Obama blows off Medal of Honor recipients [Jonn]
According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations).
Some background on the ball;
The American Legion sponsors the ball, which recognizes recipients of Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. It started in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration.
Event co-sponsors include 13 other veterans service organizations, among them the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
So where was our new President instead of honoring Medal of Honor recipients who by some miracle are still alive? According to Huffington Post, this was his schedule for Inaugural celebrations;
Later that day, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host 10 official inaugural balls:
_ Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Obama Home States (Illinois and Hawaii) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Biden Home States (Pennsylvania and Delaware) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Commander in Chief’s Ball at the National Building Museum.
_ Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.
_ Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.
_ Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton.
Unofficial balls include:
_ Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball at the Capitol Hilton.
_ Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts.
_ Recording Industry Association of America’s ball for Feeding America.
_ BET’s Inaugural Ball at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
_ Africa on the Potomac inaugural celebration at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va.
_ American Music Inaugural Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
_ Inaugural Purple Ball at the Fairmont Hotel.
_ Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Ball at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.
_ Inaugural Peace Ball at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
_ Impact Film Fund ball.
Mr. Wolf from Blackfive sends along this link to which Inaugural Balls Obama actually attended last night.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I’m trying to think of something witty or snide and all I can come up with is a stream of shit that would have me being visited by a bunch of dudes in black suits driving dark tinted Ford Crown Vics.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:45 pm
“Obama blows” is enough to get the point across.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Obviously, it takes a lot of balls to blow off the Medal of Honor recipients…
January 21st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Imagine the blow to his ego, if Obama were to be surrounded by men of such accomplishment, a place where he were not the center of attention, but forced to recognize the great work of others.
Of course, this event is not designed to build the ego and honor the incoming CinC for having convinced sufficient numbers of ill-informed voters. It is designed for the incoming CinC to demonstrate honor and respect to those already recognized for their service to Nation, Service, and fellow Soldiers.
It is astounding that the incoming CinC has again placed publicity ahead of those that have kept this Nation safe.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
He showed up at the CinC ball where the troops were brought to him or appeared via remote on a big screen but he couldn’t go wade among the great unwashed in person. Besides those people didn’t vote for him anyway so why waste his time.
Obama is all about pay for play. Here in Georgia we are being warned that we won’t get much in the way of bailout money, as most southern states won’t because we didn’t buy his whole hope and change shtick.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I hope when he flashes that smile, the msm calls infectious, to award the next Medal of Honor recipient(s), they will ask it be handed over by Gates or anyone else. No photo op for you, 0bama!
January 21st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Can somebody (anybody) tell me when and where this ball took place?
January 21st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Last night, at the Rennaissance hotel in DC.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Well, at least he found time to go to the BET ball… I mean we all realize or should realize that rappers and other music artists are the real folk who protect our nation’s free speech rights.
In a fair and just world this country would accept no excuse and no reason for this snub and he’d be held in scorn for this. But since he has no honor, nor do many/most of his supporters they’ll over look this issue.
We are in for some heavy seas Ladies and Gents.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Inaugural Peace Ball? Africa on the Potomac?
With all the fruitbat and ‘troof ta powa’ functions, who has time to honor veterans?
Well they did put a NG Armory on the itinerary. But I’ll bet there’s no admittance to the Soldiers stationed there.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:31 pm
TSO What was the official name of the ball?
Jonn wrote: Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball
January 21st, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Curious, WTF? Yougot your head up the The COW’s ass or something? Name of ball doesn’t matter.
Are you trying to cover for The COW or what? He missed a dinner with the former Prez and then he snubs MOH winners? To me, unfreaking forgivable.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
It does matter to me that know one can tell me the name of the ball that he missed. If everyone is going to bash him for the function I want to look it up. Fact of the matter is I dont believe this allegation. The funny thing is no one knows what the function was called, they weren’t there themselves, but they know who wasn’t there.
Jonn wrote: If you’d use your superior research skills to scroll down to the next post, you’d notice we did have someone there. Asshole.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I dont even see “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball” listed as a ball that took place.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
The man said, “Change”, right? What better way to start than not do something 14 other CinCs have done?
November: Some Army brethren tried to convince me that Obama would be great for the Military.
Today: I printed this out, and did my “I told you so” dance as they read.
I challenge “The Messiah” to name 3 MoH recipents without using Google.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I wouldnt print anything from this site and hand it around as a official piece of toilet paper. Even on the American Legions site they commend Obama for attending the Commander in Chiefs ball. This is bogus.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I was there, you can see the picture of me below. Or, you could rall the Rennaissance. Or, you could call teh VP’s office and ask him where he was at around 11 last night. Or, you could google it and find pictures from 4 and 8 years ago. Or, you could just go on teh assumption I was hallucinating, and made the horrible picture of myself with a Medal of Honor recipient on photshop.
Don’t believe it all you want, no skin off me, but I was there, and it *IS* the first time the Pres was not.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
TSO I already read your other post
January 21st, 2009 at 3:49 pm
For the record, a PR person at The Legion just told me the story will be up with pictures tomorrow morning on their website.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
a story of what?
January 21st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
lol, is that what you really think?
January 21st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Cling to your “this is bogus” ok Curious? At least through tomorrow.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Curious,
First, interesting choice for a name. Says alot.
Second, yes, he did visit the CinC Ball. And, as a Soldier stationed at the Pentagon, I’ll tell you that in order to get a ticket for said ball, you had to know someone who knows someone. And, when the defense budget gets slashed 25%, and we have to start giving troops the boot, and forcing retirement, everyone will wonder why they even attended that very same ball.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
BTW- did the 2004 one not happen too?
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123009664
And the 2000 one?
http://www.cmohs.org/gallery/gwbush/GWBush%20Inaugural%20Page0004.htm
January 21st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I certainly will. Everything else hits the wire when it happens, so I want to know why this hasn’t. If I’m wrong then so be it…. I’m sure we can talk about the other 99 balls he missed as well.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I’m sure we can talk about the other 99 balls he missed as well.
As long as they have the same caliber of honorees and tradition.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:09 pm
So missing a ball honoring Purple Heart and MoH recipients is the same as missing the Ball honoring the Creative Coalition or BET? Just curious as to your thoughts on that Curious?
January 21st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
[...] This Ain’t Hell blog: According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I’m sure each ball means something different to everyone who attends them. I dont know what it will mean to the next person. I’m sure several of those balls have honorees and traditions worth noting. Don’t you? But I wouldnt try to compare any events.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
The balls that were held last night are the only balls this administration will ever have.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
So just out of “curiousity”……what balls are important enough to attend?
January 21st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Curious,
I think the answer should be obvious: the MOH ball is the important one to attend. Unless you abhorr anything military.
Showing up to CiC Ball only while the tradition calls for BOTH CiC and MOH Balls, clearly indicates the mindset of the current POTUS.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Hey Curious,
Here is a link of a news story (published today) mentioning someone attending the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball” at the Renaissance Hotel (Hint: Very Bottom).
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20090121/NEWS01/901210334
January 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I’d say that a ball honoring those who placed themselves in harms way in order to preserve your freedom to place such ludacris comments would be pretty important. But, if you choose to disagree… oh wait, you have the freedom to do so because of their bravery!
January 21st, 2009 at 4:30 pm
And again I ask…Why cant I find any details of this prestigious ball that occurred last night?
January 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Why is this highly-regarded, do-not-miss ball not on any official event list ANYWHERE????? Why?????
January 21st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I want to thank ‘Curious’ for commenting. There is little balance here, but, on occasion, we need wisdom like this.
He cuts to the core and frames his questions well.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Mentioned here as well (Don’t know why it isn’t on any official even list, though).
http://www.jconline.com/article/20090119/NEWS09/90119007
January 21st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Curious: Try Google. It’s not that difficult.
Would you like a news link with an actual press release reporting on the ball and the tradition of the President and First Lady’s attendance (as official guests)?
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-18870644.html
BTW, this not some loose association of veterans. The ball is sponsored by congressionally-chartered veterans’ organizations (i.e., chartered by the federal government).
The more you spout off, the more obvious it becomes that you don’t care about the truth. Ever heard of Maxwell Smart?
Next it will be: “But I wasn’t there so it didn’t happen!”
January 21st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Curious-
Nice strawman you like throwing up- “Everything else hits the wire when it happens, so I want to know why this hasn’t. If I’m wrong then so be it”
Well, yer wrong. Couldn’t BE more wrong.
This is the same argument the nutto’ use when they say ”no vet was ever spit on, it’s never in the news”.
Heh. I’ll be sure to take pictures next time. His spit next to his bleeding head.
TSO was nice. I’m not so. What part of those links above can you NOT read? They all list the balls- ‘official’ and ‘unofficial’.
Mr Wolf
January 21st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Ponsdorf: Half the questions he asked could have been answered by the previous post, which he was directed to, but apparently failed to read and the other half looks like the same question repeated over and over
January 21st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Askew I do appreciate the freedoms that I have as a result of my ancestors bloodshed (believe me). I just want to know if we are talking about an event that the President missed that had 100 attendees or 1000 attendees. Was he invited? Why would he NOT attend? There are so many details that we do not know. Therefore is not fair (but can be done so freely) to bash the president for missing this event without knowing the details.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
[...] This Ain’t Hell has the details. Sad. [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Curious’s second question could have been answered by reading the first sentence of this post, but apparently his reading comprehension couldn’t last that long.
January 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Does this ring a bell to anyone besides TSO “For those playing at home,…….”
January 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
here are the links that Curious could have found if he/she just googled the title of the ball:
http://www.pentagon.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=24300
http://www.gwu.edu/%7Eaction/2004/inaug2004/inauballs.html
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=24307
http://www.cmohs.org/gallery/gwbush/GWBush%20Inaugural%20Page0004.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/administration/inauguration05/blog/day_3.html (look at 7:59p picture)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/administration/inauguration05/blog/day_3.html (the paragraph at point: The unofficial balls may be smaller, but they’re no less important — President Bush stopped by several in 2005, including the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes ball for veterans at the Capitol Hilton)
As usual, liberals prefer somebody else to do their work for them…
January 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Curious, as far as knowing the exact details that you suggested, it will probably never happen. In order to know if he was sent an invitation to the event (which I’m sure he was, considering past Presidencies) would require that one of his aids confirms or denies the presence of said invitation. I, personally, am not “bashing” the President. I simply find it disrespectful of him to choose some of the balls over this one. I would rather he had attended this ball over the CinC ball. Again, as a serving Soldier, just my opinion.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
TSO: Just out of curiousity do you know if COL Bruce Crandall was there? He lives in my town and we had him down to our VFW post for dinner after he received his MOH last year.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
But thats the thing Askew…Do you know what or where he was during that said time? What if he was at the Coke Cola Ball talking to VPs who served in Vietnam and both have MoHs. Do this make it okay or is he still a disappointment?
Jonn wrote: Yes, Curious, you’ve discovered our (by “our” I mean evil racist neo-cons working undercover for KBR) scheme to hide 1800 people in evening wear two blocks from the White House on Inauguration night and not invite the President to undermine his image with veterans. You’re brilliant to have found us out.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
The point that has been floating otu there is this:
We will all never be satisfied with what the president is doing or not doing. Ha can never have everyone’ best interest at heart. But we have to collectively believe in him and his admistration to do their job and not be distracted. I am not taking away from any veterens. I would love for him to be at every function but we all know that will not happen.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Well, Curious, you just answered a question for me - You are a liberal idiot, but I repeat myself.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Dear Curious,
Do you not find it curious that every President for the last 56 years managed to make time for this ball, yet this one, the one who will make the waters recede can not find the time to stop by. He did manage to make the time to hang out with liberal celebrities and violent rappers and thugs. Yep, he certainly understands who this country owes its very freedoms too. Military members know BULLSHIT when they hear it. They have not and will not be fooled by this BUFFOON!!!!!!!
January 21st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
You know, I don’t know much about these balls but it strikes me as odd that PRESIDENT OBAMA should give a sh*t about anything the American Legion sponsors, considering the kind of politicians they support.
Start treating liberal Democrats with the same respect that they do military-industrial complex-loving Republicans/Blue Dog Democrats, and maybe they’ll get a little more respect in turn.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
[...] 21, 2009 Another milestone, and another first for Obama! He is the first president in 56 years to snub the American Legion’s “Salute the Heroes” Inaugural ball. Perhaps his ego couldn’t handle being surrounded by actual heroes? The American Legion [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I doubt this will help Cu (I’m not finishing that word in a ‘family’ blog) but-
There are 104 living recipients of the MoH.
48 were there last night.
Out of the 104, those 48 are basically 100% of those healthy enough to make the trip to ANY event- youngest living is 58, the oldest is over 100. Within BHO’s time of administration, we will lose 40% of these heroes living today.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the MoH society, of which they have gone to GREAT lengths to bring awareness of the lives of these great men. This event was one of the signature events of the year, as it is every 4 years.
Chew on that one awhile..
Mr Wolf
January 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
bethn135 just so me one legitimate link that shows that past 4 presidents attending that ball for starters.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Again Curious,
I do not recall any liberal saying we should unite behind George Bush. In fact, I remember the exact opposite happening. Guess what you bunch of LIBTARDS. You shall reap what you have sown. I have no repect for this Pres. I will not honor him, I will not support him, and I will point out EVERY thing he does wrong, be it large or small. I hope he fails miserably at every thing he tries. SUCK IT you IDIOT
January 21st, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Did anyone besides me read this today?
“For those playing at home, I will have a subsequent post about how Obama failed to show for the Ball, the first President since Eisenhower to not come to the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.”
January 21st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
He does have to run in 4 years. It looks the non-official balls he attened will likely all be contributors to his re-election bid. Who else will have any money by that time to support him besides those in the entertainment industry.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Why don’t you fellers try posting over at Balloon Juice - http://www.balloon-juice.com . John Cole and his merry band of liberal bloggers will be a nice challenge for you conservatives.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
You are a Moron. There are links to the 2000 and 2004 balls in the comments sections as I am sure you have seen. Get off this site. You know he was an ASS for not going and you pretending that you can not find anything about this ball just makes you look even dumber than you already do. STOP EMBARRASSING yourself and get back on your knees and suck OBAMAS c*CK some more. If you can remove Chris Matthews lips from around it first.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
you would have to get out of the way first buddy
January 21st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
[...] seems all surprised at this, but I can’t imagine why. He’s a liberal Democrat; he doesn’t give two shits, or [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Curious, I would first like to apologize for those who shout names, and muck-rake. It’s childish. Secondly, I typed in “inaugural ball salute to heroes” and found Defense Department press links showing Big G Bush, Clinton, and Lil Bush at the ball. No, I did not include the link, but they are there.
“Rational” as you choose to call yourself, it’s an evil concentric circle. The Deomcrats have a habit of denying veterans, and current service members with the care, funding, and equipment they need. When I say, “need”, I mean NEED. And, without the “military-industrial complex-loving Republicans” who would you have to blame for your failures in life?
January 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Rational,
The President Obama should have come to honor the 48 MOH recipients and Purple Heart recipients, not the American Legion per se. Plus, there are many other Veterans’ organizations that sponsor this event.
But this rationale seems to be beyond your Rational’ comprehension.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Askew I did look at that much earlier but I could only find things from 2005. So maybe I am overlooking. At any rate…this was great entertainment for the day. Signing off with a BIG FIST BUMP
January 21st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Curious: Typical lefty trained via public education. To wit, no initiative just waiting to be spoon-fed the information. Easier to cry about sand in his slit than get off his butt and do something.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
This is no surprise. He has made it painfully clear he does not support the troops or give a crap about our brave fighting men and women, both past and present. Or about this country and the safety of it’s citizens He has disrespected america and it’s citizens, this is just another very pbulic, very big slight from an immature pretender. His ignorance and megalomaniac is very dangerous for us all. God help us
January 21st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
http://www.af.mil/news/story_media.asp?id=123009664
Here is the “A Salute to Heroes” link with Picture. Yes it exists.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Curious
nosy: exciting attention as strange, novel, or unexpected; odd.
synonyms: inquisitive, prying, meaning interested in what is not one’s personal or proper concern.
prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:01 pm
1st “NoBama” has to have respect for someone or something or their Idea or Ideals before he will acknowledge their accomplishments. As the folks at the “AL” were in the military he will dismiss them every chance he gets.
Prime Examples… How many times did Bush visit WRAMC??? At least once if not 2ce a month… and never took …or did not mandate photo ops with the Wounded Worriers … “Nobama” will not go unless the Cameras are there and rolling before he gets there….
Who did bush address many times a month Vets…
“Nobama” has avoided them except for photo ops…
“Enough Said.!”
We are in for a long cold ”8” years…
2nd “Curious” is just a standard “Nobama” supporting Troll … and has been schooled in socialism to the point he/she/it, Has no idea of the results of reality of Socialism and Communism means or represents, And has no Idea what the “Democratic National Socialist Party” will do to the country and just how much it will cost and who will be paying the bills…
January 21st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I suspect the MOH recipients who were there did not get their feelings hurt too bad. It was Obama’s loss not to meet and greet these men and their families.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Just goes to show you all. With the Election of a Socialist comes change. Here are some of the Changes!
The United States of America will be “changed” to –
The United Socialist States of Amerika.
The Office of President will be “changed” to –
The Office of Premier.
The Secretary of State will be “changed” to –
The office of Prime Minister.
Many of you young American’s wanted change… That is what you will have left in your pockets after you have paid your taxes to the New Premier and his re-distribution of the Wealth program for Amerika.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owA2geM8OGg
Joe Biden with his take-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXEbs_Rw7MU
“Change you can believe in” =
“Change will you be Forced to Accept”
“Yes we can” = “Yes You Will”
If you dissent or protest you will be taken away and locked up. The 1st amendment will be suspended; the 2nd amendment will be wiped from the Constitution.
The Constitution will be re-written in the ways of Sharia Law according to the Qur’an (pronounced Koran). Obama’s words not mine…
48 Countries are Muslim Countries. Since when did the US have 59 States?
Barrack Hussein Obama is the Change you voted for - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjS7JuOcm6g
“When the winds of change blow, I will stand with my Muslim brothers”
- Barrack Obama - “Dreams of my Father”
“White mans greed, runs a world in need”
- Barrack Obama “The Audacity of Hope”
Welcome to the New World Order –
So voted on, So Elected by 59 million Liberals that wanted a hand out.
Did I mention Obama is going to pay my Mortgage, my gas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P36×8rTb3jI
Oh wait, the Real Working Americans are going to pay and pay dearly for all of this.
He is only a man, not the Messiah, Not a Rock star, not a Hollywood actor.
WTF kind of drugs are Liberals taking today.
If this is what you wanted “Change” I’ll be happy to bring it and your families to the internment camps.
Regards,
Sgt. Viper
January 21st, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Obama thinks because there will be no payback from this sort of snub. He lets a racist old man insult all white Americans in a prayer and smiles. He thinks having power means being able to wield it. But our nation functions because the citizens agree to follow the lead of the elected. Insult enough people, Obama, and you’ll find yourself unable to operate effectively.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Very hard to respect a man who does not respect the men and women fighting for the country he is to run. Forget hope for improvement, we need to pray he does not destroy this country!
January 21st, 2009 at 6:24 pm
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=995_1232040492
They apparently thought he was attending on the 15th…
January 21st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Curious
That wasn’t a very good fist bump, it was as lame as all the shit you’ve been stepping in. People like you just plain suck and never learn anything. You already think you know it all. (Not.)
January 21st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I am not surprised by this article. It astounds me that he would blow off this function, but doesn’t surprise me. I think Pres. Obama’s position on the military is fairly clear.He’s got no respect for it. That being said, what does astound me is that the poster named Curious asked some questions simplywanting to verify the information and was very polite in his questioning, yet he gets ripped a new one. Why can’t people just answer him politely without the name calling? That does nothing to show conservatives in mature light. Conversely, the poster Rational was totally rude and insulting ..well what’s the point in addressing him? The immaturity and childishness of his initial post and insults regarding the military speak for themselves. Bottom line is that I was hoping we as Conservatives could show ourselves to be the mature group, yet sadly, based on some of the responses to a legitimate and politely asked question, I can’t help but be disappointed.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:30 pm
[...] Comment! Snubs the Medal of Honor ball [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 6:31 pm
[...] In a tradition Obama started in Landstuhl last July, Obama blew it off. [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
[...] Obama became the first in 14 inaugurals to skip the Heroes Inaugural Ball. The American Legion hosts the ball, which recognizes Medal of Honor [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I saw a picture of Obama reflecting solemnly for a picture at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before the Inauguration. Maybe if he had a more savvy photographer he would have reminded Obama to gently stroke his yellow band with “what’s his name” inscribed on it. What an ass.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
You people are so childish and wrathful, I’m going to enjoy the next 8 years of your wailing and gnashing of teeth.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Curious said in one of his posts that “I am not taking away from any veterens .”
In my experience, any time someone says that they are not meaning to take away from something, they always are.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I sincerely hope he had a good reason. I understand that if that made the list something else likely would not have. It does seem like quite a bit to get through in one day. If only he had chosen something else to drop from the list.
To be perfectly frank, he should have skipped the fanfare all together. He could have put his nose to the grindstone on day one instead. That would have broken tradition in a much more respectful way.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
By golly, its been less than 24 hours since the magical kenyan was inaugurated and I’m fed up already (actually, I was fed up a long time before). I think I’ll have some ‘IMPEACH OBAMA’ bumper stickers printed up.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:52 pm
It’s just the beginning of the in your face immature politic’
of those who really do not like anyone except themselves and their ilk. To be bitter and hateful in nature, and miserable. Well… misery likes company, let’s hope they get plenty of what they dish out and mabe grow out of it someday.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:58 pm
The Obamas made ten inaugural balls except the one honoring Medal of Honor recipients…
“Just words. Just speeches.”…
January 21st, 2009 at 7:00 pm
[...] Event co-sponsors include 13 other veterans service organizations, among them the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. (H/T - This Ain’t Hell) [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
It’s fun to see the far right wing so mad. All this, and he’s only been in office for one day. It’s gonna be a long eight years, chumps!
Jonn wrote: It’ll be a long eight years if you’re going to post the same comment every day;
January 21st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I already have an Impeach Obama bumper sticker - made it myself and taped it to the car. Great fun to have the Lib’s flip me off, call me names, etc. Some much for tolerance.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Let’s see, the third one, the “Commander in Chief Ball,” is described as being “attended by many veterans and members of the military.” Obama’s wife gave a dance to a USMC staff sergeant, and Obama gave a dance to a female army sergeant, who was “overcome by emotion and cried in the president’s arms.”
Boy oh boy, wingnut freaks, the Obamas must really, really hate the military. Ha ha ha! Nutcases!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Why is anyone surprised that he did not attend? He couldn’t find time to visit the wounded troops in Germany during his campaign tour. I think it is too much to hope for that someone from the mainstream media wiould ask him why he didn’t attend. Perhaps they feel there are more important questions to ask, like where did Michelle get her gowns and who were the designers. I am sure we would all be interested in that.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
That’s Mr. Chump to you, Magic Dog.
By the way, if you have any class at all (doubtful) you might consider the fact that your childish retort implies a complete disrespect for the same Medal of Honor recipients and other veterans that Obama snubbed. The reason we are taking this issue seriously is because Obama’s absence implies a lack of respect for some of the bravest and most honorable of Americans. Your immature ridiculing of our concern betrays your own apparent vacuousness (look it up).
January 21st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Curious: There is no more a defense for your questions than there is a defense for his snubbing the greatest heroes of our Nation or breaking of a 5 decade old tradition.
Defense for him not attending: He was in the hospital or had not survived his first 12 hours of presidency.
As we all know, he has neither excuse. He was partying all day long. I join other Veterans in apall that he chose to avoid mixing it up with men that outshine him: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/01/sins-of-pride-envy.html#more
And in a twist, I also call for the Politics of Hate to end in the very next post: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/01/an-urgent-response-a-call-for-mutiny.html
January 21st, 2009 at 7:45 pm
[...] what “Change” means Filed under: Posts — buttle @ 16:45 It means blowing off the Medal of Honor recipients for the first time since [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
It is also interesting to note that those that choose monikers such as “Curious” and “Rational” (and in a different forum) “Moderation” are anything but what their moniker proclaims.
Jonn wrote: It’s like calling one of those 450 lb. guys “Tiny”.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
[...] milestone, and another first for Obama! He is the first president in 56 years to snub the American Legion’s “Salute the Heroes” Inaugural ball. Perhaps his ego couldn’t handle being surrounded by actual [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
[...] Obama chose to skip the Salute to Heroes Ball. You know, the one with the guys who won the Medal of Honor and survived all that badassery to come home despite being unbelievably brave in battle. Yeah, those guys, he skipped that ball so he could cozy up to the pampered weenies at the Record Industry ball. [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I really find it reprehensible that he did not attend as well. But, I guess if you look at Bush visting the injured veterans without an entourage on purpose, and Obama not attending anything to do with the military on purpose, the obvious is clear. Those who fought for our country will be forgotten, and those who bought the presidency will be rewarded. It is clear that his actions during the campaign said as much. I am not a veteran, so I have no axe to grind, just stating the obvious, to me at least. Absolutely disusting.
We are in for some interesting times, indeed. BTW, based upon the comments by Curious, he reads like an apologist shill for Obama and no veteran. But, I am sure Obama would be above all that. Yeah, right.
Ball or no ball, it appears that Obama doesnt have any. No surprise here.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Damn. We got Hillary as Secretary of State when we could have had Curious instead.
What a moron…or a 6 year old child with good computer skills. Not really sure which yet.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The Medal of Honor Winners were at the new CIC Ball, see picture.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
Jonn wrote: Yeah, they’re not Medal of Honor “winners”. It’s not like they were in some American Idol contest.
I see seven CMH recipients “lining up” to meet him, instead of Obama going to the Ball that honors them. The CiC Ball honors people currently working for the new President, the Salute to Heroes Ball honors the people who made it possible for the new President to take his office by securing this nation’s freedom with their sacrifice before he came to office.
To put it in terms you can understand, it’s like the president of a university meeting with students and ignoring the alumni. Some really smart guy told me that a few minutes ago.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Please post a link to any reference to the a 2009 Medal of Honors ball. You won’t find it on the American Legion web site and they were the sponsors 4 years ago..BTW, the new CIC ball was free to military enlisted.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Liberals like me post to sites like this occasionally to see how real conservatives think. It’s actually more than a little worrisome. It’s people like you which join separatist movements and sleep with your guns that are the real threat to this country’s Constitution.
This country is not Sparta, as much as you all probably wish it could be. The military is an important but not THE most important part of this great country’s institutions. And spare us the “Freedom isn’t free” line. It’s people like me that spent 8 long years working to defeat your military-breaking, terrorist-surrendering, disaster-creating (Katrina), bankruptcy-making, racist, fundamentalist-theological movement, who are enjoying the fruits of victory.
You’ll have to put up with a lot of gloating and have to wait until Americans once again forget themselves, before you’ll see the realm of political power again. My hope is it will after we liberal activists have cleaned up your mess at the very least. If we’re lucky, your conservative movement will become RATIONAL and more centrist and a government led by Republicans could be honorable again.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Sorry, JDP, that article says nothing of Medal of Honor winners, nice try. It does say that Obama used 300 wounded heroes as props. Very classy.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
JDP, glad you came here. I saw you at LGF and I do not have a log in.
There was a ball, it is not one of the Official ones, which are run by the Inaugural Committee, this is an outside one, as you can see from the past events. You still don’t believe there was a ball, and that is fine, The American Legion has not as yet loaded the pictures and the article. I do not know why but am told it will be done tomorrow. If you go to any of the links above (like the one from the Mississippi paper) you will see that one did in fact occur.
You also have the wrong same, it is called the Salute to Heroes ball. Again, do you think I just faked going to it? Along with the other people cited who were there?
January 21st, 2009 at 8:27 pm
[...] …. Yea what a surprise … this is from This Ain’t Hell [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
ALSO- Please go to my other post wherein I state that it was a great event even without the President, and I will take good action over good symbolism, and I hope he sticks to his promises regarding veterans. I hate that I am being put in a position where I defend just saying he didn’t come, which is a fact, not a slander.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Or, you could solve all this by calling the Renaissance-Washington DC at (202) 898-9000 and just ask them if they had a Salute to Heroes Ball last night.
Or, you could assume I am currently faking it from a recording studio in the middle of the desert.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
“Liberals like me post to sites like this occasionally to see how real conservatives think.”
I know how you feel, Rational. Except we conservatives go to the local elementary school to see how real liberals think. The children there seem to possess the same immature naivete that most liberals do.
“It’s people like you which join separatist movements and sleep with your guns that are the real threat to this country’s Constitution.”
Really? How so, Rational, tell us. How do gun owners pose a threat to the Constitution? Dazzle us with your brilliance.
“The military is an important but not THE most important part of this great country’s institutions.”
Wrong. The whole reason America is America is because of the military. Not politicians, the media, or the educators. America would not exist without the military, remember that. Those wonderfully liberal indoctrination centers called “colleges” where many liberals spend their time, rather than in the real world, don’t mean a thing without the military.
“It’s people like me that spent 8 long years working to defeat your military-breaking, terrorist-surrendering, disaster-creating (Katrina), bankruptcy-making, racist, fundamentalist-theological movement, who are enjoying the fruits of victory.”
Hey genius, Bush served two terms, he couldn’t run again. He was elected TWICE and your demented little trolls in Washington couldn’t impeach him. LOL!! If you feel better telling yourself you had something to do with it, go for it!
