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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 10/02/2012 10:21:49
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,013 day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2, 126
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1, 065
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$1, 378, 645, 425, 000 .00
So, last night I trucked up to the campus of Umass Lowell for a little debate. It was the usual combination of platitudes, insults, and acrimony, not helped in the least by what's been termed a "Replacement Moderator". While the race may have national implications....it's still a local race.
Senator Scott Brown is an active member of the National Guard, and has been to Afghanistan while in uniform. Curiously, though....other than a single reference to his service, neither candidate spoke much about veteran's issues last night except in broad generalities.
So I'll start with one that an election may affect....don't you think our veterans deserve a cost-of-living adjustment? Like most bills, this was held up by the confusion and delay caused by the GOP, and now with Congress fleeing for home for the elections, it's still languishing on somebody's desk.
There was a brief discussion last night about getting the troops out of Afghanistan. Senator Brown gave the usual platitudes about "commanders on the ground" and "no deadline", but was generally in agreement about getting the hell out. Ms. Warren took the "Get out now" line. There are troops coming home right now, and I saw a curious story yesterday morning. The 82nd airborne is back home, and do you know what happens when thousands of troops get back to the States after spending months overseas with pockets full of money they had noplace to spend? Fort Bragg is having a boomlet.
But it's just as well that they're starting to come home. Again, I saw something in the news that utterly floored me. I'd imagine it's extraordinarily difficult for an affluent, western, Christian soldier to head into one of the poorest and religious hardline places on earth without offending someone. The military has a fine tradition of producing pamphlets for our soldiers on how to "fit in"...we even had one for troops heading to England of all places during WWII. But it's taken until now for a pamphlet to be produced for Afghanistan. Curiously enough, it's being distributed to the Afghans, and they're the ones who are adjusting to the Americans instead of the other way round. Whether you agree with that or not, you must agree that this probably should have been done on October 7, 2001?
Finally this morning...I leave you with the "Jesus Rifle". Eleven years on, and we're still doing stupid shit like this?
Today is our 4,013 day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2, 126
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1, 065
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
So, last night I trucked up to the campus of Umass Lowell for a little debate. It was the usual combination of platitudes, insults, and acrimony, not helped in the least by what's been termed a "Replacement Moderator". While the race may have national implications....it's still a local race.
Senator Scott Brown is an active member of the National Guard, and has been to Afghanistan while in uniform. Curiously, though....other than a single reference to his service, neither candidate spoke much about veteran's issues last night except in broad generalities.
So I'll start with one that an election may affect....don't you think our veterans deserve a cost-of-living adjustment? Like most bills, this was held up by the confusion and delay caused by the GOP, and now with Congress fleeing for home for the elections, it's still languishing on somebody's desk.
The chairwoman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee blames Republicans for preventing passage of a cost-of-living adjustment in veterans’ compensation before Congress left town on Sept. 22 for a six-week pre-election break, raising the possibility that the payment increases could be late.
The postponed bill would provide almost 4 million veterans and survivors the same Dec. 1 percentage increase going to Social Security and retired pay for the military and federal civilians. The increase is expected to be at least 1.3 percent.
While Social Security and government retired pay increases are automatic, veterans’ compensation rises only if Congress approves an increase and the president signs it into law. Since 1983, Congress has never failed to give veterans the same increase as other federal beneficiaries, although the annual bills have been delayed before.
The Veterans Affairs Department said Thursday in a statement it could not guarantee January checks would include the increase unless it is passed by Congress by Nov. 13, which happens to be the first day of scheduled legislative business when lawmakers return after the Nov. 6 elections.
“Should Congress pass the COLA after that date, VA would have to make complex programming changes to the system that could not be accomplished in time to pay the COLA increase on January 1,” the statement says. “Consequently, the … increase would have to be paid retroactively.”
VA has waited longer than that in the past. In 2005, the veterans’ COLA wasn’t signed into law until Nov. 22. In 2003, the measure wasn’t signed by the president until Dec. 3. VA officials said these late bills required special processing and retroactive payments.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the veterans’ committee chairwoman, fired a broadside against Republicans for blocking a bill just a week after Senate Republicans also blocked action on the Veterans’ Job Corps Act.
