This is merely a place where I can express myself. I will post news articles, points of faith, stories, fellow blogger posts (with due credit of course), and generally anything I feel is worthwhile.
This was one of my favorite games. The video quality was pretty good and, along with former spymasters Colby and Kalugin, it actually had some big name actors:
James Karen ... DDO Gene Warhurst Dennis Lipscomb ... DCI Peter Sterling Charles Napier ... Frank Milkovsky Chase Masterson ... Jaimie Seaton
The games within a game attributes were challenging and entertaining. If you get a chance to go retro, give it a try.
Did you catch Colby's statement about Russia...and this was 1996!
I hope to God that we still have some military commanders who have this attitude about our nation’s role in the world. I realize that Dr. Strangelove is a dark comedy, but this does apply:
Read the dialog below the video:
"Well, boys, I reckon this is it — nuclear combat toe to toe with the Rooskies. Now look, boys, I ain't much of a hand at makin' speeches, but I got a pretty fair idea that something doggone important is goin' on back there. And I got a fair idea the kinda personal emotions that some of you fellas may be thinkin.' Heck, I reckon you wouldn't even be human bein's if you didn't have some pretty strong personal feelin's about nuclear combat. I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a-countin' on you and by golly, we ain't about to let 'em down. I tell you something else, if this thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I'd say that you're all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing's over with. That goes for ever' last one of you regardless of your race, color or your creed. Now let's get this thing on the hump — we got some flyin' to do." – Slim Pickens as B-52 pilot Major T. J. "King" Kong in Dr. Strangelove
So why is it so hard for our leaders here at home to stand strong about Vlad the Invader and the current Rooskie threat that has started in Georgia.
Again, The American people do not have to know any details. But if our president doesn’t appear strong, and take an initiative to show just how steadfast we are for the promulgation of liberty and democracy in this world, then soon, there will not be a country on this planet that will follow our lead. Because AMERICA has NOT lead, but followed in political landscapes in the last 20 years, we are weakening our own nation and our future.
In 1975, the rock group Styx released a song called Suite Madame Blue. This was written as their thoughts about the upcoming bicentennial. Ronald Reagan brought us out of those doldrums. But we are right back there today. When will America once again rise with pride to be that “shining city on a hill” that inspires the rest of the world to strive to reach that same level of greatness? When will we realize that no matter how bleak things seem to be, that with God’s grace, we are still the best hope for the world. We are blessed to live in this nation now and our best days are still ahead!
Lyrics below:
Time after time I sit and I wait for your call I know I'm a fool, but what can I say Whatever the price I'll pay for you, Madame Blue
Once long ago A word from your lips and the world turned around But somehow you've changed You're so far away I long for the past and dream of the days with you, Madame Blue
Suite Madame Blue, gaze in your looking glass You're not a child anymore Suite Madame Blue, the future is all but past
Dressed in your jewels, you made your own rules You conquered the world and more …………..heaven's door
America....America...America...
Red white and blue, gaze in your looking glass You're not a child anymore Red, white, and blue, the future is all but past So lift up your heart, make a new start And lead us away from here
The world is crying for true leadership that gives a crap about what is right and what is wrong, that makes a stand against evil and tyranny, that leads by example and not by following trends, and that is respected by the rest of the world for its might and its generosity.
President Bush has an opportunity right now to show that the United States of America has and angry one with two big brass companions!!! The genius of strength in the world is that the majority of it is due to perception. As long as the world sees us as weak and flaccid, then that is what we are.
I am not endorsing an unmitigated military solution, mind you. But I do believe that a show of strength is incredibly important in this day and time. We have to STOP and DEFEAT evil. We cannot battle evil on one front while letting it go unchecked on another. And as we know from experience, battles on different fronts can be fought in different ways.
America needs to get out of the recliner, turn off the golf channel, change out of Bermuda shorts, grab a rifle and defend the freedom we brag so much about!
Make no mistake! RUSSIA ATTACKED AND INVADED GEORGIA.
Yes, there are ethnic and cultural considerations that go back hundreds of years where people are being wronged by both current governments. However, more that this, RUSSIA is asserting its imperialistic traditions. These traditions go back in time beyond anything instigated by the Soviets. Russia has always been an expansionist power and it seems that those tendencies are going to again snarl through the teeth of the bear.
I have heard from various sources that Georgia instigated this invasion by Russia. However, Georgia hardly seems capable to do this on practically any level. Russia wants Georgia just as it did Czechoslovakia back in 1968.
There are people in South Ossetia who have a cultural bond with the Russians right across the border Putin is using that. In North Ossetia, the majority is culturally bonded with the Georgians, who believe themselves to be the direct descendents of Japheth, the son of Noah.
There is oil in Georgia and Russia wants control of it.
There are other resources that Russia wants control of as well.
Secretary of State Rice made a statement that show America’s position:
I am still waiting to see how she will outline our actions in backing Georgia up…. But at least it is a start.
This girl, who happens to be from the San Francisco Bay area, couldn’t really describe anything about the warlike conditions other than her fear. DUH! She’s a 12 year old and why would she pay attention to any details about what kind of ammunition did what to what. However, she did have to interrupt to make sure that she stated that it was Georgians bombing them and that the Russian military was helping everyone. Then her aunt, who was obviously from Ossetia started in on the politics of the issue.
I do not doubt that this family believes that the current Georgian government is the aggressor and from their perspective, I can see it as well. But since cultural grudges go back so far and Ossetia, as well as two other provinces want independence from Georgia, it would tint their perspective as well.
I have no problem with those provinces wanting independence. I do have a problem with the Russians feigning assistance when their ultimate goal is to control those provinces as a part of their empire.
Saakashvili should find a way to work this out instead of letting Russia cause this much turmoil. But that is not where we are at anymore.
I am still stating for the record that I believe this could turn out to be another Yugoslavia, full of potential ethnic, cultural and religious turmoil. Furthermore, because of the proximity of Georgia to muslim nations and because oil is a resource, this could very easily be a new hotbed of terrorist activity. And the Russians for sure don’t know how to deal with that other that total oppression.
That is why it is so very important for the west, and America in general, to show solidarity with Georgia as a nation who espouses liberty and democracy. We show Russia and the world that we won’t tolerate communist style aggression. If we don’t, then Russia will build up again… just like Germany did after World War I. Georgia or the Ukraine may very well be this century’s Poland. A new world war and even a new holocaust may be right around the corner.
