Tuesday, July 31, 2007

"Rocky"

I watched the first "Rocky" movie this evening. It's motivational to me, a lesson in perseverence, a movie I turn to for inspiration.

From the first time I sat in a Richmond movie theater in 1976 and watched Rocky come alive on the screen, I was inspired by the story of this underdog boxer in Philadelphia. He trained in the streets to take on the world champion who didn't take the street fighter seriously in a match everyone assumed would be won by the champion hands-down.

A lesson in perseverence ... Rocky never gave up.

The "Rocky Theme" music playing throughout is equally inspiring, used to emphasize that he overcame physical limitations and eventually conquered the multiple flights of steps in front of the Philadelphia Library.

When I was in Philly for the 2000 Republican National Convention the cabbie drove us past those steps. Geeky, I know ... but it was something I tucked away in my memory (along with seeing the Liberty Bell) ... something that was personally important to me.

Even the story of Sylvester Stallone, the actor who portrayed Rocky, was inspirational. He wrote the movie score for "Rocky" but, being an unknown, was turned down all over Hollywood because he insisted on playing the main character. No one wanted to take a chance on an unknown screen writer and actor.

But he never gave up. He eventually found someone who believed in him and the rest, as they say, is history. He got his movie and he played the title role.

Sylveter Stallone was Rocky.

Never ... give ... up.

Staunton's entryway to the city ... Rt. 250

Downtown Staunton has enjoyed a revitalization the past 10 years as overhead electrical wires have been buried underground, granite curbs and brick sidewalks installed, wireless computer service available, and many store fronts restored. Upstairs apartments have been updated and rented out; the old YMCA was turned into high-end condominiums that house some of the bigger names in town.

Restaurants are abundant with a variety of ambiences and dishes to suit most any taste. Shenandoah Pizza on Beverley Street boasts innovative pizzas and live music on select nights. Baja Bean Company is eclectic in its clientele and decor, and gives a glimpse into the night life of Staunton. The Dining Room offers intimate dining from an up-scale menu while Byers Street Bistro in The Wharf and The Depot at the train station are more casual with a homier menu of food choices.

Currently the former prison complex at the intersection of Rt. 250 and Greenville Avenue is being renovated by a large company out of Richmond which is turning it into condos, shops, and green space.

Unfortunately, the Rt. 250 (Richmond Road) entryway into the city is not the most attractive feature. While the box stores and chain restaurants at its intersection with I-81 are to be expected -- and I see nothing wrong with those businesses at that location -- Richmond Road could be spruced up to offer a more inviting entry into the downtown area. Old buildings could be repaired and repainted; gastly brightly-colored buildings could be toned down.

Today I noticed something else detracting on Richmond Road -- the overhead electrical wires -- because they interfered with something I was trying to see. As I turned off Statler Boulevard onto Richmond Road heading east, I noticed an American flag outside one of the businesses, and then another flag several buildings beyond, and then I saw the American flag in National Cemetery about an eighth of a mile ahead that stood out over everything else. It was awe-inspiring to see those flags waving in the breeze but the view was partially obstructed by the multitude of overhead wires and utility poles.

It occurred to me that Staunton could bury utility cables underground along Richmond Road, just as they had done downtown, which would help the appearance of the gateway into the city. That improvement could create a better first impression for the thousands of visitors and tourists who visit annually.

It is nice to see this beautiful city alive and thriving. Perhaps City Council will address the issue of Richmond Road in the future.

The Surge is working....

The surge is working in Iraq, much to liberals' chagrin. Catch Spank That Donkey's latest post on the subject.

Monday, July 30, 2007

A history lesson: Churchill, Hitler, and today's leadership of America by George W. Bush

Orson Scott Card at The Ornery American has an extremely powerful essay outlining historical events leading up to Winston Churchill's ascension to leadership of Great Britain during World War II, and paralleling it with current terrorism activities in America and around the world. It is long but well worth the read.

H/T: Cargo Squid at United Conservatives of Virginia & One Wise Girl at Spark It Up!!

To recap: Clinton's Janet Reno not fired after firing 93 but Dems call for head of Alberto Gonzales for firing 8

The liberal blogs continue to call for the head of Alberto Gonzales because of his firing of eight federal prosecutors. Where's the liberal outrage at Janet Reno's firing of 93 -- that's NINETY-THREE -- federal prosecutors during the Bill Clinton presidency? She didn't lose her job.

And neither should Alberto Gonzales.

For those young bloggers who were still playing Little League during the Clinton years ... you may want to brush up on your history. Check out Janet Reno ... the Waco fire ... and all the other controversies.

It's all political and should be put in perspective. Alberto Gonzales should not be fired, and President Bush understands that. I hope they both stand their ground.

Priceless! Sheehan turns out HUGE Central Park crowd of ... 20?

Cindy Sheehan took her anti-war message to the masses in New York's Central Park ... to the crowds ... the gathering ... the, um, group of 20 usual suspects who showed up for the "big rally." Atlas Shrugs has great photos ... you have got to check it out.

H/T Spark It Up!!

Dem-controlled Congress at lowest approval rating ever ... 14%

14%.

The Democrat-controlled Congress broke a record for the lowest approval rating ever, dropping to 14% according to the latest Gallup Poll. One newspaper letter writer said he was so disgusted with Congress that he planned to vote out every incumbent, Democrat and Republican, when the next elections rolled around. The Democrats, who campaigned for cleaning up the House, have embraced the very issues they railed against ... and the American people are paying attention.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Iraq Wins in Soccer!

Josh Levy at Win the War (fabulous photos) and Chris at Mason Conservative both have great stories about Iraq's astounding championship win in soccer for the Asian Cup. How absolutely wonderful for the citizens of that formerly oppressed country!

Back in 2002 and 2003 when the U.S. was contemplating going into Iraq, I did research on the country, the evil dictator Saddam Hussein, and his two equally-evil sons, Uday and Qusay. Uday was in charge of the soccer team. The stories about his sadistic treatment of the soccer team members were appalling ... flogging players until their backs were bloody, humiliation, jailings, caning players' feet, and other forms of torture.

This celebration must be especially sweet for Team Iraq.

