MAcciard said...
Publius, please accept this as an article submission.
Marines kicked out of Toledo, Oh. by the Democrat Mayor!
I heard this story reported to day, and it sums up so much that is wrong with my Country.
When I served and traveled in uniform noone noticed. Today there are many people like myself, who will take the time to go over and introduce ourselves to a uniformed soldier, sailor, marine, airman that we see in public. I usually will go over and greet them by name and rank, introduce myself, and say, simply thank you, no matter what you may read in the papers, you and your service are appreciated.
But I read today, that the mayor of Toledo, Oh. managed to accomplish, in AMERICA, what Al Queda has not been able to accomplish in Iraq, that is to run the U.S. Marines out of town!
OK, so 200 Marines stationed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, piled on to five buses and came to Toledo, Ohio, yesterday to practice some urban patrol exercises. The Toledo police knew about the request for the three-day exercise well in advance, but somehow Mayor Carty Finkbeiner didn’t see the memo requesting permission for the event. So when when the first bus arrives at 3:20 p.m. and Staff Sergeant Andre Davis steps off, he is greeted by a city employee and told that the mayor wanted him and his soldiers out of town by 6 p.m. “I wish,” Sgt Davis drily remarked, “they would have told us this four hours ago.” [Update: a reader points out that it is incorrect to refer to Marines as “soldiers”: soldiers serve in the army, not the Marines. I regret the mistake. I further regret referring to SSgt Davis incorrectly as “Sergeant”!]
Indeed.
I gather that Mayor Finkbeiner (a Democrat, readers will be surprised to learn), like the folks in Berkeley, California, can’t think of the United States Marines without having the first lines of “The Destruction of Sennacherib” float through his head (“The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold …”) “The mayor asked them to leave because they frighten people,” said Brian Schwartz, the mayor’s spokesman.
Gee, isn’t that a shame?
Lance Corporal Brandon Bukrey-McCarty recalled how useful such training was when he had been deployed in Fallujah in 2006-2007. The training, he said, “got me used to looking up on rooftops, looking around every alley, every open door.”
Too bad, Brandon! Carty Finkbeiner thinks having U.S. soldiers in town will frighten the voters, so your comrades will just have to do without that training.
The company’s commanding officer, Major Jeffrey O’Neill, was disappointed by Carty Finkbeiner’s cold shoulder—it would, he noted, be difficult to find a suitable alternative venue for the exercise—but “we’re Marines,” he said, “We’ll adapt and overcome.”
I have no doubt about that. I hope part of the adaptation will be to present the City of Toledo—or maybe Carty Finkbeiner himself—with the $10,000 tab that the aborted exercise cost the Marines.
Mayor Finkbeiner can boast on his official website that Tony Packos Restaurant in Toledo was “made famous on the television show M*A*S*H.” But when he has an opportunity to help the men and women who in real life protect this country, including the City of Toledo, he refuses to grant them the sort of permit he would routinely give to a bunch of anti-American activists who wanted to organize a protest march down Main Street.
I am having trouble believing that I am now living in a world where in the United States of America, the UNITED STATES MARINES, the greatest fighting force on earth, are routinely ridiculed by the Majority political party in the land!
I am appalled everytime I hear Hillary talk about the military when her treatment of the military members she came into contact with during her husbands term, are well documented.
These are the people that wish to serve as commander in chief of the military, yet they dont respect them enough to let them train for the ordeals they will be facing in a foreign land.
You can debate all you want about whether or not we should have gone in there in the first place, but the fact is we are there now, and to leave will merely create a vacuum in the second largest oil supply on earth. Do you really want Al Queda controlling that kind of wealth?
The issue here is that the United States Marines coordinated a training exercise with local police, and first responders, and the MAYOR decided they were "too scary" to be within the city limits.
Also note that the city of Berkeley, CA. is currently trying to evict the armed forces recruiting offices from within the city limits.
