9/11/2001 (Updated from 9/10/2014)

Damned right we remember. We remember what damage religious extremism is capable of. We recognize the cost of ignoring an obvious threat by looking the other way. We remember all the friends and family that died because we dropped our vigilance. We were told it would not happen again. And we felt secure, President Obama.

(Yes, I wrote this when President Obama pissed me off... again.)

While you're on the golf course, we remember.  While you're fundraising, we remember.  While your wife is screwing with school lunch menus, we remember.  We will not forget Benghazi, the NSA, and the IRS.  We will remember Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, rotting in a Mexican jail, while you spent taxpayer money enjoying the high life with your family as he suffers with not one word from you.

Do we feel safer under your watch, Mr. President?  How close can you watch us from the 5th Tee, sir?  We remember everything, Mr. President.  As hard as your left-wing press tries to suppress it, we remember it all and, we will remember you, sir.  Unfortunately, we will have to remember you, for years to come.

Even as a man of Islam, which you fervently deny, you still believe in the same God of Abraham.  I wish for you the mercy of this God, should anything evil come to pass on your lackluster watch this anniversary of 9/11.  One side of me hopes something horrific occurs, so the American people finally wake up to your bullshit.  The ordained "minister" half of me, hopes you never have to live with the realization of your ineptitude.  But, if the unthinkable does occur, I'm sure you'll find a way to blame it all on George W. Bush, you putz.

I am an American fighting man.  I retired from active duty as a patriot, in service of my country.  I leave you with something to ponder... if you can take a moment at the 19th hole to read it:

"In the United States Air Force, a Master Sergeant joins an elite group.  The term "Sergeant" is an ancient, honorable one that denotes a person possessing special skills, trust, and integrity.  All of you are now Master Sergeants, which means you have mastered the techniques and abilities required of noncommissioned officers.  As you progress to Senior Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant, your title will change, but not the designation as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  You are afforded privileges not awarded to others, and you have freely accepted responsibility beyond the call of normal duty.  You have, by your actions and performance, earned the respect of your seniors and juniors.  As Master Sergeants, your entire way of life will change.  More will be expected of you; more will be demanded of you--not because you are a Master Sergeant, but because you are now a Senior NCO.  You have not merely been promoted one pay grade; you have joined an exclusive group--A group dedicated to taking care of those who follow in their footsteps.  As a member of this group, you have a responsibility to your fellow Senior NCOs even as they have a responsibility to you." 

   I am a Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. 

   I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all. 

   I wear my rank of authority with dignity, I promote the highest standards of conduct,       appearance, and performance by setting the example. 

   I seek no favors because of my rank. 

   I am devoted to the concept of service rather than personal gain. 

   I uphold the traditions of senior noncommissioned officers who precede me. 

   I manage resources under my control with astute efficiency and lead the way with the highest level of competence. 

   I always strive to merit the respect of my fellow senior noncommissioned officers and of all with whom I come in contact.

You are the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military forces.  Sir, for God's sake, try living up to our standard of conduct.  Act like a commander you've never been before we lose several thousand more Americans. Or, you can gracefully step down, so a real commander can get the job done.

Note to my readers:  I have not put this through spell or grammar check.  I'm too sick and angry to give a shit.  Agree with this one or not, I truly do not care, and neither should you.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions, and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com