Recognize the Victory, Senator Obama

Vets For Freedom want Barack to back Senate Resolution 636

Vets For Freedom: Announcing the National Heroes Tour!

~Snooper~

Vets for Freedom Members,

Vets for Freedom is proud to announce the National Heroes Tour, a coast-to-coast bus tour aimed at honoring America's veterans, active troops and their families.

The bus tour kicks off in San Diego on March 14 and will include 22 stops in 16 states over three weeks, culminating on the steps of Capitol Hill on April 8th, for another "Vets on the Hill" event. The tour will bring together veterans from across the country to tell their stories and highlight their sacrifices, as well as rally support for successfully completing the missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.


CLICK HERE to see when the tour will be coming through your state, and to view updates of exact times and locations of tour events!

In addition to the local heroes we pick up along the way, here are a few of the heroes that will be featured on the tour:

David Bellavia-recipient of the Silver Star, and nominee for the Medal of Honor and author of House to House (a memoir about house-to-house combat in Iraq)

Marcus Luttrell-recipient of the Navy Cross and sole survivor of a mission in which four Navy SEALS were sent into a Taliban stronghold on the Afghan-Pakistan border; Luttrell was badly injured yet managed to escape enemy capture and later author the New York Times best-selling book Lone Survivor.

Marco Martinez-recipient of the Navy Cross for heroic action on the battlefield in Iraq and author of Hard Corps, Martinez was involved in gang activity in Los Angeles and joined the Marine Corps to straighten out his life

Steve Russell-recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for his actions in Iraq; Lieutenant Colonel Russell led the battalion responsible for the capture of Saddam Hussein

Jeremiah Workman-recipient of the Navy Cross for his heroic actions in Fallujah; Corporal Workman's actions, under fire and while injured, led to the death of over 24 enemy insurgents and saved fellow Marines from being ambushed.

The veterans on the National Heroes Tour represent the courage, conviction, and commitment of our men and women in the U.S. armed forces. These highly decorated veterans-as well as local heroes-will tell their personal stories directly to the American public through local media, rallies, speeches, debates, and personal meetings.

What Can I Do To Support the Tour?

Donate. Our goal is to raise $25,000 this week for the Tour. Would you consider a $100 donation today? Renting a bus and driving across the country is an expensive undertaking, and your donation will go directly to supporting the Tour. Click here to help ensure that our message is heard all across America!

Support the Tour. Contact your State Captain and volunteer to help make our stop in your state-or neighboring state-as effective as possible. If you don't know your State Captain, send an email to info@vetsforfreedom.org with any ideas or contacts.

Spread the Word. Contact the local media and local leaders in your area and tell them about the Tour. For specific media inquiries regarding the tour, direct them to Judy Mayka, Vets for Freedom Press Secretary at judy@vetsforfreedom.org

Telling the stories of our heroes and galvanizing support for success is the goal of the tour, we hope to see you soon...in your neck of the woods.

Move Out and Draw Fire!

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director

Vets For Freedom: EAGLES UP!

~Snooper~

I received the following via email:

Vets for Freedom members,

2008 promises to be another busy year for Vets for Freedom. We are already working hard on a laundry list of events, and you should be on the lookout for exciting announcements in the coming weeks. We plan to ensure that the incredible progress our brave troops achieved in 2007 is continued and acknowledged.

While Congress returns to business and the Presidential race heats up, Vets for Freedom continues to actively advocate on behalf of the brave men and women who are defying the critics and winning the fight in Iraq. This Monday alone, Vets for Freedom member and Marine infantry officer Erik Swabb wrote an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "The Lessons of Iraq" and I wrote an op-ed in the National Review Online entitled "Death Blow to Defeatists" that outlines the recent political progress in Iraq. I also had the opportunity to appear on The O'Reilly Factor once again to take on MoveOn.org. To view the clip, please visit our website.

On another note, Vets for Freedom is proud to welcome Founder and Medal of Honor nominee David Bellavia as the Editor-In-Chief of our Troop Blog. David Bellavia is also the author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War, an unforgettable story of triumph, adversity, and the unending courage of a U.S. infantryman and his squad in Iraq. David-along with many other excellent writers-will be blogging daily.

Lastly, be sure to visit our new website to get the latest news articles and updates on issues important to Vets for Freedom members. I look forward to working with each of you this year as we continue to support our brave troops in Iraq and Afghanistan-and our veterans here at home.

Move Out and Draw Fire!

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom

Fellow veterans and Active Duty...if you sit on your collective asses and whine without taking action, you deserve everything that comes your way.

RUCK UP!

KEEP FIVE!

WATCH SIX!

Vets for Freedom Making International Headlines

~Snooper~

Vets For Freedom wins an overwhelming Victory. Words cannot express the gratitude we veterans feel towards the unwavering dedication to my fellow veterans and myself. Success requires a contender that sees no value in defeat. Pete Hegseth is such a contender. Reid, on the other hand, is not.

I received the following in my email from Vets For Freedom...

Last week, in London's grand Westminster Hall, I had the distinct privilege and honor to represent Vets for Freedom during a debate hosted by Intelligence Squared, the most prominent debating forum in Europe. Along with my esteemed debating partner William Shawcross, we were able to achieve a dramatic and unexpected victory with the sold-out audience of over 2,200 by overwhelmingly swaying them to defend the motion, "The surge is working, let's win before we leave."

