Thursday, November 29, 2012

BREAKING NEWS: Sgt Danny Nightingale sentence suspended

Sgt Danny Nightingale WILL be home for Christmas.  I last wrote about Sgt Nightingale here: http://assolutatranquillita.blogspot.ca/2012/11/sgt-danny-nightingale-sas-hero-sent-to.html


Today comes an example of common sense - finally!

From the BBC:


SAS man Danny Nightingale has gun sentence suspended

Sgt Danny Nightingale  
The pistol was given to Nightingale as a present, his supporters say
 
An SAS soldier detained for 18 months for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition has won his freedom at the Court of Appeal.

Sgt Danny Nightingale, 37, from Crewe, admitted possessing the 9mm Glock pistol and 338 rounds of ammunition at a court martial earlier this month.

Judges at the Court of Appeal reduced Nightingale's sentence to 12 months.

However, they suspended the sentence and said he could be released immediately.

The weapons and ammunition were recovered by police from Nightingale's Army accommodation near Hereford. 

Nightingale's wife Sally, 38, cried when the verdict was delivered and when asked if she was "thrilled" she nodded....

Much more here.  

WELCOME HOME, Sgt, and Merry Christmas to the Nightingale family......

UPDATED (2) : Sgt Danny Nightingale: SAS Hero sent to jail as criminal

UPDATE 2:  SAS man Danny Nightingale challenges gun conviction



Stay tuned...

Those of us who watch and support our Military (on both sides of the Atlantic) are very familiar with the governments of our country throwing our Troops into jail under absurd circumstances.  We have seen, all too often, our Troops charged and convicted after they have laid their lives on the line for us, despite serving under Rules of Engagement which empower our enemies. .

Sgt Danny Nightingale of Britain is the latest, and what is happening to him is a travesty.   

From The Telegraph:

SAS war hero jailed after 'betrayal'

An SAS soldier has been jailed for possessing a “war trophy” pistol presented to him by the Iraqi Army for outstanding service.

Betrayal of an SAS war hero
Sgt Danny Nightingale with his wife Sally on their wedding day and, right, on duty Photo: WARREN SMITH
Sgt Danny Nightingale, a special forces sniper who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sentenced to 18 months in military detention by a court martial last week. 

His sentence was described last night as the “betrayal of a war hero”, made worse because it was handed down in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday. 

Sgt Nightingale had planned to fight the charge of illegally possessing the 9mm Glock. 

But his lawyer said he pleaded guilty after being warned that he could otherwise face a five-year sentence.

The soldier had hoped for leniency given the circumstances. At the court martial, even the prosecution described him as a serviceman of exemplary character, who had served his country for 17 years, 11 in the special forces. 


The court was told that he returned to Britain in a hurry after two friends were killed in Iraq, leaving his equipment — including the pistol — to be packed up by colleagues.

For more of the background details - and links for more on the story - on what his wife Sally calls (and I agree) "a disgrace" go here.


There is a petition to demand the release of Sgt Nightingale from jail, and return him to his family.  

It states:

It is a betrayal of an exemplary member of HM armed forces. The circumstances of this case (war trophy overlooked in the haste of battle preparation) in no way warrant a custodial sentence.

Please go sign it and stand with him in the face of this betrayal.  



Update:  There are FaceBook pages springing up to show support of this SAS Hero.  THIS seems to be the one with the most uptodate information, and a place to see what is being done. 


Interview with Sally Nightingale here.

Ceasefire? What ceasefire? PA Terrorism continues










From Israel National News:


PA Arab Road Terror Attacks Foiled by IDF

Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists are continuing road terror attacks on Israelis, although rocket fire is now banned.
By Chana Ya'ar
11/28/2012, 1:17 PM
Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists are continuing road terror attacks on Israelis, although rocket fire is now banned due to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza terrorists.

The deal, which ended Israel's eight-day Operation Pillar of Defense counter terror offensive in the region, was brokered by Egypt and the United States last week with Gaza's ruling Hamas terrorist organization. It eased security restrictions on Gaza residents, extending maritime fishing limits to six nautical miles from the shore and loosening controls on the land crossings into the region. 

The ceasefire had no effect on what has become an increase in the number of road terror attacks in Judea, Samaria and parts of Jerusalem restored to the capital in the 1967 Six Day War, however.
IDF soldiers discovered a bomb Wednesday morning planted along a road southwest of Shechem (Nablus) in the Shomron (Samaria) region.

Sappers who were called to the scene defused the explosive, preventing it from causing any injuries or damage. The perpetrator who planted the bomb has not yet been caught.

In a second terror attack, an Arab gang hurled rocks and firebombs at Israeli motorists traveling along the same road a short while later. The driver and passengers were not injured, and the vehicle was reportedly not damaged.

