Regular Rambo!

As I said in my previous post, I would follow up with further details on Iraq war strategy, so here is a quote form JohnMcCain.com on Iraq.

Bolster Troops on the Ground

A greater military commitment now is necessary if we are to achieve long-term success in Iraq. John McCain agrees with retired Army General Jack Keane that there are simply not enough American forces in Iraq. More troops are necessary to clear and hold insurgent strongholds; to provide security for rebuilding local institutions and economies; to halt sectarian violence in Baghdad and disarm Sunni and Shia militias; to dismantle al Qaeda; to train the Iraqi Army; and to embed American personnel in Iraqi police units. Accomplishing each of these goals will require more troops and is a crucial prerequisite for needed economic and political development in the country. America’s ultimate strategy is to give Iraqis the capabilities to govern and secure their own country.

Implement New Counterinsurgency Strategy

For most of the occupation, military strategy has focused on securing all of Iraq by establishing bases and conducting short operations from them. Ultimately, this secured only small areas of the country. John McCain believes the current force structure and power vacuum persisting in many areas of the country demands a more robust counterinsurgency strategy. Iraqi and American forces must not only use force to clear areas occupied by insurgents but to stay and hold these areas to deny them as a base for insurgent forces and allow economic and political development to occur in a secure environment. By emphasizing safety of the local population, this strategy will create strongholds in which insurgents find it difficult to operate.
Building a capable Iraqi army is a central requirement for ensuring Iraq’s ability to govern and protect itself long after American forces have withdrawn. The U.S. must accelerate the training and equipping of Iraqi armed forces and police to enable them to play a key role in securing Iraq. Only in a secure environment will the development of Iraq’s political and economic institutions have a chance to succeed. Ultimately, Iraq’s future lies in the hands of its people, government, and armed forces, and strengthening them is an essential requirement for bringing U.S. troops home from Iraq. Until Iraqi forces are ready, however, a precipitous U.S. withdrawal would condemn Iraq to civil war and intervention by its neighbors and energize al Qaeda and other jihadists across the globe. This would gravely jeopardize American security.

Create the security necessary for political progress and stability

John McCain believes that only by controlling the violence in Iraq can we pave the way for a political settlement. But once the Iraqi government wields greater authority, it will be incumbent upon Iraqi leaders to take significant steps on their own. These include a commitment to go after the militias, a reconciliation process for insurgents and Baathists, more equitable distribution of government resources, provincial elections that will bring Sunnis into the government, and a large increase in employment-generating economic projects.

Accelerate political and economic reconstruction in a secure environment

While it is crucial to focus military efforts on insurgents, particularly against Sunni fighters using violence to strengthen their political position, John McCain believes there must be a greater emphasis on non-military components promoting economic development and representative, accountable governance.

In territories newly secured by the “clear, hold, and build” counterinsurgency strategy, many of the critical steps to succeeding in Iraq can begin to be implemented. Massive reconstruction can go forward without overwhelming fear of attack and sabotage. A substantial employment program can begin to give hope and opportunity to Iraqi citizens. Political meetings and campaigning can take place more freely. Average Iraqis will be more secure as militias and terrorists are reigned in and violence reduced. All of this will help civil society to emerge and deepen.

“In Iraq our national security interests and our national values converge. Iraq is truly the test of a generation, for America and for our role in the world. Faced with similar challenges, previous generations of Americans have passed such tests with honor. It is now our turn to demonstrate that our power, ennobled by our principles, is the greatest force for good on earth today. Iraq’s transformation into a secure democracy and a force for freedom in the greater Middle East is the calling of our age. We can succeed.”

-Senator John McCain

Iraqis need to see tangible improvements in their daily lives or support for the new government will falter. Sunnis need to know that if they abandon violence they will have a role in the political process, and the Shia need to know that security will be provided by coalition and government forces - not by private militias. Kurds need assurance that their gains will not be jeopardized by sectarian violence. All Iraqis must be able to look forward to a future of growing security and prosperity overseen by a competent, representative government free of corruption and sectarian conflict.

Keep Senior Officers in Place

The Pentagon has adopted a policy of rotating our generals in and out of Iraq almost as frequently as the rotating of troops. John McCain believes this to be a deeply flawed practice. If these are, in fact, the best leaders for the task, they should remain on the job as long as possible. These generals and other senior officers with experience possess critical situational awareness and expertise necessary to prevail.

Call for International Pressure on Syria and Iran

John McCain believes Syria and Iran have aided and abetted the violence in Iraq for too long. Syria has refused to crack down on Iraqi insurgents and foreign terrorists operating from within its territory. Iran has aided the most extreme and violent Shia militias, providing them with training, weapons, and technology that they have used to kill American troops.

The answer is not to enter into unconditional dialogues with these two dictatorships from a position of weakness. The answer is for the international community to apply real pressure to Syria and Iran to change their behavior. The United States must also bolster its regional military posture to make clear to Iran our determination to protect our forces in Iraq and to deter Iranian intervention in that country.

Win the Home-front

If efforts in Iraq do not retain the support of the American people, the war will be lost as soundly as if our forces were defeated in battle. A renewed effort at home starts with explaining precisely what is at stake in this war to ensure that Americans fully understand the high cost of a military defeat. The war in Iraq is at a crossroads and the future of the entire region is at stake - a region that produced the terrorists who attacked America on 9/11 and where much of the world’s energy supplies are located. Success is essential to creating peace in the region, and failure would expose the United States to national security threats for generations. Defeat in the war would lead to much more violence in Iraq, greatly embolden Iran, undermine U.S. allies such as Israel, likely lead to wider conflict, result in a terrorist safe haven in the heart of the Middle East, and gravely damage U.S. credibility throughout the world.

The American people also deserve to know that the path ahead will be long and difficult. They have heard many times that the violence in Iraq will subside soon - when a transitional government is in place, when Saddam is captured, when elections are held, when a constitution is in place. John McCain believes it is far better to describe the situation just as it is - difficult right now, but not without hope. The stakes for America could not be higher.

John McCain on Leadership

“Increasing U.S. troop levels will expose more brave Americans to danger and increase the number of American casualties. When Congress authorized this war, we committed America to a mission that entails the greatest sacrifice a country can make, one that falls disproportionately on those Americans who love their country so much that they volunteer to risk their lives to accomplish that mission. And when we authorized this war, we accepted the responsibility to make sure those men and women could prevail. Extending combat tours and accelerating the deployment of additional troops is a terrible sacrifice to impose on the best patriots among us, and they will understandably be disappointed when they are given that order. Then they will shoulder their weapons and do everything they can to protect our country’s vital interests in Iraq.”

- Senator John McCain

Up until this point, I have avoided the subject of politics in this blog.  Not because the subject is taboo in my eyes, but because there are simply to many political blogs already, and I feel that I couldn’t possibly have anything to say on the subject that hasn’t already been said better by someone else.  However, the time has come for me to endorse a candidate for this years presidential election.

All of the major candidates have merits to be considered, so before I chose a candidate, I first had to take a careful, introspective, look at myself.  I had to examine the way I feel on various political issues, and why I feel that way.  Only after a careful inventory of how I really feel about things, could I begin the process of choosing a candidate I felt best represents my own views.

This candidate is John McCain.  I feel that John McCain, first and foremost, is a true patriot, who has served this country well in a time of need.  He is also an experienced combat veteran, and military officer, who will make a strong commander in chief in this time of danger.  He has the respect of this nations military, and he will look after the interests of our men and women in uniform as well.

I also feel he has the experience to be an effective president.  He knows Washington.  He knows the people there.  He knows who he can trust, and who he can go to to get things done, and how to make things happen in our government.

John McCain represents fiscal responsibility on the part of the government.  He will not tax us into oblivion, nor will he spend our hard earned dollars wastefully.  He will not use my tax dollars to bail out irresponsible lenders and borrowers.

Above all thees other reasons, the primary reason why I am voting for John McCain is, I simply cannot support a candidate who wants to pull out of Iraq at this critical juncture.  I feel this would be a tragic mistake, causing irreparable harm to this nation, and the world as a whole.  I know this is an unpopular war, but we need to win it.  Now is not the time to turn tail and run.   I would love to go on, and get into more detail about this critical subject, but I am afraid I must save that for my next post.  Let me just say that those of you who are crying for us to leave Iraq immediately need to take a long hard look at the facts.  More on that tomorrow…

To whom it may concern, my 25th birthday is rapidly approaching. I asked off work for this day, which is April 18th.  I didn’t ask off because I am particularly excited about turning 25, but my birthday falls on a Friday, and I could use a long weekend to recuperate from the rigors inflicted upon me by my evil employer.

