Wednesday, October 30, 2013

HITLER FINDS OUT ABOUT OBAMACARE EXCHANGE PROBLEMS

Best Hitler Parody yet!



This would be funny if it weren't so pathetically true . . .

STORMBRINGER SENDS

"IN WAR, TRUTH IS THE FIRST CASUALTY"

- Aeschylus



Appeared in the Twitter timeline today . . . . . . Flashback: ‘Most Dishonest Journalist Of Our Age’ Piers Morgan Fired For ‘Malicious’ Hoax Of Fake Iraqi Prisoner Abuse That Caused ‘So Much Damage’

An excellent example of Piers Morgans ability as a newspaper editor! He never thought to authenticate the story first!!

STORMBBRINGER SENDS

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO RICK?

Whatever happened to Rick (Humphrey Bogart) after the end of Casablanca?


"Major Strasser has been shot! Round up the usual suspects!

"Louis, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."



After Rick kills Major Strasser and they get Igrid Bergman and Paul Henreid onto that plane, Claude Rains tells him there's a Free French garrison down in Brazzaville maybe he could arrange safe-passage . . .


STORMBRINGER SENDS

Monday, October 28, 2013

IT WAS STAGED

Its all smoke and mirrors with this Obamacare debacle.

The Fainting Lady a choreographed stunt? Watch the slowed video. Examined closely, the woman next to the fainter communicates with someone off screen, & then with the fainter. She does nothing to steady her friend.



Watch the entire clip. It was staged. Interesting that Obama turns around just when she happens to sway. He must have eyes in the back of his head. This woman needs Affordable Care now!!!

Special thanks VA Shepard

- STORMBRINGER SENDS

Sunday, October 27, 2013

STORMBRINGER ON STYLE

Went out to the mall today with the wife & kids. Mission: I'm seriously in need of some new threads, business casual. we came home empty handed from a shopping expedition to three stores in a large mall and another location. From here on out I guess I'm getting my clothing from military surplus stores, Cabela's and Tractor Supply . . . S.L.


Can anyone out there who understands fashion explain to me when did men's style's become so ghastly?


Something somewhere went seriously wrong with this society.


I feel sorry for the young men of this society, I honestly do. They must be confused ten million times worse than we were in the post-Vietnam trainwreck that was the 1970s. The only male role models that exude any kind of proper masculine traits exist in the Marvel Comics-inspired series of movies, and those are entirely science fiction and fantasy.


The tablecloth look is big for shirts. I wouldn't want to be seen in something like this at my own funeral.


Next time you watch the network news - if you can hold back the nausea long enough - look at what the anchors are wearing. Pinstripes have been big for a couple of years now, and they're wearing these god-awful striped ties in combo with them. Let me tell you how it is: pinstripes make you look like a mafioso, or worse, a mafia lawyer, and striped ties are ridiculous on anyone other than an English school kid. Wearing the two together is a crime against humanity, in my book.


Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Pinstripe suits with striped ties? Are people THAT DENSE?


The men's clothing I saw available out there in the shopping malls made me want to puke. I honestly believe that this is an indicator of the successful emasculation of this society by the feminist-driven Liberal machine.

Bottom line: We are in the midst of a global war against an insidious enemy whose stated goals are to kill each and every one of us - possibly sparing our women and children to keep as breeders and slaves. The lack of male role models in the media and the popular culture makes me wonder who will serve as this society's guardians and heroes? It's almost as if we deserve to lose this war.

STORMBRINGER SENDS

Friday, October 25, 2013

AMERICA IS DOOMED

It doesn't matter that Conservatives outnumber Liberals by two-thirds to one-third . . . it doesn't matter that Fox viewers and Rush Limbaugh listeners outnumber the combined audience of ABC - CBS - NBC - MSNBC - CNN . . . Obama was voted in by the people who watch American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, America's Got Talent, The Bachelorette, America's Top Model, and Project Runway . . . they have sawdust for brains and this clip proves it - S.L.




This would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic . . .

Best part:

"..because the Solar Bears eat the Polar Bears eggs?"

"Uh-huh."

The future of our Republic is in the hands of these maroons.

Makes me wanna puke.

STORMBRINGER SENDS

Thursday, October 24, 2013

THE RIFLEMAN'S CREED



This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...

My rifle and I know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...

Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

WARRIOR SPIRIT

"I will not disgrace the soldiers arms, 

nor abandon the comrade who stands at my side;
but whether alone or many, 

I will fight to defend things sacred and profane. 

I will hand down my country not lessened, 
but larger and better than I received it."


- Ancient Athenian Oath, written before Christ's birth.

ON WOMEN IN THE COMBAT ARMS:

I have met & worked with several women warriors, and most of them I respect a great deal. There is a place for them in the continuum of conflict, to include within Special Operations units and intelligence organizations. To place women within Combat Arms units, however, is folly; nothing less than politically correct stupidity - S.L.


"THERE'S A DICHOTOMY AT WORK IN OUR BUSINESS. MEN CAN ENGAGE IN THE WORST FORM OF BEHAVIOR - KILLING AND BEING KILLED - AND BE BETTER AT IT WHEN DEPRIVED OF THE PRESENCE OF WOMEN. THAT'S BECAUSE EVERY SOCIETY I KNOW OF, THE PROMISE OF WOMAN IS OF LIFE AND BIRTH, OF LOVE AND COMPASSION. THINGS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH WAR. YOU SEE, IT'S ALMOST A GIVEN THAT TO PREPARE MEN FOR WAR THEY SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE PRESENCE OF WOMEN. OUR INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING HAS TO TAKE PLACE AWAY FROM THE FEMALE'S BASIC GOODNESS AND CIVILIZING INFLUENCE. THAT'S WHY WAR IS POSSIBLE . . ."



". . . I'M NOT SAYING WOMEN CAN'T SHOOT AS WELL AS MEN OR FLY AS WELL - WE BOTH KNOW BETTER. BUT I'VE NEVER SEEN A COW IN A BULLRING. YOU MAY HAVE READ KIPLING, "THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES IS MORE DEADLY THAN THE MALE." SOME SAY THAT FEMALES OF ANY SPECIES ARE MORE DANGEROUS, BUT READ KIPLING CAREFULLY. THE FEMALES ONLY BECOME LETHAL IN DEFENSE OF THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FEED THEM. WOMEN WILL KILL, CERTAINLY, TO PRESERVE THEIR YOUNG. AND I FOR ONE THINK THAT'S AN ADMIRABLE QUALITY."

- Barret Tillman



Related: 8 Other Nations That Send Women to Combat
- National Geographic


STORMBRINGER SENDS

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

THE STALINGRAD OF THE EAST

KOHIMA: No quarter was asked, and none was given - S.L.

The Battle of Kohima was the turning point of the Japanese U Go offensive into India in 1944 in the Second World War. The battle was fought from 4 April to 22 June 1944 around the town of Kohima in northeast India.


The battle took place in three stages. From 3 to 16 April, the Japanese attempted to capture Kohima ridge, a feature which dominated the road by which the besieged British and Indian troops of IV Corps at Imphal were supplied. By mid-April, the small British force at Kohima was relieved, and from 18 April to 13 May, British and Indian reinforcements counter-attacked to drive the Japanese from the positions they had captured.


The siege began on 6 April. The garrison was continually shelled and mortared, in many instances by Japanese using weapons and ammunition captured at Sangshak and from other depots, and was slowly driven into a small perimeter on Garrison Hill. They had artillery support from the main body of 161st Brigade, who were themselves cut off 2 miles away at Jotsoma, but, as at Sangshak, they were very short of drinking water. The water supply point was on GPT Ridge, which was captured by the Japanese on the first day of the siege. Some of its defenders were unable to retreat to other positions on the ridge and instead withdrew towards Dimapur. Canvas water tanks on FSD and at the Indian General Hospital had neither been filled nor dug in to protect them from fire. However, a small spring was discovered on the north side of Garrison Hill, but it could be reached only at night.




