Don't be a fool and die for your country. Let the other sonofabitch die for his.
-- General George S. Patton
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February 26, 2005
I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane
Well all, that time has come. In a few short hours I'll be boarding a jet bound for the east coast. I have an overnight layover and then I'll be out for Germany on Sunday.
You know, after a few dozen trips away from the family you'd think you'd get used to it, but I can tell you it doesn't get any easier to have to leave your family again. Luckily, this time there is a chance they may get to come visit midway through my tour.
While I am in transit and getting settled there may be some slim postings. I'd like to extend an invite to Mamamontezz, Delftsman, Darth Monkeybone, Linda, Beth, Beth, 2D or any of the Loyal Citizens that would like to have something posted here on my behalf. If you are interested in helping me keep this thing afloat simply email your post to Mamamontezz and she will make sure it gets posted (assuming that it is appropriate Slaughterhouse material that is).
Thanks again to everyone who reads regularly. My next post will be coming to you live from Germany.
Take care and "talk" to you then.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 05:25 AM | Comments (8)
February 23, 2005
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired
Everyone knows the feeling demonstrated by the title of this post. I am down to the wire. I will be leaving this Saturday for a temporary duty assignment that could last as long as six months. To all of you who have wished me well and offered prayers I thank you. However, since this assignment is not classified I can tell you that I am going to a location in Germany, so hopefully the prayers will not be needed. It should be a good temporary duty.
Now back to the title. Last Saturday my Five-year-old daughter came down with the flu. Our weekend consisted of washing out the puke bucket, changing sheets, and washing/changing pajamas. Poor thing handled it very well but it definitely slowed the process of preparing to leave. So, Monday rolls around and she starts feeling better. About that same time I get the runs. I think maybe I caught her flu bug but (no pun intended) it manifested differently in me. I got the fever, aches and pains, and headache, but (again no pun intended) instead of vomiting I have the runs. To add insult to injury I have had the worst heartburn of my life these past three days. Now, not to be graphic but imagine every time you sat down to crap you also had to deal with the acid reflux that came with every push.
This morning we learned that the baby (6 mos. old) is now sick. He has projectile vomited 3 times so far today. So, now we are back to washing sheets and changing pajamas. All the while, we are trying to catch up on laundry, pack my bags and straighten up the house and mow the lawn. I don't want to leave anything undone, as I know my wife will have her hands full with two kids and a full time job. She also has to worry about yard inspections since we live in base housing.
So needless to say it appears that many things will be left unfinished. Luckily one of my neighbors offered to mow the lawn soon and what will be left undone in the house shouldn't be too hard to handle.
It is also a great relief to know that although they are more than ten hours away by car the in-laws are always willing to help if need be.
I am sorry for the slim posting but as you can see our circus has kept us very busy.
I'll post what and when I can and hopefully once I get into a routine in Germany I'll be able to post regularly again.
Thanks to all for the kind words.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 10:50 AM | Comments (5)
February 20, 2005
New Homeland Security Warning System
Here is something worth a laugh and yes it's satire:
Homeland Security Warning System
See S/N I am well aware of what humor is.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 06:46 PM | Comments (2)
There Is A Reason People Call Them Bad Ass Marines
I received this information from a MSgt in my unit, this is a story of heroism:
Marine 1stSgt Brad Kasal (in the middle). This photo is from the most recent major offensive in Fallujah. 1stSgt Kasal sacrificed his own safety to save a room full of fellow Marines. He ended up taking several AK rounds in the leg. Most of his lower leg was blown away but you can't tell it from this pic. He took rounds in the back which his armor saved him from. He took one round through his butt which passed through both cheeks leaving 4 holes in him. And he also took the brunt of a grenade blast.
He jumped on top of a younger Marine to cover him from the fire. He killed the terrorist who did most of the damage to him and his men, and despite a massive loss of blood he never stopped fighting. Notice that he's still holding his pistol.
He has been submitted for the Medal of Honor for his actions on that day. He already has several Purple Hearts for previous battles throughout his career and he has turned some down so that he could stay with his unit. (Kerry could learn from this example - my own thought)
While in the hospital he has met President Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and several other dignitaries. He said that Bush came in by himself and had a very long, sincere, and friendly visit with him.
1st Sgt Kasal is a true American Hero. He stayed with his men even when he could have simply accepted his purple hearts and went home.
It's not often that we here of someome being recommended for the Medal of Honor and are still alive, that too shows what a great deal of fight this brave man has in him.
I am sure his men, his commanders and his family are proud that he is one of their own.
I salute you 1st Sgt.
SlagleRock Out!
I first caught wind of this when it happened. I chose to sit on it until it appeared to be getting out. I wasn't sure how the 1st Sgt would feel about having his face plastered all over the net, but it is out there now. Here are some other sources that have information on this brave American HERO:
Blackfive, The Right Report, The Free Republic, Bigenwald Family, Eric at Vince Aut Morire
P.S.-- Why didn't we hear about this in the Main Stream Media!?!?!?!?!?
Posted by SlagleRock at 12:18 AM | Comments (3)
February 18, 2005
When Does A Person Overstep Free Speech And Dive Into Hate Speech...
**Update** Forsakethetroops is gone!!!! **Update**
Recently I was talking to some friends and they pointed me to this website:
http://www.forsakethetroops.info (Notice I did not and will not provide a link. If you are interested in seeing one of the single most vile things on the web you will have to cut and paste. This site is not for the easily upset).
