Tag: featured

SmokingMan

 With X-Files returning and a sighting of Smoking Man in a recent episode, we are left wondering who he is? What does he represent? Who does he really work for? Is he hiding aliens or is he orchestrating a government conspiracy to control Americans in order to establish a one world government and eliminate our freedoms. If America falls, they all fall. He knows it. Does he respect the US constitution or does he lead through executive fiats and orders? Who is Smoking Man?

Some believe he is a progressive democratic as he believes in a central authority controlling the lives of the ordinary unwashed masses. Uber-regulation supercharged with alien technology and DNA, the master keys to controlling the human race and eliminating the pesky libertarians and patriots. Amazon drone delivery units, street cameras on every corner and GPS enabled cell phones, convenience items for the public or orchestrated control by the Smoking Man to track us, all of us? Insights from the Smoking Man in his own words:

“Men can never be free, because they’re weak, corrupt, worthless… and restless. The people believe in authority. They’ve grown tired of waiting for miracle or mystery. Science is their religion – no greater explanation exists for them! They must never believe any differently if the project is to go forward.”

The “project,” what is the project? Mulder and Scully have been searching this answer for decades. Some believe the project is the American Affordable Care Act (ACA). Get the masses signed up, collect all their personal information and family history, secure their DNA and begin “the selection” and tagging process. Build the data base, empower control through the IRS and have the masses re-register every year through enrollment with significant fees and co-payments to secure the necessary funding. Supposedly this scheme was developed by the Smoking Man and the One World Syndicate, implemented by a willing democratic progressive movement.

This theory, although highly plausible has yet to be proven. The 53rd Regiment would like your thoughts, your opinions on this matter. Please help us analyze what the Smoking Man and his cohorts are up to. Post up with your comments.

                

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Shameful

by CDR (R), USN

American Sailors being held at gun point by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRG) on their knees and with their hands behind their heads. Captain James Lawrence’s dying words during the War of 1812 – “Don’t give up the ship” – have been lost in America’s failed foreign policy and our decline on the world stage. Our mighty fighting force is no longer respected, not because we lack capability but because our nation’s leaders lack the backbone to stand and if necessary fight. We no longer fight on principal nor stand our ground on the battlefield or on the vessels flying our nation’s colors. Our nation’s leaders thank our adversary for the safe treatment of our fighting force instead of being outraged and demanding the global community hold Iran accountable for their actions of capturing our sailors instead of rendering aid, and humiliating them by parading their pictures on public media, clearly a violation of the Geneva Convention and of course a complete propaganda play. They succeeded. We failed.

Although I think there should be accountability for the officer’s actions as it led to giving up the two Riverine Command Boats (RCB’s), the much larger problem is that we are perceived as a weak and capitulating nation. We are not respected. We are no longer feared. Our leaders try to appease our adversaries; they should take a few minutes to see how that worked out with the rise of Nazi Germany. They should read a history book. They should apply common sense. They should google Iran – 1979. They should figure out that peace is achieved through strength, not weakness. The US SEVENTH FLEET motto sums it up the best – A Ready Power for Peace.

We need to change the direction of our country to ensure the USA remains a superpower and doesn’t collapse like the former Soviet Union. One only needs to refer to the words of our national anthem to determine how we do this. We Americans are free people, we are brave people; but we need to use our wits and our intellect to ensure we elect the right leaders that will keep our nation strong. At the end of the day, the accountability rests with populace empowered to put in place our democratically elected leaders.

 

 

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NationalFailureLeague?

Is the NFL too Big to Fail?

By The Badger

The Super Bowl is right around the corner. The game is the pinnacle of its sport. It’s not just about a football championship game it’s also about marketing, advertising and sponsorships. Frankly, it’s about big business. Ticket prices are steep, CEO’s mingle with Hollywood celebrities and the parties both before and after the game would make the Great Gatsby envious.

To own an NFL franchise is a capitalist’s dream. While there are certainly great risks to go along with the incredible asking price of a franchise today, the overall financial rewards are significant and have helped some of the current owners become billionaires. Many of the owners as well as the NFL execs in NY are truly great business leaders who have combined an excellent overall marketing strategy with a terrific product resulting in unprecedented appreciation in the value of their teams. Think Apple stock price appreciation over the last 10 years and you will start to get the picture on how the value of an NFL franchise has grown the last decade. I repeat, to own an NFL franchise is a capitalist’s dream.

But is the NFL really a business based on capitalism? Does company (or in this case team) revenue sharing across all competitors sound like capitalism?   That’s how the TV contracts work in the NFL. When a company (again in this context team) wants to relocate to improve their economic situation how many capitalistic industries require a majority approval vote across all the competitors to approve the move?   Other than perhaps one of the other professional sports leagues I can’t think of any. While I love the teamwork of football and of the NFL, the more I think about it I come back to the thought that there are elements of a monopoly here. Sure, there are 32 individual teams but the case could be made that the league as a whole is certainly not a pure capitalistic industry.   Interesting to note too that the NFL can get local municipalities (tax payers) to fund new multi million dollar stadiums. Sound capitalistic to you?

