Arrogant jerk!

So- if he can't use them for his own political ends it's UNDER THE BUS with ya!

What a swell guy.

No photo op? Ol' Jugears wouldn't lift a toddler out of the way of a bus if there weren't cameras and press to record his Godlike ministrations!

(After the Berlin speech I just received the good news in today’s mail!)
Dear Calvin,
Congratulations on becoming a “Citizen of the World”! We want to first inform you that this new honor in no way changes your American citizenship. As a “Citizen of the World” you are now entitled to all the perks and benefits that current “Citizens of the World” receive. Your information packet is in the mail as we speak! (Be sure to check out the new lower rates on Whole Term Life Insurance for our members!) Now, of course, along with the grand membership of being a “Citizen of the World” comes the responsibilities. Your tax rate for being a “Citizen of the World” will be 28% and you can file your responsibility every January 1st. Please continue to also pay your 28% Citizen of the United States tax on April 15th. Congratulations again and enjoy your new designation!
Sincerely,
President of the World (Opps, sorry)
Presidential Candidate
-- B. Obama

It's true: No Media, nObama.

Like McCain said - it is NEVER inappropriate to visit wounded soldiers.

It was entirely a photo op and campaign propaganda. When he found out he couldn't use the soldiers as props, he lost interest. "Hey, let's go take one of those cool double-decker bus tours! I've never been to Berlin before!"

Any future commander in chief should be forced, at gunpoint if necessary, to see wounded troops.

there was nothing in it for him once the publicity angle was nixed.
this shows what the military means to him.
a fcking photo op.

I didn't know teleprompters weren't allowed in military hospitals!

Mr. Obama, you owe soldiers a lot, here are some that died or your freedom; next time go visit the wounded.

Union soldiers at Gettysburg

Totally contrary to what was reported spun both last night and this morning in the MSM. Go figure eh?

We here in the Unbelievers section (at the back of the Messiah Bus) aren't surprised.

I'm sure this will go over well with the military and their families. The guy can't do anything without shooting himself in the foot.

I am led to believe that President Bush and Laura have visited wounded troops many times with out any press, publication, or fan fare.

Byron York on Obamas Euro speech

Hilarious.

The French want Obama.

Except, in France, there could never be a French Obama.

LOL

This is just truly disgusting- he can't use this footage to promote himself, so he's not going, yet he wants to be their CiC. What an opportunistic jerk!

The least he could say is merci beaucoup.

Why should Barry O visit _American_ troops when he is a Citizen of the World?

Obama and the media are a package deal.

We support the troops!

re: #11 Ojoe

or = for

PIMF

Fox News aired about an hour ago a live interview with Pennsylvania Democrat member of the House Joe Sestak, an Afghanistan and Iraq Wars veteran. He himself stated that he felt Obama made the appropriate choice of not making it a campaign stop; it should have been a private matter. Bill Hemmer didn't challenge him on those statements.

IMHO McCain is right - campaign or no campaign, he should have stopped and visited the servicemen.

First place I heard this story was on Savage's show yesterday, but I couldn't find a link last night.

Red

John Keegan in THE MASK OF COMMAND tells us of an incident where Adolf Hitler was being served dinner in the dining car of his personal train when it was stopped at a switchyard. A passenger train carrying wounded soldiers was stopped on the tracks next to Hitler's train. Hitler had the curtains of his dining car closed to block the view of the other train.

Classy.

re: #16 Sharmuta

His staff may have let him in on the military absentee ballot disenfranchisement project that the Democratic party has been running.

I wonder how awkward it was to meet Petraeus.

"So... Which guys here kill babies? And where do you do the torturing?"
*uncomfortable silence*

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn.

I do.

My bet is he had Belgian waffles for breakfast...

OT but related to Dem insanity:
The quasi-impeachment hearings are running on CSPAN right now.

Not intending to go off topic but want to pass this on before I sign off for shabbat today. This is HILARIOUS and it is a MUST READ for everyone!

"He Ventured Forth To Bring Light To The World" by Gerard Baker

re: #14 Nevergiveup

I am led to believe that President Bush and Laura have visited wounded troops many times with out any press, publication, or fan fare.

I know for a fact the he goes to Walter Reed often, and on the spur of the moment he will cut a meeting short and head there.

He was worried what might happen if people found out he couldn't heal the sick and wounded.

Fact is he doesn't give a flying f**k about the military. That is painfully obvious to the unbrainwashed.

I heard that BHO changed his plans so he could go sightseeing in Berlin. That's sound judgment. Also shows Hope and Change. BHO Changed his plans and Hoped to look at some good sights in Berlin. "I wanna play tourist", a highly sought quality in any presidential candidate. Our future president, the tourist. I feel safer already. His foreign policy will be to visit the sights of foreign countries and buy trinkets.

Ye shall know him by his deeds. That is all.

-S-

At least Bill Clinton had the honesty to actually say that he loathed the military.

Obama believes we are "fighting a war without end". How can victory be possible for such a man?

McCain demands victory. Period.

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn.

ah yes we do.
what the hell good are wounded troops if you cant use them for photo ops?

re: #6 karmic_inquisitor

Like McCain said - it is NEVER inappropriate to visit wounded soldiers.

Yet the media sense the conspiracy aspect that MCCAIN used his "pull" to get the Obot visit cancelled.

I also read somewhere (can't find the link) that when he was told he could bring Senate staff but not campaign staff, one of the campaign staffers pitched a hissy fit and insisted on going along. Or it could be Obama throwing another staffer under the bus (the double-decker red one I mentioned earlier, of course).

Obama, "Pardon my French, but you're an asshole."

re: #14 Nevergiveup

Many, many times over the past 8 years. Bush refuses to have photographers present.

re: #34 Northpaw

Fact is he doesn't give a flying f**k about the military. That is painfully obvious to the unbrainwashed.

That's not true! He cares about them propping up his image that he cares about them.

re: #44 Kenneth

correct,, see my #32

he is a radical leftist. respecting the military is alien to his thinking.

re: #45 Sharmuta

That's not true! He cares about them propping up his image that he cares about them.

Malignant narcissism.

re: #34 Northpaw

Fact is he doesn't give a flying f**k about the military. That is painfully obvious to the unbrainwashed.

Neither do most of the democrats except that guy Lieberman. Oh Yeah, they kicked him out of the party. Hum?

The impression that I am getting from Obama this week is that he really hates his country.
Snubbing our military at every chance, campaigning in Germany, campaign flyers in Israel, lack of interest in our history in Europe, no credit to the great efforts of our military in the Middle East and in the past in Europe, dissing our country in a foreign country.......
I had concerns about his lack of patriotism for this country prior to this week. His actions this week are adding to this concern for me.

re: #47 nyc redneck

he is a radical leftist. respecting the military is alien to his thinking DNA.

fixed

re: #24 The Other Les

that scene is in a movie

Link for what i asserted earlier:
[Link: blogs.abcnews.com...]

Also Powerline blog: [Link: www.powerlineblog.com...]

re: #49 Nevergiveup

Neither do most of the democrats except that guy Lieberman. Oh Yeah, they kicked him out of the party. Hum?

Yep, and you can thank Markos "screw them" Moulitsas for that.

re: #39 experiencedtraveller

Obama believes we are "fighting a war without end". How can victory be possible for such a man?

McCain demands victory. Period.

Some pundit was wondering if the reason he wouldn't want to visit the base (in Germany) was that he would then have to confront the reality of the U.S. having troops in that country for 60 some years now.

You stay classy, Obama.

of course, our wounded soldiers are relieved they didn't have to engage the arrogant wind bag.

I thought Andrea Mitchell said McCain sabotaged the visit by the One

re: #50 seekeroftruth

Why do you think the Europeans love him? They know he hates America as much as they do.

re: #51 sattv4u2

fixed

i feel better already.
;)

But: Would he visit (emotionally) wounded National Service "troops" in the psych wards?

Yes, He CAN!

Picked up the WWII History magazine last night. Cover story JFK in WWII. bho can't hold a candle to that famous man. Seems Kennedy went into the service with a quote recorded about his peers were going, and he didn't want to be known for wearing "coward's tweeds" years later. Went on to say his sailors showed up at PT-109 seeing a guy in shorts scrapping the hull to get it ship shape. Toss in his serious back problems, colitis and a few other things that plagued him all his life, yet he put on a happy face and never let other know it, even when swimming four miles in ocean currents hauling a badly burnt crewman by a belt in his teeth. He made sure his wounded were cared for personally.

Next time bho compares himself to JFK, he should be slapped!

re: #58 SpartanWoman

I thought Andrea Mitchell said McCain sabotaged the visit by the One

Good grief, is that going to be the spin on this?

re: #22 concernedUCIstudent

He himself stated that he felt Obama made the appropriate choice of not making it a campaign stop; it should have been a private matter.

What a way to spin!

So, Obama is all full of virtue for chosing NOT to go, and thereby not "using" the wounded for campaign photo ops.

re: #59 Kenneth

Why do you think the Europeans love him? They know he hates America as much as they do.

How utterly sad, but true.

re: #55 ec marm

Good point.

He thinks he is President already. I find his arrogant elitism disgusting. I doubt I am alone. Is there anything Americans enjoy more than watching someone like that being shoved off his perch, taken down a peg?

That is what I hope happens Nov 4. May McCain win in a landslide (not that I am a fan if his, but watching Obama fall would be worth it!)

Oh, yes: "I DO NOT SUPPORT THE WAR AND I DON'T SUPPORT THE TROOPS!" rings lound and clear...and I hate my country, just like Michelle told me to...

After he loses in November (this incident really helps with that) do you think he can run for President of the UN? I'm sure they would love to make that position just for him.

re: #22 concernedUCIstudent

Fox News aired about an hour ago a live interview with Pennsylvania Democrat member of the House Joe Sestak, an Afghanistan and Iraq Wars veteran. He himself stated that he felt Obama made the appropriate choice of not making it a campaign stop; it should have been a private matter. Bill Hemmer didn't challenge him on those statements.

IMHO McCain is right - campaign or no campaign, he should have stopped and visited the servicemen.

Admiral Sestak did not serve in either Iraq or Afghanistan. he _was_ the first director of the Navy Operations Group (Deep Blue) which was set up after 9-11 to redefine the Navy's mission in a GWoT. Days after Mike Mullen became CNO he sacked Sestak. My understanding is that NOG Deep Blue has redone the entire previous four years work. Sestak is another Wesley Clark because he let a lot of people believe he served _in_ those theatres when actually served _during_ those conflicts.

Big difference.

Well, since there weren't any staged photo ops to be had, he had no use for the wounded soldiers. Besides, they're not going to vote for him anyway.

All the military will be for him is a meals on wheels program.

re: #31 american jewess in jerusalem

It is spot on humor -- the funniest thing I have read about Obamassiah yet.

re: #61 Curt

JFK's back pain was a result of injuries he suffered in WWII. I think the worst injury Obama ever suffered, aside from his frequently bruised ego, is a paper cut.

Finally he's in France now and we can go back to business

His snub of the injured troops is on the heels of his refusal to meet with the rank and file during his Afghan portion of the Obamarama world tour 2008.

Still, Uncle Jimbo defends Obama on this part - he would be misusing taxpayer dollars to use the soldiers as a prop.

Oh, Blackfive also shows Obama disembarking from a VC-22 Osprey - the kind of military system that Obama would have canned.

Wounded U.S. soldiers who were injured fighting for the very freedom Obama and other "citizens of the world" (including all those drunk Germans at a rock concert in a free and united Germany) enjoy get the cold shoulder. Jesus could only walk on water, but Obama can walk on the dignity of the very people he wants to rule. Another festivus miracle!

A visit to see wounded troops would be about the wounded troops.
BHO can't stand sharing the spotlight.

There is no point to going to visit our wounded soldiers if there isn't any media benefit to Obama. Don't be so hard on him. He's on a mission from God to become our new leader.

re: #69 shanimal1918

After he loses in November (this incident really helps with that) do you think he can run for President of the UN? I'm sure they would love to make that position just for him.

sorry, that seat's reserved for Bill Clinton

his arrogance will be his downfall.

Silly military refusing to allow wounded soldiers to be used as campaign props.

re: #73 Kenneth

The article indicated he already had some issues with his back, but being rammed by a DD going 40 kts with 10 seconds notice...well...it can cause injuries

re: #77 jcm

A visit to see wounded troops would be about the wounded troops.
BHO can't stand sharing the spotlight.

"Well, soldier, I've talked enough about myself. Tell me, what do you think about Barack Obama?"

re: #59 Kenneth

Why do you think the Europeans love him? They know he hates America as much as they do.

Obama wants America to be loved. The school slut is loved by many. I want America to be respected.

No teleprompters, not his own media lackeys with - what use would that visit be to him.

re: #82 Big Steve

and thank god, can you imagine the ads?

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn. “He (Obama) was more than welcome. We were all ready for him.”

Well, let me give you a little insight. Obama, like all leftists, doesn't give a rat's ass about any American troops, except for staging a political photoshoot. They are a part of what makes America strong, and leftists like Obama hate America, and all those who support her. So, if he can't use the loathed wounded troops for political gain, they mean nothing to him, therefore there is no reason to visit them.

re: #82 Big Steve

Silly military refusing to allow wounded soldiers to be used as campaign props.

"If they were smarter, they wouldn't have gotten into the military and gotten wounded in the 1st place"

/channeling John (Did you know I was in Vietnam?) Kerry

re: #75 lawhawk

Still, Uncle Jimbo defends Obama on this part - he would be misusing taxpayer dollars to use the soldiers as a prop.

It's the same spin as that other guy used.

Obama's avoidance of the troops portrayed as the virtue of not wanting to use them. As if he couldn't see them without media. As if he wasn't planning on seeing them until he learned he couldn't use them.

re: #78 rusty_armor

There is no point to going to visit our wounded soldiers if there isn't any media benefit to Obama. Don't be so hard on him. He's on a mission from God to become our new leader.

