Consul-At-Arms

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116602402012-01-08T06:31:46.395+01:00Consul-At-ArmsA weblog by a former soldier and present-day U.S. foreign service officer. My views in no way represent anyone else's than my own although readers are welcome to agree with as much as they desire. If you're looking for gossip, for breaches of operational security or privacy, for public criticism of the declared foreign policies of the United States of America, leaks or other treasonous disloyalty, the reader is invited to look elsewhere.Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.comBlogger80071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-50090967065552512502009-01-01T06:32:00.004+01:002009-01-01T06:32:00.302+01:00Consul-At-Arms II

In order to (finally) take advantage of the (relatively) new formatting options available in Blogger, CAA is launching Consul-At-Arms II.Things will be winding down here, so be sure to visit the new web log.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-37093479660837208122009-01-01T06:23:00.000+01:002009-01-02T03:05:01.251+01:00White Hart Tavern (IV)

Taken at Revel Grove, the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville, Md., on August 26, 2007.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-78827009351006926102009-01-01T00:27:00.001+01:002009-01-01T00:27:01.116+01:00IHT - Case for retirement visa in United States may gain new traction

International Herald TribuneCase for retirement visa in United States may gain new tractionNov 26 2008 10:05 amPosted by Kevin Brass in News, GeneralEstate agents in the United States hope a new administration in Washington D.C. will kick start talks for a retirement visa, the so-called “silver card” which would allow foreigners to easily retire in the U.S.“I’m encouraged,” said Tony Macaluso,

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-78395165892230350372009-01-01T00:18:00.001+01:002009-01-01T00:18:00.985+01:00JG - Islam, Judaism speak out

Jamaica GleanerIslam, Judaism speak outpublished: Sunday November 16, 2008TO TAKE a life of a murderer is to save the life of many, says Sheikh Musa Tijani of the Islamic Council of Jamaica."When someone kills and he knows he will be killed, he thinks twice to do it and that will make people live in peace and harmony," he says.Tijani, who is head of education and Dawah (which means calling

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-73500309804003281892009-01-01T00:14:00.002+01:002009-01-01T00:14:00.608+01:00S&S - Number of overseas voters may break records in ’08

Stars and StripesNumber of overseas voters may break records in ’08 By Geoff Ziezulewicz, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Sunday, October 26, 2008USAREUR mailing election ballots for freeHaven’t mailed your absentee ballot yet?Starting Thursday, voters who use Army post offices in Europe will be able to send their ballots express mail for free, U.S. Army Europe announced Thursday."All the Army

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-40571705083430898922009-01-01T00:07:00.003+01:002009-01-01T00:07:00.960+01:00JO - Remove that archaic provision

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica ObserverRemove that archaic provisionSunday, May 11, 2008Dear Editor,After almost 11 years on the job, Mr Danville Walker has resigned as director of elections, following the issue of American citizenship.Pursuant to sub item 2(f) of the Schedule to the Representation of the People (Interim Electoral Reform) Act of 1979, no members of the Electoral

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-56926682188813976912009-01-01T00:03:00.002+01:002009-01-01T00:03:00.764+01:00JG - Upholding the Constitution

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica GleanerUpholding the Constitutionpublished: Sunday May 11, 2008McCallaThe Editor, Sir:If a citizen of Jamaica pledged allegiance to the United States, he or she should not be allowed to partake in Jamaica's election. These measures undermine Jamaica's democratic development, judicial independence and the possibility of free and fair process.The United

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-60740763133112222852008-12-31T06:25:00.003+01:002008-12-31T06:40:43.512+01:00re: "The Christmas Trip and Other Observations... "

Big Country at The Intrepid Reporter tells of administering an on-the-spot OPSEC correction.Money quote(s):"While waiting for a flight out, I saw a ‘gentleman’ come walking up to the helipad. I use the term ‘gentleman’ in the respect that he was in a Brooks Brothers suit jacket, and the rest of the outfit, from his arrow shirt to his Bally shoes screamed “Washington D.C. Bigwig” and was bec’ fin.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-26795227126674456032008-12-31T06:18:00.001+01:002008-12-31T06:31:36.680+01:00re: "Immigration Courts and the War on Terror"

DRJ at Patterico's Pontifications ("Harangues that Just Make Sense") notes a lawfare development from our side.Money quote(s):"If this is representative, U.S. immigration courts could end up as the front line in the American legal war on terror.Don’t you wonder how many Elzahabis there are in America … and how many more there may be after the GTMO detainees have their day in court?"