On Tuesday, PA Arabs hurled firebombs at a military vehicle north of Hevron, in Judea. No one was injured and no damage was reported. IDF soldiers fanned out to search the area for the attackers.

A 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded in a rock-and-firebomb attack recently near the city of Beitar Illit, located just south of Jerusalem, also in Judea.

The number of road terror attacks has been on the rise over the past year, parallelling the number of Muslim extremist leaders inciting PA Arabs on the street and calling for a "Third Intifada."

(c)  INN

Meanwhile, Canada will not support Palestinian bid at UN:

From Vancouver Sun:
 Stephen Harper confirms Canada will vote 'no' on recognition of Palestine at UN
November 28, 2012
By Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press

Palestinians hold a Palestinian flag and a poster of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper superimposed with a face of a dog during a protest following his remarks about the Palestinian UN bid for an observer state status, in front of Canadian representative offices in the West bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. Harper has threatened \"there will be consequences\" if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas does not end his campaign for the Palestinian Authority to be recognized by the UN as a non-member observer state. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Palestinians hold a Palestinian flag and a poster of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper superimposed with a face of a dog during a protest following his remarks about the Palestinian UN bid for an observer state status, in front of Canadian representative offices in the West bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. Harper has threatened "there will be consequences" if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas does not end his campaign for the Palestinian Authority to be recognized by the UN as a non-member observer state. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
OTTAWA - Canada affirmed its steadfast opposition to Thursday's vote at the United Nations to confer statehood on Palestine, saying it would not support any "shortcuts" to peace with Israel.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed the decision on Wednesday with Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird bound for New York to cast Ottawa's vote and register Canada's disappointment with the latest Palestinian move at the UN for recognition.

The Harper government's support of its close friend Israel was unbowed by reports that its trusted international ally, Britain, had offered to abstain from the vote in return for a pledge from the Palestinian Authority to return to the negotiating table with the Israelis.

[...]

Harper said Canada favours a two-state solution in the Middle East which requires the Palestinian authority to return to the bargaining table for talks with Israel.



Much more here.
 

Iran calls Canada 'racist'! Really

From JihadWatch:

Iran blasts Canada as "racist" for pointing out its human rights abuses

And used the opportunity to spread a bit more antisemitic propaganda at the UN, as if there weren't enough there already. It's interesting to note how remarkably similar Mohammad Khazaee sounds to spokesmen for Islamic supremacist groups in the U.S.: the same ridiculous "racism" charge, the same tu quoque, the same claiming of victim status, the same demonizing of Israel. Is Khazaee taking lessons from Hussam Ayloush?
"Iran blasts Canada as ‘racist’ and ‘self-centred’ for moving UN resolution condemning Islamic Republic’s abuses," by Kathryn Blaze Carlson for the National Post, November 28:

Iran called Canada “racist” and “self-centred” at a UN meeting on Tuesday, where it tried to deflect criticism of its own human rights record and balked at a Canadian-led resolution condemning Iranian abuses.

In a statement before the humanitarian affairs committee, Iran’s ambassador to the UN said Canada had “a long list of human rights violations” against immigrants, Muslims, aboriginals and “Afro-Canadian women,” and accused Ottawa of “abusing human rights mechanisms to advance its self-centred political interests.”

“In fact, if any country had to get a resolution, [Canada] would have deserved it more than others because of their unsparing support of a regime [Israel] that has frequently committed genocide in the Palestinian Occupied Territories,” Mohammad Khazaee said in a statement to the UN committee, obtained by the National Post....

(source)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wednesday Hero

Fisher House Foundation
 
Fisher House Foundation The Fisher House Foundation is a great charity that offers free housing for families of wounded service members to stay in while their loved one recuperates. The Fisher House Foundation was start in 1990 and has a least one house at every major military medical center. Since there is no cost to the families they rely on donations to continue operating. So, please, head over to their site and check them out. And if you're able to, please make a donation.
 
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Canadians, Americans hosted by 7 SCOTS

From MoD:

Scottish Reserves host Canadian and American troops

A Training and Adventure news article

27 Nov 12
Army reservists from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) hosted a joint training exercise with Canadian and American troops in the Scottish Highlands.

An Army Reserves officer speaks to his US Army counterpart
An Army Reserves officer from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland speaks to his US Army counterpart from 48th Infantry Brigade during Exercise Highland Spirit
[Picture: Mark Owens, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]


Around 50 soldiers from the 48th Highlanders of Canada and the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the United States took part in 'Exercise Highland Spirit', a military training exercise to strengthen the partnership between the troops and hone their military skills.


