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My Visit To Arlington
Author: BobR
Date: 05/30/2013 14:06:40
This past Memorial Day, Raine and I set out to visit Arlington National Cemetery. We'd visited before, touring the Lee house, paying tribute to the Kennedys and the eternal flame, and watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That visit was sobering and serene, as we tried to find our way among the trees turning up their autumn colors.
This time.... this time was different.
The very nature of Memorial Day is to get Americans to pause and think and remember those who fell in the field of battle. I am fortunate enough to not have had any relative or other loved one killed in the line of duty.
However, visiting ANC on Memorial Day and seeing all the flags is a reminder that many have died for us all. Without us knowing them, without them knowing us - they died for us. Remember that the entire Christian religion is based on this concept. To think that a complete stranger gave their life for my freedom and to preserve my way of life is humbling and horrifying and haunting.
The sheer magnitude is startling. You can walk for hours and still see row after row of markers. You can stand in one place and slowly turn and see nothing but markers trailing off into the distance as far as you can see. You can't help but wonder about all those families that lost a son, a brother, a father, a daughter, a mother, a wife. You can't help but wonder about all the lost potential.. which of these might have gone on to be a doctor?... a scientist?... a writer of inspiring novels or music?... The potential loss to the betterment of humanity is depressing.
The orderliness and the matching stones all in neat rows can't help but remind you of the soldiers who lie beneath. The similarity to soldiers in matching uniforms marching in formation off to war cannot be denied.
Finally - we came to the hardest part of our visit: Area 60. This is where those who fell (and continue to fall) in Afghanistan and Iraq are interred. This is where the bulk of grieving visitors were, leaving flowers and photos and bottles and cans of their fallen comrades' favorite beer. We saw so many tears...
We saw graves that had not yet received their permanent stone markers... We saw rectangles of fresh dirt, ready to welcome the shell of another soldier yet to be picked by the Grim Reaper. We saw fields of grass lying in wait of another conflict in a foreign land.
It is true that not every person buried in ANC fell in the field of battle. Some are veterans that finally succumbed to the vagaries of civilian life (or the horrors trapped within their own tortured psyches). However, not every American that fell in the field of battle is buried in ANC either - I am certain that there are more lost in battle than there are graves at ANC, which just reinforces the sense of waste.
It was President Dwight D. Eisenhower who said "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed". We know that sometimes war is necessary. Sometimes there is a criminal on a global scale that pushes the issue, whether that be Hitler or any other homicidal maniac. It is not unlike the need for police on a local level. When one thinks of the rationale and sometimes outright false flags used to coerce Americans to support a war of choosing, then frustration and anger and the desire to see retribution for these needlessly stolen lives is natural and even required, if our Democracy is to continue.
On a civilian level, it is said that the detectives who investigate and prosecute murders are speaking for the dead, as they can no longer speak for themselves. So too must we as a nation speak for the soldiers who died in a war they fought that was based on lies. We as a nation must ensure that it never happens again.
This time.... this time was different.
The very nature of Memorial Day is to get Americans to pause and think and remember those who fell in the field of battle. I am fortunate enough to not have had any relative or other loved one killed in the line of duty.
However, visiting ANC on Memorial Day and seeing all the flags is a reminder that many have died for us all. Without us knowing them, without them knowing us - they died for us. Remember that the entire Christian religion is based on this concept. To think that a complete stranger gave their life for my freedom and to preserve my way of life is humbling and horrifying and haunting.
The sheer magnitude is startling. You can walk for hours and still see row after row of markers. You can stand in one place and slowly turn and see nothing but markers trailing off into the distance as far as you can see. You can't help but wonder about all those families that lost a son, a brother, a father, a daughter, a mother, a wife. You can't help but wonder about all the lost potential.. which of these might have gone on to be a doctor?... a scientist?... a writer of inspiring novels or music?... The potential loss to the betterment of humanity is depressing.
The orderliness and the matching stones all in neat rows can't help but remind you of the soldiers who lie beneath. The similarity to soldiers in matching uniforms marching in formation off to war cannot be denied.
Finally - we came to the hardest part of our visit: Area 60. This is where those who fell (and continue to fall) in Afghanistan and Iraq are interred. This is where the bulk of grieving visitors were, leaving flowers and photos and bottles and cans of their fallen comrades' favorite beer. We saw so many tears...
We saw graves that had not yet received their permanent stone markers... We saw rectangles of fresh dirt, ready to welcome the shell of another soldier yet to be picked by the Grim Reaper. We saw fields of grass lying in wait of another conflict in a foreign land.
