Big Dogs Weblog

History’s Lesson Of Evil

by Big Dog on Feb 27, 2005 at 18:38 Posted in Military, Political Leave a comment

I had to go to a local Wal Mart today and while I was there I saw a wall that had pictures of service members on it. These were people who had served in Iraq, were currently in Iraq, and some of people who served in earlier conflicts. I was very proud to see one of my former soldiers SGT John S on that wall. He is deployed with my old Medevac unit.

I also saw a picture of a Private, Jason W. He is currently serving in Iraq and he wrote under his name:

Evil men only succeed when good men do nothing to stop them.

I know this is not his quote, it is attributed to Edmund Burke, from long ago. However, it strikes me that the words that meant so much a lifetime ago still ring true today. The only reason that evil has been allowed to succeed in this world is because good men have sat back and allowed it to happen.

Hitler gained his strength because of appeasement from Chamberlain and the British who wanted a good working relationship with the Germans. Look at where that went. The bad guys in Japan, Italy, and Russia all became stronger because they were left alone. Not until Japan attacked us, did they experience what good and moral people can do against overwhelming odds.

Now we face a new kind of evil. This evil is known as terrorism. bin Laden, Hussein, and the rest of the despots in the world became stronger because they were left to their evil ways. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and their liberal supporters always took the path of appeasement. On rare occasions, Clinton would launch a missile in the direction of danger. This ineffectual approach emboldened the evil people in the world and they eventually reached out and touched us. We are engaged in a war against evil. The left, or the appeasement party, thinks the whole thing was a bad idea and we should have just left Hussein alone. History tells us that when we leave an evil despot alone, he eventually bites us in the behind.

We have seen what leaving Iran and North Korea alone has gotten us. The left would have you believe that it is Bush’s fault that these rogue nations have nuclear programs and probably nuclear weapons. The fact is, they were left to their own devices by the previous democratic administrations. Carter and Clinton both played the appeasement game with North Korea and now we have that threat to deal with.

Thank goodness we have soldiers like Jason W. who know, despite what the left and the MSM tell us, we are winning the war and we are the good guys taking on nothing but pure evil.

The last names and military units of these deployed soldiers were deliberately withheld to protect them and their families.

Tags: Political

The Shiavo Case Raises Tough Questions

by Surfside on Feb 26, 2005 at 13:53 Posted in Uncategorized 3 Comments

If put in Terri Shiavo’s place, is there a single one of you who would want to continue with the feeding tube? For 15 years she’s been like a 6-month-old baby. . . and will likely remain that way. I say take the feeding tube out.

Now, I believe in the sanctity of God-given life; but, medical advances have pushed the issue too far. Just because we “can,” does not mean we should. Most children are taught this early in life, that their ability to do something doesn’t necessarily make it right. While a feeding tube would be an appropriate way to extend life for those who can function or as a temporary measure, should it be used as an indefinitely to sustain a life where no hope exists?

Her family’s plight is tragic. The Schindlers want to believe that their daughter can improve. Sometimes miracles do occur. However, they are not young people and have been aged further by the legal battles over the past eight years. Someday, they will be unable to care for Terri. Someday, Terri will likely become a ward of the state; and, the burden will end up on the taxpayers.

No one really knows why Terri’s heart stopped beating 15 years ago yesterday — producing devastating brain damage. It could have resulted from a chemical imbalance due to her bulimia. Some speculate her husband had a hand in it as he was already having an affair with another woman. Police investigated and reached no conclusion. That’s all irrelevant now.

Unfortunately, Terri Shiavo cannot sustain her own life and will be unlikely to do so. With babies and the aged, their time in this state of incapacity and vulnerability is limited. She’s been this way for 15 years and could continue for another 15. . . or more.

Governor Jeb Bush, the State of Florida and its Department of Children and Families have put a good bit of time and resources into this issue. The media elevated it to “high-profile,” and the public has flocked to watch events unfold. For the second time, the Department of Children and Families intervened by launching an investigation to see if Terri has been mistreated. The first investigation revealed no mistreatment. The Schindlers requested the investigation partially to extend the deadline for the feeding tube removal. This same department has had an abysmal record tracking and caring for the foster children under its care. Where should this department’s resources really be focused?