Major Richard Barker, 7 SCOTS, said:

"The aim of the exercise was to expose troops to their counterparts from allied nations in order to give them training experience for operations and to increase their understanding and awareness of training procedures."

The exercise took place on the Wyvis Training Area near Evanton in Easter Ross to test the soldiers' skills on the challenging rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

More drones in the American skies

From Homeland Security NewsWire:

U.S. skies may soon be open to drones 

27 November 2012 

Unmanned drones are cheaper than manned aircraft and can be used in a variety of ways, such as assessing environmental threats and damage from natural disaster, tracking criminals trying to escape on a highway, and assessing wildfires; according to an FAA prediction, 30,000 drones could be flying in the United States in less than twenty years; lawmakers and privacy advocates want the use of these drones more tightly regulated.


The U.S. government is attempting to open up the sky for drone use all over the nation. The sixty members House of Representatives’ Drone Caucus have pushed the agenda, and over the last four years caucus members have raised almost $8 million in drone-related campaign contributions.


The Houston Chronicle reports that theFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) is swamped with applications from police departments, universities, private corporations, and even celebrity tabloid site TMZ seeking to use a wide range of drones for everything from law enforcement to weather mapping to stalking celebrities.


Drone use in the United States began with aerial patrols of the Mexican Border Patrol authorities. Since then the drone industry, along with law enforcement, have demanded more drone use, which led to provisions in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act which was signed into law in February....


More here

Ehud Barak retires

From War On Terror News:


Israel MapIsraeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is quitting politics.
In a surprise move Monday, Barak announced he will not run in the country's January elections, but will stay in his post until a new government is formed.


The 70-year-old Barak, who is also a former prime minister, said he has “exhausted dealing with political life” and wants to spend more time with his family.  He also said he wanted to make room for others to serve in leadership positions.

More here.

Monday, November 26, 2012

WELCOME HOME 1st Royal Tank Regiment

From MoD:


1st Royal Tank Regiment takes part in homecoming parade in Glasgow

A History and Honour news article

26 Nov 12
The people of Glasgow turned out in force on Saturday to welcome home around 100 soldiers from D Squadron of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1 RTR).

 Soldiers from D Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment, parade through Glasgow
[Picture: Mark Owens, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]


The soldiers took part in the homecoming parade in Glasgow on Saturday 24 November 2012 to mark their recent return from operations in Afghanistan.

1 RTR deployed to Afghanistan throughout 2012 and took on a variety of roles during the deployments. The Regimental Headquarters filled a number of positions throughout Helmand province, from support roles in Camp Bastion to key staff roles in the Brigade Headquarters. Other roles included training the Afghan Local Police.

The Commanding Officer of 1 RTR, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Britton, said:

"I am extremely proud of what the regiment achieved in Afghanistan. The soldiers make many sacrifices to fulfil their role, and recognition of that by those at home is deeply appreciated. It means a great deal to the soldiers and their families."

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, in her capacity as Lord-Lieutenant, took the salute at the parade in George Square.

She said:

"One of the honours I have as Lord-Lieutenant is taking the salute at homecoming parades. It is always a privilege to welcome our brave men and women serving in conflicts across the globe. I am delighted that all of D Squadron have made it home safe and sound in time for Christmas with friends and family."

The 1st Royal Tank Regiment is based at RAF Honington in Suffolk and recruits from Scotland and the North West of England. The majority of soldiers come from Liverpool and Glasgow.


(source) 


WELCOME HOME and thank you all..

War is over? Not so fast

"War is over"  and our Troops are all coming home.  Sounds great, doesn't it, and who wouldn't love it as all our Troops are home and peace breaks out around the world?

Not so fast.  From War On Terror News:

Monday, November 26, 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Peter King - champion against Muslim Terrorism - stepping down as chairman of DHS

From Long Island Newsday:

King to give up Homeland Security chairmanship

Rep. Peter King.
Photo credit: Newsday / Karen Wiles Stabile | Rep. Peter King. 

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) said Thursday that he will have to give up his post as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee next year because of his party's term-limit rule.
King said he's already overstayed the rule's six-year limit -- he's been the committee's top Republican for more than seven years, after first taking the gavel in September 2005.


Come January, King will lose the "bully pulpit" he used to help keep 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheik Muhammad's trial out of Manhattan, keep Guantanamo Bay's prison open, and draw worldwide attention and controversy with hearings on American Muslims and terrorism.


"It was the greatest experience I've ever had," King said. "I'm very satisfied. As far as I'm concerned, I achieved everything I set out to do."


As King steps down, the New York congressional delegation not only loses its only committee chairman in the House, but a member among GOP leadership who fought to keep federal homeland security money flowing to New York at a time of federal budget cuts.