Forsake The Troops is a horrible website centered around hate for our military and hate for its members.
These are just a few of the "Headlines" from the "Military Newsroom" at Forsake The Troops.info:
This is beyond disgusting! In Ohio, you can get out of a contract by being military! NEVER trust a soldier-- NEVER!
Military scumbag families get even more handouts on our dime! SICK!
A scumbag in Tennessee ditches his family-- he even had an out-- and the military approves!
Notice I didn't provide links? I feel bad enough providing the URL for this horrible site. However, if you go to the site and find these "Headlines" you will soon notice that these are all good stories.
One of the things this site owner seems to have a problem with is how "grossly overpaid" the military is. If you take the time to break down some of the specialties you will see just how inaccurate this statement is. Even without considering area of expertise this statement is just ludicrous. He points out that an E-1 makes almost $1300 per month. Lets start with that. $1,300 per month x 12 months = $15,600.00. Remember that is before taxes. If that E-1 is an unwed troop without any children he gets the accommodations of a prisoner. On average a single 10'x10' dorm room with a bathroom that is joined/shared with the next room. In many cases this dorm room is shared with one or more roommates. These rooms would be laughed off my most college kids. So now we have an 18 YO kid who shares a prison cell with another person and makes thousands below the poverty line. All the while he has to stay fit, stay trained and be ready to leave what little he owns and the comfort of American soil for some nasty location on the other side of the earth.
Now lets look at specialties. Take a Military Policeman for example. What police department starts its new officers at $15,600 per year? If they did they wouldn't have a police force. How about a Doctor? Say a 1st Lieutenant, they get 2,343.60 per month starting off. That's just over $28,000 per year! How many Dr.'s do you know of who work for under $30,000 per year? Here is another example a little closer to home. A firearms instructor here in the local area gets paid between $75 and $100 per person for firearms certification. He can have classes as large as 30 people. A full class/one day he makes $3,000. That is more than my base pay for an entire month after ten years of service.
Moving away from his primary argument I'd like to focus on the hatred. I don't know what would motivate an American to say these horrible things about the troops. To speak of America's heroes in this way is just as dirty as any other hate based organization such as the KKK, The Aryan Nation, Hammerskins, Black Panthers etc.
This site is nothing but pure hate and filth. And while I believe the site owner has every right to free speech I also think his host has every right to terminate his site. People like this always choose false names and hide behind anonymous email addresses. Talk is huge, but action is non-existent. I know you will never find the site owner for Forsakethetroops.info standing outside a military installation spewing this filth. It's easy for him to hide behind a web page and talk down about America's heroes.
I am a firm believer in free speech, but this is just Hate. At what point does hate speech become a hate crime? I am not sure what our military did to upset these people. Perhaps they were dishonorably discharged or not even accepted for service. Maybe the fact that we have a military that fights for his/her rights to spew this filth makes these people feel obligated to do so. I don’t know. I don’t know how men and woman who spend YEARS away from their families can be grossly overpaid. I don’t understand how heroes who sacrifice so much can be overpaid or “scumbags”. I don’t understand how people who are willing to give up everything to fight for those who can’t and see death and destruction around them can be “overpaid”.
If you've looked at Forsakethetroops.info and you are appalled by what you have seen, let the web host know.
You can contact the web host for this horrendous site with the information below:
Michael Vogel
Silent Mike Internet Services
130 Westmoreland Avenue
Suite #140
Syracuse, New York 13203
1-315-424-3785
Email: operations@silent-mike.info
Let him know what you think of the site he hosts. Let the site owner know how far off he really is.
If you bounce around the sphere you will see others that have commented on this horrible site. For example:
Eric who provided me most of the initial information.
Delftsman at Emigre offers his two cents.
Note I will add other links as I find them.
Just in case these people who comprise the organization called Forsake The Troops visit my humble blog, pay notice that I didn't call you scumbags as you did me.
SlagleRock Out!
Also noteworthy (if only in humor):
I am happy to say that in a Google Fight I kicked the shit out of Forsake The Troops, their piss poor 101 links compared to my nearly 40,000!
Posted by SlagleRock at 09:13 PM | Comments (27)
February 16, 2005
All Dried Up And Nothing To Bitch About
Well as I am sure you have noticed I really haven't had much to say recently short of the Democratic National Committee flag design contest. There really hasn't been much that has stuck out to me. Not to mention the fact that I have been extremely busy prepping for my upcoming deployment.
So, if anyone has anything they'd like my opinions on, or like to see me blog about feel free to drop a link or hint in my comments and I'll see what I can come up with.
Sorry it has slowed some, but prepping to leave your family for 6 months takes alot out of a person.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 09:11 PM | Comments (5)
February 14, 2005
And The Winner Is.....
Drum roll please.....
The winner of the DNC flag design contest is:
Beaker for his second submission seen here:
Beak, contact me if you are interested in collecting the prize. If not let me know that as well. - SlagleRock
Second place goes to the great Mamamontezz for this submission:
And third goes to Natalie with her very subtle editing of the current UN flag seen here:
Congratulations to all who entered, there really were some great entries. Many people commented either in the comments or to me directly via email that picking only three was very difficult.
In fact there was only two points between first and second place. Very close indeed.
