Ace of Spades HQ

May 27, 2013

Memorial Day: The Real 1%
— DrewM

In August of last year I had the opportunity to attend the American Legion's National Convention. The highlight for me was the opportunity to hear now General John Kelly speak.

The General's speech was alternatively motivating and emotional. I'll culled out some of the highlights in a post at the time but Memorial Day seems an ideal time to revisit it......

Â“The Real 1%Â” wasnÂ’t the title of Genera KellyÂ’s address but it could have been. In a speech that was alternatively motivating and moving (it wasnÂ’t allergies, I was tearing up), the General covered a wide variety of topics. From the continuing War on Terror (itÂ’s in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere, not just Afghanistan) to the nature of the enemy we fight (Â“I donÂ’t know why they hate us and I donÂ’t careÂ”) to the dark side of the focus on Â“diversityÂ” the General covered a wide range of topics.

The most moving part of the GeneralÂ’s talk was when he addressed the disparity in the burdens born by the 1% who volunteer to serve (and their families) and the vast majority who have no direct contact with anyone in the military. An even smaller subset have paid the most frightful price imaginable.

One of the reasons I jumped at the chance to come to LegionÂ’s convention is in my early time here at the HQ a lot of what we were doing focused on Iraq and Afghanistan. My first post as an Open Blogger was about Scott Beauchamp and it was something I felt very strongly about, as did most of the readers here. Since Vietnam the leftwing in this country has sought to downplay the heroism and virtue of the military. More dangerously, they sought to portray veterans as dangerous and damaged people who were victims. Only the faults of the few were to be discussed, never the virtue of the many. Well, the playing field has changed with the advent of alternative and online media. Now we have a platform to push back against the liberal narrative and to highlight the courage, sacrifice and valor of those who willingly serve our nation.

As General Kelly explains, itÂ’s important to those who serve that we who benefit from their protection realize the source of our security.

He never addressed it directly but General Kelly lost a son in Afghanistan during that terrible season for the Marines of 3/5.

ThereÂ’s so much more to this speech, I really encourage you to set aside the time to watch it all.

IÂ’ll leave you with one last excerpt. General Kelly has some very strong views on who we are as Americans and how we should view ourselves.

Lt. General Kelly will soon be promoted to full General and head up the US Southern Command.

Posted by: DrewM at 08:10 AM | Comments (58)
Post contains 474 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Thanks for re-posting Drew. I agree, this is most fitting and I remember watching the whole thing last time you put it up. An excellent speech.

Posted by: Yip at May 27, 2013 08:16 AM (/jHWN)

2 Remembering the fallen today...

Posted by: Phil Laîcheaux at May 27, 2013 08:20 AM (1OEc/)

3 "Sleep, my sons, your duty done. For freedom's light has come. Sleep in the silent depths of the sea, Or in your bed of hallowed sod, Until at dawn you hear, The low, clear reveille of G-d."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 27, 2013 08:26 AM (+98Gb)

4 Speaking of the disparity, a quote that I had heard a long while back (when both my brother and son were deployed at the same time) really struck a chord with me. The quote was this: " America isn't at war. America is at the mall. The Marines are at war."

Posted by: DaveinNC at May 27, 2013 08:26 AM (/NgNT)

5 I was out on the lake yesterday and was a little taken aback by all the flags on boats. It was nice to see. I put up our flag up on Friday as I always do for Memorial Day weekend.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at May 27, 2013 08:27 AM (HDgX3)

6 Better and HONEST general Excerpt from a speech delivered in 1933, by Major General Smedley Butler, USMC. War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses. I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we'll fight. The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag. I wouldn't go to war again as I have done to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket. There isn't a trick in the racketeering bag that the military gang is blind to. It has its "finger men" to point out enemies, its "muscle men" to destroy enemies, its "brain men" to plan war preparations, and a "Big Boss" Super-Nationalistic-Capitalism. It may seem odd for me, a military man to adopt such a comparison. Truthfulness compels me to. I spent thirty- three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle- man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I suspected I was just part of a racket at the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all the members of the military profession, I never had a thought of my own until I left the service. My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military service. I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefits of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912 (where have I heard that name before?). I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested. During those years, I had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket. Looking back on it, I feel that I could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.

Posted by: Bob Dole at May 27, 2013 08:29 AM (G6kli)

7 5 When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.