But the committee also loses a chairman who became a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from liberal and Muslim groups, for his hearings on American Muslims and terror.


Farhana Khera, executive director of the lawyer's group Muslim Advocates, said she "breathed a sigh of relief" at the news. She said King's hearings were a "witch hunt" that sowed "fear and hatred towards American Muslims."


But Frank Cilluffo, director of the Homeland Security Policy Institute at George Washington University, said, "King poured his heart and soul into his job as chairman."...


More here.

Thank you for your vigilance, Mr King...


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wednesday Hero

This Post Was Suggested By Michael
Pfc. Charles George
Pfc. Charles George 20 years old Cherokee, North Carolina Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 
 
 
 
 
45th Infantry Division August 23, 1932 - November 30, 1952 U.S. Army The name Charles George may sound familiar to some. That's because last week it was reported that two boys in New York were at a local antique shop looking for G.I. Joe's when they came across a number of military medals, Medal Of Honor, a Purple Heart, a bronze star and good conduct award, bearing the name Charles George. From Pfc. George's Medal Of Honor citation: Pfc. George, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy on the night of November 30, 1952. He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar and machine gun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the assignment, he and 2 comrades remained to cover the withdrawal. While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning to 1 comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of his companions. The 2 soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Pfc. George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service
 
You can read more here and here These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Video: Standing Strong and True (For Tomorrow)










on Nov 3, 2010 "Standing Strong and True (For Tomorrow)," is an all-star Canadian country single dedicated to fallen Canadian soldiers and their families.

for more info: www.wesaluteoutheroes.ca

Music video Produced by Fahrenheit Films. Director/Editor: Antonio Hrynchuk. Cinematographer: Ray Dumas. Producers: Hrynchuk / Susan Busse.

Monday, November 19, 2012

NYC subway bomb plotter: GONE!

From Homeland Security NewsWire:

NYC bomb plotter sentenced to life

Published 19 November 2012
 
Adis Medunjanin, a 34-year old Bosnian-born U.S. citizen has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a plot to bomb the New York subway; he was convicted in May of multiple U.S. terrorism offences, including conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction; two former schoolmates who helped Medunjanin to plan the attack had pleaded guilty and testified against him


Adis Medunjanin, sentenced to life in prison // Source: tbck.vn

The three men were trained by al Qaeda in Pakistan before agreeing to participate in the plot.
The attack was planned to coincide around the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, but was foiled when the three noticed that law enforcement officials were following them...

The New York Times reports that Medunjanin, during his appearing at a U.S. court in New York, read from the Koran in Arabic for several minutes before Judge John Gleeson interrupted and asked him whether he intended to say anything in English. Medunjanin asked for more time to finish one verse, then shifted into a critique of American foreign policy.


He also maintained his innocence, saying he had “nothing to do with any subway plot or bombing plot whatsoever.”


Judge Gleeson told Medunjanin his remarks made him appear like an robotic “exhibit” of extremism, and had created “the impression that you’re asking me to sentence you like the committed, anti-American jihadist you seem to want to be for the rest of your life.”...


Read the rest here.



 

Video: Israeli Hospitals "Bridge to Peace'

Israel once again is being portrayed in the worldwide msm as the murderous aggressors in the current war in the middle east.


Most headlines these days begin with something like "Israel kills innocent civilians in Gaza..."and buried way down comes a comment (maybe) that today an Israeli school was deliberately targetted - fortunately the school was closed, so no children were injured.  This time.

Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reports:


Israel’s hospitals continue to treat Gazan patients

11/19/2012 05:25

Rambam dir.-gen.: It’s absurd that we are doing this at the same time Israelis are being attacked, but there is no other way.

 

Israeli hospitals are treating dozens of patients of all ages who came to Israel from Gaza to get healthcare unavailable there, and are making provisions for accompanying persons.

 

“We at Rambam Medical Center are taking care of sick children and adults, and we are not looking at their religion or where they come from. At the moment, we have four – a baby girl in the nephrology department, two children in oncology and an adult in urology,” Rambam director-general Prof. Rafael Beyar said.


“Family members accompanied them,” he said. “It’s absurd that we are doing this at the same time Israelis are being attacked, but there is no other way. We are used to it. We are very far from politics....”

 

 Read the rest here.


Amid the ongoing  misinformation that always accompanies anything to do with Israel, Steven Crowder produces a video that has the history of Israel in just over 3 minutes.  Take a look:

Nov 15, 2012 by
(H/T Twitchy)

Bond, James Bond at Camp Bastion

From the Beeb:



James Bond star Daniel Craig visits Camp Bastion troops

Daniel Craig (l) at Camp Bastion  
Craig fired machine guns used by UK forces
 
 
James Bond star Daniel Craig has surprised UK troops at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan by coming to visit them as they prepared to watch his latest film. 


Some 800 soldiers, sailors and airmen were waiting for a screening of Skyfall when the 007 star arrived.


Craig was given a tour of the camp after a brief introduction of the latest Bond film to the audience.


He met soldiers and saw some of the training they undergo before they deploy to forward operating bases.
The star was driven around the camp in a Foxhound vehicle by Warrant Officer Class 1 Rob Ingham.


"We get quite a lot of visitors here, but having James Bond was special," said WO1 Ingham...

(source)
 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Netanyahu: We will... do everything necessary to defend our citizens

From Homeland Security NewsWire:


Israel kills Hamas top military leader, destroys Hamas Fajar missiles 

 14 November 2012

In a precise targeted attack early Wednesday, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) killed Ahmad Jabari, the top military leader of Hamas; Jabari ran the organization’s armed wing, called the Izz el-Deen Al-Qassam; in a separate attack, Jabari’s deputy, Raed al-Atar, was also killed; the Israeli early morning strikes also included attacks on about twenty or so targets across the Gaza Strip. these attacks inflicted a heavy blow on Hamas’s military capabilities by destroying most of Hamas’s most threatening weapons – the mid-range Fajar missiles Hamas received from Iran and with which the organization could attack Tel Aviv and other cities in central Israel.
Half a dozen other top military leaders of Hamas were attacked, but there is no news about their fate.
Jabari was considered the most important strategist of Hamas, and he is credited with innovating the organization’s approach to its war with Israel.


Among other things, Jabari was behind the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held prisoner for five years before being exchanged earlier this year for  a few hundreds Palestinian terrorists in Israeli jails....


Much more here. 

Statement by PM Netanyahu on Operation Pillar of Defense to Israeli Public 
14 November 2012
Citizens of Israel,

I want to praise the IDF soldiers and commanders, led by Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz , who is commanding the operation as we speak. I want to note the Israel Security Agency, headed by Director Yoram Cohen, for their vital part in the operational accomplishments that we have already achieved. I thank the citizens of Israel for their unwavering support of this operation. I thank the residents of southern Israel who are at the front, and exhibit strength and restraint.

Hamas and the terror organizations decided to escalate their attacks on the citizens of Israel over the last few days. We will not accept a situation in which Israeli citizens are threatened by the terror of rockets. No country would accept this, Israel will not accept it.

Today, we hit Hamas strategic targets precisely. We have significantly debilitated their ability to launch rockets from Gaza to the center of Israel, and we are now working to disable their ability to launch rockets towards the south. The terrorist organizations - Hamas, Islamic Jihad and others - are deliberately harming our citizens, while intentionally hiding behind their citizens. On the other hand, we avoid harming civilians as much as possible and that is one fundamental difference between us. It also indicates the big difference between our objectives, and not only in our methods. They want to obliterate us from the face of the earth and they have no qualms about hurting civilians and innocents.

Today, we sent an unequivocal message to Hamas and the other terror organizations, and if need be the IDF is prepared to expand the operation. We will continue to do everything necessary to defend our citizens."

-30-    


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Video: Teach your children - hatred

Palestinian 'victim-hood' is well documented.  What is also well known is the goal of Israel's neighbours to paint that nation as blood-thirsty killers, only worthy of total annihilation.

Another video has surfaced and is going the rounds showing clearly how the Palestinians are at the mercy of those big bad Israeli Soldiers.  Take a look.

Nov 6, 2012 by
This video, filmed in Nabi Saleh this past Friday, shows Palestinians parents pressing their children to provoke IDF soldiers -- a side of the demonstrations not usually talked about, despite it being a frequent occurrence.


From Israeli Soldier's Mother:

Tuesday, November 6, 2012


If This Were MY Child....

I don't know what I would do other than be deeply ashamed. Certainly, these children are further examples of the manipulation of their society; mere objects to be videotaped as they play their role.

I am proud of our soldiers in this video - deeply proud that they were able to smile. I loved their smiles; I loved their laughing. These children represent so much of what is wrong with Palestinians society.


  • So-called adults using their children, hiding behind them.
  • The inability to talk - rather to shout and scream.
  • The antagonism - blind hatred in the face of nothing. These soldiers are just standing there...throughout.
  • Hostility and violence - the only time the soldiers come close to reacting is when the children come close to their guns. They take their ranting, screaming, hysterics. They even take being pushed around a bit.
And through it all, they realize that this is a show put on for the cameras....

She goes on to say that some are trying to get this video banned, but as I show above, the IDF posted this copy.

 As long as children are taught to behave and think as these are being taught, there will be no peace. 
 