Libs intimidate with threats against those who disagree with them

Advocates of "free speech" and "tolerance" don't practice what they preach

The liberal Left has perfected a form of intimidation to shut down debate and discussion with those who oppose them, a strategy that has worked well in the past. They intimidate by threatening advertisers, reputations, and careers on the national as well as local level.

One example of a topic with two extreme sides is global warming. While the Left advances their climate change agenda, those who disagree sometimes face dire consequences.

Look what happened to University of Virginia professor Patrick Michaels in August 2006. He had been the State Climatologist since 1980 until he ran up against the liberal agenda of global warming -- he dared to offer evidence debunking its existence -- and was asked by Democrat governor Tim Kaine to stop "misrepresenting" himself as the state's spokesman. Somehow the paperwork had disappeared in Richmond and the governor claimed there was no evidence Dr. Michaels had ever been appointed to such a position.

Dr. Michaels dared to go against the liberal agenda and was silenced by the Left.

In yet another case, a climate change skeptic had his career threatened by a global warming believer. As reported on Fox News on July 27, 2007:

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says he will investigate a threatening letter sent to a global warming skeptic by the head of a group advocating the use of renewable energy.

The Washington Times reports American Council on Renewable Energy President Michael Eckhart wrote to Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis, "It is my intention to destroy your career as a liar. If you produce one more editorial against climate change, I will launch a campaign against your professional integrity."
Marlo Lewis dared to go against the liberal agenda and was threatened by the Left.

In another example, Fox News' Bill O'Reilly questioned the appearance of democrat presidential candidates at the radical liberal blog Daily Kos' convention to be held this week. Daily Kos had been instrumental in pressuring those same candidates into canceling a debate on the Fox News Network last month by claiming Fox was a vehicle of the Right.

O'Reilly also exposed Jet Blue's corporate sponsorship of the Kos convention which resulted in Jet Blue pulling out of the deal and removing their advertising from the Kos website. O'Reilly and Fox News have now become targets for liberal activists.

Instead of backing down, O'Reilly is stepping up his investigation. He said:
... if you go to RealClearPolitics.com, you can read a very perceptive article by Reid Wilson about the situation and why Hillary Clinton is showing up at the Kos convention despite the incredible hate on that Web site directed at her.

In a nutshell, Mr. Wilson says that Senator Clinton and other Democrats fear the Web site. But we don't. And we don't hate them either. We just believe they're bad for the country and have proven our case beyond a reasonable doubt. Come Monday [July 30], the final nail, but it is disturbing so be forewarned.
In retaliation, Daily Kos, MoveOn.org, Campaign for America's Future, and other liberals are banning together to call for a boycott of Fox News' advertisers. As reported by Fox News:
Once a database is gathered, an organized phone-calling campaign will begin, said Jim Gilliam, vice president of media strategy for Brave New Films, a company that has made anti-FOX videos
Their strategy is to sign up thousands on the Left to put pressure on local and national advertisers at Fox, the fair-and-balanced TV network which offers representatives to debate both sides of an issue, unlike ABC, CBS, NBC, or CNN.

Fox News dared to go against the liberal agenda and is being threatened and intimidated by the Left.

Daily Kos also recently banned anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan because she threatened to run a campaign against democrat Nancy Pelosi.

Former poster child Cindy Sheehan dared to go against the liberal establishment.

On a local level, one of the SWAC bloggers received a threatening comment on his blog a few days ago from a Valley liberal blog, one associated with Daily Kos. The comment said:
Guess what? Your lying, punk ass is going to be featured on a major national blog this weekend. And I don't mean Daily Kos, and I ain't writing it. It's gonna [be] all about you, baby. Be thinking about that next time you cook up plans to take dives at airports, or vandalize your own candidate's signs. Elections are coming ... and [we] will be watching you.
A local conservative blogger dared to speak out against the liberal agenda so intimidation in the hope of silencing him followed.

Threats are a way of preventing another blogger from speaking his opinion. This is an example of how MoveOn.org is filtering down to the local level through Daily Kos and others. By being affiliated with Kos they are amplifying its message and, in this case, extending its intimidating methods into the grassroots level of politics.

If anyone opposes the radical liberal agenda they will be targeted so to intimidate them into silence.

By avoiding civil discussion, differences between liberals and conservatives will continue to grow as politics becomes more polarizing in the future.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Am I a chicken hawk?

Josh Levy answers that question on his Win-the-War site. Lots of good reading over there for such a new blog ... take a few minutes to browse through and see what he has to say.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Water hose, 1; SWAC Girl, 0

It was hot today in the Valley although very breezy -- a hot breeze. I was outside working in the yard most of the day ... weeding and deadheading flowers, trimming forsythia bushes and getting sweaty and tired ... and the sun was hot. A late-afternoon thunderstorm ran me inside only to leave us with only thunder, lightning, and wind while all the rain went north of here.

When I went back outside after dinner to water my flowers, SWAC Husband was watering the tomatoes in the garden. I noticed a substantial leak in the hose so decided to try and scoot the leaky section to the garden so all that water would go on vegetables ... except the hose didn't cooperate. It twisted and turned and twisted again like a snake ... I jumped and screeched and tried to throw it over the fence ... it twisted back on me -- yowie, that water was cold! -- and ... well, let's just say I'm watered from head to toe!

Next time I'll turn off the hose first. Got my towel; now I need to go outside and get back to work....
Water hose, 1; SWAC Girl, 0.

Active military member one of "Win the War" supporters....

