General Mark Milley; Kabul, Afghanistan … FUBAR

This is hard to think about; the tragic and stumbling withdrawal from Afghanistan resulting in the needless death and injury to US military personnel.  One feels incredibly sad (and angry) for the families.  This shouldn’t have happened.  Inept leadership was responsible.

What can one say?  Will General Mark Milley write a letter to the families of those who died?  Doubtful.  That duty will be forced on some ‘underling.’  And, if absolutely required, a machine or an NCO will sign Milley’s name.  Will he admit that he oversaw and directed one of the worst fiascos in military history?  And, that as a result, admit failure, do the honorable thing, and retire?  Doubtful?  Will he be given another meaningless medal to pin on his vastly overstuffed uniform?  Probably.  Will he accept it and consider the medal a great honor, earned honorably?  Yes, without doubt.

As they say in the military, the evacuation was FUBAR*.

What can one say about the President?  Who, might I ask, is in the background propping him up and scripting his speeches?  I noticed he had to remind us once again that his older son served in Afghanistan.  Reminded us I suppose (how could we possibly forget it) to lend a note of empathy to the families that lost loved ones in this tragedy.  How dare he?  Perhaps, we should also recall that his younger son was kicked out of the military for drug abuse.

And when the ‘festivities’ begin, the hollow speeches and other nonsense transpires on September 11^th 2021 – let us hang our heads in shame.

As a personal aside, I wanted to add an experience I had in the military – nothing like what I talked about above, nothing like that – just a vignette from my life.  I was a lowly Air Force Lieutenant on temporary assignment to Chu Lai, Vietnam.  It was 1968, shortly after Tet.  I was having lunch at a table in the chow hall and a Marine Major sat down with his lunch, saying “Mind if I join you?”  I said, “No Sir that’s fine” as I stood up.  He said, “sit Lieutenant.”

This was a Marine base, and he asked why I was there?  I explained we were delivering updated tactical communications and navaids equipment to the flight line – that it’s now operational, and that we have almost completed revetting.  It became clear that he principally wanted to lecture me on the many differences between the Marine Corp and the Air Force.  I listened but didn’t say much.  One comment stuck with me.  “You know Lieutenant, if you were a Marine, I could send you to attack a hill with your unit – knowing full well that you and your guys would probably all be killed in the effort – and not think twice about it.”  I didn’t respond, other than “Yes Sir.”  As the years have passed, I always remembered a part of his lecture… ‘and not think twice about it.’  I wonder…  Is this the nature of military officers who ultimately become Generals?

True Nelson

*Military acronym meaning:  F..ked-Up Beyond All Reason or Repair.

Washington DC's Capitol Police to open Field Offices in California and Florida

Recently, it was interesting to note that the Washington D.C. Capitol Police was opening Field Offices in California and Florida - with reportedly other offices to follow.  The purpose or jurisdictional authority of this expansion was vaguely described.  Something to do with monitoring the 'illegal' trafficking of guns' and 'protection of Congress.'

This reported enforcement authority, outside Washington DC proper, already falls under the jurisdiction of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to include the FBI, the ATF, and US Marshals.  Then why would the Capitol Police be expanding their authority outside the Washington DC area?

Looks more like a smokescreen.  New gun laws might be on the horizon to include universal gun registration, licensing and associated fees.  Can selective confiscation be far behind?

True Nelson

Memorial Day May 31st, 2021 – Col. John McCrae “In Flanders Fields…”

 

Memorial Day is the day we honor those soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives to preserve the freedom all of us enjoy.  As we go about our everyday lives, celebrate but don’t forget the reason for Memorial Day.  A moment of remembrance and thankful prayer would be appropriate.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row or row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing,

Fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

And now we lie in Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch be yours to hold it high.

 

If you break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,

In Flanders field."

                        Col John McCrae

 

On May 1, 1915, World War I, Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae’s close friend was killed in combat.  On the 3rd of May, Crae drafted the most famous war memorial poem ever written – In Flanders Fields.

True Nelson

Desecration of the American Flag

I am not sure what to make of the many troubling current events.

All ‘Whites’ are said to be systemically ‘racist’; right?  You know what, I’m beginning to resent that preposterous implication.  And I particularly resent the Democratic Party operatives consistently telling me that is the case.

