The News, And In Memorium...

Iraq Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki doesn’t seem to think anything has been firmly set up. For instance, there are no time tables of steps.

He said the envoy seemed to be referring to the government's own view of desirable developments, not necessarily action by the government itself. "It is not a timetable for the government but rather the issues needed to be solved," Maliki said.

So, let me get this right…all that’s been established from his point of view is a laundry list of the problems? Somehow, I don’t believe that’s what really happened—not with the current press fury for Bush action and accomplishment or how long both parties, the administration and the Prime Minster, said they have been working on this. (…I personally suspect he came under fire from his supporters—namely Shiite militia leader Moqtada al-Sadr…) For more info, I think Greyhawk said it best.


Tula Connel, over at Daily Kos had this to say about Bush’s Jobs program announcement. But, I’ve got this question: can you name me a president who hasn’t done something like this before an election? Admittedly before the electronic age we live in it was done a bit further away to allow the news to spread. But…come on! You want me to believe this something only Bush would do? Please! I’m smart enough to know better than that.

Still over at the Daily Kos, there was this entry calling on Democrats to lie and deceive in order to achieve their political objectives. The post goes into to some detail on why this would be OK. But, it strikes me as something akin to being no better than your enemies. However, to the credit of the Kos, there was this entry detailing how wrong such dishonesty would be—in view of trying to stand against the “Republican lie machine.” While I don’t agree with a lot of what is said at Kos, it was nice to see there are some there who care about doing it right.

In continued reporting of how well the Left is controlling and using the internet, Act Blue is reporting the total amount raised for Democratic candidates by Bloggers. The Ft. Worth Star Telegram gave out this report on how Bloggers are affecting candidates on both sides in Texas races. (…Conservatives may own talk radio, but obviously the internet is a powerhouse not to be ignored…)

Of course, the big news was the “Appeal For Redress” group. I’ve read reports on the right and the left—praising or vilifying due to affiliation with other anti-war groups. Well, I think both sides need to get over that. Any group will automatically affiliate with and receive support from those like itself. However, the The NY Sun brings to light some serious inconsistencies with the group, it’s spokesman, and some other things. Kudos to Chickenhawk for digging this out. You can go through the links there for lots more info.
(…Just mind the political rhetoric…smile, smile...kiss, kiss...wave, wave...)

Chickenhawk also reported verbal abuse of slain soldier’s mother by a peace activist. I’m not quite sure I would call it verbal abuse—definitely emotional, though. And this is someone who claims to support our troops? Give me a break! You want to prove you support our troops? Send a package with a kind word to a soldier to let him/her know they aren't forgotten.
(…Sheesh!...talk about a skewed view of others...for the record, I still haven’t figured out how it was decided that ALL soldiers are rapists and murderers, though…it’s been an recurring accusation since at least Vietnam…there’s no way EVERY soldier--or even a majority of them, for that matter-- could be doing that kind of thing…)

And, finally, we revisit Castle Argghhh. After reporting this yesterday (10/26) on Corporal Unger’s funeral. The castle Denizens go on to report this 10/27. (...thanks John for the wonderful pictures and reports!...) And, I join the Castle gang, and all military folks, in thanking the Patriot Guard Riders for their wonderful service. It is sad that the duty you perform must be done.

At our house, we remember the cry of the warriors:
"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--

Cpl unger, we remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your family more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we join the denizens of Castle Argghhh in dancing In Memoriam.