24 October 2004

Passion of Politics

I’ve several passions in life, politics is not one of them. In fact, if you really want to know, I am a registered Independent and always vote for the best qualified candidate in my eyes, and not along party lines. Yes, I lean conservative fiscally and view the role of the federal government as more of a protector rather than a provider, but tend to be more liberal when it comes to social issues.

I am passionate about my boys, my lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook, my country and her Constitution, and of course, soldiering. Cooking, reading, writing, and traveling are a few more passions of mine, but if you read Sgt Hook, you probably already know that.

So, politics and the political process though very important, don’t really get me riled up. I am amused sometimes, but rarely riled. Why? Well, because I feverently believe in the Constitution of the United States of America, hell I’ve sworn an oath to defend said document with my life, and I have no doubts that our elected President will execute his/her duties in the best interests of America. If he/she should fail to do so, I believe in the measures that have been set in place to deal with such a travesty.

For example, since September 11, 2001 when a group of radical Islamist terrorists made it painfully clear that they will do whatever it takes to destroy my beloved country, I sincerely believe that subsequent occupants of the White House, regardless of party affiliation, must prosecute this war on terrorism and make the difficult decisions required to win it. Hey, failing to do so means the end of America and the end of the free world as we know it.

Heavy? You bet. I am convinced that Al Qaeda and the likes are more passionate about destroying America and our way of life than we, collectively, are about preserving it. So when David Letterman and Jay Leno make jokes about the sitting president or his adversaries, I laugh. I laugh with the knowledge that whomsoever sits in the Oval Office, he/she will do whatever it takes to protect this great country of ours. They have to.

Bottom line people- just VOTE! And YES, that IS an order soldier. Sgt Hook out.


Posted by Hook @ 0819 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Americana



13 Comments »
  1. Right On Sgt. Hook!
    I could not have said it better. I too am a registered independant. We all need to get out and vote. The question is of course is, “for whom”? I personally do not understand why President Bush invaded Iraq instead of launching an all out attack on al-quada in Afganistan/Pakistan. We seem to have gotten ourselves in another “Vietnam” with no end in sight. However, to “cut and run” as we did in Vietnam (as I am afraid Kerry would do) seems suicidal in the long run. Thus my conumdrum. Is the choice Nov. 2nd really between two evils, or am I being too pesimistic? What do you think?
    Best Wishes,
    Mark

    Comment by Mark Doty — 24 October 2004 @ 1725


  2. Dear Hook,
    I have got my absentee ballot marked and ready to go, except for a couple of propositions. However, if I do not have those props decided and marked by tomorrow evening, I will post the ballot with all else voted for by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday.
    Once again, you remind me of my favorite uncle (George) whose birthday you share. He lived most of his adult working life in San Fran, as a piledriver on the wharves. He told me later on that he had sometimes voted Dem, sometimes Republican. My mother was straight up Democrat and so was I, when they still stood for something and were still as proud of the flag as anybody. Fast forward to 2004 and there is no doubt in my mind that George W. Bush has always and will always act in the best interests of this country and the American people. I had no problem deciding my vote for President.
    At the same time, I share your certitude that this is a nation of laws and not of persons, that the structure on which our government is built will survive tough times, even this nasty campaign and election.
    Last week, I received a package from OK, containing Uncle George’s Army compass, a silver dollar belt buckle, a piledriver’s cap and a framed certificate for 25 years of service to the State of California — signed by then-governor Ronald Reagan.
    As Larry Elder says, “Is this a great country or what?”
    Thank you for your passions.

    Comment by Patriot_Kathleen — 24 October 2004 @ 2240


  3. I’m glad we have passionate people like you to defend us, Sgt. Hook! I love this country, too - and feel strongly that this election is the most important in my voting life so far.
    For my part, I have no concern that the President we now have is the right person to continue to secure our safety and defend us from external threats. His passion is for this country as well - and he has my complete support.

    Most important, however, is to vote your conscience and keep in mind what is best for the future!

