Don't be a fool and die for your country. Let the other sonofabitch die for his.
-- General George S. Patton
January 20, 2005
Truly A Great Day In History
Today, January 20th, 2005 was the second time that George W. Bush was sworn in as president of the United States.
Here is some information on todays events:
Thousands Brave Cold to Ensure Successful Parade
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2005 – Thousands of people began assembling in the Pentagon parking lot this morning in the frigid pre-dawn hours to ensure the presidential inaugural parade stepped off down Pennsylvania Avenue just as planned. As military marching units from all services and components, high-school and community bands, and drill teams of all ages gathered across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., members of the Joint Task Force Armed Forces Inaugural Committee were setting up on the National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, to get the groups in the right order. Full Story
Bush Begins Second Term Vowing to Protect Nation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2005 – His No. 1 duty as president is "to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats," and the best way to do so is to help expand freedom and democracy worldwide, President Bush said during his second inaugural address here today. Following his swearing-in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist on the west front of the nation's Capitol, the president said he is "mindful of the consequential times in which we live" and determined to fulfill the commitment to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Full Story
Ball Benefits Wounded Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2005 – A host of celebrities is slated to turn out tonight to honor America's wounded servicemembers during the Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball, a benefit event to be held at the Mellon Auditorium here. Wounded servicemembers receiving treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, and at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., along with their family members, will be honored during the event. Full Story
Note: Each year my Father shares his birthday with the Inauguration of the President, but this year is special, it is the second time he has gotten to share this joyous day with President George W. Bush
SlagleRock Out!
I find no joy in this inauguration! I did not vote for him and I have no faith in him.I fully support our great military.I can not support this wreckless and irresponsible administration.
Never before has a President lauched an unprovoked attack on another nation.We are now no better than the cold-war USSR.
I completely agreed with our involvement in the first gulf war and I fully supported the agression against Bin Laden as the mastermind behind 9/11.In attacking Iraq,we are no better than common street thugs.
This is simply my opinion.It is anyones right to disagree with me.I would always defend anyones right to do that.
I will always support the brave men and women who preserve the freedom of this great nation.God Bless the USA.
Posted by: PappaSlagle at January 20, 2005 05:58 PMWhat a wonderful tribute Rob, thank you for sharing Inauguration Day with us.
Posted by: Jack at January 21, 2005 12:00 PM"Never before has a President lauched an unprovoked attack on another nation."
Leaving ALL other considerations aside, what about the fact that Saddam was firing on our troops on a daily basis in their efforts to hold Saddam to the agreement he made to end GWl?
It might be said that the current actions are an extension of GWl, Saddam broke the terms of the agreement he made for the cessation of hostilities.
Happy Belated Birthday Bob.
Posted by: Delftsman3 at January 21, 2005 03:59 PMThank freakin' goodness George Walker Bush was re-elected.
Posted by: Emma at January 22, 2005 09:09 PMPappa, shouldn't you at least find joy in the process? Every four years, we prove that a representative republic is the most peaceful form of government there is.
As for the "unprovoked" attack... there is evidence that Hussein was providing material aid to terrorists. Not necessarliy Al Q (but there is some evidence of that, too) but definitely terrorists.
Posted by: Beth at January 22, 2005 09:36 PMI think you all miss a vary important point.I am quite sure that in the eyes of the British our forefathers were terrorists.Is our cause simply just and right because it is in the name of Democracy?Who are we to say democracy should be the way of life for everyone?
Come on people.I believe our egos are getting the best of us once again.This attitude is exactly the reason 3/4 of the world hates America.
For you to dispute this simply validates your arrogance.
It is time for us to mend fences,not build new ones.
Posted by: PappaSlagle at January 23, 2005 07:54 PMI agree, perhaps Democracy is not for everyone, and I agree that just because we are capable doesn't mean that we should force democracy on others. However, as the premier super power on the planet I also think we have an obligation to free people, from rape camps and stop criminals (regardless of title, president etc.) from putting live human beings through wood chippers.
To me it is a humanitarian thing.
Sad as it sounds if 10,000 lives can save a million that is an acceptable cost.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by: SlagleRock at January 24, 2005 11:48 AMI guess this is just where we disagree.If we were defending our country or an allied country,I would agree.I'm not saying that there are no Iraqi lives worth saving but I am saying that it shouldn't be at the expense of our youth.
One American life to me is worth 10,000 Iraqi lives.
This has long been the problem with our country,to try and solve all the problems of the world.
How many Children in America,do you suppose go to bed hungry at night?How many die from lack of health care.How many homeless crowd the streets of our cities,many of them forgotten war veterans.
Our military plays a very vital role in the defense of our great country but with all of the woes of this nation,I believe our money could be better spent than in freeing the Iraqi.
Some may consider me a heartless son of a bitch and maybe to some I owe an apology.I am simply stating that my heart belongs to my countrymen.
Addressing the woes of other countries is commendable, addressing our woes at home is critical.
I would never question anyones love of country but to me country is like family.In my house my family comes first.In my country,homeless,forgotten,broken battle veterans and sick,starving children should come first.
That being said,I hope no one misunderstands.I fully support all of our troops and as a veteran fully understand that they must obey orders.
God bless the U.S.A.
PappaSlagle
Posted by: PappaSlagle at January 24, 2005 05:39 PM
I agree with you on most of your points.
One American life to me is worth 10,000 Iraqi lives. I agree with you here, I truly do, but now we are there and if we were to just pack up and leave it would only get worse.
My point isn't always that we are there for the right reasons, but we are right for being there if that makes sense. We may or may not have been mislead going into Iraq, but now that we are there we have an obligation to see things through.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by: SlagleRock at January 24, 2005 09:29 PM