We must ask ourselves the hard question: Would any one of us want our life artificially extended if the there was little hope we would ever be more, mentally and physically, than a baby?

Tags: General

A Tribute To A Hero

by Big Dog on Feb 26, 2005 at 00:02 Posted in Political 7 Comments

I was surfing around and came across a site entitled Soldier Tribute. The site is set up so that a tribute can be paid to a service member. This can be for entry into the service, promotion, and to honor a fallen hero. I decided to look at the tribute paid to a young Marine named Lance Corporal Harry Swain. Harry was killed on 31 January 2005 while serving this country. His Father posted a tribute. In the tribute Mr. Swain tells how Harry wrote a letter to a local paper in October of last year. The letter was in response to something that had to do with Bruce Springsteen and his views on the war. Young Harry, who was just a few weeks older than my son, showed wisdom, maturity, and true patriotism. I read his letter and it made me swell with pride to know that this young man is the rule rather than the exception. The left would have us believe that the people serving did not sign up for this war and they are all torturers who are abusing Iraqis. Here is the letter from this Great American:

Vineland Daily Journal 12-10-2002:
As a young Millville native currently serving as an active duty United States Marine Corps infantryman out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I can tell you for certain that the problem of Iraq is not going to go away unless we do something about it. Springsteen shouldn’t worry about “putting … American lives on the line” because when those of us in the armed forces joined the military, we were fully aware of the dangers that may one day be placed upon us. As such, many of us are willing, even eager, to put our lives on the line, not only for the defense of our country but for the defense of all people, everywhere. This is what we signed up for, and this is what we do, for to do any less would violate the very fabric of our Constitution, which we are sworn to protect. “All men are created equal” means all men and all women, not just the citizens of the United States.

Semper Fidelus PFC Harry R. Swain IV

Lance Corporal Harry Swain got it. He was a young man who could have decided to do a million other things with his life. He chose to serve his country. He chose the profession of arms and made a decision to join a brotherhood that will never forget who he was and what he meant to the Marines and our country.

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Swain family. I want to publicly thank them for their son’s service to our country. They can truly be proud of this fine young man whose good values are a direct reflection of his upbringing. No accolades can ever bring back their son but they should know that most Americans look at their son as a true hero because he was.

Lance Corporal Harry Swain this Old Soldier salutes you as you stand guard in the Kingdom of our Lord.

Semper Fi young man.

Tags: Political

A Little Humor For Friday

by Big Dog on Feb 25, 2005 at 18:35 Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I got this in an email and I thought it was pretty funny. I don’t know what is funnier, the story or how close it is to the truth.

In the year 2004, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, “Once again, the earth has become wicked and over- populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans.”

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, “You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights”.

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard … but no ark.

“Noah”, He roared, “I’m about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?”

“Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah. “But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I’ve been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I’ve violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There’s a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!

When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building crew.

Also, the trades unions say I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark.”

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean, You’re not going to destroy the world?”.

“No,” said the Lord. “The government beat me to it.”

Tags: General

Marine Faces NO Charges!

by Big Dog on Feb 25, 2005 at 15:57 Posted in Political Leave a comment

BBC News has published an article citing CBS News that the Marine who shot a wounded terrorist in Fallujah will not be charged. This from the BBC:

Military investigators have concluded there is not enough evidence to prosecute over the shooting, US television network CBS news says

This is good news for the Marine and for all memebers of the military serving in harm’s way. The decision will help protect our service members who must often make a split-second decision. Fortunately, our service members will not have to hesitate during a critical time, a hesitation that could cost them their lives.

When this event took place there was outrage among many that charges would even be considered. Blogs for Bush had an on-line petition and many people signed it to help the young warrior. I am not sure the petition had an effect but it certainly did not hurt.

Now maybe this young Marine can get back to duty and help protect this great country.

Take notice of the headline from CBS. The word unarmed gives the impression that the Marine knew it at the time. The bias continues.

Tags: Political