Disqus - Friends of Surface_Force

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:07:33 -0000

There are a few issues here. The United States, much less the U.S. federal government is "out" on the subject. Sure, you see a pride parade and think "everyone is on board" but then you see voting in various states, including the most obvious California, and you realize this isn't one big push throughout the country.

My problem does not focus on the fact that it's about gays openly serving in the military....it's the fact that the U.S. federal government wants the U.S. military to be the test rat for an issue they have yet to resolve in the general population. On top of this, the "test" would happen while WE ARE AT WAR. That is the last time to "shake it up".

Have I worked with gays in the military? Yes. Are they still in? Sure, the ones I don't know about are, and the ones I found out about were kicked out. They were good people, good workers etc....

That is beside the point that the government needs to get its ducks in a row before they play Nutty Professor with the military in a time of war.

Re: $2.1 billion Deepwater shortfall; Icebreakers not included

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:09:22 -0000

DeKort saw "Deepwater" and started licking his lips....took him back to the "old days" when he knew a thing or two....

...oh how the times change.

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:53:38 -0000

There was a reason that "Don't Ask Don'T Tell" came about in the first place. I don't think it went far enough in any direction, and therefore did little more than keep people asking "what's right?"

While I understand it is important to learn from our international partners, I would caution people in saying "if NATO does it, so should we."

Re: $2.1 billion Deepwater shortfall; Icebreakers not included

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:55:45 -0000

Ah, Mike....you should make a "sequel".

Title it "Ranting About Things I don't Know About". I'd watch it....

There's a point where it goes beyond "informing" and becomes an "obsession."

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:58:58 -0000

Except in.....California....and many other states.

I would rephrase "there is a noticeable shift in the coverage in the media, now ill the government follow the media's lead."

California....the "most progressive" state in the United States, and what did they say about it. I don't believe the "shift" is as great as people make it out to be. I DO think that there has been a shift on the attacks of the people against such action, however.

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:39:38 -0000

Just to clear up what I said...because now that I read it....I'm not sure if it is clear. I knew people were homosexuals because they were discharged for it. They weren't discharged because I knew (because I didn't know before).

One would hope that our moral imperative is not left at the door of church. Now, obviously each person's moral imperative is different.

The danger here is, making a military engage in a war less stable because you want to see how things will pan out, despite not addressing it in main stream culture (in an official way).

Re: $2.1 billion Deepwater shortfall; Icebreakers not included

mrjacksonthomas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:41:01 -0000

None Mike, you know, as always, I'm not here for you to feel like you are more credible.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:56:49 -0000

I do have a question, mostly for contributors.

Are you a reservist Ryan? The reason for that question, I see many blog entries on here coming during the work day. I can't figure out how you have so much time during the day, so I thought maybe you delay the post or save and send it, or have someone else posting too...

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:16:37 -0000

I am enlightened! Thank you for the response.

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:26:24 -0000

If the government wants to test something, it should address it on the national stage, not with it's own uniformed supply of test mice.

I would also say there are very few other companies out there (obviously there are exceptions) that relay on "trust" to save lives of the employees.

Like other issues involving the military recently, it seems less attention has been paid to reality than lip service from last year. I wonder if they (the powers that be) have really considered EVERYTHING that needs to be considered. Will transgender be given the option of where male/female uniforms, will we have two male Marines dancing together at a dance despite not being able to marry in a majority of the states? What will the berthing situation be? What if everyone in a berthing area isn't comfortable with a homosexual living/showering/sleeping with them? What do we do about the possibility of relationships forming between same sex shipmates in the same berthing areas? Are we concerned about hate crimes? What will the impact be on a unit in which a shipmate has been lying to their comrades forever?

Are all of these going to be HUGE problems? Probably not, but they need to be looked at, with REAL answers, before Congress and the President put anything into action.

I would also say, there would be less of an impact on the U.S. Navy than Coast Guard as a test mouse. Larger crews, not as tight...

It will be interesting to say the least to see where it goes, but I wouldn't say that the U.S. have given the federal government marching orders to break this barrier down.

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:50:38 -0000

Don't get me started on the 9/11 commission.

And....no.

Re: And the 2009 Coast Guardsman of the year is?

mrjacksonthomas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:01:22 -0000

I can't agree with that statement at all Palco. That's probably the sentiment frequently voiced by those who never are in the running for that honor (don't worry, I'm not in the running for it either).

