Sunday, April 30, 2006

Something to Consider

Nathan Tabor writes for The Conservative Voice and he has an idea of how to deal with the Day Without Immigrants shut out scheduled for tomorrow. His advice? "BUY, BUY, BUY!"
"Monday, May 1 is being called “A Day Without Immigrants,” but let’s be truthful here. Americans don’t have a problem with immigrants. We have a problem with illegal immigrants.

So what’s this boycott of American businesses going to accomplish -- Not a thing unless you sit home and do nothing!

Get out that day and spend some good ‘ole American greenbacks. Step out of the office and buy lunch. Get that new DVD the kids want. Bring the wife home a dozen roses.

Just buy, buy, buy!

Also, find that American flag pin you have in the back of your sock drawer and put it on before you walk out the door on May 1. Don’t have one? BUY one!

Contact your local, state, and federal representatives and let them know that you won’t be intimidated by illegal aliens demanding rights and neither should they. Put the Stars & Stripes out -- and even if it hurts -- fill up the gas tank on the way to work.

Boycott? What boycott? Let’s show politicians and corporate American the strength of legal citizens."
Sounds good to me. Also, make note of the businesses that are closed in support of this effort and do not patronize them from here on. If these businesses are willing to support illegal immigrants coming in and breaking the law while making use of our schools, hospitals and assistance, then they should pay the price for it, by losing business. (emphasis mine)

Tags: Nathan Tabor, illegal immigrants, boycott

Saturday, April 29, 2006

A Female Soldier 2

It's been a while since I've posted about Grey Eagle of A Female Soldier 2, but there's a story she has posted on her blog that is a must read. She writes wonderful tributes to our fallen soldiers but this one in particular, is different because it involves a gift of life from this soldier and his wife to a young girl and a budding friendship.

At the bottom of another post was this little tidbit...I don't have TiVo, so I'll have to write myself a note to watch it!
"On a side note. On Sunday April 30th at 6:30 PM (EST)/5:30 PM(CST) my husband will be appearing in a live interview on CNN regarding the website and life as a husband of a female soldier."


Tags: heros, gift of life, tribute

A Cautionary Post

One of my favorite bloggers, Frau Budgie of Red Hot Cuppa Politics has a very thought provoking post on what would/could happen if the Dems win in '06 and then the Prez in '08. It's a bit frightening. I would encourage you to read it and think about what we might come up against this fall should the Dems win a majority in Congress...
First, we pull out of Iraq. There will be no Congressional support for our efforts there. I remember this happening during Vietnam, and I don't think we can afford a replay of Nam. We pull the rug out from under our allies in Iraq, who are painfully managing to achieve a decent government of their own. There's progress being made, tho not reported, and they still need our back-up. So, Dems win, we pull out, there's a civil war in Iraq and no matter who wins, they all hate the USA. Al Quada declares victory, and feels free to attack our interests overseas and at home. And, remember -- the Dems pretty much have to get us to pull out of Iraq, to please their wealthy anti-war billionaire funders.

Second, Bush gets impeached -- whether there's rational, documentable grounds or not, probably along the lines of "lying" about Iraq, and "outting" Val Plame. One of the deepest pockets of the Democrat donors (Soros) has pledged his fortune to getting Bush out of office. And, if Dems have a majority, they'll hang together and make it happen, regardless of evidence to the contrary. Because that's what they do.
And if that's not enough to make you think before you vote, here's a little tidbit sure to make you nauseous!
And, Cindy Sheehan's smirk gets bigger, and she claims she speaks for the American people. (That's you and me.) She and her buds in Code Pink will point to a Democrat elected Congress as proof, and folks overseas will believe it. Think about that one for a moment, then contemplate the international gig if Democrats win.
I can just feel the anger from all my blogger friends who have spent many a cold Friday evening in front of Walter Reed Hospital facing down that group of nincompoops! To make them "right" would be a complete travesty. So, as Budgie suggests, maybe we do hold our noses and vote for a Republican even if he/she isn't doing so great for us now, because look at the mess we'd have if the Dems took control! Food for thought!

Tags: elections, Republicans, Democrats

"Politically Uncorrect"


Politically Uncorrect
Gretchen Wilson and Merle Haggard

I'm for the low man on the totem pole
And I'm for the underdog God bless his soul
And I'm for the guys still pulling third shift
And the single mom raisin' her kids
I'm for the preachers who stay on their knees
And I'm for the sinner who finally believes
And I'm for the farmer with dirt on his hands
And the soldiers who fight for this land

Chorus:

And I'm for the Bible and I'm for the flag
And I'm for the working man, me and ol' hag
I'm just one of many
Who can't get no respect
Politically uncorrect

(Merle Haggard)
I guess my opinion is all out of style
(Gretchen Wilson)
Aw, but don't get me started cause I can get riled
And I'll make a fight for the forefathers plan
(Merle Haggard)
And the world already knows where I stand

Repeat Chorus

(Merle Haggard)
Nothing wrong with the Bible, nothing wrong with the flag
(Gretchen Wilson)
Nothing wrong with the working man me & ol' hag
We're just some of many who can't get no respect
Politically uncorrect
(Merle Haggard)
Politically uncorrect.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Withdrawal Symptoms!