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-85535203055765241672008-12-31T06:04:00.003+01:002008-12-31T06:28:27.261+01:00re: "Breakin’ Up Is Hard to Do"

Dave Schuler at Outside the Beltway pokes some holes in this prediction from Greater Muscovy.Money quote(s):"Do you think that Idaho and Utah will federate with California? Really? Or that the upper Midwest will fall under Canadian sway? Note that the population of Illinois alone is half that of all of Canada.""(T)he Soviet Union’s grand tradition of disinformation is alive and well and living in

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-63917451820505423902008-12-27T09:08:00.002+01:002008-12-27T09:08:00.342+01:00re: "Send Caroline Kennedy to Court of St. James"

Steve Clemons of The Washington Note ("on public policy debates that deserve attention") guest-posts at No Quarter ("Tired of spin? Larry Johnson offers no quarter on issues of your security.") with this interesting suggestion.One thing he neglected to mention is that her grandfather, Joseph Kennedy, Sr., also held this appointment under FDR.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-46239655702242172732008-12-27T08:50:00.004+01:002008-12-27T08:50:02.654+01:00re: "Death and Dying in Chile" & "The Days before Christmas Eve "

FSO Globetrotter ("Our Man In Chile") wrote about a "death case" he handled while duty officer this past week.Snippet(s):"I'm wearing the dual hats of back-up American Citizen Services officer during the holidays and also the Embassy duty officer this week. So when the marines called around 11:30 p.m on Friday night, the ringing phone on my bed-side table wasn't a surprise. However, the caller

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-37082939542167350062008-12-27T08:07:00.003+01:002008-12-27T08:07:01.037+01:00re: "Signals From The New C-in-C"

Hugh Hewitt ("A blog of Townhall.com") gives some well-meant advice to the incoming president.Money quote(s):"Even as Iraq settles into a stable and largely peaceful normality --Iraqi Christians who fled during the period of the greatest violence are returning to the country, and Christmas was celebrated openly there yesterday-- and U.S. forces can be carefully drawn down, the demands in

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-6363907183980209492008-12-25T08:46:00.001+01:002008-12-25T08:46:00.977+01:00Christmas Tree 2003

Camp Babylon, Iraq.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-70008587715388794332008-12-25T08:11:00.001+01:002008-12-25T08:11:01.402+01:00Christmas Tree Top, 2003

Camp Babylon, Iraq.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-45554737094534447192008-12-24T19:20:00.001+01:002008-12-24T19:20:05.003+01:00Christmas Lights 2003

Camp Babylon, Iraq.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-17870103724363426032008-12-24T09:23:00.001+01:002008-12-24T09:23:00.707+01:00Christmas Lights 2003

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-90838270317862292542008-12-24T08:58:00.001+01:002008-12-24T08:58:00.227+01:00Christmas Tree 2003

Camp Babylon, Iraq.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-59317651671356217842008-12-24T08:51:00.001+01:002008-12-24T08:51:01.085+01:00Christmas in the Dayroom 2003

Who can identify what video is being played?

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-71889070850927410922008-12-23T08:39:00.004+01:002008-12-23T08:39:00.527+01:00WP - Iraq Threatens to Expel Iranian Rebels. Exile Group Has Protected Status Under Soon-to-Expire U.N. Mandate.

Things are not looking good for the PMOI at Ashraf Camp.Snippets:"BAGHDAD, Dec. 21 -- Iraqi officials say they intend to expel members of an Iranian exile group living in a camp north of Baghdad that is protected by the U.S. military. The expulsion, which the Shiite-led government has long sought, is expected to become feasible once the U.N. mandate that regulates the presence of U.S. troops --

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-60324993631026456732008-12-22T09:22:00.002+01:002008-12-23T06:37:41.812+01:00WP - "It's time to stop Pentagon mission creep." & "Taking Command. Actually, Democrats and the military can get along. Here's how."

