Jim Spiri in Iraqtag:blogs.phillynews.com,2012:/philly/spiri/72008-10-29T17:52:18ZMovable Type 3.35"END OF THE TRAIL" by Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.9062008-10-29T17:50:08Z2008-10-29T17:52:18Z "END OF THE TRAIL" by Jim Spiri October 29, 2008 ...ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO--It's about that time now. The election is one week away. I've been pretty much kind of involved this time around and I thought I would share...Jim Spiri
"END OF THE TRAIL" by Jim Spiri
October 29, 2008
...ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO--It's about that time now. The election is one week away. I've been pretty much kind of involved this time around and I thought I would share some final thoughts on what I've seen, what I've experienced. Remember though, I'm just a nobody that seems to somehow get right up front and center in the midst of some important things that all of us from time to time have a stake in. This is no exception. And I feel for the readers that a little "straight talk" about it all is forthcoming.
While in Iraq with the combat troops during the summer of 2007, I found myself watching those running for President of the USA. At that time, the surge was on, there was a whole host of candidates and at the bottom of the list of hopefulls was one man that everyone had written off. But among those I was traveling with, those on the front lines, the one at the bottom was at the top of their list. His name was John McCain.
I had known of John McCain for over 40-years dating back to the time he was shot down over North Viet Nam. I had decided in the summer of 2007 that I would begin writing about him from the perspective I had in the war I was in. I also decided at that time I would make myself known to him and to his campaign upon my return to the USA. At that time, I had no idea how I would accomplish this. But I knew I would do it.
By January of 2008, I found myself in South Carolina with the McCain campaign as a photographer of sorts. It was there I first met John McCain, up close and personal. It was also there that the folks around McCain were giving me a chance and listening to what I had to say about my time in Iraq with America's finest. I knew from that point on I was in good company. Once victory was achieved in South Carolina, I knew that the nomination was sealed for McCain and the general election would be a tough battle.
Fast forward to the summer of 2008 in New Mexico. By my calculations, New Mexico would be one of those "battle ground" states and I happened to be home now biding my time waiting for whatever comes next on the adventure horizon. Work was scarce, but I managed to keep busy on a few flight lines during fire season and some other things that kept me busy. But I also knew that John McCain would be visiting New Mexico several times and I once again made myself available rederning my services as best I could in support of a warrior from times past. This summer, I was present during five visits McCain would make to New Mexico and I was asked to take particular photos with unprecedented access to McCain. It was all very good.
Fast forward once again to today, one week before the general election.
The national polls, which I believe to be a tool of the big elite media to underscore the endurance and tenacity of Sen. McCain, tell us basically that this election is in the bag for Obama. I think back to the summer of '07 when once again the media pundants had written off McCain, just as he was surging. During my experiences with McCain and many of his associates, some of whom were fellow prisoners of war in Hanoi, I was reminded on more than one occassion of what it takes be a survivor in perilous times. That, along with other reasons is why I've chosen to side with this candidate to be the next Commander in Chief for all of us. I will not buy into what the one sided, big elite media wants us to believe, ever.
Throughout this campaign I have noticed repeatedly how biased the big three, (ABC, NBC, CBS) as well as CNN, have been in their support of Obama, and how given any chance, they riducule and negatively report everything against Sen. McCain. I learned decades ago, while I was a freelance photographer in El Salvador during the 80's, how blatently false almost every reporter/journalist is just to sell a story. It is why I chose a long time ago never to be a photographer or reporter for hire. I will say point blank to everyone out there reading, nothing the big media ever says is the truth. Especially now. They, the big media, have slanted this election to such an extent that I will forever speak up and let it be know just how I feel about all that has taken place in our faces. I have some credibility on this front, having seen it first hand as a combat photographer in Iraq. I went where most would never go, because the truth was with the grunts on the ground and what was being accomplished was never being shown to the general public. I can attest to this and no one can deny it.
I cannot and will not believe that Barrak Obama is the best man for the job of President of the USA. Many years ago, I learned that "birds of a feather flock together". The ones that Obama began his political rise with are the most unsavory folks in the country. I cannot understand why this one point alone has not been brought forth to the general public. Tony Rezco, Jerimiah Wright, the scandalous Chicago political machine, Bill Ayers, a devout domestic terrorist, and a whole host of others to boot. When I compare the ones that served with McCain to those who influenced Obama, I become steaming mad at how the big elite media refuses to take notice. To me, it borders on treason, or at the very least, orchestrated insurrection. I'm completely sick of it. And I refuse to give up on a man that I know is a patriot and deserves to be the next Commander in Chief, that being, John S. McCain.
On the matter of Vice Presidental selections, I have some comments that I want to bring out. Sen. Joe Biden, of Delaware, has been around a long time in the Senate. He was chairman of the Foreign Relations committee and has a background in world events. However, he said it best during the primary season when he point blank told the voters that Barrak Obama has neither the experience or ability to run this country. I couldn't agree with him more. On the other hand, McCain's selection of Gov. Sarah Palin was exactly the right move. Palin brings to the table a freshness and tenacity that has been long overdue in Washington. Her core values are exactly what the "regular" citizens of this great land identify with. It is an absolute travesty how the big elite media gave her an unfair shake. They knew from the get-go that the only way to defeat her was to completely character assasinate her and they have done their utmost to prove that to us all. I'm flabergasted at how the so called feminists out there chose to say that a mother of five cannot handle work and the homefront. At the same time they never brought out that Nancy Pelosi has five children and is in line of succession should something happen to the President and Vice President. I just want to say to all of them, "you cannot have it both ways". Gov. Sarah Palin was a wise choice and I'm sure she'll be in the scene in the years to come. Many thanks to John McCain for bringing her to the forefront. No one else out there had the guts to do so. Once again McCain has put country before himself.
In the end, I do not know how the election will turn out. One thing I know for sure though is my experience. I was allowed to be brought into the very front row seating of the McCain campaign. I had nothing to offer except my personal experience on many things. I never contributed a dime of my own money. I never registered as a Republican; they knew I was an Independent. I never had to get a haircut. And I was introduced to and befriended by some of America's most beloved and revered heroes. And, everyone knew I was just a nobody that has a voice in America. This is what it is all about.
John McCain is not now and never has been George W. Bush, in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, he stood up to Bush when Bush made many wrong calls. As McCain said in the final debate to Obama, "...if you wanted to run against George Bush, Sen. Obama, you should have done it in 2004..." But, it's 2008, and one week away from the general election. I'm not sure how McCain will fare in this one, but I know this for sure, he never gives up, and neither will I. This is what patriots are all about.
I look forward to your comments, emails, and phone calls.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
505-898-1680
“OIL, ALASKA and the FUTURE”tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8902008-07-11T02:08:29Z2008-07-11T02:09:44ZJuly 10, 2008 It’s all about oil, at least that is what many would have us believe. I tend to usually take a different view on things when I’m not exactly sure what on earth to believe. Such is the...Jim Spiri
July 10, 2008
It’s all about oil, at least that is what many would have us believe. I tend to usually take a different view on things when I’m not exactly sure what on earth to believe. Such is the case these days when I fill up my little pick-up truck and hand the cashier a $50 bill, and get no change. Let’s take a look and ponder a few choices before I need a $100 bill next week.
Four years ago while home on R & R from Iraq, I made a decision to purchase two vehicles that get over 30-miles per gallon each. It was costly, but turns out it was a wise decision. Glad I did it. My suggestion to everyone is that if you can do without a gas-guzzler, downsize as soon as possible. I do not think that gasoline is going to go down in price. On the contrary, I’m preparing for $7 a gallon gas, or higher. Just the way it looks to me that it is going. Adapting.
On the campaign trail lately, there has been lots of talk about drilling our way out of this so called oil shortage. Obama says no to off shore drilling, McCain says we need to consider more wells in the ocean. No one is talking much about ANWR, (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) up in Alaska, and quite frankly, I hope it stays that way. Here’s why.
Firstly, without inundating the readers with all kinds of graphs, charts, figures, calculations, etc., I choose to just speak (write) in terms most all of us can understand. I know that currently there are literally hundreds of wells drilled both on land in the US as well as in our territorial water boundaries that are not producing one drop of oil for all kinds of reasons which with a little research one can figure out the answer is money. Secondly, there is a real push in the US these days to cut back and tighten our belts which has for the most part resulted in if not a decrease in consumption, at the very least a stemming of the rate of increase in consumption. Simply put, demand is adjusting to supply, or at least it looks that way at the moment. Thirdly, just this week, T. Boone Pickens, the Texas oil and gas baron has made a real timely media blitz telling all of us that this time we cannot drill our way out of this problem. He has proposed a rather large investment into wind generation which for an oilman is a big step. I think he’s on to something. Improvising.
