Gathering of Eagles: Special Update

To All,

Move America Forward will caravan across America on their way to a rendezvous in Washington, D.C. March 17, 2007 with tens of thousands of other patriotic Americans gathered to standup for America, honor our troops, and protect our Memorials.

The tentative route is shown below.......if you are anywhere close to the stops they make, or on the route they take, come out and join, wave, encourage and be a part of a grand opportunity to show America our support. Spread the word............

Please refer to this web site http://www.moveamericaforward.org/index.php/DailyFile/caravan_route_these_colors_dont_run/
from time to time to check on updates or tour stop modifications.

To read more about the caravan goals and objectives......... see http://www.moveamericaforward.org/

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

Gathering of Eagles Web Site: http://gatheringofeagles.org/ (If you haven't visited our web site.....there have been over 62,500 visitors in 8 days....also Gathering of Eagles was mentioned on the Rush Limbaugh Show today.)

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If America does not confront the Islamic fascist butchers, who will?

Visit www.independent-patriots-for-america.com and www.independent-patriots-for-america.com/patriot-talk/
and www.presidentbushblog.com

Posted By:
Melanie Morgan
Permalink
Caravan Route - “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN”



Here is our tentative schedule for the national caravan. If you have a suggestion for a location of a particular rally stop, send us an email to: jwierzbicki@rmrwest.com

REVISED: Thursday, February 14, 2007

Thursday March 8th
====================
8:45AM - 9:30AM :: San Francisco Rally
(Rally in front of KSFO studios)
900 Front Street - San Francisco, CA
9:30AM - 10:20AM :: San Francisco to Vacaville
10:20AM - 11:15AM :: Vacaville Rally (Possible stop in Vacaville)
11:15AM - 12:00PM :: Vacaville to Sacramento
12:00PM - 1:00PM :: Sacramento Rally
1:00PM - 5:00 PM :: Sacramento to Fresno
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM :: Fresno Rally
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM :: Fresno to Bakersfield
End the day in Bakersfield

Friday March 9th
====================
8:30AM - 9:30AM :: Bakersfield Rally
9:30AM - 12:00PM :: Bakersfield to Los Angeles
12:00PM - 4:00PM :: Los Angeles Rally & Media Appearances
4:00PM - 7:00PM :: Los Angeles to Palm Springs
7:00PM - 8:00PM :: Palm Springs Rally
End the day in Palm Springs

Saturday March 10th
====================
8:00AM - 2:00PM :: Palm Springs to Phoenix
[ TIME CHANGE PST to MST at CA/AZ Border] – Move Clocks Ahead 1 Hour
2:00PM – 3:00PM :: Phoenix Rally
3:00PM – 5:30PM :: Phoenix to Tucson
5:30PM – 6:30PM :: Tucson Rally
End the day in Tucson

Sunday March 11th
====================
8:00AM – 2:00PM :: Tucson to El Paso
2:00PM – 3:00PM :: El Paso Rally
[ TIME CHANGE MST to CST after leaving El Paso] – Move Clocks Ahead 1 Hour
3:00PM - 9:00PM :: El Paso to Midland/Odessa
End the day in Midland/Odessa

Monday March 12th
====================
7:00AM - 8:00PM :: Midland/Odessa Rally
8:00PM - 3:00PM :: Odessa to Dallas
3:00PM - 6:30PM :: Dallas Rally (Allow time for potential evening news coverage)
6:30PM - 12:00AM :: Dallas to Little Rock
End the day in Little Rock

Tuesday March 13th
====================
8:00AM - 9:00AM :: Little Rock
9:00AM - 12:00PM :: Little Rock to Memphis
12:00PM - 1:30PM :: Memphis
[ TIME CHANGE CST to EST at AL/GA border] – Move Clocks Ahead 1 Hour
1:30PM - 10:30PM :: Memphis to Atlanta
End the day in Atlanta

Wednesday March 14th
====================
8:00AM - 11:00AM :: Atlanta Rally
*Event to be held adjacent to CNN International Headquarters in Atlanta*
11:00AM - 3:00PM :: Atlanta to Columbia
3:00PM - 4:00PM :: Columbia Rally
4:00PM - 8:30PM :: Columbia to Raleigh
End the day in Raleigh

Thursday March 15th
====================
9:00AM - 10:00 AM :: Raleigh Rally
10:00AM - 2:00 PM :: Raleigh to Richmond
2:00PM - 3:00PM :: Richmond Rally
3:00 – 6:00 PM :: Richmond to Wash D.C.
End the day in Washington DC

Friday March 16th
====================
All Day :: Set up “Flag City” in Washington, D.C.


Saturday March 17th
====================
11:00AM - 5:00PM :: Patriotic/Pro-Troop Rally with Move America Forward,
Gathering of Eagles, Free Republic, Rolling Thunder, Vets for Victory
& Others.

Sunday March 18th
====================
Washington, D.C. (Regroup/Prepare for Monday Press Conference)

Monday March 19th
====================
10:00AM - 12:00PM :: Washington (Press Conference at Press Club to Announce MAF Ad Campaign)



Gathering of Eagles Web Site: http://gatheringofeagles.org/
_________________
"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Gathering of Eagles

http://gatheringofeagles.org/

Press Coverage of the Gathering of Eagles
February 20th, 2007 | Category: Briefings
Scott Sexton wrote an article about American Legion Post 55’s planned attendance at the Gathering of Eagles:

Plans for protest stir Vietnam vets into action

American Legion Post 55 ordinarily isn’t the kind of place that can be described as a hotbed of dissent where demonstrations are organized. Yet that’s exactly what’s been happening as a small but dedicated group of Vietnam-era veterans has been getting together to discuss a trip to Washington in a few short weeks.

About 30 members of the Legion started organizing for the trip shortly after they got wind of a large anti-war demonstration planned for March 17. It wasn’t the anti-war message that got their backs up so much as it was the location that activists picked to start a march to the Pentagon - the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - and what happened during an anti-war rally held Jan. 27. On that day, a small group of over-exuberant protesters spray-painted slogans on the Capitol steps.

The veterans fear a repeat performance that could damage the memorial, something they say they will not allow.

“We’re going to protect our Wall,” said Bob Penn, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. “It’s that simple.”

[…]

“People can say what they want, and I can see where the memorial would seem like a logical place to start a march like that to the Pentagon,” Penn said. “We’re taking a nonconfrontational approach, and it’s not to choose one side or the other about the war in Iraq. That’s for each man to decide on his own.”

Penn’s group, Operation Rolling Thunder, is helping to secure the proper permits from the National Park Service and to spread the word of their mission to protect the Vietnam Memorial by e-mail and word of mouth.

He has his own views on the war in Iraq (”The simple fact is that protests hurt soldiers in combat”) and realizes that hotheads can exist on both sides of the March 17 protest. He is confident that the two groups can co-exist without incident or flare-ups.

_________________
"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

"Gathering Of Eagles"

A word from Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

To All Patriots

To our surprise, and the worst nightmare for the anti-war/anti-America haters, Gathering of Eagles is shaping up as a huge outpouring of "We love America, We love and support our troops, we honor our hallowed Memorials, and we're arriving in Washington, D.C. between 7 AM and 10 Am on March 17, 2007 to show it.

Please look for future updates on our web page and via email.........we ask that anyone that has email lists, web pages, blogs, to keep them updated with our information.

General Information:

Many of you may not be aware of the significant activity on www.gatheringofeagles.org our web site.......in case you're not, at this writing there have been over 66,000 visitors in just 10 short days........I have received emails from Peru, Afghanistan, Iraq, Australia, Europe, and all points in the United States...there is a new day dawning in America and it is not a political event.......politicians can do nothing for our efforts........we are gathering as Americans to honor and stand-up for America, our troops and, if necessary, protect our Memorials that reflect the blood and lives our fallen brothers and sisters.

There is still much to be done and each of us can assist.......write letter to your local editors, contact your veteran organizations and ask them to support us, add us to your web site, call your local talk shows, send letters to national talking heads (Limbaugh, Hannity, Glenn Beck, et al), if you can't come to D.C. do something locally at your Memorials, organize groups that hold signs along highways, town squares, etc.........America seems to be wakening from our long sleep......let's make sure the alarm rings loud and clear......

