For Enemy of The Republic

I know life has got you down. I know you are upset over the recent death of a good friend. You have had to endure much pain.



Too many losses.



You are not alone.



I get that way myself.


I used to get so depressed that I would sit alone in a dark room with a .357 magnum and play Russian Roulette all by myself.

Thank God I never won.

Or maybe I did.


Sometimes the pain of mere existence becomes almost too much to bear.

I climbed down off the wagon today.

I didn't fall off, it was a conscious decision made in an entirely sober state. There are things that I can say this way that I can't say otherwise.

Like you, I am feeling somewhat down. Sunday is Father's Day. I have a post prepared for that and it was the preparation that made me cry. And crying is what made me think of you and your losses.

We do what we can with what we have.

Since my Mother died I have been, well, a wreck. She was my rock, my anchor. In spite of everything, my unsavory way of life, my associates, my drinking and drug abuse, my criminal activities, my time in prison, she was the only one who always believed in me.

Until I met Maggie.

Even with Maggie, it isn't an easy row to hoe. But she's the reason I haven't taken the razor sharp katana off the wall and committed sebuku.

You have your very own Maggies, Love, your son and your husband.

Leave God out of this for a moment,( and I know that is a hard thing to do). Find your joy in those who love you and love them back as hard as you can.

That is the answer. The only answer. And live this life as long as life will let you. God will love you always anyway.

Your friend and blog bud,

d.

"I have no fear, Angels follow me where-ever I may go>"

FREE PARIS HILTON!

Gotcha!

d.

We Need All That We Can Get

Dear VoteVets.org Supporter,

Last year, with your help, VoteVets made history. Because of your support, four candidates who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were elected to Congress with high hopes, and they have not disappointed. Congressmen Patrick Murphy, Joe Sestak, Tim Walz, and Chris Carney have become strong leaders in the House of Representatives, and are giving a heavy dose of reality about what is, and what is not, supporting the troops.

Now, it's time to add to their ranks. Today, VoteVets.org PAC is announcing our endorsement of two more veterans who are running for Congress - John Boccieri and Jonathan Powers. To ensure that their campaigns begin as strongly as possible, they need your help.

Donate to Boccieri for Congress here | Donate to Powers for Congress here
Both of these 21^st Century Patriots promise to bring more strength of leadership to a place where it is sorely lacking - Capitol Hill.

John Boccieri, is in his first term as a member of the Ohio State Senate. Boccieri served our country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He is an Air Force Reserve Major and aircraft commander aboard the C-130 aircraft, and was stationed at Youngstown Joint Air Reserve Station. He recently deployed in 4 rotations to support our troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Boccieri has served our nation in over 40 countries and has eleven years of service in the U.S. Military.

Previously, in his role as staff officer, he supported Presidential visits to Arkansas and also worked on base-wide support of three treaties- Open Skies, Chemical Weapons Compliance, and START II Treaties. As a commissioned Lieutenant in the military, he worked with base-wide support for the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, the State Department, the White House Communications Staff, the Secret Service, and Air Force and Marine Advance Agents.

John has a tremendous opportunity to take this district. Republican Congressman Ralph Regula, an 18-term incumbent, was only able to get 58 percent of the vote last election, so this is a very winnable district for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans!

Donate to Boccieri for Congress here | Donate to Powers for Congress here

Jonathan Powers has long been one of VoteVets.org's go-to guys, and has represented us in press conferences and media many times. We're very excited to see him throw his hat into his home district around Buffalo, NY. An Army Captain and decorated Iraq War veteran, schoolteacher and non-profit leader, Jon sets an exceptional standard for "leadership by example" some in Washington, DC would be wise to follow.

As an artillery platoon leader in the Army's 1st Armored Division, and later as the Battalion Commander's Adjutant in Baghdad and Najaf - Jon Powers was hailed by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Rabena, as "one of the most talented officers I have known in twenty-two years of service in the Army." Rabena lauded his "extraordinary management skills, leadership, and unmatched talent to accomplish the most difficult tasks with minimal guidance," calling Powers "the type of officer a commander only dreams of having in his unit."

The war was far from over when Jon returned home to Western New York, intending to become a full-time social studies teacher in the public schools. But, moved by his experience at war and driven to action, Jon sought to help those in Iraq whose voices are least heard - Iraqi children, many of whom have known only war their entire young lives. Jon returned to Baghdad and founded War Kids Relief, a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting the youth of Iraq, providing them the resources and education needed to avoid recruitment by radical and terrorist organizations. War Kids Relief was quickly recognized for its path-breaking work and was featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams "Making a Difference" series and in a Newsweek cover story.

Jon's opponent, Congressman Tom Reynolds, too often places loyalty - to his political party and the preservation of his own career - ahead of competence and accountability. In 2006, in a historically Republican district, Reynolds won by a mere 5,000 votes. Again, this is a district ready to be represented by a true leader, like Jonathan Powers!

