One angry Marine

The Gunny told me there are two simple rules for being a Marine.  Rule Number 1: never let a fellow down.  Rule Number 2: don't forget Rule Number 1.

Learning recently of the scandalous behavior of a few who call themselves Marine caused my stomach to turn and my jaw to tighten.  Absolutely maddening!  Infuriating!  Disgusting!

An essential element, perhaps THE essential element of being a Marine is accepting, believing, and embodying that "once a Marine, always a Marine."  Earning this title bestows upon the recipient a moral responsibility to all Marines - past, present, and future.  Not only when in uniform or on active duty, but every moment of every day from that point forward.  This moral responsibility transcends time and place, carrying with it an obligation cherished and shared by those few who have earned it.

The title Marine means vastly more than those who have never earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can ever know.  That is evident when meeting Marine veterans, of any era.  They earnestly believe there are no former Marines, because once a Marine, always a Marine.  So when one Marine tarnishes the reputation of our Corps, it hurts all Marines.  That shared responsibility to one another critical to combat teamwork permeates all aspects of our lives.

So I sit here, mad as hell at the individuals who belittled their fellow Marines.  Who acted without respect for fellow warriors.  Who cheapened the title Marine.  Even 15 years after retiring, reading of the disgraceful actions causes my blood to boil.  How dare they do this?  They have brought discredit upon me and my fellow Marines. 

In today's tumultuous world, the citizens of our nation have consistently stated they hold the military, in general, and their Marine Corps specifically in the highest esteem.  Actions by some have threatened that esteem.  But I also want to believe the nation knows with certainty that its Corps of Marines will not stand by idly, but will aggressively and assuredly attack this matter.

This is the message explicitly stated in CMC's video.  Implicitly, he told those involved that they will soon no longer be Marines.

National Anthem

NFL players and coaches during the playing of the National Anthem.

NASCAR driver, wife, and crew during playing of National Anthem.

The pictures say it all.

Reactions to Travel Restrictions Highlight Public Education Failure

Ironically, some of the ballyhoo surrounding the travel restrictions serves to highlight the failure permeating our system of public education.  One report describes how “tech giants” joined in an amicus curiae brief against the executive order.  The report states, “The ban prevents tech companies from attracting talent,” indicating they can not source enough “talent” from within the United States.

Public education is in shambles.  There is no other way to put it.  Story after story, report after report describe the problem from a variety of perspectives.  Attempting to counter these reports and stories, some elected officials employ a form of progressive sleight of hand to try to convince us the problem is not real.  One such ploy is reporting graduation rates are rising, thereby arguing education is improving. In perhaps one of the most egregious stories, in New York, “Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña cite the city wide 72 percent graduation rate as evidence that schools are improving. Rarely noted — only an average 37 percent of students graduate ready for college.” 

Only “37 percent of students graduate ready for college.”  Really?  And the same New York Post article reports, “But the stats are even worse at other schools such as Urban Assembly HS of Music and Art in Brooklyn, which boasted a 82.5 percent graduation rate but only 3.8 percent of the senior class was college ready.”  A measly 3.8 percent of a senior class was evaluated as college ready.  Almost concurrently the Mayor of New York touts “a record high graduation rate of 72.6 percent in 2016 after five straight years of improvement.”  Of course, teacher unions clap loudly at the otherwise abysmal results, with the Post reporting, “The teachers union also hailed the results.”  Even if accepting the claim of a 72.6 percent graduation rate, the level of college preparedness is highly questionable based on other reports.

The preceding examples come from one public school system in New York City, that bastion of liberal policies and approaches.  It can be argued that if New York City cannot provide quality public education, then it likely cannot be provided elsewhere.  And the tech sector relies on a highly educated workforce, though sadly the nation is meeting its public education responsibilities, with the former CEO of Sun Microsystems declaring public education is failing.  And this circles back to the views of “tech giants.”     

The tech giants complain about an inability to attract talent from overseas, implying if not outright stating they cannot find the talent they require within our country: a country with more than 50 million students in elementary and secondary education, according to The National Center for Education Statistics estimates.  Certainly the raw talent needed by the tech giants should be found in such a large student population.  Apparently not, if we are to believe the tech giants.

If nothing else decries the state of public education, certainly the complaints of leading tech companies that hire enormous number of employees must stand out.  Regardless of what the elected officials and school unions would have us believe, the public school system is failing too many of our citizens.  When major employers cannot find adequately numbers of prepared individuals for the workforce they need from local resources, and so complain about travel restrictions closing off some sources of potential employees, it rings as an indictment against public education. 