Revised needs request:

Given all the positive movement has caused concern among those of us that are working the actions to pull over the event in D.C....as the participation has grown so has our need to upgrade our preparation in D.C. We are encountering expenses that exceed our available funds......We have advertisement costs, porta potties, platform, sound system, medical support, security, and a host of other expenses.....our cadre watches expenses closely and apply resources to only the most urgent and needed initiatives.......but, we need some help.......this is a request for donations.......the anti-war crowd apparently has unlimited funds from donors with millions, we don't and must rely on each other.....please consider sending a donation. You may use our web site www.gatheringofeagles.org at the paypal, credit card, or debit option; on the right side of the web pager, or you may send a check, money order to and payable to:

Vets for the Truth
ATTN: Gathering of Eagles
PO Box 291
Chocowinity, NC 27817


Gathering of Eagles Store:

Gathering of Eagles Store
Open for business
www.gatheringofeaglesgear.org

As you know we are all wearing Armbands as a means of identity, unity, and solidarity. Some of our friends have taken it upon themselves and developed an Armband that is available for purchase now If you go to the web site above you will see they have produced a professional armband reflecting the principles of Gathering of Eagles event. As I understand, the expense in producing the Armband leaves little room for profit at the price they are selling....any profits will go toward either toward Gathering of Eagles expenses or some worthy charity.....

Please note...it is not mandatory to purchase Armbands...you can make your own from your choice of colored cloth but we all need to be wearing Armbands....please do not arrive D.C. without an Armband.

We extend our appreciation to Sandy Raddue, President Striking Graphics & Embroidery, Inc. for such a rapid and selfless effort........
www.strikinggraphics.com sandy@strikinggraphics.com

Mission Statement

In case some of you missed our mission statement which is posted on our web site.......here it is again. We must make sure we abide by these principles and inform our friends...if you talk to the Press, it would be good to be able to provide them a copy. It clearly points out what Gathering of Eagles is about. If I didn't tell you before it was put together by one of our volunteer web masters, Kit Jarrell.

Our Mission Statement
1. Gathering of Eagles is non-partisan. While each member has his or her own political beliefs, our common love and respect for America and her heroes is what brings us together.

2. We are a non-violent, non-confrontational group. We look to defend, not attack. Our focus is guarding our memorials and their grounds.

3. We believe that the war memorials are sacred ground; as such, we will not allow them to be desecrated, used as props for political statements, or treated with anything less than the solemn and heartfelt respect they–and the heroes they honor–deserve.

4. We are wholly and forever committed to our brothers and sisters in uniform. As veterans, we understand their incredible and noble sacrifices, made of their own accord for a nation they love more than life itself. As family members, we stand by them, and as Americans, we thank God for them.

5. We believe in and would give our lives for the precious freedoms found in our Constitution. We believe that our freedom of speech is one of the greatest things our country espouses, and we absolutely hold that any American citizen has the right to express his or her approval or disapproval with any policy, law, or action of our nation and her government in a peaceful manner as afforded by the laws of our land.

6. However, we are adamantly opposed to the use of violence, vandalism, physical or verbal assaults on our veterans, and the destruction or desecration of our memorials. By defending and honoring these sacred places, we defend and honor those whose blood gave all of us the right to speak as freely as our minds think.

7. We vehemently oppose the notion that it is possible to “support the troops but not the war.” We are opposed to those groups who would claim support for the troops yet engage in behavior that is demeaning and abusive to the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform.

8. We believe in freedom at all costs, including our own lives. We served to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy, and we agree with Thomas Jefferson’s assertion that “From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

9. We will accept nothing less than total, unqualified victory in the current conflict. Surrender is not an option, nor is defeat.

10. We stand to challenge any group that seeks the destruction of our nation, its founding precepts of liberty and freedom, or those who have given of themselves to secure those things for another generation. We will be silent no more.

Finally:

Gathering of Eagles is coming together......there is obvious work to be done. We have a staff that is burning the candle at both ends to meet the technical, legal, comfort, safety, security, and other requirements........be patient if you don't get an answer immediately.......check our web for guidance and information.

Gathering of Eagles may just be the vehicle that will set America on a new course of hope, confidence, patriotism, and belief that America is still the "home of the brave and land of the free" where freedom will always prevail.


Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
Gathering of Eagles

Gathering of Eagles Web Site: http://gatheringofeagles.org/


Plans for protest stir Vietnam vets into action

By Scott Sexton


JOURNAL COLUMNIST
Tuesday, February 20, 2007


Scott Sexton
Email
American Legion Post 55 ordinarily isn't the kind of place that can be described as a hotbed of dissent where demonstrations are organized. Yet that's exactly what's been happening as a small but dedicated group of Vietnam-era veterans has been getting together to discuss a trip to Washington in a few short weeks.


About 30 members of the Legion started organizing for the trip shortly after they got wind of a large anti-war demonstration planned for March 17. It wasn't the anti-war message that got their backs up so much as it was the location that activists picked to start a march to the Pentagon - the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - and what happened during an anti-war rally held Jan. 27. On that day, a small group of over-exuberant protesters spray-painted slogans on the Capitol steps.

The veterans fear a repeat performance that could damage the memorial, something they say they will not allow.

"We're going to protect our Wall," said Bob Penn, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. "It's that simple."

Internet power

The power and reach of the Internet can be credited (or blamed) for fanning the furor. Wide-ranging e-mail messages have been circulating for the past three weeks warning about the possibility of desecration at the Wall.

It started with this, sent by wired peaceniks: "On March 17, 2007, the 4th anniversary of the start of the criminal invasion of Iraq, tens of thousands of people from around the country will descend on the Pentagon in a mass demonstration to demand: U.S. Out of Iraq Now! 2007 is the 40th anniversary of the historic 1967 anti-war march to the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. The message of the 1967 march was 'From Protest to Resistance,' and marked a turning point in the development of a countrywide mass movement."

Fair enough. The Constitution protects our rights of free speech and peaceful assembly. The vets recognize that and, to a man, say that protecting those rights was one of the more important duties they took on when they enlisted.

But when that message was coupled with news accounts - sparse though they may have been - about the spray painting of the Capitol steps - conclusions were made and figurative battle lines were drawn. If Capitol police couldn't stop a handful of zealous protesters from vandalizing the nation's Capitol, what's to prevent them from doing the same at the Vietnam Memorial?

"We are not going to allow this to happen if we have to stand 20 deep around the WALL," reads an e-mail circulated to scores of veterans' groups around the country."

Emotional topic

Penn and four other veterans gathered at Legion Post 55 one recent afternoon took "about 30 seconds" to decide they were going to Washington. To them, the Wall is a sacred place that symbolizes the sacrifices made by their friends in Southeast Asia.

"People can say what they want, and I can see where the memorial would seem like a logical place to start a march like that to the Pentagon," Penn said. "We're taking a nonconfrontational approach, and it's not to choose one side or the other about the war in Iraq. That's for each man to decide on his own."

Penn's group, Operation Rolling Thunder, is helping to secure the proper permits from the National Park Service and to spread the word of their mission to protect the Vietnam Memorial by e-mail and word of mouth.

He has his own views on the war in Iraq ("The simple fact is that protests hurt soldiers in combat") and realizes that hotheads can exist on both sides of the March 17 protest. He is confident that the two groups can co-exist without incident or flare-ups.

Still, any discussion of the Wall and what it represents is emotional to Penn.

"All protests start with good intentions, but sometimes they end badly," he said. "Those are my brothers on that Wall, and I will protect it."

URL: http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_ColumnistArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149193288756&path=!localnews&s=1037645509099

The 1st Marine Division was activated aboard the USS Texas on February 1, 1941. They would see their first action at the Battle of Guadalcanal which was the first major American offensive of World War II. Launched August 7, 1942, this operation won the Division its first of three World War II Presidential Unit Citations (PUC). Others were awarded for the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa, and years later for other battles like Mameluke Thrust. Following the Battle of Guadalcanal, the division's Marines were sent to Melbourne, Australia to rest and refit. It was during this time that the division took the traditional Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda" as its battle hymn. To this day, 1st Division Marines still ship out to this song being played. Today, the 1st Marine Division is "waltzing" in Iraq and Afghanistan, while we prepare to " Waltz on Washington", defending them as they so valiantly defend us.

Semper Fidelis,
Bob Greer
L 3/26 USMC VN'68



Apogee
Did You Feel It?
At some point in the past few weeks, a shift occured. Maybe it started back in November, when Congressman Jack Murtha lost his bid to be House Majority Leader.

