The FReeper Foxhole Remembers Operation Red Dragon - Congo (11/24/1964) - Feb. 19th, 2004

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[SAMWolf]

Evening Victoria. That's pretty impressive paper folding.

[SAMWolf]

Evening Phil Dragoo. The dems don't have a real impressive track record lately in handling our enemies. They'd rather make nice with our enemies and turn our Country into their version of a Socialist Utopia.

[GailA]

He looks so relaxed there, this must have been taken before 9-11.

[snippy_about_it]

I expect you're correct. I'll bet it was soon after his inaugeration.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[colorado tanker]

I think it's nice the Lord has sent George Bush.

I just wish Satan wasn't working so hard to get rid of him.

[Iris7]

When Bob Strange McNamara pulled his wallet out on Westmoreland, as if old Bob could buy honor, Westmoreland should have dealt with him. I do not mean verbally. I do not mean a few lumps, either.

Guess I am still mad, merde. Been 36 years now.

[Iris7]

I have been watching developments, and George Walker Bush, very closely. I began to see what he was doing in November 2002. Was amazed, and am blazing with admiration and hope.

I rank the presidents carefully, and suspect I will move General Washington to second place.

[colorado tanker]

I agree. This election is very, very important. We can let President Bush complete his bold and brilliant strategy, or we can cut and run and let the terrorists back in the game of killing Americans on American soil.

[Iris7]

Too often I think the only thing that will get Americans to do what is needed is something terrible, like a nuke in Manhattan. If something so sad happens, honor requires going to help, and all else be damned. Not a job I look forward to. Getting old for that sort of thing.

Not too old, though. Look me up when you get there. I will know where to get cold beer.

[TPS]

<What were folks still doing there in 1964. I wonder how many were warned (if it wasn't obvious) that they should leave.

I was in Elisabethville at the time of the rescue mission (I was 3). I asked my parents why we didn't leave sooner. They told me that they were both born in the Congo and that they considered it their home. Their family and friends were in the Congo and they got along well with the local population. They never had any proplems right up until they left in 1965. My aunt and uncle did get got caught up in the rioting in Leopoldville right after independence. (My uncle witnessed the sword being wrested away from King Bouduin...serves him right). Like the thousands of white Congolese who stayed, they hoped that things would settle down and that their lives would continue as they did under the Belgians (of course that didn't happen and they emigrated to Rhodesia and finally to the US).

There wasn't any "official" warning from any governmental source that my parents remembered. Belgium made it difficult for the white Congolese to leave in 1960...there weren't enough flights out and the banking system was shut down prior to independence.

[snippy_about_it]

Thank you so much for your reply. I was surprised to see such an old thread pop up. Your insight is appreciated and I'm glad you all finally got out.