The US often hears echoes of worldwide hostility against the application of its foreign policy, but seldom are they reached by the voices of those who experience first hand how close we are to the USA. In spite of contextual political differences and conflicting interests that generate friction, we do share the same fundamental values - and when push comes to shove that is what really counts. Through the eyes of that French OMLT (Operational Mentoring Liaison Teams) infantryman you can see how strong the bond is on the ground.

Remember how difficult it was to convince the “get out now” crowd of the consequences?

Senator Clinton’s lead up to entering the presidential race was offensive to me so I submitted an LTTE to the USA TODAY. The LTTE was published yesterday in the print edition. It was edited due to space constraints and they changed the title to “Right Person Hasn’t Emerged”. Obviously, you will be able to tell the candidate I’m waiting for is General Wes. Here is the uncut version:

Why I Can’t Vote For Senator Clinton

Senator Clinton signed-on to the invasion and occupation of Iraq even though she had intelligence contrary to warrant the action and scholarly warnings predicting the outcome. Senator Clinton showed extremely poor judgment and disparaging political calculation voting for the Iraq War Resolution in 2002. Her Iraq policy since has been complacency with a few carefully crafted statements regarding the disastrous mess, until now. Senator Clinton has decided it is in her best interest to suddenly show some leadership. Her well-publicized trip to the War Zone and subsequent press conferences and media interviews was an obvious lead-up to announcing her exploratory committee for a Presidential run.

Since my last report in the spring, five more quilts have been completed. It's been 2 1/2 years since I first started making these for our wounded troops. Many, many times I've wished for the situation to change...that this would soon end. I'm still hopeful.

This coming election we have an opportunity to change the course of this country. There are already distractions, frustrations and questions about our methods or motives for accomplishing this necessary change. We must keep our focus on that which is truly important; our young men and women in uniform some of who receive these quilts and those who continue to be in harm's way. Their lives have changed forever in so many different ways. We can make things better for them.

When "the bug" and I decided to attend YearlyKos way back last February, we honestly had no idea it would become what it did.  The Democratic event of the year.  At that time it was an event being held on the West Coast....finally....and a great place to promote and discuss General Wes and WesPAC.  I've always felt those on the left of the spectrum were in need of our (Clarkies) attention and that we need them to come with us.  So.....that is what our mission was.  Of course, when Wes decided to attend it was without a doubt the cherry on top.  As we all know, once they are in his presence they are hooked.

Hi Everyone

How the time does fly!  I mailed another quilt for our wounded troops and realized it had been quite some time since a progress report.  Since the last report I've completed three more quilts in a new pattern to add variety.  They can be viewed here:

www.kodakgallery.com/marinerfan/main/4_star_quilts

Also, I made my nephew a quilt.  He'd asked me for one before deploying to Iraq, however, with my superstitious nature I had to wait until he returned home safe and sound.  His is a patchwork made of pieces left over from the quilts I have made thus far.

America’s Window Is Closing Too!
 

Something struck me today watching the interview with General Wes this morning.  The General was engaged, passionate, clear, concise, assuring and downright perfect on all subjects.  Yet, George Stephanopoulos was bewildered and looked as much as he paraded down his prepared list of questions: 1) Do you agree with Hillary on her port legislation? (wedge)  2) Should we get out of Iraq or stay? (wedge)  3) Will we bomb Iran? (wedge)   4) Are you running for President? (scoop).  He didn’t want facts or nuances and not much dialog or discussion.  General Wes was in command and George knew it after the first moments.  You would think as a Rhodes Scholar and a Senior Advisor to a President, George would be more interested than just getting sound bites or fodder for the next one-sided roundtable discussion.  But this is what the press, all of them in my opinion, think Americans want from their politics….just like their fast food, give it to us fast, hot, and greasy!