Of the 455 undecided voters who arrived in the hall, over half (234) later voted to support victory rather than defeat. By contrast, only 131 voted in favor of the motions "leave Iraq now" or "negotiated settlement." Overwhelmingly, previously undecided voters left the hall convinced that we must win in Iraq. I was expecting a hostile audience, but these results prove that, with the credibility that we as veterans bring to the debate, it is not too late to shape the public's perception of the war in Iraq.

The debate will be shown in its entirety on BBC World during the weekend of January 5th, and Vets for Freedom will send out a notice when it appears. In the meantime, visit this website for a podcast of the debate.

In other news, I am proud to announce that Vets for Freedom recently released an ad titled "Senator Mitch McConnell" to thank and recognize the steadfast support Leader McConnell (R-KY) has given to the brave men and women who have and are currently wearing our nation's uniform. The ad will be running in the Louisville and Lexington markets in Kentucky through December 18th. To view the ads, please visit our website.

In addition to the op-ed from last weekend's Washington Post op-ed co-authored by Major General John Batiste, USA (Ret.), and myself, Vets for Freedom made headlines in the Washington Times on December 11th. Titled "American Troops are Winning," the piece argues that Congress needs to fund the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan before they go home for Christmas.

Finally, tomorrow Vets for Freedom will be launching our new website. This has been a work in progress for the better part of two months, and I'm confident you'll enjoy the new site.

THIS WEEK'S ACTION ITEM - GET AT LEAST 5 FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS AND/OR VETERANS TO SIGN UP ON OUR SITE.

The men and women who wear our nation's uniform represent the best America has to offer. As we all sit down with our friends and loved ones this holiday season, it is my hope that all Americans give thanks to the sacrifice bore by soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. May we pray for their safe return, and for continued victory in the battlefields of the Global War on Terror. A very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year to each of you.

Warm Regards,

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom

Vets For Freedom Announcement!!!!

~Snooper~

I have received the below data via email but I stole particular commentary from Spree at Wake Up America.

Lt. Pete Hegseth, who served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from 2005 to 2006, is executive director of Vets for Freedom.

Vets for Freedom represents America on a Global Stage

For the past six months, Vets for Freedom has taken the lead in America in explaining - and supporting - the new counter-insurgency strategy being implemented with great success in Iraq.

Tonight, December 11, we will take that message to the world.

This evening, Pete Hegseth, Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, will represent our country during a debate in London about the future of Iraq. The debate will be hosted by Intelligence Squared, the most prominent debating forum in Europe, and will be broadcast on BBC World television, which has an audience of over 76 million people worldwide.

Hegseth will join prominent British author William Shawcross by promoting the motion that states, "the surge is working, let's win before we leave." They will be debating against four other panelists, among them Ali Allawi, former Iraqi Minister of Defense, and Tony Benn, the President of Britain's "Stop the War Coalition" and 40-year member of the British parliament.

Hegseth will give 8 minutes of remarks and then participate in an hour of debate and Q&A. At the conclusion of the debate, the sold-out London audience will vote on the motion.

"What an incredible opportunity to represent our country and speak directly to the world about the incredible progress happening in Iraq," said Hegseth. "BBC World is watched around the globe, and this is an opportunity to represent our country and our military in order to dispel myths about our mission and conduct in Iraq."

For more information about the debate, go to: http://www.intelligencesquared.com

The debate will be taped and broadcast on BBC World at a later date, and Vets for Freedom will provide air times when they become available.

Also, the following op-ed appeared in today's Washington Times, and I wanted to make sure you were one of the first to see it. The op-ed argues that Congress needs to fund the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan before they go home for Christmas, especially in light of incredible success in Iraq.

Enjoy the debate and the article,

Pete Hegseth

Iraq War Veteran
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom

The article:

American troops are winning

December 11, 2007


By Pete Hegseth - In May and June, overall attacks in Iraq were at their highest levels since the war began, monthly coalition deaths were near an all-time high, and violence against civilians was still at staggering levels. To most observers, the war in Iraq was not going well.

At the same time, members of Congress were already declaring the "surge' a failure and stepping up their "timeline for withdrawal" rhetoric. Anti-war Democrats, and a few Republicans, cited "realities on the ground" as compelling evidence to call for an immediate, or more nuanced "phased," end to the war.

These same "realities," also emboldening anti-war groups to declare an "Iraq Summer," during which they would finally crush domestic support for the war and force Congress to de-fund the mission there. MoveOn.org and others dispatched operatives around the country and harassed members of Congress.

Truthfully, as we now know, these "realities" on the ground were the unfortunate birth pangs of the new counter-insurgency strategy being implemented by Gen. David Petraeus. Some on Capitol Hill understood this fact in June, and their courage in those dark days kept Congress from prematurely declaring defeat in Iraq.

In June, the full compliment of surge forces had just arrived, hence the violence levels hadn't yet ebbed; by June, American forces had moved off of large bases and defensive positions, and into an offensive posture among the population, hence the initially high casualty rate; and in June, al Qaeda had yet to felt the full shock of the surge, hence their continue brutality.

But that was then, and this is now; and Iraq in December 2007 is a drastically different place than Iraq in June 2007. Overall attack levels are now at the lowest levels since 2005, monthly coalition deaths are nearing an all-time low, and violence against Iraqi civilians has been reduced by more than 60 percent, according to the anti-war site icasualties.org

However, the more things change in Iraq, the more they stay the same on Capitol Hill. For the past month, with a few off-handed exceptions, Democratic leadership on Capitol Hill has largely refused to acknowledge success. They are stuck in the talking points of June, and stuck on a narrative of failure.