UPDATE: (4/27-4:45pm) I now have two more jobs due tomorrow one at 9 am and one at noon and yet another due back on Saturday. Not-sure-I-will-survive! Need massive amounts of coffee!! So, the withdrawal symptoms get worse....


Just a quick note to say I've been very busy with work and haven't been able to read all my favorites for a couple days! I'm going through withdrawals! I want to be reading and blogging right now, but I have two jobs to get done and I'm hoping they won't keep me up all night! Hope to have you read and post here and I will be around to visit tomorrow! (Because I can't stand missing all your good posts people!!)

A Glutton For Punishment

Tony Snow accepted the position of White House Press Secretary. Or, as he calls the position, the White House pinata!

I wish him well and hope he gives as good as he gets!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

You Decide

UPDATE: One of my frequent stops in the blogosphere is Major Chaz's place at Mind in the Qatar. He has an awesome graphic that tells more than mere words on the who's who in this shell game!
___________________________________________________________________________

I realize I'm a little late on this one, but I thought I would finally put my two cents in on it.

Mary McCarthy is neither honorable nor should she be praised. She was in a high security position and she intentionally leaked information to the press. If she had questions or concerns about the information, she had a chain of command to go through and should that route not proven satisfactory to her, she could have demanded a congressional investigation. Instead she took the information and gave it to the media.

Espionage is defined as "the practice of gathering, transmitting, or losing through gross negligence information relating to the defense of the U.S. with the intent that or with reason to believe that the information will be used to the injury of the U.S. or the advantage of a foreign nation."

Treason is defined as a "violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies."

You decide.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Another Fran's Update

UPDATE on the UPDATE: Dave at THIRDWAVEDAVE has an awesome round-up of information and links about the Fran O'Brien's mess!


Seems that what the Hilton has been saying about how hard they tried to work out a deal with the owner's of the Fran O'Brien's Restaurant is all a lot of garbage! Here is a bit of an e-mail from Buzz Patterson to Smash at The Indepundit:
"I just had a long chat with Hal Koster. Our worst fears are not only well founded but grossly understated. It's a complete and thorough cluster @#$%. (Sorry, my words not his). I haven't been this pissed about anything in a very long time.

Andi, Kelleher's responses to our questions were blatant lies. Despite what Kelleher says, Hilton has done nothing to support the dinners... never met a bus, never contributed a cent, never negotiated for changes to bring the restaurant into ADA compliance, never advertised the restaurant or the dinners within their own hotel, never provided logistical support... in a word, they've done absolutely zip. In fact, Kelleher hides out in his office and has had no contact with Fran's owners. Hilton Corporate hasn't returned phone calls or e-mails. Hal has never spoken with a rep from Hilton about a future. This O'Boyle guy who is supposedly in charge of Hilton's leases has been MIA for years. Not only unprofessional in my opinion but grossly negligent. Fran's has been profitable every year in spite of the fact that Hilton won't even live up to their responsibilities for facilities management. They've had some plumbing issues... Hal and Marty now call their own plumber. Hilton wanted Fran's to re-upholster the booths and change the carpet, Hal and Marty asked for ADA compliance in return. When negotiations ceased, Hilton doubled their rent last month (doubled!). And then issued an eviction notice two weeks later.

Hal and Marty have retained lawyers and, as mentioned before, have the support of several influential organizations and people..."
And here is Fuzzybear Lioness's (of Fuzzilicous Thinking) impression after visiting Fran's during the Blogger's conference this weekend:
"Fran O'Brien's is an amazing place. I've gone from the theoretical anger and outrage over what's being to done to them and the soldiers they support...to a whole 'nother level of fury at the terribleness of the developing loss.

Talked to Hal Koster--I asked him what the prospects of continuing the restaurant elsewhere were. His face said it all, though he added that they were trying desperately. He also says even if they can find the real estate, renovating a typical building for a restaurant would take 1.5 - 2 million."
This whole situation is just wrong! Unfortunately, Hilton has done this in such a way that there is no recourse for Marty and Hal to be able to stay there. And as mentioned by Fuzzy, it is unlikely they will be able to start at a new place any time soon, if at all! This just stinks all the way around. I may not travel very much, but I can tell you that if and when I do, I will not be staying at a Hilton or Hilton affiliate hotel!

Tags: Fran O'Brien's, Hilton Hotels

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Soldiers' View


This song was written by Luke Stricklin/JR Shultz (FOB Warrior, Baghdad, Iraq December 5, 2004) and is now being played on country music stations nationwide.

American By God's Amazing Grace

Bottom of my boots sure are gettin' worn
there's a lot of holes in this faded uniform
My hands are black with dirt and so is my face
I ain't never been to hell
but it couldn't be any worse than this place.
Tell my wife don't worry 'cause I know what to do
it makes you feel better sometimes, but don't know if it's true.
I know if I die it's just my time to go
but I pray to God every day that I may get back home.