“We still don’t have any indication why someone would block a cost-of-living adjustment for veterans and their surviving spouses, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet,” Murray said in a statement. “My hope is that whichever senator has decided to hold up this bill will at least come forward to own up to it. That way we can move forward to overcome their oppositions and get our veterans the support they need.”
Part of the blame for the delay is that the Senate waited so long to pass the bill.
There was a brief discussion last night about getting the troops out of Afghanistan. Senator Brown gave the usual platitudes about "commanders on the ground" and "no deadline", but was generally in agreement about getting the hell out. Ms. Warren took the "Get out now" line. There are troops coming home right now, and I saw a curious story yesterday morning. The 82nd airborne is back home, and do you know what happens when thousands of troops get back to the States after spending months overseas with pockets full of money they had noplace to spend? Fort Bragg is having a boomlet.
The 82nd Airborne is home.
You can see it on Yadkin, Reilly and Skibo roads, where traffic looks more like the buildup to a holiday than a lazy day in late September.
Or in the businesses and restaurants around town, where many managers and employees have reported longer lines or busier dinner rushes because of soldiers freshly returned from the war in Afghanistan.
Nearly 9,000 paratroopers - the size of the town of Dunn - have returned to Fort Bragg over the past several weeks, coming in droves and welcomed home a few hundred at a time in ceremonies at Pope Field.
The last soldiers returned Friday, marking the first time since 2010 that the entire 82nd Airborne Division has been home, a rarity in the post-9/11 world.
While the soldiers adjust to life back home, the community has to adjust to their return, as well.
On a recent Sunday on Yadkin Road, Paul Owens' barbershop was filled with the buzz of clippers and growing piles of discarded hair.
The Drop Zone/Fox Hole at 6466 Yadkin Road offers haircuts and boot shines for a largely military clientele.
Over the past months, Owens said, the shop struggled with so many soldiers overseas. Now, he and others who do business in the shadow of Fort Bragg are starting to see business boom again.
It's the cyclical nature of Fort Bragg, said Owens, who has cut hair in the shop for nearly two dozen years. He weathered Desert Storm and now the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We've been noticing for the last nine years," Owens said. "This isn't just happening now. (Their return) is really a blessing for them and us. I'm looking more than forward to it."
But it's just as well that they're starting to come home. Again, I saw something in the news that utterly floored me. I'd imagine it's extraordinarily difficult for an affluent, western, Christian soldier to head into one of the poorest and religious hardline places on earth without offending someone. The military has a fine tradition of producing pamphlets for our soldiers on how to "fit in"...we even had one for troops heading to England of all places during WWII. But it's taken until now for a pamphlet to be produced for Afghanistan. Curiously enough, it's being distributed to the Afghans, and they're the ones who are adjusting to the Americans instead of the other way round. Whether you agree with that or not, you must agree that this probably should have been done on October 7, 2001?
KABUL — During the Vietnam War, American soldiers shipped out armed with government-issued guides to the distant land and the mysterious people.
In Afghanistan, the U.S. military has tried training sessions, embedded cultural advisers, recommended reading lists and even a video game designed to school the troops in local custom.
But 11 years into the war, NATO troops and Afghan soldiers are still beset by a dangerous lack of cultural awareness, officials say, contributing to a string of insider attacks that have threatened to undermine the military partnership.
So the Afghan army is trying something new: a guide to the strange ways of the American soldier. The goal is to convince Afghan troops that when their Western counterparts do something deeply insulting, it’s likely a product of cultural ignorance and not worthy of revenge.
The pamphlet is intended to “strengthen our understanding of our [NATO] counterpart,” according to an English translation of the pamphlet that was provided to The Washington Post. But in doing so, it also reveals seemingly minor — and rarely acknowledged — cultural faux pas that have created palpable tension between the two forces.
“Please do not get offended if you see a NATO member blowing his/her nose in front of you,” the guide instructs.
“When Coalition members get excited, they may show their excitement by patting one another on the back or the behind,” it explains. “They may even do this to you if they are proud of the job you’ve done. Once again, they don’t mean to offend you.”
And another tip: “When someone feels comfortable in your presence, they may even put their feet on their own desk while speaking with you. They are by no means trying to offend you. They simply don’t know or have forgotten the Afghan custom.” Pointing the soles of one’s shoes at someone is considered a grievous insult in Afghanistan.
The guide also warns Afghan soldiers that Western troops might wink at them or inquire about their female relatives or expose their private parts while showering — all inappropriate actions by Afghan standards.
