Article

2008-09-11

Posted by Fred 2008-09-11 00:00|| || Front Page|| [10328 views ] Top

#1 In a few hours I'll be leaving for a trip to San Francisco. On the occasion of the seventh anniversary of that awful day, I will be boarding a plane that is fully loaded with Jet-A in preparation for a transcontinental flight. I will have had to take my shoes off for inspection, I will have had to stow all fluids and gels in my checked baggage, I will have had to deal with long lines, TSA functionaries and a malignant abundance of silly 'security' measures.

I will remember *why* I will have been inconvenienced.

I will give silent thanks to the greatness of America, our President, the men and women bravely standing between us and the bloody borders...to include the fine publisher, staff, and readers of this very website.

Thank you Fred - Rantburg allows me to make a difference.

Never forget, never forgive, never *understand*.

Emily

PS Almost forgot. I shall be reading Orianna Fallaci's The Rage and the Pride while in the air.

Posted by Seafarious 2008-09-11 01:35|| 2008-09-11 01:35|| Front Page Top

#2 Thank you Fred - Rantburg allows me to make a difference.

Never forget, never forgive, never *understand*.

Emily

PS Almost forgot. I shall be reading Orianna Fallaci's The Rage and the Pride while in the air.

Beautifully said Emily... by a true American Beauty...

Damn Em although we've never met I'm proud as hell of you and feel humbled and lucky as hell to know you are my fellow Citizen.

Rick S.

ps. please permit me to associate myself with your sentiments...

"I will give silent thanks to the greatness of America, our President, the men and women bravely standing between us and the bloody borders...to include the fine publisher, staff, and readers of this very website."

Posted by Red Dawg">Red Dawg 2008-09-11 02:02|| 2008-09-11 02:02|| Front Page Top

#3 Its been a seven years since I started trying to understand what drives people to commit atrocities like Sept 11.
Rantburg has been the best tool for me and with the power of the internet I have gained knowledge from those who frequent this site.
It has been invaluable in my quest to educate people I come into contact with the truth about a real evil that is in the world.

Thanks to you ,Fred and co.
Classer down under.

Posted by Classer 2008-09-11 03:30|| 2008-09-11 03:30|| Front Page Top

#4 9-11

Seven years now, but it seems like yesterday until I think about it has changed my life. That evening I wrote:

"This is a war like no other. It will be a war of extermination, and it will continue until the last terrorist rat is driven from his hole and killed."

I have never deviated from that position.

I had never heard of Rantburg or Little Green Footballs but I found them a few weeks later. I thought "these people get it."

I have never deviated from that position either.

Posted by Atomic Conspiracy 2008-09-11 03:57|| 2008-09-11 03:57|| Front Page Top

#5 No words I can put that add. This song says it all.

I will always do my duty
no matter what the price

I've counted up the cost
I know the sacrifice

I don't want to die for you
But if dying's asked of me

I'll bear that cross with honor
cause freedom don't come free

I'm an American Soldier

Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand

When liberty's in jeopardy
I will always do what's right

I'm out here on the front lines
Sleep in peace tonight

American Soldier.

Posted by OldSpook 2008-09-11 04:30|| 2008-09-11 04:30|| Front Page Top

#6 thank you, Fred

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2008-09-11 04:54|| 2008-09-11 04:54|| Front Page Top

#7 Fred, this place is a beacon of light for us out here, thanks for keeping it running.

Kurt, Jaimie and the rest of my brothers that have paid the toll for me I thank you. I will never forget and I will never quit.

NSDQ!

Posted by 49 Pan 2008-09-11 05:57|| 2008-09-11 05:57|| Front Page Top

#8 The seldom heard second and third verses of the Battle Hymn of the Republic:

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps
His day is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnish`d rows of steel, "As ye deal with my contemners, So with you my grace shall deal;"
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel Since God is marching on.

I am in fact agnostic, but this glorious song perfectly summarizes the righteousness and justice of our cause, and the steadfastness that will bring final victory.

I am heartsick at the killing and the grief, but let it continue until the last terrorist is in fact dragged from his hole and killed; and until the last traitor is sentenced, and the last enabler reduced to poverty and disgrace.

Posted by Atomic Conspiracy 2008-09-11 06:10|| 2008-09-11 06:10|| Front Page Top

#9 Thank you Fred and friends for doing a great job on tracking the WOT news. I learn a lot from you daily. Just one little bitty suggestion on the daily beauties. More breasts, less high heels.

Posted by Richard of Oregon 2008-09-11 06:22|| 2008-09-11 06:22|| Front Page Top

#10 And the rarely-sung fourth verse of America the Beautiful:

O beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!

