HaHa said:
Señor PagaPoco, definitely don't let a Teddy-Bear like ol' Ha scare you away from your appointed task. I fully support anyone's plans to move to Panama - I mean, besides Iraq and Afghanistan, where in the world can you go that has recently been at war with the USA?
Nowhere, that's where! But in addition to warm weather and lots of bananas Panama can provide you with these thrilling events:
"On December 15, 1989, Noriega sought and was given by the legislature the title of chief executive officer of the government. The Noriega-led assembly declared that a state of war with the United States existed. The next day Panamanian soldiers killed an unarmed U.S. Marine officer dressed in civilian clothes.
Retaliation by the United States was quick and decisive. On December 17, U.S. President George Bush ordered troops to Panama, with the subsequently announced aims of seizing Noriega to face drug charges in the United States, protecting American lives and property, and restoring Panamanian liberties. The initial attack took place in darkness on the morning of December 20 and was focused primarily on Noriega's headquarters in Panama City"
All this sounds really nice to me, but I would definitely budget a little extra to cover bunker building.
Ha
Marines die in many countries, and have since Nov 10th 1775. I quote from an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer,Sept 1st,2005-Mike Barber
titled "Marine's last letter found on computer' Others have died for my freedom" a message Cpl Jeff Starr composed for his girlfriend, to be read
if he did not return from Iraq.
"I don't regret going, everybody dies but few get to do it for something as important as freedom. It may seem confusing why we are in Iraq, it's not to me. I'm here helping these people, so that they can live the way we live. Not have to worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. To do what they want with their lives. To me that is why I died. Others have died for my freedom, now this is my mark."
I have never been in the Marines. I have no idea what that Marine Capt thought that day, or what message he might have wished to leave that he did not get the chance to, but I can tell you that the branch of service I retired from and I believe all others-teach that when you take the oath to defend the United States, you may be called upon to give your life to do so.
The Marine Capt that died here in Panama that day in Dec 1989 gave his life in defense of America, and as a result of the US reaction. Panama is now free again and the person who caused the whole mess sits in an American prison, pretty much in luxury (compared to how he would be treated in Panama). Panama is a small country that can never hope to
field the type of forces required to over throw a corrupt dictator. The message that Americans should remember from that action in 1989 is that
it is very easy for a corrupt dictator to be elected, and very difficult to throw
one out. Other countries are going thru the same agony today, in many cases, supported by ex American Presidents that certify phony elections:
Americans who would never defend their own country, but are quick to defend anyone who is against us, and Americans who won't do anything to stop the illegal aliens who intend to bankrupt and destroy America.
Those of us who are living here that I know feel no need for bunkers.