It's "Our Military" now, not "The Military" any more

Thanks to principled leadership in the Executive and Legislative Branches of Our Government, with a timely assist from the Judicial Branch, the policy decision has been made by the American people, through their elected representatives in Congress, that otherwise qualified Americans are eligible for military service without regard to sexual orientation.

That means that all Americans can embrace the military, beginning by calling it "Our Military." It's Our Military because We are the society which it serves, from which it recruits, and to which Our Veterans, Our Wounded Warriors, and Our Heroes who have made the Supreme Sacrifice, return, all of whom, including surviving family members and caregivers, deserve the full support of every one of us.

With "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on the way out, it's time for Harvard and Columbia and other elite institutions to welcome the return of ROTC to campus, to embrace Our Military by encouraging and supporting the desires of their students - all of their students - to Serve America in uniform.

No more excuses.

While our All-Volunteer Force will never have exact proportional representation, it is possible for more Americans to personally know enlisted servicemembers and junior officers, those most at risk in combat, if more or all Americans, from all parts of our society, would either volunteer to serve themselves [if healthy and 41-or-under], or, if not personally eligible, encourage their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to consider serving, even if they have other options.

This would help to unite Our Country.

Don't worry. We haven't forgotten the Yellow Elephants. With the Republican party poised to take over the House of Representatives next month, they still have a national leadership responsibility, shared with the Democratic party, to set a good example for the rest of us.

Cat Fight

Looks like the College Republicans in Alaska are stamping their widdle feet.

A little over a week ago, the College Republicans at the University of Alaska Anchorage held a meet-and-greet for U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski at a bar in downtown Anchorage. Former Sen. Ted Stevens was there, there was free food (though a cash bar), and according to reports a good time was had by all.

But the Joe Miller campaign, which is gunning for Murkowski's seat, didn't see it that way. Early Sunday morning Paul Bauer, Miller's campaign manager, posted an angry note to the College Republicans' Facebook page ripping them for their "endorsement of one candidate over another during a PRIMARY race." Bauer wrote that the students had "failing grades" in research, common sense, and true conservative principles and values.

The young GOPers were pissed. In an e-mail, Jeremiah Campbell, the group's spokesman, told Bauer the group didn't appreciate his "false accusations." Campbell ended his e-mail with "Please call my cell phone immediately if you have a backbone."

What's the worst a CR could do to you? Scratch your face? Throw a gerbil on you?

(Note: Ted Stevens, mentioned in the first paragraph, recently died in a plane crash. We wish his family the best in getting past this terrible time.)

Wisconsin CR's Called Out

You gonna sit and take this, CR's? Stand up for yourselves for christsakes.

The poor College Republicans. They used to represent so much good. Figures like Karl Rove, Lee Atwater –– OK, maybe not good for good, but at least good for whatever they were fighting for (what was that again?).

For much of my time at UW-Madison, they were a miserly organization. Comically poor public speaking skills made the College Republicans the laughingstock of the campus press. However, I talked to the new heads of the College Republicans last year and they seemed aware of the need to re-image the organization from the customary parade of far-right speakers and self-pitying op-ed columns (liberal campus, wah, wah, wah) to advocacy for a more palatable brand of conservatism.

What the Young and College Republicans are up to

Rove to pimp his book “Courage and Consequence” to young cowards. Rove using the word “courage” is like Keith Richards using the word "sober".

UC Merced College Republicans announced Monday that Karl Rove, former senior adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, will speak at UC Merced on Oct. 8 as part of the conservative student group's speaker series.

Rhode Island said to be having a "conservative revolution". Translation: Young Republicans want to obtain leadership positions without having to go through the hassle of earning credibility.

Travis Rowley believes that Rhode Island is going through a “conservative revolution” and he is doing his part to hasten it to fruition.

One part of his effort — he is also chairman of the R.I. Young Republicans — is what he calls a “pamphlet,” consciously evoking the patriotic pamphleteers of the American Revolution, called “The Rhode Island Republican” and subtitled “An Indictment of the Rhode Island Left.” The cover of the 42-page, glossy-magazine-style publication shows a tiny but determined-looking elephant furiously tugging at one end of a rope, trying to prevent a sneaky-looking donkey from walking Rhode Island off the edge of a cliff.