Despite the incredible progress made by our military - which has opened the door for real and sustainable political progress in Iraq - the Democratic leadership continues to insist that we de-fund the war and bring the troops home no matter what. Beholden to entrenched and noisy anti-war interest groups, the Democrat leadership in Washington seems willing to cut-off much needed funding, placing our brave troops in harms way.

In response to these overtly political threats, the Pentagon recently made plans to lay off more than 100,000 DOD employees across America in order to re-allocate money to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What the Democratic leadership seems to forget is that these employees are responsible for training, equipping and supporting the troops in the field.

In short, for the sake of placating MoveOn.org and other radical anti-war groups, the Democratic leadership is willing to lay off thousands of employees in America and under cut the incredible success of our troops in Iraq. Such logic is perverse and infuriating, especially to courageous Democrats like Reps. Brian Baird and Jim Marshall, who have moved beyond partisanship to support the success being achieved in Iraq.

The troops in Iraq today - many of whom I served with in 2006 - are the finest fighting force the world has ever seen. And today, with a coherent strategy that finally compliments their tactical proficiency, they are defeating al Qaeda and Iranian-proxy groups. How members of Congress, sitting in their air-conditioned offices, can consider cutting off their funding is beyond comprehension.

The Iraq war has been difficult, and it has cost America dearly in lives and treasure. But now is not the time to play politics with the troops and their funding. If the "realities" of June had persisted until December, then talk of a phased withdrawal and funding restrictions would be reasonable.

But reality has changed, and the Democratic leadership needs to have the courage to acknowledge great success in Iraq, and swallow their pride long enough to do what is best for the troops and their important mission. Congress needs to fund the troops immediately, before heading home to enjoy a holiday season that our troops - and my fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne - will spend in harm's way.

Pete, Thanks for the email.

As most of y'all know by now, my son is now serving with the 101st at this very moment.

General Batiste Consorts With The Enemy?

~Snooper~

I suppose the anti-Americanist groups will be howling that sentiment fairly soon enough.

HT to Blue Crab Boulevard

Major General John Batiste, long touted by the anti-war left as a critic of the war in Iraq (he was) has abruptly switched sides, quit the anti-war Vote Vets group and has joined with Pete Hegseth and Vets for Freedom. An op-ed piece in the Washington Post co-authored by the two men calls for an end to the political posturing in Washington. [...]

We shall see. In commenting whether or not the Leftinistra will begin their nasty diatribes towards the "turn-coat" General they once had in their back pockets, BCB writes:

Well, you know they can't do the latter. They are emotionally invested in forcing a defeat. So its off to the attack! (Alternatively, they may simply ignore Batiste and pretend he never was with them before he was against them.)

That's so truly funny, as in odd, it is truly sad.

Way back in Nov of 2006, an eternity in internet circles, wasn't it General Batiste the one that said that a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq was a really bad idea? And, was it not this same General that said otherwise BEFORE the elections of Nov 2006? Just wondering out loud here.

So, we see that victory has a thousand fathers while anti-war Generals switch sides and cross the crazy lines. While all eyes that have a clue are looking towards Iraq, the once confused and beguiled proponents of defeatist rhetoric see the light and add their footnotes to history.

In the op-ed in the Washington Post by Pete Hegseth and General Batiste, we find many words of wisdom; words so alien to the current collection of political hacks in Congress and within the electorate.

Congress has been entangled in a war-funding debate that pits war "supporters" against antiwar "defeatists." With all sides seemingly entrenched, a stalemate looms. The Pentagon, meanwhile, will soon begin stripping money from its training budget to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our military men and women deserve better than partisan politics; they deserve honest assessments of our nation's performance in fighting the Long War. [...] read the rest

It has been a long time since we have men of stature utter these words and I, as a DAV, hope and pray that our pathetic and self-absorbed politicians will set aside their trivial aspirations for the good of the nation as a whole. I might add, since when does an insignificant few dictate to the rest of the nation? In light of recent data, the "anti-war" crowds are way low on the totem pole of significance.

The op-ed at the WaPo is well worth the read and therein, the two once vehemently opposed philosophies now agree on five points. You will need to read the article to catch the full meanings:

Hegseth and Baptiste point to five fundamental tenets they believe America must rally behind.

First, the United States must be successful in the fight against worldwide Islamic extremism.

Second, whether or not we like it, Iraq is central to that fight.

Third, the counterinsurgency campaign led by Gen. David Petraeus is the correct approach in Iraq.

Fourth, our strategy in fighting the Long War must address Iran.

Fifth, our military capabilities need to match our national strategy.

The about-face by General Batiste has significant impact to the tune of a 10.5 on the seismic counters. First, he has recognized that the Surge is by-God working and that the VoteVets group, financed by Soros, is wrong.

I have been preaching those five points ever since the Democratic Party Leadership and their RINO moppets began their cut and run and redeploy idiocy.

[...] We have seen this ruthless enemy firsthand, and its global ambitions are undeniable. This struggle, the Long War, will probably take decades to prosecute. Failure is not an option. [...]

Did you hear that, America? FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. Then, there are these words that I know for a fact have been vocalized but the Loony anti-Americanists ignore them at their own peril.

