by Andy Weddington
Friday, 29 June 2012
"Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out." Anton Chekhov
No deep brain stimulation for today. Rather, straighttalk, with an edge, about this and that current events and more.
America's heartbroken...
...over this week's startling news that creep John Edwards and creepier Rielle Hunter are no longer a creepy couple. How can our country possibly go on? Is there anyone who does not think Edwards was using campaign money for purposes other than those allowed by law? And, that he knew precisely what he was doing? And, that it was illegal? A creep is one thing. A lying creep lawyer another thing entirely. As Rush Limbaugh might say about 'the Breck Girl,' "Good riddance, el creepo!" Good grief. And, thank you, National Enquirer.
Speaking of politicians...
Someone, anyone, please explain how Charlie Rangel wins a congressional primary? Not only is the guy a loser he's a criminal. He was censured by Congress in 2010 for all sorts of fiscal shenanigans. Grating was his recalcitrant, unapologetic and contemptuous demeanor--as if some sort of king above law and order. Had there been justice, punishment would have been more severe. What is wrong with a public that does not demand better representation? Good grief.
Speaking of order...
Short conversation with a retired Marine friend Tuesday afternoon...
"Andy, wouldn't it be nice if our military was built for the sole purpose of being the toughest, roughest, meanest force possible to not only put the fear of god in enemies but destroy them when we must?"
In reply, "It sure would be. But shaping and fielding a politically correct, feel good, decadent organization (note deliberate avoidance of the word 'force') focused on 'workplace fairness' is the course." Group hug. And yet history has shown us the ill consequences of neutering our military. Good grief.
But to continue that thought...
There's a growing sex scandal at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas--home of Air Force basic training. Seems the Air Force is discovering, and it is ugly, that male trainers and female trainees just may not be a healthy mix. An investigation is looking into allegations of sexual assaults, rape, adultry, etc. At this writing there's been dozens of incidents confirmed during the past several years. The fallout, so far, for some enlisted trainers and supervising officers has not been pretty. From personal junior officer experience supervising recruit training and senior officer investigating experience, it's going to get worse. It always does. A hint, coupled with a non-amorous wink, for the Secretary of the Air Force--separate the men and women (in entry-level training). Good grief.
And yet the situation between trainers and trainees at Lackland leads to an interesting thought/question--'Are public or private displays of affection, however intimate, between consenting recruits of the same gender in a squadbay environment, or anywhere else for that matter, prohibited? If so, on what grounds? Good order and discipline?' I am especially curious about policy(s) addressing this dynamic at our two Marine Corps recruit depots.
Speaking of amorous winks...
Tuesday the Pentagon had it's first "LGBT" (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders) event--saluting homosexuals et. al. openly serving in the ranks. A gay Marine captain spoke. Sweet. Not so long ago such folks were discharged--typically after some form of punishment. That's just the way it was. Those days are gone. But not the concerns. How things have changed. A few queries, cynical ones, I assume, have rolled in the past couple of days asking about DoD's "AWM" (Angry White Male) celebration? Sorry, don't know. Doubtful. And would not expect to see one scheduled. File discrimination complaints with the Defense Secretary and your congressman. Good grief.
Speaking of Cabinet members...
Hmm, so our black Attorney General is telling white lies. Most probably whoppers. And by all appearances, one of 'his people', the president, may be doing the same. Whining, shameless allegations of race card politics by sundry sympathetic camps, including black lawmakers, pathetic. The first law of holes, regardless of race, pertains: When realizing you're in a hole, stop digging. Had the Attorney General and President any morals, ethics, and committment to sworn oaths they'd put down their spades and turn over all subpoened material. Play the 'truth card.' Wasn't that an Obama campaign promise? Due process will figure out what happened. Simple as that. Good grief.
"Bravo!" Congressman Issa for your determined pursuit of justice and leading the House vote to hold Mr. Holder criminally and civilly in contempt of Congress. Yes indeed, "Bravo!".
Speaking of the Supreme Court...
As to Obamacare, nine mortals, imperfect are they, too, offered there's no mutual exclusivity as to what's good, bad, dumb, unpopular and what's Constitutional. Ruling the law as a tax may prove more complicated and disastrous than understood at first blush. Interesting times ahead. Affordable care? Rationed care? Delayed care? Outdated care? Inferior care? No Care? Further financial burdens on our citizenry, namely the middle class, and continuing impact on our awful economy? And who knows what else the consequences--intended or unintended. Well, well, we'll see. Good grief.
As for the Court's decision to not help Arizona protect its border and enforce immigration law, I wrote a friend earlier this week that is seems America, as we humans are susceptible to, suffers from a complex autoimmune disease. If not an individual, why not a country? There's logical analogy in there somewhere. So, not to worry about foreign enemies, we'll destroy ourselves. Good job, justices. Your decision supports the diagnosis. Good grief.
And how sickening their decision to strike down the Stolen Valor Act? Yes, America, according to our high court the First Amendment protects a citizen's right to lie--even about about military service and decorations "awarded." Surprising? Nope. Insulting? Yes. Disappointing? Certainly. Good grief.
But on a happy note, Montford Point Marines were honored, Wednesday, on Capitol Hill with presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal. Long time coming. Sometimes it takes a while to get things straight. Semper Fidelis, Marines.
And speaking of the president...
Now Camp Obama is panhandling for money suggesting birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc. gifts be donated to the president's reelection campaign in the name of the honoree(s). Yes, seriously. Explain to little Johnny the birthday boy and the newlyweds why their gifts went to the president. Surely, they'll understand. Good grief does not begin to cover the gall.
Bumper Sticker spotted on a Marine's car aboard base Thursday morning...
On a lighter note...
Tuesday morning I received the following from a friend...
"There was a bit of confusion at the grocery store this morning. When I was ready to pay for my groceries, the cashier said, "Strip down facing me." Making a mental note to complain to my congressman about Homeland Security running amok, I did just as she had instructed. When the hysterical shrieking and alarms finally subsided, I found out that she was referring to my credit card. I have been asked to shop elsewhere in the future. They need to make their instructions to us seniors a little clearer."
My note back went something like this...
The guy was thinking getting laid. The gal was thinking getting paid. Business as usual. Good grief.
And in closing...
Tip-of-the-hat to Bud Miller (who I do not believe even knows I write this Commentary)--a retired school teacher, who, when I met for the first time one summer afternoon many years ago in northern New Jersey, was wearing a T-Shirt with the front configured somewhat like the rendering below.
Upon seeing her husband enter the room, "Bud, couldn't you have worn something more appropriate when first meeting Andy?" Bud replied, "What? I like this shirt!" Laughing, I piped in I liked it too. Bud laughed. The Mrs. shook her head, and laughed, too. So did my wife. Memorable.
I don't own a like T-shirt. Yet.
Post Script
Have a great weekend!
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