Politics
Posted: 12/13/2008
Tucker and Washington
It was not that long ago that the U.S. Congress approved $700 billion dollars for a program called TARP (“troubled asset relief program”). This outlandish and outrageous plan was “crafted” to give huge sums of taxpayer’s money to Wall Street bank executives without any strings attached. One half of this money has already been handed over to the very people who have gotten us all in the mess we now find ourselves in. Tucker thinks this is a dafty situation.
Tucker wants you to keep one thing in mind. The bankers are getting all of our money, and they are the ones who financially engineered the mess that we now confront.
What about the automobile companies, you ask? Well, they surely are liable for the situation they all face – falling sales and market share, subprime auto loans, a serious cash shortage, and a bleak immediate future. No worry, the Congress will stand idly by without offering a “lifeline.”
Tucker is beside himself these days. He asks…”Why do we give Wall Street public funds, and then allow them to lay off thousands of their employees – Citigroup (53,000) and Bank of America (35,000) and many more to come?” Tucker also inquires…”Why won’t the U.S. Government offer reasonable and necessary assistance to the automobile companies?”
There is a perfect storm brewing, according to Tucker. It is the confluence of greedy bankers and batty legislators that if allowed to continue on its current course, will produce a period of deflation that will make the 1929 depression look tame.
Is anyone out there as outraged as Tucker is about the conditions we face?
Let Tucker Know Your Thoughts
Posted: 11/20/2008
Foreclosures and Canine Abandonment
Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson told members of the House of Representatives this past Tuesday that using bailout money for foreclosure relief would violate the intent of the rescue approved by Congress. Once again, Mr. Paulson has got it wrong. He thinks “investing” taxpayer dollars in our major banks, so they can buy other banks, continue paying dividends, and pay huge salaries to top executives, is the solution to our economic woes.
He does not think that the real problem is home foreclosures. There would be no need for one trillion dollars of taxpayer funds to be turned over to the banking system with no strings attached, if those same banks would be willing to work with distressed families who want to remain in their homes and, would do so, if their banks would be willing to renegotiate the terms of the original mortgage.
Tucker, our Scottish terrier, is extremely annoyed at this whole political and economic mess that has been created by the political and banking leadership of America. From a people perspective, this mess leads to loss of jobs and loss of homes. From a community point-of-view, it significantly reduces the ability of local governments to fund education, infrastructure, and public safety programs.
From Tucker’s perspective, the foreclosure mess ultimately leads to many thousands of household pets being abandoned. This is very unsettling to Tucker.
Thank goodness Shelia Bair, the chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is involved in advising the Congress on the use of the bailout money. In fact, she is pushing a plan that would use $24 billion of the bailout fund to prevent foreclosures.
Keeping people in their homes would prevent home prices from falling further; increase the value of the mortgage securities underwritten by the major banks; minimize the guarantee risks underwritten by the insurance industry and, most importantly, stop the abandonment of many of Tucker’s canine brothers and sisters.
Posted: 11/13/2008
Tucker on the Boneheaded Bailout
Tucker, as you might expect, is fascinated by the recent financial bailout plan crafted by Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke. In a panic-filled 24-hour period, they both came to the conclusion that they needed $700 billion to rescue the banking system that has presented us with the biggest, most complex public policy problem America has ever faced.
Not only did they need the money fast, but they insisted that it be given to “Wall Street banks” with no strings attached. These two men, who have had their head in the sand over the past couple of years, now are supposed to be trusted with the biggest public expenditure of all time. Are you kidding me?
These guys, according to Tucker…”have it all wrong.” They seem to be thinking that the root of our financial problem is the liquidity of the banking system when the real problem is the ill-liquidity of the American worker. No jobs, no spending. No jobs, no business expansion. No jobs, no mortgage payments. No jobs, no car purchases. No jobs, no credit card purchases, etc. Well, you get the picture.
Tucker understands that an American worker bailout is needed, not a public welfare program for the American banking system.
Posted: 10/09/2008
It's a Foreclosure Crisis, Not a Banking Crisis, Say's Tucker
According to the New York Times..."Declining home values have led to rising defaults and foreclosures, which in turn have devalued trillions of dollars in housing related assets...leading to a bailout of the banks and the current credit freeze."
Tucker is well aware of the problem as he strolls around the city noticing the plethora of homes for sale. He wonders why the government is bailing out the banks, rather than fixing the problem - FORECLOSURES!
We have heard or read recently:
- "We have a banking crisis."
