Iranian Nukes

Today there were articles on Gideon's blog and John Derbyshire in the National Review on the Iranian Nuclear program. No alternative seems either easily accomplished or foolproof in effect. However, I agree with the President that a nuclear armed Iran is the preeminent strategic threat to the United States and our allies. At this point, it is worth it to move to a military option, if only for deterrent effect down the line. A nuclear proliferating Middle East will end in the destruction of Israel and tens of millions of dead.

One Fired Up Marine

Dear Mom and Dad, I, as most would of thought, was expecting a very homesick Thanksgiving. Although I wish I could have been home, my Thanksgiving was filled with motivation and inspiration. To start off, the unit got together and the CO said a couple of words to the unit. He complemented us for our hard work, and was extremely impressed with the plans we have for the future. We then had lunch with some MRE crackers, popcorn, and SPAM. Afterwards, like we do most days, we prepared for the convoy into the city. It was a good convoy and all went well. While we were in the city, we were asked to get together because the General wanted to talk to us - the General, being General Casey, a four star General in the rmy who is in charge of all Coalition Forces in Iraq. He again complemented us on the good work and sacrifices we are making. He told us that our hard work had paid off and there is no longer a safe haven for insurgents in Iraq. He then said something that would inspire the weakest of heart. He said, "The enemy was willing to die for there cause, and you gave them their wish". He told us that next year when we are home for Thanksgiving we will be truly grateful for all the gifts in our life. We can look back at this Thanksgiving and be proud of what we are doing. Filled with juice and energy, we convoyed back to Camp Fallujah. As we came to the first gate to the camp, I was in shock because a Marine Corps Major was standing at the post. Along with the Major was a 1stSgt. I reported to the Major what convoy we were and how many packs we were carrying. He told me to proceed and have a Happy Thanksgiving. As we came to the second gate, a Marine Capt and a SgtMaj were standing the post. There was not a PFC or LCpl to be found. None of the posts had young Marines at them; officers and Staff NCOs manned them all. The command decided that the young Marines were going to have the night off to get some good chow. It was unbelievable, and a wonderful sight. The leadership took charge and took care of the younger Marines. This filled me with a pride indescribable with words. I am so honored to be apart of an organization like this. Marines taking care of Marines with such unselfishness. As I went to Thanksgiving chow with my brothers and sisters, the IMEF Commanding General LtGen Saddler and the IMEF SgtMaj, SgtMaj Kent were serving chow. The amazing part was that they were so enthusiastic about it. Everyone was in a great mood, and ready to take on anything. It makes you think that if a 3 star general in the United States Marine Corps can serve turkey to a bunch of 18-20 year old Lance Corporals, then you can suck up whatever you have to do and stop complaining. So, as I went to bed, I felt very Thankful and indeed blessed for a great life. Tomorrow, I am sure will be full of fighting and disaster, along with the added stress of little sleep and cold days and even colder nights. But for tonight it's Thanksgiving and everything is okay. One Motivated LCpl, Jessica LCpl Jessica Kane 4th CAG HQ S-6 Unit 43555 FPO-AP 96426-3555 Dulce et decorum est Pro Patria mori

