Commander in Chief





Commander in Chief.  We forget he is the Commander in Chief.  And he is untouchable.  We refuse to recognize his rank.

When I started journalism two decades ago, I wrote for the Dallas Morning News with a bi-weekly byline on the page of one of the satellite suburban newspapers.  It was... of course... editorial opinion. This opened opportunities for me to share my thoughts within the military community.  I was sought out.

Two remembrances:

I was the speaker for the Naval Academy Alumni Association at Park Cities Club in Dallas.  When I enter a room, there is always a quick survey of my surroundings and companions.  Who is the aggressor in the group, the narcissist, the potted plant?  Wearing a new dress suit, I spoke with confidence regarding Prophet Muhammad and Statesmanship.  Why not? I had already entered the IB (intellectual battlespace) of al-Qaeda and had now turned my focus to another organization.

After lunch, a man approached and we chatted amicably.  I mentioned that I lived in Irving.  His eyes flickered and I saw the wolf spirit. "You live in Las Colinas?"  Straightening my backbone a bit, I slowed my conversational cadence and added a slight southern drawl.  "No.  I live in south Irving."  He quickly lost interest.  I might as well have been a Dalit.  Sucks to be you.

But from that adventure, an invitation to share lunch with a small handful of Jewish businessmen at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.  I spoke of Prophet Muhammad cast in the role of a commanding general. The friendship with one man proved delightful.  He later extended a possible opportunity to speak for the Texas-Israeli Chamber of Commerce.  He was on the board of directors.  I pulled back from the idea because of the need to keep discretion and confidentiality as the primary tools in my journalism toolbox.  It was extremely important that I not be viewed as one who mingled with Jews.  I was now within the House of Islam.

Why have I allowed you to catch a small glimpse of a shadow of my life?  It is because it is vitally important that the West see the Grand Ayatollah al Khamenei as a Commander in Chief, and not merely as an aging religious lion.  Because when it comes to issues of state, Islam is state.

Coming up on a heavy arts weekend.  Tonight the Seven Bridges Eagle Tribute Band at the Irving Arts Center.  Tomorrow,  the Quentin Och reception at the Irving Arts Museum.  He will be sharing about his photography from Vietnam.  On Sunday,  a trip to Plano for a community theater production. I love the arts!

I will write a blog on the Grand Ayatollah as Commander in Chief. But it may not arrive on the page in the next couple of days. 

You may find what I share next both detestable and unacceptable  But I was taught in the Navy to respect rank.  God knows I had to offer my respect to one particular Captain who was a complete bastard.  But it wasn't about him.  It was about a principle and about my character.  My goal is for you to see the Grand Ayatollah in his most important role.  He must be approached with  an understanding of his rank.

Thank you for taking time to consider my initial thoughts today.

Tammy Swofford

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