Agree or Disagree: Why Should You Watch "2016"?

My hope in writing this and sharing it is to point out that the movie is not a biased anti-Obama film. On the contrary, it is a very informative documentary that stands to open the eyes of people who align themselves with both the left & the right side of the political aisle.

This past weekend I watched "2016: Obama's America" for the third time. I admit overall, I enjoy the movie. I find the details, history and facts interesting. Much of what is presented I already knew, but there were many things I learned, especially regarding President Obama's life with his step-father, Lolo Soetoro. I found it fascinating to watch it both before this year's 9/11 and after - as there is a particular spot where he discusses President Obama's dealings with the Arab Spring in 2011.

There is information presented about the history of Hawaii, India, Indonesia and Kenya. Perhaps you already know about the information he presents regarding Hawaii's colonization and history of becoming a State. Maybe you don't. But, I would venture to guess you have limited knowledge of the history of India, Indonesia and Kenya. Now, these are not full blown historical accounts of the three countries, but it stands to benefit us as Americans to broaden our world view even if it is merely a surface introduction.

Dinesh sits down with President Obama's brother, George Obama. He interviews people who associated with Barack's father, Barack Sr., in Kenya and a lady in Hawaii who knew his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham. He presents President Obama in his own words, using the audio version of his book, "Dreams from My Father", which show his thoughts regarding his father and attempt to reconcile what he lost through not having him present in his life. Dinesh even shares the time he debated Jesse Jackson and discussed racism in America.

The last twenty minutes, he presents three critical events he believes will happen by "2016" if Obama is reelected. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't list them here or discuss them in depth. One of the proposed occurrences though I find interesting in light of all the rioting and terrorism that happened this year surrounding 9/11. Overlaying a map of all those hot spots with the map he presents, and it shows we are well on our way, if not already there to having one of his three predictions come true.

Now, the three predictions are not mind-blowing, so to some extent, you could say anyone with "eyes to see" could see them happening. I think in some respects it is in the way the whole movie is presented. The chronology and history of events, the past being prologue to the future. The documentary is put together very well. Personally, the first time I saw the movie, I walked away with this summary in one sentence:

You cannot understand

American Exceptionalism

if you have never lived the

American Experience.

If you can rent it, watch it on PPV, or even order a copy from Amazon ($9.99, which I did), then I say do it. I wanted a personal copy because I see it as a tool for sharing a teachable moment with my children even years from now when they are better able to grasp the history we have lived for the past four years.

Please feel free to share this post with as many people as you can and encourage them to watch the film.

How Have I Made It This Far?

25 Years Ago Today: A quiet but enthusiastic young man of 17 raised his right hand to pledge the little he had in support and defense of the Constitution of the United States. It was an initial commitment of eight years which being half his life at the time felt like forever. He had no idea where it would take him or the adventure that awaited. Looking back, I can proudly say, "Through all the years, God has protected, sustained and blessed me with so much. I would not change a thing!"


For even young people tire and drop out, 
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind. - Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG)


"EAGLES, MOUNT UP!"

If a Candidate Is Inevitable, Why Have a Primary?

If there was ever a doubt about how nerdy I am, then I am about to open my mouth and remove all. Apologies to Mark Twain.

I've heard from a few friends, "The GOP needs to coalesce around one candidate right now."

Of course the mainstream media will also try to sell you on that same notion. I do not remember that kind of reporting on the 2008 Democratic Primary though. I do not recall ever hearing the media or the Democratic Party talk about narrowing it down quickly to the one nominee. Do you remember the day it was estimated that Barack Obama had the delegate votes needed for a majority? June 3, 2008. Do you know what day Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign? June 7, 2008. Four days! It took her four days to accept the reality of her loss. Now, only four years later it seems we can't even wait four minutes for a candidate to state their position on a Constitutionally relevant topic.

I have heard, "The lengthy primary is hurting the Party's chances in the General Election."

In 2008, the Democratic Party never once stated, "We need to wrap this up now to avoid hurting our chances in the General Election." They did not say it in January, February, or March. JUNE, they settled on a nominee in June. You know what may have hurt the GOP in 2008? Wrapping it up too quickly. John McCain's two closest contenders were Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Mitt, who finished second, suspended his campaign on February 7, 2008. Mike, who finished third, suspended his campaign on March 4, 2008. Senator McCain had plenty of time to coalesce the party, but it never happened.

I have heard, "The continued debate will only serve to weaken the eventual candidate."

If the eventual candidate cannot withstand a little GOP introspection, then how will they ever stand up to the heat imposed by a Democratic cross-examination. In 2008, the continued debate did not affect the Democratic Party's eventual candidate. In fact, it probably served to make him a little stronger and gain a little more appeal. Remember, their candidate won the General Election and the last opponent they faced in the primary became their Secretary of State. Somebody coalesced!

I have even heard a few people go so far to say, "We do not have a very good field from which to make our selection."

I do not believe the GOP has a weak field, but if what others posit is true, then the candidate selection process should be long, slow and tedious. The party is attempting to narrow down a selection of the most qualified from many qualified candidates who will best represent them against their opposition. If the GOP field is truly weak, then the GOP should have even more cause to pause, not rush to judgment, or make a choice without fully investigating each candidate. The GOP should be proud they DO investigate candidates and leave no stone unturned.

Here is a picture (click to enlarge) of what has transpired in the GOP Primary thus far with a few relevant or irrelevant "nerdy" statistics below:

• As of today, only 8 of 50 States have held their primary or caucus. That is only 16% of the 50 States. Of those eight, only one (Florida, 4) ranks in the top ten for population. Two of the states (Maine 41, New Hampshire, 42) are in the bottom ten for population.

• As of today, only 225 delegates have been awarded with 2061 still available. 90% of the total delegates are still available.

• Today, if the GOP were to select the front-runner as the inevitable nominee, Florida alone would account for 48% of the front-runners delegates and 59% of the total votes cast. Florida would single-handedly pick the GOP nominee.

• Today, if the GOP were to select the front-runner as the inevitable nominee, they would be selecting their nominee on the basis of having only won 10% of the required delegates. This would be equivalent to naming the winner of the Super Bowl after only six minutes had expired off the game clock.

• Each of the 4 remaining candidates still needs over 1,000 delegates to become the eventual nominee at the GOP Convention in August!

The primary season is exactly the time we need to allow the maximum number of Americans to voice their opinion through the primary ballot box. I believe we still have plenty of time. It is simply too early to crown a victor. After all, we haven't even reached Super Tuesday yet!

God, What is The Plan?

Yesterday was my last day on duty at United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). I would like to take this opportunity to give you an update as my tour ends. As an Army Reserve officer, I had the rare privilege of serving on Active Duty at one of the nine Unified Combatant Commands within the Department of Defense.  The Chain of Command is short as it flows up from the Combatant Commander to the Secretary of Defense to the President.

I thank God for the opportunity to serve at USTRANSCOM during this time. It has been a wonderful blessing. I also thank my wife, Mindy, and our two children for their continued support of my military career. Without them, I would not be able to do what I do, nor would I want to. They make me feel like I am living the life of a millionaire, rich beyond measure.

I also thank those for whom I directly worked for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the adventure. It really was something special. One thing I reflect on is the fact that at Scott Air Force Base, where over 30 years ago I used to visit my Air Force Master Sergeant dad, there now stands a building which I had a part in bringing to reality.

During my tour, I served with USTRANSCOM’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) team. I gained invaluable experience during my tour and appreciated every day wearing the uniform of the United States Army. Being part of USTRANSCOM and their BRAC Construction project was one of the highlights of my long military career. It was an absolutely great experience to work at one of the few Combatant Commands within our nation’s military structure. As a Reserve Soldier, I never dreamed I would have the privilege of serving on a tour at this level. Never so much as imagined anything quite like it. Looking back, I can see clearly how it was all God-arranged. (I plan on posting a follow-up soon with details.) With regards to my military career, I will continue to serve as an officer in the Army Reserve. My current assignment is with the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit (Army Element) within USTRANSCOM.

I will soon start in a civilian position with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). I will be working from the Jefferson Barracks Campus as a General Engineer to facilitate new construction and renovation projects. It turns out, I will have similar responsibilities there as I have had with USTRANSCOM. From where I sit today, I have a greater appreciation for the valley God led me through when this chapter of my life was just beginning. At times the climb led to questions. The most frequent one being:

"What is the plan you have for me in this temporary position?"

Now while I rest on a mountaintop, enjoying the view of where I have been for the past four years*, again I am reassured, "I can rest easy in the hands of God..."

Moses said to God, "Look, you tell me, 'Lead this people,' but you don't let me know whom you're going to send with me. You tell me, 'I know you by name and you are special to me.' If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don't forget, this is your people, your responsibility."

God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." - Exodus 33:12-14 (MSG)

* I mention four years as it was the first year's arrangements which took me into a valley. On the other side of that valley was the beginning of my three year tour with USTRANSCOM and the climb which led to a mountaintop...

Where Were You on September 10th, 2001?

Anyone alive on 9-11-2001 has a memory as though it happened yesterday of where they were the moment they heard the news of the day - "Terrorists Fly Planes into WTC and the Pentagon". But, do you remember what life was like the day before? I do, only because the future consequences of 9-11 would demand that I recall this moment in time. Below is part of what I delivered at the funeral of CPT Benjamin D. Jansky. The events of 9-11 would eventually lead to both of us serving our tour at separate times in Iraq. His tour did not end with a joyous homecoming on earth, but with a joyous homecoming in heaven. His tour ended on July 27, 2005. Incidentally, his tour ended on my third wedding anniversary. The last time I saw Ben on this earth was when he came to our wedding. The next time I see Ben will be a similar occasion, when Christ returns for His Bride, the Church.