It is true that not every person buried in ANC fell in the field of battle. Some are veterans that finally succumbed to the vagaries of civilian life (or the horrors trapped within their own tortured psyches). However, not every American that fell in the field of battle is buried in ANC either - I am certain that there are more lost in battle than there are graves at ANC, which just reinforces the sense of waste.
It was President Dwight D. Eisenhower who said "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed". We know that sometimes war is necessary. Sometimes there is a criminal on a global scale that pushes the issue, whether that be Hitler or any other homicidal maniac. It is not unlike the need for police on a local level. When one thinks of the rationale and sometimes outright false flags used to coerce Americans to support a war of choosing, then frustration and anger and the desire to see retribution for these needlessly stolen lives is natural and even required, if our Democracy is to continue.
On a civilian level, it is said that the detectives who investigate and prosecute murders are speaking for the dead, as they can no longer speak for themselves. So too must we as a nation speak for the soldiers who died in a war they fought that was based on lies. We as a nation must ensure that it never happens again.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Scoopster on 05/30/2013 12:58:08
Scoopster on 05/30/2013 12:58:08
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 13:02:20
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 13:02:20
Morning 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 13:02:27
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 13:02:27
Morning.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/30/2013 13:29:07
Scoopster on 05/30/2013 13:29:07
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 13:34:44
Erick Erickson is clearly not familiar with bees, ants, or wasps now is he? He probably doesn't know that female black widow spiders are the dominate sex in that particular species either. Don't get me started on praying mantises.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 13:34:44
Quote by Scoopster:
I see Fox News is performing stretching exercises..
That one made my brain hurt..
Erick Erickson is clearly not familiar with bees, ants, or wasps now is he? He probably doesn't know that female black widow spiders are the dominate sex in that particular species either. Don't get me started on praying mantises.
Comment by 
Raine on 05/30/2013 13:42:07
Good Morning!
Raine on 05/30/2013 13:42:07
Good Morning!
Comment by 
clintster on 05/30/2013 13:54:20
clintster on 05/30/2013 13:54:20
Gmmnnn
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 13:59:50
Hey Clint! How did the interview go?
Raine on 05/30/2013 13:59:50
Quote by clintster:
Gmmnnn
Comment by 
BobR on 05/30/2013 14:07:50
BobR on 05/30/2013 14:07:50
blog is posted
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:11:31
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:11:31
I'm crying again. I;m glad you wrote this Bob.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 14:12:58
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 14:12:58
That was fantastic, Bobber. 
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 14:13:21
Yeah, do tell.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 14:13:21
Quote by Raine:Hey Clint! How did the interview go?Quote by clintster:
Gmmnnn
Yeah, do tell.
Comment by clintster on 05/30/2013 14:13:39
It went well. This school was actually one where I had done an observation in preparation for my certification for teaching (God that's a lot of -tion words!). Apparently one of the teachers I observed has left, and I reminded the other teacher (who was one of the interviewers) that I had met her a couple of years ago.
They are apparently going to announce the next step around the 10th; maybe hiring one of the interviewees, maybe going for more in-depth interviews, maybe starting a new round of prelim interviews. I'm really hoping for the first option.
In the meantime, I am trying to find something to do. My unemployment ran out 3 weeks ago. I'm looking for some kind of fast-paying job so that I can at least keep my bills up to date. My parents are giving me a place to stay, but can't really help me with bills. I'm headed to Lenoir to see my uncle who had aneurism surgery yesterday, and then hitting nearby towns to find work.
clintster on 05/30/2013 14:13:39
Quote by Raine:Hey Clint! How did the interview go?Quote by clintster:
Gmmnnn
It went well. This school was actually one where I had done an observation in preparation for my certification for teaching (God that's a lot of -tion words!). Apparently one of the teachers I observed has left, and I reminded the other teacher (who was one of the interviewers) that I had met her a couple of years ago.
They are apparently going to announce the next step around the 10th; maybe hiring one of the interviewees, maybe going for more in-depth interviews, maybe starting a new round of prelim interviews. I'm really hoping for the first option.
In the meantime, I am trying to find something to do. My unemployment ran out 3 weeks ago. I'm looking for some kind of fast-paying job so that I can at least keep my bills up to date. My parents are giving me a place to stay, but can't really help me with bills. I'm headed to Lenoir to see my uncle who had aneurism surgery yesterday, and then hitting nearby towns to find work.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:23:08
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:23:08
Arlington is an overwhelming place not only because of the magnitude of what it is but because for me bits of my family there - Aunt Bev worked at the gift shop in the Custis-Lee mansion as a teen and my grandparents are buried there (they have a view of the Pentagon).