I usually make its fourth line a lie.

Posted by Eric Jablow">Eric Jablow 2008-09-11 07:13|| 2008-09-11 07:13|| Front Page Top

#11 The battlespace in this war spans more than just the physical and military.

There is the intellectual and the spiritual as well.

Both Fred and charles have done admirably in fighting the battle in the intellectual front. Keep it up, and God bless you!

I've been hard at work coming up with the counterpunch on the spiritual front. Had a breakthrough 04/08 that gave a few of the regulars here heartburn. Not at all sorry about that, since the next seven years will prove different.

Quite different.

Posted by Ptah">Ptah 2008-09-11 07:21|| http://www.crusaderwarcollege.org]">[http://www.crusaderwarcollege.org] 2008-09-11 07:21|| Front Page Top

#12 9-11 troofers are already busy desecrating this day with their foul droppings.

Troofers sorely test my commitment to the First Amendment. They should pray to Cthulhu or Satan or whomever they worship that I don't wake up some morning and find myself appointed dictator.

Posted by Atomic Conspiracy 2008-09-11 07:29|| 2008-09-11 07:29|| Front Page Top

#13 Thanks Fred.

Clear blue sky today; not a cloud in it. Damn.
Today's read: Defending the West by Ibn Warraq.

Posted by Minister of funny walks 2008-09-11 07:47|| 2008-09-11 07:47|| Front Page Top

#14 President Bush said this is going to be a long war, and so it is. My gratitude to those here and elsewhere who strap on body armor to face the foe, those who slip like ghosts toward targets of evil men or machines in need of damaging, those who track down the whispers of jihadi plotting on the internet, those who analyze and strategize and otherwise do all the things I can't even imagine. I will do my bit at home and here at Rantburg to make sure that what you defend remains worth defending. For faith given, faith returned.

(Fred, look for a small envelope in the mail.)

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-09-11 08:20|| 2008-09-11 08:20|| Front Page Top

#15 I'm watching / listening too the FOX rebroadcast of 9/11. Anyone know how the other networks are covering it?

Thanks Fred - you provide a much needed service with Rantburg.

Posted by CrazyFool 2008-09-11 08:29|| 2008-09-11 08:29|| Front Page Top

#16 Your service to our nation and freedom's call boldly continues. I salute you Sir!

Posted by Besoeker 2008-09-11 08:32|| 2008-09-11 08:32|| Front Page Top

#17 Thanks Fred for what you have done here. You have provided an invaluable service to many. It was shortly after 911 that I discovered Rantburg. Rantburg has served as a vehicle to express my good feelings at our successes in this WOT and my anger at the truly evil and despicable people that caused 911 that precipitated the WOT. This is a time to re-dedicate ourselves to winning the war against these evil and despicable people. My sorrow heartfelt sorrow to all the victims of 911 and brave men and women who gave their lives in the WOT. There is no forgetting and no forgiving. This war will go on as long as is necessary.

Posted by JohnQC 2008-09-11 09:12|| 2008-09-11 09:12|| Front Page Top

#18 I still won't forget the first two thoughts that flashed through my mind when I saw the second plane hit the tower and realized this was a terrorist strike.

"This means a long and bloody war."
"Thank God Gore is not in the white house."

Posted by DarthVader 2008-09-11 10:14|| 2008-09-11 10:14|| Front Page Top

#19 Thank God we have our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

Thank God we had a war president for these hard years.

Thank God for Fred and all the loyal Rantburgers for helping to keep this (admittedly rather mad) reader sane.

God bless America and her gallant allies.

Posted by Jonathan 2008-09-11 10:54|| 2008-09-11 10:54|| Front Page Top

#20 Fred---Thank you so much for this site. It has been so helpful in a number of ways to educate us on what we face, as well as to get to know others with similar concerns. Some of these people I have met, like Frank G and Anymouse. Some I regularly correspond or talk with, like Deacon, Dave D, Seafarious, 49 Pan, and others.

There are many lessons I have learned from 9-11. I have been following the cancer of terrorism from the ME ever since the US Embassy hijacking in Teheran, where my friend went in behind the mountains behind the capital in support of the aborted rescue attempt. I don't think that people in general could fathom the evil and hatred of others that exist toward this country. Some people get it. But today, a lot don't, sadly.

I was at a Christmas get together one evening in New Zealand in 1994, and one of the ladies there stated that in some ways, the US got what it deserved at 9-11. I was angered and hurt at that statement. Then she went on about the US dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Nothing I said would she listen to. Her mind was closed.

I realized that we have many allies, but with allies or not, it would be up to us to protect this country and root out this evil, from without and within.

