U.S. Senate Democrats want vote on Iraq withdrawal

via Reuters

WASHINGTON, June 18 (Reuters) - Democrats plan to offer a resolution in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday seeking a timetable for a phased withdrawal from Iraq, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said on Sunday.

They just voted here 93-6

The Senate couldn't agree that 2+2=4 by a 93-6 margin.

The 2500

Much has been made these past few days about the “milestone” of the 2500th service member to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I don’t want people stuck on the number. I want them stuck on the names.

Names like Michael and Miguel. Rasheed and Solomon. Tommy and Tamario. Kemaphoom, Jose, Noah, David.

Every ethnicity, every religion, every race, every creed is represented in these names.

Each of these names represents a son, a daughter. Some were husbands, some wives, some fathers, some mothers. Most importantly, each was a volunteer. Each left those they loved to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They are a part of history. All are Heroes.

HONOR THEM. REMEMBER THEIR NAMES.

I have posted all the names HERE.

Happy Father's Day

Last year I posted some about Father's Day. Seems relevant today too.

Eagle's On Fire This Week

Eagle 1's been posting some incisive commentary on Middle East/Pacific maritime security, and has some observations that are spot on about the Northern Arabian Gulf which are little mentioned anywhere else.

Back From Beyond

Be very afraid...

Bill Whittle is back. Nothing there yet, except for an announcement that may well prove interesting.

The last time he wrote, his essays went all over the world. Can he hit the mark on this outing?

A Guest Blogger

Over the past couple of hours, I've had the honor of dining with Robert Stokely. Right now, I'm going to get out of the way and let Robert talk to the MilBlog community.

It is an honor to have been so supported by all of MilBlog world and to see such kindness shown my son, SGT Mike Stokely. I just left Mike's grave a little while ago (he is buried 70 miles from where I live). I was up there most of the day, spending time with two of his best growing up friends, who also served in Iraq as part of GA's 48th Brigade. It was a a great day that included a parade in their honor, and I was privileged to be in the parade walking in Mike's place - I carried a full size photo of him. Then, I went by and spent some private time with him at his grave - I am proud to call him son, and to claim the title of Dad on this father's day - my first since he died. I am very fortunate to have his brother and sister with me tomorrow to celebrate, but of course, I will miss Mike.

As I caught a glimpse of the news today, I saw congress members debating the war, particularly Murtha. I am proud to stand and say that Mike Stokely served while others debated; he stood for what he believed in, living life full of purpose in his 23 years, boldly committed and very willing to give his life. How lucky I am to have had a son who sought his purpose and lived life so fully. How lucky I am to have two fine children to continue sharing life with. God has blessed me greatly. And, as part of that blessing, I consider my friends in MilBlog World a true blessing that came into my life after Mike died. Thank you again for your support and kindness - I shall never forget it.

Robert Stokely
proud dad of SGT MIke Stokely
KIA IED 8/16/05 Yusufiyah Iraq

Robert is incredibly proud of his son. After meeting Robert, I'm quite sure that Mike is just as proud of his father.