While some of the tips may be amusing to an American audience, the intention is deadly serious.
Fifty-one coalition troops have been killed this year by their Afghan counterparts. While some insider attacks have been attributed to Taliban infiltrators, military officials say the majority stem from personal disputes and misunderstandings.
Finally this morning...I leave you with the "Jesus Rifle". Eleven years on, and we're still doing stupid shit like this?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 10/02/2012 12:42:43
velveeta jones on 10/02/2012 12:42:43
Morning!
I'm back in my blue state (currently blue).
I like the idea of the pamphlets being handed out to Afghan soldiers, why didn't someone come up with this years ago?
I'm back in my blue state (currently blue).
I like the idea of the pamphlets being handed out to Afghan soldiers, why didn't someone come up with this years ago?
Comment by 
Raine on 10/02/2012 12:45:10
Good Morning!!
Raine on 10/02/2012 12:45:10
Good Morning!!
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 12:47:31
Welcome back?
Agreed about the pamphlets.
Raine on 10/02/2012 12:47:31
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning!
I'm back in my blue state (currently blue).
I like the idea of the pamphlets being handed out to Afghan soldiers, why didn't someone come up with this years ago?
Agreed about the pamphlets.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 12:56:07
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 12:56:07
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/02/2012 12:56:36
TriSec on 10/02/2012 12:56:36
Morning, folks!
"What Chemotherapy?" week continues - I feel like I'm back to normal today, two days earlier than I usually reach where I'm at. I"ve just lusciously downed a tumbler of cool water without any 'Darth Vader' effect on my throat. (Yes, I'm reduced to sipping warm water while I'm on the dope.)
A couple of stories from last night...
The Dems (Re: Musician's Union) had a dixieland band playing for the crowd near the arena last night. I stopped and chatted with them, and half the players knew Papa TriSec.
Brother TriSec and I hung out with the Firefighter's and Carpenter's Union and did some sign-holding. Very nice Thugs, all of them. Michael was chatting with them for a second, and isn't it interesting that all the Unions seem to have the same concerns? (Jobs and taxes, mostly.)
Finally, and I will give props to the Brown supporters on this one...we were not segregated, there were opposing signs everywhere last night. Our little union enclave was surrounded on both sides by Brown folks. A guy on a bike rode by the line and yelled out "If it's Brown, Flush it down!". Of course, we laughed, but the Brown folk started shouting at us about "keeping it classy". I yelled back that " You all better take it easy there, tomahawk-choppers!".
One woman legitimately looked hurt and pointedly told me "I would never do that." Both sides of the line where I was standing remained civil and refrained from insults after that.
"What Chemotherapy?" week continues - I feel like I'm back to normal today, two days earlier than I usually reach where I'm at. I"ve just lusciously downed a tumbler of cool water without any 'Darth Vader' effect on my throat. (Yes, I'm reduced to sipping warm water while I'm on the dope.)
A couple of stories from last night...
The Dems (Re: Musician's Union) had a dixieland band playing for the crowd near the arena last night. I stopped and chatted with them, and half the players knew Papa TriSec.
Brother TriSec and I hung out with the Firefighter's and Carpenter's Union and did some sign-holding. Very nice Thugs, all of them. Michael was chatting with them for a second, and isn't it interesting that all the Unions seem to have the same concerns? (Jobs and taxes, mostly.)
Finally, and I will give props to the Brown supporters on this one...we were not segregated, there were opposing signs everywhere last night. Our little union enclave was surrounded on both sides by Brown folks. A guy on a bike rode by the line and yelled out "If it's Brown, Flush it down!". Of course, we laughed, but the Brown folk started shouting at us about "keeping it classy". I yelled back that " You all better take it easy there, tomahawk-choppers!".
One woman legitimately looked hurt and pointedly told me "I would never do that." Both sides of the line where I was standing remained civil and refrained from insults after that.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 13:05:45
Psst, Tri. It's not "dixieland" jazz, it is trad jazz. Say dixieland in NoLa and you will have a sazarac thrown in your face.
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 13:05:45
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks!
"What Chemotherapy?" week continues - I feel like I'm back to normal today, two days earlier than I usually reach where I'm at. I"ve just lusciously downed a tumbler of cool water without any 'Darth Vader' effect on my throat. (Yes, I'm reduced to sipping warm water while I'm on the dope.)
