Military Tactics 101 - Afghanistan

Over the last few years, there has been much debate as to why we didn't invade or concentrate our military efforts in Afghanistan as opposed to the current policy in Iraq. The pro-Afghanistan stance places our forces in a dangerous "snipe-hunt" for Osama Bin-laden and his remaining Taliban. Their strategy intends for the bulk of our military to engage an entrenched enemy in a vast and complexed mountainous region where no large military force has ever truly been successful in conquering (Soviets -1980's). As you may know, not all of our front-line forces are trained for combat in such treacherous terrain. Yes, we have outstanding divisions within our military that have been trained for this manner of fighting (10th Mountain Div.), but is it enough force to root out Bin-laden and the "dug-in" Taliban forces? Theirs is a belief that revolves around the idea by somehow eliminating Bin-laden, the threat of terrorism from around the free world will immediately come to an end. I disagree and here are my reasons why:

1. "We must appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend: march swiftly to places where we are not expected."

2. "If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is to attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve."

3."Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards."

4. "So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike what is weak."

5. "Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed upon him."

By the way, these reasons listed above are not just what I believe, but were written some 2400 years ago by the incisive Chinese military expert, Sun Tzu and his "blueprint for battlefield strategy" The Art of War. His teachings have been essential throughout history for wisdom and lessons learned to great military leaders who have adopted his strategies. More precisely, The Art of War is the basis for the Marine Corps Warfighting Manual as well as numerous other tactics currently applied by our Armed Forces.

It is my belief that military strategy should be left to those who have been trained in such expertise, those steeped in the knowledge and understanding of the fields of battle. Of course, I refer to our amazing Armed Forces and obviously trust all authority to their wisdom and experience.

"How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics - that is what the multitude cannot comprehend."
-Sun Tzu

Where's the outcry for alternative fuels now?

It seems obvious to me that there is no legitimate immediate demand for alternative fuel sources. The "inconvenient" pressure from eco-left had everyone in the country feeling guilty about our energy consumption. At least over the past year and a half. So much so, that certain presidential candidates didn't want us to drive SUV's anymore (huh!?!) Even our #1 cash crop was ravaged for the sake of ethanol. All for the making energy cheaper and of course more eco-friendly. Well, my question is...where are the demands now? Where is the political and social outcry?

It's seems funny, with the current national average for a gallon of gas hovering around $2.92 and not $3.92 like it was at the peak of the inquisition, we don't hear the vitriolic pro-wind, pro-bio fuel rhetoric quite as much. What has happened? Where are all the T. Boone Pickens commercials that inundated the airways not so long ago? Where is Al Gore telling us that we are melting the Polar Bear population into extinction? Has the need for alternative fuels and the salvation of our planet suddenly disappeared now that gas prices have sunk below $3? Or is it the same old scare tactic from the eco-left that has been seen as transparent once again?

We do need energy independence, however. We need to tap our own resources (oil and natural gas) while seeking other forms of viable future energy. But we need to accomplish this intelligently and comprehensively. We don't need the knee jerk reaction "end of the world" scenarios forced down our throats every time the price of gas goes up.

Give it a rest Obama!

Sunday's are the first day of the week to some and the last day of the week to others. However, no matter how you look at it, most American families spend their mornings going to church. It's not a pastime but a devoted and timeless standard. The remaining portion of the day, especially this time of year, is spent watching football surrounded by family, friends and/or fellow fanatics. You know, enjoying some serious down time from the strenuous week to simply relax, gorge yourself on junk food and get lost in the roller coaster of emotions the three hour contest evokes. This is America's pastime. This is how we, sports loving Americans, take our mind off the troubles in our life, the monotony of the 40+ hour week and the general ills of our society. It's a time for us to put our worries on "hold" and let our grid-iron passion overflow in ritualistic "fist pumping" diversion.

For me, what I enjoy about this time between 1-3 pm (actually 1- 11pm), is not just the game itself, but the entire package...even the commercials. At preselected times during the pigskin tug-of-war, we are bombarded with advertisements filled with the accoutrement so necessary for the enjoyment of the game. Food, drink, cars, male enhancement and gym membership usually make up the proprietary blend of what we're forced to tolerate. Rightfully so, considering the audience. However, this past Sunday we were the unfortunate victims of what seems to be a bad joke. There before my eyes, immediately proceeding my favorite truck commercial, I was sucker-punched by an Obama political ad. I know, can you believe the "audacity?" And this doosey wasn't your basic 30 second spot either, it went on for well over a minute. "What was this nonsense!" For a moment my secure, testosterone-filled world of football was turned on it's ear. "Who would let this happen...what kind of bafoon would do such a thing?...Why? Why I ask you!?!" After my brief moment of shock escalated into blinding rage, I reluctantly found the inner peace to calm myself to realize I was watching NBC, which conveniently answered my first question. Then I watched Obama try to appeal to me with his socialistic, "rob from the rich and give to the poor" version of healthcare and I quickly understood what kind of "non-fan" would pull such a stunt.

Look, I understand the election is less than a month away. I get it! I know these candidates are fighting for every last vote. But don't they have any morals? Is nothing sacred to them? If not for the sake of Sunday and a day of rest, then how about for the millions of football loving loyalists that don't want to be harrassed. Leave the political folly for primetime on the "main-stream media." Don't dare taint football Sunday with your disgraceful executive pandering. Trust me, the last thing we want to see is someone like Obama, especially Obama, take our time away from the nostalgic childlike diversion we expect to temporarily sustain us amid the woes of our society. And that goes for the brief and weightless commercials we've grown to expect, as well. Give me male enhancement! Give me SUV's! Give me fast-food! Just don't give me politics, at least not between the hours of 1 and 11pm on Sunday afternoons.