“You’ll have to put up with a lot of gloating and have to wait until Americans once again forget themselves, before you’ll see the realm of political power again.”
I doubt it. I imagine the next time something goes “BOOM!” in America and we find out, as we did after Clintons disastrous administration, that Obama handcuffed our intelligence agencies and practically invited an attack the dems will be finished for quite a while. Enjoy your 4 years, troll.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:40 pm
[...] For the first time since its inception 56 years, or 14 inaugurations, ago a President has snubbed the Medal of Honor recipents ball. Obama decided to tell those heroes who risked all for their country to go f**k themselves in order t… [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Not saying you were faking it, just noticed the pictures of the Medal of Honor winners at the CIC ball and could find no mention of the 2009 hero’s ball on the net, and there were over 100 listed. Did some MOH winners attend both.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I saw the picture as well, and there were certainly 7 at the CinC ball. There were like 50 at ours. I honestly don’t know the exact number, but a coblogger of mine posted a number which he would be in a better position to know. I don’t know if those 7 went to each, or only to that one, since I don’t recognize the ones in the picture.
I’m just more than a little perplexed that people think I made all this up, since it is so easily disproven as to be ridiculous. 1 call to the Hotel and you will have the answer. Now, the event got over after 1am in the morning, which is presumably why the pictures and story are not up at the legion website, but again, I only know what I know as it were.
I really wish I hadn’t brought it up in the first place now only because of the craziness. Mind you if/when (presumably when) the Legion does issue it’s press release everyone will know anyway.
There is now a link at LGF back to a letter on Live Leak (here:http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4b5_1231956924) discussing it prior to. I read it there for the first time, so have no idea.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:51 pm
“the Salute to Heroes Ball honors the people who made it possible for the new President to take his office by securing this nation’s freedom with their sacrifice before he came to office.”
Actually, those who made it possible died many years ago: soldiers who wore both blue and gray, and a president whose spirit the messiah has been invoking for awhile now.
He seems to forget that their sacrifices made it POSSIBLE for him to attain the highest position in the US and to be able to ignore those who have received the MOH.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:57 pm
[...] Obama blows off Medal of Honor recipients According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). The American Legion sponsors the ball, which recognizes recipients of Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. It started in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration. [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:14 pm
The Legion certainly did not promote it very well, considering the honorees. The ball was not listed on even the minor ball list, nor does anything show up for 2009 in the google search, and thus the conspiracy theories.
If the story has any legs, the Obama camp will have to respond why he did not make it.
Jonn wrote: Yeah, that’s it. Advertising. Lord knows how every President since Eisenhower made it - they didn’t even have Google. akgr left this link to a story about the folks at the Ball thinking Obama was coming. You’ve been pointed to it twice now. We can post the link, but we can’t make you click it.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Well, I must say this was a very interesting read that I bumped into tonight. First and foremost…I want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to you all who SERVED to make this world a much better place, and to secure my FREEDOMS. It is very true that FREEDOM isn’t FREE! I THANK YOU. And, if I could take a minute for my personal soap box… I sincerely give a THANK YOU to our Vietnam Vets. I love you guys/gals, and everytime I get an opportunity I give you a HUG and Genuine THANK YOU! You’re the BEST!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
[...] have been the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients were issued purple tickets, Jonn Lilyea, This Ain’t Hell: Obama blows off Medal of Honor [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:24 pm
[...] This ain’t Hell Reports that President Obama blew off the Medal of Honor ball. [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
[...] in 14 Inaugurations the new President hasn’t shown up… Even Bill Clinton showed up for this… This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here Blog Archive Obama blows off Medal of Honor reci… Respect: "It’s earned, never given"… __________________ Copperhead Calling an [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Obama Blows Off the One Inaugural Ball That Counted…
h/t This Ain’t Hell via Blackfive:
According to This Ain’t Hell:
According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurati…
January 21st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Holy crap, this dude has BALLS! But, alas no brains. F’ing with the honor of those gentlemen is a very poor idea, I don’t care what chicken-shit organization you need to suckup to or spend time with. Word will get out (like NOW) on what a POS we have now allowed to be installed as CIC.
USN(Ret)
January 21st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Some of you guys saying the ball didn’t exist, wasn’t publicized, or important, well, TSO didn’t VP Biden make it?
If so, it means Obama knew about it, and thought the ball was only good enough for the second string.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
[...] president just can’t (or won’t) veil his contempt for our military, no matter what. So he blew off the “Salute To Heroes” Inaugural Ball, which is sponsored by the American Legion. This [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Typical Republican crap.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Class, never had it never will. What a farce.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:06 pm
What a vile group of scumbags you all are. Thankfully most of you will be dead soon enough and the rest of us can get on with living our lives without all the hatred you spew on a daily basis.
And don’t bother responding. This is just a driveby fuck you to all of you. I won’t see the response.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
[...] classy, Mr. President: According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Jonn and TSO Congrats on 123 posts and counting.It appears ODS has replaced BDS at TAH.What a bunch of sissified,crybaby,losers your bloggers are.Any real military man supports our Pres.as our oath requires us to do.Wheeler USMCR
January 21st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Wow, what a bunch of racist fools you all are. Pathetic.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
[...] Inaugural Ball. That’s the one that honors MOH recipients. First dissing in 56 years. via This Ain’t Hell. Bit of a slight from someone who will be asking young Americans to put themselves in harm’s [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
I am a proud liberal and I voted for Obama. I was at the Salute to Heroes Ball last night, as I was four years ago for President Bush’s second term. I am disappointed to say that Obama’s snub of this Salute to true American heroes was truly disrespectful. Whether or not these men voted for him, is irrelevant. These men deserved better. At least VP Biden made an appearance and in his own words he “considered this ball the most important of all ball”
God speed President Obama, but bad move last night.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
127Loonie Says:
January 21st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
“Wow, what a bunch of racist fools you all are. Pathetic.”
Holy Sheep S***, how does this become a race issue? There’s no question of race in the question of Valor. There’s no question of race on the recommendation for an MoH. Men of various races have been awarded the MoH.
There is a question of priorities. There is a question of respect. There are many questions in regard to his choices and decisions, but I could care less the tint of his skin.
Finally, we have a commenter with an appropriate name (Loonie) and hell bent on proving it!
TSO, I’m glad you brought this event to our attention. Thank you.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
Didn’t Harry Truman blow off Medal of Honor winners by not asking the Legion to start such a ball in 1949? Doorknobs.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 am
Obama is simply as ignorant as Clinton was when he showed up, but perhaps not as contemptuous. He clearly has no experience in dealing with military or national security matters and I doubt he understands the impact a MoH recipient has or what he represents to those who guarantee the freedoms people like Curious take for granted. People like Curious and Rational are a mile wide and an inch deep when it comes to understanding that without those who stand a post there is no election. Von Clausewitz observed the military is simply a extension of politics and all war is preventable if one side would simply give in. It’s politicians like Clinton who get us into our current mess by first turning a humanitarian mission into Somali nation building then running away when it was politically expedient instead of the “Stand and Deliver” response the world expected of the US. The Mog was the beginning of 9-11 and all us military people watched it develop. Now we have a guy who throws around terms like “5 Brigades into Afghanistan” two hours after he heard it for the first time and we expect a good outcome? He’s surrounded by people who don’t know the rest of the real world, hold the guardians in contempt and fancy themselves as quite the progressive thinkers. Unfortunately, they didn’t clear their ideas with the rest of the world who have different opinions about where our country should go and how inflicting violence on our civilian population will accomplish their objectives. You toads can bury your collective heads in the sand and wish it ain’t so but I’ve traveled the world in the service to my country and can tell you we are not despised as the media would lead you to believe and that there are evil people who have no regard for you, your wife or your children. They would put a two year old little girl in a meat grinder to make you talk, rape you wife and gut your son before they kill you. And I would torture someone if I thought it would prevent that from happening to any human being, including Rational and Curious. That’s the real world and Obama is simply ignorant of it. Time will tell if he holds us in contempt.
PS I’ve been waterboarded, and it is not torture.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
http://www.stripes.com/photos/60160_121154553.jpg
Then explain why these guys were there.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
climb out of your parent basements.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 am
We already knew that obama has no patriotism, why should this be surprising?
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:21 am
Why on earth is this BOGUS story posted on here and why didn’t you correct it ?????????????
Not only did President Obama attend this ball, but he has received rave reviews from all of us in attendance, as well as every single military publication that was represented there.
Why not try doing a little fact finding before spewing out LIES?
Rick. Stars and Stripes.
http://www.stripes.com/
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 am
[...] Which is why he probably chose to be the first President in 56 years to skip the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 am
*********************************Um….
Why are you reporting this when President Obama was there?
He is also on the front page of the American Legion (who held the ball) website.
Pretty p*** poor reporting by ThisAintHell!!!
Full story: http://www.legion.org/homepage.php#
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 am
The VFW pulls the article mentioning that Obama skipped their ball.
http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/2169054/posts
They know good and well what might happen if bad press hits the Supreme One.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 am
It might be if it was the Weather Underground Ball he would had made it. However, it was for those who went beyond to give this country freedom and liberty. Where the Weather Underground was to take away the freedom and liberty in this country. I hope this isn’t a step of a number of steps in the wrong path. Only then could we say that President Obama is M.I.A. with those Medal of Honor people, and their families. It’s sad.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 am
What did you expect? Obama dissed the wounded soldiers in Germany and worked out at the posh Ritz Carlton instead. He was told he could visit - but without the cameras. I loved the photo of Sarah Palin taken July 26, 2007 (my birthday is June 26th so I can remember the date) — visiting the wounded one year before. It should have been part of her press kit. I knew then what values he held high.
However - to be fair - did Biden say he was there representing Obama? Frankly, I think he should have attended but since he is a celebrity president, who really is surprised?
I hope pictures are sent to the press with Biden and some MOH and have the copy read how they valued Biden’s visit but were saddened that Obama was the first President in 56 years who missed it. Stress the historic importance of the occasion. I think most of the media would not print anything that criticizes the O. Perhaps some late night talk show hosts could pick it up.
I appreciate my dad for what he did. He was wounded. He’s now 91 and starting to feel his age. On his behalf, I express my outrage of Obama’s lack of honor.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:42 am
There was no Salute to Heroes Ball . The American Legion sponsers it and if you check their website you’ll see it’s now called the Cin C Ball. Get your facts straight before you post. What a bunch of ignorant losers you all are
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 am
He attended the Commander in Chief’s Ball honoring fallen servicemen, purple hearts and their families.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 am
My new president? Blew of my heros?!? Oh great! (sarcastic) I can’t believe this is the guy I’m planning on enlisting under when I join in a few years.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 am
TSO,
Read that link for the Legion posted by the troll, and there is not one single mention of the MOH recipients in attendance. Could it be that was the name of ANOTHER ball?
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 am
[...] right” by the military so far. I guess being the first president to skip the medal of honor ball since Truman doesn’t [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Why, of course it is!! Fukking trolls don’t know how to read the list.
Commander in Chief’s Ball is NOT the same as Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball. READ THE LIST!!!
Funny how the COW supporters don’t like it when the facts hit them. What goes around, comes around, doesn’t it?
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 am
http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/inauguration-blog/2009/Jan/21/InauguralVets/
Here is a link to another story about the “O”
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:11 am
(Spoken in nefarious Boris accent)”It is what the party does- we deny the story, we change the facts, we re-write history.”
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 am
[...] ** Barack Obama was the first President in 56 years to miss the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 am
[...] class during this transition was totally wasted on the obamas) he has spit, again, at the honor of our fighting men, and, true to his reprogressive nature, he immediately begins making America less safe, moving [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 am
“richard wheeler Says:
January 21st, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Jonn and TSO Congrats on 123 posts and counting.It appears ODS has replaced BDS at TAH.What a bunch of sissified,crybaby,losers your bloggers are.Any real military man supports our Pres.as our oath requires us to do.Wheeler USMCR” You sir are a fool and a someone who doesn’t know JackSh!T. My oath, 32 years ago was to support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. , and to follow orders of those appointed over me. The office has respect but the person occupying it has to earn it. But you like most kids are in a world devoid of reality. And your comment about “Any real military man supports our Pres.” qualifies you as a moron. USMCR more like UN pussy.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
As much as I want to belive the accusation….
Is this the correct ball?
http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=60160&photo=4&count=5
Jonn wrote: Um, for 9,000th time…No!
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:30 am
[...] Jan/22/09 - He attended quite a few as payback for the illegal campaign contributions, but I guess he did not have time for those that gave to their country, because afterall, it is all about Obama. Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball, began by President [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:40 am
[...] Instead of issuing orders to protect the United States from jihadis, which happens to be the first duty listed in the Constitution, and part of the oath of office, he will issue orders to be nice to Islamic jihadis. Oh, and this is probably an attempt to make the world love us. Even though Obambi sure doesn’t like Medal Of Honor recipients, who he blew off. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:41 am
[...] Instead of issuing orders to protect the United States from jihadis, which happens to be the first duty listed in the Constitution, and part of the oath of office, he will issue orders to be nice to Islamic jihadis. Oh, and this is probably an attempt to make the world love us. Even though Obambi sure doesn’t like Medal Of Honor recipients, who he blew off. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
So if Obama had attended the CinC Ball and the Medal of Honor Ball then you would support him and recognize his appreciation for the military etc? However, if he only attends one of the two, he is not deserving of respect and does not resepct the military? Does that seem idiotic to anyone else? some I’m not saying he made the right choice, but to use this to judge his loyalty those serving in the military is weak. There is much stronger evidence to sway you one way or the other than this.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Let’s be brutally honest here; the man didn’t show up to the MOH ball because it wasn’t as good a photo op as the others, plain and simple. It was clearly more intimate and didn’t draw near the number of ass kissing Hollywood types as the remainder of the parties he made a point of getting to. But here’s the punchline, I’m glad he made his disdain clear from the onset…at least now there’s no pretense. Carry on.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:10 am
After all the crap that the American Legion leadership has said about Obama, the malicious slander about him that they’ve distributed in their emails and on their website (which I’m sure is mild compared to what they actually say about him), I find it laughable that anyone associated with the Legion would actually want him to show up.
Did you think that you could insult, malign and lie about him with no consequence at all?
Did none of you think that perhaps you might hurt your standing as an organization that represents veterans?
Evidently not.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:15 am
I think this is only the beginning of the disgusting things we will be seeing from the new Prez.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:16 am
I think this blog was created by a gentleman who attended the event in it’s entirety so let’s give some credit to the firsthand witness of whether it actually occurred or not. Call the hotel if you must, the number is posted in this blog. A cornerstone of liberal ideaology seems to be an irrational emotional defense of their hero, regardless of their actions and I’m reading it here. That’s how Adolf Hitler rose to power and it’s dangerous. The comparison is not Obama-Hitler but rather our citizenry to 1935 Germany and the mindless adoration of someone who has never really accomplished anything but talks a great talk. To those who say he is the CinC and we should not be critical, guess again. First, not everyone posting here is in or has been in the military and second, read Article 88 of the UCMJ. Personally, I haven’t said anything contemptuous of Mr. Obama and I am an American first and foremost and entitled to the same rights as the Bush-bashers had when he was the president.
There are two kinds of authority in the military, Constitutional and moral. One makes you do what is ordered based on your professionalism and adherance to your oath (or threats of confinement), reagrdless of the boneheaded orders or actions by your superior. The other is much tougher because it requires a relationship where subordinates know the superior and respect him/her as a leader. I think James Dobson said “Rules without relationships cause rebellion.” He was speaking of a family but I suggest it applies to any organization. And while there will never be an outright rebellion in our military, things like this oversight or intentional slight and repealing the ban on openly gay service members are troublesome simply because Mr. Obama has no relationship with the military. That translates into no moral authority yet. Generally, his comments on the campaign trail about the military were immature and while they may have helped get him elected he has to rise above them and maybe fire some of his staffers who have shown explicit contempt for us. Missing this event by itself is a huge slight. Add to it his choice to play basketball over a photo op at Landsthul with the wounded and his campaign rhetoric and it’s not the makings of a pretty picture for us who serve or have served. He needs someone in his chariot whispering “beware huberus” and could benefit greatly from reading this blog. Of course, he has the choice to continue his party’s policy of disenfranchising military voters by blocking absentee ballots and being overtly contemptuous of our service by simply being a manager of the military. And we’ll play along in ever dwindling numbers or be stuck as he destroys what’s left of the economy. Regardless, it’s his world and we’re just living in it.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
Of course, a little more searching reveals that the wingnut blogosphere is operating a few facts short of reality.
The American Legion sponsored the CIC ball this year which President Obama DID attend.
And guess what? The Medal of Honor winners WERE THERE. In fact, they lined up for a picture with the new president and you can actually see them in one of the pictures accompanying this article from Stars and Stripes.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
Think much?
Jonn wrote: And a little more searching (and some improved reading skills on your part) would have revealed that picture is from the C-i-C Ball. Think much?
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
And the Medal of Honor winner WERE AT THE CIC ball.
Jonn wrote: I can’t help you…read the comments. And stop being obtuse.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Herkpilot- You said “Generally, his comments on the campaign trail about the military were immature and while they may have helped get him elected he has to rise above them and maybe fire some of his staffers who have shown explicit contempt for us.”
Do you have any examples of this? I voted for Obama, but I don’t think he is the savior many (MSNBC) believe. Did his retention of Reboert Getes allay any of your fears? I don’t have much interaction with military servicemen or veterans so I’m interested in your perspective.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
To “Just A Grunt”: You say you are “being warned” in Georgia that you won’t be getting anything…..” blah blah blah. Who’s doing the warning? Rush Limbaugh, that traitorous madman who has gone on record on the radio that he’d rather see that United States essentially go down the tubes than see Obama’s plan to revitalize the United States succeed? Sarah Palin, aka “Caribou Barbie”, who just won’t go away with her stupid remarks about the real America? I’ll tell who it ISN’T: John McCain, the former Republican candidate for President, who is still the senior Senator from Arizona and a certified combat veteran. He has gone on record that he will do everything in his power to help Obama succeed, and reminds us all that he is OUR President. And by the way, pal, as a former Army officer’s wife and the daughter of an officer who served in WW II in Europe, and in the Korean Conflict IN KOREA, the President is YOUR Commander in Chief if you’re on active duty. You’d better watch your mouth, son.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
The Medal of Honor winners were also honored by the Inaugural committee with seats for 40 of them just below the podium where Obama took the oath of office according to this story in the New York Daily News which interviewed some of them.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/20/2009-01-20_now_truly_we_are_one_country_our_deeply_.html
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:58 am
John, I think the point is that President Obama did attend an event which honors Medal of Honor recipients. I don’t think passing by was calling you a liar, but if they were, then obtuse is probably pretty accurate.
Were Medal of Honor recipients present at the CiC Ball in the past? If not, it seems to explain the President’s departure from tradition. If they usually attend the CiC Ball, then it is a departure from tradition but I still don’t see it as the slap in the face to the military that many here see it as since the President still did honor the recipients.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
[...] Filed under: Military News, Moonbat, Political — Jason Jeffrey @ 10:02 am Straight from This Ain’t Hell Obama is the New [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 am
Dale
It will only be 4 years,thank God, but you girls can try again in 2016
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
[...] Change has already begun! According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
What a load of paranoid crap. Obama spoke eloquently to the veterans at the CinC ball. Not good enough? Cry me a river, a lot of other people would have loved to see him at three or four different events of their own, and had to settle for one. I think the people working up a head of steam over this are the same ones who flogged the phoney rumor that Hillary Clinton refused to meet the Gold Star mothers. Look, guys, you had the President of your choice pursuing the policies of your choice for eight years and he led this country to ruin. Now it’s time for a different approach, and if you don’t like it you shouldn’t be living in a democracy.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/8627
For those of you who can’t look it up. He did snub our heroes.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 am
Reading this thread of comments is illuminating….and frightening!
It is AMAZING the number of people who have an infusion pump main line drip of the obamanation kool-aid! It is incredible to see the cult-like idol worship of this guy! He truly can do no wrong in the eyes of these zombies! He could go on live national TV and rape a 7 year old girl and then cut her throat….and some of these people would find a way to rationalize it! These spongy headed mutants are dangerous people, and all freedom loving Americans need to begin NOW to plan and execute ways in which we can save our Republic.
Sic Semper Tyrannis
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Yes, he can! And he did. He sent the ball’s organizers a letter of regret in response to their invitation a couple weeks before the ball. The American Legion replied with a letter signed by all the other major veterans organizations, explaining the significance and history of this ball. They made it clear that a snub would be a terrible insult to those have sacrificed so much for all our freedom. Well, now we know what he thought of that.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
T-Rex,
For over half a century, 14 inaugurals, those Presidents attended the C-i-C ball and this one.
So either “TheOne” isn’t as omnipotent as you clowns believe and he screwed up, or he snubbed them.
Either way, all those Presidents did the right thing. President-reject Obama didn’t.
This wasn’t as big a test as Biden predicted, but Obama did fail.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Hey T-REX….
We don’t live in a democracy you spongy headed mutant! This is a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC! We have a representative form of government here you fool!
In a democracy, you would likely find yourself drug out into the street and beaten to death for being so stupid!
As your luck is good this day, our Constitution prevents that from happening…..but you and your boy and his cronies are working hard to destroy that protection.
Be careful what you ask for….you may get it!
Sis Semper Tyrannis
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
The CINC ball honored those rightfully serving. The ball for the Medal of Honor recipients was to honor the many veterans who already served and sacrificed. Both deserve the honors.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Dear Mary Jane. Those of us who served in combat appreciate your contributions as a spouse, but there’s no need for anyone to “Watch your mouth” just because he’s the CinC. And to “a thought” when I say immature I don’t mean in an adolescent way but rather under-developed. For instance, the commitment to begin “removing our troops day one” is an immature comment that either shows a lack of understanding of simple logisitics, an abandonment of a mission many of us who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa believe is a worthwhile effort or simply pandering. All of which is immature thinking, though not necessarily childish. His comments on reducing or eliminating military projects before he has even become informed about said projects puts him in an awkward position when he either has to go back on his campaign promises or eliminate valid and worthwhile spending in order to fulfill camapign rhetoric. If anyone bothers to study the middle eastern culture (not necessarily Islamic but rather middle eastern)you can see that Osama bin Ladens’ comments about our non-response in Mogadishu was the trip-wire that gave him the greenlight that led to embassy bombings in Africa, the USS Cole in Yemen and eventually to the World Trade Center catastrophe. The non-response to each of those events gave him more followers and allowed Al Queda to have the prestige and credibility it had until a couple years ago when President Bush’s surge was implemented. For Obama to campaign on an immediate withdrawal and abandonment of yet another US military operation on a much grander scale than Mogadishu, regardless of our success simply blurrs the lines and says “We are not committed to our freedom and that of others, nor will we follow through on what we started. Al Queda has won the guerilla war because we quit.” This ain’t WWII where if we own the turf the inhabitants will fall into line. President Bush understood this but Mr. Obama has either calculated his rhetoric was necessary to get elected but doesn’t really believe any of it or has a very immature view of the world your military operates in. Hopefully he’ll become more informed and make the right choices when he weighs the national risks against his political promises. Keeping SecDef Gates was very smart but now we’ll see if he’ll listen. And to those who say because the American Legion was not a supporter of Obama and are now paying a price, that’s pretty silly. Either this guy will rise above the politics or he won’t. If “payback” was driving his social calendar on election day then he certainly could’ve paid-back the MoH recipients from all of our wars for their sacrifices and by extension all of those who serve and their families. First time in 56 years the president has snubbed these guys. That kind of payback is the childish immature thinking.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
The President may pay lip service to Veterans, but I doubt he has any actual experience with them.
We’re like bugs under glass, most likely.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:57 am
I had the privilege to attend the Salute to Heroes Ball at
the Renaissance Hotel and felt honored to sit at the same table with a Medal of Honor recipient. He recieved his MOH for selfless acts of bravery in March of 1971. I was a junior in High School then, Vietnam was a world away, and my biggest worry was probably a quiz in math class. I have definitely matured in the last 38 years and understand, with heartfelt reverence, the sacrifices these men and woman have made for this country, we so love. The egregious mistake of Obama not visiting this Ball, was probably due to young upstart advisers, who hopefully, with maturity, will recognize the difference between “flash in the pan” celebrities,(whose Inaugural Balls Obama visited)and true heroes who actually deserve our respect and admiration.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Here we go…. It does not surprise me that our new commander in chief dished the ball at all. This is only the beginning of what lies ahead. He of all people should be thankful for those MoH recipients. If it wasn’t for those brave men he would have never of been elected President in this democratic society. I just hope all of those people that voted for change are ready for the “CHANGE” that lies ahead for this country!
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
I so Concur Herkpilot! I think people should go to the web page Jihad watch.com and watch the video Fitna and see what mistake Obama is going to make by capitulating to the left. In addition, people go to your local bookstore and buy the book Stealth Jihad by Robert Spencer. Just maybe it might change your minds about pulling out of Iraq or Afghanistan.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
You are being a bunch of right-wing cry babies! Do any of you even know that facts? Perhaps his security detail prevented him from attending. Are the Military big wigs that attended the CinC ball just as ‘un-patriotic’ for not attending? Did the metal of honor recipients not have special treatment / seats at the actual inauguration?
Get over it people! This is going to a be a satisfying 8 years watching you right-wingers squirm!
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
T-Rex and just passing by
Obviously I don’t know either of you but my guess is that you’re unfamiliar with the military culture you find yourself trying to discuss. Your commentary might be appropriate if this blog were political but it’s not. It’s about leadership and the military. Clearly you don’t get that the military has always been at the mercy of the presidents, regardless of their party. We’re talking about respect here, not politics. I’d submit that after reading what’s been written here you’re missing the point entirely and clearly can’t fathom what it means to be a Medal of Honor recipient and the esteem we hold them in. If this event had a history of sporadic attendance this would not be an issue, but it has a far different history. This military culture comes from having a second job driving a taxi after duty hours to support your family, yet re-enlisting. Your spouse having to abandon a career due to frequent moves. Eating fried bologna in the mess hall because Mr. Carter held us in such low esteem, yet continuing to serve. I served under Reagan, Bush-41, Clinton, and Bush-43. I’ve been shot at on four continents. That supersedes the simple silly politics you guys are stuck on. It’s about respecting traditions that are important to the people who protect you and your family. Unless you’re one of those people, you don’t get to decide whether that tradition is valid or not just as I don’t get to decide the validity of traditions at Harvard. Of course the difference being one has to do with young people and Ivy League education and the other has to do with young people being sent to war by both democratic and republican presidents over the last 70 years. Quit the sideshows and try to understand what the concerns are.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
HerkPilot,
Thanks for those great posts as you are spot on. The others here who are saying the MOH winners weren’t slighted because he attended one event and not another are just wearing Rose colored glasses. I know exactly what say as a veteran about moral and constitutional, and in the end respect. The new president needs to be aware of what he has done and learn from it.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:15 am
Herk- Thanks for the thoughtful response and your parsing out what you meant by immature. I would point out that Obama has since altered, if not abandoned, his promise about immediate withdrawal. This change in position reveals the immaturity of both Obama’s rhetoric as well as those who believed what he said word for word. I personally look at specific campaign promises as a glimpse into a candidate’s world view, policy goals etc.
Perhaps my lack of military background provides me with a different perspective, but I have trouble understanding why Obama’s promise of withdrawal amounts to an admission of defeat or an abandonment of our cause or betrayal of the hard work of our troops.
Bush and the Iraqi leaders have already agreed to a withdrawal timeline that is only slightly slower than the one proposed by Obama during the campaign. I don’t see how troop reductions on the first day signial defeat whereas a year from now they mean…what exactly? We have to leave eventually at what point is leaving no longer a betrayal of the hard work of our trooops?
Furthermore, even if all the abandonment and defeatist rhetoric, which demorcats are usually accused of but are now common amount republicans, were to be true, it wouldn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a prudent action. Sometimes you have to acknowledge that a mistake was made and cut your losses. While I don’t feel that we need to do that in Iraq, the language of abandoment and betrayal are little more than fear mongering in my opinion.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 am
Dang it “Passing By” ~ they are not Medal of Honor winners. They are Medal of Honor Recipients. I’m just not going to waste the time to type more because you crazy people will never understand of all of this anyway.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
just curious how many of these ranting posters who are claiming some kind of agenda of “payback” have actually done any military duty themselves and how many are just looking for any excuse to wrap the flag around themselves to make up for their bad grammar and spelling. As a ‘Nam vet i was pleased -touched, really- to see the live-feed from troops actually in Kabul as well as the Purple Heart vets chosen to join the light-on-brass C-in-C ball. Those were both brilliant statements that heroism isn’t just in our history but is alive amongst us at this moment. Some new traditions started but not acknowledged.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Let’s face it. Obama has no class, no appreciation for the real achievers and heroes of America, and only superficial loyalty to this wonderful country.
He is a Muslim Marxist with a Black Supremacist wife and he owes a ton of IOUs–to a Muslim terrorist sympathizer (Mansur) for buying his way into Harvard, to Soros for funding his way and helping groom him for public deception, and to countless Muslim terrorist organizations and individuals for sending him contributions to buy his way into the White House.
He has been and will continue to collude with Mozzie terrorists and sympathizers from day one.
And the public bought this spectacle which is all glitter and no ethical, patriotic, or moral substance.
I am just sick of this whole godawful BS.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
You can’t be everything to everyone. Someone is always going to be offended. I don’t know why Obama didn’t show up to this event, I agree it should have been a priorty on his list events - but I don’t know the facts! (as many here don’t either) However, I was happy to see that the MoH receipt’s were given special attention at the inauguration ceremony.