Holly leans her head on boyfriend Josh's shoulder while readying to rally against Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville on July 20th.
Cindy Sheehan had an active enlistment soldier in her audience last week ... someone who stood with the "Win the War" supporters ... someone who will be leaving soon headed for the Middle East.
His name is Josh, 21, U.S. Army, a member of Dog Company 2-2 SCR. He leaves in two weeks for Kuwait and then a week later will be sent to Iraq, stationed north of Bagdad, for 15 months. His girlfriend is 18 and will begin at Liberty University this fall. They both attended the rally last week in Charlottesville with her mom, an active Augusta County Republican. They were there to support the troops.
While Josh is in Iraq, he will know there are many of us who are supporting him and the other troops, and that we are not afraid to publicly show that support against people like Cindy Sheehan ... he will know the troops are not alone ... he will know we will not let them be forgotten in this war on terrorism.
God bless Josh and all the others like him. God bless Holly and her mom as they continue to support the troops, both in a personal and public way....
Photo by SWAC Girl

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Firearms Refresher Course

1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils causes misspelled words.
7. "Free" men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights reserved.
11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?
12.The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday!!!
14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911 - government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control -- it makes their jobs safer.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control their guns.
22. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the "gun control laws" we ALREADY have, don't make more.
24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
26. "A government of the people, by the people, for the people..."

"Ode to the Fallen Soldiers of Iraq"

To all you brave soldiers who have fallen in Iraq,
Who left the comforting embrace of
Family, friends, and home
To fight and protect the freedom of others
In a faraway dry, dusty and desolate land,
We Americans honor and salute you.

Like dry leaves we must crumble and toss
Our differences aside.
Where you are
Hawk or Dove,
Democrat or Republican,
Liberal or Conservative,
We must first be Americans
Who honor the fallen heroes that fought for us.

For you bravely laid down your lives,
Spilling your blood and dreams
In a foreign land,
For a foreign people
For an American Cause,
Know that you will be greatly missed,
Know that you will always be remembered
For your sacrifice,
For your courage and convictions.

Your bright and promising light
Extinguished too soon,
We celebrate and honor your memory
You fallen soldiers of Iraq.

by Liam Swan
Oliver Pierce Middle School
Ramona, CA


[Passed on by Robert with the Hawaii "Gathering of Eagles."]

Video: "Win the War" rally

July 20th's "Win the War" rally in Charlottesville video by Denny King here.

"Dear Ms. Sheehan" ... a letter from an 80-year-old Charlottesville resident

An Open Letter to Cindy Sheehan (and All Others of the Peace-at-All-Costs Camp)

Letter to the editor by Patricia Earle (in anticipation of Ms. Sheehan's anti-war rally in Charlottesville, VA, on July 20, 2007)

Dear Ms. Sheehan:

I read in the local newspaper that you are coming to the city that I have, for more than eighty years, called my hometown.

Some, maybe many, will welcome you enthusiastically and will join you, robustly perhaps, at your anti-war rally.

Others, maybe an even large number, will not. But you should not mistake their absence or their silence as an acceptance of or an acquiescence to your words or your methods of trying to convince others to your way of thinking.

I agree with you, however, on several points. War is terrible, yes – and the current situation in Iraq is indeed bleak and to some it even appears hopeless.

But it is certainly not as bleak or as hopeless as the situation our forbearers faced at Valley Forge in the winter of 1776.

Then, as today, many opposed the war and openly supported our enemy but that did not cause those who sought freedom to abandon the fight. Had they responded to the course of action you are now advocating, it is highly probable you would not have the freedom to speak as you do today.

And yes, I grieve with you on the loss of your son. As I understand it, he was in Iraq voluntarily (as are all American who are fighting there) aware of the dangers but willing to risk his life for a cause he believed in – securing freedom for others and protecting the freedoms we enjoy. Your son died a hero.

As the mother of a son serving in the military, I can well understand your grief but my compassion for you pales in comparison to the compassion I feel for those Virginia Tech parents who lost their sons or daughters in a senseless act of violence that served no purpose whatsoever.

And, more regrettably, even their tragic loss is not unique to Americans today. All over the United States, 18- to 25-year-olds are dying from alcohol and drug abuse, automobile accidents, drive-by shootings and other acts of random violence. The number is staggering and actually exceeds the number of American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

If the loss of life is the primary reason for withdrawing the troops from Iraq, why is no one holding rallies demanding that our government do something to stop the tremendous loss of life on our city streets and college campuses?

I am not sure what motivates you but I firmly believe that the people who are encouraging you are doing so purely for political reasons. And I take great exception to using a military conflict as a tool to gain political power. It is not only divisive at a time when we sorely need unity, but it is also demoralizing to our troops and gives hope to our enemies.

History tells us that in every military conflict there comes a time when the difference between defeat and victory hinges on the resolve of those on the battlefield. I firmly believe we are now at just such a crucial time in Iraq and persistent anti-war rhetoric may well cause us to settle for defeat when we could be on the verge of victory.

I want to bring our troops home as much as you do but I want to bring them home proud of what they have accomplished and with reason to hope that the Iraqi people will now have a better life - not to come home ashamed of their failure and devastated by the chaos that resulted from their departure.

Signed,

Patricia Earle
Charlottesville, VA

From Yankee Phil: "Tag ... you're it!"

I find it interesting how my computer is like a magnet sometimes, pulling me to it when I'm in the middle of something else. Today I came in the house from working outside in my flowers ... and just had to check to see if anything was going on.

That's when I read the message from Yankee Phil that I had been "tagged." I have never been tagged before when these games have gone around the internet.

I read what Citizen Tom said yesterday after he was tagged ... he's not into chain letters or chain "tags" ... and I'm not usually into that type of thing either.

But, interestingly, I've enjoyed reading little factoids about fellow bloggers.

So ... I'm in! :)

Okay, here are the rules: “List eight habits or facts about yourself, then tag eight more people.”

1) I'm really an introvert who makes myself be an extrovert.

2) A good friend was killed at the age of 18 by a drunk driver.

3) I'd rather be around a campfire in the mountains than in the swankiest restaurant.

4) My most satisfying accomplishment as an adult was overcoming my fear of public speaking.

5) My great-grandmother was a Boone ... yes, related to that Boone.

6) As a kid my best friend's dad did the sound system at the Mosque (now Landmark Theater) in Richmond for rock groups so we saw concerts for free. I saw Dave Clark 5; Peter, Paul & Mary; Bill Deal & the Rhondels; and many others.

7) Music touches me ... I play the guitar & piano ... John Denver was my favorite singer. (Saw him perform at Red Rocks, CO; Wolf Trap Theater in Vienna several times; Charlotte, and Richmond.)

8) I love being a mom.