Soldier sends letter to squad after being killed

Services set for soldier killed in Iraq By PAUL LEAKAN AND DANIELLE CAMILLI Burlington County Times MAPLE SHADE - Funeral services for U.S. Army Spc. David P. Mahlenbrock, who was killed in Iraq on Friday, will be held here Sunday and Monday before the township native is laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Family and friends may call Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Inglesby-Givnish Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St. in Maple Shade. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 26 Forklanding Road. Mahlenbrock will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday at 10 a.m.. Mahlenbrock, 20, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was clearing a route in Iraq, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. A graduate of Maple Shade High School, Mahlenbrock was a combat engineer who cleared roads and swept mines with the Army's 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Mahlenbrock leaves behind his wife, Melissa, and their 10-week-old daughter, Kadence. He is also survived by his father, Russell Mahlenbrock; brothers Chris, Andrew and Darek; and his stepmother, Elizabeth. The Maple Shade Veterans of Foreign War Post 2445 will pay tribute to Mahlenbrock by serving as an honor guard at the services, said John Radie, past post commander. The U.S. Army also will provide an honor guard. "We are doing whatever we can for the family," Radie said yesterday. "He was a vet and he was overseas serving his country when he was killed. He died too young and we want to give him full military honors." Soldiers' Angels, a Nevada-based nonprofit organization that seeks to support U.S. military personnel and their families, is still attempting to convince country music star Toby Keith to personally sing "American Soldier" during Mahlenbrock's funeral. Mahlenbrock requested that the song be played during his funeral in a letter he wrote to his fellow squad members July 1. Viktoria Carter, director of public relations for Soldiers' Angels, said she has been in contact with Keith's managers about the proposal. Carter said she and other members of Soldiers' Angels have already begun calling country-and-western radio stations in various parts of the United States to request that they play "American Soldier" at 1 p.m. Wednes-day. The song would be dedicated to Mahlenbrock. "This family story has touched so many different people," Carter said. "...There's a lot of people rooting for this family."

Marine's sacrifice touches others

Story of dedication elicits gratitude By SARA A. CARTER, Staff Writer David Battle has more offers for help than he knows what to do with. The 19-year-old Marine and Victorville resident has been the center of attention since telling his story in Sunday's Sun. People from across the Inland Empire and the nation have wanted to share their gratitude for the young Marine who was wounded in action in Iraq last month and asked doctors to remove his mangled finger rather than destroy his wedding band. The ring itself was lost during his surgery. The story of his pain and dedication to his wife, Devann, touched the hearts of many both locally and throughout the nation, his family said. In Rancho Cucamonga, Steve and Karen Murray were so moved by Battle's courage and love that they decided not to give gifts to each other this Christmas. They are instead giving Battle and his wife an early Christmas gift from strangers, they said. "To find that his ring was missing, that was a nail in the heart right there,' Steve Murray said. The former Marine, who works for the Ontario-based Jack B. Kelly company and whose employees are nearly 85 percent former military personnel, raised more than $1,000 to help the Battles with finances. "This guy is out there protecting us so we can enjoy Christmas,' Murray said. "We need to show appreciation for what these guys are doing for us to protect our freedom.' The response has been overwhelming, noted Devann Battle, 19. "It is so heartwarming to know that people from everywhere care enough about us to read our story,' she said, about her husband. "He is a wonderful guy, and it is so great that people are interested in hearing his story ... that they really care about him. I'm grateful that I can share my husband with the rest of the world, and I feel like the luckiest person alive.' "I would do all of it all over again,' David Battle said, from a room at a hotel near the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center in Loma Linda where he is receiving rehabilitation for multiple bullet wounds in his leg. Battle spent Monday night munching on pizza, fielding telephone calls and watching "The Biggest Loser' on television. He's just like any other 19-year-old, he said. "People have been so amazing ... I didn't want anything in return because I did what I did for Devann out of love.' Montclair High School varsity football coach Steve Sullivant and assistant coach Daniel Pierce said their phones did not stop ringing all day Monday. "Since the early morning we've been inundated with people calling from everywhere to give to David,' Sullivant said. "People are full of kindness, and there are few kids as deserving as David.' Because of the calls pouring into the high school, the two coaches have set up a trust fund with Bank of America to help Battle and his wife. Battle was told by doctors that he should stay off his legs for at least one year. But the feisty Marine is already trying to get up and walk around. Battle was wounded when he fired at insurgents who were attacking his unit in a building in Fallujah. His efforts during the firefight probably saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Wounded, Battle stumbled out the building only to be hit minutes later by grenade shrapnel while troops worked to stabilize him. With his left hand mangled, he asked doctors not to destroy the wedding band his wife gave him, but take his finger instead. His mother says it's just the way her son is. "He has a big heart,' his mom, Sonia Cabrera, said. "I don't mind that he was injured, I'm just so glad he's back. I cried every day and night that he was in Iraq, so much, now I feel I like I have a new baby again.'

"Drum" comes back to New York

December 10, 2004 -- DANNY SWIFT, supported by a steel crutch and wearing an eye patch, stood over the casket of his fallen comrade, silently sending the world a message: America will be here forever. As long as it can produce men like Chris Engeldrum and Danny Swift. We were all there yesterday, 10,000 of us, on a chilly Bronx day to give up our love — and try to understand how sometimes ordinary human beings can be so extraordinary. Men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line as firefighters, cops and soldiers — heroes who take incredible risks for what they know is right. Americans with guts who are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for their city, for their country, for their comrades. Engeldrum, killed in a terrorist ambush outside Baghdad, was just such a hero. So is Danny, his comrade in both the FDNY and the National Guard, injured in the same attack, who traveled many thousands of miles to get to the funeral. Firefighter Nick Turnberry, who was helping Danny walk, clearly understood what was happening. "This whole tribute," he said, "sent a message to the world." The whole world should have been watching. It could have learned a lot about comradeship, loyalty and selflessness. In simple terms, Christian Engeldrum, a cop, firefighter, and a warrior was the Finest, the Bravest and the greatest — all packaged into one amazing human. "That he was," said Joe Brady, regimental pipe band major to Christian's beloved and storied outfit, the Fighting 69th. "I said goodbye to him in June at Camp Smith in Peekskill and piped him on the plane before he left for Iraq," Brady recalled. "We were piping 'Garry Owen,' the signature march of the 69th." He recalled looking out at hundreds of troops, including Engeldrum. "Of course I knew Christian well," he said. "And suddenly I realized that some of those kids weren't coming back. I had a tough time finishing my piece. "Every American should have seen that." Tom Mahoney, fellow firefighter and friend, said simply, "The word impossible simply was not in Christian's vocabulary." FDNY colleague John Murray was asked what makes a person become a cop, a firefighter and give his life for his country in combat. "Just one word," he answered. "Chris." Tom McGrath, a retired battalion chief with 40 years on the job, had a prediction: "There is no doubt someone is going to make a movie about this young man," he said. "I just hope Hollywood does it right." So do I. Joe Murphy, of the Knights of Columbus, had watched Chris growing up. "If you want to know the secret of young Chris, it was a case of love of family, love of neighborhood, love of New York and love of country — which he was so prepared to die for," Murphy said. "There's a lot of Americans like that out there, you know. Look at Danny Swift, look at Christian. "That's America." The funeral was a sea of uniforms — NYPD, FDNY, military. I was talking to Guang Yao of the Fighting 69th, who came here from Shanghai when he was 5. "Chris did everything," Yao said. "He did everything for our country." Like many immigrants, the words "our country" have special meaning for Yao. Oh, I could write forever. Of those who smiled at Chris' memory. Of those who were choked up with sadness. Of everyone who was there — all of them breathing deeply with pride. Somehow, having known Chris many years ago, I suddenly felt insignificant among that great crew. And then I saw his son, Sean, who was carrying his father's helmet, No. 11745 — and I found it hard to hold back the tears. Danny Swift limped on his crutch as a pipe band struck up "Going Home." All of us who were there know where Chris' home is now. It's in all our hearts.