He's on a mission from G-d? Does this make him the lost Blues Brother?

re: #75 lawhawk

Oh, Blackfive also shows Obama disembarking from a VC-22 Osprey - the kind of military system that Obama would have canned.

I have mixed feelings about the Osprey, myself.

I'll tell you what sucks, even if he loses in November (God willing), he'll be back every four years with the same tired old routine. What else would he do with his time, serve in the Senate?

re: #49 Nevergiveup,

Lieberman was kicked out of the Party because he wanted to win the War. It is almost like losing the War is part of the Democratic Party Platform.

re: #86 callahan23

see my #10

re: #88 maddogg

Well, let me give you a little insight. Obama, like all leftists, doesn't give a rat's ass about any American troops, except for staging a political photoshoot. They are a part of what makes America strong, and leftists like Obama hate America, and all those who support her. So, if he can't use the loathed wounded troops for political gain, they mean nothing to him, therefore there is no reason to visit them.

And...from being one who was at a shore facility when DVs came around, we had all sorts of man power spooled up to make the visit go well, and many times, left standing and waiting, then told...they spent their time with the Public Works civil servants (you know...local voters). waste, fraud and abuse, brought to you by in considerate politicians...

re: #92 Occasional Reader

I have mixed feelings about the Osprey, myself.

It took long enough (and cost some lives) to get the thing to work properly, but now that it is working, the folks using it seem to love it.

re: #95 sattv4u2

I didn't know teleprompters weren't allowed in military hospitals!

Sorry missed that fine piece of commentary.

I don't buy the Pentagon advising Obama not to visit wounded troops. They don't get involved in campaigns

re: #73 Kenneth

JFK's back pain was a result of injuries he suffered in WWII. I think the worst injury Obama ever suffered, aside from his frequently bruised ego, is a paper cut.

Thought it was his gonads...
/That's what Rev. Jackson said...

Lieberman was kicked out of the Party because he wanted to win the War. It is almost like losing the War is part of the Democratic Party Platform.

Almost?

re: #92 Occasional Reader

I have mixed feelings about the Osprey, myself.

This gives us a lightning quick, over the horizon offensive combat capability, what's not to like?

re: #91 Kosh's Shadow

re: #91 Kosh's Shadow

He's on a mission from G-d? Does this make him the lost Blues Brother?

Yep ... James Brown is cast in the role of Rev. Wright . . .

Hmmm. Obama's "Wings over Europe" tour doesn't seem to be going as successfully as an earlier politicians "Wings over Germany" campaign.

re: #75 lawhawk

His snub of the injured troops is on the heels of his refusal to meet with the rank and file during his Afghan portion of the Obamarama world tour 2008.

Still, Uncle Jimbo defends Obama on this part - he would be misusing taxpayer dollars to use the soldiers as a prop.

Oh, Blackfive also shows Obama disembarking from a VC-22 Osprey - the kind of military system that Obama would have canned.

Exactly. He also wants to can the F-22 and the F-35. Anything that would give us a technological advantage.

Unfortunately, so does Defense Secretary Gates.

re: #54 Honorary Yooper

Yep, and you can thank Markos "screw them" Moulitsas for that.

His little plan backfired on him there and his guy with the money didn't even come close. He truly hates Sen Lieberman.

re: #103 rusty_armor

re: #91 Kosh's Shadow

Yep ... James Brown is cast in the role of Rev. Wright . . .

That is an insult to James Brown, PBUH!

Note to Obama:

Visiting wounded troops isn't about you. It's an opportunity to speak to the men and women who have sacrificed much and put themselves in harms way to protect the country your profess to love.

Truth be told...I'm sure the level of respect for Obama within the military is less than Obama's respect for the military.

re: #92 Occasional Reader

I have mixed feelings about the Osprey, myself.

Having followed the Osprey(for 15 years or so) and been involved with it in a very small way while working for an aircraft sub-contractor, I have no reservations about the Osprey. It is an unreliable platform which will kill many American troops before it is scrapped in the end.

Anybody know where in the MSM this little tidbit can be found?

re: #105 Spiny Norman

Exactly. He also wants to can the F-22 and the F-35. Anything that would give us a technological advantage.

Unfortunately, so does Defense Secretary Gates.

Hell, even Jimmy Carter OK'd the F-15 & F-16!

Semi OT: Today's London Times has a priceless satire on international Obamamania.

The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.

Read the whole thing.

so he has admitted the entire trip was for political gain
that "should" give the media reason to NOT call this trip something to prop u phis foreign relations cred, but you can fucking bet they won't call him on it

nor will they call him on the negative crap he said about America in Germany yesterday either

question is, will McCain call him on it
or will 527's have to step in and save his ass like W. in 2004 since their is no fairness in the media and some republicans would rather lose than fight back

re: #111 kansas

Anybody know where in the MSM this little tidbit can be found?

Is this what you're looking for?

his refusal to meet w/ the wounded soldiers is one of the most telling things abt. b.o.
he is so out of touch and narcissistic it doesn't even occur to him how this might look to regular americans
that is how sure the idiot is of himself.
that is the disdain he can heap on the american citizens.
and think he can get away w/ it.

BHO walking among the wounded soldiers. One soldier, clearly not with any visible wounds, is sitting at the end of his bed, head in his hands.

Obama: What’s the matter with you?
Soldier: Well, I… I guess I… I can’t take it anymore.
Obama: What did you say?
Soldier: It’s my nerves, sir. I… I just can’t stand the shelling anymore.
Obama: Your nerves? Well, hell, you’re just my kind of solder.
[Soldier starts sniveling]
Obama: Let it out!
[Hugs him, once forehanded, then from behind]
Obama: I’m not going to have a man sitting here crying! I need him in front of the cameras crying because of what George Bush did!
[Soldier snivels some more, and Obama kisses him on the lips, knocking his helmet away]
Obama : Its Ok, OK!
Obama [To the doctors]: There’s nothing wrong with him. I won’t have a man who’s so obviously been abused. He should have a place of honor! You will get him in front of the cameras now.
Obama [To soldier]: You’re going back the states and I am getting you a job in my campaign.
[Pulls his blackberry out. At that, the doctors leap forward and hustle the soldier out of the tent. Obama keeps shouting at the soldier’s back].
Obama: G-d-damned bastard Bush! Caused another soldier to get hurt.
[Takes deep breath]
Obama: I won’t have brave people in my campaign.

re: #97 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

It took long enough (and cost some lives) to get the thing to work properly, but now that it is working, the folks using it seem to love it.

Well, there's also the little matter of their costing at least $80 million a pop.

re: #75 lawhawk

Oh, Blackfive also shows Obama disembarking from a VC-22 Osprey - the kind of military system that Obama would have canned.

Yikers, they flew the entire delegation around in those things? I have to say, I'd be nervous. Are they actually working out in the field? I mean the airplanes, not the Congresscritters.

Think Obama will give a photo-op with a Dukacis helmet?

re: #119 itellu3times

Yes, and they've been quite reliable since they were fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Osprey had serious teething troubles, but it appears that they've figured things out.

Wounded US troops are not campaign props.

And therefore not worthy of Obama's time.

Obama probably forgot that the troops also vote. And usually in far higher proportion than the rest of the American citizenry.

.

Why should the One visit a bunch of guys & gals who got hurt during a "distraction" in Iraq? He thinks their wounds were for naught - a waste of time. Either he knows they know what he thinks and he can't look them in the eye; or he just genuinely believes they aren't worth his time.

Also, why should the One subject himself to a photo-op his handlers can't control? Why should he say a word that isn't witten on a teleprompter or hasn't been practiced in front of a mirror for an hour? Can you imagine the embarrassment if a wounded soldier asked an embarrassing question like, "Senator, do you really think I lost I my legs for nothing in Iraq? BECAUSE I DON'T!"? What, do you think Hussein Obama is stupid?

The only time I remember Obama visiting wounded troops was when he went to Walter Reed and used the visit to score political points.

re: #103 rusty_armor

hey dont you sully the reputation of the great one, the soul doctor...
James Brown

Apparantly BO does not really care about those soldiers who fight to protect his sorry *ss so he can flit around the world showing off how "wonderful" he is and "what a wonderful world" we would have if only HE were elected president of the world.

I'm sick of his attitude. I'm sick of his arrogance. I'm sick of his presumptuousness. I'm sick of having his babyface thrown at me every time I turn on the news. I'm sick of his inflated resume, and I fear an America with him at the helm.

It's amazing that this race is as close as it is. (Assuming that you believe that the polls are accurate; I take them with a huge grain of salt.) I don't know which plays a bigger role, the media worship of Obama or the fact that McCain is such a lame candidate in his own right.

re: #118 Occasional Reader

Well, there's also the little matter of their costing at least $80 million a pop.

What's money - we can just print more!

re: #111 kansas

Anybody know where in the MSM this little tidbit can be found?

That's a good one Kansas! I needed some humor after a 2 hoour commute to work this morning. Thanks again. LMAO

re: #108 Wendya

Note to Obama:

Visiting wounded troops isn't about you. It's an opportunity to speak to the men and women who have sacrificed much and put themselves in harms way to protect the country your profess to love.

I think after reading your note, senator obama might not be capable of anything but a blank stare and an "uh" or two. What do you mean it's not about him? ;)

The Obama camp said they canceled the event after the Pentagon ruled it was a campaign event, and needed to be funded from the senator’s election kitty.

[Link: blogs.wsj.com...]

re: #113 Jack Reacher

Oh, that's freakin' classic!

The Adoration of the Magi Media.

re: #126 songbird

Apparantly BO does not really care about those soldiers who fight to protect his sorry *ss so he can flit around the world showing off how "wonderful" he is and "what a wonderful world" we would have if only HE were elected president of the world.

I'm sick of his attitude. I'm sick of his arrogance. I'm sick of his presumptuousness. I'm sick of having his babyface thrown at me every time I turn on the news. I'm sick of his inflated resume, and I fear an America with him at the helm.

No one is going to fear an America with BHO at the helm - that's the problem.

re: #121 lawhawk

Yes, and they've been quite reliable since they were fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Osprey had serious teething troubles, but it appears that they've figured things out.

Teething problems ... for thirty years!

Still, we do know how to build fly-by-wire now, so maybe technology finally caught up with them.

Obama's prayer left in at the Wall in Jeresalem:

"Lord—Protect my family and me," reads the note published in the Maariv daily. "Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

WSJ's report of Obama's cancellation.

“Obama could not bring any media. Only military photographers would be permitted to record Obama’s visit.”

. . . and that was the end of that.

re: #91 Kosh's Shadow

He's on a mission from G-d? Does this make him the lost Blues Brother?

If so, I think Elwood would disown Obama in an instant for his stance on drilling for more oil. You see, Elwood likes to use cheap gasoline. :-)

re: #73 Kenneth

JFK's back pain was a result of injuries he suffered in WWII. I think the worst injury Obama ever suffered, aside from his frequently bruised ego, is a paper cut.

Yes, but we must never forget about Hanoi John Kerry's rice grain in the bum caper.

re: #8 ec marm

Any future commander in chief should be forced, at gunpoint if necessary, to see wounded troops.

Anybody who needs to be forced to visit wounded troops doesn't deserve to be the Commander-in-Chief.

re: #109 jorline

Truth be told...I'm sure the level of respect for Obama within the military is less than Obama's respect for the military.

Reminds me of this.

Contempt - sometimes you just cannot hide it.

re: #133 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

No one is going to fear an America with BHO at the helm - that's the problem.

That's right. He'll be a pushover for our enemies...worse than Carter.

The hollow man drinks from a jaded cup. And when the cup runs dry and he is again parched .. there is no well of despair but his own to quench his thirst. And he drinks again alone.

I've already stated numerous times that I don't like Obama, and here's some more evidence (in my opinion) that this man should not be president of this country. He doesn't feel it's important enough to visit soldiers that made it possible for him to even run for president because there's no photo-op? Disgusting.

I don't like this guy, I don't trust this guy, I have NO RESPECT for this guy, and I'd never vote for him.

And this is a surprise because... ?

Who's the "filter" in the campaign for decisions like this? - he/she needs a performance review.

re: #135 hermeneutics

I don't like that Ma'ariv violated his privacy and printed that note. Notes left in the Kotel are personal and should be respected. I am embarrassed that our Jewish editors let their greed get the better of them.

re: #107 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

That is an insult to James Brown, PBUH!

I didn't have James Brown in there; someone else replied to me.
OT, what was the last thing James Brown said?
"I don't feel good" (say that the way he used to sing "I feel goodd)

"Here lies a fallen god,
his fall was not a small one,
We did but build a pedestal,
a narrow and a tall one."

--Frank Herbert

re: #140 Cygnus

Anybody who needs to be forced to visit wounded troops doesn't deserve to be the Commander-in-Chief.

indeed......whenever I fly and there is a uniformed service person, folks always clamor to be the one to buy them a drink on the plane.

it never fails, the American flying public respects our military, Obama and the left, despise them

re: #119 itellu3times

Yikers, they flew the entire delegation around in those things? I have to say, I'd be nervous. Are they actually working out in the field? I mean the airplanes, not the Congresscritters.

Back in the 70's the AV-8 Harriers were killing more than their share of Marine pilots. It was a big transition for helo or fixed wing pilots to manage flying a hybrid, also equipped with thrusters. Now...it's routine.

Same thing when us skydivers used to stand back and hold out our skeptisim when "squares" first showed up in the mid-70s. Heck, we even used to have people breaking ankles and legs "flying" Paracommanders (now used for parasailing rides). Now? Every student is making jump #1 used not one, but two "squares." Any noob jumper can tell you how to fly one.

It takes time to absorb technology. Ask that Icarus guy....

