Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism: Chaos from Korea (North)

Say “Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism” three times, speaking fast. Can’t do it? I doubt many care.

But this seems to be the cult of personality pushed nowadays by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The ever-entertaining Korean Central News Agency of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or KNCA, expounds upon a June 24 “National Seminar on Kim Jung Un’s Ideas and Lines.” The seminar at the Pyongyang People’s Palace of Culture sought “to deeply grasp and thoroughly implement the ideas and lines set forth by supreme leader Kim Jong Un in his report to the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea,” the KNCA says.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is escorted by NK Army leaders, from left, Larry, Moe and Curly. (North) Korea Central News Agency photo.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is escorted by NK Army leaders, from left, Larry, Moe and Curly. (North) Korea Central News Agency photo.

Okay.

 “Choe Thae Bok, vice-chairman of the C.C., the WPK, and other speakers said that the revolutionary lines set forth in the report including the clarification that the general line of building socialism and the self-development-first principle serve as the strategic line to be consistently maintained in building a socialist power and realizing the cause of modeling the whole society on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism are an encyclopedic and political great programme which gives perfect answers to the theoretical and practical issues in the revolution and construction,” the KNCA reports in an amazing one sentence description.

What does it mean? Well, the crack(ed) writers at the KNCA further explained by reporting:

“They (the speakers) noted that the programme for modeling the whole society on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism clarifies the correct orientation and ways of firmly preparing those in charge of accomplishing the cause of the popular masses for independence, the socialist cause, and the driving force, enhancing their role, transforming all fabrics of social life as required by Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and triumphantly advancing the revolution and construction.”

Clear as mud? Here is more:

 “They (the same they) pointed out that the WPK and the Korean people will straightly advance along the immutable orbit of independence, Songun (military first) and socialism and discharge their pioneer role in the struggle to realize global independence as the defenders of independence and justice under the leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un no matter how the situation may change and relations with neighboring countries may alter.”

Ah yes, that great struggle to realize global independence as the defenders of independence and justice under the leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un. Sounds a little like Superman. I wouldn’t want to imagine Kim in the blue, skin-tight costume. And by the way, how many titles do Kim Jong Un have? A totalitarian for all occasions.

I truly wonder who this mouthpiece for the Pyongyang leadership — again Kim Jong Un — believes that it is addressing? If this is the crap being fed to the masses, then this nation is in worse shape than it seems.

I’m sure a President Trump would understand though. Perhaps The Donald and his Secretary of State Dennis Rodman will make the historic first visit to this closed society.

 

The Dick’s philosophy for graduating, future, leaders.

Bloggers note: As sometimes happen, I accidentally hit the “Publish” button long before the post is ready to publish. Thus, I have to start editing and “Update” and on and on and on. Thank you. I hope you all  have a nice day!

160527-N-SQ432-026 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 27, 2016) -- Newly commissioned Navy Ensigns and Marine 2nd Lieutenants from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2016 throw their midshipmen covers in the air at the end of their graduation and commissioning ceremony May 27 at the Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium. The U.S. Naval Academy commissioned 788 Ensigns into the U.S. Navy and 256 2nd Lieutenants into the U.S. Marine Corp. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Jonathan L. Correa/RELEASED)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Newly commissioned Navy Ensigns and Marine 2nd Lieutenants from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2016 throw their midshipmen covers in the air at the end of their graduation and commissioning ceremony May 27 at the Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium. The U.S. Naval Academy commissioned 788 Ensigns into the U.S. Navy and 256 2nd Lieutenants into the U.S. Marine Corp. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Jonathan L. Correa.)

Okay, I ran a similar — actually, the same photo subject, before, only it was taken 11 years ago — picture before. It’s Memorial Day. We are supposed to memorialize our warriors who died in battle. We can do that. But we can also wish the best for our future Navy and Marine Corps officers.

Having served as a Navy enlisted man during the Viet Nam Era, I can also remind our future officers, don’t be a dick. Well, my name is Dick. But I mean don’t be an asshole or a horse’s ass.

Many of these officers suddenly find themselves in command over a certain number of enlisted people, from the most senior enlisted to the lowliest boot camp sailor. Some of these officers will prove to be great leaders. Others, who graduate from either Annapolis or from the various other college and service programs, should get out of the military as soon as possible.

One does not automatically take the reins of leadership just because they are commissioned as ensigns or second lieutenants. That is, just as becoming a petty officer does not automatically thrust the mantle of a great leader of men or women on any one person.

Most of the time during my short stint as a third- and second-class petty officer didn’t involve leading men. The times I did have to step in as a leader was mostly successful because, I mean, come on, it wasn’t like I was leading in battle. Still, for even the simplest of tasks, one must order someone to accomplish what can often meet with stubborn objection.