Two opinion pieces in Sunday's Washington Post Outlook section have generated some heat in the blogosphere; one , by Thomas A. Schweich ("Thomas A. Schweich served the Bush administration as ambassador for counter-narcotics in Afghanistan and deputy assistant secretary of state for international law enforcement affairs.") a bit more than the other one, by retired army general Wesley K. Clark.As

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-1365452279376832892008-12-22T08:37:00.003+01:002008-12-22T08:37:00.255+01:00re: "Booker - part 1"

Richard at EU Referendum ("To discuss issues related to the UK's position in Europe and the world") provides some news of the PMOI.Money quote(s):"(T)he EU was reprimanded by its own courts for refusing to obey their ruling that it had acted illegally in outlawing Iran's main democratic opposition movement, the People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI).This ever murkier and more bizarre story began back

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-71138523619063826362008-12-22T08:19:00.002+01:002008-12-22T08:19:01.053+01:00re: "the coalition is no more"

MadTom at This Fucking War asks a very good question:"The enemy is there waiting for a better opportunity to strike. Yet the coalition has dissolved.Well what of it you might ask. I was just thinking, is this a vote of confidence in Obama, are our allies voting with their feet?"

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-40168552971136100212008-12-21T21:14:00.004+01:002008-12-21T21:28:00.689+01:00re: "Respectable Anti-Semitism"

The Curmudgeon Emeritus at Eternity Road takes a "Manhattanite literateur, Vanity Fair contributing editor, and scourge of conservatives and Republicans everywhere" to school.Money quote(s):"Note his blithe assurance that fears of further assaults against America or Americans are mere phantasms -- that to concern oneself with the possibility marks one as paranoid, perhaps dangerously so. You'd

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-89892228106026848902008-12-21T20:56:00.004+01:002008-12-21T21:10:04.421+01:00re: "It is NOT Always About Politics"

John at World-Wide Matel ("This blog is the successor to Matel-in-Iraq, where I described my year of service as ePRT leader deployed with the U.S. Marines in Western Iraq. I invite your comments, but will not be put-off if you don’t make any. Welcome. ") made some observations about Washington, D.C.Money quote(s):"I understand that Washington is a political town and politics pervades everything,

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-55744571342377548852008-12-21T20:37:00.003+01:002008-12-21T20:38:59.342+01:00This prediction may be premature.

"I don't think this version will end with anyone escaping over the Alps."

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-53969124494815534512008-12-21T20:24:00.003+01:002008-12-21T20:35:24.687+01:00re: "the impending Goetterdaemmerung that is Inauguration Day"

bureaucrat at Adventures in Bureaucracy ("Personal comments, opinions and observations from someone stuck inside the Capital Beltway.") provides additional motivation to get outta Dodge on Inaugration Day.Money quote(s):"(I)n addition to ten thousand tour busses and burdensome security requirements, there is also going to be an official poet."&"As if I needed another reason to leave town for all

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-18223055054927469882008-12-21T08:09:00.003+01:002008-12-21T08:17:19.922+01:00re: "NO PARDON - NO WAY!"

I agree with David M. at The Thunder Run ("Home of the award winning Web Reconnaissance and From the Front series: bringing you all the news and information you need to know from around the web, the front and the home front. As well as my own personal opinions").Money quote(s):"John Michael Spann was killed in the prison revolt at Mazar E Shiref. Lindh knew of the planned revolt and did nothing,

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-71218645958324614282008-12-20T17:16:00.002+01:002008-12-20T17:16:00.554+01:00re: "Political Madness — Some Hotspots"

Victor Davis Hanson at VDH's Private Papers ("Victor Davis Hanson on the web") notes the multiple points of madness.Money quote(s):"As Mark Steyn has warned for years, the Western attitude toward reports of terrorism is about as anti-empirical as one can imagine. We hear that Jewish hostages in Bombay were horrifically tortured, even as pundits assured us that the terrorists were symptomatic not

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-18820048351864459642008-12-19T17:43:00.003+01:002008-12-19T17:43:00.737+01:00re: "BDS defined, in a shoe-throwing"

The Anchoress ("a woman who lived in a small, sealed room inside a church") makes a key deduction about the roots of BDS.Money quote(s):"I’m pretty sure Bush Derangement Syndrome is nothing more than adolescent angst because “their side” did not get to lead and reassure and hold-steady in a time of danger and uncertainty. It’s a larger demonstration of Bill Clinton’s regret that 9/11 did not

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-27532502542054632862008-12-19T16:42:00.003+01:002008-12-19T16:42:00.701+01:00re: "Blackwater guard's statement at Smoking Gun"

Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive discusses the Blackwater firefight case (and deconstructs the proffer).Money quote(s):"The case has many procedural difficulties, the primary being the law they are charged under does not apply to them, only to DoD contractors and military personnel and they are clearly State Department contractors. That alone should torpedo this, and regardless of the guilt or innocence

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-58448153416786389802008-12-19T06:26:00.003+01:002008-12-19T06:33:58.650+01:00re: "Tea with the Mujahedeen e Khalq"

The lovely and talented Heather at Adventures Around the World ("A foreign service officer's perspective on life abroad.") had some face time with terrorists we have known.Money quote(s):"The MeK (or PMI) is a group of Iranians who left Iran about 20 years ago and established military-style training camps in Iraq (and other places) with the stated purpose of overthrowing the current Iranian

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-91861746362584013502008-12-18T22:47:00.002+01:002008-12-19T04:51:12.167+01:00re: "Do you think of me as a diva?"

Be sure to lend your support to Neo-Neocon in her quest to be named "grande conservative blogress diva 2009."Question: if a lady who blogs is a "blogress," does that make me a blogre?(Actually, I think I rather like the way that parses.)

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-58221815852214265422008-12-18T22:33:00.002+01:002008-12-19T05:38:20.535+01:00re: "Barack Obama Birth Certificate Controversy Heads to Supreme Court!!!11!1!1!!!!"

Patterico at Patterico's Pontifications ("Harangues that Just Make Sense") posted on this a little while ago (I'm a little backlogged if you hadn't noticed).Money quote(s):"I think anyone who puts any stock in this lawsuit is crazy. But that’s just me."-----Over 290 comments on this one.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-33252022944433027752008-12-18T17:59:00.003+01:002008-12-18T17:59:00.759+01:00re: "Fake Out -Lying Somali Pirates: "Hostage crew tries to take back their ship" -Not"

Eagle1 at EagleSpeak ("If you are confused, welcome to the club.") cuts through some of the fog.Money quote(s):"Time for the message to the pirates: "All crewmen alive or all pirates dead!""&"Gosh, if you can't trust pirates, who can you trust?"

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-53569483628026749622008-12-18T16:35:00.003+01:002008-12-19T04:40:05.835+01:00re: "Join the (EU) Navy"

Richard at EU Referendum ("To discuss issues related to the UK's position in Europe and the world") explicates the inherent absurdity.Money quote(s):"The first "EU ships" – this is how the MoD describes them - are expected to arrive in the area soon, "after formal agreement by foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels". They will take over from four "NATO vessels".Since the Royal Navy has

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-48483692801803682412008-12-17T18:11:00.003+01:002008-12-18T06:14:07.531+01:00re: "“Natural Born” Controversy"

Robert at Expat Yank ("One American living in the south of England") has a nice deconstruction of the issues here.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-69976374642209501892008-12-11T06:03:00.003+01:002008-12-11T06:03:00.878+01:00presidential eligibility

"No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States." - Art. II, Sec. 1, clause 5, U.S. Constitution.This

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-59723624286927511092008-12-10T18:40:00.001+01:002008-12-11T05:47:19.196+01:00WP - Truck Leads Police on Wild Md.-Va. Chase

I include the following press clipping because both Madam-at-Arms and I found ourselves in what appeared to be the climactic police chase seen in Blue Brothers yesterday afternoon while southbound on I-270.I hadn't seen that many police cars and flashing lights since my last inaugural day parade.Washington PostTruck Leads Police on Wild Md.-Va. ChaseTruck Leads Police on Wild Md.-Va. ChaseA truck