[...] Today's tactical gains in Iraq -- while a necessary pre-condition for political reconciliation -- will crumble without a deliberate and comprehensive strategy. [...]

Exactly so. and, the article ends with the words I also know for a fact I myself and my fellow veterans have plastered every where we could...

[...] Americans must mobilize for the Long War -- bolster our strained military, galvanize industry to supply troops with what they need right now and fund the strategy with long-term solutions. We have no doubt that Americans will rally behind a call to arms.

America's veterans --young and old -- are resolved to support and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. This commitment, and nothing less, should compel us to stand together, in and out of uniform. Would that Congress finds the courage to bury its pride and do the same. [...]

I have my Go Bag(s) ready. Just say the word.

One should wonder if the same people that lauded General Batiste as a leading authority on the War In Iraq will reconsider their stands or will they shrug him off as a Chicken Hawk or something else just as demeaning and disingenuous.

Similar thoughts are here.

Catch the wave at memeorandum...

Haven't heard a hoot from the Libtards yet but a bunch of us are catching up!

Amy Proctor
Redstate
Right Wing News
Sister Toldjah
Wake Up America

VETS FOR FREEDOM: "PROGRESS IN IRAQ" CAMPAIGN

Dear Vets for Freedom member:

What news have you heard about Iraq since General Petraeus and Vets for Freedom were on Capitol Hill in September? If you're like most Americans, the answer is "very little."

Why? I believe it is because the situation in Iraq has fundamentally changed. And while the media has always been quick to report bombings and failures in Iraq, it is simply not reporting the good news.

The change is that-today-most of the news coming out of Iraq is positive. There is no doubt that real and sustainable progress is happening in Iraq. The courage of our troops, and the nature of their new counter-insurgency strategy, is paying off.

VETS FOR FREEDOM: "PROGRESS IN IRAQ" CAMPAIGN

For the next two months, Vets for Freedom will be making a coordinated effort to get the good news out about Iraq. We will be targeting the American public, elected officials, candidates, and the media.

You see, Al Qaeda in Iraq is on the run, Iraqi Security Forces are fighting hard to take back their country, and local Iraqi leaders are taking control of their neighborhoods. This is all good news - but it is not reaching the ears of the American people.

Our campaign will include television and radio ads, grassroots efforts, town hall meetings, highlighting pro-mission candidates, and events. We have also added a "Progress in Iraq" section to our website, where you can go to get the latest facts and statistics about the good things happening in Iraq.

CLICK HERE to see the "Progress in Iraq" Section.

In addition, each week we will be asking you-the membership of Vets for Freedom-to get involved. And together, we will help get the good news out about Iraq.

THIS WEEK'S ACTION ITEM

This week, help us spread the word about Vets for Freedom, so that we can spread the word about progress in Iraq.

Our goal is to add 5,000 new Vets for Freedom members in the next two weeks, and as a member of the team, you are the best messenger to bring new faces and voices to our organization.

This week, we need you to reach out to guys from your platoon/section/troop, buddies who recently returned from overseas, or any veterans you know. In addition, reach out to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and like-minded Americans.

Help us grow the Vets for Freedom team today in 3 simple steps:

1) CLICK HERE: {in this case, email Snooper and if I know you, I will send you the link...don't need no stinkin' troll "infiltraitors".

Spread the word about VetsForFreedom.org:

Vets for Freedom was founded by a group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who support our troops and their mission. Until then, the voices of combat troops with first-hand experience had largely been ignored by many policymakers and the media. In January 2006, this group of veterans, enlisted personnel, and officers decided to take action. Vets for Freedom was formed to educate the public and mobilize support for our troops and their mission. We need your help! In order to spread the message about the positive successes our mission is having in Iraq and Afghanistan take two simple steps:

1. Type or copy the email addresses of six friends who might be interested in joining the Vets for Freedom team.


2. Click "Send Now" and those on your list will receive your message and be on their way to mobilizing veterans to communicate America's strategic objectives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen in Iraq are doing incredible things, and we owe it to them to ensure that the facts about their mission reach the American public. Their story must be told. We've got their backs-join today!

2) Type or copy the email addresses of six friends who might be interested in joining the Vets for Freedom team and add your own personal message.

3) Click "Send Now" and those on your list will receive your message and be on their way to mobilizing veterans to communicate America's strategic objectives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Soldiers and Marines in Iraq are doing incredible things, and we owe it to them to ensure that the facts about their mission reach the American public. Their story must be told. We've got their backs-join us.

Move out and draw fire!

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom


The above was the email I received from VFFHQ. Below, is data the Lame Stream and the likes of ReidCo and PelosiCo and any number of other anti-Americanists DON'T want you to know.


Since the “Surge” of troops was completed in June of this year, violence throughout Iraq has reduced dramatically. The combination of additional troops, and more importantly a new counter-insurgency strategy, are undeniably responsible for the reduction.

Below you will see FACTS about the dramatic drop in violence. We have broken them down to the “Surge Focus” (June-October 2007) and to “One Year Focus.”

Visit this site weekly to get the latest data. We also plan to add data about political and economic progress.

SURGE FOCUS

Fact: Since June, Iraqi civilian casualties have dropped 56.4% (1,148 in June, 501 in October). Source: www.icasualties.org

* This number verifies that the U.S goal of “population protection,” is gradually being met.



