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Real Name: Chico Esquela Address: 23543 Avenue 56, Ducor, CA Biggest Butler Bldg=>TeePee Ducor, CA 93218 Cell: (esc)uch-enes Date of Birth: December 14, 1945 Member Since: July 31, 2007 Last Signed In: November 17, 2009 Profile Views: 2773 Blog Views: 24337 Are you Eloi or Morlock? 65 MPG Ford -- We Won't See It Here? Know Why? Gustavo -- Is God telling us to ignore the Republican Convention? Could it be a woman will show us the way? Vets for Freedom Ad -- One of the best I've seen....... Who will McCain choose? I just watched the Obama-McCain Saddleback Forum and......... The Obamasiuhhhh........... 10 reasons not to vote for him...... It really IS as simple as THIS............... Swimming & Drooling............ You Gotta LOVE This Dog! July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 http://www.sounddogs.com/pr... 
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A letter from General Petraeus
A Letter to the Troops By David H. Petraeus The Weekly Standard | Monday, December 31, 2007 Editor's Note: On December 28, General David Petraeus, commander of Multi-National Force Iraq, sent the following letter to his troops. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq: As 2007 draws to a close, you should look back with pride on what you, your fellow troopers, our Iraqi partners, and Iraqi Coalition civilians have achieved in 2007. A year ago, Iraq was racked by horrific violence and on the brink of civil war. Now, levels of violence and civilians and military casualties are significantly reduced and hope has been rekindled in many Iraqi communities. To be sure, the progress is reversible and there is much more to be done. Nonetheless, the hard-fought accomplishments of 2007 have been substantial, and I want to thank each of you for the contributions you made to them. In response to the challenges that faced Iraq a year ago, we and our Iraqi partners adopted a new approach. We increased our focus on securing the Iraqi people and, in some cases, delayed transition of tasks to Iraqi forces. Additional U.S. and Georgian forces were deployed to theater, the tours of U.S. unites were extended, and Iraqi forces conducted a surge of their own, generating well over 100,000 more Iraqi police and soldiers during the year so that they, too, had additional forces to execute the new approach. In places like Ramadi, Baqubah, Arab Jabour, and Baghdad, you and our Iraqi brothers fought--often house by house, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood--to wrest sanctuaries away from Al Qaeda-Iraq, to disrupt extremist militia elements, and to rid the streets of mafia-like criminals. Having cleared areas, you worked with Iraqis to retain them--establishing outposts in the areas we were securing, developing Iraqi Security Forces, and empowering locals to help our efforts. This approach has not been easy. It has required steadfastness in the conduct of tough offensive operations, creative solutions to the myriad problems on the ground, and persistence over the course of many months and during countless trying situations. Through it all, you have proven equal to every task, continually demonstrating an impressive ability to conduct combat and stability operations in an exceedingly complex environment. Your accomplishments have given the Iraqi people new confidence and prompted many citizens to reject terror and confront those who practice it. As the months passed in 2007, in fact, the tribal awakening that began in Al Anbar Province spread to other parts of the country. Emboldened by improving security and tired of indiscriminate violence, extremist ideology, oppressive practices, and criminal activity, Iraqis increasingly rejected Al Qaeda-Iraq and rogue militia elements. Over time, the desire of Iraqis to contribute to their own security has manifested itself in citizens volunteering for the police, the Army, and concerned local citizen programs. It has been reflected in citizens providing information that has helped us find far more than double the number of arms and weapons caches we found last year. And it has been apparent in Iraqi communities now supporting their local security forces. As a result of your hard work and that of our Iraqi comrades-in-arms--and with the support of the local populace in many areas--we have seen significant improvements in the security situation. The number of attacks per week is down some 60 percent from a peak in June of this year to a level last seen consistently in the early summer of 2005. With fewer attacks, we are also seeing significantly reduced loss of life. The number of civilian deaths is down by some 75 percent since its height a year ago, dropping to a level not seen since the beginning of 2006. And the number of Coalition losses is down substantially as well. We remain mindful that the past year's progress has been purchased through the sacrifice and selfless service of all those involved and that the new Iraq must still contend with innumerable enemies and obstacles. Al Qaeda-Iraq has been significantly degraded, but it remains capable of horrific bombings. Militia extremists have been disrupted, but they retain influence in many areas. Criminals have been apprehended, but far too many still roam Iraqi streets and intimidate local citizens and Iraqi officials. We and our Iraqi partners will have to deal with each of these challenges in the New Year to keep the situation headed in the right direction. While the progress in a number of areas is fragile, the