Some of the heaviest fighting took place at the north end of Kohima Ridge, around the Deputy Commissioner's bungalow and tennis court, in what became known as the Battle of the Tennis Court. The tennis court became a no man's land, with the Japanese and the defenders of Kohima dug in on opposite sides, so close to each other that grenades were thrown between the trenches. On the night of 17/18 April, the Japanese finally captured the DC's bungalow area. Other Japanese captured Kuki Picquet, cutting the garrison in two. The defenders' situation was desperate, but the Japanese did not follow up by attacking Garrison Hill, and when daylight broke, troops of 161st Indian Brigade arrived to relieve the garrison.


The medical dressing stations were exposed to Japanese fire, and wounded men were often hit again as they waited for treatment.

The Japanese abandoned the ridge at this point but continued to block the Kohima–Imphal road. From 16 May to 22 June, the British and Indian troops pursued the retreating Japanese and reopened the road. The battle ended on 22 June when British and Indian troops from Kohima and Imphal met at Milestone 109, ending the siege of Imphal.

Gurkhas advance up the Imphal Road.

The Tennis Court today.



When You Go Home,
Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow,
We gave Our Today.
- John Maxwell Edmonds [1875 - 1958]

Lots of VCs earned . . . we have to live for those who didn't, and make up for their loss.

That is one huge bill.

STORMBRINGER SENDS

ITS A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY

A little culture for you slobs - S.L.

Monday, October 21, 2013

THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS MAY REMEMBER

The inscription on a Victoria Cross grave from 1933:


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.


- "Ode of Remembrance" from Laurence Binyon's poem, "For the Fallen", first published in The Times in September 1914.


The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration that can be awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of Commonwealth countries armed forces. Yet all over the UK the graves and memorials to these men are under threat of loss. Victoria Cross Trust works to stop this happening.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

SPECIAL OPERATIONS IMPERATIVES

o Understand the Operational Environment

o Recognize Political Implications

o Facilitate Inter-Agency Activities

o Engage the Threat Discriminately

o Consider Long-Term Effects

o Ensure Legitimacy and Credibility of Special Operations

o Anticipate and Control Psychological Effects

o Apply Capabilities Indirectly

o Develop Multiple Options

o Ensure Long-Term Sustainment

o Provide Sufficient Intelligence

o Balance Security and Synchronization


Saturday, October 19, 2013

NAME THAT TUNE

A ragged, old, derelict shuffled into a down and dirty bar; stinking of whiskey, cigarettes and stale beer, his hands shook as he took the "Piano Player Wanted" sign from the window and handed it to the bartender.





"I'd like to apply for the job," he said. To the bartender's doubtful look, he went on. "I was an F-4 driver, flying off the Attack Carrier Oriskany back in 'Nam . . ."





". . . but when they retired the Phantom all the thrill was gone, and soon they cashed me in as well. So I learned how to play the piano at the Officer's Club for Happy Hour, and here I am."

The barkeep wasn't too sure about this down-and-out-looking old guy, but it had been quite a while since he had a piano player and business was falling off. So, why not give him a try.

The seedy pilot staggered his way over to the piano while several patrons snickered at the old man. By the time he was into his third bar of music, every voice was silenced.What followed was a rhapsody of soaring music unlike anything heard in the bar before. When he finished there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

The bartender took the old fighter pilot a beer and asked him the name of the song he had just played.

It's called "Drop your Skivvies, Baby, I'm Going Balls To The Walls For You." he said. After a long pull from the beer, leaving it empty, he said, "I wrote it myself."




The bartender and the crowd winced at the title, but the piano player just went on into a knee-slapping, hand-clapping bit of ragtime that had the place jumping. After he finished, the fighter pilot acknowledged the applause, downed a second proffered mug, and told the crowd the song was called, "Big Boobs Make My Afterburner Light."

He then launched into another mesmerizing song and everyone in the room was enthralled. He announced that it was the latest rendition of his song, "Spread 'em Wide Baby, It's Foggy Out Tonight and I Need To See The Centerline."


Then he excused himself and headed for the john.

When he came out the bartender went over to him and said, "Hey, fly boy, the job is yours; but, do you know your fly is open and your pecker is hanging out?"

"Know it?," the old fighter pilot replied, "Hell yeah I know it . . .