Posted by: Bob Dole at May 27, 2013 08:33 AM (G6kli)

8 Oh goodie, a troll.

Maybe the mods could remove that.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 27, 2013 08:35 AM (BeSEI)

9 Don't feed the troll.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at May 27, 2013 08:37 AM (kqqGm)

10 For those who are serving and think, like that quoted Marine that "America is at the mall" -- just remember who reported "America is at the mall". The same media bozos that report you as crazed knuckle-dragging baby-killers. They lie like cheap rugs because they fear us and they fear you. I, on the other hand, am grateful for your service and do not forget the debt that is owed.

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at May 27, 2013 08:37 AM (wfSF5)

11 Fascism is in America, it's called the Democrat Party and it's wearing a burqa.

Posted by: lincolntf at May 27, 2013 08:37 AM (ZshNr)

12 And, of course (to answer "Bob Dole") since 1933 things have not changed? Come on into the 21st Century, "Bob."

Posted by: Joe Bethancourt at May 27, 2013 08:38 AM (lq/aH)

13 There isn't a ban hammer big enough for that bastard. And using the name of Bob Dole. Go to Hell. I will gladly buy you the ticket.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 27, 2013 08:38 AM (+98Gb)

banhammer please, 6 and 7.

some "people" don't have any respect

Posted by: thunderb at May 27, 2013 08:39 AM (nH8jP)

15 rather some bipeds

Posted by: thunderb at May 27, 2013 08:40 AM (nH8jP)

Pooing in a Memorial Day thread is horrible.

The Left has a great deal of trouble distinguishing intersecting line symbols throughout history. CJ branded all solar-styled crosses crypto Nazis and now someone is trying to link fascism with the cross.

Yet, oddly, when actual neo-Nazis rise up like Golden Showers or whatever in Greece, they use a tweaked swastika.

Yes, I grant you intersecting lines. But I ask you attempt to see the nuanced ways they change after creating four ninety degree angles.

Posted by: Beagle at May 27, 2013 08:40 AM (sOtz/)

17 Can't the trolls stay under the bridge today?

Posted by: Phil Laîcheaux ('cause it's funnier than Emdoc) at May 27, 2013 08:41 AM (oe4oA)

18 Keep his post up Burt; he has the right to post his half-baked, TFGist words. That allows us the right to mock him. That's why they gave all.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at May 27, 2013 08:41 AM (kqqGm)

19 Andy should be along shortly....

Posted by: Tami[/i][/b][/u][/s] at May 27, 2013 08:41 AM (X6akg)

20 Can we please stop pretending that the military is somehow distinct from big government? The "War on Terror" is retarded. It's basically a cover-up for the government's war on its own citizens inflicted by bringing all these terrorists here through our insane immigration bureaucracy. The military isn't protecting us, it's just the government running a Good Cop/Bad Cop routine.

Posted by: infovore at May 27, 2013 08:42 AM (0llFJ)

21 I really don't want to give a troll the power to change the subject, which is the nobility of the sacrifice of the military and their families. No quarter

Posted by: thunderb at May 27, 2013 08:43 AM (nH8jP)

22 TB3K fired....

Posted by: Tami[/i][/b][/u][/s] at May 27, 2013 08:45 AM (X6akg)

23 *poof*

Posted by: thunderb at May 27, 2013 08:45 AM (nH8jP)

24 What better way for Ronulans / Infowarriors to spend Memorial Day than to crap in threads filled with the relatives of fallen soldiers. Boy I wonder how come they don't drop by a barbeque and say this stuff to these people in person.

Posted by: boulder t'hobo at May 27, 2013 08:45 AM (QTHTd)

25 The Real Bob Dole thinks that Bob Dole is an idiiot. The Real Bob Dole knows that the Real Bob Dole served in WW II.

Posted by: The Real Bob Dole at May 27, 2013 08:46 AM (kqqGm)

26 I am thinking about the brave men in my brothers unit in Vietnam, the 1st Batt, 27th Infantry Wolfhounds who participated in the Tet Offiensive. I am also thinking about Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods.

Posted by: thunderb at May 27, 2013 08:49 AM (nH8jP)

27 "...they sought to portray veterans as dangerous and damaged people who were victims."

Important point Drew.

But it can be expanded to the Left's attempts to portray us all as dangerous and damaged, and in need of government intervention.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 27, 2013 08:50 AM (O6Tmi)

28 Posted by: boulder t'hobo at May 27, 2013 12:45 PM (QTHTd)

Just ignore it. Today seems to be the day for the special ban-hammer with the tuned target trigger.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 27, 2013 08:51 AM (O6Tmi)

29 The "Bob Dole" poster has the whiff of Erg about him, expert film critic and vulcanologist. Infovore, on the other hand, seems more of the Luapnor variety.