Wednesday Hero

This Post Was Suggested By Greta
Cpl. George Smith
Cpl. George Smith 90 years old from Sundance, New Mexico June 15, 1922 - October 31, 2012 U.S. Marines There aren't many Code Talkers left so it's a true tragedy when we lose one. George Smith joined the United States Marines when he was 17, after lying about his age, becoming one of three brothers in his family to do so. He was trained as a rifleman then as a Code Talker serving in a Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
 
You can read more on George Smith here These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Some Gave All: Captain Walter Reid Barrie



Captain Walter Barrie killed in Afghanistan 

12 Nov 12
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Walter Reid Barrie from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 11 November 2012.

Captain Walter Barrie and son Callum
Captain Walter Barrie and son Callum
[Picture: via MOD]

Captain Barrie was taking part in a football match between British soldiers and members of the Afghan National Army at Forward Operating Base Shawqat in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province when he was shot at close range by a member of the Afghan Army. He was fatally injured in the attack.


Captain Walter Barrie

Captain Barrie was born on 5 February 1971 in Glasgow. He joined 1st Battalion The Royal Highland Fusiliers on 26 October 1987.


During his 25 years Colour Service he served on operations in Iraq (on both Operation GRANBY and Operation TELIC), Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, as well as completing a tour of Afghanistan in 2008.


As a non-commissioned officer he was immensely talented, instructing at the Army Training Regiment Glencorse and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 2007 he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One and became the Regimental Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). He excelled as an infantryman and leader of men.


Captain Barrie commissioned as an officer in 2009, becoming the Unit Welfare Officer of 2 SCOTS and was subsequently posted to 1 SCOTS as D Company Second-in-Command in 2011. His future aspirations were to promote to Major and attend Staff College.


Captain Barrie deployed to Afghanistan on 31 August 2012 as the 1st Kandak Advisor Team Second-in-Command, D Company, 1 SCOTS. As the Brigade Advisory Group, 1 SCOTS' role involves mentoring and advising 3/215 Brigade of the Afghan National Army to take the lead in security responsibilities in their area of southern Afghanistan.


He advised the Executive Officer of the 1st Kandak of 3/215 Brigade, based at Forward Operating Base Shawqat in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.


Captain Barrie was renowned as an approachable and compassionate officer; he cared deeply for the well-being of those around him and had unparalleled rapport with all ranks. The regiment has lost a truly gifted and devoted officer who had yet to reach his full potential.


Captain Barrie will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to meet him. The thoughts and prayers of the battalion are with his wife Sonia and son Callum, aged 15.


Captain Barrie's wife, Sonia, said:
"Captain Walter Barrie was great man, a doting and amazing father and a fantastic husband. He was much loved and will be missed by many. The family would ask that their privacy is respected during this very difficult time."...

Read more on Captain Barrie here.

Always remembered.  Always honoured.  

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Remembrance Day UK: Lest We Forget

 (source)


"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them." 


Saturday, November 10, 2012

US Marine Corps: For Honor, For Country

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, US Marine Corps! Thank you.

Thank you to US Veterans

From The Military Wallet:

Veterans Day is soon approaching and there are many restaurants and companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, the military community gives a collective thanks!

Two notes before jumping in:
  • Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
  • Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

2012 Free Veterans Day Meals

Veterans Day free meals and discounts for military and veterans

Please credit this resource: We are frequently updating this list with new deals and offers for the military community. If you use items in this list, please direct your visitors to this page so they can find the most up to date information: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/ Thanks!
Applebees Veterans Day Appreciation 

Applebee’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.


Bar Louie, Free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. 2012. Active duty military members and veterans can receive a free meal, up to $10 in value, and a free non-alcoholic beverage. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.
BD’s Mongolian Grill, Nov. 5-11, 2012. 1/2 off Stir-fry with valid military ID. Only at participating locations. Find the location nearest you.
California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11-12, 2012. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Find a location near you.



Much longer listings HERE

Thursday, November 8, 2012

America the Beautiful is broken


A dear friend of mine spent yesterday at Arlington National Cemetary visiting her Fallen Hero son on his birthday.


Over the last 24 hours, as we all watched American voters re-elect the current President of the United States of America, all I could think about was young men and women - like Jason - who swore an oath to defend and protect ideals bigger than themselves.

As I watched the final gasps of what has been a most acrimonious and seemingly never-ending grab of the highest office in the land, I was struck by the absolute contrast between the actions of our Military men and women, and those whom the msm seemed to delight in shining the spotlight on.  Over the last few weeks, the cacophony - the ugliness - of the harsh voices of the 'give me' electorate tore at my heart.

