Randy's Views

America's men and women are re-enlisting in the United States Armed Forces at high rates. Why? In fact, since war in Iraq started, why would anyone enlist in the United States Armed Forces?

Maybe it is that really cool haircut - the one that does not require any special gel or spray.

Maybe it is because they need a job - picking one that involves the risk of death and injury while the unemployment rate is low.

Maybe it is because they are so poorly educated - although they are better educated than most.

Maybe it is because they are so dumb (some have suggested) - yet they are smarter and better trained than ever before.

Maybe it is because they want to pick up dates - although the lonely deserts of Iraq and the rocky mountains of Afghanistan are a far cry from the cruise zones of the local malls around America.

Maybe it is because of the political support for their mission - something that has waned as their job has gotten tougher.

Maybe it is the hours - far longer than the nine to five many enjoy, or even the sixty to seventy that many work.

Maybe it is the family time - spending holidays and weekends working operations in hostile environments while praying for the chance to just see their loved ones one more time.

Maybe it is to travel the world - limited in many cases to the remote areas of Iraq, the dangerous streets of Baghdad, and the terrorist laden lands of Afghanistan.

Maybe it is because a parent or grandparent served - but the stories of war and sacrifice should scare them away.

Maybe it is the pay - which if calculated based on their service is less than what they could make, and only a fraction of what they deserve.

Maybe it is the great working conditions - with roadside bombs, sniper fire, and enemy combatants spending every waking moment trying to figure out ways to kill them.

Maybe it is the positive media coverage - condemning their mission, highlighting their worst, and constantly attempting to tarnish their image.

The fact is no one makes these brave men and women enlist or re-enlist. This is an all VOLUNTEER force. American soldiers do not serve because they have no choice. They serve because they have a choice and they choose to serve.

In today's news, Americans normally only hear about these brave men and women after they have lost their lives. Yet, when the people who knew them tell their story, it is clear that they were among the best that America has to offer.

These stories are impressive, but they do not just tell America about those who have fought and died. They are also reflective of the character, quality and valor of the men and women who still serve.

If you want to hear about the very worst in the military, just watch or read a mainstream news story. If you want to hear about how awesome most soldiers are, ask someone who actually knows a soldier.

You will hear what kind of person undertakes the job of protecting America in a time of war - the best kind.

So, if they are among the best, why do they choose to serve. Ask one. They love their country, they believe in freedom, and they want to leave the world a better place than they found it. Even when they have suffered the worst of injuries - they want to go back and finish their
job.

For some, it is just too hard to believe; for those who know them, it is not. So, if you do not know a soldier, find one, get to know them - and say these two very important words - Thank You.

There is a new sheriff in town and her name is Nancy Pelosi. She represents the Eighth Congressional District of California (San Francisco area). Most people only know her from the political advertisements (which rarely tell the whole story). Soon, Americans will get to know her well. Her stamp on American history is yet to be written. For those who may not know (she is a likely candidate for the Jay walking segment on the Tonight Show), Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker-Designate for the 110th Congress of the United States. Here is a little background for those who are unfamiliar with her resume.

Following the tradition of her father (who served for five terms in the Congress), Nancy Pelosi was elected to the Congress in 1987, the year following the midterm election of President Ronald Reagan's second term. Her district is one of the most Democratic Congressional Districts in the United States with only thirteen percent of registered voters being
Republican.

Fourteen years later, in 2001, the Democratic Conference in the U.S. House elected Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi as the Minority Whip. The following year she was elected as the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives (when Minority Leader Dick Gephardt stepped aside to run for President). As a result, in 2002, she became the first woman to
lead a major political party in the Congress.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has served on some of the most important Committees in the House of Representatives, including the House Appropriations Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. (In fact, she served on the Investigative Subcommittee in connection with the Newt Gingrich matter.)

Nancy Pelosi is the mother of five children and the grandmother of five grandchildren. Many times, her grandchildren can be seen with her as she performs her Congressional duties. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland as Nancy D'Alesandro, the youngest of six children. Her father
and brother served as the Mayor of Baltimore.

In the 2006 midterm election, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi led Congressional Democrats to their first majority in twelve years.

With a majority of the Members, the Democratic Conference in the United States House will select the next Speaker. On November 16, 2006, the Democrats unanimously selected Nancy Pelosi as its candidate for Speaker. When elected on the first day of the 110th Congress, Nancy Pelosi will become the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. This is the third highest ranking public official in the United States of America, following only the President and the Vice President.

Speaker Designate Nancy Pelosi has led the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives with focus, determination, and discipline. As the leader who returned the Democratic Party to majority status, she has earned the loyalty and respect of the Members of the Democratic Conference.

There will be many tough issues before the 110th Congress. These will include the war in Iraq, controlling the federal deficit, and addressing important social issues. The Congress will have to address these issues in the context a lame duck Republican President and the 2008
Presidential race with contested nominations in both the Democratic and Republican Parties.

The American people voted for a change in Washington, D.C. Under Nancy Pelosi's Speakership, there will be change.

History will decide her success or failure as Speaker - but make no mistake, her Speakership is historical.