bless all of them.
RANGER566
Company C, 1/508th Airborne Infantry Battalion
82d Airborne Division
1966
"Sometimes supporting the troops is more than buying a four dollar magnetic ribbon that was made in China and slapping it on a gas guzzling SUV."---HYTEC
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Flag Day
Flag Day
When : June 14th
Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.
As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!
Properly Display Our Flag
There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:
The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.
Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Famous Flag People:
Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history.
Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze
Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
I swiped this from the GoE mainpage....thanks to Chris Hill for writing it!
“If Not Now, When?”
June 3rd, 2007
Dear All,
I am honored to have stood with so many of my brothers and sisters at GOE I. The highest praise I can give is to say that it was the best St. Patrick’s Day I have ever had. For someone who has a daughter named Reilly Patricia, that is bold praise indeed. Since then I have been on the ground at a number of Gathering of Eagles events and have been a representative of GOE at others. This past Monday, Memorial Day, I was afforded the high honor of laying the wreath at three different memorials in Philadelphia. I was escorted by the Color Guard of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society at all three events. The Society made me an associate member of their organization after GOE I in recognition of my efforts. Being made an associate member, and laying the wreaths were, to me, an honor of greater magnitude than a Silver Star.
Vietnam veterans have always been my Gold Standard for warriors. When I joined the Army in the mid-80s, my 1st Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leader were all Vietnam vets. My father served then, my uncle is Vietnam-era, and I have worn a POW/MIA bracelet since my junior year in high school. I take nothing away from The Greatest Generation; they saved the world. For me, though, Vietnam veterans have always been the standard of excellence. They came home to scorn and derision. They were unwelcome in the VFWs. They could have simply faded away into the night, but they decided instead to band together. They started their own organizations to replace the VFW, and built their own memorials to their brothers lost in a far-off land. They also said, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” I took that to heart, too.
Our brothers and sisters fighting in far off lands have recently begun to receive the treatment my Vietnam brethren suffered. The far left has started to blame them for the War on Terrorism. The chants of “baby-killer,” “war criminal,” and, lately, “bomb maker,” have been hurled at us at our counter-demonstrations. We all know that the Tet Offensive was a complete victory for US forces. After the Tet Offensive the Viet Cong were finished as an effective fighting force. Their number had been decimated, and yet members of the US media called Tet a US loss. Does the model sound familiar?
I have, therefore, taken as my personal mantra “BUY THE TROOPS SOME TIME.” I cannot claim to have come up with it. I heard someone else say it, and it resonated. If we truly wish to be the support for the troops we claim, if we truly wish to see our men and women in uniform come home victorious, we have to BUY THEM TIME TO WIN. Congress will be deliberating yet again on whether to extend the funding in Iraq come September. It is time for us, the veteran’s community and its supporters, to stand up and say, “WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE COUNTRY TO ABANDON ANOTHER GENERATION OF VETERANS.”
Deep in my heart I know there are millions of us out there who think this way. It is now time for us to ruck up and make a difference. Only 9% of the American population has ever worn the uniform. We probably have another 10% who did not serve but feel as we do. It is time to reach out to those who have yet to reach out to us. It is time for those of us who have borne too much of the load for too long to bear a little more. Without sufficient numbers Congress will do as they have always done. They will ignore us. Together though, we are impossible to discount. I promise to give it my all.
As National Director for Operations, I am on the go constantly. I collect frequent flyer miles and gas receipts faster all the time. I sleep 5 hours or so a night. I spend too many hours at my keyboard answering emails and putting out fires. I eat the majority of my meals on the go. I sometimes wonder if I am even making a dent in the armor of the machine that opposes us. Then I meet a Blue Star mom who says she considers herself lucky to be counted among our number, and then I meet a Gold Star mom who thanks me for my service. At that point I realize that the men and women currently in the fight need a champion. They need someone to stand up for them while they stand up for us. I know we are all too busy to take on one more thing, but if not now, when? If not us, who? This is a plea then for all of you who have said a hundred times, “I can’t let them do this to our guys.”
Accept one more mission. Sign up for the duration and help me BUY THE TROOPS SOME TIME.
