What does the GAO know and when did they know it?
The GAO was in Iraq doing a survey of the progress there. Who knew? Well OK maybe they didn’t actually go to Iraq to report on the progress there, but they reported just the same. Some questions the GAO ought to be forced to answer before their report is given ant credence:
When did you visit Iraq? Probable answer: We didn’t.
Where did you travel? Probable answer: We didn’t.
Who did you talk to in Iraq? Probable answer: Nobody.
How long were you there? Probable answer: We weren’t.
How many GAOs went on the trip? Probable answer: None.
Even if some low level group of hacks hung out in the Green Zone for a couple of weeks, so what?
Harry predicts success on Iraq politcal front
Harry Reid, the same doofus who declared the surge a failure before it began but now is forced to point to some military progress, yesterday declared the political situation in Iraq a failure. This has to be good news for President Bush. Harry the land swindler is becoming for Iraq what Al Gore is to global warming. A misinformed chicken little to be sure, but you how everywhere Al goes the temperature drops ten degrees. The same may be true of land baron Harry. The surge is succeeding in the face of Harry’s proclamation that it was a failure. Maybe we’ll see a similar dramatic improvement in the political situation now that Harry has declared failure in that arena.
Hollywood's new heroes
Hollywood has come with a picture, Redacted, portraying our military as barbaric rapists and murderers. The movie, funded by NBA odd ball Mark Cuban, is based on an actual event in Iraq. The perpetrators of the event are all serving life sentences. SHOCKING! Given the conservative nature of Hollywood and most the stars there, you’d think that they might have done a movie on the heroism of Sgt First Class Paul Smith. Here’s his Medal of Honor Citation:
SMITH, PAUL R.
Rank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, United States ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.
Or how about this guy:
DUNHAM, JASON L.
Rank and Organization: Corporal, United States Marine CorpsFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
I guess heroes don’t sell. I doubt the current group of Hollywood dolts would ever have given us a Sands of Iwo Jima even after Pearl Harbor. There are great stories out there everyday, but Hollywood taking its cue from the NY Times dwells on the negative. I'd much rather be a Cpl Dunham than a Sean Penn or a Tim Robbins.
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