Posted by: A Pendragon at May 27, 2013 08:52 AM (wJliR)

30 In 2012 Fox News said the the veterans vote (all those who served) was pretty much split evenly between Obama and Romney, If that was the case one might reasonably assume that the older vets votes went mostly to Romney and the younger vets votes went mostly to Obama, as they did in the general populatiion. The days when Republicans or conservatives could legitimately claim to be the party of vets is over, In fact the opposite is true among those who have most recently served.

Posted by: occam at May 27, 2013 08:52 AM (BrkDN)

31 So looks like among the recent 1% they vote Obama

Posted by: occam at May 27, 2013 08:53 AM (BrkDN)

32 My first post as an Open Blogger was about Scott Beauchamp I didn't know that, DrewM. I think that's about the time I started coming here. I note his wife(?) wrote some drivel that was fisked on the HQ recently.

Posted by: AmishDude at May 27, 2013 08:53 AM (xSegX)

33 A shout out to the 8th Infantry Division, which disbanded during my time with them and folded my BN into the 1AD. A Brigadier General Canham from the 8th ID was the guy who said "These are my credentials" and pointed to his troops when a higher ranking German Officer demanded he prove he had authority to accept surrender at Brest. The Kraut signed the surrender.

Posted by: lincolntf at May 27, 2013 08:56 AM (ZshNr)

Dole-the-troll be gone !!

Thanking all who have served or are serving now.

These libtards will not destroy the greatest Country on earth.

They have no idea what they are in for.

Posted by: seamrog at May 27, 2013 09:05 AM (7Xc4g)

35 It does me good to read all the Memorial Day greetings. For those who posted names of family and friends who gave all in service to this country, I'm trying to pray for them all by name.

Posted by: LadyS at May 27, 2013 09:05 AM (J6/J5)

36 Well this is special. Get a text message from someone I served in the Air Force with. They thank me for my service and wish me a safe Memorial Day.

Should I text back, "But not dead."

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at May 27, 2013 09:05 AM (HdtPo)

37 Occam, you ignorant slut, a poll from the military times says that currently serving military broke for Romney 2 to 1. That's not going to change as soon as they ETS. However, there is no doubt there are plenty of Obama supporters in every segment of our society, including the military. But I can personally assure you, amongst the combat arms, that is the trigger pullers, the actual combatants, the guys that kill people and blow shit up, Obama is not a popular person.

Posted by: hobbes at May 27, 2013 09:08 AM (dfwJa)

38 OT: But somewhat on-T Great Memorial Day Tradition on now NCAA Div I Lacrosse Championship Duke vs Syracuse Should be great. Awesome opening with Both teams holding giant US flag in middle of field, honor guard from nearby Marine base and great singing on national anthem.

Posted by: Somewhat Sorry To Offend You at May 27, 2013 09:09 AM (ZR4Xh)

I listened to Part 1 and will watch the rest of it tonight. I have 200+ roses that have to be sprayed, fertilized and cut back. The weather is finally nice today.

Anna, I hate text messages.

Carol

Posted by: CarolT at May 27, 2013 09:10 AM (z4WKX)

40 to the 134 souls lost on my first ship, this peroni's for you

Posted by: navycopjoe at May 27, 2013 09:11 AM (vT+KP)

After Fort Hood and the horrendous treatment of the combat victims of that terror attack, the two recent jihad attacks on soldiers which were whitewashed of their Islamic component by the MSM, and British leaders who made sure to educate us on how be better Muslims, Robert Spencer has a good point. Not to mention Benghazi or Boston. I need a program.

In URL.

Posted by: Beagle at May 27, 2013 09:12 AM (sOtz/)

My late mother used to put the American Flag out every day. I am going to have to buy a new one and put it out front. We have the holder on the second floor back porch. It should be on first floor front porch.

Does anyone have link to website where I can buy online? I can't carry anything. Thank you!

Posted by: CarolT at May 27, 2013 09:13 AM (z4WKX)

43 My parents neighbor died a couple days ago. Fitting on Memorial day weekend. He was a highly decorated Marine who served in Vietnam. When my brother was deciding what branch to join. this marine told him: 'In Vietnam.. the air force had air conditioned buildings.. the Army had tents.. the Marines slept up against a tree in the rain." Join the air force. God bless them all.