- "We have a credit crisis."
- "The banks must be bailed out."
- "We must take ownership of some banks."
The policy makers in Washington are way off the mark, and could not be more wrong with the fix they are proposing.
Tucker suggests that we take the taxpayer money and fix the problem - FORECLOSURES. He asks..."Why give the money to the greedy few, when it should be given to the 39 million or so taxpayers who are in jeopardy of losing their homes?"
If foreclosures are stopped, home values would rise: the value of bank securities would appreciate; people would be able to stay in their homes; many people would be able to keep their jobs; confidence would again be restored in the credit markets and, most importantly the many, rather than the few would be helped.
There are approximately 128 million home mortgages in the United States today. If we assume that 30% or 39 million mortgages are at risk of defaulting, every "at risk" homeowner could be saved with approximately $200 billion per year over 5 years. The total cost would approach a $1 trillion dollar Home Security Package.
Each "at risk" homeowner would receive $500 per month for 60 month to be deposited directly into their mortgage account. They would continue to make partial payments on their current mortgage, the bank would use the monthly deposit as payment between the amount owed and the amount paid.
Tucker, the Scottish Terrier financial wizard, says.."Fix the problem, not it's symptoms."
Posted: 10/01/2008
Engineering America's Dynamic Future Now
Tucker, our prescient Scottish Terrier, continues to be concerned about the current financial "bailout" debate in Washington. He tells me..."that the debate needs to shift from it's emphasis on bailing out financial engineers to investing in energy, civil and small business engineering projects."
Most canines do not know what derivatives, collateralized debt instruments, and credit default swaps are. Tucker believes..."that most Wall Street investment bankers do not know what they are either, but they sure made a lot of money creating, trading, buying and selling them."
Here is what Tucker thinks will happen if we invest $700 billion in America's future, rather than in today's credit markets. "The credit and financial markets will adjust to the sins of the past and invest in public and private projects that will enable the country to become the envy of the world again." He also believes that the new projects..."will create millions of new, well paying jobs, for middle class Americans."
The bottom line for Tucker is this: "Subsidize real engineers, not those phony ones with MBA degrees."
Well you heard it here first and, more importantly you heard it from Tucker, the world's brightest Scottish Terrier.
Posted: 09/18/2008
The Biggest Bank Robbery Ever
Tucker, our wondrous Scottish Terrier, is a gentlemen's gentlemen, who is among the smartest and honest souls on the planet. He would never deceive another being by taking for himself what was rightfully not his in the first place.
Moreover, he would never take from some being something that he did not know or understand. Nor would he give to another creature something that he did not understand.
You see, these are the traits of the Scottish Terrier - morally grounded, intellectually honest, practical, and not a greedy bone in his little canine body.
Well, that is why he is outraged today. He feels that..."Robber Baron bank robbers have defrauded the American taxpayers of trillions of dollars while the government was asleep at the regulatory wheel, and has allowed these thieves to keep hundreds of millions of dollars for themselves."
Tucker Viewing the Bad News Unfold on TV
Tucker says..."Yes, change is needed, and it is needed fast." What has been allowed to happen to America's financial system is according to Tucker..."the worst thing that has ever happend to this country. It affects all American taxpayers who, will ultimately be robbed a second time by the government to fix the mess."
Wake-up America, and listen to the wisdom of a Scottish Terrier. He says..."Do not allow the thieves to get away with the money. Many must be held accountable and, ultimately be punished."
Posted: 05/21/2008
Tucker's Wish
Dear Senator Kennedy,
Life has many challenging moments. You have faced many on your journey with great courage and dignity.
You and your family have inspired a great many young men and women into public service. You have also served our great nation tirelessly and honorably for so many wonderful years.
As you face perhaps the greatest challenge of your life, I hope you will take strength from my admiration for what you have done for America and use it to will yourself to full recovery.
I wish you well on your current journey, and hope you will return to the Senate to help make quality heath care coverage available to every American.
Sincerely,
Tucker
The World's Greatest Scottish Terrier
If you would like to send a note to the Senator, visit Best Wishes and fill out the information on the form.
Posted: 03/22/2008
Tucker's Thoughts of the Week
Oh my, what a week in American politics this was.
Barak Obama gave an historic speech that opened up wounds on both sides of the racial divide.
He certainly is about "change" but what that change might be is more than a little unclear.
His long association with an anti-American preacher, and his unwillingness to denounce him speaks a great deal to the issue of Barak's character and judgement.
Judgement, character and change are three big question marks.