It's clear from the write up, that he is a "team player" and that the "team" has benefited greatly from his part. Hopefully you also remember the "remember your people" and to watch out for those said people. You need to recognize when you're people are doing more than should be asked of them. This guy delayed surgery to help out a shipmate. I don't think he was thinking "if I do this I'll be the man".

I am actually surprised, and a little disturbed that you could even have this kind of reaction....especially being prior military.

140's are a close lot.

As for EM2 Newton, BZ shipmate!

Re: Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” hmm…

mrjacksonthomas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:03:32 -0000

I'll check out the article.

How many of these countries made this kind of change while involved in a war or two?

Re: The Coast Guard Image: Change of Command

mrjacksonthomas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:07:13 -0000

Who cares? Money grows on trees this way, and when it doesn't just taxes the ever expanding upper class (as we continue to lower the bar on what exactly makes "upper class").

If the President wants to go on a big date in NYC with the wifey at the overburdened tax payers expense, then by all means, spend what ever you want on whatever you want.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:18:39 -0000

How about this topic. So there I was, looking at Thomas Jackson's Coast Guard Report and I noticed "Official Unofficial Coast Guard blog", and that got me thinking, how exactly is that legal? Now, first things first, there is nothing of substance on TJ's blog. It's boring, poorly displayed, and frankly, not interesting. I know he pretends we're all following him, but I have to say, like DeKorts posts, the blog is ill-informed.

How do I know? Thomas Jackson's Coast Guard Report and even early Peter Stinson lead CGBlog covered the Raggarieo (I know I'm spelling that wrong), and through out told us, the every day reader that the Coast Guard had mishandled it, that the Coast Guard was the bad guy, that they tried to sweep it under the rug. NOW the wife is the bad guy and TJ wants to pretend that he was on the right side of the issue the whole time.

That reminds me of the time that TJ said he was retiring from blogging. Hey, wait, THAT reminds me of the time that Coast Guard Report was sold to the phantom "Sea Service Group"....with more fake names (although DeKort did get some more air time, phew! Oh wait, I remember now, because the report came back about the Office of Civil Rights and it attacked Thomas Jackson's poorly written "Coast Guard Report".

The every day reader, even the person who hasn't been in the organization a long time, might believe someone like TJ, but luckily for the ENTIRE WORLD, and sadly for Thomas Jackson, some of us are more educated than that, and understand that nothing on Coast Guard Report is based in reality, no matter how hard TJ tries to twist Rep. Cummins words.

Now....does anyone know another famous "Thomas Jackson?"

That's right, Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, who went to the Virginia Military Institute. Ole Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson is a hero for the alumni of VMI.

Re: The Coast Guard Image: BERTHOLF’s drug bust

mrjacksonthomas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:20:34 -0000

Pretty sure Mike DeKort is talking about more than he knows, whether that be the 123', NSC, or what the real Coast Guard is like.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:25:47 -0000

Negatory there MK....Coast Guard Report, as usual, deflected any such suggestion, much in the same way they did hen the report came back pointing a finger directly at them aka him.

I do feel good, thank you Mike. The real story here is, you have no data....I mean, Mike, you're not contacting crew members of Deepwater assets trying to get information...are you?

Your data items...your information....is OLD. People within the organization realize that. You're on the outside looking in. As far as Thomas Jackson is concerned....the spin is out of control on his blog. You know that, and you've admitted it before. His posts attack the very Coasties those of us who are still employed by the Coast Guard work with.

As for your contractor comment, believe me, I defend no contractor. I understand contractors are a necessary evil, but they are here for profit, plain and simple. I do concede that we need them, in every agency, but make no mistake, my support is behind Coast Guardsmen, not you, and not contractors.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:28:48 -0000

That's right Terry, and I added a line in there about my own spelling.

Sure liked TJ's last piece about the "Secretaty".

Well, at least he's not pretending to be "retired" from blogging anymore, I guess that's a plus.

Re: Swine Flu Plagues the Air Force Academy

mrjacksonthomas — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:12:21 -0000

As scary as regular flu without the deaths...it's overblown.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:14:44 -0000

Come on Terry Bo Berry (or should I say Thomas Jackson?) You and I both know that I, unlike Thomas Jackson, am not "publishing" a blog. Yes, you have about the same amount of information on tap, but my life doesn't revolve around this.