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:24:30
Good Luck Clint
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:24:30
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:Hey Clint! How did the interview go?Quote by clintster:
Gmmnnn
It went well. This school was actually one where I had done an observation in preparation for my certification for teaching (God that's a lot of -tion words!). Apparently one of the teachers I observed has left, and I reminded the other teacher (who was one of the interviewers) that I had met her a couple of years ago.
They are apparently going to announce the next step around the 10th; maybe hiring one of the interviewees, maybe going for more in-depth interviews, maybe starting a new round of prelim interviews. I'm really hoping for the first option.
In the meantime, I am trying to find something to do. My unemployment ran out 3 weeks ago. I'm looking for some kind of fast-paying job so that I can at least keep my bills up to date. My parents are giving me a place to stay, but can't really help me with bills. I'm headed to Lenoir to see my uncle who had aneurism surgery yesterday, and then hitting nearby towns to find work.
Good Luck Clint
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:29:27
I find it amazing, beautiful sad and glorious all at once. Very emotional.
Going to area 60 tho -- was overwhelming.
As we were walking out, a couple was walking in -- the fellow really looked familiar; As he passed I heard him talking to his companion -- and realized it was Dana Millbank. Plaid Shirt and shorts.
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:29:27
Quote by wickedpam:
Arlington is an overwhelming place not only because of the magnitude of what it is but because for me bits of my family there - Aunt Bev worked at the gift shop in the Custis-Lee mansion as a teen and my grandparents are buried there (they have a view of the Pentagon).
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Going to area 60 tho -- was overwhelming.
As we were walking out, a couple was walking in -- the fellow really looked familiar; As he passed I heard him talking to his companion -- and realized it was Dana Millbank. Plaid Shirt and shorts.
Comment by 
TriSec on 05/30/2013 14:32:18
TriSec on 05/30/2013 14:32:18
It's a small world, after all....It's a small world, after all...IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFT- BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Ha!
Ha!
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:34:42
oh wow
I've not been in a number of years now (I'm a bad granddaughter), just don't have the strength
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:34:42
Quote by Raine:I find it amazing, beautiful sad and glorious all at once. Very emotional.Quote by wickedpam:
Arlington is an overwhelming place not only because of the magnitude of what it is but because for me bits of my family there - Aunt Bev worked at the gift shop in the Custis-Lee mansion as a teen and my grandparents are buried there (they have a view of the Pentagon).
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Going to area 60 tho -- was overwhelming.
As we were walking out, a couple was walking in -- the fellow really looked familiar; As he passed I heard him talking to his companion -- and realized it was Dana Millbank. Plaid Shirt and shorts.
oh wow
I've not been in a number of years now (I'm a bad granddaughter), just don't have the strength
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:35:36
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:35:36
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:36:51
it's understandable. I think it is easier for me to go -- to the best of my knowledge, I've no loved ones buried there.
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:36:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I find it amazing, beautiful sad and glorious all at once. Very emotional.Quote by wickedpam:
Arlington is an overwhelming place not only because of the magnitude of what it is but because for me bits of my family there - Aunt Bev worked at the gift shop in the Custis-Lee mansion as a teen and my grandparents are buried there (they have a view of the Pentagon).
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Going to area 60 tho -- was overwhelming.
As we were walking out, a couple was walking in -- the fellow really looked familiar; As he passed I heard him talking to his companion -- and realized it was Dana Millbank. Plaid Shirt and shorts.
oh wow
I've not been in a number of years now (I'm a bad granddaughter), just don't have the strength
it's understandable. I think it is easier for me to go -- to the best of my knowledge, I've no loved ones buried there.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:37:42
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:37:42
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I find it amazing, beautiful sad and glorious all at once. Very emotional.Quote by wickedpam:
Arlington is an overwhelming place not only because of the magnitude of what it is but because for me bits of my family there - Aunt Bev worked at the gift shop in the Custis-Lee mansion as a teen and my grandparents are buried there (they have a view of the Pentagon).
Its hard to walk/drive in there an not be overcome by emotion on so many levels.
Going to area 60 tho -- was overwhelming.
As we were walking out, a couple was walking in -- the fellow really looked familiar; As he passed I heard him talking to his companion -- and realized it was Dana Millbank. Plaid Shirt and shorts.
oh wow
I've not been in a number of years now (I'm a bad granddaughter), just don't have the strength
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 14:38:08
TriSec on 05/30/2013 14:38:08
My great-uncle Santiago is at Arlington.
WWI and WWII service in the Philippines.
I have one on you - I've been to an overseas WWII cemetery, outside Manila. Those are all soldiers killed in war, over 17,000 of them.
I remember our visit well; we were touring with a Japanese gentleman by the name of Mr. Tanaka. I could indeed read his mind as we stood reading the memorial plaque in the rotunda...." I wonder if our grandfathers fought each other?"
