Independent Patriots for America

Friends,

Many of you asked me about pictures, videos, how you could view Eagles Up recent events in Washington, DC…….well your answer is below.

Eagles went to Silver Spring, MD on March 14, 2008 to challenge Iraq Veterans Against War (IVAW) Winter Soldiers II Testimony which was modeled after John Kerry’s 1971 Winter Soldier Testimony.  As we know from official investigation, John Kerry’s despicable lies in 1971 to Congress and America broad brushed a generation of Viet Nam veterans as murders, rapist, creating atrocities, and other unspeakable crimes and abuses.  We could not allow a repeat of the Kerry model to be turned against our warriors of this generation…we demanded truth.  IVAW knew Eagles were ready to sink talons into any fabrication, distortion, false testimony, and that we would subject any criminal or policy accusations or testimony to detailed investigation and possible requests for prosecution of false charges….we believe those that would falsely accuse our warriors received the Eagles message…why?  The press reported nothing and we heard nothing beyond war stories in Silver Spring.

Then on March 15th, Eagles conducted a rally, heard heartfelt speeches, at the Washington Monument in DC in the morning and then marched down Constitution Avenue in the afternoon with flags, banners, partiotic music, fellowship, laughter and generally lifting up America, our troops, families, and paying tribute to our fallen.  It wasn’t a crowd of tens of thousands as we had expected, but Washington received a peaceful, patriotic, friendly event uncharactistic of normal demonstrations occuring in DC.  It was a wonderful experience and as you have learned it was concluded by a Bald Eagle circling the march egress point and gliding off toward the US Capitol….a blessed occasion.

Now comes your chance to view a portion of the activity, actually be a tangible part of the March events……..you can purchase a DVD for yourself, order one for a warrior anywhere in the world, and clearly show our military that America has their backs……..

Thanks to the hours and hours of effort by Eagles Up Michigan Coordinator Denny Evans and his brother David, our nearly hour long professional Eagles Muster DVD is now available for sale.

While the price for all of us state-side folks is $20.00, it is available to our troops overseas for just $7.75 when shipped to an APO address.  Not only can the troops order this at a reduced rate, but anyone can order a copy for $7.75 and have it shipped  to an APO address.
 
You can order the DVD in two ways……..

Go to this link and order on line  http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=270  or send check or money order to:

Eagles Up Inc., PO Box 202, Mequon, WI  53092, providing name and address of recipient. (Specify “DVD - Eagles Muster” on the memo portion of your check)

Don’t miss out on this professional account of two very successful examples of Eagles standing up for America, our troops, families, and our fallen…remember, a warrior and their family are sacrificing right now for us.

God bless our troops and their families.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

www.eaglesup.us “Where there is no offense, there is no effect.”

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.

CONGRESS: Do Something Right For a Change……

Put America First
Stop playing games with the lives of our troops………..we want a funding bill for our warriors without all the pork, qualifiers, and political maneuvering.

You people committed the troops to combat, now fund them!. America is not a quitter!. Congress may want to quit because they feel no pain…surrender is not an option….America feels the pain of it’s warriors. Many of us and our families have been there….Just do the right thing…….do it today, tomorrow and next month………..STOP THE POLITICAL SQUABBLING.

Veterans Day 2007 is behind us, the political photo-ops are history, must we  continue the deception, distortion from Congress and childish antics from presidential candidates.

 Sadly, for the most part, politicians return to Washington, D.C., immediately forget the troops and continue on the path of political games as usual…in fact it’s likely not more than a handful even made it through the day before forgetting our veterans, and troops in harms way.  I suspect even less got on their knees at the end of the day to lift up our warriors and families.

Politicians that use our warriors as political pawns for political advantage is an act of betrayal to our troops and America.

American leadership has abandoned the rudder.  Founding principles are being ignored, relativism is the rule, in short, the American compass that should be pointing solidly at our Constitution is spinning wildly.

Fund the troops without attaching garbage to the Bill.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret.,  hmriley@cox.net

Are we going to let the surrender crowd disrespect, dishonor, and malign General Petraeus by questioning his integrity…the leader of our warriors in battle?

Hasn’t this week of crap in Washington D.C. convinced you America is going to hell in a hand-basket and we need to do something about if?