. . . I WROTE IT!"

STORMBRINGER SENDS

Friday, October 18, 2013

WHAT U.S. CITIZENSHIP MEANS TO ME

My daughter interviewed me for a college writing assignment. My answers will probably open a can of worms on campus - S.L.

I love Old Glory, the Flag of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

I am an immigrant. I came to this country in 1981 with a suitcase in my hand, and I earned my citizenship the old-fashioned way: military service. Just like the days of the old Roman Empire.


I love this country. There is almost unlimited opportunity here. All you need is an idea and be willing to work real hard and you can be a millionaire. As I write I sit in my favorite room of my house - the Jungle Room - surrounded by the souvenirs and momentos of soldiering on five continents. I have seen people in places where no matter how hard they tried, no matter how hard they worked, they would never lift themselves from poverty and misery. The opportunities simply do not exist over there that we take for granted here in America.

The Jungle Room

I do alright for a retired NCO, we live pretty well and I'm not finished yet. I pointed out to my daughter that everything she sees in this place is because of the opportunities available in America, opportunities that simply do not exist in other countries. I love this country.

Not many people immigrate to the United States from Australia - the two countries are very similar and life there is good like it is here, but it is not the same. I believe a person should love their country, but this is not to be confused with the government running that country. I love Australia, but I saw a few things over there that didn't sit right with me.

In Australia I saw a man - a university professor - sentenced to three days in prison for the crime of refusing to vote. To me, this is a violation of freedom of speech. Pentridge Prison was one of the most notorious prisons in Australia - since closed - three days in that place was no joke.


I saw a man have his passport pulled and not be allowed to travel outside of Australia, because he was the leader of the Hare Krishnas. He wanted to travel to India to visit the Ashram. The authorities justification for restricting this man's movements was that they believed the Hare Krishna movement w as a threat to Australian society. So much for freedom of religion.


In 1997, the Australian government implemented draconian anti-gun laws. They rounded up millions of rifles, pistols and shotguns, cut them all in half and burned them. Overnight the Australian government disarmed their law-abiding citizenry; nowadays only criminals can possess firearms in Australia. Australians are forbidden the basic human right of arming themselves in self-defense.

In America we have a contract with the government - the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights lists what citizens can do - our freedoms - and what the government cannot do to us. No other country has this. In every other country in the world, the government tells the people what they can and cannot do. We are the exception to this rule; this is what makes us exceptional. This is American Exceptionalism.


The Bill of Rights has ten amendments; the most important is the 2d Amendment, because it guarantees the other nine. Other than Israel, we are the only remaining country of all the developed, industrialized countries in the world where citizens are allowed to possess and carry weapons for self-defense, a basic human right.

What are my hopes for the next generation? I hope that they have a better life than I have had, and I've had it pretty good. I remind my kids of what the great President Reagan said, that freedom must be fought for and defended by every generation. I hope that the freedoms I have enjoyed and fought to defend are there for them. It seems we are losing freedom every day, inch by inch by an ever encroaching Federal government.

Do I feel that I am viewed as a stereotype? Yes, most certainly. We Green Berets joke about it amongst ourselves - they call us Snake Eaters and we embrace this because we do in fact eat snakes. We call ourselves knuckledragging Neanderthals because that is how we feel people perceive us; unsophisticated, brutish.


People see the Gadsden rattlesnake flag on the back of my car and they think I'm a racist political extremist of the TEA Party. This amuses me because I am in a bi-racial marriage, and how can I be an extremist when over 65% of the United States polls for TEA Party policies and sentiments? People would be surprised to know that most Green Berets are bilingual (I speak four languages), that we are of above average intelligence, with unique skills and extraordinary credentials.

Last weekend I went to Washington DC to participate in the Million Vet March on the Monuments. I went in uniform - multi-cam trousers, desert boots, an MIA/POW t-shirt and a Special Forces baseball cap - I couldn't find my beret. One of the cool things about being retired is you get to design your own uniform. I retired from the US Army five years ago and have never participated in any veteran activity before.









I am not a hero, but I served in the company of heroes.