I will be spending the week following my birthday at my best friend Steve’s house, dog-sitting for him, while he and his fiancee are on a trip to meet her biological father.   This will serve as kind of a mini vacation for Rachel and I, A chance to have a whole house to ourselves for a few days, even though I will be working most of those evenings.

I have updated my About Mepage, and will periodically be adding items to my wish-list in the days leading up to my birthday.  Feel free to use that as a guideline for any gifts as you see fit, but by all means, do not feel obligated to purchase a gift for me, or even wish me a happy birthday, as I am not entirely sure I will want to be reminded.

This evening, after returning home from work, and settling in on my couch to watch the news, I was shocked to see a story about the Shank family from Missouri, and there legal battles with Wal-Mart, who is forcing her to repay $470,000 in medical expenses they covered for her after a tragic accident.  To make matters worse,  her son just died serving our country in Iraq, and she has no memory due to her brain damage, so every time she hears about it, it’s like the first time all over again.

You can read more about this story in STLtoday.

I have decided that as a result of this, I can no longer, in good conscious, do business with Wal-Mart.  I also would like to take this opportunity to inform all my family, friends, and blog readers of this story, and ask them to join me in my boycott of Wal-Mart.  I will also be asking my business partners to end our affiliation with the retail chain.

I have drafted a letter which I intend on sending to the Wal-Mart corporate office.  I attempted to send it to them via email this evening, but there contacts page did not list any actual email or physical address.  It had a form that I could fill out and submit, but it limited me to 500 words, so I was unable to submit my letter.  Upon calling Wal-Mart’s ethics hot-line at 1-800-963-8442, but they were unable to provide me with a place to address my letter, and referred me to there customer service number which was closed for the evening, so I will have to call them tomorrow at 1-800-925-6278.  I will post any contact information I obtain, in hopes that some of my readers will also send letters expressing your outrage at this incident.  I encourage you to be polite enough in your letters that they won’t be ignored or taken personal as an insult, but be firm in expressing your disapproval with this situation, and clearly state your intentions to no longer do business with Wal-Mart as a direct result of there inappropriate actions.  I have posted my letter bellow as well.

Dear Wal-Mart Management, 

My Name Is Devin J. Garman and I have been a loyal Wal-Mart customer for many years, as well as a former employee of both Wal-Mart and Sam’s club.  I even did my 8th grade American Businessman project on Mr. Sam Walton, who I have greatly admired.  I am very happy for the jobs that Wal-Mart has brought to my community.

However, I am thoroughly disgusted and outraged at the recent reports that have come to my attention regarding Mrs. Debbie Shank, a member of the Wal-Mart family who suffered a tragic accident, and is now in dire financial straights.  It has come to my attention that Wal-Mart has sued the shank family, and succeeded in a reprehensible attempt to collect $470,000 from the Shank family, during there darkest hour of grieving.  I am further angered by the fact that this come just six days before the death of her son while serving our country in Iraq, and defending your right to make over 11 billion dollars a year in profits, and using the fine print in your legal documents to devastate a hard working member of the Wal-Mart family.

As a United States Military veteran, I find this particularly disgusting.  I believe Mr. Sam Walton would be rolling in his grave.  As a result of this terrible news, it is my sincere regret to inform you that I will no longer be shopping in Wal-Mart stores, and I will be informing many family, friends, and coworkers of this incident and encourage them not to shop in your stores either.  I will also be posting a message about this incident on my blog, and I will be asking my business partners to end there advertising relationship with Wal-Mart.  I realize that your legal department may be concerned about setting a bad precedent by making an exception to your written policies, but you have the chance to be the heroes for this family, and would have been seen as such in the media.  I do hope you come to your senses.

 Sincerely,
Devin J. Garman

Okay, first and foremost, I want to make a pledge to myself to post more regularly on this blog.  Daily if at all passable.  I just haven’t been keeping up with this lately like I would like to.  I have been to absorbed in playing video games and such.

Now for an update on work.  Last week I was sent home early one more day, but as of Friday, they started giving us our hours back, and as of Monday they called most people back from layoff, although some would not return.  I had submitted my resume to a few employers on Monster.com in the meantime, but most of the offers I have received thus far have been less than tempting.

Now on to more fun matters, this weeks fantasy NASCAR picks:

Jeff Gordan
Dale Earnhardt. Jr.
Kyle Busch
Brian Vickers

P.S….   When I was proofreading this post I discovered, ironically, that the word blog is not recognized by the wordpress spell checker.  Nor is the word “wordpress”.

I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt.  I tried to continue to work diligently, and be a good employee despite all the shit that has been going on at work.  But ultimately, management could care less.