Friends,
 
This will be my last contribution before Eagles Land on E-Day…and we all meet in DC on Sep 15th. (see http://www.eaglesup.us/ for guidance)
 
Just want everyone to know that I have been privileged to work with a dedicated, committed and professional group at http://www.eaglesup.us/ for the last month or so.  They’re the unsung power of Eagles Up.
 
Our primary mission has been to encourage “boots on the ground” in support of America, our troops, and honoring our fallen, missing warriors and their families….
 
Is this a valid, needed mission?  We think it is and events of recent days confirm the deep, grave,  and potentially devastating division in America reflecting unparalleled hostility toward American leadership, our current troops, General Petraeus, and our fallen warriors.  This hostility, surrender message, is carried out by a small minority of America and cannot be broad brushed as representing main-stream America…Eagles of all segments of America will send a clear message on September 15th in Washington, DC  that “we’re taking America back and we’re prepared to keep it”.
 
We have seen spectacles in the US Capitol this week. Code Pink, an anti-America group,  dishonoring not only the institution, but one of our respected and honored military leaders, General Petraeus;  we have also witnessed the treasonous Moveon.org advertisement in the New York Times which referred to General Petraeus as “General Be “Tray” us;  what we have not seen is Congress, in total without exception,  moving rapidly to condemn the moveon.org treasonous attack; a few brain-dead Congressmen are challenging the integrity of General Petraeus, another despicable act while he commands troops in battle; there has also been, what I call, purposeful vandalism, desecration of the Viet Nam memorial in Washington, DC…squirting, smearing, throwing some substance on numerous panels of the memorial, a length of 50 to 60 feet of the memorial.
 
The culprit(s) that desecrated the memorial is not known, but, the message is clear…hate and dishonor toward warriors that answered the call, did what we were told, suffered and sacrificed, didn’t whine, got the job done…the individual(s) that finds conscience to “desecrate the memorial headstone of over 58,000 fallen warriors” is the lowest of the low and an enemy of America in my opinion.
 
We have an opportunity to rise above all the hate, hostility, betrayal, and treason that appears in America’s headlines and against our memorials.  Let us demonstrate the power of principled, patriotic, square shouldered, unequivocal support of our nation, our troops, and honor to our fallen, missing and their families who have sacrificed for our freedom.  Can we, in our hearts, do anything less?
 
Our options are two and stark:  we standup for America or be prepared to kneel to a barbaric, butchering killer enemy.  For me and Mary, we’ll stand with the patriots on Saturday.
 
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret., 111 Overview Drive, Crestview, FL 32539  850-689-1818

http://www.eaglesup.us/  -  Where there is no offense, there is no effect.
 
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;  they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
 
Awsome Childrens DVD http://www.polliwogscholar.com/

Decision Time

Where will you be on September 15, 2007?

Plans made to travel to Washington, DC?

America and going to Washington, DC on September 15 is just about all that’s on my mind these days and hardly anything different comes off my keyboard.  Not necessarily that I want to travel, but what I’m driven to do…the threat posed to America by the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) rally cannot be ignored.  I can’t imagine not being there, God willing.
 
I can hardly wait to claim a spot on the street in DC, standing up for America, and sink my talons securely in my portion of the pavement.   Yes, I’m claiming a portion of the streets that the left-over hippie generation think they still own…….wrong……the 60s are over, Eagles will be in town.
 
At the same time a sadness creeps into my heart over the disunity, disharmony, hatred,  betrayal of our warriors, out right attack by a powerful  evil enemy determined to destroy America, leading  rank and file sheep that has literally no idea what they are doing, to destruction.
 
The poor ignorant souls that are brainwashed into thinking they are voicing and participating in a legitimate cause that will steer America on the correct course are totally blind to the background, motivation, and goals of the ANSWER movement.  ANSWER is a communist based, Marxist organization filled with tag along radical groups to include Muslim extremists with the goal of destruction.  These radical anti-war, anti-America, supporters of the Islamic butchers that are killing our warriors throughout the world must be stopped…their “hate America” shrill has been a thorn in the flesh of freedom loving Americans for decades…I’ve had enough, am sick of the “surrender attitude in America that will be reversed again on September 15 as it was on March 17 this year.
 