It's cruel of him to withhold his healing touch from those injured soldiers for crass political reasons.

re: #122 Dad O' Blondes

Wounded US troops are not campaign props.

And therefore not worthy of Obama's time.

Obama probably forgot that the troops also vote. And usually in far higher proportion than the rest of the American citizenry.

They vote Republican.

And therefore not worthy of Obama's time.

Priorities, man. You have to have priorities.

re: #151 Buster Bunny

What the HELL?!

re: #70 Quilly Mammoth
BINGO - spot on Post.
Even if it WASN'T a good campaign photo op, Obama politically should have visited the wounded troops - now he appears not to care about them at all.
And it IS a pefect setting for a Congressional Fact Finding mission, no? Speak to those who've been and done and paid a significant price for so doing?
Barack Hussein Obama is not just an empty suit; he's also an ignorant horse's ass.

Perhaps Obama sincerely believes that he has no reason to thank the wounded troops at Landstuhl for their sacrifice? No perhaps to it!

re: #135 hermeneutics

Obama's prayer left in at the Wall in Jeresalem:

"Lord—Protect my family and me," reads the note published in the Maariv daily. "Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

THEOCRAT BUSH SAYS HE IS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD'S WILL!

Oh, it was Obama? Well, then how sweet that is.

/MSM

re: #103 rusty_armor

Since James Brown was a proud Republican, I doubt he'd have accepted the role.

Someone posted a link with a pic of Obamessiah in Germany hoisting several monster mugs 'o beer in an Oktoberfest-style. It was hilarious and I would love the link as I didn't keep it and my Google-fu is weak.

Please and thank you.

re: #155 Occasional Reader

What the HELL?!

Yea...wtf....explain

Shock and awe! Obama style.

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn.

Oh yes you do know why, we all do.

This shows what we can expect in 09 if elected. Our military is what guarantees this bonehead the right to spout off moronic crap that he calls his carefully researched opinion. All I know is that I'm writing in Theodore Roosevelt this November!

re: #155 Occasional Reader

What the HELL?!

Ditto, with a WTF thrown in for good measure!

My own take? It is never inappropriate to visit our men and women in the military." Especially when you want to be the CinC. For Obama, that means being elected President of the United States.

Military Veterans Favor McCain 56% to 37%

[Link: www.rasmussenreports.com...]

re: #163 boatguyjim

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn.

Oh yes you do know why, we all do.

This shows what we can expect in 09 if elected. Our military is what guarantees this bonehead the right to spout off moronic crap that he calls his carefully researched opinion. All I know is that I'm writing in Theodore Roosevelt this November!

Then you are helping Obama win. Right?

May I "fourth" or "fifth" the request for extrapolation on #151?

re: #75 lawhawk Wait a minute here - I distinctly remember photos of Obama "meeting" with troops when folks were complaining that none or very few of the troops he was meeting with were White troops. That they were in a combat zone doesn't make any fracking difference and I do and must disagree with Uncle
Jimbo about this.

And lo .. Obamessiah went forth to the masses and said ... here .. all ye four supporters of mine in Israel .. go forth to spread the word .. and that word was Change .. and it was good.

But the lord looked upon these four supporters with wrath and they were smitten by stray bulls just before the election. And so the message of the leader was lost between bull and change.

I see #151 has been flushed.

The more I learn about the O, the less I like the O.

....but he does give a good speech.

Picture this guy laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; or giving a speech at Omaha Beach on June 6th.

God, I pray the American people come to their senses.

re: #166 Dustyvet

Military Veterans Favor McCain 56% to 37%

[Link: www.rasmussenreports.com...]

that is obviously a fixed and or biased poll. McCain is far to old to win any polls. i would have to say the people at rasmussen probably hate black people. stupid typical white people

The official said “We didn’t know why”

Yes we do. It's obvious. Don't be afraid to speak the truth.

re: #145 the_moll

And this is a surprise because... ?

re: #145 the_moll - It's a surprise this story came via MSNBC.

re: #174 MarcusAurelius

Picture this guy laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; or giving a speech at Omaha Beach on June 6th.

God, I pray the American people come to their senses.

I can't...you know...they'd be pulled from his schedule....

re: #147 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I don't like that Ma'ariv violated his privacy and printed that note. Notes left in the Kotel are personal and should be respected. I am embarrassed that our Jewish editors let their greed get the better of them.

Grrr, so there shouldn't be any misunderstanding surrounding my choice of words -- the Jewish editors should know better, being Jewish and all, and should respect notes left in the Kotel and that respect should override any business greed (not that being Jewish, they are particularly susceptible to greedy impulses!) Gah.

re: #151 Buster Bunny

I'm not usually one for dinging things down, but that comment was so over the top I felt it necessary to do so. If that was an attempt at humor, it definitely fell way short of the goal.

{realwest} Hello, luv *smoooooch* How are you?

I haven't had time to read all of the posts so I am probably repeating what has already been said.

The fact that he would cancel the visit makes me livid. Considering the sacrifices that have been made by the soldiers he should have made a visit regardless of the lack of photo op, simply as a show of respect and gratitude. The fact that he did not speaks volumes.

The only bright spot is that the soldiers are probably grateful he didn't visit.

re: #155 Occasional Reader

re: #161 Big Steve

re: #169 Silhouette

it's snippets like that (what we saw and are questioning) that are taken and re-posted on KOS and HuffPo that "proves" that all conservatives in general and Charles in particular are part of the KKK

I step away for 3 minutes to let the nurse in and 151 posts AND gets deleted......what the heck happened

I feel so left out, like a wounded G.I.

WALLS!

re: #101 Wisenheimer

Almost?

Part?

re: #179 MrSilverDragon

I'm not usually one for dinging things down, but that comment was so over the top I felt it necessary to do so. If that was an attempt at humor, it definitely fell way short of the goal.

It was baaad .. and it should be deleted.

re: #92 Occasional Reader

I have mixed feelings about the Osprey, myself.

Yeah, me too - it's safety record (let alone it's vaunted value in combat is, IMO, grossly overstated) is not anything close to what would be normally acceptable.
When I read that Obama was riding in one, given his attitude towards the Military, I sorta wondered if someone hadn't.............................
nevermind, don't really want to go there.

re: #158 Silhouette

THEOCRAT BUSH SAYS HE IS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD'S WILL!

Oh, it was Obama? Well, then how sweet that is.

/MSM

Nice catch.

"He thinks God is talking to him!" etc. etc.

re: #166 Dustyvet

Military Veterans Favor McCain 56% to 37%

[Link: www.rasmussenreports.com...]

Aren't those lower numbers than Bush had in 2004? I would have thought it would be higher for McCain.

re: #174 MarcusAurelius

Picture this guy laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; or giving a speech at Omaha Beach on June 6th.

"We all know that America made a lot of mistakes that day, and for that I apologize. Many French civilians were killed, friendly fire incidents were high, and critics argue that the whole enterprise may have been unnecessary because Germany surrendered the next year anyway."

re: #174 MarcusAurelius

Picture this guy laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; or giving a speech at Omaha Beach on June 6th.

