This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here

Author: TSO

  • Clark, VoteVets, and the Obama Campaign

    What I love most about this whole General Clark debacle is what is not being talked about, his ties to the VoteVets Political Action Committee.

    First, a little background. I hate VoteVets more even than I hate IVAW. IVAW members tend to exaggerate their stories, or lie about things they’ve done. VoteVets is more insidious, because they run television ads that are completely bogus. For instance, there was their attack on Jim Talent during his Senate Campaign. VoteVets had this guy Josh Lansdale telling his tale of woe. Turns out most of his story was made up, and the vast bulk of his combat experience was from fighting at Mahogeny Ridge to get another beer or bowl of pretzels.

    Next they went after George Allen in Virginia, over his desire to outfit the entire military in Viet Nam issue body armor. Which of course was ridiculous. When the non-partisan group Factcheck.org stated that the ads contained numerous inconsistencies and false statements, VoteVets went after them. As FactCheck notes on their site about the ads:

    VoteVets.org disputes our analysis and accuses us of “muddying the waters.” We have posted their memo at right, as a courtesy to VoteVets and so our readers may judge for themselves. We find that it – like the VoteVets ad – contains factual inaccuracies, which we discuss at the end of the “Analysis” section.

    We also note that VoteVets accuses FactCheck.org of showing too little respect for “the sacrifice the fallen made” while body armor was in short supply. We find that offensive. We wish that partisans on both sides would show more respect for facts, and we believe that false political ads are a poor way to honor the dead.

    So, needless to say, I’ve always been a huge fan of these guys.

    In particular, I love the name, “Vote Vets.” I mean it really conveys something doesn’t it? Which explains why they are supporting Non-Vet Obama over Vet-McCain. It also explains why even though Obama has stepped away from Clark’s statements demeaning an actual vet, Vote Vets is currently running a campaign in support of what General Clark said. Good thing there’s no collusion between the Obama Campaign (w/ Wesley Clark) and the Vote Vets PAC (w/ Wesley Clark).

    Now, VetsForFreedom had a similiar issue a few months ago when McCain won the primary, and VFF had Senators Lieberman and Graham on their Board. So, Liebs and Graham resigned those positions. I have yet to see anyone calling on Clark to do the same, and frankly, I won’t be holding my breath.

    Anyway, if you want a chuckle, watch my buddy David Bellavia debating Jon Stoltz last night on Fox News:

    [youtube A8-ALlN4FOs nolink]

    And if you are REALLY, REALLY, REALLY bored, this is TSO debating Brandon Friedman of Vote Vets regarding comments made by Rush Limbaugh.

    [youtube DShxBn7EVm8 nolink]

    (And yes, I know I look like a clown, and the Red Sox reference was for my Dad, who unfortunately would side with Brandon on any issue dealing with politics.)

    UPDATED: “More on odious WesleyClark” from Michelle Malkin.

  • My inaugaral post

    Now, I know the jeopardy of having my first post just oozing with estrogen, but the man that wore that crazy blue shirt up to West Chester can’t possibly hit me for this one, and the only other likely culprit is LT Nixon, and I heard he’s spending all his free time trolling the upper midwest for men.

    So anyway, hello this ain’t hell minions! I’m your not-particularly humble correspondant TSO who has been waiting in vain for 4 days to find something blog worthy. And I think I found it.

    Meet 12 year old Minnesotan E’leese Madgett Manrique.

    eleese

    In her words:

    I am going to ride from town to town raising money. We will create a place where any soldier in need of a place to heal can go for free.The Ranch will not be fancy, in fact it will be humble. Just like the men and women that serve their country. Here in Minnesota we have a very good life. People in Minnesota have a long tradition of service and volunteering. Neighbor helping neighbor. The Ranch will be a number of cabins surrounding a lodge and dining room. Soldiers can spend the day lounging around. Taking a walk, going for a swim, or taking a horse out for a ride. Do ranch chores or relax, read a book, or have a good conversation, be our guest. For those who do so much for others, we thank you.

    She’s getting support from Minnesotan politicians like Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, and Governor (and dare I hope, VP candidate) Tim Pawlenty. Either way, the story is humbling. Some people *cough* IVAW *cough* Codestink *cough* talk about helping the vets, and others just get on their horse and get it done. Not that I would suggest that any groups are less mature than a 12 year old girl of course. *cough* liar *cough*

    Anyway, here is a long article about it, and if you are significantly less manly that I am, bring some kleenex. Thankfully, I am the paragon of manliness, and never succomb to such petty things as feelings.

    And, thus spake Ortner.

    (And like nearly all TSO posts to follow, this one initially replete with spelling and grammar errors.)