It is no less sobering no matter where the deceased lie.
WWI and WWII service in the Philippines.
I have one on you - I've been to an overseas WWII cemetery, outside Manila. Those are all soldiers killed in war, over 17,000 of them.
I remember our visit well; we were touring with a Japanese gentleman by the name of Mr. Tanaka. I could indeed read his mind as we stood reading the memorial plaque in the rotunda...." I wonder if our grandfathers fought each other?"
It is no less sobering no matter where the deceased lie.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:41:42
Oh lord, what is wrong with people. Glad they called off the 4th of July DC march - I was wondering how the combo of a packed Mall for the fireworks and an armed march on the White House) was going to co-exsist
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:41:42
Quote by Raine:
I'm so glad this is not going to happen.
Now can we arrest this bonehead on sedition charges?
Oh lord, what is wrong with people. Glad they called off the 4th of July DC march - I was wondering how the combo of a packed Mall for the fireworks and an armed march on the White House) was going to co-exsist
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:44:11
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:44:11
Rachel had an amazing segment last night about James Comey -- the fellow Obama was to lead the FBI. (video links in there)
Watching that video again after so many years was chilling.
Watching that video again after so many years was chilling.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 14:45:51
We were wondering about you and Mala on Monday.
Tri if you want we can visit your uncle the next time we go -- same for you Mala.
Raine on 05/30/2013 14:45:51
Quote by TriSec:
My great-uncle Santiago is at Arlington.
WWI and WWII service in the Philippines.
I have one on you - I've been to an overseas WWII cemetery, outside Manila. Those are all soldiers killed in war, over 17,000 of them.
I remember our visit well; we were touring with a Japanese gentleman by the name of Mr. Tanaka. I could indeed read his mind as we stood reading the memorial plaque in the rotunda...." I wonder if our grandfathers fought each other?"
It is no less sobering no matter where the deceased lie.
Tri if you want we can visit your uncle the next time we go -- same for you Mala.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:49:50
I'll have to find the plot numbers, for some reason I always remember being near the big crypt
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:49:50
Quote by Raine:We were wondering about you and Mala on Monday.Quote by TriSec:
My great-uncle Santiago is at Arlington.
WWI and WWII service in the Philippines.
I have one on you - I've been to an overseas WWII cemetery, outside Manila. Those are all soldiers killed in war, over 17,000 of them.
I remember our visit well; we were touring with a Japanese gentleman by the name of Mr. Tanaka. I could indeed read his mind as we stood reading the memorial plaque in the rotunda...." I wonder if our grandfathers fought each other?"
It is no less sobering no matter where the deceased lie.
Tri if you want we can visit your uncle the next time we go -- same for you Mala.
I'll have to find the plot numbers, for some reason I always remember being near the big crypt
Comment by Will in Chicago on 05/30/2013 14:51:23
Will in Chicago on 05/30/2013 14:51:23
Good morning, bloggers! Bobber, thanks for a great blog. I have never been to Arlington but I can imagine how moving this visit was for you based on your words.
In the good news, I am finding lots of teaching jobs to apply to -- and I am already busy job hunting today. However, my brother worries that his wife may lose her job and told me I need to find anything. (I do have some babysitting for a friend who will have custody of his twins every other week and I am working on stuff I can do from home.) So, checking teaching jobs and other stuff, but I will have to do the pro forma applications to places which have not gotten back to me in the past (Costco, Target) and hope for something. (Obviously, I would drop anything for teaching. Unfortunately, I think all managers realize this.)
In the good news, I am finding lots of teaching jobs to apply to -- and I am already busy job hunting today. However, my brother worries that his wife may lose her job and told me I need to find anything. (I do have some babysitting for a friend who will have custody of his twins every other week and I am working on stuff I can do from home.) So, checking teaching jobs and other stuff, but I will have to do the pro forma applications to places which have not gotten back to me in the past (Costco, Target) and hope for something. (Obviously, I would drop anything for teaching. Unfortunately, I think all managers realize this.)
Comment by Will in Chicago on 05/30/2013 14:51:43
Will in Chicago on 05/30/2013 14:51:43
Clint, good luck on a second interview. I hope that you get the job.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:55:32
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 14:55:32
In need of cute -
Comment by BobR on 05/30/2013 14:57:46
BobR on 05/30/2013 14:57:46
The kittie-frog looks photoshopped to me (especially when you look at the shadow)
Comment by Scoopster on 05/30/2013 14:59:10
Heh all I see is the text link for that one..
Scoopster on 05/30/2013 14:59:10
Quote by BobR:
The kittie-frog looks photoshopped to me (especially when you look at the shadow)
Heh all I see is the text link for that one..