Well when you've seen what I've seen
things don't seem so bad
quit worrying 'bout what you ain't got,
thank God for what you have
'Cause I could be raising my family in this place
but I was born an American
by Gods Amazing Grace.

For the last twelve months I've had a new address
the neighborhood smells like sewage and the streets are lined with trash.
You never know what's gonna be the next thing to explode
but unlike these people, I have another home.
It breaks my heart to see these kids out on the streets
walking barefoot through the trash, diggin' for something to eat.
I give them what I got, just to let them know I care
and I thank God it's not my son that's standing there.

Well when you've seen what I've seen
things don't seem so bad
quit worrying 'bout what you ain't got,
thank God for what you have
'Cause I could be raising my family in this place
but I was born an American
by Gods Amazing Grace.

You want to talk about it, you better keep it short
cause I got a lot of lost time I gotta make up for.
Really don't care why Bush went in to Iraq
I know what I done there and I'm damn sure proud of that.
You got somethin' bad to say about the USA
you better save it for different ears 'less you want to crawl away.
And I laugh in your face when you say you've got it bad
until you've spent some time on the streets of Baghdad

Well when you've seen what I've seen
things don't seem so bad
quit worrying 'bout what you ain't got,
thank God for what you have
'Cause you could be raising your family in this place
but you were born in America, By God's Amazing Grace!

Speaking to Parents

I find it very interesting that so many of the African-American community have called comedian Bill Cosby a racist because he admonishes parents to actual parent their children. His appearance in Cincinnati over Easter weekend gives examples that a parent of any race or background could and should take to heart.
Education: "If your child has never asked you a question about what he is studying, you are not protecting that child. And if you're not doing it, be ashamed of yourself ... I want someone to say to them, 'Where is your damn homework?' "...

Drugs: "If you have heard a child say, 'I'm going to stop flipping burgers and go out and make some real money selling drugs,' did you stop that idiot and say, 'You don't flip burgers for the rest of your life. You do it until you can be manager of the burger-flipping place'?"

Parenting: "When are you going to challenge them about CDs full of vulgarity and profanity? ... When are you going to challenge them with, 'I want to know who your friends are before you leave this apartment'?"
Yes, Mr. Cosby does speak directly to the African-American community by addressing the drop-out rates and drug rates and single parent rates in the black community, but what he is saying is not racist, it is fact. And they are facts that need to be addressed to change the future. He admonishes parents to get it together and take care of their kids and stop allowing others to do it. He's telling them to stand up and do something!
"We're letting Jesus drag that cross and we're standing there saying 'Isn't it terrible? Somebody oughtta do something.' We're standing on the sidelines. All we want to know is, 'You got time to fix my elbow?' "
The overall message of this speech though seems to have been redemption...he offers parents ways to redeem themselves and help their children become upstanding contributing members of society. I certainly wouldn't call that racist!

Cincinnati Enquirer

Tags: parenting, Bill Cosby

Friday, April 21, 2006

This One is Going Up on the Sidebar, too!


I loved this and had to share it. I know a lot of my readers feel this way, too!

The image is from
Iowa Presidential Watch and can be found on t-shirts at Cafe Press.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Something I've Never Understood

There has been a lot of talk about Maryscott O'Connor, her blog (which I will not link here because it is disgusting), the anger she exhibits and the language that she uses. After reading the article in the Washington Post, I really felt sorry for her young son. To grow up with a mother having that much anger and using that much foul language, it makes me wonder how peaceful and nurturing his homelife could possibly be. Why does she feel it's necessary to use that language or to be that angry? I'm not happy with the government on many issues either, but I wouldn't use gutter language to try to get my point across.

Now there is another book out about Hillary Clinton called I've Always Been a Yankees Fan: Hillary Clinton in Her Own Words. Granted it is written by Dick Morris who is quite critical of the Clintons, but the quotes in this book would make most women cringe - well, at least most women I know! Here are just a couple exerpts:
"This is the kind of s*** I have to put up with."
(To a friend after a Clinton supporter gave her a pair of Arkansas Razorback earrings.) - such graciousness

"If you want to remain on this detail, get your a** over here and grab those bags."
(To an agent who wanted to keep his hands free in case of a security threat.) - he is supposed to protect her, yet she wants him to tote her bags?!
And the worst one that Vasko Kohlmayer of The American Thinker sites in his article The F-Word and Femaleness.
"Where is the goddamn f**ing flag?... I want the goddamn f*ing flag up every f*ing morning at f**ing sunrise."
(Addressing her Arkansas staff) - nice
I've never been a big fan of Hillary Clinton and it really doesn't have that much to do with her politics as it does with her demeanor, her language and her complete lack of integrity. My disagreement with her politics is a whole different story.