It was an honor to serve in the greatest Army ever to march across a battlefield. I went down to the monuments to honor and respect the real heroes, the ones who didn't make it back.

This is my way of saying thank you to America.

STORMBRINGER SENDS

Thursday, October 17, 2013

HI-STANDARD HDM .22 CAL LONG RIFLE


The High Standard HDM is a modified High Standard HD model semi-automatic target pistol equipped with an integral sound suppressor. Originally adopted by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, the pistol is still found in United States inventories, including that of the CIA, United States Marines, and Special Forces. Because of legal concerns during wartime, full metal jacketed .22 LR rounds were developed for this pistol.

During training with the Special Operations Executive, Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna) test-fires a High Standard HDM, a pistol used by many other covert agents at the time.

The High Standard HDM is a conventional blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol fitted with an integral suppressor which decreases its report by more than 20 dB. This pistol design was originally delivered on January 20, 1944, and original contract models were blued with a Parkerized finish on the suppressor. Follow on models were completely Parkerized. Post World War II models produced for the CIA were also blued. The 10-round box magazine was interchangeable with that of the Colt Woodsman. The weapon has a frame mounted safety lever on the left in a similar position to the M1911A1 and Browning Hi-Power. The front sight is a fixed blade with a square notch fixed rear sight.

This weapon uses a heel-mounted magazine release. The weapon is effective at short ranges when the low energy of the round fired is taken into account. The design is simple and typical of the period in which it was designed. The HDM pistol was also manufactured in Argentina.


We used them during urban surveillance operations to shoot out street lights.

STORMBRINGER SENDS

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

MEDAL OF HONOR: CAPTAIN WILLIAM SWENSON

The Battle of Ganjgal in September of 2008 remains one of the deadliest in the Afghan war. Capt. William Swenson, U.S. Army, helped fend off an onslaught of insurgents, saved lives, coordinated a rescue, and braved gunfire to retrieve fallen soldiers and Marines. There were two Medals of Honor earned that day - S.L.



Capt. Swenson was presented the Medal today (Tuesday 15 October 2013) in a ceremony at the Whitehouse. Swenson’s path to the White House ceremony has been a rocky one. After he criticized his Army superiors for failing to provide enough air and artillery support, his medal nomination was delayed for years. Army officials said they lost his packet in the computer system for 19 months.

Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer - the other service member to receive the Medal for the Ganjgal battle - was not present at today's ceremony. Swenson has expressed skepticism about the accuracy of Meyer’s account of the battle.

Two other Marines, Ademola Fabayo and Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, who helped Swenson and Meyer in the rescue missions, attended Swenson’s ceremony. They both have received the Navy Cross for their actions.



In an interview with The Washington Post, Swenson said he accepted the Medal of Honor on behalf of the fellow soldiers and Marines with whom he fought, along with the family members of those who died.

“It does not really belong to me; it belongs to that event and the people I stood with,” he said of The Medal. “I’ll be thinking of everyone in that valley who gave more than could be expected of anybody.”

These are the exact words I have heard from other recipients of the Medal of Honor. It is remarkable how they all say the same thing.



STORMBRINGER SENDS

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

A friend who is also a Brother is feeling blue . . . the kind of "self-doubt" introspection that plagues higher intellect type-A personalities like ourselves. He reached out to me for counsel, so I shared with him some philosophy that has served me through the ups and downs of my life & career. I share this with you now - S.L.


The world depends on people like you and me - we really do make the world go around - so there is no reason NOT to maintain a positive attitude! "Nil illegitimi carborundum" means "Don't let the bastards grind you down"!

People can smell fear and weakness! Do not take counsel of your fears, and never show weakness! Go about your endeavors knowing you will prevail, knowing the only difference between success and failure is a lot of hard work and conscious decision to be a winner versus a loser.


Fear and anxiety are a natural part of Life! Prior to entering battle, the Ancient Greeks contemplated the God of Fear - Phobos - knowing they would experience fear - to help them prevail in battle despite this natural emotion.

