DADT Update

We'll be watching.

After determining there isn't sufficient support for her "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" amendment, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is now settling for a hearing on the issue by the Armed Services Committee this fall.

"This policy is wrong for our national security and wrong for the moral foundation upon which our country was founded,’” Gillibrand said in a press release.

“I thank Chairman Levin for agreeing to hold this important hearing. Numerous military leaders are telling us that the times have changed. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is an unfair, outdated measure that violates the civil rights of some of our bravest, most heroic men and women. By repealing this policy, we will increase America’s strength - both militarily and morally."

I don't think he knows the internet has a long memory

From the blog on the DriveTheDiscussion website (the folks holding the event for young Republicans in Orlando on 22 August). They titled this "Here's a perfect example of a video that could win a $2000 scholarship."



NOTE: If you notice the gentleman is wearing a Marines T-shirt at the beginning of the video. OYE was able to confirm that he is indeed a Marine, although he's no longer on active duty. OYE would like to thank him for stepping up and for having the sense of humor to make this video. We are unsure what took more courage to do?

Off Topic

The Gazette from Colorado Springs ran a 2 part story on the disproportionate amount of murders and other crimes committed by those that saw extended combat.

Part 1

Part 2

Note: This is a long read. If you're at work, and have the time to take this in, it's a sign you're probably expendable to your company.

HT: Atrios

Prevent Genocide! Enlist!

Mark Hanis and Chad Hazlett of the Genocide Intervention Network penned an article in The Washington Post about the responsibility the United States has in preventing ethnic violence as our troop #'s decrease. Fair argument, we thought. It's certainly undeniable that many Iraqi civilians have been killed since the Iraq War began.

But after reading thru it we realized that they have a supply of rhetoric and no plan to supply themselves and their members as Infantrymen for their cause.

Nevertheless, reengaging in Iraq to halt atrocities would not be a political impossibility, nor is public opinion on the matter immutable. The same CNN poll found that 35 percent of Americans agree that the United States should be willing to recommit combat troops in the event that violence against civilians worsens. The scale of the movement to end genocide in Darfur further suggests that there is a substantial constituency -- a largely liberal one at that -- that would rather stop mass atrocities than get the United States out of Iraq at any cost.

OYE Comment: What's the difference between cowardly College Republicans and the Genocide Intervention Network?..............ZERO, ZILCH, NADA, NAUGHT, NIL!

OYE has attempted to contact Mr. Hanis and Hazlett to ask them if they, their loved ones, or supporters will be encouraged to Be A Man! Enlist! to stop potential genocide and they, like most of the CR's we contact, did not respond.

They may believe they're preparing for the "good fight", but it's only if someone else will be carrying the rifle into combat. Perhaps with a little encouragement they'll realize that to prevent genocide troops are needed more than a pack of goofballs sitting in an office giving morale lectures on atrocities.

Road Trip!

OYE feels obligated to attend this event in Orlando to help the 'youthy' Republicans actually become the decent, Patriotic Americans they've fallen short of developing into.

DtD Exchange '09 will be a gathering of young people from across the State of Florida where they will have the opportunity to discuss the future of the Republican Party. The event is open to all ages, but will focus on young voters, 18 - 35 years of age.

So, who will be speaking at this event of young Republicans? None other than 59 year old Olympic Gold Medalist, Bruce Jenner (to be fair the former Miss California, Carrie Prejean, will also be involved).

We'll keep you posted.

June Recruiting Statistics

Good news across the board. All branches at least 100%.

"Elites" Man Up, Too. So what's Jason Mattera's excuse?

From the LA Times:

After we celebrated the Fourth of July with a family barbecue, my 18-year-old son, Sam shipped out for Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego. The idea of having a son in the military still seems strange, but I'm starting to get used to it.

When Sam first announced his decision, it seemed mystifying that my not-terribly-athletic, bookish son would decide that what he wanted most of all was to be a Marine.

My friends were shocked and offered plenty of advice -- he should see a psychologist; he should consider the Navy; did I realize how underhanded the recruiters could be?

No Leadership within the Young Republicans

Behind the scenes with the Young Republicans. Bickering, threats of a split, near fist fights (and we know YR's don't like spilling blood), racism. The Daily Beast continues the reporting.

Perhaps less remarkable than the outcome–new Young Republicans Chairman Audra Shay bragged on her Facebook page that she had pledges from the majority of delegate going in–was how the vote played out. Yesterday’s election was closed to members of the press, but The Daily Beast has pulled together an account of the vote, and the runup to it, and the details are shocking. Some highlights:

-Shay’s opponent, Rachel Hoff, was the subject of an ugly sexual innuendo whisper campaign that questioned her reasons for supporting civil unions.

-Shay’s electoral slate, dubbed Team Renewal, battled desperately–some likened it to intimidation–and, ultimately, successfully to block a motion that would have allowed delegates to cast their votes by secret ballot, for fear they’d lose.