Chicago YR's hope their electoral success is better than The Cubs luck.

In choosing the locale for this party—an event to display as well as swell its ranks— the Chicago Young Republicans (CYR) seemed to have made certain assumptions about the venue’s inherent inclusiveness. If it wants to swing Chicago’s political machinations in its favor, it will have to start with Cubs fans evidently. But the Cubby Bear, despite its storied history as a rock venue, isn’t necessarily an hospitable environment for those not accustomed to traversing sports-themed watering holes. Are all Republicans sports fans?

Such a tolerant group of guys

At least they're good in basketball, right?

Back in April, Duke University junior, Justin Robinette, was forced to give up his position as chair of the Duke College Republicans. According to the campus group, the unanimous impeachment vote was in response to several instances of unprofessional conduct. However, according to Robinette, it was because he is gay.

There is no proof that Robinette was in fact removed due to his sexual orientation. Members of the group cite numerous instances in which Robinette "pushed" a lot of formally active members out of the group and fixed group elections. However, we are not told of any specific instances.

Cliff Satell, former College Republicans vice chair, spoke out, saying the impeachment was premeditated. "It was set in stone before anything happened," he said. "These people, all of them, voted three weeks ago to re-elect Justin. And during the three weeks where it was discovered that he is gay... the next meeting that was held... he is impeached."

What Central Michigan University students are doing right

Operation Yellow Elephant appreciates the engaged discussion, in comments and via e-mail, on yesterday's post which is very much on our topic. So, giving credit where credit is due [and recognizing the space limitations on the original story in the campus newspaper], we appreciate the following about Central Michigan University [CMU]:

Support from Back Home . . .

The Michigan Army National Guard's 125th Infantry Division's Company C of Wyoming, MI (near Grand Rapids) has deployed to Afghanistan; we applaud such demonstrations of community support, including the t-shirts and donations to cover the shipping [which is not cheap]. Furthermore, we know from personal experience that the best thing you can do to Support Our Troops is to send something homemade.

. . . and from your Buddies

We understand that only part of the unit is deployed, and that many of its other current or recent members [i.e., veterans] are now students at CMU; some of them may be going later. It appears that they are encouraging their campus friends also to support their buddies downrange, and this is to be commended. Frankly, if more people in our country personally knew someone wearing the uniform, or recent veterans, our country would be better for it.

Bipartisanship is great!

Although the article only discusses Republicans, and the CMU College Republicans organized the event, one comment indicates that the CMU College Democrats also showed up. We commend this kind of cooperation by both organizations.

Some have served, or committed to doing so

We thank CMU student veterans for their service, and salute those in ROTC/OCS/something similar for their commitment to serving in the future.

Not everyone is eligible to serve; many do what they can

This blog focuses exclusively on military-eligible young men [healthy heterosexuals; the maximum age to enlist without prior service is 41-or-under]. Those not eligible to serve are basically off the hook with us - we appreciate all that they do to Support Our Troops!

OYE Comment:

We'll continue with this discussion in the coming days.

The clueless Central Michigan College Republicans

Instead of sending their own asses into combat they'll send a banner with signatures.

College Republicans held the second “Salute to the Troops” event Wednesday in Central Park, next to the Charles V. Park Library. A banner was supplied for students to sign and send to the Michigan Army National Guard’s 125th Infantry Division’s Company C of Wyoming, stationed in Afghanistan.

As usual they toss out the "well I know lots of people in uniform" line as though that somehow insulates them from considering to serve.

“I know lots of people in the military — I’ve got family in the military and friends right here at CMU who are about to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Travis Faber, Battle Creek senior and member of the College Republicans.

And here's another one that has a friend of a friend that served.

Kevin Cotter, Republican candidate for State Representative of the 99th District, attended and said he knows someone nrecently out of the military. He said he thinks it will mean a lot to the troops.