Today, I showed up for work, worked two hours, and then was sent home, and stripped of my attendance bonus for the remainder of this pay period. This was all done despite the fact that I have never had any attendance problems, and have consistently exceeded my sales goals.  Yesterday I had 5 sales, putting me at 15% conversion, which is currently 4% over the group average.  Today, in the two hours I was there I had two more sales.

Despite all this, those assholes had the nerve to send me home, and fuck with my paycheck.  Needless to say, I am livid.  I am updating my resume tonight, and taking a look at job listings on Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and Yahoo! Hot Jobs.

Today I went in to work to find a skeleton crew remaining to man the office.  Many of my supervisors were now doing more shifts on the phone to help make up for the reps that got laid off.  I was also kept quite busy, and ended my day with 5 sales. 

At one point during my day at work I was called into a meeting where I was informed that one of my companies 4 offices would soon be closing, and that we are basically in competition with our other offices as to which of us get to stay open.  The office than puts up the worst numbers gets closed.

I was also informed that if you fail to make a sale during your work day, you will be suspended for the next day, and lose all your bonuses for that pay period.  I haven’t had a day without sales thus far, however I am not pleased by the fact that one bad day could cost me so dearly.  I think if that happens to me I am likely to start looking for jobs elsewhere.  We shall see how it goes.

The company I work for, Intermedia Marketing Solutions, laid off around 300 people today.  About 40 of those people where from my office, leaving us with around 25 people in my office.  Fortunately for me, I was not one of those people.

Seniority seemed to have not been a consideration in who was chosen for the layoff, as I have only been there for about three weeks, and others who have been with the company for much longer have been laid off.  The vast majority of my training class was laid off as well.  I suspect the company has had its hours cut by our key client, Verizon, after attendance problems have caused us to fall short of our committed number of phone hours.  This is why, it seems, that employees with histories of attendance problems seem most likely to have been chosen to be laid off.

I am thankful that I have had perfect attendance thus far.  I also have hit all my sales quotas, and have been quick to learn the job.  I feel that customer service is a career specialty of mine, and that I can continue to excel in this field.

I look at today’s events as both a challenge and an opportunity.  On one hand, lay offs like this raise serious concerns about my job security, and I will be keeping a close eye on the job market.  It also means that my work load will now increase, as the remaining reps will be expected to carry the load for the reps that have been laid off.  Unfortunately, I can’t realistically expect to receive any extra compensation for this increased work load, although I have considered drafting a letter, to be submitted after my 90 day probationary period has been completed, asking for a reasonable cost of living increase.

On the bright side, having fewer reps in the office does open up a few potential opportunities for the enterprising individual.  For one thing, I can expect to get more sales per week, do to the extra call volume I will be handling, statistically speaking of course.  Also, I feel that having fewer reps in the office reduces my competition for any opportunities for advancement that may become available, and you can be sure that I will be waiting to pounce on any such opportunities.

In conclusion, I feel that this day marks a time of uncertainty, excitement, and opportunity for me.  My condolences are certainly with those who lost there jobs today, but I simply can not afford to dwell on such thoughts.  I hope you all had a happy St. Patrick’s day.  Erin go bragh!

My work week is finally over.  It is time for me to relax and enjoy my weekend.  This week also marks the end of a two week pay period, when our commissions and bonuses are calculated.  I feel like I did fairly well.  Hopefully my paycheck will reflect that feeling.

I am also sad to note the passing of Gary Gygax last week.  Gary Gygax was best known as the creator of the Dungeons & Dragons game, and an inspiration to players and dungeon masters everywhere.  He will be sorely missed by us all.

I am currently awaiting the release of the 4th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook, scheduled for this May.  I have been playing 3rd edition since it’s release, and am anxious to see the new game.  I am curious as to how well it will fare in the market.  I hope that wizards has done a good job with this new edition, and achieves there goal of attracting a new generation of players without alienating there core fan base, and ruining the game.  I will post a review of each 4th edition core rule book shortly after they are released.

Unfortunately, due to my lack of internet access for the last two races, I was unable to update my picks.  Still, my team raced on without me. I now have 1,063 fantasy points, placing me in the 66th percentile overall on Yahoo!  The current leader has 1,405 points.  This week I am back in full force, and ready for some short track racing at Bristol.  Here are my drivers for this week.

Kevin Harvick
Greg Biffle
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Jarrett

Check back to see how I do!