However, if that is theoretically true, should we presume we are labeled at birth?  Brain-washed as toddlers?  This is a concept (a psychosis) that many others would wish us to accept practically unquestioned.  It really is crazy.  It seems our society is slowly sinking into the mud.

Main Topic:  I’m sick and tired of those (too many) ‘individuals’ (withholding a more accurate designation for them) burning and disrespecting the American flag. I can accept quite a lot.  If they want to destroy downtown Portland, and City administrators consider it ‘peaceful protests,' go for it.  I do not live there.  It is too bad in a way, because Portland used to be a beautiful city and great place to live.

But when you desecrate the American flag; the same flag that so many men and women have died to preserve, well that’s a bridge too far in my opinion.  You have spit on the sacrifices of men and women far better than you will ever be.  And one day, at the end of your days, you will understand; and you will be tortured by your ignorance.  You will hang your head in shame.  And, for those who will have known you, it will be your legacy.  You will not be missed.

Americans who believe in the United States of America, the greatest country the world has ever known, should show the American flag.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if flags flew from every front porch?  And, moreover, Black Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans please join us.  It is your country too.

 True Nelson

Racism in America… We all Want to be Heard

 

We all need outlets that do not involve destroying property, calling people names, desecrating the American Flag; or even on a more civilized level, quarreling with family or friends.  This is my outlet.  I write…  Who reads it?  I suppose that aspect does not really matter a whole lot.

My topic for today is Race Relations:

Doesn’t it seem that Race relations in the U.S. are getting worse, not better?  Where is all this going?  How will it end?  Can we just look away when stores and businesses, as well as government buildings and monuments, are destroyed; parts of cities taken over by criminals?   Is it time to choose sides?  Does violence beget more violence?  Or do we shelter in place – hoping our lives will not be affected?  

Don’t you think that we might be being manipulated?   There is a strong possibility that what is occurring (the demonstrations, the property destruction, the anger, the deaths) are being purposely promoted by outside forces with goals that have little or nothing to do with racial equality?  More likely power and money - that’s my belief.

Does anyone (apparently there are many) who believe that Democrats care more about African Americans than Republicans.?  Really, the Democratic Party (the Party represented by Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy) defeated by Union Forces (under Abraham Lincoln - Republican).  The Democratic Party that promoted ‘Jim Crow’ prejudice and discrimination against African Americans for a hundred plus years after the Civil War.  If Blacks or other minorities believe this – well, what can I say – it is kind of hard to understand.  It appears the Black population has apparently forgiven the Democratic Party (even its off shoot the Klu Klux Klan) for their past sins.   It is truly remarkable.   Of course, that forgiveness has been purchased with social welfare programs and hollow promises, in exchange for votes – but not a better life.

If this continues, Blacks and Whites will be divided to the point that any reconciliation will take decades.  Racial color blindness will become an unachievable goal.  Is this the goal of those who encourage and promote the divide?  Is this about ‘divide and conquer?’  Or maybe divide and make irrelevant.

Racial equality will be achieved with ‘school choice;’ and promoting (through whatever means possible) Black family units, and creating jobs, as well as educational opportunities through actual ‘equality’, not ‘equity’ (equity is synonymous with ‘fairness’, but has been misinterpreted, justified, and implemented with quotas) – and, in my opinion, an insulting, degrading promise to all African Americans, as well as certain other disadvantaged minorities.  It invariably and falsely labels those individuals as underachievers and professionally inferior throughout their subsequent careers and lives.

My parents used to say that ‘life isn’t fair – it’s up to you.’  I have always believed that – and examples are all around us.  I was not born rich or particularly privileged.  Nonetheless, my belief has always been, since I was old enough to understand, that I won the lottery when I was born in the United States of America.  The rest was up to me.

Morgan Freeman probably said it best… 

“How do we stop Racism?  Stop talking about it.  I am going to stop calling you a white man.  And, I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.”

True Nelson

 

President Joe Biden's First Official Press Briefing / and my prediction for 2024

President Joe Biden gave his first official press briefing today.  How did he do?  Well, I didn’t watch the whole thing, but I guess he did OK – expectations were on the low side to start with.

It was scripted of course.  He called on preselected reporters, about six or eight.  No surprise, but Fox News was not one of the reporters selected.  However, it should be noted that there was a winner in the ‘dumbest question’ competition.