“I think it also is good to bring awareness to the students here on campus as they see this and sign — it brings it to the forefront of their mind the sacrifices that others are making to protect our freedoms,” Cotter said.

At least they were able to raise some loot for the troops. A full $23.91. Barely enough to get a College Republican drunk on $4 pitcher of beer night.

“It takes half a second to sign your name to something that will hopefully bring a lot of joy to somebody that’s over in a country really far away from here,” Faber said.

The total amount of donations made was $23.91 and about 517 signed the banner.

If you want to have a look at these jokers here's their Facebook page.

Always Running From Something

College Republicans prefer to send care packages to servicemen rather than become servicemen.

In 2007, DePauw's College Republicans national charter was discontinued due to inactivity. But thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated students, the chapter is once again official. On the heels of that accomplishment, the group is organizing the DePauw Dash, a 5K race to benefit a U.S. soldier.

"We have roughly 70 members," said Sam Spahn, president of the DePauw College Republicans. "All we've been doing since September is basically recruiting, recruiting, recruiting. It's a lot like campaigning, just like a candidate would do."

Sad how little they know about the serviceman they're sponsoring (also unsurprising).

The DePauw Dash is slated for April 10. Through the Soldier's Angels organization, the DePauw College Republicans have "adopted" a soldier by the name of Michael Scaglione. Funds raised through the DePauw Dash will be used to put together care packages for Scaglione.

"(Scaglione) is in the Navy and is currently in Iraq," Spahn said. "But we don't know where he's from or any other details about him."

Smith College Republicans

Just like College Republicans everywhere else, the ones at Smith are also 'always the victims'.

Conservative students at Smith face extreme adversity from their peers if they make their opinions public. During last year's Conservative Coming Out Day, an annual event held by the Smith Republicans to encourage Smith students to come out as conservatives or moderates, several Smithies said that they would join the club, but were afraid of the social ramifications: being taunted, ridiculed and ostracized by their housemates and friends.

This is a valid concern, since several members of the club have suffered harassment. In the heat of the last presidential election, girls in one member's house posted vicious messages on her door. Additionally, it has been nearly impossible to advertise our club's events because fliers are torn down within hours. If they do remain up, they are vandalized. Earlier this year we wanted to inform our fellow Smithies about what Republicans actually believe by placing facts about the party on candy bars; we placed fliers around campus saying "free chocolate." One Smith student decided to write "and torture" underneath. The ignorance and intolerance inspiring this action speaks for itself.

Who knows? Maybe they do have a point. From an outsider's perspective I guess it would seem unfair to label this as 'typical College Republican whining'.

And there is someone else at Smith standing up for the CR's:

Exercise a little tolerance for Republicans

College Republicans: Forever Worthless

Even though not many College Republicans are still willing to have their name attached to their gutless warmongering, it doesn't mean they no longer harbor the same cowardice to cheer war from the safety of fraternity houses.

Not long after that panel, right-wing firebrand and pundit Ann Coulter spoke to the convention, and when she spoke, the room was packed to capacity. Throngs of college students came to hear Coulter stoke populist flames and appeal to the most base elements of the Republican psyche with liberal-bashing one-liners one could practically classify as political pornography. During the question-and-answer session with Coulter, one college student asked her what she thought of Joanne Herring's suggestion that assisting Afghani farmers grow chickpeas could help stabilize the country. To this question Coulter replied, "I thought bombs were the solution to our problem in Afghanistan." The young people in the room responded with thunderous applause.

"Why are you a College Republican?"

We've pondered this question and finally found the answers.



Here's more rationale:



One of the luxuries of contributing to OYE is knowing that no one that we cover can take us on Jeopardy.

While College Republicans lay around drunk....

...someones mom is being sent to Iraq.

Right now my moms is at an airport in Maryland waiting on a plane to send her to Germany, then to Kuwait, then to Iraq. She turns fifty years old on Thursday. At first, I thought she was an anomaly. I believed that there were no other 40+ year old women headed to Iraq.

I was wrong. With my mother there are at least two other women in their forties.

Let me also add that even though most of the College Democrats seemed to have opposed the Iraq War they still have a responsibility here as well. After all they did help elect the President who currently holds the keys for the conflict.