Fact: Since June, Coalition Forces casualties have dropped 68.5% (108 in June, 34 in October). Source: www.icasualties.org

* Despite an aggressive counter-insurgency posture, U.S. troop deaths have dropped, because they have slowly gained the trust of the population groups they are protecting (alongside Iraqi forces).



Fact: Since June, Coalition Forces casualties by IED have dropped by 78.3% (74 in June, 16 in October). Source: www.icasualties.org

* This number is a direct result of an increase in tip from Iraqis (over four times as many as last year). More IEDs are being found than are detonating on U.S. Forces.


Fact: Since June, Iraqi Security Forces casualties have dropped by 68.9% (197 in June, 67 in October). Source: www.icasualties.org

* Our counter-insurgency campaign has also made the operating environment safer for our Iraqi allies.

ONE-YEAR FOCUS

* New leadership (Gen Petraeus), a new strategy (counter-insurgency), and additional troops (the “surge”), have made an enormous difference over the past year.

* Iraq is no longer caught in the “civil war” that plagued it following the Samarra mosque bombing in February of 2006.

Fact: Since September of 2006, overall civilian casualties in Iraq have dropped by 77.8% (3,389 in September ’06, 752 in September ’07). Source: www.icasualties.org

Fact: Since October of 2006, Coalition Forces casualties have dropped by 69.1% (110 in October ’06, 34 in October ’07). Source: www.icasualties.org

Fact: Since September of 2006, Iraqi Security Forces casualties have dropped by 36% (150 in September ’06, 96 in September ’07). Source: www.icasualties.org

MORE INFORMATION TO COME.



Snooper is recruiting. Join me.

Catch the wave

Vets For Freedom Leader Speaks Out

I have received this in an email and it can also be found in the New York Post. I am a member of Vets For Freedom and the new chapter of Texas Vets For Freedom.

We are proud to have 1LT Pete Hegseth as our Leader.

HOOAH?

Dear Vets for Freedom Members:

The following op-ed appears in today's New York Post and I wanted to make sure you were one of the first to see it. The op-ed explains why the "religious civil war" that is often cited in the media is not happening. General Petraeus's counter-insurgency strategy and the American plus-up of combat brigades have effectively demolished the emergence of a sectarian civil war and have paved the way for national reconciliation.

Help Vets for Freedom get the word out about this development that has been missed by so many in America by forwarding this editorial to your friends. Let them know that 2007 has been a groundbreaking, watershed year in Iraq where the tide has turned.

Move out and draw fire!

NO 'NIGHTMARE' - WHY 'SURGE' IS WORKING
By PETE HEGSETH

October 23, 2007 -- THE former top commander in Iraq - Army Lt.-Gen. Ricardo Sanchez (ret.) - recently called the situation in Iraq "a nightmare with no end in sight." Citing insufficient prewar planning and a strained military, he painted a dismal picture of American prospects there.

War critics painted a similar picture when violence in Iraq peaked in '05 and '06 - using terms like "civil war" and "sectarian violence" - as they pushed for a rapid draw-down or immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces. An Iraq "at war with itself" shouldn't be America's problem, they argued. In fact, the existence of a "religious civil war" remains the chief antiwar talking point to this day.

Problem is, the new U.S. strategy has changed the facts on the grounds.

A year ago, the assertions of Sanchez and the antiwar critics were an accurate description of the violence throughout Iraq: Armed death squads freely roamed the streets in Baghdad and outlying areas, responding to massive bombings committed by al Qaeda. And vice versa. Each week saw hundreds of innocent Iraqis - the victims of sectarian attacks and reprisals - kidnapped and killed. Worst of all, compromised members of the security forces (Iraqis in uniform) were complicit in many killings.

I was in Samarra on Feb. 22, 2005, the day al Qaeda-affiliated insurgents destroyed the dome of the Golden Mosque, and am very familiar with the violence that followed. That event was a catalyst for widespread violence in Iraq. Destroying a Muslim place of worship was indicative of al Qaeda's overall strategy: foment violence, maintain instability, and intimidate the local population. And it worked.

The critics had a point: American soldiers were simply caught in the middle - not permitted to take action to stop the violence, and yet still very much in harm's way. But what the critics failed to see was that it didn't have to be that way - that what the troops lacked was an adaptive strategy that recognized and addressed underlying causes of the violence.

Enter Gen. David Petraeus and a strategy that did just that. (The term "surge" is far too simplistic, as it implies simply throwing more forces at the problem, when Petraeus' changes in tactics are even more important).

The new counterinsurgency approach - namely, to take territory from al Qaeda, hold it, secure it and empower tribal sheiks to work together and rebuild their communities - finally provides an effective "counteroffensive" to the chief tactics of al Qaeda militants and Shiite death squads.

America's enemies in Iraq, radical insurgents living and fighting among the general public, understand that they can't continue their fight without capitulation from ordinary Iraqis. Finally, after almost four years, the U.S. military understands this as well.

The differences in the email and the actual article are below...the messages are identical...

October 23, 2007 -- THE former top commander in Iraq - Army Lt.-Gen. Ricardo Sanchez (ret.) - recently called the situation in Iraq "a nightmare with no end in sight." Citing insufficient prewar planning and a strained military, he painted a dismal picture of American prospects there.

