Something I just wrote for fun:
On Sunday, the House of Representatives passed an historic bill reforming this nation’s health industry. Less than one hour after passing that bill, they also passed a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. As a former Marine and student of history, I think these two events have a lot more in common than one might realize. One of these was a long battle, facing an entrenched enemy that believed that their cause was just and unity would lead them to victory. The other took place on a tiny island in the Pacific 65 years ago.
The most iconic image of that famous battle is that of the flag being raised on Mt. Suribachi, a premature celebration of victory that was yet to come. See, that flag was raised 5 days into the battle. The battle still raged for 30 long days after the photo was taken.
27 men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for valor on Iwo Jima, more than half were awarded posthumously. More than 25% of Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to Marines in World War II were given for the battle of Iwo Jima. Admiral Chester Nimitz said, “Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
This bill is the flag-raising for the Democrat party. Temporary victory has been assured, but a long battle still lies ahead. Make no mistake, the opposition will be coordinated and fierce, much like the defense on Iwo Jima. The next big skirmish in this battle is being set for November’s mid-term elections, and the American public will be heard.
Who would receive any award for valor in the passage of this bill? Surely Bart Stupak had the best chance, until he retreated his assault at the last minute. Should the Republicans be recognized for their valiant opposition? I think not. Instead, every member who voted for this bill should receive the equivalent of the Medal of Honor, because they have truly just jumped on a live grenade for their party.
Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat leadership are leading their men straight into an ambush that they have little chance of winning. Among the members of Congress who passed this bill, common sense was an uncommon virtue.
On Sunday, the House of Representatives passed an historic bill reforming this nation’s health industry. Less than one hour after passing that bill, they also passed a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. As a former Marine and student of history, I think these two events have a lot more in common than one might realize. One of these was a long battle, facing an entrenched enemy that believed that their cause was just and unity would lead them to victory. The other took place on a tiny island in the Pacific 65 years ago.
The most iconic image of that famous battle is that of the flag being raised on Mt. Suribachi, a premature celebration of victory that was yet to come. See, that flag was raised 5 days into the battle. The battle still raged for 30 long days after the photo was taken.
27 men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for valor on Iwo Jima, more than half were awarded posthumously. More than 25% of Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to Marines in World War II were given for the battle of Iwo Jima. Admiral Chester Nimitz said, “Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
This bill is the flag-raising for the Democrat party. Temporary victory has been assured, but a long battle still lies ahead. Make no mistake, the opposition will be coordinated and fierce, much like the defense on Iwo Jima. The next big skirmish in this battle is being set for November’s mid-term elections, and the American public will be heard.
Who would receive any award for valor in the passage of this bill? Surely Bart Stupak had the best chance, until he retreated his assault at the last minute. Should the Republicans be recognized for their valiant opposition? I think not. Instead, every member who voted for this bill should receive the equivalent of the Medal of Honor, because they have truly just jumped on a live grenade for their party.
Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat leadership are leading their men straight into an ambush that they have little chance of winning. Among the members of Congress who passed this bill, common sense was an uncommon virtue.