security improvements have significantly changed the situation in many parts of Iraq. It is now imperative that we take advantage of these improvements by looking beyond the security arena and helping Iraqi military and political leaders as they develop solutions in other areas as well, solutions they can sustain over time. At the tactical level, this means an increasing focus on helping not just Iraqi Security Forces--with whom we must partner in all that we do--but also helping Iraqi governmental organizations as they endeavor to restore basic services, to create employment opportunities, to revitalize local markets, to refurbish schools, to spur local economic activity, and to keep locals involved in contributing to local security. We will have to do all of this, of course, while continuing to draw down our forces, thinning our presence, and gradually handing over responsibilities to our Iraqi partners. Meanwhile, at the national level, we will focus on helping the Iraqi Government integrate local volunteers into the Iraqi Security Forces and other employment, develop greater ministerial capacity and capability, aid displaced persons as they return, and, most importantly, take the all-important political and economic actions needed to exploit the opportunity provided by the gains in the security arena. The pace of progress on important political actions to this point has been slower than Iraqi leaders had hoped. Still, there have been some important steps taken in recent months. Iraq's leaders reached agreement on the Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation with the United States, which lays the groundwork for an enduring relationship between our nations. The United Nations Security Council approved Iraq's request for a final renewal of the resolution that authorizes the Coalition to operate in Iraq. Iraq's leaders passed an important Pension Law that not only extends retirement benefits to Iraqis previously left out but also represents the first of what we hope will be additional measures fostering national reconciliation. And Iraq's leaders have debated at length a second reconciliation-related measure, the Accountability and Justice Bill (the de-Ba'athification Reform Law), as well as the 2008 National Budget, both which likely will be brought up for a vote in early 2008. Even so, all Iraqi participants recognize that much more must be done politically to put their country on an irreversible trajectory to national reconciliation and sustainable economic development. We will, needless to say, work closely with our Embassy teammates to support the Iraq Government as it strives to take advantage of the improved security environment by pursing political and economic progress. The New Year will bring many changes. Substantial force rotations and adjustments already underway will continue. One Army brigade combat team and a Marine Expeditionary Unit have already redeployed without replacement. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Throughout that time, we will continue to adapt to the security situation as it evolves. And in the midst of all the changes, we and our Iraqi partners will strive to maintain the momentum, to press the fight, and to pursue Iraq's enemies relentlessly. Solutions to many of the tough problems will continue to be found at your level, together with local Iraqi leaders and with your Iraqi Security Force partners, in company and battalion areas of operation and in individual neighborhoods an towns. As you and your Iraqi partners turn concepts into reality, additional progress will emerge slowly and fitfully. Over time, we will gradually see fewer bad days and accumulate more good days, good weeks, and good months. The way ahead will not be easy. Inevitably, there will be more tough days and tough weeks. Unforeseen challenges will emerge. And success will require continued hard work, commitment, and initiative from all involved. As we look to the future, however, we should remember how far we have come in the past year. Thanks to the tireless efforts and courageous actions of the Iraqi people, Iraq's political and military leaders, the Iraqi Security Forces, and each of you, a great deal has been achieved in 2007. Thus, as we enter a new year, we and our Iraqi partners will have important accomplishments and a newfound sense of hope on which we can build. As always, all of your leaders, our fellow citizens back home, and I deeply appreciate the dedication, professionalism, commitment, and courage you display on a daily basis. It remains the greatest of honors to serve with each of you in this critical endeavor. Sincerely, David H. Petraeus 59 comments from 12 users
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I wish this guy would run for POTUS
posted by
tkozy
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Talking to yourself again Snoopy? :>)
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:10 PM
you are one of the only people I can think of that would not be edified in any way by what this man has to say were we the only two people left on this rock, I would find it an honor and a privilege to talk to only me posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Chico I must admit what we have running could be put in a pot and it will come out tasting like crap Petraeus Could be the Man to unite us if not Him &nbs p; then lets resurrect Reagan Ronaldo to you buddy posted by
tkozy
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:18 PM
The perfect. Don't need no edification. We be perfect.
I suppose I am in good company.
If it were only you and one women left on this earth. You most likely would indulge in honoring yourself.
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:23 PM
And Chico that remark about my wife and driving or trying to teach her how to drive a redi mix truck She is only 5' and cant reach the pedal's Hell she has trouble driving her 2008 Excape with adjustable pedal's. Ronald'o posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:24 PM
loved me some ronaldo esse ronaldus magnus I have a good friend who has a ranch over in Santa Ynez by Ronnies old place I just wish Mitt and all the pretenders would quit name dropping ronaldo myself posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:29 PM
she could be 6 ft tall and I woulda said the same thing you can't teach your wife to drive ANYTHING! get someone else to do it but them old redi mix trucks? ha! Sometime I'll have ta tell ya about the guy who turned one on when my cohort was inside the "tank" chipping old cement off the "fins" he only hit it for a segundo but it was enough to roll the guy around a bit he came outa there, picked up a ball pean and went a lookin' for that dude of course that guy was long gone. good thing! posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:47 PM
I know Chico I heard about things like that I took the keys out when I went a chipp'in I'll tell you what was worst when the Dam hose broke off the chipper and would chase you around the inside of the drum for ten minutes. Ronald'o posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Chico you ever have the drum turn while you were in it I knock off a big piece of concrete and the dam thing moved about a half turn still cant find the underwear I had on that day.
posted by
nooneisabovethelaw
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Reagan was a phony and history will eventually show what a disaster his presidency really was.
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 01:58 PM
We had a Indian named Bob Jones that would do anything one day he got P'ed @ our boss who's name was Bob Jones too He put more dyamite in the drum that usall and that drum was 5 times bigger he was a crazy In'gin
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:06 PM
No Ron. But after I heard that story I looked around real good fefore I ever climbed in there. I had ta keep 'em runnin' on clean up crew as they had been goin' all day and I had to move 'em after cleanin' so I didn't want to chance they wouldn't fire up. Unless one of the drivers had requested it, I wouldn't usually do much more than power hose off the outside and oil them, check out that everything worked OK and put 'em back on the line for the next morning. I had this big ass compressor and a firehose. I was just a dumb kid but I never got in there unless I had to. I worked with this big cherokee injun mechanic from Sanger (we were in Huron) and one day he told one of the guys who later told me: "man that college kid has turned out to be a double cluthin' gear jammin' sumbitch!" Made me proud! Until one day his Armenian buddy filled my Dad's Buick up with diesel from his service truck. I drove all the way into Huron from job site with blafck smoke a pourin' outa the back and couldn't go over like 20 mph! posted by
TSM
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Reagan was a phony and history will eventually show what a disaster his presidency really was 9/11 showed what a disaster his foreign policy was.
