Thank you for the kind words and for the thanks!

People like you are one of the best reasons my service has been fulfilling. It has been my honor and privilege to serve this nation and it’s citizens.

I’m sure the families of the 3 soldiers that are returning home tomorrow in body bags from Afghanistan, will be very pleased to know that our boys’ service in ‘your’ war is appreciated…

pcbedamned on December 29, 2008 at 8:58 PM

Obviously Americans respect and appreciate the service of all those who serve in Afghanistan and especially honor those who have been lost.

But it should be noted that the fight in Afghanistan is a fight against global terrorists and their enablers. While the US is doing most of the fighting and dying, it is hardly “our” war, as Islamic inspired terrorism has touched nearly every part of the globe in one way or another. The outcome of the Afghan war has far reaching ramifications for all western liberal democratic societies and anyone for whom radical Islamists wish to target.

Most Americans are willing to bear the burden for the collective good because so few other countries in the world have the capacity or interest to look after them selves.

You’re inadvertently swerved into the crux of the problem, so few countries and people are sufficiently invested in the war and as such are capable of calling it “your” war instead of more accurately calling it “our” war.

catmman on December 30, 2008 at 8:02 AM

I can understand how frustrating it must have been for you. My son was a Marine during the Clinton years. It wasn’t the best situation. All of you who stuck it out deserve special credit from those of us who were fortunate to serve under more service friendly presidents.

Not wanting to go through that again is a legitimate concern. As an American I can tell you you and others like you are the reason I do not dispair. I know you di it for us. All of us. You protected us and kept us safe. Since 9/11 your constant vigilance and courage has seen our nation through some very trying times. Without your being there who knows what might have happened.

I wish you the very best. You are an unsung hero. When you retire, always remember you have my thanks and admiration for having served this nation for so long. It is a rare person who would have done that under these circumstances. May your future be happy and your family safe and healthy. That is what your sacrifice gave to mine all these years. Thank you! I salute you. As a Marine I would say Semper Fi! and OOHRAH! but I don’t know if you are. It means always faithful and you certainly have been that no matter what branch of service you are in.

Anna on December 29, 2008 at 3:51 PM

That’s the only thing which got me through the Clinton years.

I can’t do it for the rest of the time I could stay – which is why I’m retiring.

RJGatorEsq. on December 29, 2008 at 4:10 PM

Good for your son. Thank him for his service to our nation and let him know we care and will support them no matter waht happens

a slightly higher percentage said they support the Status of Forces Agreement calling for U.S. forces to leave the country by the end of 2011.

Who wrote this nonsense? The SOFA expires in 2011. Which means that we will either renew the SOFA, adopt a new SOFA, or leave, in 2011. While some idiots on the left think the Army is in Germany on squatter’s rights, we have a SOFA with them. It gets renewed every few years, just like the one in Iraq. If they ever allowed it to expire, then we would leave.

My question is: Given that a SOFA means, fundamentally, that we have made the shift from a state of war in Iraq to a position of peace and cooperation with the Iraqi government, which is the media here at home so keen on insisting that we’re leaving Iraq? Is it an attempt to make their neo Messiah look somewhat on schedule, somewhere between 16 months and 3 years?

My guess is Russia leads by taking Georgia, possibly Ukraine. …..

jp on December 29, 2008 at 4:25 PM

I’m expecting a similar series of events to play out in late 2009 or in 2010. Russia’s incursion into Georgia was a dry run and a chance to measure how Western Europe would react. What really concerns me is the state of politics in the Ukraine, where (I’ve read) that about 50 % of the population is pro Russia, and 20 % are actually ethnic Russians. Those are high numbers, and would make it easier for Putin to somehow justify an incursion ala how Hitler was so concerned about ethnic Germans in neighboring countries…..or am I just being paranoid??
If Russia could somehow forge an alliance or a union with the Ukraine they’d be far along in re-constructing the old Russian Empire on the European side of the map.

hey, we always have Canada though! /sarc
jp on December 29, 2008 at 4:34 PM

Back to snarking on Canada, I see.
I’m sure the families of the 3 soldiers that are returning home tomorrow in body bags from Afghanistan, will be very pleased to know that our boys’ service in ‘your’ war is appreciated…

how about up in ak.

upinak on December 29, 2008 at 6:55 PM

No offense, like my interpretation better!

;-)

Did I say I was a “smart” teacher? You presume too much!

Uh, Stabenow’s stuff, that I read, are the crime novels. Haven’t read her fluffy SF stuffy. (And I think she’s a Dem like her sister in the lower 48.)

Not saying because you “choose” to live there, that you’re stupid. I said why would “I” want to!

And I’m sure they have good schools up there…where it’s 35-below…and darker more often…and…and…and….

…don’t be so defensive! Upinak, Ipintex….Weeallpinus!!!!

Dudette (so someone informed me – although I prefer the genderless “Dude”), did a year in Korea. High of 5 degrees for 30 days straight, lows around -40. Some days below that, of course. Rode on Korean buses with broken heaters. Went to the movies. Walked to work (Army journalist/PR).

Siiiigh.

Yeah, i could handle that – but why the fark would I want to!?!?!?!?!

Like I said, have fun with that.

klickink.wordpress.com on December 29, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Umm I live in Anchorage Alaska… I make survivor packs for people who want one just in case they get stranded on the side of the raod. It will be -35 (without a complete windchill) tonight, and colder in other areas.

And if you are such a “smart” teacher… you would understand abbreviations. Might want to say my name OUT LOUD (like phonics) and maybe you might get an idea. As this “past 30 yrs old” woman had such a horrible education, I obviously am smart enough to at least call you on on being ignorant or at least stupid in this repsect. Also, I don’t like Stabenow’s books, they are boring and I don’t care for science fantacy.

Just wondering.

Ahh okay. Talk to me when you live(d) up here. -35 tonight, can you deal with that?

upinak on December 29, 2008 at 5:05 PM

Dudette (so someone informed me – although I prefer the genderless “Dude”), did a year in Korea. High of 5 degrees for 30 days straight, lows around -40. Some days below that, of course. Rode on Korean buses with broken heaters. Went to the movies. Walked to work (Army journalist/PR).

Siiiigh.

Yeah, i could handle that – but why the fark would I want to!?!?!?!?!

Like I said, have fun with that.

Military people don’t trust and admire the One.

Man, that is really hard to fathom.

After all, he is the master strategist.

Isn’t that just what the military needs?

Obambi’s numbers that good? Must have taken that poll at a base in Hawaii…

Hog Wild on December 29, 2008 at 5:39 PM

My thoughts exactly. But as a certified teacher, I understand the numbers. Kids the last 30 years – and the last ten are the worse – have been so poorly taught to think that it is plausible. This also explains Obama’s election, to a point. The Media is the main culprit, but our overall lack of reasoning in the US is horrendous.

has a higher rating than

“Slick Willy”!