Cross posted from Docudharma- please post comments here-
http://www.docudharma.com/...

I am tired. So tired. I usually use an editor for my diaries because of my head injury and poor organization, grammar, repeating myself and essays that are generally too long.  Those take me 10 hours or more and then an editor.

This one is straight from the heart and hip and will be written in short order and to the point (I hope).

During Viet Nam there were tons of protests and large marches and people in front of the
White house and more.

This war is even worse and the condition of our nation is far worse. We have some small and well meaning attempts at rallies and marches. Nothing near the ones of the Nam era.

Just when you thought there were no more groups for them to alienate & abandon they have pushed a traditionally reliable repug group to the breaking point. Will we take advantage of the opportunity? I believe from my conversations with Vets here & in Iraq & military spouses repugs may be helping them to our side. With higher percent turnout rates than the general pop. & key states with high military pop., we need them. Even with the troops disdain for the war they haven't yet completely decided no more repugs. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...

Remember Brian Mcgough? He was the Veteran who responded to Rush Limbaugh’s attack of  "phony soldiers". We all thought it was awesome that Brian put Rush Limbaugh in his place. Rush, the guy who got out of  military service because of some cyst or something on his fat a--. Brian was awesome in that video. Watch it again here:
http://bigheaddc.com/...

PLEASE don't vote in the poll if you have not read the diary.

"Do you support the troops?"  I thought it was a simple yes-or-no question when I asked it in a DKos open thread.  The first five responders said yes, and a couple of them seemed baffled as to how I could even ask this and added, "Of course!"  Then I got the following comment.

What do you mean by support?  Do we value their lives, and believe those lives should not be lost in a futile and unjustified war?  Sure, of course.  But "support" - what do you mean?  It's such a right-wing talking point, who does or does not "support the troops."  Too many right-wingers believe that they "support" the troops by supporting the agenda of the war - as if, per the Tinker bell [sic] theory, if only every American believed in the Iraq war, then we would certainly win it and the troops could come home.  I also quibble with whether "support the troops" is supposed equate [sic] with "support the acts and conduct" of the troops in Iraq .

Thus, here we are with a diary in which I can explain my "simple" question.  I'll explain, based on the thoughts of current and former Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers, and on my military experience (non-combat) from 1979 to 1982, what soldiers and veterans themselves think "supporting the troops" really means.

This is the eighth POTUS election I will vote in. I do not believe that I have ever seen a more fervent, adamant, emotional and virulent group of candidate supporters as early as the first of Sept. as many (not all) of the Hillary supporters. Yes, I said the first of Sept. From what I have read on Kos since the first of Sept., her support on Kos has been virtually the same from then to now.  

In fact, it seems (I could be wrong) a fair percentage of the Hillary supporters chose her from the day she announced she was running or shortly thereafter. The diaries when Hillary is discussed seem to me to get the most debase, angry and apolitical comments of almost any issue discussed on DailyKos.

I am disabled and have a lot of time on my hands. I spend a minimum of 3 hours in a day on Kos and up to 12 hours in a day. From 1 Sep to date, I would guess that I have averaged reading about 12 diaries a day. For the last year I have been looking for more political knowledge than I ever have in my life. I try my hardest to be open minded and "teachable", particularly since I came over from the "dark side" less than a year ago. The reasons for coming over from the "dark side" are an entire diary of their own (so is why I was over there).

and willing to take action. I will commit to call as many people as I possibly can in the next three months in the state of Maine (where I live) IF we can get enough people to volunteer to do the same in their state and get at least 25 states with volunteers. Would like semi-full time volunteers but if you can do one hour a day, put that in comments and I will contact you. If you will volunteer for any amount of time per day, put that in comments. 1hr/day, 2hr/day, I don't care. Every call to people to push them to send emails to their congressmen and senators that they want impeachment of both the President and Vice President is a help.

Need 25 different states for me to commit to do MY SHARE and call as many people in Maine as I possibly can in the next three months. Well, who else will put up? Send comment back with the state you are committing to call as many people as you can in the next three months in that state to push to ask for IMPEACHMENT. To SELL them on emailing or sending letter asking their congressmen and senators for IMPEACHMENT.

Each volunteer will have congressmen and senators names and emails and address' for the people they are calling.

Cross posted at Turn Maine Bluehttp://
Ctoss posted to VetVoice. http://www.vetvoice.com/...

I went to the Veterans Administration hospital yesterday for a routine appointment that was to be just a quick check-in with my doc & off I go.

The main point of this diary is about our military personnel. The unfair situations they are faced with & the amazing commitment of many. There are other issues within my blabbering. It wouldn’t be a TKK diary without some rambling & personal items wrapped around the issues.

I have an appointment at the VA about once a month between my many doctors. I had to see my doctor who monitors my TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury from an auto accident in 1999.

Cross posted to Turn Maine Blue http://www.turnmaineblue.com/...
Cross posted to VetVoice http://www.vetvoice.com/...
TBI--Traumatic Brain Injury. Have you heard of TBI? Some have but don’t know much about it. The VA began noticing it in Iraq Vets 2-3 years ago. Social security only considered it as a disability about 6 years ago. It was only then, that it was put on their list as an illness eligable for Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI).

A traumatic brain injury is usually the result of a sudden, violent blow to the head. Such a blow can launch the brain on a collision course with the inside of the skull. The skull itself can often withstand a forceful external impact without fracturing. The result — an injured brain inside an intact skull — is known as a closed-head injury.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/...

I did it in 2004 and to the detriment of our nation. I believe too many of us dems do this and it is part of why the repubs have the power from the bottom up and we have been getting our asses kicked. I hate to admit it, but I voted for Bush in 2004. I tell you this to lead into a much more important issue than me and my moronic past mistakes.


IMHO, we dems are like a dysfunctional family. We pull in all different directions and can’t get unified because we have so many issues that people are passionate about and some dems pick one issue that they make their absolute, will NOT bend on issue. Repubs have a much easier time choosing a candidate. Their candidates are generally more the same as each other than dems are. Repubs are less apt to allow one issue to deter them from voting for a candidate who as a "total package" is the most likely to be elected . If they are a hawk, anti abortion rights, tough on immigration, tough on national security, anti gay, for outsourcing and privatization, then they are good for any repub voter. If they are off on one or two of these, most will overlook it.


Poll assumes a dem is a must. Only must, dem, vote no. Poll is refering to special issues. Assumed everyone on here has dem as a must.

I am not saying we should do this for sure. I am posing this question to you. This whole diary could just be mental masturbation (one of my expertise), but, indulge me for a few minutes. Of course, to do this, it would need approval of Kos. Also, it would need enough member interest in doing it. Without both of these, then this diary is just an idiot punching some keys on his keyboard.


I thought maybe, this diary itself, could initiate some good dialogue. I definitely think, IF we did a "Kos primary" something like the way I will suggest herein, or with a variation of this concept, it would undoubtedly initiate a great deal of stimulating, heated and interesting comments.  


I am interested in what the community thinks of the idea. There is a poll on this diary to get the pulse of the Kos community (or at least those few who vote). To see if this deserves more communication and if it is something the community would like to get kick started. My opinion is (if you care), that whoever is elected in the " Kos primary" would be less important than the facts that would be presented about each candidate and the lively discussion.  

This diary is not the same light hearted trivia of the last five in the series. Here"s a link to the first of those 5, if you are interested. Maybe after this diary, you will want to read something more humourous and not so political. http://www.dailykos.com/...


I have some grave concerns about what Putin is doing with Russia. I believe they could have implications for the entire world. Putin appears to be making moves towards a dictarorship/Czarist nation. This can not be good for the world. I know we have enough of our own problems to support 100 democratic/left blogs. If the worst happens, that possibly could, from where Putin appears be taking Russia, our problems increase exponentially. There is one thing that concerns me more and that is if we don't elect a democrat in 2008.


Seeing many things Putin is doing that IMHO are bad for Russia (and the world), I was baffled by Putin's 80% approval rating within Russia. Putin's complete control of the media as well as his recent law change that makes it a criminal offense to speak bad of politicians or the nation, I feel makes the poll useless.

Welcome to the fifth in my series about Russia. Besides the warning here, I must add some text below the fold. Links to priors just below fold.

If you did not read the prior diaries (started Wed.10/17) please do before reading this. I STRONLY urge you to read the priors in this series. To get the full picture, my whole experience, my love for Russia and Russians, you MUST read ALL diaries. Reading one diary is like taking a sentence out of context (like republicans do to us). Reading it out of sequence will make the experience less enjoyable. To form an opinion from one diary is like writing a book review having read a fifth of the book.

NONE OF THE PHOTOS OR TRIVIA FROM PRIOR PARTS OF THIS SERIES WILL BE REPEATED IN THE LATER PARTS OF THE SERIES. IN THIS SERIES I HAVE THE TRIVIA INFROMATION IN DESCENDING ORDER FROM MOST INTERSTING AND UNIQUE TO LESSER. ALL OF NEEDED BACKGROUND ON MY TRIPS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION WILL ONLY BE IN THE FIRST DIARY OF THE SERIES.

If you are not going below the fold but only voting the poll question should read--Did this series increase your opinion/respect of the Russian people?

Welcome to the fourth in the series about Russia. The only text from me will be the warning here. Links to priors below fold.


If you did not read the prior diaries (started Wed.10/17) please do before reading this. I STRONGLY urge you to read the priors in this series.(following added-10/20 11:30an EDT.) To get the full picture and my whole experience and love for Russia and Russians, you MUST read ALL diaries. Reading one is like taking a sentence out of context.

NONE OF THE PHOTOS OR TRIVIA FROM PRIOR PARTS OF THIS SERIES WILL BE REPEATED IN THE LATER PARTS OF THE SERIES. IN THIS SERIES I HAVE THE TRIVIA INFROMATION IN DESCENDING ORDER FROM MOST INTERSTING AND UNIQUE TO LESSER. ALL OF NEEDED BACKGROUND ON MY TRIPS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION WILL ONLY BE IN THE FIRST DIARY OF THE SERIES.

Good morning and welcome to the third in the series about my trips to Russia. As stated in the previous diaries, the remainder in this series will be little text from me but primarily simply stated trivia/facts about Russians and more photo’s from Russia. The only text from me will be this WARNING to those who have not read prior portions of the series. A link to the first diary is below.

IF YOU DID NOT READ THE PRIOR DIARIES THAT STARTED WED. 10/17, I STRONGLY urge you to start with the first and read the diaries in order.

NONE OF THE PHOTOS OR TRIVIA/FACTS FROM ONE DIARY IN THE SERIES WILL BE REPEATED IN ANY FOLLOWING DIARY. IN THIS SERIES, THE TRIVIA/FACTS AND PHOTOS ARE IN DESCENDING ORDER FROM MOST INTERSTING AND UNIQUE TO LESS. THERE IS INFORMATION IN EACH DIARY THAT THE READER NEEDS TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE SUBSEQUENT DIARIES.

First diary      http://www.dailykos.com/...


There will be a link at the end of each diary to the next days diary as soon as it is available.

Good morning and welcome to the second in the series about my trips to Russia. Today’s, as well as the next diaries will be primarily more facts about Russia and more photo’s from Russia. The only text from me will be this WARNING to those who have not read prior portions of the series. Links below.


IF YOU DID NOT READ THE PRIOR DIARIES THAT STARTED WED. 10/17, I STRONGLY urge you to read the first one BEFORE reading this diary.

NONE OF THE PHOTOS OR TRIVIA FROM PRIOR PARTS OF THIS SERIES WILL BE REPEATED IN THE LATER PARTS OF THE SERIES. IN THIS SERIES I HAVE THE TRIVIA INFROMATION IN DESCENDING ORDER FROM MOST INTERSTING AND UNIQUE TO LESSER. ALL OF NEEDED BACKGROUND ON MY TRIPS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION WILL ONLY BE IN THE FIRST DIARY OF THE SERIES.

http://www.dailykos.com/...         FIRST DIARY.

times and have many photos. Well, if you read this series of diaries EVERY DAY for the next six days, I will tell you and show you. I am going to publish a diary at 10am EDT each day for the next five days in a row (including today it makes six diaries).  

The title of the next five --Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. & Mon. by 10am EDT will be; More about Russia(#2)etc.

I will tell you what it is like for the average Russians I got to know, my experiences there and about this amazing country filled with wonderful people and I will show you many photos too.


At the end of each diary there will be a link to the next as soon as it is available.

You will hear and see for yourself about this amazing place, right after the fold.

My opinions here will not propose changes to affect the mess our world is in today. My views herein will not provide solutions to fix any of the multitudes of problems of the world.


My views may possibly bring solace, comfort, relief, gratitude and/or a sense of justice to some.


IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH A DISCUSSION OF A SPIRITUAL NATURE AND ITS IMPACT ON OUR POLITICAL ACTIONS, THEN PLEASE STOP READING AND MOVE ON FOR YOUR OWN PEACE OF MIND.


Please indulge me for a while. I must explain where I am came from to be able to get to the destination I wish to take you to. I hope to give you some food for thought, some inspiration and maybe some comfort. Lofty goals.

Well, O.K., technically, I am not a body language "expert". I do have unique credentials that make me a reliable source for interpreting the "unspoken words" of the republican candidates at the debate yesterday. So you know that you can trust what I say, I will give a lengthy (Republican style) outline of my qualifications.

1. The number one qualification I have over most at Kos, is that it was only a short time ago that I crossed over from the "dark side". Because of this, it is very easy for me to recall the limited modes of thought that permeate EVERY right winger. There are only a few thought processes right wingers have. I will list them later in this diary.

1A) in the last five years, I have watched more O’reilly, Hannity and Coulter than 99.9% of those on Kos. Yes, I ashamed of this. I mention this very hesitantly. I tell you this, only as part of my proof that I am well qualified for interpreting the inner thinking of right wingers, simply by observing them. If asked to do so, I would turn myself in at a left wing Guantanamo (if there were one) for having watched and listened to them.

I have this information from a well connected, very wealthy. ex-army, diehard republican from ultra rich Southern CT. It has to be true. My sister got this scoop from him. My sister is a staunch democrat, Always has been. A complete dove, who might even believe John Lennon’s "Imagine" is possible.  Wonderful thought but deluded.

I know what you are thinking. Why the hell is this fool telling us about his sister and what has it got to do with the wonderful news of troop withdrawal? I promise I will soon get to that after a "little" more ground work. My sister’s name is Kelli. About 15 years ago, Kelli got shafted (like many) by big business. She was a manager of a national children’s toy/clothing store chain when she hurt her back on the job and couldn’t work any more. Like usual, they weaseled their way out of it being on the job and screwed her. She got nothing.