Posted by: Jumbo Shrimp at May 27, 2013 09:16 AM (DGIjM)

40 homedepot dot com is a good choice

i'm flying the flag from my last command that my piece of shit CO lowered during a protest because he said it would settle the hippies down

I stole it that night

Posted by: navycopjoe at May 27, 2013 09:17 AM (vT+KP)

Carol

Try flags unlimited.

Posted by: seamrog at May 27, 2013 09:18 AM (7Xc4g)

But I can personallyassure you, amongst the combat arms, that is the trigger pullers, the actual combatants, the guys that kill people and blow shit up, Obama is not a popular person

My brother was on duty with the National Guard when bin Laden got whacked by the SEALs, and one of his sergeants was ecstatic at the news until he found out that it was Osama, not Obama, that the SEALs had shot. He apparently thought there had been a coup d'tate or something...

Posted by: Grey Fox at May 27, 2013 09:19 AM (LZkKt)

47 >>>>>24 I am thinking about the brave men in my brothers unit in Vietnam, the 1st Batt, 27th Infantry Wolfhounds who participated in the Tet Offiensive. I am also thinking about Glen Doherty and Tyrone Wood<<<<
.
Went through IOBC with a Wolfhound. He was a direct commission. Had some hairy stories stories about Tet 68.
My thoughts are about my college roomate of two years and best friend Charlie, KIA in a mortar attack April, 1971. One of over 1.3 million U.S. Servicemen who died making and keeping us free.

Posted by: Javems at May 27, 2013 09:19 AM (c8xU9)

39 a special shout out to the fort hood victims

and although I never mention it, but I did that day

my bil was a victim who survived the shooting

Posted by: navycopjoe at May 27, 2013 09:19 AM (vT+KP)

49 I agree, a truly moving speech.
But, do you really think he will be promoted if Skeeter sees this video, Drew?

Posted by: Nick Shaw at May 27, 2013 09:20 AM (9TMPq)

50 My flag is out today to honor Doherty and Woods, who did more that horrid night than TFG will in a lifetime. And I only mention TFG this day in faith that he will one day be held accountable.

Posted by: wisenheimer at May 27, 2013 09:20 AM (pC7pC)

51 48 unfortunately Gen. Kelly will never get the promotion to be a Chief Petty Officer so your question is moot

Posted by: navycopjoe at May 27, 2013 09:22 AM (vT+KP)

52 Bravo to Bing. Their picture today is a close up of the Iwo Jima Memorial with the lights on the faces and a dusk setting. The Washington Monument is in the background

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at May 27, 2013 09:29 AM (HdtPo)

53 @51 Could Google have found a smaller flag? The faux token respect of the progtarded.

Posted by: Somewhat Sorry To Offend You at May 27, 2013 09:39 AM (ZR4Xh)

"It's what Marines do."

Kill America's enemies. Overseas ones, at any rate.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 27, 2013 09:45 AM (IDSI7)

55 On this day in 1941, the German Battleship Bismarck was sunk in an engagement with the battleships HMS King George V and HMS Rodney. This followed a weeklong search for the German Battleship after the Bismarck sunk the battlecruiser HMS Hood off the coast of Greenland. Of the Hood's company of 1400 men, there were 3 survivors. Of the Bismarck's company of 1400 men, 130 survived, in one of the most thrilling naval stories of the twentieth century.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at May 27, 2013 10:15 AM (/i3Yt)

56 school my kids went to was very left wing. 15/20 obama bundlers there in 2008 sent their kids there. Wanted to have a MOH recipient do an assembly there. Was shot down.

Posted by: Jeff at May 27, 2013 03:37 PM (MOSsR)

navycopjoe: Sounds like the USS Forrestal. RIP to those lost.

Posted by: Sharkman at May 27, 2013 04:07 PM (8+xjO)

Gen Kelly is 'just another' Jarhead, and exactly what I expect of a USMC General. The United States Marine Corps is an extraordinary institution; one of the finest in the history of the world. They recruit young men that are ordinary in most ways, and turn them into brave men of honor, courage and loyalty.

Each and every Marine has essentially pledged his life when called upon.

May God Bless every Untied States Marine, and all of the brave that have perished in the defense of our great nation.

Posted by: CAPT Mike at May 27, 2013 06:45 PM (DiQnH)

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