An Instant OYE Hall of Fame Inductee

This may be a setup. It is as though Benjamin Johnson, co-chairman of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans, had set a goal of becoming featured by Operation Yellow Elephant. Not since Matthew Continetti have we been handed a profile in hypocrisy and cowardice that virtually wrote the post for us.

In Mr. Johnson's own words (video 1):

"Do I think it's good to keep America safe? Yes, of course. Do I think that people have forgotten about September 11th and the...the...the brutal attack on America? Yes, I think they have". . . . . . . ."Situations can become so political. So extremely political that you lose the real reason why we went to Iraq to begin with."



How exactly does Mr. Johnson 'support' The Troops (video 2)?

"We have a, uhhhh, support the troops grill out every single year."

Instead of sending his own ass into combat, Benjamin sends.....

"Beef jerky! Love beef jerky! That is the biggest thing! They just looooove it! So we buy packs of beef jerky. . ."

In Arts and Craft Class, Ben makes.....

"We'll have like, you know, ribbon days for...for the troops. The yellow ribbons. Where we'll make the yellow ribbons and we'll hand them out all over campus."

In his conclusion our young Patriot offers this:

"If you love George Bush or you hate him. If you love the war in Iraq or you hate it". . . . . . . ."irregardless of your opinions the American soldier is someone who needs to be respected. Someone who needs to be honored. Because he is just doing his job to protect the things we hold dear. So that is why we get such support when we do this. Such support when we do this support the troops grill out. . . . .That is why I am so honored to support them personally."



OYE Comment: It is comforting to know that there are Real Americans that carry a rifle to work so that Benjamin Johnson will be free to talk to girls, blow bubbles (as seen in video 1), and apply an ocean of lotion through his hair. With the enlistment age having been raised to the age of 42 and under, Mr. Johnson has a couple of decades to salvage the credibility he has all but expelled. Our attempts to contact the yellow ribbon maker were dismissed completely, but we hope that with encouragement from many he will comprehend what it means to "support them personally".

Hat tip to the Iowa Independent, Huffington Post, Daily Kos, VetVoice, BlogActive and Wonkette.

Quotation of the Day

from The Daily Dish by Andrew Sullivan:

A reader writes:

I enjoy reading The Corner because, like most Americans, I prefer my warmongering from real men like Rich Lowry and Jonah Goldberg. [ . . . ]

-

OYE Comment:

Operation Yellow Elephant has not taken a position on the war.

We do note with appreciation that Jonah Goldberg has had the guts to Answer The Question, while, to our knowledge, Rich Lowry has not. According to his bio, Lowry is eligible.

We cannot help but observe that, for a democracy to wage war for an extended period of time, it is essential that its national elites support our military by personally volunteering for service [if eligible] or encouraging their own eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, as well as their readers and audiences, to Be A Man! Enlist!

-

Those who 'support' the war, only if "other people" actually fight it, don't really support the war at all.

-

At least even Rich Lowry can Be A Man! Answer The Question! We invite our readers to ask him yourself: Click here: Rich Lowry.

A Day Late on the Recipe

Jon Soltz, from VoteVets.org, offers a recipe on How To Make A Chickenhawk.

Ingredients:

· 1 whole chicken

· Handful of juniper berries (to represent the berries on Rush Limbaugh's butt that 'kept him' from serving in Vietnam)

· A can of "au jus" (to represent France -- where Mitt Romney fled to avoid the draft)

· Mustard, Relish, Onions, Tomato (all the toppings of a Chicago hot-dog, which Richard Perle ate plenty of when he got out of Vietnam by attending the University of Chicago)

· Crisco (to represent the weight that Fred Kagan will drop when he heads to basic training once he decides it's actually worth personally fighting this war)

· Three Pinches of Rosehip (for Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck who all are apparently too delicate to sacrifice for America)

Rub all the ingredients on the chicken, and sprinkle with powdered sugar to represent George Bush's disappearance from the Texas Air National Guard, when he apparently had a problem with.... well, you know. Then, let it sit and find "other priorities," like Dick Cheney said he had when the nation needed him to fight in Vietnam.

