Trump, Mattis, Middle East Policy, and "One World Government" by Nathan PlayerIf the press is to be believed, America’s adventurism in the Middle East is winding down. Agree or disagree on the policy, this should surprise no one. This has always been the current administration’s goal. It has also been the stated policy objective of politicians on both sides of the aisle … [Read more...]
Losing Mattis Isn’t a Bad Thing
Although I don’t have a lot of name recognition, I have been a “mil-blogger” longer than most, which means I’ve been around long enough to see a lot of the in-fighting in the military and veteran community. And in that time I have come to appreciate just how, shall we say, schizophrenic it can be.The recent announcement of James Mattis resigning as the Secretary of … [Read more...]
Leaders: Myth and Reality – A Review
When many big names in business, politics, and pop culture sit down to pen a new book, they tend to capture personal exploits, successes, accumulation of wealth, awards, and achievements. In the new, bestselling release of Leaders: Myth and Reality, GEN (Retired) McChrystal and his co-authors manage to approach the topic of leadership with a focus still on individuals, but … [Read more...]
5 Takeaways from the Funeral of President George H.W. Bush
Watching the funeral of President George H.W. Bush is something I wish all Americans could have watched. It was one of the most moving services I have seen to date. Listed below are five key points from the funeral of our 41st President I hope others will take to heart.A Statesman is still a man—Listening to the son of our 41st President speak about his father and late … [Read more...]
To End The Civ-Mil Divide, The “Silent Professionals” Must Enter The Conversation
To End The Civ-Mil Divide, The "Silent Professionals" Must Enter The Conversation by Nate Garner Editor's Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Military Academy, the United States Army, the Department of Defense or the United States Government. This article first appeared in The … [Read more...]
Don’t Fear Islam, Fear “Prislam”
Don't Fear Islam, Fear "Prislam" by Christopher Paul MeyerIn the wake of continued ISIS threats, the country is understandably concerned about when and where ISIS will strike in the US. Especially when there are 900 active investigations into ISIS-related activity in all 50 states. But since I gave away my Magic 8 ball when I was seven, my guess is as good as yours when … [Read more...]
A Different President, The Same Conversation
A Different President, The Same Conversation By John ChandlerOriginally published in November of 2016.Since the election results were announced, I have heard of two conversations that sound remarkably similar, although I am sure different versions of it have played out across the country in recent days. The first was between a fifth-grade student in Texas and his … [Read more...]
Clinton, Trump, and Our Willingness to Self-Delude and Play the Victim
first published in September 2017.This week has offered some poignantly clear examples of the general public’s ability to view the world with blinders that conveniently shield them from anything that may upset their sensibilities.In the first and most obvious case we have Hillary Clinton herself, who has shamelessly shifted blame of her loss in the presidential … [Read more...]
Government Seizure of Firearms Ahead of Natural Disasters
Government Seizure of Firearms Ahead of Natural Disasters by Matt JamesIn anticipation of an impending hurricane, Kenneth Mapp, the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, issued an order under Title 23. The governor's order directs the National Guard to seize “arms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary material and any other property that may be required by the military force … [Read more...]
The Nurse Who Wouldn’t Draw (First) Blood
By Kevin Wilson This article was first published in September 2017.By now, you’ve all likely seen the video of the nurse in Utah who got arrested for refusing to let a cop draw blood from an unconscious patient. Just about everyone and their brother has dissected the video down to the microscopic level, analyzing every last detail trying to find some way to interpret it to … [Read more...]