Or perhaps it was on January 27, when Jane Fonda staged a defeatist demonstration on the hallowed grounds of the U.S. Navy Memorial. On that same day, some of her fellow defeatists vandalized the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol, while others spit at the foot of Iraq veteran Joshua Sparling (that's not a typo, Sparling lost his right leg in Iraq).

Maybe it all came to a head last Friday, when the House of Representatives expressed their institutional preference for defeat over victory in Iraq.

Whenever the shift began, it was evident by Saturday afternoon that something had changed. That was when a motion in the Senate to take up the House's anti-war resolution failed to win enough votes to move forward. And that was for the mildest, most watered-down rebuke that could possibly satisfy the defeatists. On that same day, the Washington Post slammed Congressman Murtha for advocating a "slow bleed" strategy to end the war in Iraq.

Mr. Murtha has a different idea. He would stop the surge by crudely hamstringing the ability of military commanders to deploy troops... His aim, he made clear, is not to improve readiness but to "stop the surge." So why not straightforwardly strip the money out of the appropriations bill -- an action Congress is clearly empowered to take -- rather than try to micromanage the Army in a way that may be unconstitutional? Because, Mr. Murtha said, it will deflect accusations that he is trying to do what he is trying to do. "What we are saying will be very hard to find fault with," he said.
But an increasingly vocal number of Americans are indeed "finding fault" with Jack Murtha and his friends in the defeatist movement. On March 17, another group of defeatists organized by the neo-Stalinist Workers World Party plan to march from the Vietnam War Memorial, across the Potomac, passing Arlington National Cemetery on their way to the Pentagon, where they will rally within a couple hundred yards of the site where Islamic terrorists crashed a hijacked plane into that building.

Fearing a repeat of the lawlessness and vandalism which occured in January, several groups are banding together to stand in opposition to this group of radicals. A group of Vietnam veterans calling themselves "A Gathering of Eagles" will stand vigil over the Vietnam Wall. Another group, "Move America Forward," will caravan from San Francisco to Washington DC, where they will set up a patriotic counter-rally on the National Mall.

Last week, a Navy officer in Baghdad and a retired soldier began circulating a petition amongst the troops, "The Appeal For Courage," urging Congress to "fully support our mission in Iraq and halt any calls for retreat." Such petitions are rare, but are allowed under DoD directives designed to protect military whistleblowers. For the first few days, their petition garnered little interest. Over the weekend, the number of signatures doubled.

At the same time, blogger NZ Bear established a new advocacy group, "The Victory Caucus." By week's end, his new website had recieved over 100,000 visits, and 3,400 had registered to join the group. If you think this is small potatoes, consider that this is exactly how the left-wing advocacy group MoveOn.org got started in 1998, at the height of President Clinton's impeachment crisis.

When Orlando Congressman Ric Keller made an ill-advised speech on Friday comparing the war in Iraq to a neighbor who won't mow his lawn, the Victory Caucus members labelled him "Lawnmower Boy," and swamped his office with disapproving emails, phone calls, and faxes.





More importantly, they pledged $100,000 overnight to support an unnamed, hypothetical pro-victory candidate to defeat Keller in 2008.

Meanwhile in Iraq, the "surge" moves forward.

Coalition Forces killed four foreign terrorist facilitators and detained four other suspected terrorists while conducting operations Sunday southeast of Rutbah...
Coalition Forces captured a suspected insurgent leader during early-morning operations Feb. 17 in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad. The suspect is reported to be a leader within an improvised explosive device and car-bomb network believed responsible for planning and conducting car-bomb attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the Baghdad area. He is implicated in several bomb attacks that are responsible for inciting sectarian violence in northern Baghdad...

Members of the Ninewa Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team captured a suspected insurgent leader Feb. 17 during operations with Coalition advisers in eastern Mosul. The suspect is reportedly linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq and is tied to several recent attacks targeting Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in the area.



Moqtada al-Sadr is in hiding, and al Qaeda in Iraq is dying.

The momentum has shifted. Did you feel it?

URL: http://www.indepundit.com/archive2/2007/02/apogee.html






Will you give this to my Daddy?


I ran across a very touching and inspirational story on a website I frequent and wanted to share it with readers of this site. I challenge you to read it without crying.
I was unable to verify the authenticity of this writing but found it inspirational nonetheless. I personally know of people who have shared and witnessed touching moments like this between soldiers and common citizens in airports and other public places.

Authentic or not, I would not dismiss this event as impossible as this story is very fitting of the character or the men and women of our military.


Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and ho me without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.
URL: http://www.tommybrents.com/2007/02/01/inspiration-will-you-give-this-to-my-daddy/

----------------------------------------------

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.



Racing for Defeat

David Limbaugh
February 19, 2007

I hope those who dismissed the consequences of a Democratic takeover in Congress last November are beginning to see the error of their ways. With each passing day the Democratic leadership is becoming more extreme and urgent in undermining America's cause in Iraq.

President Bush's 21,000-troop surge is well underway, and its accompanying strategy to secure Baghdad proceeds apace. Now, more than ever, our troops need our moral and spiritual support. Now, more than ever, Democrats -- and a disturbing number of Republicans -- are withdrawing it. Their actions are unconscionable.

Two weeks ago, we saw their failed resolution denouncing the build-up of American troops in Iraq. Over the weekend, they tried again, unsuccessfully.

On Friday, the House passed such a resolution by a comfortable vote of 246-182. But when Senate Republicans succeeded in blocking the resolution in the Senate, Democrats threw a tantrum, saying Republicans were stifling debate.

Why is it so hard for these people to tell the truth? Republicans didn't shut down debate. They did the opposite. They refused to allow cloture on the resolution because Democrats refused to allow consideration of other proposals. It is their way or the highway.

Republicans were quite willing to allow a vote on the Democrats' resolution if Democrats would have permitted a vote on the Republican's resolution pledging not to de-fund the troops in Iraq. But Democrats refused because the GOP resolution would have compelled Democrats to take a more meaningful stand and prevented them from having it both ways on the issue.

So far, Democrats have positioned themselves as winners if the surge doesn't work, but protected themselves if it does by stopping short of cutting off funds. But a vote on the GOP resolution would have forced their hand: getting them on the record on the funding issue.

If they voted for the resolution, they would infuriate the base. If they voted against it, it would be much harder for them to pretend they support the troops. That's why it was projected to draw the grudging support of some 75 Democrats. They had to block a vote on it.

Voting for a resolution pledging not to withdraw funding would also show the abject meaninglessness of their resolution opposing the surge. There is no greater dagger to the heart of self-important politicians than to be exposed as insignificant.

Unfortunately for us, these politicians are significant, and so are their disgraceful actions. Despite their semantic gyrations, they are undermining the troops and America's war effort. You don't support the troops by sabotaging their mission and strategy -- a strategy designed by the general in charge no less, whose appointment as commander of the coalition forces in Iraq they just unanimously approved. You don't support the troops by continually giving verbal comfort to the enemy. You don't support the troops by lobbying for their and America's defeat.

If you are still unconvinced these antiwar politicians are damaging the war effort by their words alone, just wait. In their mounting frustration, they may soon go beyond mere words.

Congressman Murtha has threatened to push a shameful series of "slow-bleed" measures to accomplish indirectly what he can't achieve directly: our immediate withdrawal.

Senate Democrats said they would pursue means other than nonbinding resolutions to change Iraq policy. Sen. Chuck Schumer said that Democrats would be relentless in their campaign to end the Iraq war. "There will be resolution after resolution, amendment after amendment. Just like in the days of Vietnam, the pressure will mount, and the vast majority of our troops will have to be taken out of harm's way."

Not to be outdone, Hillary Clinton, recognizing the futility of her latest effort to appease the foaming base because she refused an outright apology for her Iraq war vote, threw it a slab of red meat this time, calling for a 90-day deadline to begin a troop withdrawal. Hillary also threatened to put some teeth in the proposal, saying if the "redeployment" doesn't start in 90 days, Congress should "revoke authorization for this war."

The world's smartest women watched Sen. Obama being heckled for suggesting the less drastic, though no less arbitrary withdrawal deadline of March 2008. She was not about to miss a chance to leapfrog over the hapless neophyte to the farthest reaches of the left lane.

Democrats deny they have a plan for America's defeat in Iraq. They're correct. They have many such plans, and they're in competition with each other to see who can get it done the quickest. Elections matter.

