ABSOLUTE WAR (1944)
General George S. Patton
Now in war we are confronted with conditions which are strange.
If we accept them we will never win.
Since by being realistic, as in mundane combats fistic,
We will get a bloody nose and that’s a sin.
To avoid such fell disaster, the result of fighting faster,
We resort to fighting carefully and slow.
We fill up terrestrial spaces with secure expensive bases
To keep our tax rate high and death rate low.
But with sadness and with sorrow we discover to our horror
That while we build, the enemy gets set.
So despite our fine intentions to produce extensive pensions
We haven’t licked the dirty bastard yet.
For in war just as in loving, you must always keep on shoving
Or you’ll never get your just reward.
For if you are dilatory in the search for lust and glory
You are up sh*t creek and that’s the truth, Oh! Lord.
So let us do real fighting, boring in and gouging, biting.
Let’s take a chance now that we have the ball.
Let’s forget those fine firm bases in the dreary shell raked spaces.
Let’s shoot the works and win! Yes, win it all!
May this Nation never forget: Freedom is obtained through military victory. God bless all the brave men and women that have and continue to serve in the military.
Greg Swann says:
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
November 11, 2008 — 5:59 pm
Brian Brady says:
On my flight home Sunday. I shared the plane with a Navy Lt., on the PHX 2 SAN leg. He spent 40 minutes telling me what Patton said in his last stanza.
Let these kids come home WITH HONOR. Their lost comrades deserve nothing less for their sacrifice.
November 12, 2008 — 1:09 am
George says:
I hope Obama gives respectful war ending to the ones who gave their lives.
November 12, 2008 — 5:27 am
Dave says:
Yes, Lets start now to reclaim our honor – by being honest with ourselves and the world, we started a war on false pretenses and had no business doing so.
We owe much to our soldiers who have given so much even while led by incompetent and dishonest leaders. When are we going to hold this group responsible for their misdeeds and law breaking? It is heartbreaking to know how many paid the ultimate price while those responsible hide behind patriotism and so far have not been held to account for their misdeeds.
November 12, 2008 — 7:07 am
Jahid says:
Thank you America for saving my uncle and my brother in Tikrit. Thank you very much.
November 12, 2008 — 8:22 am