I now tag:

In-Politically Correct (Elle)

Deo Vindice (Jim)

United Conservatives of Virginia (Flora)

United Conservatives of Virginia (Cargo Squid)

United Conservatives of Virginia (F22 Strike)

Bacon's Rebellion (Jim)

Win the War! (Josh)

Raw Cool (Jim)

Thank you for your service, Capt. Lynn Scutellaro ... 1979-2007


In Memory
Captain Lynn Scutellaro, 28
1979 - 2007
U.S. Army National Guard - Colorado
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2005-06


Captain Lynn Scutellaro was a soldier who took care of soldiers. She had served overseas as a helicopter pilot with the Colorado Army National Guard including her last deployment to Iraq in November 2005, returning to her Evergreen, Colorado home last fall.

Tragically, Capt. Scutellaro was accidentally struck and killed by a Breckenridge trolley on the evening of July 7, 2007, while vacationing in the Colorado resort town at her parents' condominium. The accident is still under investigation.

Capt. Scutellaro was buried July 11, 2007, at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Members of Colorado Army National Guard.

Capt. Scutellaro made an impression on those she worked with and was described as a person full of life. According to the Vail Daily:
Wayne Hankammer worked with Scutellaro when she organized reintegration and readjustment retreats in 2004 for soldiers returning from overseas. The retreats, for groups sometimes as large as 80 soldiers, focused on issues like loss of independence, restablishing routines and reconnecting with families members.

Scutellaro took care of everything on the retreats, from booking accommodations and e-mailing agendas to organizing all the necessary resources, Hankammer said. Her passion for her work went well beyond the definition of dedication.

"Dedicated doesn’t even come close,” he said. “It was more like she was a stand-up woman. You could depend on her. She was amazing, she was vibrant. Gosh, she was so full of life.”

Scutellaro organized retreats in Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs and several other places before she was deployed to Iraq in November 2005. Scutellaro, a helicopter pilot, served a 12-month tour.

“She’s a great American who served her country well, who loved her parents and her brother, Rich, and his fiancee, Beth, and she will be in the wedding in our spirits,” said close family friend Debbie Danish.

Capt. Scutellaro was honored at her funeral with the presence of more than 200 Army and Air Guardsmen as well as the Patriot Guard Riders. Soldier Deb, who had served with her in Slovenia several years ago, commented that the number of people at her funeral was a testament to the quality of person she was.

At the conclusion of the funeral she was honored with a "missing man fly-over" with helicopters.

Memorials in Lynn Scutellaro's name can be made to Alpine Rescue Team, P.O. Box 934, Evergreen, CO 80437.

We are grateful to Capt. Lynn Scutellaro for her service to our country, and to her family for their sacrifice.  More information is available here and here.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

"You ain't doing to these guys what you did to us."

Vietnam veterans refuse to let anti-war protesters tear down this generation of soldiers and Marines



In Staunton and Augusta County we've been going up against the anti-war protesters for over four years -- ever since their very first appearance on the streets of downtown Staunton when President Bush and Congress were considering going into Iraq.

I'm a baby boomer. I grew up during the Vietnam War and remember the angry anti-war "peace"-niks who rampaged across the country vandalizing buildings and vehicles. I also saw how middle America didn't respond, didn't stand up on the streets to those people, didn't publicly come out to support the soldiers and Marines fighting half a world away.

I remember those Vietnam days.

That's why we've countered the angry left at every chance. And many in our ranks are Vietnam veterans who were treated with cursing and disrespect and items thrown on them when they returned home from war. They are still encountering disrespect from the anti-war left at the modern-day anti-war rallies.

Those vets are determined this new generation of military men and women will not go through what they did when they were told, in America, not to wear their uniforms when traveling because it was too dangerous. In America! Something was terribly wrong with that ... and it can never happen again.

So when a support the troops Marine vet, protesting Cindy Sheehan's anti-war appearance in Philadelphia yesterday, was asked by the anti-war crowd, “Why don’t you join the Army if you like the war so much?” he responded:
“Lady, I’m a Marine who has four years of combat service, and you ain’t doing to these guys what you did to us.”

Sheehan continues to be protested by "Win the War" supporters

She "cuts-and-runs" after 5-minute speech

[Editor's Note: The following, posted on Gathering of Eagles website, is a report of Cindy Sheehan's appearance yesterday in Philadelphia. The opposition continues to dog her at appearances nationwide.]

Nothing Goes Unchallenged
Posted in After Action Reports by Kit Lange on July 24, 2007

The Iraq Veterans Against the War, the Delaware Valley Veterans of America and Cindy Sheehan came to Philly today. They had a scheduled program from 1330 to 1530. I showed up at 1230 and was met nearly immediately by Eagles and the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club.

We flew the flag, waved signs and had a dozen passers-by join our number. Right away we were challenged with the usual angry rhetoric. With facts at our disposal, they resorted to name calling, but remember–they “support the troops.”

At various points I was assaulted by a member of the Granny Peace Brigade and an angry Asian college-aged female, but remember, they are “peace activists.” We were consistently told to be quiet and to let their litany of Leftists speak, but remember, they are the tolerant ones dedicated to free speech. In fact, at one point, the Park Service took me aside to ask if I could please be quiet because we were just too loud.

By the time Cindy arrived we numbered around 40 and the opposition was around 100. That, of course, meant they were completely out-numbered. With air horns and loud voices we challenged Cindy as she took the place of dishonor. Within a minute she was directly responding to my challenges, and 2 to 5 minutes later she was gone, citing security concerns.

After Cindy left we raised a little ruckus with the opposition, attempted to change some minds and then escorted them to their waiting bus. It was a win, pure and simple. The organizers of the I Hate America rally, including Bill Perry, a Vietnam Vet who has become friends with Jane Fonda, complained loudly to the police and Park Service that we had ruined their affair. It seems that they have gone unchallenged for so long that they resort to name-calling and whining for rescue from the big, bad veterans at the very moment we appear. Remember though, they truly support the troops.

The weather was perfect, the brothers and sisters amazing. Eagle Tom Murtha, a Marine who served a year in Korea and better than three tours in Vietnam, summed up the day with a perfect retort to a challenge of, “Why don’t you join the Army if you like the war so much?”

