I'm writing this here because Cliff doesn't want us to get too overwrought with the fucks, but there is no other way to put it.
Surge Architect: More Time Needed
Fred Kagan, the man widely seen as the "architect" of the military surge in Iraq, sees signs of progress but warns that September is too early to make a final decision about how well it has achieved its goals.
Instead, in an interview with Time.com, Kagan recommended waiting until the end of the year before judging the operation's success. Even then, he added, it might be some months before Iraqis make the political compromises necessary to bring lasting stability to the country.
Fuck you Fred Kagan, and all the other little Kaganites that populate your little fucking echo chamber.
I went to the post office this morning to send some packages. As I got in line I saw two women up at the counter with a box and a bunch of stuff they were questioning the clerk about packing. My first inclination was to be ticked off at the chicks for not packing the stuff at home. I mean, heylo? Then as the clerk talked to them about bubble wrap ($2.98 for a wee roll), I piped in telling them if they wanted to save some $ they should just go buy a paper out front for .50 and crumple it up and use that. (I'm a cheap wench)
The older woman turned around and said, "No, we want to use the bubble wrap, she doesn't want his medal case to get scruffed."
On the counter was a beautiful dark wood case. I looked at the other stuff that they were packing in the box. It was newspapers. Funeral notices. An already dying bouquet of flowers. Another case in the shape of a triangle. I literally froze.
We lost a local man recently in Iraq. From all accounts he was your regular wonderful father, husband, son and friend. This was his wife and an older female relative packing up all that remained of a weeks worth of mourning here in Northern Indiana. Taking it home for a lifetime of mourning.
So few of us know anyone who has suffered because of the war. So few of us have family serving or even peripherally involved. I have a relative who will be going back soon. All I could see is his wife bubble wrapping his medals. Lovingly packing away the newspaper articles that extolled his funny way of laughing, or the silly things he said as a child.
Tech. Sgt. **** ******, 33, of Mishawaka, Indiana, died June 5, 2007, in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. ****** was assigned as Special Agents to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
So Mr "Architect of The Iraq War" or Mr "Architect of the Surge"-
Mr Architect of the BIGGEST GODDAMN FUCKUP THE UNITED STATES HAS EVER SEEN--
FUCK YOU.
Not cross posted at Cliff Schecter