General Clark, the Raconteur-- Close Up and Personal- PART 1
Submitted by ms in la on October 29, 2005 - 3:10pm.
The best moments in life tend to fall under the category of the Unexpected.
I arrived just a few minutes late (L.A. traffic!) to the WesPAC fundraiser last night where my husband was already busy finalizing last minute details of the sound system for the General's speech. Throngs of people waiting outside to register to get in, and cars lined both sides of the street as far as the eye could see.... "Good crowd. Good for WesPAC." I thought to myself. Near 200 people, we estimated.
My husband immediately told me there was a "private blogger meeting" going on with Wes in one of the back rooms at the house prior to the public event, and I should see about getting in on it... What? Private? With Wes? Suddenly I found myself being ushered into a small home office with Wes seated in the middle (green, red and yellow striped tie), Gert next to him (brown and white polka dot silk blouse) and about six bloggers encircling them (wearing various items of clothing!) , and someone asking if I wanted a seat...... At that point I would have been quite content to hang from the rafters or crawl beneath the desk and curl up on the carpet. "Uh, sure, a seat would be fine. Yeah...Oh-- Hi Wes! Hi Gert!"
I'm now convinced there is no way to feel anything but lame when you first approach General and Gert Clark, so why not just dive into utter lameness full speed ahead, no holds barred....
This little "audience" with Wes proved to be such an intimate and revelatory experience, I thought I'd blog it separately from the public forum to give you a glimpse of what we were priveleged to witness.
So this is Part 1. Wes--The Raconteur.
Because the room was a bit on the warm side....(or was it just me?) it kind of felt like we were kids at a campfire encircling the Great Storyteller -- eyes wide, listening in rapt attention. And he loves that role. The Raconteur. Loves to tell tales and embellish them with detail. What lucky grandkids! Wes started weaving in and out of one fascinating story to the next with such a pace - your brain jogs to keep up. You'd be listening to the account of his evening with George Soros the other night "George called up and wanted to talk about the Army....he's really worried about the Army and wanted my opinion on it, so I went over to see him--" And while I'm wrapped up imagining General Clark and George Soros chatting about our Armed Forces over leg o' lamb, suddenly -- we're on to a new topic and he's talking about his recent visit to Regents University to debate Newt Gingrich. A jolting image shift...That was a story!
On the theme of "fear" : to which Wes repeatedly returned.....people are operating out of so much fear today, some rational, but much irrational. He told us that he was astonished (!) to find large numbers of security forces employed for the University event. He recounted that many of the University's and Pat Robertson's donors are elderly "Good Christian folks" and well-meaning ...but for some reason they had beefed up all this security for the event and Wes was uncertain as to who was being protected from whom! He commented how today people seem to feel this excessive need to be protected from other people who "aren't like them" and what real or imaginary harm they may cause. Bringing up everything from home schooling to a funny anecdote about gay marriage and the percieved danger of people to gays in their neighborhood. To which Johnny Amato (Crooks & Liars) quipped something about gay neighbors improving the overall appearance of things in any case.
He told us about his makeup artist there who was wearing the star of David around her neck and when he asked her if she was going to convert she replied "Oh I am a Christian. We don't call it converting, we call it 'coming back home'". So Wes, ever curious, asked her how long she'd been a Christian and she said "Four years." Then he asked her how long she'd been working at the University and she said, "Four years". (Knowing laughter in the room.)
On the subject of his visit to Regents U. and debate with Newt -- he leaned back in his chair and with a broad smile he beamed , "I love going into the Lion's Den!"
That pretty much summarizes our General, in a nutshell....
The theme of fear resurfaced when Wes got on the subject of torture of prisoners, one that's obviously very close to his heart and most distressing to him. You could sense the personal sense of frustration and outrage on this topic and I think he really would like US - his supporters and bloggers- to try to help him on this one. He mentioned a man (I need to do more research on) that had worked with John McCain on the issue-- I think his name is Fishbeck?? (anyone?) From North Carolina. He specifically challenged us bloggers in the room to go dig up that story and not let it die. A few bloggers were familiar with it, but I need to research him and try to help resurrect the story as well.