“Lady,” he replied, “I’m a Marine who has 4 years of combat service, and you ain’t doing to these guys what you did to us.”

No my brothers and sisters, they will not. Manchu.

Chris Hill
GOE National Director for Operations

Supper from the garden....

Summer supper from the garden ... there's not many things that are better.

Tonight our garden has provided green beans, potatoes, squash, onions, cukes, tomatoes, and green peppers. In typical Southern style, I've cooked the potatoes in the same pot with the green beans but I don't use grease for seasoning; rather, I use beef bouillon. The squash is seasoned with onions, salt, and pepper.

The meat dish and yeast rolls came from the grocery store ... but we've been known to have all-vegetable meals during the summer. Yum. Finish it off with homemade chocolate pudding and eating on the deck overlooking the mountains ... and it doesn't get much better than that.

Killing a Career: The Shame of the U.S. Senate

by Charles Colson (Townhall.com)

Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, with his men

I have what some might consider the macabre habit of reading the casualty reports from Iraq every day in the New York Times. This may reflect the fact that I served in the military or that I worked in the White House during Vietnam.

But there's one name that hasn't yet appeared in the casualty reports: the name of General Peter Pace, the first Marine -- and I say this with pride as a former Marine -- to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Why am I looking for Pace's name on the casualty list? His distinguished military career was recently ended by the crudest kind of politics.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid declared Pace, a four-star Marine general with 48 military decorations on his chest, to be "incompetent."

What incredible effrontery. Reid -- who never wore the uniform -- could have said he didn't agree with Pace's decisions or with the politically unpopular war in Iraq. He could have said he disliked the way Pace executed his responsibilities in advising the President.

But incompetent?

This kind of public disparagement of a military hero is disgraceful.

But Pace's career didn't end merely because of Reid's shoddy remarks. Pace, a faithful Catholic, also offended the secular god of Tolerance. He had the audacity to say that he believed sex outside of marriage was wrong, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

The New York Times instantly declared him a bigot. The rest of the media pack followed suit; few defended him. We are in real trouble, folks, if America's number one military officer cannot defend the proposition that the military should exemplify high moral standards.

President Bush decided not to send Pace's nomination up for the customary second term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Why not? Not because Peter Pace is incompetent; he was, after all, roundly commended by thePresident and Defense Secretary Gates.

Gates recommended against Pace's re-nomination, and the President agreed, because his confirmation would have been subjected to Senate hearings -- hearings that would have been grossly politicized.

Can you see the general sitting before a battery of senators cross-examining him, in front of the cameras, on whether he discriminated against homosexuals? Imagine the members of the Armed Services Committee -- most of whom never served in the military -- grilling Pace on whether his Catholic faith influenced his standards of prudery. At least two presidential candidates serve on this committee. The hearings would havebeen a political circus.

It would also have been open season on second-guessing the war at the very moment our troops are in an offensive posture, chasing al Qaeda. The television reports, which our troops in the field see online, would have shown our so-called leaders berating the military and calling the cause inIraq futile. They would have been demoralizing, to say the least.

But to our Senate leaders the welfare of our soldiers is secondary to worshipping the secular god of Tolerance and raw politics; thus they have in effect drummed out of the military one of the most honorable public servants I've ever known.

We should mourn the fact that we have lost the services of this decorated and principled man. And we should mourn the loss of honor, duty, and common decency among our nation's leaders.

BNN's new look....

Blog Net News changed formats a couple of weeks ago and it looks great ... when it comes up on my computer. Perhaps because I'm dial-up, the new format usually comes up as a hodge-podge of blog names listed on the right side, then I have to scroll to the bottom of that list to begin reading the headlines.

The categories of "most clicked," "highest ranked," etc. are hidden under the newspaper links but, thankfully, I can still read the headlines. Twice the new format has shown up and it looked great ... the rest of the time it's the hodgepodge. I'm not sure what "state editor" Vivian Paige's role is in all this....

While I'm discussing BNN ... was pleasantly surprised to find my rating this week at # 4. I'm uncomfortable mentioning such things -- have never commented on my ranking before -- but wanted to thank BNN and let them know it was noticed and appreciated.

Rush Limbaugh offers compromise with Left on pull out in Iraq....

“I want to present a hypothetical here. I know this would not happen, but I’ll offer a compromise, the Limbaugh compromise, to the Democrats in the Senate and in the House...

I will agree to pull our troops out of Iraq if you Democrats will agree to my conditions after the defeat...

When al-Qa’ida celebrates after we pull out, after we admit defeat, every TV image of al-Qa’ida celebrating must be a split screen. On one side, al-Qa’ida celebrating; on the other side, I want pictures of Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer and Carl Levin smiling and congratulating themselves.

When al-Qa’ida slaughters Iraqis after we pull out and we see the pictures of this on TV, every TV image must show a split screen. On one side of the screen, the bloody slaughter scenes; on the other side of the screen, pictures of smiling Harry Reid, smiling Chuck Schumer, smiling Carl Levin congratulating each other with big laughs...

I think that’s a reasonable compromise, and I’ve offered it here in all sincerity. If the left will agree to this compromise, I will join them in calling for a pullout from Iraq.”


--Rush Limbaugh

H/T Spark It Up!!

Augusta to consider purchase of landowner development rights

SWOOPE--The Augusta County Board of Supervisors will meet tonight to decide on a proposal that would pay Augusta land owners for development rights to their land. The idea is to preserve farmland ... but many ask if it is in the best interest of the farmers.

And is it just another form of subsidy from the government in an industry that sees farmers receiving aid for growing, or not growing, certain crops?

Some question whether there is enough money to even make a dent in an area as rural as Augusta, a county that has over 300,000 acres of farmland and 1,700 farms, according to the Waynesboro News Virginian. To purchase development rights for so much land would take far more than the $1 million available to the Board of Supervisors ... or even the $5 million that may be available from the state and federal government.

Is this the best use of our tax money? Should the government try to prevent a landowner from developing his land in order to preserve the scenic value? Some think the money available is not enough to make a difference while others consider it selling their rights.