OYE Comment: If Jon has aspirations of becoming a chef, we encourage him to abandon the thought and to continue his work with VoteVets.org. A stoner with the munchies couldn't be convinced to sample this Chickenhawk.

OYE will be happy to review any Yellow Elephant recipes for the upcoming holiday season (just don't expect us to take a bite).

President Bush Thanks Our Troops!

President Bush spoke at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, on Monday, November 19:

12:24 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thanks very much. Thanks for the warm welcome. I am proud to be back in the great state of Virginia. I particularly appreciate the chance to visit Berkeley Plantation. I thank the good people who care for this historic treasure. Over the years, Presidents have visited Berkeley. [ . . . ]

[ . . . ]

The story of Berkeley reminds us that we live in a nation dedicated to liberty. In 1776, Berkeley's owner, Benjamin Harrison, became one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration, we see the founders' great hope for our country, their conviction that we're all created equal, with the God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

At times, America has fallen short of these ideals. We remember that the expansion of our country came at a terrible cost to Native American tribes. We remember that many people came to the New World in chains rather than by choice. For many years, slaves were held against their will here at Berkeley and other plantations -- and their bondage is a shameful chapter in our nation's history.

Today, we're grateful to live in a more perfect union. Yet our society still faces divisions that hold us back. These divisions have roots in the bitter experiences of our past -- and have no place in America's future. (Applause.) The work of realizing the ideals of our founding continues. And we must not rest until the promise of America is real for all our citizens.

[ . . . ]

The story of Berkeley reminds us to honor those who have sacrificed in the cause of freedom. During the Civil War, Union forces at Berkeley adopted a nightly bugle call that has echoed throughout the ages. The bugle call has become known as "Taps." And when we hear it play, we remember that the freedoms we enjoyed have come at a heavy price.

Today, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces are taking risks for our freedom. They're fighting on the front lines of the war on terror, the war against extremists and radicals who would do us more harm. Many of them will spend Thanksgiving far from the comforts of home. And so we thank them for their service and sacrifice. We keep their families and loved ones in our prayers. We pray for the families who lost a loved one in this fight against the extremists and radicals, and we vow that their sacrifice will not be in vain. (Applause.)

This Thanksgiving, we pay tribute to all Americans who serve a cause larger than themselves. We are thankful for the police officers who patrol our streets. We're thankful for the firefighters who protect our homes and property. [ . . . ]

[ . . . ]

These stories remind us that our nation's greatest strength is the decency and compassion of our people. As we count our many blessings, I encourage all Americans to show their thanks by giving back. [ . . . ] And there are many ways to spread hope this holiday -- volunteer in a shelter, mentor a child, help an elderly neighbor, say thanks to one who wears our nation's uniform. (Applause.)

[ . . . ]

I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I offer Thanksgiving greetings to every American citizen. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 12:40 P.M. EST

OYE Comment:

President Bush has certainly been talking about our servicemembers a lot lately, but it all seems a bit distant, as if military personnel are "other people" and not anyone he personally knows and cares about. Either that, or he needs new speechwriters, preferably with real human experiences who have known some of life's major challenges and disappointments.

If President Bush could only find the strength not only to call upon real Americans to volunteer for military service in the Global War on Terror even if they plan other careers later in life, but also to set a good example for all of us by starting with, say, his future son-in-law Henry Hager, Our President would greatly enhance his legacy and place in our history.

Commentators Need Credibility

Dr. Frederick W. Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute joined with Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution to urge that our country think about "feasible military options in Pakistan." Seriously.

While this blog has not taken a position on any war, or on "feasible military options in Pakistan," we cannot help but note that, as far as we can tell, neither Dr. Kagan nor Dr. O'Hanlon has encouraged our national civilian political leadership to call upon eligible young Americans to consider military service, nor have they used their own bully pulpit, in the New York Times op-ed page, to do so themselves, directly.

Or, as Andrew Sullivan put it, with what troops? Hel-lo!