A couple of stories from last night...
The Dems (Re: Musician's Union) had a dixieland band playing for the crowd near the arena last night. I stopped and chatted with them, and half the players knew Papa TriSec.
Brother TriSec and I hung out with the Firefighter's and Carpenter's Union and did some sign-holding. Very nice Thugs, all of them. Michael was chatting with them for a second, and isn't it interesting that all the Unions seem to have the same concerns? (Jobs and taxes, mostly.)
Finally, and I will give props to the Brown supporters on this one...we were not segregated, there were opposing signs everywhere last night. Our little union enclave was surrounded on both sides by Brown folks. A guy on a bike rode by the line and yelled out "If it's Brown, Flush it down!". Of course, we laughed, but the Brown folk started shouting at us about "keeping it classy". I yelled back that " You all better take it easy there, tomahawk-choppers!".
One woman legitimately looked hurt and pointedly told me "I would never do that." Both sides of the line where I was standing remained civil and refrained from insults after that.
Psst, Tri. It's not "dixieland" jazz, it is trad jazz. Say dixieland in NoLa and you will have a sazarac thrown in your face.
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 13:08:03
TriSec on 10/02/2012 13:08:03
Oh, and one of Gwen Ifil's guests last week (Washington Week) just defined President Obama as a "Master Debater" (chortle, snort, Jr. High)
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 13:12:38
Hehehehehehe you said masterbate.
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 13:12:38
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, and one of Gwen Ifil's guests last week (Washington Week) just defined President Obama as a "Master Debater" (chortle, snort, Jr. High)
Hehehehehehe you said masterbate.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 13:28:15
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 13:28:15
oh lord 
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 13:29:16
CAller... Blech.
Raine on 10/02/2012 13:29:16
CAller... Blech.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 13:47:51
Raine on 10/02/2012 13:47:51
Bachmann walks into a Chicago Synagogue prompting people to walk out.
"The holiness of the room and the holiness of the evening was greatly diminished for me, if not completely destroyed," said Gary Sircus, who stormed out of the synagogue where he has observed the High Holidays for 25 years. "Our congregation values and embodies tolerance, compassion, respect for individual rights, intelligence, science — all of the things that I think Michele Bachmann stands against."
Later that night, he composed an email to Graves' campaign and sent it to others, urging them to donate. His words have since gone viral.
"I felt that the best way to 'honor' Ms. Bachmann's visit was to make a contribution to your campaign," Sircus wrote. "Even though I do not vote in Minnesota, please do everything in your power to take away this evil woman's soapbox." {snip}
No word on why Bachmann was in Chicago or why she chose to attend the Jewish service. Calls and emails to her campaign and congressional office were not returned.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:15:43
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:15:43
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 14:15:56
Raine on 10/02/2012 14:15:56
GAH!!!! Now I've got the earworm~!
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:17:32
I never got rid of it - now I just find myself randomly humming it when I'm focused on something else
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:17:32
Quote by Raine:
GAH!!!! Now I've got the earworm~!
I never got rid of it - now I just find myself randomly humming it when I'm focused on something else
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 14:26:35
TriSec on 10/02/2012 14:26:35
Raine, you tear open old wounds.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 14:34:15
TriSec on 10/02/2012 14:34:15
TRMS reporting on the GOP giving up their voter registration efforts in a number of swing states....
Didn't McCain do something similar at about the same timeframe in 08?
It's over, isn't it?
Didn't McCain do something similar at about the same timeframe in 08?
It's over, isn't it?
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 14:41:19
trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 14:41:19
For some reason, ever since I "upgraded" to iOS6, I can't sync podcasts on my iPod....hence can't listen to yesterday's show (it's listed, but very light text). Love how every time something gets "upgraded" something else breaks.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:50:30
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:50:30
so sleepy this morning ..... 
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 14:56:39
I apologize, Tri.
Think they are finally making some progress.
Raine on 10/02/2012 14:56:39
Quote by TriSec:
Raine, you tear open old wounds.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
Think they are finally making some progress.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 14:57:17
Raine on 10/02/2012 14:57:17
No, Mitt Romney -- it IS ABOUT WINNING
THE ELECTION
THE ELECTION
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 14:57:58
this weather isn't helping.
Raine on 10/02/2012 14:57:58
Quote by wickedpam:
so sleepy this morning .....