He cited the Rodney King episode as an example of public response to 'torture' and beating, comparing the soldiers in our prisons (Abu Ghraib, GITMO) to the South Central LAPD as an illustration of how that kind of swagger and attitude might develop. I noted that the Rodney King response here was largely fueled by the potent imagery we were lambasted with 24/7 on television as they replayed the beating over and over (Back when we had a news media). In the case of prisoner torture, we have a few still photos that briefly surfaced and are now largely invisible to the public. All the words on any page can't convey the sense of tragedy a video or photo can. But he did mention several times that in our case, this prisoner abuse was systemic and came from the top down. He did not place the blame on the soldiers but rather on the orders from above and specifically on this administration and Rumsfeld's departure from Geneva Conventions. Terribly vexed by this, he was...
On the same he talked about a New York Times story of an officer who bragged to the reporter about having kidnapped the wife and children of a "suspected insurgent" in Iraq, knocking down doors...a SUSPECTED insurgent. The perverse machismo of the act troubled Wes as he told us the story in disbelief. It's obviously NOT the military he hails from.
Man of all Ages: Wes is so obviously a timeless man. One foot steeped in history and able to recount any past historical reference in detail, another immediately lodged in the moment as he looks you directly in your eye and debates with passion today's issues of concern. But there is also that instinct for the future that Wes has that I believe sets him apart from most in politics. He totally values and understands future growth issues. Instinctively. On blogs and bloggers.--He spoke to us about our need to keep the Media in check, to hold their feet to the fire and tell the stories the mainstream left behind. He also implored us to help him get his message(s) out regarding what the Democratic party stands for. His entire outlook on environment, economy, business is rooted in his grasp of the future. And how impacted it's been by the bush administration's destructive policies.
Wes is disheartened it seems by the LACK of public response and outrage to much of the political landscape today. From his travels and endless interactions with the public, he feels a general malaise than manifests itself in a disconnect from the policy makers. A type of impotency that seems to be growing ,wherein the people feel they can have NO impact and so they settle into it and recoil from involvement. You could see this too was a big source of frustration for Wes. General Clark loves involvement and activity-- he embodies it. To see apathy in the electorate seems to fire him up even more to try and cure it. In Part 2, I'll talk about his three platform ideas he'd like us to help him push for the Democratic Party -- Values, Faith, and Service or Patriotism. It's that service he assumes naturally but would love to see more people, more democrats actively engaged in.
On a day that some were praising President Bush for finally coming around to calling the insurgency "Radical Islamists"-- for naming our enemy for us yet one more time in the Global War on Terror or Struggle against Violent Extremists, etc.-- On that same day we have General Wesley Clark, former Supreme Commander of NATO, huddled in a small room in a house in Cheviot Hills California talking to half a dozen bloggers about Islam and how misunderstood it is in America. This was one of many moments that really impressed me. Again, against the grain. He talked about it being a religion of Peace and purity, mentioning the cleansing rituals ,the need for water to purify-- it was so clear that here was someone so enlightened by his own faith to have the sense to separate the faithful from the fear and propagandized spread of disinformation. You simply can't get this guy to bite into a soundbite and swallow it without deep, serious reflection and consideration. I love that in a man!
I could go on and on, as Wes could have! Thank goodness he has Gert as the official timekeeper. When the door popped open about a half hour later, and Michael announced "Uh General - there are a lot of people out here waiting to see you", Wes nodded and continued to wrap up the story he was telling us while Gert edged forward in her chair and started a series of gentle reminders....."We need to get out there now" ...Nudge, nudge. Otherwise, I think we would still all be sitting in that toasty room right now, listening to Wes tell stories around the campfire.
He does manage to say so much and I know everyone here always wants to hear it all!
And this was only the FIRST HALF of the night--
One thing I didn't mention that we both found amazing was that when Gert and Wes first walked in and saw my husband, without a moment's hesitation, Wes said, "Hey Keith -- how are ya?" And Gert as well! Out of the multitudes of names and faces they have to keep track of and meet on a regular basis.....they've met him TWICE before! And remember his name. I find that amazing.
So, ms, did Keith hit you over the head with "Wes and Gert remember my name" the way he did the hug? Speaking of which, what about the two hand hold?
--- a silly ole two hand hold isn't really important in the bigger scheme of things anyways, LJM.
You know, you get it once, afterwards it all blends in.... Not a big deal...
And yes, he did manage to mention it just a few times! He told me it was because he sang to Wes. Guess I should start rehearsing my vocals for next time....
and worries about them are basically just "kid stuff"...
I had serious private personal discourse on political world issues vis a vis the General. Much more significant...On the other hand--
Waaaahhhhhhhh!!! I didn't get a hand hold!!! Wahhhhhh!!!
I'm over it.
of your experience with the small group of bloggers and Wes' comments. Great detail and very interesting. Looking forward to part II. As for his experience with Newt Gingrich, was that at Liberty University (Jerry Falwell) in Lynchburg, VA, or the Clash of the Titans event at Regents University (Pat Robertson) in Norfolk? I hadn't heard he was going to Liberty too--sadly, we in Virginia have BOTH Falwell and Robertson...any wonder we're a red state (but working hard to overcome it!)
You're right it was Regents and I'm going to correct it , thanks.
I do tend to confuse our fundies -- one with the other!!
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/1217
Disclosed information to Human Rights Watch after receiving no response from Senators that he wrote to.
Blue State of Mind
We need to get on this story as it is a direct order from the General!
I need to eat!!
Be back later...
Beautiful! Wes and Gert are Beautiful! Grateful for this post, I am. Ever Grateful for the Clarks!
Muchas gracias, chica!
Is one word. They were so wonderful, always are. And such a COUPLE you know. So obviously connected to each other, after all these years.
BTW I met a really nice girl from Santa Fe there who moved to NM from here a year ago and loves it. She told me she just lives off the money she made on the sale of her home here and is working there with the Dem Party as a volunteer. Bought a house with a big yard and park behind it , views of the mountains for $100,000!!! I nearly fainted! Now I'm thinking of paying a visit and checking it out.
That's what the girl said last night-- she said to come stay with her anytime!
I love the South West.... If you could only get some real water in there-- it would be perfection!
...as I knew you would!
Wonderful detailed account. This will keep me going for a while...or at least until you post with Part 2. ;)
Now go eat forheavenssake!
George Bush has had his day and he's bollixed it up.
I feel like I'm right there in the circle when I read it. And, yes, we've got to continue the good fight. With the General to inspire us, how could we do otherwise?
Leadership means lifting people up. --Wes Clark
(a livid, vivid, steaming, boiling chartreuse) I went up and voted you and Wes a 10. I voted you a 10 because your account is immediate, detailed, and perceptive. I voted Wes a 10 for the content of his interests and feelings about our country (each thing you describe him musing out loud about is something that holds special resonance for me) and for the depth and breadth of his understanding and concern. Reminds me anew why I support him.
Every time I hear him speak, especially in person, it has the same effect on me.....Not the turning chartreuse part, the reminding anew part!
I've been waiting to hear about this from you. You are great at describing things so I feel like I'm there. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this account! It's great to read this personal reports. I was especially moved by your report of what he said about Islam. This is the kind of thing that reminds me again that I support General Clark not only because I like his politics but also because he is, simply, a good man.
Don't we owe it to ourselves to be all that we can be as a people of faith? To reach out and offer hope and opportunity to the least among us? - Wes Clark
This was very personal to me as well and so important a subject. People's faith in general (pun intended). I cringe with the compartmentalizing going on with Islam now---it's too easy. And General Clark never opts for the easy in any issue. He goes right to the heart of the matter to find the truth in it and then embraces that.
It all ties in with his commentary of the society being fear-driven now as well and that convenient 9/11 plug in. I was disappointed to hear Richard Clarke chiming in a bit lately with the right wing pundits over some of this. I know he's pushing his book, but not sure where he's coming from on some of his positions.
And yes-- he really IS a good man!
