Comments on: Obama and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/ News & Commentary on Warfare, Policy and Counterterrorism Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:17:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: dcw http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25251 dcw Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:37:33 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25251 Forgive me for my typing error in my previous post. I meant to say "I was a Gunny (am now an officer)." I left out a couple words. Forgive me for my typing error in my previous post. I meant to say “I was a Gunny (am now an officer).” I left out a couple words.

]]> By: Herschel Smith http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25250 Herschel Smith Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:06:27 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25250 I appreciate everyone's input. Mack, this might be only the second comment, but we've exchanged plenty of mail. My respect to you, and you're right. We both have interests in this war. You have been there and lost brothers, I have deployed a son there. But I maintain my original position. While a debate about the virtue of force size in Iraq is a viable topic, it is not one for this post. We'll wait until later for that. But note that I said that if Estrada wished to engage in such a debate, he was free to, and would take with him the authority of the senior enlisted man in the Corps in that debate. He didn't have to shill for a politician to do that. If his only concern was his men, he didn't have to align himself politically. In fact, he would have had more affect had he at least given the appearance of neutrality. It would be like a person deciding he wanted to be a "whistle blower," and then conveniently selling his story to the highest bidder after he had finished his own career. Doesn't work for me. I appreciate everyone’s input. Mack, this might be only the second comment, but we’ve exchanged plenty of mail. My respect to you, and you’re right. We both have interests in this war. You have been there and lost brothers, I have deployed a son there. But I maintain my original position. While a debate about the virtue of force size in Iraq is a viable topic, it is not one for this post. We’ll wait until later for that. But note that I said that if Estrada wished to engage in such a debate, he was free to, and would take with him the authority of the senior enlisted man in the Corps in that debate.

He didn’t have to shill for a politician to do that. If his only concern was his men, he didn’t have to align himself politically. In fact, he would have had more affect had he at least given the appearance of neutrality. It would be like a person deciding he wanted to be a “whistle blower,” and then conveniently selling his story to the highest bidder after he had finished his own career.

Doesn’t work for me.

]]> By: dcw http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25245 dcw Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:25:13 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25245 I have met Sgt. Major Estrada and he did not impress me in the least. In 2004 while floating in the Northern Arabian Gulf, he came to visit the USS Belleau Wood. I was a Gunny ( an officer) at the time and I expressed to him that I was disappointed that the leadership in the Corps was going downhill as many of our Marines were not upholding the grooming and high discipline standards the Marine Corps was supposed to have. We now have Marines who do not take pride in their attire and basically look like gang bangers while on liberty. They walk around with baggy pants, shirts down to their knees and drive around base with their stereos blasting loud enough to hear a mile or more away and no one seems to care. The Sergeant Major disagreed with me and said "how can we be doing so well in combat and undisciplined in garrison at the same time? That's not possible." Basically, if I was to translate that, it would say something like " I have reached the highest position possble as an enlisted man and I really do not care, no do I have to care." He was just a political figurehead. He got what he wanted out of the Marine Corps and is now taking a stand with someone who does not support the military. If Sgt. Maj. Estrada was so concerned about the war ending, why did he not end his career sooner?? Probably because it did not suit him. BTW. Sgt. Maj Estrada was in Avionics prior to becoming a 1st Sgt/Sgt Maj. I doubt if he ever saw combat (even in Iraq). I have met Sgt. Major Estrada and he did not impress me in the least. In 2004 while floating in the Northern Arabian Gulf, he came to visit the USS Belleau Wood. I was a Gunny ( an officer) at the time and I expressed to him that I was disappointed that the leadership in the Corps was going downhill as many of our Marines were not upholding the grooming and high discipline standards the Marine Corps was supposed to have. We now have Marines who do not take pride in their attire and basically look like gang bangers while on liberty. They walk around with baggy pants, shirts down to their knees and drive around base with their stereos blasting loud enough to hear a mile or more away and no one seems to care. The Sergeant Major disagreed with me and said “how can we be doing so well in combat and undisciplined in garrison at the same time? That’s not possible.” Basically, if I was to translate that, it would say something like ” I have reached the highest position possble as an enlisted man and I really do not care, no do I have to care.” He was just a political figurehead. He got what he wanted out of the Marine Corps and is now taking a stand with someone who does not support the military. If Sgt. Maj. Estrada was so concerned about the war ending, why did he not end his career sooner?? Probably because it did not suit him.

BTW. Sgt. Maj Estrada was in Avionics prior to becoming a 1st Sgt/Sgt Maj. I doubt if he ever saw combat (even in Iraq).