Terry Terry, go out tonight and purchase a clue.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:13 -0000

Well now, things are getting a little interesting at CGReport, not because there is any new information, but because Thomas Jackson is floundering as usual.

Before I go any further, it is important that people understand, Ryan Erickson does not give me a podium. I discuss things like everyone else. If you don't agree with it, it is not because Ryan want's me to spout my agenda, but because Ryan Erickson is allowing for a free flow of ideas and comments.

Let me clue some readers into a history of deception. Not TOO long ago Thomas Jackson's Coast Guard Report "reported" on a good deal of false stories. CG Report constantly quoted anonymous "sources" within CGHQ...never supporting the statements. After that, Thomas Jackson commented on his own blog as a series of different names. How did we know? Because common words were miss-spelled, common "themes" came up with various "posters".

As Thomas Jackson began to dig his hole deeper and deeper, people, like you and I, began to pick up on it. Thomas Jackson was confronted more than once by a series of posters. As the pressure mounted, Thomas Jackson "sold" the blog to another fake name. It was said that the blog was going to head in a different direction. He began to cover other services too. As the report came back from the review of the Office of Civil Rights, and that independent report pointed a finger at Thomas Jackson's blog of unfounded, and miscalculated statements, and then was backed up by Rep. Cummins, Thomas Jackson "retired" from blogging.

Did he leave? No. Was CGReport ever actually sold? No. Thomas Jackson wanted to remove "the heat".

Now, Thomas Jackson has again been shown to make up stories, stories that attacked the Coast Guard we all love, and as he has been called out on it, Thomas Jackson has returned to posting with a variety of other names on his own site. A poster called him out today citing that "staff" and Anon PA both spelled the SAME word wrong in related posts. They both used ceased instead of seized. That's a misspelling you'd expect from Thomas Jackson, but not one you would expect from a PA type. Various other names popped up, attacking CGBlog, asking "why does Ryan Erickson allow this to happen". Of course these are names we have NEVER seen before. Thomas Jackson feels the need to create this names in order to "deceive" the reader into believing he has more support. If you check his counter, you'll realize every time you "reload" his site, it counts twice. You're not a new reader. I'm not even talking about leaving the site and coming back later. I'm talking about clicking the "reload" and seeing the counter increase by two EVERYTIME you do it. He's adding hits to his website, and then pretending it's a reader....HE'S DOING IT HIMSELF!

He doesn't have support and he doesn't have sources. He uses open source and infers to a level that makes it look like something is going on. He did it today with the CGA piece. He has done it in the past, delaying story after story to make readers believe something "HUGE" will come out....and it never does.

Jackson and his fake names want you to believe that I am Mr. Patterson. Mr. Patterson, you would have a case to confront Thomas Jackson legally if he continues to trash your name on his blog. That statement clearly shows...you have no idea who I am. I don't want Mr. Patterson to be accused of making statements he's not.

That's the history. The spin is out of control, the facts weak, and the comments unfounded on CGReport. Thomas Jackson's attacks on Ryan Erickson and Mr. Patterson are misdirected to say the least. With the exception of Michael DeKort (who I don't think always agrees with TJ), there is no reason not to believe that every post on TJ's blog is not TJ with a different name (excluding CGRetort).

Thomas Jackson tweets that my comments bring his site more traffic, like I am concerned about the traffic to his site. I don't care about his numbers. The vast majority of the small numbers that DO visit his site do so because they can't look away from the crash. They go there because it is the Jerry Springer of blogs, we know it's fake, and we know it's staged, and we know everyone is acting.

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:01:06 -0000

EXACTLY. Funny, give it a few months, and it certainly has taken on that "TJ Form" again, misspelling and all.

Re: The Coast Guard Image: CGC EAGLE small boat

mrjacksonthomas — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:34:54 -0000

Never was comfortable on those MSBs....more so the newer ones even.

Great picture!

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:41:56 -0000

Including Thomas Jackson's "friend" ::wink wink::

Re: Open Discussion for the week of 12 July 2009

mrjacksonthomas — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:46:29 -0000

Also, if you haven't noticed, if you navigate around CGReport at all, it add "visits". Let's say you hit "view older posts"....ding ding ding....his "hits" goes up by two. If you click the main page link.....ding ding ding....two more hits.

He's ballooning his numbers. Just by visiting his site ONCE you've added about 100 "new" hits.

Pathetic, but true. Apparently transparency isn't important at CGReport...hasn't been since 2007.