People, we are now in a time of WAR! Our sons and daughters are now IN HARM'S WAY! Politics should STOP AT THE WATER'S EDGE and you should do everything within your power to support and help these fine young people.
For those of you who do not know any military people these people by and large represent the very best among us! They understand fully the principles this country was founded upon, and they have sworn an oath to defend it.
Maybe we can deport the mayors of Toledo and Berkeley to Cuba or Venezuela, and see how they like it there.
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ATKINSON's Vietnam HONOR ROLL as VOTED and PASSED by 2005 Town Meeting and re-approved at Special Town Meeting Sept. 12
EDITORIAL-
A voice of compassion, an example of fairness and reasonable government.
One who believes in the strength and comfort you, your children and your family can draw from good government leadership.
A person who knows Atkinson is our home -- our most important possession that must be preserved and protected through fair taxes and sound community planning and where our children must be safe to grow to become a new generation of leaders.
One who knows that the citizens of Atkinson are all neighbors with her leadership to be dedicated and responsive to all.
One who believes that when those from Atkinson have served our nation and honors are deserved, those honors must be given.
In Valerie Tobin, we now have a leader we know we can entrust with these responsibilities because they are part of her character.
It is our honor to endorse Valerie for election to Atkinson’s Board of Selectmen.
Just a note for those who wish to count the deer.
In January 08 this blog had 16,000 hits and 1,500 unique visitors (for the month).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
EDITORIAL-
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." [TP, 1776]
We take no small measure of umbrage at such a hostile official act against this BLOG’s patron. Therefore, a timely Editorial comment is both appropriate and necessary.
Discussion of Atkinson’s financial direction, from any viewpoint, is fundamental and encouraged and we will always attempt to limit and correct errors.
However, Righteous indignation towards purported error of such inconsequential nature is not appropriate.
The ENTIRE car deal is problematic. If it was caused by poor judgement, improper exercise of authority, neglect or mistake or even specious reasoning, this will never trump the facts that the entire questionable transaction started and ended within a very small circle of confidants.
We find the entire circumstances surrounding the disposition of the police Cruiser highly irregular at the least and the "explanations" somewhat trifling and exhaustive of our intellect.
Mr. Consentino: It’s time to go. Being Chief of Atkinson’s Police Department is NOT a birthright. That is a fabled legend of yesteryear.
Historically in Atkinson, police chief appointments were made "under the hand of the selectmen" for terms of one year at a time, as was also the case in the beginning of Mr. Consentino’s assorted and discontinuous stream of appointments to this position.
Your only remaining credential established on a claim of indispensability has faded.
So time is neigh. Plan a graceful exit, Clean out your desk, Accept the gratitude and tearful sentiments from some. We plan no editorial recriminations. It is time. Thank you for your service, We wish you a long and happy retirement. Bon Voyage.
LETTER
"To All Atkinson Residents,
I am writing to ask for your help. A member of the Atkinson Police Department needs our help. I am here to ask for your help in Corporal John Lapham's fight for his life. As you are aware, John has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been once again hospitalized with an infection that is threatening his life. He is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. He has never asked of anything from the residents of the town. Now is our chance to step up and help both him and his family out. As everyone is aware John has been out of work for a few months. His family has been busy helping John to get better. He needs our help, and I am hoping that this town can step up to the plate and help. From the moment that I met John, I have admired him. He does alot, but never asks for anything in return. He has helped so many people in this town. I for one am one of those people. Please help him.
There is a fund set-up in his name at TDBanknorth in Plaistow. Any amount will help John, while he is out of work. It would be great if this town could help ease a burden off his wife.
Thank You
Also if anyone would like to send a card, please address it to:
John Lapham
c/o Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Ctr.
Inpatient mail
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Please show Corporal John Lapham, that this community can stand up and show our support to those in need. I for one, miss John and can not wait until he can get better and return to work. Please show him that we support him. "
20 comments:
And this relevant to Atkinson how?
