Castigation and Respect

This morning, the House of Representatives voted on a resolution to support our troops in the combat theater, a theater, I hasten to add, which is strewn with the carcasses of SCUD missiles—the same SCUD missiles forbidden by UNASS resolutions which the inspectors, the French, and many American leftists insisted did not exists, the missiles which comprise “Material Breach” by their very existence.

Eleven modern day Benedict Arnolds voted against this measure. They parse words, split hairs, and hide behind thin screens weak equivocations but the fact remains, they voted not to support our military in time of conflict. Does this cross the traitorous line into giving aid and comfort to the enemy? Technically, no, but to this day the government of North Vietnam acknowledges that their greatest ally and source of hope during the Vietnam War was the anti-war movement in America itself.

Below I have placed the text of a letter I have sent to my own “representative” the disgraceful John Conyers:

“I am stunned and saddened at your petty, self-serving, near-treasonous opposition to support for our troops in Iraq—the troops who are dying to make sure that you have a Detroit to come home to, the men who are dying to protect your right to be an embarrassment to you constituency (including myself) and your country. It is abundantly clear that you have chosen to place your own short-term political gains above, not just the good of the nation, but the lives of our citizens. You are a disgrace and embarrassment and I am left trying to find a way to apologize to the nation because my representative represents no one and no thing except his own ambitions. It is my hope that I do not have the opportunity to vote against you in your next election—I hope that you have been recalled from office long before. At least attempt to summon the dignity to apologize and resign.”

It is frustrating and disgusting to me that somehow our national character has degraded to the point that every battle must be fought at home as well as abroad. Nevertheless, these days are not dark and this domestic dalliance is a blessing in disguise. As our President has said, the cards are on the table and the rats have been smoked from their holes for all to see.

Let me depart from my normal personal of angry old man and, this day, spring has come—not just to the calendar but to the world and to the people of Iraq. This day, a better future has been born.

I send my prayers, gratitude, and thanks to the families of the British troops who have given their lives supporting us. These beloved Britons, these children of Churchill, these noble men of valor have my support and adoration just as I have for my own Americans. In the face of adversity and world disdain, the nations of the England, Spain, and Australia were among the first to rally to our side. The leaders of these nations have shown once again that true leaders lead, not follow public opinion, that true men do that which is right, not that which is expedient or popular. These honorable nations and their heroic fighting men are, this day, more than friends and allies. This day all men who fight for freedom and justice are our brothers. I for one am proud the stand in such august company.

I say this not to the detriment of our own astounding fighting men and women but to recognize all of the great men who fight for liberty. We live in a day of giants and heroes. Gentlemen, I am humbled to live within your generation.

Now is the time when legends walk among us. Now is the time when the quietest of men speaks loud by his actions. These are the days of unsought glory, when duty leads to such acts of noble sacrifice that we are overwhelmed by the raw majesty of that sliver of goodness within men and we see shining forth the reflection of God who created man in his own image. This is the crucible in which greatness is forged in the flesh of simple men.

Fight well and with honor and return home safe to the land of your birth. Return to us and we will talk, not in the hollow rattling of protesters and children, but of things of merit and nobility. We will talk of things of substance and significance for you have done great works, you have lived in hard times and made great sacrifices, and you have acted to make this world a better place.