God, I pray the American people come to their senses.

sorry to tell you but Mobama is going to France today
where they are renaming it

Obamaha Beach

re: #183 Adrenalyn

I step away for 3 minutes to let the nurse in and 151 posts AND gets deleted......what the heck happened

I feel so left out, like a wounded G.I.

Buster Bunny made a racist post. May have been trying to be funny but it wasn't.

Apologies to all concerned who actually read it. It was over the top and not worth reading twice.

re: #187 realwest

Yeah, me too - it's safety record (let alone it's vaunted value in combat is, IMO, grossly overstated) is not anything close to what would be normally acceptable.

And I keep coming back to $80 million apiece for a glorified Blackhawk. Defense resources are finite.

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

re: #179 MrSilverDragon

The comment has been deleted - so - problem solved.

re: #193 Buster Bunny

Apologies to all concerned who actually read it. It was over the top and not worth reading twice.

I wonder how many people would have showed up in Berlin to watch obambi's speech if there hadn't had been a free concert right before it?

re: #190 Silhouette

"We all know that America made a lot of mistakes that day, and for that I apologize. Many French civilians were killed, friendly fire incidents were high, and critics argue that the whole enterprise may have been unnecessary because Germany surrendered the next year anyway."

"And may I take this opportunity to apologize for the bomb that fell on Dresden."

re: #136 jorline

WSJ's report of Obama's cancellation.

This is an important article. There's something funny about this situation. It doesn't make sense to say that he wouldn't go if it couldn't be treated as a photo op. The Pentagon was saying that it had to be treated as a campaign event, rather than a visit by a member of Congress. He decided not to go to avoid having his visit characterized as a campaign event, and he made other visits to wounded troops earlier in the trip.

Man's last words just before being executed.
Tell the governor he just lost my vote.
[Link: afp.google.com...]

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

uh, in a word - YES
if that is true, he should have known
he is so damned smart and all
and has the best ex-military officers (like Wesly Clarke) at his disposal

ignorance of the law is no excuse, as they say.....

Well, that makes perfect sense. If he can't get political mileage out of it, why do it? After all, these troops are the dregs of society. (sarc. off) Clearly Obama is more interested in being treated like a rock star by the German youth than showing respect to our bravest and best who put it all on the line for us all. What a shit! Speaking of Rock Stars, Obama did it again. There was a free rock concert before his speech. I wonder if that had anything to do with the crowd size. Remember the 100 thousand person crowd in Portland? There was a concert there too, but the press doesn't think that has any bearing on the story.

re: #175 blutonazi98

that is obviously a fixed and or biased poll. McCain is far to old to win any polls. i would have to say the people at rasmussen probably hate black people. stupid typical white people

So your a veteran then?

re: #190 Silhouette
that is exactly what he would have said, interspersed with lots of uhms and uhhs. Anti-American self-involved twit.

Who is payin for this grandiose showdown on the world stage?

I mean .. who is Obama tryin to impress by taking on the world firsthand BEFORE he is elected ?

re: #119 itellu3times

Found this. Not that I know much more about them and their reliability.

Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors have flown more than 1,400 combat sorties in Iraq since deploying to Al Anbar province in October, including the first aeroscout missions to hunt down insurgents, says the US Marine Corps.

With some 2,000 flying hours logged in Iraq, the aircraft are maintaining an average mission-capable availability rate of 68.1%, The USMC says the MV-22 squadron in Iraq "has not missed a launch due to mechanical issues".

The mission-capable rate for all USMC aircraft is 76% and the goal for the Osprey is be at 82% by 60,000h, the service says, addding that the entire MV-22 fleet is currently at about 30,000h.

According to the Marines, the 10 MV-22Bs of medium tiltrotor squadron VMM-263 have taken over the full range of assault support missions from the Sikorsky CH-53Ds previously operated in Anbar province by HMH-363.

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

nothing wrong with hailing a cab and having it take you to the hospital on your own nickle, stepping away from "campaign mode" for an hour

Why is anyone here surprised he skipped out on the troops to party with his EU-Media Arugula friends.

Wannabe has not held ONE meeting as chair of the Senate Afghanistan something or other committee, though it is his JOB.

Not ONE meeting has he convened to discuss Afghanistan in the Senate committee in 4 years.

re: #200 JustMyView

This is an important article. There's something funny about this situation. It doesn't make sense to say that he wouldn't go if it couldn't be treated as a photo op. The Pentagon was saying that it had to be treated as a campaign event, rather than a visit by a member of Congress. He decided not to go to avoid having his visit characterized as a campaign event, and he made other visits to wounded troops earlier in the trip.

you're shittin' me man

you take the NYTimes blog as a news source
anything with the slimes has zero credibility

oh shit, I forgot - your the troll
I should have known this would come out of you

A nice take on his "coverage"...
[Link: www.timesonline.co.uk...]

re: #200 JustMyView

This is an important article. There's something funny about this situation. It doesn't make sense to say that he wouldn't go if it couldn't be treated as a photo op. The Pentagon was saying that it had to be treated as a campaign event, rather than a visit by a member of Congress. He decided not to go to avoid having his visit characterized as a campaign event, and he made other visits to wounded troops earlier in the trip.

As usual, you're missing the point. The visit would not have fallen under the "campaign event" characterization if Obama had agreed to visit without press. And that, you see, he just couldn't do.

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

He COULD have gone if he had agreed to NOT make it a photo-op trip, if he had agreed to leave the entourage of press OUT OF IT....but his ego wouldn't allow such a "disgraceful display of NON-press coverage," (afterall he IS the messiah, and how dare wounded soldiers and "policy" stand in the way of his popularity polls!) so he cancelled the visit.

re: #160 Miss Trixie Hey {Miss Trixie} How are you gorgeous - didja get my e-mail about your e-mail system?!

re: #187 realwest

Yeah, me too - it's safety record (let alone it's vaunted value in combat is, IMO, grossly overstated) is not anything close to what would be normally acceptable.
When I read that Obama was riding in one, given his attitude towards the Military, I sorta wondered if someone hadn't.............................
nevermind, don't really want to go there.

Where i go fishing in Northern Wisc. there are Osprey that dive from high in the sky straight down into the Lake to catch fish.. Something that's cool to watch.. But i don't think naming a 'plane' after a bird that dives straight down was the best descriptive name.

re: #190 Silhouette

re: #174 MarcusAurelius

Picture this guy laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; or giving a speech at Omaha Beach on June 6th.

"We all know that America made a lot of mistakes that day, and for that I apologize. Many French civilians were killed, friendly fire incidents were high, and critics argue that the whole enterprise may have been unnecessary because Germany surrendered the next year anyway."

Heh.

Most our friendly neighborhood Marxists believe the whole enterprise WAS unnecessary: they still insist that the Normandy landings' sole purpose was to prevent the Soviets from liberating conquering all of Europe.

re: #212 Occasional Reader

As usual, you're missing the point. The visit would not have fallen under the "campaign event" characterization if Obama had agreed to visit without press. And that, you see, he just couldn't do.

Shill keep hammering the pro-Obama points until enough people figure her game.

"Hope" and "Change of Itinerary".

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

The campaign is not paying for this. American tax-payers are.

Obama is such a self serving peice of shit.

The Pentagon said "You can't come while campaigning" and the thought to suspend his campaigning never once entered his head.

And he is probably dumbfounded that anyone would be upset because clearly he was told he couldn't come while campaigning, can't we see that?

re: #141 Silhouette

Reminds me of this.

Contempt - sometimes you just cannot hide it.

spot-on and picture was apropos...thanks

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

* * *
Except the trip was also billed as a Congressional Delegation--taxpayer funded trip for fact-finding!

Remember, he was supposed to be fact finding what was happening in Iraq & Afghanistan, because he had not been there, and McCain challenged Obama to go there together & get educated on the ground.

This was a CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION trip with Senators Chuck Hagel (R) and Senator Jack Reed (D)

Perhaps when Obama hit Europe, it became a campaign world rally, Tour de Hype.

PS, The secret service has asked for $9 million more to provide campaign security on international trips to Obama (and possibly Sen. McCain). This was in today's [Link: www.dcexaminer.com...]

re: #207 Viking6

Did they relate how many man-hours / mission were required to keep those death traps flying?

The Marine Corps brass wanted the Osprey, no matter what, so we have them.

re: #198 Typicalwhitey,

Oh, lots. I don't make lite of Obama's popularity in Europe. His vision of America is what the Europeans want. A weaker, more subservient America. One that follows Eurabia's lead when dealing with the Mohammedans is exactly what many Europeans want.

OTOH, how many electoral votes does Germany have? I really think that "citizen of the World" bullshit will come back to haunt him. It's what hard-core, Left of Lenin Liberals in San Francisco want to hear, sure.

Moderates in Jesusland, not so much.

re: #200 JustMyView

In my opinion, this decision by the Obama campaign reinforces the notion that Obama's overseas trip is one giant campaign trip, and not a "fact finding" trip as it was earlier portrayed.

Obama should be hit hard on this, taking his campaign to the world - the "global test", so to speak. This will not sit well with Blue Collar Democrats and Independents.

re: #207 Viking6

Found this. Not that I know much more about them and their reliability.

Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors have flown more than 1,400 combat sorties in Iraq since deploying to Al Anbar province in October, including the first aeroscout missions to hunt down insurgents, says the US Marine Corps.

With some 2,000 flying hours logged in Iraq, the aircraft are maintaining an average mission-capable availability rate of 68.1%, The USMC says the MV-22 squadron in Iraq "has not missed a launch due to mechanical issues".

The mission-capable rate for all USMC aircraft is 76% and the goal for the Osprey is be at 82% by 60,000h, the service says, addding that the entire MV-22 fleet is currently at about 30,000h.

According to the Marines, the 10 MV-22Bs of medium tiltrotor squadron VMM-263 have taken over the full range of assault support missions from the Sikorsky CH-53Ds previously operated in Anbar province by HMH-363.

Osprey had a lot of development problems including some high profile crashes, was welling as going over budget, and late.

Ordinary voters generally don't form opinions on media-hyped events, like Obama's trip, for several days. They talk among themselves first. Also, the "push-back" has a lot of impact on consensus opinion.

It is imperative that we stop talking among ourselves and start hanging out with co-workers, moderate/Independent friends, our own family members, the person in line behind you at the grocer, neighbors ...

The next five days are crucial. Please go out there and talk to at least ONE person every day for the next five days.

It's probably for the best. They are already wounded, why make them suffer through B. Hussein Obama too?

I'm thinking that our wounded soldiers didn't miss a darn thing.

re: #208 sattv4u2

Which is what he ought to have done.

re: #230 onyxraven1979

It's probably for the best. They are already wounded, why make them suffer through B. Hussein Obama too?

Because his extemporaneous "ahhhh, uhhhhhhs" have magical healing power. Didn't you know that?

re: #212 Occasional Reader

As usual, you're missing the point. The visit would not have fallen under the "campaign event" characterization if Obama had agreed to visit without press. And that, you see, he just couldn't do.

They would let him bring along his camp followers, even just a few, so he said "fuck it", if not in that language.

re: #225 maddogg

Sorry not in the article. I know that they have a very troubled past and I probably wouldn't take a ride in one. I am assuming their uptime takes a lot of maintenance hours.

When this empty suit deflates, it's gonna be ugly! John McCain, luckiest presidential candidate ever.

"...because political candidates are prohibited from using military installations as campaign backdrops, Obama’s representatives were told, “he could only bring two or three of his Senate staff member, no campaign officials or workers.” In addition, “Obama could not bring any media. Only military photographers would be permitted to record Obama’s visit.”

And there you have the reason right there - you do not dictate the terms of the messiah's visit, the messiah does! Silly military....

Besides, these are soldiers wounded in a war that we are winning entirely the wrong message for the BO campaign to send out.

*SPIT*

re: #166 Dustyvet
Don't know who those 37% are - and don't understand this (from your link):
"In the new survey, 61% of military veterans have a favorable opinion of McCain while 46% say the same about Obama. Thirty-seven percent (37%) have an unfavorable opinion of McCain while 51% offer an unfavorable opinion of Obama."
How the hell can 46% have a favorable opinion of Obama while 51% have an unfavorable opinon of Obama? Somethings either screwed up in the polling data or the way it was transcribed.

re: #201 bosforus

Man's last words just before being executed.
Tell the governor he just lost my vote.
[Link: afp.google.com...]

* * *
Ouch! Because that now dead felon knew our Virginia democrat governor wants felons to vote this year...There's 5 million disenfranchised felons who'd like to vote this year.

So the US military, which BHO hopes to command, has divisions he couldn't care less about healing.

Unfit.

Contemptible.

re: #199 Occasional Reader

"And may I take this opportunity to apologize for the bomb Obama that fell on Dresden." Berlin

I am ashamed he calls himself an American. . .he's IS right about one thing, he doesn't look like any other other Americans who spoke there. . .those OTHER Americans were proud and strong. . .and did not shit on their fellow Americans. . .

re: #213 LeonidasofSparta

....his ego wouldn't allow such a "disgraceful display of NON-press coverage," (after all he IS the messiah....).

From Limbaugh's show yesterday: "Before Obama left Israel during his Middle East tour, he wanted the opportunity to visit Bethlehem so that he could see his birthplace."

One of those few occasions when Rush made me laugh out loud.

re: #228 jcm

Osprey had a lot of development problems including some high profile crashes, was welling as going over budget, and late.

I was at Lejeune when they were doing some of the testing at New River Air Station. Big NCIS investigation over falsification of the maintenance records for the Osprey back in 2000-2001. My team actually got sent over with some MPs to seize their commands file and mail servers so NCIS could ensure they didn't have an "accident" before they could get to them.

Is anyone else getting really really annoyed with this guy? How arrogant can one be?

re: #225 maddogg

Did they relate how many man-hours / mission were required to keep those death traps flying?

The Marine Corps brass wanted the Osprey, no matter what, so we have them.

I thought those Ospreys sounded pretty cool at first. Three of our nephews were USMC crew chiefs.....they set me straight.

re: #238 realwestPolling data is full of shit!

re: #195 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I just read in another newsite's comments section that there is a Pentagon rule against visiting injured soldiers while on a campaign funded trip. Is that true? If so, then he has not done anything wrong.

That's close to right. Apparently the rule is that he'd have had to visit as a campaigner (because this part of his trip was funded by the campaign), and he didn't want the visit to be seen as a campaign stop.

re: #234 Spiny Norman

*wouldn't*

Shiznit.

re: #211 anotherindyfilmguy

That was great! Thanks for sharing!

i just hope the McCain people are building a nice folder of this stuff ...

although lately it DOES seem that McCain is starting to be a bit more aggressive.

maybe McCain is a slow "starter" but an effective "closer."

re: #212 Occasional Reader

As usual, you're missing the point. The visit would not have fallen under the "campaign event" characterization if Obama had agreed to visit without press. And that, you see, he just couldn't do.

I don't think you're right about that. I think that, once he learned that the visit had to be called a campaign stop, he decided not to make it.

Did you hear the one about Barack Obama and ... ?

"After a quick meet-and-greet with King Abdullah, Obama was off to Israel, where he made a quick stop at the manger in Bethlehem where he was born." -- Jon Stewart

"It was kind of surprising; they really love Obama in Germany. He's like a rock star over there. It's impressive until you realize that David Hasselhoff is also like a rock star over there." -- Jimmy Kimmel

"Hey, did you see Barack Obama playing basketball with our troops in Iraq? Did you see that one shot he made from 40 feet? Forty feet. Let me tell you something. If shooting baskets now is a requirement to be president, a white guy may never have that job again." -- Jay Leno

re: #175 blutonazi98
Nah, those are VETERANS that they polled and I could understand a lot of Vietnam Veterans (especially Kerry's ilk) not liking McCain or rather preferring Obama.
And no, I didn't like the Vietnam Vets Against the War back in the day, either.

re: #238 realwest

I suspect the missing 2% are the No Opinion ones and that didn't get reported. JMHO.

re: #229 hermeneutics

Ordinary voters generally don't form opinions on media-hyped events, like Obama's trip, for several days. They talk among themselves first. Also, the "push-back" has a lot of impact on consensus opinion.

It is imperative that we stop talking among ourselves and start hanging out with co-workers, moderate/Independent friends, our own family members, the person in line behind you at the grocer, neighbors ...

The next five days are crucial. Please go out there and talk to at least ONE person every day for the next five days.

Or, send all this info to your email friends. I do and have changed a few minds. And, they send on to their lists. I've heard from a friend who sent the info on and heard back from one on their list that is CHANGing their vote from obama to mccain.
Reach more people with email but also talk to those that are not online.

re: #115 jorline

Is this what you're looking for?

Not really. It's Fox News. I was thinking more AP, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC. Matthews, Olbermann maybe?

re: #215 HoosierHoops

Where do you fish in northern Wi.?

re: #252 JustMyView

Obama's whole life so far has been a 'campaign' and we should judge it all as such.

re: #113 Jack Reacher

Read the whole thing..........hilarious

Is the 'London Times On line' the same as the London Times at news stands?

re: #241 DisturbedEma

I am ashamed he calls himself an American. . .

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks said that she is ashamed to be from the state of Texas. Well, I'm ashamed that (she is) fucking from America." - Dave Mustaine of Megadeth

Right on, you patriotic metalhead!

re: #241 DisturbedEma

he's IS right about one thing, he doesn't look like any other other Americans who spoke there

A lizardoid from Germany ("KSV" I think is the nick) was spot on yesterday about that line from the Obamessiah; it was an insult to his audience. He was basically calling them a bunch of racists, if you think about it. Of course, they can find redemption from their sin of racism by loving and adoring Him; that was the message.

re: #247 JustMyView
Umm, no. You can't visit as a campaign stop. You can't use troops for campaign props. He could've went to visit as a Senator with no campaign staff/aides and had photo ops FOR the troops, not for obambi. Worthless POS he is.

re: #75 lawhawk

I believe that he is afraid to meet with the rank and file because he can't control what they will say to him. He doesn't want any surprises, and surprises are what you get when you deal with people whose agenda, if any, are unknown to you.

Interesting article

re: #150 Adrenalyn

indeed......whenever I fly and there is a uniformed service person, folks always clamor to be the one to buy them a drink on the plane.

it never fails, the American flying public respects our military, Obama and the left, despise them

I flew to San Diego a few years and we had a group of soldiers who had just come back from Iraq. The airplane had a few empty seats in First Class so they let some of the soldiers upgrade for free. Everybody on the plane was applauding for the soldiers at that point! Oh my, that felt good!

re: #244 IgofAntioch

Is anyone else getting really really annoyed with this guy? How arrogant can one be?

I passed "GETTING" way back when !

re: #200 JustMyView

This is an important article. There's something funny about this situation. It doesn't make sense to say that he wouldn't go if it couldn't be treated as a photo op. The Pentagon was saying that it had to be treated as a campaign event, rather than a visit by a member of Congress. He decided not to go to avoid having his visit characterized as a campaign event, and he made other visits to wounded troops earlier in the trip.

What's with the NYT's source? The military uses this rage as TP in the latrine.

re: #247 JustMyView

That's close to right. Apparently the rule is that he'd have had to visit as a campaigner (because this part of his trip was funded by the campaign), and he didn't want the visit to be seen as a campaign stop.

You're still missing the point:

“Obama could not bring any media. Only military photographers would be permitted to record Obama’s visit.”

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn. “He (Obama) was more than welcome. We were all ready for him.”

They would have allowed a private meeting, but not a campaign stop. Barry didn't want to go without a phalanx of worship media around him, so he passed.

It's really quite simple.

re: #180 Miss Trixie
Hey *smooch* back atcha - please see my #214!

re: #220 MandyManners

The campaign is not paying for this. American tax-payers are.

Right on, Mandy. He's getting a free ride. McCain needs to take the gloves off soon.

re: #224 alegrias

* * *
Except the trip was also billed as a Congressional Delegation--taxpayer funded trip for fact-finding!

Remember, he was supposed to be fact finding what was happening in Iraq & Afghanistan, because he had not been there, and McCain challenged Obama to go there together & get educated on the ground.

This was a CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION trip with Senators Chuck Hagel (R) and Senator Jack Reed (D)

Perhaps when Obama hit Europe, it became a campaign world rally, Tour de Hype.

PS, The secret service has asked for $9 million more to provide campaign security on international trips to Obama (and possibly Sen. McCain). This was in today's [Link: www.dcexaminer.com...]

The CODEL part of the trip ended after Jordan. His time in Israel and Europe were all paid for by the campaign. Hagel and Reed went home after Jordan.