As a lover of history, I’m appalled at the treatment our monuments are receiving.  Much like the same narratives that are created by small minded men, this attack on EVERYONE’s heritage is more than idiotic, it is dangerous.  Sometimes these monuments aren’t there to glorify, but to simply demonstrate what happened.  Perhaps even to educate.  In some cases, while the man honored had his faults, he in some way contributed greatly to the people.  General Lee comes to mind, and while personally I wasn’t impressed with his generalship, (okay, this is a controversy that is argued at the Command and General Staff College), I can say that his contributions both before, and after, the war were honestly quite noteworthy and positive.  Is this something that is taught in school anymore?  Nope, which is another problem for discussion another day.    Regardless, it is against the ignorance of such facts, which are no longer taught, that leads me to the next point.  
 
For some reason, there is no longer a recognition of the real problem.  I’m sorry, but if you need a mask and a club to spread your message, then you’re wrong.  I don’t care if that is coming from the KKK, NAZIS, ISIS, Communists, Socialists, or Antifa.  If you’re wearing a mask; pounding on each other with clubs; setting people’s property on fire; and, then basically attacking someone based on their First Amendment rights, then trust me, you are the problem.  As an old soldier, I have deployed and voluntarily put myself in harm’s way, just to keep that kind of crap away from our country.  The same ignorance and intolerance that should disgust all of us is now being demonstrated by the extreme parts of our society, on both the left and the right, and being cheered on by the even less tolerant fools of our Fourth Estate. 

Regardless, I’m seeing it spread around like it was okay, and somehow justified, by the behavior of others.  Sorry kids, but both are wrong, and to delude yourself into thinking otherwise, is a sure ticket to our country’s self-destruction.  If you don’t tolerate others, whether it is for skin color, religion, or how they voted, then you are the real problem.  It is the intolerance that links these groups, so to say that one side or the other is right or justified, is complete poppy cock.  To chide others for pointing out the moral equivalence between the sides, is again poppy cock.  With all respects to Mitt Romney, and others, who have said that there can be no such equivalency, I heartily disagree.
 
Right now, what we need to be fighting against is not each other, but the extremism that exists on both sides.  Naturally, the Fourth Estate won’t help with this issue, since for them, it is about ratings or taking sides that dovetails with an agenda.  Stirring the pot, and sometimes outright lies, do nothing more than inflame passions that shouldn’t exist, and didn’t exist until more recent memory.  I posted some time ago about the Fourth Estate becoming a Fifth Column.  Well.............  Guess what?! 
 
As for race, and racism, I can still recall that some of the people I’d die for were of another race or religion than mine.  What a lot of people may not know is that several of the key characters in my book are most definitely modeled after those men, who were the finest soldiers I’ve ever had the privilege to know, and who like me, were willing to give it all for this country.  So, stop the insanity, and turn off the damn news.  Instead of turning your mind to mush reading the absurd, try making a new friend, and remember that those who would divide us are our real true enemy.

CNN is rapidly proving my point about the Fourth Estate becoming a Fifth Column.  They’ve now gone from an untrustworthy irrelevance, in the eyes of many to include myself, to the actual publishing of stories that appear to be designed to invite sedition, or worse.  While it might initially seem innocuous, yesterday, on the Thursday before today’s Inauguration of the 45th President, a story was aired regarding the “designated survivor.”  It’s an interesting take on the COG or Continuity of Government Plan, and it discusses how an obscure appointee of President Obama, would be sitting out the Inauguration in an undisclosed location.  All “just in case” he were to need to become the President in the event of a catastrophic attack on the Inauguration.  

This, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily an invitation for malice; however, given the current climate (mostly created by the folks at places like CNN), the timing of this piece was absolutely horrendous.  This is why most have lost faith in CNN to tell them the truth, because their “Agenda” is showing in virtually everything they do and report.  Seeing a talking head reporter, who has perseverated about being oppressed by racists, etc., talking about the most horrendous “what if” scenario, is extremely troubling.  It is all about timing, and it is also about the tone of the reporter being used to describe such an event.  

Folks, this sort of being misled has been going on for quite some time.  A good example of hiding the truth started back in the first Iraq war, and then continued until the removal of Saddam Hussein.  The Modus Operandi of CNN has been to only tell part of the story.  Opting instead to leave out key items or facts, such as the overwhelming number of Human Rights abuses within the Iraqi Regime that were observed but not reported by CNN reporters on the ground.  CNN finally admitted this in 2002, stating that they were afraid for their personnel that were in country.  Of course, this begs the question about their most recent behaviors.  After all, it was CNN that had someone crying about being afraid that she’d be put into a camp, which if it were true, would probably be the last thing they’d say out of “fear for their reporters on the ground.”

