Dawn Patrol

Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and other sources around the world. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.

IRAQ

Arab Jabour -- [A Battlefield Tourist - in Iraq]
...These Concerned Citizens are doing more than just manning checkpoints that keep the roads clear of terrorists, they are in actual full contact fights with the criminal element that has made life for the common person here very deadly. Just two nights ago, PB Murray supported a Concerned Citizens group in contact with Al Qaida with accurate mortar fire that was directed by one of the Concerned Citizens using a cell phone. Cell phones have actually become the number one weapon against the terrorists as networks of informants and “bird dogs” keep the Americans fully informed of what’s going on in this sector.
All of the killers here are well-known by the people, who grew up around them, making this area of operations different than any of the others I’ve encountered.

"Ready to Make Nice..?" -- [Jim Spiri - in Iraq]
We arrived at the home where the meeting was to take place. A person came out to greet us, and shortly the colonel, myself, his PSD team and many other soldiers pulling security entered the home. Once inside the home, I noticed about a dozen middle aged men all dressed in local attire, waiting for our arrival. There were greetings and handshakes and in due time, Sheik Adil would be entering the room. I knew now that this would be a very interesting time.
I was sure glad I had come along. I would see what a colonel does in the midst of war in the matter of reconciliation between enemies who now "want to make nice." It is very surreal.
...Col. Lehr began by asking the sheik what it is he wanted to say and what could the U.S. do for him. The sheik began by saying that in the past many things had been done and it was time to "bury the hatchet" so to speak. Col. Lehr, who is in charge of the battle space that Sheik Adil wants to now remain in and pick up where he left off, spoke rather directly, as well as firmly throughout the entire dealings with the Sheik. Both have much to gain by a successful result stemming from this meeting.

Live from Anbar--Kevin McCullough

I've been doing a lot of radio shows since I got here, depending on where I am in the country and if I have a decent phone connection. It's great to talk to people back home and share what's going on here.

US says Iran officer seized in Iraq -- [AFP]
BAGHDAD (AFP) — The US military said it seized an Iranian officer accused of smuggling bombs in northern Iraq on Thursday, as an American commander said Iraq is emerging from the most violent phase of the war.
The commander told reporters that violence across Iraq has fallen to its lowest level since early 2006.

'Awakening' musters Iraqi courage against al-Qaida -- [Matt Sanchez - in Iraq]
I've spoken to many Iraqis here in Ramadi; they all have a similar tale to tell, but it usually boils down to a few basic details. For about two years, al-Qaida did everything in its power to murder and intimidate the men, women and children of Ramadi and Anbar. Al-Qaida's occupation was at a peak last year when they declared Ramadi the capital of the Islamic state of Iraq.
Then came the awakening. Tired of the violence, Sattar lost his father and three of his brothers; the sheik brought together various tribe heads, the ones that were still attached to bodies, and formed a coalition with American forces to fight al-Qaida.

Hunting Al Qaeda Part III of III -- [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Snipers were to be expected. While we were moving down the road -POW!- a shot was fired. Where it came from I do not know, but it seemed to come from the palm groves to our left, where the other American platoon was covering our left flank. An American Soldier opened fire into the palm grove where the other platoon was. I’d never seen anything like it. It was hard to imagine he did not know where our other guys were. Other members of the platoon descended upon him like hawks. He laughed. He was sent back to the Bradleys. The Iraqi Soldiers in the video looked shocked as if they’d seen aliens landing.

Iraqi Security Forces make progress in northern Iraq -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces have made much progress toward readiness in the past year within Multi-National Division North’s area of responsibility, a top official in the region said Tuesday.
...“We are starting to see the key measure of effectiveness, … which is independent operations -- being able to plan, coordinate and execute operations on their own, standing and fighting against an adversary that is trying to kill them,” he said. “Only a year ago, there were times … where they would be engaged by a demanding adversary, they’d drop their weapons and head in the other direction. Not the case any longer.
“I’m not painting a lilacs and roses picture, but in the broader perspective, clearly, we are seeing improvement from the readiness perspective of the Iraqi Army,” Bednarek said.

