Monthly Archives: February 2008

America the Illiterate

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Over the last couple pf years, I have been spending a lot of time teaching, perhaps "trying to teach" might be more adequate an expression.  I never liked teaching particularly.  I was twice named best classroom teacher of the year … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | 50 Comments

The emperor has spoken

Posted on February 17, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

"We’ve been plenty active on these issues, and we’ll continue to be active on these issues because they’re important issues for the U.S. security and for our interests," Bush said after landing in the tiny coastal country of Benin. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 13 Comments

“The Psychology of Killing” by Colonel Dan Smith

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Close In or Far Away? The Psychology of Killing By Col. DAN SMITH There will one day spring from the brain of science a machine or force so fearful in its potentialities, so absolutely terrifying, that even man, the fighter, … Continue reading →

Posted in The Military Art | 17 Comments

On Virginians and troop withdrawals

Posted on February 12, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Well, my fellow Virginians have managed to deliver another confusing message to the national electorate and media.  On the one hand we want some particular thing and on the other hand we want something different.  We don’t pigeon hole well.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, The Military Art | 18 Comments

Jeff Stein on Continuing Incompetence

Posted on February 12, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

"Anyone who’s spent time in uniform will recognize the stories that A.J. Rossmiller tells in “Still Broken: A Recruit’s Inside Account of Intelligence Failures, From Baghdad to the Pentagon.” Like the Army field hospital so authentically portrayed in M*A*S*H, Rossmiller’s … Continue reading →

Posted in The Military Art | 15 Comments

Too much work

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

I must say that I am sorry that the press of my commitments have prevented me from posting as often as I would have wished.  I thank my friends for their contributions.  pl

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 2 Comments

Habakkuk on Strauss

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Agnes Deigh, Sidney Smith. On Strauss, there are two very good pieces by Scott Horton. One published back in 2006, is entitled ‘The Letter’ — the subheadline reads: ‘Was Leo Strauss democracy’s best friend? In a letter written at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 21 Comments

“There and Back Again”

Posted on February 8, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

For those interested, my wife, a friend and I voyaged to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and various parts of the West Bank of Palestine. We stayed in Jerusalem at my favorite hotel in all the world.  This is the "American Colony."  We … Continue reading →

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 18 Comments

We wuzn’t fooled, or something…

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

I have been puzzling for some time over the issue of how the Army’s leadership deals psychologically with having: – Forgotten after Vietnam everything that we had learned the hard way about irregular/counterinsurgency warfare. – Justified to itself its extremely … Continue reading →

Posted in The Military Art | 40 Comments

Guest Posts

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

All I am still on the road for a few more days.  I will welcome submissions that I could post from out here in the mysterious East.  pl

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 6 Comments