tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12239582601436098002024-02-02T11:32:40.192-06:00About FaceDiscussing both sides of important issues by using all the skills the Infantry gave me.IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-8038458105720164622013-01-31T23:29:00.002-06:002013-01-31T23:29:52.144-06:00Wings Over Houston<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well rotary wings that is.</span></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After watching the news story on the <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8971311">helicopters flying around Houston</a> (if the link is not working, go to http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8971311), I wanted to make a few
observations.<br />
<h2>
From The Videos</h2>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1. </b>This was not just helicopters flying
around Houston. This was a drill/exercise on assaulting a building
(here it was a school) that is being held by a force of bad guys.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<strong>2.</strong> In the linked video, you can see the paint markers that the Opposing Forces used in the exercise. I counted 15; there may be more, but the resolution isn't great. That leads me to think that this was not a school shooting drill--too many shooters. Also, an operation like this in a real-world event would require at least an 8-12 hour lead time to move the men and equipment, get vehicles setup, and so on. Recent active shooter incidents such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Tech_massacre_timeline">Virgina Tech</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_shooting">Aurora</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting">Sandy Hook</a> all took a maximum of 15 minutes from the beginning of the criminal event until it was ended. There would be no reason to even contact the military if an active shooter event had taken place. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>3.</b> The air assault was conducted by a
US Army Helicopter unit, the 160<sup>th</sup> SOAR. They are the only
ones with black MH/AH-6M Little Bird helicopters. Other Army
helicopters are green. I have seen the green
and black helicopters sitting next to each other on an airfield.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong>4.</strong> Some have suggested that the army unit on the ground is DELTA, but it is most
likely SF or Ranger, not DELTA. First, they were in uniform, not
plain clothes or black kit. Second, the news showed a brief clip of
two soldiers taking up a tight 360-security position. Delta is in and
out--not a lot of hanging out and securing the objective. Again,
that is based on my experience supporting the task force types.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong>5. </strong>This was most likely a joint
exercise, but only to the extent that the Army had to communicate their operation to the local athorities and to get permission. This was not a culminating event at the end of a class conducted by the military
for local law enforcement on how to attack a building. If it were a
class, you would have seen the cops flying in the helicopters and
wearing their tactical gear. You would have seen more integration of the
military with law enforcement. In this instance, there were no cops anywhere--not city, county or state. The <a href="http://policehelicopterpilot.com/houston-police-air-support-div/">HPD helicopter</a> was nowhere to be seen. To me this points to an independent military operation.<br />
<br />
<strong>6. These Guys Mean Business</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div>
The vieo of the raw aerial footage clearly shows a
Little Bird helicopter armed with rocket pods. They weren't just there for observation. <a href="http://www.soc.mil/160th/Little%20Bird.html">They have dedicated observation birds.</a> These dudes (the Army) had a scenario
set up where they were going into a hostile area where they may have
to strike a fortified structure either on or adjacent to the
objective. Otherwise why bring a gunship? </div>
</div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, What Do We Know?</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
United States
Army shock troops are openly training and operating with City of
Houston police (not just the SWAT guys), on performing military--<i>NOT</i>
“military like”--raids on buildings in Houston.<br />
</div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So Why Houston?</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Army did not need to use the school, they have fake cities to conduct this kind of training, Fort Benning has a much better facility for practicing urban operations, let alone Fort Hood, Fort Bragg or any other post. <br />
</div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But Why?</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't know and I doubt we ever will.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">Tinfoil hat warning!!!</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This
could be seen in the same light as, for example, the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10150379">US sending ships to the Korean peninsula</a>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>It is a warning</i></b>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If this is a warning, it says that the President
and the chain of command are not afraid to send a highly
trained assault force into the heart of a <strike>red</strike> defiant state (or State) whose citizens have stated that they don’t like a big powerful government (and don't view secession as a dirty word), whose government is passing laws to protect its citizens' right to bear arms, and whose attitude stands as an example to the rest
of the country, and take out a "<em>terrorist</em>" stronghold.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wait that is <i>CRAZY </i>right?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let’s
Look at One More Observation.</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>This exercise was conducted in broad
daylight!</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would bet my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Infantryman_Badge">CIB</a> that if this had
been a real mission, it would have gone off at night! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are the facts: <br />