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-11796011132834711042008-12-07T06:26:00.001+01:002008-12-07T06:26:00.464+01:00re: "A Bureaucrat's Aside"

O at The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat ("The Optimist says: "The Glass is Half Full." The Pessimist says: "The Glass is Half Empty." The Bureaucrat says: "What we need are 5 glasses, 1/10th the size." The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat says: "Where's my damned Bourbon?"") has the snark of the week:"(T)he only reason Hillary Clinton accepted the job of Secretary of State is that she was fed some erroneous

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-5926895006484923872008-12-06T06:53:00.003+01:002008-12-06T06:53:00.878+01:00AFPS - Military Recruits Non-citizen Health Care Workers, Linguists

Armed Forces Press ServiceMilitary Recruits Non-citizen Health Care Workers, LinguistsBy Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2008 – The Defense Department has launched a year-long pilot program to recruit about 1,000 non-U.S. citizen health care workers and language and cultural specialists for service in America’s military, a senior DoD official said here today.The

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-92151981998818509352008-12-06T06:05:00.004+01:002008-12-06T06:05:00.433+01:00re: "Close Guantanamo?"

Amy at A Soldier's Perspective evaluates the idea in plain language.Money quote(s):"With the approaching inauguration of President-Elect Obama there is increasing talk of closing Guantanamo Bay. As a military mom, nothing riles me more than that topic. So Guantanamo is closed, what then? Do we simply let the detainees go or do we bring them back to the U.S. for “trial?”Men who were captured on

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-58747939600781635812008-12-05T06:51:00.002+01:002008-12-05T06:51:01.100+01:00re: "It is NOT Always About Politics"

John at World-Wide-Matel ("This blog is the successor to Matel-in-Iraq, where I described my year of service as ePRT leader deployed with the U.S. Marines in Western Iraq.") has some wisdom to share:"Not everybody is motivated by politics – not even politicians – and especially not ordinary people. I have particular and strongly held political views, but between elections I want my President to

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-63529061987781691502008-12-03T21:24:00.002+01:002008-12-04T03:37:31.150+01:0038th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend - More Than A Weekend ... An Alexandria Tradition

Alexandria Scottish Walk Weekend begins tomorrow at noon with a Christmas Market Place until 5 p.m. "The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend events, with the exception of the Parade and the Holiday Designer Tour of Homes, will be held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. The Memorial is located at 101 Callahan Drive (at the intersection of King & Callahan) in Alexandria. Events held at the

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-80463150356300333892008-12-02T06:07:00.003+01:002008-12-02T06:10:32.698+01:00Quote of the Day

From Giant In the Playground, Order of the Stick #612:"Solve a man's problems with violence, help him for a day. Teach a man to solve his problems with violence, help him for a lifetime!"

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-43159030713246854632008-12-01T00:37:00.003+01:002008-12-01T00:37:00.834+01:00December Hiatus

CAA will undergo "downtime" during the month of December 2008.During this blogging hiatus, posting will be intermittant at best.Have a happy and productive holiday season.That is all.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-70998439385618484012008-11-30T07:45:00.005+01:002008-11-30T07:56:35.585+01:00re: "Two Steps Forward, One Tantrum Back"

Dafydd at Big Lizards connects the dots for us.Money quote(s):"(F)or at least three years, neither Iran nor Syria will dare invade Iraq directly, knowing that this would force the hand of even the most left-liberal of Obamatons.""The HLF "charity" has now been proved in a federal court of law to be nothing but a terrorist front organization. It has been supported by numerous other American and

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-23832901607475957142008-11-30T07:37:00.004+01:002008-11-30T07:41:57.510+01:00re: "Who not to listen to"

Lemuel Calhoun at Hillbilly White Trash ("Commenting about politics, religion, firearms, food, Celtic music, beer, science fiction and the Asheville Vortex. Home of the Hillbilly Ecosystem.") deconstructs some dumb-ass.Money quote(s):"The fact is that the "opinion leaders and establishment types within the GOP" are the geniuses who have led the Republican party to its devastating losses in the

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-35448430319365696462008-11-30T07:23:00.004+01:002008-11-30T07:32:21.499+01:00re: "Mumbai and the Ideological Challenge to the West"