Faith and values are still the basis by which neocons and Bush supporters remain obsessively and blindly loyal to George Bush, even today. They're so focussed on selective issues that it defines moral position. Unfortunately, it disconnects them from the environmental, economic and broader social issues that negatively impact their lives. For example, they know that we're suffering with global warming, trade deficits, job loss, and record energy prices and are even strained financially; but to them, it's a "sacrifice" --- resolved through faith, prayer, and charity. I beleive that this is why Bush always seem stress that we should ..donate, ..donate, ...volunteer, sacrifice in times of disasters (ie. his failures); his appeals have been excessive, but it appeals to his "faithful" base and recuses himself from the failures of providing Federal aid. The faithful percieve "social issues" independent of "morality issues", which are often grounded their religious teachings/upbringing. So in one sense I see what Clark is saying, but Dems have a difficult task. They seriously need to start conveying the message that social issues, which Dems had always defended, are morally consistent with their convictions and values, faithfully exercised for the common good .
****************************************************************************
"Debate, Dialogue, Discussion, Disagreement - that's not wrong -that's not unpatriotic, that's one of the highest forms of patriotism and love of country, and we need to say it!" - Gen. Wesley Clark (US Ret.)
He told us in the blogger cave that Democrats see Morals as meaning Values and Republicans see Morals as meaning specifically sexual. He generated a good laugh with that, but only because it's so true. That's when he moved onto gay marriage.
In part two I'll cover more what he said at the speech that deals with this. One thing he did that I had not heard before and that I noticed resonated incredibly with the crowd-- He went on about the TRAGEDY that America has become, rattling off the list of items one by one....the use of the word TRAGIC and TRAGEDY a bold choice but it so got people attuned to him. I saw heads nodding all across the lawn on this note. Not only because (1) It's true, but (2) NOBODY else has the nerve to categorize it quite this strongly in this manner. Many people don't want to hide their heads in the sand any longer-- they need to hear someone like Wes telling them the truth for a change, painful or n ot.
of this event is a perfect example of how you describe General Clark - ms raconteur! I can't believe this is only part I!!
It's sad to me to imagine how the "tragedy" of having the bush crime family in power effects General Clark's sensibilities. To think someone who has spent his life in service to country now finds that very country in the hands of men who obviously care nothing about our country and put themselves and their interests above all else - well it's just heartbreaking. And for him to see how many people have "checked out" - concluding that "we the people" have no voice, no chance to change things... sigh... It makes it that much more important for us to keep on keepin' on, writing, recruiting, helping wake people up!!
It always blows my mind when I read someone talking about "lack of character" or his inability to "move" people. I always assume those people have never met this man, or read his words - have never seen him in person or looked into his eyes because it is so exactly oppposite of what we know and of who he is.
Small example of what a caring, thoughtful couple the Clarks are - that he immediately recognized Keith, remembered his name, singled him out... Can you even imagine how many people they meet every single day for years and years and years and yet... (and I'm guessing here - just a guess, that walking into that back room a bit late, after everyone was seated and the conversation had begun, you perhaps missed out on a replay of that cherished double hand hold? I mean, I thought you might mention it if it happened and all...)
Anyways, Ms. Raconteur (new word for me! ;) ) thank you for this thoughtful, detailed, beautiful story! Looking forward to the rest and the photos and audio!! YOU ROCK HARD MS & KEITH!!!
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right. - Hunter/Garcia
Surely you don't think some silly trivial little "hand hold" is something I would remember or even see fit to blog about!
I had much more important issues on my mind.
But a hand hold? Pfffttt.... Who really cares about such things???? Besides, that would be personal, not something I would discuss on the blog, right?
You actually buy the "I'm very busy" and can't recall talking to reporters about outing CIA operatives. They will need juries with people from busy busy backgrounds. The thing about Rove, he seems to remember that Novak is they guy he likes to leak to. Wonder if he recalls what he leaked during Poppy's campaign that got him fired. He probably wasn't as busy back then.
what I was thinking!! I know where your priorities are! ,-)
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right. - Hunter/Garcia
What a great account of a special event for you and the other bloggers. If only the General and Gert had a chance to talk to all 270 million US residents directly, what a difference it could make... but that's why he has all of us - to help get the message out, as you have done so eloquently here.