Please do your part to help out these fine veterans lend support to the strong voices we've already sent to Congress. As you know, in today's politics, money talks. So, let's get these guys off to a huge start and show that America want the Voice of America's 21st Century Patriot in Congress!

Donate to Boccieri for Congress here | Donate to Powers for Congress here

Sincerely,

Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets.org Political Action Committee

Steve Gilliard, 1964-2007

Steve Gilliard
1964-2007
The News Blog

In honor of his life, and his efforts on behalf of all of us, Steve's trademark banner, "We Fight Back" will be included in the sidebar here, as a Tribute and a reminder that, while men may die, their ideas live forever.

Thanks to Bulldog for the heads up.

d.

Somebody throw me a fish....

Found this over at Kilabe's Hive! A Seal? A Fuckin Seal?

Okay,
sigh,
where's my beach ball...

What should you be in the military? navy seal congrats!! the best job you would do in the military is be a navy seal, navy seals are one of the most elite units in the u.s military, they handle some of the most dangerous situations Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

Kilabe is a former Active Duty Marine who joined the Guard after his stint in the Corps. He is now serving in Iraq. (Clear me up if I'm wrong on this Bro...) He 's a good blog buddy from the other side of the aisle, but like Mike The Marine, he put his money where his mouth is so he has my complete and utmost respect.

Don't be shy now, take the test yourself, and stop by Kilabe's Hive and send him some love!

Semper Fidelis!

d.

Guess Who's Back?

Lookin like Eight miles of bad road




Sorry about the extended absence, been up to my ass in alligators while trying to drain the swamp. Worked on two upcoming television shows, Canterbury's Law and Damages with Glenn Close. Long days, short nites and I ain't no spring chicken anymore. Next week I'm off to Connecticut for a TV movie. I'll be there all summer so my blogging will be light.


On top of all this, the media's preoccupation with Paris Hilton has disgusted me to the point where I am almost ready to join Cindy Sheehan and give all this up. What's the point? We live in a nation of minions and cretins who care more about some spoiled, misbehaving socialite than the fact that our troops are dying daily in a useless effort to stem a three way civil war.

Then again, maybe what they want is what I am seeking, a respite, a break from the tragedy and immorality of the Bush Administration. This is where my friends and fellow scholars come in, for while I have rested, they, you, have carried on the fight to save our Country from the corporatists who hold us in thrall.


So I ask your forgiveness and continued support. I just need a break.

It's a beautiful Sunday morning here in the Cradle of Liberty. I have some work to do around the house and then to the bar-b-que.


I have also been playing a lot of poker online, but that's another story for another day. You can find me on Poker Stars as deuddersun, Full Tilt as purpleleopard or Absolute Poker as chckrddemon, (you old heads should remember the Checkered Demon, lol!).






Actually got to the 2nd round in Tournament play at Full Tilt













So take today off and enjoy life for life's sake. Appreciate every little thing for there will come a time when that is no longer possible. And feel the love I send your way as I feel the love you send to me. I'm off to the yard, the barbie and some kickass hillbilly hick-hop!

Will ya look at what they're doing in Texas!!!

Crank it up!


Love each other.

d.

For Digger on Memorial Day

HENRY MEURSINGE DUYS JR.
OCT.17,1924 - MAY 11,2007

(Photo from 1943)

Three weeks ago, my good friend and Union Brother, Henry Duys, (aka "Digger"), suffered a tragic loss, when his Father passed away.

Mr. Duys served in the United States Navy as a Signalman on a Frigate in the South Pacific, and was later stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, now home to Steiner Studios, where we often work. As someone who was also stationed at the Navy Yard for a brief time, I can still "feel" the thousands who served there everyday I go to work.

I know Henry must sometimes "feel" his Father as well, and I hope it is some small consolation to know that he is working where his Father once served and that his Father is always with him now, living on in his heart.

This Memorial Day I will add Signalman Henry Meursinge Duys, Jr., United States Navy, to my prayers for the Faithful Fallen.

God Bless him and grant him the Peace he once fought to bring to all of us.

d.

End The Madness

Anthony Martini of Chicago, mourns his brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Philip John Martini while visiting a memorial of over 3400 pairs of boots representing the U.S. military personnel killed in Iraq, in Chicago's Grant Park, Saturday, May 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

U.S. Deaths Near Grim Memorial Day Mark
By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD - Americans have opened nearly 1,000 new graves to bury U.S. troops killed in Iraq since Memorial Day a year ago. The figure is telling _ and expected to rise in coming months.

In the period from Memorial Day 2006 through Saturday, 980 soldiers and Marines died in Iraq, compared to 807 deaths in the previous year. And with the Baghdad security operation now 3 1/2 months old, even President Bush has predicted a difficult summer for U.S. forces.

"It could be a bloody _ it could be a very difficult August," he said last week.