Donald Douglas at American Power ("Commentary and analysis on American politics, culture, and national identity, U.S. foreign policy and international relations, and the state of education - from a neoconservative perspective!") discusses the discussion of the attacks.Money quote(s):"It remains unclear, for example, if this was an exclusive operation of a full-blown al Qaeda affiliate or that of

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-17623351539278054082008-11-30T00:57:00.001+01:002008-11-30T00:57:00.332+01:00Bandit "DFAC"

Taken at Ashraf Camp, Iraq, on July 13, 2003.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-45489799726911528982008-11-30T00:46:00.001+01:002008-11-30T00:46:00.817+01:00WT - DALE: Hillary at Foggy Bottom. A powerbroker or powerplayer to replace Rice?

Washington TimesDALE: Hillary at Foggy Bottom. A powerbroker or powerplayer to replace Rice?Helle DaleWednesday, November 26, 2008OP-ED:Not in recent memory has the office of secretary of state been occupied by a figure as potentially powerful as Hillary Clinton.The former first lady and presumptive future secretary of state not only almost won the Democratic nomination, but might well in the

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-55296032614255578202008-11-30T00:30:00.002+01:002008-11-30T00:30:01.026+01:00JO - Bruce's noble plans for Air Jamaica. 'We have to get the airline back on top and so far, we see things turning around slowly.'

Jamaica ObserverBruce's noble plans for Air Jamaica'We have to get the airline back on top and so far, we see things turning around slowly'BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.comSunday, November 16, 2008BACK in the day, when new Air Jamaica CEO Bruce Nobles was just a teenager growing up in the US, his father tried to discourage him from following in his footsteps -

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-69629335348086337552008-11-30T00:21:00.002+01:002008-11-30T00:21:00.657+01:00JG - Away with language bigotry

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica GleanerAway with language bigotrypublished: Sunday October 26, 2008FileMiss Lou took Jamaican Creole to the BBC and the broadcasting entity has never been the same again.Paul H. Williams, Gleaner WriterTwo hundred years after the abolition of the slave trade, and 170 years after the abolition of slavery, some descendants of slave masters and some of the

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-18708201283628519812008-11-30T00:15:00.002+01:002008-11-30T00:15:00.935+01:00JO - If more citizens were aware of the Constitution.

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica ObserverIf more citizens were aware of the Constitution.Sunday, May 11, 2008Dear Editor, Prior to the Vaz vs Dabdoub case and the ruling of the Supreme Court we had not heard much talk of our Constitution. I doubt very much that the majority of our citizens are aware of this document and of the rights and the provisions therein.I believe we would not

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-52191682482031059962008-11-30T00:05:00.003+01:002008-11-30T00:05:00.401+01:00JG - Letter of the Day - Protecting sovereignty

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica GleanerLetter of the Day - Protecting sovereigntypublished: Sunday May 11, 2008 The Editor, Sir:We love to duck issues, but the truth is that the majority of persons who migrate do so out of their own desire to pursue financial betterment, to pursue greener pastures. Remittances made to Jamaica were a fulfilment of their own family obligations and

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-38645386941886782002008-11-29T06:36:00.005+01:002008-11-29T06:36:00.597+01:00re: "Why the Barack Obama Birth Certificate Issue Is Legitimate"

Joe the Farmer at American Thinker ("a daily internet publication devoted to the thoughtful exploration of issues of importance to Americans") has a non-hysterical recapitulation of this issue (or non-issue, or controversy, or whatever-the-Hell it is).He begins by reassuring you of your sanity:"Does this Barack Obama birth certificate issue bug you because, although improbable, it's possible that

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-37851527682591509912008-11-29T06:29:00.002+01:002008-11-29T16:05:45.358+01:00re: "Thanksgiving Round up"

Thanks to justmarkingmad.com for the mention.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-57617151495703373252008-11-29T06:18:00.003+01:002008-11-29T06:18:00.610+01:00re: "Holidays on the strip"

Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive has showcased one of the highlights of Northern Virginia.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-41322287607246272592008-11-29T06:10:00.003+01:002008-11-29T06:10:00.378+01:00re: "Stick to the brief, Boris"

