This past Friday, I had the opportunity to watch the season 2 finale of Battlestar Galactica.  Another fine collaborative production from Ron Moore, David Eick and the Sci Fi Network. The acting, storyline and action sequences of this series have never been better. It is these three attributes of this fine series that have me coming back each week. For those of you who came in late: This new series "Battlestar Galactica" it is a reworking of a late 70's hit series (now cult classic) of the same name: Battlestar Galactica. The basic storyline on both series tells the of a human society of twelve colonies in a distant part of the universe waging war with a robotic foe known as the Cylons. A sneak attack against the twelve colonies of Man by the Cylons nearly wipes out the humans. Only a rag tag convoy of survivors lead by the last remaining military vessel, a battlestar, named Galactica. The Commander of Galactica, Adama, decides to lead the fleet away from the twelve colonies and seek refuge with the mythical and distant thirteenth colony, known as Earth.

December 2003, the Sci Fi channel launched a new mature and darker incarnation of Battlestar Galactica in a two part mini-series. The senior writer for this reworked BSG series, Ron Moore, introduced some twists to the basic storyline. In this modern day retelling, the Cylons were not an alien threat as indicated in the orginal series, but were originally created by the humans on the twelve colonies. In the orginal series, Adama ruled the fleet, and it essentially was under a begnign martial law. The new series has Adama sharing power with a Colonial President and a Quorum of Twelve. The Quorum of Twelve is, as described by lead writer Ron Moore on his blog, "a political body established in the original series, which seems to be a cross between a US style Senate and the UN Security Council, where each Colony has a single vote". The Cylons have the ability to resemble humans, to blend in and live among the population of surviving humans. Additionally, the Cylons have incorporated the belief that  god has ordained them to dominate human population. The humans of the twelve colonies have polytheism as the heart of their religion.

These "twists" seem to reflect a certain philosophy on very modern day issues.

The season 2 finale "Pegasus" has the Galactica discovering that they were not alone in the Universe, another battlestar the "Pegasus" had also survived the devastating sneak attack on the twelve colonies. The contrasts between the two battleships brought to the surface what the series had been dancing around since it's inception in 2003.   A military with out the civilizing influence of their Quorum betters can only degrade into fascist toltarian state. The crew of Pegasus in this series have embraced the military culture to the point of total rejection of human relationships. Having no civilian representation on this battleship, no oversight by their civilian betters, they must be at the command of their worst impulses; murder, rape, the embrace of prejudices which dehumanize their enemy. An enemy, to note, that is NOT human.

In contrast, the crew of Galactica has sublimated the military culture. They consider themselves "family," and the abuses and excesses are treated as one might treat the abuses and excesses of wayward family members: Always stopping short of ejecting the transgressor from the bosom of the family, even when that transgressor is the enemy. This embracing of the enemy did not stop  the civilian President Roslyn from ordering a captured Cylon, after being tortured, to be thrown out of an airlock.

It is so frakking obvious the season 2 finale is pushing liberal opinion that believes the military to be inherently unlawful and incapable of being just and a illegitimate source of authority. According to this belief, without civilian control, the military automatically devolves into the worst sort of thugs imaginable. That is exactly what liberals think of the troops (who they support, of course).

I know, you might be thinking it is just a well crafted sci-fi television series (it certainly is!). Some may think that I am reading too much political bias into this television show. However, just read what the lead writer of this series, Ron Moore, has said about what objectives he has for this series:

"I certainly have my own political views and it would be disingenuous at best to say that there's some kind of firewall between my beliefs and those portrayed on the show. I'm the head writer -- my views and thoughts are on life are on display every week, including my political predilections. However, I don't see the show as a platform to advance my political belief system or my own views on morality.

These are the debates that I hope you have among yourselves, your families, your friends. I want the show to provoke you into thinking about the times you live in and the choices that are being made all around you every day. In a time when the President of the United States actually asserts that he has the power to arrest without warrant and detain indefinitely without charge or appeal, any citizen (indeed any person on the face of the Earth) simply by designating them as an "illegal combatant," we should all be engaged in a vigorous and energetic debate about who we are as a people and as human beings and exactly how we do intend to respond to the very real threat posed to this nation and to the foundations of liberal democracy posed by people capable of, and willing to, fly airplanes into buildings.