But let’s come back to Alaska and chat a bit about ANWR. I have noticed the oil companies are also doing a media blitz these days. If one looks deeper into the reasons behind the blitz, it is not hard to figure out that what they are saying is, “give us Alaska, we’ll give you all the alternatives you want and maybe a penny or two drop in gas prices at the pump. I for one don’t think I’m going to buy into that one right now. Maybe later, but not now.
I’ve been to Alaska several times in years past. I find the state by far the most beautiful and most intriguing of all 50-states, including my own home state of New Mexico, which I cherish. The first thing one notices all throughout Alaska is how untouched most all of it is. I have yet to go to the far north extremes of Alaska, but, I’ve been close. I do not think now is the time to disturb it and for good reason. I’m a realist. I know that eventually those J. R. Ewing types will get their hands on it. But if they were smart, they’d think about what I’m saying for a moment.
I’m for more off shore drilling in our territorial waters. I believe the technology has already proven itself and new ideas are forthcoming resulting in safe methods to increase our domestic production levels. We’re already in the ocean in a big way as far as oil wells go and increasing the number of wells would indeed help, as long as the owners decide to bring the oil they’ve hit up to the surface to the market place. The same can be done and should be done with the oil fields in the lower 48 states. Just in Colorado and Wyoming alone, the potential in the oil shale reserves are mind boggling. All that is needed is good old fashioned American ingenuity, like we had when we decided to land a man on the moon in 1969. We can do it. Overcome.
The reason keeping Alaska waiting in the wings with its reserves in ANWR is a good idea is strictly economic from my point of view. We are a nation that over the last few decades has watched its’ savings go down the tubes. Basically, the typical family has no savings for a rainy day. Holding the oil in Alaska in the “bank” so to speak, is the best leverage we can use on the global oil market. We don’t need it right now. What we need is to utilize what we have available to us such as the off shore potential that we can readily access much faster than anything ANWR would produce. It’s the conservative thing to do. It’s a smart move if you look at it through an economists eyes. We know it’s there, we know we can use it, but why spend it up when there are other, less expensive options out there that have already proven themselves?
If we do indeed go for more off shore drilling then at the same time we need to build several more refineries and update the ones currently in use. It is a well known fact that a great deal of the problem is refinery related rather than supply limitations which is what we are bombarded with daily by the PR firms assisting the big oil companies. One of these days Iraq is going to come on line in full throttle oil production allowing us to eventually leave the area for the most part, maybe. I say let the Kurds control Kirkuk and the supply of oil will flow. They are the wisest ones in the mix in the region. Let Iran make one false move and they won’t have the capacity to produce one ounce of oil. In the mean time, let the wells in the lower 48 pump to overflowing amounts. Open up more off shore sites. Let American ingenuity loose and watch what we can come up with. Listen to T.Boone Pickens on this one.
And by golly, let’s just leave Alaska alone for a rainy day. Treat it like a really good savings account. Let technology advance to a point where the environmentalists are happy and the methods for getting all that oil up there are perfected to such an extent that even the oil companies will be happy. It’s the smart economic thing to do. Don’t spend the reserves yet. The day will come fast enough. In the mean time, let the caribou run wild, let the wildlife flourish, leave the tundra alone. That oil ain’t goin anywhere. It’s been there for a long, long time. Who knows, maybe with all this global warming going on it will turn into an offshore site anyway and we’ll be more than prepared by then….!
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
Jimspiri@yahoo.com
“…And You Don’t Mess Around With Jim”tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8812008-07-01T06:13:18Z2008-07-01T06:16:08ZThere are three things I’ve learned in my travels around the globe. Well, maybe there has been a few more than three but for today’s purposes we’ll only bring to light three that seem important to me. 1) You don’t...Jim Spiri
There are three things I’ve learned in my travels around the globe. Well, maybe there has been a few more than three but for today’s purposes we’ll only bring to light three that seem important to me.
1) You don’t tug on Superman’s cape.
2) You don’t spit into the wind
3) And you don’t pull the mask off the old “Lone Ranger.”
After years of living by this so called “survival code”, I came to the conclusion that it works. In every circumstance I’ve ever found myself in, be it good, bad or indifferent, keeping an eye on the basics kept me from all kinds of calamities. So keeping that in mind, I will now do something I’ve not done too often. Some would say I do it too much, but I know the truth and it continues to set me free. It is time to take the gloves off.
It’s the first week in July 2008 now. A little over four months until the general election which will determine our next President. It’s a big one this time, perhaps the most critical one of my entire life. Or maybe it is just seeming that way to me for my life now is entering its 53rd year. I have a lot at stake as do the rest of us. Is a matter of fact, the entire nation and perhaps the world itself does too. This time last year, in a past writing, I wrote a piece directed at all the contenders for President at the time to listen to what I had to say. Two of the contenders’ campaigns at that time listened and responded. One of those contenders is no longer in the race. The other is still in the race and is the Republican (presumptive) nominee.
The Democratic nominee, Sen. Barak Obama, and his campaign, have never contacted me. Therefore, I found it fitting at this time to put out there for all to read what “Jim” has to ask and say. In keeping with my integrity, I will be respectful, but I’ve chosen to take the gloves off and address some hard questions. So…..
Dear Mr. Obama…..You are a man that wants to be President of the United States and Commander in Chief over our military which includes my son. How is it at 46-years-old, which is seven years my junior, you feel that you are prepared for such a daunting task? This is the first time a man running for President is now younger than me. I know how little I know and I know the many places I’ve been and the many, many life experiences I’ve had, and I’m not running for President. I know the constitution says you only need to be 35-years-old, but when that stipulation was written, I believe life expectancy was shorter than it is now. I’m a little perplexed on your lack of life experiences.
Mr. Obama, you and I have a couple of things in common. Both of us did not grow up with our biological fathers. Both of our fathers were from foreign lands. Mine from Italy, yours from Kenya. My father was much darker skinned than my mother, as was the same in your instance. I lived in Hawaii for a long time as an adult, you lived there as a young person. You have two daughters, and I do as well. When I fill out certain questionnaires that ask about my background, I always write in “other”, and then beside that I put the word, “American”. Which box do you select?
The reason I ask this question is many people in your campaign make a strong point that you are black. Even recently last week, you made a strong statement in an intimidating way saying that the Republicans are going to scare the voters reminding them that you are black. Your words exactly were, “oh, and did I mention he (Obama) is black?” I’m a little perplexed on exactly what you meant by this.
Mr. Obama, you have been speaking quite a bit about Iraq and the war there. I was wondering how many times you’ve been to Iraq since you seem to speak about it so much? My understanding is that you went there once for a very short time. Where exactly did you go while in Iraq? I spent nearly three years there I don’t recall ever seeing you there. I saw lots of politicians while I was there and spoke to almost every one of them. But I was loading the wounded at that time onto C-141’s and C-17’s in Balad. Maybe you were down in the Green Zone, hunkered down with some other important people who never got outside the wire. I know I didn’t see you in Mosul on the days I was on patrol with the 1st Cav, as RPG’s and IED’s were going off. I’m sure I didn’t see you on the streets of Fallujah while I was with the 6th Marines getting shot at. Maybe you saw some Marines at the embassy in Baghdad. I know I didn’t see you in Taji when I was on missions with my son. I’m really beginning to wonder where exactly in Iraq did you go and how do you explain being able to say so much and seen so little? I’m very perplexed by this.
Mr. Obama, you talk a lot lately about the economy. I have to say it is in bad shape. Especially the housing industry. At the moment, my housing situation is ok. But as we all know that could change in a heartbeat for all of us. But probably not you. You seem to have received a bit of a shady deal from your friend Tony Resco. I myself have never heard of the kind of deal you got under the circumstances you got it. And when it came to light about Resco, you seemed to have distanced yourself from him, especially now that he’s a convicted felon. I do not know with any clarity what your plan is to solve the housing crisis and the mortgage fiasco that is front and center to many Americans across the land. All I can figure out is that perhaps you are subtlety suggesting we all get our own sweetheart deal with your friend and big time contributor Tony Resco. And then, we too can drop him like he’s hot. I’m very perplexed about your plan for the housing crisis in light of your own shady dealing concerning the purchase of the home you currently reside in, in Chicago.
Mr. Obama, you have expressed a desire to become real friendly with the likes of those enemies that are out to destroy our way of life. It seems that you would like to have a big group hug with the leaders of Iran, North Korea, Syria, Al Queda, and a whole host of other folks that seem hell-bent on killing the rest of us. I’m not exactly sure where you came up with this idea. Perhaps it was from Rev. Jeremiah Wright, another person you had 20-years of dealings with that you seemed to have recently thrown under the bus when the negative publicity about him came to light. Seems to me that you have negated the saying, “walk softly and carry a big stick”, and replaced it with, “walk as loud as you want and carry no stick at all”. This perplexes me a bit.
Mr. Obama, how is it when you come to my state, New Mexico, you come all the way here and not let anyone attend except thirty women from a fancy coffee shop all lined up in front of TV cameras for some kind of image stunt? What exactly was the point you were trying to make because I for one didn’t get it. Is a matter of fact, every time you come to my neck of the woods, I’m never able to get a word in edge wise. Perhaps I’m not of the right demographic. But didn’t I hear you say on many occasions that you want to be the President of all of us? Maybe you or your handlers were afraid I’d ask too tough a question and your response or lack thereof might not look so good to the national TV audience. Either way, I’m perplexed.
And finally Mr. Obama, I can’t for the life of me figure out how you just seemed to pop on the political scene out of nowhere. I can only conclude that there must be a whole lot of folks out there like Oprah, Resco, Soros and others that are continually throwing lots of money your direction in order to keep that “rock star” image on the front pages of all the papers and in the spotlight on the evening news. I have noticed that you seem to get lots more media attention than your opponent. I wanted to ask you about the pledge you signed about keeping with your promise to go with public campaign financing, as your opponent is doing. I guess when it comes to certain matters involving millions and millions of dollars and what that money can buy, it makes no difference whatever you signed or whatever you promised. There seems to be a pattern here and it is very, very perplexing to me.
Senator Barak Obama is a very smart and subtle politician. He has risen to a place that very few on the planet ever get to. But how he got there and how he intends to remain there is quite bothersome and very perplexing to me. He now lives in Chicago and represents the state of Illinois in the US Senate. Anyone from Chicago would have known the lyrics to a song that spoke of how to conduct oneself while traveling around.
You don’t tug on Superman’s cape. You don’t spit into the wind. You don’t pull the mask off the old lone ranger and……
You don’t mess around with Jim…!
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
Jimspiri@yahoo.com
"TRIPLE PLAY" by Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8752008-06-26T05:37:03Z2008-06-26T05:48:14ZJune 26, 2008 Baseball is a wonderful sport. Field of Dreams is among the best movies ever made. A correlation between life on the diamond and life in the real world, has many parallels. But among the best plays ever,...Jim Spiri
June 26, 2008
Baseball is a wonderful sport. Field of Dreams is among the best movies ever made. A correlation between life on the diamond and life in the real world, has many parallels. But among the best plays ever, which happens on very rare occasions, is the triple play. As a teen, I was able to experience it only a couple of times during summer league. In the real world lately, it seems as though we are on the verge of a big time triple play. Only this is not a game.
I thought it fitting this week to call this article “Triple Play”. It’s been a busy three days around here. Just so all of you know what I’m talking about, my son and his wife became the parents of three boys on Monday the 23rd. That’s right, triplets. Jesse, Jacob and James arrived between 1018 hrs and 1022 hrs on Monday morning. They came early, but it was expected that would happen. My son, the US Army Helicopter pilot and his wife are rather beside themselves at what now is a daunting task ahead of them. But with much care, assistance from family, and lots of prayer, all will be fine. It is just a long road ahead that will be traveled one step at a time.
In other news this week….the Bush administration seemed to have upped the tempo a bit about going for its own triple play. As things heat up continually in Afghanistan, most recently due to the blazing jail house attack that freed 1100 or so “bad guys” including around 400-Taliban fighters, lots of attention has been in that direction by the media. And, just as Iraq has been being reported that immense security improvements have been made in the past year, and definitely such is the case, only last night more casualties were reported with the loss of three US Army soldiers in Mosul by IED. And still yet, another report this week told of meetings between US and Israeli officials who were said to have discussed the option of attacking Iran. Israel has recently been doing high profile maneuvers and letting the word out that it has no intention of letting Iran have nuclear capabilities. US officials are said to have been urging restraint on Israel’s part, however most observes have concluded that joint planning for such an attack is already in the works. And there you have it folks, out at first, out at second, and perhaps out at third. We’ll see.
But for the record, my job as a catcher was to cover home plate, no matter what the consequences.
What I enjoyed most about being a catcher on the field was that I had to know every possible scenario for each and every pitch that was thrown to the batter. I had to know it before it was thrown, and be prepared for whatever transpired. As I mentioned earlier, there are many parallels between baseball and real life. And herein lies the point of this writing.
I’ve never forgotten about how it was that we went into Afghanistan back in 2001, which seems like a life-time ago. It was the first time as a father I experienced having my own son sent to war. It was only a couple of months after having just lost our oldest son, a Marine. Things were still very raw. Then, in 2003, the nation saw fit to go back into Iraq and finish something that had twelve years earlier been incomplete. It was the second time as a father I saw my son off to war. And now, it’s mid 2008, and I look towards the horizon and see storm clouds brewing once again, only the target is Iran. I know once again, should the commander in chief tell my son to “saddle up”, my son would be ready in a heartbeat for his fifth deployment in the past seven years, only this time, the next generation on deck, would be awaiting his return.
It is a very difficult play, the triple play, but it can be pulled off, but not without perfect coordination and excellent timing. And remember, it is very rarely pulled off successfully , something akin to triplet boys being born naturally without using any artificial measures.
Covering home plate, the catcher must be willing to hold onto the ball and never drop it, even when some opponent is barreling around third racing to plow into the catcher as he awaits the throw from his teammates to tag the runner out before he scores. Never let the opponent score and the last line of defense is the one covering home plate. Such is the case in this global triple play that is possibly about to take place. There were lots of errors leading up to the events of 9/11. After the disaster of the twin towers, we as a nation, and rightly so, embarked upon an “easy out” on first. Come to find out, the cave dwellers weren’t so stupid as we suspected, errors were made at Tora Bora, and just when we thought the bottom of the ninth was going to end the game, we’ve all been witness to many extra innings.
There were severe errors made leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, at least that is what many believe these days in 2008. Then, once again, when we all thought the bottom of the 9th was in view, like the banner telling us, “Mission Accomplished”, it became clear that it had gone into extra innings.
That brings us to today.
I remember living in Australia for a few years when my kids were little. They learned the sports games down under, which I never could actually figure out completely. The closest thing to baseball was cricket. What I couldn’t stand about cricket was the fact that the game took an unbelievable amount of time to play, sometimes days, just for one game. It made no sense to me. I think I can speak for the rest of the fans covering home plate across the nation when I say, “if we’re going to another game, I hope it does not go into extra innings”.
A good catcher hones his skills by learning from all the errors made in previous games. I figure that’s one reason there’s 162 games in a professional baseball season. There is a real possibility that Iran has pushed the envelope too damn far. In many respects, I feel they’ve crossed the line way more than once. I don’t want to see extra innings anymore. I love having triplet grandsons now. And I always liked being a part of a successful triple play as a young baseball player. But if we go to war directly with Iran, even though we’ve already been fighting them in the streets of Iraq for many years, those in charge, all the way up the chain of command, better execute it perfectly this time, for if they don’t, there just may not be a next season.
I for one will cover home plate with my entire body, soul and spirit, whatever betides.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
Jimspiri@yahoo.com ne 26, 2008
WHERE TO GO FROM HEREtag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8642008-06-10T04:52:01Z2008-06-11T14:32:34ZBy Jim Spiri June 11, 2008 It’s June now, 2008. I’ve been back stateside for over half a year now. During that time I was able to visit several states, gave a few talks, saw the kids and grandkids, and...Jim Spiri
By Jim Spiri
June 11, 2008
It’s June now, 2008. I’ve been back stateside for over half a year now. During that time I was able to visit several states, gave a few talks, saw the kids and grandkids, and tried to settle into the day to day routine of what happens next. I’m pondering the situation that all of us are facing these days and I find myself quite startled at what is going on all around me. Let’s take a look at what I mean.