Scouts remember troops on Hanukkah

By Bobby Ross Jr. ASSOCIATED PRESS If not for Cub Scouts in Houston, Army Spc. Joseph Lowit would find it next to impossible to celebrate Hanukkah. As part of a service project, Pack 1190 from Congregation Emanu El prepared care packages with Hanukkah candles, menorahs and dreidels — giving Spc. Lowit and 150 other troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait a way to mark the holiday. "Thanks to them I can, and I am very grateful," wrote Spc. Lowit, a 26-year-old infantryman from Miami who is the only Jewish soldier on his base in Iraq. Hanukkah, which starts at sundown today, commemorates how Jews reclaimed the defiled Jerusalem Temple from a Syrian despot in 165 B.C. and how one day's worth of ritual oil that the Jews found miraculously burned for eight days.The holiday is celebrated by the lighting of a menorah for eight nights. "Hanukkah is perhaps easier than other Jewish holidays to observe in the field," said Army Capt. Shmuel Felzenberg, a Jewish chaplain who plans Hanukkah parties in Baghdad and Camp Anaconda, 50 miles north of Baghdad. "Although having the customary latkes [potato pancakes] and fresh sufganiyot [jelly doughnuts] may be far from easy, the basic menorah lighting observance is relatively easy to facilitate." The boys of Pack 1190 talked about what it might be like to be a Jewish soldier at Hanukkah and decided to make greeting cards and assemble goody bags for troops. "I thought it was a worthy cause because ... it was giving greetings to people without any family to celebrate," said 8-year-old Jordan Todes, who crafted many of the cards from construction paper. Two Scout musicians — Jarrett Taxman on guitar and Mitchell Chaiet on the cello — played classical tunes outside a Houston bagel shop to raise money for Hanukkah supplies and toiletry items such as razors for the troops' care packages. "There's some Jewish troops in Iraq that are maybe the only ones in their unit," Jarrett, 11, said. "It's really hard to celebrate if you're the only one. I'm just really glad I could help." Jewish troops represent roughly 1 percent of the U.S. force, making them a "relatively isolated group," said Army Lt. Col. Mitchell S. Ackerson, the senior Jewish chaplain in Iraq until returning home earlier this year. "You don't have 50 guys in a unit who are Jewish," Col. Ackerson said. "You'll get two or three if you're lucky." In Spc. Lowit's case, being the only Jewish soldier "can be very difficult ... but you manage and my comrades make me feel at home and try to learn and ask questions," he wrote in an e-mail to the Associated Press. Spc. Lowit, who helps patrol Iraqi towns, said the Scouts' concern for the troops made him smile. He has even become pen pals with one of the youngsters. "I love kids, and to know that Pack 1190 supports us was great," wrote Spc. Lowit, who has a 4-year-old daughter. "It really touched my heart."

Another of our Heroes..

He, too, counted you as a friend worthy of his sacrifice. Lance Corporal Antoine Smith played the viola in high school and being in the Marine Corps helped him overcome a speech impediment. The Orlando Sentinel has removed their story so I reproduce it here so you can get to know him a little better: (Orlando Sentinel) At Dr. Phillips High School, Antoine Smith might have been remembered only as the quiet kid with the slight stutter who played viola in the school orchestra. But days after graduating in May 2001, Smith joined the Marine Corps. And when he returned to the Orange County school to visit a year later, he was like a different young man. "He was in his Marine uniform," said Jennifer Erickson, who taught Smith in the orchestra his senior year. "He had this big smile on his face, and he didn't stutter anymore. He had so much heart, so much pride. I think Antoine had really found what he wanted to do." But this week, Erickson and her colleagues learned that the proud young Marine Lance Corporal would never return to visit again. Smith, 22, died Monday in combat in Iraq, one of more than 50 U.S. troops killed since early November in fighting to oust insurgents from the rebel stronghold of Fallujah. It might seem unlikely for a shy young musician to become a rifleman with the 5th Marine Regiment. But those who knew Smith said it was no mystery. "He would work hard for what he wanted," said Paul Waters, an Orlando businessman who befriended Smith. "And he wanted to be a Marine." Waters met Smith when they sat next to each other one day at First Baptist Church of Orlando. They shared a pew for the next seven years, and Waters became a friend and mentor to Smith. Smith was an only child, and his mother, who raised him alone, sometimes had to struggle to make ends meet, Waters said. Smith grew up in a small duplex in a west Orlando neighborhood where many young men fall into trouble with drugs and crime. But Smith's mother, Deborah, worked hard to make sure Antoine stayed on the right path, said Anne Parrette, his orchestra teacher for his first three years at Dr. Phillips who often gave him rides to and from home for concerts and rehearsals. "She worked her schedule so that she was home when he got home from school," Parrette said. "She was at all the performances, and she would always chaperone, even though she didn't have a car. He was her whole life." Friends said Deborah smith was too distraught to talk Thursday. Smith began playing the viola in middle school, and he had to work hard to do well, Erickson said. "Some kids are naturally talented," Erickson said. "He wasn't one of the students who it came easy to. But he worked very hard at it." In his last year at Dr. Phillips, Smith won the orchestra award for the most improved senior musician, Erickson said. She wants to establish a memorial award in Smith's name for music students who display Smith's "dedication, perseverance and great love of music." Smith, who was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, returned home to visit about six weeks ago, just before he was sent to Iraq, Waters said. It was Smith's first deployment to Iraq. Like many recruits, Smith struggled at first in the military, Waters said. It was hard being away from home and difficult adjusting to the strict discipline and austere conditions. "He had the usual G.I. complaints," Waters said. But on his last visit home, it was clear Smith was flourishing, Waters said. "I saw a lot of maturing. He gained a great deal of confidence in the Marine Corps," Waters said. "I think he was looking at it as a career." Word of the young Marine's death was a bitter blow, Waters said. He has tried to think not of Smith's death, but of how lucky he was to know the young man. "You look at where he came from, and what he did," Waters said. "I was very proud of him." Antoine Smith counted you as a friend worthy of his sacrifice as well. Many other soldiers were wounded in the Fallujah operation - 22 of them from India Company. I am, at once, filled with pride and humbled by these volunteer citizen soldiers. How precious they render each act of our daily lives. Though I am too old in body to fight beside them so far away, I will fight each day to see that their sacrifices are cherished and that their honor will increase and that our memory of them will not fade. God bless our men and women who serve our country in the armed