I hope this show makes you think. I hope this show makes you question the moral choices that are being made in your name and by your representatives. "

I am thinking Ron Moore isn't hiding his political view in this series. The political themes this series has been tiptoeing around became uncomfortably clear in the series 2 finale where the writers unveiled their views on the military organization that is not controlled by a civilian authority. In future episodes, I won't be surprised to see the humans accept and embrace the cylon culture, including an eventual reconciliation with the cylons. I predict an overriding theme in this series to be "everyone" knows you are not supposed to fight those that are intent on wiping out your existence. Killing them will only anger these elements. Embrace your murders, embrace those who are intent on wiping out your entire culture and way of life....Human or Cylon. Where have I heard these sentiments before?

Reading the discussion thread for Eps 210 "Pegasus" Season 2 finale on Sci Fi.com, I found the political message penned by Ron Moore being broadcast through this episode was not lost on the viewers who posted on the "Pegasus" discussion thread. Here is a sampling of the quotes on the discussion thread:

"I like BSG because it stirs the tough emotions. On one hand you feel the rage towards an enemy who has murdered your loved ones, murdered those you call your people (watching the mini gave me the same sick feeling I felt on 9/11). But on the other hand you see how that rage could degrade you to the point of being worse than the enemy (the torture/rape scenes)."

VIPER1 

"The first season-and-a-half of BSG was about how the Galactica and the RTF dealt with a crisis of legitimacy that came about after the Colonial defeat in the war. Who has the power, and why? Does the Colonial government still exist? Does the military chain of command still have meaning? What amazed me about this episode is it turns out that the Pegasus went through a storyline of her own. The military chain of command was challenged there, too - and Cain maintained it, by summary execution. She also seems to have read her Hannah Arendt, because she did what any good fascist dictator will do to maintain power - she encouraged subordinates to commit crimes because doing so implicated them in her moral order, and bound them to her. That's why I think the rape scene was important - we're seeing the entire story of the Pegasus, in mirror image to the Galactica story. The rape was part of a deliberate policy. The intelligence they got from it was secondary - the more important outcome is the effect it had on the Pegasus crew themselves. [As the Nazis knew very well.] Why do you think Cain had to bury the story and execute Helo and Tyrol as soon as possible? Because they struck at the heart of her regime, and she knew it.

No, they made the right choice in shooting this the way they did. They did a simply amazing job. "

VIPER2196

"Adama's ship has been run, in cold objectivity, like a circus. But given the circumstances maybe that's the salvation of the human race. Military discipline without civilian interaction is merely the imposition of will. By taking on all the survivors into their fleet and Adama allowing his crew to be human, flawed, insubordinate, and exempting them from following what they internally and morally know to be right, the Galactica has retained its humanity. However, I believe the ultimate crux of the issue is exactly how we define ourselves to our enemies and what we can do which is morally sound."

OTAKUHOUSE

"If that's Military Order, give me anarchy. "

AERYNSUN

Angela Merkel is set to become Germany's first female Chancellor

Angela Merkel

 In September 2004 a two-stage International Design Competition was launched, providing professionals in the design disciplines as well as the general public an opportunity to present design ideas for the memorial expression. The competition received more than 1,000 entries of design concepts, including narrative and graphic descriptions for the Flight 93 National Memorial. The competition was funded through the generous support of the Heinz Endowments and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

What is the Heinz Endowment?

Is al-qaeda, in a desperate bid to fill numerous vacancies in the ranks, now hiring stand up comedians? This tape was meant to instill fear, yet I can't help but laugh at this pathetic attempt at playing the bogeyman.

al-queda member warns of attacks

In an apparent Sept. 11 communiqué broadcast on ABC News, an al Qaeda operative threatens new attacks against cities in the US and Australia.

"Yesterday, London and Madrid. Tomorrow, Los Angeles and Melbourne, God willing. At this time, don't count on us demonstrating restraint or compassion," the tape warns. "We are Muslims. We love peace, but peace on our terms, peace as laid down by Islam, not the so-called peace of occupiers and dictators."

Ah yes, the "peace" that comes from decapitating anyone who disagrees with your "peaceful" ideology.  Thanks, but no thanks. You can keep the peaceful decapitations amongst your own faithful.
I am shocked and awed that al-queda wants to attack LA?  The citizens LOVE al-queda in LA! Given the chance and if Armani would design it, they would all wear suicide vests in solidarity with al-queda.  This video sounds more like the venting of a rejected wanna-be actor in tinsletown than a serious al-queda operative.