The war in Iraq continues. Each day I watch closely and follow from afar what I can as best I can. It gnaws at me that I am not there at the moment. Lately, I have kept informed on Afghanistan as well. A friend or two whom I was able to patrol with in Iraq have found themselves in Afghanistan doing more of the same with less. Day to day in these two places keep me a little ahead of the curve ball stateside with all the other recent economic realities that tear at each of us like an open wound.
Gasoline prices have most of us on high alert here at home. No longer is it a matter of will prices rise, rather now it is how far will it continue to spiral out of control. I personally drive a little four cylinder Nissan Frontier pick up with a small matching camper shell on it, in the event I find needing to live out of it should the economy really tank. I’m quite thankful it is paid for (it is a 2004 with 30,000 miles on it) but even at 25-30 mpg, it still cost me nearly $60 to fill it up these days. I’m coming to the realization that soon it will cost close to $100 to fill it up, probably by this coming Labor Day in September.
Then there is the grocery store which my wife and I find ourselves going to less and less frequently these days. Seems as though it was a good time for me to lose some of that winter weight now that eating has become a luxury rather than a necessity. I’ve dropped 20-lbs, and walking 20-25 miles per week to adjust to the continual and what seems like daily price hikes at the store. I’m glad I learned the word “adapt”, in the phrase, improvise, adapt and overcome. Now it’s a matter of survival, probably always was.
Then there is the political arena that has taken the country by storm. No doubt the Democratic nomination process has been front and center lately, but during that time I found myself once again speaking with Sen. John McCain as recently as Memorial Day here in Albuquerque. Now, the real race for the White House has truly begun and just as the summer heat bears down on us here in the high desert, the same is true across the country between the two Senators, McCain and Obama. It should be quite a spectacle to say the least in the weeks and months leading up to the general election this fall in November.
Then there is this matter called employment. I have found myself working on an “on call” basis at the flight line at Kirtland AFB here in Albuquerque supporting air tankers during fire season. It pays a whopping $11 an hour, which is a dollar an hour less than I was making at the same job in 2006, prior to my departure for the middle east. It’s a struggle to say the least and I find myself vying for work hours with retired US Forest Service employees who seem to think it is comical that they don’t call me very often. None of the ones I’ve worked with here have ever been on a combat patrol yet and are quick to tell me how stupid I was to not get a real job as opposed to walking the streets of Fallujah or Mosul with America’s finest. There are times I just have to walk away from a conversation and count to one hundred or more.
During my time in Iraq dodging bullets with young warriors from all across this land, never once did anyone call me stupid. On the contrary, they gave me to eat and gave me to drink for I was the least among the brethren. I was always content.
Now with all that out of the way, it brings me to a place I seem to have visited many times since October when my journey took a break and reality seemed to be a bit on the obscure side of the spectrum. Homeward bound is a relative term. An old friend of mine who was a sailor on river boat patrols in Viet Nam back in the late 1960’s told me of a song he heard on his way home from Viet Nam. The lyric went, “ I’m getting closer to my home…” When he told me that back in 1974, I mentioned that it must have been a good feeling. He told me at that time that he would never feel at home again after his experiences in Viet Nam. I did not understand what he meant for I was just 19-years-old at the time and had not been to far away places yet. But 34-years later, I am just now beginning to understand what my friend George meant.
I’ve spent a lot of time working my garden these days. The wind here in the spring in the desert causes much grief for the avid gardener. But I keep pressing on, sowing, replanting, with a view to an eventual harvest. It’s not about saving money on veggies or the thought of growing my own food to beat the system. Rather, it’s simply about starting and finishing a seemingly unimportant task that carries much weight throughout the learning process. Seems these days having a shovel, a rake and a hoe in my hand, digging in the dirt and fighting the elements makes more sense than trying to beat the system that gives me high grocery prices, high gasoline prices or political rhetoric that makes my eardrums burst.
On Memorial Day I was surrounded by more than 2500 veterans from many wars, both from the distant past and the more recent. It is where I was invited to photograph John McCain. He did not speak about anything political so much at that venue on this day. Rather, he spoke a language that all around me, including myself understood clearly. Later that day, I spent some time with him at a different place and it was more private. There he spoke some political words and the audience was about a dozen folks including myself. I took the photos I promised I would and distributed them accordingly, for free as usual.
Earlier that Memorial Day weekend, Candi and I went to Jesse’s gravesite and placed three flags. He lays between veterans on his left and right, above and below. It was peaceful, but sorrowful. In the end, there will come a day when there will be no more tears. That’s the day I’m looking for. In the meantime I struggle with not only where to go from here, but how on earth to pull it off. It’s a simple burden. However, like gardening, there are obstacles. I know where I am, I know where I should be, it’s just all the in-between details that seem to be restricting my goal.
Adapt, improvise and overcome. I am clear it is all part of becoming an overcomer. Looking forward to each and everyone’s reply.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
Jimspiri@yahoo.com
"Why Romney Cannot Win"...by Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8082008-01-31T18:04:09Z2008-01-31T18:32:06ZJanuary 31, 2008 It is the last day of January, 2008. Five days before what has been termed, "Super Tuesday". The race for President on both sides of the aisle is by no means over yet, but a clearer picture...Jim Spiri
January 31, 2008
It is the last day of January, 2008. Five days before what has been termed, "Super Tuesday". The race for President on both sides of the aisle is by no means over yet, but a clearer picture of who will be in the final running is beginning to emerge. I've noted a few observations and feel that now is the time to say some things and "stir it up" a bit. My views are solely my own and are not necessarily shared by everyone reading this. But then again, I am only one, simple citizen and call it as I see and experience it. It may be a personal "career suicide", but as one politician has said lately, I too put what I feel is best for the country far above my own personal gain.
Let's start with the Democrats for on that side of the aisle at this time, it appears theirs is the most unpredictable at the moment, at least that is what some would have us believe. Mrs. "Bill" Clinton or Barrack Hussein Obama, that is what it has come down to. The Kennedy dynasty, although split on the surface, has brought together the patriarch and matriarch of their Klan, (Ted Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy) and come out in full support of Sen. Obama, of Illinois. (or is he from Hawaii, no one can say for sure). In my view, this is clearly for political window dressing purposes only. Here is how I see it.
Senator Obama is no doubt an eloquent orator. He is even sounding like a "John Kennedy" of a half century ago. The difference in the 21st century between Barrak Obama and John Kennedy is substance. Obama offers no substance, just a phrase called hope. It is intangible at best, but it captivates a non thinking audience. The famous, or infamous Kennedy dynasty, (depending on how one looks at history) knows this little tidbit better than most. So going out on a limb at this time in the political foray with absolutely nothing to lose makes it quite simple to appear that they (the Kennedy dynasty) is still championing the cause of the so-called "under-dog mantle carrier" of change. It works well for their purposes in months and years ahead of cashing in political chips with certain groups when deals are needing to be made. Simply put, in my view, the going out on a limb at this time in support of Obama by the giant Kennedy machine, only puts more capital in the deal making bank for later purposes. It has nothing to do with Obama winning the nomination. The Kennedy's know Obama will not win the Democratic nomination, Mrs. "Bill" (Hillary) Clinton will capture that coveted crown. Only political junkies with their head, or some other part of their body, still stuck in the sand, will disagree.
With former Senator John Edwards having now dropped out of the race, a void has been left open for those Democrats that actually care about real issues. Edwards spoke well, projected an image of concern for the underclass, but my own personal experience with Edwards sealed my decision about him back in November of 2003. Edwards who spoke often about health insurance issues for Americans neglected his responsibility in my book when he was given the chance to support a bill in Congress back in 2003 addressing a loop hole for military service member that Tri Care tried desperately to leave unaddressed. I know it well, for it was in honor of my late son, a Marine. Ninety-six Senators from both sides of the aisle voted in favor of it, two against it (Akaka from Hawaii and Byrd of West Virginia) and two abstained from voting for political reasons only. Their names were Kerry of Massachusetts and Edwards from North Carolina. This one political move by Edwards sealed his fate in my book forever. He miscalculated one citizen's strength. Although he (Edwards) sounded good on the stump, when it came down to the rubber meeting the road, he failed in his responsibility for the things he speaks of. Now, the question is, where will his supporters go? They will go to Sen. Clinton of NY, or is it Arkansas or is it Illinois, I cannot actually tell for sure.