New Generator Brings Electricity to 300 Homes -- [Defend America]
BAGHDAD, Sept. 19, 2007 — With most Iraqi families living on only one hour of electricity per day, life’s been tough for Karkh District resident Rawaa and her family. But, with a new generator and better security in her neighborhood, the future looks a little brighter.

Violence down in baghdad -- [The Air Force Pundit/ Yahoo News]
BAGHDAD - The No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq said Thursday that a seven-month-old security operation has cut violence in Baghdad by half, but he acknowledged that civilians were still dying at too high a rate.

Walk in the Park -- [Far From Perfect - in Iraq]
We went on some raids with the IA and IP. The IP were raiding a nearby village, so we acted as a backup for them while operating primarily with the IA in their target city. The city has been known to hold terrorist safehouses. The first time we ever visited there, the bad guys set an IED in the road immediately after we passed by hoping to get us on the way back. Its that kind of place.

BOOM! IED in Iraq

Iraq Pictures - 19 September 2007 -- [Iraq Pictures]
Local children joke with SFC John Duggins, a platoon sergeant for Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, as they conduct a dismounted patrol through the "Fish Market" area in the Adhamiya District of Baghdad, Iraq

Mosul and Baqubah: A strategic city update (pdf) - - [US Army Corp of Engineers - in Iraq]
“Our Reconstruction mission in Iraq is more than bricks and mortar,” said Col. Michael F. Pfenning, commander of the
Gulf Region North district, or GRN. “It’s reconstructing the young Government of Iraq’s capability to become self-sufficient and to sustain through rebuilding its infrastructure.”

Random Pictures, Two -- [INDC Jpurnal]
The "Twin Towers Mosque" lights up in preparation for Ramadan as electricity becomes available in the city.
Military Transition Team Captain Theodore "Teddy" J. Folsome was tired but dryly funny, with a nametag that read "Elvis Presley." When a passing Lt. Colonel chaplain saw it and asked him how "that all [came] about," he responded: ...

Which one of these guys is not named Haider? -- [Assad Baghdad - in Iraq]
Three of theses guys are named Haider, a very common Shia name. We all work together here in Baghdad, and in order to know which Haider is which, we jokingly refer to them as Wahid, Thain, and Thalatha (1, 2, and 3). But every morning when we greet each other, and each night as the close of the day, we call each other "my brother." To say "my friend" would be insulting to the Haiders, and I am honored to do be able to think of them as brothers.

Marine General Speaks Out -- [BlackFive]
This little speech given by a little known US Marine Corps General Officer should be in every paper across the country...instead, it was given to a small group of patriots in San Diego...and now to you. Thanks as usual to former Marine Seamus for sending it on. It is worth your time

Soldiers of the 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, come to the aid of an Iraqi family in Adhamiyah

Camp Virginia, Kuwait -- [Desert Flier - on his way out of Iraq]
25 by 100 foot hut. The stench was overpowering by midday. The smell of old crusty uniforms in desperate need of a change out and stacked bodies in need of scrub. So I sat outside and read James Herriot until the heat got to me, then re-entered when forced with few other choices.
We were at the A/DACG (arrival/departure air control group) terminal, and it was 20 hours and counting. No sure thing when flying out on your way home, we were on terminal standby.
The hut is the staging area, and occasional place of permanent residence when one has nowhere else to go, for all personnel flying out of Taquaddum. The hut is too small. The hut smells like a hundred years of stink.

AFGHANISTAN

Green Berets Charged with 'Murdering' a Terrorist -- [The Tank - W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
The man behind the charges being leveled against the two Green Berets is Army Lt. Gen. Frank Kearney.
Perhaps the general knows something the rest of us don't. But you'll recall, he also (along with Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry) kicked a U.S. Marine Special Operations company out of Afghanistan in March after it was alleged the leathernecks used excessive force in beating back an ambush.
Kearney took the word of the Afghans over that of the Marines.

News from our Man in the 'Stan. -- [Castle Argghhh!]
I spent the last two days in Bahgram Airfield meeting with the eastern regional commander (82nd Airborne) to discuss how things were going so far. Now when I say “meeting with” of course I mean I sat in another room listening to him give his assessment without him knowing I was ever there.
It was a fun trip and it was great to get out of ISAF for a while and see something new. We took a convoy to Kabul Airfield late at night. (As we piled into the SUV with our guns the Brit driver was listening to rap…It all seemed so right somehow.) Then sleeping the night away at the airfield in a tent for transients (insert joke here) and off the next morning on a Blackwater plane to Bahgram. The base is huge, and was interesting to see so much “America” after two months in a European command.

Reconstruction Teams in Khost PRTs Oversee Afghan Building Projects

Afghanistan Six Years on -- [Austin Bay]
By the first week of October 2001, American's chit-chat class had lost patience with America's new war in Afghanistan. Television's hype-drenched talk shows claimed the Pentagon had botched it. The gloomiest prognosticators (most of them from the political left) foresaw a Himalayan defeat, with U.S. soldiers outsmarted by wily, inspired "resistance fighters." As fighting raged and Afghan winter blizzards arrived, millions would starve.

Afghan Special Operations Troop - [Strategy Page]
September 19, 2007: Three years ago, the Afghan Army formed its first commando battalion. The unit was trained by U.S. Marines. Since then, a hundred carefully selected Afghan infantry NCOs were sent to Jordan for six months of commando training. These sergeants then served as trainers during the formation of additional commando battalions.

Stay with us Canada -- [Bouhammer Afghan Blog]
...Well it seems that there are finally those in position of power whom are starting to be somewhat honest. The President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai stated on Tuesday that there is no way his country will succeed without the help of Canadian troops beyond February 2009. Canada’s current mandate states that their forces should be pulled out by then. The Canadian Army is one of just a few non-US countries that truly participates in constant and direct combat with the enemy. The Canadians, Brits, Polish, and US forces are the only ones in the south and southeast parts of the country where all the fighting is happening. Losing the Canadians would have a terrible impact on the war over there.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Iranian president intends to visit Ground Zero -- [ABC News]
Iranian mission says he'll go despite NYPD rejection — Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad requested to visit Ground Zero during an upcoming trip to New York. That request was rejected Wednesday. But a source tells Eyewitness News that the decision may not stop him.

Columbia to Host Ahmadinejad -- [Weekly Standard]
Powerline picks up reports that Columbia University will play host to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on September 24 for what the university describes as "a question and answer session with university faculty and students." Well, not really. University president Lee Bollinger elaborates: "In order to have such a University-wide forum, we have insisted that a number of conditions be met, first and foremost that President Ahmadinejad agree to divide his time evenly between delivering remarks and responding to audience questions."

Just shove your wreath, Ahmadinejad -- [9/11 Families]
Just shove the wreath you want to place at Ground Zero, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Those are my words and so are these: if you try to set one foot on where the terrorists your regime supported murdered a member of my family and 3,000 others, I will be there standing in your way.
...No, I do not want to get arrested and would not resist arrest for blocking his path but I will not stand by idly while Mahmoud Ahmadinejad walks on our sacred ground.

Shelf-Life: How Long Can a WMD-Armed SCUD Remain Fueled? -- [Conferate Yankee]
According to Janes Defence Weekly and carried in the Jerusalem Post, a Syrian SCUD-C missile exploded while being armed with a chemical warhead in late July, spreading a lethal mix of nearby WMDs. Dozens were killed:
Proof of cooperation between Iran and Syria in the proliferation and development of weapons of mass destruction was brought to light Monday in Jane's Defence Weekly, which reported that dozens of Iranian engineers and 15 Syrian officers were killed in a July 23 accident in Syria.
According to the report, cited by Channel 10, the joint Syrian-Iranian team was attempting to mount a chemical warhead on a Scud missile when the explosion occurred, spreading lethal chemical agents, including sarin nerve gas.
As you may imagine, other bloggers are tracking this story, and Ynet news adds detail, including that the specific warhead in question was loaded with mustard gas, and that the explosion started due to a fire in the Scud-C's engine.