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:59:17
that and the getting up at 5:30am then sitting in traffic for an hour and a half this morning
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 14:59:17
Quote by Raine:this weather isn't helping.Quote by wickedpam:
so sleepy this morning .....
that and the getting up at 5:30am then sitting in traffic for an hour and a half this morning
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:01:15
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:01:15
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
looks like a great event
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:04:44
Those are, as Bill Gates called them whisically, undocumented features! Have fun Rabbit. I know I am.
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:04:44
Quote by trojanrabbit:
For some reason, ever since I "upgraded" to iOS6, I can't sync podcasts on my iPod....hence can't listen to yesterday's show (it's listed, but very light text). Love how every time something gets "upgraded" something else breaks.
Those are, as Bill Gates called them whisically, undocumented features! Have fun Rabbit. I know I am.
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:06:49
No, no...it's OK. Of course you know what I'm writing about next, now. BTW, that's a horrid picture - that's a Youth position, and the uniform is incorrect. But only I would know that.
TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:06:49
Quote by Raine:
I apologize, Tri.
Think they are finally making some progress.
No, no...it's OK. Of course you know what I'm writing about next, now. BTW, that's a horrid picture - that's a Youth position, and the uniform is incorrect. But only I would know that.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 15:12:39
The better feature was forcing me to erase everything on the iPod and load 32GB (or whatever free space was left) overnight. I would have just left the thing home except I have a 800 song playlist that I run in the lab.
trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 15:12:39
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by trojanrabbit:
For some reason, ever since I "upgraded" to iOS6, I can't sync podcasts on my iPod....hence can't listen to yesterday's show (it's listed, but very light text). Love how every time something gets "upgraded" something else breaks.
Those are, as Bill Gates called them whisically, undocumented features! Have fun Rabbit. I know I am.
The better feature was forcing me to erase everything on the iPod and load 32GB (or whatever free space was left) overnight. I would have just left the thing home except I have a 800 song playlist that I run in the lab.
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:15:55
TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:15:55
TRISEC FOR CITY COUNCIL - 2014
You Peopleâ„¢ are all getting fundraising emails.
Seriously though....I'm starting to lay the groundwork now. There will be facebookage and a new email address in the offing - and I will make up a new flyer to distribute in the spring through the neighborhoods to get my ugly mug out there.
(This worked for candidate Alex Buck - he was in our neighborhood a year before he ran for State Senate. I met him then and he seemed like a nice gentleman.)
Now that I have actually canvassed, I have some freakin' idea what I'm doing.
You Peopleâ„¢ are all getting fundraising emails.
Seriously though....I'm starting to lay the groundwork now. There will be facebookage and a new email address in the offing - and I will make up a new flyer to distribute in the spring through the neighborhoods to get my ugly mug out there.
(This worked for candidate Alex Buck - he was in our neighborhood a year before he ran for State Senate. I met him then and he seemed like a nice gentleman.)
Now that I have actually canvassed, I have some freakin' idea what I'm doing.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:22:44
A bit of Bachmann whimsy about the gateway terror food falafel!
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:22:44
Quote by Raine:I apologize, Tri.Quote by TriSec:
Raine, you tear open old wounds.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
Think they are finally making some progress.
A bit of Bachmann whimsy about the gateway terror food falafel!
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:29:41
That sight is too dry for satire sake.
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:29:41
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I apologize, Tri.Quote by TriSec:
Raine, you tear open old wounds.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
Think they are finally making some progress.
A bit of Bachmann whimsy about the gateway terror food falafel!
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 10/02/2012 15:32:58
Will in Chicago on 10/02/2012 15:32:58
TriSec, thanks for the blog. I wish that our troops would have gotten pamphlets years ago. Heck, if the pamphlets could have kept one person alive, it would be worth it.
Raine, I have a friend who attends Anshe Emet (one of my old Chicago friends from UNN.) I will check her Facebook page to see what she thought about this mess. Bachmann is a publicity hound.
Raine, I have a friend who attends Anshe Emet (one of my old Chicago friends from UNN.) I will check her Facebook page to see what she thought about this mess. Bachmann is a publicity hound.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:33:00
That does look cool!
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:33:00
Quote by wickedpam:
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 15:33:58
trojanrabbit on 10/02/2012 15:33:58
And the Party of Voter Fraud sinks lower. People collecting signatures for other causes (petitioning for lower gas prices) are instead registering the signers as Republicans.