OYE Warmly Welcomes the Dallas Mavericks

This past Thursday the NBA franchise, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas National Guard, had a "Green Out" night when they played their rival, the San Antonio Spurs. 20,000 of the green T-shirts, pictured above, were handed out and asked to be worn by those in attendance. The front of the shirt displayed the Mavericks' logo while the back of the shirt read as follows:

Texas National Guard

http://www.1-800-go-guard.com/

Defending Freedom since 1636

OYE COMMENT: While the shirt did not openly say Be A Man! Enlist! it did at least force those in attendance of the 15 November game to view the shirt seated in front of them with how to get in touch with The Guard, if interested. We are hopeful that at least some of the fans took it upon themselves to investigate if serving Our Country would trump having other priorities.

The Dallas Mavericks won the game over the Spurs, 105-92. We wish them well in the upcoming season and wish the Texas National Guard the best of luck in meeting their recruiting goals.

A 40-Year Old Recruit: Inspiration for Fred Kagan?

Meet Clayton Beaver of Hawaii, who just turned 40 and joined the Army. He's one of a very small number of older recruits [41-or-under] who enlisted since the Army raised its maximum age in 2006, as authorized by Congress and signed by the President.

PFC Beaver seems to be doing well in basic training and has assumed a leadership position in his platoon. We thank him for his decision to Serve Our Country and wish him, and his family, all the best.

What struck Operation Yellow Elephant the most is the lack of any patriotic inspiration, especially by any of our national civilian political leadership, in PFC Beaver's decision. He and his family certainly deserve the financial and other support for his decision, but isn't something missing here?

The Washington Post is having an online discussion of this article on Monday, November 19, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time. You can submit your questions in advance; click here.

So, what does this have to do with Dr. Frederick Kagan, the intellectual author of The Surge, a neocon think tankist at the American Enterprise Institute? Well, if Clayton Beaver can get himself into shape, so can Dr. Kagan. Please invite him to do so; click here: Dr. Kagan.

Operation Yellow Elephant thanks The Washington Post for sharing the experiences of a real American who joins our Army as a 40-year-old recruit. The American people really want to Support Our Troops; this helps them know a bit about them.

October 2007 Recruiting Stats: No Surge Here!

DoD announced our military's recruiting and retention statistics for October 2007, the first month of the Fiscal Year 2008 recruiting year [ending September 30, 2008].

All services met or exceeded their goals, which are seasonally adjusted. The active-duty Army exceeded its goal of 4,500 by 64 [total 4,564] and the active-duty Marine Corps exceeded its goal of 2,720 by 68 [total 2,788]. The Air Force and Navy hit their targets exactly, i.e., as soon as they got the last new recruit they needed, they stopped.

OYE Comment:

We understand that the number of Army recruits in the pipeline [Delayed Entry Program] has dropped to a very low level. If our national civilian political leaders really care about the future of our country beyond January 20, 2009 or, worse, the next Election on November 4, 2008, they are certainly not showing that.

OYE Welcomes Dave from Queens

This past Saturday, Daily Kos diarist, davefromqueens, attended Sean Hannity's book signing in Huntington, NY. Hannity (pictured above), the Fox News pundit, conservative talk show host and Iraq War supporter, fielded questions from the audience after he gave a speech. Although Dave was prepared to ask Mr. Hannity questions unrelated to OYE's mission, he did offer some rules of engagement to those that were planning on attending with him. The 3rd rule we found to be relevant to us: "If you could, bring military recruitment forms. When you see a Hannity supporter under the age of 42, volunteer to fill out the forms for him or her."

Dave did not specify if he was able to encourage any of Sean's eligible-but-unwilling-to-serve followers to Be A Man! Enlist! But he did ask the also in attendance, conservative talk radio host, Mark Levin, ". . .would you like to join the military?"

OYE would like to thank Dave for attempting to do what Hannity has neglected to- ask his supporters to consider Military Service. We greatly appreciate his effort, and hope he continues in the future.