You're welcome-- It was a double hitter as Wes charmed the crowd with his message and they will certainly all spread it far and wide, I also had a chance to pass out dozens of whoscounting.net cards to attendees and spread word about election reform befoe 2006.
You know what they say...
Two horses in the bush can't teach an old dog new tricks or lead him to water. Or something.
Nelsons comment - "If only the General and Gert had a chance to talk to all 270 million US residents directly, what a difference it could make" - gave me an idea...why not let people experience a "fireside chat" with General Clark. Suppose a video of the General discussing his "values, faith, service/patriotism" ideas were made and released to his CCN bloggers in mpeg-1 format. Said video could be made into VCDs (more below) by participating bloggers and passed out person to person, person to group, mailed, etc. Anyone with the ability to burn CDs could duplicate and extend the distribution. I am suggesting VCDs because they are burned on ordinary CD blanks, thus being cheaper than DVD blanks. A bit more on VCDs from videohelp.com: VCD stands for 'Video Compact Disc' and basically it is a CD that contains moving pictures and sound. If you're familiar with regular audio/music CDs, then you will know what a VCD looks like. A VCD has the capacity to hold up to 74/80 minutes on 650MB/700MB CDs respectively of full-motion video along with quality stereo sound. VCDs use a compression standard called MPEG to store the video and audio. A VCD can be played on almost all standalone DVD Players and of course on all computers with a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive with the help of a software based decoder / player. It is also possible to use menus and chapters, similiar to DVDs, on a VCD and also simple photo album/slide shows with background audio. The quality of a very good VCD is about the same as a VHS tape based movie but VCD is usually a bit more blurry. If you want better quality checkout SVCD,CVD or DVD. A VCD can be played on - Standalone VCD Players(very common in ASiA), check here for a compatibility list. - Almost all standalone DVD Players, check here for compability list - Playstations with VCD-addon (Playstation 2 does NOT support VCDs, read our DVD Players list for more info) - Sega Saturn with VCD-addon - Dreamcast with VCD-addon - And of course on all computers with a CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs with a software VCD/MPG Player. Questions: Could this be arranged with WesPac? Would this violate any laws? Would there too much chance of abuse? Good idea, or bad? Should I just head back to the basement and continue to work on the plumbing?
Loved reading this story. Although it might be mentioned in Part 2, I understand that Wes Jr was also there? Wondering if Wes Jr ever pursued the rumored screenplay based on the 2004 campaign. Also, if he did, which role would you most like to play in it? (the loving Gert, the conniving Judy Woodruff, the determined blogger, or ???)
Yes Wes Jr. was there, he came a little later and chatted with my husband a little about films and such. I think he has some options on his work now, but nothing green lit for production as I understand it.
I kept trying to get the picture of Gert and Wes Jr - but, everytime-- some eager neck craner would move their head directly in front of my lens as the flash went off. Thus, I have about six blurry photos of someone's hairdo from behind...
More later.
what can I say? You certainly had a momentous experience last night. Thanks for being kind enough to come here and share it with the community. We are truly blessed to have you as one of us! ♥
Sister!!
Next I'm going to sift thru all the pix to find the best to post, maybe on this link... not sure, then I get to listen to the recording of the speech to cull the best parts to blog and figure out how to maybe post parts of it as well. It was long but rousing!
Today I worked for a local Dem Legistrator, a Clarkie running for re-election on Long Island. I had to hand out candy to the kids for local Halloween event.The kids are fun and easy.When my kids were 6 and 7 it took 30mins to put them in a the car and packed. Today it takes 2 days if not more. They are 21 and 22. what a difference.
Dear General: I need help.................................. to move them is one hell of a sales job.No wonder everyone loves you on this Blog, You can move an ARMY and Air Force.
Long Island is For Clark
I'm jealous, in awe of your writing, want to scratch your eyes out, etc etc etc ... nothing personal of course
Did some hunting around for Ian Fishback material and this seems one of the best articles I could find on Andrew Sullivan's blog. Graphic, scary stuff. No wonder General Clark is outraged.
You'd be taking them to the Better Business Bureau if you bought a washing machine the way we went into the war in Iraq. Wes Clark, CNN Aug 17 2003
Don't think you have anything to be jealous of from here, Miss Storyteller Supreme!
Thanks for the link, Sullivan is such an odd duck, never know where he might be coming from.
I'm not sure what we should do with this story just yet, but we have to do something. Guess you're not too close to Ft. Bragg to visit and do an interview-- Next time you're passing through N. Carolina maybe?
Dear MS...your storytelling abilities shine through once more...what a joy it is to listen.
It has come to the attention of we WesPACers that we have been blessed with a number of storytellers extrodinair, beginning, of course, with our General who holds us rapt with his every utterance.
As we find it impossible to tuck ourselves into his briefcase 
<<all of us< in order to be present each time he utters, we nominate ms in la 
<<ms< as our representative dreamweaver/tale barer, and request that she be provided with a seat near the general (or even a corner under a desk) whenever he holds forth on any subject pertaining to America, Americans, Duty, Honor, Country, and service to same.
We would also petition for our own Arky Sue to share space with the afore mentioned ms in la 
<<ms & Arky< in order to add exceptional visuals to the excellent story relating abilities of ms in la.
Think "posterity"!
hehehe...waddayathink?
This is not a joke!! This is good common sense. Great suggestion Ohio!
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right. - Hunter/Garcia
this side of the pacific? Or do I have to fight noel? 
You'd be taking them to the Better Business Bureau if you bought a washing machine the way we went into the war in Iraq. Wes Clark, CNN Aug 17 2003
I was busy doing Webshots and missed this Ohio!! LOVE the briefcase image! LOL!! That looks a little bit like the dining room at NCCM... Chicken or Fish?
Now wouldn't that be a "hoot"? Arky and I on the road trip! Funny, I was just at the Tut exhibit here in L.A. and one piece of Egyptian art I've always loved is the Scribe... I would love to be the Scribe for Wes!! Tough gig,eh?
And Arky is like the heiroglyph artist....Kinda. But with better equipment.
Ahhh, that sounds like the life Ohio, thanks for the nomination!!
Can I quit my real jobs now?
I'm sure this has prolly been posted elsewhere on CCN (I'm on a hit and run visit right now and haven't had a chance to look around) but this is the link to hekebolos' DKos post about the bloggers meeting with General Clark. It could do with some voting up -- not only is it good for the General, but it also links ms in la's Who's Counting site.
Give it some love. I just wrote a long post which disappeared when I tried to preview it. Grrrr. (yes, I know I should work in notepad, but I'm stoopid) Have to move on to other things right now but I'm sure others could be more successful than me.
You'd be taking them to the Better Business Bureau if you bought a washing machine the way we went into the war in Iraq. Wes Clark, CNN Aug 17 2003
I'm doubly jealous! Of both your writing and encounter with the Clarks. I'm already so inspired by him I have no idea what an actual meeting would do but your story gives me a good idea, Good stuff.
leaves one slightly stunned and definitely amazed that so much love of country could possibly be packaged in one not too tall, slender human being.
I hope the day comes when you get to meet him Teacher. I never dreamed I would have the chance and then, because of this wonderful Clark community I was given the privilege, not just once, but twice. The experience was amazing.
Nobody leaves a meeting with the General and Gert unimpressed!
As soon as you get the opportunity - don't miss it.
And welcome to our blog, don't think we've "met"?
No...I'm new here. I haven't posted my first entry yet just kind of poking around to get an idea of the community.
I just read that you are new here, in Recent Comments, and I wanted to pop over to say "Welcome!" I hope you like what you've seen thus far. If you have any questions just give a shout. Someone will certainly respond, to the best of their ability.
Glad to have you aboard!
Welcome to the Clark Community. We're delighted that you're here.
Actually there are several Clark communities which overlap and intersect. Over time you'll find the one most comfortable for you.
We're looking forward to your comments. We're here for the long haul, so settle in and enjoy!
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.
If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?
MS --
What a wonderful account!! I could never remember all those details.
Clark is DA MAN Clark2008
Thanks for letting us "share" your time with Wes and Gert. We have to do all we can to get him on the ticket in 2008!
but I would have been too busy listening what Wes and Gert had to say!! I still can't remember 1/4th of the speech Wes did in Birmingham -- all I can say that is was just FAB!! Same with the NCCM!! Met so many wonderful people -- and talked about so many things!! I am so looking forward to NCCM II!!
Clark is DA MAN Clark2008
Life’s unexpected moments happen unexpectedly for a reason beyond your great ability to weave your joy mongering with such clarity, although that is a given. Can you imagine for one moment trying to dress, sleep, or eat in advance of this special campfire chat had you known? I am so glad you received this “gift” without the agonizing expectation.
As for your dear readers, well, I tip my glass to you sistah! The Lion’s Den indeed. I remember when he once referred to it as ‘rasslin with them, and we all know that the take downs are so politely mastered.
Tragic. Yes, I’m glad he used that word, for that is my thought as well. The General “gets it” and by voicing that word, assures me that I’m not crazy; just paying close attention. What he does not say, but I will, is that it only adds to the tragedy for me to know that we are putting up with this ever evolving mess, while the Man to fix it can only watch along with the rest of us. If we are frustrated, how much more frustrated must he be? No tip of my glass to what passes for politics in America.
Thank you from Maine where it is “wicked” cold tonight, and your fire-side chat warms the heart. With your other readers, I await the next installment with a smile.
People wearing ornaments and fancy clothes, carrying weapons, drinking a lot and eating a lot...:shameless thieves.
--just thinking of how cold "wicked" cold is in Maine (and having grown up in Michigan.. and knowing)
I just posted pix on the GD if you want to see the Lion in top form!
You're right, and I hadn't thought about that -- but, what if I had known about the soiree prive- OMG, I would never have slept, have driven myself mad thinking of what to say or ask!! Funny isn't it?
Wes really does seem to feel exceedingly frustrated now, and we know he does hear when there is a "calling" out there...(wink, wink) If you know what I mean....
...and the MilkyWay is flashing signals that time is running out for fixing the car's heater. oooooh!
Anyway, I found a piece about West Point written by Halberstam in a book called American Greats. While it doesn't mention Wes Clark, it did provide an insight into him, that I found valuable, and somehow touches on his sense of frustration:
Over the years, I have come to know a number of distinguished generals who went here...and I was always moved by the combination of strength, honor, and humanity in all of them..For West Point has always seemed to me to be unusually close to Main Street in middle America; it is a place without glitz that without consciously trying to do so reflects the norm, the center, and the diversity of America. Again and again it turns out good people of significant personal modesty and a powerful sense of obligation (292).
I admit that I do not have the experience nor the necessary "tools in my toolbox" to aspire to the Oval Office. For me, my duty lies in writing letters and bothering people. But Wes Clark does have the right stuff, and it is simply wrong that he is forced to watch this tragedy unfolding. Nevertheless, the Point has instilled him with modesty, and there's the rub. Grrrrrrr!
People wearing ornaments and fancy clothes, carrying weapons, drinking a lot and eating a lot...:shameless thieves.--Lao Tzu
of Wes!
Humanity, strength and honor. i was just over at Phoebe's blog saying this Ian Fishback West Pointer sounds like a budding young Wes as well. Just listening to his conscience (what an old fashioned concept!-- how 20th century)
Doing the right thing, and unswerving in the face of all the obstacles thrown up at him. They raise 'em good there!
Get really warm gloves and socks.
Thanks so much for posting and in such detail too! I'm so jealous and you're so lucky!!! Thanks for sharing with us.
"The mark of leadership is not to standup when everybody is standing, but rather to actually stand up when no one else is standing" - Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power, introducing Gen Clark
Every time I get an extended glimps into the heart and mind of the man we are supporting, and the mission he is on, it is crystal clear and more compelling than sex, that we have to keep at all of our efforts, only more so. Thank you for taking such care in detailing all of this for us.
Freeze-- Tom Rinaldo! Hands away from the Keyboard...