1. They were attacking a facility, which means the enemy was in a fixed location and the raid likey could have occurred at any time the assaulters chose.<br />
2. They are fully prepared to operate at nigh. All of the soldiers I saw were wearing night vision. In fact, the two soldiers pulling security in the field, who I mentioned near the beginning of my post, were wearing the new <a href="http://tnvc.com/shop/l-3-gpnvg-18/">panoramic night vision goggles</a> (NVG's) and <a href="http://www.guncopter.com/ah-6j/">the helicopters are all equipped to operate at night.</a><br />
3. It is safer and more tactically sound to conduct raids in the short hours of the morning. It’s when there is little to no activity on the ground, meaning less non-combatants to deal with. It’s when people are sleeping, making it less likely that the defenders will be at 100% security. It’s when people on guard are getting sleepy and sloppy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These soldiers all train extensively at night. Y<em>et here they are in broad daylight!</em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em>So, Why is this weird?</em> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trditionally when the army conducts training missions, they keep their involvement out of the public eye. <i>This operation was in the clear.</i> <br />
</div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My Final Thoughts</h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think in the end, the Houston cops
got to see some cool equipment and some high speed operators. Most
people (99.9998%), observers and participants alike, think that this was just another training mission,
just in another city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I do, however, believe there are likely some people somewhere in the chain of command, maybe
as few as dozens, that see this as a warning to the "<a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/napolitano-stands-rightwing-extremism/">domestic terrorists</a>".</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They may also see it as a reassurance to democrat mayors that
may see their sovereignty threatened.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They may also consider it social engineering
to the average citizen to teach them that if you see a military force
you should not be worried. They are not coming for you, so don’t get
involved . . . nothing to see here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some things I never thought possible are quickly becoming actual observed history.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-15893664937125172552012-05-08T23:22:00.004-05:002012-05-08T23:22:54.008-05:00And Away We GoI got the guitar. It is a handsome looking item. Unfortunately the tag says "Made in China." Why did I buy a Fender instead of a Yamaha if the Fender is not made in USA?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, Got the thing tuned up and I am following the lessons on <a href="http://www.justinguitar.com/en/BC-000-BeginnersCourse.php">this site</a>.</div>
<div>
All is going well. . . . I think. I can play the D, A, and E chords and nothing else. </div>
<div>
I think I am doing well. I can play for about 20min before my fingers hurt too much, but that is to be expected, and they should start to callous soon. I think tomorrow's lesson includes playing a song. Oh the joy!</div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-39677074076451880042012-05-06T01:39:00.001-05:002012-05-08T22:37:35.820-05:00Because if you Brought a Computer to a Camp Fire...So, HH6 provided some counseling the other day which wan't too positive.<br />
<br />
Seems that my family's desire to move away from "main-stream" has come into conflict with my love for FPS. (no, not <i>feet per second,</i>but <i>first person shooters) Sigh.... Diablo III likely won't be good anyways. </i><br />
<br />
I took my counseling statement like every good joe does, but it wasn't easy. <br />
Eventually, she got to the corrective action: I had to find a new hobby. I told her that I always wanted to learn to play the guitar. She stated that while the video game budget was in danger of the axe, the budget for musical instruments is flush with funding and may be used in this instance.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I expect to receive my new equipment, a Fender Starcaster acoustic guitar. I found mostly positive reviews, but I will keep <strike>you all</strike> no-one up to date as I learn to play.<br />
Better than my exercise routine that is.<br />
<br />
That is all.IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-70507005080951511352012-04-20T01:50:00.001-05:002012-04-20T19:04:36.586-05:00ChoicesIn a previous post I mentioned that HH6 has begun to apply pressure to the firearm-bar that she has me in, to get me to stop playing so many "violent" video games (which is basically every game I enjoy playing).<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago she really clamped down when she gave the green light to start shopping in earnest for a full caliber (a handgun of .32 caliber or greater according to TxDPS) hand gun.<br />
<br />
Our search began in earnest at Academy, where she was willing to handle the weapons I recommended and I learned that she did not want a steel gun. Which meant no 1911's Sig <span style="background-color: white;">226's, Beretta 92's.</span><br />
<br />
Soon after we found ourselves at Carter's Country, where she plied her womanly charms and yet again engaged in handgun handling. There I learned three important features that the boss required:<br />
<ol>
<li>It had to be "curvy" like an M&P or a Beretta PX4</li>
<li>It could not be too rough and pointy like an XDM or Gen 4 Glock</li>
<li>It had to have a weighty slide with a point of balance over her knuckles</li>
</ol>
When we left Carter's Country I thought I had her pegged for an M&P in 9mm (more on the caliber choice later)...<br />
<br />
So, we scheduled a date day which involved dinner, a movie, and a trip to the range.<br />
<br />
We ended up shooting 200 rounds of 9mm through the following range guns (about 3-4 mags each):<br />
1&4. H&K P30<br />
2. S&W M&P<br />
3&5. Glock 17<br />
<br />
-All pistols were full size.<br />
<br />
I fancy myself a bit of a gun snob so obviously the H&K was the bestest right? Sadly, no.<br />
We both agreed that it had the most noticeable muzzle flash, loudest report, and most felt recoil of the bunch.<br />
<br />
The M&P wasn't that greatest for felt recoil, but at least I didn't see spots from the muzzle flash. Interestingly enough though, the wife and I noticed that there was a lot more unburned powder exiting the muzzle of the M&P, which turned into powder burns on the backs of hands and exposed forearms, and lead to pain when we washed up after our range time was up.<br />
<br />
I had never really noticed unburned powder or had a problem with powder burns before that range trip.<br />
<br />
BUT, that could all be due to the FMJ ammo that we bought at the range.<br />
<br />
After dumping three mags through both of these, we got our hands on the Glock 17.<br />
I didn't expect much of a reaction from HH6 as she was unimpressed with it in the store. I figured we would have to track down a Walther P99 for her. <br />
<br />
Boy was I wrong.<br />
Have y'all seen that scene in the first Harry Potter film where Harry get his wand? Well it was kind of like that except it was in a gun range and the wand wasn't 11" of holly and Phoenix feather. No, we had 7.32" of polymer and steel.<br />
<br />
So now we are looking and waiting for a good deal on tactical Tupperware.....Maybe I can get the wife to host one of those parties.<br />
<br />
Any ways, looks like we are going to drink the glock cool aide (more on that later).<br />
At least we came to that conclusion without the undue influence of flashy advertising and marketing gimmicks. The glock simply felt the best in my wife's hands and when she shot it, she had the biggest smile on her face. I knew she was in love.<br />
<br />
P.S. Though I did the lion's share (connotation not denotation) of loading magazine, HH6 loaded fully a third of all the rounds she shot.<br />
<br />
<br />
More on the adventures in firearms selection to come.<br />
\IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-62201749391935244222012-04-06T03:30:00.000-05:002012-04-06T03:30:02.990-05:00Forget your Grand-daddy's deer rifle and get your self a ...Deer Carbine?I am starting out as a hunter. A novice. A noob. <br />
Hopefully, I will go on my first deer hunt where I am the hunter later this year.<br />
<br />
<div>
A few months ago I was able to convince HH6 that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Organization_and_Equipment">TO&E</a> was deficient in the equipment section if I had indeed been given the task of securing dinner. As such she instructed me to put together a plan and estimate the cost to fulfill my assigned duties.<br />
<br />
When I began to price gear and arms suitable to take medium size game cleanly, I began to realize something. I began to realize that the US Army had spoiled me. I mean have you seen how much an <a href="https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TA50-4">ACOG costs</a>? let alone <a href="http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/">ammo</a>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I figured that the only way HH6 would allow me to redirect funds from mortgage payments to my own personal arsenal of democracy was to try and expand the tasks that my desired death stick would cover.<br />
<br />
I said to my self, why do I <i>NEED</i> a different rifle for fighting the zombie horde, beating back the read coats, and harvesting uncured Bambi jerky? why don't I just get <i>ONE </i>rifle that could cover all of those bases? So, that began my analysis of the non-conventional hunting rifles.<br />
<br />
Okay I wanted at evil black tacticool <a href="http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/Firearms/Carbines/ACR.aspx">death</a> <a href="http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?gid=&fid=fnf054&mid=FNM0153">widget</a>, in <a href="http://www.laruetactical.com/obr-762">7.62</a> <a href="http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=45438">NATO</a><a href="http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=42494"> no less</a>.<br />
<br />
So, after narrowing down my selection between the three beauties I decided that I should get a second opinion on the matter in case my idea was less than stellar.<br />
<br />
So I talked to my close buddy (an actual experienced hunter) about my desire to use an "assault rifle" (complete with a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ospNRk2uM3U">"the shoulder thing that goes up"</a>) on white tails told me that my semi-automatic Texas type-writer would violate the magazine size restrictions, well lucky for me <a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/hunt/means/">TPWD respects my right to defend myself against the random stampede of wild animals</a>.<br />
<br />
Alas, one cannot live under a rifle. <br />
<br />
So after HH6 stopped beating me about the head with our budget we decided that we should adjust our sights a bit lower and purchase a rifle with less than three digits in succession of the first.<br />
which lead us to a Remington 700SPS old army death guage (7.62 X 51) okay, .308 Winchester.<br />
<br />
But! following the great American tradition, I bought the cheapest piece of glass that I thought wold hold a zero. <br />
<br />
The first time at the range, I was making ragged holes at 100yrds, and fliers were kept within 2-3", confirming that the rifle is more accurate than I am.<br />
<br />
Now, if only I could figure out how to feed this new mouth.<br />
<br />
Be safe and God speed.<br />
<br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-6272435117546550532012-04-05T01:48:00.000-05:002012-04-05T01:49:18.051-05:00Aim is important. Without it you are ineffectiveFirst, I am sorry for the long leave. The crazy things happens when you start a blog. First, you realize how no one really cares what you think until you can obtain a critical mass of people who think you have something noteworthy to say or make someone at the Brady campaign angry. Second, all of those topics you love discuss in conversation with your friends become very difficult to put down in words and your thoughts become fleeting.<br />
<br />
However HH6 has put out the following guidance:<br />
1. Stop playing video games and work on your blog (not because she wants me to blog, but because she doesn't like me playing video games)<br />
2....<br />
3. Profit!<br />
<br />
