I'd like to say a special word of thanks to all the new friends of this blog, and for suffering through my un-PC diatribes. Blogging does provide a vent for me, and knowing someone is reading is no end of comforting and reassuring.
And I'd like to thank all the folks back home that support the troops. Your words of support, and letters, and care packages mean a great deal.
I'd also like to say a special word of thanks for all the families sacrificing back home with loved ones over here. I know its not easy. It is easily the biggest topic of conversation and concern over here amongst soldiers - The wives, kids and husbands making do on their own - and fighting and struggling and winning many battles.
Killing Saddam won't make a bit of difference to the over-all level of violence here, but I have at least one Iraqi friend that I met with today who says that it will. He says the Shia finally have the monkey off their back and will begin to relax. I disagree, because I think the problem's much larger than that. Much larger than even our policy-makers are ready to confront. And it has nothing to do with reconstruction, or tactical errors, or diplomatic stances, or feel-good gestures of good will and empathy. My New Year's Wish is that everyone acquaints themselves better with Islam.
All in due time.
In the meantime, I wish all of you a Happy New Year. May the New Year bring you new babies (Dirk), new cameras, new goodies, new joys, new highs, new strengths, new knowledge, and new resolution.
We just tripped midnight here! Hooah! Now you are in the past, and I am in the future! Hey, 2007! How ya doin'? 2007 looks interesting . . . - and you look so . . . anachronistic.
(These are times of great portent we are living through). 2007 looks to be no different. Farewell Milton Friedman, Orianna Fallaci, Gerald Ford. Good Riddance Saddam, Zarqawi, Castro.
Oops. (not yet? - maybe next post.)
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18 comments:
Happy, healthy and SAFE New Year.
God bless you.
I have several friends and acquaintances who are Muslim. They're lovely and caring people but I still don't understand what would make someone give themselves over to a rigid and ritualistic faith. I'd say the same thing about the Hasidim. I'd like to understand, but I have no frame of reference.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! *hugs* Thanks for stopping by Yikes.. and thanx for the too-kind words. You do not need to be thanking me - rather, I need to be thanking YOU and your family for all you do for us. We do appreciate you, truly. You do make us proud. And we ARE here for you if you need anything - just holler.
Stay safe... you are in our prayers.
Luv,
"Momma Kat" in Ga
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou my friend. May 2007 bring you bountiful blessings, and a little bit of world peace to us all. Sure, I'm being an optimist, but it could happen.
Just stopped by to wish you a very Happy New Year. Sending warm wishes and prayers for your continued safety (and that of those with whom you work). Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and experiences.
Happy New Year, to all of you!
Happy New Year!!!...Thanks for stopping by SOS (Soothe Our Soul)we were honored...
Yeah, good riddance to Saddam...talking about out of the frying pan and into the fire!! Bet old Saddam ass is roasting now!!!
But it did make me uneasy...I hope it doesn't stir up a hornets nest (as if there isn't one there already)...So watch your back and stay safe...
I hope to hell 2007 is a better year...2006 was shitty...so far so good...even though I do have a wee headache...
Happy New Year!
Thank you for taking time off your hectic schedule and stopping by my blogsite.
I'll toast you with some of that grape juice. Cheers!
"I'd like to say a special word of thanks to all the new friends of this blog, and for suffering through my un-PC diatribes."
It is good to know you and one of the reasons I keep coming back is because you don't do PC. I hope you have a safe and happy 2007.
Greene!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (and Saddam-in-the-ground day)
I haven't been able to get through with any of your other e-mail addresses it seems.
Good to see you're still putting your ass where your mouth is.
Mathern
r_mathern@mindspring.com
thanks for stopping by and if you want your truck suped up right find me a way there and i will take care of it for you, thankyou for protecting our freedoms and being where you are, happy new year and please do stay safe,
Green Beans Coffee Supply Chain...did I read about that in Catch 22?
Hoppsewee...Baghdad Bob...great reading.
Tater
Dude, I'm with the Whim. You echo my own words.
Have you read my Islamic posts?
You are on the front lines of something very important to the world.
You see the danger quite clearly...
My only complaint on the war is in how it is being conducted.
This is no time to be going cheap.
Do what it really takes to win...
P.S.
What? No link to the Eddie?
Man, I get no respect...
Sigh...
Tater,
Much Obliged. Got the triscuits and PB a while back. Thanks! Don't know if I said it or not.
I'm OK on Peanut Butter through the next century. You can send triscuits anytime, though.
I do miss Baghdad Bob, I make no apologies for it. He's got some media job now in Qattar, I'm told. Hair is its natural white now. When asked about the Americans, a few days before baghdad's fall, "My feelings, as usual, we will slaughter them."
Dirk,
You want me to link my Eddie award to your site? How do I do that? (Linking your website is pretty easy).
I've read some of your pieces on Islam. I think you're on the right track, but its not only Shia fundamentalism we need to be worried about. Two reads I can recommend - "the Truth about Muhammed" by Robert Spencer, and "the Sword of the Prophet" by Serge Trifkovic. They're both actually quite fair - subjecting muhammed only to the standards of his day, (the kicker is subjecting his followers to the standards of OUR day). Islam spread NOWHERE by anything BUT the sword, and it ebbed and declined when it ran out of conquests, (slaves, booty, and campaign wives) several times. The Ottoman Turk empire (the last Caliph) was carved up circa 1920 - and this is significant when you hear UBL talk of "80 years of humiliation."
HAPPY NEW YEAR GREENIE....... hope its brings you peace, hope, safety, love, fun, new maties....... thanks for who you are and for what you do in this world of hate and destruction..... much love to you and all your fellow doodle soldier maties.. a BIG fank you to you all....
peace
x
Happy New Year (a few days late). I hope 2007 is a better year for Iraq and for America's soldiers.
Yes, I’m running a bit late today.
I spent the better part of this morning dressed in sackcloth, my face covered in ashes as I beat myself about the head and shoulders with reeds in mourning for the Buckeyes...
I’m better now that the doctors have given me the shot.
TY & Happy New Yeqars to you too!
I would love to know more about the Muslim world. I know it is as varied as the Western world, but like us the people there get thrown into a handful of sterotypes. I'd like to know more about the daily culture, the family culture & the culture of everyday life. Individuals are the fibers that build the blanket of society & their norms. If you have or know of any links to any websites that can show glimpses into their world, please share.
I encourage you to share what you soak up as well. You see first hand, albeit still an outsider looking in, much more than the average American and your perspectives are valued & seemingly credible.
Peace&Love to you across the miles & throughout this New Year.
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