Now, I'm not saying I've never used foul language, I've fallen victim to the notion that it is an attention getter, but it really wasn't the attention I wanted and I regretted using it. So, I don't understand the need to use this language continuously, without thought to your listeners or readers. And I wonder, do women really think people will respect them when they use this language? To me, it simply shows a lack of education and/or imagination. If you want to lead and you want people to respect you, you do not treat them like the dirt beneath your feet nor do you speak to them in such a manner. This is one of the main reasons I do not read the far left blogs (and yes, even a few blogs on the right). Why would I want to read expletive after expletive with no intelligent discourse or reasoning? It is bad enough when men use this language thinking that it makes them sound tough, but when women use it, it simply shows their baseness. It doesn't make you tough like a man, it makes you weak and low and unintelligent.

Maragaret Thatcher, as referenced in Vasko Kohlmayer's article, was a very strong leader and a formidable adversary and she did it without ever using foul language. I would much rather hold her or a true lady such as Laura Bush, up as an example of leadership and integrity to my daughters than those the left call their women leaders.

Tags: bloggers, leadership, integrity

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Couldn't Pay Me Enough

Scott McClellan, the White House Press Secretary, has resigned. Now, I can't blame the man one bit. You couldn't pay me enough to have to face those "reporters" every day. They are back-stabbing sharks for the most part and will do whatever it takes to put words in your mouth or twist what you say to please themselves or their editors! I certainly wish Scott all the best. I'm sure the first thing he'll be doing is taking a nice vacation to the middle of nowhere, where there are no reporters!

As for Rove. Well, he's thrown a bone out there, but it won't be enough for the loonies who say he runs everything. He will still have his hand in it, but apparently only on the political side not the policy making side. It just won't do for those who want his head, though.
Yahoo News

Tags: White House, Bush Administration

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Fran O'Brien's Update

I'll admit it, I'm lazy, but I wanted to get this update out there for anyone who reads my posts. Fuzzybear Lioness at Fuzzilicious Thinking has done the work and has the latest update (which I've "borrowed" here), along with several other posts about the plight of Fran O'Brien's. I recommend reading them. Here is today's news:
After my post about the Italians helping Fran O'Brien's with the Friday dinners, I received an email from Shoshana Bryan, Director of Special Projects for the Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs:
My organization, JINSA, has been responsible for coordinating gifts to Fran O"Briens, and Finmeccanica's was the largest, but not the only corporate donation. We have provided the administration for about 90% of the money [donated for the dinners].

Hilton DID NOT CALL JINSA OR FINMECCANICA, so I don't know who they're talking to when they say they're talking to "sponsors."

Thanks for following this.

Shoshana Bryen

--
Shoshana Bryen
Director of Special Projects
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 515
Washington, DC 20036
202-667-3900/ph
202-667-0601/fax
www.jinsa.org
[Originally, Fran's shouldered the cost alone, but recently much of it has been covered by donations from sponsors. Hilton has said in the last few days that they've been talking to sponsors of the dinners to continue the dinners after Fran O'Brien's leaves.]

Obviously Ms. Bryen has been working closely with Fran O'Brien's and is aware of the issues involved in their lease. Today I found an opinion column by Ms. Bryen at National Review Online. As has been published elsewhere, she affirms that Fran's was repeatedly reassured they would be offered a new lease for their consideration, but that they never received an offer. She also makes the following accusations:
...the hotel is in violation of Americans With Disabilities Act. Hilton has not made the basement restaurant ADA compliant — part of the lease negotiation was to have been for the replacement of a non-working escalator in the Hilton lobby with an ADA-compliant elevator. Since there were no negotiations, there is no elevator.
Fran's supporters have long claimed that Fran's says there were no negotiations despite reassurances from Hilton. I'd say Fran's is now staking out this position as fact as far as they're concerned. Ms. Bryen goes on to make some serious speculation, but I think it's more a "shot across the bow" than it is a true accusation, as it's judging intentions which are hard to prove:
ADA noncompliance is illegal, but more importantly, it is shameful when the chief victims are veterans who have been injured in service to our country. But the compliance issue is the better of the two possibilities.

Scenario number two is that Hilton is uncomfortable with so many wounded soldiers passing through its lobby on the way to the restaurant and worries about the impact it will have on the hotel guests.
Based on some things I've read publicly inferred by those who are "in the know," I wouldn't be surprised to see a lawsuit against Hilton pop up in the next couple of days. This column in NRO--a forum that bristles with powerful supporters of the military--is another warning shot to Hilton. They should've gotten the message from the overwhelming volume of emails and phone calls they received, as well as the national media coverage. But any Hilton executive reading this now knows Fran's and their inner circle aren't going to go quietly. I'd be starting to worry if I were the Hilton, and I'd be asking my Capital Hilton hotel about the wisdom of their "just business" decisions.
I truly believe that the Hilton has completely miscalculated this decision and it's going to come back and bite them financially. It may not be a big deal for them, but it will certainly get their attention.

Tags: Fran O'Brien's, Hilton Hotel

Doing Our Part

Are you doing all you can to support the troops and their mission?

Remember September 11th.


Feeling patriotic and needing to pass it on!

Monday, April 17, 2006

Quote of the Day



"People can be divided into two classes: those who go ahead and do something, and those who sit still and inquire, why wasn't it done the other way?"

