My letter to the Senators

I got the okay to send this (I wanted to double check and make sure that using my hubby's info in the letter was okay), and sent it to all the Senator's on Hugh's list.

It's under the cut-

Dear Senator,

Please indulge me a moment in giving you a little background on why I am writing to you today.

Before I met him, my husband was in the Army Reserves. He served for a number of years and was deployed during the First Gulf war. He got out in 1994, shortly before we met. In February of 2005 he went down to the local MEPS station and re-enlisted, this time as an Active Duty Soldier. His main reason for joining again at age 35 was because he truly believes in our mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the greater Global War on Terror. He completed the Warrior Transition Course and went on to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. He now proudly serves as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

On December 27, 2006 the 2nd BCT received their orders to deploy to Kuwait. His Battalion left on January 1, 2007. They arrived in Kuwait as the ‘Call Forward’ force and were almost immediately called forward into Iraq as part of the President’s 20,000+ new troops.

My husband and I are in absolute agreement over the necessity of this war and the absolute need for victory. Your support of a non-binding resolution criticizing the troop surge and saying that it is not in the national interest does nothing but hurt our troops in Iraq and elsewhere. It is propaganda of the worst sort and will certainly be used by our enemies to “prove” that the US doesn’t support our soldiers there and if they just kill off a few more of them we’ll turn tail and leave.

If you feel you must voice your disapproval of the war, then please do it in ways that won’t bring more danger and harm to my husband and the men and women with whom he serves.

I do ask you to reconsider your support of this resolution. If you sincerely feel that you cannot oppose it, then I ask you to abstain from voting in favor of it. Please don’t give the men that want my husband dead any more ammunition to make it to a reality.

Thank you,

Mrs. JK Drake
Fort Bragg, NC


At the time I wrote it, there was only the one resolution, the Biden one. But, I think it works for ANY resolution that will be giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

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Do it

Sign the Pledge,and mean it.

I've been out of the loop for most of the last week, between travelling and only having the MSM as my main news source. I cannot begin to tell you how pissed off I am that this nonsense is not only still going on, but seems to have grown!

I started reading here, and here, and it just boggled my mind how this stupid thing is getting bigger and bigger!

Then I can to the NEWEST reason I won't support John McCain...EVER! I let his campaign site know that not only will I NOT be supporting Mr. McCain, but that I WILL be actively involved in his defeat.

More reading for you.
And one from Wizbang.
The Pledge FAQ
THIS is the enemy they are already encouraging

Since the only thing these people seem to understand is money, we have to hit them where it hurts. Sign the pledge, and when they call and ask for money, send them packing. I'll be supporting ONLY those Congressmen who are on the side of Victory in Iraq. Period.

(Yeah, I'm a little hot under the collar, especially after the 'charming' exchange I had yesterday with my conspiracy believing liberal brother. Ugh.)

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Just an FYI

Light blogging for the next couple of weeks. I'm headed up to visit my folks tomorrow. Prayers for good weather between NC and IL would be GREATLY appreciated!

See y'all!

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Oh...my...

What can you say about this, really...



Too many jokes here, and at the same time, I hope no one got hurt.

Just....wow.....


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Broken Record

I know I've blogged a number of times about how the Democrats in Congress would love to cut the funding for our troops. While I was looking for the wording of the non-binding resolution Hugh Hewitt talks about here, I came across this from Joe Biden.

From his website's blog-

The resolutions also would help Democrats measure GOP support for more aggressive legislative tactics, such as cutting off funds for the war.

So now we see the REAL reason for this resolution. It's not just to embarrass the President or voice opposition to the war, it's to test the waters to see how committed the Republicans are to keep funding the war effort!

PLEASE, go to the Hewitt link above and write or call the Republican Senators in question (and ANY of the Democrat ones) and tell them to knock off the propaganda and quit playing with the lives of our servicemen!

I've got my letter finished, but I have to check and make sure that I'm not stepping over any lines with OpSec or other protocols before I send it. I'll be posting it here when I send it.


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Deployment and pets

I'll admit, I hadn't given any thought to this. I forget that not all single soldiers live in the barracks, especially National Guard or Reserve soldiers, and that there are couples where both are in the military.

Pets become war casualties

There is a shelter on Fort Bragg that takes in strays but is not taking pets that are surrendered, Shannon Lynch said. She is a spokeswoman for Womack Army Medical Center and Fort Bragg veterinary services.

There are private groups that help military families, Lynch said, and efforts are under way on post to set up a foster program to help deployed pet owners.

That means local shelters are trying to find homes for pets.

The Haven is getting between eight and 10 requests a day from military pet owners who are trying to find a home for their pets, Speer said.