URL: http://www.davidlimbaugh.com/mt/archives/2007/02/new_column_raci.html



Will pols who embarrass the president and endanger Americans accept responsibility for their actions?

By Ed Koch

Over the last few years I have written of my fears that we Americans, as a people, have lost our will to fight for our freedom.
We have come to expect that wars can be fought without casualties, even the relatively modest casualties we have suffered in Iraq. During World War Two, more Americans were killed or wounded on Iwo Jima in one month than have fallen in Iraq in almost four years. Of course, every military death and severe injury is a tragedy. Nevertheless, former Secretary of State Colin Powell has said that our army in Iraq is "about broken," which appalled and frightened me. Added to those two disturbing dangers to our national security is a new and third factor: denial of a military threat to our armed forces. Such a denial allows us to avoid addressing the threat with an appropriate military response.

We are not at war with Iran, but Iran seems to be at war with us. In the last year we have suffered at least 170 American military deaths in Iraq and 640 American soldiers have been injured as a result of Iranian manufactured and supplied explosives supplied to Iraqi insurgents and terrorists. These explosives are planted at the side of the road and are activated when U.S. military vehicles pass by. They are especially dangerous because their high technology design allows them to penetrate armored vehicles and kill and maim the occupants.

All American leaders, including the President, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Chairman of the Joint chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, agree that these weapons are manufactured in Iran. They are provided to Iraqi insurgents and terrorists by an Iranian military unit known as the Quds Force. What we are not able to state with certainty is whether, according to The New York Times, "senior leaders of Iran's government are directly involved in the attacks."

The Times states, "Based on evidence gathered inside Iraq, American intelligence analysts have concluded that a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps known as the Quds Force is supplying Shiite groups with Iranian-designed weapons, called explosively formed penetrators."

The Times reported, "Because the Quds Force, which operates outside Iran, has historically fallen under the command of Iran's senior religious leaders, intelligence agencies have concluded that top leaders in Tehran are directing the attacks."

General Peter Pace is quoted in The Times as saying "that American forces had confirmed that some bomb materials found inside Iraq were made in Iran, but 'that does not translate that the Iranian government per se, for sure, is directly involved in doing this.'"

The Times points out the [Iranian revolutionary] "Guard has also been accused of supporting terrorist attacks outside Iran, notably the 1996 truck bomb attack on the Khobar Towers complex in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 American service members. In December, a federal judge ruled that the government of Iran bore responsibility for the Khobar Towers attack and ordered Tehran to pay survivors of those killed more than $253 million."

So what do we know with certainty? There are those in Iran, on a significant scale, supplying Iraqi insurgents and terrorists with deadly bombs responsible for killing and injuring 820 American soldiers in the last year. Is it reasonable to believe that is possible without the approval of sectors of the Iranian government? I refer to the civil government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the theocratic and supreme government of the religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the dominant government official.

In dictatorships where dissidents seek to engage in activities prohibited by the state, those so engaged usually end up on the gallows. They are enemies of the state. It is beyond the realm of common sense to believe the Iranian government is aware of the supply activity as it is, the U.S. having made it public on several occasions, and is neither actively or passively, and knowledgably engaged in that activity. In fascist, Nazi, communist, theocratic and totalitarian states that extensively control the lives and political conduct of their citizens, there is very little crime, and practically zero crime against the state.

The Times reports why the Iranian government is engaging in this kind of behavior, writing, "Still American intelligence agencies have concluded that over the past year the Iranian government had adopted a new policy of directly confronting the United States inside Iraq. The policy officials assess is aimed partly at raising the cost of American involvement in the Middle East, teaching the Bush administration a lesson about the cost of regime change and putting pressure on American forces to leave. "But another reason, they say, is to dissuade the Bush administration from taking a more confrontational policy toward Tehran by sending a message that Iran can ratchet up the attacks on American forces in Iraq."

It appears that Iran has succeeded in staring us down and preventing us from taking appropriate military action to protect our troops and punish those seeking to harm them. Iran will not be required to pay a price because our army is "about broken" and is not capable of responding. How awful and unnerving for the U.S., the sole remaining superpower in the world.

Democrats and some Republicans in Congress are seeking to humble, embarrass and, if they can, destroy the President and the prestige of his position as the Commander-in-Chief who is responsible for the safety of our military forces and the nation's defenses. By doing so, they are adding to the dangers that face our nation. And so I ask again them again: do you think that leaving a power vacuum in Iraq will make us safer? If, as a result of the power vacuum, the terrorists are emboldened and G-d forbid we sustain here in the U.S. civilian casualties comparable to those caused in Iraq by car bombs, will you publicly accept responsibility?

URL: http://jewishworldreview.com/0207/koch022007.php3














What was that all about?

By Paul Greenberg

So what was last week's congressional debate about the war in Iraq all about?
Was it just an exercise in group therapy that gave every member of Congress an opportunity to unburden himself abut this long, cruel war?

Or was it a chance for everybody in the legislative branch to jiggle the commander-in-chief's elbow in the midst of a delicate combat operation, aka the Surge?

In another war, the decisions of another president and commander-in-chief were regularly second-guessed by a Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War. But at least when Abraham Lincoln finally found a successful commander in U.S. Grant, that congressional committee didn't take up a resolution saying his new approach would never work. Nor did its members threaten to cut off support for the war.

Was last week's gabfest just an opportunity for a bevy of presidential hopefuls to position themselves for the campaign of '08 by aligning themselves with the latest public opinion polls? (Clearest case in point: Hillary Rodham Clinton.)

Or was all this speechifying just a chance for the new Democratic majority in Congress to pass some anti-war resolutions so the leaders of the party can say We Told You So when this new strategy proves as disappointing as the others?

Just as some politicians overdo their natural hubris when it comes to celebrating victory (Mission Accomplished!), others glory in American defeat (see the Vietnam Era). Call it a different kind of flag-waving. Only with a white flag. I've never been sure which is worse.

Does anybody really believe this debate in Congress was an attempt to support the troops in their latest push? How -- by solemnly resolving that their efforts will prove to in vain?

Here is the still new speaker of the House sounding retreat: "The stakes in Iraq are too high to recycle proposals that have little prospect for success. The passage of this legislation will signal a change in direction in Iraq that will end the fighting and bring our troops home."

If this is how to support the troops in the field -- by telling them their latest offensive is doomed -- then what would undermining them be?

Let us now praise John Murtha, congressman from Pennsylvania and obstructionist-in-chief where this war is concerned. At least he's been candid about the intention behind these resolutions telling the chief executive how he may and may not execute this war.

By imposing all kinds of requirements on spending for the war, said Mr. Murtha, Congress "stops the surge for all intents and purposes because (the administration) cannot sustain deployment."

Our troops in Iraq could now find themselves in a two-front war to protect their supply lines, one against the enemy and one against the Congress of the United States. It's starting to sound like Vietnam Redux.

Was this anti-war resolution by the House but the first step in cutting off funds and supplies for the war in the midst of what may prove a decisive campaign?

If so, the American people won't easily forgive those who would make the troops suffer for their anti-war principles. Or at least the American people shouldn't.

John McCain, senator from Arizona and a pillar of resolve as Congress's will to prosecute this war dissolves, skipped the debate in the Senate entirely, calling it meaningless. After all, the Constitution makes the president, not the Congress, commander-in-chief.

Yet this debate in both houses of Congress has served one useful purpose. Because the roll calls at the end will provide a handy list of those sunshine soldiers ready to lay down their packs and give up when prospects seem bleakest.

That same roll call will also confirm which of our congressional leaders aren't about to give up in perilous times. Names like John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman come to mind.

And should this new strategy somehow succeed, and the men and woman of the armed forces of the United States once again do the improbable, not to say impossible, the roll calls in the House and Senate will provide a handy list of those political leaders back home who never wavered in their support. And their names will shine.

So maybe this "meaningless" debate has served a purpose after all.

URL: http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/greenberg022007.php3





















We will not forget this, John Murtha!

LISTEN HERE!!


"....this guy is long past the day when he had anything but the foggiest awareness of what the heck is going on in the world."
- Brit Hume, Fox News Sunday, February 18, 2007






On The Lighter Side
Little Johnny and his family were having dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.
When Little Johnny received his plate he started eating right away. "Johnny, wait until we say our prayer."
"I don't have to." The boy replied.
"Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house, and she knows how to cook!"