Swoope farmer Clay Hewitt falls into the latter category:
"There's not enough money to make it worthwhile to many people. How will it be equitable to decide who gets the money? The key is, you are selling your rights."
Farmers would "sell their rights" to do as they wanted on their own land.

Supervisors appear to be split on this issue, similar to previous "green" issues, with Nancy Sorrells (I-Riverheads) and Kay Frye (R-Middle River) lining up together while other supervisors look cautiously at the overall effect this legislation would have on the county.

The meeting is tonight at the Augusta County Government Building on Lee Highway in Verona at 7:00 in the Board Meeting Room.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

What a gorgeous day in the Valley.....

Wow. It was gorgeous today in the Valley. Low humidity, temp in 70s, breezy ... it felt like Fall at my house. We spent a good part of the day outside and ate dinner on the deck and I sat outside and read ... it was a perfect day. Tomorrow sounds as if it will be more of the same....

Heh.

"Have you ever heard of the word WIN?"

Charlottesville the lib town (commonly referred to as the People's Republic of Charlottesville) and Sheehan anti-war rally attendance? Now At the Podium says it all....

Cindy Sheehan arrested in D.C.

Cindy Sheehan at Friday's anti-war rally in Charlottesville.

I read today that Cindy Sheehan was arrested during her continued tirade in D.C. when the police were called by a DEMOCRAT congressman! She wouldn't leave the office of Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich) after spending an hour trying to convince him to impeach President Bush so she was taken into custody and hauled off to jail. How many conservatives do you see pressing it until they're arrested? I'd be embarrassed to think I had to go that route to get a point across.

No impeachment for the President or the Vice President. Their leadership has kept this country safe since 9/11. I don't know what the liberals are thinking -- perhaps they've forgotten the terror they felt at the idea of their own children being wiped out by terrorists in 2001?

Donkeys must not have very good memories ... but an elephant doesn't forget.

Never forget ... 9/11/01.

Cindy Sheehan meets "Win the War" supporters

Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville Friday.

CHARLOTTESVILLE--Cindy Sheehan's peace train pulled into Charlottesville, VA, on Friday to sell her brand of anti-war activism to the heartland of Virginia. While she had plenty of support from the anti-Bush, anti-war protesters, there was also a presence by "Win the War" Americans who supported the troops.

Close to 150 "Win the War" supporters showed up at the gathering, mingling in with the crowd of 200 anti-war protesters who stood on the downtown mall waiting to hear from anti-war speakers and the now famous Ms. Sheehan.

Josh Levy, 23-year-old UVA law student, organized the counter-rally by the war supporters, coordinating with Albemarle Republican Chairman Keith Drake to notify area Republicans about the event.

Levy stressed that though the Republicans helped recruit "Win the War" supporters, it was not a partisan event and all were invited including Democrats and Independents. Believing that the war cannot remain the policy of one party alone and still succeed, Levy emphasized "the overarching reasons for fighting and not retreating until Al Quaeda in Iraq is destroyed and a peaceful, decent society is established."

Chants of "Win the war" were heard throughout the event. Signs were held high and American flags could be seen in the crowd.

Bubba McDonald, a member of the Gathering of Eagles, a nationwide group that supports the troops, drove from Raleigh, NC, to participate. A tourist in town from Florida stood silently with the group to show her support.

A currently enlisted young man, deploying to Iraq in three weeks, stood with his girlfriend and observed. Surrounding him were veterans and mothers of Marines and soldiers who are serving at this time in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Anti-war signs urged impeachment of the President or "Support the troops -- Bring them home."

One little girl standing with her "Win the War" parents held a sign that said, "Al-Qaida thanks you."

A mom whose Army son has served three tours of duty in Iraq held a sign that said, "Three tour military mom." Another mom whose Marine son just deployed to Iraq for the second time held a "Win the War" sign while observing the crowd of dissidents.

Bloggers, part of the new media, were in attendance taking photos and notes, and follow-up stories have shown up and been linked to by nationwide blogs including Gathering of Eagles and Red State as well as local blogs.

Cindy Sheehan's remarks were brief as she stirred the anti-war protesters with demands to impeach President George W. Bush as well as Vice President Dick Cheney. She heckled a "Win the War" participant about being young enough to enlist instead of holding a sign in support. After completing her comments she left the stage.

Sheehan's tour was next going to Richmond and Arlington.
Photos by SWAC Girl

Monday, July 23, 2007

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...."

"Win the War" supporters said the Pledge of Allegiance Friday before moving down the Charlottesville Downtown Mall to the site of the anti-war rally.

The Pledge was led by Keith Drake, Chairman of the Albemarle County Republican Party (in dark blue shirt).

Photos by SWAC Girl

Tammy Faye Bakker Messner -- 1942-2007

Say what you will about Tammy Faye ... the fact remains she was a spirited individual who grabbed the gusto in life right until the end. Battling cancer for years, she passed away at her home Friday at the age of 65.

I was not into the evangelical religion of the Bakkers in the 1980s but the mere fact that I lived in that part of the world during those years made it impossible to escape what went on at the PTL ministries in Fort Mill, SC, 15 miles south of Charlotte, NC.

Their "Heritage USA" complex covered thousands of acres and included a 500-room luxury hotel, a cable TV station where they filmed their PTL show, an amphitheater, and a 2,300-acre Christian-themed amusement park.

Every year they would decorate Heritage USA for Christmas, and invite the community to drive through the miles of roadways at no charge. When my son was three years old we decided to make the drive to Fort Mill and check it out.

It was fascinating! I had heard that Christmas was Tammy Faye's favorite holiday (it's mine, too) ... and one look at Heritage USA decorated for the holidays confirmed it. It was Toyland and the Holy Land all rolled into one.

There must have been hundreds of thousands of lights everywhere -- lining buildings and fences, in trees and shrubs -- and every Christmas decoration you can imagine. One particular lane had huge lighted candy canes on both sides that formed an arch over the roadway for a car to drive under.

Gingerbread people, snowmen, penguins, Christmas trees ... it was all there. In another area was a replica of the Holy Land with the "Upstairs Room" for anyone who wanted to stop in and pray.

It made an impression on me that I will never forget. Shortly after that PTL went under and the Bakkers lost their empire ... and never again anywhere else have I seen anything that comes close to the Christmas decorations at Heritage USA.

Vets for Freedom: Week 3 ... Win the War!

WEEK 3: Take the Lead, State-by-State

The past two weeks have been enormously successful for Vets for Freedom. The voices of pro-mission Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are finally being heard on Capitol Hill and throughout America.

Don't think so? Read this piece on NRO, this lead editorial in the Washington Times, or this front page article in The Politico.

Click here to read about our standing-room-only press conference with nine U.S. senators on Tuesday and here to read about our hour-long private meeting with President Bush on Friday.

My deepest thanks to everyone who made the trip to Washington, DC, last week and to everyone who offered their support. You all made a real difference last week. But, as you know, there is much more work to be done.

Vets for Freedom may have helped stop Congress from declaring defeat in July, but now we need to ensure they continue to hear our message in August and September. We need to capitalize on our momentum and move full-speed ahead. So, going into Week Three of our "10 Weeks to Testimony," we still need your help.

We know you are no stranger to heavy lifting, sacrifice and team work - and this week it's your team work we need. Vets for Freedom is in the process of developing a national presence, which will include state-level grass roots movements in August ... and eventually state chapters around the nation. We are asking you to join in the fight -- in your local area -- to let your Senator and Congressman know that you are committed to supporting our troops and General Petraeus as they execute our nation's new counter-insurgency strategy in Iraq.

What You Can Do This Week! Week #3: Take The Lead, State-by-State
If you don't do anything else this week, at least click here and quickly update your information in the Vets for Freedom database.

In the past few weeks and months, thousands of people have joined Vets for Freedom. We are growing at a phenomenal pace, and I have people emailing me every day asking how they can help. Therefore, we recently updated our database so that it captures enough useful data to ensure we mobilize our members efficiently.

So, before you do anything this afternoon, click here and take 30 seconds to update your information in the Vets for Freedom database. Why, you ask? Because in August, Vets for Freedom plans to mobilize pro-mission veterans around the country, in their home states, to engage members of Congress. Senators and representatives need to hear from us in all forums -- letters to the editor, op-eds, radio, television, advertising, town hall meetings, and phone calls. So, by entering your name, email, phone number, and home-state, we will be able to notify you of opportunities to support the troops and their mission ... in your backyard.

Wanted: State Captains
Many of you have also expressed a desire to go above-and-beyond, to really take the lead. This is your opportunity. We are looking for "State Captains" to coordinate grass-roots efforts in their home state in August.

Every State Captain will receive assistance in formulating a budget and will be provided with a plethora of assistance, to include: contacts with all local media, list of all town-hall meetings, assistance in recruiting other vets, and one-on-one assistance from Vets for Freedom National Field Director Joel Arends.

If you are willing to serve as a State Captain for the month of August -- and take the lead to support our troops overseas -- just send an email to Joel at Joel@vetsforfreedom.org

What Else Can You Do?
1)Spread the word. Tell your friends and fellow veterans about Vets for Freedom. Despite our success, we have only cracked a tiny portion of the pro-mission veterans community. Forward this email to everyone you know today.

2) Write Op-Eds. Take a crack at putting down your thoughts on paper and send them to your local paper. Your community needs to hear from you. Ask your representative to support the troops - and their mission. Your story is the most powerful message we have.

On Tuesday July 24, I will be debating anti-war veteran Jon Soltz on Hardball with Chris Matthews. The segment will be shot live at Hardball Plaza (400 North Capitol Street, Washington, DC) and will include a large audience. If any Vets for Freedom members and/or supporters can make it out, I'd love to see you there. Otherwise, watch it live on MSNBC at 5pm ET.

Let's continue to charge ahead - together. Keep telling your friends and tell them to sign up. And be on the lookout for our "Sign up to Show up" email for September. We plan to have hundreds of pro-mission veterans on Capitol Hill in September, and need your support early. As veterans, and soldiers who have served in the front lines, your voices offer credibility, courage, and leadership to our nation at a crucial time. Keep up the hard work!

Regards,

Pete Hegseth
Iraq War Veteran 2005-2006
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom

Click here for more information on Vets for Freedom's "10 Weeks to Testimony."

Sunday, July 22, 2007

To UCV: It is we who thank you

Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia shares a comment with her husband during rally as Kim from Augusta holds a sign.

Flora with her "Operation Iraqi Freedom" shirt brought to her from Iraq by Cargo Squid.

Was reading Flora McDonald's new post about Friday's "Win the War" counter-rally to Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville. In Va Says You Don't Speak For Me, Cindy, Flora ends by saying:


There was something tremendously satisfying and hopeful for me, as the mom of an active duty soldier, to see so many Americans enthusiastically defending our Troops. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
No, Flora. It is we who thank you for the sacrifice your family and your son have made for us. For us to stand on the street to publicly show our support for our troops and proclaim that we must WIN THE WAR is the least we can do.

Thank you. And God bless.

Photos by SWAC Girl

A military mom at Win the War counter-rally to Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville....

Support the Troops supporter's sign says it all.

Military Mom Trixie Averill in the crowd.

Trixie Averill's signs says, "3 Tour Military Mom." Her son, Sgt. Marcus Averill, has been deployed to Iraq three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

She drove from Roanoke to Charlottesville on Friday to stand in solidarity with those who were supporting the troops in their counter-rally against anti-war Cindy Sheehan's appearance. She made a sign that said, "3 Tour Military Mom" and held it, along with a "Win the War" sign, facing the crowd.
Trixie Averill stood solidly and defiantly for over an hour in support of her son and all the military men and women and, though her son is currently stationed stateside, he is scheduled for a fourth deployment to Iraq.
God bless Marcus. God bless his mom. And God bless our military families who support their military members who fight to keep us free.
Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Carl Kilo at Spark It Up links to UCV and SWAC Girl's stories and photos from the rally.
Photos by SWAC Girl

More photos from "Win the War" counter-rally to Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville Friday....

The media mixed in with crowd.

The Downtown Mall has many sidewalk restaurants. The one nearest the rally site wasn't doing much business Friday evening....








Charlottesville has a "writing wall" at one end of the Downtown Mall. Sidewalk chalk is provided for those who would like to print a message, draw artwork, or whatever moves them. This was the message I left on the wall Friday.
SWAC Girl's message on the Charlottesville Writing Wall: SUPPORT THE TROOPS!



A number of children were there to support the troops.


This little "Win the War" support's sign says, "Al-Qaida thanks you."

Barb with her American flag.



Pre-rally getting ready.

Update: Read more from John Maxfield who was at the rally and provides wrap-up.
Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: NBC-29 coverage of the rally.
Photos by SWAC Girl

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Thinking of Nate ... and reflecting on Cindy Sheehan's protest of the war

Nate and my kids are friends. Nate, otherwise known as Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC, was at my house today when I returned from Richmond's State Central meeting. As I pulled in the driveway I saw his Ninja bike parked beside my son's car and smiled.

They were in the living room, their laptops side-by-side on the coffee table, as my son trouble-shooted some problem Nate was having with his computer. A war movie was on the TV and they were commenting from time to time. I said hello, chatted a few minutes, and left them to their computer worries.

I walked out onto the deck and lounged in one of the chairs as a cool breeze blew ... I was unwinding after a long political day ... and I couldn't help but think about yesterday's Sheehan rally, all the misguided youth at that rally ... and Nate sitting in my living room.

Nate ... who just returned from Iraq in May. Nate ... who got one year in at Virginia Military Institute before being activated to go to war. Nate ... who is an older 21-year-old after clearing IEDs in a desert half-a-world away.

We grilled out and Nate joined us for dinner. As we all sat around the table on the deck ... my husband, two kids, and Nate ... I couldn't help but be thankful for the young people who are willing to serve their country for my freedom. I looked around at the lush green trees and plants and thought about how barren and beige-colored Iraq's desert must have been.

Cindy Sheehan yesterday picked on a "Win the War" participant in the crowd, shouting that he was less than 42 years old so he was eligible to go to war.

What I would have liked to hear her say was ... thank you.

Thank you to the troops and their families who make the sacrifices so she can be safe from terrorism to stand on the steps on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall and mock someone in the crowd, shout profanities to the group that included a number of children, and call for the impeachment of a president who has led this country without a terrorism attack since September 11, 2001.

Nate will talk about the war if you ask him. What he went through over there was incredible.

He is incredible.

All our troops are incredible.

So tomorrow the kids are planning to go hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Nate is packing life with all the things he missed while away at war. We are grateful to have him here to do that.

Nate. He doesn't think he's a hero ... but we do.

Background posts about Nate are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.


Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: NBC-29 coverage of the rally.

RPV's new chairman & treasurer....

Spent the entire day in Richmond so haven't had time to post anymore about the counter-rally to Cindy Sheehan yesterday in Charlottesville. More on that tomorrow....

In Richmond, a longer-than-usual State Central meeting produced a new chairman. Former Lt. Governor John Hager won in an election against Charlie Judd, the current Executive Director, and Chuck Smith, Virginia Beach GOP Chairman. Judd will remain as ED. I expect to hear good things in the future from Chuck Smith ... he has an impressive resume. Congratulations to Lt. Governor Hager.

A new treasurer was also elected. Rick Neel, former RPV treasurer and Party activist since the 1960s, was elected to serve once again in the position he had previously held. I was honored when Rick asked that I second his nomination. He ran against Ray Ergenbright who is currently on the audit committee. Congratulations to Rick Neel.

I had the pleasure of sitting beside state CR Chairman Jarrett Ray who is from the Valley and attends James Madison University. He's working with Delegate Matt Lohr in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area and gearing up for the new school year.

Got a hug from fellow blogger James Atticus Bowden from 1st District. Jim opened the SCC meeting with prayer and asked that we remember his co-worker who is terminally ill with cancer.

Tom Foley in the 1st District bought 50 Win the War signs to take to his area. He got a sign at our March meeting, put it in his yard, and has had inquiries about it ever since. Good man ... helping to spread the message.

Lunch was provided afterwards which was especially enjoyed by those who had long distances to drive back home. It was good to have Augusta Chairman Kurt Michael go with me today to the meeting.

Congratulations once again to the new leadership at SCC.

Win the War Counter-Rally a HUGE success in Charlottesville ... Cindy Sheehan protested by supporters of troops

The most disgusting anti-war rant I heard this evening? That Americans are terrorists.
Give ... me ... a ... break.

There she is, Ms. Anti-War Cindy Sheehan.
Cindy Sheehan deep in discussion with someone before her appearance.



Josh Levy and Keith Drake
Flora McDonald's shirt, "Operation Iraqi Freedom," brought back from Iraq by Cargo Squid, a fellow blogger on United Conservatives of Virginia.






Win the War! signs were everywhere this evening as were homemade signs voicing support for our troops ... while American flags waved in the breeze. What a great feeling to be part of those standing up for our military!

Hundreds turned out on both sides as forces verbally clashed over the war in Iraq at an appearance by Cindy Sheehan on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. We had almost as many people as they, and we definitely had more signs. Police were on standby but not needed. Media were everywhere.

Many thanks to UVA law student Josh Levy and Albemarle GOP Chairman Keith Drake for organizing this great event, and to everyone who turned out to show Cindy Sheehan that we believe in publicly backing our soldiers. There was even someone from North Carolina and Florida, and both sides of Afton Mountain were represented. A large group of SWAC area residents were there.

Bloggers, supporters, military families, veterans, current military ... there's much to tell.

More photos and lots more commentary will be posted tomorrow. I took over 200 photos throughout the event while carrying a Win the War! sign and talking with folks. What a great event!


Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: NBC-29 coverage of the rally.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Friday, July 20, 2007

If not us ... who?

If we don't stand up for our soldiers and Marines ... if we don't stand up for America ... if we don't take a public stand against the anti-war, anti-America crowd ...

... then who?


Win the War -- We Can!



Win the War Rally today to show Cindy Sheehan that we support our troops!

Charlottesville Downtown Mall -- 6 p.m.