CANDID COMMENTARY

THE BLENDING OF HISTORY,
STORIES, and TODAY'S EVENTS ...

... LEADING TO TOMORROW

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Candid Commentary  SEPTEMBER 2006


TIME TO HONOR NOT ONLY THOSE WHO DIED SERVING OUR COUNTRY,
BUT THOSE WHO DIED ENJOYING IT


FLYING OUR FLAG
Every day but at least on 9/11

Katy and I fly our American Flag 24/7. It is something we feel is important, even way out here in the sticks.


Towers
We encourage everyone to do the same, but every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies.  We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. This post is my small part in a National Campaign to SHOW OUR COLORS.

 For the past year or more, the economy has been growing steadily.  Sure there have been down turns, there always are, but economic growth has continued, unemployment continues to drop to low levels, and all things considered, Americans should be doing well.  But, there is an underlying discontent for our lot in life even with the economy growing.  We are not seeing this growth in our paychecks and prices for goods and services continue to increase.  We are being left behind and we don’t like it one bit.   That is why the current polls show Americans are upset!  I guess this is natural and part of being an American, but we need to stop and think for a moment.

When ever has America been at war and the economy has grown?  When ever has America prospered while supporting troops with materials, sophisticated weapons, modern military might, and more?  When ever has America reeled from over 26 attacks on our country and had thousands killed as planes plowed into our largest skyscrapers and the Pentagon?    The answer is NEVER before.  No, NEVER BEFORE!

We quickly gathered around the flag poll following 9/11 and vowed to be sure it could never happen again.  We backed our President when he vowed to take the battle to those terrorists that were trying to obliterate the American way of life.  To never allow them to bring such terrible actions to our people and loved ones.  But that was then, and our resolve has not lasted as long it will take to destroy the terrorists, where they live, rather than on our shores.  That war is a good one in principle, BUT we want our share of the growth in the economy.  We want more money, more buying power, better education, better retirement, more freedoms!  On infinity.   Forget that we NEED to support the military and our fight against terrorism … we want MORE!

Yes, in retrospect I am sure a number of you may be thinking, I surely exaggerate and simplify a complex issue.  I say to stop and think and then answer the question, “If we pull out all troops and materials from the near east and pour all that money into entitlement programs, where will we be when next the terrorists attack us at home?  Where??

So, please remember just what the terrorists want!  They want to destroy our American way of life and literally, our country.  We need to support this war effort with our emotions and dollars.  We need to regain some of that resolve, some of that do what it takes, whatever attitude.  This isn’t one of those things we try for a little while … it takes a full-blown commitment to do it UNTIL.

Towers 2Sure we are frustrated, sure it is taking a long time, sure we are loosing warriors everyday.  But I ask that we channel our fear and anger at the enemy, and start this Labor Day, more precisely, this 9/11.  PUT OUT THOSE FLAGS.  Let those emotions loose once again!  Show the nations press and officials that you do understand the battle and the need to support the Nation.   Lets Show Our Colors!

Ted Luedke

 

 

Below is an example of one such complaint;

 

IT SEEMS THAT THE AIR FORCE NEVER GETS IT RIGHT!   

Let me set the stage for you:

This complaint to the editor of a local paper:

"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?  Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response would be appreciated."

Now the other half of the story:

The response from Luke Air force Base:

"Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flyby of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Towers 2"Based on your (the letter writer's) recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured. A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects. The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?" The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives."

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus, CO 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona

 

After Action Report by Ted:

Now tell me this is not typical of the knee jerk response to anything Military, from to many Americans!

My personal compliments to Lt. Col. Pleus.  It would have been oh so easy to have his own knee jerk reaction, but this was a marvelous, well planned and executed strike.

Semper Fi Col. Pleus.

Ted Luedke



First Copyright 2004; All rights reserved by Box LT Publishing

Created : 1/28/2004.   Update : 9/31/2006

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