Philippines - Ideology Bordering on Insanity -- [Strategy Page]
September 20, 2007: The NPA violence has scored some significant victories. Attacks on electrical power systems has cut electricity to millions of people for hours, or days, over the last few years. Thousands of people have lost, or never gotten, jobs in mining because of the terror campaign against foreign mining companies. The NPA seeks to keep the companies out to prevent the workers from being exploited. These tactics have made the NPA unpopular among the people the communist rebels seek to serve, much to the consternation of some NPA members.

Pure and Mighty -- [Strategy Page]
September 20, 2007: Many young Communists (who remain a powerful political minority in Russia) are switching to nationalist parties that support the current government. The Soviet Union is being restored, in spirit, by a movement that seeks to revive the lost Russian empire. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and 14 new countries arose from the wreckage, five centuries of Russian empire building was destroyed. It was the czars that built the empire, and the communists who caused its destruction. The new government recognizes the need for a market economy, but also wants the traditional Russian dictatorship, or "strong center" to run it.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

New al-Qaeda Video: The Power of Truth -- [Jawa Report]
Today, as-Sahab has released a new video in which Ayman al-Zawahiri declares war on Pakistan. Laura Mansfield has a the video available for download here.
Laura Mansfield: The As Sahab video, "The Power of Truth", announced today by the organization, has a total running time of 1 hour, 20 minutes, 34 seconds.
The documentary style video begins with the voice of Mohamed Atta shortly after hijacking the plane that would fly into the World Trade Center, and includes clips from various Al Qaeda leaders, as well as clips from TV news and features. The video also includes it's spin of US politics.
Although Osama Bin Laden appears in this video, all of the clips appear to be older footage, including segments taken from his October 2004 message to the American people, and his April 2006 message "Oh People of Islam".

The Sudden Rush of al Qaeda Communications -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Perhaps one of the most successful achievements of the old guard al Qaeda, besides staying alive, is the vast expansion of its propaganda outreach arm.
Not only are the videos and tapes coming fast and furious, but in multiple languages aiming at a wide variety of audiences.

Al Qaeda Bin Laden Message To Declare War on Pakistan President Musharraf -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Media and Jihadist web site monitoring groups report that Osama Bin Laden is about to release a new message declaring war on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. AP, AFP, and Reuters have all reported on this.

The Update: Al Qaeda call to arms

Al Qaeda Leader Zawahiri Steals Harry Reid's Line -- [Gateway Pundit]
For their latest release, Al-Qaeda found some great material from the democratic vault...
Harry Reid's famous line makes it in their latest production.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

The Ron Hinkle Family Story -- [American War Heros]
Ron was deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom IV in Dec 2005. Served as a tank driver and gunner. On 4/15/06, while on patrol, an IED, consisting of two 130 millimeter artillery rounds detonated next to SPC Hinkle’s vehicle seriously injuring him and two other soldiers.
His injuries included a perforation to the left ear drum caused hearing loss, shrapnel wound, pulmonary contusion, and internal injuries to his left shoulder resulting in long term hospitalization. SPC Hinkle’s injuries were not considered life threatening at that time.
SPC Hinkle was sent home to Byers, CO on emergency family leave after the incident where he came down with a serious staph infection (MRSA causes organ failure and sepsis with a death rate of over 50%) initiating at the site of the shrapnel wound, multiple emboli in both lungs, and in his right inner bicep, (due to the injuries of the right shoulder from the explosion), pneumonia, cardiac and pulmonary failure causing loss of the use of his left lung and hospitalizing him for 49 days of which 16 days were in a drug induced coma. During this time his commanding officer and family were told by the doctors, that his chances for survival were minimal and he was administered his Last Rights by the hospital Chaplin. However, he came out of the coma ...
THE REST OF THE FAMILY STORY
Reece (wife age 37) is a juvenile diabetic facing multiple complications from the diabetes. She had aheart attack in April. She is also on a pancreas and kidney transplant list.
...Rebecka (daughter) she was diagnosed withcancer (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and underwent painful chemo therapy.
Cally (daughter) has allergies and acute hearingproblems.