**Note** Judging was done base on a points system. Three points were given for every first place vote, two for second, and one for third. Beaker had the most points at 25 hence first place, Mama 23 points a la second place and Natalie had 16 points to earn the third place position.
Notice some very obvious similarities in all of these. The UN symbol appears in many of these flags. Association with the French and the former USSR are a close second. If we can see/perceive all of these things about the Democratic party why can't they?
Thanks again to everyone who participated and/or voted. Thanks also to those who set a link/TB to the effort.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 12:27 PM | Comments (3)
February 12, 2005
Let The Judging Begin
Well, I let this thing run for a few days and have gotten a pretty good response and some pretty good flag submissions.
Below I have listed each flag and the name of its designer. Some people submitted more than one flag so I have listed them with the designers name and a number. To vote, scroll through the list and then name your top three picks in order 1-3 in the comments section. In a few days I'll tally them all up and announce the first, second and third place winner.
Please keep in mind that each of these is the idea of its designer. While I find most of them accurate and entertaining I in no way endorse the agenda of any other, that is to say, if you don't like a flag you can bitch about it in the comments, but direct your complaint to its designer and not me.
So, here they are in no particular order...
SlagleRock
Rich
Guy S.The Latin says: "The greater needs"(top) "Against the lesser (bottom)
Name your top three picks in order 1-3 in the comments section.
If by some chance I missed your flag let me know A.S.A.P. and I will add it for the judging.
Good luck to everyone.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:39 AM | Comments (27)
February 11, 2005
Last Day For DNC Flag Contest Entries
Today is the last day that I will be accepting entries for the DNC flag contest. So far about a dozen flags have been submitted. Tonight I will compile all of the flags in one single post for judging. Check back tomorrow or Sunday to let us know which design(s) you like best.
The first place winner will receive one of these.
Good luck to all entrants and if you haven't done so, hurry and get me a link or email me your submission.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2005
A Closer Look At Lt. Gen. Mattis
Thanks to The Crusader for this touching speech given by then Maj. Gen. Mattis just before entering Iraq at the start of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind. When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression. Chemical attacks, treachery, and the use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interest of our Nation. "You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith with your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles — who fought for life and never lost their nerve — carry out you mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world that there is 'No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy' than a U.S. Marine.J.N. Mattis Major General,
US Marines
Commanding
Does this sound like a madman, a murderer or a bad officer?
I think not.
Again, a big Hoo Ah to Lt. Gen. Mattis.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 08:13 AM | Comments (5)
Iraqi's Gift Comforts Family Of Marine Casualty
ROSEVILLE, Mich. (AP) — Rae Oldaugh says she cried upon being told her son, Marine Lance Cpl. Allan Klein had been killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq, and again when an Iraqi immigrant offered his banquet hall for a free funeral luncheon.
For the full story go here.
I feel for Mrs. Oldaugh and her loss. The loss of American lives is always tragic. The actions of Mr. Youil "Louie" Ishmail are a sign of the changing times.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 08:07 AM | Comments (3)
Perceived US Cowardice Fuels Terrorism
I found this on CNS News.
Perceived US Cowardice Fuels Terrorism, Former CIA Head Declares By Kathleen Rhodes CNSNews.com Correspondent February 09, 2005(CNSNews.com) - The increased frequency with which Middle Eastern terrorists target Americans and U.S. installations is due in part to the terrorists' continued perception that America acts cowardly when under attack, according to former Central Intelligence Agency director R. James Woolsey.
Woolsey, who addressed students and reporters at George Washington University Tuesday, said America's reaction to the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran and the deaths of 241 U.S. marines in 1983 are examples of why that perception endures.
With President Jimmy Carter trying to negotiate the hostages' release in 1979 and 1980, the reaction of the average American was to "tie yellow ribbons around trees," Woolsey said. A few years later, when Hezbollah terrorists blew up the U.S. marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, Americans "ran," he added.
Throughout the 1980s, as Americans like Leon Klinghoffer on the cruise ship Achille Lauro were killed and others were kidnapped in Lebanon, "what did the Americans do? They sent the lawyers," Woolsey said.
The George H. W. Bush administration in 1991, after ending combat in the first Persian Gulf War, encouraged [Iraqi] Kurds and Shia to rebel, then stopped and "watched the Kurds and Shia be massacred" by forces loyal to Saddam Hussein, who had been left in power, Woolsey said.
American cowardice was also perceived when the United States pulled out of Somalia in 1993 after American soldiers on a humanitarian mission were ambushed by terrorists in Mogadishu, according to Woolsey. The incident in Somalia, he said, helped solidify the view among terrorists, that "if bloodied, [the United States] will run."
Woolsey lumped America's current Middle Eastern enemies into three categories: "fascists," which he said include Saddam Hussein's Baath Party loyalists in Iraq; Shia "Islamists," which include the mullahs in Iran; and Sunni "Islamists," which include al Qaeda and the Wahabbi sect of Saudi Arabia.
The term "Islamist," Woolsey said, "Connotes a totalitarian movement masquerading as a religion."
Woolsey drew parallels to World War II, comparing the motives of Islamist terrorists to those of Nazi Germany and imperialist Japan.