Again, thanks Fred, for all you have done in creating this forum, and for providing a place for others, which we now call fellow Rantburgers.

And pray for the souls of those people who did not make it out that day, 7 years ago, and those that did not make it back from the battlefields.

Posted by Alaska Paul 2008-09-11 11:13|| 2008-09-11 11:13|| Front Page Top

#21 Adding my name in thanks for Rantburg University, for all the understanding and knowledge it has provided to me throughout the years. And the love, care and understanding given to all of those who serve on the battle fronts.

God bless Rantburg, and God bless America.

Posted by Sherry">Sherry 2008-09-11 11:35|| 2008-09-11 11:35|| Front Page Top

#22 Thanks Fred! From myself and all the other firefighters in Watch Hill, we thank you for the opportunity to learn and share.

Posted by Rightwing 2008-09-11 12:04|| 2008-09-11 12:04|| Front Page Top

#23 Thanks Fred from the bottom of my heart.

Posted by 3dc 2008-09-11 12:26|| 2008-09-11 12:26|| Front Page Top

#24 Thanks to all those that serve.
Both in arms and in the less bloody arenas.

Posted by Anon4021 2008-09-11 12:33|| 2008-09-11 12:33|| Front Page Top

#25 Rantburg is freedom. Freedom to rant, to read, to agree or disagree. Heck, they even let me post here even when I disagree and even when I'm wrong. Our enemies fear that because a free exchange of ideas exposes their ideology for the fraud that it is. They would destroy it if they could and I thank the people who keep me safe from them. Sometimes our enemies post here which leads me to wonder if some of them might secretly read it and if some of the truth gets through to them. Last time Fred asked for tips I was a little low on dough. Today I think I'll make up for it. It's the least I can do.

Posted by Ebbang Uluque6305 2008-09-11 12:37|| 2008-09-11 12:37|| Front Page Top

#26 Fred aggregates, so we don't have to.

Thank you, Fred.

Posted by no mo uro 2008-09-11 12:52|| 2008-09-11 12:52|| Front Page Top

#27 Fred, and everyone here, thanks so much for what you've provided me these past seven years. You've informed me, you've cheered me and you've humbled me. I want to give special thanks to those who've gone into harm's way. I am awed by your courage and resolve. We remain free because of men and women like you.

This will be a long fight. We will have to be patient and steadfast. A complete understanding of our enemy will only bolster this resolve.

Fred, thank you again for creating this wonderful forum.

Posted by remoteman 2008-09-11 13:01|| 2008-09-11 13:01|| Front Page Top

#28 Found this site about a year ago; Fred, thanks.

I will never forget what came over the radio that morning, regarding the first tower strike. I had just finished reading a book titled ' The Sky is Falling," and my first instinct was that it had happened again (In 1945 the Empire State Building was hit by a USAAF plane in heavy fog). We had the TV on @ work to see the second hit. All day was a daze. I still have the newspapers from that day, and the burning Towers are part of my screensavers.

NEVER FORGET!

Posted by USN, Ret. 2008-09-11 13:36|| 2008-09-11 13:36|| Front Page Top

#29 Fred,

Today, we had our planning meeting for our Veteran's Muster that we have every year on November 11th at our club. One of our committee members is an 88 year old WW2 army vet of the PTO. He is our last WW2 member, we lost 3 last year including and ex-British Army Major who rescued a small Italian town that was the birthplace of the other army vet I mentioned before. Smaller world back then. I bring this up to remind everyone that in 2 months time we will know who our new leader will be and we will later pause to reflect on our veteran's and the price they have paid to make us so free that those who aren't look to us for inspiration. Rantburg in many ways memorializes that inspiration by pointing out every day that freedom is not free the home of the brave is exactly that. Thank you Fred - hitting the tip jar as a result.

Posted by Jack is Back!">Jack is Back! 2008-09-11 13:38|| 2008-09-11 13:38|| Front Page Top

#30 9/11 changed things for most Americans, waking them up to the fact that there were people waging war against us, and getting the average American involved. It wasn't the start of this war, however. The war started long before that. Even Munich 72 wasn't the beginning, but one of the first International signs of the war. I happened to be in Germany that day. I KNOW the US military began keeping close track of as many terrorist groups as possible, beginning back then. There were other attrocities committed against us - the Achillea Lauro, the Lockerbie bombing, the disco in Berlin, attacks on our embassies (especially the capture of our embassy in Tehran), the Kenya bombing, the Cole... the list is long, and the price high. After 9/11, we finally decided to fight back. It's making a difference - no attack on American soil in seven years. It's been expensive, both in dollars and lives, but we've bought ourselves some breathing room, and pushed our enemies to flee their prior sanctuaries. The job's not done - there is more ahead of us. It may take three decades to reduce the threat to the world to something that police forces can contend with. Places like Rantburg allow old warriors like me to have a say in that battle, and perhaps actually contribute to the defeat of our enemies, both at home and abroad. Thank you, Fred, for that opportunity, and for all you do to keep Rantburg the premier site putting the truth out there for all of us to read and understand.

Posted by Old Patriot">Old Patriot 2008-09-11 14:11|| http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/]">[http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/] 2008-09-11 14:11|| Front Page Top

#31 Daily reader, occasional poster, thought the below from the Middle East Conflicts Memorial taken by a friend of mine would be appropriate today.

Fred, thanks for keeping us informed.

Posted by illeagle 2008-09-11 15:22|| 2008-09-11 15:22|| Front Page Top

#32 The link monster strikes again!

http://www.cjschmit.com/-/cjschmit/gallery.asp?cat=73018&pID=2&row=15&photoID=6440580&searchTerm=

Posted by illeagle 2008-09-11 15:29|| 2008-09-11 15:29|| Front Page Top

#33 Stunning photo, illeagal. Thank you.

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-09-11 16:13|| 2008-09-11 16:13|| Front Page Top

#34 Beautifully said, Emily.

Thanks to you, and all the mods, and particularly to Fred, for this beacon of light called Rantburg. It is a true blessing, and I can't hope to express my gratitude enough - though I will continue to try.

Always be grateful. Never forget. Never forgive.

Posted by Barbara Skolaut">Barbara Skolaut 2008-09-11 16:19|| http://ariellestjohndesigns.com/]">[http://ariellestjohndesigns.com/] 2008-09-11 16:19|| Front Page Top

#35 For Alaska Paul about your New Zealander.

You could hav reminded her that 300,00 chinese and about as many other inhabitants of Asia were dying
every month either due to direct murder by
the Japanese Army or due to starving after the Japanese stole their food. And in case she tried to continue arguing then you could have gone for the jugular and caller her/yelled her a racist who doesn't give a damn about Chinese lives (and Japanese ones only to bash America)

Posted by JFM">JFM 2008-09-11 17:56|| 2008-09-11 17:56|| Front Page Top

#36 Yes, JFM, I could have reminded her of that, and a number of items like that in the ammo locker. But I could see that her mind was closed. My wife said, look, if you get attacked by a bunch of criminals, thieves, murderers, or rabid dogs, who are you going to call? Will you call the psychologist, a minister, or will you call the police? The problem was that these people will not accept that these terrorists are terrorists and nutbags that need to be put down. They look to liberals like misunderstood victims of injustice, poverty, etc etc. The gulf is too wide, JFM. They cannot and will not use reason to understand.

I will tell you one thing. On 9-11, I had Canadian friends and business associates call me and express their anger, hurt, and outrage over this event. That was reassuring.

Posted by Alaska Paul 2008-09-11 19:29|| 2008-09-11 19:29|| Front Page Top

#37 Thanks to Fred, and all other who come to pay tribute. And the video, Spook.

[wipes tear, hits tipjar]

Posted by Bobby 2008-09-11 20:04|| 2008-09-11 20:04|| Front Page Top

#38 Thank you for the video, Old Spook.

I'm glad I didn't try to watch it at work. It really doesn't look professional to cry.

Posted by Barbara Skolaut">Barbara Skolaut 2008-09-11 20:12|| http://ariellestjohndesigns.com/]">[http://ariellestjohndesigns.com/] 2008-09-11 20:12|| Front Page Top

#39 Thank you Fred, Barbara, Trailing Wife, Old Patriot, Old Spook, Atomic Conspiracy, ptah, lotp, badanov, Broadhead 6 (Semper Fi sir!) and everyone else here at Rantburg. Thanks to my brother and sister Marines, soldiers, salors, airmen, Coast Guard, and first responders. That day and the sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Posted by djh_usmc 2008-09-11 20:40|| 2008-09-11 20:40|| Front Page Top

23:54 .5MT
23:53 trailing wife
23:50 .5MT
23:49 Varmint Grigum5285
23:41 JosephMendiola
23:41 online poker
23:38 Shieldwolf
23:38 JosephMendiola
23:20 Pappy
23:16 Mike N.
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22:57 Frank G
22:37 Red Dawg
22:35 JosephMendiola
22:34 Frank G
22:31 trailing wife
22:29 Phinegum Pelosi6759
22:21 trailing wife
22:21 Alaska Paul
22:21 SteveS
22:20 James
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22:19 JohnQC