War critics painted a similar picture when violence in Iraq peaked in '05 and '06 - using terms like "civil war" and "sectarian violence" - as they pushed for a rapid draw-down or immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces. An Iraq "at war with itself" shouldn't be America's problem, they argued. In fact, the existence of a "religious civil war" remains the chief antiwar talking point to this day.

Problem is, the new U.S. strategy has changed the facts on the grounds.

A year ago, the assertions of Sanchez and the antiwar critics were an accurate description of the violence throughout Iraq: Armed death squads freely roamed the streets in Baghdad and outlying areas, responding to massive bombings committed by al Qaeda. And vice versa. Each week saw hundreds of innocent Iraqis - the victims of sectarian attacks and reprisals - kidnapped and killed. Worst of all, compromised members of the security forces (Iraqis in uniform) were complicit in many killings.

I was in Samarra on Feb. 22, 2005, the day al Qaeda-affiliated insurgents destroyed the dome of the Golden Mosque, and am very familiar with the violence that followed. That event was a catalyst for widespread violence in Iraq. Destroying a Muslim place of worship was indicative of al Qaeda's overall strategy: foment violence, maintain instability, and intimidate the local population. And it worked.

The critics had a point: American soldiers were simply caught in the middle - not permitted to take action to stop the violence, and yet still very much in harm's way. But what the critics failed to see was that it didn't have to be that way - that what the troops lacked was an adaptive strategy that recognized and addressed underlying causes of the violence.

Enter Gen. David Petraeus and a strategy that did just that. (The term "surge" is far too simplistic, as it implies simply throwing more forces at the problem, when Petraeus' changes in tactics are even more important).

The new counterinsurgency approach - namely, to take territory from al Qaeda, hold it, secure it and empower tribal sheiks to work together and rebuild their communities - finally provides an effective "counteroffensive" to the chief tactics of al Qaeda militants and Shiite death squads.

America's enemies in Iraq, radical insurgents living and fighting among the general public, understand that they can't continue their fight without capitulation from ordinary Iraqis. Finally, after almost four years, the U.S. military understands this as well.

Whereas we used to emphasize overwhelming firepower (even when I was there in 2006), we now emphasize firepower as a last resort. Whereas we used to rush to the scene after the violence occurs, we're now there to repel it or deter it altogether.

This commitment - up and down the chain of command - has made a major impact on the tit-for-tat death toll that was threatening to tear the country apart. Sectarian violence has been severely curtailed.

Since last December, sectarian deaths throughout Iraq have dropped over 50 percent; overall attacks against civilians are down 50 percent. In Baghdad - the focal point of Petraeus' strategy - sectarian deaths are down almost 80 percent in 10 months and large al Qaeda-style truck and suicide bombings have dropped over 50 percent.

Moreover, ordinary Iraqis are providing far more tips and other information. We now get some 23,000 tips a month, four to five times the level of a year before. This measure - which directly correlates to the trust and support of the population - is promising.

These are significant and consequential numbers and indicate real successes in stomping out the civil war. But it's not just numbers that make the case that the civil war is ending. Look, too, at what the new strategy lets commanders do in their now-daily discussions with ordinary Iraqis.

Petraeus reports that foreign (non-Iraqi) recruits conduct over 80 percent of al Qaeda's attacks; and therefore, by refocusing local tribal leaders on this fact, American commanders are making a convincing argument to the sheiks: Why launch an indiscriminate reprisal against another sect, ratcheting up the level of violence, when you can simply tell us and Iraqi security forces where the foreign insurgents are and we'll go get them? The numbers say that's exactly what's happening.

A people drowning in sectarian violence and warped by perpetual vengeance aren't going to immediately engage in political reconciliation. Security improvements must first dampen the violence, lower tensions and restore humanity. This is exactly what Petraeus has done, and we have finally begun providing the tangible security improvements necessary for lasting political solutions at the local and national levels.
.
Although many hope to convince America otherwise, the Iraq war has fundamentally changed in '07. It's not a civil war anymore. It's the people of Iraq vs. al Qaeda and Iranian proxies, with the U.S.-led Coalition helping the Iraqi people swing their sword of sovereignty.

That's the kind of good news that people on both sides of the aisle should appreciate.

Pete Hegseth, a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard, is executive director of Vets for Freedom. He served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from September '05 to July '06.

Let freedom Reign!!

dlawbaily Nominated For The Douchebagistan Award

Listen to this little whiner whine...the worm from the KOSmonoff Fruit Loop Brigade. I can always recognize a loser and I can smell them clicks and clicks away. Listen to the moron prattle on, proving IT has no earthly idea of that which it rambles.

This fatally flawed anti-Americanist, dwbaily, has the mind of a mental midget and from ITS verbiage so venomously spewed, IT must of had a horrible childhood. I can understand why IT was so disliked in ITS younger years.

This pathetic wannabe whatever, dared attack LT Pete Hegseth which runs the very successful and prominent Pro Troop organization Vets For Freedom of which I am a member and am very active in this fine organization. We are Patriots, unlike the doltish cads of the likes of the KOSmonoffs, Code Pinkish Fools and Skanks.

Uncle Jimbo initializes the volley:

WOW! I just read one of the sorriest, and I mean that both in the low character and poor execution meanings, hit pieces I have ever read (h/t LGF) . Some pissant has decided that Pete Hegseth of Vets for Freedom is the anti-christ and has cobbled together a classic conspiracist take on Pete and his evil handlers. This clown even decides it's worth playing the phony soldiers card, I mean now this has progressed from a lie about what Rush said, to an accepted fake but accurate urban myth, to just a smear against a vet who has honorably served.