Oliver Wendell Holmes

They Come and Go

I realize that bloggers/blogs come and go. But I've recently found that a favorite of mine has disappeared without a trace or word or anything. David at The Paladin Blog and also the founder of the Conservative Small Blog Digest has disappeared. If anyone knows him "in the real world," please let him know that I hope he's okay and I miss his posts! Or David, if you're actually reading this...let us know you're alright! Thank you.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

"A Real War"

This is a speech given by Senator Coburn on November 15, 2005 and includes the entire "A Real War" essay written by Major General (Doctor) Vernon Chong - Retired USAF, which he wrote in October of 2005. It is an amazing piece and though it is long, I encourage you to read it in its entirety. It is very a important perspective and I felt that it needs to be read by everyone. ---

Senator Coburn -
"Mr. President, I come to the floor today because, as I travel around Oklahoma, one of the things I find is a lack of recognition of the war we are in, why we are there, what the problems are associated with it. Every one of us has a heavy heart for the fact that we now have troops committed and dying and sacrificing every day in the war on terrorism.

As I thought about what to say to my constituents in Oklahoma but also to the American people, I found that I could not say it as well as retired MG Vernon Chong of the U.S. Air Force. I wish to read, for a few moments, a commentary he has written, dated October 1, 2005. If you would indulge me to read that, I think it will give us some enlightenment to where we are. He says:

To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine (which includes WWII).

The deadly seriousness is greatly compounded by the fact that there are very few of us who think we can possibly lose this war, and even fewer who realize what losing really means.

First, let's examine a few basics. When did the threat to us start? Many will say September 11, 2001. The answer, as far as the United States is concerned, is 1979--22 years prior to September 2001--with the following attacks on us:

Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979;
Beirut, Lebanon, Embassy, 1983;
Beirut, Lebanon, Marine Barracks, 1983;
Lockerbie, Scotland, Pan-Am flight to New York, 1988;
First New York World Trade Center attack, 1993;
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Khobar Towers Military complex, 1996;
Nairobi, Kenya, U.S. Embassy, 1998;
Dares Salaam, Tanzania, U.S. Embassy, 1998;
Aden, Yeman, USS Cole, 2000;
New York, World Trade Center, 2001;
Pentagon, 2001;
and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Plane Crash, 2001

Why were we attacked: Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administration of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats, as there were no provocations by any of the Presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter.

Who were the attackers? In each case, the attacks on the U.S. were carried out by Muslins. What is the Muslim population of the World? Twenty-five percent. Isn't the Muslin Religion peaceful? Hopefully, but that is really not material. There is no doubt that the predominantly Christian population of Germany was peaceful, but under the dictatorial leadership of Hitler (who was also Christian), that made no difference. You either went along with the administration, or you were eliminated.

Although Hitler kept the world focused on the Jews, he had no hesitancy about killing anyone who got in his way of exterminating the Jews, or of taking over the world--German, Christian, or any others.

Same with the Muslim terrorists. They focus the attention of the world on the U.S., but kill all in the way--their own people, or the Spanish, French, or anyone else. The point here, is that just like the peaceful Germans were of no protection to anyone from the Nazis, no matter how many peaceful Muslins there may be, they are no protection for us from the terrorist Muslim leaders, and what they are fanatically bent on doing--by their own pronouncements--killing all of us "infidels." I don't blame the peaceful Muslins. What would you do--if the choice was shut up, or die?

So who are we at war with? There is no way we can honestly respond that it is anyone other than the Muslim terrorists. Trying to be politically correct, and avoid verbalizing this conclusion can well be fatal. There is no way to win, if you don't clearly recognize, and articulate who you are fighting.

So with that background, now to the two major questions: Can we lose this war? What does losing really mean? If we are to win, we must clearly answer these two pivotal questions.

We can definitely lose this war, and as anomalous as it may sound, the major reason we can lose is that so many of us simply do not fathom the answer to the second question--"What does losing mean?"

It would appear that a great many of us think that losing the war means hanging our heads, bringing the troops home, and going on about our business, like post-Vietnam. This is as far from the truth as one can get. What losing really means is: We would no longer be the premier country in the world. The attacks will not subside, but rather will steadily increase. Remember, they want us dead, not just quiet. If they had just wanted us quiet, they would not have produced an increasing series of attacks against us, over the past 18 years. The plan was clearly, for terrorists to attack us, until we were neutered, and submissive to them.

We would, of course, have no future support from other nations, for fear of reprisals, and for the reason that they would see that we are impotent, and cannot help them.

They will pick off the other non-Muslim nations, one at a time. It will be increasingly easier for them. They already hold Spain hostage. It doesn't matter whether it was right or wrong for Spain to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Spain did it because the Muslim terrorists bombed their train, and told them to withdraw the troops. Anything else they want Spain to do, will be done.

The next will probably be France. Our one hope on France is that they might see the light and realize that if we don't win, they are finished too, in that they can't resist the Muslim terrorists without us. However, it may already be too late for France.