One reporter (she actually has a job as a journalist for a major news agency) was:

“Do you plan on running for re-election in 2024?”  And the follow-up, “Will Kamala Harris be on the ticket with you.”  What was Biden’s answer: “That is my expectation.”

All the things going on in this country and the world – AND, this is all said ‘professional journalist’ could come up with!  Talk about a ‘soft ball,’ inane question.

Some of the other questions were so rambling and convoluted that they left Biden the opportunity to answer just a portion; with what I would describe as ‘glittering generalities.’

Which brings me to my prediction for the Presidential election in 2024 – a prediction that practically no one is particularly interested in; but I will give it anyway.

President Biden will not run in 2024.  He will resign for ‘reported’ health reasons in 2023 – and VP Harris will assume the Presidency.  This will give her the opportunity to complete Biden’s term, and still be eligible to run in 2024 and 2028 – which will give her (potentially) ten (10) years as President of the United States.

God help us…

 

True Nelson

The 2020 Presidential Election is Over and Donald Trump Lost

 

Well, the election is over, and Trump is apparently (hopefully) now moving toward a smooth transition to the Biden administration.

I have some thoughts… 

Do I feel the election was ‘fair and honest?’  I do not.  Although, as something of a qualifier, I think the Presidential and most other elections are never entirely fair and honest.  This Presidential election was on the low side of fairness and honesty.  Oh, I think that Oregon does pretty well, but some states, some municipalities, are renowned for political corruption.  Chicago and New York are just two examples.  Perhaps, we should now include San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Covid-19 pandemic suddenly produced all kinds of opportunities to cheat.  And some states and many cities took full advantage.  My humble opinion.

Who voted for Biden?

1)       Of course, there is always a ‘guaranteed’ Democratic voting bloc, such as the public employee unions.  Although police unions overwhelmingly voted for Trump – for obvious reasons.

2)       There are many minorities and those in the lowest economic strata (hoping the Democratic social assistance programs will be more generous).

3)       There are those in certain upper classes (like the entertainment industry, tech executives, the political hierarchy, etc. -- who quite frankly, in my opinion, do not really give a damn about honesty or fairness – but do what best promotes their careers, or the ultimate – more money.  And, in fact, they have convinced themselves that they know what is best for all the ‘little people.’  That is the rest of us.

4)      Those in academia, principally professors in elite schools and their newly indoctrinated graduates.

5)       In some cases, voting Democratic is just a generational thing – it runs in the family – it is what their friends and neighbors are doing, and they just want to get along, avoid conflict.

6)      And there are those who just ‘can’t stand’ (an understatement) Donald Trump because he is not a nice person (various expletives deleted).  OK, I sort of get this… but;  I think that if most of us knew, personally, a high-ranking politician, particularly the President, we would have the opinion that he or she is not ‘a nice person.’  Hypocrisy and being something of an ‘ass’ are probably some of the main qualifications leading to success in politics.  Moreover, being nice does not always, hardly ever, equates with being a good leader.  How so?  Consider General George Patton, one hell of a good leader in WWII.  He wasn’t, reportedly, a very nice man under most circumstances. Well, you say that is the military, that’s different.  Actually, it is not so different.  The President is the Commander in Chief of all the military branches.  He is the ultimate leader.

Who voted for Trump?

Many of those individuals, considering the most recent rioting at the Capitol, (understandably) do not necessarily care to admit it?

That said...

1)      Not all, but mostly those not falling in the categories above.

2)      Many religious people, particularly those opposed to the perennial issue – unfettered abortion.

3)      Police and other emergency services, who work in the ‘front lines.’

4)      The military, particularly those returning home from pointless deployments and conflicts in the Middle East.

5)      Those whose occupations and lives were improved by the President’s policies of ‘America First.’

6)      Those in more rural areas, ordinary folks, who believe in family, hard work, and church.  Many who reside, (my opinion) in ‘The Heartland’ and continue to revere our ‘Founding Fathers’ and our Flag.

7)      Those who believe strongly in the Second Amendment – those who could and would quote for you the Amendment verbatim.  Even are prepared to fight for it.

8)      Those who voted against Biden for various, and mostly, straightforward opinions:  Weak leader, too old to handle the job (I can say this because I am almost as old).  He has demonstrated in the past he is a weak leader, easily manipulated by others.   More recently, the Hunter Biden issue that was hidden for months, from much of the public, by a biased news media and an oddly reticent FBI.  It appears that not only Hunter was involved, but also the new President’s brother and the President himself.  It also appears that the Biden family has profited fabulously selling the Biden name for political influence - around the world – including to China, a principal adversary of the United States.