Many of the harsh comments above are the type of divisional politics we are trying to move away from. Some folks don’t want to move on and will just wallow in their ‘not my president’ state of mind. Not me. I’m moving forward…
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
I entered the comment labeled “Appalled”.
I fear for this country. I write books on the subject of how Muslim treat women and infidels and if Obama does bring in 500,000 more Mozzies, we are in for big trouble. They will try to take over.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:44 am
BALONEY! There are just too many of those stupid balls and how can he possibly attend all of them. Complain about something important than the attendance of a stupid ball.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Ryan,
It’s “Not My Zero”.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
A thought,
“I would point out that Obama has since altered, if not abandoned, his promise about immediate withdrawal.”
Word from yesterday is that Zero directed JCS to meet his 16 month promise to stab our troops in the back.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Dear Kyle,
I’m not sure if the 92 yr old MOH recipient was able
to sit out in the cold for hours to see the President.
Some are in wheelchairs. Some suffer from injuries
sustained.
This isn’t about “Red America or Blue America, but
the United States of America” Sound familiar?
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:47 am
FACT: Obama skipped the Salute To Heroes Ball.
Lie: “He was there and its the vast right wing conspiracy to deny it.”
Deflect: “He was there at the CinC Ball. “here’s proof”
FACT: The Medal of Honor is EARNED.
Demean: “The MoH is won and there needs to be more of them handed out. It makes people feel important.”
To the Obamanation: Do not try to defend the indefensible. Obama did not attend the Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball, pure and simple. Wrap your heads around that and the rightful repercussions of it. No amount of deflection or lies will change the facts. There is no time machine that can change the fact that he chose Celebrities over Heroes.
If you don’t like the repercussions of his choices on his first half day in office, vote against The Party in 2010 and against him in 2012.
To the Obama Gestapo: UCMJ states the military must obey his orders. It does not state that the military gives up their 1st Amendment rights to articulate why the CinC is wrong. It provides rules for legal participation in the political process, in order to maintain this branch of the government as independent. It does not allow any member to represent their political views as the political views of the Military establishment.
If you want to take issue with the rights of the Troops to engage in the political process, start with those that are actually breaking the law: the IVAW.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
[...] This doesn’t speak very highly of President Obama’s character: According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Raoul-
I was referencing the promise to begin withdrawals from day 1, not the 16 month deadline.
As I mentioned above, I fail to see how a withdrawal timeline of 16 months is stabbing troops in the back while a 3 year timeline is somehow loyal to the troops.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
A thought..What we learned in Vietnam was that in a guerilla war all you have to do is outlast the opponents. That’s what Aideed did in Mogadishu and the middle east saw that as a victory and bin Laden capitlized on it. By simply saying we are abandoning something we started we are admitting defeat again. It’s not like cutting your losses on a bad business deal. You can write those off and no one dies over it. “Cutting your losses” here tells all those who’s lives were forever altered through death as well as pysical and mental disabilities, along with all the families that sacrificed their husband/mother/father that we’re writing you off like a bad business decision. And what does that accomplish in the long run? A repeat on a grand scale of Mogadishu. I use that as an example because in the middle eastern culture they see things in terms of generations, not administrations. They’re still pissed about the Crusades and we’ve forgotten about 9-11! In Mogadishu they were able to claim victory over a relatively small force that was poorly supported because of a political decision not to send AC-130 gunships out of fear it would escalate the situation. If you’re the guy getting shot at the situation has already escalated beyond the politics but I digress. Imagine the cries of victory if we pull out before the mission is finished after the forces we committed over almost six years. Imagine what our allies think when we cut and run after tearing the place up. If the destruction of our enemies was the only objective we could’ve nuked them and called it done. In the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” the very end highlights the void we created by simply using the Mujhadeen to remove the Soviets and then abandoning them. I remember the kids in the streets of Baghdad when the statue of Saddam was pulled down, and we were welcomed as liberators but we screwed up the win. Now if all the people in Iraq we convinced to help us were abandoned, guess what their fate would be at the hands of whoever filled the void. Who would help us in the future? What kind of reliable partner would we be? Few realize we had troops in Bosnia for more than a decade and we still have missions there because President Bush refused to abandon a mission his democrat predecessor started. We cannot play poltics with this stuff. We’re talking about setting a stage for the next century, at least. And we’re telling the soldiers and families either what they accomplished was important enough to see it through or you’re a political write-off. There’s not enough of us who’ve been there done that to make a difference on election day so we have to have a CinC who’ll fight for us because it’s right. People say integrity is doing what’s right when no one is watching. I think it’s harder to do what’s right when the whole world is watching. Thanks to President Bush for sacrificing his popularity trying to do what was right. Hopefully Mr. Obama will do it as well but he’s not off to a great start with us.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
[...] 22, 2009 by ThomasFiled under: Obama Obama is the first President in 56 years to snub the American Legion’s ‘Salute to Heroes’ Inagural Ball. Powered by Max Banner Ads Share and [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Herk- Not sure where to start.
First, you didn’t address any of my questions about how Obama’s timeline is an abandonment or admission of defeat while Bush’s timeline or some other timeline is not. If Iraq is ready to stand on it’s own in 16 months, then it will be Mission Accomplished.If anything, post like those of Raoul are an insult to our troops. They assume our troops have not done enough in the past 5 years to create a lasting peace and/or they will not be able to do enough in the next 16 months to finish the mission we started 5 years ago.
Second, if the country no longer supports the cause we went to War for or it’s been shown that we went to War for the wrong reason etc.. then I don’t see how sacrificing additional men and women is the answer. I think this is where my lack of a military background hurts me the most. I can’t imagine the bond you feel between yourself and those the serve with and under you. The closest I have ever come is with a sports team and that obviously pales in comparison. So with that said, I can understand the need to finish what you started or to see through the mission that cost the lives of your friends, but that argument just begets violence upon violence.
I think your Kosovo comparison is more apt and I think it is likely that the US and or some international coalition will remain in Iraq for much longer than the next 16 months.
At some point we need to bring troops home from Iraq and see if that country can stand on it’s own. Nobody knows with much certainty when Iraq will be able to do so. For whatever reason many republicans assume 16 months from now is far too soon and a signal of defeat. I just don’t get that. The surge worked, remember, the Iraq is much better off than before the War, the “media” makes everythign look worse than it is, remember? That’s great and if it’s true I don’t see why Iraq can’t stand mostly on it’s own in 16 months.
Lastly, I don’t understand your unwavering support for President Bush and have trouble applauding him for trying to take care of a mess he in large part created.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
A thought,
You traitors fail to see any of your treason.
A 16 month timeline gives the enemy hope.
The 36 month timeline doesn’t. They bad guys can’t sustain themselves for 36 months. They are back on their heels and losing. Our troops believe they can continue and finish the job within 36 months. The Iraqis have similar beliefs.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Herk,
The paragraph is your friend.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Blow off the people who he saids he is here for. THIS IS NOT GOOD, It takes heroes to give the freedom for thers. THIS IS NOT GOOD!
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Raoul,
Traitor…? Hilarious. Why? Because I think that we have done a good enough job to leave Iraq after 6 and a half years of hard work by our troops? Yes highly traitorous.
“A 16 month timeline gives the enemy hope”- I didn’t realize you had polled the enemy on the issue.
“The 36 month timeline doesn’t. They bad guys can’t sustain themselves for 36 months.”- Ummm..they have sustained themselves for 5 years now while also fighting us in Afghanistan.
“Our troops believe they can continue and finish the job within 36 months. The Iraqis have similar beliefs.”- Wow..again I did not know you had polled our troops and the Iraqi people. So the troops don’t believe they can finish the job in 16 months? Why not?
Honestly, you can’t simply state your opinion as fact.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
A thought…I appreciate your candor. Let me try another way. The rhetoric Obama campaigned on had no tie to success, it was simply “we’re leaving.” Since that sentiment was expressed President Bush, working with our allies and the Iraqis made an agreement for withdrawal that is based on present success and can be altered based on events yet to occur. That is a huge difference. One is “Whatever the circumstances, we’re leaving!” that so many Americans embraced and the other is based on accomplishing our stated mission and following through on our committments. Since then, Obama has matured and altered his position but he still has not provided for a change in the situation on the ground. Also, the Iraqi PM has stated he would hope the original agreement would be honored but if Obama wants to leave earlier then they will adapt. The difference is not time or even events now but rather honoring our commitments. We’re not talking about changing Americans’ or even Europeans’attitudes in order to prevent terrorism. The middle east doesn’t have elections every four years. Their culture appreciates a strong leader who rules for decades. It provides the stability they love. We, on the other hand welcome change every so often. We’re trying to influence a culture that doesn’t see the world as we do but sees us as people who come and go and are unreliable and therefore unworthy of their respect. They don’t differentiate between the government and the people. If we don’t follow through then we are unworthy of their trust and unreliable liars. Absolutely we need to bring our troops home, and your reference to republicans is valid and highlights some of our foreign policy problems. We as a people through our elected representatives are impatient and unpredictable. Whether republican or democrat, a politician is a politician. I disagree vehemently with Joe Lieberman on several issues, but he is balls-on right when it comes to dealing with terrorists. I agree with Arlen Specter on several things, but he is so wrong on so many things it ain’t funny. This isn’t politics we’re discussing. Most of the problems in the middle east can be traced back to the division of the Ottoman Empire by the British after WWI. Middle eastern tribes don’t see the political borders the Brits drew. Studying history and culture are very useful when trying to influence people who are trapped in the past. My loyalty to President Bush stems from his loyalty to me. I was in Oman when he flew into Baghdad that first Thanksgiving and watched when he passed up photo ops to preserve the dignity and privacy of families. If it’s true that rules without relationships cause rebellion, it is equally true that relationships can lead to undying loyalty. The man made mistakes but not for his personal or political gain. Those mistakes cost me and those like me far more than it cost most Americans, yet he has our undying respect and gratitude. He kept my family safe and showed us respect in the process. Obama could have that as well, or he can squash us like Clinton did. I can’t stand that SOB, but that’s another very long blog that doesn’t fit here.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Sorrry about the last reply and not completing it. I was just soon PI—- off that he blew them off and spent all that money Tuesday for what. They did it right the second time when he took the oath. I am glad it did not cost as much as the first time ( he would be ahead of Bush on spending) To blow off owr heroes that gave people like him the right to be President.THIS IS NOT GOOD
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Raoul-
Duly noted. I’ll make more spaces next time.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Herk- You said it perfectly:
“The man made mistakes but not for his personal or political gain. Those mistakes cost me and those like me far more than it cost most Americans, yet he has our undying respect and gratitude. He kept my family safe and showed us respect in the process.
Obama could have that as well, or he can squash us like Clinton did. I can’t stand that SOB, but that’s another very long blog that doesn’t fit here.”
You rock!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
[...] McDonnell’s devotion to our men and women in uniform serves as a nice contrast to the current occupant of the White House, who is the first President in the 56-year history of the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball unable to find the time to attend. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
[...] For the rest of the story ….. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Herk and Defend-
How can you be so sure what Bush’s motivations were? I tend to agree with you but I only bring it up to point out how your perception of a person shades how you view their decisions.
If Obama decides to pull out at 16 months and Iraq falls into disorder it seems pretty clear you will believe Obama made a decision out of political expediency. He will then not be worthy of your respect. You really won’t know if he had military advisors saying it was a good time to withdraw although I’m sure he’ll say his advisors said Iraq could handle it. I understand you have evidence to believe that it would be a political decision, since it was a campaign promise, but what evidence do you have that Bush had no personal or political reasons for attacking Iraq?
I guess I just feel let down by President Bush because I didn’t want to go to War, but when we did I hoped we had made the right decision and anxiously awaited the discovery of WMD’s only to be disappointed. After that I felt duped. I can understand your admiration for Bush since he never gave up and treated the troops with respect, but admiring someone for valiantly attempting to clean up his own mess is really faint praise.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
A thought
In reference to your response to Raoul, upon what do you base your opinion that the troops have done a good enough job? They’ve done a great job but do you believe the stated mission is accomplished?
Any timeline with a date certain for pullout does give any guerilla force hope. I can stand anything as long as I know how long it will last. More importantly, it causes concern among those we have won-over. “Are we going to pay for our support of the US after that date or will the US stay and protect us if necessary?”
Either side can last as long as their support lasts…and not a minute longer. The question is “Who’s support will end first? The terrorists or the Americans?”
There are so many lessons learned after Vietnam. The military dissected the entire situation and was brutally honest with itself. Unfortunately the current visiting politicians of both parties were playing badmitton and missed that day of class. The guys and girls in uniform aren’t the end-all know-it-alls when it comes to dealing with other nations and the various thug groups but they at least know that. The politicians (both parties) are just stopping through while some of these military folks have spent the last thirty+ years studying the politics of military intervention and the unintended consequences of it.
I guess you have to have a certain level of arrogance to run for office but they should really check that ego at the door when it comes to sending young Americans to kill others and die themselves. Gotta stick with it once you make the committment or you’ll never be able to un-f*#! it. And you really should set the heroes a step above the donors on inauguration day.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
“As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.”
I find it interesting that the POTUS said these words and yet could not find the time to attend the Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball, or at the very least stop by and pay his respects.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
A thought,
[Honestly, you can’t simply state your opinion as fact.]
If you won’t take your own advice, why should anyone else? And you’re not honest.
[Traitor…? Hilarious.]
No, you’re dangerous, you get Soldiers killed.
[Why? Because I think that we have done a good enough job to leave Iraq after 6 and a half years of hard work by our troops?]
That’s liberal BS. You don’t believe the troops do anything good. The job isn’t done, unless you know more that the Iraqis’ and Gen Petreaus.
Remember him, the guy you now quote but called “Betray Us”.
[Yes highly traitorous.]
On that we agree.
[“A 16 month timeline gives the enemy hope”- I didn’t realize you had polled the enemy on the issue.]
What do they tell you at your planning meetings?
[“The 36 month timeline doesn’t. They bad guys can’t sustain themselves for 36 months.”- Ummm..they have sustained themselves for 5 years now while also fighting us in Afghanistan.]
BS, they’re working out trial areas across the border, which until lately were off limits.
[“Our troops believe they can continue and finish the job within 36 months. The Iraqis have similar beliefs.”- Wow..again I did not know you had polled our troops and the Iraqi people. So the troops don’t believe they can finish the job in 16 months? Why not?]
I keep up, you should too or take notes so you don’t waste the rest of the group’s time. Or just stop lying.
The agreement between the US and Iraq, commonly called Status of Forces, concluded a few months ago and 36 months was the objective. That’s a fact.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
“anxiously awaited the discovery of WMD’s only to be disappointed”. Guess you missed the 550 metric tons of yellowcake uranium then? You know, the uranium used in nuclear weapons processing. The 550 tons found in Iraq and sold to Canada, after OIF? Or the gassing of the Kurds?
As to the 16 month deadline, if you give your enemy your timeline for doing something, he just waits. I realize it’s a tough concept, not advertising your options, but give it some thought.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Herk-
I don’t know they have done a good enough job. It was sort of a rhetorical response to the traitor accusation. I would suspect that Obama knows whether they have or have not better than I do, or Raoul does.
I do know that Republicans have been bragging about the success that have occurred in Iraq over the last year or so, yet when a withdrawal is discussed, they acuse the Democrats of cutting and running and giving up or, in Raul’s case, call us traitors.
Is the mission accomplished? I don’t think we’ll know the answer to that until we leave and Iraq remains stable.
The timeline argument is one of my favorites. All timelines give the enemy an idea of how long they need to last, but timelines also force the Iraqi government to become self-sustaining. So they aren’t without their virtues. How do you withdraw without a timeline? I do think it is foolish to make it public.
My larger point is the long term success of Iraq will not depend on whether we announce our withdrawal or have an established timeline. Can we alter the odds one way or the other short term? Yes. But what really matters is the will, heart and determination of the Iraqi people, its leaders and cooperation of ethnic groups that have long feuded. You quite clearly understand the complexity of the situation over there, probably much better than I do, but I think the Obama administration has a better grasp on it than the Bush administration did.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I’ve never spoken with President Bush about his motivations, but I have personally witnessed him passing up opportunities to elevate himself out of respect and deference for others.
There was and still is a lot of evidence of WMDs in Iraq that gets scant media attention. Why did almost every senator and congressman in 2002-3 believe the information Bush had? Yet he never tried to dissipate the responsibility among the other politicians and instead stood up and took it all by himself. Congress approved and funded this war all the while pointing fingers at President Bush. Two days after every John Kerry speech there would be dozens of attacks on Americans in Iraq. Just like Vietnam and Tet. Destroy the will of the people and their support. Old and effective tactic for an insurgency.
If Obama pulls out before the mission is complete it will be because that’s his choice. Where that choice comes from is the question. In my opinion he made a campaign pledge based on very few facts and zero experience, either personal or as a senator. Nor did he consult with experts until several months after making the pledge. His moral courage in the senate on the issue is un-inspiring at best, having taken the easy way out almost every time. Having said all that, any decision he makes is a political one just as every president’s military decisions are political and always will be. Ref. Von Clausewitz. All military activity is an extension of the political process. That’s not the issue.
The issue is whether or not the man makes decisions based on what’s best for our country or what’s best for him and his party. Does he abandon Iraq because it’s the right thing to do or because it helps him politically at home? The man is the CinC and has all the cards so he has all the responsibility, just as President Bush did.
My judgement of his decision will be based partly on his demonstrated respect for those in harm’s way and their families and partly on his rhetoric. We’ll never know what the advisers tell him, but apparently so far General Patreus hasn’t been recommending we cut and run so if one day we start the unilateral cease fire and start marching off to the ports and airfields I’m guessing he went with cut and run. He can choose to raise the shadow of the post-Vietnam military again and appease those who don’t serve and never will, or he can choose to win. It took a lot of money and a long time to fix the damage Carter did and I wouldn’t think Obama would want to be lumped in with that tottering old professor-wannabe.
Once again, he has all the constitutional authority that exists but what will he do to gain the moral authority? Being the first guy to snub the MoH recipients in 56 years is not a grand start, however.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Raul-
Please refrain from telling me that I believe the troops have never done anything good or that I ever said “Betray US”. I won’t have a debate with someone who tells me what I believe, think and do.
Just to show I am reasonable, I will agree that your last point is an excellent rebuttal. The Status of Forces is probably the best insight into their “beliefs” although I hesitate to be so bold as to speak for the beliefs of all our enemies, all our troops and all Iraqis as you do.
Up North- I was waiting for someone to bring up the Yellow Cake. The US and UN both knew about the yellow cake ever since the the first Iraq War. Why did it suddenly become such a threat that an invasion was necessary? The answer is it had not, nor was it the WMD’s the US told the UN about.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Thank you, Joe 216, for the clarity!
Some have gotten off subject.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
[...] can put those concerns to rest…because the answer is a big fat juicy yes! According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
a though,
[Please refrain from telling me that I believe the troops have never done anything good or that I ever said “Betray US”. I won’t have a debate with someone who tells me what I believe, think and do.]
Up yours…you’re quoting the liberal talking points, die by the liberal talking points.
And you’re NOT reasonable.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
a thought,
“I hesitate to be so bold as to speak for the beliefs of all our enemies, all our troops and all Iraqis as you do.”
LOL, water is wet. Guess I just spoke for every water molecule.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
A thought…
Believe me, I didn’t want to go to war either. I went and my nephew went. My son now serves and another is applying to the USMA this year. I want this over with ASAP, but I don’t want my kids to have to fight it in ten years either.
If you ever had to wear the Chemical Ensemble MOPP Level-4 in a 120 degree desert you’d be thrilled there were no WMDs.
The real WMDs are the human terrorists, not the physical weapons themselves. I’ll argue ideas all day long but if someone pulls out a weapon the conversation takes a decidedly different course. I’d suggest that decisively whipping some ass in Iraq has done more to protect us than many realize, even if grand stockpiles of WMDs were not discovered. And what if they had been there? Would people be arguing that Bush had no idea if they were going to be used against us so the war is unjustified? The message to the culture that spawned 9-11 is simple. You want to talk, we’ll talk. You want to kill our children? Fight’s on. That’s something they grudgingly respect. It’s un-f*#!ing what began in Mogadishu.
That respect is the foundation upon which our soldiers are distributing toys from our children to Iraqi and Afghan children. And our military doctors are treating their families. They’re building the relationships politicians have ignored for decades which will stop someone from even becoming a terrorist. Organization like Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross do far more to enhance our security before a conflict than our military can do with a conflict, in the long term. But that requires we stipulate that our government should get out of the way and let these charities do what they can. Not a cornerstone of the democratic party platform, but I digress.
Just wanted to address everything you mentioned. Look Raoul! Paragraphs!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
a thought,
“I was waiting for someone to bring up the Yellow Cake. The US and UN both knew about the yellow cake ever since the the first Iraq War.”
Really, and where did it come from? When? For what use?
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
a thought,
“I was waiting for someone to bring up the Yellow Cake. The US and UN both knew about the yellow cake ever since the the first Iraq War.”
So now you’re speaking for both the US and the UN? Wow…
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Herkpilot,
Sehr gutt.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Herk-
To get back on subject: How is having the MOH recipients on stage at the commencement or acknowleding them at the CinC Ball a snub? Did previous Presidents have them on stage or at the CinC ball? When you talk about the dedication and sacrifice the troops, past and present, have made, urge others to follow their example, have them on stage, acknowledge them at teh CinC ball; have you not shown enough honor or respect to them?
To get back off subject: Please feel free to share the evidence the media is ignoring. You don’t even need to give me links, just enough information to google it myself.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I apologize for my role in guiding us off target. Reading back I see how it happened.
It’s unfortunate the new CinC became the first in 56 years to miss this event. I’m willing to chalk it up as his administrations’ first military faux pas, though I don’t really have that right since I’m not a recipient of the MoH. There will be more, however. Let’s see if they’re as egregious as Clinton’s who will never regain any respect. Leaving the Football at a political event was supremely evil. Let’s see if Biden can tighten up his shot group.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Regarding the yellow cake:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/war/yellowcake.asp
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Herk- Totally agree on not wanting to fight this war again in 10 years and your skepticism of the 16 month withdrawal.
I agree to a lesser extent about the War in Iraq keeping us safe. It has cost the lives of over 4,000 Americans and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians so it’s not as if the terrorists have not killed Americans. Does it make sense that fighting them there made it less likely that we are fighting them here? Yes, that makes sense. That does not mean it was the only way or even the best way to keep us safe. There are also questions about whether the invasion of Iraq and situations like Abu Ghraib created more enemies and made recuriting terrorists easier. And since you tie it together with 9/11 you bring up the question of whether Iraq had anything to do with 9/11. I’ve never had a problem with the war in Afghanistan and wish we would be harder on Pakistan.
Well done on the shot at the Democratic Party Platform. I can’t disagree with anything you said in that last paragraph.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
A thought…
The military thrives on tradition and history, It’s what esprit de corp is based on. Ask any Marine about the history of the Corps and you’d better bring food cuz’ you’re in for a long day. As an Army Ranger I had to memorize minute details of the lineage. You just don’t want to be the guy who brings discredit to your family or your unit.
This tradition of attending this ball is 56 years old and transcended political party and he’s the first one to forgo attendance so he could hang with the Hollywood elite and racist rappers. If he skipped it to visit wounded troops at Walter Reed or Bethesda that’d be one thing. If he sent a note apologizing for not attending, that’s a little better. But he abandoned a 56 year tradition, and what for?
Evidence of WMDs would be quite a long discussion and way off topic but I’ll try to be brief. First though, you have to agree on the definition of WMD. Do they have to kill or are they sufficent to maim?
There were several mobile labs discovered as well as artillery shells and aircraft capable of delivery. There was also equipment discovered in a Copehagen scrap yard shipped just before the invasion that still had the UN inspector stickers on it. Hosni Mubarak of Eqypt told Gen Tommy Franks that Saddam had WMDs and would use them. He had quite a history of using them on Iranians as well as Kurds (Chemical Ali).
Might have to take a small step to piece it all together but in the context of post-9 11 concerns it ain’t a leap. Diesel fuel and fertilizer by themselves are not a concern but mix them together and watch out. We now monitor agricultural fertilizer very closely because of Terry Nichols and Ok City. It’s difficult to discern intent but Iraq had all the pieces to make crude but effective WMDs and deliver them, and it’s all been documented. You just have to believe that was his intent, and based on history I’d say it was but we’ll never know.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
[...] new CINC attended quite a few gatherings last night, but as This Ain’t Hell reports, the Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball was not one of them. For the first time in 56 years, a [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Herk,
Only liberals will have you believe that a regime with “Chemical Ali” and “Doctor Germ” as two prominent members would not have WMDs.
Also, Saddam gave us an inventory of his WMDs as part of the Gulf War ceasefire. And the UN spent a decade looking for them. I don’t recall any UN puke coming out and saying there were not WMDs during that time.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
The arabs were asking us what the big deal was with Abu Ghraib because no one was killed, no one had their eyes gouged out or were sodomized. Stupid? You bet! Earth Shattering? Only here and in Europe.
Germany never attacked us in WWII either. How many troops do we send to find bin Laden? Do they follow him into another sovereign nation, basically another invasion? How long do we chase a man who’s combat ineffective simply for revenge? Then what? Bring him here for a trial? What are the rules of evidence? Do I want the SOB dead? Oh, dead and buried in a pig carcass. But at what price is the revenge?
Clinton gutted our humint capabilities because he didn’t want to pay nefarious characters for intel. Who do we think hangs around with these thugs? Boy Scouts? We could have had him in Nigeria long ago but Clinton declined. There are ways of getting things done without all the noise. Ask the Mossad about Nazis. We like the series “24″ but only in the abstract. Getting bin Laden is the one straightforward promise Obama has made. How he plans on doing that is going to be interesting.
Did I mention I didn’t care for Clinton? Man, I wish Obama would’ve gone to that ball.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
There was no Medal of Honor ball held this year.
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/10034.html
Jonn wrote: It must suck to be late to the party, huh? That’s been brought up and shot down. My partner was at the Ball.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Herk-
I think it’s pretty obvious that I don’t fully grasp the military mindset, but this conversation has been illuminating in that respect and I certainly better understand the anger or disappointment some feel due to Obama’s decision. I guess I only ask that any discussion of the snub be accompanied by an acknowledgement of the measures Obama did take to honor men and women like yourself.
That is often the problem with conversations like this. Two sides simply talk about what supports their position while ignoring points to the contrary. It’s not actually a conversation just people talking to themselves to make themselves feel better and justify their beliefs all while learning nothing. I think you and I have avoided this.
Yeah, we’re best off not addressing the WMD issue when we are unlikely to reach an agreement on the very definition of WMD’s. I guess I’m basing my understanding of the issue on Colin Powell’s UN speech. I will say this though, even President Bush has admitted to being disappointed at not finding WMD’s so I think arguing otherwise is just spin.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Really, there was no ball to snub. Medal of Honor recipients were at the Commander-in-Chief’s ball.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
Jonn wrote: Geez. Did you just wake up and come in here with these links? Try reading the preceding comments.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
It’s always better to listen to understand and not to refute. That doesn’t mean you have to abdicate your position but you do get smarter and have more credibilty.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
POST 154 I enlisted in the Marine Corps 46 years ago rookie.Wheeler Capt.USMCR
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Did anyone notice at the “Neighborhood Ball”, he said, I paraphrase, “Neighborhood, that’s what it’s all about, “we’re all neighbors”. What about the HOOD?
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Jonn, there really was no Salute to Heroes ball this year. It’s a lie.
Jonn wrote: Yeah, you need to read all of the comments I’m not repeating myself again.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Herk, what’s your website.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Where’s the ball’s website, then? Pictures from said ball?
You won’t find them. It didn’t happen.
Jonn wrote: You’re a lazy turd. If you bother to read the post right below this one, you’d see the pictures, you’d read the story. If you read the comments, you’d see that there were people that were there commenting. Now, if you’re not going to do the simplest work to inform yourself, you need to go back to barbie.com or where ever the fuck you came from to pester these other other fine people.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Thank you. From a retired USAF BSC Officer.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
All you’re doing is making yourself look foolish. Don’t be so trusting.
Obama hosted a great ball for the troops. The American Legion was nice enough to cover that. Funny how they don’t mention their own ball. Because they didn’t have one this year.
Jonn wrote: OK, if you’re so sure, call this Hotel and ask them if they had the Ball there Tuesday night.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
A thought 232
I’ve found Snopes to be less than reliable and oddly somewhat left leaning in their analysis of the truth. They frequently will assign a judgement that is not supported by their text and sometimes their evidence actually contradicts their assessment of the situation. Not a terrible place to start but I wouldn’t finish there.
I’m just a very critical thinker who thinks paranoia is a heightened state of awareness.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Mike H. 245
No website and I never blog. A link was forwarded to me and I started unravelling it and here I am. I’ve probably done enough damage and should move on.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Herk,
No damage in my opinion. You have provided great insight that others, myself included, could not have put into words. Please, don’t be a stranger around here- we like insightful people! Especially when we can learn. At least, I have!
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Always a pleasure, and thanks for the kind words.
Obama should’ve attended the ball. Poor form, to say the least.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
203A thought Says:
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Herk- Not sure where to start.
“First, you didn’t address any of my questions about how Obama’s timeline is an abandonment or admission of defeat while Bush’s timeline or some other timeline is not. ….