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:03:12
I've seen kittie-frog before, not sure about the photoshop
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:03:12
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:
The kittie-frog looks photoshopped to me (especially when you look at the shadow)
Heh all I see is the text link for that one..
I've seen kittie-frog before, not sure about the photoshop
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:05:07
Yeah, kitty frog is 'Shopped.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:05:07
Quote by wickedpam:
In need of cute -
Yeah, kitty frog is 'Shopped.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 15:07:35
Raine on 05/30/2013 15:07:35
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 15:15:44
HE did this shit in Libya as well. *SMH*
Raine on 05/30/2013 15:15:44
Quote by Raine:
This man is a danger to himself and our nation. What an idiot.
Retire, McCain, retire. Please.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:19:22
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:19:22
no killing my cuteness high 
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:31:44
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:31:44
The pug puppy reminds of a friend of mine's dog, who is a rescue. Said pug is cross eyed dope of dog, who's tongue never stays in his mouth. As my friend says, he's a lovable lunkhead.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:33:34
Sorry didn't mean to be a buzz kill.
Here is a smiling quokka for you.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:33:34
Quote by wickedpam:
no killing my cuteness high
Sorry didn't mean to be a buzz kill.
Here is a smiling quokka for you.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 15:39:06
Yup, I wrote about it back in February.
Raine on 05/30/2013 15:39:06
Quote by Raine:HE did this shit in Libya as well. *SMH*Quote by Raine:
This man is a danger to himself and our nation. What an idiot.
Retire, McCain, retire. Please.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:40:38
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:40:38
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:43:43
aawww so cute!
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:43:43
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
no killing my cuteness high
Sorry didn't mean to be a buzz kill.
Here is a smiling quokka for you.
aawww so cute!
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 15:47:13
Mondo, if now you shall burn this town, I shall sign up to help with this one.
TriSec on 05/30/2013 15:47:13
Quote by Raine:
I'm so glad this is not going to happen.
Now can we arrest this bonehead on sedition charges?
Mondo, if now you shall burn this town, I shall sign up to help with this one.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:51:26
Secsh, they never learn...
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:51:26
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
I'm so glad this is not going to happen.
Now can we arrest this bonehead on sedition charges?
Mondo, if now you shall burn this town, I shall sign up to help with this one.
Secsh, they never learn...
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 15:51:52
so she was in Russia when her resignation video was posted?
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
Raine on 05/30/2013 15:51:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
so she was in Russia when her resignation video was posted? Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:54:14
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 15:54:14
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:58:18
My feeling is Roebacher, Bachmann & King are there to see if there is any non-existent dirt to prove that the POTUS didn't do enough due diligence.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 15:58:18
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
My feeling is Roebacher, Bachmann & King are there to see if there is any non-existent dirt to prove that the POTUS didn't do enough due diligence.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 16:01:03
Generally, same here.
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
Raine on 05/30/2013 16:01:03
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:02:46
totally agree
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:02:46
Quote by Raine:Generally, same here.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
totally agree
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:04:37
Slight point of order, FBI isn't part of the judicial branch, it is in the executive.
I'm in the free vacation camp as well. My other thought is if you are going to send congress critters on fact finding trips, please send ones for whom facts actually matter! That certainly be the Tool Trio.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:04:37
Quote by Raine:Generally, same here.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
Slight point of order, FBI isn't part of the judicial branch, it is in the executive.
I'm in the free vacation camp as well. My other thought is if you are going to send congress critters on fact finding trips, please send ones for whom facts actually matter! That certainly be the Tool Trio.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 16:08:26
On the Taxpayers dime, no?
This is what irritates me to no end. It's political -- it not in the interest of diplomacy or education. It's political. I'd be willing to go so far to say this should be looked at as an abuse of taxpayer money. Congressional ethics rules say that representatives can't bill for political travel.
This is political -- I guess the loophole is that it's not directly party related. This is shitty garbage.
Raine on 05/30/2013 16:08:26
Quote by Mondobubba:
My feeling is Roebacher, Bachmann & King are there to see if there is any non-existent dirt to prove that the POTUS didn't do enough due diligence.
On the Taxpayers dime, no?
This is what irritates me to no end. It's political -- it not in the interest of diplomacy or education. It's political. I'd be willing to go so far to say this should be looked at as an abuse of taxpayer money. Congressional ethics rules say that representatives can't bill for political travel.
This is political -- I guess the loophole is that it's not directly party related. This is shitty garbage.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 16:10:31
I was going to add judicial branch -- I guess my thought is that they are acting as judge and executioner here.
They are legislation.
This all seems wrong.
Raine on 05/30/2013 16:10:31
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Generally, same here.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
Slight point of order, FBI isn't part of the judicial branch, it is in the executive.
I'm in the free vacation camp as well. My other thought is if you are going to send congress critters on fact finding trips, please send ones for whom facts actually matter! That certainly be the Tool Trio.
They are legislation.
This all seems wrong.
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 16:21:47
TriSec on 05/30/2013 16:21:47
I believe the term we are looking for is junket.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:22:38
It is part of the oversight function that Congress has, the checks and balances thing. I can't stress enough sending 3 tea party aligned, a priori assumption having whack-a-doodles who are going to grandstand on how badly President Black Guy bungled the Marathon Bombing thing based on the tiniest scrap of fake evidence given to them by sources unnamed in the Russian security apparatus.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:22:38
Quote by Raine:I was going to add judicial branch -- I guess my thought is that they are acting as judge and executioner here.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Generally, same here.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Here is a real brain trust.
Dana Rohrabacher, Michelle Bachmann and Steve King are in Russian on fact finding mission about the Boston Bomber suspect.
Oh, that's rich. JUST spectacular.
As an aside, is it me or does it seem as tho the nanny state exists with the GOP? Let the fluckin FBI do it's job and stop wasting taxpayer money babysitting an agency that is being hindered at doing their job.
They are congress people -- they don't even trust the FBI these days. THEY AREN'T THE FBI! What is with all these fact finding missions? they aren't for diplomatic purposes, that is for damned sure. (see links below regarding John McCain)
"Fact finding trip" to me has always been code for free vacation
What I find offensive about this trip is that these representatives deem themselves superior to the FBI and local law enforcement. To the best of my knowledge, this is still an ongoing investigation. They are tampering with the investigation. They are part of the legislative branch -- not the judicial branch.
Slight point of order, FBI isn't part of the judicial branch, it is in the executive.
I'm in the free vacation camp as well. My other thought is if you are going to send congress critters on fact finding trips, please send ones for whom facts actually matter! That certainly be the Tool Trio.
They are legislation.
This all seems wrong.
It is part of the oversight function that Congress has, the checks and balances thing. I can't stress enough sending 3 tea party aligned, a priori assumption having whack-a-doodles who are going to grandstand on how badly President Black Guy bungled the Marathon Bombing thing based on the tiniest scrap of fake evidence given to them by sources unnamed in the Russian security apparatus.
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 16:24:17
TriSec on 05/30/2013 16:24:17
Oh, and the kid that stuck some dry ice in a bottle and made a *BANG* noise at Disneyland is under arrest and facing $1m bail.
The gentleman that lost his loaded pistol on "Dinosaur" in Disney World walked out of the park and went home.
The gentleman that lost his loaded pistol on "Dinosaur" in Disney World walked out of the park and went home.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:25:16
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:25:16
This is a perfect example of why I hate Alternet more than I like it. You can have all the testimonials and anecdotal information in the world about how great your product is, but unless it has real science behind it, none of that information you have amounts to flap doodle.
Comment by 
livingonli on 05/30/2013 16:28:00
livingonli on 05/30/2013 16:28:00
And the heat has finally arrived. The big key was finding where I put my shorts since I moved.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:29:44
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:29:44
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:38:04
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:38:04
*sigh* I hate waiting on mangers ..... 
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:39:45
It's not like they actually do anything important.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 16:39:45
Quote by wickedpam:
*sigh* I hate waiting on mangers .....
It's not like they actually do anything important.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:41:55
not today they aren't - I've got stuff to do and I'm off tomorrow so waiting around so we can go to Costco is a pain in the butt
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 16:41:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
*sigh* I hate waiting on mangers .....
It's not like they actually do anything important.
not today they aren't - I've got stuff to do and I'm off tomorrow so waiting around so we can go to Costco is a pain in the butt
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 16:45:29
They still haven't pressed charges against the individual who brought a gun to Arlington National cemetery -- a gun that fell, went off and injured a person standing nearby-- on MONDAY before the President was to give an address.
I have made mention before that guns at national cemeteries are a big NO NO.
We live in interesting times.
Raine on 05/30/2013 16:45:29
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, and the kid that stuck some dry ice in a bottle and made a *BANG* noise at Disneyland is under arrest and facing $1m bail.
The gentleman that lost his loaded pistol on "Dinosaur" in Disney World walked out of the park and went home.
I have made mention before that guns at national cemeteries are a big NO NO.
We live in interesting times.
Comment by BobR on 05/30/2013 16:47:09
Is this going to be like the bad animated version of "Garfield" where they have scenes of Grumpy Cat with a bad voice-over voicing disdain? One shudders at the thought.
BobR on 05/30/2013 16:47:09
Quote by Mondobubba:
Really America? REALLY?
I might become part of the pending Grumpy Cat backlash...
Is this going to be like the bad animated version of "Garfield" where they have scenes of Grumpy Cat with a bad voice-over voicing disdain? One shudders at the thought.
Comment by BobR on 05/30/2013 16:54:27
That said - I would think putting ANY kind of "real food" in a blender would be better for you than sugar-fortified milk.
BobR on 05/30/2013 16:54:27
Quote by Mondobubba:
This is a perfect example of why I hate Alternet more than I like it. You can have all the testimonials and anecdotal information in the world about how great your product is, but unless it has real science behind it, none of that information you have amounts to flap doodle.
That said - I would think putting ANY kind of "real food" in a blender would be better for you than sugar-fortified milk.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 16:55:17
Just try Cat bearding.
I wanna see grumpy cat bearded.
Raine on 05/30/2013 16:55:17
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Really America? REALLY?
I might become part of the pending Grumpy Cat backlash...
Is this going to be like the bad animated version of "Garfield" where they have scenes of Grumpy Cat with a bad voice-over voicing disdain? One shudders at the thought.
I wanna see grumpy cat bearded.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 17:01:53
What I've found is that hospitals like any other enterprise that has any sort of food service are overly reliant on self stable processed stuff.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 17:01:53
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
This is a perfect example of why I hate Alternet more than I like it. You can have all the testimonials and anecdotal information in the world about how great your product is, but unless it has real science behind it, none of that information you have amounts to flap doodle.
That said - I would think putting ANY kind of "real food" in a blender would be better for you than sugar-fortified milk.
What I've found is that hospitals like any other enterprise that has any sort of food service are overly reliant on self stable processed stuff.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 17:03:51
Since it is the same production company that handled produced the repellent Adam Sandler vehicle "Jack and Jill" the answer would be yes. If it is actually produced at all.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 17:03:51
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Really America? REALLY?
I might become part of the pending Grumpy Cat backlash...
Is this going to be like the bad animated version of "Garfield" where they have scenes of Grumpy Cat with a bad voice-over voicing disdain? One shudders at the thought.
Since it is the same production company that handled produced the repellent Adam Sandler vehicle "Jack and Jill" the answer would be yes. If it is actually produced at all.
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 17:20:48
TriSec on 05/30/2013 17:20:48
How about "Grumpy Cat Dies Horribly in a Hail of Automatic Weapons Fire (at a public school)"
Rated Q - because we were on Quaaludes when we appoved this.
Rated Q - because we were on Quaaludes when we appoved this.
Comment by livingonli on 05/30/2013 17:31:37
Sounds like it's going to go over as well as the TV show based on the Geico cavemen.
livingonli on 05/30/2013 17:31:37
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Really America? REALLY?
I might become part of the pending Grumpy Cat backlash...
Is this going to be like the bad animated version of "Garfield" where they have scenes of Grumpy Cat with a bad voice-over voicing disdain? One shudders at the thought.
Since it is the same production company that handled produced the repellent Adam Sandler vehicle "Jack and Jill" the answer would be yes. If it is actually produced at all.
Sounds like it's going to go over as well as the TV show based on the Geico cavemen.
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 17:58:17
I get where you are going here, but after reading this article, this is food. As you know, I find a lot of Alternet to be a bit out there as well.
Why should this be classified as a drug? It's not like she marketing this as an anti depressant -- the way St. John's wart was.
It's food. It's a shame her website is so difficult to find. The author should have included made it far more clear in it's piece. I googled it and got this. Jesus, literally.
I went to the website, and it doesn't look like science woo to me. To be really honest, I am going to give this information to my friend. Her wife has been on a feeding tube since last week. I don;t see how this can hurt.
This should not be classified as a drug, IMO. Tube feeding is the act of supplying nutrients needed for survival, no? This simply appears to me as basic nutrients. Take a look.
Raine on 05/30/2013 17:58:17
Quote by Mondobubba:
This is a perfect example of why I hate Alternet more than I like it. You can have all the testimonials and anecdotal information in the world about how great your product is, but unless it has real science behind it, none of that information you have amounts to flap doodle.
Why should this be classified as a drug?
According to the FDA’s truth-in-labeling regulation policy, even customer testimonials that mention medical conditions improving following the use of a product can automatically classify that product as a drug. Since that “drug†would not be FDA approved, it would in turn be considered an illegal drug.
So, McGee doesn’t feature any of the customers’ glowing reviews of Liquid Hope on her website. In fact, she even decided to omit parts of her own story about the original development of Liquid Hope and experiences regarding her father’s conditions following an FDA review of the company website.