Expect more to come in the future.IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-53786695596074772432011-07-22T22:44:00.002-05:002011-07-22T23:07:09.326-05:00Pray for Norway<div>May God have mercy on the people of Norway.</div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-16256637982408598912011-07-21T22:05:00.002-05:002011-07-21T22:06:10.235-05:00I Guess He Had PermissionNBC has made final role call.<div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-18120692794856283202011-05-01T22:04:00.005-05:002011-05-01T23:17:41.079-05:00Back From the Dead to Dance on his GraveI just heard the greatest news I could expect to hear with the current POTUS.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div>OBL has assumed room temperature.</div><div><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/osama-bin-laden-killed/story?id=13505703">http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/osama-bin-laden-killed/story?id=13505703</a></div></div><div><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704569404576297941397558496.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704569404576297941397558496.html?mod=googlenews_wsj</a></div><div><a href="http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/bin-laden-is-dead-u-s-official-says/">http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/bin-laden-is-dead-u-s-official-says/</a></div><div><a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?q=osama+bin+laden&hl=en&prmd=ivnsub&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ncl=dijBbD9vqxRLPxMpqXPPoQlMhzfoM&ei=RyG-TZ3IDqL50gH97KnEBQ&sa=X&oi=news_result&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQqgIwAA">http://news.google.com/news/more?q=osama+bin+laden&hl=en&prmd=ivnsub&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ncl=dijBbD9vqxRLPxMpqXPPoQlMhzfoM&ei=RyG-TZ3IDqL50gH97KnEBQ&sa=X&oi=news_result&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQqgIwAA</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I gotta hand it to the current administration, they have completed something that G.W. left hanging, but not in the same way as Saddam...lols</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to beat <a href="http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/">Glenn Reynolds</a> to the punch....</div><div>The Republicans told me that if I voted for them the government would chase Bin Laden to hell or Pakistan to get him... and they were <a href="http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/206076.php">right</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been feeling better, for all three people out there that care. But until tonight, I haven't quite felt 100%. Now I can say that this little gem really put me over the top.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, THANK YOU, United States Air Force or United States SPECOPS Command. You have made this Bureaucrat's decade. </div><div><br /></div><div>-and hey, what a way to start the new decade.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">---Update, +5 min.</span></div><div>10:35: POTUS is speaking....</div><div>10:37: he is speaking from a teleprompter; he just flubbed a word. -1 it's not more because it is what we expect.</div><div>10:38: POTUS is taking full credit for the kill (away from Bush that is) -4, it's what we expect, but its still a dick-head move. I mean, it's his job to hunt down that demon.</div><div>10:39: POTUS personally authorized the mission. That is a +5 to his Presidency</div><div>10:42: POTUS thanked the trigger pullers after he made sure everyone knows he told them to do it. -5, because having been the blood, sweat, and tears I know that DC is far removed from the pointy end of the spear.</div><div>10:44: POTUS said under God. I will give another +1 for that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total: -4... that's not bad for a short Presidential speech...but this should have been a simple:</div><div>we kick ass and take names. </div><div>don't fuck with the USA</div><div>way to go team.</div><div>Good night America.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not a free campaign ad. But hey, thats just my opinion.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >--Update 2.</span></div><div>They said if I voted for a Republican we would be executing non-US citizens with out a trial, in foreign countries... and they were right! </div><div>-Sorry Prof. Reynolds, I did it again.</div><div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-77690089614381558882011-04-10T12:47:00.003-05:002011-04-10T12:49:18.590-05:00Spinal HeadacheLook it up.<div><br /></div><div>They suck...</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I were dead...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well 24 hours ago I did.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now go away, I am busy waiting to die or feel better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-48257945093359143452011-04-04T20:56:00.005-05:002011-07-21T21:59:56.121-05:00Modern Hippy<div><span class="Apple-style-span">HH-6 and I were discussing over the past week about how much the world has changed.</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Take for instance the latest war... er... military action. Finally, wars for oil are now in style. I guess that means that W. was a trend setter, which you know is cool. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="white-space: pre;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Of course large cars are going out of style... because<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/04/02/weekly-address-energy-security-can-only-come-if-we-invest-cleaner-fuels-"> POTUS said so</a>, so that pretty much proves that .</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>HH-6 balked at the idea that we can now call ourselves hippies, but then we began to bat the idea back and forth and we came up with the following list as evidence<br /></div><div><ol><li>We believe the words "I'm from the government and I'm here to help," are cause for alarm</li><li>We share a goal of one day being able to grow, grind, and bake into bread our own wheat at home.</li><li>We think that living a sustainable life involves our community working together, not the government telling us what to do</li><li>We named one of our children after a flower</li><li>We are leaning towards homeschooling our children</li><li>We believe in making things from scratch at home that most people buy at the store<br /></li><li>We believe that material possessions will not bring you happiness<br /></li></ol><div>However, as far as I can tell that's where the similarities end.