September 11th thoughts

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>Today is a day that 5 years ago changed my life personally in ways I would
never have imagined.</p>

<p>No, I am not one who lost a loved one on this day...hence I know the depth
of emotions I am experiencing today, while profound for me - do not approach
what those families with loved ones on the airplanes, or the Twin Towers, or
the Pentagon are dealing with....</p>

<p>Nevertheless - today my thoughts are running like this....</p>

<p>"Mom, I'm going to serve my country....and I want to be buried where Grandma
is, up at the Episcopal Conference Center in Oakhurst, CA.." Those were the
words I heard out of the mouth of my youngest child, my baby girl, as we sat
together at the end of her school day looking again and again at the TV
reruns of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The hair on the back of my head
stood out. As a Christian I believe in God speaking through His Spirit - and
I knew that I knew that I knew this was no idle comment coming from her
lips. My child had experienced an epiphany, and this was as clear a call of
God upon her life as one would ever hear. I remember hugging her and telling
her: "Honey, mommies don't want to think about things like this on a day
like today, but if this is what you want to do, I'll support you 100%." I
felt like Mary in the Bible, who when she heard some pretty scary things
about her child..'pondered these things in her heart.'</p>

<p>That very night, of all possible nights, was a preliminary meeting for all
interested 8th grade families at our middle school. The school runs an
optional 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. as part of their history
lessons.We had already told our daughter we wanted her to go. The trip
promotions this year heralded: "In addition we're also going to NEW YORK
CITY!".</p>

<p>It's 7pm the night of Sept. 11 and 30 glassy eyed parents are sitting in a
middle school classroom attending this orientation meeting for the upcoming
trip. All of us are thinking: "do we DARE send our children east to not only
Washington D.C. but New York City?" Amazingly, all 30 families ended up
signing our children up for this trip - which took place the following
February. Looking back, I realized all of us were quite brave parents -
making a statement within ourselves that terrorism wasn't going to stop us
from loving our children, our country and our way of life and this was one
small way we could affirm our support. Although I bet not one of us could
have verbalized it that clearly then.</p>

<p>Fast forward to February, when my child returns from her 9 day trip. As I
wait in the school parking lot on that cool winter evening - I wonder what
my child will be like after this first away-from-home experience. As she
gets off the bus, she eagerly seeks me out, collapses in my arms in tears
and says with great conviction: "Mom, I love my country. I am so greatful to
be an American. Now that I've seen Ground Zero, and the War Memorials, I
know I have to serve my country NOW." I had no idea how a 12 year old girl
could accomplish this, but I simply listened to her heart's ramblings, and
'pondered these things in my heart.'</p>

<p>It was our daughter who got on the internet and discovered the Air Force
Auxiliary: Civil Air Patrol - It was our daughter who begged us to take her
to nearby Camp Pendleton to join this group.</p>

<p>About 3 months later after she completes her first promotion board in CAP -
which includes both a written test and oral test/interview, the Commander of
the Squadron and the Asst. Commander approach me and say: "You're child is
amazing. No one has ever done what she has done before. She scored 100% and
never flinched in her oral testing. She is a super-star and will rise to the
top of this Squadron." I looked strangely at these 2 men. I listened to
them almost suspiciously. What's the big deal for her getting high test
scores and speaking well? My own high parenting standards for all my
children would have expected no less. I told them she had just won a
County-wide speaking contest - having competed through 4 levels of
competition, so it's not that unusual that she would comport well in a
personal test interview. But the Commander looked at me and said: "This
child is destined for great things. She tells us she wants to serve in the
military. She will definitely be a fine Officer one day. " Once again I
'pondered these things in my heart.'</p>

<p>Our daughter indeed rises through the ranks of CAP - joins their Color Guard
unit which is the National Color Guard winners for the entire CAP. I watch
my child cultivate her sense of honor, and duty, and love of country. At
one competition her Color Guard made an error in the presentation of the
colors and I was told later by her Commander that she was crying. He assumed
she was crying because they did less than a perfect job and it would effect
their overall scores. Instead she told him: "No, I was embarrassed about how
we treated our country's flag, it's that important to me." Another
indication of what was going on inside of this 14 year old girl. And I
'pondered these things in my heart.'</p>