FTFA
Of course this will continue until it's treated like the treasonous act it is and people end up in Federal PMITA prison for a long time.
FTFA
Candidate Richard Roth, who is running for state Senate against the Republican incumbent, is making the alleged fraud a campaign issue. After all, in an unfortunate development for the GOP, Roth is one of the victims whose registration was changed to Republican.
Of course this will continue until it's treated like the treasonous act it is and people end up in Federal PMITA prison for a long time.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:35:53
Drier than a fine martini is the Daily Currant.
Mondobubba on 10/02/2012 15:35:53
Quote by Raine:That sight is too dry for satire sake.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I apologize, Tri.Quote by TriSec:
Raine, you tear open old wounds.
The story about an LGBT friendly synagogue welcoming a known hater is very close to home right now. You all have no idea; it's been in the back of my mind all recruiting season. I'm still doing everything I always do, but even with the Non-Discrimination policy, even with everything I try to impart to my Scouts....the mere action of putting on the uniform identifies me as a member of a hate group.
I'm having a real problem with this this year.
Think they are finally making some progress.
A bit of Bachmann whimsy about the gateway terror food falafel!
Drier than a fine martini is the Daily Currant.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:37:26
if I didn't have our community fall fest I would suggest going. Its going to be a long, tiring weekend
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:37:26
Quote by Raine:That does look cool!Quote by wickedpam:
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
if I didn't have our community fall fest I would suggest going. Its going to be a long, tiring weekend
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:40:48
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:40:48
oh, other thing I learned last night - VA Repubs are sending out mailers that have absentee voting applications in them (not a prob in and of it self), the address on the mailer for people to send them back is Repub HQ. Working getting someone to send me a scan of the mailers and they have already been reported but I think a stink should be made over this.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:45:46
I was thinking about it as well, but we are doing things less civic minded:
We are volunteering at the Shirlington Oktoberfest on Saturday. That pretty much makes Sunday a day of rest for us.
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:45:46
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That does look cool!Quote by wickedpam:
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
if I didn't have our community fall fest I would suggest going. Its going to be a long, tiring weekend
We are volunteering at the Shirlington Oktoberfest on Saturday. That pretty much makes Sunday a day of rest for us.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:47:35
Actually, Mala -- that is a big deal.
A pretty huge deal.
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:47:35
Quote by wickedpam:
oh, other thing I learned last night - VA Repubs are sending out mailers that have absentee voting applications in them (not a prob in and of it self), the address on the mailer for people to send them back is Repub HQ. Working getting someone to send me a scan of the mailers and they have already been reported but I think a stink should be made over this.
A pretty huge deal.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:52:14
I volunteered to work the Dem table Sat morning at the Manassas Fall Festival, figured I could collapse after 5pm Sunday
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:52:14
Quote by Raine:I was thinking about it as well, but we are doing things less civic minded:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That does look cool!Quote by wickedpam:
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
if I didn't have our community fall fest I would suggest going. Its going to be a long, tiring weekend
We are volunteering at the Shirlington Oktoberfest on Saturday. That pretty much makes Sunday a day of rest for us.
I volunteered to work the Dem table Sat morning at the Manassas Fall Festival, figured I could collapse after 5pm Sunday
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:53:53
I wanted to have the scan of it - thought we could get it into some rather vocal hands
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:53:53
Quote by Raine:Actually, Mala -- that is a big deal.Quote by wickedpam:
oh, other thing I learned last night - VA Repubs are sending out mailers that have absentee voting applications in them (not a prob in and of it self), the address on the mailer for people to send them back is Repub HQ. Working getting someone to send me a scan of the mailers and they have already been reported but I think a stink should be made over this.
A pretty huge deal.
I wanted to have the scan of it - thought we could get it into some rather vocal hands
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:54:33
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:54:33
HERe is why it is a big deal: Absentee voting in Virginia:
When Can I Apply for an Absentee Ballot?
When Can I Apply for an Absentee Ballot?
You can apply using a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application, as soon as you know you will not be able to go to the polls on Election Day, but no earlier than 12 months before the election date (exception for overseas voters). If you want your ballot mailed, we must receive your application by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, one week before the election. In-person absentee voting is available in our office beginning approximately 45 days before the election and ends the Saturday before Election Day. Please see the applications links below.