In Honor of our Heroes

"We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." George Orwell

Iranian Nuclear Program

In today's Washington Times they reported that Israeli officials have become resigned to the Mullahs going nuclear. I am hoping that this is disinformation to shield a strike on the reactors. I find it difficult to believe that the Israelis are willing to live in a world of "Mutually Assured Destruction" with the government in Teheran.

Marine Makes Ultimate Sacrifice

www.hughhewitt.com On Sunday, I linked to a Los Angeles Times story about the life of a Marine Lieutenant who had died in Fallujah, JP Blecksmith. I received this e-mail from JP's uncle: I am the uncle of JP Blecksmith, 2nd Lieutenant USMC, Third Battalion, Fifth Regiment, India Company, 3rd Platoon, who was killed on Veterans Day in Fallujah by a sniper's bullet. I heard that you spoke about him today on your radio show. We thank you for your kind thoughts and words. You would have been in awe to spend any time talking to JP--he truly was an outstanding and inspirational person. The news of JP's death hit our entire family hard--as I am certain similar news has impacted all of the other families of the Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen who have died or been wounded in this war. Once the shock and denial is gone, you have to deal with the reality--that JP's human form will never touch you or talk to you again. Although his death instantly challenged me to rethink my position about the war in Iraq, and dozens of other "what ifs" which resulted in JP not dying, the reality actually made my resolve stronger than ever to support the effort of all of our brave men and women and to speak up when people suggest that it is "the wrong war" or that JP's death was a waste. To say the later is never to have known JP. However, unlike me, JP's mother (my sister) and his father did not hesitate--they did not question--they did not doubt--they knew and understood the meaning of JP's life and, consequently, his death was a logical extension of that life. I marveled at their strength, especially when the news crews came to their home and asked them about JP and Iraq, some possibly hoping the catch disgruntled and saddened parents off guard damning the war or the President. With lights blazing and the television cameras rolling, they proudly spoke of their son and his achievements, and most importantly, his devotion to God, duty, country, honor and freedom. One newscaster wrote my sister and brother-in-law a personal note after interviewing them, to apologize that the 80 second spot he had to cover the story was so inadequate to give true meaning to JP's life. JP chose the Naval Academy over other academic institutions because he believed that he had a duty to this wonderful country and he appreciated that the Naval Academy made real men and real leaders. He opted early on for the Marines and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant immediately following graduation in May 2003. We were so proud of him them, as we always have been and always will be. He volunteered for the infantry. He knew he was headed to Iraq as soon as he finished Officers Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training. He wanted to lead his men in the cause of freedom. He saw his role clearly. He never mentioned concerns for himself. He constantly tried to be a better leader. Some of his final words to me before he shipped out from Camp Pendleton early in the morning on September 10th was that he wanted to make certain that his men (never mentioning himself) returned home safely. Two weeks after arriving in Iraq and camping on the outskirts of Fallujah, JP celebrated his 24th birthday. JP emailed home to family and friend inviting them to attend his birthday party--the "Fiesta in Fallujah" as he called it. He volunteered free camel parking. JP had a great sense of humor. He entertained the family at Christmas time with skits and loved to sing Karaoke. He was the perfect son every mother and father wanted--and everyone who knew him claimed him as his or her best friend--because he was. You cannot say