[...]

Amazing isn't it. Sore losers always ramble on with such diatribes based on useless emotional discharges. Poor trolls for the KOSmonoffs. It is going to be just swell trouncing these fools into the primordial ooze from whence they slithered.

Uncle Jimbo continues with the "affect":

[...]

Remember back when the bastards at least lied about supporting the troops. We knew it was horse shite, but at least they had the decency to know they were wrong for hating the military. Now the facade has been abandoned and the hate that was there all along is out front for everyone to see. The left is working itself into a frenzy as the true believers are not being satisfied. They are not getting the defeat they voted for; they are not getting any impeachments; they are not getting a cut and run; they are having to listen to that lying traitor Betrayus; and they have had enough of having to talk nice about those baby-killing bastards.

[..]

Roger that LT! This is truly pathetic in that this tethered attack is nothing more than a loser's whine. It is equally fantastic in that their "udder" hatred of our military, unless members of the sad-sacked Whiners' Brigade of the defunct and yellow group called Vets for Peace are being talked about, and how guttural they will become when the end is near.

Here is the "kicker", exposing the useless punk twit at the Daily KOSmonoff ramblings:

But whatever personal treasure.......he may have left behind, Hegseth was not going just anywhere. He was going to the "IRON RAKKASANS" – 3rd Battalion, One-Hundred and First Got-Dam Airborne. The only airborne unit to have served in every American war since its inception. Storied. Heroic. Odd.

No, not the Rakkasans, of course. Just a little odd that he joined them. Because I’m adding up the months....hmm....Where did the Airborne training come in? Parachutist’s badge? Certainly not Ranger school. Advanced infantry training? Because the Rakkasans are a pretty hard-core airborne group, so, you’d think that a combat lieutenant.....

Did you catch it? No? Yes? Is this pathetic worm stupid or what?

OK. Here is the "clue". shhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell the lying sack of crap that ITS mommy's milk is sour. I was going to rephrase with my own words but Uncle Jimbo says it "Rather" nicely. My verbiage was rated "R".

Except that the 101st "got-dam" Airborne isn't Airborne you cheese eating surrender monkey. It's chock full of legs who dangle by ropes from helicopters. If you even know what a "leg" is...

When moronic left wing loofas try their hand at military topics, they just look like moronic left wing loofas.

LOL!! Loofas!! LOL!!

Vets For Freedom With Congressman Burgess

Burgess Hosts Vets for Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC, Sep 18

Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) greeted Texas members of Vets for Freedom a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group’s mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics—namely “the surge” in Iraq. “These Veterans came to Washington to let Congress know that they have a vested interest in the outcome in Iraq,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “Although they are not as flamboyant as the anti-war groups, they bring with them the story of their hard work and dedication and the argument that their legacy remains in the balance of the decisions that come before this body.” Congressman Michael Burgess hosted the veterans in his Washington, DC office and was proud to introduce his new veterans legislative assistant, former Marine Corps Sergeant Matt Johnson who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Congressman Michael Burgess commented that, “Today’s meeting with Vets for Freedom shows that individual soldiers serve their country beyond the battlefield. They serve us as educators, businessmen, entrepreneurs and clearly, as advocates for what they believe will make America safe and stronger in the future.” Vets for Freedom were on Capitol Hill talking with members of both the House and Senate concerning the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just last week, Congressman Burgess sat in during the joint Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee hearing where General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker reported the successes and struggles in Iraq since the surge began in January. The report recommendations included withdraw of nearly 30,000 troops beginning at the end of September through mid-summer 2008. “I have come to Washington, DC for one purpose only, to express my great concern for the course we take at thus juncture in our history,” said J. Neill Wilkerson who served in America’s military for over 36 years and is a member of Vets for Freedom. “War has been declared again us, against western civilization. Ignoring that fact, and ignoring the recommendation that we not abandon this crucial conflict, would result in terrible consequences both here and abroad.” “It is in America’s best interest, and for that of the free world, that we be successful in Iraq,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “I’m grateful that Vets for Freedom is in Washington today explaining this important fact to Members of Congress.” The members of Vets for Freedom visiting with Congressman Michael Burgess and his staff were Robert Bookout, Matthew Hale, Jeff Crenshaw, Van Taylor, James Crabtree, Robert White, Edward Han, Brain Yarger, Zeke Drawhorn, Mark Harvey, John Fraser, Knox Nunally, Neil Wilkerson, and Tom Ward. For more information on Vets For Freedom, visit their website.

Writings of Forrest Langley...An American Hero

I met Forrest Langley through our Patriots For Conservative Principals group. I have tried to read his writings and poetry and this is the first one I have been able to make it all the way through.

Finally, in Washington DC, as the Vets For Freedom convened in a BAB dinner, I physically met Forrest Langley, a thrice decorated American Hero. We chit-chatted and got to know each other a little better.

Below is the first writing I have made all the way through. The gist of the message is this:

“For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know.”

Battle Cry

O` The depths of wars horrors to others are unknown,

I have no vocabulary to explain; I just sigh and groan,

Soldiers died now their families no more will them see,

They bled, and died O the awesome cost for your liberty.