Directly relevant, no, but it is indicative of a growing trend, of sanctuary cities, wink and nod politics, and fiery rhetoric directed at our own children who bravely don the uniform to serve their country.
Have you ever listened to US Rep. Carol Shea-Porter(D.-NH), you will hear this type of rhetoric.
It is disgraceful.
And you're entitled to your opinions.
But, I feel for this forum to be effective in dealing with the problems at hand it needs to stay centered and focused on Atkinson. To expand the discussions beyond that gives credibility to its detractors and maybe even drive away concerned contributors. It needs to stay relevant to be effective.
There are plenty of other outlets to express your opinions. Given the tasks at hand, I don't think this should be one of them.
You're entitled to disagree.
Thank you 7:07 for your observation that this post has NO business being placed on this blog. As it leaves out quite a lot regarding Democrats and veterans, please allow me to add a few FACTS.
Republicans have a record of sending people to war, but an atrocious record taking care of veterans, as shown by:
> the lack of body armor and up armored Humvee kits
>intentional underfunding of the VA by $1.3 billion
>repeated attempts to cut benefits and make veterans pay more for their benefits by this administration
>believe it or not, they tried to cut $350+ million from the construction/improvement/funding of veterans homes DURING A WAR!
>the DEMOCRATIC Congress added $3.4 BILLION to the President's inadequate budget request for the VA just this year..
...but don't expect vitriolic partisans to give credit where credit is due; it seems it's too much for some people to deal rationally with some issues.
Mark's comments were just a partisan, one-sided rant, better left to a Bill O-Reilly message board (you know, that guy that SCOFFS at homeless veterans), instead of a "let's fix Atkinson" blog. Please excuse my response in kind, but half-facts leave people ignorant, and Democrats do more for veterans than Republicans, and that story needs to be told!
Mark, what's disgraceful is the fact that you feel it necessary to try to paint our Congresswoman (who was a military spouse for years by the way) as someone that doesn't support veterans. Get your facts straight please!
Just because she doesn't share your opinion on the war is no reason for you to try to spread lies about her support for veterans. Before you speak on the issue, please take the time to see how she's voted on pro-veteran legislation so that you can at least speak from knowledge. She's co-sponsored legislation to increase funding for TBI and PTSD treatment, unlike our President who watched quietly while the VA left MILLIONS unspent on mental health care for vets, even as PTSD and TBI rates skyrocked among our returning military.
You know what's disgraceful Mark? 2 words: WALTER REED. That's what's disgraceful Mark. Why don't you read the GAO report on the VA underfunding scandal? Oh, I know why; then you'd have to learn that, when the VA asked the Pentagon for estimates of casualties (so it could prepare adequately for the influx of wounded), THE PENTAGON REFUSED TO RELEASE THE NUMBERS. Less ranting, more reading Mark...
People like you that seek ignore how people actually treat veterans once they get home do so in order to ignore the fact that this President has a shameful record on how he treats those currently serving and our veterans. That's too bad...
Interesting how people can put Mark down then somehow start a rant of their own, spinning out of control in attack mode.
I though this news was totally unAmerican and I really don't care which party the mayor of Toledo is affiliated with.
9:22 AM - Agree totally with your second paragraph. I still maintain this whole discussion has no business here. I would hope this whole topic be removed, not as censorship, but as to relevance.
It is funny, I was morally outraged that a mayor in a city in the USA would literally turn the US Marines away when they had pre arranged to train there. I included his party affiliation because his disgraceful performance is merely one of the most egregious and immediate examples of the rhetoric I have heard from Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Most of the delegation on the democrat side of the aisle, and on the republican side of the aisle, olympia snowe, Arlen Spectre, and yes, others.
My point was that the Marines have not been turned away in Fallujah, Baghdad, Ramadi, or anywhere else in Iraq, yet here in America this happens. And, Yes, perhaps I am a bit biased here as my son is a US Marine, but I dont believe that one of the FEW Constitutional duties our government performs should be treated with so little respect.