"In a certain sense, they have come after us for the same reason that Hitler decided to declare war on us after Japan attacked us at Pearl Harbor. He knew ultimately he was going to lose unless he took us out," Woolsey explained. "And I think it's the underlying reason that these three totalitarian movements in the Middle East all feel that way about us -- pretty much the same reason that Hitler [did]."
For those of you who read regularly you have seen me mention Clinton’s great debacle in Somalia. I have said for years that not following through only provides further incentive for terrorists to attack. The perception that we won't act motivates countries like Korea to build nuclear weapons.
Hopefully now, the world is learning that we are following through and will will stomp a mud hole in anyone who threatens democracy and our freedom and walk it dry.
For the full story follow the link at the top of this entry.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:59 AM | Comments (1)
Kommunist Kalifornian Hangs U.S. Soldier (Symbolism)
Sacramento KaliforniaNestled in a quiet Sacramento neighborhood is a very loud political statement that is testing the very foundation of the right to free speech.
This isn't a "very loud" political statment. This is an unamerican dirt bag showing the rest of their quiet neighborhood one more reason to watch them more closely.
Hanging from a house in Land Park, a soldier's uniform in a noose dangles from a rooftop. The words "your tax dollars at work" are scrolled across the chest.In a community full of patriotism, this view of the war in Iraq has not gone unnoticed.
"I think it's the ultimate sign of disrespect. We have troops dying for us," Land Park resident Mark Cohen said.
"(I'm) annoyed and disgusted. I think if this is the way someone feels they can find a better way to vent their opinions," Land Park resident Pete Miles said.
The homeowners behind the controversy are Steve and Virginia Pearcy. They released a statement saying, "There will always be people who are offended by political speech, and the most important forum of all ... is one's own residence. The First Amendment is meaningless unless dissent is allowed."
What a pair of absolute assholes. These are the people who take their freedom for granted. They want to speak out simply to get their pathetic names mentioned on the 5 O'clock news.
You don't have to support the war, but you have to support the troops. It's not an option it is a must. These are the people who protect your right to do ignorant shit like the Assholes Pearcy's.
The tension in the neighborhood has escalated into more than just a political feud.The matter has been reported to the police department and to the city attorney. The city council has even heard about it, but says they can't solve the problem.
"Unfortunately or fortunately this is protected speech by the First Amendment ... so there is nothing we can do about it," Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong said.
KCRA 3 received a call late Wednesday morning from the homeowner saying that a group of people had torn down the display. He said that what he did was not illegal, but what was done by the people who removed the display was.
To whomever removed this atrocity, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for having the guts to stand up for the troops.
This really is quite silly. You mean to tell me a homeowners association can keep you from putting a basketball goal on your garage or a pool in your yard, but the city can't stop you from looking like white trash by hanging a U.S. Soldier in your front yard even if only in symbolism?
To all those people in California who had sense enough to elect a Republican Governor and who voted for GW even though you knew full well you were outnumbered by lunatics, I say thank you!
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:49 AM | Comments (13)
February 09, 2005
Accusations Of Racism And Retardation
Today I received a rather harsh comment to a post I wrote several months ago about Mexican soldiers interfering with the ceremonial burial of a Marine in Mexico.
In the post I was merely pointing out the lack of respect for a Mexican hero by his own people.
To read the post go here.
The first ridiculous comment:
i think that who ever wrote this website is retarted and racist and if your wondering why mexicans hate americans so much its because this land is more theris than the americans. the indians were here first and the americans came and took over.
To be fair to "Andy" as he identified himself I decided I'd be nice enough to correct his grammar:
I think that whoever wrote this website is retarded and racist. and If you're wondering why Mexicans hate Americans so much it's because this land is more theirs than the Americans. The Indians were here first and the Americans came and took over.
Now that the grammatical errors have been fixed we can see who is actually RETARDED for commenting the way they did. Yes, Andy retarded is spelled with a "d", not two "t's".
Second, I'll take issue with your racism remark. In general if you had taken the time to read some of my other posts you would soon see that I am far from racist. I blog on a myriad of subjects that include people of all races. For example I wrote about the tragic loss of African-American Ray Charles. I have written about numerous Arab people including Arab-American Wassef Ali Hassoun. I've written about good Iraqi's standing up for their own neighborhoods. These are just a few examples. For anyone to call me racist based on this blog is either a demonstration of his or her own ignorance or his or her illiteracy.
Also, if you were a truly sensitive and caring young man you would have referred to the natives of this great land as Native Americans not Indians. They have never likely been to India or descended from the people of India.
its because this land is more theirs than the Americans.As for us coming here and taking over, I had nothing to do with that. In fact, I am almost positive that no relative of mine had anything to do with it. Aside from that, those events are history. They happened hundreds of years ago. This land is our land. The United States of America belongs to all people of the United States including Native Americans, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Arabs, Asians, etc. This great land is home to any and all legal and legitimate people that call the US home.
Mr. "Andy", I am sorry I was so hard on the Mexican military in the post that you so unwisely chose to show your ignorance but our Honor Guard personnel were simply trying to give the young Mexican (Marine) hero the burial he deserved.
If anyone would like to contact "Andy" and let him know what they think of his accusations the email address that he left is:
contreras1464@yahoo.com
Like most who take cowardly stabs at other people’s sites it wouldn't surprise me if this email address were fake, after all he attempted to leave Google as his URL.
Shortly after "Andy" showed his ignorance "Eric" decided to chime in as well.
