As everyone knows, today is Thanksgiving. I’m out of town spending time with family on this cold, blustery day. In the spirit of the holiday, I would like to run down a few of the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for my family. My beautiful wife married me just about 6 years ago and for that, I am thankful. With our marriage, I worked to become Dad to two beautiful, wonderful children. I am thankful for my Mother and Father who gave me life and tried to do their best in raising me. It was very hard work dealing with me sometimes, but they did the best they could. I am thankful for the rest of my family as well, regardless of our differences.

I am thankful that I am still in relatively good health. In my years on this earth, I have never had a broken bone, nor been hospitalized overnight for any illness or injury. I keep testing fate with some of my lifestyle choices, but as I said, I am in pretty good health.

I am thankful that I have a good job that provides enough to meet our basic needs as well as a few of our wants. I’ve been working at the same place for 6 years and for that I am thankful.

I am thankful that with some hard work and long hours across two jobs, my wife and I were able to purchase our first house this past spring. It’s not a mansion by any means, but it’s in a great neighborhood with good neighbors. We finally have a place we can call home and for that I am thankful.

I am thankful that I have much love in my life for without that, a soul is empty. I firmly believe that loving and being loved contributes immensely toward good health and happiness.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to put voice to my thoughts and opinions without fear of retribution from the government (although with the Patriot Act and some of its provisions, that privilege dwindles). I know that many people across the country do not have that luxury and for that I am thankful.

I am also thankful for all of you that faithfully read this site. I have been fortunate to have not been the focus of coordinated “troll” attacks on me or my site. So on this day, I thank you, even those of you who disagree with me.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. According to your religion, be sure to give thanks to your God(s) who provides for us all.

So tell me, what are you thankful for?

Just sent an email to Col. Danny Bubp, the Ohio State Representative whose derogatory comments toward Rep. Jack Murtha were repeated on the US House of Representatives floor by Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-02). Text follows:

Rep. Bubp,

Sir, as a fellow Marine, I thought we were brothers. I thought that brothers looked after one another. Unfortunately, with your recent comments toward Rep. Jack Murtha, himself one of “our” brothers, it appears that you have forgotten the Marine Corps Motto Semper Fidelis. If you are still intent on being a US Marine, it would behoove you to go back through your Marine Corps history lessons and again learn the meaning of the phrase. Semper Fidelis means being Always Faithful to God, Country, and Corps. Your comments relayed by Rep. Schmidt seem to have betrayed that faith. If this is how you feel about your brothers, I urge you to resign you commission in the Marine Corps Reserve and go join the Army Reserve. They don’t rely on that brotherhood as we do. They do not have the same personal integrity as Marines do. But one thing you can count on, sir, is that they have no problem with cutting down one of their own like you have recently done with Col. Murtha. Have an excellent day, sir, and hopefully you reconsider your remarks toward Col. Murtha.

Sincerely,
LCpl Bulldog* (’92-’96)

*Last name omitted for privacy purposes.

**I know that there are those of you who read this who are/were in the Army/Army Reserves. The above was not meant to be a slam against your service, rather a testament to how most Marines view themselves compared to the other services; a little inter-service rivalry if you will. Everybody knows we’re cocky bastards who think Army stands for Aint Ready to be Marines Yet. So for those of you who have taken offense to the above, I apologize.
***Can’t believe I made the faux pas of signing that as LCpl. I made it to Cpl. before I got out. What was I thinking…

I have been meaning to post about this since I first heard about the ridiculous boycot that has been proposed by the Pro-Life Action League and the American Family Association. Unfortunately, it has taken DBK over at Blanton’s and Ashton’s to refresh my memory about this.

The boycot is in response to finding out that American Girl donates to an organization called Girls, Inc. that is supposedly a pro-abortion, pro-lesbian organization according to the American Family Association. I guess with that kind of logic you could call the Catholic Church, or any church for that matter, a sexist, pro-killing, hate group. Now we all know that’s not true, but religion through the years has advocated for “women knowing their place”, the death penalty (don’t forget the Crusades!), as well as hating those who don’t subscribe to the same beliefs as their members (You’re Gay? Go straight to Hell, do not pass go!).