Be clear your author loves professional sports but more importantly is thankful for all the opportunities our great capitalistic society has provided him. I know that the competition that comes from and with capitalism drives innovation, drives consumer value and drives more opportunity for more people. Is the NFL doing all of that? I don’t think so.

The NFL needs to be careful. While it’s the biggest most popular professional sports league in the country it’s got some PR issues. Player safety, player character and affordability for the fan base are all brewing issues. Billionaire owners appear to be overly focused on driving more and more personal wealth in a “clubby” industry insulated from much if any government oversight. In a sluggish economy where most Americans are currently not prospering the NFL would be wise to be mindful that they are not too big to fail.

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Tribute

Farewell to an Old Soldier by LTC (P) Zoltan “Z” Krompecher 

Being an Army family means that my wife and children have accepted the requirement to move often: every one to three years we pack our worldly possessions and move to a new location, each one unique in its own way. This lifestyle has led to wonderful relationships, and we look back fondly on the friendship made with a family from Kalamazoo. Recently, the Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo community said goodbye to a man who spent most of his life serving as a natural ambassador to the university, the Army, and the community. He was a friend to many.

In my first week as the Professor of Military Science at Western Michigan University (WMU), a time when I was still trying to figure out where to park, a gentleman with a Soldier’s stature walked into my office and introduced himself as Herb Kenz. A comfortable conversation ensued between two soldiers who, following combat, found academia a welcome environment. Herb shared childhood tales of growing up in Saint Ignace, his journey to war, and the courtship of Jean, the woman who captured his heart.

Following high school, life pushed Herb out of the quietude of the U.P. and into a world broken from war. As a soldier in occupied Japan he guarded Emperor Hirohito and became part of the healing process between former enemies. Five years later, he stared war in the face in Korea. These experiences must have led him to believe the world could be a better place, because he came home to Michigan and Jean (staying in the Army reserves) and decided to help others through teaching, but what I remember most about Herb and Jean was the way they “adopted” WMU ROTC cadets.

ROTC cadets generally represent a variety backgrounds but are united in the hope of one day commissioning as Army officers. They are the great “unwashed” who arrive on campus nervous and apprehensive. To temper their anxiety, Herb and other WMU ROTC Alumni, along with spouses, show up on the first day to grill food, share stories, answer questions, and make newly arrived students feel welcome: a shining example of generations passing hands.

Herb had a warm smile and easy approach which helped cadets see past temporary discomfort by understanding the world is worth getting up for in the morning, even at 0530 to run in the Michigan cold. Through their efforts, the WMU ROTC alumni formed strong bonds with the cadets. They helped the cadets press on towards the finish line together. They made it, and somewhere along the line they discovered each other and themselves. With every new class of cadets, Herb never lost that smile or the warmth that enveloped those of us lucky enough to know him. After graduating, many cadets entered the army ingrained with the lessons of camaraderie that Herb and his ilk helped teach them. Many of these young officers return to campus to impart these same lessons onto new generations of cadets.

Perhaps the deepest lesson Herb taught us, one not found in an Army manual, was not to return to the ordinariness of our lives because faith, family and the greater good are more important than oneself. He loved Jean, their children, his students and WMU. He loved Michigan.

For a time, Herb and Jean participated in Community Theater. It makes sense, because he could adapt to any environment. In the end, it was as if he needed a larger stage, so he left the spotlight to be with Jean.

Last month, alumni and students of WMU gathered in Saint Augustine’s to pay tribute to Herb. Lieutenant Colonel (Retried) John Colburn held roll-call by calling out the names of present service members, each one responding with, “Here, Sir!” When they got to Herb’s name there was no response. Second passed and then a 21-gun salute was fired following by a lonely trumpet playing Taps to honor the kind soul of a man who never really grew old.

I arrived to Kalamazoo knowing nobody, and then Herb showed up.

 

 

 

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Ram-i-festo (NFL)

Ramifesto” by Black Jack Pershing

I am an adopted St Louisan. I love it. I have lived all over the US to include both coasts and many places in between. For those of us that like a good run in humidity because it makes us feel alive, who love baseball, who love a great neighborhood pub, who love down to earth real friends, and who love interesting American history, this town is just fine. If you think it’s just Ferguson and the Arch – maybe you need to read about your country more.

Anyway. Some thoughts on the Rams, a team I was never a fan of, even when I lived in LA and they were there.

1. Date and you might be disappointed: before we get into anything else, let’s agree that the Rams left LA and were romanced to come to St Louis. Sometimes you end just as you start.