In response to the threats against their city, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the city's police department released a statement this morning. They admitted to Los Angeles being a target of terrorism, but said there are no known, credible threats against the city and labeled the tape an instrument of al Qaeda propaganda.

"The statement broadcast this morning on Good Morning America should come as no surprise to anyone. The statement was meant to instill fear, and fear is the most important weapon the terrorists possess."

Hello! Do they really believe this comedy piece would instill fear instead of  laugh induced hiccups?

The taped diatribe lasts 11 minutes. Like past tapes, it appears to include the same graphics and production techniques recognized by U.S. officials as part of al Qaeda's standard propaganda production. In this tape, the speaker levels threats against the U.S. and Great Britain.

"Don't believe the lies of the liars at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and 10 Downing Street," Gadahn insists. "They have dispatched your sons and daughters to die lonely deaths in the burning deserts of Iraq and the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan."

Only a few years ago, Adam Gadahn was a southern California teenager with interests in the environment and heavy metal music

His family says he converted to Islam at an Orange County mosque. There, officials say Gadahn came under the influence of militants who took him to Pakistan.

He has since emerged as an al Qaeda propaganda tool. His latest message warns Americans an attack is imminent unless the United States stops its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

American intelligence officials believe the man who appears on the tape to be Adam Gadahn of Orange County, Calif. Last year, Gadahn delivered a similar taped communiqué for al Qaeda. That tape was later deemed authentic.

On the new tape, delivered to ABC News, Gadahn's message contains a very pointed al Qaeda threat against Los Angeles and Melbourne.

"We love peace, but when the enemy violates that peace or prevents us from achieving it, then we love nothing better than the heat of battle, the echo of explosion, and the slitting of the throats of the infidels," the tape says.

Good for you, adam. (Notice he is far away from the fighting) Bring them on, the US military would be happy to facilitate the meeting between allah and the terrorist faithful.

As for the rest of the tape, the young man attempts to dispel any rumors or reports of bin Laden being deceased. He closes his tape by invoking the names of the September 11th hijackers.

"Everyone of us is Mohammed Atta," he says.

09/11/2001

Soldiers Angels: Project Valour IT - provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military centers.  NOTE: The code pinkos at Walter Reed are not collection donations from passerbys for this cause.

Freedom Angels: Sheman Nugent's Freedom's Angels is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to enhancing the lives of America's military members and their families through a variety of activities such as building recreational facilities at military hospitals, donating leisure services like health club memberships and massages, and bringing awareness to the positive things our soldiers do for others.

Hat tip goes to Bubbasbog for my discovery of Michael Yon Dispatches from Mosul, Iraq.

Saturday, August 20, 2005
Proximity Delays
Mosul, Iraq

During radio interviews, listeners sometimes call in with questions for me. People who follow the war closely and read my dispatches might ask about events covered by mainstream news but about which I've posted few details, if any. Thousands of emails pour in.

"Did you know about the letter to Zarqawi?" (Yes, I was in the Deuce Four daily briefing when it was first displayed and read, about a week before the media learned about it. The letter was captured minutes down the road from here.)

"Did you know about the Chemical Weapons Plant?" (Yes, and probably more than most readers care to know. Turned out to be nothing of consequence. The "Plant" was minutes down the road from here.)

"Did you know about the 'super secret spy plane' that crashed in Mosul?" (Yes, I was on a mission in Mosul at the time. It was flying over Mosul in support of operations.)

"There was a report that three terrorists were shot down in Mosul the other day. Did you know about that?" (Yes, I was in the TOC when the blood first started pumping through their skulls. Credit was given to the Iraqi police, but American forces actually conducted the ambush minutes down the road from here.)

Then comes the question: "Why didn't you write about that?"

The answer is simple. Often I am asked to withhold information due to the immediate sensitivty. And so, I never release the slightest hint. But then somebody in Baghdad--three steps removed from the action here in Mosul-- releases it to CNN and the rest of the world. What is seen on television and in the papers is practically always inaccurate, or is at least poorly framed. But I rarely waste a breath trying to correct the information. It's too late. Life is busy here.

The greatest paradox I have seen in this war results from "proximity delay." The proximity delay for me is caused by being embedded so closely with Duece Four soldiers that I often see things unfolding before they happen, and then I am in the thick of events as they occur. But then I am asked not to write about events.

