Forward Observation Post – Vermillion

Views and Vents from the Frontline of the Culture War

Archive for December, 2009

Citizens Against Terror

Dec 20

Posted by FOPVermillion in 2nd Amendment, War on Terror | No Comments

I saw mention of this story over at Patterico bringing attention to a warning by Scotland Yard of Mumbai style attacks coming to London.  The article got me thinking about what would happen if the tactic is employed here instead of, or in addition to, London.  In that scenario, I am glad for the Second Amendment and legal concealed carry in most states.  Considering one reason the attack was effective in Mumbai was the gunmen seemed to be everywhere and law enforcement was overwhelmed.  It would be a similar situation here in outcome, if not in fact.  This is because in most active shooter scenarios, the police look to secure the area and then deal with the shooter.  If there are multiple shooters, the SOP and local law enforcement will be overwhelmed .  They may have brainstormed it but unless the shooters pick somewhere with a highly trained large force like NYC or LA, it will be too much for them.  When that happens, it will be up to the people to do what they can if and when it is possible.  I am grateful I will have the choice and the ability to act if that time comes.

- FOP Vermillion

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It is not over yet

Dec 20

Posted by FOPVermillion in General, Politics | No Comments

All the news about the health care monstrosity continues to demonstrate that the Democrats are moving toward getting their bill out of the Senate.  It is disappointing how easy it is to buy off and arm twist Senators.  At this time, I think the bill will make it out of the Senate.  Once this happens, it gets interesting.  The only way this ends quickly is if the House bites the bullet and goes to pass the Senate version.  That way it will be over and they don’t have to come back to the Senate.  Considering how much the White House has been working over everyone to pass the bill, I can see this option being a real possibility.  However, one should not underestimate the egos in the House.  They have a lot in their bill that they see as being important.  After all the bruising to pass their version, to walk away and take the Senate version will be a VERY bitter pill.  Because of this, I think the reconciliation process is a real possibility.  The bill that comes out has to pass both chambers again and there will be no ability to modify the bill.  There is every possibility the compromises will strain the coalition that needed to be built to pass the first time.  I am sure Nancy can get the 218 votes needed but getting back to 60 could be a real problem in the Senate.  Time is on our side.  If the bill goes to conference, it will be there for weeks if not months.  When it comes out it, the public will get to read it and send some heat to everyone who is thinking of voting on the bill.  Beyond that, there is the election year issues.  The longer the process takes, the more it becomes an issue in the primaries and general election.

The people clearly do not like the bill.  If this process drags out to election time, it will become the central theme of the election and based on the current polls, this will not be a good thing for the leadership of the Democrats.  Obama has the luxury of not having a re-election fight for a few more years.  This is not a luxury many in Congress have at their disposal.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the egos in the House rule the day and the bill goes to committee.

For once, I am glad congress is filled with self important fools.

- FOP Vermillion

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West Point Blues

Dec 1

Posted by FOPVermillion in Millitary, War on Terror | 1 Comment

I just caught the last few minutes of the speech at West Point and I am pissed.  First, for a President that has not shown that he gets the military or the fact that we are at war, it came across as if the Corps of Cadets was being used as a prop.  Considering how bright these young men and women are, they could have gotten into the elite colleges, and yet they CHOSE to go to a college where they would be required to serve after graduation and go into harm’s way.  You do not do this if you do not believe in the country and the cause.  West Point is famous for the Douglas MacArthur speech where the words Duty, Honor, Country rang through the hall.  The corps knows what is at stake and they do not need to be sold.

The second thing that got me going was the whole world without nuclear weapons bit.  I do not for one second believe that if we had no weapons we would all get along.  An argument can be made that the longest period of prolonged peace has been since the invention of nuclear weapons.  To think that we would be liked and listened to if we were weak is naive.  It is a nice idea to hold onto in college but in a world leader it shakes my confidence.

Tonight was a disappointing night.  Obama went to West Point to elevate his stature.  He failed.

- FOP Vermillion

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