Mrs. "Bill" (Hillary) Clinton will gain the Democratic nod and will be the nominee in November. Listen to what she says and read between the lines, she has way too much invested since years and years ago, to not win. Too many political uncashed IOU's are out there waiting to be deposited. The Clinton(s) machine is just now gearing up. She will win and if she is smart, she will pick former General Wesley Clark for her VP choice. This is how I see it coming down the pike in the days, weeks and months ahead leading to November. She is a woman on a mission, that is not going to lose.
Enough said about the Democrats. Let's talk about the TWO Republican parties vying for the nomination in November. Yes, I said two Republican parties, not two Republican candidates.
These days there is a clear split in the Republican party. So much so that many have said the Republicans are trying vehemently to throw in the towel in 2008 with a view towards 2012. This thinking in my book makes no sense at all but then again, power is strange bird. The Neo-Cons of the 21st century have messed things up so bad lately, they've decided to play dirty, once again, which is of no real surprise. What has been lost in the shuffle with the current rhetoric is the party of Abraham Lincoln seems to have lost its identity in search of a mantle-bearer that represents something a little right of Attilla the Hun. Enter now the likes of one Mitt Romney.
Former Governor Mitt Romney, of Massachusetts, who claims Michigan as his home, has tried unsuccessfully to claim this mantle that no one can clearly define as of yet. Romney who has hundreds of millions of dollars mostly gained through his dealings with Bain Capital and shady off shore accounts has tried desperately to speak as of late like he's the one who invented Ronald Reagan, et all. Romney who has been characterized as a "wind up Ken Doll" who changes position depending on the flavor of the audience in the early going, had found that his millions are not able to purchase integrity no matter how "conservative" his stump speeches seem to sound. He basically was lost long before he ever got started. He banked on the things that most politicians do. He mistakenly figured the electorate would not see through is facade and that the truth of his flip flopping would be able to be concealed. Although I agree to an extent that the average voter's attention span is more likely akin to that of a four year old pre-schooler, the fact remains that deep down in every concerned citizen of this great land, the term "We the People" still carries a high level of responsibility and in the end calls the shots, if allowed to function freely.
Romney made a critical error in statements concerning himself and his son's service to country during a time when the global war on terrorism is being fully waged. Romney who received nine years of deferments during the Viet Nam years, and spent a great deal of time in France going house to house sampling cheese, while John McCain was tied up in a North Viet Nam prison cell, responded to a question about his son's lack of service to country. Romney was asked why his sons have not served. His response that the five boys, while running around the USA in an RV seeking to get their father elected, were serving their country just as soldiers do, proved that he (Romney) is an elitist who has no intentions of his offspring ever getting near anything that is considered "in harms way" while having no second thoughts at all of sending the rest of America's sons and daughter's down the precarious roads to war zones across the globe in Humvees rather than RV's. This one element defines Romney's attitude towards those he desires to govern. No longer will the electorate stand by idly and listen to how conservative he was, is or will be in the future, while he (Romney and sons) sample cheese in RV's across America. This dog just won't hunt.
There are many other factors that will preclude Romney from getting the nomination by the Republicans, whether or not the likes of Rush Limbaugh (who also avoided service by deferments during the Viet Nam years) decide to boycott the November election should their Neo-Con not be on the ballot. But at this time it seems irrelevant to enumerate them all. The fact is no matter how much money one has to buy the Presidency, true patriots see through the facade, the slick hair styles, the double talk no matter what kind of conservative cloak one tries to put on it. A rich white boy from a wealthy Mormon family, who spent years seeking deferments away from the war in Viet Nam, has not earned the respect of John Q. Public and his sons, during the time we call the global war on terrorism.
Now comes Senator John McCain, R-AZ, who many wrote off way back in the summer of '07, while his support for the troop surge seemingly was destined to cause him political suicide. However, low and behold, McCain is now the front runner and is pegged by many to not only be the nominee but has the best chance to win the Presidency in November. How can this be one might ask. It is very simple from my point of view.
McCain won the respect of most Americans long before he entered politics. Simply by refusing to give in to North Vietnamese prison guards and refusing early release. All knew McCain's father's status at Pacific Commander during those years. It was at that time that McCain decided not to play into anyone's political games. And this trait continued through the days of his political career subsequently labeling him a "maverick" within his own party. And the electorate took note year after year. In 2000, McCain was subjected to the dirty politics of the Bush soon to be Cheney machine and lost a bid then for his party's nomination. But eight years later McCain is headed up the most dramatic political comeback in recent historical times and is now today the undisputed front runner poised to perhaps win the Presidency in November.
The other Republican party (The Neo Cons who are not used to losing) are fuming in their own shoes. So much so that they are willing to for go the White House in '08 and regroup for a harder fought battle in 2012. But their plan will not succeed. McCain has something that cannot be duplicated or mimicked in order to sway a weary voter this or that way. McCain has the experience of being a warrior that has been tested. No amount of rhetoric, no amount of money, no amount of political double talk can compare to this one attribute. Simply put, it is called experience under fire. No other candidate can claim this mantle, no matter what party affiliation they are of. In short, the country is at war. McCain has been to war. His son is currently in Iraq, at war. Another of his sons is being trained by US Naval Academy. These sons are not running around the country in RV's. They are in and being prepared for war. McCain is the only one running that truly counts the cost before making any decision for those he intends to govern. Romney cannot claim this, no matter how much money he spends. And the average voter knows this.
In the end, the political season of 2008 is now in full swing. It's a long way to November, but it will come up fast. Senator John McCain, R-AZ, has a growing list of endorsements from a wide spectrum of support. People from all across the political aisles are now lining up and jumping on the McCain straight talk express band wagon. People who vote, do like straight talk. It's not always pretty talk, but it's straight up and truthful. Those in the Republican party who are throwing a temper tantrum at the moment would be wise to get in line now and for once care for the betterment of the country rather than their own bank accounts. Whomever becomes President this time around will of course govern only one country. It is why we are called the UNITED States of America. John McCain has proven he is already uniting an entire country simply by speaking truthfully, even when the truth hurts. McCain is running as a Republican. But first and foremost he is an American.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
"A Nation Well Served"...by Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8072008-01-29T20:05:39Z2008-01-29T22:07:06ZJanuary 28, 2008. In my youth, I was told the saying, "birds of a feather, flock together". It had been impressed upon me that one could be defined by the company one keeps. These days I find that to be...Jim Spiri
January 28, 2008.
In my youth, I was told the saying, "birds of a feather, flock together". It had been impressed upon me that one could be defined by the company one keeps. These days I find that to be the case. In mid January, I was able to be in the company of some fine folks. Although I cannot lay claim to any of their respective achievements, I can however say that I am a better man today, than I was before, just for having been in their presence.
Upon invitation, I had gone to the "Low-Country" of South Carolina, to witness a battleground of sorts in the Republican Presidential primary. Going back 28-years, no candidate had gone on to receive the nomination without first securing South Carolina. It would be a tight battle with many looking back to eight years earlier when then Gov. George W. Bush, of Texas, would run a down and dirty campaign against Senator John McCain, R-AZ. Bush of course went on to victory in South Carolina in 2000 and subsequently became the Republican nominee for President and eventually beating out former VP Al Gore, in the controversial election of 2000. Eight years later, John McCain had returned to South Carolina this time packing a stronger punch than before and determined to meet any negative campaigning against him, head on. South Carolina would be pivotal.
My reasons for wanting to be present during this primary were varied, but one reason in particular stood out among others. I knew that this time South Carolina would attract a large number of notable people many of whom I held a high degree of respect for and had longed for the opportunity to meet. As an historian of sorts, I felt more than a desire to attend, I felt more or less compelled. One thing led to another, and I found myself in the midst of national heroes who are living legends whom I had only been able to read about over the years but now would have a chance to speak with face to face. I would remain front and center for the next ten days in South Carolina and take advantage of every opportunity as a child turned loose in a candy store full of dreams that come true.
Although I had known for many years of Senator John McCain, I had only seen him once before, from afar, while I was a guest of the US Senate in 2003, during the passage of a bill in Congress in honor of my late son, 2nd Lt. Jesse James Spiri, USMC. Now I would be photographing him at every event in the Charleston area leading up to election night. It would be very busy. During times between events, I would find myself at campaign headquarters mingling with people from all over. And it was here that I began to witness the "flock gathering" around one of their own. Some were quite well known, others were hidden, unknown gems. But all were patriots. I was in good company.