An Unforgettable Reunion -- [Philly.com]
Resolute on war
Hennagir's favorite tattoo was on his calf. It was a map of Iraq with the words Operation Iraqi Freedom running through it.
Hennagir supported this war and still does: "The terrorists need to be stopped."
Jim also supports the war, and believes there has been progress. He believes that the Iraqis are rejecting the insurgents, and that there's hope for victory. "I do believe, given time, the armed forces can succeed," he said.
He also said: "I think the war was fought wrong. The politicians, the government, did not do their best job running that war. There were a lot of things screwed up, but that doesn't say you're done."
What upsets him now is the idea that America's leaders might try to "back out gracefully, ease our way out."
"My son left his legs over there," Jim said. "It would tick me off if the last three months they're looking for a way out and just offering these young men as sacrificial lambs as a way to do that."

I Don't Support the Troops..oops, there, I said it -- [Daily Kos]
This has been digging at me for, oh, about 4 years now. I have been hesitant to express this thought, in comments sections and in discussion with other people about the Iraq quagmire for fear of, I don't know, being called mean. Or, un-American. Or something.
Supporting the troops essentially means supporting the illegal war. It seems that us anti-war types have been doing all sorts of mental and philisophical gymnastics to try and work around this. What has emerged is a sort of low impact, mealy-mouthed common wisdom that is palatable to everyone but is ultimately going to allow us to stay in Iraq for years to come.

Continues -- [Blackfive]
First, some Kossack nutjob has it in his head that origins of the "Betrayus" label for GEN Petraeus originated in the 101st Airborne Division because someone left a comment about it here on Blackfive.
...Second, there is a concerted effort underway to undermine General Petraeus's credibility. I keep getting emails asking me to look into events around the General's Bronze Star with V

Supports hospitalized Veterans and Wounded Warriors -- [Pin-Ups For Vets]
The "Pin-Ups For Vets" project supports hospitalized Veterans and Wounded Warriors . "Stars and Stripes " has covered the project for a second time. The troops and hospitalized Vets have embraced this project.
I will be bringing my calendars and posters donated from civilians and military around the world to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, and I know a mention on your blog would allow me to bring more donated calendars and posters to the recovering troops.

Gene Simmons (from KISS) Honoring our heroes!

Help NEEDED NOW! -- [Tanker Brothers]
Yes folks - a HERO veteran needs our help. From time to time, I get notice of a worthy cause - someone who desperately needs help. Today's is a truly worthy cause: a veteran who is in hard times and needs a hand to get back on his feet. I could go on and on, but instead I will just lay out what I know, from my source:

Chuck Norris In Ramadi 9/19/07 visit with Troops

Playing fair with the other team -- [BlackFive - Uncle Jimbo]
...Now any of us even a step right of center are continually vilified by the left as haters and usually most unfairly. Charles from Little Green Footballs is a perfect example. For pointing out the many violences of the Religion of Peace he is slandered as a hater. This is usually accompanied by cherry-picked comments from LGF without any notice that it is not Charles writing, or that the comments are unmoderated and labeled as such. That is completely unfair and rightly condemned.
Charles should play as fair as he requests though, if only to maintain the actual moral high ground. He takes a Daily Kos diary that says what many there certainly think:

Foresight is alot better to have than Hindsight! -- [Northern Disclosure - in Iraq]
...Ranger didn't hesistate to seperate everyone by squad and get the letters to their rightful owners. Why was I pleased with this simple task? It showed me that the Bad Voo Doo family is coming together, the guys are getting to know each other well enough to know everyones first names and family member names. I take time to learn this stuff because as a leader that is my job to know and care for all under me but to see the guys exibit this quality just solidified my belief in the awesome dynamic and wonderful fellowship we have created here at Bad Voo Doo.
The letters were the real stars though, a sweet group of 4th graders from Haughton, Louisiana wrote them and included some drawn pictures and individual messages. All the guys got a kick out of it, for some it was the first mail in a bit and the personalized aspect added to it.
I will also say that we have an Extremely faithful group of ladies that send us the greatest of things on a regular basis that we distribute to the needy and deserving. They joined us through a relationship they started with one of our own JP. Now JP is one of the original milbloggers and one of the guys that helped make this blog a reality for me.

IN MEMORY OF...

SGT Eddie Jeffers ~ Farewell, and Walk with God -- [Gazing at the Flag]
I write this tonight with a heavy heart and great sadness for the loss to the spirit of our country. Eddie was so special to so many of us who never had the honor of knowing him, but whose hearts he touched with goodness and honor. He was a hero to so many of us. We felt fortunate to be able to show our appreciation for what he gave to so many of us... honesty, faith, hope and the American spirit.
I was fortunate to correspond with Eddie's father this year. We were part - a teeny, tiny part - of a surprise for Eddie and Stephanie on his leave. Eddie Jeffers was more than a name on a page to me. He was a part of the spirit of America that has soared for over 200 years - a young man who loves his country enough to fight for her and to speak out for her, a young man of profound faith in God and in America, a soldier who believed in his mission and was willing to tell us all how much.

MILITARY

Army Gets Sweet New Combat Threads -- [Defense Tech]
PEO Soldier has now begun to outfit its troops with a sleek new "combat shirt" that is comfortable under body armor and also has flash-resistent properties to stave off the severe burns that can result from roadside bombs.
It looks pretty cool, and I know from interviews with PEO Soldier officials that they put a lot of thought into this new uniform item. I gotta say, one thing that's been a result of continued combat operations with such an adaptable enemy is the near-constant refining of services' gear. The Soldier of today looks pretty darn different from the Soldier of Kosovo days - or even from those of the kick off of OIF.

POLITICS

A Letter to Congress -- [Dadmanly]
I was invited to write an OP Ed in response to General Petraeus’ testimony this past week and my thoughts on our efforts in Iraq. The OP Ed was published this past Sunday in the New York Daily News.
...Dear Senators and Representatives, you criticize President Bush relentlessly — picking apart the speech he gave last week with withering words, looking for any and every chance to bring him down.
But at least he maintains steady attention to this war. At least he seems to grasp the stakes of losing and the danger of giving up. Not so Congress.
Leaders influence the morale of their people, for good or bad. I wish you wanted to lead your constituents towards victory rather than defeat.

Processing the Protest and Counter Protest last weekend. -- [John of Argghhh!]
...This is where I'm going to start to get in trouble. I don't think the counter-demonstration, as it unfolded, was productive. I think the rally was an excellent idea. Heck, I think the ANSWER rally was a fine idea, it's still a mostly-free country, regardless of the people who managed to bravely shout "Free Speech!" towards the White House with fear of being clubbed, arrested or shot seem to think.
Had the both groups just engaged in a mutual Slogan Shouting Contest, like opposing college football fans do, it would have been fine. And being there, being seen, along the march route was fine.

Presidential Remarks 19 Sept 2007

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110th Congress - 1st Session -National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 -- [US Senate]
To express the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemn personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all members of the United States Armed Forces.
(Editors note : Senator Hillary Clinton voted NAY and that brave one, Barack Hussein Obama didn't bother to vote.

