Free Republic

Friday, October 9, 2009, was a momentous day. The world woke up to the news that President Obama had been awarded the Nobel prize for peace. The reaction was swift in some quarters, and took a little longer to penetrate the fog of sleep in others. Count me among the slow penetrating fog. I was half awake listening to the radio and debating whether to roll over or get out of bed, when I heard the news. I chuckled. thinking there goes a promo for another Saturday Night Live skit trumpeting that the president had accomplished "Jack" and "Squat" since...

Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize only twelve days after his inauguration. By then, some anonymous figure decided Obama had already saved the world, and by then, the liberal/socialist fix was in. Obama now shares the honor of receiving a Nobel Prize with his fellow agent of man-caused disaster (which the left likes to call "change"), Yassar Arafat. And of course, he also shares the great honor of the Nobel with the previous Worst American President Ever, Jimmy Carter. Someone tracked down the itinerary of the Twelve Days That Saved The World: January 20: Sworn in as president. Went to...

The last 45 of my 66 years I’ve spent in a commercial fishing town in Alaska. I understand Alaska politics but never understood national politics well until this last year. Here’s the breaking point: Neither side of the Palin controversy gets it…It’s not about persona, style, rhetoric, it’s about doing things. Even Palin supporters never mention the things that I’m about to mention here. 1- Democrats forget when Palin was the Darling of the Democrats, because as soon as Palin took the Governor’s office away from a fellow Republican and tough SOB, Frank Murkowski, she tore into the Republican’s “Corrupt...

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, July 29, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he is heartened by his visit to Iraq, and that he urged Arab and Kurd Iraqis to use the good offices of the United States to help solve their problems. Gates said he is so encouraged by the situation in Iraq that American forces may speed up their drawdown, with an additional brigade coming out of the country before the elections in January. He said his view was bolstered by conversations with Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. Gates visited...

When I was about 5 years old, my best friend’s house burned to the ground. Our family was awakened in the middle of the night and I remember looking out the window in my sister’s bedroom watching as my friend’s house was burning. Mother and my sister were both crying while Daddy went to see if he could help our neighbors. I asked my mother why it had happened. I remember her answer as clearly today over 50 years later; she said, “Nobody really knows why bad things happen to good people, but it always seems that it works out...

As the 110th Congress comes to a close, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he's feeling pretty good about the work he and his colleagues accomplished. "Democrats were able to achieve many things for the American people," he said, offering as examples raising the minimum wage, increasing funding for veterans and helping consumers in a struggling economy. Add to that list new lobbying rules, an energy bill, a farm bill, and most recently an economic recover package. But as significant as those new laws are, Democrats have just as long a list of priorities they were not able to bring...

This exchange will race through the conservative blogosphere, and probably on the pro-Hillary sites as well. Last night, Chris Matthews interviewed Texas state senator and Barack Obama supporter Kirk Watson as Obama sailed to a crushing victory in Wisconsin. Matthews asked Watson to name any significant legislative accomplishment by Obama, and the campaign surrogate got stumped: MSNBC's Chris Matthews: "You are a big Barack supporter, right, Senator?" State Sen. Watson: "I am. Yes, I am." Matthews: "Well, name some of his legislative accomplishments. No, Senator, I want you to name some of Barack Obama's legislative accomplishments tonight if you can."...

The accomplishments of President George W. Bush, I believe, will endow him with one of the most sterling legacies of all American presidents – right up there with those of other great wartime presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and Harry Truman. After the September 11th attacks on our country, the president responded with both righteous indignation and military action – and also the appreciation that all administrations for the past over-60 years failed miserably in bringing peace to the Middle East. The president envisioned a breathtakingly original idea: introducing democracy to the largely feudal regimes of that region....

   DoD ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2001   Print Version of Message >   Photos: SECDEF Final Morning >   Photos: Farewell Parade > In the last six years, the Department has made great strides in modernizing its forces to address the threats of the 21st century.I.  WAR ON TERROR Overall: A multinational coalition has liberated 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq, with formation of representative governments and security forces.Liberated 31 million Afghans from Taliban control and destroyed Al-Qaeda sanctuary – conquering elements that successfully fought off the Soviet Union for over nine years – and stood up a Loya Jurga governing council eight months...

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Dec. 13, 2006 – Some 4,000 members of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team gathered here yesterday to celebrate their accomplishments during 16 months in Iraq and mourn their losses as they uncased the unit’s colors during a stirring redeployment ceremony. Servicemembers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team salute the colors during a redeployment ceremony near Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Dec. 12. Photo by William D. Moss  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The soldiers assembled at the Carlson Community Center, just down the road from Fort Wainwright here, to reflect on their deployment and receive a...

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2006 – America is a nation that keeps its promises, and so U.S. troops deployed in Iraq are continuing to fight terrorists there as the new Iraqi government gets onto its feet, Vice President Richard B. Cheney told soldiers at Fort Riley, Kan., yesterday. Vice President Richard B. Cheney talks with U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Riley, Kan., during his visit to the post April 18. Photo by April Blackmon  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. President Bush has vowed that the United States won't quit the war against global terrorism, Cheney said during his remarks....

