The accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant was a particularly depressing day for me. I became convinced that no new nuclear power plants would be built, and the existing ones would be shut down eventually. Something similar happened to warplanes for a while after Billy Mitchell proved it was possible to sink a battleship with a bomb or torpedo dropped from an airplane. Love for battleships was deeply ingrained in the Navy at the time, and instead of being rewarded for his innovation, Mitchell was court-martialed on trumped-up charges of insubordination.
As I researched US military history and reminisced on my time in the Army, the same pattern emerged over and over. It was the way bureaucratic concerns and entrenched interests stood in the way of innovation and common sense. One of the things that cheered me was reading Army manuals written by men who were also interested in reform. In an Army manual on the use of military intelligence, I found the following:
At the outset of the Spanish-American War, Colonel Arthur L. Wagner was head of the Military Information Division (the War Department’s embryonic intelligence organization). Driven by public sentiment, President McKinley and Secretary of War Russell A. Alger were determined to attack Spanish forces in Cuba not later than summer 1898. Wagner at once prepared a careful assessment of the Spanish forces, terrain, climate and environmental conditions in Cuba—the basic intelligence needed for operational planning. Wagner’s assessment also identified recurring outbreaks of yellow fever in Cuba during the summer months as a crucial planning consideration. At a White House meeting, Wagner recommended postponement of any invasion until the winter months in order to reduce what would otherwise be heavy American losses from the disease. President McKinley reluctantly endorsed his view. As they left the meeting, Secretary of War Alger was furious with Colonel Wagner. “You have made it impossible for my plan of campaign to be carried out,” he told Wagner. “I will see to it that you do not receive any promotions in the Army in the future.”
The Secretary of War made good on his promise, for although Colonel Wagner was promoted years later to brigadier general, the notice of his appointment reached him on his death bed. Furthermore, Alger influenced McKinley to reauthorize a summer invasion of Cuba. Fortunately, United States forces won a quick victory, but as Wagner predicted, the effects of disease soon devastated the force. The ravages of yellow fever, typhoid, malaria and dysentery accounted for more than 85 percent of total casualties and were so severe that by August 1898 less than one quarter of the invasion force remained fit for service. According to his peers, Wagner deliberately jeopardized his career in order to satisfy a sense of duty, rather than bow to political pressure. Information that American lives could be saved by avoiding the worst time of the year for yellow fever was more important to him than currying favor with the Secretary of War.
I was moved by the integrity of Colonel Wagner’s actions. It made me wonder how many times Colonel Truman faced similar dilemmas in his career. During my time in Vietnam, the military intelligence reports I received from others, whose names I rarely learned, were crucial to my decision-making. Military intelligence might be everyone’s favorite oxymoron, but for me, it was a matter of life or death. I called Truman and asked if he remembered the names of anyone who helped prepare reports for me, because I wanted to send letters of thanks to all of them. He gave me a few names, I wrote the letters, but only got one response. It read:
Your letter came as a welcome surprise. I had begun to doubt whether I had done anything worthwhile during the war. Maybe someday when the memorial is complete, we can visit it together.
I had read a bit about the planned Vietnam War Memorial. It was supposed to be a simple black wall with the names of all 58,000 American troops who died there. It seemed a bit ugly to me. A war memorial that size should at least have a flag and a statue.
My favorite soldier from the Vietnam War was Specialist Minnock. I never met him, but I read about him. He was a signals intelligence analyst. Through his work, he became convinced the enemy would attack at a certain place and time. Because of his low rank, he feared he would not be believed by his South Vietnamese counterpart, so he impersonated a US Army captain when he gave his presentation. The ruse worked, his advice was followed, and the predicted attack was repulsed with minimal friendly casualties.
One night, after Alexandra came home, she asked me what I thought about the wall.
“It’s an odd situation, my dear. I sort of understand now how Confederate veterans must have felt about the memorials set up for them. That is, it’s a nice gesture, but doesn’t undo the damage of the defeat, and the pain of being on the losing side. Still, it’s important that we have such reminders of the risks of war.”
“What do you think about Confederate flags and monuments?”