Eric said:
who ever wrote this crap website is retated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Okay "Eric" your turn. I am sure what you meant to write was:
Whoever wrote this crappy website is retarded.
Again, this person has made the same basic mistakes. What surprises me is I struck through the word retarded several times in the post they were commenting on and neither one of them was smart enough to realize it and spell the word correctly.
If anyone cares to contact "Eric" his email address (at least the one listed) was:
lola@yahoo.com
Eric also pointed out that his URL was Google.
Silly kids, thank you for trying to play with the intellectual big boys and girls.
Well "Andy" and "Eric" as you call yourselves please feel free to entertain us with your ignorance, we all need a laugh from time to time.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 02:50 PM | Comments (9)
DNC Flag Contest Incentive
Linda from Something... ...And Half of Something has offered to buy one of these bracelets for the winner of the DNC flag contest.
The Bracelet says, "I Sure Did". It is to show support for our great President by those of us who voted for him.
For information on the bracelets you can go here.
So, now you all have a little incentive to break out Paint, Photoshop (or whatever program you may use) or draw a flag and scan it in. Everyone has until Friday night to submit a flag. If by some freak chance my submission wins the contest the actual winners will be the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd runner ups.
I'd like to send a big thank you to Linda for volunteering the "prize" for the winner of my little contest.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2005
DNC Flag Contest Update
I received more flags for the DNC contest today.
Two are below and 4 can be found in the comments of the original post.
This is Mamamontezz's entry.
Thanks Mama, great flag.
Also, at the suggestion of a reader, Rich, says that to save money for party politics they could always use the flag of the now defunct U.S.S.R. "They stand for the same ideals."
Keep them coming and I'll compile all of them in one post on Friday for judging over the weekend. I'll anounce the winner(s) on Monday the 14th.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 10:59 AM | Comments (4)
February 07, 2005
Attention To Orders
A while back MBlog took a giant crap on its users. It just up and shut down everyone's site without warning.
One of those people was my Uncle Delftsman. His site Emigre With a Digital ClueBat was lost forever (or so he thought).
Through the graces of the wonderful people at Mu.Nu he got a second chance. And has rebuilt his great site, here.
Since the launch of his "new" site some of his "old" regular readers have found his new home but some others still have not.
If you are a reader of the Emigre and wondered where he has been, here he is.
If you are interested in humor he has that.
If you are serious about your politics he has that too.
Maybe you need a little eye candy?
Whatever your interest or aim you can find it all at Emigre With a Digital Cluebat.
For a heaping helping of unapologetic Americanism, from an Immigrant take a brief second and shoot on over, kick back and share some Cognac with the Delftsman, maybe you can discuss refinement of your cluebat beating technique.
Make sure you comment and let him know what you like and tell him SlagleRock sent ya!
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 10:01 PM | Comments (1)
New Flag Of The Democratic National Committee (Design Contest)
This is my entry, SlagleRock
I received an email from Ken who made his own interpretation of a flag for the Democratic National Committee. After seeing his idea I thought it would be neat to have a little contest to see what different people come up with.
So, how do you get in on this silly little contest? Design your own flag that best represents the DNC. Perhaps the Donks need yellow stripes down their backs, or Frenchman kissing their asses?
Make your own flag for the DNC, track back here and I'll post them all together to be judged by other bloggers and readers.
Here is Kens original submission:
I also received this one from Linda at Something and Half of Something
And here is another from Ken:
I'll continue updating as I receive the "flags" via email or TrackBack.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:52 AM | Comments (11)
February 06, 2005
What Do You Think About This?
**NOTE** I Believe this to be fake. Or at least not something coming from the AF.
All right everyone, opinion time. I know I have many military readers, and also many readers who are military brats.
How many of you know/remember what the Security Police badge looks like?
Here is a reminder:
In 1997 there was a major realignment of our careerfield and our title was changed once again. We went from Military Police (under the Army) to Air Police in the early years of the Air Force to Security Police and in October 1997 we became Security Forces. Throughout all of those years one constant was the badge. The changes that were made were subtle. Now, I am hearing that a new badge has been proposed and found a link that claims this is the new badge.
What do you think of this?
I don't know what to think. Part of me says leave it alone. Part of me says, maybe it will be more recognizable as a Law Enforcement badge.
If anyone has any legitimate information on this badge or it being a proposal, please leave me a link or let me know in the comments.
Thanks
SlagleRock Out!
For Comparison:
Posted by SlagleRock at 09:43 AM | Comments (11)
February 05, 2005
A New Low (Even For Terrorists)
Terrorists used a kidnapped Down Syndrome child to "suicide" bomb a polling booth in Baghdad. This wasn't a suicide bombing it was a murder bombing. First they kidnapped a child with special needs (to put it mildly) strapped a bomb to him and tried to make him walk into a polling station so they could detinate him.
From Iraq The Model:
Eye witnesses said (and I'm quoting one of my colleagues; a dentist who lives there) "the poor victim was so scared when ordered to walk to the searching point and began to walk back to the terrorists. In response the criminals pressed the button and blew up the poor victim almost half way between their position and the voting center's entrance".
This is just disgusting (understatement). So now they are resorting to forcing those who do not posess all of their mental faculties to do their dirty work for them. And look at the quote, "the poor victim was so scared when ordered to walk to the searching point and began to walk back to the terrorists." Even this person plagued by Downs had more sense than the terrorist.