If we lose the war, our production, income, exports, and way of life will all vanish, as we know it. After losing, who would trade or deal with us, if they are threatened by the Muslims?

If we can't stop the Muslims, how could anyone else?

The Muslims [Islamo-fascists] fully know what is riding on this war, and therefore, are completely committed to winning, at any cost. We better know it too, and be likewise committed to winning at any cost.

Why do I go on at such lengths about the results of losing? Simple. Until we recognize the costs of losing, we cannot unite, and really put 100 percent of our thoughts and efforts into winning. And, it is going to take that 100 percent effort to win.

So, how can we lose the war?

Again, the answer is simple. We can lose the war by "imploding." That is, defeating ourselves, by refusing to recognize the enemy and their purpose, and really digging in and lending full support to the war effort. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. If we continue to be divided, there is no way that we can win!

Let me give you a few examples of how we simply don't comprehend the life-and-death seriousness of this situation.

President Bush selects Norman Mineta as Secretary of Transportation. Although all of the terrorist attacks were committed by Muslim men between 17 and 40 years of age, Secretary Mineta refuses to allow profiling. Does that sound like we are taking this thing seriously?

This is war! For the duration, we are going to have to give up some of the civil rights we have become accustomed to. We had better be prepared to lose some of our civil rights temporarily, or we will most certainly lose all of them, permanently.

And, don't worry that it is a slippery slope. We gave up plenty of civil rights during WWII, and immediately restored them after the victory, and in fact, added many more since then.

Do I blame President Bush or President Clinton before him?

No, I blame us for blithely assuming we can maintain all of our Political Correctness, and all of our civil rights during this conflict, and have a clean, lawful, honorable war. None of those words apply to war. Get them out of your head.

Some have gone so far in their criticism of the war and/or the Administration that it almost seems they would literally like to see us lose. I hasten to add that this isn't because they are disloyal. It is because they don't recognize what losing means. Nevertheless, that conduct gives the impression to the enemy that we are divided and weakening. It concerns our friends, and it does great damage to our cause.

Of more recent vintage, the uproar fueled the politicians and media regarding the treatment of some prisoners of war, perhaps exemplifies best what I am saying.

We have recently had an issue, involving the treatment of a few Muslim prisoners of war, by a small group of our military police.

By the way, all of those have gone to trial or are going to trial, and will be punished.

Again, these are MG Chong's words:

These are the type of prisoners, who just a few months ago, were throwing their own people off buildings, cutting off their hands, cutting out their tongues, and otherwise murdering their own people, just for disagreeing with Saddam Hussein.

And just a few years ago, these same types of prisoners chemically killed 400,000 of their own people for the same reason. They are also the same type of enemy fighters who recently were burning Americans, and dragging their charred corpses through the streets of Iraq.

And still more recently, the same type of enemy that was, and is, providing videos to all news sources internationally, of the beheading of American prisoners they held.

Compare this with some of our press and politicians, who, for several days, have thought and talked about nothing else but the "humiliating" of some Muslim prisoners--not burning them, not dragging their charred corpses through the streets, not beheading them, but "humiliating" them.

Can this be for real?

If this doesn't show the complete lack of comprehension and understanding of the seriousness of the enemy we are fighting, the life and death struggle we are in, and the disastrous results of losing this war, nothing can.

To bring our country to a virtual political standstill over this prisoner issue makes us look like Nero playing his fiddle, as Rome burned--totally oblivious to what is going on in the real world. Neither we, nor any other country, can survive this internal strife.

Again I say, this does not mean that some of our politicians or media people are disloyal. It simply means that they are absolutely oblivious to the magnitude of the situation we are in, and into which the Muslim terrorists have been pushing us, for many years.

Remember, the Muslim terrorists' stated goal is to kill all infidels! That translates into all non-Muslims--not just in the United States, but throughout the world.

We are the last bastion of defense.

We have been criticized, for many years, as being "arrogant." That charge is valid, in at least one respect. We are arrogant in that we believe that we are so good, powerful, and smart; that we can win the hearts and minds of all those who attack us; and that with both hands tied behind our back, we can defeat anything bad in the world.

We can't.

If we don't recognize this, our Nation as we know it, will not survive, and no other free country in the world will survive, if we are defeated.

And finally, name any Muslim countries throughout the world that allow freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, equal rights for anyone--let alone everyone, equal status, or any status for women.

This has been a long way of saying that we must be united on this war, or we will be equated in the history books to the self-inflicted fall of the Roman Empire. If, that is, the Muslim leaders will allow history books to be written, or read.

Democracies don't have their freedoms taken away from them by some external military force. Instead, they give their freedoms away, politically correct piece by politically correct piece.

And, they are giving those freedoms away to those who have shown, worldwide, that they abhor freedom, and will not apply it to you, or even to themselves, once they are in power.

They have universally shown that when they have taken over, they then start brutally killing each other, over who will be the few who control the masses. Will we ever stop hearing from the politically correct, about the "peaceful Muslims"?

I close on a hopeful note, by repeating what I said above. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. I hope the factions in our country will begin to focus on the critical situation we are in, and will unite to save our country. It is your future we are talking about! Do whatever you can to preserve it.