One time while serving on a Navy destroyer, for some reason, I was told to take a few less-senior sailors, who were already picked although they weren’t tasked by me, to install new “non-skid ladder safety treads” on the inclined ladder which we walked up and down from our berthing area up to the mess decks. These were treads fastened by screws on the inclined ladder that took us from our berthing area up to the mess decks or the forward head. We would also have to ascend another ladder to the main deck, but we were only told to do our treads. It was surprisingly simple.

The job took a little elbow grease, but other than that it was no problem. There might have been some other little j0bs around our berthing area. It wasn’t really difficult. I was never told to do a lot of jobs like “swabbing the deck.” Even when I was stationed at a Seabee training center, we had students who were on extra duty from punishment to clean the offices. I happened to be the senior petty officer around that day in our living area on the ship, so I was in charge. One of the guys in my division, who was I suppose an E-3, or Seaman, didn’t want to help out. He just flat out didn’t want to do it. I tried reasoning with him. That didn’t work. I could have just done the job by myself and the others. That just didn’t seem right. Finally, I had to threaten to “write him up,” which means filing a report which would likely send this young guy to  captain’s mast, or before the commanding officer, for what is called “Non-judicial punishment.” I happened to be the Legal Yeoman, or the person who handled the legal work and forms on the ship. So I knew very well how to write someone up. I would have charged him with Article 92 — failure to obey an order or regulation — of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Now this wouldn’t go on the guy’s permanent record, unless he decided to make a career of the Navy or if for some reason the Old Man (the CO) decided to refer this to a court-martial. That could be serious — think felony charge by the U.S. government.

So the dude was pissed off at me for threatening him but he ended up doing his task. He got over it.

Thus, I congratulate those who are graduating, either from college or high school, and for whatever reason want to join the military. If and when you may be called to lead men or women, just remember, don’t be a dick!

 

 

Welcome to the Cold War II: How to prevent killing annoying foreign military forces

And so it goes, we are officially into Cold War II. I never even got my certificate for serving in the first Cold War. Perhaps this morning Vladimir Putin got really hopped up on vodka and Red Bull. There has to be some reason why the Russians would send two unarmed fighter jets for strafing practice against a U.S. Navy destroyer.

Whatever the reason that is what happened Tuesday. At one point the Russian warplanes were flying within  75 feet of the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Donald Cook. The Military Times reported that the Cook crew members saw the plane within 30 feet of the destroyer.

The ship was practicing deck landing drills in the Baltic Sea with an allied helicopter, reportedly of Russian origin, according to an official Navy news report. Some media said the helicopter was with the Polish military.

 A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft makes a low altitude pass by the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo)
A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft makes a low altitude pass by the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo)

“In my judgement these maneuvers in close proximity to Donald Cook are unprofessional and unsafe,” said Adm. Mark Ferguson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

The Navy issued a statement saying:

“We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers. These actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions between countries, and could result in a miscalculation or accident that could cause serious injury or death.”

Whether the pair of Russian SU-24 jets were 75 or 35 feet away, having an event with an aircraft — regardless of whether they are U.S warplanes or those from another country — when you don’t expect it can scare the hell out of you. I remember an exercise when I served on a destroyer somewhere out in the Pacific. We were steaming not far off our port side by the carrier U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. I was kicked back on the fantail watching the stars when all of a sudden this fighter appeared out of nowhere. It was screaming above our ship probably 50 feet above the stacks and radars. I only saw it for a few seconds, when all of a sudden its lights came on and the jet’s pilot kicked the plane in the ass and it was gone faster than it appeared. My guess was that the plane was a F-14 Tomcat launched from our neighbor, the bird farm that was affectionately known — sometimes — as the “S**tty Kitty.” No matter from where the loud jet launched, the aircraft certainly got my attention.

I likewise recall the first time our ship went to our “home port away from home port,” Subic Bay, Philippines, out of our starboard office porthole, we noticed that  some merchant man flying the Soviet Union flag was following us. Our CO decided to make a game of chase. The destroyer was brought about, passed the ship and turned back to follow the U.S.S.R. vessel until we got closer to port. Such interaction with Soviet ships and aircraft back in the day was routine.

This event was a little more menacing than in the Cold War I days. It looks like either Putin wants to play — with fire — or he is looking to start something. That isn’t a good idea either way. The Commanding Officer of the Cook stayed cool, which was good, because shooting up unarmed Russian planes would surely have stirred up a hornet’s nest, no matter that the planes were endangering our ship.

Perhaps that isn’t fair. But what is fair isn’t usually a large consideration when it comes to military forces, especially the biggest ones.

Here is a good quote I found from Navy TImes about why the Cook didn’t shoot:

“You don’t get to kill people just because they’re being annoying,”said retired Capt. Rick Hoffman, who commanded two frigates during his time in the service.

 

 

Why can’t presidential candidates shut up?

