Happy Labor Day!

Old news… In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been “off the case” lately when it comes to politics and such. I’m still in that mindset. However. Here’s something I missed last week, a September 1 op-ed in the LA Times by Sec Def Rumsfeld (New Enemies Demand New Thinking; The secretary of Defense clarifies and expands on what he said in his recent speeches about appeasing extremists). Rummy addressed the collective hyperventilating of the Democrats following his speeches to the VFW and American Legion thusly:

In speaking to our veterans, I suggested several questions to guide us during this struggle against violent extremists:

[…]

Can we truly afford to return to the destructive view that America — not the enemy — is the real source of the world's troubles?

These are the central questions of our time, and, as in all periods of conflict, we have no choice but to face them honestly.

The last question is particularly important, because this is the first war of the 21st century — a war that, to a great extent, will be fought in the media on a global stage. We cannot allow the terrorists' lies and myths to be repeated without question or challenge.

We also should be aware that the struggle is too important — the consequences too severe — to allow a "blame America first" mentality to overwhelm the truth that our nation, though imperfect, is a force for good in the world.

Consider that a database search of the nation's leading newspapers turns up 10 times as many mentions of one of the soldiers punished for misconduct at Abu Ghraib than of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in the global war on terror.

Then there is the case of Amnesty International, a long-respected human-rights organization, which called the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay the "gulag of our times" — a reference to the vast system of Soviet prisons and labor camps where innocent citizens were starved, tortured and murdered. The facility at Guantanamo Bay, by contrast, includes a volleyball court, basketball court, soccer field and library (the book most requested is "Harry Potter"). The food, served in accordance with Islamic diets, costs more per detainee than the average U.S. military ration.

With examples like these prevalent in the world media, I do worry about the lack of perspective in our national dialogue — a perspective on history and the new challenges and threats that free people face today. Those who know the truth need to speak out against the myths and distortions being told about our troops and our country. My remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion conventions have generated much discussion. I encourage everyone to read what I actually said at defenselink.mil/speeches.

Excellent points, all. The one argument/rationale/excuse advanced by some on the Left, and the anti-war contingent specifically, that irritates me the most is the “we deserved it” or “it’s really our fault” line of thinking. It’s refreshing to see a senior administration official reinforcing the fact that “America is a force for good in the world.” It’s also way overdue.

The Telegraph (UK) says “Five years on, this war must intensify.”

In the conflict between the terrorists who wish to impose their vision of a "just and righteous society" by force on the rest of us, there is nothing to talk about: they are not interested in compromise or negotiation, and there is no common ground between their vision of the future and ours. The terrorists themselves have stated their position clearly: "We are not," one of them has insisted, "trying to exact concessions from you. We are trying to eliminate you."

[…]

To its credit, the Government shows no signs of capitulation. But to its detriment, it is signally failing to take on the preachers of hate in Britain, whose words encourage murder and provide succour for terrorism.

Earlier this year, the Government brought in the Terrorism Act 2006, whose provisions are precisely directed against those who make statements that "glorify the commission or preparation" of acts of terrorism. That Act has yet to be used.

The op-ed goes on to cite some of the more egregious statements made by radical British Islamist mullahs and wonders exactly why the British government hasn’t acted against them. I suppose it’s the tension between free speech and incitement, but based upon the quotes the Telegraph provides there doesn’t appear to be a whole helluva lot of “free speech” there…only the words of our enemies. Eliminate them.

Jules Crittenden, City Editor of the Boston Herald, finds much good in all the recent bad news in his op-ed, “Taking stock on a global scale: It’s been a long, hard summer.” Here are just two things:

Lebanon: Went to bed with Hezbollah; learned a poor choice of partners can have devastating consequences. Hezbollah handouts and nose-thumbing at the Israelis were wildly popular, but the golden rule of politics is, “What have you done for me lately?” Reports suggest the Lebanese now get it: Hezbollah used them as a human shield. Hassan Nasrallah admits provoking Israel was a bad idea.

Israel: Was not pushed into the sea. Is engaged in the usual post-modern self-flagellation by which western nations try to seize defeat from the jaws of victory. Observers note the Yom Kippur and Six-Day wars also were viewed as failures in the immediate aftermath. This time, the world admitted Israel was right, and Europe committed troops to a Lebanese buffer zone. Ehud Olmert, catching it at home over the pullout, is taking a hard line on Hezbollah compliance and just got a boost from Nasrallah’s “oops.”

There’s more, of course.

Today’s bad news: The Croc Hunter is dead of a freak accident. “Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead.” RIP, Mr. Irwin.

This is more than worth the time it takes to read it: "A Different Face of Iran; Despite the Politics, an American Finds Hope in a Forbidden Land." I’ve spent a considerable amount of time bashing the ridiculous and dangerous policies of I’maDinnerJacket and the Iranian theocracy. It’s refreshing to note Iranians actually like America, regardless of what the Iranian government says or does. And the article also highlights the conundrum we face: how to oppose a government without alienating its people. I hope we have the time to cultivate and encourage the Iranian opposition; I believe a democratic Iran would be a friend to the US. But. Do we have the time? I pray we do.

Today’s Pic: Another rain shot from yesterday. I took 47 pics during my outing yesterday; this is the last one I’ll post. I can hear your sighs of relief from here. And it quit raining around 0300 this morning although it's still quite overcast. I don't think I've ever gone this long without seeing the sun here on the High Plains. Pretty unusual stuff...

And finally…Reader Laurie e-mailed me off-line today to inquire whether my ‘net connection was OK, seeing as how I hadn’t posted in the last few days. I’ve noticed that I can’t see my recent posts without hitting my browser’s “refresh” button, too. Frickin’ Blogger. It’s free, but it does irritate me mightily from time to time. I post everyday, even if it’s only a post to tell you there’ll be no post. So…if you don’t see anything new by about 1500 MDT, hit your refresh button. I’m here, really I am.