Vice President Cheney on Veterans Day: Another Opportunity

Vice President Richard B. Cheney spoke at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11.

11:31 A.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much, Secretary Mansfield. And I appreciate the welcome and the introduction. Let me also thank General Rowe; Jack Ryan, the National Commandant of the Marine Corps League; and the fine musicians of the U.S. Army Band for their outstanding performance this morning.

Above all, I want to recognize all the active duty service members who have joined us, as well as the veterans who've come from across America. It's a privilege to be in your company today on Veterans Day, and a privilege, as well, to extend personal regards from the Commander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush. (Applause.)

[ . . . ] Resting at Arlington are heroes who fell in battle, from the war for independence to the current fight against terrorism. Also resting among these hills are many Americans who wore the uniform -- and then, as veterans and retired service members, continued lives of purpose and achievement. Here is buried General George C. Marshall, who as Secretary of State drew up a plan for European recovery that yielded generations of peace. Another is Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., a Brevet Colonel who was shot three times in the Civil War -- and seven decades later was sitting on the Supreme Court of the United States. We have General Omar Bradley, the last of the five-stars, who lived 88 years. We have astronauts and Cabinet members, and President John F. Kennedy, who survived his time in war, yet nonetheless, while still a young man, gave his life in service to the United States of America.

[ . . . ]

Nor do veterans ever seem to lose the desire to serve their country. Anywhere you go in America, you find that veterans are the backbone of their communities -- always making a contribution, pitching in, providing leadership, and setting a good example for the young.

Some of our veterans are pretty young themselves, and have recent memories of the cold mountains of Afghanistan, or the burning heat of Iraq. Others go back to the Persian Gulf War, to Vietnam, Korea, or the standoff of great powers we still call the Cold War. Still with us are many members of the largest American force ever fielded, who defeated militarism in the Pacific and Hitler's army in Europe. Even now we marvel at the incredible achievements of that World War Two generation. And we still have among us today Americans who were serving on the original Armistice Day, November 11th, 1918. America's World War One veterans are now just a handful in number, but we're thinking of them today, and they are very special in the hearts of this nation.

More than 20 million of our fellow citizens bear the distinction of veteran. Each has his or her own story. But whether duty found them at home or abroad, in wartime or peacetime, they all share the pride of having served. And they have in common the memory of taking an oath and becoming part of something much larger than themselves. President Dwight Eisenhower described the moment this way. He said that when he raised his right hand and repeated the official oath, "A feeling came over me that the expression 'The United States of America' would now and henceforth mean something different than it ever had before. From here on it would be the nation I would be serving, not myself."

America may be a country founded in revolution, but we've never been a warrior culture. We are a democracy, defended by volunteers. We're a peaceful nation, with friends to the north and the south of us, and great oceans to the east and the west of us. Yet these blessings alone have never been enough to assure safety at home or peace in our world. At times in our history, arms and ideologies have been massed against us, and we have heard the call to bring freedom, new hope, and healing to afflicted peoples.

America has faced these challenges, often at very high cost. We see part of that cost right here on the hills of Arlington. And the legacy of the American armed forces is truly extraordinary. They've thrown back tyrants, liberated death camps, carried out heroic rescues, and kept the peace in volatile regions. Above all, they have kept us free in the land we call home -- free to live as we see fit, free to work, and worship, and speak our minds, and choose our own leaders. All of this, we owe to the men and women who have taken that oath to defend America. And may the rest of us never take them for granted. (Applause.)

Gathered as we are today in a time of war, we're only more sharply aware of the nation's debt to the members of the armed forces. They are constantly in our thoughts. Our gratitude extends to their loved ones, because military service is often a family commitment, and they, too, are giving up a lot for the good of our whole nation.

General David Petraeus, our top commander in Iraq, recently said that our troops are operating in the "most complex and challenging environment imaginable." He added that they are the "best equipped force in our nation's history;" they are doing a "magnificent job" -- and that he is honored to serve with them. The conduct of our military today, as throughout our nation's history, makes this country very proud. And it's our prayer that they'll return in victory, safely home, to live out their lives and to be here to observe many Veterans Days to come.

