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Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 926
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 02:14 am: | 
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When I first heard of this, I thought it was a joke. I really did. But when I read this story and researched it, I was speechless! Carriers are the pride and joy of the Navy because no other entity of comparable size packs as much power and can wreck such devastation (except an Ohio class Nuke submarine which is loaded with 24 Trident II missile that carries nine multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) nuclear warheads). I have no idea how and why Bush Sr. was given the honor considering the number of presidents, war hero's and other worthy statesmen, who are more deserving. But just a note for those who don't know, Bush I and Bush II do not see eye to eye nor do they agree with current state of American foreign policy (e.g. Iraq). Anyway, I thought this was interesting and I really cannot explain it. At least Bush I was a real Naval pilot who carried out real combat missions during WWII while his son was a MIA Air Force reservist who seems to believe he was some kind of military warrior.
New Aircraft Carrier Christened In Honor of George H.W. Bush
By Michael Abramowitz
NEWPORT NEWS, Oct. 7 -- Despite a steady downpour that chilled thousands gathered Saturday in the shipyard here, President Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, basked in the warm embrace of extended family and friends as they celebrated the christening of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named after the former president.
The 41st president of the United States punctuated an affectionate reminiscence of his storied life with a father's unconditional defense of the 43rd. "I am very proud of our president," said George H.W. Bush to loud applause. "I support him in every single way, with every fiber in my body."
It seemed more than a throwaway line, but a pointed response to speculation, fanned most recently by a new Bob Woodward book, that the former president is anguished over the Iraq war and that his closest advisers now see the son's administration as a debacle. For his part, the current occupant of the Oval Office paid warm tribute to a "great dad" and "a man who exemplifies the great character of our country."
President Bush also drew laughs when he lauded his steely mother, after noting that the USS George H.W. Bush will be the latest in the Nimitz class of aircraft carriers. "She is unrelenting, she is unshakable, she is unyielding, she is unstoppable," Bush thundered.
"As a matter of fact," he added, "probably should have been named the Barbara Bush."
The official occasion Saturday was the christening of the George H.W. Bush, a naval ceremony that marks the completion of the ship's hull and its ability to float. Another two years of work is necessary before manufacturer Northrop Grumman Corp. can deliver the gigantic $6 billion ship to the Navy, company officials said.
The George H.W. Bush, longer than three football fields and with about 97,000 tons of displacement, is the 10th and last of the Nimitz-class carriers that project American military power to every corner of the globe. The Pentagon is designing the next generation of aircraft carriers, with the first ship's delivery expected in 2015, a Pentagon spokesman said.
Saturday's ceremony was held at the foot of the gigantic gray bow of the unfinished carrier, in the midst of a rainstorm whose loud claps of thunder periodically startled the thousands of dignitaries, Bush family friends, Navy personnel, shipyard workers and company officials gathered at the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard. "I'm finishing, Lord, I'm finishing," Bush promised, drawing laughs as he glanced up at the sky after one particularly powerful thunder clap.
But the storm did little to dampen the festive mood of the crowd, which included dozens of luminaries from the George H.W. Bush administration, including former secretary of state James A. Baker III, former national security adviser Brent Scowcroft and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin L. Powell, who also served the son as secretary of state. Also in the crowd were four of the former president's fellow pilots who served in the Pacific theater during World War II, as well as dozens of old friends and retainers from a lifetime in politics.
A huge cheer went up from the crowd when Doro Bush Koch, the ship's "sponsor" and the former president's daughter, smashed a bottle of American sparkling wine across the bow of the carrier at the end of the ceremony. The crowd also cheered the two Bush presidents, who seemed delighted. The elder Bush took it all in with an almost boyish glee. Holding Barbara Bush's hand, the former president sang enthusiastically along with tenor Ronan Tynan, who rendered "God Bless America."
George H.W. Bush, 82, is the first living former president to attend the christening of a carrier in his honor, and when it came his turn to speak, he told the crowd: "This is any naval aviator's dream come true."