Much of the censorship is self-imposed because I will not write anything that jeopardizes US, Iraqi or Coalition forces or civilians. This is not a game of who gets the scoop; I am not per se a journalist. On some missions I've been the first to spot the enemey. On others, I've been so close to the action, my face gets smacked by flying shell casings. I come away with information and details no other writer could possibly have.

I've refused to write about incidents countless times, even when soldiers have asked me to publish the details. My time traveling the world, following scent trails and navigating on snippets of information has taught me that a person with a seasoned imagination can coax a great deal of information from seemingly innocuous tidbits. This enemy is smart and also reads the news.

Just why the military considers some information "classified" while other information gets the "go ahead, write it" shrug, is not based on logic, science, or even one of those absurd but iron clad rules that codify so much of the military. Many explanations for the military's requests not to publish certain information, do not hold up well to scrutiny.

For example, our soldiers capture or kill top terror figures in Mosul routinely. Sometimes in stunning operations that display split-second timing. The "higher ups" often say, almost reflexively, that they don't want the enemy to know about these kills or captures.

Sounds reasonable. But whether soldiers sleek through dark allies with silenced weapons, slipping over walls with padded ladders, snatching sleeping terrorists from their beds before they can fully waken; or, whether they engage in a gunfight at a busy intersection and drag terrorists from behind the wheels of their cars--these are not anonymous men. Families notice when daddy's gone missing.

If we aren't keeping it secret from the enemy--and we can't keep it secret from them--who do we protect by keeping quiet? These are not illegal operations. These are examples of the effectiveness of our forces. In Mosul alone there are daily events where the Coalition gets things right, that I never write about.

The "proximity delay" seems to be bi-directional. The higher-ups also seem to have a disconnect with what the media eventually does with Coalition successes. I kept silent for days on the Zarqawi-letter dispatch, ready to post what was probably the single most important piece of insider information to drop into our hands in quite some time. I requested clearance several times per day, each time being asked to hold back. I complied.

But then, without even giving the leaders at Deuce Four a head's up, a typically entralling military press release went out to major, mainstream, media outlets. We all learned of it on CNN. The Zarqawi-letter story was almost unrecognizable. Because, in the hands of a network that hasn't had a body in the field in Mosul long enough to get their bearings, the best the media could do is paraphrase the military press release. So what should have been a front page banner headline story ended up buried on page 6.

Even CNN couldn't grasp the importance of the letter. They ended up giving more coverage to the impending E-Bay auction of Jennifer Aniston's old love letters than to the missive in which the top Al Queda leader in Mosul writes to the second most wanted man in the world, and describes in amazing detail the weaknesses and impending collapse of the terrorist network in Mosul and surrounds. Only then, did the military ask if wanted to write about the letter.

Every one, even a "higher up" deserves the benefit of the doubt, and should be entitled to one mistake. But how many times, and how many major stories have to be mangled into meaninglessness before someone connects the cables and lets the information flow in a direction other than down the mainstream media drain?

Meanwhile, by the time you read this, the US Army and the ISF will have launched offensive operations in Mosul and I will be in the middle of it. Maybe this time I will be able to write about matters while they still matter.

---------------
Post Script: The operation has begun. The Commander of Deuce Four, LTC Erik Kurilla, was shot three times in combat yesterday in front of my eyes. Despite being seriously wounded, LTC Kurilla immediately rejoined the intense and close-quarter fight that ended in hand-to-hand combat. LTC Kurilla continued to direct his men until a medic gave him morphine and the men took him away. I was right there. When I returned to base, I was actually "ordered" not to write about the fighting until given clearance, and was told that my phones could be confiscated. I will ignore such "orders" at my own discretion. I am preparing a dispatch now.

Philadelphia becomes the fourth U.S. community to join the Partners for Peace project with Iraq.  At last year's G8 Summit, First Lady Laura Bush announced the first three pairings:  Dallas with Kirkuk; Tucson with Sulaymaniyah; and the Denver Regional Council of Governments with Baghdad.

As a member of IVC, I am looking forward to helping Mosul achieve peace through a democractic process.  A worthy goal.

This is the effect Cindy is having on the Democratic Party, all the sane individuals are jumping the ship. President Bush is brilliant! Simply by not meeting with her, allows her ranting to grow increasing shrill and inane, further fracturing the underpinnings of the Democratic party. Don't forget: The ‘06 election cycle is getting closer every day!