The election is over, and Biden won, let us move on.  Well, perhaps, more clearly stated is the election is over and Trump lost.  He is and always has been his worst enemy.  In my opinion, he accomplished many good things for the country; but his legacy has been irreparably damaged.  History likely will not be kind to him.  And probably, correctly so.

True Nelson

 

True’s Miscellany: White Privilege Summation, Candace Owens’ Book ‘BLACKOUT, ... and the FBI

 

 

I think everyone, including me, is reaching burnout during this political season.  It will be over soon.

White Privilege:  Although, I have given it a lot of thought.  I have no more thoughts that I care to share on this subject – as far as my personal life is concerned.  I had ‘privilege,’ no doubt, but it had little to do with my skin color.  Reading Candace Owens’ BLACKOUT, helped me to focus, as well as to better understand the Black plight.  Thank you, Ms. Owens.  You answered many questions that I have been looking for.

My privilege was basic and should be basic to all children as they grow and develop into adults.  I had a mother and father who took care of me.  I had grandparents who cared about me.  And perhaps even more importantly, I went to decent, safe schools which allowed me every opportunity.  Not that I took advantage of all those opportunities.  I did not.

My grandfathers did not have such ‘privilege’ when they were children.  My father did not have that ‘privilege.’  Their childhoods were bleak.  But they overcame those early experiences.

I started this subject on White Privilege to explain some of my family’s history, and their hardships experienced.  WWII pulled my dad up by his bootstraps.  He got his GED, worked hard all his life.  And retired as the city Fire Marshall in a mid-sized Oregon town.

My initial focus was to tell some of my own experiences, the good and bad with minorities.  In the military, my experience was invariably good.  Race was not something to which I gave much thought.  In the FBI, I worked with Black FBI Agents – good experiences all.  However, in that I was occasionally called upon to conduct investigations and make arrests in some of the rougher parts of Oakland and San Francisco, those experiences were not so good.  This was the ‘70s.  If you know your history, you know what I am talking about.

Candace Owens, in her book, spoke to me - and educated me.  She did it so well, there is nothing more for me to say about the subject.  She did, nonetheless, raise my awareness of the Black experience.  And, Ms. Owens, I will do what I can, what perhaps I should, when and if the opportunity presents itself.  However, I do not condone and never will, the violence associated with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.  My sympathies are, and always will be, with the good and decent men and women of law enforcement.  And, when appropriate, I will stand and salute the American Flag.  Ms. Owens, I believe you share those sympathies.

New Subject (the FBI):  I have always taken some pride in that I was once a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Now, I am not so sure.  A news’ commentator recently stated that – ‘Have you every noticed that the BLM folks and their associated followers never talk about ‘defunding the FBI.’  His explanation was basic and stark, that the FBI is, and has been for some time, ‘corrupt.’  What shocked me is that I could almost agree.  Comey and his lot were corrupt.  It is hardly disputable.  Now, I wonder about Christopher A. Wray, the current Director.  That he would sit on the latest developments, regarding Joe Biden, for nearly a year – apparently showing no interest in investigating Hunter Biden’s computer – well what can one say?  What can one believe?  What can one think?  The FBI needs a new director; and please (those who can) do not elevate another ‘damned’ beltway U.S. Attorney.  You do not need to be an attorney to lead the FBI.  You need an honest ‘leader.’  There out there.  Find him or her.

True Nelson

Ted Wheeler, Failed Mayor; Kate Brown, Failed Governor; Portland, Oregon, Failed City

 

 

Well, Let’s see.   Portland has achieved 100 straight nights of violent protests and riots. Is that a new record? Perhaps, unless you are living in some third world country.

 

I do not currently live in Portland or own property in the city, which I am thankful for. 

Once beautiful, Portland is in a down-hill trajectory and it will be decades before the city recovers. Insanity is rampant.  City leadership is paralyzed.  Downtown businesses are dying.  It is certainly not advisable to plan your next vacation, or convention, in Portland.  Plenty of nicer places to go – not to mention safer.