“Even though it’s my own story—I have the blood work, I have all the doctors reports to show—I had to change my story,†she says.
Additionally, like many other food producers, McGee no longer labels Liquid Hope as “Non-GMO,†or non-genetically modified, even though she has lab tests for each ingredient in the formula to prove that they are in fact not GMO.
According to the FDA, companies cannot advertise their products as non-genetically modified using labels like "GMO-Free" because, the agency says, guaranteeing a product to be free of GM material is virtually impossible. Instead the labels have to say the food was not produced through bioengineering. The FDA has also decreed it may take legal action against companies that violate these guidelines.
It's food. It's a shame her website is so difficult to find. The author should have included made it far more clear in it's piece. I googled it and got this. Jesus, literally.
I went to the website, and it doesn't look like science woo to me. To be really honest, I am going to give this information to my friend. Her wife has been on a feeding tube since last week. I don;t see how this can hurt.
This should not be classified as a drug, IMO. Tube feeding is the act of supplying nutrients needed for survival, no? This simply appears to me as basic nutrients. Take a look.
(Ingredient list obtained from the Functional Formularies website) Filtered water, organic garbanzo beans, organic green peas, organic carrots, organic whole grain brown rice, organic flax oil, organic whole grain brown rice protein, organic sprouted quinoa, organic sweet potato, organic miso, organic broccoli, organic almond butter, organic kale, organic garlic, organic turmeric, organic rosemary, organic ginger, organic wakame (seaweed), vitamin blend [thiamine mononitrate(B1), riboflavin (B2), niacinamide(B3), pyridoxine hydrochloride(B6), cyanocobalamin (B12), ergocalciferol(D2)]
Comment by Raine on 05/30/2013 18:13:42
Raine on 05/30/2013 18:13:42
I guess, here is my direct question -- have we not had direct science about nutrition for a long time? The only thing that should have been questioned was the shelf life of the liquid food. That was solved.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 18:24:17
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 18:24:17
Raine, thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of cat bearding.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/30/2013 18:27:16
wickedpam on 05/30/2013 18:27:16
oh lord its hot out! 
<-fainting
<-fainting
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 19:12:40
Things like that are why I don't hang out much at CatBook anymore.
TriSec on 05/30/2013 19:12:40
Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of cat bearding.
Things like that are why I don't hang out much at CatBook anymore.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:38:20
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:38:20
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:48:43
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:48:43
Bill O'Reilly would read "ANUSTART" as "A new start."
For my fellow Arrested Development devotees, this is hilarious on an entirely different level.
For my fellow Arrested Development devotees, this is hilarious on an entirely different level.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:49:56
Yowza! I just checked your weather. Hotter there than here!
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 19:49:56
Quote by wickedpam:
oh lord its hot out!
Yowza! I just checked your weather. Hotter there than here!
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 19:58:38
TriSec on 05/30/2013 19:58:38
BOS is reading 88 on the water...only 82 on the hill at Worcester.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 20:08:09
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 20:08:09
Patrick Stewart gets it. Spot on, Capt. Picard!
As a child, I heard in my home doctors and ambulance men say, ‘Mrs. Stewart, you must have done something to provoke him. Mrs. Stewart, it takes two to make an argument.’ Wrong. Wrong! My mother did NOTHING to provoke that — and even if she had, violence is NEVER, ever a choice that a man should make. Ever.
Comment by clintster on 05/30/2013 20:13:18
Somethingsomething Mary and Joseph.
clintster on 05/30/2013 20:13:18
Quote by wickedpam:
*sigh* I hate waiting on mangers .....
Somethingsomething Mary and Joseph.
Comment by TriSec on 05/30/2013 20:19:45
TriSec on 05/30/2013 20:19:45
Dear Cancer,
I thought I beat you down. Can you stop sucking at my soul?
With Hate,
TriSec
(I'm good most days, but in general I still only have about 6 hours in the tank before I start to feel run-down.) I do have my first 6-month f/u with the oncologist next week. Blood work n' such.
I thought I beat you down. Can you stop sucking at my soul?
With Hate,
TriSec
(I'm good most days, but in general I still only have about 6 hours in the tank before I start to feel run-down.) I do have my first 6-month f/u with the oncologist next week. Blood work n' such.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 20:28:33
This is inspired, good sir.
Mondobubba on 05/30/2013 20:28:33
Quote by TriSec:
Dear Cancer,
I thought I beat you down. Can you stop sucking at my soul?
With Hate,
TriSec
(I'm good most days, but in general I still only have about 6 hours in the tank before I start to feel run-down.) I do have my first 6-month f/u with the oncologist next week. Blood work n' such.
This is inspired, good sir.