RangerSix

I also agree that Forrest should not have been banned. If you can get past his blunt trauma style, he does make some valid points. He's also made me laugh on more than one occasion. There are many others on here just as insulting and condescending as Forrest ever was.

---------------- On 3/24/2003 5:24:15 PM TheEAR wrote: Its 5:25PM here and I will no longer post about war topics.The BS makes my blood boil and does not help much. ---------------- This may cool your boiling blood. DOGFIGHT Bush and Osama decided to settle the war once and for all. They sat down and decided to settle the whole dispute with one dog fight. They would have 5 years to breed the best fighting dog in the world and whichever side's dog won would be entitled to dominate the world. Osama found the biggest, meanest Doberman and Rottweiler female dogs in the world and bred them with the biggest, meanest Siberian wolves. They selected only the biggest and strongest puppy from each litter, removed his siblings, which gave him all the milk. After 5 years, they came up with the biggest, meanest dog the world had ever seen. Its cage needed steel bars that were 5" thick and nobody could get near it. When the day came for the dogfight, Bush showed up with a strange looking animal. It was a 9 foot long Dachshund. Everyone felt sorry for Bush because they knew there was no way that this dog could possibly last 10 seconds with the Afghanistani dog. When the cages were opened up, the Dachshund came out of its cage and slowly waddled over towards Osama's dog. Osama's dog snarled and leaped out of it's cage and charged the American Dachshund----but When it got close enough to bite the Dachshund's neck, the Dachshund opened it's mouth and consumed Osama's dog in one bite. There was nothing left at all of his dog. Osama came up to Bush, shaking his head in disbelief. "We don't understand how this could have happened. We had our best people working for 5 years with the meanest Doberman and Rottweiler female dogs in the world and the biggest, meanest Siberian wolves." "That's nothing," said Bush. "We had our best plastic surgeons working for 5 years to make that alligator look like weenie dog. Woof!

---------------- On 3/24/2003 10:43:42 AM jt1stcav wrote: RangerSix, very nice indeed. Hope it's insured! That's a museum piece for sure. I can imagine you spent a pretty penney on that piece! Get that display case built soon. Is there some way of preserving the cloth on that 400 year old outfit, especially once it's inside a display case? Does the Japanese government have any problems letting a historical piece such as this leave their country? I like my antiques, but yours is OLD! And I thought my 1888 Estey reed organ was old... ---------------- Yes, it is insured. I do intend to build a case for it, but until then, the armor will go back into its Yoroi Bitsu storage case. As far as the silk cloth being preserved, well, there is nothing much I can do about it (that I am aware of). My only alternative would be to replace the silk by removing the iron splints, plates and chain mail (so-gusari) and replacing the cloth with a similar piece of material from that period. My dealer in Japan has such material at hand, but the rerstoration involved would be way out of my league to attempt. Plus, to me it would not seem right. No, the Japanese government does not have a problem with such pieces leaving their country. There are a few pieces that are considered national treasures and therefore are priceless, however the majority can be had if the price is right. I've seen some gusoku run as high as two million dollars, but mine only cost 7k.

I enjoy collecting military stuff. Of particular interest is Samurai/Japanese period pieces. For those that are interested, the attached picture is a shot of one of my favorite antiques. It's a complete Samurai tosei gusoku (armor) dated from the Momoyama/early Edo period (approx 1575 to 1650). It's a no-frills style of armor designed strictly for fighting rather than show. For a 400 year old piece it has held up very well to the ravages of time, however the silk on the kote (armored sleeves) has seen better days. I will eventually build a display case to protect it. I also have some really nice NBTHK appraised katana's (swords), but because of their value and the nature of my profession (military moves - Moving men have sticky fingers!) they are locked up in a secure location.

Sadly, I think you are going to have to wait another year (or two) before quality players w/ combined DVD-Audio /SACD players come down from the stratosphere. Probably around that time, digital connects will also start to emerge replacing existing analog connects, but then that's at least another two years or so before they start to become the norm, so I will see you in 3 to 4 years to make a recommendation. Oops, I nearly forgot, HD-DVD will start coming onto the market around that time, but will need at least an additional 2 to 3 years more for this new format to get its feet on the ground, so I'll retract my earlier statement to and suggest that you wait about 6 to 7 years before getting a fully integrated DVD-A/SACD player. However in 6 to 7 years, SACD and DVD-Audio would have withered on the vine for lack of consumer interest and scrapped on the GFI (Great F**king Idea) pile.