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:14 PM
tsm why hide behind a name come out he/she Ron. posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:17 PM
reagan was no phony noone. I really don't know why you would say that other than shear raw jealousy in its purest drawn butter form. But my Daddy hated Reagan just as you do (of course that came later -- maybe he didn't like Reagan as guv -- but it spoke to how he was oriented) Maybe thats why he beat the $hit out of us kids every Sunday before Mass His hero was JFK He had us a prayin' for that guy every night before bedtime. He fooled around on Momma too Yep, we all have our hero's. Ronnie is one of mine. Always will be. No matter what you say. The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:29 PM
Ron: That Cherokee mechanic's name was John Thomas. Everyone called him big john. He was "only" about 6 ft and 220 but man, he could pick up a Brownie Transmission and walk it over to a service bay, unaided. They had to weigh 400 lbs! One time he took a truck off my "clean-up" line when I told him the power steering was out and it was one of them with the huge wide tires up front for the const site. I couldn't turn it. He laughed and said: "your puss, the driver drove it all damn day. I talked to him when I got on duty." I allowed as he was full of it as a christmas goose and if the guy really told him that and he bought it, I had a big damn cement canal to sell him. He just said "come a little early tomorrow and you'll see" Next evening I got there a bit early and watched this dude drop off his mixer truck.This guy had arms like stove pipes. They had to be 20 inchers! Then I saw Big John just laughing as he picked up another Brownie. Back in those days there weren't weights and steroids....... those guys were just strong! posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:40 PM
We are at a crossroads in this country. I will throw my lot in with guys like this. Those of you that subscribe to the thinking of those who crafted this ad, well...... I guess we shall see. In a few years we will be in a position to say "I told you so" But just like with the kids and now gkids, sometimes that is not very fullfulling............ posted by
TSM
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:46 PM
why hide behind a name come out he/she Are you trolling for a date, you perv? In a few years we will be in a position to say "I told you so" 2007 Toll A Record For U.S. In Iraq Contractor Deaths in Iraq Soar to Record
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Well Chico I have one better This guy was Bob Jones and yes a cherokee He weighted maybe 140 lbs There wasn't a driver in the fleet that said crap to him One day the En'gin was in a drum and it was a hot day Raymond throw a piece of concete @ the drum and the En'gin came out of there and ran his ass down Raymond was 6' 200lbs and a basque and he cow'ed down when the En'gin had a hold of him
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:51 PM
tsm I have always had my pic up you can see what i have put yours up or shut up
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 02:51 PM
haaa! its not the size of the dog in the fight esse! (its how pissed off that injun is -- haha!) know who this is (was)?
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:01 PM
No Chico but &nbs p; one of Him and fifty Liberals in a field I'll take Him always to fight for Liberty
posted by
TSM
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:04 PM
you can see what i have Looks like I was right about you being a perv.
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I see school is out and the boys are here to act like men but hiding behind a name with no pic And you call me perv I think you like my pic and wish i was your daddy by the way your mom will be home soon I'am done posted by
randomfactor
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Petraeus threw his lot in with those who have betrayed us. MoveOn was right.
posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Well Hello Random I thought Chico had put you and Matt down so many times it would take you guys a few months to climb out of your holes. Ronald'oo posted by
randomfactor
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Naw, just had some banking to attend to. I hope *MY* picture meets with your approval. Or should I replace it with another?Wanna see my VW van? . Chico can't put *ANYONE* down from way down in that hole, no matter *HOW* hard he digs. Petraeus left the military to enter politics--but he hasn't the scruples to notify the Pentagon of his decision. posted by
allRED
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Sorry Random I will delete that I didn't mean it
posted by
tkozy
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:33 PM
My Pic.
I am the fourth one from the left.
Or for your right wingers. The first one from the right.
As far as Random. I know his avatar looks like him. I have seen him in person at the coffees for Bloggers.
Can't say the same of either Snoopy or Red.
posted by
randomfactor
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Well, to be honest, it's me on a bad hair day. Which is most days, of course. It's my Driver License photo. The FSM is made in my own image and likeness, after all. . Gotta run some errands before the Big Celebration. (Just so you don't think I've been skeered off.) Second First anniversary tonight (not to be confused with the First Second anniversary last May.) posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:46 PM
someone on here has called someone a perv this someone who four months ago made the wonderfully prescient economic statement that people should buy a house back then as interest rates would "fly through the roof" in the next few months and even if selling prices deteriorated further the savings in interest alone would more than make up the difference. aside from the idiocy of the economic illogic re interest savings on monthly payment vs. selling price (especially given tax considerations), this person was 180 degrees out of phase re the interest rate and RE in general markets. so it is no wonder this person is jealous of Reagan or anyone else who has utilized their economic acumen to enrich themselves in this still mostly free market economy it is precisely because he has none (economic or business acumen that is) posted by
tkozy
on Dec 31, 2007 at 03:51 PM
How to protect the quilt from their crime?