"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

"One Nation Under God"

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I.
~One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.~

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum




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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

"Gathering Of Eagles"

Cindy Sheehan Labels Viet Nam Veterans "Rightist Haters of America"

Few thoughts to pass on:

Dear Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, National Guard, Reservists, in Iraq, in the Middle East theater, in Afghanistan, in the area near Afghanistan, in any base anywhere in the world, and your families:

Let me tell you about why you guys own about 90 percent of the backbone in the whole world right now and should be happy with yourselves and proud of whom you are.

It was a dazzlingly hot day here in Rancho Mirage today. I did small errands like going to the bank to pay my mortgage, finding a new bed at a price I can afford, practicing driving with my new 5 wood, paying bills for about two hours. I spoke for a long time to a woman who is going through a nasty child custody fight. I got e-mails from a woman who was fired today from her job for not paying attention. I read about multi-billion-dollar mergers in Europe, Asia, and the Mideast. I noticed how overweight I am, for the millionth time. In other words, I did a lot of nothing.

Like every other American who is not in the armed forces family, I basically just rearranged the deck chairs on the Titanic in my trivial, self-important, meaningless way.

Above all, I talked to a friend of more than forty-three years who told me he thought his life had no meaning because all he did was count his money. And, friends in the armed forces, this is the story of all of America today We are doing nothing but treading water while you guys carry on the life or death struggle against worldwide militant Islamic terrorism. Our lives a re about nothing: paying bills, going to humdrum jobs, waiting until we can go to sleep and then do it all again. Our most vivid issues are trivia compared with what you do every day, every minute, every second.

Oprah Winfrey talks a lot about "meaning" in life. For her, "meaning" is dieting and then having her photo on the cover of her magazine every single month (surely a new world record for egomania). This is not "meaning."

- Meaning is doing for others. - Meaning is risking your life for hers. - Meaning is putting your bodies and families' peace of mind on the line to defeat some of the most evil, sick killers the world has ever known. - Meaning is leaving the comfort of home to fight to make sure that there still will be a home for your family and for your nation and for free men and women everywhere.

Look, soldiers and Marines and sailors and airmen and Coast Guardsmen, There are six billion people in this world. The whole fate of this world turns on what you people, 1.4 million, more or less, do every day. The fate of mankind depends on what about 2/100 of one percent of the people in this world do every day and you are those people. And joining you is every policeman, fireman, and Emergency Medical Technician in the country, also holding back the tide of chaos.

Do you know how important you are? Do you know how indispensable you are? Do you know how humbly grateful any of us who has a head on his shoulders is to you? Do you know that if you never do another thing in your lives, you will always still be heroes? That we could live without Hollywood or Wall Street or the NFL, but we cannot live for a week without you?

We are on our knees to you and we bless and pray for you every moment. And Oprah Winfrey, if she were a size two, would not have one millionth of your importance, and all of the Wall Street billionaires will never mean what the least of you do, and if Barry Bonds hits hundreds of home runs it would not mean as much as you going on one patrol or driving one truck to the Baghdad airport.

You are everything to us, as we go through our little days, and you are in the prayers of the nation and of every decent man and woman on the planet. That's who you are and what you mean. I hope you know that.

Love, Ben Stein

From a brother:

Tom,

I understand your heart, and pray for you.....will take you off my list until you get caught up and want back on.......but don't think you will not be in my thoughts and prayers every day.......God bless you my brother...........my heart reaches out to you.........you are a hero to me Tom, not "a sorry Vietnam vet".

You can contact me any time...either via email ...you won't be left behind, nor will our troops. our Memorials or America...

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

From Tom:

"No, I know it is from you but my depression is so bad I am so far behind in reading them that I have to stop getting them so I can get caught up.

My family is against me going to Washington for the rally but I will be there in spirit. I suffer from PTSD - depression, anxiety and panic attacks, etc. Plus money and transportation. They don't want me going with someone I don't know. They are so afraid something is going to happen and I will wind up in jail or something.

So from one sorry Vietnam vet. Take care. Protect the Wall. I'll be there in spirit. Tom Caramanno Sometimes I wish I was back there at least we could shoot back. I was happy back then except when Charlie started shooting at us. God bless You."
Tom.......
(If Tom is on your list....please remove for a while Tom Caramarro doulostomc@nc.rr.com )

About our Visit to our Memorials:

Camera: It is important that a fair and accurate record is available of our event in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2007...with that we encourage many to bring their personal cameras, VCR, cell phones, or other recording devices to make a record, particularly of any violence from ANYONE.

Children: We anticipate no violence, certainly none from our people, but there is no guarantee what the Marchers may have in mind. Families may want to consider leaving small children (under 11) with a trusted family member or friend.

Comfort: There will be bottle water available, if needed; medical support will be available at a first response level; security by Park Police and our own marshals will be in abundance; there is abundant grass to sit on but a small folding stool/chair would be in order;

Devotional thought:

When a nation loses its ability to discern morality, it embarks on a slippery slope toward self-destruction. Especially when it comes to basic sexual morality. When a nation turns its back on the commands of God, He will say, “That’s the last step. I wash My hands. You asked for it. You got it.” America is in a crisis and unless we have a moral rebirth, we will join the graveyard of the nations. It’s time to wake up. Time is passing. It’s time to look up. Jesus is coming. It’s time to sober up. Satan is working. It’s time to pray up. Mountains need moving.

God bless everyone trying to make a difference for our nation, our troops, and protect our Memorials........"never again".

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
Gathering of Eagles




The Canadians Are Coming! The Canadians Are Coming! To A Gathering Of Eagles

Winter's Soldier Story
February 21, 2007

One of the myriad untruths about the Vietnam War concerns the role of Canada, our friend and neighbor to the north. It is generally seen only that Canada provided refuge to Americans who opposed serving in the Armed Forces and fled north to avoid being drafted.

You'll note that I said these were people who "opposed serving in the Armed Forces." The reason I made that point is that during the Vietnam war years, from the early adviser days in 1961, to the evacuation of the American Embassy in April 1975, about 9 million Americans served in the military.

But only about 2.5 million or slightly more than 22 percent, actually served in Vietnam itself. Even if you count all the offshore personnel, and theater personnel, such as those serving in Thailand, that number barely reaches 3 million or 33 percent.

So if you were a smart person, and we have to consider that since most of these draft evaders learned the ropes in college, which according to John Kerry automatically makes them smarter by far than anyone who joined the military, you would have realized that the odds were heavily against serving in Vietnam even if you did serve in the military.

And, unlike WWII, where 70 percent of those who served were drafted, in Vietnam, nearly 70 percent of those who served volunteered. So the odds were heavily in favor of not going to Vietnam even if you were in the service.

Further, if you are a smart person, as virtually anyone who has ever spent even a nanosecond in college must be, you know that if you enlist, instead of waiting to being drafted, you have a wide range of job choices and duty stations, the overwhelming majority of which in that time would not have included service in Vietnam.

So, during the Vietnam era thousands of college kids who didn't want to serve in the military fled to Canada. It sounded noble and intellectual to say they didn't want to participate in an "illegal and immoral war" but the truth is, they probably wouldn't have been sent to Vietnam anyway, so we must conclude that they just didn't want to serve period.

But, what rarely gets mentioned, especially in the American Terrorist Media, is that thousands of Canadian citizens also headed south specifically to enlist in the armed forces of the United States, specifically to serve in Vietnam.

How many?

That is anyone's guess. I have done some research, which reveals that no one seems to know definitively. There does seem to be agreement among the Canadian Vietnam veterans themselves that somewhere between 15,000 and 25,000 is a reasonable estimate.

How many Americans fled north? Again, that is a question that is open to interpretation. I have seen some research that says 10,000 but I have seen other opinions that say as many as 125,000.

That last number seems to be more than a bit of a stretch because it includes anyone who moved to Canada from 1961, four years before the US ramped up to major involvement in Vietnam, until 1977, six years after the US ended major combat operations, four years after the draft ended in 1973, and two years after Saigon fell to the communists in 1975. So at least eight years of that span are questionable as to motive.

Regardless, the fact is that thousands of our Canadian neighbors came south to help us and they got little to no recognition for it. I think that should change, and a Gathering of Eagles, the movement to protect the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC from vandalism on March 17 provides that opportunity.