Sincerely,
Chris Hill
Gathering of Eagles
National Director for Operations
June 3rd, 2007
Dear All,
I am honored to have stood with so many of my brothers and sisters at GOE I. The highest praise I can give is to say that it was the best St. Patrick’s Day I have ever had. For someone who has a daughter named Reilly Patricia, that is bold praise indeed. Since then I have been on the ground at a number of Gathering of Eagles events and have been a representative of GOE at others. This past Monday, Memorial Day, I was afforded the high honor of laying the wreath at three different memorials in Philadelphia. I was escorted by the Color Guard of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society at all three events. The Society made me an associate member of their organization after GOE I in recognition of my efforts. Being made an associate member, and laying the wreaths were, to me, an honor of greater magnitude than a Silver Star.
Vietnam veterans have always been my Gold Standard for warriors. When I joined the Army in the mid-80s, my 1st Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leader were all Vietnam vets. My father served then, my uncle is Vietnam-era, and I have worn a POW/MIA bracelet since my junior year in high school. I take nothing away from The Greatest Generation; they saved the world. For me, though, Vietnam veterans have always been the standard of excellence. They came home to scorn and derision. They were unwelcome in the VFWs. They could have simply faded away into the night, but they decided instead to band together. They started their own organizations to replace the VFW, and built their own memorials to their brothers lost in a far-off land. They also said, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” I took that to heart, too.
Our brothers and sisters fighting in far off lands have recently begun to receive the treatment my Vietnam brethren suffered. The far left has started to blame them for the War on Terrorism. The chants of “baby-killer,” “war criminal,” and, lately, “bomb maker,” have been hurled at us at our counter-demonstrations. We all know that the Tet Offensive was a complete victory for US forces. After the Tet Offensive the Viet Cong were finished as an effective fighting force. Their number had been decimated, and yet members of the US media called Tet a US loss. Does the model sound familiar?
I have, therefore, taken as my personal mantra “BUY THE TROOPS SOME TIME.” I cannot claim to have come up with it. I heard someone else say it, and it resonated. If we truly wish to be the support for the troops we claim, if we truly wish to see our men and women in uniform come home victorious, we have to BUY THEM TIME TO WIN. Congress will be deliberating yet again on whether to extend the funding in Iraq come September. It is time for us, the veteran’s community and its supporters, to stand up and say, “WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE COUNTRY TO ABANDON ANOTHER GENERATION OF VETERANS.”
Deep in my heart I know there are millions of us out there who think this way. It is now time for us to ruck up and make a difference. Only 9% of the American population has ever worn the uniform. We probably have another 10% who did not serve but feel as we do. It is time to reach out to those who have yet to reach out to us. It is time for those of us who have borne too much of the load for too long to bear a little more. Without sufficient numbers Congress will do as they have always done. They will ignore us. Together though, we are impossible to discount. I promise to give it my all.
As National Director for Operations, I am on the go constantly. I collect frequent flyer miles and gas receipts faster all the time. I sleep 5 hours or so a night. I spend too many hours at my keyboard answering emails and putting out fires. I eat the majority of my meals on the go. I sometimes wonder if I am even making a dent in the armor of the machine that opposes us. Then I meet a Blue Star mom who says she considers herself lucky to be counted among our number, and then I meet a Gold Star mom who thanks me for my service. At that point I realize that the men and women currently in the fight need a champion. They need someone to stand up for them while they stand up for us. I know we are all too busy to take on one more thing, but if not now, when? If not us, who? This is a plea then for all of you who have said a hundred times, “I can’t let them do this to our guys.”
Accept one more mission. Sign up for the duration and help me BUY THE TROOPS SOME TIME.
Sincerely,
Chris Hill
Gathering of Eagles
National Director for Operations
Friday, June 1, 2007
Some beautiful pics for your viewing pleasure
This is a partial view of what the families going to the USCG graduation saw upon their arrival. (Gave them something to see besides the sea of yellow across the street from us!)
SSGT Tim Chambers. This Marine held a salute in the middle of the Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall.
A flag of granite.
SSGT Tim Chambers. This Marine held a salute in the middle of the Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall.
A flag of granite.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
My thoughts......
ANSWER: http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_about_us
Steering Committee:
IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Free Palestine Alliance - U.S.
Haiti Support Network
Partnership for Civil Justice - LDEF
Nicaragua Network
Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines
Korea Truth Commission
Muslim Student Association - National
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Mexico Solidarity Network
Party for Socialism and Liberation
They call for the US to pull out of Iraq;
They say our presence in Iraq increases the insurgent activity, they say we are there for oil, Bush lied, 9-11 was an inside job. They line the streets with flag draped coffins
they clutter the skyline with yellow signs, fly our flag upside down
holler out that todays graduates are tomorrow's war criminals and call for the impeachment of our commander-in-chief during a time of war, all the while claiming THEY are the patriots.