2. History, Heritage, Ritual, Pride: all of the best organizations whether they be sports teams, companies, or religions have shared heritage that is celebrated. Think about the Steelers. Think about the Packers. Think about even those irritating Cowboys. They are iconic and reflective of their cities. The baseball Cardinals are pure St Louis. Reflective of the town. History? Google it. Heritage: Stan the Man and so many more. Ritual? Meet me at the Stan the Man statue. Pride? What other team opens their season with the Budweiser Clydesdales circling the field. I’ve been there with tears welling up to see it. My point? The Rams had none of that. ZERO. The team was initially well managed and bravo: The greatest show on turf, etc – thank you Dick Vermeil. But it wasn’t real. It was a fluke. The Edward Jones Dome is nice. Certainly a fine place to see a game. But it’s not what you would call a cathedral to football. How could it be? It was built for a team that wasn’t here yet. And the namesake Rams? Native to St Louis? Hmmmmm. That doesn’t add up. A Football team from St Louis should ideally be called the Brew Masters or The Big Muddy’s – inspire us please.

3. Kroenke: a low class dope from a small town in Missouri who is still trying to prove he can hang out with the big boys. Read his interview in the LA Times. Awkard and pathetic and so eager to please that community. Kharma will prevail. They denied Rush Limbaugh the team out of political correctness. At least he’d never curry favor with nauseating west coast elites.

4. LA: it sucks. Nice weather. The end. The Rams and Raiders both left. Nothing has changed since the early 90’s. I am proud to say I attended the last game both teams played in LA, against each other. To this day it is known as the game that holds the record for the most fan fights in the stands. More than 300 were arrested or thrown out. I guess they thought it was their last chance. It is hard to get anywhere in LA, and most people do not want to sit in traffic 90 minutes both ways to attend an NFL game. This is why both teams left. Fans were not up for it. Kroenke picked Inglewood for the new stadium. A dangerous area often mentioned in old school rap songs. No one will want to drive there. Further – unlike St Louis, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Dallas, or DC, LA is not a real city – it’s a region of sprawling communities. There is very little civic pride. Good luck Kroenke. You will need it. And no matter what, you will never fit in and never be liked out there. They think you are a useful tool.

5. The NFL: It hires people of bad character, rewards them and defends them. It is a money oriented machine. It’s all been said. Their role in this whole thing is something like a hybrid between a madam of a very large whore house and Pontius Pilot. These are dishonorable people. These are dishonest people. These are cynical people. My best guess is that they are eyeing an international model based on the interest in some cities like London and Toronto in having their own teams. I’ve met lots of European NFL fans. It’s something different for those poor souls who have had to watch the ‘beautiful game’ all their lives.

6. St Louis: this town needs to get its act together with an aggressive growth plan with appropriate incentives for businesses. Almost in spite of itself it has a very vibrant startup and tech sector emerging and plenty of good news happening. The new stadium development site would have worked miracles on a large stretch of riverfront that needs an overhaul. That’s too bad. Mayor Francis Slay has said “I’m done with the NFL” I hope he sticks to his words. Let’s get a professional soccer team (the beautiful game again) since most kids have now grown up with that sport and just start over.

7. It won’t happen – but I would love to see the country abandon the NFL to an extent that would render the investments of all the skunks involved in it useless. Are there good people in the NFL? Of course. But they are not winning the day or influencing positive outcomes.
Summary: St Louis: good; Kroenke: bad; NFL: bad; LA: bad; Inglewood: even worse. Oh yeah – forgot to mention – Jeff Fisher: bad too.Ramifesto

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Benghazi

It’s not hard. If you put Americans in harms way, you best have a plan to get them out of harms way if need be. You owe them that. You owe their families that. If you work in a US Embassy, you have an emergency action plan to get out. You rely on the US government to monitor the situation and give the Ambassador and his staff orders securing US personnel and safeguarding designated information and equipment. If it is too dangerous and US citizens safety cannot be guaranteed, SOPs are executed on a deliberate, planned withdrawal. When this doesn’t happen, you have a systematic failure. When this doesn’t happen, you question leadership at every level. When this doesn’t happen on the anniversary of September 11th, people are relieved for their incompetence and failure to properly advise and secure US personnel, property and equipment. When this doesn’t happen, and you lose an Ambassador and US personnel, the Secretary of State doesn’t run for President. Ultimately, four American lives were lost makes a big difference to their families and the honor of this country. One of the country traits that historically makes the USA exceptional, is that one ordinary citizen’s life matters dearly. As a nation, our citizenry expects our government to move heaven and earth to bring our own back to safety. Did that happen here? Did we find a way to get every potential resource in play to save our fellow citizens lives? I don’t care if there is less than a 1% chance at saving a life and rescuing our fellow Americans, you give the order to rescue, safeguard and bring our people home, without hesitation. It is simple, Americans in harms way? We go get them and bring them home! If you hesitate, if you debate it, if you blame a youtube movie and insult our intelligence, you are not fit to serve in a low level position let alone as President of the Unites States!

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