Girls, Inc. has roots dating back to 1864 when, during the Industrial Revolution in New England, young women flocked from rural communities to the cities and suburbs to find jobs. Since the women of that time were viewed as second-class citizens, they needed a place where they could go to just be girls. This included not only the young women working the textile mills, but also the young daughters of these mill families. Girls, Inc. originated as the Girls Clubs of America and up until 1990 was its own organization. With the merger of the Boys Clubs of America and the Girls Clubs of America, Girls, Inc. rose from that merger with the same goals it had when founded. In fact, Girls, Inc. has created their own bill of rights for girls. The Girls Bill of Rights states:

• Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes.
• Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.
• Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.
• Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.
• Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.
• Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

Now, none of the above makes this an “evil” organization. By all means, the above bill of rights is a good thing as Martha Stewart would say. However, here’s where the protesting and boycotting starts when you read Girls, Inc.’s positions on Sexuality and Reproductive Freedom:

Sexuality

Girls Incorporated encourages all girls to develop positive sexual identities and to function comfortably as responsible sexual beings. We recognize that the family is the primary source of information about sex and we help girls and young women communicate with their families about sexuality.

To make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood, girls need and have a right to sensitive, truthful sexuality education; convenient access to safe, effective methods of contraception and protection from disease; and referral to comprehensive information, counseling, clinical and other services that support their responsible decisions. We recognize that any sizable group of girls includes those who face issues related to their sexual orientation or that of a family member and who face discrimination based on this sexual orientation. Girls have a right to positive, supportive environments and linkages to community resources for dealing with issues of sexual orientation.

Reproductive Freedom

Girls Incorporated affirms that girls and young women should make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood.

We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman’s freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade.

It’s this that has the above organizations all in a tizzy. What strikes home for me about this issue is that my daughter has several American Girl Dolls. If the protesting and boycot were about how much we, as parents, PAY for them($85 per doll), I could get behind them 100%. But their positions on these two “sensitive” subjects is but a drop in the bucket when compared with all of the good this organization does. Needless to say, I will most definitely purchase more American Girl products, not just because it will piss off these two organizations, but rather because my daughter still likes them and they contribute to a worthwhile organization.

If you’d like to learn more about Girls, Inc. Please click HERE

Help support American Girl buy purchasing some of their fine (yet expensive) dolls or accessories HERE

Finally, a big thanks to DBK and the rest of the crew of Blanton’s and Ashton’s. Check them out!

Dear Ms. Schmidt,

Listen up, Jean, you seem to be developing quite a history of attacking us Marines. First, it was Paul Hackett who just about cleaned your clock in Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District special election. You questioned his service, and now are questioning the motives of Rep. Jack Murtha and his call for immediate withdrawal of our troops in Iraq. You are nothing but a stinking Republican shill. Keep insulting Marines and you could very well find yourself voted out of office next round of elections. You are the coward. You have never served so you would be well-advised to shut your pie-hole. Both Paul Hackett and Jack Murtha served this country honorably. Do you have a degree in Military history? How about Military Tactics? Do you know anything about the military or the Marine Corps in particular? No? Then shut the hell up. You have no business calling better men than yourself cowards.

With no respect,
Bulldog

Well, it looks like the Republicans are claiming victory over the house vote for the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. And what a victory it was too. But for who? The House vote was NOT, I repeat NOT, the resolution that Congressman Murtha brought to the floor. The version voted on, with a final tally of 403-3, was actually brought to the floor by Rep. Duncan Hunter of California. Here’s what was actually being voted on:

It is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately.

Notice how this doesn’t look anything at all like Murtha’s proposed resolution:

My plan calls:

To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over- the- horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq

Doesn’t even look close to what Rep. Hunter proposed. What it all boils down to is that the Republicans stage a stunt so they could generate a new talking point. Democrats say they want to cut-and-run, but when presented with a vote, they vote against it. See how they’re all really just flip-floppers like John Kerry? The fact is that the stunt Hunter and his colleagues pulled in the House on Friday is just that: a stunt. If you read Murtha’s entire statement (here) you’ll see that he is not endorsing a cut-and-run policy as the Republicans have smeared him. He is advocating a smart, well thought out plan to remove our troops from harm’s way and begin to try and stabilize the region. It is well-known that the intensity of the insurgency right now is directly linked to our presence in the region. Even US Commanders on the ground have said as much:

The U.S. generals running the war in Iraq presented a new assessment of the military situation in public comments and sworn testimony this week: The 149,000 U.S. troops in Iraq are increasingly part of the problem.