Second, if the country no longer supports the cause we went to War for or it’s been shown that we went to War for the wrong reason etc.. then I don’t see how sacrificing additional men and women is the answer. I think this is where my lack of a military background hurts me the most. I can’t imagine the bond you feel between yourself and those the serve with and under you. The closest I have ever … but that argument just begets violence upon violence.”
I hate to start with such a long quote, but you are right a sports team is a poor comparison. Losing a game does not cost lives and hence there is less incentive to overcome all challenges. It is over in a set amount of time (or innings) and all those that cheered or jeered from the sidelines go home to their comfortable lives.
(On a sidenote, Herk, please break it up into paragraphs. You’re saying important things that need to be more readily readable.)
16 Months: The fact is that at this stage of the game, we may be able to pull out in 16 months (though unlikely logistically) without the repercussions of when Obama first began calling for that full retreat 3 years ago. The very election of Obama resulted however in a Victory party and public announcement of the same by AQ and al-Zawahari.
We have in fact won in Iraq, not once, not twice, but many times against multiple enemies as I mentioned here: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/01/what-will-we-do-now-that-iraq-is-a-success.html
So, it is time for more rational minds to prevail on Obama. Iraq is a hard won war and it is time that he rescinded his old campaign platforms and imposed a new policy that seems to be completely foreign to him: Listening to the Generals who are paid to be the experts in this. Instead of dictating strategy that he has no concept of even the definition of, he needs to set aside politics and campaign promises and accept rationale and reason of those that know more than rhetoric, i.e. more than does he.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Why isn’t this important Ball listed here: http://www.greatseats.com/inauguration/inaugural_ball_tickets.htm
If I had wanted to go, I wouldn’t have known about it. It’s not listed.
Before you ascribe sinister motives to President Obama, maybe the C-in-C Ball is the one for which they could provide the level of security he requires. Plus, there are no photos of this “Salute to Heroes” Ball on the Internet. The references to it are all on sites like this one. So, now he’s anti-veteran because he didn’t attend a Ball that’s not recognized?
If George Bush had really supported veterans, he would have skipped the Ball and actually done something about veteran’s benefits. The way our veterans have been treated in recent years is criminal. It took a newspaper’s investigation to even start the process of fixing a very broken system. I’d hardly hold him up as the model for veteran’s support.
Jonn wrote: Yeah, you’re not a veteran. And maybe you don’t know about the Ball because we didn’t want you to go. Ever think of the obvious?
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thought-
President Bush once said that if he lost the election, it would not make or break him as a man. He could go back home and be happy. If he won, he said he would do what he thought was right to move the Country forward.
And, if you have ever seen him interact with people away from scrutiny, you would know how genuine he is. That is how I know the man was there because he wanted to be. You know, I am as much a cynic as the next person, but if you aren’t thinking that people are out to get you all the time, you can spot someone who goes from the heart.
Despite all the media has done to paint him as a power hungry, crony serving bastard, he was anything but, in my eyes. Did I agree with him on all the issues- No way. And at the moment, I don’t agree with the new guy. But maybe I will eventually be able to get there. Who knows.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Herk: If you get a chance drop me an email via the links here. You have the kind of rational thought and objective analysis that can create great analysis and hence articles, especially in the post creation of paragraphs era you’ve embarked prior to my last comment.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
WOTN
Sorry about the grammar. As I said I never blog. I appreciate you wading through my comments though and as you may have noticed Raoul assigned me the same mission. Hopefully I have redeemed myself somewhat.
Excellent point about timelines. Spot on with your last paragraph as well. He’s a youngster and hopefully he’ll listen to the SecDef before listening to Axelrod or Gibbs.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Wow - Someone sent me a link to this site. What a cesspool. You people aren’t Americans, you’re barely human! I will rest easy knowing that you cretins will get it in the afterlife. What a bunch of fargin iceholes. I hope you all get cancer.
Fondly,
A REAL American.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
TSRVT
To whom are you referring? There are all kinds here. I would have to assume based on your harsh tone and name calling you disagree, but I can’t tell with whom. That’s okay, though. In the spirit of the new messiah, we try to disagree witout being disagreeable. I think that message was for liberals and conservatives alike but so far the liberals have generally missed the boat.
BTW. What makes someone a REAL American?
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Parker P,
It took 54 years and 14 inaugurals before we found a President that didn’t measure up and failed to attend, President-reject Obama.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I’ve noticed a trend. There is an entire group of people here that defines respect by how much stuff someone gives you. Does that miss the point or what?
People who serve do so for a lot of reasons but none of them are profit-driven. No one I know has ever gotten “stuff” as a reward for service. No monetary gain can get someone to perform military service after their first enlistment. Bonus Money can make it easier to convince your wife to re-enlist but I’ve never met anyone in 24 years of service who was here for the money or veterans benefits.
It’s all about a lot of other things that are difficult to explain, and sometimes contradict each other. A common thread is respect, however. This is a far cry from the post-Vietnam military I joined at 17. Far more sophisticated and educated. The stats show our enlisted are far better educated and have higher IQs than their counterparts on the civilian side. How do we attract and retain these people under these circumstances? Frequently after training them in lucrative hi-tech careers?
Respect. Like honoring the MoH recipients at an Inauguration Ball as have the previous elected 8 presidents over the past 56 years. Of course, that by itself can’t make someone enlist or re-enlist but not attending can sure make someone think twice about the value of their service.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Herk: No worries on grammar. I was simply in too much of a hurry to respond to the thinking sports teammate, to read on about your Raoulistic Reforms.
You’re making great points in a clear objective manner. I’m loving it.
Demonstration of respect is required to superiors.
Respect on the other hand is earned. The first impression determines how long is required to earn it. Obama has sequentially demonstrated in a series of “first” impressions that he has not yet earned it.
On his first night as CinC, his first impression to our most respected Veterans, and hence the Veteran Community, he made a disdainful decision to choose celebrities over heroes.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Sometime the power of the internet truly fascinates me.
It’s amazing that any half-assed google search for the Salute to Heroes ball give a number of entires which all reference and that keep linking to the same single blog post; this one right here on This Aint Hell. Just because a google search turns up dozens of links to the same place, doesn’t make it good research, and certainly doesn’t make it accurate.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Obama only went to the first 10 balls..the official ones. It does suck he didn’t go to the ball though. These hero’s deserve to be honored as they have the last 56 years and beyond
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
HerkPilot,
Thanks for putting into word so eloquently things I feel strongly about. My elder borther drove Herks in the AF. He also flew EC 121’s out of Thiland over the delta (and got shot at some like you did) and ended up in 135 tankers. He was in the first tanker group in Desert Shield and returned during gulf war 1.
I do hope neither of your sons will have to go to war, but I’m proud there are those who commit to that possibility in support of our national objectives as defined by whoever is in the civilian leadership roles (that’s the system and it’s worked well for over 2 centuries). It is a pity that those who really know what loss and privation are, who lived through WWII, will soon be gone and this current generation, so anxious for “change” will just have to learn the same old lessons of sacrifice all over again.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
This is hilarious.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I just got an e-mail from the Renaissance Mayflower. No Salute to Heroes ball:
Thank you for contacting Marriott. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with information.
The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel held inaugural balls for Ohio, Maryland, and the Human Rights Campaign this year.
More information regarding this hotel’s facilities and services may be found at the webpage below:
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wassh-renaissance-mayflower-hotel/
Don’t believe me? Contact them yourself.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Any attempt to call for peace and tolerance from the left should be considered taqqyia and any call for working together should be considered an application of hudna.
The English language has an excellent habit of borrowing words that apply to specific situations.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:19 pm
The President does honor all veterans -
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
http://www.militaryinfo.com/news_story.cfm?textnewsid=2575
January 19, 2009 - America’s most senior defense leaders honored 43 men who risked their lives with unmatched heroism in service to their country during a luncheon here today.
The men honored had all earned the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, and they will attend the presidential inauguration as honored guests tomorrow.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
It is pretty obvious what the new Present thinks of the Military now that the voting is over and he doesn’t have to lie. Just like using Husane his middle name as he was sworn in. No one was allowed to say his middle name during the election. The man is totally a hard core left winger as you will see in the next six months.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Fear not!!! In 3-years time, or less, America will be startled to learn from a media poll that NO ONE voted for Obama. That is right. No one would admit voting for the Obamassiah. It will come as a shock that Obama was elected by people who do not exist, who are citizens of other countries or shared the same driver’s license and social security number with 3,500 invividuals.
Media heads will be baffled, talking heads will widen their sphincters to reduce the reverberation. A great hue and cry will erupt, but no one will notice the skinny black man and his broom and dustpan slowly slip out of the “White House”.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:17 am
Obama Said There Would Be Change…
The sainted one promised us there would be change. He did not lie about that. He has changed his mind on a number of issues. When he was looking for votes he was in favor of domestic drilling for oil. Now that might come to a screeching halt. Word…
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 am
Maybe it would be wise to look at who is reporting this crock. How many balls do you think a person can attend in one day?! Also your point that the military didn’t vote for Obama is not entirely correct. I’m in the military and I voted for him and I know many other military members who did. Don’t believe everything that you hear from the media or online..None of these are legit…Check out the names of all these stupid links..
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 am
What do you expect from a full-on marxist??
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 am
[...] #6 (permalink) Today, 07:10 AM Maybe I will be the bad one here but lets see: - - Snubs MOH ball I think the snubbing pisses me off the most. I come from a long line of many in my family [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:59 am
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
UMMM. PICTURES OF OBAMA AT THE MILITARY BALL WITH VETERANS AND MOH RECIPIENTS
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
[...] For the rest of the story ….. [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 am
The colored wonder was too busy at the ball for the publisher of Jet magazine.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am
I’m wondering if Obama took the advise of his handlers, since he didn’t receive very many votes from veterans. Its strange because while Obama was in the Senate he had a better record on veterans issues than McCain. Jack Jacobs a MOH recipient expressed his disgust on MSNBC. I just wish he had corrected that idiot, David Schuster, when he kept referring to Jacobs as a Presidential Medal of Honor winner. Oh well, its MSNBC. The office of propaganda for TCW, the colored wonder.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:49 am
[...] we find that Obama is the first president of either party to ever snub the American Legion’s “Salute to Heroes…, a ball honoring Medal of Honor recipients, in the 56 years since its [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
I’ve met a couple of MOH recipients, Gene Fluckey and Greg Boyington. Two of the most unassuming guys you’d ever want to meet. I know what Pappy Boyington would have said, “Fu*k him.” When you’ve gone through what an MOH recipient has gone through, your not going to be bothered if a colored boy doesn’t show up for your party. My guess is, a lot of the inaugural balls looked like a pimp convention.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 am
He could have showed up and shined some shoes, because that’s all he’s good for. When its all said and done, his administration will be Jimmy Carter part deux.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 am
Sorry John, but your pal TSO appears to be fibbing. There was no “Salute Ball”. The American Legion folded that into the C-i-C Ball for 2009. Which was by invitation only so your pal was not there, or at any other military ball, as he claimed. The Renaissance has no record of a Salute to Heroes ball.
You are either in on his fib or too trusting of TSO. But this hoax has gone viral.
And the bottom line is TSO or the both of you ought to be ashamed to be using Medal of Honor winners to advance your anti-Obama agenda.
The President was photo’d with MOH awardees at the C-i-C Ball, and all the Balls are lockdown, meaning that you don’t get to float from ball to ball unless you are in the Presidential and VP Details.
On top of that, Obama has been courting the military pretty well so far, doing all the right things. Which besides meeting with MOH awardees at the C-i-C ball also honored them by placing all that came to DC in a place of honor for the inauguration itself, which also paid ample tribute to service past and present.
“The Medal of Honor winners were also honored by the Inaugural committee with seats for 40 of them just below the podium where Obama took the oath of office according to this story in the New York Daily News which interviewed some of them.
Among those seated below the podium were 40 Medal of Honor recipients, including Peter Lemon, who at 19 had shown superhuman courage, fighting on and on as his comrades fell around him, as he himself was repeatedly wounded in Vietnam.” ”
Jonn wrote: Sorry, Mike, but if you took a minute to read all of the comments here, you’d see that we’ve been through all of this rot over the last three days. Now you took the time to write that long cut and paste job, but you were so sure that you were bringing new information to the discussion that you didn’t bother to give us the courtesy of reading the whole discussion. If TSO was wrong, so were the other 1200 people that were with him at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel at 999 9th Street.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am
Au contraire, John, I read through all 280 articles, only to see you pop up and keep claiming each poster that thinks TSO told a fib that now has gone so big and viral he is scared to retract it. Now it is elevated to a widespread hoax and you two guys are looking like the Scott Beachamps of the Right.
Other blogs have noted that the Legion helped sponsor the 2009 Commander-in-Chief Ball, and nothing on the Legion’s website says anything about a 2009 “Salute to the Heroes Ball”. They had none. Other blogs have examined the list of all official and unofficial blogs listed in the Washingtonian and Washington Post and Obama’s Inauguration Website. No listing for “A Salute to Heroes”.
Stars and Stripes reports that MOH awardees were invited to the C-i-C Ball and their website has pictures up of Obama posing with MOH awardees at that event.
I don’t cut and paste, BTW, I dig. Renaissance has no record of a Salute to the Heroes Ball in 2009.
We know the MOH itinerary that day. Obama’s Inauguration Committee honored them with 40 seats immediately below Obama’s podium. They then had a lunch hosted by DOD Secretary Gates. That evening, they went to the C-i-C Ball and were interviewed by Stars and Stripes and photo’d with Obama. And we know that “TSO” just didn’t stumble in and mistake it for a Ball by a different name because it was one of the 3-4 most exclusive places to be, by invitation only, and under high security.
And the MOH awardees like everyone else but the Presidential and VP details, were in security lockdown and would not be able to float between balls - especially to one that not a single media source reports existed in 2009 but your collaborator, TSO.
And frankly Jonn, if there is any disrespect and dishonoring of MOH awardees, it is by you, Jonn Lilyea and TSO for using them as tools to stoke up anti-Obama outrage over what is looking more and more lie a bald lie…
Jonn wrote: Ok, sweetheart, call this number: 202-898-9000 and ask the staff of the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel at 999 9th Street in DC if they had the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball” in their facilities. Then ask them if Vice President Biden was there (he was-like the 1200 other people who were there). Then come back and apologize for being an arrogant asshole.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
Mr. Kennedy
Where do you get your info that it was folded into C-i-C Ball for 2009? You’re free to make whatever assertion you’d like but for you to contradict a lot of pretty good evidence and first-hand accounts you really should be able to prove it.
I for one am not being dismissive of your claim but you have to provide some proof. I’d be happy to see it but sorry, I’m not one to simply believe it because someone says it. TSO provided evidence to support his position now you have the same opportunity.
Folks, it appears there’s a lot of politics going on here with a sprinkle of racism, neither of which is helpful.I’m no moderator and I certainly helped get us off track for a little bit but let’s look at a couple things.
I didn’t vote for the guy either. There’s nothing he has said or done so far that impresses me as a voter, including his vast years of service as a community organizer, elected official nor his huge list of legislative achievements. I think he used racism to his benefit and allowed others to make racist comments that benefitted his campaign. But as I tell my boys, someone elses bad behavior is not an excuse for your own. I’m not looking for it but it has reared it’s ugly head and I believe it has no place in this discussion.
This has to do with his respect for the military. Many who have posted have made assertions that the ball in question never existed, yet there are at least two bloggers who claim they were there, and one even has pictures. This ball has a long historical tradition which I find difficult to believe would just be abandoned, so if you assert this ball never existed please provide a link or some evidence that it was not held this year. I know it’s difficult to prove a negative but perhaps the American Legion can help you out.
As far as the military vote goes, I really don’t care if you voted for Obama. That’s your business but if you were voting absentee from a combat zone, your vote probably wasn’t counted anyway. Kind of ironic, ain’t it? The democratic party has long used the tactic of disenfranchising military voters because statistically we vote conservative.
This has probably played itself out. Suffice to say that IMHO, this ball did exist and Obama was the first president in it’s history who failed to attend. The question is was his omission a deliberate snub so he could visit with big hollywood donors and racist rappers or was it an oversight by staffers? If Joe Biden attended as claimed, that’s a little problem for the new pres. Up to you to decide if the new president is as contemptuous of the military as the Clintons are.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
He is not fit to shine the boots of any of them, and this shows fullly his attitude toward the military and those who serve. They are better people than he is. We know it .. HE knows it. This is his way of feeling good. Turd.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
John,
Based on my google search, that isn’t even the right address for the hotel.
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, District Of Columbia 20036 USA
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wassh-renaissance-mayflower-hotel/
Jonn wrote: I know it might seem like rocket science to you, but there are two (1+1=2) Renaissance Mayflower Hotels in DC.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
John,
I think the confusion is that it is the Renaissance Hotel in DC, not the Mayflower Renaissance. So sorry about my last post.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:04 am
I anticipate your apology, John, for your needless insult when it is you who failed to properly identify which hotel the function took place in.
Jonn wrote: I apologize that I leave comments open to any Tom, Dick or Harry who can cruise in here and accuse me in my own house of lying without doing an iota of research beyond Googling the wrong search terms. So have you bothered to call the hotel? I didn’t think so. It’s much more fun to accuse me of lying than it is to admit your own deceit.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Having trouble finding reference to the ball itself, I asked the American Legion about it directly.
In short, there was a ball; President Obama did not attend; Vice President Biden did. ‘The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.” ‘
Their full response is below
**********
From: xxx@xxx.xxx
Subject: Salute to Heroes
Date: January 23, 2009 7:59:54 AM EST
To: [me]
Good morning, David,
In answer to your inquiry:
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
Thank you,
Craig Roberts
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.xxx.xxxx (direct)
Jonn wrote: I edited out the email address of Mr Roberts so the webcrawlers don’t inundate him with spam email. I edited out his phone number because I can. Thanks, Dave. We appreciate your support.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
John, o
I googled Reniassance Mayflower Hotel and it came up with a different address than the on you mentioned. That’s all I said and it’s the truth. You called the hotel by the wrong name leading to this misunderstanding. You didn’t lie, but you did make a mistake. I immediately then clarified the error you had made which lead to the misunderstanding. In the interim, you insulted me and asserted the fact that there are two Rennaissance Mayflower Hotels when there are not.
Jonn wrote: So now you want me to rub your belly? Have you called yet? I didn’t think so. You’re more worried about the apology you’ll never get. Grow up. Call yet? Nope?
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
John,
I never said that I didn’t believe the event took place, go ahead and look at my posts from yesterday. I googled the name you gave so I could find the number to call after your first reply to Mike Kennedy. After seeing the innocent mistake you made I found the right hotel and number and made the call.
If you don’t want to apologize for insulting me, then that is your choice.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Therein the confusion lies but I think the David Bell 291 post should lay all this to rest. I too had difficulty because I didn’t know there were two hotels and thought to contact the American Legion directly. Fortunately, someone else was smarter than I (not a great achievement) and got to it first. Thanks for posting it.
Those passionate Obama supporters would do well to be open to the idea that their messiah screwed up and quit trying to rabidly defend the indefensible. People like A thought are capable of intelligent discourse and other should follow the lead, perhaps. “Nu uh” worked okay in the second grade but not so much when you’re supposed to be a grown-up. See post 163…sorry about the paragraph thing. I’ve been counseled.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
So one person doesn’t show and the tough military can’t deal with it. The military industustrial complex needs to be put back in the box and only taken out when needed which hasn’t beent the case in over 60 years.
Jonn wrote: Yeah, I’ve seen Heartbreak Ridge, too (the “back in the box” comment). I’m sure no one is going to misconstrue your remark as disrespect for the servicemembers who’ve sacrificed their lives, limbs and youth over the last 60 years, will they?
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Athought-
JONN(not JOHN)gave you the number and so did TS0.
(”Or, you could solve all this by calling the Renaissance-Washington DC at (202) 898-9000 and just ask them if they had a Salute to Heroes Ball last night”)
I have posted both addresses for all the idiots who only let “Renaissance” stick in their minds, not 999th St. or the phone number that TSO posted.
(202) 347-3000 -
1127 Connecticut Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Renaissance M
(202) 898-9000
999 9th St Nw, Washington, DC
Renaissance Mayflower
Now, will you please stop calling Jonn and TSO liars? it is getting tiresome.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Yanni, your passion is superseded only by your ignorance.
You can’t just “add water” to get an instant military. Advances in technology funded by that military industrial complex have made aircraft and vehicles more efficient and safer, medicines more effective, law enforcement safe and the list goes on and on. There have been years when the Defense Appropriations Bill was the biggest source of funding for AIDS research. But most importantly, the US military affords you the opportunity to say stupid stuff.
As the poem goes, “It is the soldier, not the poet who gives us Freedom of Speech…” I’d love to live in your world where we all hold hands and sing Kumbya, but we don’t. Of course you don’t know that because you live in a nation that is so out of touch with the rest of the world it’s amazing. Your world view is shaped by CNN and the blogosphere, and probably by some professors who told you what to think instead of how to think.
Why are the Kurds fighting for autonomy with both Turkey and Iraq? Why did the Serbs attack the Croats? Or was it the other way around? Why is the Congo so screwed up? Who started the French Indochina War and why? What caused the collapse of government in the Horn of Africa? Do you think the US military was behind all of that? Read the US Constitution and discover who directs the funding for the US military. Do you think maybe the Defense Budget just might be the biggest jobs program to survive the New Deal?
Pull your head out and listen for the “POP” when it clears your rectum. I’m usually pretty mellow but you’re an ignorant idiot. Your ignorant because you’re uninformed. You’re an idiot because you accept that and you’re okay with it.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Yanni
The whole fucking point of this is that The COW needs to have some rapport with his military and though he may be uncomfortable based on his prior comments about war and such, he is still the CIC.
That said, we all have to suck up our mistakes sometime and do the right thing. He could have moved forward for the veterans and soldiers to start anew. But, he chose not to try. That is the worst thing. The soldiers have a duty to honor him as President, but their respect has to be earned. What part of that did you miss in the 300 some posts here?
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
DefendUSA-
Show me where I called anyone a liar. In fact I specifically said it wasn’t a lie. Jonn and I both reacted too quickly before realizing the innocent and honest mistake which was made. The difference being that when I realized my mistake I acknowledged it (289) while Jonn flung insults. Let’s move on.
Herk-
Another thing people forget about the military, and what you were getting at, is all the money military spending pumps into the economy. It was military spending that truly ended the great depression, not vast social programs. As I urged yesterday, if a poster is going to point out the flaws of something, such as the military, then they should acknowledge all the great thing the military does in the areas of reserach and technology, not to mention all the opportunity it provides for individuals in the areas of education, self-development, discipline etc.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Thank you David Bell
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
AThought,
It was implied.
“Based on my google search, that isn’t even the right address for the hotel.”
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
For a little clarification. TSO did meet up with me at the Salute to Heroes Ball (yes, there is such an event and it has been going on for years). I was getting to the ball a bit late and he did ambush me in the lobby….so that may be a little creepy…but everyone has to have a mission. For the facts. I’m 6′2″…not six-one. Need to protect that stat since I’m getting older and it will begin to change. I’m not bald. My hair seems to be growing in a different direction…coming out my ears, nose and all over my back. I’m proud of my Canadian heritage (all my relatives live in Canada) especially when their doing good on the ice, although I’m an AVS fan. Few years back I was listening to the Womens Olympic Hockey game on my car radio and in the end the Canadian team just beat the Americans…what a game. I was so excited I called my Uncle George in BC, since he is a BIG hockey fan and I knew he would be watching it. I announced “Uncle George, we won, we won”. His response was “what the hell do you mean WE WON…your not Canadian.” I believe he was just joking…..right? Oh…and yes, a few Medal of Honor recipients did attend the CIC ball. Lastly, no matter your political views, we had the changing of the guard on January 20, a remarkable event in history. I’m proud to be an American….and France…it will give you something to stive for. Pete Lemon, Recipient, Medal of Honor (always in tribute to E Company “RECON” 2/8Cav 1st CAV Division, Casey Waller, Nathan Mann and Brent Street our three comrades we lost in the battle for which I receive the award)
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Fact of the matter is, he did not attend. Kudos to Biden (even though he was not my pick for VP) if he did, in fact, attend. As a legion member, and relative of a purple heart and medal of honor recipient, I am disgusted, but not surprised. How dare he snub those who have sacrificed so much.
I know what Obama is about. He has duped so many people into believing that he is “The One” to lead our nation, that he needs to throw them all a bone, . After all, they spent a lot of money and time to get him into office. The dopes.
What would he say when he got there anyway? I voted for defeat in Iraq? I have a friend who bombed the pentagon but he is only sorry that he didn’t kill more?
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Moe Green,
In you eye Moe…
“Its strange because while Obama was in the Senate he had a better record on veterans issues than McCain.”
Oh plueeze…
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Here’s one thing I don’t understand. Why are those who support Obama, even those that do so zealously, frequently referred to as duped? Every 4 years a majority of Americans, (the 2000 election aside) buy into what one cadidate is saying over the other and believe that the individual is the proper person to lead the nation. I understand the press’ adoring behavior is often too much to stomach, but even my most liberal friends recognize that. The MSNBC’s of the world do not represent most of those who voted for Obama.
Donna- Obama likely would have said what he said in his speech or what he said at the CinC ball or whatever he may have said to any MoH winners who were on the podium at the innauguration. Why not adopt the sentiments of Mr. Lemon?
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 am
But the ball never happened, remember? It was all a demented lie by me cooked up to denounce the President, even though I EXPLICITLY stated in a different post that I didn’t care as long as he comes through on veterans benefits. Now I am the Beauchamp on the right (per a commenter at Pajamas Media) and all because a bunch of morons were so busy googling, typing etc and too busy to call the correct hotel and ask them.
And Mr Lemon is (of course) exactly right.
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerina15/sets/72157612866023200/
A link to some photos (not mine) of the event, the invitation and VP Biden.
No images to show exactly how large the hall was, or the MoH recipients, but it should hopefully silence the “it never happened” crowd.
TSO were there any MSM press covering the event at all?
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Closure- honestly I don’t know. Didn’t see any, but wasn’t looking.
And I doubt that will silence anyone. To you and I, that would seal it, but people still think the moon landings were faked and that 9/11 is a conspiracy.
People just love to jump to conclusions which defy logic if the fact of it somehow injures their beliefs.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I guess you have to come up on a google search to exist in this day and age.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
A thought–
There has been more than one election where the majority vote did not reflect who won. If you’d like to revisit the 2000 election I’d be happy to, as long as the thousands of absentee military ballots the democrats threw out get to be counted this time.
I’d venture a guess that most Americans don’t realize that unless the number of accepted absentee ballots (using whatever criteria that particular state chooses to use to accept ballots) exceeds the “spread” those ballots are never opened and are detroyed. They are never counted, and statistically most of those ballots typically come from military voters or their families who historically vote more conservative. Just like the Coleman-Franken race has highlighted, this process is far less than objective.
Suffice to say that regardless of the winner, we will never know who won the popular vote of any election. At least not until the system is changed. And democrats are the ones opposed to changing it with legislation. I guess they don’t want to disenfranchise minority voters but disenfranchising military voters is okay. Maybe military voters can become their own minority and be covered by the Voting Rights Act.
If we want to discard the Electoral College that’s mandated under the Constitution then let’s start letting every vote count. Until then, the 2000 election was won by President Bush with no caveats. No more whining.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
[...] the rest here!orGateway PunditorThis ain’t HellorCassie [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Herk-
I was really just poking fun at the whole thing. Sort of like your shot at the Democratic Party yesterday. I have no problem with how President Bush won the election. Even if I did, the proper avenue would be to push for reforming the Electoral College as opposed to tearing down President Bush.
I was just talking about Coleman-Franken at lunch with a conservative colleague of mine. So what happens with Minnesota’s vote if no winner is declared?
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Don’t know what the Minnesota Constitution says, but Harry Reid has already said he was going to seat Al Franken. He also said he’d never seat a Blagoivich (sp?)appointee yet there Roland Burris sits. What’s going to happen when the Minn Supreme Court says it’s such a farce and embarrassment and imposes rules that result in a Coleman win? Will Sen Reid whip out another crow pie and seat who the people of Minn sends or will he try to override their choice and impose his will?
That guy is such an ass. “This war is lost!”
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Herk-
I was just taking a job at President Bush, sort of like you did at the Democrat Party yesterday.
Bush won with the rules in place, change the rules if you don’t like it.
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
“Here’s one thing I don’t understand. Why are those who support Obama, even those that do so zealously, frequently referred to as duped? Every 4 years a majority of Americans, (the 2000 election aside) buy into what one cadidate is saying over the other and believe that the individual is the proper person to lead the nation.”
I do not believe that there are so many Americans who actually believe that America is such a horrible place to live, that we need to change (to what, has never been defined), and the government is the only answer to our problems.
The man has socialist ideas. What makes you think his ideas will work in this country? They don’t work in other countries. And if you give me some idiot comment about how our country is in trouble, then I will strongly suggest that you stop drinking the kool-aid and take a trip to Britain.
I am sick of explaining what the man is to those who watched him talk instead of listened to what he was saying or looked into his voting record (or lack of).
I wholeheartedly wish that the only ones who would be affected by his policies were the ones who voted for him, and the rest of us could sit back and watch the show. That will not happen, though, so until I am proven wrong, you have been duped.