As Jason's mom Mickey prepared for her annual vigil to her Hero son's resting place, I couldn't help but wince as we were treated to a disgusting display of America the ugly.  Courtesy of social media, and aided and abetted by the always willing Obama sycophants in the msm, the noise of the "Obamafone queen' and the like,  made me want to cry.

  Since the MIC first started on his seeming perpetual campaign to change America, the language of elections has radically changed - and not for the better.  Who can forget his famous declarations "get in their faces...they bring a knife...you bring a gun"  and that tone has not abaited one iota during this most recent march to the polls.  The candidate who infamously espoused a 'new civility' encouraged and empowered those 'voters' who blatantly called for candidate Romney's assassination,  for VP candidate Ryan's wife to be raped and worse.

Even as Americans I respect and love held on to their faith that patriotism and reason would prevail, and that MIC would be joining the unemployment lines (which are the largest in US history - a testament to the failed policies of the now re-elected failure of a POTUS) the ugly underbelly of the newest generation of  voters demanded the fruits of other people's labours be handed to them - just because.

As Americans lined up to vote on the 6th November (some bragging they were voting multiple times!) the Department of Defense announced that PFC Brandon L. Buttry had given his all in Kandahar, AFG. 



Did anybody other than his family - and his brothers in arms - even notice that as this young man served American ideals of freedom, back on US soil the voting polls were the site of increasing fraud as the msm rushed to declare the public had re-elected the status quo:  a broken America.

To say that almost half of America is still reeling in shock at the early pronouncement that Obama had been crowned - again - as Emperor (errrrrrrr President) would be a gross understatement.  

There was a sense among Americans I know and love that enough voters were aware of the dire state of America the broken that they would effect a change in the tenancy of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  The Military knew very well of the importance of this vote, at this time, and almost five hundred Generals endorsed the Republican candidate.

Various Veteran groups raised the alarm about the dire consequences of another untenable term of the MIC, not just because of the affects on the Military itself, but for the standing of America in the world, and for the security of America within a volatile global situation as radical Islam no longers creeps stealthily,  but is loudly kicking down doors.  War On Terror News wrote many an informative column clearly detailing what was at stake in this election.

All to no avail, as a majority of voters (legitimate or otherwise) endorsed the policies that have seen the death of small businesses - and more to come and carte blanche - open borders - for murderers intent on the spoils of the once greatest nation on earth; the intended destruction of the mightiest Military in the world, coupled with the abandonment of both the Warriors still dying for failed policies in the sandbox, and Veterans who return to a country almost unrecognisable from when they swore an oath to defend America and her people against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

Our Veterans may be excused for wondering if they have been transported to a different planet.

War On Terror News:

11/08/2012

My American Flag is limp tonight

Blame the weather.  Blame "global warming."  Blame hurricane "Sandy."  Perhaps, Washington DC has run out of hot air for a moment.  Perhaps, they're just taking a breath to spew some more.  But tonight, and for the last 24 hours, my flag has been limp.  It was flyng high when I voted.  It was flying high when the MSM reported that 59% of Tennesseans voted against the incumbent.


I think it fell limp when CBS called Ohio for Obama.  I could dissect how that could have been fraud, or could have been attained, but more than Ohio would have had to gone against him to vote him out of office.  They called it way too early, and hours later they were reporting it was within 10,000 votes of going the other way.  Like a great number of those that pushed the button against the incumbent, I am not a supporter of the opponent.  It's not that I dislike Romney, but that he rarely gave me a reason to actually support him.


And therein lies the problem: Romney did very little to convince Troops and Veterans that he was the better choice.  Like many, I can tell you ten to a hundred reasons to oppose the guy re-elected, but I can point to less than a dozen times that his opponent said he'd reverse those policies.  Perhaps, had he campaigned on the issues important to those that do or have fought for Freedom, instead of taking for granted they would vote for him, the results would have been different.  Reports indicate the military vote was below normal, and that even that, was undercounted.  Some have claimed that enough military votes went uncounted to change the election results.  I don't have the energy to even look into the claims.


2012 Congressional District vote 











The fact is that if Americans understood and believed in the Constitution, if they paid attention to what politicians are actually doing, instead of Hollywood gossip, we would never have arrived at this point.  The fact is that the largest area of America voted against this, and the Founders did not intend for any small portion of America to control the rest.  And a look at how Congressional Districts voted demonstrates that a few pockets of mostly urban areas are overruling the will of Americans....


Read the rest here.


WOTN's assessment was echoed around the Military/Veteran community, and as always, when they speak, it is incumbent on all of us to pay attention.  To do otherwise is to our detriment (something 'the smartest man in the room'  either hasn't learned  - yet - or arrogantly chooses to ignore.)