One of the first persons to stand out to me was a man named Joe Albanese. He and his wife had volunteered to work the phone banks in the days leading up to the election. This job is mainly delegated to the younger crowd, but Joe and his wife had determined to give it all they had for "their guy" running. Joe is a Korean War veteran. He is originally from New York, but had retired to South Carolina many years back. He is well past retirement age but has the stamina and determination of a man half my age. As I watched Mr. and Mrs. Albanese work the phones, I observed a finely tuned duo, working as one. She would line up the calls and read out the numbers to Joe. Joe would make the call and give his pitch. The two would work hours on end, every day. They were volunteers.
On another day, a big gentleman was brought into the headquarters and introduced to the staff and volunteers. His name is Orson Swindle. I had known of this man from historical accounts about him dating back to his time as a POW in North Viet Nam. He is a personal friend of Senator John McCain and the two have much in common from their long years of imprisonment in Hanoi. Swindle is detailed much in McCain's book, "Faith of My Fathers", and is noted to be among the strongest resistors of all the POW's during that time. His legendary strength and willingness to sustain sever beatings by his captors are well documented in McCain's book. Swindle was shot down on his last scheduled combat mission (his 205th) and spent nearly seven years in captivity before being released in 1973. Listening to this man and hearing his reasons for supporting "his man" in the race, was in itself, a lesson in living history.
On one morning, I was invited to come into downtown Charleston by a man named Charley. We linked up on in an old historic part of town on a street called, Rutledge. I parked my car and got into his. It happened to be a "Jag". It was nice. We drove a short distance to an old hotel where we waited for the person we would be taking back to where my car was parked, outside a synagogue. The man we were picking up was Senator Joe Lieberman, of CT. Lieberman, the 2000 VP candidate on the democratic ticket with Al Gore, was in town stumping for Senator McCain. Upon meeting Senator Lieberman, I was introduced and the two of us rode together in Charley's car. I spent some time talking with him and did an audio interview with him asking questions concerning troops in Iraq and long deployments. He gave me straight up honest answers and assured me his full and unconditional support for all the troops in Iraq including my own son, who had just returned. Lieberman, who shrugged off his own party's primary defeat last year and ran as an Independent, returned to the US Senate in full support of Gen. David Petreaus and the surge operations in Iraq over the past 12-months. Upon our arrival back at the synagogue, I was invited in to take photographs of his talk. It was a unique experience and once inside I met many more people whose lives and experiences captivated me for the rest of the morning. One in particular, Mr. Pinkus Collender, a Holocaust survivor, spoke with me at length about events that had shaped a great deal of his life. I was humbled.
In the final days leading up to the eve of the election, I would find myself invited to several different events where Senator McCain would be speaking. All were large gatherings but the final one before the election on the 19th, was Friday evening at the USS Yorktown. This would turn out to be a very special night. The USS Yorktown is now a museum harbored in the bay in Charleston. It is a wonderful, historical exhibit detailing the events of the Jimmy Doolittle raid on Tokyo in 1942 as well as many static displays of aircraft from years past. For the history buffs, it is for sure a site to see. McCain chose to wrap up his final stop on the Yorktown and it brought out a huge crowd, all of them patriots. I was now in the company of America's finest spanning several generations.
In short, the experience on the USS Yorktown was the highlight of my journey to the "Low Country of South Carolina". I was able to snap photographs of the entire event, up close and personal. I had been brought to the center of the best that America has to offer. One person that night stood out among many. He was young Iraq war veteran named Pete Hegsteth. He was on the stage with all the guest speakers. He told the crowd of his time in Iraq and how his generation desires earnestly to continue carrying the torch of freedom as those had done before him. Listening to him speak, one could hear in the atmosphere the likes of Jimmy Doolittle and his 16-crews cheering in the clouds above. The event would soon end and the huge crowd would slowly disperse. The night would come to an end.
As I was gathering my things and walking down the stairs of the hangar deck, I would take my time and take one last look behind me at this famous ship now a museum. The night was over. I found my rental car in the parking lot and decided to sit there and give my son a call. I had raised him as a patriot who had seen much war in his own right. We spoke about where I had been and what I had been a small part of . It was a good conversation. I found my way back to where I was staying at my friend Mike's house. I stayed up late that night looking over my photographs and making some notes. The next day was the primary which Sen. John McCain eventually won. There was a victory speech the following night and the day after that, I was back on a plane headed to Albuquerque, NM. This short journey was now over.
In short, there is just too much to really explain adequately what all I saw and experienced. I had just been in the company of many an American hero. I was all the better for having had the opportunity to experience it. Politics is a strange bird. But what I realized through this short time was that it was not the political world that I had enjoyed. Rather, it was the gathering of simple American patriots who had all been a part of very profound things. I, a lone freelancer, was allowed to be a small part of this historical time, even if for what seemed a fleeting moment. But in the end I can say that it is true, "birds of a feather do indeed flock together" from time to time. For my honest experience seems to have been being borne on the wings of one mighty eagle.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
Photo by Jim Spiri, January 16, 2008, McCaintag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8032008-01-16T20:00:28Z2008-01-29T21:58:54Z McCain speaking in South Carolina...Jim Spiri
McCain speaking in South Carolina
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Photo by Jim Spiri, January 11, 2008tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8042008-01-16T19:03:15Z2008-01-29T22:17:59Z Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina...Mr. Calligan, left, is seen next to the mobile memorial he made to his son-in-law, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan, in 2007. Mr. Calligan came to hear Sen. John McCain speak at a rally...Jim Spiri
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina...Mr. Calligan, left, is seen next to the mobile memorial he made to his son-in-law, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan, in 2007. Mr. Calligan came to hear Sen. John McCain speak at a rally in Mt. Pleasant, SC on January 11, 2008. Sen. McCain took time out to specifically console and speak with Mr. Calligan.
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Photo by Jim Spiri, January 11, 2008tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8022008-01-16T18:58:56Z2008-01-16T19:00:16Z Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina...Republican presidential hopeful, Senator John McCain R-Arizona, is seen up close during a campaign stop in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. McCain is seen with Senator Lyndsay Graham, R-SC in background....Jim Spiri
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina...Republican presidential hopeful, Senator John McCain R-Arizona, is seen up close during a campaign stop in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. McCain is seen with Senator Lyndsay Graham, R-SC in background.
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"The Comeback Warrior"...by Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8012008-01-12T19:11:15Z2008-01-29T22:03:59ZJanuary 11, 2008 Charleston, South Carolina, USA. It's late, past midnight, turning into the 12th of January. I find myself in Charleston, South Carolina in the midst of Senator John McCain and many of his staff. Seems I've lugged my...Jim Spiri
January 11, 2008
Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
It's late, past midnight, turning into the 12th of January. I find myself in Charleston, South Carolina in the midst of Senator John McCain and many of his staff. Seems I've lugged my two cameras around once again and came upon perhaps the next President of the United States, at least that is what Senator Lyndsay Graham, R-SC told me today. It was a very interesting day and one that I feel I must write about. For in three short months I've gone from the streets of Mosul, Iraq where IED's, RPG's and small arms fire were common events to the current nitty-gritty of the Presidential campaign. I found myself up close and personal with a man that many soldiers respect, simply for his service to country...John McCain.
Thirty-five years ago, I was 17-years old. It was February-March, 1973, and I was watching on television the POW's from Viet Nam being brought home. I remember when John McCain came off the plane, my stepfather mentioned to me these words, "That man there (John McCain) is an American hero. Keep your eyes on him. One day you will learn a lot about him." Today is the day those prophetic words seem to be coming true. I am now twelve years older than my stepfather was at the time he spoke those words to me. He was 40, I'm now 52. But listening to the words I heard today from Senator John McCain, in the midst of hundreds of veterans from past wars all around me, I could see in the eyes of those I was surrounded by, my stepfather's words coming to pass before my very own eyes. I've written previously about all the sons of American I've been blessed with, but now, it's the the fathers of America I'm experiencing. Today, I am a son, and a father of America.
It is a kind of "comeback" for me.
A few days ago, I received some correspondence inviting me to witness this "comeback" phenomenon of the McCain campaign. I had about thirty minutes to make a decision. It took me much less than that to decide to make a journey to the "low country" of South Carolina. I called my friend Mike (Mac) McAvoy who lives in the Charleston, South Carolina area and asked if I could stay at his home for a week or so. He and his wife readily replied, "YES", come on down!
So a couple of hours later I was on my way to the airport in Albuquerque explaining to my wife Candi how to handle everything while I'm gone as she was stuffing clothes into my always half packed carry on suitcase and tidying up last minute details. She's always ready for my spur of the moment adventures and once again she prepared me and took me to the airport. We kissed, I disembarked the car, we prayed, and off I went to South Carolina.
Don't worry, I'll comeback, safe and sound. It's not Iraq.
I arrived in South Carolina at around 10:00 PM on Thursday evening, the 11th. By 11:30 AM, the following morning, I was standing in a parking lot of a restaurant in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina in the midst of about a thousand people or more, watching the arrival of what is called, "The Straight Talk Express", which is the campaign bus the McCain camp operates. I was given pretty much a free reign to "do my thing" as the crowd began to swell. The first bus preceding the bus carrying Senator McCain, arrived carrying all the "big media" folks. For some reason, I seemed to have a much better vantage point than they had. I guess it was the sports coat I was wearing and the two cameras slung around my neck that made me look "semi-important". I had been interviewing some WW2 vets in the crowd for about an hour prior with my digital audio recorder.
It's been a while it seems since I've taken some photos and done some audios. These were not the streets of Iraq. I was on the streets of South Carolina, USA, but I found myself seeking "comrades" to speak with. I found them in the crowd. There were lots of veterans. They were older and the youth of years past had passed them by. They were soldiers once, and young, but now, it was obvious, they were older. However....it was also very obvious that they were/are still soldiers/marines. This was very clear.
At one point I had come across a man named Mr. Calligan. He is from South Carolina. He is about in his mid forties. He was wearing a bracelet on his wrist, the kind I have of a soldier lost in battle. We struck up a conversation and I was soon to learn that the bracelet he wears bears the name of his son-in-law that was killed in action in Afghanistan less than one year ago. We talked at length as both of us teared up. He showed me his vehicle which has a painted memorial on the back end of it in honor of his son in law. He broke down at one point telling me how he struggles with his loss and the years ahead of him. He told me about his grandchild and the suffering that seems never ending. I told him, from my own experience, "I know". I wanted to tell him, "this too shall pass", but I know it never completely does.
His son-in-law will not comeback.
As Senator John McCain walked off the bus, I was there snapping some photos. There were many other dignitaries including Senator Lyndsay Graham of South Carolina, the local mayor, the speaker of the house for the state legislature in South Carolina, and many others. But it was Senator McCain that the crowd had come to see and hear what he had to say. As he made his way up the podium I positioned myself as best I could, right up front and off to the left a bit. The crowd had pressed completely forward. I began to watch McCain as the others spoke. I looked at this man and could not help but think of the years he spent in the "Hanoi Hilton". I looked intently at this mans stature. They tell me he is 71-years old. But as I looked deeply into this mans being, I could not help but think about the time he spent in prison in North Viet Nam. It just brought back to me the years I remember about all the POW's in Viet Nam. I never thought at that time they would ever comeback.
Today, I saw a warrior that had been bruised, beaten and tortured, but also had comeback.
As I listened to his speech he made many references not about himself. Rather, he chose to mention mostly about the warriors of today's battle. He spoke clearly and eloquently with sincerity about how he intends to truly support the troops. One particular line in his speech stood out among all the rest. He mentioned about how his stance on the War in Iraq concerning the previous failed strategy brought him at odds against his own party. He told the crowd how the Rumsfeld approach had severely hurt the mission and more importantly caused the troops to suffer. At that point he told the crowd how others in his party told him it was political suicide at that time to go against President Bush. Senator McCain spoke firmly at this point and made is very clear to the crowd that his own political ambitions were inconsequential in comparison to his "duty and service to his country" and that it was his obligation at any an all costs to care for the best strategy that would insure the best outcome for those currently serving in harms way. This one statement sticks firm in my being and I find that no one else has said or could even say with such emphasis as Senator McCain was able to speak it today. He has been there, he has done that, and at this time, he speaks with sincere passion about supporting the troops and implementing a strategy that indeed protects those in harms way.
During this time, McCain spoke highly about General David Petreaus. He, (McCain) is considered the one major force that pushed for General Petreaus, whom he says, "wrote the book on counter-insurgency" and all now agree that this move was correct. The crowd agreed. The event continued and eventually drew to a close. As Senator McCain was departing, I was able to introduce him to Mr. Calligan, the one who lost a son in law last year in combat in Afghanistan. The two embraced. I snapped a photograph of it. It was a moment that humbled the crowd. It was hard to take the picture but I had to.
Later that evening I was invited to attend a gathering at the home of man that had been an ambassador to Tanzania. It was one of those events that the "big media" do not get invited to. For some reason, I was chosen. It was at an old plantation on about 150-acres out in the country. It was a beautiful home and had many pieces of art from Africa. It was one of the times I'm glad I had brought one nice set of clothes just in case I needed it. I needed it. Once again I was given a free reign and snapped many photos of people with Senator McCain, all who of course who wanted a copy. I will give them away once again for free.
Many said to me, "please come back".
At the end of the night, I gathered my things and departed the plantation. It was raining and I had about an hours drive back to "Mac's" house. That's Mike McAvoy's house. My good friend who is retired Air Force. He asked for a McCain sign to be placed in his yard. I had saved one for him. He placed it in his yard with much pride. "Mac" is typical of those here in South Carolina, very patriotic. Although he does not agree with all of Senator McCain's positions, he feels he can only support someone who truly supports the troops. On the way home I stopped at a pay phone and called my wife Candi and told her about the days events. She told me she saw me on a news clip briefly today and recognized me with the camera front and center as Senator McCain stepped off the "Straight Talk Express" bus. I told her all that transpired. She asked me how it was and told me of an email I had received from a Captain whom I covered in the area Southeast of Baghdad. It was a beautiful email.
I told Candi that although the events of today and tonight were very good, I was more eager to hear about the letter from my friend the Captain. I had heard all day on the campaign trail about "supporting the troops". But it was not until the phone call late at night and hearing of the email from the Captain that I had received, that I was able to put it all into perspective. I wept for a while after I hung the phone up. Today I had seen a warrior that had come back. Three months ago I was with a warrior in Iraq, who today emailed me and said thanks. I am a bit overwhelmed by it all. But there is one thing I know for sure.......
The "Comeback Warrior" title belongs not to just one man. It belongs to an entire nation of warriors, who sometimes do not comeback. However, most of the time, they do comeback, and when they do comeback, it is with a strength of character that is beyond measure.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
in the "low country" of South Carolina, USA
tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.7992008-01-09T18:10:40Z2008-01-09T18:12:00ZJim Spiri
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January 7, 2007 ... tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.8002008-01-09T18:09:07Z2008-01-09T18:11:24Z"Carry On"...by Jim Spiri Word on the local news here in Albuquerque today is that another New Mexico soldier has been killed in combat. Captain Thomas Casey, 32, was killed in Sadiyah, Iraq in the past 72-hours. Not many details...Jim Spiri
"Carry On"...by Jim Spiri
Word on the local news here in Albuquerque today is that another New Mexico soldier has been killed in combat. Captain Thomas Casey, 32, was killed in Sadiyah, Iraq in the past 72-hours. Not many details have been released however he was a member of a Military Transition Team and was one of two soldiers killed when insurgents attacked his team with small arms fire. The flag in my back yard will fly at half staff in remembrance of Captain Casey. I did not know him, but nonetheless he will be missed by all in New Mexico.
This week I had a visitor to my home. His name is Sgt. "Drew" Miller. Sgt. Miller is a member of 2/7 Cav whom I was able to spend many a combat mission with during my stay in Mosul, Iraq. I had always extended an open invitation to all the soldiers I met on my journey to visit should they find themselves passing through Albuquerque. Sgt. Miller was the first to take me up on my offer. My wife and I are glad he did, as we extended our brand of Southwestern hospitality to him. We found ourselves discussing a whole range of topics including Mosul and Iraq in general. The time seemed to go by too fast and his brief overnight stay was over before I knew it. After he left, I found myself thinking deeply about the recent past and the upcoming future. I will try to explain as best I can.
As most know, the transition period from combat deployment to "normal life back in the world" is a challenge for anyone. There are ranges of emotions and experiences that transpire no matter who has to pass through this path. It just happens. I am relieved to say that so far, those I've been in contact with are making the transition in good order. But we all have times that bother us and being able to go through it with other comrades is a blessing. Sgt. Miller is fine, and so are my wife and I. Yet, when we come in contact with those that have been there, we each find ourselves speaking about the things that matter and the things in our daily life that seem more on the not so important side of it all, tend to not rile us as much as they used to. In any event, what I am trying to convey is simply this....being in the company of a comrade whose been in harms way, is a reassuring experience to be able for all of us to "carry on".