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2006 – There's more to do, but U.S. and coalition efforts in Afghanistan have achieved considerable progress in helping that nation to become a stable member of the world community, a senior U.S. military officer told Pentagon reporters yesterday. Army Maj. (Chaplain) Julie Rowan guides an Afghan girl through a line to receive humanitarian supplies at the Egyptian Hospital at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Feb. 7. Rowan is attached to Task Force Strength, Combined Joint Task Force 76. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of CJTF 76, told Pentagon reporters March 16 that "significant accomplishments"...

Iraqi army soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, stand tall during a transfer of authority ceremony March 2, 2006 at Forward Operating Base Constitution. The Iraqi army brigade assumes the security responsibilities from U.S. Army 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Thompson Transfer Ceremony Marks Accomplishments U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division hands over operations to 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. By U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Jordan 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mtn. Div. CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, March 3, 2006 — “We are comrades. The Iraqi army and the American...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005 – President Bush today highlighted reconstruction achievements made in Iraq over the past two years as positive evidence that that country is making progress toward becoming a self-sufficient, productive state. U.S. and coalition forces continue to assist the Iraqi government to establish its own military and police to confront remnant Saddam Hussein supporters and terrorists, Bush said in his speech before the Council on Foreign Relations here. And, as Iraqi security forces are increased to eventually take over the mission of combating terrorists, progress on the reconstruction front also is being made for the benefit of...

The following facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site. Some of you probably know most of this and/ or some of it. Having been accused of being a liberal already on this site, makes me preturbed enough. Some people in the general room need to lighten up. So... I figured I would talk positively about the war effort with something my tough minded mother-in law found at the DOD.gov Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq? Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people? Did you know...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2005 – The American Security Council Foundation recently launched "Project Freedom" to highlight the accomplishments being made by American servicemembers in the war on terror. The project encourages civilians to write stories about these accomplishments and submit them for publication by the foundation. "The goal of Project Freedom is to raise the American public's awareness of and put a human face on the extraordinary, good things our soldiers, sailors and airmen are doing every day in the war on terror and in reconstructing Iraq and Afghanistan," Brian Williams, director of operations for the foundation, said. The foundation...

AL ASAD, IRAQ (Sept. 28, 2005) -- When duty in Iraq called twice in two years, they were ready and continued their steadfast support of the Iraqi people and their desire to live in freedom. The Moonlighters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, have recently finished their second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMM-764 is a reserve CH-46E Sea Knight squadron based out of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The Moonlighters will be returning to the United States after flying 3,800 mishap-free combat hours, transporting 14,918 passengers and hauling 26,972...

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. (Applause.) Thank you all. Please be seated. Earl, thanks for the warm introduction, thanks for the invitation, and thanks for the award. And I appreciate your leadership of ALEC. Good leaders make good decisions -- you made a good decision bringing this convention to Texas. (Laughter.) I'm pleased to be with the members of ALEC, and I want to thank you for serving. And I want to thank your families for standing by you as you serve. I appreciate you putting your community and your state and your nation ahead of your self-interest. I...

It's always risky to celebrate good times, especially in an age when there is no way to rule out that along with the usual perils of life, we will suffer another terrorist attack. But this spring, more than 3 1/2 years after Sept. 11, it does seem that since that day America has weathered a rough passage awfully well. That, and with the cherry trees just done blooming in Washington and New York's Central Park full of flowers (and, in the grand old tradition, amateur baseball teams), it feels worth a moment to stand back and observe that for all...

President Bush embarked on what he called his "Heart and Soul of America Tour" on Friday, outlining some of the big campaign differences between Democrats and Republicans: "They're going to raise your taxes, we're not." President Bush told the crowd that Democrats "somehow believe the heart and soul of America can be found in Hollywood. The heart and soul of America is found right here in Springfield, Missouri," Bush said. The president said he's looking forward to the campaign and getting out among the people in Michigan and Ohio this weekend. "Today you'll hear some reasons why I think you...

Today in my local liberal rag. aka The State.com - South Carolina's newspaper of record was the following listed under match "Each President's Main Accomplishment" 1. Thomas Jefferson (1800) 2. James Madison (1808) 3. James Monroe (1816) 4. Woodrow Wilson (1912) 5. Franklin D Roosevelt (1932) 6. Harry Truman (1945) 7. John F kennedy (1960) 8. Jimmy Carter (1980) 9. Bill Clinton (1992) a. Crafter of "The New Deal" which helped the US recover from an economic depression. b. First opposed, then led, the US into World War 1. c. Presided over an economic boom. d. Presided over "The Era...

Abortion & Traditional Values1. Banned Partial Birth Abortion — by far the most significant roll-back of abortion on demand since Roe v. Wade. 2. Reversed Clinton's move to strike Reagan's anti-abortion Mexico Policy. 3. By Executive Order (EO), reversed Clinton's policy of not requiring parental consent for abortions under the Medical Privacy Act. 4. By EO, prohibited federal funds for international family planning groups that provide abortions and related services. 5. Upheld the ban on abortions at military hospitals. 6. Made $33 million available for abstinence education programs in 2004. 7. Supports the Defense of Marriage Act — and a...

(FIRST LETTER) A Veteran's Letter to Kerry: Dear Senator John Kerry: Since it has become clear that you will probably be the Democratic nominee for President, I have spent a great deal of time researching your war record and your record as a professional politician. The reason is simple, you aspire to be the Commander in Chief who would lead my sons and their fellow soldiers in time of war. I simply wanted to know if you possess the necessary qualifications to be trusted in that respect. You see, I belong to a family of proud U.S. veterans. I was...

The first great accomplishment of Israel is that it has survived. And this, when from its very inception, there has been an unrelenting effort on the part of its neighbors to destroy it. Through several major wars and at the price of over twenty-thousand lives and tens of thousands injured, it has succeeded in repelling enemies much greater in size and much more unrestrained in means and cruelty. The word accomplishment is too small to really pay tribute to those many, often publicly unknown heroes who dedicated and sacrificed so much to keep Israel alive. Their acts of courage have...

Since the American media is having a hard time reporting on the good news that is coming from Iraq, I think I will be nice enough to report on what they are not sharing. Here is the good news that you probably have not been hearing: --------------- Email Message Below --------------- Since President Bush declared an end to major combat on May 1: - The first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active d uty (~60,000 Iraqis providing security to citizens). - Nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning. - The Iraqi judiciary is...

Amnesia 101 – Democrat Senator, John F. Kerry, professor The more things change, the more they remain the same. - Alphonse Karr Democrat presidential candidate, John F. Kerry, frequently speaks to the need of taking back America, insisting a regime change is necessary. Finally, I understand what Kerry is talking about when he speaks of change. He and his followers have actually come up with a revolutionary idea. They suggest for this election, President Bush and his political party leave the Democrat, presidential nominee's record and history alone. They submit, what happened to Kerry over numerous years on the national...

Amnesia 101 – Democrat Senator, John F. Kerry, professor The more things change, the more they remain the same. - Alphonse Karr Democrat presidential candidate, John F. Kerry, frequently speaks to the need of taking back America, insisting a regime change is necessary. Finally, I understand what Kerry is talking about when he speaks of change. He and his followers have actually come up with a revolutionary idea. They suggest for this election, President Bush and his political party leave the Democrat, presidential nominee's record and history alone. They submit, what happened to Kerry over numerous years on the national...

President Bush today marked the one-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security with a speech praising the department's accomplishments and people. In his remarks to DHS leaders and rank-and-file employees at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center here, Bush noted that Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and other officials "are doing a fantastic job of leading this department." Since the United States and its allies went on the offensive to combat global terrorists after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on America, Bush pointed out that Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist network has been crippled, but remains dangerous....

The following information was received by The Federalist from the Commander, 102d Military Intelligence Batallion in December and subsequently verified for publication. Since President Bush declared an end to major hostilities in Iraq on May 1... ... the first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active duty. ... over 60,000 Iraqis now provide security to their fellow citizens. ... nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning. ... the Iraqi judiciary is fully independent. ... in October 6 power generation hit 4,518 megawatts-exceeding the prewar average. ... all 22 universities and 43 technical institutes and...

August 8, 2002 President Bush Builds a Strong Record of Accomplishment for the American People In July, President Bush called upon Congress to act on the nation's priorities before it left for the August recess. Congress responded to the President's call to action, passing historic legislation to expose and punish corporate corruption and enacting Trade Promotion Authority to open new markets for American goods. These victories build on a year and a half of unprecedented progress for the American people. Already, President Bush has brought about historic education reform and tax relief for American families. Historically, first-term Presidents haven't...

A Record of Accomplishment for the American People At his July 8 press conference, President Bush called on Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority, tough new corporate accountability legislation, and his proposal to create the Department of Homeland Security. In the month of accomplishments following the President’s press conference, Congress took action on all three. This is just the latest chapter in a Presidency of accomplishments. History shows that most Presidents in their first term achieve one or two major domestic accomplishments. In less than two years, President Bush will have signed at least four major priorities into law....

Last week former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. I believe that, if history is fair, Ronald Reagan will be remembered for his extraordinary accomplishments. That part about history being fair is pretty dicey. For the people who fashion history, the deep thinkers, the intelligentsia, the media, tend to be Leftist. And that perspective colors their opinion of the man and his administration. To many of those people, Ronald Reagan was a mean-spirited simpleton who somehow managed to bungle his way into becoming the most powerful...

I think it would be nice to collect a list of all of the things President Bush has accomplished thus far in his term. In an effort to provide FAIR and BALANCED coverage to President Bush's administration, I thought interested Freepers could post accomplishments, both large and small, which they appreciate.Please do not hesitate to list EO's, roll-backs of EO's, regulation changes with which you are familiar, etc.All positive accomplishments are welcome. If you have negative comments, please post them on the other thread. Thank you.