I received an email a few days ago from a Canadian lady, an Air Force veteran who is coming down to DC with an Army veteran specifically "to defend the names of the Canadians on that wall." She noted that there are others who want to attend also. It is my hope that they again come south in large numbers as they did 40 years ago, and I can assure my brother and sister veterans from Canada that they will be well received.

Since I last wrote about A Gathering of Eagles, it has gained incredible strength. It started out as a few emails between veterans who were appalled that the Capitol police were ordered to allow anarchists attending a Jane Fonda headlined anti-war protest in January to vandalize the Capitol. The writers feared that something similar would occur during another planned anti-war protest on March 17 that is forming up right next to the Vietnam Memorial.

Those emails then escalated to postings on veteran or military oriented web sites, and that got things really moving. I heard about it on the www.TogetherWeServed.com website, before it actually got the name Gathering of Eagles, and after writing about it here, got notices from all over the country that like-minded people were getting involved and making plans to be in DC on March 17.

Organizers are concerned that the planned anti-war march on the Pentagon, which is billed as an anniversary celebration of a similar march 40 years ago, includes in its list of participants anti-American and pro-terrorist individuals and organizations, some of whom they fear would have no problem defacing the memorial.

But the numbers who would oppose any such vandalism are growing. In recent days members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle riders who make an annual pilgrimage to The Wall on Memorial Day have signed on as supporters, as have the Patriot Guard Riders, National Order of the Purple Heart, various POW organizations, and veterans' groups and individuals representing all services from all eras.

In addition, a caravan of Gold Star and Blue Star mothers, representing those who have sons and daughters killed in action while serving our country, or those currently serving, will be making its way across the US to arrive in DC in time for the vigil at The Wall.

Please note that once again I have used the word vigil. I suggested to my brother and sister Marines at TWS that we not portray this as a counter-protest or opposition to the rights of the pro-terrorist marchers, but as a vigil to protect the honor and memories of our fallen brothers and sisters. The official web site for the vigil http://www.gatheringofeagles.org/ also makes that point very strongly.

In fact the website clearly states that the reason for this vigil is "To stand silent guard over our nation's memorials, in honor of our fallen, and in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today."

I make this point for a number of reasons, but foremost is that we have to expect less than favorable press coverage from today's pro-terrorist media, similar to the unfavorable and outright false press coverage we received in the 60s and 70s from the pro-communist media.

When the TWS Marines first started organizing I produced a news release for them, which Michael London, my boss at the Michael J. London & Associates PR firm, distributed gratis to well over a hundred national and international news outlets that cover Washington, DC.

At first the release was all but ignored by the American Terrorist Media, but one of the people listed as a contact for further information did get a call, from ITAR-Tass, the Russian news agency! And by all accounts he had a really good interview!

Just goes to show you.

However, on February 20 a representative from the Gold Star/Blue Star mothers was interviewed at length on Fox News, and a Gathering of Eagles also was mentioned on the Rush Limbaugh radio show Monday, February 19.

So word is spreading, the news is getting out and it now is up to America's veterans, in conjunction with our brothers and sisters from Canada, and any other country whose citizen's served with us, to go to Washington, defend our memorials, and show the world who really represents the heart of America.

It is a big job, and we are under extreme pressure to do it right. But that really doesn't faze most of us. We are the ones who stood up for America and freedom in the first place. Doing it again isn't really a matter of starting out on a new venture, as much as continuing to march on an objective that has been before us throughout our entire lives.

I'll see you in DC on the March 17. You can bet that for at least some of that time I'll be standing shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters from Canada.

URL: http://www.ronaldwinterbooks.com/blog/2007/02/canadians-are-coming-canadians-are.htm



Vietnam Vets Rally to Protect Memorial

By JENNIFER C. KERR
The Associated Press
Wednesday, February 21, 2007


WASHINGTON -- Iraq war protesters are planning to converge on Washington next month and several organizations, including the POW-MIA group Rolling Thunder, are banding together to protect sacred ground for Vietnam War veterans.

The rally March 17 against the war, organizers say, is to get under way in a grassy park near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as the wall.

Two veterans' groups said Wednesday they fear protesters may deface the memorial, a claim dismissed by the demonstrating groups.

"We're going there to protect our memorial and show support for our troops," said Artie Muller, founder and executive director of Rolling Thunder.

Muller said he and other veterans grew concerned because during a January anti-war rally, some protesters spray-painted graffiti on the steps of the Capitol.

Richard Becker, a spokesman for the upcoming rally, said the organizations involved have no intention of desecrating the black granite memorial wall. "I think it's the spreading of myths and that's a polite way of putting it," Becker said.

The anti-war ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition is organizing the protest to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion, which was launched on March 20, 2003, in Iraq.

Becker declined to estimate the number of protesters expected. He said the crowd will include some Iraq war veterans and their families.

From the Vietnam War Memorial, the protesters plan to march to the Pentagon to demand an immediate withdrawal of U.S troops from Iraq.

Larry Bailey, a retired Navy captain, said he and other Vietnam veterans aim to guard entrance points to the wall to keep protesters away. "They stand for things that are a total anathema to those of us who were the next generation after the 'great generation,'" he said.

In late January, tens of thousands of protesters marched in a Washington anti-war demonstration. The rally drew celebrities including Jane Fonda and Sean Penn as well as active-duty service members.

A small group of demonstrators managed to spray-paint the steps on the west side of the Capitol. Capitol Police said the writing was cleaned off quickly.

URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/21/AR2007022101601_pf.html




Media Attention Gathering Of Eagles

The Gathering of Eagles is getting widespread attention:

Early this morning the local TV news station, WOAI Channel 4, NBC affiliate, broadcasted that Vietnam Veterans will be gathering on March 17th in DC "To stand silent guard over our nation's memorials, in honor of our fallen, and in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today".

They did not mention the anti-war movement planned by Fonda, etal.

Nancy
TxRoze199@aol.com

Other News

Cindy Sheehan Labels Viet Nam Veterans "Rightist Haters of America"


Fly High you Eagles, soar (a poem)
The American Thinker
Russ Vaughn
February 22, 2007

[Editor's note: In response to the announced intention of Jane Fonda and Cindy Sheehan to lead a Washington protest originating at the Vietnam Memorial, the group Gathering of Eagles was formed. Our Poet Laureate Russ Vaughn offers his thoughts.]


Fly High you Eagles, soar
On you we all depend.
To serve, to stand, support our war,
Our fallen to defend.
Stand firm, stand brave before our Wall;
Deal those a sorry fate,
Who answer Fonda's hateful call:
Our nation they must hate.



Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Your keen eyes see below,
The leftist fools oppose this war,
To them no low's too low.
They seek our Wall to desecrate,
To enhance their losing cause;
They seek to doom our nation's fate;
They see nothing but our flaws.



Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Above those who seek defeat,
Who seek submission, nothing more,
To a terror they can't meet.
They falter when the course is long;
They're weak-willed, failed and bitter;
Got it all entirely wrong,
So typical of a quitter.



Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Stand proud before our Wall;
You are the nation's heart, the core,
The essence of us all.
Know that we stand there with you,
In spirit and in soul,
America's not lost, not through,
We've a long, long way to go.



Fly high you Eagles, soar, from your lofty, special station,
Know this is true forever more; you've the blessing of your nation.


Russ Vaughn
Vietnam Veteran

URL: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2007/02/fly_high_you_eagles_soar_a_poe.html



The Few.....The Proud

Subject: The Few.....The Proud
Date: 2/22/2007 1:36:31 P.M. Central Standard Time
From: REMOVED
Reply To:
To: hmriley@cox.net, ViperAsh50@aol.com

Thought you two would like to see this picture...one of our wounded. I know several Marines from Camp Lejeune went to the Superbowl. I don't know this one personally, though.... I think if he can come to attention during our National Anthem, we can damn sure make it to Washington D.C. to protect the Wall!

Sherrie Dunlap, Barbara Nation's daughter

-------Original Message-------

From: REMOVED
Date: 2/20/2007 12:06:46 PM
To: REMOVED
Subject: Re: [MFO_In_Action] Fwd: The Few.....The Proud


Joyce,

WOW!!!!!!!! Trying to type through the tears......what a HERO! Geesh, now why isn't this picture plastered on every news station, in every newspaper and across Times Square? (Never mind, I know the answer.)

My heart is SO proud of Josh.......my soul is rejuevenated at the courage and bravery that screams out from this photo and my patriotic spirit is refreshed.