September 10, 2001. I started the first day of my Pre-Command Course at Ft. McCoy, WI. That evening, Ben drove out to meet me, I believe it was about a 2-hour drive, but for Ben, it was worth it to be able to visit a friend – a former battle buddy. We went into the town of Sparta, ate dinner, and shared about how our lives were coming along. The next day was Ben’s birthday, so I got him a card, and an old-style hand-held Mattel football game. This was pre-Gameboy or Play Station Portable technology. It was the kind where each player is represented by a little green or red LED line and to run the length of the field, you would wrap the 2” wide screen about 10 times. Ben looked at me a little confused. I saw it as a game from my youth, and since Ben represented youth to me, a great joke about his age. I only now realized, that the trademark “Ben’s confused look” was due to the fact that he was too young to remember those types of games.

Well, of course, the next day I got up early and class began promptly at 0730. But, by the time our class had hit our first break about 0810, our enemies were mounting an unprovoked attack. Returning to the classroom, and seeing a close-up of what I thought was a small hole in a large unfamiliar building, I asked, “What’s that?” The response was a plane just hit the World Trade Center in NYC. From the look of things at that particular moment, I thought it must have been a small commuter plane. From the angle of the camera, and the close-up shot, the damage didn’t look that great. We turned off the television and continued training; only to have class interrupted a few minutes later by someone who demanded that we immediately turn the television back on. Our instructor waited to complete his thoughts, and then turned it on to discover the horrors of the second plane. It was only then that we all realized what was happening:

9/11 – our generation’s Pearl Harbor. 

Ben’s life and mine were about to change course from anything we had experienced or planned up to that point.

Following that day, Ben and I continued to call each other, sometimes we communicated through email. As most military people of similar ranks do, we would use each other’s ears to air out our complaints about our superiors, our subordinates, and the overall operational tempo. We would wonder about when it would be our turn to serve in the Global War on Terror. 

How Can A Warrior Stand on His Knees?

Only Through Prayer!

This is the Warrior's Theme Song!

For True Warriors, the lyrics are Perfect!

I cannot wait to see this movie which opens 30 September 2011!

we were made to be courageous
we were made to lead the way
we could be the generation
that finally breaks the chains

we were made to be courageous
we were made to be courageous

we were warriors on the front lines
standing, unafraid
but now we're watchers on the sidelines
while our families slip away

where are you, men of courage?
you were made for so much more
let the pounding of our hearts cry
we will serve the lord

we were made to be courageous
and we're taking back the fight
we were made to be courageous
and it starts with us tonight

the only way we'll ever stand
is on our knees with lifted hands
make us courageous
lord, make us courageous

this is our resolution
our answer to the call
we will love our wives and children
we refuse to let them fall

we will reignite the passion
that we buried deep inside
may the watchers become warriors
let the men of god arise

we were made to be courageous
and we're taking back the fight
we were made to be courageous
and it starts with us tonight

the only way we'll ever stand
is on our knees, with lifted hands
make us courageous
lord, make us courageous

seek justice
love mercy
walk on

be with your god

seek justice

love mercy
walk on

be with your god

in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)
in the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)
in the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

we were made to be courageous
and we're taking back the fight
we were made to be courageous
and it starts with us tonight

the only way we'll ever stand
is on our knees, with lifted hands
make us courageous
lord, make us courageous

we were made to be courageous
in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

lord, make us courageous
in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

we were made to be courageous
in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

lord, make us courageous
in the war of the mind i will make my stand

(seek justice. love mercy. walk on. be with your god)

Will We Remember....Again?

"AWOL Soldier Arrested in What Police Say Was New Fort Hood Terror Plot"

When MAJ Nidal Hasan carried out his attack at Ft. Hood in 2009, I said it would happen again simply because it was all couched in denial and political correctness. As much as we want to deny it, our country has enemies. A few of them are amongst us. Thankfully this time the vigilant did something to stop it.

Here is some of what I wrote back then:

"Failure to recognize it is denial, and denial will only serve to invite more “new violence” from our enemies."

"You see, the more we deny, the more “new violence” we will experience. The more “new violence” experienced, the more “unsettling” will be the next “tragedy”. If we do not break the cycle, that “tragedy” will suffer the same denial of not being labeled as terrorism or an act of war. It becomes a vicious spiral, increasing exponentially, continuing to lead our country to a politically correct abyss in the heart of darkness. If you look back in history, this same spiral of events led to 9/11."

This Time, Will We Remember?