Another problem is the “Tone” of the reporter.  Now the use of certain snide inferences or the tonal quality of the reporter himself will infect a story.  An example of this is when a reporter says simple things such as, “She SAID, that” (as opposed to she stated or she said.)  This emphasis on the word “SAID” is done to imply that whatever came after “SAID” is a lie.  This is subtle, but no less damaging to the actual truth or facts.  Without ever actually coming out to call someone a liar, they’ve put their stamp on it, and told the public that “we think” this man or woman is a liar.  This is only one trick of the trade, but it does the intended damage without our ever understanding that we’ve been misled by the reporter.

I often wonder what happened to things like facts being the news.  I don’t need, nor do I want, someone else spinning a story to fit an agenda.  I don’t need your tonal changes or your bad timing to incite something.  Instead, I just want to know the facts.  I’m smart enough to draw my own conclusions without being fed a line of bull.  I’m also smart enough to recognize when the press is inciting bad behavior or just plain violence.  Again, CNN is a leader in such things, and this most recent timing of the story about “what if” is just one more nail in that coffin.  I generally don’t believe in boycotts, but if I’m ever going to watch CNN, it will be strictly for the comedy and not the truth.  In fact, I’d rather be forced to drink tap water in Flint, Michigan.

~Michael S. Pauley

Last evening, I heard from a former Royal Marine Commando friend of mine from Australia.  He contacted me out of concern that Putin and the KKK were about to take over our country, the moment that our PEOTUS assumes office.  I was a little shocked, because this old friend was quite serious.  I should point out that this particular friend isn’t someone that will speak out of turn, nor is he someone who folds up in a serious crisis.  Instead, he’s a combat veteran who, like me, tries to stay out of the political discourse as much as possible.  He explained that this was what was being reported in their news outlets, who naturally were obtaining their news feeds from places like CNN, CBS, and NBC.  Comments by some that we’re going to be herded into camps, or that the KKK was now going to be in charge, were very commonly being reported as news in the foreign press.

This was very unnerving to me, because this means that our enemies around the world may well see this as an opportune time to take advantage of the divisions they see splattered all over the news.  In essence, these ridiculous rants about the Klan or Camps are putting us all in very real danger.  Isn’t that what a Fifth Column is all about?  Stirring the pot behind the lines?  Causing confusion and disorienting the populace?  Such reporting isn’t just irresponsible, it is actually quite dangerous to all of us as a nation.  When the Fourth Estate reports news, then it is doing the job of a journalist.  It should be critical and incisive.  What we have now is something quite different.  When the press makes up things, lifts things out of context, or simply allows irresponsible reporting to fill up the 24/7 news cycle, then it is approaching what I would call the work of a Fifth Column.  Deep breath people, there will be no Camps, and the Klan isn’t in the White House.  Moreover, most of the divisive rhetoric and accusations are quite simply without any real foundation, evidence, or support.  Are they lifted as out of context statements?  Probably, but they fit someone’s agenda, as opposed to being truth.  

I calmed my friend down by reminding him of the press coverage we’ve suffered throughout our military careers.  I simply said the words “remember how Vietnam was covered?”  He immediately laughed because, as a Vet, he knew exactly what I meant.  This phenomena isn’t just limited to my military background.  As an attorney, I can honestly say that I have NEVER been properly quoted in the press.  Which is why my comments to the press now are limited to this.... “Anything I have to say, I’ll say in the Courtroom.”  I could go on about the history of the profession of journalism.  I could talk about Edward R. Murrow who, during WWII, actually met with FDR on the night of December 7, 1941.  He was told about how bad it was, and nobody had to tell him that it was off the record.  He knew that he was an American first and then a journalist.  What makes that unique in our world today?  Today, even if you said it was off the record, it would still be in huge headlines.  Moreover, now things will be printed even though there is no credible source associated with it.  Why?  Because now it is Agenda oriented, and not News oriented.  

Back to my original question.  Has the Fourth Estate become a Fifth Column?  I’d say that a brief review of most of our major news outlets, both print and multi-media, will reveal that the answer is an unequivocal YES! 

Happy Birthday, Navy!  241 years old and going strong!

Most of us try to forget our birthdays and how many of them seem to pile up. Where do the years go? I guess when you pass a certain age, you can be proud of how many you have celebrated. I am not there yet, although my aching body might beg to differ! May we all celebrate many more of these special days. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Getting ready for the BOOK SIGNING Saturday. That is also the day of the Republican Primary in South Carolina. Come see us if you are out voting. Come see us if you are out!  Come see us and tour the Old Mill.

Where:  Rainy Day Pal Books
               Main Level of The Old Mill in Lexington, SC

When : Saturday, February 20, 2016      11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

~ Michael S. Pauley

On Saturday, February 20, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., I will be signing copies of my books at Rainy Day Pal Books, on the main level of the Old Mill in Lexington, SC. 