Bill Clinton continues to speak in untrue-isms. No one wants to see this wind bag anywhere Pennsylvania Avenue ever again.
Hilary Clinton continues to stress her "experience" over unspecified "change." I do not know many travel agents that have the experience needed nor the vision that is required to lead America forward, and to restore her credibility with the world's superpowers.
John McCain certainly has the experience to be seriously considered for the Presidency, but his vision for America - domestically and in foreign policy - have yet to be articulated. We need more information.
These are questions, concerns, reservations that Tucker has expressed to me throughout this week. His open mindedness is becoming less all inclusive and more singular.
Tucker believes that America is the greatest country on the planet. Anyone who does not hold that belief does not deserve any further consideration for the highest office in the land.
Posted: 02/06/2008
Tucker’s Super Comments
Super
Sandwiched between the sport and canine “super bowls,”
Was a super political day like no other ever in America.
Our country’s future is about to be shortly determined.
The breed of tomorrow shall be determined next week.
At hand is the very relevance of democracy in the future.
Will it survive and thrive in the hands of “insiders and lobbyists?”
Or will it fall far short of relevance in those very hands?
Will the current group of “insiders" leave America a stronger place than they found?
Who is best able to bring about national unity?
Who is best able to think and act on a grand scale?
Who is by temperament able to build consensus across differing constituencies?
We truly are facing an historic moment in our nation’s history.
Just as was the case in Superbowl XXLII, the clear favorite can experience defeat.
Nothing should ever be taken for granted.
The politics of hope are an emerging and fresh force.
They capture and energize the young as never before.
We cannot allow the entrenched to dictate tomorrow’s agenda.
Just as the Scottish terrier lives and acts for yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The outcome of any election, show or game is determined in the ring, on the playing field, and in the election booth.
We are at the turning point; will we make the right decision?
Posted: 01/08/2008
Tucker's Political Tail
New Hampshire is not far away.
An hour’s drive North on Interstate 93 and you are there.
However, New Hampshire is a world apart from Iowa.
And, today becomes a key battle ground for presidential hopefuls.
Tucker believes that Barak Obama remains the hope of the Democrats.
However, on the Republican side, a new front runner is likely to emerge.
Senator John McCain is likely to surface as the choice of New Hampshire voters.
A McCain win will mean that there will be no clear front-runner for the Republican nomination.
In New Hampshire, the Scots win again, and Tucker could not be more content.
Posted: 01/04/2008
Tucker’s Political Commentary
As many of you know, Tucker has views and opinions on many topics and issues, including yesterday’s results from Iowa. On both sides of the aisle, Democrat and Republican, it is uplifting to note that record numbers of voters turned out to make a statement to our nation and to the world.
According to Tucker, forget experience, the voters want change. They want to embrace someone who has a positive vision of our country’s future. Two highly improbable candidates, Mike Huckabee and Barak Obama, have been catapulted onto the world stage.
Neither one is now the improbable nominee of his respective political party. Each of these candidates was able to make a direct connection with “real people.” The messages of hope, the notion of change, the ability to connect with the working class, are what distinguish these gentlemen from all the other candidates.
Will the outcome for Republicans and Democrats change next Tuesday in New Hampshire? Perhaps, but for now, Tucker is thrilled with the change in the status quo.
Posted: 09/01/2007
Key Issues on Tucker's Mind
The one thing about Tucker is that he is always thinking. He very often stares up to the heavens. He seems to always seek advice from higher authorities.
As Tucker awaits the Labor Day weekend festivities, he had agreed to share six major issues that will and are shaping the 2008 presidential primaries.
Iraq
Most Americans' favor a withdrawal from Iraq. Tucker does not believe that Iraqi citizens should be completely abandoned, and thrown to the "terrorist dogs." Instead, Tucker favors an orderly transition of power from military to civilian control. The human terrorist dogs must not be allowed to win, and life for Iraqi canines must be made better.
Terrorism and national Security
Many Americans fear another terrorist attack. However, Tucker does not believe that they connect the domestic "war on terror" with the war in Iraq.
The Economy
The volatility of the stock market combined with a crisis in the housing market has jolted many Americans recently. Tucker is especially concerned about the state of the economy. After all, the number of treats and the quality of food he receives are tied directly to the state of the economy.
Energy
Gasoline costs more this year than last. This is a trend that is unsustainable. Tucker's advice in this area is simple..."Think smaller, lighter and more efficient." Tucker measures this issue in dog highway miles. In his mind, the more the merrier, but this year, there have been fewer dog highway miles, and Tucker is not in the least pleased about that.