-Near-fistfights on the floor, and finally something of a boycott, as some of Hoff’s slate of candidates lower on the ticket chose to remove their names from the ballot after her defeat.

“They just took a vote that may have set the party back 30 years,” said the co-founder of HipHopRepublican.com, Lenny McAllister, speaking from the floor of the Hyatt convention hall. “They just voted for a candidate who has a demonstrated tolerance for racial intolerance. She has joked about lynching and then claimed to be a victim. As a black man, I still don’t see what’s funny about that.”

We guess this is part of the "Culture War" he's been fighting

Feeling left out of the recent Young Republican racism OYE Hall of Famer, Jason Mattera, hits a few letters on his keyboard. If you're unfamiliar with this ass clown just type in "Mattera" in the SEARCH BLOG field.

OYE Comment: Yeah, really comical, Jason. All Puerto Ricans from the Bronx must be proficient with the use of a shank, right?

Had Mr. Mattera manned up and enlisted he'd have learned the self defense necessary to protect himself from a 55 year old female judge with a weapon.

Unsurprisingly, the Young Republicans go with the bigot

Audra "white power" Shay elected chairman of the Young Republicans.

But more controversial comments from Shay were found by the Daily Beast. After an effigy of Sarah Palin was hung, she said "What no 'Obama in a noose? ... I am wondering if the guys with the Palin noose would care if we had a bunch of homosexuals in a noose." She's also written that President Obama "attacks white people" and posted a video claiming Obama believes he has to help African-Americans over whites to "ensure his own salvation."

Voters at the Young Republicans convention said the whole scandal was just politics.

HT: Oliver Willis, again. We probably owe him a OYE T-shirt by now.

A smoke free military? WTF?

Completely ridiculous.

A new study commissioned by the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs recommends a complete ban on tobacco, which would end tobacco sales on military bases and prohibit smoking by anyone in uniform, not even combat troops in the thick of battle.

DADT Update

Finally. Someone in Congress is stepping up to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

Rep. Patrick Murphy has two pieces of advice for his fellow congressmen: Do what's right, not just what's political. Oh, and don't cross him. The Pennsylvania Democrat is currently trying to whip up support for H.R. 1283, which would repeal "don't ask, don't tell,"

We get email

The new Chairman of the College Republicans sounds a lot like the old. Hope you gain more inspiration from Zach's message than we did. (bold lettering below by OYE)

Dear XXXX,

It's easy to look at the political power the Democrats have in Washington and become discouraged; to become fearful that our fellow Americans are too accustomed to suckling at the government teat to ever demand their freedom from bureaucracy again. But we Americans have often faced darker times, tougher battles, and longer odds. Our Founding Fathers certainly did. The wisdom, spirit and determination of
their words is just as applicable today as it was so long ago when they stood up for what was right, in a desperate fight that many believed was hopeless. "The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty -- that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men." -- George Washington

"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood." -- John Adams

"Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature has placed in our power." -- Patrick Henry


"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." -- Tom Paine

Today, Americans who want to "reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." We have a right to it. This country has a right to it, "derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood." If we don't stand up today against a Congress that's drowning our future in a sea of debt and red ink via legislation they have never even read, then "slavery will be (our) portion, and that of (our) posterity."

We have been given a great legacy. Whether it ends with this generation or that legacy continues, is going to depend on people like you and I actively standing up for the truths we hold dear. As we celebrate our nation's Independence Day, let us reflect on the sacrifice of our Founding Fathers. May their example inspire us to do great deeds as well in the pursuit of freedom.

God bless,

Zach Howell
National Chairman
College Republicans

OYE Comment: Mr. Howell- instead of falling back on the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers why don't you, and the College Republicans under you, "inspire us" by leading by example instead of sending E-mails that are likely to be deleted before being read.

Pathetic. Zach would have likely been better off telling his College Republican buddies to watch the movie Rudy for a little inspiration.

Another Young Republican "Oopsie"

She seemed like a credible candidate for Chairman of the Young Republicans until the racism came out. Emphasis below by OYE.

On Wednesday, Shay—a 38-year-old Army veteran, mother, and event planner from Louisiana who has been endorsed by her governor, Bobby Jindal—was holding court on her Facebook page, initiating a political conversation by posting that “WalMart just signed a death warrant” by “endorsing Obama’s healthcare plan.” At 1:52, a friend named listed as Eric S. Piker, but whose personal page says his actual name is Eric Pike, wrote “It’s the government making us commies… can’t even smoke in my damn car… whats next they going to issue toilet paper once a month… tell us how to wipe our asses…”

Two minutes later, Piker posted again saying “Obama Bin Lauden [sic] is the new terrorist… Muslim is on there side [sic]… need to take this country back from all of these mad coons… and illegals.”

Eight minutes after that, at 2:02, Shay weighed in on Piker’s comments: “You tell em Eric! lol.”

Oh well, maybe next Young Republican election cycle.

HT: Oliver Willis