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
The news of this oversight has been blasted all over the country–reaching us here in NH today–so I thought I’d research the event, too. Like CURIOUS, I could find no listing of the ball on the official D.C. website, no postings on American Legion calendars, etc., not even any youtube footage, so I finally wrote a media relations person at the American Legion who responded with this statement, sent via e-mail, a short while ago:
Yes, there was a Salute to Heroes event Tuesday evening (I know, I was there). The first Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet and Ball honoring Medal of Honor recipients was in 1953 on the occasion of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s swearing-in. He, and every subsequent incoming President, with the exception of Barack Obama, has made an appearance.
With regard to this year’s event, here ‘s what I’ve been sending inquiring bloggers:
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
——-
I should note that he also attached two photos, one faintly showing Biden.
I think it’s also fair to point out the new President and First Lady’s attendance at the Commander in Chief’s ball, and First Lady and daughters’ hosting of a concert for military families prior to election night. I personally NEVER would have passed up the opportunity to meet FORTY-SEVEN Medal of Honor recipients. Maybe that does say something about Obama and his priorities, maybe not, but I hope he or his handlers make wiser decisions in the future. I’m sure he’s aware that his popularity has nowhere to go but down.
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I just called all three Renaissance Hotels in DC. None of them hosted a Salute to American Heros Ball.
TSO are you sure you were not at the Illinois State Ball?
also you sya that the American Legion is posting photos, got a link to them from their web site?
I did learn that the organizers of this years MOH ball cancelled it on the 19th
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
YOU ASKED FOR IT WHEN YOU PEOPLE VOTED!
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
My bad, there is such a ball and in 2001, Bush did what Obama didn’t, attend.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45118
Mea culpa, mea cupla!
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Herk As you know 2000 is not about the 200,000+ Gore plurality nationally but rather the 300+ Bush win in FLA.that swung the Electoral College.
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
[...] Obama skipped out on the opportunity to see our Medal of Honor Heroes, the first Pres in half a century to do [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
More Info — you need more info. The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet and Ball, co-sponsored by 14 veterans and military service organizations, WAS held at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel (999 Ninth Street, NW) the evening of January 20th. Attendees included 47 Medal of Honor recipients, former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, CSI actress Marg Helgenberger and Vice-President Joe Biden. There are 1200 witnesses (plus a few secret Service agents and a sniffer dog).
The Illinois Ball was the previous evening. A completely non-affiliated veterans ball was cancelled earlier in the week due to fiscal irregularities(check the Fox News site).
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
JembiB - nicely put.
I too think it was a very, very poor choice to not attend and honor the MoH recipients. I think he missed a perfect opportunity to meet with people who are typically not in his camp. That said, I don’t think it warrants the slander, bigotry, disrespect, and hatred in some of the entries above and on other blogs.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I can’t believe so many people are so silly that they think Obama sat down with a list of the dozens of balls in Washington on the night of his Inauguration and personally picked each one. Just plain silly.
From reading these posts it appears that those in charge of putting together the ball and getting in touch with the appropriate people to ask whether the President would attend did not do their job. It’s not the job of the President or his social secretary to ferret out balls to attend. It’s the job of the people hosting the ball to make sure his social secretary knows about it, about its importance, and all that. It’s hard to find references to this year’s ball even on the internet. Where’s the evidence that anyone in charge of this ball just picked up a phone and tried to get the attention of the President’s social secretary? It happens only once every 4 years and Obama is supposed to personally be aware of it and to plan for it on his own? That’s laughable.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Dominica, then how do you explain Biden coming to it if no one told the PIC?
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
My gosh, it appears there seem to be quite a few “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball” deniers out there that do not want to admit that their beloved BO could have snubbed the Medal of Honor recipients!
Heaven help our country. We are losing veterans from the greatest generation every single day. It’s not like he has ample opportunity to grace them with his presence in the future.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Dominica,
“I can’t believe so many people are so silly that they think Obama sat down with a list of the dozens of balls in Washington on the night of his Inauguration and personally picked each one. Just plain silly.”
What’s just plain silly is that for over a half century and 14 inaugurals, even a loser like Jimmy Carter got the job done.
Obama didn’t get the job done. Is it because he’s black you don’t expect as much from him? That is the velvet glove on the iron fist of liberal racism.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
richard wheeler,
I have a “Sore Loserman” sign I’d be happy to send you.
Think of it as my personal bailout to you.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Donna-
The vote made it clear that many Americans thought change was needed. That doesn’t mean that they think our country is a horrible place to live. That’s called a straw man argument.
Simply because I think America can be better than it currently is doesn’t mean I think other countries are currently better or that I would rather live someplace else.
Your post is a fine example of the inconsistencies of the Right. You say you don’t know what the change is, but then talk about his socialist ideas. Which is it? Do you not know what he wants to do or does he want to make us socialist? You can’t have it both ways.
Your last sentence is by far the best. Until proven otherwise I’ve been duped? The honest truth is we simply don’t know if I’ve been duped. Let’s wait a little bit longer than 3 days before making that pronouncement. Maybe you are right, maybe Obama will abandon all of his promises and the country will fall apart. I certainly hope not. I do know that we are far more likely to fail if people don’t adopt the mentality of our resident hero of the board Medal of Honor Recipient Mr. Lemon.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
A thought:
“Your post is a fine example of the inconsistencies of the Right. You say you don’t know what the change is, but then talk about his socialist ideas. Which is it? Do you not know what he wants to do or does he want to make us socialist? You can’t have it both ways.”
Maybe I should have been more specific. Obama is the one who has never described just what kind of change he thinks we need. He just repeats “hope and change”. Now I am not too arrogant to know that there are some out there who are not happy with their current circumstances. Last I heard, though, the Constitution guarantees us the “pursuit” of happiness, if we are not currently happy. It doesn’t guarantee that my government will give me what it takes to make me happy.
To deny that those who consider themselves to be in dire circumstances and with no control over their destiny will listen to anybody or any authority who promises them a “change” is just plain naive. When people are scared, they tend to be less rational than when they are content. People in that situation will tend to believe anything, including ridiculous lies propagated by left-wing loonbags bent on destroying the reputation of a sitting president. Throw “crowd mentality” into the pot and you have a successful campaign.
I will still have to make my mortgage payment and buy my gas, even though BO is the new prez, but you know there are people out there who believe that he is going to take all their ills away.
Why should I bother to give him a chance? I have visited the whitehouse.gov website, and have seen what is on his agenda. I don’t like it, and I don’t agree with it. If he successfully accomplishes everything on his agenda, this country will no longer be a superior place to live. But, of course, I have a feeling that that is the main objective….
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
So how many veterans voted for Obama? If I remember correctly, McCain was their candidate. It would my choice to thank those who put me into office first by attending their galas. My understanding is that there are too many inaugural parties for the President to attend them all. Much more important that he was in his office bright and early in these tough times…And I find myself agreeing with Rush..who said Republicans have no leader. And that George Bush is a decent man. Doesn’t seem to be a good reason to vote for one for President though, does it?
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Richard Wheeler 321…
The point of the post was twofold. One is that the oversaes military voters (and any other absentee voter) are seldom added to the final count so no final count accurately reflects the popular vote, to include the number you want to use from the 2000 election. That’s the one where Al Gore and his party actively campaigned and brought court challenges against counting absentee ballots. I’d say that’s pretty indisputable.
The second was what you alluded to. The electoral college is what decides the election, not the popular vote. That’s how Obama supporters claim a “landslide” when the popular vote hardly supports that assertion. And once again, people like Franken are disenfranchising absentee voters so the final vote does not accurately reflect the real popular vote. Doesn’t mean Obama wouldn’t have won had they been counted, though. But they weren’t…again.
Regardless, just as in 2000, the electoral college has spoken and here we are. Hopefully you can have a respectable disagreement with me, if in fact you do disagree.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I’ve been lurking on these comments for awhile, its been fun to see everyone playing investigative reporter and dropping tags like “colored” in their comments, way to class it up guys. Take a step back from your agenda and think for a minute, regardless of how Obama really feels about the military he is a skilled politician who is very conscious of how he is perceived. Look at the campaign he ran, look at how well he played the game, do you really think this guy is going to now start “snubbing” groups? The Obama team is going out of its way to be inclusive to typically right leaning groups, evangelicals and the military in particular.
This whole thing seems like you’re trying to marry your belief that Obama hates the military to a non-story. Its preaching to the choir, the story doesnt have legs if you look at the whole picture of how he made the military a big part of inauguration.
Jonn wrote: Yeah. “colored” appeared four times in this thread - one was yours and another was in reference to tinted glasses. So two people used the term in over 300 comments so we’re all racists. Other reasons we might have for mistrusting Democrats (well, besides the fact that we’re all racists) might be that they’re already planning on slicing our budget, our healthcare, our pay - oh, and the guy that they put in charge of the VA is universally hated by the military (well, at least the Army - the largest service personnel-wise). And it’s all stuff we go through every time a Democrat gets in the White House. So go figure why we’re mistrustful of this Democrat.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
http://isaacs.newsvine.mobi/_news/2009/01/23/2345799-obama-blows-off-medal-of-honor-recipients-not-exactly
Jonn wrote: I kinda figured that after we proved it was a real event and that Obama didn’t attend. the next stage would be “So what?” After three days and nights of drama, all of the arguing and name calling, TYPING IN ALL CAPS, they’re going to try to convince us that it wasn’t a big deal. We shouldn’t get upset about it (like they did trying to convince us it didn’t happen).
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Planet Patrol
I tend to agree with you to a point (see post 286). I hold him (or any elected official) responsible for the choices their staff makes. That’s part of the deal they get stuck with. Not sure why he (or his staff) chose to be the first president in 50+ years to miss this event but it does show a break with a tradition that honors some real military heroes.
Having said that, I agree with you and assert he’s just ignorant (see my first post). That by no means indicates stupid and this faux pas is not the end of the Republic. However, it is another brick in the wall that he began during the campaign, intentional or not, of being dismissive of the military. It fuels a fire. We’ll just have to watch and see if the bricks form a wall or get buried in the dust over the next four years.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Planet, I missed the “colored” thing.
That is just asinine, and I hope it stops. Black, White, Greed, Red, who really gives a shit? This is why I liked the army, where the content of ones character really did define who you were.
I disagree partially on this. I think he is playing politics with it, but then again, I suppose he is supposed to. And the security argument may have *some* basis. Truth be told, I still don’t care as long as he follows through on VA funding.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Blood will run in the streets of America soon,and you are all worried about the Fake in chief going to a dance. Forget him and the me me me half of our great nation who elected him Prepare yourselves for the worst time the country has seen since the Civil War. Good Luck and God Speed
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Is this the first time the MOH recipients were given a special invitation and prime podium seats at the Inauguration? From what I can find, I have never seen another instance where they had that level of treatment. Certainly, it’s the first time the Tuskeegee Airmen were guests of honor with special seats also on the podium. So, go ahead with your “Obama snubbed the MOH at the Ball” meme if you must but be fair and mention how they were included in the actual Inauguration as special guests of honor.
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
~~~I see seven CMH recipients “lining up” to meet him~~~
—————————————–
You should read the caption a little closer. It says they were “lining up” for a photo.
Seems like these seven CMH recipients were perfectly happy to be at this ball.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Well his backers are getting what they paid for. Wonder how many “living” CMH holders actually voted for Obama, about seven the way it looks. Then again, isn’t he from Chicago where all dead people in the cemetary vote?
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
someone else,
Scott Isaacs offers a piss poor defense of President-reject Zero.
The bottom line is that all those previous Presidents over more than a half centurey, 14 inaugurals maganed to get the job done and Obama came up short.
What’s your next excuse, “It was his first inaugural?”
All those others managed to get it right the first time.
Obama, Worst President Ever.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Parker P,
See above.
And oh yeah…Obama, Worst President Ever.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
First - I remember when the bastard-in-chief dropped his plans to visit a med unit in the sandbox when he found that there would be no cameras allowed for his ‘visit the troops’ photo op. Gutless POS.
Second - can’t we just change the title of this post to
just plain “Obama blows”????
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
TSO… Wow. I go away for a few hours and you throw feces in the rotating ventilator. Hooahh!. Bravo Zulu!
I only have three points.
Point one. There WAS a Salute to Heroes Ball. It was NOT an official Ball, but it has been attended by every incoming POTUS since 1953 until Obama missed this year’s. Fact. Deal with it. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Point two. I don’t care if Obama is a little green man dancing around with his “Lucky Charms”, a tall Black man or a chubby Caucasian woman. Race does not enter into my assessment of him. Sorry. I take every man, woman, and child as an individual regardless of all that PC BS. Being Black does not give him any negative OR positive attributes in my eyes.
Point three. I think Pete (Thanks for posting… I feel like I just met Elvis LOL) and TSO are correct in pointing out that this is not as big an issue as Obama’s future treatment of the military will be… but I also think it is a discomforting precedent and a Dufus mistake.
Jonn/TSO,
Sorry to add to the already Herculean post count… but some of these ObamaMama’s really need to get back on their meds. If you nonbelievers would just look into past posts, you would find that TSO has been talking about this Ball for a few months like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. The Ball is not a fevered dream he suddenly came up with in his sleep. As much as we kid TSO, (and by “kid” I mean degrade and humiliate him LOL) I have NEVER seen him post something I could not verify via other sources. I AM sure that, if he had a stroke and decided to post something blatantly untrue, Jonn would see that he was placed back in the Home for the Criminally Uncool.
Rock on TSO my Brother. We that have come to know you via these pages and your other blogs have faith and trust in you.
As for the others? Joke em if they can’t take a F*ck.
January 24th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Herk 69,457,000 to 59,934,000 seems pretty sizable though 365-173 seems huge.I agree all votes should be counted.Best R.W.
January 24th, 2009 at 12:48 am
In my opinion everyone should read post #302 and move on.Semper Fi
January 24th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Hey folks,I find it curious that you all really don’t get it. A lot of liberals see Obama as the Messiah. One (SkyeChild) even stated as much. These people will follow him into the fire. Others support him because he is of race and these people will defend him for that reason. (The race card which has shown itself in this thread.) Still others are just ignorant of the real truth in the world and believe all of the BULL that he is going to throw at us will actually make things better for them. I think that he is arrogant enough to believe that he knows all and that he can do anything that he wants and we will just take it.
I say he is just another puppet on a string and that things will get much worse before they get better. So brace yourselves for a wild ride. The Communist Cowboy is riding in!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Wheeler 346 Point is less than a 8% margin does not constitue a “landslide.” Second point is not even every legitimate vote was counted because absentee ballots were not even opened so we don’t really know if your numbers reflect the real “popular vote,” which is irrelevant anyway.
Waaayyy back at 106 it was asserted “this is not Sparta…” Well, yes and no.
This great country of ours has so many different cultures we really couldn’t begin to count them all, but the one that truly transcends all the sub-cultures divided by race, ethnicity, religion and whatever category you choose is the warrior ethos. Whether you want to call it Spartan, Bushido, Southern Military Heritage (an accepted term not having to do with slavery or racism) or whatever, it is a rich culture in our country. It is not confined to any geographic region but is becoming less and less known to the rest of the citizenry. I saw incredible racism when I first went on active duty almost 30 years ago but getting shot at really tends to clean that crap out. It kind of takes you right to the Hierarchy of Needs level and helps you focus on what’s really important and the common purpose bonds people for life. It’s been written about by Sun Tzu, Shakespere and many other greats and has been in existence forever. And it is alive in this country as well.
In our country it has been honed to a razor’s edge and is constantly being refined. It is the best of our country made up of the best of our country who are willing to “…give my life in their defense.” to quote the Code of Conduct President Eisenhower initiated.
Yeah, there is a Spartan culture in the United States. If that scares you that means you fear what you don’t understand. It is truly a wonderful thing you should try to understand before you deride and ridicule it.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
i appreciate everything the military has done for our country. it takes courage dedication and strength to do what you have done.
obama didnt go to the ball but he did honor our families at the neighborhood ball and he did step out of his vehicle to honor our heroes during the parade.
president obama does what he can.
“you can make some of the people happy all the time, and all the people some of the time but you cant make all the people happy all the time.”
Jonn wrote: Yes, and the people he chose to “make happy” speaks volumes.
January 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
When I contacted the VFW and American Legion regarding supporting the USAService.org initiative, both groups declined to participate in the National Day of Service, and both stated their organizational charters do not allow them to get involved in national politics or elections.
There are Democrats that are recipients of the Medal of Honor.
I think the Republican party has controlled military service organizations way too long. Perhaps next time, Democrats will have the same courtesy as is afforded Republicans.
Jonn wrote: I know this probably escaped your steel-trap mind, but every day is a national day of service for the VSOs. Some of us don’t need a partisan, organized day of mental masturbation to serve our respective communities.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:36 am
At least Clinton and Monica waited a couple of years before they embarassed the people of American and dishonored the office of the President.
The Obamislm is indeed a disgrace to all tax paying Americans, Christians and people who know what foundations this Great Nation was founded on and what it takes to keep it great.
January 24th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Clarification and opinion:
Scott Isaacs - “Not Exactly” Either he attended or he didn’t. The new president did not attend.
Parker P. - MOH recipients have been fortunate enough to have the same seating for years at the swearing-in ceremony. We are the one constant at every Inauguration. We don’t take this lightly and feel blessed to be there in support of our outgoing and new president.
Shadowman - MOH recipients don’t vote for the president as a group. We are just like the general public. One person - One vote.
As I said before I’m proud to be an American. To see an in-coming president take the oath while the out-going president applaudes, then walks out the front steps of the capitol, gets on a helicopter, never to return to the post. All done with dignity and respect.
History is made everyday. Some moments big…others not so. Obama taking the Office of the President is a BIG moment is our nation’s history. I personally feel it is one of the bigger moments in my lifetime for our country…to elect a black man. It speaks volumns about our country and our citizenship. It speaks about our character and patriotism. But that MOMENT is now history and gone.
President Obama has his plate full…not because of anything that happened in the past, but because our presidents plate is always full running the most powerful nation in the world. My hope is he steps up to the plate and hits a grand-slam. If he can’t deliver…we the citizens….will again decide his fate…..if he is worthy of the post.
Pete, Medal of Honor
January 24th, 2009 at 11:19 am
351WEBMASTER Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
“When I contacted the VFW and American Legion regarding supporting the USAService.org initiative, both groups declined to participate in the National Day of Service, and both stated their organizational charters do not allow them to get involved in national politics or elections.”
“There are Democrats that are recipients of the Medal of Honor.”
“I think the Republican party has controlled military service organizations way too long. Perhaps next time, Democrats will have the same courtesy as is afforded Republicans.”
First, let me applaud the VFW and AmLegion for recognizing a partisan trap and denying themselves the opportunity of placing their foot in it.
Secondly, let me point out that the Organizational Missions of the VFW and AmLegion are far too important to be drug into partisan politics.
And the third point dovetails into the second: Though these two are not “Republican Controlled” the DNC has actively worked to create “Veteran Organizations” that have greater loyalty to their party than to their mission statements. Included in these are VFP, VVAW, IVAW, VoteVets, IAVA and VVA. Of these, the IAVA is the most disappointing because they kept their partisan bias hidden until the 2008 campaign when they argued the party line (DNC) and endorsed candidates with “proof” that contradicted their mission statement.
Because of that third point, the VFW and American Legion demonstrate that independence of partisanship and focus on the issues effecting Veterans continues to be of utmost importance.
The question then becomes why has the DNC abandoned the Nations Troops and Veterans? How is it that even the “Blue Dog Democrats” have been whipped into line by Pelosi, Reid, Frank, and Murtha? And since this is the case, how do even a minority of Veterans support the DNC?
January 24th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
[...] Blew off Medal of Honor recipients [...]
January 24th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
[...] Blew off Medal of Honor recipients [...]
January 24th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
is a piece that I wrote that clarifies what actually happened about the Salute to Heroes inaugural ball complete with an official statement from the American Legion’s media relations officer. It’s nothing like this blog post has portrayed it as.
Jonn wrote: Yeah, I read your “analysis” last night. Actually, you’re using a lot of supposition and you’re writing an excuse for the President when you actually know nothing about the circumstances. There’s more to this story than I can write about now for the time being - regardless, you’re way off base. In fact, you’re in the wrong ball park. When I do write the whole story, your face will be so red.
January 24th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Been to the two previous Inaugurations. President Bush, who honored the troops without the fanfare, unlike the photo op scenario this ‘clan’ wants to do it, also had a pre-Inauguration gala for the troops and MOH winners at the Washington Arena. The President, Vice President and others were there. The MOH winners had skyboxes, I hosted one of them. There is a wide, wide gap between the former Administration and the new ‘clan’ taking over the Administration and completely controlling Congress. Anticipate rhetoric in support reported in msm but the opposite in reality. It has already started in many departments according to many we know who work in DC. Fake patriotic in the media, dive leftist. It will be interesting to see how long his military appointees stick around since they are conservatives. I wonder how long it will take for Colin Powell to realize his mistake.
January 24th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
#358 Colin Powell realized his mistakes some time ago and is attempting to rectify them through his strong endorsement of Obama.
January 24th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
[...] he told the whole freakin world how many there were, which was, you know, a secret. - he blatantly blew off medal of honor recipients while hip hopping with his thugs and celebutard buddies. - he greviously [...]
January 24th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I don’t like for the commander and chief to be the first one not in attendence when he can attend, Africa on the Potomac inaugural celebration at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. but I must admit I don’t have enough information to make an informed decision
January 24th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Hello all
I agree with all of your - other than the eternally curious Curious..
I am a 71 year old Conservative who, because of the vagaries in the calendar of wars, never served but for 2 years in the National Guard (103rd) in CT. I have never visited this site before, but now that I have, I am determined to pass it along to all my friends interested in protecting us from the likes of Obama, Reid, Pelosi, etc. You men and woman can do it, and actually must do it before we all perish.
To all of you who served, please accept a heartfelt thank you from me, and all my family, children and grandchildren!
Best to you and yours.
Jerry
Jonn wrote: Welcome, Jerry. I hope we hear more from you. There were about 40,000 other people who visited here for the first time this week, so you’re in good company.
January 24th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
In 2005, the ball was the first one attended by Pres. Bush.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=24307
January 24th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Might want to check the sources on this one guys it looks like this ball never even took place… At least the sponsers of the event don’t have naything on their website about it, so this one might be worth a second look before rumors get started.
Jonn wrote: It must suck to have your internet brought in to your house by carrier pigeon.
January 24th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
#72 says it all, its not about Pres Obama, its about the MOH recipients. The MOH recipients did not miss out on getting to shake Obamas hand, Obama missed out on the pleasure of shaking theirs.
Screw it, Obama didnt want to show, whatever. If he really wanted to go he would have.
I just hope that not 1 of the MOH recipients hang their head in disgust, I hope every person who voted for Obama does.
The man they voted for president cant even take the time to show respect for the few MOH recipients who helped make it possible that the USA even has a president, in turn his history making job.
To Obama … Be thankfull you coward
January 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Jonn, it’s a liberal talking point, they can’t think on their feet so they just regurgitate what their keepers tell them to.
And, #359, no, Powell just endorsed the affirmative action candidate. You can parse it any way you want, but that was it. I expect him to change his party affiliation to D, any day now. Just to keep himself in the spotlight.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
OK, I am late to the party, but I must offer my two cents. First of all, far too many retarded liberal post’s to respond to, I’d go blind. One that does stick out is post #167.
Guess what honey, I can sleep with a doctor, but that doesn’t mean I am qualified to preform surgery. I could not care less who you opened your legs for, it matters not, much the same as your opinion. BHO was WRONG!! The men he deemed not important enough to honor are the bravest of the brave. They really do believe in something bigger than themselves, and were willing to risk death for it.
And I also loved the one idiot who suggested we support the CiC and accept the fact he will make mistakes. Gee, guess that only applies to Demotards because nobody was cutting Bush any slack. You liberals really are a confused, sorry lot.
January 24th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
In hindsight, I’m glad he didn’t show up and use our nation’s heroes for a photo-op.
There aren’t many politicians in this modern era who deserve to be in the same room as them.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Yeah, Obama, POS, honored the ghosts of our deceased veterans, if you remember that speech in which he talked about Memorial day being the day we “honor those who served our country, many of whom I see here today.”
Must be the same decased people whom Acorn recruited to vote dhimmicrat in the faux-elections.
Oh - and about the Obamas dancing with vets - I only know that Mrs. Obama is reported to give lap dances to Al-Qaida troops for oil.
That’s the woid on tha streets!
January 24th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
This has been nothing than a political party put down. When are going to get tired and knock it off. I enlisted in the Marine Corps 56 years ago and if I recall not a Marine officer nor the CinC had to prove themselves to be respected. In the “Old Corps” we were taught to respect our senior’s and they didn’t have to earn that respect, as many of you say. I guess many things have changed since I was in the Corps. I’m glad I’m on my way out of this world rather than coming in. Oh by the way my Dad was killed in WW2 just so you people could write all this crap you have been writing. I wonder if most of you were ever in the military.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:18 am
“I’m glad I’m on my way out of this world rather than coming in.”
I glad about that too.
“Oh by the way my Dad was killed in WW2 just so you people could write all this crap you have been writing.”
Your Dad was a Nazi or a Japanese Imperialist? Please specify. Well, it doesn’t really matter. You’re right, had your Dad lived, we wouldn’t have freedom.
“I wonder if most of you were ever in the military.”
I seriously doubt you were. You have covered all the liberal poser talking points for someone trying to fake it.
.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Curios-
You are a typical uneducated liberal, who gets his “truth” from the mainstream media, and probably the colbert report. What don’t you get? While your messiah is working hard to force the trillion dollar stimulus package down the legislatures throat, the congressman/women won’t even listen to the proposed Rep tax cuts…for guess who? THE ENTIRE POPULATION. they are proposing a 5% drop for you. for your sorry self who probably crawls out of bed at 11 am to watch Price is Right and pop in a pizza, and then MAYBE, just maybe, look for a job. But hey who needs a job these days? like your african luny sister in arms said, Obama will pay for your mortgag, and even your gas!
Keep killing baby’s, keep letting terrorists go free, and keep marrying your own sex. Hey, when you create your own truth, why not!
January 25th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Hey… Obama was in the USMC…Well.. a USMC T shirt, remember Jonn? LOL
January 25th, 2009 at 2:57 am
You took the words right out of my mouth Marine Till Death. Mrs. Mary Jane it who cares if you were married to an Officer…big deal. For him to miss this ball is just wrong plain and simple. Ok so maybe there were a few at the other ball, but he snubbed his noise at over 40 others. I had high hopes for him, but those hopes are already starting to fade.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:06 am
There is no mention of this Ball, Obama not attending, or Biden attending on the official American Legion website: http://www.legion.org
In fact, the only mention I can even find of this ball from a site other than blogs and forums is about Bush attending the Ball in 2005 on the US Department of Defense website
So all the bloggers and forums are probably 100% right, Obama probably didn’t go to the Salute to American Heroes Ball. No one else did either, not even the veterans or sponsors of the ball. Because there was no Ball.
This ball is not listed on the list of the 10 Official Balls:
http://www.presidential-inauguration.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=3&id=18&Itemid=32
Or on the list of the 122 Unofficial Balls:
http://www.presidential-inauguration.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=3&id=19&Itemid=32&limit=25&limitstart=0
There was a ball called the Veterans Inaugural Ball which was canceled:
http://www.presidential-inauguration.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=32
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/19/report-veterans-inaugural-ball-canceled-organizer-disappears/
And he attended the Commander-in-Chief ball which was also attended by numerous Medal of Honor recipients
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
January 25th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Ha, I like how you deleted my comment showing that the Ball never happened. Keep wanting people to believe Obama is an evil veteran hater or something.
Jonn wrote: Kinda jumped mean a little early didn’t you? Your stupid post went to spam. If you bothered to read the entire thread of comments, you’d see we proved you stupid like three days ago.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:55 am
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 25th, 2009 at 10:18 am
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Cynode,
You’re such a dumbass.
The ball did happen. Obama didn’t show.
Every other President had it, first time. And again if re-elected. Over a period of 54 years and 14 inaugurals. They all got the job done, Obama didn’t.
Obama = Worst President Ever In The Shortest Time Ever.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Cynode,
“In fact, the only mention I can even find of this ball from a site other than blogs and forums is about Bush attending the Ball in 2005 on the US Department of Defense website”
That a GOOD example of why you ARE a dumbass.
That DOD article, done long before (years) anyone this incident confirms the name of the ball and that every President has attended and that Bush and Cheney made it the FIRST ball they attended.
So you can’t find anything? You won’t because YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH because you’re an O-bot.
Now scurry off to your MoveOn meeting to be programmed.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:39 am
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received.
Yeh, I agree, Obama blows!!
January 25th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Do you people who are questioning Jonn and TSO after all the posts proving you wrong even freaking read?
HFS, Batman!! One dumbass attack after another.
Trolls have shit for brains, apparently.
January 25th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Raoul your response to post #370 confirms just how deranged you are.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
There are only 98 living recipients living, anyone would be proud to be in their presance. I was there 4 years ago and the POTAS and the V.P. both showed.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 25th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
A few of the posts on here are so apologetic for Obama. Get a clue kool-aid drinkers.
The ” God King who Bleeds” was wrong not to show up and honor these heroes. He trashed military efforts on the campaign trial to appease his radical left supporters, yet he’ll have no problem sending military into war.
This was one of more important events he should been to First before honoring musicians and actors,BET and the Purple Ball?( I didn’t know they celebrate that… )
Code Pink was/is one of his BIG donors. He couldn’t go against their will now could he??
January 25th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
What an insult from the young socialist!!! And to add insult to injury, Joe Biden showed up.