Do I take joy in the necessity of challenging other Americans, traveling a couple thousand miles to DC and return, creating some sacrificial difficulty on my family?  NO, I would rather be at home with my family enjoying America, and all it offers, reading newspapers and watching news reports of a unified America, supporting our warriors, in the battle against Islamic terrorism.  This is not reality and we all know it.  America is being attacked from within and it must be confronted.
 
Unfortunately, If I stayed home, I would become a mirror image of America in the 60s and 70s that stayed home while millions of warriors were in fox-holes in Vietnam defending freedom, myself included. Over 58,000 American warriors died fighting for freedom while America snoozed, allowing the anti-war radicals to convince cowardly, selfish politicians to surrender to an enemy our warriors defeated.   The anti-war crowd in the 60s, some of whom will be in DC in September, were given freedom to roam the streets without any challenge.  That cannot happen again……….not ever again…..enough is enough….our current warriors cannot be abandoned or dishonored because America is too busy to realize men and women are dying for them daily while a subtle, cancerous virus is attempting to infect our Congress with the “surrender” disease once more.
 
In my life-time I can testify to the horrors of WWII, the  absolute repulsive conditions on the European battlefield, POW camps, gas chambers ; the unspeakable jungle conditions, death marches, POW torture, by the Japanese in the Pacific;  sacrifices of unimaginable proportion on the Korean peninsula; equally heroic and successful warrior performance in Vietnam but never truthfully reported by the media; and following Vietnam the Islamic terror movement which has been slowly killing us for at least three decades.  Over 240 Marines killed in their barracks in Beirut; our Embassies being bombed, Somalia, Pan Am 103, Air Force billets bombed in Saudi Arabia, Cole attack, 9-11, on and on.
 
According to the ANSWER movement, America is responsible for everything wrong in the world…..America is the reason for the pain…they even go so far as to support the IED suicidal barbarians in Iraq that kill, maim, and wound our warriors…men and women sacrificing themselves so ANSWER and their minions have the freedom to protest in the streets, dishonor our returning wounded at Walter Reed Army Hospital with vile demonstrations, and even interrupt warrior funerals as family members lay their loved one to rest.  Is there anything more despicable?
 
It’s time for America to decide a course of action to deal with the infection……allow the cancer to grow or cut the sucker out.
 
Will patriots continue to allow these repugnant haters of America,  that openly call for the destruction of our republic to claim ownership of the streets that our warriors, cited above, fought and died to protect?  The old excuse “let someone else do it” won’t wash…it’s up to you and me.  Let’s get the boots on, pick up the flag, get in the car or on the plane and head to DC. How can any of us sit idly by while the enemy works to undermine,  before our very eyes, over 200 years of sacrifice for freedom ?
 
Tens of thousands of us have awakened from the snooze.  On September 15, 2007, Eagles will challenge those that want to destroy America, abandon our troops, and desecrate, vandalize memorials to our fallen and missing warriors, if not protected in Washington, DC.  Join in, be part of a positive impact on America.
 
The hope of America literally rests on a massive  “boots on the ground” Landing of Eagles, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, arm in arm, locked in support of America…our numbers will send a message to American political leaders, our enemies, and those that support them.  Which will it be?  Standup for America or bow down to a ruthless, evil, Islamic enemy?
 
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
Eagles Up
 

http://www.eaglesup.us/  -  Where there is no offense, there is no effect.
 
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;  they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
 
Great Kids Video - http://www.polliwogscholar.com/

We will stand firm on September 15 

Our talons will be set

The days surrounding September 15 appear to be developing into a critical period for America…many officials testifying to Congress for and against various issues related to national security, the Commander-in-Chief is reported as preparing some policy announcement, anti-America elements preparing to spread false, misleading, and distorted messages…and further, American troops will be watching, listening, praying about all this, and yes, probably dying during this week, in hopes America will not let them down…not abandon moms, dads, sons, and daughters in harms way……….

I have a message for our gallant warriors and their families…Eagles will have your back and the back of your Commander, General Petraeus, in Washington, DC on September 15…..we will not abandon or betray over 200 years of warrior sacrifices to a minority willing to surrender it all.

But, before September 15 there is work to be done.  The moonbats are scurrying to shore up their last remaining remnant of support……..get the word out to your friends all over America of the critical need to be in Washington, DC.