WE fly our flags with proper respect:
We stand in support of our military AND their mission...some stand silently, holding flags and honor, some stand and make noise, annoying the moonbats, either way, we are in their face and they don't like it.
TO BAD!
Welcome to the Gathering of Eagles.
I've been asked many times why I do this. I am not a veteran, I have never served my country. No, I am not a veteran. I spent the years that I could have been serving my country, raising my kids. What I AM is a patriot. When I read about the disrespect that is shown to those who gave all
http://www.nbc10.com/news/13403099/detail.html?dl=headlineclick
it makes me sick. I sit here at my computer and my son asks me why I'm crying. So I show him, and being 16 and invinceable, he is ready to go kick some commie ass. It's tough to explain to him why someone could be that disrespectful when I don't understand it myself.
When the call came to gather in DC on March 17th, I was going. My friends tried to dissuade me, asking what I thought I was going to do if someone tried anything. Well, I may not have been able to do much and would most likely have gotten hurt in the process, but I was furious when I read the threats. Even if I had been alone that day, I would have done what I could. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was ready (even made sure my mom had a copy of my living will...LOL which pleased her not at all.) But SHE understood, SHE got it. As did my father.
I remember when the moving Wall came to our little town in Vermont. I stood in line for an hour to get into the tent where it was being displayed. The moment I walked it, it was as if every name on that Wall were calling out to me, begging me for something. I don't know any of the names on the Wall, I have no relatives listed, but I cried as I walked the length of it and the impact of all those that sacrificed so much for us hit me.
So why do I do this? Why did I travel 32 hours in one week to stand side by side with other Eagles? It's simple. Because I have to. If our men and women overseas see just one small glimpse of what the Eagles are doing, perhaps it will lighten their load. If they can just know that a grateful nation stands behind them, that they won't have to endure all that the veterans from Vietnam endured, than my travels are worth it. So I do it for them, I do it for the men and women that I meet who sacrificed so much of themselves and were never thanked, I do it for every single name that is on that Wall. I do it for the man who lies beneath the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I do it for my father who never received a "welcome home" parade, I do it for my country, for my children and my future grandchildren.
I do it, because if I don't, who will?
Steering Committee:
IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Free Palestine Alliance - U.S.
Haiti Support Network
Partnership for Civil Justice - LDEF
Nicaragua Network
Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines
Korea Truth Commission
Muslim Student Association - National
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Mexico Solidarity Network
Party for Socialism and Liberation
They call for the US to pull out of Iraq;
They say our presence in Iraq increases the insurgent activity, they say we are there for oil, Bush lied, 9-11 was an inside job. They line the streets with flag draped coffins
they clutter the skyline with yellow signs, fly our flag upside down
holler out that todays graduates are tomorrow's war criminals and call for the impeachment of our commander-in-chief during a time of war, all the while claiming THEY are the patriots.WE fly our flags with proper respect:
We stand in support of our military AND their mission...some stand silently, holding flags and honor, some stand and make noise, annoying the moonbats, either way, we are in their face and they don't like it.
TO BAD!
Welcome to the Gathering of Eagles.
I've been asked many times why I do this. I am not a veteran, I have never served my country. No, I am not a veteran. I spent the years that I could have been serving my country, raising my kids. What I AM is a patriot. When I read about the disrespect that is shown to those who gave all
http://www.nbc10.com/news/13403099/detail.html?dl=headlineclick
it makes me sick. I sit here at my computer and my son asks me why I'm crying. So I show him, and being 16 and invinceable, he is ready to go kick some commie ass. It's tough to explain to him why someone could be that disrespectful when I don't understand it myself.
When the call came to gather in DC on March 17th, I was going. My friends tried to dissuade me, asking what I thought I was going to do if someone tried anything. Well, I may not have been able to do much and would most likely have gotten hurt in the process, but I was furious when I read the threats. Even if I had been alone that day, I would have done what I could. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was ready (even made sure my mom had a copy of my living will...LOL which pleased her not at all.) But SHE understood, SHE got it. As did my father.
I remember when the moving Wall came to our little town in Vermont. I stood in line for an hour to get into the tent where it was being displayed. The moment I walked it, it was as if every name on that Wall were calling out to me, begging me for something. I don't know any of the names on the Wall, I have no relatives listed, but I cried as I walked the length of it and the impact of all those that sacrificed so much for us hit me.
