I've been thinking...

Watching L.A. Confidential right now. Wonderful picture. So much contrast of good and evil, sacrifice, and last chances. Classic characters, romantic time period.

Jack Vincennes: It's a private investigation. I fucked something up and I want to make amends.

Dudley Smith: Don't start trying to do the right thing, Jack. You haven't had the practice.



Edmund Exley: All I ever wanted to do was measure up to my father.

Bud White: Now's your chance. He died in the line of duty, didn't he?


New York Times
September 28, 2005

The Endgame In Iraq

By Thomas L. Friedman

UMM QASR, Iraq --

"Maybe the cynical Europeans were right. Maybe this neighborhood is just beyond transformation. That will become clear in the next few months as we see just what kind of minority the Sunnis in Iraq intend to be. If they come around, a decent outcome in Iraq is still possible, and we should stay to help build it. If they won't, then we are wasting our time. We should arm the Shiites and Kurds and leave the Sunnis of Iraq to reap the wind. We must not throw more good American lives after good American lives for people who hate others more than they love their own children."

I've been thinking about this article for a few days now. Mostly I've been thinking about how much I'm beginning to lost faith in Tom Friedman. For about a year now he has ended every Iraq article with something to the effect of "we can still preserve seomthing in Iraq, it's still possible." It's always the same angle. My trouble is, its never a realistic angle. At least, its never in line with current policy, nor is there ever a tennable connection to the current policy or its intentions. Its idealism more than anything, and it bothers me because in the same breath that he blasts the competency of the current administration and decries the loss of good American lives, he offers no real solution. Instead, he writes as if his worldview is in effect and is shared by American foreign policymakers. In my mind, this is not only unproductive, but also indicative of the gap that exists between ideas and action. This is the same gap that exists between neoconservative thought and neoconserative policy. It fails to take into consideration an objective and humble look at the world. This equates to nothing but the loss of human life and the disillusionment of those that actually take action with the policies.

Been a working weekend, my group trying to finish its project design for four guard towers and a "seahut" living quarters. We've worked very hard, and should finish up this afternoon. I've learned a ton about civil engineering, but more importantly, how to manage a project. EOBC gets closer and closer to its conclusion. Played basketball yesterday and sucked. I forgot to grow for the game, or learn how to dribble in the open court. Or drive on tall people. Other than that, great workout. Steve Scott and I ran and did pullups after the game. Then on to Cracker Barrel (see picture) and Halo 2, where I was schooled.

Read a great article today about the growth of Teach for America. I hope I get a chance to do it someday. Meanwhile, my Ranger School slot got moved up to January. Whirlwind lifestyle will be in fashion for the Winter-Spring 2006 season. Everyday I must remind myself to work hard, because an exciting horizon quickly approaches.

Talked to Catherine King, high school bff, a couple times this week. It was wonderful, and just like old times. I'm still hoping she and Mike Werich can drive down for a visit next weekend. Or maybe me sister Caitlin could somehow swing it? Looks like I'll be back in the Milwaukee/Chicago area from the 3rd to the 9th of November, and it couldnt come soon enough. God Bless Missouri, but I prefer my leaves changing up north.

The Army Ten-miler took place back in DC this morning. Still waiting to hear how the Hoya Battalion did. That race is still one of the coolest I've ever done. You leave nothing on the course, just balls to the wall, hold on a little longer. I still wonder If I'll ever have my sophomore year speed again. 60:47, damn I was a light little shit back then.

An announcement: John Santore has a new pair of kicks. K-Swiss to be exact. If anyone is in the DC area, please stop by the Rayburn House Office Building of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter to see John's shoes. He reportedly "looksa goood"

Rambling now, or maybe I never stopped. thought I had more introspective things to say. Maybe I need to write while exhausted or intoxicated to produce true poetic crap.

Until Next time,

Vaya con Dios
Dan