One of our strong Eagle leaders is Move America Forward with their cross country caravan which begins September 3, 2007.  The moonbats are calling for a rally to protest MAF’s initial kick-off at Carson City, Nevada…

Latest word from the moonbats video indicates they are pleading for support to frustrate MAF’s efforts.  Now is the time for all folks within reach of Carson City, NV to be in attendance September 3rd at 0900 AM to support MAF……..turn the tables on the moonbats.  Notify your friends in Nevada, California and others of the grand opportunity to humiliate, demoralize the anti-America crowd with a large pro-America, pro troop support, encouraging MAF…    When MAF starts off strong, the effect will carry to DC and September 15th.

For all of us going to DC…..time to get the busses finalized, lodging taken care of in DC,  tickets for the train, put a note on  http://www.eaglesup.us/ forum if you have room for passengers  traveling with you in your own vehicle, get your T-shirts ordered  quickly at  http://www.printfection.com/eaglesup , signs, bull horns, flags, etc…….examples on our web site.

Check the web sites frequently of groups that are working to bring true patriots to DC on Sept. 15 including Eagles Landing; Move America Forward hosting the  nationwide caravan of families and supporters starting in California and arriving in DC on the 15th; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Gathering of Eagles; Free Republic; and Vets For Freedom — in addition to many other pro-troop organizations.

Detailed schedules, meeting locations, march routes will be finalized and provided.  As mentioned previously, National Park Service will not likely release permit information until the week preceding the event……….your primary information you already know…get to DC on Sep 15…we know the location we will occupy is likely from Lafayette Park (across from the White House) down Pennsylvania Avenue, likely down 15th St to Constitution Ave and then east to the US Capitol………locations of other events and further directions will be provided when available.

Take action on the September 3rd MAF kick-off, get you plans to DC finalized…look forward to locking arms with tens of thousands of you in DC……..

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

Eagles Up!

Eagles Landing

“A helpless sparrow can drift with the

wind. It takes an “Eagle” to fly against the

storm.”

September 15, 2007

Washington, D.C.

I am happy to report the Eagles message is taking hold throughout America…more and more are committing to travel to Washington, DC for the September, 15, 2007 E-Day.  Of course as our numbers climb, the opposition is deviously looking and employing counter-measure to thwart our efforts…you know when this is happening, our progress is worrisome to the “moonbats”.
 
We’re beginning to see glimpses of distortion, fabrication, deception, from elements that reflect intentions to sow disharmony, confusion and cause division among those of us 1. Supporting America 2. Reflecting to our troops and their commander, General Petraeus, that we have their backs, and 3. honoring our fallen and missing warriors and their families on September 15, 2007 on the streets of Washington, DC. .  Elements engaged in this behavior can only be part of the ANSWER crowd.   Recognize it for what it is and ignore those attempting divisive and false rumor.
 
Some are spreading the notion that we are pro-war.  Simply because one element of our mission supports the troops, some are referring to our September 15, 2007 intention to field massive numbers on the streets of Washington, DC as “pro-war”. 

In a discussion with a family member who subscribed to the anti-war movement,  Jim, a military man used the following logic:
 
“I asked if we could have a gentlemen’s agreement - namely that I’d say something that would only take a minute or two and he would sit still and listen, and when I was done, I’d sit still and listen to whatever he wanted to say.  He agreed.

I asked him who he thought was most against war.  After a minute, he said he didn’t know.  I then said that I thought the people most against war were those, like me, that had to fight them.  I have been under rocket attack three times and personally heard shells (23mm) go past my head (while I was in a FAC O-2) and that was very scary and personal.  I also lost friends in the war.  I said that the military, who has to fight the wars, is the group most against war, because they have the most to lose, but that the military understands that sometimes war is necessary.

I said I was done and he could say anything he wanted and I’d be quiet.  After several minutes of silence, he said he had never thought about it that way before.”

The difference between the anti-war elements and American’s for freedom is simple…if we must go to war, then “we win, they lose”…period.
 
It’s freedom we’re about, ensuring the security of America, not debating the right or wrong of Iraq but looking at the longer term threat America faces of which Iraq is a part.  It’s about messages being sent to a barbaric, ruthless, bunch of butchers that are encouraged when they see elements in America that suggest “surrender”, demeaning our troops, and allowing the Islamic killers to use foolishness of a few private citizens and politicians, as ammunition for propaganda purposes.
 