This is the man who is a known plagiarizer. Plus when his student deferments were up, it was suddenly learned that he was an asthmatic.
Our heroes deserve much better than what is now in office. But it won’t stop there. You think the Clintonites decimated the military? You ain’t seen nothing yet!!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 25th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
richard wheeler,
Don’t be a dick.
He’s a fraud. It’s like me coming to your website claiming to be a blind black lesbian amputee vet with PTSD. Claim all the things so that would make my opinion unquestioned least you be considered “insensitive”.
PS: Don’t be a dick.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Didn’t you peeps realize that “Curious” was just yanking your
chains for reaction?
January 25th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Raoul How do you know he’s a fraud?Didn’t know you were “a blind black lesbian”but that would explain your erratic behavior.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I’m astonished at how angry everybody gets when it comes to politics. We all seem to be brainwashed into thinking that we are either Republican or Democrat. Take a good look at yourself and figure out what you believe in. As for me, abortion (after 52 years I still can’t decide), FOX News (all bunch of whiny, cry-baby, immature cunts). Gun control: no way — the reason this country is strong is because we have the largest gun owning population on earth and nobody in their right mind would attack us. Government spending; they can’t fuck it up any worse than our private banks.
I’ve been a Republican most of my life (went Independent when Bush II bought his first election)but I’m squarely supporting our current President and wish him all the luck in the world and all of us who call ourselves Americans.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Craig Roberts, Media Relations Manager for the American Legion, issued the following statement:
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
January 26th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Nice job Buckweb… that’s only the 4th or 5th time that response has been posted. Try to keep up.
As for your first post, anyone who has ever seen an 18 week, premature baby die in her Mom’s arms while the Mom sobs will tell you, that is a baby not a “product of conception”.
You also give the typical liberal spin of W “buying the first election” and close your eyes to the way “The One” financed his campaign, falsified voter registrations and generally stole this one. Methinks you live under a bridge.
Jonn wrote: But, Ray, he says he’s a lifelong Republican. Astroturf much, Buckwheat?
January 26th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Curious, you really should spell check and proof read a little more. If I put a remark on the www for the entire world to see, I would at least like it to “appear” that I was professional.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Everytime a DimoRat gets into office, the military had better standby to take it in the shorts.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Obama is a pathetic jerk!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Maybe the Iraq war will last another 20 years so that you and your children will have an opportunity to stay off the unemployment rolls.
And when you get out, you will thank President Obama for appointing a man to head the Veterans Affairs Department who truly cares about the needs of U.S. veterans and will urge the president and Congress to provide for them in the Federal Budget.
Unlike the draft dodgers that we’ve has running the government for the last 8 years — Bush, Cheney and good old Rummy. $10 billion a month in Iraq for what? Meanwhile, 7 years have passed and Osama Bin Laden runs free. Nothing but failure in the Bush Administration. That’s the real reason for the Obama landslide.
Peace
Jonn wrote: Clearly you and I differ on the definition of a “landslide”. “Failure”, too - that’s OK, in the next four years, your opinion of what is failure will be closer to mine.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Oh for Pete’s sake! He attended the ten official balls hosted by the Inaugural Committee and didn’t attend any of the unofficial balls . . . including that one.
I guess that some idiots would rather have Obama up all night attending all of the unofficial balls and hundreds of other unlisted parties so as to not offend ANYONE. I’m surprised he didn’t avoid all of the inaugural balls so he could get an early start on fixing the godawful mess that’s been created during the last eight years’ absence of leadership.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Jim,
You just made our case.
“He attended the ten official balls hosted by the Inaugural Committee and didn’t attend any of the unofficial balls . . . including that one.”
If it wasn’t about him, Obama didn’t give a crap.
Again, since it’s inception, EVERY PRESIDENT, including the second worst President after Obama, James Earl Carter, was able to figure out their priorities and attend this Inaugural Ball.
That’s 14 inaugurals over 54 years. They got it right, Obama got it wrong.
And note my previous posting. Cheney made it a point to publicly say that it was the FIRST ball he and Bush attend and rightfully so.
Bush put the Veterans first, Obama ignored them if they weren’t a guest at HIS party.
Don’t go away a sore loser, here’s a copy of our home game on your way out.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:46 am
PeaceNick,
“Maybe the Iraq war will last another 20 years so that you and your children will have an opportunity to stay off the unemployment rolls.”
Thanks for the clear evidence that you PeaceNicks do NOT support the troops. Before they were veterans, they were troops. People who bastards like you dispised and told each other were the deregs of society that couldn’t hold a job other than the military.
Your statement above is a window into the “peace” movement’s diseased, lying, anti-American soul.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Amerika. Wat a country! I love dis plaze. Only plaze you can yell at each other an not go to gulag. You elekt Kenyan Poser for Premier. Enjoy!
January 26th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
PeaceNick, you are obviously a product of the U.ES Publik Skool Sistum. Before you go making comments like you just did, I suggest you do your homework, or is that something else Maobama will do away with by doing it for our children?
Your comment about Rumsfeld is baseless: Ever heard of Google? Use it once in a while:
“Military service
Rumsfeld served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1957 as a naval aviator and flight instructor. His initial training was in the North American SNJ Texan basic trainer after which he transitioned to flying the Grumman F9F Panther fighter. In 1957, he transferred to the Naval Reserve and continued his naval service in flying and administrative assignments as a drilling reservist until 1975. He transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve when he became Secretary of Defense in 1975 and retired with the rank of Captain in 1989.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Rumsfeld
As for Cheney:
“He was granted 3-A status, the “hardship” exemption, which excluded men with children or dependent parents. In January 1967, Cheney turned 26 and was no longer eligible for the draft.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney
And, finally, George W. Bush:
“In May 1968, Bush was commissioned into the Texas Air National Guard.[26] After training, he was assigned to duty in Houston, flying Convair F-102s out of Ellington Air Force Base.[27] Critics allege that Bush was favorably treated due to his father’s political standing, citing his selection as a pilot and his irregular attendance.[28] In June 2005, the United States Department of Defense released all the records of Bush’s Texas Air National Guard service, which remain in its official archives.[29]
In late 1972 and early 1973, he drilled with the Alabama Air National Guard, having moved to Memphis to work on the unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign of Republican Winton M. Blount. In October 1973, Bush was discharged from the Texas Air National Guard and transferred to the Air Force inactive reserves. He was discharged from the Air Force Reserve on November 21, 1974, at the end of his six-year service obligation.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush
Show me a draft dodger among that bunch! None! What has Maobama done to protect this country? Military sacrafice? When and where was his service, other than with underground organizations trying to overthrow the government? In 4 years we in the military will all be saying, “Hell, we’ve gone to war overseas to overthrow facists like Maobama!”
January 26th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
We should not demean the service of Obama. He did afterall consider the possibility of enlisting. It was unfair of the military to not offer him the MOS of O10 to young Hawaiian of great international intrigue.
Considering his great accomplishments since that moment, can you imagine the utopia the Military would be if he had been given the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs back then? Granted, he’d have been looking for his next job in months since he’s never finished any of his contractual obligations, but by now, we’d all be bowing down to Emperor of the World Obama.
(Be careful, the dripping sarcasm is forming a flash flood.)
January 26th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
For anyone who doubts the veracity of this story, here is a weblink from the U.S. Department of Defense public website:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=24307
The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is co-sponsored by multiple veterans and civic organizations, not just the American Legion.
The President’s failure to attend this function is what we call “bad staff work” by some campaign scheduler who did not know any better. I am quite certain that the President would have attended had he known of the function. NO CIC would be so foolish as to intentionally skip this inaugural event. Obama may be a lot of things, but he is NOT stupid.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I am quite certain that the President would have attended had he known of the function.
Bullhockey! Do you presume to speak for “The One”.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I am quite certain that the President would have attended had he known of the function.
Bullhockey! Do you presume to speak for “The One”. Obie was simply giving the finger to the MOH recipients. Not the first time he’s done that to those he derides.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Maobama didn’t know about the MoH Ball just like he didn’t know his close friend Bill Ayres was an America-hating domestic terrorist. If he is that ignorant, God help us all!!
January 26th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I think you all should give him a break…..I did not vote for him but he is our president and that is that. Try and see if you can find some thing good to say of just don’t say any thing…is a good motto.
Jonn wrote: Where were you for the last eight years?
January 26th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I am quite certain that the President would have attended had he known of the function.
I feel much better now knowing that it was Obama’s incompetence rather than a personal slight.
January 26th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
“409misy Says:
January 26th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I think you all should give him a break…..I did not vote for him but he is our president and that is that. Try and see if you can find some thing good to say of just don’t say any thing…is a good motto.”
We should give everyone a trophy and a new beret. That will make everyone feel like a winner and elite.
Yes, Obama is the New Commander In Chief, duly elected by the people of the United States to serve as President. While Our Troops *must* obey his orders, as Citizens we are not forced to silently endorse his arrorgance nor ignorance in policies, decisions, and associates.
And when he chooses to slight the Most Honorable, the Most Proven, the Most Heroic Men in this Nation, his closest associates should point out the error, his most ardent supporters should be able to admit his hubris.
If his advisers are too afraid of him to point out his nakedness, then they are too weak to be advising the CINC or he is too arrogant to be the CINC. If his supporters are too entranced to admit his error, then they need to re-assess their feelings of “hope.”
January 26th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
As a Nam vet. I would be the first to pass judgement on President Obama and Vice-President Biden for their obvious oversight.
But, as an American and just a average joe. We all MAKE MISTAKES.
I am positive if the authour of this moronic letter would stop this and get in touch with the proper personel. I am sure the administration can right a wrong.
Of course by the way this letter was written. The author is not fond of Obama/Biden. No matter what might come of this. The letter writer will never be satisfied.
If in fact this can be corrected. It is a possibility the Medal of Honor receipients might get a better party and reception from our Commander ‘N’ Chief.
THINK ABOUT IT?????????
January 26th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
From the American Legion:
“The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
Thank you,
Craig Roberts
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.263.2982 (direct)
Jonn wrote: Thanks, I haven’t seen that email in the last ten minutes or so.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
In 214: A thought Said on January 22nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
“Herk and Defend-
88
I guess I just feel let down by President Bush because I didn’t want to go to War, but when we did I hoped we had made the right decision and anxiously awaited the discovery of WMD’s only to be disappointed. After that I felt duped. I can understand your admiration for Bush since he never gave up and treated the troops with respect, but admiring someone for valiantly attempting to clean up his own mess is really faint praise.”
a thought… and everyone else.
All I want to add is a comment to be thought about and kept in the back of our minds anytime we look at someone else be it a President or the kid next door.
No-one is perfect and no-one can execute perfection every time. Sometimes we get it right and other times we fall face first into a puddle. The issue in the case you site as well as the case that this blog is about is not so much whether either man made a mistake that highly disappoints me or you… But how a person recovers is the measure of a person.
I am a human and I am subject to failing and disappointing people at any given moment. It is the condition of being human. Well… just like me, George W. and Barrak H. wake up in the morning with bad breath. They are human too. I am not in any way defending Mr. Obama as I do not think he will be willing to put forth the needed effort to make a recovery from this slight. But I will say that Mr. Bush did admit he was wrong for believing there were WMD’s but he was willing to follow through to try to bring this to some semblance of a respectful closure.
As for throwing a time line with a solid date give everyone a target. We only have to stay there that long and they only have to keep hiding that long. Then we pull out. As long as those that oppose us know the date we are catching that fight out then they can go to ground and disappear from sight. Then it can be said that everything spent… And I am not referring to the almighty dollar… I am talking about the loss of life, limb, sanity and everything else that the humans involved in this have paid will be for naught. The waste closet chain now has a hand upon it.
I am a person that makes mistakes. I am also a person that stands up and pays what ever I need in order to make my blunder right. I think George W. is that kind of person too. I hope one day to have the privilege and honor to shake his hand. I hope that one day Barrak H. performs selflessly enough to make me want to shake his hand one day too… To be an open book for you all… I do not think he ever will.
Thanks for your time and for reading.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
This is interesting….why did they have the ball at that location -
for security reasons, it made it impossible for Obama to attend. I did not vote for Obama. As a mother of a purple heart and bronze star, I wanted to find out more. I was really angery - it was on the 16th floor of a public hotel.
Maybe they really did not want him there? HM????
read this: http://isaacs.newsvine.com/_news/2009/01/23/2345799-obama-blows-off-medal-of-honor-recipients-not-exactly
Jonn wrote: Yeah, I’ve read that - as you’ll see if scroll down to the comments. There’s an ordinance in DC that doesn’t allow any buildings higher than the Capitol dome - 12 stories is the max.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Is it just me or is this thread going in circles? The deniers came back, followed by the Legion PR email and whatever other links turned up last week.
It’s done, it happened, he didn’t show - the last 10 Presidents did.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I was not on the 16th floor, it was in the sub basement. And Biden came. Nice try though.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
It is just a shame to me that the President of the USA, the Commander in Chief, has no, not one iota of consideration for the military. It saddens me to think of their (and our) future. Who’s protecting him? One week down 204 to go.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
TSO,
You’re my hero. Obama has had to peel off a lot of troops sent to destroy Joe The Plumber to cope with your expose.
You’re like Patton coming to the aid of Bastone…
January 26th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Passing Through,
Nice try, but Obama FAILED. An EPIC FAIL.
Every other President over the last 54 years passed the test, all 14 inaugurals. And each of those President came to DC as a first term President, so much for the “new guy” excuse.
Cheney and Bush at their last inaugural told the audience that the MOH ball was their first stop on their agenda and that it was the way things oaught to be.
I’ll give you a frame of reference you’ll understand. It’s like you going to Moscow and not going immediately to Lenin’s tomb.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
misy,
Dissent Is Patriotic.
Remember that.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Raoul said: “Dissent Is Patriotic”.
When Bush was president, dissent was “unAmerican”. What changed? It’s a serious question.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:43 am
this is just a remarkable thread. jonn, you and TSO are the best.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:33 am
What do you expect from a politician from the Corrupt Goverment of Chicago Il. Grt rid of the electoral vote and with the grace of GOD WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET RID OF HIN IN FOUR YEARS,
January 27th, 2009 at 4:39 am
What do you expect from a politician from the Corrupt Goverment of Chicago Il. Grt rid of the electoral vote and with the grace of GOD WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET RID OF HIM IN FOUR YEARS. bESIDES HE WAS TOO BUSY VISITING HIS ILLEGAK RELATIVES, TO GIVE A WAVE TO THE HEROS OF THIS COUNTRY
January 27th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Biden was the only one who took the oath correctly and swore on the bible. Maybe the real President show up to the ball afterall?
January 27th, 2009 at 5:25 am
typo: showed
January 27th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Disgraceful! A slap in the face of the True American Hero’s. He should be ashamed and owes them a PUBLIC Apology!
January 27th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Passing Through,
“Dissent Is Patriotic”
Learn it, live it, love it!
And…”Somewhere in Kenya, A Village is missing it’s cannabil.”
January 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
412Ray Says:
January 26th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
As a Nam vet. I would be the first to pass judgement on President Obama and Vice-President Biden for their obvious oversight.
But, as an American and just a average joe. We all MAKE MISTAKES.
I am positive if the authour of this moronic letter would stop this and get in touch with the proper personel. I am sure the administration can right a wrong.
Of course by the way this letter was written. The author is not fond of Obama/Biden. No matter what might come of this. The letter writer will never be satisfied.
If in fact this can be corrected. It is a possibility the Medal of Honor receipients might get a better party and reception from our Commander ‘N’ Chief.
THINK ABOUT IT?????????
OK… 1st things 1st… this is obviously a different “Ray”:-) But… to respond to his post. Swing and a miss. Obama had one shot to go the the Salute to Heroes Ball and he flubbed it. Hopefully he will never get another chance.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
All’s I can say is: Shame on Him and this is just the begining of alot of changes we will not like…
I am so flaming mad right now…Who in their right mind wouldn’t attend this ball?
Did Mr. Obama ever think once that if it wasn’t for our Hero’s PAST,PRESENT AND FUTURE he wouldn’t be in the place he’s in now? I know, I know that dosen’t matter to him anymore either…
January 27th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Just A Grunt…Kudos to you…Yes we will not be getting the money we need from the Obama adm., but us home owners of GA will be getting an extra bill now..they are thinking of taxing us home owers twice a year on our property, and they are going to take the home stead ex. away from us at the same time,so……..our taxes are going up in a big way for me it will be about $1000.- $1,200. more a year on my home and property. yep thats helping the americans hold on to what they have alright, not to mention they are also thinking of taxing our groceries even more now as well. Thank You so much Mr. Obama
January 27th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Raoul,
My question to you was (and is) very specific: Why is dissent “patriotic” now, but it was “unAmerican” when Bush was president?
I’m not looking for an argument - just an explanation.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Just in case anyone missed the letter from the P.R. Man at the american legion,Obama was indeed invited but chose not to go so he could attend “Other Functions” ,,V.P. Biden,,However Did attend,But this function calls for the C.I.C. (President) to be there to Honor the M.O.H. and Order of the Purple Heart Ball,,The President people,NOT The vice president,Its been a ritual thats been performed for 56 years and now it has been broken.Just so Mr. Obama could hang out with rappers,hollywood hotshots and singers.Totally shameful and definately disrespectful to those surviving M.O.H. Men that made it to the ball,even though most are in ill health and will not see another M.O.H. Ball,THEY MADE IT,WHY COULDN’T HE ? Simple question,No Simple Answer except that he does not care about them or their service and sacrifice to this ungrateful nation.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Passing Through,
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism!
January 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I love the defenders of obama who have jumped in eyes stapled shut at every opportunity.
Just like the Landsthul visit that did not happen during his world tour…
A Ball that has been held since Eisenhower, attended by every president since then, and people claim he could not have known/was not invited, did go (but that was not even the Ball in question), and then defame the character of men who have proudly served this country who were in attendance….
John, keep up the good work. Haven’t seen you around the DZ in a while, and just stumbled onto here I am ashamed to say.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Just stopped by to thank all of the men and women who are the backbone and heart of our Country.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Alright, ALRIGHT. I like how ‘blowing off the medal of honor recipients’ is the equivalent of ‘oh fuck, we are absolutely screwed, the world is OVER’. Are you STILL crying over spilt milk?Can’t you finally begin to accept reality? So he missed a meeting that nobody, not even that failure Bush had missed. It doesn’t look good, damn right. He should’ve f**king been there, but he wasn’t, can you stop trying to undermine the man? Can you stop using this garbage to fuel your disdain and get behind the president already? It’s like watching a team of conspiracy theorists after they’ve discovered what looks to be Rosie O’ Donnell’s face in the smoke rising above yearly California wildfires. PROOOF! FINALLY, YES! WAHAHAHAHA. NOW WE WILL EXPOSE THE TRUTH. No you won’t, and you’re still batshit insane. Maybe someone would notice you if you cut your wrists or, better yet, hung yourself. Give it a try.
Jonn wrote: A bit of drama queen, aren’t you?
January 27th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Personally this bastard is the biggest BULL SHITTER that we have seen in years….. Nothing more that a Black Pied Piper.
Remember all those people in GERMANY that FOLLOWED HITLER..
WHY in the hell doesn’t the constitution require that anyone that seeks the presidency of the US be required to serve a MIN of 6 Years of milatary service…. This separates the men from the BOY’s…..
January 27th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
this chick could be right
January 27th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
mynameis,
“better yet, hung yourself”
There was a plastic surgeon that hung himself.
“Maybe someone would notice you if you cut your wrists or, better yet, hung yourself. Give it a try”
I understand it cures BDS…after you.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
438mynameis,
Obama is the Worst President Ever in the shortest time ever.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
All I can say is - how do you expect him to honor the most honorable men in service, when he can’t even tell you how many states make up the USA. At one point campaining he made some comment about already visiting 57 states or something close to that. How in the world do you expect him to find the Ball, he was probably looking for it in one of the other states that the rest of us know don’t even exist.
Personally - I find it majorally objectional that as much money was spent on this occassion, when 50,000 people were laid off from their jobs yesterday, and many states don’t have enough money to provide much more unemployment money. That money could have and should have been better spent than so many parties! Why not try to use what little funds available to feed our own unemployed and homeless. And I don’t mean 3rd world countries. Let Brad and Anjolie do that. They have a good start, and can afford it - if that is their biggest priority. But I think America’s priority should be “Charity starts at home”, and not with millions spent on parties, china, or any thing else.
But as Dennis Miller says “That is just my humble opinion!”
January 28th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I wholey heartedly agree with you Rich King, ANYONE who runs tor that office should have served in our military.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:48 am
My heart goes out to our Medal of Honor Veterans, and their families. These few, are American’s Finest Heros, and deserve to be treated with the Upmost Honor by all Americans, beginning with our Pres. I have lived overseas, and our MOHs are treated better by other countries, and here at home, at the beginning of our new administration, they are not recognized by their own. This treatment of our MOHs, is seen for what it is, dishonor. The Americans that understand this dishonorable treatment, have shared a a common bond to those that have faught, and those that have fallen.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:39 am
well what did yall expect i mean he has already let out the people who were caught being terriest out and their country wont take them back so get ready it is going to be a long 4 yrs. he is in it for the money not for the well being of the people.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
i”m ready to move back on the rez. awsome blog. we are in for one hell of a ride.God bless our heros and veterans,our nation and patriots.the best part of our new CnC obviously ran down his mamas leg. please keep up the good work Jonn.youre an OK white man in my book.
January 28th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Please see the American Legion’s official quote below. Specifically pay attention to the fact the Obama attended the Commander in Chief’s Ball which the military attends.
“The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since
1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January
20th . The quadrennial event is co-sponsored by fourteen veterans
service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the
Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden
did appear, however, and was very warmly received. From The American
Legion’s point of view, the new President’s absence was understandable
considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the
vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the
necessary attendant security measures. The National Adjutant of The
American Legion states that, as an organization, The Legion does not
feel offended or “snubbed” by the President’s failure to appear.”
Mr. Wheeler’s message as of noon today (January 26):
“We extended an invitation as we always do. There are numerous Balls
and we know he can’t attend them all. Of course, we would have loved
for him to make an appearance, but he didn’t. It’s a logistical
nightmare. He did meet with the troops at the Commander In Chief’s
Ball, and we are grateful for that. Our Ball wasn’t about the
President; it was about the Medal of Honor recipients and the veterans
and families who were there. We are grateful that the Vice President
appeared, and our guests were very appreciative.
“That having been said, there are much more important issues to dwell
on, which we intend to do. We look forward to working with the new
administration on ensuring full and guaranteed funding for VA health
care services, and the very best treatment for our service people who
have been wounded, and on the quality of life of all members of the
Armed Forces and their families, as well as the maintenance of a
national security force that will deter any enemy from considering an
attack on America.”
January 28th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I’d like to point out a huge Blessing…
President Obama did not attend.
Think this through folks. I, for one, wouldn’t want that man to come within five hundred feet of any military function I was part of. While it’s true that the Office of the President is what should be represented, it’s overshadowed by the fact that this man’s Executive Orders, Policies, and speeches indicate that he intends nothing less than the final tearing down of our Constitutional basis in this country.
So look at the positive and be glad our Heroes had a chance to enjoy a nice evening without it being tainted.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Source
Blackfive, which I read occasionally for military pieces, confirmed that President Obama did not come to the inaugural ball. So I became curious because the only two sources were two blogs and one source that consisted of initials. Therefore, I did what any rational person would do: I contacted the American Legion to get the straight story from the people who would know. I was put in contact with a very pleasant gentleman named Craig Roberts who is the American Legion’s Media Relations Manager and after our conversation he e-mailed me this statement which I will include in its entirety:
In answer to your inquiry:
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
Thank you,
Craig Roberts
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.263.2982 (direct)
First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Roberts for taking my call and taking the time to compose this statement so that I can share it on behalf of the American Legion. So to those fellow Obama supporters that think this ball did not happen, it did. It was omitted from the media outlets it was omitted from because of logistical challenges due to the extraordinary number of people that flooded Washington D.C. to see Barack Obama be inaugurated as the 44th president and it is not yet on the American Legion’s website (as I type this at 8:30 A.M. on 1-23-09) because of some difficulties in updating the website. However, there will be media coverage of the event forthcoming.
I have found out also that the likely reason that Barack Obama attended the auxiliary balls that he did is because six of the balls that he attended were held in the same building. Therefore, attending those balls and the others that he attended were the most efficient with regards to security. It is no secret that President Obama has had questions surrounding his security, that is evident by observing that he was the earliest presidential candidate ever to get a security detail. If the Secret Service felt it prudent to guard him so early in the campaign can the reader imagine what the Secret Service feels is prudent now that he is the President of the United States?
The most likely reason that President Obama did not go to the “Salute to Heroes” inaugural ball is because it was held in the Renaissance Hotel which consists of 16 floors. There was an event called the “Illinois Party - Presidential Event” held at the Renaissance the night before that the then-President-elect did not attend either (I have a call in to the President’s press office asking for confirmation of this information which was given to me by one of my sources for this story). Given the amount of time and resources it would have taken to clear a 16 floor hotel as well as protect it while President Obama was inside, I can only guess that he was advised by his Presidential Protection Detail not to attend either inaugural ball because of the building and the inherent problems in securing and then protecting it. The sheer number of people crowding the streets and staying in the hotel surely presented a formidable screening problem as well. But, there’s your story… it’s not as sexy as “Barack Obama Hates The Military” but it is the truth as best I can tell after talking to the organization responsible for hosting the event and doing some research and educated guesswork about why a security team wouldn’t want to protect a principal in the Renaissance with more than 2 million extra people in Washington D.C.
Update: It would appear that, according to Stars & Stripes that Obama had some Medal of Honor recipients at an inaugural ball that he attended. This gives the number of living Medal of Honor recipients as 99, but I believe that two have passed away since that number was compiled leaving 97. There are 7 in this picture and there were 47 at the American Legion inaugural event. I’m curious if there were more at the event this photo was taken at.
Further update: I received an e-mail from Mr. Roberts today (which I would have gotten yesterday if I had not miscommunicated my e-mail address to him) with his original statement along with a new statement. I will include both statements in their entirety:
My statement on behalf of our National Adjutant, Dan Wheeler:
“The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since
1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January
20th . The quadrennial event is co-sponsored by fourteen veterans
service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the
Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden
did appear, however, and was very warmly received. From The American
Legion’s point of view, the new President’s absence was understandable
considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the
vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the
necessary attendant security measures. The National Adjutant of The
American Legion states that, as an organization, The Legion does not
feel offended or “snubbed” by the President’s failure to appear.”
Mr. Wheeler’s message as of noon today (January 26):
“We extended an invitation as we always do. There are numerous Balls
and we know he can’t attend them all. Of course, we would have loved
for him to make an appearance, but he didn’t. It’s a logistical
nightmare. He did meet with the troops at the Commander In Chief’s
Ball, and we are grateful for that. Our Ball wasn’t about the
President; it was about the Medal of Honor recipients and the veterans
and families who were there. We are grateful that the Vice President
appeared, and our guests were very appreciative.
“That having been said, there are much more important issues to dwell
on, which we intend to do. We look forward to working with the new
administration on ensuring full and guaranteed funding for VA health
care services, and the very best treatment for our service people who
have been wounded, and on the quality of life of all members of the
Armed Forces and their families, as well as the maintenance of a
national security force that will deter any enemy from considering an
attack on America.”
January 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
4 more years.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I have not seen one mention of anyone’s bothering to research whether presidents actually did attend all of the previous balls. Everyone has just taken the blog posting’s word for it because it just feels SO GOOD to hate Obama.
Obama doesn’t respect the military? Is he the one who removed their benefits? No, that would be the previous guy. Is he the one that put them in harm’s way for no good reason (and no benefit to America in the end) in the first place? No, that would be the previous guy. Is he the one who put them in even more harm’s way by opening them up to being tortured if captured? No, that would be the previous guy. The previous guy- the one who liked to talk tough. Yeah, that sounded great but in reality it just did more harm than good.
Open your eyes and think for a minute- don’t just sit back and take what they’re telling you.
BTW, I don’t by any means think that Obama is perfect but at least he’s an intelligent, thoughtful person who is open to all options.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Pity U. People,
If you look at who’s appointed, it’s four more years of Clinton.
If you look at who’s policies and people with regard to the war he’s keeping, it’s four more years of Bush.
But being an uninformed and mindless talking point parrot, you wouldn’t know.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
John,
“I have not seen one mention of anyone’s bothering to research whether presidents actually did attend all of the previous balls.”
Yeah the American legion is lying. The story from 2005 is lying. YOU prove it’s a lie.
“Everyone has just taken the blog posting’s word for it because it just feels SO GOOD to hate Obama.”
I will take their word, they’re people I resepct. I don’t respect you Bush haters. Enjoy your BDS.
” I don’t by any means think that Obama is perfect but at least he’s an intelligent, thoughtful person who is open to all options.”
Yeah, that why Obama dismissed the opposition’s input with “I won, I’m the President.”
Remember how you whined about Bush saying, “I’m the decider”?
Sod off.
“Is he the one who removed their benefits? No, that would be the previous guy.”
Name what he removed dumbass.
“Is he the one who put them in even more harm’s way by opening them up to being tortured if captured? No, that would be the previous guy.”
Come on dumbass, tell me who the enmey returned alive. We won’t even go into the fact that they were tortured and their bodies mutilated.
