Get ACTIVE on "The Dame Truth"...and Never Forget the Facts

Lest anyone forget exactly what the current administration's promise to send 17,000 American troops into Afghanistan in the same speech as he speaks of Iraq draw down and 1% pay raises, it is vital to remember just what Afghanistan means: Real Clear Politics' Steve Chapman reminds us that

"Some countries exist for no apparent reason, but not Afghanistan. Its function in the world has long been clear: to show great pors the limits of their power.First it was the British, who in 1842, at the height of empire, were defeated and expelled. The Soviets invaded in 1979, only to encounter a fierce insurgency that forced their withdrawal. Now it's America's turn to marvel at Afghanistan's immunity to outside control.Afghanistan was once among our sterling military successes -- a war, predicted by skeptics to be a certain quagmire, that produced a swift and stunning victory. The triumph came in 2001, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks mounted by al-Qaida, which had enjoyed a safe haven in this corner of South Asia.

But that was a long time ago, and the longer we stay, the worse things get. 2007, the deadliest year of the war for the American military, gave way to an even bloodier year 2008. Extremist attacks are on the rise, and the Taliban now has "a permanent presence in 72 percent of Afghanistan, up from 54 percent a year ago," says a report by the International Council on Security and Development.Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has predicted things will get worse this year. President Hamid Karzai's government is widely seen as weak and corrupt. And, not least important, Osama bin Laden is still [considered] at large and issuing taped calls for jihad. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/02/failing_in_afghanistan.html

Michael Yon, in his inimitable brilliance, tells us with detailed reports and incredible photos--six months before February 26th's Camp Le Jeune speech-- just where our troops are heading in his October 13, 2008 piece, "The Road to Hell." Having had unsatisfactory results embedding in American troops via main stream media, Michael self propelled into Afghanistan last fall on his own with two guides to cover much ground. What he learned should be well remembered. Today's Washington Post resonates his caveats in Pamela Constable's
"Tactical Success, Strategic Defeat": Afghan Outrage at U.S. Raid Highlights Challenges Facing New Military Push.

It seems almost as though, rather than reinstitute the Dreaded Draft, the government is working overtime [well...at LEAST they're working at SOMETHING--I mean BESIDES plundering the Treasury and the American People] to devise ways in which to sneak laws of compulsory service past us under the guise of 'civilian' works. Atheonews explains some of the plans at http://atheonews.blogspot.com/2009/02/democrats-introduce-public-national.html

And that's not even counting the ravages being perpetrated upon our economy at home!

And so the challenges continue both at home and abroad. Countless groups and coalitions have formed and grown stronger as increasing numbers of Americans rise up in rage at what their once trusted government has been perpetrating against them, their values, and their sense of justice and love of country.

Tonight, however, brings a special brand of patriot to the forefront in the person of Pat Dollard, former Hollywood talent agent turned film maker in his mission to report the truth about Iraq and our troops there. His courage is unprecedented, as, twice wounded, he stuck with the Marines he was covering, earning their undying respect for the job he did. He continues his journey in activism as he talks about the formation of his latest initiative, a PAC entitled ACTIVE, which stands for the American Constitution And Capitalism Defense Front. We hope you'll join us at "The Dame Truth" tonight at 11 PM EST on Blogtalkradio.com for an enlightening, inspiring visit with a true American hero.