Saturday, April 07, 2007

british boondoggle

In one respect, this makes me sad. In another, I am grateful for the training I have received, and the legacy of the US Armed Forces. I think the British leadership needs to take a long hard look at their troops and make some changes. They have a grand legacy of their own, and this does not live up to it.


I am inclined to agree with Col. Jacobs. My grandfather was of the same mind also until he heard that they were threatened. At the Air Force Academy, we had to memorize the John Stewart Mill quote, and after seven years I still think about it. Last night the subject presented itself among friends who are also pilots, and conversation moved to Capt Lance P. Sijan. He is the man every airman looks to as an example of the embodiment of the Code of Conduct. We had to memorize the information about his evasion and capture. When he was shot down, on his 52nd mission, he sustained a skull fracture, mangled right hand, and a compound fracture in his left leg, yet he eluded capture for six weeks. Even after being aprehended by the North Vietnamese, he was able to overcome a guard and escape once again. Recaptured and tortured, then-Lt. Sijan did not talk. He lived the rist of his life in the Hanoi Hilton, and died there on Jan 22, 1968. Lt. Sijan was 25 years old. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on Mar 4, 1976 by Pres. Ford. I cannot say his name without reverence. There are many more stories like Sijan's we should know. Not as military members, but as Americans.

I have never been faced with something like these men and woman experienced, but if ever I am, I will think of Capt. Sijan and press on. Source

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posted by chic[k]pilot @ 2:37 PM   0 comments

Monday, March 26, 2007

iran snubs its nose at the geneva convention

Terrorists who hide behind children and women's clothing violate the Geneva Convention and they are freedom fighters, but British soldiers in uniform are not so special.
FIFTEEN British sailors and marines arrested by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards off the coast of Iraq may be charged with spying.

A website run by associates of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, reported last night that the Britons would be put before a court and indicted.

Referring to them as “insurgents”, the site concluded: “If it is proven that they deliberately entered Iranian territory, they will be charged with espionage. If that is proven, they can expect a very serious penalty since according to Iranian law, espionage is one of the most serious offences.”

I think Ahmedinejad needs to actually read the Convention, especially part 3.
HT Captain Ed over at Captain's Quarters.

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posted by chic[k]pilot @ 8:32 AM   0 comments

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

how appropriate


This cartoon from Cox & Forkum is fairly close to my perception sometimes.... And the sports analogy is perfect. President Bush is more the coach on the sidelines with the headphones though.

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posted by chic[k]pilot @ 7:05 PM   0 comments