 

Having spent ten years in law enforcement, it makes me cringe to see what the Portland police face night after night.  Please understand that I did not serve my law enforcement time in Mayberry.  No, I was in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley during the 70s. And yes, it was pretty bad.  The FBI office to which I was assigned at the time was devastated by a high explosive.  Every time you were about to enter your vehicle, you first got down on the ground and looked for bombs.  Demonstrations were commonplace.  Police officers were shot at, a couple killed.  But there was periodic calm, at least occasionally.  Not so in this Portland.

The incompetent Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler, is way over his head.  He is no leader.  That’s for sure.  His method seems to be hide, take cover, and hope for a miracle.  He is a walking, talking joke.  But, he no doubt will be re-elected this November.  Which tells you something about what Portland has become.

What can Ted do?  He and our also incompetent governor, Kate Brown, should call out the National Guard, ask for Federal aid, and just put a stop to it.  Numerous arrests and proper prosecutions are also in order.  A massive show of force, arrests and serious penalties, would bring peace to the city.

Two recent deaths have occurred due to the downtown riots.  Michael Reinoehl (a radical-left demonstrator) shot and killed Aaron ‘Jay’ Danielson an unarmed (alleged supporter of the President).  Reinoehl was killed later by U.S. Marshals during an attempted arrest.  Reinoehl, who had previously admitted the killing of Danielson in an online video, was shot and killed when he threatened Marshals with a firearm.  Wheeler and Brown should share responsibility for both of those deaths – due to their inability to take appropriate and timely action to quell the rioting. 

My opinion:  Danielson’s family should sue the city of Portland.  The City will no doubt roll-over and seek settlement out of court.  They will not want the incredible administrative incompetence that resulted in the deaths to be publicized in any resulting and no-doubt contentious civil trial. 

True Nelson

'Race Relations, and my Life of White Privilege'... Part 3

 

Let’s just see where we are and bring this up to date somewhat.

Question:  What is the purpose of the looting and rioting under the banner of fairness for Blacks?

‘Black Lives Matter’ and others who expound daily about ‘systemic racism’ do not really say too much about what they want – other than slogans and turmoil.

‘Systemic’ is defined as affecting or relating to a system as a whole.’  Presumably, a system against Blacks and other minorities.  OK, I understand those words; but is it true?  Is it outdated?  It appears that BLM would like us all to take their word that it is more necessary than ever.

Actually, ‘affirmative action’ and those targeted issues have been around since the late 1800s.  The law was basically codified in the 1960s with the presumption that it would ultimately expire or become unnecessary.  It was not intended to be a quota system, but a system of increased opportunity for the disadvantaged.

In truth, the law has become more pervasive and has evolved into an unofficial quota system.  We all should understand that by now.

For example, the ‘system’ is often applied unequally in favor of Blacks to the detriment of other minorities in hiring and education.  A recent finding by the U.S. Justice Department, which included a lengthy investigation, has shown that admission to a prestigious university, specifically Yale, has discriminated in favor of Black applicants to the disadvantage of Asian (and incidentally White) candidates.  Asians are a minority, but… supposedly not ‘disadvantaged’ and are inexplicably unqualified to benefit.

We, of course, see the same sort of discrimination in hiring and promotions.  Is it important if it corrects past wrongs?  Well, if you are looking for a job or a promotion within your current job and you do not happen to be Black, it could be important.  The question, I suppose, is will it ever end?  And, will there be a time when everyone is equal?  Doubtful.

Blacks are unquestionably disadvantaged in so many ways.  I do agree with that.  We can see it all around.  Nonetheless, it is hard to explain.  One thing that I am fairly sure about is that it has little to do with the color of their skin.

Thomas Sowell and Robert Woodson, well known Black scholars, have an opinion on this.  I do not want to overly simplify their words, but I want to highlight two of their prominent theories regarding the Black situational underachievement.  They are…

1)       The failure in Black communities to sustain a family unit to protect and nurture their children.  In other words, children need/require a family unit which preferably includes a mother and a father or other stable family unit.

2)      The children in Black communities need ‘school choice.’  They need the opportunity to go to any school to get an education; and not be necessarily required to attend a neighborhood school with a dubious educational reputation and other negative factors like criminal activity prominent in the immediate community.

Just one last thought, regarding the above.  If Blacks et al feel that the violence, looting, rioting, and attacks on law enforcement will ultimately bring all races together.  Well, I think those who believe that will be disappointed.

These postings are to be about my life of ‘White privilege.’  The next post will be more personal in nature.

 

 True Nelson