]]> By: MIMack http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25243 MIMack Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:04:13 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25243 I think my problem is with the assumptions being made. Jeremiah Wright made the comments being broadcast on tv (and being repeated ad naseum on talk radio). And I think you on probably correct on where you see his beliefs. I also agree Obama has to have been influenced by Wright. But research just on Obama show him to be a liberal, but well within the paramenters of acceptable, as opposed to his Pastor. And I can't take the next step and say Sergeant Major Estrada embraces Wright's views. Reading Sergeant Major Estrada reasons for endorsing Obama all are related with the war. Sergeant Major Estrada has seen the behind the scenes truth of the war. And he has lost Marines to political gamesmanship. I have traveled down the same roads as he has, and I fully understand him. In two days it is the 2nd anniversary of the death one of my best friends, and a former soldier of mine, killed in an IED attack. If it had not been for "political convienence" he would not have been killed, at least at that point. And there are many other stories just like that. You know how I am dealing with this. Doing everything I can to eliminate those incidents, but still serving, doing my duty. Maybe Sergeant Major Estrada needs to do something to at least try to stop something he feels needs to be stopped, and he does not care where Obama came from, but rather where he is going. Again I disagree with him, but I see where he is coming from. Now I think the 2 times I have written into your blog have been the two times I disagreed with you. Usually we are on the same sheet of music. We both want to win this war, and we both want what is best for the US. I think my problem is with the assumptions being made. Jeremiah Wright made the comments being broadcast on tv (and being repeated ad naseum on talk radio). And I think you on probably correct on where you see his beliefs. I also agree Obama has to have been influenced by Wright. But research just on Obama show him to be a liberal, but well within the paramenters of acceptable, as opposed to his Pastor. And I can’t take the next step and say Sergeant Major Estrada embraces Wright’s views. Reading Sergeant Major Estrada reasons for endorsing Obama all are related with the war. Sergeant Major Estrada has seen the behind the scenes truth of the war. And he has lost Marines to political gamesmanship. I have traveled down the same roads as he has, and I fully understand him. In two days it is the 2nd anniversary of the death one of my best friends, and a former soldier of mine, killed in an IED attack. If it had not been for “political convienence” he would not have been killed, at least at that point. And there are many other stories just like that. You know how I am dealing with this. Doing everything I can to eliminate those incidents, but still serving, doing my duty. Maybe Sergeant Major Estrada needs to do something to at least try to stop something he feels needs to be stopped, and he does not care where Obama came from, but rather where he is going. Again I disagree with him, but I see where he is coming from.
Now I think the 2 times I have written into your blog have been the two times I disagreed with you. Usually we are on the same sheet of music. We both want to win this war, and we both want what is best for the US.

]]> By: Herschel Smith http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25227 Herschel Smith Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:50:39 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25227 Hi Mack. It's good to finally hear from you after so long. You shouldn't be such a stranger. Please drop by more often - okay? We agree on many things, you and I, including how underpaid our warriors are. I am not in a position to know whether he gave more to the Corps or vice versa. But I have to disagree with you on one point. This is a non-negotiable for me. Socialism is the taking of wealth of one party by the power of a badge and gun, and giving it to persons more politically powerful. It is legalized theft. Period. Further, Obama (and his pastor) confuse the roles of church and state (strange that I would say such a thing, being the strong proponent of religion in state that I am - what do I mean?). The role of the state is the administration of justice, not mercy and grace. The role of the church is the administration of mercy and grace, not justice. This says nothing about laws, for all laws are legislated morality, and will be based on some system of ethics. No, the left has it all backwards. They accuse the right of mixing church and state, when the real culprits are they. Obama's pastor (and I have not heard Obama repudiate it) believes in the power of the collective to redistribute wealth. By being a proponent of liberation theology, by definition he believes these things. The state is the savior, the governor and arbiter of mercy and grace. In the end, it's all about money, wealth, assets ... stuff. NO MAN - not Estrada, not me, not any politician - has the right to take wealth by the power of a badge and gun and give it away to others. This is immoral. Taxes for roads, military, etc., sure. But subsidies and redistribution of wealth? No. Estrada's military record doesn't make him any different than me in terms of what is right and wrong. His being a Marine doesn't place him above moral law. He has the right to discard the uniform and shill for a politician. But having a right doesn't make it right. Hi Mack. It’s good to finally hear from you after so long. You shouldn’t be such a stranger. Please drop by more often - okay?

We agree on many things, you and I, including how underpaid our warriors are. I am not in a position to know whether he gave more to the Corps or vice versa. But I have to disagree with you on one point. This is a non-negotiable for me. Socialism is the taking of wealth of one party by the power of a badge and gun, and giving it to persons more politically powerful. It is legalized theft. Period. Further, Obama (and his pastor) confuse the roles of church and state (strange that I would say such a thing, being the strong proponent of religion in state that I am - what do I mean?).