As a young pilot, Bush flew bombing missions off the USS San Jacinto, part of a naval task force in the Pacific; in 1944, his plane was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire. Bush parachuted into the sea and was rescued by a Navy submarine after he spent more than two hours aboard a rubber life raft.
The current president devoted part of his brief remarks to the lessons of his father's military service. "The generation of World War II taught the world's tyrants a telling lesson," Bush said. "There is no power like the power of freedom -- and no soldier as strong as a soldier who fights for a free future for his children."
Remembering his World War II service, the elder Bush choked up, especially after recalling his task of reading servicemen's mail to make sure they did not divulge any secrets. "I learned a lot from that. I learned a lot about human nature. I learned a lot about the hearts and dreams of these kids," he said, pausing to compose himself. "I would see these letters written, and I would count my own blessings."
In keeping with his rambling style of public speaking, the former president quickly moved on to a bout of reflection. "It seems surreal that you can go from being a young naval aviator, then surviving a horrible war, then losing an innocent child and having some modest success in business, then rising through the killing fields of national politics to be president," Bush said. "And after four thoroughly challenging years as president, it would be even more improbable to see your own two sons rise to become respected national leaders, to say nothing of the private success of our three other kids. I am truly blessed as a dad."
Bush did allow that he could not say this was the greatest day of his life. He recalled telling Barbara Bush that it was the greatest day of his life when son George was elected governor of Texas and son Jeb governor of Florida -- only to be asked, "What about the day we were married?"
"I would simply have to say," Bush added, to chuckles, "this is, maybe, the third happiest day of my life."
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Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 1807
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 11:31 am: |
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President Bush Sr. was on Larry King a few nights ago and this topic came up. Why and how are aircraft carriers dedicated? Thru acts of Congress. Why is he deserving? Why not? Reagan had one dedicated in his honor. What was so remarkable about Reagan? The only thing unusual about this dedication is that Bush Sr. is still among the living. Are you implying that Bush Jr. had any influence over him receiving this honor, because I think not. And it drives me NUTS when people use wreck instead of wreak! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 5451
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 11:50 am: |
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I would certainly think that a President of the United States who had an outstanding war record as a navy pilot would be more deserving of having an aircraft carrier named after him than any "distinguished statesman" who managed to maintain their dignity while wallowing around in politics. And the only difference between the senior Bush and JFK, who also was a navy "hero" and who also has an aircraft carrier named after him, is that Bush didn't get assassinated and automatically become a martyr. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 928
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 01:58 pm: |
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"President Bush Sr. was on Larry King a few nights ago and this topic came up. Why and how are aircraft carriers dedicated? Thru acts of Congress. Why is he deserving? Why not?"
Because there are many, many other war veterans (WWI/II) who were Medal of Honor recipients who have done incredible things that should have been considered. And there are many outstanding admirals and generals who would be worthy of such an honor. Bush was a good Naval pilot and I've seen the film footage of him during a crash landing on an aircraft carrier. I always respected that. Being that I've been on a carrier before, I personally know what happens on a flight deck. It takes cast iron balls to do what carrier pilots do (especially night landings) -trust me! As I said, I greatly respected what he did (as I do all war veterans) and he was a true hero (unlike his fake son). But there was nothing in his military record that rises to the level of having a carrier in his name! But I guess if you add in being a former CIA director, vice president and then president, I guess the cards are stacked in your favor.
"Reagan had one dedicated in his honor. What was so remarkable about Reagan?"
Because he's the darling of the conservatives! Ronnie is their icon and it's prestigious among conservatives to say; "I'm a Reagan conservative". Somehow, this is supposed to add luster and points to your conservative credibility. Naming a carrier after Reagan was purely political. It had nothing to do with military service or heroism (since he didn't serve). But remember one thing, Reagan was not that popular when he left office. He was not the icon they have made him today. In fact, his public approval rating was lower than Bill Clintons when he left office. He gained super star status years after he left office -not during his presidential reign. Now he is the symbol of true conservatism. I personally didn't think much of the man.
