night. I could tell you lots about the ones I have met but that would be entirely too lengthy. I'll just let the record speak for itself. The typical new pilot had less than 300 hours of total flying time before he took that hot and tricky twin engine into combat. How did they do? 548 confirmed. 88 probable 227 damaged 9 ships sunk 126 locomotive destroyed (along with much rolling stock) 1 Ploesti refinery sucessfully dive bombed. That ain't bad. Nor cost free. My father was one of 82 who arrived over there in March of 1944. Only 17 of them lived to see VE Day. And I found the last of those 17. Coincidence? or Divine Guidance. Take your pick. I've taken mine.

I never knew my natural father. He bought the farm one month before I was born in 1944. My Dad (adoptive father) was one of Pershing's doughboys. Well, I knew I had to emulate both of them, so when VN came along I did a bit more than the minimum. However, I was alwys wondering about that missing P38 pilot that I never knew. Then 8 years ago, a tip from a friend let me go where I had not googled before. I went to their reunion and was made welcome. Am now avoting emember of their association. However, none of the survivors had actually known my old man. Then last year lightning struck. One who had been unable to attend for over a decade came to the banquet and we were sitting at the same table. Well, it sure made my

Perserverance and assertiveness on our part will carry the day.

Gotta say no, Cal, gotta say no. Instead of withdrawal we should recruit and establish the Army of Afghanistan with a 10-year mission to clear and hold--------and to legally establish complete freedom of religion in that country. Sure, many locals will not like that but if they are unable to dislodge it, the victory will be ours. Afghanistan then cannot again serve as privileged sanctuary for our enemies. Remember that in Vietnam we took the allegedly unbeatable insurgency and defeated it in detail. The RVN was finally overrun only with a massive conventional force coupled with a witholding of US supplies and fire support. No way that the other side can raise such a force in Afghanistan. Perserverance and assertiveness on...

Remember Cal: First put your brain in gear and then put your mouth in motion. Getting the above bassackwards is a source of much embarassment.

Some have asked if Obama is a Muslim. As his latest shows, he is neither Muslim, nor Christian, nor Jew, nor Hindu, nor Sikh nor Buddhist nor fish nor fowl. All he is is a chameleon who assumes the religous coloration of whatever can be used to advance his inhuman agenda. He is Elmer Gantry with a suntan.

Hey there Crawfish: Where have you been hiding? Didja see comment#1 on this thread. Making me look like a genius, ain't they? BTW: I have met, had dinner with, etc the Pauls in times gone by. (Mrs Paul is a doll.) In objective terms Paul's shortcomings are the same as MacArthurs. When it comes to logistics, a disaster looking for a place to happen. Could give more complete breakdown but no space here. Lemme invite you to join in the Belmont Club over at pjmedia. You will enjoy our little niche market, be a welcome addition and be impressed with our host. I am "Dave" on that thread. Be looking for you.

Oh MY DEbra! You've gone and done it now. Ye Olde Comments Section will be filled with diatribes like you have not yet experienced. Now for pragmetic reasons why Paul would lose to Obama: Have you checked out his base, his devoted followers? Greatest vote suppression machine in history. The way they campaign for Paul reminds me of the old "Drink Schlitz Or I Will Kill You " ads, which almost destroyed Jos Schlitz Brewing Company. And yes, those worthies had rather see the Obamanation destroy us all than support any normal Republican. Times are interesting, ain't they?

Remember Cal, "Man May Live Forever Because Of Christmas Day". And those that die in battle contribute more than their fair share to species survival. Thus moments of solemnity are called for in the Christmas Season, but don't let that obscure the inherent joy. So wish MERRY CHRISTMAS to all both living and dead.

Thank You, Frank in the UK. My war was Vietnam. (three tours). Yes, it was worth it. BTW Your A. E. Housman is a favorite of man------along with Paul Johnson.