Some owners are looking for temporary homes — families that will foster pets until the owners return. Others, Speer said, have no choice but to give up their pets for adoption.

“We’re desperate for people who are willing to do long-term fostering,” Speer said, “especially those who are willing to adopt older cats and medium to large dogs.”

How sad. The very last line though, nearly brought me to tears-

“We really have to solve this problem as a community,” she said. “It is unacceptable that the last thing a soldier does is put an animal to sleep before going to war.”

Indeed. If you are able and willing, would you please consider supporting our troops by fostering or adopting a military pet? Call your local military installation (don't forget about the National Guard!) and local no-kill shelters and see if there is anything you can do to help.


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Friday Frivolity Strikes Back!

This looks neat! Once my life settles down a bit, I'll have to give this a try!
Duct Tape Roses

And now for something completely different...

Well, no, not really. It's just a couple of quizzes!

You Passed High School with an B

You have the brains of a high school graduate... at least!

Could You Pass High School?

Heh...and I did graduate with a high B average, so I guess I haven't lost TOO much over the years! ;)

You scored as Storyteller. The Storyteller is in it for the plot: the sense of mystery and the fun of participating in a narrative that has the satisfying arc of a good book or movie. He enjoys interacting with well-defined NPCs, even preferring antagonists who have genuine motivations and personality to mere monsters. To the Storyteller, the greatest reward of the game is participating in a compelling story with interesting and unpredictable plot threads, in which his actions and those of his fellow characters determine the resolution. With apologies to Robin Laws. Storyteller 85% Character Player 80% Casual Gamer 80% Specialist 55% Tactician 50% Weekend Warrior 40% Power Gamer 5% What RPG Player (Not Character) Type Are You? created with QuizFarm.com

Not a surprise to me!

In 1964 (the year you were born)

Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US After riots break out, Panama suspends relations with he US Cassius Clay becomes heavyweight champion when Sonny Liston throws in the towel in the sixth round in Miami Near Anchorage, the strongest earthquake ever to strike North America kills 117 Worst soccer disaster in history occurs when rioting and panic kills over 300 in Liverpool Hundreds of white college students work for civil rights in the south during "Freedom Summer" South Africa sentences Nelson Mandela to life in prison Kemeny and Kurtz create BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), an easy to learn high level programming language Nicolas Cage, Jeff Bezos, Rob Lowe, Elle Macpherson, Courteney Cox Arquette, and Keanu Reeves are born St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series Cleveland Browns win the NFL championship Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles released in the US, sparking Beatlemania The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, breaking television ratings records The game show Jeopardy! debuts on television Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews, is the top grossing film

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Yeah, so...I'm old. Some days I feel it more than others!


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Huh, who knew?

Iranian UFO Sightings

Makes me shudder to think what it actually MIGHT be.

Criminy, we're doomed if our first contact with actual extraterrestrials comes from Iran! ;)

UPDATE- Marvin asked about the Chinese satellite-killer missile test. Here's a story about it- Questions deepen over satellite-killer test

This is getting more interesting and more worrisome!



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Corporal Jason Dunham

Received the Medal of Honor posthumously last week.
Watch the video. (realplayer)

This is one of countless of examples of the type of men and women who BELIEVE in what they are doing in Iraq and for the greater War on Terror. Jason did not die in vain. His sacrifice can only be minimized if we as a nation give up and go home before the job he gave his life for is finished.

I especilly liked this bit-

Deb Dunham calls the Marine Corps her son's second family and she means that literally. Deb describes her son's relationship to his men this way: "Jay was part guardian angel, part big brother, and all Marine." She remembers her son calling from the barracks, and then passing the phone to one of his Marines, saying, "I've got a guy here who just needs to talk to a mom." Now it's the Marines who comfort her. On special days, like Christmas or Mother's Day or her birthday, Deb has learned the day will not pass without one of Jason's fellow Marines calling to check on her.

While I pray to God that I will never be up on that stage recieving an award for my husband, I am proud of the fact that I know he is also the type of man who would give his all if that is what he has to do. I am proud also to be a part of the Military family who looks after each other. I will really miss that when I go back to civilian life.




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Friday Frivolity!

Funny and wrong and funny!

Finding Nemo: Impossible

It made me think of this picture, whch I always called, 'I found Nemo!'



Okay, since it sems to be funny pictures day, here's a few more to make you smile!

Darth Pope


I need one of these!


Making a Joyful Noise!


Cute and just soooo wrong!


