Month: November 2004

A Ukraine Primer, if you’re interested

I’ve been following the events in Ukraine with some interest, but the US press has generally been more interested in reporting on the holiday sales figures instead. One of the Kos diarists has posted an excellent primer on the situation here.

It’s a rare day that I am in agreement with anything the Bush administration says or does, but this time they do seem to be siding with the right guy.

Good To Be Home

We’re back home after a nice trip to see friends and family. I’m trying to fight off a cold but have been unsuccessful for the last few days, hence the dearth of posting.

Sure We Don’t Need a Draft….

Having a lovely time in cool, rainy NY. This triggered my pissed-off meter though:

Vietnam Vet, 53, Called for Duty in Iraq

A 53-year-old Vietnam veteran from western Pennsylvania has been called up for active service with the U.S. military in the Iraq war, The Tribune Review of Greensburg, Pennsylvania reported on Wednesday.

Paul Dunlap, a sergeant in the Army National Guard, will join an armored division next month as a telecommunications specialist in Kuwait, and expects to be there for at least a year.

They must be getting damn close to the bottom of the barrel. This guy has not been in combat since serving as a 19-year-old Marine in Vietnam. WTF is the DOD doing him calling him to go to Iraq?

I read things like this and it reminds me that one of the many things I am thankful for this Thnksgiving is that our friend the ex-Marine has not gotten a similar call. Yet. I fear that day.