Those are some great pictures. I miss being on the slopes in Washngton.

mdneen, "One. The president has declared that we will write the rest of history for all the worlds peoples. Other presidents have been approximately as arrogant in foreign policy also." I didnt hear that declaration so I will refrain from comment. "Two. As the lone Superpower, we are striding the world in audacious arrogance. We have ships bristling with missiles cruising the world in vast numbers. We have spy satellites trained on everyone. We have military installations, bases, troop deployments, fighters, weapons planted all over the place. We hire ourselves out at will, we intercede on shakey moral grounds, and we disrespect anyone elses preferences and in general are committed to our interests above any other. " Striding the world in audacious arrogance is nothing new. This is not a new policy that George Bush created. As a superpower, we have been striding the world for over one hundred years with Teddy Roosevelt and his big stick. Actually, you can make an argument that it started with Commodore Perry and his squadron setting anchor in Yokohama harbor, Japan in 1854. Before us, there were the British and French, and before them it was the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. The US is relatively new comers on the block. However in the last 50 or so years it was necessary to have a large standing fleet and military to keep the Soviet Union in check. However, that all changed when the Soviet government imploded. Likewise, the United States mothballed a huge percentage of its fleet and armed forces. Do we still maintain a presence around the world? Yes. Is it audacious arrogance as you would claim? Personally, I dont think so, but to those that dont like us then probably so. As far interceding on shaky moral grounds well thats a matter of opinion. Disrespecting others preferences How? When? Who? Committed to our interests above any other? you betcha! As a parent, would you put your childrens best interests secondary to other children in the neighborhood? I would hope not. "If you cant tolerate these risks, you should adopt a less risky global strategy." I agree. Let these ungrateful countries wither on the vine. Next time they want our help we can we can show them the same kind of snotty attitude and disrespect they have shown to us. "I dont hear Sweden complaining about the intolerable attacks and criminal wanton acts being committed on them. No, I dont suggest THEIR strategy; I just want to show the range of risk you can select from. It is infinitely variable based on your chosen strategy." I agree again. It's unrealistic, but I wish we were like Sweden. We only interact with countries we like or get along with. Only one problem Israel. I strongly support our ties with Israel, but as long as we do most Arab countries will hate us, and, well we all know what happens when Arabs get angry they like to blow up stuff.

---------------- On 3/4/2003 10:49:21 AM mdeneen wrote: But the truth is, it is US that hates fundamental Isalm, and we seek a moral justification to rid the world of it. --------------- That's not a fair statement to make. From the USS Cole, to the US Embassy bomblings, to the 9-11 attacks, how many times must America endure such aggression? The REAL truth is that fundemental Islam HATES the U.S. and IT seeks moral justification to rid the world of us. I would have thought by now most American's would have realized this. Before 9-11, most Americans could have cared less about the Middle East.

Didn't you start a "damn cats" thread back a while ago? Haven't we established that cats are an affront to God. With their snake eyes and souless expression, it's an abomnation to nature. Yep, it's time to put little "Whiskers" down. Or better yet, put a turban on him and pretend he's Osama bin Laden. Pull out the ole pellet gun and ... voile ... many hours of target practice fun.

---------------- On 3/3/2003 9:38:28 PM TBrennan wrote: I'm eager to hear your defenses of property qualifications for voting and The Fugitive Slave Act. :-) ---------------- Anyone ever see the movie "Good Will Hunting"? TBrennan reminds me of the Michael Bolton dude. "How ya like them apples?"

A Message from England to America Tony Parsons ... Daily Mirror ... September 11, 2002 One year ago; the world witnessed a unique kind of broadcasting -- the mass murder of thousands, live on television. As a lesson in the pitiless cruelty of the human race, September 11 was up there with PolPot's Mountain of Skulls in Cambodia, or the skeletal bodies stacked like garbage in the Nazi concentration camps. An unspeakable act so cruel, so calculated and so utterly merciless that surely the world could agree on one thing -- nobody deserves this fate. Surely there could be consensus: The victims were truly innocent, the perpetrators truly evil. But to the world's eternal shame, 9/11 is increasingly seen as America's comeuppance. Incredibly, anti-Americanism has increased over the last year. There has always been a simmering resentment to the USA in this country; too loud, too rich, too full of themselves, and so much happier than Europeans -- but it has become an epidemic. And it seems incredible to me. More than that, it turns my stomach. America is this country's greatest friend and our staunchest ally. We are bonded to the US by culture, language and blood. A little over half a century ago, around half a million Americans died for our freedoms, as well as their own. Have we forgotten so soon? And exactly a year ago, thousands of ordinary men, women and children -- not just Americans, but from dozens of countries -- were butchered by a small group of religious fanatics. Are we so quick to betray them? What touched the heart about those who died in the Twin Towers and on the planes, was that we recognized them. Young fathers and mothers, somebody's son and somebody's daughter, husbands, wives, and children, some unborn. And these people brought it on themselves? Their nation is to blame for their meticulously planned slaughter? These days you don't have to be some dust-encrusted nut job in Kabul or Karachi or Finsbury Park to see America as the Great Satan. The anti-American alliance is made up of self-loathing liberals who blame the Americans for every ill in the Third World, and conservatives suffering from power-envy, bitter that the world's only superpower can do what it likes without having to ask permission. The truth is that America has behaved with enormous restraint since September 11. Remember ... remember.... remember... the gut-wrenching tapes of weeping men phoning their wives to say, "I love you," before they were burned alive. Remember those people leaping to their deaths from the top of burning skyscrapers. Remember the hundreds of firemen buried alive. Remember the smiling face of that beautiful little girl who was on one of the planes with her mum. Remember ...remember ... And realize that America has never retaliated for 9/11 in anything like the way it could have. So a few al-Qaeda tourists got locked up without a trial in Camp X-ray? Pass the Kleenex.... So some Afghan wedding receptions were shot up after they merrily fired their semi-automatics in a sky full of American planes? A shame, but maybe next time they should stick to confetti. AMERICA could have turned a large chunk of the world into a parking lot. That it didn't is a sign of strength. American voices are already being raised against attacking Iraq -- that's what a democracy is for. How many in the Islamic world will have a minute's silence for the slaughtered innocents of 9/11? How many Islamic leaders will have the guts to say that the mass murder of 9/11 was an abomination? When the news of 9/11 broke on the West Bank, those freedom-loving Palestinians were dancing in the street. America watched all of that -- and didn't push the button. We should thank the stars that America is the most powerful nation in the world. I still find it incredible that 9/11 did not provoke all-out war. Not a "war on terrorism." A real war. The fundamentalist dudes are talking about "opening the gates of hell" if America attacks Iraq. Well, America could have opened the gates of hell like you wouldn't believe. The US is the most militarily powerful nation that ever strode the face of the earth. The campaign in Afghanistan may have been less than perfect and the planned war on Iraq may be misconceived. But don't blame America for not bringing peace and light to these wretched countries. How many democracies are there in the Middle East, or in the Muslim world? You can count them on the fingers of one hand -- assuming you haven't had any chopped off for minor shoplifting. I love America, yet America is hated. I guess that makes me Bush's poodle... But I would rather be a dog in New York City than a Prince in Riyadh. Above all, America is hated because it is what every country wants to be -- rich, free, strong, open, optimistic. Not ground down by the past, or religion, or some caste system. America is the best friend this country ever had and we should start remembering that. Or do you really think the USA is the root of all evil? Tell it to the loved ones of the men and women who leaped to their death from the burning towers. Tell it to the nursing mothers whose husbands died on one of the hijacked planes, or were ripped apart in a collapsing skyscraper. And tell it to the hundreds of young widows whose husbands worked for the New York Fire Department. To our shame, George Bush gets a worse press than Saddam Hussein. Once we were told that Saddam gassed the Kurds, tortured his own people and set up rape-camps in Kuwait. Now we are told he likes Quality Street. Save me the orange center, Oh Mighty One! Remember.... remember... September 11. One of the greatest atrocities in human history was committed against America. No, do more than remember. Never forget.

---------------- On 3/1/2003 6:09:13 PM HDBRbuilder wrote: Even the entertainment is provided for...magnificent pyrotechnics and fireworks displays that make the old Bicentennial celebrations appear child's play in comparison!! If you think the laser light show and pyrotechnics combo of a rock concert is something, then you haven't LIVED until you have seen a final protective fire(FPF) of HE-quick and White phoshorous (shake and bake), using traverse left and right, combined with a ball-ball-tracer mad-minute under continous illumination put on by an infantry rifle company or larger-sized element on a moonless nite!! LOL! ---------------- There is truth to that statement.

NOZ, I have the movie. Very good. It's a slight departure from Tom Hanks typical movies, but enjoyable from beginning to end. Great supporting cast too.

.

Mobile homeless and mdeneen,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The both of you are truly disappointing! From six posts, you negatively have tried to pick apart my life. Youve made false assumptions of who I am, youve criticized and made light of my experiences and educational level, youve trivialized my support of the government and my loyalty to this country. In the last 14 years of military service NO ONE I mean NO ONE has ever questioned or made light of my contributions to this country. Yet in less than 28 hours and six posts later, you two have dragged my service record threw the mud and inferred that I am not representative of the commissioned officers. Well guys, keep patting yourselves on the back. Ive had enough.

---------------- On 2/28/2003 2:08:46 PM mobile homeless wrote: "I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew out worthless and inflammatory rhetoric. !" ---------------- Translation: "I'm a pompus a$$, that likes to spew off worthless and inflammatory rhetoric." Ranger Rambo

---------------- On 2/28/2003 12:30:04 PM William F. Gil McDermott wrote: The graphics, in my view, are political commentary, and thus okay. It is though exceptionally impolite that Kain should be included in it. Even if he is being a good sport about it. Gil ---------------- Gil, Kain was included in the thread because it's his picture and house that was used as the backdrop. This is the second time that I have done something similar to this. Kain took it in stride, and it seemed that he got a kick out of it. If I suspected that he was angry the previous time, then I would not have posted this picture.

Kain, like Justin said, you're a good sport. Tripod, I felt a bit creative last night. It took less than 15 minutes to do.

**WARNING** Make sure you take a cold shower before viewing. Steamy stuff here.

---------------- On 2/27/2003 7:55:29 PM TBrennan wrote: Well now I wonder if this "Ranger" fella really is an Army officer. He evidently doesn't have the discretion to be a good one. Of course when on the internet one can pretend to be anything, anything at all. One can even pretend to be a Domer. ---------------- HDBRbuilder, Thanks for your comments and your support. I'm not even going to entertain TBrennan's comment. Airborne

---------------- On 2/27/2003 5:47:30 PM mobile homeless wrote: You responses show little insight nor understanding of the complexities of the situation in the Middle East, nor a real understanding of what America stands for. You still show not one shred of comprehension pertaining to the irony and hyprocrisy of telling someone to "love it or leave it" thereby illustrating a basic ignorance of the tenets surrounding the very country you are supposedly defending. How might the words "love it or leave it" compare to your views of Saddam's Iraq? Can you make the comparison? Your writing is far more offensive in calling people "a cancer","prick", and "genius comment idiot" and is another example of hypocrasy and irony. It's one thing to lambast the ignorance of some of the statements, pointing out the inability to actually answer points without using cliche, and quite another to call one a "Cancer" or "prick." "Love of leave it" is perhaps the most "un-American" statement I can think of and goes againt most of what you are fighting for. Personally, I think your statements give our country and armed forces a bad name. They are throwbacks to an era that had little tolerance and showed even less understanding for ideas more complex than "might is right" and "America: Love it or leave it". On the other hand, the one thing I noticed from that "Music to Bomb" thread was that debating with you is a lose-lose situation and an ugly one at that. If you fail to see the dinstinctions I made in discussing the movement and shift from al-Quida and bin Laden to Saddam/Iraq and the political use of the very same, then so be it. Again, the slight of hand is lost while the misdirection is taken. kh ---------------- So my answers show little understanding to the complexities to the Midddle East? Okay, if you say so. Out of respect to the original spirit of this thread I'm walking away from this waste of time. I've said my piece. Aloha!

This attitude absolutely pisses me off. I am fed up with the idea/attitude that dissenting opinions are "unamerican" or "treason". <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> No more than your attitude pisses me off (along with a few others). We've been at war for a year and a half and it's important that we show unity. IMO dissenters do a disservice to our miliary's morale in the field and toward our governments resolution to eliminate terror whereever it may exist. You're a cancer. It's not that showing loyalty and respect to one's country is a dirty word, but the acceptance of what BushCo says at face value, without questioning it, IS. NOT questioning our leaders is unamerican. Remember, absolute power corrupts - absolutely. Questioning the leadership is not only our right as citizens, it is our responsibility. The minute that right is lost, I AM outta here. Youre right, but I think I said that earlier in a previous post. While I encourage healthy criticism of our government and its leaders, I also feel it's time we as Americans come together and show unity and strength against those who would do us harm. The problem I have is the oppositions automatic knee jerk acceptance that the Bush administration is doing something wrong or underhanded without the facts to support it. Beleive it or not, my wife and I have actually discussed the idea of moving out of the US - something we would not have considered two short years ago. Honestly, what has radically happened in the US that would warrant moving to another country? Now, if you made that comment from 1993 to 2000, I wouldve understood. In my eyes, the minute the planes hit the towers and the nation began the "lockdown", the terrorists were in "the end zone". They are winning because we are reacting out of pure fear. Losing civil liberties in the name of security plays right into the hands of the terrorists. Fear sells - if you don't beleive this, wait until election '04. This citizen isn't buying. No offence, but your previous champion in the Oral Office set many of the conditions that caused our present state of affairs. As far as elections go, I think the people spoke loud and clear during the last November election. It's very comforting to know that BushCo has our best interests at heart. Condescending attitude aside, have you even given him and this administration a chance? I think they do have our best interest at heart. Bull$hit. I agree, your comments are bull$hit. Ranger----I thought officers in The Regular Army were supposed to keep their politics to themselves. This ain't Mexico. As a soldier you're an instrument of policy but you should have no voice in what that policy is. Genius comment idiot. The military is not a bunch of mindless monkeys. We are citizens of this country as much as you are. We have opinions, and within reason, have every right to voice those opinions. However, I will say that if my comments towards the Commander and Chief were as vitriolic as yours is, then I would refrain from making it known on this public forum. Not that I blame you for favoring war, it's your trade afterall, Where did I say that I favored war? but the tradition we have of soldiers steering publicly clear of politics (at least until AFTER they've whipped the British, Indians, Mexicans, Confederates or Germans and retired from the Army) has served us well. Our distrust of standing armies is one of the finest things we inherited from the English. Steering clear of politics and expressing an opinion are two different things. I support my C-n-C, and as I said earlier, if did negatively question the current administrations foreign policies, then I would refrain from making it known here. In the future, dont pretend to preach military policy to me. Youre in my territory now and your pseudo intellectual rants are not wanted here. The basic ignorance and amazing lack of understanding of what America stands for is SO strong in this statement, it is absolutely bordering on tragic. The hypocrisy and contradiction here is absolutely staggering. How can one be any more in the dark? In the immortal words of Dr. Evil - R I G H T! Ranger, do you know much about how America started or the foundation of its existence including the very tenets and documents which describe this foundation? Warning!!! Dont let you elitist arrogant attitude lead you to make smug comments. Youre on dangerous ground here. I thought this notion of "Love it or Leave it" was only suitable for parody on Saturday Night Live and late night talk shows (not to mention the wonderful job done by Carroll O'Conner in the early 70s). To you its comedic parody; to me its a way of life. Years ago, I made a commitment to serving my country. I hate when other denigrate this great country of ours without lifting a finger to improve upon it. What have you done for your country today? (Beside condescending comments of the Internet.) I never thought I would see this type of gibberish uttered with a straight face, especially in this day. Have we not progressed? Progressed to what? Making glib remarks against our government on the Internet? The fact that this person and aforementioned mindset is possibly representing this country overseas in times of diplomacy makes one understand why other countries hold Americans with such disdain. As if you would know little man. I would dare you to make those ridiculous comments about me to the residents in the little town of Kottsmandorf in Bayern, Deutschland, or my friends in Hokkaido, Japan, or even my surfing bradas on the North Shore. Before you start insulting people you dont know, its better to get your facts straight first. Ranger, why don't you analyze what "Love it or Leave it" means ultimately, especially in reference to America. Let it twirl within your skull - what is it actually saying? This forum never ceases to amaze me. Of course, the HL Mencken quote rings true, but passed over heads like a Dennis Miller reference in Yiddish. ROTFLMAO What a smug and arrogant little prick you are. Throughout this entire thread you have been condescending and insulting to others that share a different opinion from you. You make yourself out to be so intellectually enlightened while generalizing the rest of us as simple-minded knuckle dragging troglodytes. Continue to stick your head in the sand. Go ahead and raise your banner high against war. Continue to thumb your nose to those that you perceive to be intellectually in the dark. Keep telling yourself that appeasement is the way to go. Al Qaeda thanks you.

---------------- On 2/27/2003 2:02:48 AM mobile homeless wrote: Mencken was right... "The most common of all follies is to believe passionately in the palpably not true. It is the chief occupation of mankind" kh ps- "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." - Theodore Roosevelt God Bless Buddha! ---------------- I never thought I'd see the day when showing loyalty and respect to ones country became a dirty word. Shame on you. If you don't like this country and what it respresents then leave.