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Another good read

I'm just finding all kinds of good stuff today. This one courtesy of Sparks from the Anvil-

Soldier's Thoughts

I especially liked this bit from a letter he wrote to his daughter in case he died in Iraq-

"In order to secure the American people, democracy had to be spread to the region because democratic governments are far less prone to going to war and they are far less prone to internal strife and violence. The process couldn't help but be messy, but it was necessary. Obviously, I don't know how this experiment works out, but you do. If Iraq is a democratic nation now, or if Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi, Kuwait, or one of the others has become democratic, then the war was worth it. However, if we pulled out because we lost too many soldiers and got out in an act of political expediency, then I did die in vain."

Pretty much sums it up for me, and I know that Aaryk would agree with him.

Now go read the whole thing.


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Troops

Wizbang is covering the proposed troop increases in Iraq and the Demorats typical response. ince my husband is one of thos troops that the dems want to pull the rug out from under, I take this kind of personally.

I'm going to be staying with my liberal Democrat parents during most of this year until Aaryk comes home. If the Dems succeed in cutting the funds for these additional troops we will be having some...interesting...conversations around the dinner table.

Sigh....now it's going to be an even LONGER year for me....




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iTunes

Okay, iTunes is just a litle wonky. I'm putting all of my CDs on my computer so that they can go into storage when I go stay with my folks in March. I've already got a bunch of them in iTunes, so it made sense to put everything there (especilly since I learned how to change the format back so I can use music from CDs I own on my non-iPod mp3 player!). As I was double checking to see if I'd previously ripped the soundtrack to Cars I noticed that some of the genre catagories are, well...odd.

For instance, The Little Mermaid is listed as Children's Music. Okay. Except for the Main Title, it's under Soundtracks.

The Gospel/Christian/Insperational genres seem to blend and overlap. Steven Curtis Chapman's Be Still and Know is Inspirational, Tom Booth and Rich Mullins are Gospel & Religious, and Casting Crowns Who Am I is Christian & Gospel. Then you have the Women of Faith and Matt Maher albums under Pop, and the oddest one of all is the Michael Card & John Michael Talbot album Bother to Brother being listed as.....Alternative & Punk?!?

Like I said, just wonky. I'm guessing that it's not actually iTunes asssigning the genre though and that it's just reading the info off of the CD. Still, you'd think that whoever was doing it would have a better grasp of what's on the CD!

I know, in the greater scheme of things it's really down on the list of imprtant thing, but it's just where I am at the moment!

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Wow, just...wow

My Friend, The Hero

Go read this from Texas Rainmaker. Really inspiring!

I'd except part of it for you, but I'd end up with the whole thing here!

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Friday Frivolity

A couple of quizzes, a new cute site and a game...go on, click the 'read more!'

Your results:
You are Supergirl

Supergirl 80% Superman 75% Spider-Man 60% Green Lantern 50% Wonder Woman 45% Robin 42% Batman 40% Iron Man 40% Catwoman 35% Hulk 30% The Flash 30%

Lean, muscular and feminine. Honest and a defender of the innocent.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common. You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life. However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

And on that note, go check out- The Daily Puppy!


And lastly, a game for you all! Escapa! My best is 11.938 seconds, how'd you do?

---Ok, I found one more quiz. Anyone surprised that I scored a 30?

----Alright, this is IT for this edition of FF, I promise!

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Barack Obama

I grew up in Illinois, and most of my family is still there. So when this so-to-be superstar showed up, I gave him a look. I'll admit that I was hopeful that he would be part of the 'new breed' of Democrats who actually did the things they said they would. I listened to several of his campaign speeches two years ago, and found myself liking this guy, even when I disagreed with him.

I read this story today, and found myself wondering what the big deal was. Ok, other than his political machine is pushing the info out NOW so as to make it 'old news' by the time the '08 campaigns start.

Good grief people. I have much less of a problem with some one who did stupid stuff in high school and college and learned from their actions than some of the guys we have in government now who CONTINUE to do stupid stuff (hiding $90,000 in you freezer comes to mind).

If we were all held to publicly account for all of our actions from the ages of 16-25, and only those who had perfect, blemish-free records could run for office, well, it would be mighty empty in Washington right now.

Past behavior is certainly an indicator of future actions, but to disqualify a senator, judge, president, or other public official for something they did as a youth AND QUIT DOING is just plain stupid.

If nothing else, it turns our attentions away from the people in office who are STILL doing wrong.

Heh...I wonder how many people on the Left would be willing to say the same about President Bush's past? Sorry, that's just the cynic in me peeking out.

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Ellicia Stanley, RIP

Remember back in November, I introduced you all to A Storm in Afghanistan, and told you to check out his blog about the struggles his family were going through?

Well, Ellicia is in pain, no more.

Please join me in keeping this family in our prayers as we start the new year.




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