Ironic, isn’t it, that an unintended consequence of the ballyhoo surrounding travel restrictions is the stark and unambiguous condemnation of public education.    

Presidential judgment

A man is known by the company he keeps and whose counsel he accepts, because both reflect upon his judgment.  Arguably, no where is judgment more important than for the President of the United States.

The immediate past and current presidents have demonstrated exceedingly poor judgment in the company they keep and counsel they accept.  For Obama, it was Valerie Jarrett.  For Trump it is Steve Bannon.

Jarrett brought no distinctive credentials or skills to the position of Senior Advisor to the President of the United States and Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental.  Reports swirled around her and the Obama administration concerning the extraordinary influence she seemed to hold over the president.  She was present is virtually every critical meeting.  She would take the place of agency experts at high level meetings.  She was provided Secret Service protection.  She reportedly was the one who persuaded (that is, told) the president to delay on multiple occasions the mission to get Osama bin Laden.  And the list goes on.  It became known that nothing would happen if Jarrett did not approve.


Now comes Bannon in a similar role.  If anything, it has been expanded upon, as evidenced by his being included in the Principals Committee of the National Security Council.  Bannon, like Jarrett before him, brings no distinctive credentials or skills to the West Wing of the White House (despite what some may say).  Like Jarrett, he is an ideologue.  Like Jarrett, he is of seriously dubious character.

Thus, there is justifiable reason to question President Trump's judgment.

Mr. President, please jettison Bannon immediately.  He is not the type company you should keep, nor is his counsel that which you should accept.  Your administration does not need, and should not have, a male version of Valerie Jarrett.    
  

New York City public education

"Last year, 16 percent of kids in grades three, four and five passed the state math exam — well below the 41 percent citywide average; 19 percent passed the English exam, compared to 40 percent citywide. The 2016 exams had fewer questions and gave students unlimited time to finish."

The above is taken from a New York Post  article about one elementary school.  What is striking, demoralizing so, are the cited city wide averages of 41 percent for math and 40 percent for English state exam scores.  Focus on those numbers for a moment.

In New York City, the averages for math and English are 41% and 40% respectively.  How, we must ask, can students succeed in the light of those scores?  How are they being prepared to succeed as citizens in our nation?  This, in a city dominated by Democrats, with some of the highest per student spending on education in the nation.  According to the US Census figures from 2013, New York City public schools spent the second most amount per student ($20,331) in the nation.  Only Boston ($20,502) spent more.

How do the people of New York stand by and accept such an abysmal and inexcusable situation?  Would they accept only 40% of the subways working on any given day?  Would they accept only 41% of the trash being collected?  Would they accept only 40% of calls for the fire department being answered?  Would they accept only 41% of the streets being cleaned?

For all of that, the average numbers cited for passing the state math and English exams are stunningly low.

Leaves one speechless! 

One picture

This one picture speaks to the bond of Marine Corps camaraderie.

Semper Fidelis

Mother nature is real

We stood in our kitchen, sipping coffee and looking west, enjoying the view out to the ocean.  Soon the view was obscured by an incoming band of weather.  Slowly and steadily the view was overtaken by the low hanging clouds.  Really low hanging.

The surface of the water, buildings, trees, streetlights, and landmarks were swallowed as the weather front crawled inexorably from east to west.  Obviously we were soon to be inundated.  Just as that thought crossed my mind, a flash with accompanying thunder emanated from the rolling mist, announcing the arrival.

The first light drops of rain hit the surface of the pool.  Slight, shallow dimples.  As the mist enveloped our home, with the rising wind, the drops became heavier and heavier, soon growing to torrential size.  Trees were swaying.  The drumming sound of heavy drops beating on the deck and patio.

Warm and dry, standing in our kitchen drinking our coffee, taking in the scene, I couldn't help but think of mother nature.  

Perhaps she knew of the thought, because another, brighter  flash and much louder thunder lit up and rocked the house, as the storm cell passed over, pushed by the strengthening wind.

From beginning to end, it was probably not more than 5-to-10 minutes.  Where streets, decks, and patios were dry, they now are soaked.  Flowing down the hill's streets, the sudden infusion of water is following nature's course to lower levels.

As across the nation men and women speak and write in hyperbole, with loose attention to facts, communicating emotion based opinion, complaining about this and that, firing accusations and unfounded assertions.  Politicians.  Elected officials.  Members of the media.  Spokespersons.  Pundits.  Athletes. 

Having the choice of listening and reading their tripe or watching mother nature, it's no contest.  

Another cup of coffee.  Another look west, in anticipation of the next band of weather gathering out there on the horizon.  Another flash, another roll of thunder.  