So why do I do this? Why did I travel 32 hours in one week to stand side by side with other Eagles? It's simple. Because I have to. If our men and women overseas see just one small glimpse of what the Eagles are doing, perhaps it will lighten their load. If they can just know that a grateful nation stands behind them, that they won't have to endure all that the veterans from Vietnam endured, than my travels are worth it. So I do it for them, I do it for the men and women that I meet who sacrificed so much of themselves and were never thanked, I do it for every single name that is on that Wall. I do it for the man who lies beneath the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I do it for my father who never received a "welcome home" parade, I do it for my country, for my children and my future grandchildren.
I do it, because if I don't, who will?
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Time warp
Ok, sorry for not posting anything lately....
No excuse really except I don't think that anyone reads this, so I forget.
ORA May 19th Operation Recruiter Appreciation VT is covered. Sandy Combs spent alot of time yesterday calling and emailing every head guy of every branch in VT. I'm hoping for a list of addresses to email the certificate to.
[IMG]http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q318/Adakar63/ORACERTIFICATE.jpg[/IMG]
I'm printing and framing copies for the offices in St Jay. :)
Anyone that wants to help out...PLEASE do!!!
No excuse really except I don't think that anyone reads this, so I forget.
ORA May 19th Operation Recruiter Appreciation VT is covered. Sandy Combs spent alot of time yesterday calling and emailing every head guy of every branch in VT. I'm hoping for a list of addresses to email the certificate to.
[IMG]http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q318/Adakar63/ORACERTIFICATE.jpg[/IMG]
I'm printing and framing copies for the offices in St Jay. :)
Anyone that wants to help out...PLEASE do!!!
Letter to the editor
Well, it took awile to run, but they did run it! Originally there was a schedule for the Victory Tour included. I don't know if it always takes this long to run an editorial or if it was purposeful.
http://www.caledonianrecord.com/pages/letters_to_editor/story/caaabb89d
In support of service men and women
Friday May 11, 2007
To the Editor:
Are you one of those people who drive around with a yellow or red, white and blue "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" magnet proudly displayed on your car?
If so, this call is for you. Here's your chance to do more than display a magnet. Gathering of Eagles is recruiting volunteers to help fight the drone of left wing nay-sayers. You can see our website at www.gatheringofeagles.org.
We are a grassroots organization, non-partisan, with our only goal being to support our men and women in service.
Gathering of Eagles is strictly a volunteer group, you can register on the website or you can email me directly for more information: eaglesvt@gmail.com
Join us every Friday at the corner of Main Street and Eastern Avenue in St Johnsbury from 4-5 p.m., in direct opposition to the protestors in front of the library.
Sincerely,
Kathy Upton
Vermont state coordinator
Gathering of Eagles
http://www.caledonianrecord.com/pages/letters_to_editor/story/caaabb89d
In support of service men and women
Friday May 11, 2007
To the Editor:
Are you one of those people who drive around with a yellow or red, white and blue "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" magnet proudly displayed on your car?
If so, this call is for you. Here's your chance to do more than display a magnet. Gathering of Eagles is recruiting volunteers to help fight the drone of left wing nay-sayers. You can see our website at www.gatheringofeagles.org.
We are a grassroots organization, non-partisan, with our only goal being to support our men and women in service.
Gathering of Eagles is strictly a volunteer group, you can register on the website or you can email me directly for more information: eaglesvt@gmail.com
Join us every Friday at the corner of Main Street and Eastern Avenue in St Johnsbury from 4-5 p.m., in direct opposition to the protestors in front of the library.
Sincerely,
Kathy Upton
Vermont state coordinator
Gathering of Eagles
Monday, May 7, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Good stuff!
The GoE is doing good stuff! Lots going on over at the site and the NE region is gearing up for May 26th. I've made some contacts, but am still waiting to hear how any of them turn out. Larry handed out a bunch of contact cards at his regional yesterday...I'm hoping to hear from some of the guys.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Hope Rides Alone
By Eddie Jeffers
I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.
I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows, and it is always there.
There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.
And to think, I volunteered for this...
And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.
It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just might show people that Bush was right.
America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing. It's not like World War Two, where people rationed food, and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless you are in the military or the family member of a servicemember, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you.
But it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders.
We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause, and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our troops and our cause.
Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn't.
Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the bickering, let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!
Isn't that what America is about anyway
I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.