His "GET OUT OF IRAQ, NOW!" measure is rejected by the Senate. -- [Redstate]
Senator Jim Webb, Democrat of Virginia, is a dumb guy. Just sayin'.
He tried to push a measure in the Senate which would have guaranteed all troops spending X-units of time in Iraq an equal X-units of time here Stateside. It sounds nice on the surface, but it would strip a power from the Commander in Chief; more importantly, it would have made it impossible to keep the number of troops in Iraq at a level with which victory could be achieved. The Amendment was essentially a GET OUT OF IRAQ, NOW! measure disguised as something happy.

THE MEDIA

Major Troy Gilbert's Wife Speaks Out Against the Anti-War Media -- [Flopping Aces]
"When media chooses to use Troy's plane crash as a political catalyst to generate anti-war sentiment, it only serves to degrade the moral integrity my husband possessed and the morale of those still selflessly serving," Gilbert said at news conference at Glendale's Falcon Dunes Golf Course, across from Luke.
"Every time the press lends credibility and significance to terrorist propaganda clearly designed to erode public support or questions the validity of our brave soldiers' selfless acts of service and the war itself," she added, "it only serves to damage our country from within its own borders and embolden those who would do us harm."

David Rye is an Ass. -- [The Marching Camp]
Dave Rye is a two-bit journalist at some small-time radio station, who made the following statement regarding the article published recently in the New York Times by a group of infantry NCOs.
"Pardon my skepticism, and certainly no disrespect for the dead Montana soldier, but in my time in the Army I never heard such a word as “recalcitrant” escape the lips of any Staff Sergeant. I doubt if it’s spoken all that much in Ismay, either.
"The soldiers had the help and probably the encouragement of a writer with an agenda, from a newspaper which has always had one. Its continually declining circulation now mainly consists of those who want desperately to consider themselves sophisticated as well as compassionate, even if that means always branding the U.S. as the chief villain on the world stage—-in fact, especially if it does.

Ignorance -- [Fuzzilicious Thinking]
I've seen a lot of writing from journalists that puts their ignorance of military culture and concepts in stark relief. This bit by Dan Froomkin is probably the most fundamental demonstration of that condition that I've yet seen.
In discussing President Bush reportedly expressing to milbloggers the desire to be "out there" with the troops on the ground, Froomkin puts his ignorance on display in a way that reflects terribly on both his character and ability to empathize:

MRC/NB's Rich Noyes Blasts Dan Rather: 'He's the Perpetrator' -- [NewsBusters]
In a story on Dan Rather's lawsuit against CBS, Rich Noyes, Research Director at the MRC and Senior Editor of NewsBusters, got two soundbites Wednesday night on the 11pm news on WUSA-TV, channel 9 (ch 34 DT), the Gannett-owned CBS affiliate in Washington, DC. Reporter Gary Nurenberg traveled to the MRC's offices to tape Noyes at about 6:30pm. In Nurenberg's story, Noyes blasted Rather:

Rather's Lawyer: 'Nobody's Proved the Documents Were Forgeries' -- [LGF]
It’s absolutely amazing, but Dan Rather and his lawyers are actually planning to argue in their lawsuit against CBS that the phony memos are genuine.
...I’m going to say this again just to go on the record: the CBS “Killian” memos are frauds. It has been proven beyond all doubt. It is simply impossible that these documents were created on any machine available in the 1970s.

HUMOR / SATIRE

‘Darth’ Cheney to Hillary: ‘I Am Your Father’ -- [ScrappleFace]
(2007-09-20) — Vice President Dick Cheney, responding to Sen. Hillary Clinton’s reference to him as “Darth Vader,” this morning addressed the Democrat presidential hopeful saying: “Hillary, I am your father.”
“Before I turned to what you call ‘the dark side’,” Mr. Cheney explained, “I was once like you, Sen. Clinton. I had hopes and dreams that good could triumph over evil through the force of government regulation. But then my eyes were opened to the true source of power — freedom — and my lust for that power has driven me since that day.”

Day By Day

(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)