From This Ain't Hell:

Jimmy Carter’s second term


To say that I’m disappointed in the results of the election is probably a bit of an understatement. What is most disappointing is to see my “friends” on Facebook who are veterans celebrating a second term of the President. I can’t figure out what they’re celebrating about. Retirees in five western states are being forced out of Tricare Prime and into Tricare Standard which means that, unless they live near a military treatment facility, their healthcare are going to skyrocket. What’s to celebrate?...

You know there's more,  here.

BlackFive writers give their usual analysis, based on their own Military service..From Deebow:

I don't think I am overstating the obvious by saying that bad times are coming for America, and you can find the beginnings of it here and here and I am struggling to understand the lesson here.  Is it Humility? Teamwork?  Understanding?  DIversity?  I need some help here God, because I am missing what you are trying to tell me.  Worse yet, I don't know how I am going to explain all this to my son 10 years from now, when he asks me why we aren't free like we used to be.  If we are not the light of freedom and a beacon of hope for he rest of the world who wish to live their lives in freedom, then where will the world look?
During this President's 2nd Term (the 3rd term of Jimmah); I predict the following:

The 1st and 2nd Amendment will be under attack like never before.  Small Businesses will wither and die, or never be started because of onerous regulations and taxes.  Unemployment will hold steady between 8 and 10 percent, and around the world tyranny will be on the march, because this spineless ass-clown has neither the testicular fortitude, nor the ability to summon the will to stop it. 

Whole energy industries will be bankrupted.  Energy prices will skyrocket.  Inflation is going to crash our currency.

Our allies will not trust us, Israel will stand alone, and possibly have to use a nuclear bomb against Iran in order to survive. China and Russia will be on the march in their spheres of influence.  The Chinese could make a move on Taiwan, knowing that as the holder of our debt, we would be powerless to stop them, lest they crash our economy. ...


Read the rest here

















Some civilians are commenting too.  Ben Stein:

[...]  this seems like a terrible fate. But our party has faced far worse. We were pronounced dead after JFK stole the 1960 election in the cellars of the Chicago City Hall. We were in the morgue after the Goldwater defeat. We were dead and buried after Watergate and the 1974 Congressional elections, when the GOP was just a nub in Congress. We always come back because our principles are better suited to human dignity and human happiness than the other side's. We will come back stronger than ever this time, too. We are not afraid and we shall overcome. Our best days as a party and a movement lie ahead. We will rest, regroup, and fight for our beliefs, and next time, it will be different and better. Truth crushed to earth will rise again, as the saying goes -- as the truth goes. ...


Read the rest here.


Yankeemom is one of my favourite patriotic Military Moms, and her writing always cuts right to the core of any issue.  She says (in part):

Elections and Consequences ~

Author: yankeemom  //  Category: freedom
 
Daniel Greenfield, one of my most favorite writers, has a post up that is a MUST READ for every Voter who believes in what this country stands for and wants to make sure we don’t lose her.
Finally, someone on the pro-America side of the political spectrum gets it.

Game Called on Account of Darkness

A few highlights:

Every time people ask me why the left has such a grip on this country, my answer is because they worked for it. It’s the answer that most people don’t want to hear, but it’s true. The left has been planning this for a while. They have been playing the long game, building the infrastructure and indoctrinating generations. And to beat them, we will have to do the same thing.

[...]
And she ends with this:

Liberty is precious and not many on this planet are blessed to live in it.  We may just lose it and sooner than you care to imagine.

As Daniel Greenfield says at the beginning of his piece:

The lights have gone out in America now. They may come back. They may not. It’s up to us. No one is going to come help us do it. Other countries have America. We have ourselves.
Photobucket


Go read the rest of this here.


As  I began this piece, I shared that I was thinking about my Gold Star Mom Mickey, and her Fallen Hero Jason.  Jason, and Keith and Mario (who ran into the madness on 9/11), and Brian, who gave his life saving lives, and Mike, and Sean, and Patrick, and Don, and yes, Chris and ...and...oh so many more patriotic Americans gave their lives in service to an ideal of America that may appear broken right now, are also - and always engraved on my heart.  They ARE America, and no matter what politician comes and goes, these Americans and their families ARE the enduring fabric of this country that I love.

As I write this, I KNOW that the American ideal is alive and well in communities across the land.  I have total faith that no matter the most concerted efforts of the deluded 'gimme' bunch, patriotic Americans in every city, town, village, are serving their fellow American, a cause greater than themselves  -  because that is the right thing to do, and it IS the American way.

 This may be the time that tries mens souls, but I agree with Patrick Henry who said:



"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." --Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, 1775


I may be only one person, but I stand with America who I KNOW will rise again - as brightly, as strong as ever. I believe in America.

 

God Bless America, the land that I love....