Illegal Immigration
America is the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Well, while the brave are away fighting terrorists in Iraq, millions of illegals have been feasting on free healthcare, free education, etc. This free stuff is infringing on Tucker's free ride. Remember, Tucker is in no way a burden to society. However, the Illegals are a burden, and a growing one.
Healthcare
No wonder more Americans are without healthcare, they cannot afford it because so many others are using it for free. Tucker thinks something must be done here. He favors a single-payer system over the current mess.
American domestic and foreign policy can use some enlightenment. Tucker senses that we are drifting as a nation. He says "We are moving without a rudder." If there is one key element missing in our society, Tucker would say..."It is the absence of accountability."
Posted: 08/03/2007
Democrats Go Blogging
As everyone knows, Tucker's blog has become a popular destination for Scottie lovers from around the globe.
The Democratic candidates for president have decided to attend a Blogging Convention in Chicago on Saturday,Over 1,500 bloggers are registered to attend the event.
Tucker has no plans to attend, although, deep down in his Scottish heart, he feels that he should receive a personal invitation to attend from each of the seven Domocratic candidates. Tucker believes that his blog is very influential among those owned by Scottish terriers. According to Tucker..."It would be a mistake for any presidential candidate to side-step the influence of the fuzzy face votes."
Were Tucker to attend the bloggers convention, he would grill the candidates on issues of foreign policy. Tucker believes there is too much focus and attention on the Middle East and Iraq in particular, and very little discussed about the rest of the world.
In order to test the candidates general foreign knowledge of foreign policy, Tucker would force the candidates to think outside the "Middle East Box." Some of the questions Tucker would explore with the candidates include:
"How should the United States respond to an increasingly authoritarian Russia?"
"How should the United States respond if Russia threatens Poland for allowing an American anti-ballistic missile defense system on its territory?"
Should a conflict develop between Kosovo and Serbia, what should the United States do?"
Should there be greater NATO involvement in regional conflicts, and should the European members be required to increase personnel and funding levels?"
"Should Japan be encouraged to increase its military capabilities and to develop a nuclear weapons program in response to the growing threat of North Korea?"
"Should the United States lift its embargo against Cuba?"
Well, as you can see, Tucker is quite well versed in the complexities and intricacies of foreign matters. The real question is...Are the candidates able to answer these questions. As long as the questions on the campaign trail continue to focus on Iraq and the Middle east, the American public will be deprived of answers to many other critical global issues.
Tucker's intent would not be to stump the candidates by posing these questions, although he likely would in many instances, but rather to draw from them a deeper knowledge of foreign policy.
We all know how insistent, demanding, and persistent Scottish terrier's can be, and Tucker, as always, would be the Alpha dog in the pack of leading questioners.
Who among the democratic candidates can offer a clear vision for America's future role in an increasingly complex and risky world.
Stay tuned, because Tucker will lead the charge!
AAAAARRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Is there anything more reassuring than a Scottie-in-charge?
Posted: 07/11/2007
Where Has All the Money Gone?
What costs $122,820 per minute, $7.4 million per hour, $177 million per day, and may soon exceed $1 trillion in total cost? The final answer is the War in Iraq.
Conversely, what political campaign spent $133,000 per day, $6,000 per hour, $93 per minute during the first half of 2007? Could it be the McCain local? Tucker, being a "penny pinching" Scotsman, has been keeping a sharp eye on each of these matters.
Tucker says..."Isn't it ironic that John McCain continues to give his blessing to the most expensive war in the history of mankind, only to return home to find out that while he was gone, his presidential campaign is nearly out of money."
Tucker thinks that the whole money issue is totally out of control. It used to be that Republicans stood for fiscal responsibility. They now have acquired the reputation of being the biggest spenders in the history of mankind.
Tucker's interest in all of this is quite simple..."What if these spending habits were applied to the purchase of dog food and treats?"
With one minute's worth of Iraq war dollars ($122,820), Tucker could buy 807 cases of Merrick Jumbo Flossies,one of his favorite treats. Since there are 35 flossies to a case, Tucker figures that 807 cases give him a flossie a day for 28,245 days. Wow!
But wait a minute, Tucker is not likely to live 77 years. Well, with an Iraq minute, Tucker could generously share his treats with several of his friends, and still have plenty for himself.
Ok, so what will a minute ($93) of McCain's campaign spending buy for Tucker? He knows that a 13 pound bag of Karma Organic Food costs $46. So a McCain minute would buy two bags of very healthy food.
