The Opinionator

Got Milk?

The irony of Perez Hilton getting punched out for a gay slur is thick and delicious like a piece of rich chocolate cake. Got milk?

The White House Social Calendar For The Remainder Of 2009

The State Department will be hosting Iranian diplomats for a 4th of July BBQ. If you think that the current killings, beatings and oppression of protesters gave them pause, think again,

“There’s no thought to rescinding the invitations to Iranian diplomats,” State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.

The administration will continue engaging dictators and thugs for the remainder of the year, beginning this week with "Uigher Uieek" (thanks Mark Steyn). The rest of the year as follows:

• Labor Day: Robert Mugabe and Slobodan Milosevic.
• Columbus Day: Hugo Chavez.
• Thanksgiving: Li Peng.
• Christmas: Fidel Castro.
• New Year's: Jimmy Carter.

Looks like fun times, eh?

(H/T): Hot Air.

Life Is Good

The view from the American Tobacco Trail. Today's ride is awesome!

D-Day; 65 Years Ago Today

On this day 65 years ago, the Allies invaded Normandy and it was the beginning of the end for Hitler and Nazi Germany. The heroism and sacrifice shown that day stands as an example for all time. The US Army has a video here. Go watch it and reflect on those great men that stormed a hostile shore for freedom.

The Funniest Comments Section, EVAH!!

Ace of Spades now has the distinction of having the funniest comment section I have ever seen. Go here and scroll down to #104 where troll Palin Steele conflates Captain America and Barack Obama. Hilarity ensues! You do not want to have a beverage in hand while reading this and you should be warned that there are plenty of bad words but...it is still one of th efunniest things I have read recently. Ace's commenters are a group of profane PJ O'Rourkes!

67th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

The US Navy engaged the Japanese from June 4-7, 1942 in what was a decisive victory over the Japanese that put them on defensive for the rest of the war. In short, it was a battle that changed the course of the war and one of the great naval triumphs in history. The US had great intelligence, excellent commanders and the unbelievable heroism of her fighting men. In the end, four Japanese aircraft carriers were sunk against the loss of the USS Yorktown. And the Japanese were turned back. From that point onward, it was the allies, primarily the US, that had the initiative. Hard fighting remained but the Battle of Midway was a decisive blow from which the Japanese never recovered.

An excerpt from the excellent post at the USNI blog,

Until 1019 on the morning of 4/5 June 1942, things had gone badly for the US and its allies. With few exceptions, the Allies were fighting a losing battle in the Pacific. Indeed, as events unfolded that morning, it appeared as if the rout was on. The attacks by land-based air forces from Midway had utterly failed culminating in the loss of many aircraft. The strikes by the torpedo aircraft were decimated - an entire squadron of TBDs shot down with only a sole survivor to claim witness. An entire air group missed the Japanese carriers and the battle altogether and of the remaining forces, they were scattered and disorganized. The future was looking grim. At 1019, Hiryu’s senior lookout shouted he had spotted dive bombers attacking Kaga from overhead. Despite being thrown into a hard turn, Kaga was struck by a 500 lb bomb and then successive strikes utterly crushed her…

Be sure to go to their blog and read their entry and follow throughout the series on the battle. (H/T: Ace)

67th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway: 4/5 June - Forces Engaged | USNI Blog