We all have our ups and downs - it is understandable that we become frustrated due to setbacks, illnesses or injuries, and anxiety is a result. Put up with the struggle. No one said Life was easy! Exercise helps a great deal - do something physical at least everyday, such as golf, or the gym. If exercise is difficult due to schedule or physical condition, then walk - it is the best exercise short of swimming - at least thirty minutes a day. The best kind of walk is walking with your dogs.

Keep in touch with your circles of friendship. Learn who the decision makers and the power brokers are in your organization and establish open lines of communication with them. Touch bases, early and often.


Our line of work (soldiering - intelligence - security consulting) is difficult on a marriage. Our families are important to us; they are the even keel in the stormy seas that we sail. Take as good care of your families as you would your weapons and equipment - they are as important to you as your rifle, rucksack and radio. More so, actually.

There are foods supplements that are good for mental acuity, memory and emotional stability. Learn what they are and take them every day.


You are an asset to any organization worth being a part of - keep doing what you're doing, communicate in all directions and keep your Higher informed of all key phases of every operation.

Find your champions within your organization – let them know your value, what you bring to the table and how your efforts assist them in their endeavors. They will communicate your value to the Big Dogs.

DO NOT GIVE UP!! NEVER GIVE UP!! ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!



STORMBRINGER SENDS

Monday, October 14, 2013

I WENT DOWN TO THE MONUMENTS . . .

. . . I thought I was going to take part in a political event, my first ever. When I got there I realized it wasn't about politics it was about respect to the Honored War Dead. In America we have a saying "Politics stops at the water's edge." This sentiment continues to our Fallen, of course. Let us take note who it is who always makes politics of the overseas security situation, and who has continually made politics of flag draped coffins and war memorials, right up to this week. - S.L.



I was so excited when I got to the World War II Memorial. The first Vet I encountered had a CIA baseball hat; I was wearing my Special Forces baseball hat. I said, "CIA! Alright!" He said, "SF! Alright!" and we shook hands. The spirit of Wild Bill Donovan was hovering overhead, no doubt.


Crossing against the light - Fight the Tyranny!


I am from the Pacific so I always enter the Memorial from the Pacific gate.


An opening prayer honoring WWII War Dead.


Old Glory and the US Army colors at the World War II Memorial with the Lincoln Memorial in background. Take notice: there are no people on upper steps of the Lincoln Monument.


My favorite panel at the World War II Memorial: US Paratroopers over Normandy.


Things were hot at the Lincoln Memorial - these photos do not convey the tension of the standoff. The cops & Navy EOD displayed ultimate professionalism as a handful of rabble rousers hurled insults at them and attempted to work up the crowd.


I held back - in this struggle my role is not to be an activist; I am a secret agent - but I could have started a revolution today if I wanted to.


Over at the Vietnam Memorial - adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial - no barricades, just a couple of chick Park Rangers - and the crowds were respectful, quiet.


I always pay respect at the Korean War Memorial - chilling, almost depressing - somehow apropos for the Forgotten War.


"We remember you forever. With people of the Republic of Korea" - possibly our greatest allies in the world; right up there with the British, the Canadians and the Australians.


The World War I Memorial - "War to End All Wars" - dedicated Armistice Day (November 11th) 1931 - they had no idea World War II was 10 years away.



Tearing down the barricades at the World War II Memorial.

These people are rabble rousers - I distanced myself from them and watched the cops and the security overwatch. The cops broke contact - their instructions were clearly to avoid any kind of confrontation.


The Washington Monument with scaffolding - as an engineer I can tell you the only way to repair it properly is take it apart & rebuild it.



Now the Million March Truckers are all honking their horns like a herd of thundering elephants.




The General Ulysses S. Grant Memorial - possibly America's greatest General when you look at what he achieved, and his sublime humility - the first thing that came to my mind was: 'I wonder what a Confederate victory monument would've looked like?'

They don't make monuments like this anymore - I shudder to think what the GWOT memorial will (someday) look like.

My tour concluded - appropriately enough - at the Houses of High Mischief and Malfeasance.

"Government isn't the solution, government is the problem" - Ronald Reagan


I went to the Monuments today to respect the War Dead . . . they can no longer speak and so we speak for them . . .

STORMBRINGER SENDS