Archive for September 10th, 2007
Liberals and Conservatives
Son, We have received comments from both the left and the right. My observation is that both are irrational. The left present themselves as more witty, more creative, more interesting. The right presented themselves as angry, frustrated, attacking, and belligerent. Such is life. Dad
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Liberals and Conservatives | Continued
My Opinion on Convictions
Son, I admire your determination. Opinions are the fodder of intellect, just academic talk until applied. Conviction is the result of integrating opinion with life experience. Our life experience will test our opinions – if we come out the other side with the same opinion then we call it conviction. We know many things – […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on My Opinion on Convictions | Continued
Opinions vs. Convictions
Dad, I think that convictions get muddled because they get confused with opinions. The difference lies in action and inaction. if we sit around the table in your living room and sip coffee and talk about feeding the hungry or staying out of debt, then that conversation is founded in opinion. If we cut up […]
10Sep2007 | bryan | Comments Off on Opinions vs. Convictions | Continued
Bush says ‘Never!’ how smart is that
Son, I know a lot of people my age who, over time, have violated their own principles. They said “NEVER!” They were wrong. They were wrong to say never and they were wrong to violate their own principles. “Never” is a word that denies our own humanness. George double-u Bush is one of those folks […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Say Never
Dad, I don’t like that phrase “never say never.” I hear that a lot. My wife and I will never borrow any money again. I said it. We will never get divorced. I said it again. I will never inject myself with anything that isn’t prescribed. Man, I am on a roll. I believe that […]
10Sep2007 | bryan | Comments Off on Say Never | Continued
Voting for Republicans…
Son, I voted for one Republican for President – and he quit. I have never voted for another. I was conflicted in 1980. I did not like the choices. I voted for the independent John Anderson. I have difficulty imagining the circumstances that would convince me to vote for any Republican for any national office. […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Ike Skelton asks one question…
Son, Ike Skelton states he will ask but one question, calling himself a country lawyer and qualifying that the leadership of Iraq appear “to be sitting on their thumbs…” So, “Mr. Ambassador, why should we expect the next six months to be any different?” Ambassador Crocker, “These are extremely complex endeavors…it is going to be […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Ike Skelton asks one question… | Continued
Yes To Healthy Dialogue – No to This Administration
Dad – I am still under the assumption that all dialogue serves us well, but that some people probably should be removed from the conversation in order to keep it rolling. It is complicated, yes, and we should approach our international situation with care. I have spent the last few years learning how to act, […]
10Sep2007 | bryan | Comments Off on Yes To Healthy Dialogue – No to This Administration | Continued
Ambassador Crocker Continues…
Son, Ambassador Crocker says, “Iraqis are struggling to come to terms with a society that does not punish…I believe that Iraq’s leaders have the will to face the challenges before them…they approach the task with a deep sense of patriotism…The commitment of Iraq’s leaders to work on these issues is encouraging…Iraqi Provincial gains have been […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Ambassador Crocker Continues… | Continued
Ambassador Ryan Crocker, on ‘the surge’
Son, United States Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, is giving testimony to the Congress. He just said, “Iraq continues to be a traumatized society.” Well, I guess he might be right. Dad
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Ambassador Ryan Crocker, on ‘the surge’ | Continued
Patreus is calling for a drawdown of troops
Son, General Patreus has just called for a ‘drawdown’ in U.S. Troops in Iraq. He is trying to explain what he means – I am getting confused with all of the details. That is the problem. This is a complicated issue with huge consequences…. Now Patreus is reiterating the dire consequences of a rapid retreat…. […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Patreus is calling for a drawdown of troops | Continued
Listening to General Patreus
Son, I am listening to General Patreus right now. The hearing opened with partisan statements by two Democrats and two Republicans. I wish those folks would just keep their faces shut so we can hear what the man has to say. They already threw several protesters out of the hearing – the partisan showmanship should […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued