"What you are against weakens you…What you are for empowers you!" - W Dyer.

For some time now folks have asked me questions I am reluctant to lend my opinion to... "Is there a civil war in Iraq?" "Are we losing the War?" "When will we bring our troops home?" "When will America's team get back to the Super bowl?" At the end of the day, answers to these questions are opinions and may have no bearing in fact. I firmly believe that my position in the armed services (Plus being Native Texan) gives people 1) an automatic stereotype of my beliefs whether factual or not and 2) gives me some sort of credibility whether warranted or not. - "Image is everything;" Working in LA, I accept that. Therefore except for my closest of friends, I am reluctant to respond with a solid opinion either way; I try to remain objective as possible. (Insert laughing from close friends) I also try to keep this blog as entertaining as possible and stay away from substantial polarizing politics… except perhaps on the topic of Texas which there are no politics - we're always right – even when we're sorta not - which never really happens! I obviously believe humor is the best answer to every conflict. That said, it's the day after my Commander and Chief gave a pivotal speech on our new strategy that affects me and my brothers and sisters in arms directly. I am currently "boots on the ground" in a position were I'm voraciously learning and analyzing everything. Further and probably more importantly, I've been told by many of you (esp. in "the industry") I'm the only military representative you have. I'm your personal face to this war. Admittedly I'm in a unique position. I've been informed that I'm doing a disservice, neigh; I'm negligent if I don't give you some sort of perspective. After all I have responsibilities… So I will compromise - I'm not comfortable espousing ALL my opinions (unless were talking TEXAS of course) so if I'm gonna do this, I'm takin the high road. I will tell you what I am for as it serves to… as Dr. Dyer say's… Empower me!

1. I am FOR finishing what WE started: We all know the history… ""Mistakes made… Spilt milk" - not gonna argue the past cause it's over for all of us. From the 5'9 view, leaving the Government of Iraq (GOI) while it is still in an embryonic stage will compound one mistake with another mistake. The likely outbreak of an all out "uncivil" regional/world war to follow will only bring us back in bigger bloodier numbers. The $8.00 + gallon of gas will just make us all nauseous and broke. (Except a few Texans who still have wells pumping light sweet crude) ;-p A premature exit will encourage extremist and prove we have no fighting spirit or commitment to finish what we start will only invite more hardship.

2. I am FOR individual freedoms for all people: Iraqis, Americans, etc. - having the opportunity of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of happiness free from persecution - religious or otherwise: Big one go figure! Without #1, #2 ain't happenin!

3. I am FOR Iraqi self-rule: accentuating points #1 and #2 – Any Texan ought a clearly identify with this one… Let's help get some stability, finish training up their army, and get the hell out.

4. I am FOR Administrative Execution with Congressional Oversight and Accountability: Single Party governing got us here. We need Bi-Partisan compromise to help get us on track. Define success, define budgets and benchmarks, mount pressure to keep things moving, and quite possibly let us leave this place better than we found it. We can argue about who should eat crow later. Set the goal, focus on the mission at hand and let's get out.

5. I am FOR everyone learning something about Islam and the Middle East: Gaining some real insight and empathy for this place and those who live here, you will understand point #1 even more, you may just buy us a few brownie points and we might even learn we have a thing or two in common – hmmm… better not emphasize this point to strongly or my friends from Berkley will label me a closet hippie! (You know who you are! It's not true!)

6. I am FOR development of Alternative fuel sources: Self explanatory… btw: This is Heresy for a Texan!

7. I am FOR being home at Christmas: Like almost everyone here, I want to see my friends and family - but not at the cost of point # 1, 2 or 3 - nuff said.

Steps off Soap Box - exits stage left. "I'm hungry! Any one else want some Ice Cream?"