Well, left, start the apologies for this one. How can you justify this one and defend the terrorist in your sick way?
H/T to Right Wing Rocker And Emigre With A Digital Cluebat
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 08:30 AM | Comments (2)
February 04, 2005
Enough Is Enough
I was looking at one of my favorite sites this morning when I found this, from this post.
The Iraqi police have investigated a case in the village of al-Mudhariya, which is just south of Baghdad. The villagers there say that before the election insurgents came and warned them that if they voted in last weekend's election, they would pay.Now the people of this mixed village of Sunni and Shia Muslims, they ignored the threat and they did turn out to vote.
We understand that last night the insurgents came back to punish the people of al-Mudhariya, but instead of metering out that punishment the villagers fought back and they killed five of the insurgents and wounded eight. They then burnt the insurgents' car. So the people of that village have certainly had enough of the insurgents....
It would appear that people are getting sick of the insurgency. I understand, though, that this is the first report of Iraqis confronting insurgents and actually fighting back in such a way.
But certainly many people here see the insurgency as the work of foreigners who want to turn their country into some sort of Islamic state, like Afghanistan under the Talbian.
And a couple of days ago we spoke to some voters in central Baghdad and every one of them basically said that they'd like the insurgents to stop their bombing and shooting attacks. Some even said they'd voted just to send a message to the insurgents that they would not be frightened any more.
Wow, that is not only awesome, but amazing!!! *Thumbs nose at MSM*
The Iraqi people got a big bite of the freedom burger and they like what they are tasting. Democracy will spread in the Middle East. The drive to be free ultimately toppled the Soviet Union and I know it will also topple many of the radical Islamic states.
That's several days in a row, with "I told you so" in the headlines. First the extremely successful Iraqi elections, and now stories of heroism from within.
*walking away, humming... we're not gonna take it! no! we ain't gonna take it! we're not gonna take it ANYMORE!* (Damn it Beth, you got this stuck in my head)
SlagleRock Out!
Delftsman shares his thoughts on this!
Posted by SlagleRock at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)
35,000 Visitors
This morning at apx. 0645 the Slaughterhouse was visited for the 35,000th time.
Thank you to everyone who keeps coming back!
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:19 AM | Comments (1)
It's Fun To Shoot Some People
Marine general: It's 'fun to shoot people'
Commandant gives counsel, acknowledges wrong word choice
A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San Diego, California.
Why should he have chosen his words more wisely? Everyone is thinking it, Lt. Gen. James Mattis, just had the balls to say it. Semper Fi, General! Have we already forgotten the 3,000 plus Americans that were butchered on September 11, 2001? What about Nick Berg and Paul Johnson and numerous other innocents brutally beheaded by terrorists.
That is a sad fact about our society. We are a nation full of fair weather patriots. Had General Mattis made this same remark on 9/12/01 he would have had the support of all the major main stream media outlets and the American people.
"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling."You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
Abso-Fuckin'-lutely! These animals treat their camels and their goats better than their wives and children. They want to destroy anything that resembles civilized society. Crush everything that is knowledge, advancement. Live in the stone age and force everyone around you to do the same thing.
Mattis' press office has not yet responded to a request to answer questions about his comments.However, the Marine commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, defended Mattis, calling him "one of this country's bravest and most experienced military leaders."
"While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments made by him, I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh realities of war," he said in a written statement. "Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor."
General Hagee didn't need to defend General Mattis, he is a three star general in the United States Marine Corps. He has risen to a position within our military that such a small fraction of our population could ever hope to achieve. He is responsible for thousands of American lives and billions of dollars worth of equipment. The man has seen the harsh reality of war and tells it like it is!
"Throughout our history, Marines have given their lives in the defense of this nation and human rights around the globe," Hagee's statement read. "When necessary, this commitment helps to provide us the fortitude to take the lives of those who oppress others or threaten this nation's security. This is not something we relish, yet we accept it as a reality in our profession of arms.""Lt. Gen. Mattis is a superb leader and one of the Corps' most courageous and experienced warriors," Hagee wrote. "I remain confident that he will continue to serve this nation with dedication and distinction."
Added Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "The last three times that that general has been in combat, when he was leading Marines in Afghanistan and the two times that he led his division in Iraq, his actions and those of his troops clearly show that he understands the value of proper leadership and the value of human life."
I can't imagine any sane person enjoying taking the life of another human being. But when you have seen your troops die for another nation and then seen people of that nation try to kill you for it, it changes a person.
Call his remarks flippant, inappropriate, and rude or politically incorrect. Call it what you want. I call it the harsh reality of war.
Semper Fidelis General Mattis.
SlagleRock Out!
**UPDATE**Since I am getting quite a bit of traffic from Fazed.org I thought I'd say hello to anyone who came from this page. However since it is obviously a liberal agenda page, I'll say this. I don't think the General enjoys killing people, nor do I think he meant to berate or belittle Muslims, I do however think that he has lived the harsh reality of war and until you have you are not fit to judge. Remember when you were a kid, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Find a real issue and give it half as much effort as the Libtards of the world put into trying to be politically correct and maybe just maybe we wouldn't need to defend real patriots or fight wars, maybe this would be a better place for everyone to live.