That is real.

(By the way, I also look forward to sunny skies and dry roads, so the motorcycle can come out of the garage.) 

 

Freedom at work

The protests across the nation today illustrated freedom at work.  It is something we should celebrate, even if disagreeing with the messages and purposes. 

Some observations for consideration.

In many places around the world, such protests would not be allowed, or would be rejected violently.

In some places around the world, women are treated essentially as property of their husbands.  At best, as second class citizens.

In some places around the world, females have been denied education.

In some places around the world, women have been stoned to death.

So, while America is imperfect, at least our freedoms are at work.  We can speak our minds.  We can join together in peaceful protest.  We can pursue education.  We can work.  We can vote.

Some questions, in view of the numbers that turned out across our country.

Wonder how many of the protestors voted?  Of those who voted, wonder how many voted for Clinton?  

Finally, with the passion and intensity displayed today, where was Clinton?    

An outrageous affront

Today's announcement that President Obama commuted the sentence of Private Manning is an outrageous affront to all those serving or who have served honorably in the Armed Forces.  Manning is a criminal, found guilty and sentenced by a court martial.  The full sentence should be served.

It is outrageous this Commander-in-Chief takes such action, clearly and forever breaking faith with our men and women in uniform.  By his action, Obama clearly and unequivocally shows his disdain for the members of the military, their honor, their service, their sacrifice, and the oath they took upon entering our military.

Make no mistake, this action was socially motivated.  No legal or military purpose is served by commuting the sentence of a former soldier who deliberately stole classified information and provided it to unauthorized others.  In other times it is conceivable Manning could have received the death sentence.  Of course, in other times, other Presidents of the United States admired and revered the Armed Forces.

It is particularly galling, given that this week we laid to rest Major Griffiths, U. S. Army at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  He died while a POW during the Korean war and his remains were just recently identified.  Posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW medals, Major Griffiths represents all the best of our Armed Forces.  Obama's action today effectively denigrates and insults Major Griffith's service and sacrifice.

When neither a Private (Manning) or General (Cartwright) are held fully accountable for their illegal actions, because of the decision of the president of the United States, something is sorely amiss in our nation.  

Shame on you, President Obama.

20 January 2017 Update  

Though Obama's action re Manning remains an outrageous affront, at least Bergdahl will have to face the military trial for his actions.





         

Belittling the office

Much of the media is devoting time and ink to reports of elected officials and entertainers boycotting the upcoming inauguration.  Boycott as a verb,  according to Dictionary.com,  is defined as follows:

1.  to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion:

2.  to abstain from buying or using:

 

That entertainers choose not to attend the inauguration is totally inconsequential.  However, elected officials, who would otherwise attend, choosing not to attend, belittle the office into which the people have voted them.  This is no time for attempted intimidation or coercion.  Instead of celebrating the peaceful transition from one president to the next, an important cornerstone of our democracy, these elected officials are petulantly acting in a manner inconsistent with this same democracy.  Thus they belittle the office they hold.

 

A staunch supporter of the freedom of speech, I understand an individual's consuming desire to express his or her displeasure or support.  But sometimes the manner, place, and timing in which this expression is offered must be taken into account.  A sitting federal senator or representative can always take to the floor of Congress to express his/her views in opposition or support of the current administration and president.  We may not agree with with they say, but they have the right to say it.  That is democracy in action.

 

But to childishly claim they are boycotting the inauguration serves to demean the positions they hold.  As elected leaders of our nation, they must set positive examples by their actions.  Principled disagreement with the administration, coherently articulated at an appropriate time and place, exemplifies democracy in action.  A whining claim of boycotting the inauguration does not.

 

Rather than belittling their office, these individuals could take the moral high ground by stating their are attending the inauguration to visibly demonstrate their unyielding support for the peaceful transition of power characteristic in a free democracy, even when they vehemently disagree with the incoming president.     

A hero's funeral

On this cool January morning in San Diego, under overcast clouds and in a persistent drizzle, they came together.  One by one, they gathered, seeking some shelter under an awning or umbrella.  On a normal day, the majority would be riding their motorcycles.  Due to today's inclement weather, about half came in their vehicles, with the other half braving the weather.  What, one might ask, would possess them to come out in such weather?

The grizzled veterans, clean shaven citizens, men and women alike staged outside the mortuary as members of the Patriot Guard Riders mission supporting the funeral for Major Jack Griffiths, POW/KIA, U S Army.  Major Griffiths fought in World War II and died a POW during the Korean War.  

Most wore jackets or vests adorned with patches depicting military units, the branches of the Armed Forces, patriotic phrases, and the American flag.  Army, Navy, Marine Corps.  From junior enlisted to senior officers, they gathered to honor a fallen comrade.

At the specific invitation of Major Griffith's family, including his son who last saw his father as a two years old, the Patriot Guard Riders were honored and proud to be present, even in such adverse weather.

Standing in the rain, holding American flags aloft or presenting crisp hand salutes, these patriots stood in two lines during the dignified transfer of the coffin into the hearse.  The riders then escorted the hearse and family to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  There, the U. S. Army awaited and provided full military honors.  Further, Major Griffith's son accepted the posthumous Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW Medal from the Army representatives.

Throughout, the Patriot Guard Riders stood in the persistent mist, properly Presenting Arms during the rifle volley and playing of Taps.  In a final tribute, they presented a custom made plaque, signed by all, to Major Griffith's son.

Across our nation, Patriot Guard Riders are invited to support the funerals for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who die on active duty, and honorably discharged veterans.  At times, members of the Patriot Guard Riders are the only ones in attendance, standing in as family for their fallen comrades.

They seek no recognition.  They seek no funding.  They volunteer their time.  They honor our men and women in uniform.  Whether it be a sunny afternoon or a cool, damp, drizzling morning, they will "stand for those who stood for us."   

Local TV news story. 

FOOTNOTE:  Looking around during the funeral, one saw U. S. Army soldiers, the U. S. Navy Chaplain, representatives of veteran organizations, Patriot Guard Riders, and the family members and their friends.  But not one elected official.  Apparently no local, state, or federal elected official deemed worthy of their time the funeral for a soldier who died a POW in the Korean War.  Their absence speaks loudly and clearly to this veteran and retired Marine.      

Pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al

Almost certainly 2016 will be known as a year, if not the year, in which pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al were proven wrong as a group.  In a way, that is totally unsurprising, because they are never held accountable for their words.

Stating one's opinions, including forecasts, is essential in exercising free speech.  Equally essential is being able to do so without being accountable.  Other than possibly losing viewership or readership, leading to loss of reputation, expressing one's opinion carries with it little real world accountability.  And this totally differs from the words and actions of those about whom the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al ply their trade.  

Stated differently, it is very easy to criticize when your actions have no actual consequences.  And so it should be.  Free speech, whether accurate or offensive, is absolutely crucial to our country.  If pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al were actually held accountable, it would be stifling.  

Just consider the ramifications.  Were the social activist/commentator held accountable for his/her mistakes or offensive commentary, it is most likely end their time on radio or television.  Just think of all the shows that would be cancelled on MSNBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, and the like.  Likewise for Twitter, Facebook, etc. 

All the so-called news offerings would see a drastic reduction, which would not reflect positively on free speech. 

So while the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al offer their views without fear of true accountability, much to the aggravation of those upon whom the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al write and speak, it is absolutely essential they be able to do so in a free society that values free speech.

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

Far from the maddening crowd

It is great to be away from the maddening crowd.

Away from southern California on travel, it so refreshing to be among folks -- regular folks -- just working to make a living and enjoy their lives.  Folks who smile and share a bit of humor with strangers during breakfast.  Folks who talk about enjoying the great outdoors.  Folks enjoying a more pedestrian pace of life.

Yeah, the weather in southern California is certainly enjoyable.  But the cost of living, frenetic pace of life, expanses of pavement, and incessant crowds are not missed even a little bit.

It may be purely illusory, but the folks encountered during this period of travel seem more genuine.  They seem more concerned with one another.  They seem calmer.  They seem happier.  All in all, it seems a much friendlier environment.

All too soon it will be time to fly back to southern California.

Before then, it is uplifting to be away from the maddening crowd.

The Christmas season

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching.  For small children, it is a wondrous time of expectation.  For Christians, it is an important religious period.  For (all too) many it is a time of excessive consumerism.  For families, it is a time of looking forward to gatherings.  For some families, however, it is an unfulfilled time.

Military families across our great nation experience the Christmas season from a vastly different perspective than the majority of citizens.  With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, it is not surprising that most do not think of the servicemen and women who spend Christmas away from loved ones.

It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine deployed overseas or forward deployed on one of our Navy's ships.  It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who is just unable to travel home, be it due to finances, duty assignments, or other causes beyond his or her control.

America should offer their prayers for these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families during this Christmas season.

Most importantly, we need to offer our prayers for the surviving military families of warriors lost this year: Captain Frederick, Captain Kuss, Staff Sergeant Cardin, Chief Petty Officer Finan, and Major Norton.