<p>It's early October last year....I'm taking a nap. I usually pick up our mail
before then, but on this day, I hadn't. My daughter comes home from school a
bit early and gets the mail. I wake up to hysterical tears of joy.
"mmmmmmooooommmm, she says, shaking...mooommmmm I got an LOA!" Together we
read and re-read the USNA letter promising her a spot in the Class of 2010
once everything was completed. This was one more confirmation that indeed,
serving her country by attending the Academy was God's call upon her life.
The months flew by through senior year, the Congressional nomination
process - the Appointment coming in early January - the running around to
County offices, doctor's appointments, etc...a joyous process marching in a
timeline for Induction Day, June 28th.... At each step the look of joy on my
child's face only confirms what we've all, especially her, have been working
towards for what seems like a lifetime....I continue to 'ponder these things
in my heart.'</p>

<p>Yesterday ...</p>

<p>I called my daughter and shared all these thoughts with her.</p>

<p>Then I said "Honey - 5 years ago you told me what you were going to do
and look where you are! It's no longer a future goal, but a living reality!"</p>

<p>I told her how these 5 years were ones that challenged me in ways I never
expected. I know that as a mother I had a lot of opportunities to derail her
calling from God or at least to make it difficult to achieve. I had more
than one parent ask me over the past years: "how on earth could you LET your
child choose military service?" In my opinion, it was more important to LET
my child follow the path God had so clearly called her to, than to
interfere. I told her that suddenly I understood the Biblical mother of
Jesus more clearly. She knew the path her son was called to take. Why didn't
she just talk Joseph into moving to Greece for example - instead of hanging
around Nazareth and Jerusalem with her child? She had to make a choice to
NOT interfere with his calling. I made the same kind of choice with her.</p>

<p>My daughter's response to me was insightful:</p>

<p>"Mom, for me, Sept.11th was only the beginning of what I felt. It was the
culmination of all the other experiences - my 8th grade trip, my discussions
with teachers in middle school and high school who served in the military,
my joining Civil Air Patrol, my Color Guard competitions, the re-enacted
USO shows we did in high school all contributed to my understanding of what
I felt called to do.</p>

<p>So the "fait accompli" that I saw and felt so clearly in my heart at her
initial statements was only the 'step one' within her heart.I realized how
significant my actions had been over those years - and how influencial my
decision to "LET" her follow her interests really had been. This is
something else I'll 'ponder in my heart.'</p>

<p>I replied: "Honey when I tell you over and over how proud of you I am, and
how amazing I think you are, how much I love you ,it's because I have
watched you for the past 5 years move from a divine calling on your life to
Plebe year at USNA. You are finally living the life you have been called to!
" What was once 'the future' and a hope, is now a living reality....and yes,
I was crying.</p>

<p>So as I remember this day, what my child said 5 years ago, and where she is
today - I feel a mixture of joy and sadness, pride and terror, but mostly
gratitude that not only has God equipped my child with a desire to serve her
country - but He has given her the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and
physical gifts to accomplish this goal.</p>

<p>All of us parents of young people at the US Naval Academy have something
poignant to be dealing with today. Each and every one of us knows our
children are being trained for WAR and there are real people in real places
who really want to kill us....and our children are part of our line of
defense.</p>

<p>Moms and Dads - my co-parents in this journey with children who are, or soon
will be receiving Commissions in our Navy/Marines, thank you for also
supporting your children in this calling God has placed upon their hearts. I
salute each one of you today and thank you one and all. We need each other.</p>

<p>Thanks for being there for me, for my child, for our country.</p>

<p>God Bless America.</p>

2

<p>Last evening ABC aired an edited version of the docudrama.</p>

<p>Contrary to what the following article states, only one minute was cut from the original film.</p>

<p><a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060911/D8K2LASO0.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060911/D8K2LASO0.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>The actress who played the part of Madam Not-so-Brite was excellent. She looked just like the former Secretary of State. Sandy Burglar came across as being totally inept (a real weenie).</p>

<p>The National Security Council definitely functioned a lot better when VADM Poindexter (USNA '58), Oliver North (USNA '68), and Robert "Bud" McFarland (USNA '67) were on the staff. Does anybody remember our attacks on Libya and intercepting the terrorists responsible for the Achille Lauro hijacking incident in 1985?</p>

3

<p>Madeline Albright was never accused or convicted of lying to Congress or covering up for a president (good ole Ollie North) who traded arms for hostages. She put her foot in her mouth once or twice, but probably is a heck of a lot more savy about world affairs and diplomacy than most of the current administration put together, outside of Secretary Rice.</p>

