I apologize for this off topic comment but it's the only site I feel I'll get an honest answer simply because you've been there.

I watched "Hardball" last night. Matthews had a segment on the Air Force Academy and the proseletizing that's going on. The minister who was "removed" from her post for attempting to change the situation was there along with a graduate who's 2 sons also went there. He was very articulate, mentioned the name calling (he's Jewish) and the pressure to become an evangelical. Without going into more detail, can someone on this board tell me if there is a lot of pressure generally, in the military,
to "become born again"?

I've seen news clips showing groups of troops praying in Iraq. Nothing at all wrong with that, if it's voluntary. Can you shed any light on this for me? It will be appreciated. The latest picture that makes me question what's going on was that of the words on the tank in Iraq that said "new testement." Apparently the pic was on government web site for days before it was finally removed because of complaints.

I don't mean to sound anti-religious which I'm not, however I'm really concerned about what's going on in the bush government, really concerned.

Thanks for responding.

I spent 20+ years in the Air Force and retired in February this year. In all that time I wasn't subjected to much until the last 4 or 5 years. It wasn't until then that the proseletizing really started to become more prevalent. When I was working on the details of my retirement ceremony I was asked which Chaplain I wanted to lead the prayers. I said I didn't want one, which immediately met with "you have to have one". I asked where in the regs it said that it was required. Of course there is no reg stating that but I was badgered up until my ceremony to have one. That's just one story I could tell, but there are many others about similar situations.

Thanks so much for responding. Since I asked my question I was sent a link from "Truthout" (link below) who provides a link to an article in Harpers magazine about "America's Most Powerful Megachurch" which is located in Colorado Springs. I'm providing the link. It prints out at 10 pages long but worth the read if you're interested. In mind at least it's a pretty terrifying picture when I connect all the dots. The article has meaning for me because the head of the organization was on Chris Matthews show defending against the minister who was transferred because of complaining about the tactics the religious right is using at the academy. (I hope you caught the show). http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/052805A.shtml
Again, thanks for responding.

Sgt Schultz -

I strongly suggest you contact JoFish (our resident host & C.O. here), and pass along some further skinny.

I spent 15 years in the Marines & National Guard, and during my service - religion and politics were never an issue.

I'm interested to see where the corner was turned, and how it was accomplished.

Semper FI

It's Memorial Day, so I thought I'd drop you a note to thank you for your service.

You and your family have a special place in my prayers today.

Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your dedication to our society. Thank you for fighting for rights to blog and speak freely.

Thank you.

Killian doc per USA Today.

If these are for real-prosecute, if they're not- find who leaked this from the Whitehouse and would be guilty of falsifying federal doucments.

To all those who have/are serving America, thanks!
PS- Steve nash is fun to watch play ball, win or lose!

1. Timely
   
2. Strategery
   
3. Webb wins
   
4. Huh?
   
5. Bunnypants in Bagdad
   
6. Outage
   
7. Filthy Lucre Watch
   
8. Playing the numbers
   
9. My letter to Countdown
   
10. Jefferson's Nigerian Scams