Thank you so very much for making my day.

Semper Fi CPL Josh Bleill! You are my HERO.

Blessings and many hugs,
Lynn
Proud to be an American, Proud of our Heroes, Humbled by our PRECIOUS family members who serve us with HONOR

An Open Letter...To the American People

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The following message is from Marine Mom, Deborah Johns. Her son, SGT William Johns of the U.S. Marines, is currently serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq.




I am sick and tired. Sick and tired of how some in this country are turning their backs on our troops at a time when they need our support the most!

This is why I am taking action to speak up, and in particular, why I am helping to lead the "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN" national pro-troop/patriotic caravan being organized by Move America Forward.

This is my letter to you, the American people.

Semper Fidelis: These are not just mere words, they have a meaning greater than their literal definition in a dictionary. They mean "Always Faithful."

Not only is this the motto of the United States Marines, but also of their families, and it has spilled over into the hearts and souls of all those who serve in every branch of our military and their families as well.

Always Faithful to God. Always Faithful to your brother (or sister) who serves along side you. Always Faithful to your Country... Always Faithful to your Family... Always Faithful to your Commander in Chief.

People ask me every day, "how do you get through the days with a son serving in Iraq?"

Well, the answer is an obvious one. Always Faithful to God, Always Faithful to the heroic men and women of the U.S. military who serve along side my son. Always Faithful to the Commander in Chief, Always Faithful to my Country.

However, it does not seem that our political leaders and media representatives have remained Always Faithful

I have traveled across this country and I have listened to the American people. I have heard the support that is expressed for our military and I know that the American people do support the war on terror. They just want communication. They just want to know what the goals and objectives are.

I understand that the American people wanted change in leadership in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. I understand the American people want things to go better in Iraq so our troops can come home. However, none of this can be accomplished because of the partisan politics that are taking place, which is ultimately hurting our military. You can't imagine how much it sickens me to see our troops used as little more than pawns in a chess game where some politicians care more about putting our President in "checkmate" than they do in winning the war our sons and daughters are bravely fighting.

I am tired of those defeat & retreat politicians who say they are patriotic, and then insult the Commander in Chief at a time when we have boots on the ground in war zones.

I am tired of the politicians who want us to wave the white flag of surrender, but who then tell me how much they "support our troops." As a military mom I can tell you that no soldier, Marine, sailor, airmen or Guardsmen wants to risk his or her life in a military mission, only to have political leaders denouncing the validity and morality of the missions that these troops are serving in. That is NOT supporting our troops.

Can you imagine being over in Iraq or Afghanistan, facing Islamic terrorists hell-bent on killing you, and returning to your base to hear that the best plan to win this war is with a "phased redeployment" (liberal-speak for retreat) out of the combat zone to someplace like Okinawa?

I am tired of the anti-war politicians whining for months on T.V., in the New York Times, and in the House and Senate that we need more troops to win the war in Iraq, and then when the President plans to do just that, they say that this is the wrong plan, it won't work, and we need a "new direction." Yet they don't offer any new direction or a better plan.

I am tired of the decisions of Sergeants and Privates made in the heat of battle being scrutinized by lawyers and political commentators who were not there. Those who snub their nose at the military, and who look down at the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, will never really know the state of mind of the young Marines or soldiers who were there and what is asked of them in order to survive.

I am tired of certain media outlets like CNN claiming that they are showing "news," with anti-American propaganda videotapes sent to them by terrorists that show Marines and Soldiers being shot at by snipers--but then refusing to show what happens when our military builds a new school, paves a road, hands out food and water to children, opens a water treatment plant, provides much needed medical supplies to children in an orphanage.

I am tired of the politicians who act as Monday morning armchair generals, second-guessing the war effort and our military men and women. If you cannot stand behind our military and support them, go stand in front of them. Far better you stand in front of them than their parents, because they have to follow the Rules of Engagement and we don't!

I am tired of the thousands of people in the rear who claim that they are working hard to support the troops and their way of supporting them is to bring them home. When was the last time any of you who made this statement went out to the airport to greet our troops during their redeployments back home? When was the last time any of you who say you "oppose the war, but support the troops" ever helped out a grieving widow or mother? When was the last time any of you provided help at the facilities for the wounded? When was the last time any of you sent Christmas Cards, or a care package to our troops?

I am tired of politicians who are running for office suddenly showing up at the opening of rehab facilities for our wounded for their photo opportunities as if they had really been supporting our troops all along.

I am tired of Code Pink, Daily Kos, Al-Jazzera, CNN, Reuters, the Associated Press, ABC, NBC, CBS, the ACLU, and CAIR thinking that they somehow get to have a vote in how our troops on the ground blast, shoot and kill these terrorist who have no regard for human life and who would seek to subdue and destroy us every chance they get.

I am sick and tired of people like Cindy Sheehan who not only go around the United States bashing our military, our President, but goes around the world and hugs thugs like Hugo Chavez, as if he has been her best friend her entire life. Cindy Sheehan: "You Don't Speak for Me" and it's time for you to zip your lip, go back home to your family and stop playing the role as this generation’s "Tokyo Rose."

I am sick and tired of the politicians and their whining about this war, because it is this constant whining that is emboldening the terrorists to continue to kill and injure our troops and kill innocent civilians in Iraq. Can't you give up even for a little while, your pathetic desire to get time in front of the TV cameras by doing the politically correct thing of denouncing the war effort? Could you please shelve your personal and political ambition, take your unhelpful bickering behind close doors and put your self-glorification aside for the good of our troops and this nation?

I am tired of people like Meredith Vieria from NBC asking oxygen thieves like Senator Chuck Hagel questions like "Senator, at this point, do you think we are fighting and dying for nothing?" Meredith might not get it, but Marines and soldiers do know the difference between fighting and dying for something and fighting and dying for nothing.

I am tired of journalists like William Arkin who say: "So, we pay the soldiers a decent wage, take care of their families, provide them with housing and medical care and vast social support systems and ship obscene amenities into the war zone for them, we support them in every possible way, and their attitude is that we should in addition roll over and play dead, defer to the military and the generals and let them fight their war, and give up our rights and responsibilities to speak up because they are above society?"

Please tell me what a decent wage looks like for them Mr. Arkin? You need to meet Cindy Sheehan at the closest airport and fly back home with her and stop insulting the men and women of our military.

I am tired of people whining about how costly this war is when they hear of a casualty. You have no idea what we as families go through when we hear 12 Marines killed; 8 Soldiers killed. You cannot even imagine the pain and difficulty we experience with the instantaneous news in our face on a daily basis. We grieve for the loss of a hero, we grieve for their families and we feel tremendous guilt when we feel relieved that it was not us who received that knock at the door.

But we stand in solidarity with our troops overseas. We become even more committed to rallying support for them and their missions. So, could you please stop trying to undo that by voicing opposition to what our troops are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan? If you are so upset with the news of U.S. casualties in these areas, then do what you can to help our troops achieve VICTORY and SUCCESS so they can come home as soon as their missions are completed.

I am tired of Rules of Engagement being made by JAG lawyers and not Combat Commanders; and politicians who have never served in the military second-guessing everything after the fact. Our military is not playing Hopscotch over there. There is no 2nd place trophy either. I think that if the enemy knew some rough treatment was at hand for them, instead of prayer rugs, special diets and free Korans; this might help send a message to the terrorists that this nation means business.

I am tired of hearing people say to me I am glad it is your son and not mine. Well you know what me too, because I would not want your coward of a son serving next to mine because it might be him and his lack of back bone that would cost my son his life. So you just let your kid go to an anti-war rally on a college campus, or attend the next MoveOn.org organizational meeting and be a wimp, while mine defends this great nation with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I am tired of hearing that my son has to stand down when being shot at by terrorists from inside of a Mosque, or terrorists inside a home with women and children when they are used as human shields--like the first battle in Fallujah. No, that's not the key to victory... instead let us turn loose our troops to do what they must to defeat, kill and annihilate enemy combatants so that this war can be over and our military men and women can finally come home.

We are in Iraq and Afghanistan to kill our enemies. It is that simple.
It is only possible to defeat an enemy who kills indiscriminately by utterly destroying him. He cannot be made to yield or surrender or sit down and talk nicely about the situation. This is not Barney "I Love You, You Love Me and we are one big happy family." These terrorists will fight to the death by the thousands to kill the infidels who do not believe in their way of life and that means you and me and our Marines and Soldiers serving in Iraq.