<p>I too remember the attacks on Libya and rounding up the ship hi-jackers in the mid 80's. They were excellent moves on the part of the Reagan administration. I also remember the more than 200 Marines murdered in their barracks in Lebanon and the same administration having enough brains to know to get out of a conflict in which we would become little more than "policemen" (and targets), a la Iraq.
As for the great Bud McFarland, I remember him pleading guilty to four counts of withholding information from Congress for his role in the Iran-Contra cover-up. He was sentenced to two years’ probation and a $20,000 fine but was pardoned by President George H.W. Bush in the waning hours of his presidency on Christmas Eve 1992 along with the other key players in the scandal.
The great Adm Poindexter was convicted on multiple felony counts on April 7, 1990 for conspiracy, obstruction of justice, perjury, defrauding the government, and the alteration and destruction of evidence pertaining to the Iran-Contra Affair. The convictions were reversed in 1991 on the technical grounds that the prosecution's evidence may have been tainted by exposure to Poindexter's testimony before the joint House-Senate committee investigating the matter, in which Poindexter's testimony was compelled by a grant of 'use immunity'. The prosecution was not able to re-try the case.</p>

<p>Yep, all "great Americans" who would have better served the nation by reviewing the Honor Code and our nations laws once or twice after leaving the academy. Preserving the public trust and national security are not mutually exclusive. People like that tend to make us less secure in the end, not more secure. Our National Security Council most certainly will not "function a lot better" staffed with felons.</p>

4

<p>I guess the above lesson is really this:
Our laws and system of government have a place, even in times of national emergency or crisis. We are flexible enough to deal with emergencies without having people who want to disregard either or both.</p>

5

<p>My mom woke me up on September 11th and called me downstairs, where at first I thought she was watching a movie. I was in the fifth grade at the time, so it was hard for me to comprehend at first what had happened, and that our World and Country has forever changed. What happened that day, really solidified my desire and patriotism to this country and wanting to serve in it's military.
We had a moment of silence today at my high school, and my principal read President Bush's speach. So many people, seem to care but have forgotten about it in California, or at least where I live, and everyday for me it is like waking up with a hole in my heart. It is what keeps me going everyday, to know that I will be able to pay my country back for everything that it has given me, and that I will help to keep it safe.
God Bless America! and Support Our Troops!
respectfully,
usnahopeful</p>

6

<p>"The National Security Council definitely functioned a lot better when VADM Poindexter (USNA '58), Oliver North (USNA '68), and Robert "Bud" McFarland (USNA '67) were on the staff."</p>

<p>And just where does the Constitution fit into this scenario?</p>

7

<p>shogun:

[quote]
Yep, all "great Americans"

[/quote]
</p>

<p>At least we agree on something! :D</p>

8

<p>I think there is plenty of evidence that supports the notion that the Clinton Administration was asleep at the switch when it came to terrorism, and that their weak handling of numerous situations contributed to the chain of events that led to 9/11.</p>

<p>That said, while I would love to see Madeligne Albright and others strung up for being stupid and a nearly (if not actually) traitorous, I think we should remember that the vermin at the controls of those planes that morning would have struck if we had George Washington's administration before 2000 and Abraham Lincoln's after. The enemy here are the TERRORISTS.</p>

<p>That one side of the political spectrum seems to be hell-bent on helping the enemy is a post-9/11 phenomenon. We can accuse the pre-9/11 people of ineptness, but to BLAME them? Too much of a leap of logic (more like faith) for me. Hell, we could go all the way back to the commission that decimated the CIA back in the 1970's, and to Jimmy Carter (who let this entire little ball get rolling in the first place). While we're at it, let's blame Abraham and Sarah.</p>

<p>When you throw the usual politics into the debate mix, it almost makes you wish that the next big attack would take out a joint session of Congress so we could get some REAL fresh blood up there, rather than the usual incumbants and operatives from BOTH parties.</p>

<p>ETA: Oh, and I have not forgotten. I lost the skyline of my home town that morning. I lost a former XO in the Pentagon. I am fortunate that that's as far as the incident affected me personally, but I will not forget, I will not forgive, nor will I tolerate surrender.</p>

<p>RIP, XO. You were one of the good ones. :(</p>

9

<p>Zaphod:

[quote]
I think there is plenty of evidence that supports the notion that the Clinton Administration was asleep at the switch when it came to terrorism, and that their weak handling of numerous situations contributed to the chain of events that led to 9/11.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>On Monday, 9/11, a shill for the Clintonistas, was making the rounds with the mainstream media trying to lay the blame for the failure to capture / eliminate Usama bin Laden squarely on George Tenet. I'm sorry, but the DCI does not have that authority without a Presidential "Finding."</p>