After reading the above, we all must do this not only for ourselves, but our children, our grandchildren, our country, and the World.

Whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, and that includes the politicians and media of our country, and the free World!

Those are the words of retired MG Vernon Chong, U.S. Air Force.

I think it brings to mind the very important facts that face us today. We are at war. The war is real. The threats to our country and to our freedom are real. We must come together as a nation and recognize this threat, or we stand to lose the very principles, the very freedom, we each cherish so much.

I yield the floor."

--- I received the essay by MG Vernon Chong in an e-mail from a friend, but this is the speech as it was given by Senator Coburn and is now a part of The Library of Congress

Gandhi?



After taking the 27 question and then 45 question test, the result was the same! Well, I am short and morals do matter to me.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

"Kid Talk"

KID TALK — U.S. Army Lt. Kylen Mays from the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, talks with locals while on a combat patrol in Tal Afar, Iraq, April 8, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon


I just had to share this picture from Defend America. Look at their faces. Do they look scared in any way? No, not at all. They look like they're going to hear a story or they're going to get some candy, but whatever it is, it will be something good from this soldier!

tags: military, Iraqi children
Trackback party at Blue Star Chronicles Weekend Chat Party

Friday, April 14, 2006

Quotable Quotes

"A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

"As long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever renewing fight for ascendancy in the affairs of mankind, human beings must be willing, when need is, to do battle for the one against the other."

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse."


John Stuart Mill
1806-1873

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Fran O'Brien's Needs Our Help!

UPDATE: Found this information at Fuzzilicious Thinking:
Andi's World points us to information that clarifies the lease situation. As we already know from the emails Greyhawk posted, Fran's is not going willingly. Local media in DC have picked up the story:
A two-year tradition for wounded war vets is about to go by the wayside. A downtown DC steak house that’s catered to injured troops every Friday night is about to close.

Fran O’Brien’s landlord is forcing out the steakhouse of the same name.

“We're not feeling very good about leaving and especially the Friday night dinner,” O’Brien said.
The short article and video confirm that the restaurant is being forced out, and though there are attempts to arrange something similar to the now-traditional "Friday Night at Fran's," it's very much up in the air.

I hesitate to make assumptions, but it's appearing more and more that Hilton has made a very poor business decision based on surface-level analysis of profit/loss (as Lex has theorized). And it's also becoming clearer that they have treated Fran O'Brien's very shabbily, possibly to the point of not negotiating in good faith. One email sent to Hilton sums it up pretty well:
All I ask is that you deal with the owners openly and honestly, not dissemble, lead them on, and then hit them with a two week eviction notice.
Apparently that has been too much to ask in this case.

______________________________________________________

For those who live in and around the D.C. area, you are no doubt familiar with the restaurant Fran O'Brien's owned by Marty O'Brien and Hal Koster (a Vietnam Vet). This is a restaurant located in the Capital Hilton where every Friday night is set aside for veterans and their families and they eat and drink for free. The place is packed and most of the veterans are still recuperating at Walter Reed so Friday nights are a bit of normalcy for these guys and gals whose world has turned upside-down by injuries sustained while serving our country.

No doubt even if you don't live in the area, you've heard about Fran O'Brien's through any number of stories that have been done about the restaurant on various news agencies or talk or radio shows. They do such a service and now it looks as though they will be homeless. After trying to find out about their lease for the last five months, they have finally received not a renewal, but an eviction notice. They are to vacate the location by April 31st! The Hilton Corp. claims it is due to liability issues, but instead of trying to bring the location to A.D.A. code, the Hilton Corp. is just getting rid of "the problem".
Folks,

Marty and Hal need our help. For over six months they have been asking the Hilton Management for the terms for renewal of their lease. For over 5 months they were told not to worry they would have the renewal lease in a few weeks. About a month ago the Hilton folks stopped responding to their emails and voice messages for a status report and last week Hal and Marty received a one page eviction notice. No explanation was given. We suspect that at least part of the reason is the Friday night dinner Hal and Marty have been hosting for the last two and a half years. It may be that the Hilton folks are concerned about the increased liability of having so many severely injured and disabled soldiers in their basement each Friday (several have taken falls on the steep stairs at the entrance to Fran's (but no law suits or problems have ensued). It may be that there is very limited and problematic wheelchair access to the restaurant (although no ADA complaints have been filed). The truth is that we don't know for sure but what we do know is that this is unfair. Unless we can change the minds of the folks at the Hilton Hotel Fran's will be out of business on May 1st and we will not have any place to hold our Friday night dinner for the injured soldiers and marines of Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospitals. If you are so inclined I would like to ask you to call and/or email the following two officials at the Hilton and voice your support for Hal and Marty and express your concern for the reasoning behind this seemingly arbitrary decision. Please call them tomorrow or Friday and feel free to share this with anyone else who might be willing to call.