Melanie Phillips at melaniephillips.com shows us a British "maverick."Money quote(s):"The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has broken ranks with his own Conservative party by floating once again the idea of an amnesty for illegal immigrants.He has announced that he will set up a study of the benefits of such an amnesty, on the basis that deporting those foreigners working illegally in Britain —

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-32420550443578268932008-11-29T00:58:00.003+01:002008-11-29T00:58:00.964+01:00Herborn Shops (VI)

Taken in Herborn, Germany, on August 26, 2006.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-9892288321099308652008-11-29T00:31:00.001+01:002008-11-29T00:31:00.310+01:00NU - CSU Student Held in Iran

New UniversityCSU Student Held in Iranby Lila KooklanVolume 42, Issue 10 Nov 24 2008California State University, Northridge (CSUN) graduate student Esha Momeni was arrested on Oct. 15 in Tehran, Iran and was escorted to her relatives’ home after a routine traffic stop. The officers allegedly confiscated her computer containing research that Momeni was collecting on a women’s movement for her

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-81082745034767932982008-11-29T00:25:00.002+01:002008-11-29T00:25:00.638+01:00JO - Jamaica urged to look at alternatives to imported corn for feedstock

Jamaica ObserverJamaica urged to look at alternatives to imported corn for feedstockEconomic WatchBY KIMONE THOMPSON Sunday Observer senior reporter thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.comSunday, November 16, 2008CONCERNS are brewing in the local agricultural sector that food prices could skyrocket once Barack Obama takes up office as the 44th president of the United States and starts to enforce his energy

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-64425137757922640702008-11-29T00:23:00.002+01:002008-11-29T00:23:00.674+01:00JG - Guyana, regionalism and the Caribbean

Jamaica GleanerGuyana, regionalism and the Caribbeanpublished: Sunday October 26, 2008Robert Buddan, ContributorOctober marks the 55th anniversary of the coup d'etat by the British Government against the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government of Guyana, just six months after it won Guyana's first election under Universal Adult Suffrage.Britain proceeded to suspend the constitution, remove

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-19572841359474470702008-11-29T00:20:00.002+01:002008-11-29T00:20:01.005+01:00JO - We Are Not For Sale

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica ObserverWe Are Not For SaleCommon SenseJohn MaxwellSunday, May 11, 2008Scott Fitzgerald once confided to Ernest Hemingway - "You know, Ernest, the rich are different from us.""Yes" said Hemingway, "They have more money."The Fiesta hotel at Point, Lucea, showing an illegal groyne under construction and limestone pollution of the reefSome people seem to

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-31852715704234945822008-11-29T00:15:00.002+01:002008-11-29T00:15:00.466+01:00S&S - Unveiling of new logo for 7th Army delayed until Dempsey arrives

From my archive of press clippings:Stars and StripesUnveiling of new logo for 7th Army delayed until Dempsey arrivesBy Nancy Montgomery, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Sunday, May 11, 2008HEIDELBERG, Germany — Those eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the new 7th Army logo, originally due this spring, will have to wait awhile longer.“Gen. (David) McKiernan thoroughly reviewed numerous well-done

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-44891118562246384932008-11-29T00:09:00.002+01:002008-11-29T00:09:00.362+01:00JG - Bruce Golding's Cuba visit an embrace of change

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica GleanerBruce Golding's Cuba visit an embrace of changepublished: Sunday May 11, 2008 David Jessop, ContributorOn May 4, Jamaica's prime minister, Bruce Golding, plus Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kenneth Baugh, and four other Cabinet ministers in charge of tourism, agriculture, housing and health, travelled to Havana.There, as

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-33950905584125959282008-11-28T06:10:00.003+01:002008-11-28T06:10:00.433+01:00re: "Mumbai: A Roster of the Horrified—and the (Evidently) Not So Horrified"

Patricia Lee Sharpe at WhirledView ("A Look at World Politics & Most Everything Else") asks an excellent question:"(A)ll these hours after the whole world became aware of this ongoing gang rape of Mumbai, the following countries have evidently seen no reason to make public statements either to sympathize with the victims or to condemn the actions of the perpetrators: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan,

