Of Steak and Lobsters

     The news cycle is dizzying.  There are so many topics on which to opine that it can be difficult choosing which one.  Most of my opinions can be refuted by others who, while wrong, at least demonstrate they possess some cognitive awareness.

"I don't recall that ever happening."

    Some viewpoints are so absurd, though, that they defy all logic.  To the point where I can't believe sentient humans hold them. 

For instance, some people actually
believe this belongs in women's locker rooms.

    However, I maintain that there are many sides to this question or that.  And I enjoy respectful debate.

Or otherwise.

    Then, there's the latest outrage.  Paul Begala, former advisor to Bill Clinton and traffic cone on CNN is, sadly, not alone in thinking  taxpayers' money is being wasted on frivolous luxuries. 

"That's my job!"

Paul Begala is weapons grade stupid.

     Too many people share this muppet's opinion.

    If you've never been in the military, you may think that the Secretary of War, Defense, Whatever, Pete Hegseth just decided to spend millions of dollars on things such as lobster tails and steak.  

    While I sincerely hope your delusion doesn't lead you to the conclusion that Hegseth is wolfing down on these luxury items himself, 

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

the brain dead among you would think this is a lavish, new way to bribe troops.

     For the ignorant (NOT NECESSARILY stupid) out there:

    In May, 1977, I was a crewmember aboard USS America (some of you may know this if not both of you).  During that time, it was not uncommon for the mess decks to offer lobster tails and/or steak on special occasions.  Some of these "special occasions" included announcements from the Captain that our time at sea would be extended.

Not saying the food was bad, but I got food poisoning
when we were overseas during Christmas, 1977. 
Where I was left horribly disfigured. 
Okay, that part's not true.

    My point is that appearance of these delicacies (which were sometimes, frankly, horrendous) quickly became a joke among the crew.

If you think this is luxurious, let me show you a submarine.

    "Hey, we'll be back in Norfolk in only a week!  Isn't that great?  I can't wait to see my wife and kids after nine months at sea."

    "Uh, didn't you hear?"

    "Hear what?"

    "They're serving lobster and steak on the mess decks."  

    In the twenty-seven years that I served, this was common practice.  From what I understand, food such as this was given to troops just before they went into combat (so, you could say, with some validity, that crews on aircraft carriers were living large).  At no time did it completely erase the suck, but it did boost morale somewhat.

    I've got more news for the anti-Trump crowd.  On Christmas Day, 1997, I was underway on USS George Washington in the Persian Gulf.

As opposed to the New Rochelle Gulf

    A holiday feast was served on the mess decks in a vain effort to distract us from the fact WE WERE IN THE PERSIAN GULF AT CHRISTMAS.

    You know what we had?  Prime rib.  And lobster tails and steak.

    I get that you hate Trump and Hegseth*, but, seriously?  Shut up. 

Epilogue:  Bonehead Begala also took issue with 225 million being spent on furniture.  While I could understand his problem with this (if he was equally vexed by millions spent on illegal aliens), there is an explanation.  The fiscal year ends on September 30th.  If any money is left in a command's budget, they are told to spend it by then.  If it is not spent, they will lose that money for the following year.  I have no doubt that was the case here.  Not saying it's good or something I agree with, but it's true.

*Despite being accused of being a "Trumplidite" (I kind of like that term), in no way am I pro-Trump.  However, I am a thinker.  Who has walked the walk.