And yes this is a little departure from the normal business of this blog, but I thought perhaps a slightly removed subject would be a respite from the internal battle of our town.
It wasn't a respite, it was a personal rant. Let's think for a minute if everyone here shot off about outside issues that bother them; the small coalition of citizens here would fracture over outside issues, and then where are we?
Mark,
You're obviously very passionate about what happened in Toledo. I think that mayor needs a slap along side the head also. Passion is not a bad thing, unless the person across from you is also passionate and is wearing a vest filled with C4. This is not a slight to you, just an example (probably a poor one).
But, if the latest entry at top of the blog is true, some work close to home needs to be done, and soon. Otherwise we can look forward to a lot more of the same. For the time being, can we focus on that?
Anonymous said...
And this relevant to Atkinson how?
A bit relevant as I see it. The democrats only want one thing socialism! Sort of what the people from Ma. want after they move here. They want all the frills and we long time residents get the bills!
Carol Shea is a wacko! She and Cindy Sheehan should bunk together! How can they act the way they do to men and women who go into harms way so they can say what they want. Redicolous!!
Please wake up poeple! The politicians in the Democratic party are not going to help you one bit, all they want is power and will tell you anything to get it.
" How can you be so wrong?"
Dear 7:22,
The next time you try to sway people, you might want to give them some facts to back up your arguments, because some people actually use facts, unlike yourself. Of course, not providing facts sends the message that you either:
1) Don't have any facts to back up your argument or...
2) You are too lazy to actually read enough to learn some facts that you can present...
Either way, the more you type, the more you hurt your argument.
"I am appalled everytime I hear Hillary talk about the military when her treatment of the military members she came into contact with during her husbands term, are well documented."
Mark, maybe you would back this swipe with some facts. Please no internet rumors.
Are they as equally documented on the shameful treatment of vets and currently serving military personal by the current Bush adminstration.
Anyone ever hear of Walter Reed?
Bush wasn't the hospital administrator at Walter Reed whereas Hillary personally disrespects the military and police presence.
First part - Bush, as Commander-in-Chief sets the tone and has ultimate responsibility.
Second part - Facts still not in evidence.
8:41-
Now, let me get this straight: as long as you're supposedly "courteous" to the military, you can cut their benefits, attempt to raise their fees, slash funding for veterans homes, intentionally underfund the VA for $1 billion+, BUT...
it's OK, because I was supposedly friendly to a few military people?
Are you kidding? This is actually how you think? Well, whatever you do, you're doing a great job keeping facts from getting in the way of your opinions. Keep up the good work...
To 1:53 and 7:23
First, it is well documented fact that Hilary did not allow military to address her when she was in the white house. When campaining even here in NH they had to clear the police out ahead of her because she did not want to see any uniformed officers anywhere.
I find this so insulting to police, who spend their days protecting all of us.
These, are well documented facts.
Second, while any president is utimately responsible, he was not personally responsible in the case of Walter Reed. The case you brought up. He did initiate change though.
Third, don't put your hateful words in my mouth. I never said you can cut their benefits, attempt to raise their fees, slash funding for veterans homes, intentionally underfund the VA ...
BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
I MADE ONE VERY SPECIFIC COMMENT AND YOU ARE ACCUSING ME OF SAYING THINGS I DID NOT SAY?
HOW DARE YOU?
YOUR HATRED COMMANDS YOUR MIND.
8:40
Don't you read ANYTHING?
Of course Walter Reed was Bush's fault...he put one of his Halliburton buddies in charge of it. That's why it fell apart. And he cut the funding.
I'm not an idiot you rude thing.
This was all over the news and my cousin is a State Police officer assigned to a detail covering her. She did not want any unifomed police to be in sight.
NO ONE respects Hillary, certainly not Bill. She would yell at military in the white house who spoke to her first.
YOU need to read more.
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