enough nice things about JP. That is probably why God called him when he did, a short but very fulfilled life. God promises that we will not stay on this earth one moment longer he has a reason for us to stay. JP's impact on this earth and his family and friends, and even on those who did not know him, has been fully felt. His mission was completed. During the battle for Fallujah, Greg Palkot of Fox News was embedded with JP's 3rd Platoon. Palkot's stories have provided great insights to the terror, the noise, the tension, the commotion, the smell, of the battle. Early in the battle, India Company discovered the horrific '"slaughter houses" in the Jablon area of Fallujah. It was fortunate during the first several days of the battle--no casualties--deaths or injuries. Then on Thursday, November 11th, Veterans Day, two Marines in JP's platoon were injured by small arms fire while clearing buildings of insurgents in the narrow, maze-like streets. And, JP, a 6'4", 220 pound target, leading his men, and making certain that the wounded were brought to safety, was shot from behind by a single sniper's bullet, barely missing his bullet-proof vest. Palkot described in one of his reports about seeing JP and 30 minutes later hearing that JP had been killed. JP knew that this was a battle of good versus evil. He knew good and, unfortunately, confronted evil for the first time eye-to-eye. He and his men prepared for this battle. They had the support of their God and their government. They had a mission. Nothing was going to keep them from completing it--except death. But JP's death, and the deaths of and injuries to the many others, did not deter our brave Marines and soldiers from ultimately accomplishing this mission. I have read the obituaries of the other Marines and soldiers who have died in recent weeks in Iraq. I mourn for each of their families and know first hand what that news feels like and the emptiness and sorrow. But I also know that we are all part of a larger, greater family, that we have had the privilege of knowing (albeit for a short time) our wonderful, outstanding young men who chose to serve their country and who willingly and courageously gave the ultimate sacrifice. As Alex Blecksmith, JP's brother, said in his eulogy, JP knew that we [the USA] "is the home of the free BECAUSE of the brave." So true. We miss JP ferociously, every minute we are awake, but he has left us a lifetime of great memories and his life, and those of his other Marines, has inspired us to make something good happen from all of this--to leave this place just a little bit better than when we arrived. P.S. JP's sister, who gave one of the eulogies, is a second year law student at Chapman--Christina Blecksmith. You might look her up. She has great stories about her little brother. James E. "Imo" McCormick III, Esq.

Democracy on the March in Ukraine

BBC.com November 30, 2004 Ukraine's parliament has passed a no-confidence motion in Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych as a crisis over the disputed presidential poll continues. MPs narrowly backed an opposition bid to dismiss Mr Yanukovych and his government on grounds of mismanagement. He asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to annul the contentious second round of the presidential poll. Electoral authorities say Mr Yanukovych beat the opposition's Viktor Yushchenko despite claims of vote-rigging. Ukraine's outgoing President Leonid Kuchma has formally proposed holding a new poll to end the stand-off. BBC regional analyst Steven Eke says that while the opposition sees the parliamentary vote as a victory, Mr Kuchma's proposal is designed to undermine opposition momentum. The US and the European Union said the 21 November election run-off fell short of democratic norms, and the Supreme Court has delayed publication of the results while it considers the vote-rigging allegations. Meanwhile reports are circulating that a ruling by the court could come late on Wednesday.

Trying to create Links

Man this stuff is confusing. On the blogroll it says links added, but then they do not appear! Back to try again..

Posting Pictures