And carry on we must.
In recent events that I follow via various news sources it is apparent that the north part of Iraq is still a very hot locale and war continues. All must admit that a substantial amount of progress has been accomplished thanks to the superb efforts General David Petreus and all those who have been under his command. Even those in the current political hooplah, vying for a position on the Presidential ticket, have to admit this obvious result. Although the "spin factor" is nearly always present in everyones rhetoric, no one can argue that when the military is called upon to pull the politicians out of a jam, the warriors always step up to the plate and perform the tasks at hand.
And they just carry on.
I've been spending much time these days going back over photos, audios and writings that I gathered in 2007 from the journey I took in Iraq. Looking back on the photos and listening to the audios and re-reading the posts that I reported, I'm understanding the events as fresh history and looking forward to what paths to take for the good of all concerned. At the same time, I find myself bombarded with the noise of the current political atmosphere called, "The 2008 Presidential Campaign" and spending a bit of time sorting out who is saying what and why. This is a monumental challenge. But in the end, I realize that it is not so important to become bogged down in the process rather to look forward to whatever the outcome is determined to be. I find much solice in the realization that the best thing I can do is to say, "Amen", and carry on.
The world events of this day and age are enormous and carry a weight upon us all that cause each and everyone of us to recognize that we are indeed living in a time that is unprecedented. However I remember at times traveling through places in Iraq and having the distinct realization that I was walking over terrain that had been traversed by many before me thousands of years earlier. They too had been a part of historical battles that many of us have read about beginning in Sunday school classes as little children. Today, we are no different, we are just present in 2008. I know in the depths of my being there is a plan that is much bigger than I am. What exactly that plan is, may not be fully realized by me alone. But my experience as of late has shown me that my comrades in arms are a part of it and together what I currently see in part, may be made known in full as I take each day forward, one step at a time. Never before have I been so clear as I am at this moment to just....
"Carry On".
Perhaps in the days and weeks ahead, more of my friends will visit. Everyone that knows me is aware that when someone knocks on my door, it shall be opened. It is not so much what I have to offer someone, rather, my experience tells me that I have received much more than I have ever been able to impart. For this one reason alone, I press on for one more journey to report among those I come in contact with for all to enjoy. It is why I am diligently seeking to return and follow the steps once again of those in harms way. They have so much to share with us all in the midst of such a complicated situation. This is the enjoyable part of "supporting the troops". I am glad Sgt. "Drew" Miller stopped by my home. I am encouraged and strengthened to "carry on".
In the mean time, I will continue to find things to write about and relate it to what I see as the burden at hand. The war in Iraq is still very much a day to day process. Although I am half a world away from it at the moment, I need to look no further than the flag in my back yard and realize that many thousands are still carrying on for the many millions still at home.
I look forward to all your comments and replies and will respond to each of them personally. For more information how to become a part of my next journey, feel free to contact me at:
jimspiri@yahoo.com or phone me at home at: 505-898-1680.
"Carry On...!"
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
"...And They Came Home"...By Jim Spiritag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.7912008-01-04T17:01:32Z2008-01-04T17:02:38ZIt's been a while but now is the time to write. The troops I covered in both Mosul, Fallujah, and other places in Iraq, including my own son in Taji, have returned home now. For many, the reunion was glorious...Jim Spiri
It's been a while but now is the time to write.
The troops I covered in both Mosul, Fallujah, and other places in Iraq, including my own son in Taji, have returned home now. For many, the reunion was glorious and very long awaited. I was able to be present on one particular homecoming on December 8, 2007, at Biggs Army Airfield, in Ft. Bliss, Texas, near El Paso. Members of 2/7 Cav came home via commercial airliner and arrived to a multitude of family and friends all quite excited. It was a sight to see and a lasting image in my mind shall remain forever. I felt that it was the culmination to a long journey that had to be witnessed.
As many of you know, I've been home since October. I knew that the others would follow by early December. My wife and I made the trip from Albuquerque to El Paso one day in early December and coordinated with the ones in charge to be present. It was good once again to be among the warriors who "have been there and done that" as the daily life routine of adjusting to the "normal" life presses on. And it will continue.
As I watched the plane taxi to its designated parking spot, I found myself once again with my camera awaiting the opportunity to snap the steps of warriors, this time returning home. In years past, I've been among parents who awaited their own sons and I surely knew the feelings inside. This time, I would be a comrade with a camera and feel just as close as any other family member. For these ones had taken care of me as I was able to record for history their journey and experiences in the war zone a half a world away. Now, we would all be on familiar ground together.
I would meet family members who knew of me but I did not know them. Many came up to me prior to the arrival of their warrior and embraced me as one of their own. Through the blog I had managed to touch and connect the soldier to the family from afar. It was all good.
To describe the entire scene and convey all the emotions is a challenge. But, everyone can imagine that it was just right and realize that words alone cannot completely explain it all. There were children awaiting their dads, wives awaiting their husbands, parents awaiting their sons and daughters, husbands awaiting their wives, grandparents awaiting their grandchildren and so on and so forth. In short, it was America awaiting their sons and daughters home from war. It was the heartbeat of America at full pulse, and it was good.
In the time since I've returned from Iraq, and the homecoming as well, I've pondered all that I've experienced in the past year or so. I can only say that I have been most blessed to be a part of the "mission". It is true that adjusting to the life at home is full of challenges. The most complicated part of being home is trying to find ones way without a mission at hand. But in time, it comes to pass. But it is a challenge.
As I greeted each soldier that I recognized as they walked off the plane and stepped onto American soil, I saw smiles and excitement and the awareness of a familiar face to greet them. As each one was directed to the processing area, I followed them and was present as they waited to see their families. Each are taken to a warehouse type area where a brief process is done and a coordinating of the group takes place prior to the march into the waiting area where families are. I had the opportunity to see them one by one and speak briefly to many of them. Their trip had been long but everyone was wide awake. In a half hour or so, they would march into the area where the hundreds and hundreds of family and friends were waiting.
As the time came for the march to the waiting area, I made my way back to where the families were. The crowd was electric. The time had come. The automatic door was raised and the entire group marched in unison and perfect step. The crowd all cheered with screams and yells of joy that could drown out any sports stadium gathering. Then, the announcer said, "welcome home, dismissed...!" And the crowd all met the soldiers.
It was a beautiful and glorious sight.
Soon, the crowd would diminish and the flow of folks would disperse. I managed to snap some photos and observe families with tears of joy embracing one another with soldiers encompassed by loved ones. One by one they would leave for their homes. As I was leaving I found one family whose son I had covered. The father recognized me and came up to me and hugged me and simply said, "Thank you Jim". He knew I had found his son in Mosul and relayed a story of his son's courage and experiences. This one father had made the trip for me all the worth while. I could hardly speak but as fathers we both knew what the sons had done. We said good bye as the crowds were now almost gone.
Upon leaving the facility, we made our way down one hallway that I had seen earlier. It was here that I knew I had to pass through once more before I left. For in this particular hallway there are the photos of members of the unit that did not return home from Iraq alive. As I passed by the photos of the fallen, I stared intently at one in particular. His name was Captain McGovern, of Echo Company. I had done a mission with his men at one point in time and wrote about it on the blog. I recalled Capt. McGovern and thought of the last time I saw him. This face I had known. He was killed less than a month after I left Iraq. I followed the story over the Internet from my home in Albuquerque, NM. As I stared at his photograph, I realized that other families were suffering in the midst of others rejoicing.
Candi and I left Biggs Army Airfield at Ft. Bliss, Texas that night. We drove back the five hours late at night to Albuquerque.
I realize now more than ever that this journey never ends. I will go back to Iraq once again, soon, hopefully by March 1, 2008 and continue following the stories of more of America's sons and daughters in harms way in what we call "The War in Iraq".
To find out more how you can help and be a part of the next journey, contact me via email or phone at the address below.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
phone: 505-898-1680
Soldier with wife and sons...tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/spiri//7.7902008-01-04T16:57:25Z2008-01-04T16:58:29Z An unidentified soldier is seen with his wife and two sons upon arrival home from Iraq....Jim Spiri
An unidentified soldier is seen with his wife and two sons upon arrival home from Iraq.
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