If there is one talent in which politicians exceed it is making hay out of human tragedy, or more specifically, attacks of terrorism. The despicable attacks today in Brussels in which 30 people were killed is a perfect example.

The bombs ignited today in Belgium is claimed by the terrorist group du jour, ISIS. The three presidential candidates on the Republican side and the two on the Democrats slate weighed in, of course, after expressing their sympathy.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was his usual caustic self. The senator took the attacks as a time to slam President Obama, who is in Cuba on a historic trip to Cruz’ ancestral home. Cruz criticized the president for “going to a baseball game with the Castros.” The GOP senator also attacked Republican front runner Donald Trump for his usual over-the-top demagoguery. I can’t be critical for the remarks on Trump except perhaps Cruz didn’t go  far enough in his remarks on his opponent. Plus, the obsession of Cruz and some  other Republicans have about Obama’s refusal to label terrorists “Radical Islamic Terrorists” — a term which paints all Muslims as radical terrorists — was launched once again.

Trump was all over the television repeating his ridiculous answers to terrorism, once again calling for waterboarding and even outright torture.

Trump also wants the U.S. to abandon NATO and advocates shutting down the border to, as he says, “figure out what is going on.” He likewise advocates patrolling Muslim neighborhoods by the police.

Even the Caspar Milquetoast of the GOP candidates, Ohio Gov. John Kasich,  said Obama needs to come home to organize a response to the ISIS bombings. The president made a historic visit to Cuba this week and plans a stop in Buenos Aires.

As one might imagine, the Democrats running for president responded to the Belgium attacks in a softer tone, calling for resolve in the face of terrorists.

I admit to having no plan to fight terrorism beyond the normal means here at home of reporting strange things left in stores and airports and calling police if you see some jihad-looking guys carrying a long, olive green box — which might contain a shoulder-fired rocket launcher — into their motel rooms at night. If it turns out they are setting up an electric train set, oh well, it’s the “war on terror.” Should I sometime admit to being facetious?

The presidential candidates all really need to shut up when incidences such as today’s attacks take place. No matter that they give our allies mixed signals and our enemies more “bulletin board material.”

After today we are all Belgians. Or is it we’re all Americans, or Brits or French or wherever terrorist acts occur?

VA medical care perseveres despite a few challenges. Some timely and others … ?

More often than not the Department of Veterans Affairs manages to deliver adequate to exceptional health care for former service members. This is done despite many challenges. Just a few examples:

  • A history of inadequate funding. In addition to the incredible numbers of jackasses and fools the American public has elected to Congress, the type of funding for the VA itself does not encourage planning for a steady stream of dollars. That is because the VA does not have full mandatory funding. Much of the veterans healthcare program comes from discretionary funding over which congressional members can wheel and deal to get pork barrel dollars for their districts. Full mandatory spending does not seem likely in the near future. And the Continuing Resolution that was passed to keep the government running expires on Dec. 11. That is something I don’t want to think about.
  • The clusterf**k that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney et. al. got us into will likely send more veterans to war and return them home — with various health and mental problems — which strains the budget even more.
  • The dead weight from the high-dollar VA executives who, while relatively small in number, will continually find reward for their greed. Meanwhile, what does that do for the rank and file?
  • Timeliness. The wait for appointments have improved though not uniformly. Medicines that are shipped in the mail get lost. Why can’t you just get more medicine to replace what hasn’t arrived? Sometimes you can. Lost in the mail is still a problem and not just with meds.

So, I give the VA give a pass for many of the screw-ups I have seen during my time as a VA patient and as a journalist who covered the Department for nearly a decade. That isn’t easy though.

My patience is tested on a number of occasions when I have to drive around for 45 minutes to an hour at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston to find a parking place in just one parking lot. The Houston VA has signs that announce something to the effect of: Good news. We are building a new parking structure. But in the meanwhile take advantage of our valet service.

I don’t want wait another hour for a valet to take my auto. I don’t like other people to drive my 17-year-old Toyota Tacoma. It has to last me for some time and I would not at all like someone screwing up my pickup.

The VA phone system in Houston has long been a contentious issue with me. It does seem to have slightly improved. I am afraid to say that, though, because I am afraid something will screw it up. I think a lot of myself, huh? Well, a VA counselor playing psychiatrist gave me a diagnosis as having a “narcissistic personality disorder.” I guess that makes me a narcissist then. Yep.

Finally, today in the mail I received one of the “new” cards from the VA reminding me of my appointments. These two cards are printed on all four sides and are held together by a perforated strip. They replace the old letters notifying veterans of appointments.

On the side with my address it says: “Dated Material — Open Immediately.” This makes me think: “Are they going to send the VA Police to arrest me because I didn’t open the card immediately?”

So I opened it within 30 minutes or so, only to find:

“ALERT! Unfortunately, your upcoming appointment has been cancelled. This appointment is cancelled: Date :Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 … “

Oops.