Virginia law requires that all absentee ballots must either be voted in person, at our office, or sent directly to the voter by mail. Ballots cannot be sent “in care of†another individual. Ballots are mailed by first class U.S. mail within the United States and by a special pre-paid U.S. postage permit to overseas citizens. At the voter’s request and pre-paid expense, we can mail ballots overseas via Express Mail. Please contact our office for details at 703.746.4050.
Certain individuals who are physically disabled or ill may submit one annual absentee ballot application that will be used for all elections within the calendar year. The first application submitted by a voter must include a statement by a doctor or religious practitioner. Thereafter, we will mail you a new application each December for use in the next calendar year. Please see the applications links below.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:56:49
Maybe we could taker a little trip to Manassas... 
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:56:49
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I was thinking about it as well, but we are doing things less civic minded:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That does look cool!Quote by wickedpam:
Had a late Manassas Dems meeting last night too - did learn about this Farmfest 10/7 from the Farmteam
looks like a great event
if I didn't have our community fall fest I would suggest going. Its going to be a long, tiring weekend
We are volunteering at the Shirlington Oktoberfest on Saturday. That pretty much makes Sunday a day of rest for us.
I volunteered to work the Dem table Sat morning at the Manassas Fall Festival, figured I could collapse after 5pm Sunday
Comment by TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:57:13
Sounds to me like they could have somebody there correlating the voter rolls and going "oops" next to the shredder with the "D" ones.
TriSec on 10/02/2012 15:57:13
Quote by wickedpam:
oh, other thing I learned last night - VA Repubs are sending out mailers that have absentee voting applications in them (not a prob in and of it self), the address on the mailer for people to send them back is Repub HQ. Working getting someone to send me a scan of the mailers and they have already been reported but I think a stink should be made over this.
Sounds to me like they could have somebody there correlating the voter rolls and going "oops" next to the shredder with the "D" ones.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 15:58:40
Yes they could -- IT's a valid concern considering if they are doing this-- it is against the law.
Raine on 10/02/2012 15:58:40
Quote by TriSec:Quote by wickedpam:
oh, other thing I learned last night - VA Repubs are sending out mailers that have absentee voting applications in them (not a prob in and of it self), the address on the mailer for people to send them back is Repub HQ. Working getting someone to send me a scan of the mailers and they have already been reported but I think a stink should be made over this.
Sounds to me like they could have somebody there correlating the voter rolls and going "oops" next to the shredder with the "D" ones.
Yes they could -- IT's a valid concern considering if they are doing this-- it is against the law.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:58:46
oh yeah, the Chair said they notified the local OFA office and they didn't seen all that interested. She wondered if we should take it to the media, we all said yes. She's supposed to scan it, I just emailed her, and send it to me.
wickedpam on 10/02/2012 15:58:46
Quote by Raine:
HERe is why it is a big deal: Absentee voting in Virginia:
When Can I Apply for an Absentee Ballot?You can apply using a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application, as soon as you know you will not be able to go to the polls on Election Day, but no earlier than 12 months before the election date (exception for overseas voters). If you want your ballot mailed, we must receive your application by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, one week before the election. In-person absentee voting is available in our office beginning approximately 45 days before the election and ends the Saturday before Election Day. Please see the applications links below.
Virginia law requires that all absentee ballots must either be voted in person, at our office, or sent directly to the voter by mail. Ballots cannot be sent “in care of†another individual. Ballots are mailed by first class U.S. mail within the United States and by a special pre-paid U.S. postage permit to overseas citizens. At the voter’s request and pre-paid expense, we can mail ballots overseas via Express Mail. Please contact our office for details at 703.746.4050.
Certain individuals who are physically disabled or ill may submit one annual absentee ballot application that will be used for all elections within the calendar year. The first application submitted by a voter must include a statement by a doctor or religious practitioner. Thereafter, we will mail you a new application each December for use in the next calendar year. Please see the applications links below.
oh yeah, the Chair said they notified the local OFA office and they didn't seen all that interested. She wondered if we should take it to the media, we all said yes. She's supposed to scan it, I just emailed her, and send it to me.
