Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mallory's Speech: The War in Iraq

Mallory wrote and gave this speech today to her school. I thought it was great and thought you'd enjoy reading her point of view.

The War in Iraq
Mallory Straus B4

Good afternoon, my dear patriots.

Just this last week our country recognized its six-year anniversary of the Iraq War on March 20. Right now we have a total of 142,000 US troops over there fighting for national freedom. This fight is NOT without a cause.

For these past six years the media has attempted to convince us that it’s pointless for us to be in Iraq and that nothing is being accomplished. Their false opinions have poisoned the minds of millions of Americans and turned them against our president. Who here is sick to death of hearing people dis on Bush? I know I am! How many of you really know the reason for the start of this war?

Prior to the war, the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Spain claimed that Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction posed an imminent threat to the securities of their countries and to their allies. Saddam Hussein’s reign of terror over the Iraqi people was growing stronger every day. They lived in a time of unrest. Hussein and Iraq were not only a danger to Iraq itself, but a grave potential threat to the United States and to peace and security in the Middle East region. Bush did what any concerned and intelligent president would do by sending our troops! We’re talking about weapons of mass destruction here, weapons that could wipe out entire cities of our friends and families here in America!

The military goals were to end the Hussein regime, eliminate weapons of mass destruction, distribute humanitarian aid, assist in creating a Democratic government as a model for other Middle East nations, and ultimately protect our great country from any future threats. In the words of George W. Bush, “We will meet our threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities”.

March 20, 2003 marked the initiation of Operation Iraqi Freedom. But not just the freedom of Iraq; the liberation from the threat to OUR freedom. On December 13, 2003, we succeeded in capturing Saddam Hussein, eliminating another dangerous menace threatening our country. My fellow citizens, the war has not been for nothing!

George Bush was courageous in protecting America from these omens by inducting the Iraq War. “The Iraqi war was necessary after years of failed diplomacy,” were the words of John McCain one year after the invasion of Iraq. President Bush set an example for any leader: look to the future, predict, and make sacrifices in order to preserve the peace and protection for the ones you watch over. Good Americans, I believe he did what any good president would do. This war was not just for the Middle East or the Iraqi people. It was for the protection of not only our foreign brethren. It was for the protection of America, and it was for YOU!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Ding & Dang Canyons: The San Rafael Swell 3/21/09

Here is the whole group in Ding Canyon. (L-R) George Pierce (AKA Papa Georgio), Wyatt, Chris Busby, Mallory, Jon Garry and Jen.



We stopped at Goblin Valley to eat lunch before hitting the trail.



A perfect day for a hike, sunny and in the 60's.





George and Wyatt, best friends.



The approach to the canyons, a one mile hike through the desert in a dry wash.



Teen spirit and chaperone, Jon Garry.



More best friends, Chris and Mallory.



Mal got sand in her eyes from a gust of wind. Looks like they're feuding.



Ding Canyon was all about the ascent.



Jon Garry in the narrows.





At the top of Ding Canyon.



Now into Dang Canyon. Down-climbs the whole way.



Wyatt in a dry fall.



Checking out the different rocks is one of the neat part of these canyons.



Angry hikers!





Jon Garry shows his canyon skills.





We even used a rope at one point.



This hike takes about 3.5 - 4 hours. The total hike is around 6.5 miles including a 1 mile approach to the canyons. It's a 3 hour drive each way. The San Rafael Swell is located in lower to mid-central Utah.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Close Up Photo for Mom



Does this photo work?
It's of Jon and me from skiing yesterday. :o)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Fitness Boot Camp



I did it, I joined. It's the hardest work I've ever done. Super sweat!
The photo above is the work out studio where I go every MWF at 6am with about 11 others. The other days of the week we are doing cardio at home.

My trainer is awesome and his name is Mat. He writes a fitness blog and it's very good! Check it out, maybe you'll learn something new or be inspired.

I signed up for 12 weeks and am almost done with week #2.