“I grew up seeing them all the time, so for me, they’re just a bit of history. It’s like seeing a picture of the pyramids in Egypt. The only emotion I feel is curiosity for a bygone era. There were surely Egyptians centuries after the pyramids were built who wanted them demolished. Many ancient monuments have been defaced in Egypt and elsewhere over the centuries. That doesn’t make it right, though.”
“What if people want them removed because they don’t like them or think they’re hateful?”
“Emotions are always valid, even if the reasons for them aren’t. People are free to dislike things and petition to have them removed or demolished. I think there’s a lot to be said for leaving history out in the open where everyone can see it. It’s like having lots of little museums everywhere.”
“Lots of offensive things get banned, censored, or regulated. It’s still illegal to swear on broadcast TV and that’s enforced with fines.”
“Yes, but Fahrenheit 451 and 1984 are not an instruction manuals nor should they be. The FCC should stick with regulating the electromagnetic spectrum. It’s a classic case of mission creep. It’s the same reason the feds went after marijuana after Prohibition ended.”
We can First if we want to. Leave our worries behind. Cause if your friends don’t First and if they don’t First well they’re no friends of mine.
Men Without Firsts?
I still don’t understand the fundamental ‘fear’ and hatred of statues. (I *do* understand feeding Useful Idiots into a froth. Life’s predictable.) Even (wracks brain) if Hitler himself painted/ sculpted the worst Jewish stereotype, eating the world while bayoneting a helpless child .. uh. (Is it well done?) Shows insight into his character and thoughts? … Who gives a shit? If one is so ‘triggered’ by a physical object showing such, to the extent it ‘turns off’ their sentience? Congrats, I s’pose. Were I God-King, I’d rescind your voting privileges. They’re so frayed by — and ‘fraid OF — a statue? Of what else? (‘I’ll take your voter ID for ya! Thx ‘n take care, now.’)
Going over pictures from way back, I’m happily impressed I didn’t get malaria+ from sleeping (a bit) out in the jungle. I did get a hint of hepatitis, but to a completely negligible ‘level.’ (I wouldn’t have known if they hadn’t told me.)
“There were surely Egyptians centuries after the pyramids were built who wanted them demolished. Many ancient monuments have been defaced in Egypt and elsewhere over the centuries. That doesn’t make it right, though.”
Doesn’t make it wrong either, times change people move on, Jebus! if we had to keep everything pristine just because some old fuckers did it we’d never be able to put our own shit up. Burn the Libraries, raze the museums, let each generation* make it’s own history.
*As much as I despise that term** it’s unfortunately the best wat to express me thoughts.
**how the fuck do you divide people in to groups over time when everyone overlaps*** each other
***you know what I mean.
Most of history has been defaced, but The Pyramids? Psh. Too much work, I reckon. Can always rewrite the who/ how/ why, also a fun historical trend.
Hella props to them for building something lasting (nearly?) all civilized human history.
They could catch the United Healthcare killer but still can’t find Seth Rich’s killer?
Hillary’s people know better assassins.
Just like they can find every last J6 attendee but not who placed pipe bombs that same day.
Pipe bombs? Never heard of it. /FBI
https://thechicagothinker.com/vegan-club-at-uchicago-holds-vigil-for-turkeys-eaten-during-thanksgiving-on-main-quad/
Some evening reading for Derpy.
As a member of PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals), I say let them exercise their free speech in their quixotic crusade.
That turkey you ate was going to be somebody, he was about to start grad school.
You can’t possibly think that Mammary Monday After Dark would get away with it do you?
https://archive.is/94g2B/d780f158341b8ba3f3de9970ffbece9df7abbcd6.jpg
NSFW.
https://archive.is/ubzj8/f407a870d9ea48258477a27accbad084436201c3.jpg
NSFW.
https://archive.is/KgHmw/797ed68389bc8d2c39aeddc67fcd8962346130d6.jpg
NSFW.
https://archive.is/6Uwxq/87ea952188085692059ef0ef6bedcbe1fb5882eb.jpg
NSFW.
https://archive.is/0lPoU/8e55513464146eed0ef3607f66535c633321ebc4.jpg
NSFW.