    Comment by Barb — 25 October 2004 @ 0351


  4. Hey, great! You’re back. Virtually anyways.

    Comment by buddy brown — 25 October 2004 @ 1350


  5. I sincerely wish I had as much confidence in the infalability of our government system as you do. I would hope that any person who attains the office of President would consistently act in the best interests of our great nation, and that our checks and balances would remove him should he fail in that duty. However, such removal requires both time, which we might not have in abundance, and the willing assistance of a super majority of Congress, which we simply will not have on a subject which would spell the end of one of the two main parties.

    We have before us two candidates for POTUS. One has shown resolve in the face of our enemies, and has said that we will stay the course until our mission is achieved. The other has already enabled one of our enemies to defeat us in war, and speaks of timetables for withdrawal, catastrophes, and global tests. I wish I could have confidence that the man who enjoys the support of 46% of likely US voters would do what is needed to ensure the safety of future generations, and of my son, but I do not.

    Comment by Bryant Lucas — 25 October 2004 @ 1356


  6. I am a registered Republican, and when I look at Sen. Kerry’s voting record during the cold war, I do not believe that he has the best interests of this nation at heart.

    Here is a link to an article about Sen. Kerry’s voting record:
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2wpdynpagename=article&contentId=A22-2004Feb7&notFound=true

    Of course this could be a bias on my part, but the Senator’s voting record, is his voting record.

    Comment by John — 25 October 2004 @ 1356


  7. Amen, Sgt. Hook! May God Bless America and the people who have and who still defend her today!

    God Speed!

    Comment by DD Rees — 25 October 2004 @ 1900


  8. I don’t talk politics much myself…at least not publicly. But I do agree with you, SGT Hook. It doesn’t matter what your party lines are or who you support…just VOTE! I’ve already made up my carpool list for next Tuesday morning of people who don’t drive or don’t have a way to get to the polling place. So…just another reminder. If any of you know someone who can’t get to the polls on their own, offer them a ride!

    Comment by Joan — 25 October 2004 @ 1938


  9. I once heard a phrase that brings me some solace, when things are looking down. “The United States government was designed by geniuses so that it could be run by idiots.”

    Comment by Ted — 25 October 2004 @ 2012


  10. To me, defending the United States and her Consitiution means never allowing a notorious traitor to become Commander-in-Chief.

    I will base my vote on American exceptionalism, not on American defeatism.

    Comment by susan — 26 October 2004 @ 1309


  11. Hook you’re great! i love the blog and read it reguarly. upfront, to the point and no BS. i am a soldiers wife and read lots of sblogs, yours being one of my fav’s. Thank you for all you do!

    Reachingout
    http:soldierslifeafteriraq.blogspot.com

    Comment by reachingout — 26 October 2004 @ 1312


  12. Sgt. Hook.
    I, too, am an Independent, voting in each race for the individual I think best for the job and for the interests of my family and our country. I just don’t understand the backing of my Republican friends for an administration that is so anti-Republican! John Eisenhower, son of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower and an almost life-long Republican, lays it out for all Americans in his commentary at: http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=44657.

    John Kerry and his team will act responsibly and intelligently in managing our way back into the World community and true Homeland Security.

    This is not about Bush vs Kerry. This is about this administration vs real patriots and real Americans.

    Stay well.

    Comment by Uncle Don — 26 October 2004 @ 1649


  13. Well today I went to see the movie SILENT HEROS which tells the story of John Kerry,along with Jane Fonda and how he betrayed his fellow Soldiers while they were in captivity.If my mind wasn’t already made up before I went to see this film, it certainly would have been after the fact. Growing up during the 60’s was a very disturbing time in our history, and watching this film today brought back a lot of harsh
    memories for me. For this man to stand before America and aspire to be our Commander and Chief is another example of the hypocrisy within himself. He cannot even
    begin to stand in the shadows of President Bush.
    I may not agree with all of GWB’s ideas but he is steadfast and determined and I trust him to carry us
    safely through the next four years.God Bless America and may God Bless our Troops.

    Comment by Mickey//Fort Walton Beach,FL — 27 October 2004 @ 0358


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