<br />I began to realize that although we may have a few ideas in common with the liberal oxygen thief's that emerged in the 60's, our view of the world around us is radically different.<br /><br />Conservatives; not to be confused with Republicans, think that are world is what we make of it.<br />Not, that our world is what we make others do for us.<br /><br />and I think that this post is too long already to expand past that.<br /></div></div><br /><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-31301365256623567522011-03-17T23:18:00.007-05:002011-03-17T23:33:04.132-05:00It is Truly Historic Times We Live In<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">For years the democrats have been playing up the divide between two camps in the republican party; the "mainstream" camp that supports Bush, Next, Huckabee, and the other mainstream candidates and the Palin camp and her fringe mama-grizzly's. But now we see very public cracks in the edifice of<br />the <a href="http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/03/17/031711-news-hillary-2-2/">democrat party</a>!<br /><br />I am putting my money on the "Clinton" (which is the people that support the Clinton's) camp pushing a candidate against the "hopey-changey" Obama campaign. It will be interesting to see the Clinton's hang the first (and only hopefully) term of POTUS around his neck, denying him the ability to use platitudes and slogans to campaign. He can say he supports liberty around the world and the Clinton's will point to Libya and say "don't think so." He can try to say that he is a person of the people and we will all be able to point to the TEA party, polls, and the state of<br />the world to refute his statements of love and adoration. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><br />It is one thing for a tin-pot dictator to make such claims while standing simultaneously on the throats of the press and the lively hood population. The mainstream media can see the writing on the wall. The Obama ship is sinking, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chappaquiddick_incident">the Kennedy sedan has sunk</a>, the unions are headed over the waterfall in a barrel made of ridiculous contracts, Soros is being exposed as the brigand he is, and the only liberal vessel that even looks sea worthy is the Clintons.<br /><br />The next 6 months will determine the face of the Democrat party for the 2012 campaign.<br /></span></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-64349861266454345102011-03-15T22:02:00.007-05:002011-07-21T22:01:04.327-05:00Updated: Training log Week 1So, I started my training this past Sunday:<div>Sunday; walked 1 mile in 19min 50sec</div><div>Monday; walked 1 mile in 16min 21sec</div><div>Tuesday; walked 1 mile in 18min 36sec</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Update: </span>Wednesday; walked 1 mile in 14min 10sec, Like I said this is boring and tedious, but it is helping me be accountable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not bad for a guy with 60lbs too much and having knee surgery next month. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Although having Chuck Norris' second cousin threatening that he will "hold me down and tattoo "<i>Blue Falcon"</i> backwards across my forehead so every time I look in the mirror I will remember my shame" that is if I don't start working out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-73556041401615707962011-03-13T23:42:00.003-05:002011-03-14T00:25:13.583-05:00I am in Shape and Improving it daily.<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">It just so happens that that shape is round.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">A friend of mine recently went through a bout with cancer. Less than a year ago he found out he had cancer, went through the most awful tortu...err treatment known to man (suffice it to say that his new nickname is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical,_biological,_radiological,_and_nuclear"><span style="color:blue">NBC</span></a>) and won. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Or maybe I should say that he kicked that cancer’s ass so bad his doctor's wanted to extract his essence and feed it to other cancer patients, preliminary analysis show him as a second cousin to <a href="http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/"><span style="color:blue">Chuck Norris</span></a>! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Before the big C NBC would run marathons backwards while dressed in drag (poorly...I knew it was him all along) just to piss off the other competitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Just kidding, he didn't run them backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">NBC he is a prime example of why the USMC has yet to be bested in open combat. Even a grunt like me is capable of learning to recognize the subtle differences between squids and Leather Necks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">So now NBC has taken it upon himself to help an overweight <a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/definition+of/broke-dick"><span style="color:blue">broke-dick</span></a> train up and tackle one of the greatest examples of why soldiers shouldn’t be left with spare time on their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Ladies and gentleman I present to you <b><a href="http://toughmudder.com/"><span style="color:blue">Tough Mudder</span></a></b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">The proceeds go to a great cause and any reason to get out of the city and learn to love dirt again sounds like a vacation to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">I will keep you all... okay, no one reads this blog.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">I will use the blog to keep my own training log.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Even a Army puke knows the meaning of Seper Fi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-9031132877771221312011-03-12T23:10:00.008-06:002011-03-13T23:42:09.915-05:00The Government as a Business<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Keeping with the theme of my <a href="http://turnandfire.blogspot.com/2011/02/continuing-resolutions-and-government.html"><span style="color:blue">earlier post</span></a> I discussed how the government could and in my opinion should be viewed as a business.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">So, I figured that in a series of posts I could expand on that idea and discuss the merits of the current budget fight.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">First, I admit, that the government is not a <i>traditional</i> business, it doesn't sell goods or services to customers for revenue. However as you will see you is a business none the less.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">For ease, I will use GE as a standard corporate type business for comparison.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">In this first post, I will use some common business terms to define the government and illustrate how it is and is not like a business.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">So, here we go.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareholder"><span style="color:blue">Shareholder</span></a>: In a traditional business the term shareholder specifically identifies an entity that owns stock, however with the US government the Constitution gave each American citizen one share of stock. Those people who were born here didn't have to buy it, it was already paid for.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">With GE stock is openly traded on the NYSE.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Common between the two is the ability to vote on leaderships and important issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Differences include how easily ownership is transferred.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stakeholder_(corporate)"><span style="color:blue">Stakeholder</span></a>: When looking at our government, it's difficult to define who the stakeholders are. Many people disagree about how much impact the USA has on the world abroad, but I think we can leave it at potentially every man, woman, and child in the world. Of course, that is not a big help in the discussion of politics and budgets, so for each topic a set of stakeholders should be defined.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Stakeholder is a term that can be applied equally to business and governments, so the same process described above should be applied to GE as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_(business)"><span style="color:blue">Product</span></a>: Here is where is starts to get tough. with GE you can pick up a <a href="http://www.gecatalogs.com/"><span style="color:blue">catalog</span></a> and see exactly what products GE offers. With the government many products are intangible and hard to measure. A couple of examples include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, one key difference between business' and the government is the motivation for creating these products.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">The government provides some products due to laws (such as social security), political preference (such as bridges to nowhere), and by necessity (we'll call it fertilizer).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">GE creates widgets of all shapes, sizes, and purposes to sell them for more than they cost to make; i.e. a profit motive..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Next we will discuss revenue and how each entity can move costs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">The issue of moving costs is essential to understanding how each entity works.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-69413998775339008032011-03-08T21:38:00.004-06:002011-07-21T22:01:55.977-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoszCiH9pJvIzAFk3jXOsHBLWoeLcVeqhp6B-Ut0-jIHA1te-ZWZsau9Pq-6o_3HX6CYqWhCCD1oxXXvA3BTeBRogyHg-ED0pj_sHoLq6q9D7nV_wXaUye8pVZEBOjMzMyp25qO0J-HUq/s400/bush_miss_me_yet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>I have been reading the headlines and listening to the news tonight and noticed two important headlines:<div>First from Sky News, </div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="breakingNewsHeader" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.465em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1em; text-transform: none; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><a href="http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Libya-Tanks-And-Planes-Bombard-Zawiyah-As-Rebels-Reject-Talks-With-Colonel-Gaddafi/Article/201103215947824?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15947824_Libya:_Tanks_And_Planes_Bombard_Zawiyah_As_Rebels_Reject_Talks_With_Colonel_Gaddafi">Libya Tanks Move In To Crush Rebel Stronghold</a></h1><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Second from NewsDay.com</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(6, 24, 38); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 42px; "><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/obama-and-his-team-mull-responses-on-libya-1.2744935"><span class="Apple-style-span">Obama and his team mull responses on Libya</span></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">This should work out great for POTUS, the corpse's of the rebels in Lybia will be eaten by wild dogs before the Obama team determine which course of action is the least, but can still be <strike>touted as an impressive response</strike> defended or forgotten by the media. </div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Sorta brings to mind how we had to wait and wait and wait on his decision on the <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6879511.ece">Afghanistan plan</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Well he also has the fall back of blaming Bush</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "> </div></div></span>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-48270269432241948102011-03-05T22:56:00.007-06:002011-03-08T20:57:28.585-06:00Work Work WorkToday was a long day at work. I got a lot done, but didn't have much to show for it. I spent a bunch of time chasing rabbits down rabbit holes and ghost into alley ways. But, thats how you learn. Now I wont make as many mistakes and I will be more efficient. I am just glad that we don't have Drill Instructors for Supervisors.