While I am fairly confident that everyone who reads the title of this blog --and I am completely aware that I am the only person reading this blog to begin with-- knows exactly what I am thinking.
How, in a coed Tuesday night park and rec softball game can a man go up to the plate looking to walk. It makes no sense, none.
Now I have never been one for muchismo or bravado, but I want to go up to the plate and swing for the fence.
If you are the person, or one of the many, I suggest you reconsider your approach at the plate.
This blog will be updated, but I had to put something down tonight while it was on my mind.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Not just the president, but the commander-in-chief of our armed forces
Contrary to what (might be) popular belief, politics and political figures do not get much if any “play” in the U.S. Military. To us, if I can speak for servicemembers —which I know is tough because the demographic is vast— George Bush is not simply the president, he was, or should I say is, our commander-in-chief.
From the first moment you arrive at boot camp you are taught what the chain of command is and how your chain of command is structured. Within the first week I knew every member of my chain of command from my recruit division commander (the Navy’s DI) up to the secretary of the Navy (at that time Mr. England) and, obviously, my commander-in-chief.
As I look towards November to try and decide who it is that I will vote for to be not only my president, but the commander-in-chief of our nation’s sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines and coasties, I want that person to be a man who truly understands what the chain of command means. I want someone who is battle tested, not only in the political arena, but also on the battlefield where lives are at risk.
I must admit that I am not the most politically educated person in the world, or even in my office for that matter, but I do know that John McCain has proven his ability to put the best interest of our nation above his own well being. When times are tough, as they most certainly are now, I want to know that whom ever becomes my next commander-in-chief has lived up to to the same military code of conduct that each and every person serving our nation swears to abide by and uphold.
ARTICLE I.
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
ARTICLE II.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
ARTICLE III.
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
ARTICLE IV.
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
ARTICLE V.
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
ARTICLE VI.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
From the first moment you arrive at boot camp you are taught what the chain of command is and how your chain of command is structured. Within the first week I knew every member of my chain of command from my recruit division commander (the Navy’s DI) up to the secretary of the Navy (at that time Mr. England) and, obviously, my commander-in-chief.
As I look towards November to try and decide who it is that I will vote for to be not only my president, but the commander-in-chief of our nation’s sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines and coasties, I want that person to be a man who truly understands what the chain of command means. I want someone who is battle tested, not only in the political arena, but also on the battlefield where lives are at risk.
I must admit that I am not the most politically educated person in the world, or even in my office for that matter, but I do know that John McCain has proven his ability to put the best interest of our nation above his own well being. When times are tough, as they most certainly are now, I want to know that whom ever becomes my next commander-in-chief has lived up to to the same military code of conduct that each and every person serving our nation swears to abide by and uphold.
ARTICLE I.
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
ARTICLE II.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
ARTICLE III.
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
ARTICLE IV.
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
ARTICLE V.
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
ARTICLE VI.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
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