We cannot allow a repeat of the 60s when America abandoned our troops in Southeast Asia….folks it is not easy to make a trip to Washington, DC that is recognized…be sure that this is not about some individual getting his/her ego stroked or some organization bolstering it’s agenda…what it’s about is the survival of our nation, our way of life is being moved perilously close to  a repeat of the 60s…this time, as we have already experienced, the enemy is attacking us on continental United States soil.  If we do not hold the line and move with offensive action to rally in support of America, our troops, and recognize the sacrifice of our fallen and missing, the blood bath will continue in America with a force that will dwarf 9-11-2001.  We can make a move now without bloodshed at home if we act…think about it? 
 
Many organizations such as Eagles Landing, Move America Forward, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gathering of Eagles, Rolling Thunder, and others are engaged in preparation and urging American patriots to sacrifice, if necessary, to be present for duty, ‘boots on the ground” in Washington, DC on September 15, 2007.  The goal is to fill the streets and totally overwhelm those that would tear America down, abandon our troops again, and dishonor our fallen and missing and their families..
 
America needs each one of us desperately to stand-up for her…our troops, the very sons and daughters, sacrificing blood, body parts, and lives deserve nothing less…use our web site www.eaglesup.us and tell us you’ll be in DC…click on the forum and sign up or hit the “contact button” at the top of the page and tell America you’re on the way……
 
God willing our presence in DC will shake the political establishment and our national media into some sense of reality where America stands.
 
Respectfully,
 
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;  they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
 
www.independent-patriots-for-america.com  
 
http://www.eaglesup.us  -  Where there is no offense, there is no effect.

 Are there enough Patriots in America to keep the Red, White, and Blue from Dishonor, from turning into a Crescent?

I have a few questions for my American brothers and sisters…questions I view as serious,  ones I never thought it would be necessary to ask or even seriously consider.
 
“Are you sure America is safe, that freedom is secure, that our national system of protection is doing everything it can to protect America, that enemies of America are being challenged adequately, that leadership in Washington, D.C. understand the peril America faces, are you willing to allow the direction America seems to be going as the America for your children and grandchildren, do you feel like something is drastically wrong in America today?” 
 
My answer is a firm “no”, except for the last one which is an unqualified “yes”.  Please consider your answer but read on………..
 
These questions beg for an answer now, “What are you and I doing or going to do to reverse the answers to the above questions”?  Something, nothing, what would it take to move you?  Those that would see America humiliated, destroyed will gather on September 15, 2007 in Washinton, D.C…we must be there to protect our nation.
 
Here’s what happened on March 17, 2007 during Gathering of Eagles in Washington, D.C. that proved America still has the courage, determination, and patriotic fervor to stand up for the Red, White, and Blue in opposition to those that would see America destroyed.
 
“At GOE 1 in March I was never so proud & worried in my life….the proud is self explanatory because of the Veterans & spirit that I was honored to be in the midst of, including my own husbands…the worry was because I knew how many very ill Veterans that were there. Many Vets were in the middle of chemo & radiation treatments & still were there. One old Nam medic that was determined to be there amongst his treatments died shortly after GOE 1….instead of his death bringing me total sadness the comfort of knowing how damn determined & proud he was to have been there is a memory that I’ll always cherish & remember……” shared by Shelia.
 
How many that read this have loved ones that died in war, in law enforcement, fire protection, have friends who suffered in POW camps, are longing for the touch of fathers still missing in action,  are recipients of valor awards on the field of battle, recipients of the Purple Heart Award for wounds suffered in battle, have bodies that are maimed, broken, destroyed in defense of America,  recipients of recognition for selfless service in the protection of America, a spouse-family member who sacrificed often equal or greater than a loved one in the line of duty, were spit on when you returned to your beloved America for doing your duty, and many that read this have received no recognition for saving America, but deserve enormous gratitude?  Is the cost of all this and much, much more for naught?  Will we allow the shrill nay sayers, the minority once again prevail in ignorance as in the 60s?   Our numbers on the streets of Washington, D.C. on September 15 will settle this score.
 
Please click on link http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=8&Itemid=65 and read the heart warming and aching story of a Daughter of a MIA Warrior….Where Eagles Dare….it’s time to tell the haters of America…no more, we’ve had enough, there is no more free ride down the streets of America.
 