A McCain day would buy Tucker 2,880 bags of Karma. Wow! One bag of Karma normally lasts Tucker about 12 days. So 2,880 bags would feed Tucker for 34,560 days, or for about 95 years. Once again, Tucker could share his new found wealth with several of his friends without depriving himself of health nutrition.
A minute here and a day there do not seem much to us, but to Tucker, the ever thinking Scottish terrier, it adds up to a lot of food, fun and treats.
If we had a Scottish "penny pincher" in charge of war and campaign spending, we would all be a lot more solvent.
Hooray for Tucker, once again!
Posted: 07/10/2007
Tucker's Bone to Pick
Tucker has a bone to pick with John McCain. The Senator continues to support President Bush's military strategy in Iraq.
On both the Iraq War and Immigration Reform, Senator McCain has staked out high risk positions that may ultimately unravel his quest for the Republican nomination for the presidency. His campaign appears to be struggling.
Tucker is truly perplexed over Senator McCain's stubborn support of the "surge strategy." Tucker believes that this military strategy, or any other use of force approach, without Iraqi political and military progress, will not work. Tucker also does not believe that much Iraqi progress on these critical fronts is being made.
So, 4+ years after invading Iraq, the U.S. is trying to prevent chaos and calamity with an additional 30,000 or so soldiers. Tucker wonders why President Bush and Senator McCain believe this will work.
While it is noble of both men to seek an appropriate outcome to the original invasion. Tucker believes that the too little, too late approach will not produce the desired results.
Ultimately, the final solution, whatever it may be, must come from the Iraqi's themselves. However, they seem to be in no hurry to get to dinner. If they are not hungry, why should America make the dinner reservations and pay for the meal at the most expensive restaurant in town?
It's time to pack up the silverware and head for safer ground. Perhaps in doing so, the Iraqi's will call themselves to action. If the Iraqi's do not act soon and often, perhaps we can finally declare that we have found the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) after all.
Tucker knows where the WMD are. They are everywhere in Iraq. In fact, they are the Iraqi's themselves.
It would be far more difficult dislodging a marrow bone from Tucker's jaw that it would be to "downsize" America's military role in Iraq.
Senator McCain and President Bush have relied on the military too heavily in Iraq without employing a parallel series of diplomatic initiatives designed to protect America's vital interests in the region in other ways.
Posted: 06/14/2007
Tucker's Top 10 List for Today
Scotties generally do not have much time for "small bark," but Tucker especially is full of lofty independent thoughts. I was able to extract the following from him:
10. Make better use of the USA Patriot Act by herding-up all of the criminal commercial pet food manufacturers and ship them off to Guantanamo Prison for an open-ended stay.
9. Now that Bob Barker has more time on his hands, put him in charge of the Food and Drug Administration to step-up oversight of pet food manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that conduct experiments on pets.
8. Have President Bush direct Barney and Ms. Beazley to patrol the border between Mexico and the United States in search of any signs of legal aliens.
7. Watch Best in Show for the 100th time.
6. Send Dick Cheney to Iraq with orders not to return until the last American soldier is back home.
5. Outsource Presidential decision-making and Congressional law making to a call center in India.
4. Enter Paris Hilton in the 2008 Westminster Dog Show. She just might win the "Wimpy Dog Category."
3. Find out which of the Presidential Candidates has a happy, socialized dog, and you will know the next President of the United States in advance of the 2008 election.
2. Watch for the next presidential scandal to be called sausage-gate.
1. Shut down all federal and state government offices during the 2008 Westminster Dog Show.
Posted: 06/07/2007
Tucker's Random Thoughts
Tucker Taking Questions from Barkorters
From time-to-time, Tucker will hold a "bark conference" to field questions from press rovers. Scotties love attention, and especially enjoy hearing themselves bark speak.
Tucker: "I am before you today to discuss the issues upper-most on your minds."
Barkorter's Question: "Mr. Tucker, can you comment on the current situation in Iraq?"
Tucker: "First of all, dogs do not fight wars, men do. Secondly, this war must be won by the Iraqi's. The war is not for America to lose. It is for the Iraqi's to WIN!"
Barkorter's Question: "Mr. Tucker, are you in favor of the proposed Senate Immigration Bill that would legalize millions of unlawful immigrants?"
Tucker: "We Scotsmen are law abiding citizens. I am a registered dogizen in my hometown, and have my AKC papers, as well as a Good Citizen's Certificate. I, therefore, am opposed to having millions of illegal people suddenly acquiring legal status."