During a trip to Washington, the generals said the presence of U.S. forces was fueling the insurgency, fostering an undesirable dependency on American troops among the nascent Iraqi military, and energizing terrorists across the Middle East.

For all these reasons, they said, a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops is imperative.

[snip]

During his congressional testimony, Army Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, also said that troop reductions were required to “take away one of the elements that fuels the insurgency, that of the coalition forces as an occupying force.”

from the Seattle Times - 10/1/05

As the title of this post states, the straw men (wiki) that Republicans are setting up need to be torched. Democrats need to stand united in their support of Rep. Jack Murtha, a fine Marine in his own right, and in their fight against the Republican smear machine when it comes to Iraq.

A bugler stands in a cold, lonely field and plays taps for the fallen heroes buried here. Americans of every ethnic background lay side-by-side beneath the cold, hard ground. Each grave has been decorated with a US Flag. A tiny memento placed in tribute of the good and faithful service these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines completed by the giving of their lives. As you walk the grounds of this National Cemetery you see grave markers engraved with the name of the American conflict the person buried lost their life to. Many tears have been shed over the years here by family, friends, and brothers-in-arms.

Yesterday was the day that we, as a country, were to pay tribute to those young men and women who have paid the ultimate price while serving their country. Originally called Armistice Day for the Nov. 11th, 1918 signing of the armistice pact that ended World War I. The armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918. Since World War II, here in the United States, we refer to this day as Veteran’s Day in memory of all the men and women who have ever served in the military.

On a personal note, I’d like to pay my own tribute.

To my maternal grandfather for his courage and bravery in WWII. The crack of every rifle shot in the 21-gun salute at your funeral will echo through my mind forever. Thank you, Grandpa, for your service.

To my Uncle Floyd for your service to our country in the US Army. For reasons I can’t remember, you never did go to Vietnam. I don’t know you well, but I thank you for your service.

To my older brother Tracy. You, as well as I served in relatively peaceful times. I still remember Panama and the fear for you I felt not knowing whether you were going or not. Thank you for your service. Your service was one of the reasons I joined up myself.

Finally, to my oldest brother Jay. Twenty years you have spent defending Wisconsin and this country. I still remember carrying around in my wallet the Army National Guard picture with you in your dress greens. You inspired me to do something with my life, even if it was through half-hearted threats to kick my ass if I didn’t graduate high school. You were a big reason I joined the Marines. I wanted you to be proud of me. I remember being scared when your unit went on alert for the Gulf War, and when your unit narrowly avoided going into the hell of that war. I remember your tales of Germany and of Ft. McCoy and the hell you and your platoon raised on a regular basis. I also remember the anger I felt when you were activated to go to Iraq. Your first activation, thankfully was here in CONUS and for that I am grateful. Your second activation and the subsequent stop-loss order that prevented your retirement finally sent you into harm’s way. It was that which inspired me to start Unpopular Opinions, and has now become The Bulldog Says… I am thankful that your final tour is almost up and hopefully, you’ll be home for Christmas. Thank you, Jay, for your service. I will always look up to you.

So with that, I want to thank each and every veteran for their service. I also offer my condolences to those who have lost a loved one in ANY war.

A long, long time ago, 230 years as a matter of fact, something happened that has changed the course of history on occasions too numerous to list. The United States Marine Corps came into existence one chilly day in November. Most people like to cite the particulars about the Continental Congress and how it decided to “raise up a Corps of Marines” and other such stuff. It is well-known that the birthplace of the Marine Corps was Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA, but I’ve got my own idea of how this whole thing started that goes like this:

Once upon a time, about the first part of November, 1775, this grand political body made a declaration that it was to form a Corps of Marines. I wasn’t around way back then, but some of my long-dead brothers were. You see, the humble beginnings of the good ole USMC may not have been so humble. Our birthplace was in a bar. That right there has to tell you loads about our propensity to get happy with the liquor, especially after 230 years. In my minds eye, I can almost picture the sight: a cold wind blowing around a dusting of snow, several huddled masses gathered around the huge hearth inside Tun Tavern. The ale was flowing and many men were imbibing as if the world would end come nightfall. The hours pass and the sun sinks lower in the sky. Like many young men unsatisfied with the thought of “just drinking” they began a ritual Marines the world over have partaken of: competitive drinking games. These games probably consisted of nothing more than who can out-drink whom. As Marines are wont to do, some started fighting. Too much drink brings out that side of some swaggering young men especially when engaged in competition. It wasn’t too much later that someone says something to the effect of “Let’s start a gang!”. There was much grandstanding by some of the other men in the bar that day as they hashed out who was to be the leader of this “gang” and so on. Over time (years upon years), this so-called gang developed their own symbols, their own style of dress and of course, weapons. Anybody will tell you that a gang without their weapons, be they large fists, or knives, guns and rifles is nothing but a gathering of people. This year, 230 years have passed since that fateful day way when. Today, we are the world’s most organized gang complete with an entire arsenal for engaging in anything from small skirmishes to entire wars. Of course, we count on our other brothers-in-arms from the other, lesser services as well. As on that day in November 1775, Marines are still likely to drink heavily, use foul language, fight, and generally wreak havoc wherever they go. I think that’s what has made us such a force to be reckoned with. The tall tales told by old, salty gunnys seem to get larger when relayed by the lowliest lance-corporal, yet, they always contain a grain of truth. We DO swagger, we DO drink heavily, and we DO swear profusely. But when it comes to having your ass in a jam, the Marines, better than the other services, get out of them virtually unscathed. The Corps’ core principles of Honor, Courage, and Commitment are still reflected today from the sands of Iraq to the lonely Veteran’s Home room adorned with memories of good and faithful service and everywhere in between. Marines share a bond that none of the other services can boast: We are truly a brotherhood bent on taking care of each other. Our motto “Semper Fidelis” translates to “Always Faithful”, and always faithful we are to God, Country, Corps. Happy Birthday Devil Dogs! May your days be long upon the earth, the bodies of your enemies be scattered about the globe, and may beautiful women continue to swoon at your feet (unless you’re a Woman Marine, of course. For you, may rich, good-looking men swoon at YOUR feet!).

Well, I missed it. Actually, I missed both. November 10th was the Marine Corps Birthday. I knew it. Had plans to post something sickeningly patriotic about my beloved Corps. Forgot. Got tied up doing other things. Hell, I think I only had 1 beer, too. Everybody knows that’s no way for a Marine to celebrate his birthday. Shame on me. I also missed Veterans Day, too. Same reasons apply. This is a pretty crappy thing to do considering the state of the military these days. So, let it be known that I WILL be posting something about them both; probably today. For those of you expecting me to write something grandiose, you’re holding your breath. But I will do my best to bestow the honor that our nation’s veterans have earned.

Please accept my apology.

According to the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, it is said that global warming is directly linked to the number of pirates there are in the world today. With the recent headline news about pirates attempting to hijack a cruise ship off the coast of Somalia, I think it is safe to say, global warming may soon be receding.

(If you’re not familiar with the Flying Spaghetti Monster, click here)

I have been touched by His Noodly Appendage… hehehehehe

In learning of The Washington Post’s Article concerning CIA secret prisons in both Europe and the Middle East, I had to ask myself and others: What other reason would our government have for creating these secret prisons than to sidestep the law?

What other reason besides using them to inflict cruel and unusual punishment upon Al-Qaeda “suspects” to try and extract “useful” information? Anyone who has ever been in the military or even law enforcement should know that you can never gain reliable information by use of force.

Ladies and gentlemen, do you see a problem with this? We have laws in place governing the humane treatment of suspects, prisoners, detainees, etc. here in the United States. It should go without saying that these same practices we rely on ourselves here at home should be used abroad and with the same regard to human rights. I’m not sure who originally coined the phrase “Culture of Corruption” when describing the Bush Administration and the current Republican party, but whoever it was hit the nail on the head.

So let me pose a question to those of you who voted for Bush in 2000, and again in 2004: Is this what you wanted in a President? Poll after poll says it is not. Recent polls have also shown interest in bringing Articles of Impeachment against Bush and others within his administration. So, what other reason do we need to vote the bastards out in 2006?