First Post - In Defense of Liberty!

by John Adams

First of all, thanks to Mike Bryan and Blog for Arizona for the opportunity to contribute to this exciting, progressive community.  It's a privilege to share our thoughts on today's issues.

Since this is my first post, please allow a brief introduction.

I retired from Active Duty in the US Army in September 2007, as a Brigadier General, with over thirty years' service to our Constitution as a Military Intelligence officer, Army Aviator, and Foreign Area Officer.

With on the ground experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan (temporary duty in 2004), I also served in Africa (Operation Guardian Assistance, Rwanda, 1996), Europe (Operation Allied Force, the Balkans, 1999), and the Middle East (Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, 1991).

On 9/11, I was at the Pentagon, 100 yards from the crash site...and on that tragic day I participated in the rescue and recovery of the shattered bodies of our brothers and sisters-in-arms. As a committed servant of the Constitution of the United States of America, I am determined to combat the murderers who attacked us on 9/11.

But I am just as determined to combat the fear-mongering criminals in the Bush Administration who assault our Constitutional rights under the guise of protecting us—and who under false pretenses, send our brave troops to die in the unconscionable occupation of Iraq.

From first-hand experience, I know national security issues. I also know that the Bush Administration cynically exploits our fears to gain ever more control of our national security apparatus, benefit the richest among us economically, and eviscerate our constitutional liberties.

Although I have taken off my Army uniform, I am no less committed to fighting for our Constitution—and for real national security—than I was when on Active Duty.

However, as John F. Kennedy said in his acceptance speech for his nomination as the Democratic Party candidate for President in 1960, "We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light a candle that can guide us."

In that spirit, please allow me to address a brighter subject...the movement to elect Barack Obama as our next President. Barack has a life experience that demonstrates his capacity for hard work and commitment...and most important for someone who aspires to the Presidency, Barack is a brilliant, caring, perceptive, and courageous leader.

My own life experience convinces me that Barack Obama is the greatest leader we have seen in America for generations. He has the experience, the judgment, and the passion to inspire all Americans, to unite us, and to carry this country forward beyond ethnic and economic divisions.

As a delegate pledged to Barack Obama, I will fight to make him our nominee at our Democratic National Convention.  With the help of Americans united in the conviction that we must change the course of our country, and chart a new one that benefits all our people, we will elect a President of whom all Americans will be proud.

I am privileged to call Blog for Arizona my "home," including at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. I welcome your thoughts—and your counsel—as we march toward Denver and beyond.

Comments

[mhp]

Excellent post, welcome to the blog, I look forward to reading your future contributions. A question: I know you're not in favor of impeachment, but what are your thoughts on charges being brought against Cheney after he leaves office? Do you think he and/or Bush can be charged with treason after they leave office? is there any precedent for that?

[leathej1]

Kudos to you sir. In troubling times like this, I have come to depend on the voice of experienced commanders in the armed forces, such as yourself, to provide the unspun observations of our foreign engagements amidst the rhetoric and propaganda. In this way, my view of the military has changed very much in the past twenty years or so. Had a few courageous and critical thinkers in the armed forces inspired me back then, I very well might have served. It is heartening to know that, in spite of the lunatics in the administrative branch, high-ranking officers in our military are looking out for our citizens and our constitution, in ways that are neither jingoistic nor blindly following orders. Again, thank you.

[David Safier]

Welcome aboard, John. I'm looking forward to reading your views on events as they unfold on the national and international scenes. Your unique perspective will give all of us a greater understanding of the issues.

[GOP Spartan]

Delegate to Barack Obama? He has life experiences that demonstrate his capacity for hard work and commitment? Barack Obama is the greatest leader we have seen in America for generations? He’ll inspire all Americans, to unite us, and to carry this country forward beyond ethnic and economic divisions?

Boy oh boy sir, your judgment of character is either a bit off or you’re showing us how you made your Star.

To support a man who is clearly the opposite of everything John F. Kennedy stood for and to evoke a quote from Kennedy in defense of this anti-American racist is deplorable.

Barack and his wife clearly despise this country. They have demonstrated their anti-patriotism, anti-Americanism time and time again, by action and association. He is not fit, nor will he be Commander in Chief because unlike you, the American people are begining to see Obama's true colors.

I’m glad your career was buried in the obscurity of the intelligence community and not on the battlefield leading troops, because if your assessment of Barack Obama’s leadership is anything like your own, you would have been a disaster.

I've heard your leftist diatribe before at the West Point Society luncheon back in January. I also saw the faces of the other retired Army Officers present as they listened to your delusional rant on how to fight this war. A recently retired Corps Commander (3-Star for you non-military folks) and an Armor Division Commander (2-Star), were also present. These men are real leaders, who have led young men in combat, and are obviously far better judges of character and leadership skills because they walked out rather than sit and listen to your tripe.

You are right where you belong; being a lemming for Barack Obama. In a few years you’ll be a nobody just like your candidate. Do yourself a favor while there's still time and focus your efforts on writing a book like most who served in your field do when they retire. It will pay off with far more dividends than would backing a man whose campaign will come to an end soon thanks to grandmothers and other “typical white folk.”

[John Adams]

Thanks to GOP Spartan for your comment. You provide an instructive example of the kind of destructive, distracting diatribe that we must resist if we want to change this country for the better, address the serious issues we face both domestically and internationally, and craft real solutions for them.

Would-be Spartan lacks the wit to logically address his topic, and lacks the spine to state his own credentials, even as he derides mine. My further exploitation of Spartan's witlessness and cowardice would be cruel and unnecessary.

But I do need to comment on his veracity. Spartan provided a distorted account of our West Point Society of Southern Arizona luncheon on January 17, 2008. At the West Point Society's kind invitation, I gave a speech about America's national security interests relating to Iran. In a thirty-minute talk, I strongly advocated diplomacy rather than war. We followed with a thirty-minute serious discussion during which some voiced agreement and some voiced dissent, but all remained civil and open, without any public protest, bombast, or apparent psychological distress.

This is as we would expect from a discussion among serious professionals who have given much of their lives in service to our Country and our Constitution, who truly care about national security issues facing America, and value an open discussion of our policy options...especially as we consider issues of war and peace.

I remain grateful to the forty of so good people in attendance from not only the West Point Society but the Association of the US Army and the Military Officers' Association of America for their invitation to speak, for their hospitality at the event, for the serious exchange of ideas, and for their continued commitment to the preservation of our Constitution and our Country's security. I am proud to continue to serve our Country and Constitution with them, and to be a member of all three excellent groups of patriots and leaders.

That's one reason millions of Americans support Barack...he addresses issues clearly, directly, and truthfully...and with genuine love for our country and our Constitution.

Barack speaks without personal rancor, inspiring and encouraging understanding rather than hate, bringing us to solutions rather than conflict.

As Americans, we need to work for a national and international dialog that focuses on ideas and solutions rather than rant and exploitation. We need Barack Obama's leadership in our White House.

For the bigoted ranters, like you Spartan, there's hope too. It's never too late to learn...perhaps you can improve your own mental health and blood pressure. Good luck in your personal journey. And when you're fit and ready, perhaps you and I can have a serious discussion one day.

[John Adams]

Bush and Cheney deserve to have their conduct in office investigated, and charges brought based on the evidence.

Unlikely this will happen with a Republican Administration...which surely gives Bush yet more motivation to help Uncle John this Fall.

And the prospect of holding Bush and Cheney accountable gives the American people more incentive to elect a Democratic ticket!