The IED Blasts caused soldiers brain damage; now blasted insane,

Post Traumatic Stress disorder causes Soldiers to be deranged,

The person I was before the war, that person doesn’t exist anymore,

When im alone I cry rivers, O god my God the unseen horrors of war.

The cries of the children for their father; silent dead in his grave,

Yet he died a hero His humvee exploded in flames. he died very brave,

~Kaboom~ horror settles upon them like a terrible black nightmare,

Numb by the bomb blast. His legs blown off, just too much for him to bear.

From war soldiers come home, and see ghosts that no one else can see,

Traumatic nightmares and flashbacks just will not let them go free,

They rode and they marched and seen comrades blown slam apart,

The depths and horrors of war. Cries of families with a broken heart.

From the Army disabled Soldiers are discharged with such little pay,

Spouse has to quit work and stay home her lost soldier is just not ok,

Black darkened gloom set in the money we have wont make ends meet,

O Will we lose our land, car, and home and have to live on the street?

The Terrors of Wars horrors don’t end they’re still haunting us today,

Lord God let me come home from wars terrors please help me this day,

Please don’t misunderstand me all this is a pleasant misery I do endure,

a great honor to sacrifice for my country to make freedom more sure.

Forrest Langley

God bless you Forrest Langley and may a gentle wind be upon your back.

Trackback: Wake Up America

Patriots! Attention To Orders!

Another filthy amendment to the Defense Bill is going to be presented this next week and it also must go down in flames.

I stole this from Gathering of Eagles (I told them first) because I have not received the email alert yet...

Stop Democrats From Tying the Hands of Our Troops

This comes in from our friends at Vets For Freedom:

As a pro-mission veterans group Vets For Freedom supports General Petraeus and his recommendations for victory in Iraq. Lately many of our nation’s senators have attempted to hamper the military’s ability to implement those recommendations, and as a result have made our ability to win in Iraq and Afghanistan all the harder. Ohio Senator George Voinovich is one such senator.

Last week Ohio veterans taking part in the Vets For Freedom trip to Capitol Hill had a meeting with Senator Voinovich. At the end of the meeting the senator gave them a copy of his proposed resolution that would set timelines for Petraeus’ recommendations. The resolution has not yet been introduced to the Senate but we at Vets For Freedom feel it is necessary to condemn the proposed resolution outright.

As veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan we understand the battlefield is constantly changing. Any attempt to set strict timelines for the military can be potentially harmful as a result. While Senator Voinovich may believe he has the best interest of the military in mind we believe General Petraeus should be allowed to operate without politicians hampering his ability to do his job.

Vets For Freedom urges senators to support victory against America’s enemies by allowing the military to do its job free from political constraints. Instead of more resolutions what we call for is support for General Petraeus as he has already shown his policies like the ‘surge’ in Iraq are working. Given more time we believe the quickest way out of Iraq is through victory.

Contact Senator Voinovich and Tell him not to propose legislation that would tie the hands of our military. It is not up to congress to tell our Generals how to fight the war. Also, voice your support for General Petraeus and victory in Iraq. Urge him to allow the military to do its job through to completion.

Senator Voinovich-(202) 224-3353

Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics namely “the surge” in Iraq. Vets for Freedom is the leading voice representing troops and veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information, please visit www.vetsforfreedom.org , or contact Ohio VFF leader Lee Crognale at lee@vetsforfreedom.org.

EAGLES UP!!

Vets For Freedom...They Have A blog

Just in case some of you wonder where I get quite a bit of my data in regards to Boots On The Ground, I get it from the blog at Vets For Freedom. I get data from other milblogs also but VFF has some interesting contributors.

The Leftinistra cannot boast of such purity in the stories at milblogs. Every time, in recent months, their "in the know" types have been discredited and exposed as the Fraud Veterans which they are.

A sampling of the contributors at VFF:

Of Mice and Men

Last week we heard Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid proclaim that General Patreaus was out of touch with the situation on the ground in Iraq (as a refresher, General Patreaus is the one who is trying to win a war against ruthless extremists; Harry Reid is the one who wants to pack up and go home because he can win a few Senate seats out of an American defeat). This week we get word of a Gallup poll that shows how much the American people actual approve of the Harry Reids and the General Patreauses of the world:

"The percentage of Americans that expressed they had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the U.S. Congress was only a mere 14%. This is the lowest percentage ever recorded by the Gallup organization and was the lowest confidence level given to any of the 16 institutions evaluated. Gallup analysts asserted that this was the lowest level recorded in the past 30 years....

...Almost 7 out of 10 Americans (69%) said that they had "quite a lot" or a "great deal" of confidence in the military."

Good work, Harry.

I don’t think Harry Reid’s Democrats will care to read Ralph Peters’ (a retired soldier) op-ed today about our recent and remarkable successes Iraq:

And let's not lose sight of our own national-security priority, which is defeating al Qaeda. Terror International is having a really bad time in Iraq these days: More and more Sunni Arabs are breaking with al Qaeda and its affiliates over their insufferable brutality. The Baquba-area operations involve former enemies now fighting on our side against the foreign terrorists. That's not just good news for Iraq. It's good news for America....

...Still, there's reason for sober optimism at the moment: We've finally got a coherent approach to defeating our enemies, not just parrying them. It looks like our military leaders have gotten serious at last.

God help us, it almost looks like we want to win."

Read the whole article here.

And the leftinistra think they have "it" over such men as this...one of "ours".

Friggin morons.