I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows, and it is always there.
There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.
And to think, I volunteered for this...
And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.
It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just might show people that Bush was right.
America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing. It's not like World War Two, where people rationed food, and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless you are in the military or the family member of a servicemember, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you.
But it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders.
We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause, and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our troops and our cause.
Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn't.
Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the bickering, let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!
Isn't that what America is about anyway
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Gathering of Eagles 3/17/2007
When the day was over I left the city exhausted and immensley pleased with what this noble, rag-tag group of counter protesters had accomplished. Never again will we stand quietly in the background as the leftist, counter-culture marches and presumes to speak for all of us.
WE were the majority at THEIR rally. A sea of American flags obscured the DC skyline, from all angles.
These threats mobilized an army. Men and women who were no longer willing to stand quietly in the background. They showed up from all over the country, through snow storms and ice storms.
As I walked down the hill from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, the first thing visable was the ANSWER rally area. It was early, about 7:30am and the field was virtually empty. Passing by with a vet I had met up with on the walk, we approached the Eagles rally point. What a vast difference! Already there were droves of people, flags everywhere and in the air a feeling of pride and honor the other side will never know or understand.
I wandered the area, helping to put up even more flags, talking with various folks and just generally enjoying the chilly DC morning. After awhile, I decided to go visit the wall, I wanted to take some pictures for my father. Security was tight. The park service apparently decided the threats were real enough to warrant fencing off the area and requiring a security check including a metal detector. The line to get through was 3 hours! Not a "moonbat" to be seen in THAT line.
I then wandered up to the Lincoln Memorial and was amazed at the amount of people that were there. Eagles all....
From there I went back to see what was going on at the rally point. More people had arrived. Motorcycle clubs were there enmass. The Military MC, Rolling Thunder, Viet Nam Vets USA to name a few. Flag planting was still going on, and there were lots of folks milling around. Lots of hugs, lots of tears, lots of pride and honor.
I hung out here for awhile, watching, talking, walking around. Then I wandered up to the Lincoln Memorial again and then over to where a bunch of Eagles had gathered across the street from ANSWER's rally. It was obvious that we outnumbered them 3 to 1 at that point.
This area was alot of fun! When Cindy Sheehan was announced as a speaker....well let's just say that the booing out blasted their multi-thousand dollar PA system. When the chant arose from the other side "A people united, will never be defeated", the vets answered with "USA" We won...again.
I talked with a bunch of people here. Vets, civilians, supporters all. I watched as "make a hole" rang thru the crowd for a vet in a wheel chair and the people parted in respect for a disabled brother. I watched as grown men in leather openly hugged and wept with joy at what was going on and the companionship and support they were enjoying some 40 years later. Poignant, telling and endlessly beautiful.
As the protesters prepared to march, I headed over to the memorial bridge, as that's the location I chose to stand. On my walk over, I met a Military MC Vet from PA. He offered me a hand warmer which I gratefully accepted. We walked to the bridge and waited. Shortly before they came thru, the NPS asked us to move to the other side of the street as our permit was for the left side of the road, not the right. Some of us complied, most did not. We had them from both sides as they began across the bridge. One vet attempted to make a solitary stand in the middle of the road...NPS made him move.
And then they came. With all their hate and propaganda. And the vets were relentless. It was obvious these protesters had never faced a crowd of trained military men. They were fairly quiet, the few who did speak out were quickly put in their place with shouts of "shame on you", "your grandfather would be ashamed of you" (which had a noticable effect on several of the high school age kids there!) and "traitor".
I ran out of film just as the began to approach (next time bring a digital or many disposables)So I just watched. Amazed at the ignorance that was marching before my very eyes. If you've only seen these events on TV, you have no idea what feelings rage thru you. Anger, sadness, fear for our country and yes, pride for those standing shoulder to shoulder in defense of what is right. When the entire group I was with turned their backs, enmass, on one particularly rude individual, for a moment you could have heard a pin drop. AMAZING.
I'm glad that I went. Proud to have stood with all these beautiful men and women. And the protesters for ANSWER SHOULD be ashamed of themselves. They had the perfect opportunity to thank vets for their right to march. Instead of throwing insults, they should have crossed the lines, shook hands with each and every vet there and thanked them. Regardless of political beliefs, regardless of agenda's, THESE were the men and women who gave them the RIGHT to do exactly what they were doing. Talk about a wasted opportunity! SHAME ON YOU!
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