What's on College Republicans' iPods

I stuck it out listening to 54 seconds of this. If last longer than me consider yourself hearing impaired.



Vanilla Ice is now officially off the hook as the worst rapper since Vanilla Ice.

Final Round of CR of the Year Nominees

And here's the final nominees of College Republican honkies.

From: Will Crosswell, College Republicans
Date: Sat, May 16, 2009 at 2:23 AM
Subject: Last but not least
To: XXXXX

Dear XXXX,

So far this week, we've introduced you to eight of the Top 12 nominees for College Republican of the Year. Now we're down to round three.

Please take a minute to read about our last four nominees and cast your vote for the most deserving College Republican.

Next week, we'll announce the top vote getters - our Final Three nominees.

Who do you want to see in the Final Three? Make you voice heard, vote now.

Introducing our last four nominees:

Chasen Bullock, California State University - San Marcos: Chasen is serving as Chairman of the California State University - San Marcos College Republican chapter.

Chelsea Maltagliati, University of Missouri-Columbia: Chelsea most recently served as the 2009 Missouri College Republicans State Convention Coordinator.

Ross McMullin, Purdue University: Ross is serving as Treasurer for the Indiana Federation of College Republicans.

Mary Novick, Franciscan University: Mary is serving as President ofthe Franciscan University College Republican chapter.

Cast your vote for one of these fine College Republicans today.

Remember, you have 24 hours after receiving this email to vote.

Sincerely,

Will Crosswell

National Field Director

College Republican National Committee

College Republicans Fresh Start

We've tried to help them. Really, we did. We pointed them in the right direction to earn credibility by backing up their war-happy mouths by enlisting, but they never saw the connection.

Now after a humbling election, ridiculous street theatre, and strange scandals the College Republicans know a sea change must come for them to remain relevant to become future leaders for Our Country.

Soooooooo.............all they did was update their website, encourage signing up for E-mail updates and ask for some loot.

OYE Comment: Leadership starts from the top. We don't believe that the National Chairman for the CR's, Charlie Smith, has the fortitude to guide his subordinates back to prominence on a national stage. Hopefully the CR's will be able to find someone within their numbers with the credibility and capacity to guide them back to relevancy.

Real Americans Oppose Frenchified Foreign Legion

Here's how Operation Yellow Elephant responded to the Christian Science Monitor:

To the Editor:

Retired Army Brigadier General Kevin Ryan's July 26 suggestion that the U.S. create its own Foreign Legion ("Enhance force levels? Look to immigrants") represents not only the Frenchification of our great country but a failure of our national leadership at the highest levels.

Rather than outsourcing our national defense, military recruiters should focus on the crowds of healthy, heterosexual-appearing military-age men (and some women) at pro-war rallies, the future leaders of our governing party (College and Young Republicans), and interns and staffers at neoconservative think tanks, and urge all those patriotic war supporters to Be A Man! Enlist! Doing the same at rallies demanding international ( i.e., U.S. military) intervention in Darfur (Sudan) and Lebanon would ensure political balance and support national unity.

Political leaders who take our country to war have the responsibility of convincing real Americans (and legal immigrants), if healthy, heterosexual and 41 or under, to enlist, even if they plan other careers later in life. If our national leaders refuse to set a good example for the rest of us, and cannot persuade even their strongest supporters to consider volunteering, importing a 21st century version of King George III's hired Hessians as foreign mercenaries won't solve their problems.

Sincerely,

Karl Olson
Operation Yellow Elephant

Operation Yellow Elephant is a nonpartisan grass roots citizens initiative to Support Our President by encouraging his strongest supporters, if qualified, to consider military service. Because only healthy heterosexuals 42 and under are eligible, we are focusing on College and Young Republicans. If a particular patriot is not accepted for enlistment, Your Country Thanks You for stepping forward.

After all, if President Bush, with Secretary Rumsfeld's support, cannot convince even his strongest supporters to volunteer, how can he possibly lead our nation, and the International Coalition, to a successful outcome of the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere?