That's really what we're discussing isn't it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MikeF
..I'm just wondering at what point do we move to family court and declare "irreconciliable grievances?" What is our commitment? Moreover, how much is it going to cost us in alimony and child support?:cool:
The end will come, we all know that, the issue is when. Do we wait 'til the kids are grown or just go ahead and split the blanket. Dunno. Inadequate data at my level at this time. However, having watched the US Guvmint in peace and war for a good many decades, I could cynically advise watching late 2011 - early 2012 very carefully and I will say the next most likely time, October 2010, is probably a trifle early, I think...
Oops, forgot the Child support. I'd say about about half Israel's or Egypt's annual stipend initially tapering to 10% at ten years as a WAG.
It probably is a good anology to work from
How unfortunate that it had to be one that carries with it such a large amount of emotional baggage.
First thing all parties have to do is ensure they have proper representation by those more astutute in both the legal and especially politically correct forms of communication. As we're all aware this will mean stiff financial obligations to ensure we have the best representation(not something to be handled on the cheap)
Second it is necessary to recognize that any prenuptual agreements that were made (inlaws included) must be reconciled in such a way as to hopefully avoid future legal and or merely spitful outtbursts.
Third and probably most importantly be sure that any agreements on alimony
Require an accounting of some sort so one party doesn't agree then screw up and then try coming back later saying it wasn't done right the first time.
How's that for a starter?
On this 9/11 anniversary..
working with the marraige analogy, I'd suggest we forgive and forget...
Pray for forgiveness to those that harmed us, stay true to our own values, and stand tall... Allow our own values shine and triumph over the nothingness of al Qaeda's caliphate.
v/r
Mike
Begin with "Ends" to devise what one should do next.
When I wrote my War College paper several years ago, I looked at things like COG theory and the GWOT, and Ends-Ways-Means for the same. (For those suffering from insomnia, well worth the read) :)
But my assessment then, and nothing since has convinced me to either retreat or advance from this position, is that exactly 8 years ago today the President of the United States received two clear mandates from the American populace to go to war, and that those two mandates were therefore our "Strategic Ends" for the same:
1. To find the murdering sons of dogs who had attacked us, and to punish them for their actions. (Revenge)
2. To make us feel as safe as we had felt on September 10th.
The key aspect of both of these ends is that they are both intangible, subjective, and rooted in emotion. One is avenged when they feel avenged. Usually this takes a mix of action, justice, and time. One is never truly secure or safe either, but you know when you feel safe. America felt safe on 9/10, but we clearly weren't. It is the feeling that is important.
So, based on this I argued then that the GWOT was really over, that we had met the ends and that what we were engaged in now was really something very different and we needed to either identify it as such, or begin standing it down.
So, I ask this august group, those who feel morally compelled to hold this piece of dirt at all costs when no enemy action fixes us to it, nor does any critical interest become exposed to enemy action if we withdraw to better ground, which, exactly, of these two ends do you think we can either achieve or enhance by this plan??
America writ large feels avenged, and by my eye-ball assessment, feels safe as well. But these are things are fleeting, requiring constant vigilence and effort.
I don't think much about tactics these days, and focus on the big picture. And my big picture assessment is that while there are plenty of tactical victories to be had here; that the pursuit of them will weaken, rather than strengthen, our strategic posture.
Physical Terrain in such warfare means nothing to the enemy, be it hill 875 outside Dak To; or an entire country such as Afghanistan. We need to focus on the populace. Whatever course is most likely to make the Afghan populace neutral to America, or perhaps even somewhat pro-America is what we should seek. Occupation rarely achieves that end.
Maybe It's Time For Some SBW
album: Band of the Hand Soundtrack
lyrics
It's Hell Time Man
Down these streets the fools rule
There's no freedom or self respect,
A knife's point or a trip to the joint
Is about all you can expect.
They kill people here who stand up for their rights, The system's just too damned corrupt
It's always the same, the name of the game
Is who do you know higher up well.
It's Hell Time Man
The blacks and the whites,
The idiotic, the exotic,
Wealth is a filthy rag
So erotic so unpatriotic
So wrapped up in the American flag.
Witchcraft scum exploiting the dumb,
Turning children into punks and slaves
Whose heroes and healers are rich drug dealers Who should be put in their graves.
It's Hell Time Man
Listen to me Mr. Pussyman
This might be your last night in a bed so soft. We're not pimps on the make, politicians on the take, You can't pay us off.
We're gonna blow up your home of Voodoo
And watch it burn without any regret
We got the power we're the new government,
You just don't know it yet.
It's Hell Time Man
For all of my brothers from Vietnam
And my uncles from World War II,
I'd like to say that it's countdown time now
And we're gonna do what the law should do.
And for you pretty baby,
I know you've seen it all.
I know your story is too painful to share.
One day though you'll be talking in your sleep.And when you do, I wanna be there yeaahhh.
It's Hell Time Man
It's Hell Time Man
Band of The Hand
Sorry forgot the music. Bob Dylan-Band of The Hand-(It's Hell Time Man) from the Movie "Band of The Hand" 1986 I think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JLoO...om=PL&index=42