Comment by 
livingonli on 10/02/2012 15:59:25
livingonli on 10/02/2012 15:59:25
Good morning, folks. So, I went to my little meeting and explained what happened and took responsibility for my f-up. And then they just told me to do my shift and they will let me know what happens under review. Hopefully, worst case scenario is that I get a suspension for what I did. To play it safe I stayed off facebook and such and concentrated on my job last night so that nothing was left to chance. At least we had no repeats last night and things went very well since it was a big deal with the Nationals clinching the NL East which had us ending up with a one-hour segment between the 9th inning and the whole celebration that followed the Nationals clinching the NL East.
And to think, the last time Washington was in the playoffs, it was the same year that prohibition was repealed (It doesn't seem to count the team's previous history in Montreal although it didn't have that many playoff appearances in its history).
And to think, the last time Washington was in the playoffs, it was the same year that prohibition was repealed (It doesn't seem to count the team's previous history in Montreal although it didn't have that many playoff appearances in its history).
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 16:04:27
Good!
I think -- if you want some help. we can make this more out there for people to see.
I was just doing a little looking into things and I stumbled across this:
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/02/4874071/va-gop-fires-vendor-over-fla-issues.html#storylink=cpy
Raine on 10/02/2012 16:04:27
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
HERe is why it is a big deal: Absentee voting in Virginia:
When Can I Apply for an Absentee Ballot?You can apply using a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application, as soon as you know you will not be able to go to the polls on Election Day, but no earlier than 12 months before the election date (exception for overseas voters). If you want your ballot mailed, we must receive your application by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, one week before the election. In-person absentee voting is available in our office beginning approximately 45 days before the election and ends the Saturday before Election Day. Please see the applications links below.
Virginia law requires that all absentee ballots must either be voted in person, at our office, or sent directly to the voter by mail. Ballots cannot be sent “in care of†another individual. Ballots are mailed by first class U.S. mail within the United States and by a special pre-paid U.S. postage permit to overseas citizens. At the voter’s request and pre-paid expense, we can mail ballots overseas via Express Mail. Please contact our office for details at 703.746.4050.
Certain individuals who are physically disabled or ill may submit one annual absentee ballot application that will be used for all elections within the calendar year. The first application submitted by a voter must include a statement by a doctor or religious practitioner. Thereafter, we will mail you a new application each December for use in the next calendar year. Please see the applications links below.
oh yeah, the Chair said they notified the local OFA office and they didn't seen all that interested. She wondered if we should take it to the media, we all said yes. She's supposed to scan it, I just emailed her, and send it to me.
I think -- if you want some help. we can make this more out there for people to see.
I was just doing a little looking into things and I stumbled across this:
Virginia's Republican Party has canceled its contract with a company it hired to register voters after questions were raised in Florida over voter registration.
The Virginian-Pilot ( http://bit.ly/SywKJ4) says the state GOP paid $500,000 to Virginia-based Strategic Allied Consulting in August to provide new voter and absentee ballot registration services.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/02/4874071/va-gop-fires-vendor-over-fla-issues.html#storylink=cpy
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 16:08:38
Raine on 10/02/2012 16:08:38
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/va-republicans-cancel-voter-contract-amid-controversy
Virginia's Republican Party has cut ties with a firm it paid $500,000 in August for "new voter and absentee ballot registration" services here, as the registration deadline looms, in the wake of a scandal involving the company in Florida.
That firm, suburban Richmond-based Strategic Allied Consulting, has also been dropped in other swing states, including Florida -- the state's Palm Beach Post newspaper initially reported on official concerns about some voter registration forms submitted.
Since that episode last week, GOP groups in North Carolina, Colorado and Nevada have also dropped the consultant as those state parties and the Republican National Committee moved to distances themselves from the outfit.
In a statement Virginia Republican chairman Pat Mullins said the state party "takes any threat to the voting process very seriously" hence the decision to terminate the contract "following an alleged incident by an employee" of the firm.
Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2012 16:09:18
livingonli on 10/02/2012 16:09:18
Well, at least PA's voter ID law is not going into effect this election which will hopefully shoot down any chance the GOP had of stealing that state.
Comment by Raine on 10/02/2012 16:13:13
Right now I am more concerned with the GOP stealing Virginia. Mala has a great tip -- and I want to get that crap out there.
Raine on 10/02/2012 16:13:13
Quote by livingonli:
Well, at least PA's voter ID law is not going into effect this election which will hopefully shoot down any chance the GOP had of stealing that state.