WW II Battleship sailor tells Obama to shape up or ship out

[native]

Dear President Obama,

My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year.
People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain
wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and
after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest
home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor , allowing me to keep alive
the memories of 23 years of service to my country.

One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind,
blunt and direct even to the head man.

So here goes.

I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but
you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.

I can't figure out what country you are the president of.

You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies
like:
" We're no longer a Christian nation"
" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even
announced to the world," America is mean-
spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching
that nonsense to 23 generations of our
war dead buried all over the globe who
died for no other reason than to free a
whole lot of strangers from tyranny and
hopelessness.)

I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do
I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts
this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a
dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.

After 9/11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals."

Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000
farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? Or
maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000
men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000
fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for
in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us
around, because we stand for freedom.

I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than
discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people
understood when they helped to get you elected..

Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.

Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I
can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue .
You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of
murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.

And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to
conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow
soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you
did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in
Massachusetts , who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the
police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics
by calling them what they are, terrorists.

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to
defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now,
son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for
40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're
not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is
not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.

You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge
ever presented to any president.

You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated
economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who
we are as Americans is our big fight now.

And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this
final battle...

Sincerely,
Harold B. Estes

[SuperHornet]

[AZGrizFan]

Que KY Jelly lambasting you for posting a chain email....5....4....3....2.....1.....

[Gil Dobie]

Que KY Jelly lambasting you for posting a chain email....5....4....3....2.....1.....

.........and angry, racist teabaggers.............

[kalm]

I have a friend who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, another who watched the signing of the treaty with Japan in person, and a deceased uncle who was second wave at Iwujima. They all would be doing this upon reading this letter.

Assuming this is a real letter, thanks for your service and everyone is entitled to their opinions.

[houndawg]

I have a friend who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, another who watched the signing of the treaty with Japan in person, and a deceased uncle who was second wave at Iwujima. They all would be doing this upon reading this letter.

Assuming this is a real letter, thanks for your service and everyone is entitled to their opinions.

As would my father-in-law who was in the first wave at Okinawa and my departed daddy who fought in North Africa. I think that all of native/jaybilasbitespillows' "letters" are written by the same person. They all have the same theme and style, and they try to slip in as an aside that the United States are a "christian" country which everybody knows is simply not true.

Native/JayBilasBitesPillows is apparently not familiar with the Treaty with Tripoli, ratified by Congress in 1790, and cleary stating that ".....the United States are in no sense a christian country.....".

[∞∞∞]

Nah Houndawg, this one is actually a real letter. It's been proven the guy exists and wrote it. I don't necessarily agree with him, but like someone said before, Harold Estes is entitled to his opinon. I hope to live as long as he and see as much as he has.

And if you're implying Native/JBBP is the same person, they're not. Clenz and I have met JBBP in person.

[AZGrizFan]

Nah Houndawg, this one is actually a real letter. It's been proven the guy exists and wrote it. I don't necessarily agree with him, but like someone said before, Harold Estes is entitled to his opinon. I hope to live as long as he and see as much as he has.

And if you're implying Native/JBBP is the same person, they're not. Clenz and I have met JBBP in person.

And I have met Native in person. But we've never met Native and JBBP together.

[houndawg]

Nah Houndawg, this one is actually a real letter. It's been proven the guy exists and wrote it. I don't necessarily agree with him, but like someone said before, Harold Estes is entitled to his opinon. I hope to live as long as he and see as much as he has.

And if you're implying Native/JBBP is the same person, they're not. Clenz and I have met JBBP in person.

Harold, if real, is more than entitled to his opinion and I too hope to live as long.

When did Obama say "we're no longer a Christian nation", anyway? He knows we never were.

[dbackjon]

Where was this insubordinate when Bush was wrecking the country?

[JMU DJ]

Nah Houndawg, this one is actually a real letter. It's been proven the guy exists and wrote it. I don't necessarily agree with him, but like someone said before, Harold Estes is entitled to his opinon. I hope to live as long as he and see as much as he has.

And if you're implying Native/JBBP is the same person, they're not. Clenz and I have met JBBP in person.

And I have met Native in person. But we've never met Native and JBBP together.

You just blew my mind....


... I'm also pretty sure Wedge is just an alter ego of D1B too, but I'm still researching the possibility.

[ODUsmitty]

Much I agree with, but some I do not. However, good to see a veteran voicing his opinion. One good thing about politics today is that people are much more engaged than in years past; and whether you agree or disagree with someone, we need to have people passionate about their country and its direction.

As far as houndawg's comments, it is a little concerning that he chose to bring my name into a conversation in which I had no input until this post. Bordering on obsessive, in my mind. He might be better served trying to lick his own nuts like most dawg's do, vice trying to speculate what my response will be (prior to it being given) or attempting to link me to another poster I have never met.

[houndawg]

Much I agree with, but some I do not. However, good to see a veteran voicing his opinion. One good thing about politics today is that people are much more engaged than in years past; and whether you agree or disagree with someone, we need to have people passionate about their country and its direction.

As far as houndawg's comments, it is a little concerning that he chose to bring my name into a conversation in which I had no input until this post. Bordering on obsessive, in my mind. He might be better served trying to lick his own nuts like most dawg's do, vice trying to speculate what my response will be (prior to it being given) or attempting to link me to another poster I have never met.

You're taking this way too seriously, dude. Maybe you should take a break for a week or two. If you're this thin-skinned, D1B will feast on your carcass.

I still can't find any confirmation of old Harold's accusation that Obama said we are no longer a christian nation. Perhaps the old fellow is confused.

You do recognize the legitimacy of the Treaty with Tripoli, don't you, JayBilasBitesPillows?

[youngterrier]

You do recognize the legitimacy of the Treaty with Tripoli, don't you, JayBilasBitesPillows?

or the illegitimacy of David Barton's presentation of United States History?

[dbackjon]

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to
defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now,
son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for
40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're
not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is
not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.


So, where was this guy when Bush's generals were BEGGING for more troops??

[AZGrizFan]

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to
defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now,
son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for
40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're
not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is
not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.


So, where was this guy when Bush's generals were BEGGING for more troops??

Probably supporting McCain, who supported the surge all along.

[dbackjon]

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to
defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now,
son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for
40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're
not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is
not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.


So, where was this guy when Bush's generals were BEGGING for more troops??

Probably supporting McCain, who supported the surge all along.

One thing John got right...and Obama DID surge in Afganistan...

[houndawg]

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to
defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now,
son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for
40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're
not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is
not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.


So, where was this guy when Bush's generals were BEGGING for more troops??

The life of one American soldier means doodly-squat in foreign policy.

[ODUsmitty]

Much I agree with, but some I do not. However, good to see a veteran voicing his opinion. One good thing about politics today is that people are much more engaged than in years past; and whether you agree or disagree with someone, we need to have people passionate about their country and its direction.

As far as houndawg's comments, it is a little concerning that he chose to bring my name into a conversation in which I had no input until this post. Bordering on obsessive, in my mind. He might be better served trying to lick his own nuts like most dawg's do, vice trying to speculate what my response will be (prior to it being given) or attempting to link me to another poster I have never met.

You're taking this way too seriously, dude. Maybe you should take a break for a week or two. If you're this thin-skinned, D1B will feast on your carcass.

I still can't find any confirmation of old Harold's accusation that Obama said we are no longer a christian nation. Perhaps the old fellow is confused.

You do recognize the legitimacy of the Treaty with Tripoli, don't you, JayBilasBitesPillows?

Dawg-

Really don't know or care enough on the subject to comment. You seem like a standup ACORN organizer, so I'll take you at your word.

Must be an exciting week for you. Your government check should be in the mail Friday.

[houndawg]

You're taking this way too seriously, dude. Maybe you should take a break for a week or two. If you're this thin-skinned, D1B will feast on your carcass.

I still can't find any confirmation of old Harold's accusation that Obama said we are no longer a christian nation. Perhaps the old fellow is confused.

You do recognize the legitimacy of the Treaty with Tripoli, don't you, JayBilasBitesPillows?

Dawg-

Really don't know or care enough on the subject to comment. You seem like a standup ACORN organizer, so I'll take you at your word.

Must be an exciting week for you. Your government check should be in the mail Friday.

Acorn organizer? OUCH! Stop it man, you're hurting my feelings.

No guvmint checks here, Jane. How bout you? Still sucking the public tit from your navy time?

(next time some half-wit tries to tell you that we're a "christian nation" just refer him to the Treaty with Tripoli; even if you don't know or care, rest assured that your opponent will be owned). You seem a little peevish this evening, Jake, did supper not sit well?

[ODUsmitty]

You seem a little peevish this evening, Jake, did supper not sit well?

I know we have our jabs at one another, but I really appreciate you asking. It has been a really hard day.

We have had a tragedy in our neighborhood. One that makes many of us question if a move is appropriate.

This weekend, a car was sighted parked in front of a house for sale with a "Clinton-Gore" sticker affixed to the rear bumper. And it was a BLUE car. Now that house is under contract.

My neighborhood association is in a panic, and so am I. Guess we need to look for property in Arizona.

Thanks again for your concern during these trying times.

[kalm]

You seem a little peevish this evening, Jake, did supper not sit well?

I know we have our jabs at one another, but I really appreciate you asking. It has been a really hard day.

We have had a tragedy in our neighborhood. One that makes many of us question if a move is appropriate.

This weekend, a car was sighted parked in front of a house for sale with a "Clinton-Gore" sticker affixed to the rear bumper. And it was a BLUE car. Now that house is under contract.

My neighborhood association is in a panic, and so am I. Guess we need to look for property in Arizona.

Thanks again for your concern during these trying times.

Good one JBBS!

It makes me think back to your thread on racial preference in the schools.

Many years ago, an African American who was one of the first "colored" persons accepted into an elite military unit spoke at a class I was taking. He talked about the many obstacles in life he and his successful family had to overcome as a people of color including the practice of redlining.

[native]

Probably supporting McCain, who supported the surge all along.

One thing John got right...and Obama DID surge in Afganistan...

...finally... in accordance with Cheney's plan...

[houndawg]

You seem a little peevish this evening, Jake, did supper not sit well?

I know we have our jabs at one another, but I really appreciate you asking. It has been a really hard day.

We have had a tragedy in our neighborhood. One that makes many of us question if a move is appropriate.

This weekend, a car was sighted parked in front of a house for sale with a "Clinton-Gore" sticker affixed to the rear bumper. And it was a BLUE car. Now that house is under contract.

My neighborhood association is in a panic, and so am I. Guess we need to look for property in Arizona.

Thanks again for your concern during these trying times.

There goes the neighborhood! You know they're going to start breeding.....


Why does everybody want to move to the desert? You gotta be somewhere with adequate rainfall.

[AZGrizFan]

I know we have our jabs at one another, but I really appreciate you asking. It has been a really hard day.

We have had a tragedy in our neighborhood. One that makes many of us question if a move is appropriate.

This weekend, a car was sighted parked in front of a house for sale with a "Clinton-Gore" sticker affixed to the rear bumper. And it was a BLUE car. Now that house is under contract.

My neighborhood association is in a panic, and so am I. Guess we need to look for property in Arizona.

Thanks again for your concern during these trying times.

There goes the neighborhood! You know they're going to start breeding.....


Why does everybody want to move to the desert? You gotta be somewhere with adequate rainfall.

We've had 13 inches of rain since 1/1/10. You?