"The only thing unusual about this dedication is that Bush Sr. is still among the living. Are you implying that Bush Jr. had any influence over him receiving this honor, because I think not."
I never suggested that even though I wouldn't be surprised. But no, I have no proof of that and to be honest, the thought never crossed my mind.
"And it drives me NUTS when people use wreck instead of wreak!"
Did I do that.....?
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Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 1812
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 02:57 pm: |
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NTFS - Isn't being Commander in Chief a significant part of a person's military record?
Yes you did. And now you must pick apart Cynique's reply!!!  |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 5459
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 03:11 pm: |
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NTFS can note that my singular noun didn't agree with my plural pronoun in the phrase: distinguished statesman who managed to maintain their dignity while wallowing around in politics. It should've been statesMEN  |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 931
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 04:09 pm: |
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"NTFS - Isn't being Commander in Chief a significant part of a person's military record?"
No! It is not! It is a title and authority that is accorded to the president of the United States. It has nothing to do with a served military record. For example, one of my favorite heroes, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr, was the first West Point grad of the 20th century. He rose up through the ranks when American racism (particularly in the military) was at an all time high (his father was the first black general in US military history!) to the rank of a three star general of the Air Force -receiving his fourth star from Bill Clinton. In fact, he was the Commanding Officer of the Tuskegee Airman (remember?). THIS MAN PAID HIS DUES!
The first black Admiral was Samuel Lee Gravely. He worked his way through the ranks from an enlisted Fireman Apprentice to that of a three star Vice Admiral in the US Navy! Coming up through the Navy as a black commissioned officer in the 40's and 50's was a gut wrenching experience for this man who faced a gauntlet of blatant bigotry and discrimination. It was part of the Navy tradition in those days. But it did not deter this man.
Colin Powell is another example. He worked his way from an obscure Second Lt in the Army to head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! These men all earned their rank as Flag Officers unlike the president who is given the title and the responsibility as head of the armed forces (Commander in Chief). The title comes along with the job. It has nothing to do with an acquired or earned military ranking. There is no requirement for the president of the US to have a military record. Just ask Bill Clinton.
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Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 1819
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 04:33 pm: |
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Okay. But the CIC is in charge of all the armed forces. He was elected by the people and that counts for a lot. Plus the job's not gravy. As to your other assertions, it seems to me that if you feel so strongly about it you should write a letter to your congress person to advise that these officers are worthy of having an aircraft carrier dedicated in their honor. From what I can tell there aren't any carriers named after Black people. Wouldn't it be great if you could work to make that happen. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 932
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 05:33 pm: |
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"Okay. But the CIC is in charge of all the armed forces. He was elected by the people and that counts for a lot."
This is true. But it has nothing to do with being CIC. It's not a specific job title (CIC) that is dependent on being an elected official. Being a CIC is a collateral job that comes along with the US presidency. And don't forget, there are a lot of people who would argue with you about Bush actually winning both those elections. In the first election he did not have the majority popular vote -he was elected by the electoral college. Both wins were shrouded (and still are) in controversy and serious questions.
"Plus the job's not gravy. "
Never suggested that it was. But don't forget, these guys wanted the job -they weren't conscripted or drafted!
"As to your other assertions, it seems to me that if you feel so strongly about it you should write a letter to your congress person to advise that these officers are worthy of having an aircraft carrier dedicated in their honor."
Good point. I've written numerous letters and sent a ton of e-mail to various congress people in and out my district and state.
"From what I can tell there aren't any carriers named after Black people."
None! And don't expect one in your lifetime. The first US Navy fighting ship named after a black person was the SS Leonard Roy Harmon (1943). The most recent is the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79). Oscar Austin was a black solider who was killed in action during the Vietnam conflict. There is a another ship that I can't recall off the top of my head. I'd have to research it. But these two come to mind immediately. But never a carrier. I don't see that happening as I said -not in our life time.
"Wouldn't it be great if you could work to make that happen."
I think that would be great. But consider the odds.........
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Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 1821
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 06:05 pm: |
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I Love You NTFS!  |
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