The role of the state is the administration of justice, not mercy and grace. The role of the church is the administration of mercy and grace, not justice. This says nothing about laws, for all laws are legislated morality, and will be based on some system of ethics. No, the left has it all backwards. They accuse the right of mixing church and state, when the real culprits are they.

Obama’s pastor (and I have not heard Obama repudiate it) believes in the power of the collective to redistribute wealth. By being a proponent of liberation theology, by definition he believes these things. The state is the savior, the governor and arbiter of mercy and grace. In the end, it’s all about money, wealth, assets … stuff.

NO MAN - not Estrada, not me, not any politician - has the right to take wealth by the power of a badge and gun and give it away to others. This is immoral. Taxes for roads, military, etc., sure. But subsidies and redistribution of wealth? No.

Estrada’s military record doesn’t make him any different than me in terms of what is right and wrong. His being a Marine doesn’t place him above moral law. He has the right to discard the uniform and shill for a politician. But having a right doesn’t make it right.

]]> By: MIMack http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25226 MIMack Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:30:37 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25226 Sergeant Major Estrada has given more to the country then the Marine Corps gave to him (just like all true warriors). He has earned the right to support who he wants with his blood. I don't agree with him, but I pray to God for more like him. Sergeant Major Estrada has given more to the country then the Marine Corps gave to him (just like all true warriors). He has earned the right to support who he wants with his blood. I don’t agree with him, but I pray to God for more like him.

]]> By: usmcwife http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25224 usmcwife Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:14:49 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25224 I am disappointed by not surprised. At one time, the military set the standard for integration and unity of race with one standard for all. That philosophy has been thrown out the window to the point where the military has become one of the biggest race hustling organizations out there. Does anyone find it surprising that the last three Sgt Maj's of the USMC have ALL been black? Are we to believe that the "most qualified" to be the most senior NCO of the Corps the last three times "just happen" to be African-American? There are countless other examples (and promotions) where the military now cultivates and supports the ideology of race grievance -- and where the most important qualification is the color of one's skin. The EO process is used as a weapon to bludgeon others who try and maintain standards -- with no accountability on the part of the "accuser". I am disappointed by not surprised. At one time, the military set the standard for integration and unity of race with one standard for all. That philosophy has been thrown out the window to the point where the military has become one of the biggest race hustling organizations out there. Does anyone find it surprising that the last three Sgt Maj’s of the USMC have ALL been black? Are we to believe that the “most qualified” to be the most senior NCO of the Corps the last three times “just happen” to be African-American? There are countless other examples (and promotions) where the military now cultivates and supports the ideology of race grievance — and where the most important qualification is the color of one’s skin.
The EO process is used as a weapon to bludgeon others who try and maintain standards — with no accountability on the part of the “accuser”.

]]> By: Grantk http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25223 Grantk Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:02:40 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25223 I have met Sergeant Major Estrada before while serving in Fallujah with the 2nd Marine Div. I'm disappointed to say that I feel his decision to support Sen. Obama may have more to due with race than his qualifications and abilities to serve as commander-in-chief of this country. Its no doubt that Sgt. Maj. Estrada has definately served his country respectfully, although knowing how the Marine Corps operates, It pains me to think he would vote for a man that may dramatically cut funding of the beloved Corps that gave so much to the Sgt. Maj. for 34 years. Not to mention the Marine Corps already has the smallest budget of any military branch. I have met Sergeant Major Estrada before while serving in Fallujah with the 2nd Marine Div. I’m disappointed to say that I feel his decision to support Sen. Obama may have more to due with race than his qualifications and abilities to serve as commander-in-chief of this country. Its no doubt that Sgt. Maj. Estrada has definately served his country respectfully, although knowing how the Marine Corps operates, It pains me to think he would vote for a man that may dramatically cut funding of the beloved Corps that gave so much to the Sgt. Maj. for 34 years. Not to mention the Marine Corps already has the smallest budget of any military branch.

]]> By: owr084 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25222 owr084 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:19:18 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25222 Well, murtha is getting kinda old and estrada seems like just the type of high profile ex-Marine to fill his place (but, please don't elect him ;) Well, murtha is getting kinda old and estrada seems like just the type of high profile ex-Marine to fill his place (but, please don’t elect him ;)

]]> By: Michelle Malkin » Say goodbye to the Glowbama mystique http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25221 Michelle Malkin » Say goodbye to the Glowbama mystique Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:55:49 +0000 http://www.captainsjournal.com/2008/03/17/obama-and-the-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/#comment-25221 [...] Herschel Smith takes on Obama and the Sergeant Major of the Marine [...] [...] Herschel Smith takes on Obama and the Sergeant Major of the Marine [...]

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