<p>
[quote]
The enemy here are the TERRORISTS.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Well put. The enemy are the Islamic Fascists who want to either destroy us or make us convert to Islam.</p>

<p>
[quote]
That one side of the political spectrum seems to be hell-bent on helping the enemy is a post-9/11 phenomenon.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>During World War II everybody rallied behind FDR. Politics was put aside; the wellbeing of our great nation was the foremost consideration. We did not grant constitutional rights to our enemies. Captured German spies / saboteurs off the east coast of the U.S. were tried by military tribunal and were executed posthaste. The ACLU didn't interfere back then.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Hell, we could go all the way back to the commission that decimated the CIA back in the 1970's

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That would be Admiral Stansfield Turner (USNA '47). It was called the Halloween Massacre.</p>

<p>
[quote]
and to Jimmy Carter (who let this entire little ball get rolling in the first place).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yep, Jimmy Carter (USNA '47) failed to support the Shah of Iran. Iran used to be a staunch ally of the USA before we turned our backs of the Shah because of so called "human rights abuses." Who is more abusive, the Shah or the Ayatollahs? Are the Iranians really better off under the new regime?</p>

10

<p>GreatAmerican. With regard to Iran you oversimplify a much more complex and interesting problem.</p>

<p>Excerps rrom Wikipedia:</p>

<p>"When the Iranian revolution occurred in 1979 the overthrow of Mossadegh was used as a rallying point in anti-US protests. To this day, Mossadegh is one of the most popular figures in Iranian history [5]. Although he is very popular among people and is considered a national hero by most, the now fundamentalist theocratic regime doesn't approve of him and his secularism and western manners.</p>

<p>The extent of the US role in Mossadegh's overthrow was not formally acknowledged for many years, although the Eisenhower administration was quite vocal in its opposition to the policies of the ousted Iranian Prime Minister. In his memoirs, Eisenhower writes angrily about Mossadegh, and describes him as impractical and naive, though stops short of admitting any overt involvement in the coup.</p>

<p>Eventually the CIA's role became well-known, and caused controversy within the organization itself, and within the CIA congressional hearings of the 1970s. Die-hard CIA supporters maintain that the plot against Mossadegh was strategically necessary, and praise the efficiency of agents in carrying out the plan. Critics say the scheme was paranoid and colonial, as well as immoral."</p>

11

<p>You know, I love the CIA (even applied once), and respect it immensely, but every now and then I have to really sit down and wonder as to who's side they're on, ours or their own? Some of their mistakes can only be chalked up to either gross incompetence or political dallying outside their charter.</p>

<p>Granted, on balance I'd rather have them than not, but sheesh....</p>

<p>And yes, I know they've saved more American lives than anyone will likely ever know. Doesn't give them carte blanche.</p>

12

<p>Peskemom, I just found your post. Sorry I took so long to reply. I feel that some of the posters after you could have found a better place to discuss the political spectrum of 9/11. </p>

<p>I'm not disagreeing in any way with the discussion, just how appropriate it is too come right after Peskemom's heart felt words about her daughter.</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing PM, and tell your daughter once again were all proud of her, even people she's never met.</p>

13

<p>Cougar_62...I'm rooting for your kiddo you join the Class of 2011, by the way, remember to keep me/us in the loop about this! :-)</p>

14

<p>Definitely will keep you in the loop. Kind of a quiet time right now, just finishing the last of the paperwork. She has her BGO interview scheduled for the 27th. It's kind of late but that's when she and the BGO could fit it in.</p>

<p>She's been talking to the State director of BGOs for about three years, and the local BGO said he'd already "heard good things" about our girl. Hope he feels the same after the interview.</p>

<p>We'll let you know.</p>

15

<p>Did anybody see Chris Wallace's interview on Fox News yesterday? Slick Willie was really ticked and was wagging his finger in anger. It almost looked like Chris Wallace was going to get poked in the chest. Clinton must have been lying; finger wagging is a telltale sign that the veracity of his statements should be questioned. To refresh your memory, please recall the episode of "I did not have sex with that woman........ (pregnant pause) Miss Lewinski"</p>

<p>Here's Wes Vernon's take on the interview:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/vernon/060925%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/vernon/060925&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

16

<p>Don't take this wrong buddy, because I agree with you, but this just isn't the right forum.</p>

<p>IM inbound. :)</p>

17

<h1>1. What in the world did Bill Clinton have to do with the events of 9/11! He was no longer the leader of the Free World. C'mon, GA. Quit pickin' on the poor fellow.</h1>

<ol>
<li>And why in the world GA, would you be bringing up his intriguing interview and his indignant fanger-wagging about his allegedly doing all he could to engage his underlings to nail the perp here on a thread reflecting upon a mother's observation that it was that awful man and that agonizing day and the events that followed ... to say nothing of the preceding years of inaction that have led her most precious daughter to enter into the fray with these evil ones.?</li>
</ol>

<p>Answer to question #1: Nothing, aside from putting his head in the sand for a good many years.</p>

<p>Answer to question #2: Because it led to peskemom's daughter's courageous decision to place herself in harms way against this evil ... and against this ineptitude. So respectfully, I disagree Z. You've had your say on #8. Now allow GA the same opportunity minus the finger wagging.</p>

18

<p>WP - there's plenty of ineptitude to go around, and certainly more than enough in the past six years to last a lifetime. But we're here for the young men and women who's dream it is to attend a service academy, and that's why I'm with Zaphod that this isn't the right forum.</p>

19

<p>I am new to posting on this site- and I have enjoyed reading the posts from time to time over the last few years......until recently. I feel like I finally need to add my 2 cents, and risk exposing myself to criticism in the process. And there lies the problem. Instead of this forum inviting and promoting friendly discussion on topics related to the Naval Academy- the good ,bad and everything in between....it has been reduced to an exchange of barbs, a competition of witty high-brow remarks, and people taking sides against each other. I realize that there are serious matters going on in the world - and as concerned Americans it certainly can stir passionate feelings and opinions. But I must respectfully offer my opinion that some topics should be discussed on a more appropriate forum suited to political discourse. Or if relevent to the academy, responses should be constructive...not hurtful. I am not directing my response to any people in particular, and must admit that I have found some of these discussions amusing>>> but then there have been those instances where I've felt the need to duck for cover. Somewhere along the way we've forgotten that we have kids and their parents looking to gain insight on the United States Naval Academy from this forum.....seems less focused on the academy and more about hammering home individual opinions lately. Speaking for myself -the tone of many discussions does not encourage participation from "outsiders"... unless you're willing to join the fray at the risk of verbal evisceration.<br>
My intent is not to insult anyone or be overly critical. And I certainly can choose not to visit this website anymore if it's not to my liking. But I just want to say what a great opportunity this forum gives us to connect with each other because we are all joined by a common thread...whether it's a connection to a service academy, a desire to be connected to one, a loved one who is serving or has served our country, etc. etc. I don't know anyone who has ever had a family member attend a service academy and can relate to my experiences. I guess I was just hoping that I could find that place here.
Just one last thought. I am the mother of two fine young men who have chosen to serve their country in a time of war - an enlisted in the Navy and a Naval Academy Midshipmen. I can't even begin to tell you how much my heart aches because I miss them, and worry that someday they could be put in harms way. And yet my heart soars with pride for their noble and courageous choice to serve when they could be living the carefree lives of a 19 and 21 year old. They did not choose to serve for political reasons, or were swayed by an agenda. Americans voted for The President of the United States, and my sons will serve under the direction of that President, regardless of party or politics.In their eyes politics has nothing to do with their sevice to their country. American citizens cast their ballots, my sons serve who they elect. Period.I guess that's why it bothers me when I see politics discussed on a military forum. One has nothing to do with the other.They love their country, they love their freedom and they'll sacrifice their life to preserve yours regardless of your political views. That includes protecting a persons right to free speech. But we don't honor those in uniform with the mudslinging that goes on on this service academy website, or by alienating those who want to participate in this forum.
As a side-note, if anyone would like a reality check, click on U.S.Service Academies at the top of the page and then click on the West Point site. You'll find an announcement on their homepage that they've recently lost a graduate on a mission in Iraq. Find her picture. It'll take your breath away. She was bright, young and beautiful.
We owe it to this young lady ,and to all those who Have died ,and Will die in battle, to try to use this forum to unite us instead of divide us.</p>

20

<p>Fear not, 2IN. If you look around you'll notice the place has cleaned up quite a bit recently. We're all trying to keep it on course now no matter what sea state we're in. :)</p>