Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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"Not Nearly Long Enough." 'Hail to the Chief,' our Commander-in-Chief! The president is in charge of the armed forces. The Founders, for stability, felt a civilian military leader Would prevent the many downfalls of many a nation. As the military leader, the president often builds A strong bond with his soldiers. George Washington had to work tactfully to maintain his armies. Today, the USS Abraham Lincoln seems to be in crisis, Having remained at sea for 250 days (now more) without any port visits. Dysfunctional plumbing, poor food, and limited calls home Seem to have demoralized the seamen to a serious level. One or more seamen are reported to have jumped overboard. When the Commander-in-Chief was asked about the 250 days, The questioner queried if 250 days was too long. The answer was unemotional: "Not nearly long enough." Will such an answer yield wavering confidence in the minds Of our fighting members, to follow their leadership's commands? Frank Maurer 15 August 2026 1015 Hours.