Citation #1097884
Violation- "more compelling than sex"-<---- Mention of the S word on the blog when not referring to something evil or wrongdoing
This is only a warning, but after two more repeat violations you will be sentenced to hard labor at any one of several Democratic Congressional Campaigns with backbreaking work, long hours, no money and no appreciation for your efforts. Tread carefully!
(Oh--and thanks for the compliment! sorry- we Blog Police get carried away with our authority from time to time)
Thanks so much for posting this! I really wanted to come down for this. Instead, I got to spend the week with the flu from hell. Waaahh!
Glad you had a great time, and hope you're coming to DC next month.
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
I won't be coming to DC -- will be homebound November... But you will have a great time with Icantbelieve and everyone! Enjoy! And Echinacea/ Goldenseal/ Chicken soup/ bedrest/ sleep.
over the possiblity of torture becoming a 'standard of care' in our military (with all the negative consequeces that would bring), I posted something I worked on last year on the subject. It got swamped at the time by the justifiable election fervor, but I would really like to see the report on torture we did get more circulation, so, if possible, go see the column I wrote about it along with a link to the report and rate it up so it will stick around a while.
Torture and Patriotic Vigilance
Thanks Sharon K. A really valuable post that everybody here needs to read.
This is exactly what Wes wanted us to do, to rally to the cause and hopefully we can collectively bring this issue into the light.
Even a plethora of new stories, letters to editors, blogs etc about Fishback's tribulations-- I mean, it is one very dramatic and compelling story to write about, after all.
Last night I had it on my I Pod (that I just got for my birthday!) and listened and transcribed the whole speech, and half the Q and A. Some of the Q's were SOOOOO long!!
Hope I can write Part 2 quickly so I can have some Sunday time to just enjoy the day. We have sunshine today!!!
Thanks for the offer though.
That's one of the finest accounts I've ever seen. Your keen observation melded with your excellent writing skills blew me away.
I can appreciate how you felt, MS in LA, having had a very similar experience here in Denver less than two weeks ago. (You can read my account of that event here.)
Thanks again. I'm sorry you won't be in D.C. on the 15th.
For those who will be in D.C., I'll see ya' in a couple of weeks.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.
If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?
Stan, and loved it!! I actually thought about it when I found myself in that little room suddenly with no warning!
He's even more impressive close up than watching from offstage.
I cannot fathom from whence all his energy comes. I know the special kind of sapping of energy that comes from meeting and mingling in large crowds of people where each one wants some small part of you to share....It is deceptively draining on anyone. Yet he just glides through it so graciously and never appears to really tap out.
I hope to do Part 2 today, but need to edit down the speech.
Glad you enjoyed it!
of energy that comes from meeting and mingling in large crowds of people where each one wants some small part of you to share..."
I've had only a small taste of that. And from what I know, you're absolutely right.
I'm surprised that Wes's body isn't shaped like an airline seat as well.
I know a little better vicariously since I used to be the driver and traveling aide for a charismatic U.S. Senate candidate. It was my job to bust him away from those who wanted a bigger piece of him than was fair.
I don't know about you, MS, but my candidate drew energy from the people who wanted to talk to him. I suspect that Wes does the same thing.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.
If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?
Seems like Wes is not the only story teller around.
I haven't been around much. Working hard on online lessons for Ministry of Education and the latest of Eric Massa's fabulous blogging expeditions-this time I think we really got him "blogged down" doing three at a time!
So with all the work and time pressure it is such a joy to read your treatise.
Bless, Noel
to make us feel like we were there--with our favorite hero and heroine. Thanks, Ms.!
The General gets it right. Competence--What a concept!
It has occurred to me that not only should we cross-post things to other blogs, but also we should cross reference blogs on the same or similar topics within Wes's space for the ease of those interested in the issue but not on-line when they appeared. So, see these other blogs here on the same or similar issues.
Captain Ian Fishback-what he reported
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/2160
Torture and Patriotic Vigilance
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/2165
Captain Fishback does the Right Thing
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/2157
Personal Report: LA WesPac Fundraiser
you tell a pretty good story yourself.