(Full story)

As we prepare to honor our fallen Heroes tomorrow, keep this in mind. This didn't have to happen and it doesn't need to continue.

It is time to end the madness.

d.

VoteVets: Honor The Fallen

Dear VoteVets.org Supporter,

On Monday, our nation will observe Memorial Day - a day which is incredibly solemn and sacred, especially to those of us who served our nation with military service.

For one day, VoteVets.org, and our friends at WesPAC and the National Security Network, will put politics completely aside, and stand in solidarity with the rest of our nation to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or of another party or no party at all, we are all still Americans, and on this day, we should solely be focused on honoring those who died in service. As a progressive troops' organization, we're also asking that people not protest at Memorial Day events. We have 364 other days to argue policy and politics, but this day belongs to the fallen and their memories.

Today, please consider making a donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (http://www.fallenheroesfund.org) , which is dedicated to helping the families of those who died in service. The Intrepid Fund has already provided $60 million in aid to families, but can only continue to do so with your support.

Above all, take a day to learn more about someone who died in defense of America. If you're at a parade or prayer service and you see a veteran or military family member, ask him or her who they are honoring. Learn more about that hero, so their memory can endure. Too often, we talk about the fallen in terms of numbers. We forget, each of those numbers were real people, with real lives, and real families. The names on the thousands of memorials across America are more than letters etched in stone - they are lives lost with honor. The best way we can honor those who sacrificed their lives is ensure that the memory of who they were as human beings is never forgotten. Please, on Memorial Day, do your part to ensure their memory lives on.

Thank you for your support of our troops and veterans.



Sincerely,

Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran, Chairman and Co-Founder, VoteVets.org

Wes Clark

Rand Beers, USMC (ret.), National Security Network

Honor The Warrior...

Underpaid, oversexed, baby-faced professional Killer

-from a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt

A good blog-buddy, Mary, from Get Your Own, posed this: "Too often I hear that the American Soldiers chose to fight this war. Sometimes this is in the instance of making the point that the Iraqi's didn't choose it. That they are losing their lives not by choice. Make no mistake I think all the loss of life during this or any war is tragic. Not just American. It is all unjust. Sometimes the statement is made because of the persons politics and they are defending their party.

Am I the only one who regrets more than a few decisions made at that age? I wish at that age that I had seen the limitless possibilities and choices that lay at my feet. I didn't. Was I so different from others. I'm 44 and just started figuring out that I'm not invincible. I only recently got a hold on who I am. I hope someday that every choice I make is the correct one."

I tried to post what I thought was a reasonable explanation of why some of our troops seem to be "embracing" this war. To wit: "What folks who have never served don't understand is that while you may have been fooled into joining or fighting, the reason you stay is for your Brother & Sister Warriors. It becomes very personal very quickly, gone are the ideals, survival is utmost and dependent on your Comrades, thus loyalties are forged that can never be broken or understood by those who have never made them.

Those that are fighting now are fighting for each other, not oil, global domination or George Bush. Their loyalty to each other dictates that they stay with each other until they can all come home together."

War is what we train our young people in the military for. It is their job and they are very good at it. You have to understand that they are there doing their jobs, it is not their job to examine morality or the whys or wherefores of their situation. They are doing what we, as a Nation, asked them to do, what we trained them to do, as such, they themselves are blameless. They are the weapon, not the wielder. In order to maintain their own sanity they must feel the way they do. Conscience is for us, here at home. They cannot afford one on the battlefield. So if your conscience is bothering you, do your part and sheath the sword.

THE CREED OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

"MY RIFLE"

This is my rifle.

There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless.
I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me.

I will...

My rifle and myself know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our bursts, nor the smoke we make. We know it is the hits that count.

We will hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.

We will...

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy,

but PEACE!

Lately it has begun to look as if Bush will win again. I fear the Democrats are backing down. We elected them to end this war and sheath the sword. More and more, as time goes on, it begins to look as if they will cave in to Bush and give him what he wants, a war budget with no strings attached. I have to agree with Pat Buchanan on this, if the Democrats are so determined to end this war, why don't they just cut off the funding?

They haven't because they are whistling past the graveyard. They haven't heard from us. It's time to send them a message again.

If you truly oppose this war, write, call, phone and e-mail your elected Representatives! Let them know we haven't forgotten why we put them there in the first place. Let them know they won't be there long if they fail to do what we put them there to do. Do it today!

Don't blame the sword for the actions of the wielder! Ultimately we are the wielder and it is up to us to sheath the sword.

Below is a video from Mike The Marine at From The Halls To The Shores. Mike leans Right, but since he is an Active Duty Captain and a Marine Pilot, over in the Sandbox, he has Carte Blanche with me. As you watch this video, remember, I want these guys to feel this way - cocky, strong and invincible! The day is coming when we will really need them.

So,

Honor the Warrior!

Not the War.

d.