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-69637473494210277942008-11-28T06:02:00.002+01:002008-11-28T06:02:00.447+01:00re: "Pirates on the starboard bow"

John Birmingham at Blunt Instrument (a blog at the Brisbane Times) has a manly set of reactions to recent pirate depredations.Money quote(s):"Huzzah for the Indian navy! At least there's someone who knows how to deal with pirates. Run up the guns and have at them, by Jove!""(I)t is a little embarrassing for the rest of us, don't you think, that we have to rely on the Indian Navy to protect our

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-75407937657253848472008-11-28T00:47:00.001+01:002008-11-28T00:47:00.823+01:00Virginia in Maryland

Virginia Watson of Wolfstone Kilt Company.Taken near her shop at Revel Grove, the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville, Md., on August 25, 2007.

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-30606982588087760232008-11-28T00:31:00.002+01:002008-11-28T00:31:00.636+01:00HC - Sex trafficking victims' lives in visa limbo. Only half of the rescued women have gotten papers needed to make a fresh start in U.S.

Houston ChronicleSex trafficking victims' lives in visa limbo. Only half of the rescued women have gotten papers needed to make a fresh start in U.S.By LISE OLSENCopyright 2008 Houston ChronicleNov. 24, 2008, 7:34AMJULIO CORTEZ CHRONICLEA victim of Houston's sex-trafficking ring is now living with her two sons, ages 6 and 9. They were reunited last summer after she spent more than two years

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-8848427688681784912008-11-28T00:28:00.001+01:002008-11-28T00:28:00.232+01:00JO - Dream job sours after 11 years

Jamaica ObserverDream job sours after 11 yearsBY KIMONE THOMPSON Sunday Observer senior reporter thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.comSunday, November 16, 2008THE grass always seems greener on the other side, and in the case of Mandeville native Kevin Anderson, for a long time it was. That was, until he was arrested in the Cayman Islands for allegedly stealing more than KYD$137,000 worth of diamonds from

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-41585370830592639752008-11-28T00:21:00.002+01:002008-11-28T00:21:01.026+01:00S&S - Air Force to create command to deal with its nuclear mission

Stars and StripesAir Force to create command to deal with its nuclear missionBy Jeff Schogol, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Saturday, October 25, 2008ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air Force is creating a major command to deal solely with its nuclear mission, Air Force officials said Friday.Global Strike Command is expected to become operational in September 2009, and it will be in charge of nuclear

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-60071429523990700462008-11-28T00:12:00.003+01:002008-11-28T00:12:00.662+01:00S&S - Darmstadt passport services to end

From my archive of press clippings:Stars and StripesDarmstadt passport services to end Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Sunday, May 11, 2008 DARMSTADT, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Darmstadt is encouraging people who are waiting on a passport or birth registration to hold tight until they get a telephone call.USAG officials closed the Darmstadt passport services office Monday in preparation for

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-7432785720195923512008-11-28T00:09:00.001+01:002008-11-28T00:09:00.337+01:00JG - Golding reaffirms close ties with Cuba

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica GleanerGolding reaffirms close ties with Cubapublished: Sunday May 11, 2008ContributedPrime Minister Bruce Golding (left) and Cuban president, Raúl Castro, embrace.Arthur Hall, Senior Staff ReporterSignatures and signals. These words best describe the recently concluded Bruce Golding-led trip to Caribbean neighbour, Cuba.Five major agreements to

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-70005421993194901012008-11-28T00:01:00.002+01:002008-11-28T00:01:00.693+01:00JO - The European Commission needs to look at RIU

From my archive of press clippings:Jamaica ObserverThe European Commission needs to look at RIUSunday, May 11, 2008When allegations of bribery by Holland-based Trafigura Beheer surfaced, the Dutch Government elected to launch its own investigation, mindful that the European Commission has strong laws against transnationals corrupting local officials.We have no evidence that the Spanish-owned RIU

Consul-At-Armshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11660240.post-4629754094347434462008-11-27T20:28:00.001+01:002008-11-27T20:30:10.309+01:00Thanksgiving Dinner 2003 (VII)