As the President asked in his recent speech to the Nation: Please all of you put down your own selfish agendas. Take a good long look at what you are doing. Because I am telling you your actions, the mud slinging you all have going on against one another is hurting and hindering our military men and women and their families.

All of you politicians had access to the same intelligence the President had when you voted for this war. You all had a similar view of Saddam Hussein, and you all knew that Iraq was a state sponsor of Islamic terrorist groups. The fact is that we are in Iraq and Afghanistan, and our troops need our support to get the job done so they can come home, and all of you politicians need to stop acting like a bunch of whining 2 year-olds who are not getting your way. I am telling you if you cut the funding to our military and do not provide them with the manpower and equipment they need to get this job done, you are no better than the terrorists who shot at them and try to kill them.

I know the American People want change in Iraq, our military wants change and so do their families. The change we want is for everyone to stop undermining the war effort and support our troops so that they may achieve a complete military victory in Iraq and Afghanistan alike.

Please, as a Mother of a Marine serving his third tour of duty, on his behalf, on the behalf of his brothers serving along side him, our troops, and their families, lay down your anger towards one another and do what is right and in the best interests of our Military.

God Bless them until they come home, God Bless those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, God Bless their families who are Always Faithful and God Bless this Country.

Please join us for the "THESE COLORS DON’T RUN" national caravan hosted by Move America Forward and the "Gathering of Eagles" event in Washington, D.C. on March 17th.

Semper Fidelis
Deborah K. Johns
Very Proud Marine Mom of
SGT William Johns, USMC 3rd Tour of Duty in Iraq

P.S. You can learn more about our planned efforts by watching my appearance on Fox News Channel’s "Your World with Neil Cavuto":

WATCH THE SEGMENT WITH DEBORAH JOHNS
- CLICK HERE -


Countering Defeatism: Words of Courage From the Frontlines

Amidst the sickening display of defeatism that's been taking place in our nation's capital, it's refreshing to hear from a true warrior on the frontlines of the war on terrorism. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Allen B. West - currently training Afghan troops in Kandahar for the Department of Defense - is one of them. Frontpage Magazine's 2003 "Man of the Year," LTC. West sets a courageous example our politicians would do well to emulate:



If you look into the eyes of the young men and women who are here - not just American, but British, Romanian, Canadian, Danish, Dutch, Poles, and more - they are here as evidence that our civilization, our society and our way of life is worth defending.

Why should we take counsel from those who feel there is nothing worth sacrifice? As Teddy Roosevelt termed them, "those hapless souls who will never know victory nor defeat." They fear to enter the arena, yet will sit back and ridicule the warrior who provides them the safety and sanctity upon which they can offer their criticism.

This abject, vile filth called self-loathing is nothing more than the manifestation of internal insecurity and, actually, shame. Shame from those who cannot make a stand. Shame from those who have no honor. Shame from those who would rather prostrate and subjugate themselves before anything, just to preclude calling upon a simple character trait, courage.

Do I have fears? Hell yea. But do I take counsel of those fears? No. That is called courage.

I will not back down in the face of totalitarian, imperialistic, fascist Islamism or its 7th century jihadi henchmen.

I will not bow down to the false god of multiculturalism. I am proud of my American, and black, heritage.

I will not submit to inner insecurities based in self-loathing and hatred.

I will not base my life and my country upon being liked by nations that, if they examined themselves, are failing.

We are the most benevolent superpower ever known in history, and it is time we realized that respect far outweighs being liked. If we are such an immoral society, then why do we have an immigration issue?

My dad, my mom, my brother, myself, and now my nephew, have not taken up the shield, spear, and sword as warriors of this country for nothing. Ever since the Boston Massacre, Lexington/Concord, Bunker Hill and onwards, Americans have not wasted their lives. They have sacrificed with honor so that others could live free!

I will not live my life in shame as a coward and will show no respect to any person who does.

Al West, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Retired
Amen to that!

Cross-posted at Kesher Talk.

posted by Cinnamon @ 9:45 AM

URL: http://cinnamonstillwell.blogspot.com/2007/02/countering-defeatism-words-of-courage.html




Fiddling while others die

The Washington Times
By Oliver North
February 19, 2007

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va.
He was an American hero. On his second "tour of duty" in Iraq, he had already served in the Western Pacific and a prior combat tour in Afghanistan. On Friday afternoon, Feb. 16, when Sgt. Joshua Frazier, U.S. Marine Corps, was laid to rest in the soil of his native Virginia, his comrades in arms from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines were fighting terrorists on the mean streets of Ramadi, in Iraq's bloody Al Anbar Province. As Sgt. Frazier's grieving mother was presented with a carefully folded American flag, the Congress of the United States was debating a meaningless "nonbinding resolution" attacking the commander in chief.

Heroes aren't athletes who set new sports records or Hollywood actors who make "daring" films, or politicians who make bold promises. Heroes place themselves at risk for the benefit of others. Joshua Frazier was certainly such a man. Unfortunately, far too few members of Congress fit the definition.

At Joshua's funeral, I gave his parents photographs of their son that had been taken a few weeks ago while I was embedded with his unit in Iraq. We had just returned from a patrol to a newly reopened school where little Iraqi girls were being taught arithmetic. Standing around us are the Sunni police officers and Shia soldiers who had accompanied us on the mission. Sweat stains from his 40-pound flak jacket are still evident on his uniform and he is smiling through exhaustion into the lens. He and his squad of Marines had been up for more than 24 hours chasing down an enemy sniper. His is one of more than two dozen Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard units to be extended in Iraq to increase U.S. troop levels by 21,500. These are the young Americans who will bear the brunt of what Congress is doing.

Marine Sgt. Joshua Frazier is one of 2,507 U.S. military personnel killed in action in Iraq. Speaker Nancy Pelosi claims the resolution debated by the House of Representatives is a measure that "will continue to support and protect" U.S. military personnel. Yet she also says it shows "Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on Jan. 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq." How this does anything but damage U.S. and Iraqi morale and embolden U.S. adversaries is beyond comprehension.

"The American people have lost faith in President Bush's course of action in Iraq," Mrs. Pelosi said Tuesday, as the resolution was introduced. She said the president's plan "is based on the judgment that the way out of Iraq lies in sending more troops in," adding, "Our experience has proven just the opposite."

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, "Our experience," in Mrs. Pelosi's words, has proven that pulling U.S. forces out of a fight before the war is won is a formula for disaster. In Korea, the decision to withdraw U.N. troops to the 38th Parallel resulted in stalemate and today's despotic, nuclear-armed regime in Pyongyang. In Vietnam, the congressional cut-off of funds in December 1974 precipitated the North Vietnamese communist takeover of the entire country less than five months later.

The combined losses in both wars -- more than 108,000 Americans killed in action -- should be an object lesson for this Congress. Pulling out, holding back, withdrawing support, "defunding" the war -- whatever it's called -- is tantamount to squandering lives. Is that where this Congress is heading? Are the lives of courageous young American volunteers like Joshua Frazier worth so little to our Congress that members would ignore our peril for perverse personal political profit?

If the morale of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardsmen and Marines has no meaning to our legislators, perhaps they should look at what our enemies are doing. While Congress debates hollow, but ultimately damaging legislation, there is new assertiveness in Iran -- on everything from acquiring nuclear arms to supplying terror cells in Iraq with advanced weaponry. Tehran's radical Islamic theocracy headed by Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei need not worry about "resolutions of non-support" but is very adept at measuring American ambivalence and uncertainty.

This week's "show and tell" of captured Iranian sniper rifles, surface-to-air missiles, mortar rounds, sophisticated "explosively formed penetrators" and evidence of Iranian complicity in killing more than 170 Americans elicited nary a peep from the new congressional leadership. They were more concerned with their pet resolution -- and getting Mrs. Pelosi a bigger military airplane for her commute between Washington and San Francisco. That's a telling signal to Tehran that our Congress is backing away from protecting our vital interests -- and our troops.

Nero fiddled as Rome burned. Today, Congress fiddles as Americans die. Tomorrow, we may all pay the price.

URL: http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/onorth.htm



Breaking News: Lieberman Says War Vote Could Prompt Party Switch

The Politico
By: Carrie Budoff
February 22, 2007

Sen. Joseph