Dear Reader,

 

I created this blog several months ago with the intent to express my anguish at the loss of American Ideals, nay, the antipathy towards Americana that I was observing throughout the world.  I hesitated at the time though, not wanting to be considered as part of the snarky comment providing background noise of the so-called "neo-con" movement.  I engaged some friends and acquaintances on Facebook in witty political repartee, but was left wanting.  My conservative friends were supportive, but my liberal friends were unable to overcome their stereotypes to engage in any real dialogue.  I've lain low and drifted with my thoughts for some time, but the headlines I read today finally brought me to the point to actually write something down. 

 

As a means of setting my own ground rules, I do not intend to engage in dialoge with trolls, or respond to ad-hominem attacks.  These are my thoughts, and I'm free to express them.  Also, I'm not a member of the GOP, I am a Constitutional Conservative, and so my point of view may differ significantly from my fellow Conservatives. So, on to my first observation.

 

Report from Troops in Afghanistan--The M4 sucks, at the worst time, SOCOM uses better rifles, retire this POS, please!

Request from Gen McChrystal--Double the troop numbers in Afghanistan, we've gotta hammer these suckers.

Response from the CINC--I'm thinking about it, maybe I'll ask the Taliban for help  BTW, I will end Don't Ask Don't Tell....

 

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):  WTF???

 

Analysis:

 

The M4 remake of the much maligned M16 is a pretty good little rifle.  Great for sniping woodchucks, and prairie dogs.  Under optimal conditions it will zip a M193 Ball 55gr Round out several hundred yards, pretty accurately.  The downside to the extremely well made weapon is that the tight tolerances achieved by supreme manufacturing practices require high levels of maintenance, not ideal for the sandy/grimy conditions present on the current battlefield.  Also, long duration contact with the enemy leads to overheating problems with any rifle.  I'm not sure that this has been fully addressed by innovative technology and engineering at this time.

 

Increasing troop levels is an interesting request.  Gen McChrystal is a career Soldier with 34 years experience.  I think I'll not question his judgment.

 

Teaming with the Taliban--umm, not sure what to make of this.  Al-Qaeda is the military arm of the Taliban.  The Taliban ran a pretty oppressive regime in Afghanistan.  I've got the impression that their ideals run slightly counter to Freedom and Justice for All.  So, Bad Idea.

 

Don't Ask Don't Tell--I have no idea how this improves our military readiness, increases our fighting effectiveness, or contributes to success in Afghanistan.  Members of the Armed Forces are a special breed.  Their primary mission is to kill people and blow stuff up.  They are warriors.  The idea that their demographics and practices should mirror those of American Society is preposterous.  Recalibrating the Military to openly accept and lovingly receive a group of folks whose primary focus is their sexual orientation is a distraction.  Identity groups in the military are a no-go, unless their identity is that of Service Member.  I say Don't Ask, Don't Tell is the right answer.