Hi, I'm an angry Marine. Nice to meet you.

I want to state up front that I do not represent the United States Marine Corps or the United States government in this blog. So why call the blog "The Angry Marine?" A Marine is more than just a lethal weapon in the arsenal of the finest fighting force in recorded history. A Marine is more than a soldier, a sailor and a rogue nation breaker. A Marine is more than a code of conduct. It is not about rank or occupation. A Marine is a special kind of awareness, an identity, at once acutely individual and at the same time committed in mind, body and spirit to fellow Marines and to the mission.

And so I emphatically state that, while I am opposed to some of the foreign and domestic policies of my Commander in Chief, I am bound by my oath as a Marine to follow lawful orders. No matter what I might think or feel personally, I must execute my orders faithfully. Please understand that although there is great tension inherent in this arrangement, there is no hypocrisy. I am an angry Marine, but I am a faithful Marine and I do not engage in subterfuge. Some readers will wonder whether this blog, at times, might contradict my oath and betray my loyalty. My criticisms of American politics and society may give that impression to some -- but in addition to being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of my country, I regard as my civic responsibility the questioning of those policies which, if left unchecked, would compromise our constitution, our body politic, and our privileged place of leadership in the international arena. Of course, this is only one man's opinion.

This blog is about a Marine who is angry at the turn of events in his country and in the world. It is about a Marine deeply concerned about the challenges we face as a society and a nation, and about the impact our choices have on citizens of the United States and the other six and a half billion souls beyond our borders. I hope this blog inspires you to vigorously debate the issues raised here. This is, in part, what democracy is about. Most of all, I hope this blog inspires you to act. I'm doing my part. I very much hope you do yours.