Barkorter's Question: "Mr. Tucker, what is wrong with the healthcare system in America?"
Tucker: "Well, I am very happy with the healthcare I receive from my veterinarian. I have no deductibles or copays to worry about. The care system in this country should cover all Americans and should be managed like Medicare."
Barkorter's Question: "Mr. Tucker, will anything be accomplished at the G-8 Summit Meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany?"
Tucker: "I see a lot of hot air, and nothing of consequence coming from this group meeting. Instead of agreeing to a reduction of global emissions, the Americans and Russians are talking about missile defense systems. The world's leaders choose to ignore the inevitable in favor of the ridiculous!"
Although Tucker can be serious when he wants to, he is much more interested in getting away from the barkorters, and having a nice stroll in the park.
Posted: 06/06/2007
Tucker's Advice to General Petraeus
Many people know that a Scottish terrier is accustomed to witnessing history. During World War II, Franklin Roosevelt's Scottie, Fala, was his constant companion and confidant.
Fala went everywhere with President Roosevelt. Fala had both a sense for the moment, as well as an inkling for what was about to happen. He was an invaluable and inseparable companion of the President.
Although President Bush currently has two Scotties at his side, Barney and Miss Beazley ,he does not seem to have benefited from their collective Scottish wisdom as did F.D.R.
Tucker, as do all Scotties, comes from a military family. He knows that to win battles and wars, you have to be committed to the fight, have the plan, will and resources to win and, above all, have the support of family, friends and nation.
While General Petraeus may not think he could benefit from the counsel of an outsider, Tucker insists on sticking his nose into the war in Iraq. His sense of smell is acute and, at this moment in time, the odor is nauseating.
Tucker would bark the following orders to Peteraus immediately:
- Stop the "surge" and begin the redirection of the war.
- Rapidly shift the fighting and defending burden to Iraqi forces.
- Use American forces strategically, not tactically.
- Increasingly employ Special Operations Forces against known terrorist leaders and strongholds.
- Insist that Iraqi Forces win both the battles and the war.
- Demand that the Iraqi Government step up to its responsibilities to mobilize the resources and forces necessary to win the war.
- Support the Iraqi Government with resources and diplomacy.
- Diplomacy must be used to involve Iraq's neighbors into a process of engagement leading toward peace and stability.
- Resources must be used to reward progress leading toward stability and peace.
In short, Tucker's advice would be designed to get the Iraqi government and military to "surge" into action before it is too late. Tucker would say that the current "surge" strategy is being conducted by the wrong parties.
The American Civil War was won by Americans. The Iraqi's must fight their brothers and win.
Posted: 05/11/2007
Tucker's Take on Iraq and Shakey's Hill
I spend a lot of time with Tucker, my Scottie. He is a great companion. He is always there for me, and never complains about anything.
In a way, a Scottie's relationship with his human companion is similar to a soldier's relationship with his country. A Scottie is brave, noble, loyal, and determined. He is always ready for battle, and would fight to the death to defend his territory.
Throughout our history, we have seen these same traits exhibited by our country's soldiers. Our soldiers in Iraq are carrying out the wishes of our "leaders," just as many soldiers did over 35 years ago in Vietnam.
In each country, our military force was committed to achieve an ever changing end, with constantly changed strategies and tactics, with no defined end game.
Scotties, and Tucker in particular, would defend his territory with every ounce of energy and blood he had. He would do so because he believed that if he did so successfully, he would be rewarded for it. A juicy treat and heart felt thanks from his commander-in-chief would be sufficient reward for the canine warrior. Without such thanks, I doubt that Tucker would be eager to defend the same territory again.
Many year's ago on Shakey's Hill in Cambodia, I struggled along with many other soldiers to "destroy the enemy." On that day long ago, and at great sacrifice, we succeeded in capturing the objective. However, there were no thanks given to the soldiers of Vietnam.
Our country has always honored its warriors. I hope the returning soldiers from Iraq receive the thanks of this nation, and the ongoing care that they so richly deserve.
Shakey's Hill ,a documentary film directed by Norman Lloyd, is making it's World Premier on Sunday, May 27 at the GI Film Festival in Washington, DC. It is a story for all soldiers to behold!
| About the Author:
Paul McCarthy, entrepreneur, is owned by Tucker, a 12-year old Scottish terrier, whose paw prints, ideas and thoughts appear everywhere.
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