<div><br /></div><div>I will always remember what one of the drills said to us.</div><div>He said, "I am not yelling at you Private," he said "I am merely correcting you loud enough for the rest of the platoon to learn as well"</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, after you have been in the Army and been exposed to that kind of verbal, physical, and mental abuse an office job seems a little to easy.</div><div>Of course we could <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/terry-tate-office-linebacker">Terry Tate</a> to come visit, that would get things moving.</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RzToNo7A-94&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RzToNo7A-94&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-4451708791826853612011-03-03T21:15:00.004-06:002011-07-21T22:02:27.170-05:00Why I support the Westboro Baptist RetardsYesterday the SCOTUS reaffirmed the fact that we still live in one of the free-est countries in the world. <div>The court stood up for one of the most vile, inflammatory, and malicious groups in the country... well at least their right to make asses of themselves in public.</div><div>I am glad to see that the court upheld everyones right to dissent, even if it does give the phelp's clan another chance to be on the national stage. Hopefully, this new development will motivate work to isolate and relegate this cult to the waste bin of history.</div><div>So, how can we do this? </div><div>First, support the <a href="http://www.patriotguard.org/">Patriot Guard Riders</a>.</div><div>This group was formed in part to form a barrier between the families of heroes and protectors that cannot hide there animosity for the American spirit.</div><div>Second, don't pay attention to them, after all bad publicity is good publicity, just ask <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/charlie-sheen-not-bipolar-bi-winning-13017875">Charlie Sheen</a>. </div><div>Third, if you can't ignore them, fight them. Not physically, that's is what they want. But, you can take a tip from the good people of <a href="http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/blogs/westboro-baptist-church-overwhelmed-at-coal-mine-protest">Charleston, W. Va</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just don't feed the animals.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-9238726040653188682011-02-28T21:20:00.006-06:002011-02-28T22:29:24.657-06:00Continuing Resolutions and the Government Workforce<div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-color: transparent; "><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5785476607270539" style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > a first-person View</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5785476607270539" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5785476607270539" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Believe if or not this blog has not been abandoned... permanently.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; "></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">As I noted before I am a federal employee and I am facing the prospect of a furlough. Two things:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">1. Nothing I do will change anything, so I might as well not let it get to me.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">2. As a taxpayer I would prefer that congress gets a full year budget passed (with those spending cuts) instead of the continuing resolution.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; "></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I don't see why it is so outrageous that the government, like any other business, can shut down.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Maybe the problem is that most people do not view the government as a business, well it is.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">It has revenue and expenses. It creates products and has customers. Shoot, it even has stock holders, bond holders, creditors, and employees.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; "></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The risk of going to work for any business that is failing is that you could be out of a job.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; "></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Not only that, what in the budget is so sacred that it can’t handle downsizing? I think DoD comes closest to that.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; "></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In the end, I would rather lose pay than continue to sink further into debt.</span></span></div></div>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-27563455691652003072010-03-18T07:46:00.005-05:002011-07-21T22:03:26.913-05:00Give Me Liberty or Give Me a Ride In That Super Sweet Blue Jumbo Jet<div><br /><br /></div><div>Everything that needs to be said has already been said.<br />The only thing to do now is to pick which side of the line you are on.</div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://seanlinnane.blogspot.com/">Mr. Linnane</a>, Always worth reading.</span></div><br /><blockquote></blockquote>"Unfortunately, I don’t expect Washington to reverse course and address the real problem. It is much easier for Congress to blame the health insurance industry for the rising cost of healthcare than to look in the mirror and see who is really raising the cost of healthcare in America."-Operator Dan from <a href="http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=18053">This Aint Hell, <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>But you can see it from here.</em></span></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Also alwats worth reading.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">So, you get the point.<!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">If you are here you probably know me personally (blogging fail), and know what blogs I frequent, but if you randomly got here the above links will get you to where I go. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">One day I will have links, oh yes, mark my words.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Deeds Not Words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-48291934318010461582010-03-15T08:10:00.012-05:002011-07-21T22:02:58.437-05:00Of Mice and Men<div align="left"><strong>Or, why I stopped listening to Hollywood.</strong> </div><div align="left">I have been reading a lot of blogs covering the <em>The Pacific</em>, specifically the comments be <a href="http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1969606,00.html">Tom Hanks. </a></div><p align="left">I served in GTMO and Iraq. I do not hate anyone based on race or religion and I never committed war crimes. I am wholly proud of how I carried Old Glory while <a href="http://1-22infantry.org/pics/iraqifreedomtitle.htm">liberating oppressed people. </a></p><p align="left">I think that when civilians read a GI notes and journals they do not understand the situation in which those thoughts and emotions are coming from, so when they see negative comments about someone’s heritage they do not understand that those opinions are focused on individuals or a small group of people. </p><p align="left">Now, let me be clear. I hated the enemy. I wanted to not only kill them, but to destroy them in such a way that their buddy would not want to fight anymore.<br />But, who were the enemy? </p><p align="left">The enemy was most often a faceless specter, whom I could not come into contact with, because he is a coward, (guerilla warfare is a tactic, blowing up people indiscriminately to incite terror is not). </p><p align="left">When I could make contact with the enemy he was a person that was a threat to my buddies, the people of Iraq, or me. Our ROE (rules of engagement) did not make all people with a gun an <em>enemy combatant</em>. </p><p align="left">There’s that title: <em>enemy combatant</em>, which means that even when I have met the enemy and defeated him, he is no longer the enemy as a combatant. </p><p align="left">As an American soldier I had the duty to preserve life. Yes, that includes taking lives at times, but with extreme discretion. (hint: that is why we regret accidents that occur on the battlefield.) </p><div align="left"></div><div align="left">It is hard to take a life, it is a conscious decision, even in combat. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Especially when you are raised in a culture that celebrates it. </div><p align="left">This is why throughout modern history the US GI has had so little respect for his enemy. Most often the US has been called to protect those that are helpless. It is illustrated across Europe, Africa, Asia, and other smaller regions. </p><div align="left">I am sorry that actors are not capable of looking at people as individuals and are forced to make generalizations, but the American soldier has always had to look at individuals and assess them as friendly or hostile. </div><div align="left"><br />I have met people who would like nothing more than to cut off my head, but I have also had tea with families trapped in a warzone. </div><p align="left"><strong>If I learned two things in the military it is these:</strong> </p><ol><li><div align="left">People are the same wherever you go. </div></li><li><div align="left">Always conduct yourself with Honor and Integrity, because at the end of the day you gotta be right with the person in the mirror… </div></li></ol><a href="http://www.thesniper.us/?p=6348"></a><p align="left"><br /></p><p align="center"><br />And you cannot lie to yourself.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesniper.us/?p=6348"><br /></a></div> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.thesniper.us/?p=6348"></a>Regulars by God,<br /><br /></p><p align="center">Deeds Not Words.<br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="left"></p>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223958260143609800.post-5828074843592497822010-03-05T11:24:00.000-06:002010-03-05T11:58:55.356-06:00Welcome to About Face.This is my first blog so please stick with me and offer constructive criticism: I already know how bad I fail.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A Little About Me.</span><br /></strong> <br />I joined the Army pre- 9-11 as an Infantryman and got Fort Hood put in my contract, which ensured that I would be heavy Infantry; either mechanized (11M) or mortars (11C). I got lucky and became a Mike. I am a Mike, not a Bravo, regardless of what the Army says. <br />I have been to GTMO (02) and Iraq (03-04) as a member of C co 1/22 Inf. 1st BDE, 4th ID.<br />I did just over 4 years and then got out. I went to school and graduated with honors and a BA in Accounting.<br />I now work for a large and largely unknown DoD agency, which I will likely not blog about; because I like getting paychecks. Outside of speaking directly of my work I will blog about anything. <br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I welcome constructive criticism (see above), and generally any help I can get.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>A Blog is The Press.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I believe in the Constitution. I believe that the Constitution was put in place to contain the federal government. Don't get me wrong, the federal government is not evil, but I have a right to say what I don't like about it.<br />I believe that the first amendment gives you the right to speak, but does not require an intelligence test. Nor does it protect you from being hurt, hearing and seeing things you don't want to, or being disagreed with.<br />I believe that you can argue with someone’s ideas and statements without it being personal.<br />I believe that questioning someone’s faith, regardless of what kind of faith, is a good thing. If I cannot logically support my position, yet have faith anyways (read: religion, science, politics), the least I can do is admit that I am being illogical; very different from un-reasonable, and that the opposition has a point.<br />I believe in poking holes in people arguments, especially when they utilize <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallacy">fallacy</a> in conversation and argument.<br />Oh, yeah, I believe Wikipedia is a perfectly fine source to start research and understanding, but not necessarily the final word.</span><br /><br />Okay, that's enough rambling. I hope that my readers will get to know me and the other contributors as we go along.<br /><br /><strong>Next Post:</strong> <em>why you should read this blog!</em>IronKnighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01874196149884750485noreply@blogger.com0