How can we remain silent, remain dormant, reflect a state of denial, while the enemy cancer slowly but methodically eats away the freedom patriots fought for from the beginning of America to our warriors now fighting for our freedom in Iraq?  Will we allow our destruction by a ruthless Islamic butcher,  or rally to the WWII cry of  “never again”?
 
I can hear the voices of the 58,000 men and women listed on the Viet Nam Memorial whose graves are spread through America crying,  “don’t let me be dishonored again, let me rest in peace”…the Korea, WWII warriors, who experienced unimaginable and incalculable horrors sacrificing for Americas freedom are pleading for America to standup , recent Americans killed in Beirut, Somalia, Khobar Towers, Embassies, ships, New York City, and others…all by an enemy with barbaric intentions, are wondering, will I be forgotten,  treated as my Viet Nam warrior brothers and sisters?
 
This enemy of the freedom, greatness and compassion of America, that so many have sacrificed for, has it’s tentacles in elements right here in America.  They will be taking to the streets in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2007 attempting to convince America to give up, give up our freedom, surrender, make a mockery of lawful expression, all in the name of a communist based, Islamic terrorist supported, radical leftist hating organization called A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism).  Read for yourself those that sponsor ANSWER at http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_homepage  ,  a group of people and organizations with a warped sense of human dignity bent on destruction of America, your freedom, your childrens freedom.  America as the founding fathers envisioned would be destroyed if they were in control or can convince gutless, cowardly leaders to abandon the fight for freedom.
 
Will you allow the ANSWER crowd to rule the streets of our Nations Capitol, most who have done nothing to preserve America, only milk it and have a desire to destroy? 
 
All the pain, suffering, sacrifice, loss, and blood given by American patriots demands a force of hundreds of thousands, if not a million on the streets of Washington, D.C. on September 15 to completely overwhelm the message of hate. 
 
The resounding message of American hope, confidence, love and support for our troops, and honor for those gone before must rule the day….we must do nothing less.
 
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret, Crestview, FL 32539 850-689-1818 hmriley@cox.net

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;  they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
 
http://www.eaglesup.us  -  Where there is no offense, there is no effect.

Can America survive two more years under the present Administration and Congress??  Every day it appears more hopeless as those in positions of responsibility in Washington, D.C. mangle any sense of responsibility common sense would expect.

President Bush is a nice man, I believe he tries and I like him, but he is not a leader.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Leader Pelosi reflect the attitude of mis-guided missiles…in fact it’s difficult to name any rational member of Congress these days……..or for that matter, see any on the horizon.

President Bush seems to have his head in the posterior cavity of his body as he continues to champion illegal alien border crossers above the security of America…an insult to American citizens…to think we can’t see through the politics is simply ignorant…I’m convinced the President is unable to determine that he is surrounded by incompetent advisors.

Leaders in Congress continue idiotic political battles over war funding while warriors lives are lost, bodies are maimed, blood spilled, widows numbers grow, family devastation ignored…the leadership in Washington, D.C. is cold, callous, and without conscience…how they can ignore the blood of our warriors and family impact while pursuing political games is despicable at best.

President Bush’s approach to immigration is simply condoning illegal activity, betraying American citizens, and is proposing amnesty, pure and simple..why?  He has said over and over “we are a nation of laws” but he cannot muster the intestinal fortitude to enforce our laws…he should do the right thing and begin deportation of every illegal alien detected in America, and do it now.

One only has to total the crime associated with illegal aliens, terrorist plots(read recent plans to kill soldiers at Ft Dix, New Jersey), drain on medical care, safety on highways, melting pot impact, to name a few,  in understanding failure of government to do it’s job…this is not about picking on someone, discrimination, et al., its about the law, about protecting America.

The track record of America of late seems to be one of, start wars, throw the warm bodies in the mix, allow enough to die to create a political issue, start the spin for political advantage in continuining or ending the war, allow the forgotten to continue to die….  Only a radical, catastrophic national event will get the virus out of Congress…….with 435 new Representatives and 34 new Senators last November, many hoped there might be some recognition of reality….wrong, business as usual.

America’s enemies see victory on the horizon as spineless politicians crumble and the white flag is being readied for hoisting……..only this time surrender will be followed by an incalculable cost.  I fear America is indeed lost forever.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret., Crestview, FL