Refer to both the victim and the criminal in the same name.
Why not give the true names of both the Victim and the perpetrator Snoopy. Wouldn't be a breach of Blog ethics. Even if it was. It wouldn't stop you, would it Snoopy? posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 04:04 PM
This person has had me kicked off several times. The person called a perv was obviously Ron. I have different rules I have to adhere to than people like you and the poster in question (RE and Economic genius) posted by
antiextremism
on Dec 31, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Even the best of generals still has a boss. Unfortunately we all know who that is. Look for Petraeus to be another General who says what he really means, once he's out of the service. There may very well be some progress in Iraq, probably because we are putting up walls and US troops are doing most of the policing. But since this was the deadliest year yet, there is a long way to go before Iraq will be able to manage themselves. Good luck to the General, and Godspeed to all the military men and women. posted by
NancyII
on Dec 31, 2007 at 04:43 PM
At the risk of stepping on toes here, I have to say that no one "gets people kicked off" except that person themselves. As I understand it, Jason notifies the alleged offender and lets them know their posting is unacceptable. If people continue posting in that unacceptable way, then he or she is responsible for results of that action. We may not like all the rules but rules they are, and this site belongs to TBC and not us. I've been guilty of railing at the powers that be for different reasons but ultimately, they have the say so. Lately it really has gone downhill as far as school boy talk. We've had battles here with tempers flaring but that's not what's going on....it's getting silly. I will ignore, to the best of my ability, the slings, arrows, and childish name calling and hopefully, will only respond to posts where people want to have an honest debate..or conversation. Joking around is fine but lately it's gotten old. Really old. Back to the "kicking off thing. Jason checks these blogs and although he hopes people will help him police the site, he is still able to read and capable of suspending all on his own. Tossing slurs around like "mamas boy, grow up, are things we said in high school and one would hope, something we left behind. Bravado and chest thumping isn't really very attractive either. I'm also hoping in the New Year you folks will have gotten all the garbage out of their system and can get back to heated discussions using the intelligence I know you all have. We have a smart bunch of cookies in this cookie tin, I'd like to see you guys use more of that. I'll be here keeping the home fires burning tonight.... You folks all have a safe and sane and HAPPY NEW YEAR! posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 04:51 PM
and you obviously can change my name, call me whatever you want tkozy because they feel sorry for you must be nice? posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Dec 31, 2007 at 05:06 PM
where the heck did you get that avatar? its a crack up! posted by
NancyII
on Dec 31, 2007 at 05:09 PM
I dunno Murph..we had Dallas, remember? So far I don't think anyone here has gotten that bad. He even threatened Audrey.
posted by
NancyII
on Dec 31, 2007 at 05:11 PM
I think that avatar was made from a picture of me at my keyboard..more than once over the years too. I still have letter imprints on my forehead from it. :-)
posted by
Katatak
on Dec 31, 2007 at 05:45 PM
General Petraeus deserves credit and hopefully this trend will help the Iraqi government to solidify with a semblance of fairness to the differing groups.
posted by
Oenghus
on Dec 31, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Obviously the person who was so crude in his remarks toward President Reagan knows little or nothing of history. That's too bad,.. but if what they say about ignorance being bliss is true, he must be an EXTREMELY happy camper.
posted by
randomfactor
on Dec 31, 2007 at 06:57 PM
What, that Reagan was a mediocre president whose reputation was saved by those who later occupied the office and his signing the biggest tax-increase in history (well, up until Shrub.)
posted by
Neverleft
on Dec 31, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Reagan, one of the best Presidents we ever had. Had a lot of cleanup to do after the peanut farmer almost destroyed the country;
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Chico this looks good
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:03 AM
Random try this on for size
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:05 AM
Nancy this fits you like a bell hope you dont mind
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:07 AM
Audrey and Dusty
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:12 AM
Mattloch
posted by
allRED
on Jan 1, 2008 at 05:22 AM
Kat
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