The Old Mill was devastated by the flooding, Rainy Day Pal Books being one of the businesses hardest hit. Thanks to many friends and volunteers, Calvin salvaged what he could, rebuilt the rest,  and relocated to the main level of the Old Mill. He has been reopened for a while now and has invited me to have a book signing there.  I look forward to seeing you! Come see the progress that has been made since the 1,000/10,000 year flood. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Today is the Anniversary of the Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre of the Air radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. This book still continues to influence science fiction writers, me included!  There are some books and/or authors who formed the bedrock of the craft and still exert their influence after many generations. To quote Mark Twain,“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages."

There are several web sites that provide the radio broadcast for your listening pleasure.  And while we laugh at the gullibility of the 1938 listening audience, we must make allowances for them. This was back in the day of Flash Gordon, the unrest in Europe that led to WWII, and people believing news broadcasters. Happy Halloween!  ~Michael S. Pauley

Tomorrow, October 13, marks the birthday of the US Navy. There are many activities and celebrations around the country. Here are a few, if you are in the area to attend.

Navy Birthday 2015: National Museum of the U.S Navy
October 13, 2015
1:00 PM — 1:30 PM
Celebrate the Navy's 240th birthday with the National Museum of the U.S Navy!Celebrate with the National Museum of the United States Navy as we present 1775-Present: A Glimpse into 240 Years of the U.S Navy. Through a series of paintings, etchings and photographs, this exhibit highlights each decade of the past 240 years. The exhibit will open on October 13th to commemorate the U.S Navy's birthday.

For more information please visit the National Museum of the United States Navy.

Navy Birthday 2015: Submarine Force Museum
October 9, 2015
10:00 AM —2:00 PM
Celebrate the Navy's 240 Birthday with the Submarine Force Museum!


Join the Submarine Force Museum for the 240th Navy Birthday! Meet Your Navy Fair! The Submarine force museum will host CAPT Carl Lahti, Commanding officer, Naval Submarine base in attendance.

For more information please visit the Submarine Force Museum.


US Navy Birthday Celebration
910 Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
http://www.midway.org/navy-birthday

Region: Downtown
Date: October 11 - 13, 2012

Time: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Boot camps start at 7:30 AM

Price: Various pricing. Please check website.
Follow Us On: 3-day celebration including a Flight Deck Boot Camp, a global navy re-enlistment ceremony, a movie night and a live Navy Band concert. Work out with actual Navy fitness instructors! Watch the hit film Battleship on the Midway, and much more!

Here is South Carolina, the tragedy continues to unfold. Even though the rains stopped several days ago, the flood waters will take longer to subside and will continue to wreak havoc as they move downstream. People are returning to their homes to the shock that there might be nothing left to save. Many people have lost everything, all have suffered some loss. Friends have lost homes and/or businesses, loved ones, pets, and their whole way of life. This flood has forever changed the face of our state. But in typical Southern style, we all rally around each other. Those with little left themselves offer that little bit to their neighbors. Folks with one or two dry rooms in their homes are inviting even less fortunate neighbors to camp out with them. Churches and businesses which are themselves damaged are nonetheless providing meals and shelter for their community.

The clean-up will take months. Repairs to infrastructure may take years, given the number of bridges and roads completely washed away or undermined. Crops in the fields are gone. People's jobs are gone. But we as a people are here and we will get through this tragedy as we have other tragedies in the past. We are SC Strong! ~Michael S. Pauley

After a sleepless weekend of historic rainfall, dams collapsing, streets and bridges closing, we are just thankful that all the kids, their homes and ours, survived. That is more than some people have. Too many have lost everything. One daughter was evacuated from her apartment after a small dam on the Mill pond gave way in reaction to three dams collapsing further upstream. The historic building that houses my office was damaged, with several outbuildings/businesses completely washed away. We might be able to get in there today to survey the damage. Fortunately, we are on an upper level that does not seem to have suffered any water damage, as far as anyone can tell from cursory observation. A number of roads out of town have been washed away or closed. They have reopened 2 of them, but the bridges across the main rivers are dicey. Two of the kids are on the other side of the rivers from us. At least they are safe and did not flood out. We are sorry for those in Columbia where there is no city water in many areas, including a number of hospitals, and those that do have a trickle of water are having to boil it.

People who were evacuated had to move several times due to flooding or no water at the shelters. It was so bad here that the Extreme weather center had to relocate due to the extreme weather! Our state has suffered greatly from this weather event and we pray that the death toll does not rise. It will take a long time to recover from this tragedy, with many roads and bridges around the state completely washed away. We are stunned and a little in shock at the moment. Time to put on the waders, grab a shovel, and start reclaiming our lives.  ~ Michael S. Pauley