You really need more than mindless talking points if you intend to stick around here and not become someone’s bitch.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Pity U. People,
Every other President over the previous 14 inaugurals, a span of 54 years managed to make it, considered it a priority and made it happen.
Obama = Failed The Military
January 28th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Pity U. People,
It’s like WMDs. Either they are there or they are not. It’s either true or a lie.
Obama diss’ed the Medal of Honor winners.
Every other President managed to accomplish the mission.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Poor B.O.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Pity the people who can’t get over it. Who only see the part of the story they want to see. Who are so predictable and easy to stir into a frenzy. The black-and-white world of blog commenters. I get it that you don’t like Obama and that you can find a negative interpretation in any acton.
The American Legion has it right, and I support them. They are smart politically, and their comments are credible. Most of the negative commenters here couldn’t see the gray area in my ship’s brig. They don’t want to. And they have no credibility with rational readers (who are at a different website anyway.)
TSO Wrote: Um, while I kinda agree with you, are you really putting down this blog when it was gotten 400+ comments and 50,000+ hits on this post, and claiming everyone is at a different blog as you post a comment here? That’s not really all that logical. I agree ther Legion has it right, and if you stopped there, would have been cool with it, but maybe you could link us to your blog so we could see the masses of people we aren’t reaching?
January 28th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Pity U. what up blood? If the Obamanation has his way, there wll be no grey, no brig, no ship, no navy, no military! Pull your G-2 Brain housing group out of REMF ass and get with it
January 29th, 2009 at 6:57 am
I think I’m more surprised that others are surprised at Obama’s lack of care or concern for the Heroes, Military, this country, etc. Listen, Obama is about change alright. He is about how much he can put in his pocket and that’s all! He will be set for life as a result of the election. He will right books, do speaking engagements for $1 million+ after office. He could care less about this country. His pocketbook is his God and that’s that!
The economy, the liberals/Democrats, the gays, the Hollywood set and the blacks that just wanted a black President put him in office.
Guess what he wants your guns too! If you wonder why the answer is easy. When he takes away your freedoms you won’t be able to oppose him.
Obama and Congress are NOT interested in fixing the economy!!! It is easy to fix. History proves that. All we have to do is quit trying to support the world off of ours!!! We used to be the richest nation until the Clinton Administration passed Deregulation and NAPTA. CHANGE IT BACK! Put Americans supporting Americans!! This ain’t rocket science!
January 29th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Wow, what a bunch of garbage. Do your homework. The American Legion sponsored the Ball? Google the American Legion web site. Type in “The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball” in its search box - sorry no results for your search. Go to the Legion’s calendar for January 2009 - sorry, no Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.
Find something else to complain about - like the mess Bush has left us or the carping of the republicans about Obama’s big spending plan after they doubled the deficit during their run of power.
Stop acting like a bunch of uninformed jerks. and give up on the misinformation game.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Eddie “right books,NAPTA” Come on man.If you plan to blast people get a clue.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hey Fact Check- Did you call the Legion or the Hotel yet?
January 29th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
@Fact Check:
American Legion ‘Salute to Heroes’ Veterans Inaugural Ball to be Held Jan. 20
Article from: U.S. Newswire Article date: January 8, 2001 | Copyright informationCopyright 2001 U.S. Newswire. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
News Advisory:
The Veterans Inaugural Committee, which is comprised of congressionally chartered veterans organizations, hosts a ball to honor Medal of Honor recipients, “heros” all. The 151 living Medal of Honor recipients are invited and most will attend. Traditionally, the president and first lady visit as special guests, from time to time accompanied by the vice president and his wife. Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and leaders of the veterans groups also headline the guest list. This event has been an Inaugural tradition since 1953.
Where: Capital Hilton Hotel
16th and K Streets, NW
(1001 16th St., NW, Washington, D.C.)
When: Saturday, Jan. 20
– 6 p.m. …
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-18870644.html
Jackass.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Besides that, General Eisenhower was the President to help set it up, and every President since has attended except the Obamunist…….
January 29th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Pity U. People,
Bush went to a door that turned out to be locked.
Obama couldn’t even find the door.
Obama, Fastest Worst President Ever.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Fact Check,
Tonight, Google the text string, “Fact Check buggers puppies and eats kittens.”
You’ll get a search result, so it must be true. You bastard, leave those animals alone.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Say, FactCheck — did the Salute to Heroes really occur??
Well, check with:
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel (999 Ninth St, NW), plus The American Legion and co-sponsors VFW, DAV, AMVETS, MOPH, Jewish War Veterans, VVA, Marine Corps League, Reserve Officers Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Retired Enlisted Association, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. Then, if you’re still skeptical, call the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Let us know the results of your exhaustive investigative report.
January 29th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
To #468- How you could expect “Fact Check” to check facts is beyond me. You have some sort of unmitigated gall!
January 29th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
TSO, how can he or she be expected to check his or her facts, after all whoever Fact Check is, they ARE liberal after all……
January 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Message to CURIOUS.
The American Legion Site has no reference whatsoever to the Ball in question or President Obama. Please stop creating “facts”.
KC
January 29th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Message to CURIOUS.
The American Legion Site has no reference whatsoever to the Ball in question or President Obama. Please stop creating “facts”.
KC
January 29th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Anymouse,
FACT: Obama diss’ed the Medal of Honor vets.
For 54 years, over 14 inaugurals, every President, even a loser like Carter managed to get the job done.
But not Obama.
Obama is the worst president ever in the shortest time ever.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Fact Check…..Did you know that napalm sticks to kids? No,really, check it out if you dont believe it.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I thought Napalm stuck to Hippies…………………….
January 29th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Lucky…It does, you just have to lead em a little more. The bastards just cant seem to stay still long enough!
January 29th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I volunteered for military service through R.O.T.C. in 1960, volunteered for active duty in 1966, and volunteered for duty in Vietnam in 1970. I spent twenty-five years of my life defending this country and the right of even its dumbest citizens to act like jerks and publicly demonstrate how stupid and ignorant they were… I must say it is satisfying to see so many of them taking maximum advantage of that right by cluttering up this blog with their vapid opinions.
If you don’t understand why MOH recipients are entitled to your respect and that of the new POTUS, you probably never will get it no matter how many times it is explained to you in little bitty words. For those among our contributors who served, “Thank You” and “Welcome Home”! If you didn’t, please go away while the adults talk among themselves. Rest assured that we won’t miss you.
January 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
Suck it up oh thou Kool Aid drinkers and deniers of reality. Your new Emporer has no clothes.
“Chirp… chirp… chirp. LOL
Oldsoldier,
Hand Salute to you Brother. Welcome Home.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:45 am
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 30th, 2009 at 11:23 am
[...] but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to [...]
January 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
Heroes honored at Legion-hosted inaugural ball
Submitted by hsoria on Thu, 01/29/2009 - 1:21pm.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One by one, they passed through magnetometers, often setting off shrill tones and red blinking lights: tuxedo-clad American heroes adorned with medals, some with metal inside their bodies, holding together bones shattered decades ago in combat.
Vietnam War veteran Bernard Fisher (pictured on front page), was one of 47 Medal of Honor recipients who attended the Salute to Heroes Veterans Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., enduring the security check with patience and grace. After all, as gantlets go, magnetometers and portable wands were a breeze compared to the withering enemy fire he dodged more than four decades ago.
Fisher, a former U.S. Air Force major in the 1st Air Commandos, flew out of Pleiku, Vietnam, on March 10, 1966. That day, the Special Forces camp at A Shau was under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Other hostile troops had surrounded the camp and were continuously raking it with automatic weapons fire from the surrounding hills. The tops of the 1,500-foot hills were obscured by an 800-foot ceiling, limiting aircraft maneuverability and forcing pilots to operate within range of hostile gun positions.
During the battle, Fisher observed a fellow airman crash land on the battle-torn airstrip. Believing the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture, Fisher decided to land on the airstrip and attempt a rescue. Directing his own air cover, he landed and taxied almost the full length of the runway, which was littered with battle debris and parts of an exploded aircraft. Raked by heavy ground fire (19 bullets struck the plane), Fisher got the downed pilot on board and managed to take off again.
Fisher is one of 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. One World War II recipient, James E. Swett, planned to attend this year, but died two days before the ball, on Jan. 18. His memory was honored by the 47 heroes in attendance, recalling the courage of a man who succumbed to time, not enemy gunfire.
Swett received his medal as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221, in action April 7, 1943, against Japanese air forces in the Solomon Islands. Swett hurled his flight of four F4F Wildcat fighters into action against a large formation of enemy dive-bombers, destroying three of them. Later in the same assault, he attacked six enemy bombers and shot down four. Swett was credited with 15.5 “kills” in the war, earning eight Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals along the way.
Differences in age, education and race vanished among the elite group of warriors who mixed and mingled, greeting fellow recipients with a nod, grin and often a hug. Stories filled the banquet hall - not of courageous deeds under dire circumstances, but about the whereabouts of comrades, the loss of a spouse or the latest news of a great-granddaughter, or how proud they were of a grandson who recently earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan. It was a rare gathering of elders, and their words resonated across the ballroom.
Every four years, The American Legion recognizes Medal of Honor recipients, and the incoming commander in chief, by sponsoring the Salute to Heroes Ball. Although President Obama could not attend the event, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, dropped by to express the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices and heroism of these 47 veterans, and for all veterans and servicemembers. The tradition started in 1953, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie attended the first Salute to Heroes, while U.S. troops fought in Korea.
“It’s a testament to the American spirit that ordinary men and women are able to perform extraordinary acts when it is necessary, even at the risk of their own lives,” American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein said to the Medal of Honor recipients. “A nation can never be too grateful when it comes to the selfless and oftentimes courageous acts performed under the most dangerous and difficult circumstances. I thank you. Everyone in this room thanks you. And your country thanks you for your service and sacrifice.”
Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, had similar words of gratitude. He told his fellow veterans that he, too, had a medal.
“My Presidential Medal of Freedom was a medal I received for simply going someplace and returning,” Aldrin said. “I join all Americans in thanking each and every one of you here tonight for your service to our country and to your fellow citizens.”
A group of servicemembers injured during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were also among the guests.
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award. Established during the Civil War, nearly 3,500 have been awarded. For a list of MOH recipients and to read their citations, visit the Medal of Honor Web site.
January 30th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Heroes honored at Legion-hosted inaugural ball
Submitted by hsoria on Thu, 01/29/2009 - 1:21pm.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One by one, they passed through magnetometers, often setting off shrill tones and red blinking lights: tuxedo-clad American heroes adorned with medals, some with metal inside their bodies, holding together bones shattered decades ago in combat.
Vietnam War veteran Bernard Fisher (pictured on front page), was one of 47 Medal of Honor recipients who attended the Salute to Heroes Veterans Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., enduring the security check with patience and grace. After all, as gantlets go, magnetometers and portable wands were a breeze compared to the withering enemy fire he dodged more than four decades ago.
Fisher, a former U.S. Air Force major in the 1st Air Commandos, flew out of Pleiku, Vietnam, on March 10, 1966. That day, the Special Forces camp at A Shau was under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Other hostile troops had surrounded the camp and were continuously raking it with automatic weapons fire from the surrounding hills. The tops of the 1,500-foot hills were obscured by an 800-foot ceiling, limiting aircraft maneuverability and forcing pilots to operate within range of hostile gun positions.
During the battle, Fisher observed a fellow airman crash land on the battle-torn airstrip. Believing the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture, Fisher decided to land on the airstrip and attempt a rescue. Directing his own air cover, he landed and taxied almost the full length of the runway, which was littered with battle debris and parts of an exploded aircraft. Raked by heavy ground fire (19 bullets struck the plane), Fisher got the downed pilot on board and managed to take off again.
Fisher is one of 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. One World War II recipient, James E. Swett, planned to attend this year, but died two days before the ball, on Jan. 18. His memory was honored by the 47 heroes in attendance, recalling the courage of a man who succumbed to time, not enemy gunfire.
Swett received his medal as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221, in action April 7, 1943, against Japanese air forces in the Solomon Islands. Swett hurled his flight of four F4F Wildcat fighters into action against a large formation of enemy dive-bombers, destroying three of them. Later in the same assault, he attacked six enemy bombers and shot down four. Swett was credited with 15.5 “kills” in the war, earning eight Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals along the way.
Differences in age, education and race vanished among the elite group of warriors who mixed and mingled, greeting fellow recipients with a nod, grin and often a hug. Stories filled the banquet hall - not of courageous deeds under dire circumstances, but about the whereabouts of comrades, the loss of a spouse or the latest news of a great-granddaughter, or how proud they were of a grandson who recently earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan. It was a rare gathering of elders, and their words resonated across the ballroom.
Every four years, The American Legion recognizes Medal of Honor recipients, and the incoming commander in chief, by sponsoring the Salute to Heroes Ball. Although President Obama could not attend the event, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, dropped by to express the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices and heroism of these 47 veterans, and for all veterans and servicemembers. The tradition started in 1953, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie attended the first Salute to Heroes, while U.S. troops fought in Korea.
“It’s a testament to the American spirit that ordinary men and women are able to perform extraordinary acts when it is necessary, even at the risk of their own lives,” American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein said to the Medal of Honor recipients. “A nation can never be too grateful when it comes to the selfless and oftentimes courageous acts performed under the most dangerous and difficult circumstances. I thank you. Everyone in this room thanks you. And your country thanks you for your service and sacrifice.”
Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, had similar words of gratitude. He told his fellow veterans that he, too, had a medal.
“My Presidential Medal of Freedom was a medal I received for simply going someplace and returning,” Aldrin said. “I join all Americans in thanking each and every one of you here tonight for your service to our country and to your fellow citizens.”
A group of servicemembers injured during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were also among the guests.
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award. Established during the Civil War, nearly 3,500 have been awarded. For a list of MOH recipients and to read their citations, visit the Medal of Honor Web site.
January 30th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
Every four years, The American Legion recognizes Medal of Honor recipients, and the incoming commander in chief, by sponsoring the Salute to Heroes Ball. Although President Obama could not attend the event, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, dropped by to express the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices and heroism of these 47 veterans, and for all veterans and servicemembers. The tradition started in 1953, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie attended the first Salute to Heroes, while U.S. troops fought in Korea.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
As I read post 473 from Raoul I have to chuckle. I think even Raoul can see the absurdity of referring to Obama as the worst president ever ..after the man has been in office for only nine days — lol— wtf — it took Bush eight years to erase the surplus he inherited from Clinton (who inherited a deficit from Bush Sr.) and turn it into the deficit and problems our nation faces now. As it it, Obama has inherited a rat hole of a problem. I honestly cannot imagine ANYONE fixing this in one term. The best we can hope for is if our leaders (all both Repubs and Dems) to ’stop the bleeding’ in the next few years. It will take many years to return to better times ……. even then it may never be the same. At least give Obama a chance. Nine days is not sufficient. As far as attending all those balls… it is impossible. And BTW there are bigger fish to fry. I am a registered Independent. I could not vote Republican this time around in good conscience. If George W were a baseball team manager he would of been fired long ago. Time to put party lines aside. We are in for rough seas next fews years as a poster above said. But it’s not something that has just developed in the past 9 days. It took 8 years.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
am- whatever, Independent? Is that what dems call themselves today? “In good conscience” you could vote for someone with no work history, refuses to release ANY records of his past, and whose main claim to fame was to be “present” whenever a vote had to be taken? Wow, just wow!!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
UpNorth…
Perhaps the US was so absolutly sick and tired of the mess the republicans put us in, and the fast lane the GOP congress let us rush to it..that it didnt matter the candidate, as long as he wasnt a Republican?
My close friends worked on Obamas campaign, and they all were sincerely grateful of the job that Bush did, because without such a horrible President they said, there was no way the US was going to elect a Black man.
But yes, because of how bad the GOP looks in the world, the Dem candidate was going to be elected, no matter who he was.
The added help of putting Palin out there, as uninformed as she was, was icing on the cake.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
So afraid of Palin still. BDS, you gotta love it!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
am_bushed,
Quote me correctly, Obama is the worst President ever the fasted ever.
Hey, did you see the dumbass mistake that WHite House window for a door? What an idiot!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
NOS, thanks for admitting that the Zero doesn’t have any history, at least. Uninformed? Remember 57 states? Remember the inhalator? And thanks for admitting that the Zero is nothing special, as so many who drool over him refuse to admit. After all, ______ could have been elected. Charlie Rangel could have been elected? Jesse Jackson? Zero ran a good campaign, he never said anything, other than Hope-Change, and didn’t know much about much of anything And the dead tree media and lame stream media never called him on anything.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
NOW,
“But yes, because of how bad the GOP looks in the world…”
And your side lied. Said we’d be loved if Obama was elected.
Just like we didn’t find WMDs, I’m not seeing the love, the gratitude to the Obama liberator you clowns promised.
What I do have is a collection of press photos of the same bastards overseas now burning Obama in effigy, burning his photo, burning a US flag, tearing up Obama’s photo, and walking on Obama’s photo. Even one guy smacking Obama’s photo on his protest sign with a shoe.
Face it, all of the above photos mean that Obama lowers America’s image in the world and he should resign now.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Lobbyists to hold the Pentagon checkbook, tax cheats running the people in charge of the IRS, yada, yada, and so on.
The only change with Obama is that corruption is now on a MASSIVE, even institutional Chicago like scale in DC.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
am-bushed,
“As far as attending all those balls… it is impossible.”
Concur, so that’s why you set priorities and Obama’s priorities din not value the Inaugural Ball that had the largest number of Veterans organizations and the largest number of MOH winners.
That sends a clear signal that Obama does not value the service of veterans, especially those who displayed valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Note well that Bush and Cheney made that ball their FIRST stop, as should any President with a sense of patriotism.
But you’re right, I can’t make Obama be a patriot when he doesn’t care to be one.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
ATTENTION MOONBATS,
Over 93% of the time, the president managed to attend the ball in question.
Obama represents less than 7%. Bush’s approval rating never reached 7%.
Obama, Worst President Ever From The Git Go
January 30th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Oldsoldier,
Welcome Home!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Raoul Calm down man.You’re going to have an ODS induced seisure and we’d all miss your reasoned,insightful takes.
January 30th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
That would be “seizure” but am interested in how you can hold so much pure hatred.
January 30th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
To those who keep repeating that this means nothing, and that we should move on and end this topic of Obama not attending the MOH Ball:
I’ll try to put this is in ‘bitty words’ so that you can understand it and get the meaning and the inpact of what it truly means by ‘Obama not making it to the MOH Ball’.
The equilvalent of Obama not making it to the MOH Ball is - — have all Hospital Personnel and emergency room attendants, as well as police departments and fire departments, for one day Not do there jobs but instead do only administrative work and speak to the press should they come by.
If this does not get the point across to you that Obama not attending the MOH Ball is a big deal, then maybe you do not have a pulse.
I back the Amer Legion on their comments on this; they always take the high rode, and I commend them…also it was very diplomatic and thought out.
January 30th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
richard wheeler Says:
“That would be “seizure” but am interested in how you can hold so much pure hatred.”
Gee Dick… I always wondered the same thing about the Dems and Bush. I’m guessing it’s more like “Payback is a Bitch” for the 8 years of unrelenting BDS we have been subjected to, but I can’t speak for Raoul. You have to admit, this would have been a simple thing for Obama to dodge by just going to this Ball and shaking a few hands before he left. Now he’s like the city rube who goes ankle deep in a fresh cowpie with his first step in the pasture. Not a good way to start.
January 31st, 2009 at 6:08 am
WoW! All of you are hating over something that never happened. Check out the Stars and Stripes online!!! The Medal of Honor recipients were all invited to the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball!! Which Obama DID attend! All of the Medal of honor recipients in the pictures look like they had a very good time that night. And Obama addressed formerly during the Ball!!! So stop hating on each other people!! And stop Hating at the expense of these great men that sacrificed so much! You are all accusing our president of offending the Medal of Honor Recipients over a Rumor that Is Not Even True! Therefore you should be ashamed of yourselves for using those great men to start a false rumor for the cause of furthering your pettiness!!
Oh and Guess What Biden was there TOO!! Ugh… you are all crazy people…
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60160
January 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
4 more years = One Term Wonder
January 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Laura, please take your meds BEFORE posting.
January 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Laura, you’re living proof of the need for a basic competency test for anyone wanting to post anything on the internet.
Or, as Skye said, you really, really need to take your meds.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:09 am
richard wheeler,
Yeah, yeah, anyone who won’t drink your Kool Aid is a hater.
Want to see real hate, buy a mirror.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:11 am
Laura,
That’s right, it never happened, Obama never made it to the Legion ball.
All the Presidents over the last 54 years made it, but not Obama.
Again, you were accidentally honst when you admitted that Obama didn’t make it.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:14 am
bpa123,
You too just diss’ed the MOH winner but demeaning 54 years of tradition which all those other Presidents respected but you and Obama don’t.
Thank God there are people like those MOH who protect your sorry ass while you trash them and their sacrifice.
Maybe if you and Obama had integrity you’d understand.
In the meantime, MoveOn and find someplace else to perform fellatio on your graven idol.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:16 am
bpa123,
Ops….that post above isn’t for you.
Mea culpa, mea culpa.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:19 am
Laura,
Accusing people of being haters is fascist, which makes you a facist.
It’s a ploy to silence all but your opinion, to ruthlessly silence all other opinions.
BTW, I don’t like people like you who are racists.
January 31st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Raoul,
You’ve continued to ignore my question, and the more you do so the more questions you generate:
1. You say dissent is patriotic, yet you avoid explaining how dissent was unAmerican during the Bush years. What changed? Is there a new definition of dissent now?
2. Now you’re saying that accusing people of being haters is fascist, when those opposed to Bush were accused of being haters, making Bush supporters fascists. I don’t understand your flip-flop points.
You seem to have taken the Democrat/liberal talking points of the past eight years and now embraced them as your own. Is that intentional?
January 31st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Come on you folks bashing Obama over this ficticious ball thing. It does not exist. Of the 56 balls listed on numerous sites, including ticket sites that sell inaugural ball tickets, IT DOES NOT EXIST. With info easily accessable on the internet today, just take a minute or two to research these things before piling on. Use your voice and time to address and talk about things that matter, like the truth—instead of focusing on bogus stuff that fits ones agenda. Especially a skewed agenda fuled by false information that does our country and ourselves harm and injustice. Let’s get real and check out this bogus stuff before we pass it on and thus perpetuate our own mass ignorance. Don’t pass anything along unless it’s verified fact. I don’t before thoroughly checking it out first. We must all be good stewards of ourselves, our planet, AND our human dignity.
January 31st, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Laura and Passing Through. You guys are right.Raoul has contracted Obama Deranged Syndrome.The symptoms are really ugly and will progress over the next eight years.Poor guy.
January 31st, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Dear #509 Anymouse
How are things in Never Never Land? Here in a little place we like to call “reality” there was a Ball for MOH recipients and other heroes held on Jan 20th in Washington DC. Obama didn’t attend. Every President since Eisenhower managed to get to it, but not the Messiah. If you would remove your head from your fourth point of contact you might actually learn to read and not embarrass yourself by preaching “research” when you obviously can’t do it yourself.
Tell Tinkerbell we send our best
Love and kisses
The gang at TAH
January 31st, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Dick,
I think at the rate he is going, Obama may provide the 4 year version of the malady.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Ray Ray Which of your losers do you think might beat him.Careful,sounds likr you too may have contacted the dreaded ODS.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Passing Gas,
He’s one of your buddies, Mohamad Shnewer, convicted of the planning to murder Soldiers at Fort Dix.
From a recent Philadelpha Inquirer article about his letter to the trial Judge:
That’s what passes for patriotism from the left, an absolute, clear cut case of treason.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Ray,
Sorry my friend, but I have been on numerous sites that list the balls which ran from the 17th through the 20th and just can not find the ball in guestion. The most comprehensive listing I’ve found so far is at http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capital/10034.html though there are many others. The ONLY place I have seen the ball in guestion is in anti-Obama Emails and blogs which are also anti-Obama. Just because some Emails or blogs claim the ball exists does not make it so. One can not beleive all that is circualted in Emails nor on blog sites. When I can find this ball listed along with all the other numerous balls over that four day period listed with an independent source that is trustworhty, then I can believe it. Why is it this ball, so far as I can verify, is only listed in Emails and blogs, but not with any independent trustworthy sources?
January 31st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
ALL,
Anymouse lied:
“Come on you folks bashing Obama over this ficticious ball thing.”
It’s like saying there are WMDs and not finding any, in this case Anymouse says there was no ball and now there’s even a link from the Legion proving TSO is correct.
My, my a liberal that lies…go figure…it’s not like that NEVER happened LOL!!!
January 31st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
little dick wheeler and the voices in his head,
How about a group apology to TSO now that the Legion has proved that you lied?
That would be something an honorable person would do.
I’ll wait…
January 31st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Anymouse The Lying Liberal,
“The most comprehensive listing I’ve found so far is at http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capital/10034.html though there are many others.”
You lied. That is not a comprehensive list. You must be illiterate and not understand the meaning of “comprehensive” or you are a deliberate liar. My money is on liar.
The Legion article proves you are a liar because you continue to push that lie even after the Legion published the story on their website.
“The ONLY place I have seen the ball in guestion is in anti-Obama Emails and blogs which are also anti-Obama.”
Again, that’s another lie. The Legion link has been here for a while now. Again either you are incompetent or a liar and the safe bet on that is liar.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Anymouse The Liberal Liar,
“Why is it this ball, so far as I can verify, is only listed in Emails and blogs, but not with any independent trustworthy sources?”
So the veterans in the American legion are not trustworthy?
Thank you for verifying for the public the anti-American and anti-military bias from the Hate America Left. I tell people about it but they find it hard to believe any American could be that ungrateful and deranged, but you have proved my point. If nothing else, you serve as a bad example.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Drooling Raoul.Check my posts.I never questioned the existance of the ball.You never apologize for any of your mistakes so none expected here.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hey Little Dick,
Why don’t you take your own advice and “MoveOn”…?
If you won’t, why should anyone else?
January 31st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
To those who still do not believe there was A Salute to Heroes Ball.. Pay attention.
I realize you are probably an ardent Obama supporter, and that’s great. I’m glad you could find a candidate who you could embrace and support. However, your denial of the existence of the Salute to Heroes Ball cannot be supported by a simple Google search. Please see these sites.
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090119/OBAMAINAUGURATION10/901190348/1310/ARCHIVE
(note that the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes Ball is mentioned.)
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901210334
(Note at the end of the article which ball this man attended)
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=995_1232040492
(A letter to Obama from the American Legion on 1/15 (5 days before the ball). Note how it points out that every other President has attended. This was posted on Live link 5 days before the inauguration. )
So your contention that the ball does not exist is unsupportable. The reason the President did not attend may be debatable, but not the Ball itself. I found it to be unpardonable, but I am a Republican Veteran, and you can probably guess I did not vote for the man. However, I would have also been outraged if a Republican President failed to attend as well. From the accounts from 2001, the count of MOH recipients that attended this Ball has fallen by almost half. The youngest of these brave men are in their mid 50’s. For many of them, this was their last Salute to Heroes Ball, and THAT will be the one that was missed by the incoming President. How sad and unnecessary and disrespectful.
Yours,
Ray.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Attention Retards, specifically Laura:
I know reading is hard. Try reading all the posts before posting your redundant and previously disproven accusations that the Ball does not exist. For the record, this makes you look really, really stupid.
Yes, the Ball exists.
Yes, it happened this year.
Yes, Obama snubbed the largest gathering of MOH winners.
Here is the link. AGAIN.
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
January 31st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Dick Dick,
Careful… It appears ODS cuts both ways. I voted for and supported President Bush, but NOT all of his policies. Questioning policies is what reasonable people do. Unquestioning hatred or support is the deranged portion of the program. I have yet to find ANY Obama policies/proposals I agree with… what would you have me do? Drink your Kool Aid? Sorry, ain’t gonna happen. Should he do something I agree with, I would support it… I’m not holding my breath waiting for that chance.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Oh… and sorry I can’t resist. It is better to be a Drooling Raoul than a Dripping Dick.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Ray,
Dick believes that water unnecessarily delays gratification and eats the Obama Kool Air right out of the package.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Freebasing…. That’s just terrible. LOL
January 31st, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Ray,
I’m going to use that line….”Freebasing the Obama Kool Aid”
January 31st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
January 31st, 2009 at 3:19 pm
The Stars and Stripes is a respected News source of credit and merit. And the Medal of Honor Recipients are pictured having a great night. Look, if all you want is another reason to hate, please Hate all over me! I could really use a few new Haters of my very own! But STOP using those great Medal of Honor Recipients as a mere tool to further your pettiness.
They weren’t forgotten, Skipped, Stood-Up, or Offended on inauguration night. They Were ALL Personally Invited to attended the Commander in Chief ball. Along with others in the Army, Marines, Airforce, and 300 wounded.
Thank you to all the Medal of Honor Recipients, and Thank you to All the Great Men and Woman that have fought, bled, and died for this country. Welcome Home!! …and for those that have not yet made it home, We Remember you. Keep your head down and Come Home soon!
And if this Hideous Rumors reach you on the field, where every second, thought and action counts. If these rumors give you doubts and angers please pick up a copy of your Stars and Stripes Newspaper and you will feel better.
If Obama had gone to that other ball, No One would have been there, because all of the military and Medal of Honor Recipients were waiting for him at the Commander In Chief Ball.
I appreciate all of your responses :O)
I felt special!! Yall are Awesome! Crazy as Hell, But still Awesome!
January 31st, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Raoul and Ray Ray and Raoul.You guys are such an adorable,madcap pair.Comedy needs a little work.Maybe some dueling banjos would be sweet.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Laura, I have found a new theme song for you.
I could while away the hours, conferrin’ with the flowers
Consultin’ with the rain.
And my head I’d be scratchin’ while
my thoughts were busy hatchin’
If I only had a brain.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Sorry Dick. We don’t swing that way… but I’m sure you and your life partner can do the piq squeal without us.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Ray Glad I didn’t have to hear you sing that song to Laura.For the record I have a beautiful South American wife.How bout you.I promise not to tell Raoul.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Dick
I have a lovely wife and 3 kids thanks. And for your information I went to college on a voice scholarship… you don’t know what you’re missing.
January 31st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Ray,
Do you hear that whining noise?
January 31st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Did you ever notice that when they’re rude and obnoxious it’s reasoned debate, and when we have fun they accuse us of being rude and obnoxious? (which may be true…
but hey, I don’t go to Kos and start shit) I noticed Dick pulled out the ol’ ball and chain in defense of his hetero status right after trying to paint us gay.
Poor Laura. She thinks we hate her. I don’t hate her… hell, I don’t even know her. I just think she’s a dipshit. I’m sure she’s a very NICE dipshit… but still…
January 31st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
LoL! I’m not worried that you’re hating on me! I love all of my hating followers!! You give me a new laughs with each post~ I love reading Cinderella cry about a ball and all the other Pumpkin stories! Disney could bring this one to the Bank. Ray could star as my favorite character The Fairy Godmother! If this alleged ball was so important to you then you should have been there. Poor Ray, don’t worry there will be others, and The Real Ones are always better anyway.
January 31st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Damn ,you gotta purty mouth!!!
January 31st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Dip…. Shit
Laura, I have come to the conclusion that you are being intentionally obtuse and trying to keep a lie circulating. I am done being nice. No could be this stupid and have a brain that could still generate enough electricity to move their legs. Laura (or should I say Bethany?)has been kind enough to post her e-mail address in the web site block. I urge all my fellow TAH regular readers to do with it what you will. I am done with the bitch. bethanya2001@yahoo.com
January 31st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Ray….Did you ever notice that liberals are just like hemmoroids,they only bother you when sit down or if you try to do anything?
January 31st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Well i do not use working email addresses for blogs. I use old addresses that were disabled years ago. So yes do with it what you will. Just as you like to use links from sources with out creditable merit. You never were “Nice” Ray. You can’t Stop being something that you never started. Or are you too ill witted to have realized that by yourself?
And I never circulated a “Lie”. I was just one out of many that wanted to expose that lie for what it was.
Go sale out on Disney movies Ray. I prefer to get my News from quality sources,and by them can I form quality opinions. Your just pissed your sister wouldn’t loan you her dress for that pretend ball.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Here is the myspace page associated with the yahoo email “Laura” used to post on this blog:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=38011640
Funny, this myspace user uses the same names as said poster. Coincidence? Decide for yourself.
Laura/Bethany is a 28 y/o former “army brat” in Augusta, GA……
January 31st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Laura, thanks for the clarifacation,all these years of brain damaged liberals trying to tell me how to live,act, and think has nothing to do with that little problem at the Little Big Horn involving You know who and my ancesters.What a relief.
January 31st, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Nice! You took the time to look me up! that still doesn’t change the fact that the email address is no longer a working account that i know of. because i haven’t actually used it for 4 years. I use Gmail. You wanna look me up on that too please take the time.
I Love all your hate directed towards me, I could eat it for breakfast.
Yea I guess I am a Little Big Horn! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. You didn’t have to go all out of your way for me tho. Can’t say I would ever do the same for you.
I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life man. You Do What You Do!
January 31st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Actually I have been nice Laura/Bethany. If you look at post 522 you will see the e-mail I sent to your old account that I discovered when I tried to view your site. I altered it so it was addressed “generally” and then removed the part that pointed out to you to not place your e-mail in the website box.
But I guess the Indianapolis Star and the Jackson Herald aren’t “credible news organizations” either hey? Not to mention the American Legion’s homepage and the letter to Obama from the Legion 5 days before the event. You know…. the one you say didn’t happen.
Instead of reading that and realizing you are mistaken, you continue bullshit fantasies and personal attacks. No problem. I don’t need to convince you. It happened, its a fact, and no amount of denial by some dumb broad in Augusta will change that.
As for me attending the Ball, I would be honored beyond words to be able to break bread with and talk with men like that. Should I need 2 idiotic evil stepsisters to accompany me, I will contact you as with your dual personality you can play both. Just post the lot number of your doublewide and I’ll stick a note on your trailer park bulletin board. Don’t forget to let Madam Ethyl know you’ll be out of town for “$5.00 a Pop” week so she’ll have enough time to replace you with a piece of warm liver and a scratchy towel. Well… at least the towel will spread less disease, and the customers will leave better satisfied.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Ray,
The only followers she has have either a subpeona or a judegement from a collection agency in their hands.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Yea see that’s where you have misled yourself.
Ball or no ball the truth is I don’t live in a doublewide, or anything else with southern siding. But I do know some honorable Vietnam vets that do, so if you’re trying to knock lifestyles your target is way off. Crossing friendly fire lines even by your views.
And about me living here in GA, this is only 1 place out of a dozen that i have lived in my little Army Brat Life so I’m not worried about that either.
i have a copy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper in hand. Although you can also read it online.
I don’t need to get 100% of my resources from the internet.
Too much bullshit to swim through, oh but i guess you would know about that!
I wouldn’t accompany you! i don’t have that kind of time to be wasting. I’ll throw you a reply when i get bored, because it looks like you just can’t get enough of them. So keep it coming!
January 31st, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Raoul,
I think the only followers she would attract can be driven off with some Rid shampoo and body wash. (Don’t forget the nit comb.)
January 31st, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Ray, too funny man, way too funny. And I think you’re giving “Laura” way too much credit for being able to afford a double-wide. Maybe “Laura” can check out the story that must be a lie about the ice storm in Kentucky and how the Zero’s FEMA hasn’t responded. After all, Bush lied, people died, right “Laura”? How about “Obama dozed, people froze”? H/T to Redstate for that one.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Thank God I never voted for Obama!!
I never trusted him and never will.
What a loser to not attend the MOH ball.
Those of you who support this man and his
beliefs are are all losers in my book.
That’s my opinion and that is how I stand,
like it or not. And if you DON’T like it…
oh well.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Say what? I checked out that bitches site and she is all about Sexy!!! I would be on that right Now!
February 1st, 2009 at 12:02 am
Hit it Anon. They have shots for everything nowadays.
February 1st, 2009 at 12:18 am
Naw you some bitches #552 had it straight! and from how it reads you were playin to bust her out the game way b4 she started gettin down. Yall boys just can’t take a punch w/o pullin out some bitch talk!
She is a Fine Ass girl!! Too bad she made that profile private.
But you still had to start talkin shit about Ga.
Don’t show face out here is what you need to remember.
February 1st, 2009 at 12:33 am
A lot of you are so quick to attack anyone who disagrees with you that you don’t even sound patriotic! We are supposed to have different views and opinions! I personally think that a few of the believers in “the ball” have taken all of it too far. So what if there was a ball, and someone else isn’t willing to believe it!
That doesn’t give you the right to start stalking people!
You might not like liberals but Thank God You aren’t our King!
These guys here seem to think that this Blog is EVERYTHING!!
This is a Blah blah BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOG!
February 1st, 2009 at 12:36 am
you are king of your tiny mole hill, don’t try to over compensate for the things your gene pool didn’t provide.
February 1st, 2009 at 12:51 am
Actually I did read about those victims from the ice storm. It was horrible. I was completely ashamed and appalled by what was allowed to happen. People were found in blocks of ice! And that is the kind of thing that could bring tears to my eyes. It was a tragedy. And it has made me look him differently. I am disappointed.
say what ever about me. I don’t care, but I can’t and WON’T take what happened to those people lightly.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:09 am
Why are you wasting time on such a topic? Did you not learn from George Bush’s Eight Years of stupidity? Get over it and MOVE ON! Go Obama! and Laura too…!
February 1st, 2009 at 1:11 am
Keep it up fools. I can’t believe I read your petty arguments. Laura, keep on keeping on… Obama ROCKS!
February 1st, 2009 at 1:30 am
Thanks and Love go out to Grunt, Joe Momma and Anon.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:32 am
Oh! And Tone too LoL… what you said was pretty nice, although kinda hard to read sometimes :O) its cool tho thanks!
February 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
Obama rocks! Wow - great saying. He appoints tax cheats to high level positions. They only pay up just before it goes public. He mandates that anyone he appoints (prior to the ceremony) must contribute funds to the inauguaral balls(this extortion was pointed out by the Wall Street Journal). He goes after Rush Limbaugh in a precurser to completely eliminating anyone who objects to his ways, his wants. He closes GITMO and has no plan on what to do with the Prisoners of War. Yes, these are POWs until the war is officially over - and by the Geneva Convention they should remain in the care of military keepers - not the general public. Yet, here we are - still at war - and closing down our own POW camp. Yes, I agree … rocks for Obama.
February 1st, 2009 at 5:31 pm
You people are just looking for something to complain about regarding Obama. Did you also complain about George W. dodging his National Guard service by transferring to an out-of-state unit where he never attended any of the drills???? Man, give it a rest. Let’s try bringing this country together for a change. We’re in deep trouble and need to pull together to dig ourselves out of this hole!!
Just FYI, here’s a list of the inaugural balls– a little hard to make them all. And he did attend the Commander in Chief Ball. BTW, the American Legion responded that they were NOT offended. They posted a response saying that if you check out Snopes. Joe Biden did attend their event & they were happy with that.
A Celebration of Change Gala
A Time For Hope Inaugural Jazz Gala
All American Ball
Ambassadors of Goodwill Inaugural Ball
American Music - Legends Ball
American Music - Urban Ball
American Scholars Ball
Arizona Presidential Inaugural Ball
Arkansas State Society Ball
Believers Ball
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball (official)
Black Tie and Boots Ball
California Bash Inaugural Celebration
Change Has Come Inaugural Gala
Commander-In-Chief Ball (official)
Delaware State Society Ball
Eastern Inaugural Ball (official)
Garden State Inaugural Gala
George Washington University Ball
Georgetown Inaugural Gala
Georgia Inaugural Gala
Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball
HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball
Hey, America Feels Cool Again Inaugural Gala
Historic Inaugural Ball
History in the Making Inaugural Ball
Illinois Presidential Inaugural Gala
Indiana State Society Inaugural Gala
International Conservation Caucus Foundation Gala
Kentucky Bluegrass Ball
Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball
Latino Inaugural Gala
Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball
Maryland Inaugural Gala
Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball (official)
Midwest Inaugural Ball (official)
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball (official)
North Carolina Society Inaugural Gala
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball (official)
Ohio Inaugural Celebration
Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala
Pennsylvania Inaugural Gala
Servant Forge Humanitarian Ball
South Carolina Inaugural Ball
Southern Inaugural Ball (official)
Spirit of Hope Inaugural Ball
Sunshine and Stars Florida Ball
The Change Has Come Presidential Inaugural Gala
The Inaugural Purple Ball
The Presidents Ball
Unity in Service Inaugural Ball
We the People Inaugural Ball
Welcome to Washington Black Tie Gala
Western Inaugural Ball (official)
Yes We Did! Celebration
Youth Inaugural Ball (official)
February 1st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
This is the Snopes follow-up on this story found at http://www.snopes.com:
http://isaacs.newsvine.com/_news/2009/01/23/2345799-obama-blows-off-medal-of-honor-recipients-not-exactly
February 1st, 2009 at 5:45 pm
AF Lifer…You must have spent so much time in the clouds that your eyeballs rusted.If you get bored,feel free to go to the begining of this blog and READ ALL of the blogs.If that dosent answer any questions you have then there just aint no hope for you. If you are still unconvenced please feel free to Depart The Fix Outbound.
February 1st, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Lifer in the AF,
You Lied, Troops Died.
You didn’t supply the link to a Snopes page that disproved anything. That second link is a Kool Aid Freebaser like yourself.
BOTTOM LINE: Obama FAILED to attend the ball for MOH winners that every other President except President-Reject Obama attended. That’s 54 years of tradition, 14 inaugurals were the President got it right where Huessen got it wrong.
And note that last inaugural, Bush and Cheney made it the FIRST stop on their agenda. It shows the priorities of the Bush White House veresus the al_Qaeda Interests Section now located at 1600 Penn Ave NW.
And guess what, all yout lying liberal friends who hung their hat on the lack of a Legion web page mentioning the ball now have to eat crap and die because such a page exists.
Sucks to be you dude…
BTW, your career, Lybian AF or Syrian AF?
February 1st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Obama rocks = Rocks that Obama smokes. Crack rocks.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
“There wasn’t a Ball… There was a Ball but it’s no big deal… why are you talking about this? Blah blah blah blah blah.”
1st
There was a Salute to Heroes Ball held this year on January 20th. It was attended by many people including 47 MOH recipients and the new VP. That has been concieded by everyone but Laura who is still on that river in Egypt. De Nile.
2nd
Obama did not attend. The first President to miss the Ball in 54 years. AF lifer, if you’re not bothered by that fine. If the MOH recipients are not bothered by that fine. I am. Disagree? fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
3rd
If you aren’t interested in the conversation feel free to leave or start your own blog and discuss the things YOU think are important.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hi there:
I am an American Legion Post Commander and a district chaplain. As such, I receive online update from the Legion. The link posted below is from one usch update with a story about the disputed ball. It did happen. In the article you will read a line that states that Pres. Obama was unable to attend. (Why he was unable it does not say. Frankly, I don’t know if the Legion was giving him the benefit of the doubt or simply being kind.)
MOH recipients are certainly worthy of our gratitude and respect. Anyone lucky enough to spend even a few moments talking with one comes away with a sense of being in the presence of greatness–though a MOHr would never say so. I am sorry they were not honored by President Obama’s attendance.
http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2476/heroes-honored-legion-hosted-inaugural-ball
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Debra,
“Frankly, I don’t know if the Legion was giving him the benefit of the doubt or simply being kind.”
Both. Plus they hope to work with him on political things, so there’s a third element at work here.
All of which works to mitigate their response to Obama’s slight…so all of the Moonbat “The Legion isn’t pissed” comments are VERY suspect and virtually worthless.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Why is everyone so surprised!? YOU knew what you were getting into when you voted for this ultra-leftist liberal fool! YOU asked for it, YOU got it!!
YOU idiots wanted change, well…there you go!
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Debra, you’re correct, mostly. Obama would have been honored to have been amongst 47 MOH recipients, not the other way around. His “accomplishments” ie. running 3 successful election campaigns including the one where he had all competition removed from the ballot pales in comparison to the actions these men took at their own peril to save the lives of others and defend this Nation, its freedoms, and its rights.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
Obama is the first president since Eisenhower to miss the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes ball. A Legion spokesman says it “does not feel offended or ’snubbed,’” and Medal of Honor recipients were invited to the Commander in Chief’s ball, which Obama did attend.
It is true that Obama did not attend the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball, and that his absence broke a 14-inauguration streak. Vice President Joe Biden did attend the ball, showing up around 11:30. American Legion spokesperson Craig Roberts told FactCheck.org that the president, vice president and first lady have all traditionally attended.
The American Legion released two statements on the matter, saying that “The Legion does not feel offended or ’snubbed’ by the President’s failure to appear,” expressing gratitude for Biden’s appearance, and adding that “there are much more important issues to dwell on.”
We reproduce both statements here, just as they were e-mailed to us from the Legion:
Original statement from American Legion National Adjutant Dan Wheeler: The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th . The quadrennial event is co-sponsored by fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event. President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. From The American Legion’s point of view, the new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The National Adjutant of The American Legion states that, as an organization, The Legion does not feel offended or “snubbed” by the President’s failure to appear.
Second statement from Mr. Wheeler, Jan. 26, 2009: We extended an invitation as we always do. There are numerous Balls and we know he can’t attend them all. Of course, we would have loved for him to make an appearance, but he didn’t. It’s a logistical nightmare. He did meet with the troops at the Commander In Chief’s Ball, and we are grateful for that. Our Ball wasn’t about the President; it was about the Medal of Honor recipients and the veterans and families who were there. We are grateful that the Vice President appeared, and our guests were very appreciative.
That having been said, there are much more important issues to dwell on, which we intend to do. We look forward to working with the new administration on ensuring full and guaranteed funding for VA health care services, and the very best treatment for our service people who have been wounded, and on the quality of life of all members of the Armed Forces and their families, as well as the maintenance of a national security force that will deter any enemy from considering an attack on America.
We have asked the White House for comment on this matter, and will update this article should we receive a response.
Update: Shortly after we posted this story, we heard from Josh Earnest of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. He told us that the president only attended the 10 official balls organized by the PIC. (The Salute to Heroes is organized by the American Legion and is unofficial.) But, Earnest told us, “in order to show due respect to the Medal of Honor winners, they were special guests at the Commander in Chief’s ball,” which the president attended early in the evening. Earnest didn’t know how many Medal of Honor recipients accepted the invitation to the Commander in Chief’s ball, which is primarily targeted to military personnel, but added that the PIC also subsidized hotel rooms and provided ground transportation for the recipients while they were in DC. We’ve updated our answer summary accordingly.
-Jess Henig
Correction, Jan. 30: We originally referred to Medal of Honor recipients as “winners.” The correct terminology is “recipients.”
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Anonymous,
Only a loser like you would have a problem with the the word “winners”.
Go polish your soccer trophies for attendence.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
Anonymous,
Lots of smoke, lots of words to cover up the fact that Bush and every other President for 54 years got the job done and Obama didn’t.
Chew on the fact that Bush and Cheney made this ball Obama blew off their FIRST priority in 2005. Even told the audience of MOH winners that that’s the way things oaught to be.
Bush 2, Obama 0.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Anonymous,
BTW, Bush did everything that O-Loser did AND made it to the American Legion Ball.
O-Loser tried but can’t fill Bush’s shoes.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Lifer in the Iranian AF,
Bush vs Obama = Obama came in second. Bush made the CIC Ball too, both years and the Legion Ball both years.
Obama’s job performance isn’t as good as Bush’s…
Maybe Obama should quit and let Bush fill out his term since he’s not up to the job.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Six Medal of Honor recipients skipped the Salute to Heroes event in favor of the Commander in Chief’s Ball, though they had attended weekend events sponsored by Salute to Heroes co-hosts. One of their number - and perhaps their leader - was Paul W. Bucha, a highly placed Obama election campaign advisor. Forty-two MoH brethren elected to continue to enjoy the hospitality of The American Legion, VFW, DAV and colleague veterans service and military service organizations, even though it meant missing a photo-op wioth the new President.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
What a bunch of far-right “dis”-intended whiney crap! Gimme a break….
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
ghander,
“It’s a Patriot thing”, you wouldn’t understand.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Retired and I have yet to see from Mr. Obama what he has to offer. The bailouts (under Bush and upcoming) do not convince me they will help anyone in my salary range. skipping the Medal of Honor Winners is like skipping Retreat at the end of the day, of which I am proud to stand.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
All politics aside. This arguement is very simply put to rest.
He is the Commander In Chief, he should have gone to that party. He is the person whom all military personel call “BOSS.” Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines all have to put aside their political and personal opinions and serve honorably to every Commander and Chief. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican, you would want your country’s military to serve any president that is in office. You would not want a military that chooses when to serve and protect this country. Therefore it was and OBLIGATION that he should have been at that Ball. He is not the president of BET or any other leader of the organizations that he attended. He is however, I say again, the COMMANDER IN CHIEF. And if he did not want that position than he should not have run for president. It is a two way street. He cannot ignore the military and then ask them to do his bidding and he will ask.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I was deeply hurt over this, I am a Vet and female to boot, but we have to remember we are a forgotten group of people when the job is done, how could he forget the reason he can sit at the White House a free man the mothers of this United States gave there sons and daughters to them to put them in War how in the world can he forget that, take a trip Commander in Chief to a Veteran Cem and see the row after row of white crosses and know that is some mothers son or daughter, you would think twice if it was your daughter and you would stop worrying about the peanut butter. I could care less if he showed up, but the hurt the Vets felt is what I am mad about, he should have showed some respect for them, because they are the ones that keep this United States safe, and my heart and love goes out to all Vets I salute you.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Lifer in the AF Says:
February 1st, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Obama has terrorists, despots, and communist radicals for supporters, friends and mentors. Complaints aren’t much of a stretch. His snub is par for his anti-military course. Between his destructive socialist economic ideas and his desire to ‘negotiate without preconditions’ with rogue states like Iran, the hole he’ll dig will be a fucking abyss. Give us a break.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This post is like the living dead.
Someone grab me a wooden stake and some holy water.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Sorry TSO, but this is the record. This is the hard proof and will continue to be referenced as such, in infamy.
You can expect the hits to continue all the way through Jan 21, 2013
‘ell, I have two trackbacks set to hit this weekend.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
what a joke…i just hope the USA makes it for 4 years with this conceited SOB at the helm….i took two ak-47 rounds in nam for this country….arrogant bastard….
February 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
TSO,
Dear Leader’s Begleit-Commandos have their tasking.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
For the Troops at the VAAA that chose to display OBAMA
stickers on vehicles! (You got your Change)
February 7th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Incredible! There are still folks disputing whether this ball even occurred or not?! Not surprised.
Even though Obama supposedly knew enough about what was going on in Gitmo that he could promise to close it during the campaign he wasn’t informed enough to have a plan, just a promise. His idea of leadership is to get on TV and make speeches and do the easy work of Presidential Orders. The real leadership where you get in a room with everyone and slug it out seems to scare the guy. The law professor stops the trial of a bunch of terrorists so their status can be reviewed? Has their status changed since he joined the Senate? Or since he condemned President Bush for how he handled terrorists? No, but now he’s on the hot seat and has to deliver instead of talking.
He probably got his first intel brief that he actually paid attention to after the election and started demanding the recount, hoping that McCain actually won. The guy is a mile wide and an inch deep.
In only fourteen days he’s appointed a bunch of tax cheats and lobbyists, stopped the trials of terrorists who will be released if we follow his standards, and tried to scare the American people like Chicken Little over the economy just so he doesn’t look combat ineffective. He’s moved the Census Bureau from the Commerce Dept into the White House, thus controlling the information that decides representation in the United States. He’s moving rapidly to consolidate all the power in the White House before the public says WTF and he’s got a bunch of congressman going, “Oh, yup yup yo, yup yup yo.”
Even those rabid Obama supporters have to be getting a little concerned. Unless of course they’re blinded by their love of Obama over their love of this country.
February 7th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
How dare this egotistical SOB snub those that have served our country, Medal Of Honor recipients or not they are all heros.
For the first time in my life I am ashamed of my countrymen, I believe we are ready for a Black President but knowing that the only reason the majority voted this poor excuse of a man in for president was because he is black is insanity. If any of them had not been so lazy and had taken the time to really listen to him, get on the internet to investigate him, his backers, friends and what he stands for, they never would have voted for him. By the way, how is it everyone thinks of him as an “Afro American”?
He disgusts me, president or not, I have no respect for him or his bitch of a wife and after all these years I now know what “BB” means. No offense intended to all the beautiful, intellegent, honest, hard working black americans in our country. I am proud to know many and I believe there are many that are a lot more capable then O to run our country.
Unfortunately, for the next four years you are now going to find out why you were always warned to “Be careful of what you wish for”. May God have mercy on the USA.
February 7th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
What do you mean, Mail (will not be published)?
February 7th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Furious,
The e-mail address that you provide to TAH will not be published… unless you are dumb enough to put it in the “website” box which creates a link. You’re all good.
February 7th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Marshall,
VAAA = ???
February 8th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Medal of Honor: What kind of Man Earns It?…
Who are the men that have earned it? The men who have lived to receive it? Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Part 1 - watch more videos They are modest men who honor those that served with them, that would……
February 9th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Medal of Honor - 2: The Living Heroes…
What drove them, in their words to greatness: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Part 2 - watch more videos Never give up, not on yourself, not on your comrades. “When things get really rough… No One is exempt from fear”……
February 9th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Well, president opumpo will not get my respect any more, since he didn’t want to respect THE MEDAL HONOR WINNERS”
February 10th, 2009 at 2:36 am
GET OVER IT You PUSSYS ! ! ! Obama is your President for now so get ready to bow.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Seems he took his lead from the anti-military Clintons.
Chris USN (RET) AND DAMNED PROUD OF IT!
February 10th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Joe Bomma….IT’S BETTER TO DIE ON YOUR FEET THAN LIVE ON YOUR KNEES!!!! Get a life you scrote sack!!!
February 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Moe BOMMA….IT’S A WARRIOR THANG…SUMTIN YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND MY BRATHA!!!!!!!!
February 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Jobama,
I bow to no man or party, You can BOHICA if you want to… but don’t be disappointed if “The One” doesn’t even give you a courtesy reach around.
February 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Joe Momma, Moe Bomma, Jobama, or what ever it is. Just because that guy, taking up residence in the White House, may be the president I owe him no respect, nor will I bow and when he drives our beautiful country into the ground then we’ll see how ready you are to bow. It will be very interesting to see, by the end of this year, how many of his worshipers are willing to admit they voted that guy in.
I will bow to all our military, past and present. It’s not much but I thank each and everyone of you.
February 13th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Obama was there. He just never made it INSIDE.
After two hours of trying to find a doorknob, the Secret Service explained to THE SMARTEST PRESIDENT EVER that it was a window and not a door.
He promptly retreated to the limosine, where he smartly struck his head and lost consciousness. Rahm Emanuel eventually revived him by waving $100 bills in “economic stimulus” under his nose.
February 15th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Your web page does not correctly work in safari browser
March 4th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Soldiers get paid to go to war and kill if necessary. Do not try to make a big deal out of your job. You made a choice, to shoot people and to get shot at, i respect that. What i don’t respect is the fact that you are an idiot following a moron who does not have the brains to think rationally. You are risking your life and fighting a war that belongs to a single family of oil rich bastards that could not settle their BUSINESS issues with f*ing Irakies. The worst part of it, is that you actually believe that you are serving your country. You have no idea that you are serving a MORON who happens to be your ex-president. I know you are pushing the limits of your under-developed brain cursing at me as you read this, but I also have seen enough to know that YOU CANNOT FIX STUPID. So i don’t blame you, I don’t expect much from you, just try to come back home safe…..
March 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Save your breath, the IDIOTS here who choose to believe this is “bogus” are the same type who, after voting, could not answer a single important question about the man they voted for. It has nothing to do with Truth or Fact for them. Read the blogs…they INVENT more asccomplishments for this idiot than you can shake a stick at. We will all have to learn what we are dealing with. As for his being the first President ever (since the inception of the Heros Ball in’53) to snub the Heros who served our country so valiantly as to win The MOH, as well as the hoards of paralyzed American Vets who waited for him in vain…What CAN be said? He had time to boogie with the Rappers at the BET ball…I guess that states his priorities. Personally I feel that for BHO to be in he presence of a room full of such honerable and brave men would be akin to when they bring the HOLY Water out during an exorcism. Just lets not let this happen again.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
[...] Inauguration Day, President Obama was the first President in fifty years to skip the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball. The Inaugural Ball recognizes recipients of Medal of Honor, 87 of whom were black. From the Civil [...]
June 25th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Obama is an ass he smokes too much crack AND HE IS MAD AS A HATTER! Who the hell does he think he is destroying the country many of have fought for. When will he fight for this country? He is a PU@#y. Put me in a room alone with him for 5 minutes PLEASE?
June 25th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Mahyia, I’m sure you believ the crap you are pushing, but, I have a 165 IQ, and in comparison with yours which is probably 105 I think there is little contest. Barak Obama is an idiot bent on controlling every minute aspect of your pitiful little life. Which, if he has his way, will be lived out in abject poverty, and ggod forbid you should ever have a serious illness once he gets his socialized medicine plan passed. He is claiming he is going to follow the model of Great Britain. Great Britain is dumping the plan! Why? Because it doesn’t work. He has no business how to run a business, how to do anything for that matter. Printing trillions of dollars to buy pay for these outrageous pie in the sky, hair-brained ideas! What the hell is that. This country is in debt now to the tune of 11 trillion dollars and going up every day. This is more than all the world all through history combined. He is completely insane and you had better wake up before the trucks pull up to your front door to take you away. The mark of the Beast is coming and you will probably be drooling in line to be one of the first to have it. Get your mind right, the Bible will tell you what to look for and you need to start looking now before it’s too late.
June 26th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I am in a state of unbelief from a statement an Afro-American made on TV 6/25. For months I’ve wondered why Obama would want to destroy our nation, now it makes sense. Rev. Jesse said, Obama is a dangerious man. He hates the whites, especially the white male and wants to destroy him. The reasoning behind Obama’s plan to distribute the wealth, is to take it from the hard working white male and give it to the black population. Sounds like pay back/slave reversal to me.
Latlely other Afro-Americans have also been speaking out against Obama. Hopefully, in the next four years others follow and whether white or black we can all unite to take our country back. If Obama hasn’t completely destroyed it, by then.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
[...] pattern such as he showed during the campaign, it seems the new Command in Chief has no time for our nation’s best. “According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural [...]
November 8th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
[...] his actions? Since you ask, the answer is, “Not too well”. Obama started his first term by becoming the first president in 56 years to snub the Salute to Heroes ball honoring Medal of Honor recipients. Next, having been handed a [...]