Fellow citizens, I count it a true honor to be with all of you for this ceremony of recognition and gratitude. And to all the veterans here today: On behalf of the President and the entire nation, I offer the greatest respect and the most heartfelt thanks. You keep faith with America; your example of service and sacrifice inspires a new generation of freedom's defenders. May God keep us truly grateful for everything that you've done. May he protect those who serve today. And may He always watch over the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 11:41 A.M. EST

OYE Comment:

Wow.

Although Vice President Cheney does salute veterans' leadership qualities, including "setting an example for the young," nowhere does he actually encourage American civilians eligible to serve to find the courage to become part of something greater than themselves.

This would have been a great opportunity to issue a Call to Service. Why won't they?

Photo tip to Andrew Sullivan.

President Bush on Veterans Day: Another Opportunity

An excerpt from President Bush's remarks at the National Fallen Soldiers Memorial Ceremony, American Legion Post 121, Waco, Texas, November 11, 2007:

2:52 P.M. CST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Clayton, thanks inviting me. I'm really honored to be here with you. Congressman Edwards, thank you for your eloquence and your very moving remarks. Members of the Texas State Legislature, it's good to see you again. Distinguished mayors, thank you all for being here. Proud veterans and families of the fallen: It is a privilege to spend this Veterans Day with you, and to join you in honoring four sons of the great state of Texas who gave their lives in freedom's cause.

The young men we remember today did not live to be called veterans. They died in a distant land fighting terror, spreading freedom, and protecting their fellow citizens from danger. The valor and selfless devotion of these men fills their families with immeasurable pride. Yet this pride cannot fill the hole in their loved ones' aching hearts, or relieve the burden of grief that will remain for a lifetime. In their sorrow, these families need to know, and families all across the nation of the fallen need to know that your loved ones served a cause that is good, and just, and noble. And as their Commander-in-Chief, I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain.

I know all the veterans gathered here and across the nation feel a special bond with our fallen soldiers and their families. Many experienced the heartbreak and tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that -- what it's like to lose a brother on the field of battle. And many of them recall the determination they felt when a beloved comrade fell, the determination to pick up the mantle, to carry on the fight, and to complete the mission.

That's precisely what today's generation of soldiers is doing in the war on terror. Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, more than 2 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our nation's uniform -- and during that same period, 1.5 million American troops have made the courageous decision to re-enlist and to stay in the fight. These men and women saw the future the terrorists intend for our country, and they said with clear voices: "Not on my watch." America is blessed to have such brave defenders. They are tomorrow's veterans -- and they're bringing pride to our country.

Their service is noble, and it is necessary. [ . . . ]

As veterans, you have confidence in freedom's cause -- because you have seen with your own eyes the power of liberty to transform nations and secure the peace. The men and women gathered before me took an oath to defend America -- and you upheld that oath with honor, and decency, and valor. You humbled tyrants, liberated continents, and freed millions from unspeakable oppression. And because of your service and sacrifice, the world has been transformed in once unimaginable ways. [ . . . ]

I thank our nation's veterans for the fine example that you have set for our country. I thank you for your courage and your patriotism and your devotion to duty. I thank you for standing up for the men and women of our Armed Forces -- and I thank you for all you do to support the families they leave behind during this time of war.

May God bless and keep all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless and keep our brave and honored veterans. May God bless those who are in harm's way. And may God continue to bless our nation. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 2:58 P.M. CST

OYE Comment:

President Bush just praised, rightly, the more than 2 million Americans who stepped forward to Be A Man! Enlist! since September 11, 2001, and the more than 1.5 million Americans in uniform who have re-enlisted. Here are our questions:

Does President Bush personally know any of them?

Has President Bush ever asked anyone, even those he does not know personally, to volunteer for military service? We can't find a single example, but welcome a specific, public statement to this effect.

We do know, however, that this Veterans Day would have been a great opportunity to issue a Call to Service on behalf of America.

Important Note: Yes, President Bush's nephew George P. Bush has joined the Naval Reserve. To our knowledge, however, he has not been called to active duty, service on which confers veteran status.

Happy Birthday, Marines!

I just attended a Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which I do whenever I can (usually every year). There were several local citizens who attended to show their support by personally wishing the Marines a Happy Birthday. [It's the 232nd, after the resolution of the Continental Congress 10 NOV 1775.]

There's a lot of amazing dedication out there, especially among real Americans in uniform. There's a reason why Americans choose as their leaders those who start with the Oblige, and let the people decide about the Noblesse.

Hat tip to The Dread Pundit.

Virginians Choose New Leadership; We Know Why.

It should not surprise any longtime reader of this blog that the Republican Party of Virginia, under the 'leadership' of John Hager, the father of Jenna Bush's fiance Henry Hager, lost control of the Virginia State Senate in the November 6 General Election.

In our opinion, Henry Hager's desire for Noblesse - recognition as a future leader of his community, State and Nation - without the Oblige - setting a good example for the rest of us - certainly contributed to his Party's defeat.

Frankly, Operation Yellow Elephant is disappointed in Henry Hager and his contemporaries in President Bush's Party. Had they chosen to fulfill their responsibilities, or explain their other choices, the people of Virginia might have recognized good qualities in them.

Just look at the Republican Party of Virginia's website. It's tired; you'd never know that Virginians just elected their State Legislature again. Scroll over to the right to see Our Magic Word. [Seriously.]

Dialogue with Robert Hamer

We appreciate Robert Hamer's interest in our topic. Here are some answers to his questions in the comments on the Nov. 6 post:

Fair enough, OYE, but if you don't feel it necessary to "ask the question" to Mrs. Malkin, why do you often "ask the question" of the Bush twins, specifically Jenna? Is it because they're the President's daughters, or they're younger, or some other reason?

OYE Comment:

Rarely have we specifically Asked The Question of Ms. Jenna Bush, though we have reported on real Americans' doing so, and her Answer. [Karl wrote a polite letter to Ms. Bush c/o The White House and received a standard, non-substantive acknowledgement.] We have not Asked The Question of the other Bush twin, Ms. Barbara Bush.

Let's face it: Ms. Jenna Bush is extremely well known among young Americans, to the point that many military recruiters told Prof. Charles Moskos of Northwestern University, one of our nation's leading military sociologists and author of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, that enlisting Ms. Jenna Bush in our military would be the single greatest way of supporting military recruitment for the Global War on Terror. Prof. Moskos has therefore endorsed military service by both Ms. Jenna Bush and Ms. Chelsea Clinton (on whom we are preparing a posting).

Our First Couple has twin daughters and no sons; the American people, and therefore this blog, have focused on Jenna Bush as the person closest to Our President who appears eligible and could consider volunteering for military service.

For well over a year, we have focused even more on her beau, now fiance, Mr. Henry Hager. Frankly, when Henry Hager asked President Bush for Jenna's hand in marriage, President Bush should have told him to Be A Man! Enlist! and then come back and see him. In other words, the Oblige should come before the Noblesse. We will continue to Ask The Question of Mr. Henry Hager until he answers it or decides to Man Up!

I also find it a little unfair to call on ALL all healthy heterosexuals 41 and younger. While it is true that nothing should stop Mitt Romney's sons from signing up, I've also seen plenty of war supporters who are obviously not cut out for something like fighting a war. The military is an environment that very few people can adjust to, and if someone simply can not handle it, I won't harbor any ill feelings toward them.

OYE Comment:

We agree.

Technically, we ask all real Americans eligible to serve [healthy heterosexuals 41-or-under], who support the war, to consider volunteering for military service in the Global War on Terror, even if they plan other careers later in life. We also ask them to share the results of their deliberations, or explain why they won't even consider volunteering, in the same manner as their public support of the war.

We recognize that military service is not for everyone, for a wide variety of reasons. But it takes some form of courage at least to consider the military when our country is supposedly at war, and also to be honest with yourself. You can see on this blog, e.g., here and here, where we have thanked people at least for thinking about it. Obviously, some who think about it will find the courage within themselves to Be A Man! Enlist!

I'm not trying to be dick or anything, I'm just trying to figure out what exactly qualifies someone as a "Yellow Elephant."

OYE Comment:

A Yellow Elephant is someone eligible to serve [healthy heterosexual 41-or-under] who supports the war only if "other people" actually fight it. In other words, a Yellow Elephant refuses even to consider volunteering for military service in the war he 'supports.'

Steve Gilliard's An Honest Conversation says it best.

In our opinion, those not personally eligible to serve, who support the war, have an obligation to encourage their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to volunteer. Of course, the decision remains with each individual. But, if Mitt Romney cannot even ask his five sons to consider military service, well, what kind of a national 'leader' would he be?

There are also some political Yellow Elephants who continue to support the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy without personally encouraging real American heterosexuals to Be A Man! Enlist! In other words, hypocrisy. Given ongoing recruiting challenges, welcoming the voluntary service of non-heterosexuals is, frankly, a no-brainer.

Also, you call on all healthy heterosexuals 41 and younger to "Be A Man! Enlist!" Let's say they decided to "Be A Man! Get Commissioned!" instead? Does that still count?

Yes.

Most Influential Yellow Elephant

The Daily Telegraph, "Britain's No. 1 quality newspaper website", published a list of who they believe to be the 100 most influential US conservatives. After sifting through 5 web pages of bad comb-overs, double chins, mostly white pundits and politicians, we were dismayed to find only one of our 'subjects' had made the compilation. Fred Kagan (pictured above with a pot roast in his mouth) was listed at #37.

His profile reads as follows: A military historian and leading light at the American Enterprise Institute, Kagan was the principal force behind the study that led to the “surge” policy being adopted by George W. Bush. Soon dubbed the "real Iraq Study Group" report, it was a "awkish rival to the official ISG report of James Baker and Lee Hamilton that was shelved by the Bush administration. A former West Point lecturer, he is married to fellow defence academic Kimberly Kagan and is the brother of Robert Kagan, an accomplished military writer and foreign policy strategist. Both brothers are closely associated with the neo-conservative school of thought.

OYE Comment: Believe it or not, Kagan is still of age to wear The Uniform. Instead of serving, this vegetable-oil-sweating-swine, that wouldn't know the difference between a handgun and a howitzer, somehow has Our President's ear on war policy. Frederick Kagan, the 'man' that would probably park in a handicapped spot to not have to expend a calorie more than necessary, was tasked with creating something as important as to decide how many and how long Our Servicemen stay in Iraq. A reasonable person would know that an 18 year old who earned his Combat Infantryman Badge understands more about war than Kagan can ever fit inside his beach ball sized head with books. Although it's not too late for Kagan to serve, we all know it will not happen. He, like his cowardly brother, Robert, will 'fight' from afar until their imminent poor health prevents them.

H/T to Glenn Greenwald

Hat Tip to All Spin Zone

Here's a great post on our topic over at All Spin Zone.

Comments, suggestions, tips and leaks are most welcome. Send them to Operation Yellow Elephant at gmail dot com.

We have One President, George W. Bush, and One Vice-President, Richard B. Cheney

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, just 366 days from now [leap year], Americans will go to the polls to elect a new President, to take office January 20, 2009.

That regularly scheduled event of our great Democracy does not change the following facts:

President Bush and Vice President Cheney chose to run for re-election in 2004; their party, the Republican Party, chose to nominate them.

The American people elected President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney to continue to run our country for a second four-year term, beginning January 20, 2005 and concluding January 20, 2009.

Therefore:

We, the American people, expect President Bush and Vice President Cheney and, indeed, their entire Administration, to do their duty.

Money quote from Media Lizzy (15 October, 2007 22:16):

4. The country isn't going to shit. We have an election next year. So, you guys won't have to worry about the Bushies any more. Or the Hagers. Just vote Democrat and the magical airlift will commence.

As said in response, Sorry, but we expect President Bush and Vice President Cheney to Do Their Duty. They chose to run for re-election and that means really running our country, and leading The American People, for the entire four years.

And we equally give all due credit for everyone in their party for all of their party's accomplishments. [Don't worry; we're already working on the Democratic Party.]

President Bush's Latest Opportunity to Call on Americans to Serve

Here are excerpts from what President Bush said at a U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Graduation Ceremony, November 2, 2007, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina:

1:25 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Colonel, thank you very much. I'm pleased to be here with you and to have a chance to say: "Hoo-ah!"

AUDIENCE: Hoo-ah!

THE PRESIDENT: I'm here to congratulate those of you who have completed your basic training. I thank -- thanks to your families for supporting these fine Americans. I want to thank those who have worked hard to train you. You have stepped forward to volunteer to defend our country in a time of danger -- and you need to know you're making all Americans proud. (Applause.)

[ . . . ]

You are part of a storied military tradition. Over the last century, Fort Jackson has prepared countless young Americans to defend our country. Soldiers marched from these fields to battle fascists and dictators and terrorists. Those soldiers brought freedom to millions of people they never knew. And because of their efforts, America is stronger, America is safer and America is free. (Applause.)

Once again, our nation calls on brave Americans to confront our enemies and bring peace and security to millions -- and you're answering that call. I thank you for your courage. I thank you for making the noble decision to put on the uniform and to defend the United States of America in a time of war. (Applause.)

Many of you will deploy to Iraq. You will help carry out a new strategy that, over the past few months, has taken the initiative from the enemy and driven them from key strongholds. Today I want to share with you, and the American people, some of the progress we are making in Iraq -- what we can expect in the months ahead. The fight for Iraq is critical to the security of the American people -- and with the skill and valor of the soldiers standing before me, standing beside me and standing behind me; it is a fight that we will win. (Applause.)

[ . . . ] I thank all those who wear the uniform. It's incredible to be the Commander-in-Chief of a nation that has produced such bravery and such decency and such compassion. We have the great -- the greatest military on the face of the earth, and we intend to keep it that way. (Applause.)

It is a great day of celebration and I thank you for letting me come to celebrate with you. I know the moms and dads and family members are so proud of those who will be parading in front of us here in a minute. But it's also a time of war for our country. I wish I did not have to report that, but it's the truth; the way it is in this world in which we live. It's a moment when these soldiers prepare to assume responsibility for the security of our country and the safety of the free world.

[ . . . ]

We're making progress [in Iraq], and many have contributed to the successes. And foremost among them are the men and women of the United States Army. Once again, American soldiers have shown the world why our military is the finest fighting force on earth. And now that legacy falls to the proud graduates today. Earlier generations of soldiers from Fort Jackson made their way to Europe and liberated a continent from tyranny. Today a new generation is following in their noble tradition. And one day people will speak of your achievements in Baqubah and Baghdad the way we now speak of Normandy and the Bulge.

This post was named for a great American President. He served his country in two major conflicts, including the American Revolution at the age of 13. Andrew Jackson was renowned for his courage -- and that courage lives on at the base that bears his name. Troops from Fort Jackson have served with honor and distinction in today's war on terror -- and some have not lived to make the journey home. And today we honor their sacrifices. We pray for their families. We remember what they fought for -- and we pledge to finish the job. (Applause.)

And you are the ones who will carry on their work. Americans are counting on you -- and their confidence is well placed. You've trained hard. You've prepared for battle. And when you take up your missions, you will give a new meaning to the slogan chanted by thousands of soldiers on this base in many wars and in many era: "Victory starts here."

May God bless you all, and my God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 1:45 P.M. EDT

OYE Comment:

What an opportunity.

What an opportunity to speak to the American people, not just the families and friends of new soldiers graduating Basic Combat Training, to urge those eligible to serve, who agree with what President Bush is saying about Iraq, to look within themselves to find the courage to volunteer.

What an opportunity.