**UPDATE**The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil liberties group, called on the Pentagon to discipline Mattis for the remarks."We do not need generals who treat the grim business of war as a sporting event," said the council's executive director, Nihad Awad. "These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life."
Sporting event? Pardon my French but Fuck You Asshole! General Mattis was talking about scum like the Taliban and foreign insurgents. He wasn't talking in general or about all Muslims. He wasn't referring to law abiding, Allah fearing Muslims. Don't get your towel on too tight, your little pee brain might pop out of your ear.
Others covering this:
Spats at the Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
Posted by SlagleRock at 12:04 AM | Comments (30)
February 03, 2005
Shot Down
Marquette University says 'no' to Republican students' plan
CHICAGO (Reuters) -- A Catholic university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has blocked an attempt by Republican students to raise money for a group called "Adopt a Sniper" that raises money for U.S. sharp-shooters in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So it's wrong to support the troops?
The students were selling bracelets bearing the motto "1 Shot 1 Kill No Remorse I Decide".
While some may find the motto offensive it is the grim reality of the duties a sniper must perform.
"Clearly the rhetoric of that organization raised some questions and we had some strong objections as a Jesuit university," Marquette University school spokeswoman Brigid O'Brien said Thursday.
So what they are saying is that the Catholic community doesn't enjoy their freedoms? They don't agree with supporting the military?
The students, representing a group called College Republicans, originally got permission to set up a table at the student union to raise money for U.S. troops in Iraq.But they chose to promote a group called Adopt a Sniper, which says on its Web site it supports snipers deployed by the United States armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The group says it "helps real snipers get the real gear they need to help keep us safe."
OK, so let me get this straight, they were willing to let the College Republicans support the other half million or so that have been involved with the war on terror, but not the sniper? It is ok to kill, but not from a distance? Where is the logic? The sniper has one of the most dangerous duties in our armed forces. More often than not they are alone or if lucky maybe with one other scout/sniper. Not to put one organization ahead of another, but I have great respect for the sniper and theirs is a worthy cause.
The brainchild of a Texas police SWAT officer Adopt a Sniper (www.adoptasniper.org) has raised thousands of dollars in cash and gear to supplement the kit of sharp shooters in U.S. combat platoons.Among products sold on the site is a $15 coin with the imprinted phrase "Assistance From A Distance."
So screw Marquette University. Follow the link above and ADOPT A SNIPER
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 03:41 PM | Comments (2)
No Respect
Even in death comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield gets "no respect".
January 31, 2005 -- EVEN in death, Rodney Dangerfield gets no respect. The late comedy legend's longtime publicist, Kevin Sasaki, got a call from a booker at CNN last week asking him if "Rodney would be available to share his comments on the passing and legacy of Johnny Carson." Sasaki replied that unless CNN had a new way of linking up to the afterlife via satellite, that would be impossible. Dangerfield, of course, passed away last October. Ironically, his new DVD set, "Rodney Dangerfield — The Ultimate No Respect Collection," was posthumously released last month, and includes clips culled from his more than 70 appearances on "The Tonight Show."
That is just plain disgusting. CNN, allegedly a major (reliable) media outlet called and asked how Rodney felt about the legacy of Johnny Carson. What about the legacy of Rodney Dangerfield? Rodney passed on last October.
I mean no disrespect to Johnny in fact I posted on the loss of both Johnny Carson and Rodney Dangerfield.
Both of these men are truly legends. Both were great comedians. It sickens me to think that CNN would do something like this. How must this make the family and friends of Rodney Dangerfield feel?
One more reason why CNN is not my news source of choice.
Respect Rodney Respect.
**NOTE** This is the 500th Post here at the Slaughterhouse!!!
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 07:02 AM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2005
Great Appreciation
I can't say thank you enough!
Some of you may have noticed the changes here at the Slaughterhouse. Though some are subtle, others are more obvious.
Alignment, placement, order, etc.
Notice the banner is larger and better centered, the links take up less room and the area for each post is wider.
I can now enclose anything that I am quoting in a box to make it easier to identify.
The changes that aren't obvious are the great ones. From an administrative standpoint it is much easier for me to navigate my site, add links and rearrange information as needed.
I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Russ Emerson for the fantastic job he did re-working the template and stylesheet for the Slaughterhouse. This is clearly the best this site has ever looked. I am sure Mr. Emerson has forgotten more about Movable Type than I will ever know.
Thanks again Russ.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 09:20 PM | Comments (7)
A Dirt Nap Is Just What The Doctor Ordered
According to his defense attorney Sgt. Hasan Akbar , the douchebag who fragged two officers in his chain of command in Kuwait, has a sleep disorder.
AP NewsFORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) - Defense lawyers said Monday that an Army sergeant facing a court-martial on charges alleging he killed two officers in a grenade attack in Kuwait needs further treatment for a sleep disorder.
Sgt. Hasan Akbar fell asleep during pretrial hearings last year and a judge ordered treatment for his sleep apnea condition, but his lawyer, Maj. David Coombs, said Akbar still has problems staying awake. "It has been a consistent problem," he said.Coombs asked the judge, Col. Stephen Henley, to order a break after each witness and to allow coffee at the defense table once Akbar's trial begins in April.
Henley agreed to a recess at least every 90 minutes but denied the request for a break after each witness. He said he would consider allowing someone to sit next to Akbar during the trial to try to keep him awake. The defendant stayed awake during Monday's 45-minute hearing.