There is no universe in which I will not find a 5-year-old named “Maverick” funny. Tragedeigh ahoy.
Fact: Back in the 60’s there were two brothers named ‘Surf’ and ‘Sand’. At least they’re sorta cool names, rather than Moon Unit or something unpronouncable.
Dweezil is an incredibly chill dude for being saddled with that moniker
Morning, Glibs.
Mornin’, mornin’. This should be an interesting week, the first Morning Shift where I have stickin’ responsibilities. Today and (most of) this week is 6-2:30, including Sat/Sun. There is a humorous air of snootiness when the mornin’ folk switch off to the evenin’ ones.
Morning.
Hey, you guys.
Good morning!
The X-Files had it right, weird shit goes down in PA.
😲☕📡
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TeVYgjYYxBc
🎶🎶
The truth is not out there.
Rosie disagrees.
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2024/12/09/watch-rosie-odonnell-rants-about-her-face-herpes-ufos-claims-shes-taunted-by-maga/
Combine the two and you have space herpes?
This is exactly what the internet was created for.
Good morning, Sean, U, EfE, Ted’S., and homey!
Morning.
On our way to a dystopian future.
https://en.as.com/latest_news/the-new-taco-bell-location-aiming-to-compete-with-mcdonalds-tacos-wont-take-center-stage-n/
So, what you’re saying is, we should nuke california before the franchise wars start?
Or before the nuclear diarrhea.
Corporate upmarket diversification attempt financial boondoggle incoming…
+1 Arch Deluxe
suh’ fam
whats goody
Not this morning so far.
I figured since I already had my breakfast for work I could skip waiting for the grocery store to open, make it to my desk before people got in and have some nice quiet time before the workday started.
Well, first off, the gate to the garage was closed when I arrived and I was stuck waiting fifteen minutes before I could park. Then I was at the door to the office before it switched over to just swiping and had to provide my after hours code as well.
Then I got to my desk and – This place is infested with people, chattering. What crazy fucks go in to the office at 6am other than me?
Folks who want to get the staff holiday party started early?
That doesn’t start until 12:30!
Had I known, I would have just left at my normal time. I miss the white noise generators my first office had. You wouldn’t notice them, nor hear the murmor of distant voices.
Noise canceling headphones UCS, they do a fine job just don’t cheap out.
The last time I wasted money on a pair of those I spent $300 and if you turned on the noise cancelling, the audio would cut out intermittantly in its entirety. I will never mistake Bose for a reputable brand name again.
These here:
https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/wh1000xm4-b
My first pair crapped out after three years or so but they were good enough to buy another. Worth every penny if needed.
I’ve had Bose headphones for years. Never a single problem. Would recommend.
Never had a pair that worked properly.
First work trip at the new job. Should be a cluster. So far so good.
Safe travels, TAFKALack!
What’s going on with the drones over New Jersey? Gubmint? Pranksters? Little green men? CCP? It’s interesting that no one seems to be giving much of a damn.
Why should anyone give a damn about New Jersey?
It protects Pennsylvania from Tsunamis.
Who doesn’t give a damn, the feds and the mainstream media who’ve become a wholly owned subsidiary of the feds, speaks volumes.
Morning gang. Guess which Glib that works at a maximum security prison in south central PA is now tasked with making sure a certain high profile accused criminal doesn’t Epstein himself while he is in PA’s custody? I’ve been working doubles, so I gotta get some sleep, but I’ll be on more tomorrow or Thursday.
That’s a lot of strangely specifc nonspecific information.
Catch some z’s.
😴
Jay-Zs?
More like Rock-Star! Hobnobbing with
celebritiescelebrity!Thousands of panting lefties are depending on you.
Don’t be seduced by that sexy smile if that high profile accused criminal pulls his mask down.
🙂
This seems to be an appropriate song for the perp, considering his ‘origin’ story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKscd2LkSZk
Power was off when I got home last night. It freaked Lily out apparently. I have no idea why she would care about electricity considering the prefers being outdoors, but she was being super clingy which is unlike her.
If this is her first power outage, my thought is that It was an out of context problem for her. Something was wrong, it had taken away all of the normal sounds and some of the normal sights and turned home into a strange place.