Dexter Filkins Takes On the Navy SEALs

Dexter Filkins Takes On the Navy SEALs

Writing in the New York Times Book Review, October 21, 2012, Dexter Filkins weighs in on Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette’s book, No Easy Day. In his riveting autobiography, Bissonnette (using the pseudonym Mark Owen) traces his experiences as a SEAL culminating in the raid on Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan last year. In his closing paragraph Filkins diminishes his otherwise well written and thoughtful review with the following condemnation of Bissonnette’s account…“This is the carping of a warrior with little appreciation of what his country actually stands for—like that messy thing called democratic politics. After all, he’s just a killing machine”.

With just a little research one would learn that Bissonnette graduated from BIOLA (the Bible Institute of Los Angeles) where he studied sociology. Yes, a Navy SEAL studying sociology! I suppose that might sound like an oxymoron to some. Bissonnette likely also got a pretty good grounding in ‘what his country actually stands for’ while in college. And like all sailors, this highly decorated military hero underwent many hours of classroom training throughout his career, including the study of democratic principles, history, citizenship and core values.

All that notwithstanding, it would be difficult to imagine how anyone could make the extraordinary commitment necessary to become a Navy SEAL if he did not first have an overwhelming sense of appreciation for his country. That might even be the most important prerequisite, not to mention the most valuable asset for young sailors yearning to begin the long, arduous months of training required to become a SEAL. Somehow we expected a little more from a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist like Dexter Filkins who has done some heroic reporting from the battle zones himself. But then, perhaps such unpatriotic rhetoric is de rigueur for articles submitted for consideration by the New York Times!

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What Just Happened?

Cheerleaders and Pundits 

This is the first time I’ve been able to sit down and collect my thoughts with a clear mind since learning the devastating results of the 2012 Presidential Election.  I went to bed at 8:30 PM on election night because I couldn’t bear to watch any more.  I was numb the entire day after the election and only now have been able to begin coming to terms with what just happened.  While the conservative cheerleaders try to sugarcoat the results and the pundits try to assign blame, the rest of us are left on our own to try to understand how Obama could have been reelected.  It is a bitter pill to swallow, but we must begin to digest the reality of what this means for the future of our country. 

There’s No Turning Back Now 

This election was likely our last chance to slow the leftward march into socialism upon which our country has embarked.  Socialized medicine is now the law of the land and cannot be repealed.  The Unaffordable Care Act will not only decimate the greatest health care system in the world, it will also hasten the demise of our once indomitable economy.  In their endless compulsion to please everyone and pass out goodies, the Obama administration will continue to spend money out of control, further increasing the national debt and our dependence on foreign countries that do not share our interests. 

The Second Term 

What Obamacare was for this administration’s first term, ‘immigration reform’ will be for the second.  Amnesty for illegal aliens will bring millions of new liberal Democrat voters to the polls.  And for the first time, a majority of Puerto Ricans approved a ballot measure supporting statehood.  Obama has said he would support them in their bid to become the 51st state.  This would mean two more guaranteed Democrat senators from this left-leaning territory.  The election also revealed a changing demographic in states like Virginia and Florida, where there are now more government-dependent takers than self-reliant providers.  I think you can begin to see, that taken together, these developments pose a formidable hurdle that conservatives will probably never be able to surmount. 

What to Do? 

First, we must stick together and press on.  Republicans, conservatives, Libertarians, Independents, Tea Party Patriots, evangelicals and all Americans who love what this great country has been and still can be must understand that we have more in common than we have differences.  While we should never compromise our principles we need to work together and provide a united front in every election from now on.  We must seek, nurture and support exceptional candidates who can effectively articulate our beliefs without alienating moderates.  Beginning today, we must do a better job of bringing our message to voting citizens who have not traditionally stood with us, simply because they are not aware that their beliefs and principles are more in line with ours than with the liberal Democrats. 

For Past and Future Americans 

If we are to have any chance of winning another national election we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again…starting today!  While we may only be able to slow down this out of control train, it’s still worth the effort.  For inspiration we need look no further than all the great Americans who came before us.  They forged this great nation through sweat, toil and great personal sacrifice and we can do no less to keep it.  For confirmation we need look no further than the hopeful faces of our children and grandchildren who deserve a better future than the one they face under the current plan.  Alright then…let’s roll!

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Every Vote Counts!

Every Vote Counts

The old adage that every vote counts has oft been repeated in these last few weeks before what many believe is the most important election of our lifetime.  But conservatives living in states like California and New York, where liberals have literally shut them out, may actually feel that their vote won’t count.  Well, here’s why it does.  The popular vote or total number of votes that a candidate tallies up from all 50 states can send a big message.  When the popular vote is large enough it constitutes a mandate, which gives a newly elected president a boost in implementing his platform.  In this election, we need a large popular vote victory to serve as a mandate for turning away from the socialist policies that have been implemented by a radical president.  We are at a crossroads in the journey of our great country and this may be our last opportunity to return to the values, principles and beliefs that have made us exceptional.  Wherever you live, get out and vote for limited government, a balanced budget, a strong military, self-reliance and traditional family values.  This truly is What Makes US Great and your vote most certainly does count!

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Desperation Setting in for Obamunists

Socialists and the Uninformed Still Back Obama

As Mitt Romney continues to widen his lead after the second presidential debate, the dwindling supporters of Barack Obama have become increasingly desperate in their tactics.  Just one example is their ridiculous attempt to make something of Romney’s ‘binders full of women’ comment.  It would take a very dense person not to understand what he was talking about…or a committed socialist who simply refuses to understand.  Indeed, those are the only two remaining demographics that Mr. Obama can still count on…the radical liberals and the uninformed.

 Americans Jumping on Romney’s Bandwagon

I guess that’s why I find that every time I pass a car with an Obama bumper sticker (which is invariably driven by a lone, unappealing female) I can’t help thinking to myself*, ‘you are either a socialist or you’re stupid’.  All that notwithstanding, the reality is that women are switching their support to Romney in unprecedented numbers since he made that comment during the debate.  We can only expect more women and men to jump on the bandwagon after Romney’s scintillating comedic performance at the Al Smith Dinner last night.

*OK, sometimes I look at them and say ‘toooooooopid!’ as I pass.  Lord, forgive me for that right there.

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