Henley also ordered that Akbar be given additional medical evaluation at Fort Knox, Ky., where he is being held while awaiting trial.
If the medical evaluation does not resolve Akbar's problems, extensive neurological studies may be needed, the defense said.
Akbar, 33, is a member of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., but his trial was moved to Fort Bragg, home of the division's higher command, the 18th Airborne Corps.
If convicted of two counts of premeditated murder and three counts of attempted premeditated murder, Akbar could get the death penalty. It is the first time since the Vietnam War that an Army soldier has been prosecuted for the murder or attempted murder of another soldier during wartime.
Akbar's lawyers have said they intend to present an insanity defense.
Akbar is accused of stealing the grenades and attacking fellow members of the 101st just days into the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. In addition to the two people killed, 14 soldiers were injured.
I know exactly what Sgt (it shames me to use this title) Akbar needs. A nice long, we'll say, permanent dirt nap. Asking for a break after each witness. The only break this guy deserves are his legs.
It's truly a shame that we have become such a touchy feely nation that this douchebag will probably get off with life in prison, when the time comes. One well placed round of 7.62mm and Sgt Akbar could get what he deserves. Save the tax payers hundreds of thousands of dollars over his wasted lifetime and drop him with one shot from a firing squad. Hell, .25 cents is generous, you could make change with the value of his life.
Any soldier that would frag his own people, is not fit to bear any rank or title, not fit to breath the same air as other great Americans. I hope justice is swift, although I know it will be far less than he deserves.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 09:03 AM | Comments (4)
February 01, 2005
'Martyrs' And Martyrs
Now, I'm not one for much religious review or putting things into a religious perspective, but this is a really good look at the bastardization of the word martyr.
From the WA Times.com:
Commentary: In Iraq, 'martyrs' and martyrsBy Uwe Siemon-Netto
UPI Religious Affairs EditorGurat, France, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The Greek term "martyr," meaning witness, has always had a noble ring until it was usurped by contemporary criminal maniacs killing themselves and thousands of innocent people.
Iraq's election Sunday has returned nobility to martyrdom - no thanks to suicide bombers themselves in their relentless war of terror against chiefly women and children, but because of those millions of voters who braved death to bring about a better life for themselves, their neighbors and children.
And martyrs - witnesses -- they were indeed, leaving their homes despite threats from terrorists that Iraq's streets would be awash in the voters' blood. Yes, it was an act of martyrdom to bring the kids along to the polling stations so that they will one day witness to their own children that they were there at this momentous event in their country's and the Middle East's history.
There is a religious and a profane martyrdom ("shahadat" in Arabic). The two are often intertwined not only in Islam, which does not separate secular from religious realities. Those who resisted Hitler did so out of love for their fellow man -- and for God.
Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew that he would probably die when he returned to Germany from the safety of a teaching position in the United States in 1939. But to resist Hitler was to him a sacred as well as a civic duty.
Of course you can be a martyr and not get killed; thankfully this proved to be by and large the case in Iraq. But these voters were fully prepared to die, putting in their place international cynics who belittled these elections as a sham.
And they did so less out of selfishness than the suicide bombers who murder indiscriminately in Baghdad, Israel or in New York, where they flew hijacked planes into the World Trade Center.
The Iraqi voters courted death for the sake of democracy not knowing if they would live to benefit from it in their lifetime; certainly the 94-year old woman who was rolled into a polling station on a wheelbarrow in Mosul could not entertain such expectations.
The murderous "martyrs" terrorizing Iraq and its neighbors and the rest of the world do so on the promise of fast-forwarding to Paradise filled with lovely virgins, although the world's Christians, Jews, seculars and presumably most Muslims would rather caution them not to be too optimistic in this regard.
The ambiguity of how this latter form of "martyrdom" will be received in the Hereafter is theologically one of the most fascinating aspects of present-day Islam.
While this faith sees martyrdom in the form of self-sacrifice as virtuous because it bears witness to God's existence and strengthens the community, it also resolutely denies human autonomy.
"One's life is a trust from God, which demands an ongoing relationship between the Creator and the caretaker," according to Islamic theologian Abdulaziz Sachedina of the University of Virginia.
"Suicide, as self-murder, is judged accordingly as an affront to God, the individual and the community."
Some of the murderers of Sept.11, 2001, exacerbated this aspect of evident godlessness when they bade farewell to the world by enjoying themselves one last time in houses of ill repute.
Far from being religiously devout in the traditional sense, Islamists have reinterpreted the classical ethical notion of martyrdom "in an attempt to appropriate different themes and sociopolitical patterns in postmodernity," writes sociologist of religion Babak Rahimi of the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.
In other words, this form of "martyrdom" has less to do with faith than with ideology.
As a consequence, the Islamists have given their religion a terrible name worldwide - the name of a faith whose "martyrs" randomly kill women and children, as opposed to Christianity, which views martyrdom as none other than radical discipleship -- the full imitation of Christ: "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you, too" (John 15:20).
Seen in this light, Iraq's election has a very powerful religious dimension: With their bravery and willingness to accept martyrdom, these voters have made a huge contribution to the restoration of Islam's image as a credible religion - an image so gravely tarnished by killers and thugs for far too long.
H/T to the Blog Mama for the link.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by SlagleRock at 08:44 AM | Comments (0)