Here are the people to call:

*Dan Boyle (212) 838-1558

daniel_a_boyle@hilton.com

Brian Kellaher (202) 393-1000*
Mudville Gazette has posted a few personal personal accounts as well as links from multiple others. Please do what you can to help save Fran O'Brien's for the vets it's the least we can do to show our appreciation for them! (not to mention helping out some awesome people keep their "place" in D.C.)

Giant hat tip to THIRDWAVEDAVE

Tags: military, veterans, Fran O'Briens

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Something You Should Read

"Dear friend:

When my husband and I heard that our son Forest was going to Iraq, we were concerned - like any parents would be whose son was going into harm's way.

But we knew that Forest believed in the mission. In fact, he signed up for active duty after the September 11, 2001 attacks because he wanted to defend our country from terrorists.

Tragically, Forest was killed on a volunteer mission - with Cindy Sheehan's son Casey - to set up a medical evacuation point for fellow soldiers wounded and trapped in an abandoned building.

I will never forget the day we received the news that Forest had given his life for his country.

Unlike Cindy Sheehan, however, my family determined that we would continue the fight against terror that our son gave his life for.

That is why we joined Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission.

As someone who has personally borne the costs of this war, we know the loss; we know the grief.

We just wish the media would give half as much attention to the accomplishments.

Please join my family in asking the national media to recognize Iraqi Liberation Week on April 9th through the 15th. Don't let them ignore this milestone!

All you have to do is go to www.FamiliesUnitedMission.com/letter, sign the letter and forward it to your friends.

Sincerely,

Diane Ibbotson

Gold Star Mother

Albion, Illinois

PS. - Learn more about Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission at Families United Mission or read a Washington Times article about our effort to highlight Iraqi Liberation Day."
This is a great website with a lot of information. Please go visit it and see what you can do to help support the troops, their mission and their families!

Here are some of the accomplishments that you won't see so publicized in the MSM:
Iraqis Are Taking Control Of Their Own Security

Army Major General Bob Scales (Ret.): Three-Quarters Of Iraq Should Be Under Iraqi Security Control By Late Summer. “They have 102 battalions that are in the field. They already control about 50 percent of the territory, slightly less than that in terms of population. It's not unreasonable to say that by mid to late summer they'll have perhaps as much as three quarters of the country and three quarters of the population under the control of the Iraqis.” (Fox News Channel’s “Special Report With Brit Hume,” 3/17/06)

Sadr City Is Now Being Patrolled And Maintained By Iraqi Forces. “The president reiterated our policy that ‘as Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.’ We did the same in post-World War II Germany and Japan. As their governments and security forces became more capable, the U.S. role was diminished. The Iraqis are in fact standing up. On March 9, Forward Operating Base Hope was transferred to Iraqi control. The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division will now patrol Sadr City in Baghdad…” (Bill Crawford, “The Other Side Of The Story,” National Review, 3/20/06)

Iraq’s New Parliament Was Sworn In. “Members stood together and pledged to ‘preserve the independence and the sovereignty of Iraq and to take care of the interests of its people.’” (Qassim Abdul-Zahra, “Iraq’s New Parliament Sworn In” The Associated Press, 3/16/06)

“The [New] Iraqi Special Operations Forces Are Rapidly Moving Toward Full Self-Sufficiency In Carrying Out The Combat Part Of Their Missions, American Officers Say ...” (Thom Shanker, “Elite Iraqi Unit Seeks Footing As It Fills U.S. Boots,” The New York Times, 2/20/06)

* “Members Of The Army Green Berets And Navy Seals Accompany The Iraqi Counterterrorism Unit, But The Iraqis Take The Lead.” (Thom Shanker, “Elite Iraqi Unit Seeks Footing As It Fills U.S. Boots,” The New York Times, 2/20/06)

“[In Early February], The Iraqi Navy Marine Unit Took The Lead In Protecting The Al Basrah Oil Terminal, Which Accounted For 98 Percent Of Crude Oil Exports In 2005.” (Department Of State Website, www.state.gov, Accessed 2/22/06)

“In January, Iraqi Security Forces Planned And Executed 27 Percent Of The Total Operations Across Iraq.” “Two divisions, eight brigades and 37 battalions of the Iraqi army now control battlespace and lead operations, [Army Maj. Gen. Rick] Lynch said. In January, Iraqi security forces planned and executed 27 percent of the total operations across Iraq, and more than 70 percent of operations involved Iraqis, he said. The Iraqi army recently planned and executed its first nighttime air-assault operation, resulting in the capture of 19 terrorists who were being trained to conduct attacks on pilgrims participating in the Shiite Muslim holiday of Ashura, he said.” (Sgt. Sara Wood, “Iraqis Fighting Terrorists, Cooperating With Coalition,” American Forces Press Service, 2/9/06)

“The Number Of Iraqi Border Police Now Stands At 18,000; Goal Is To Have 28,000 Border Police Trained And Equipped By The End Of The Year.” (House Armed Services Committee, “Progress In Iraq Update,” Press Release, 1/31/06)

Over 750 Residents From Ramadi Have Signed Up This Month For The Iraqi Police Force. (Michael Phillips, “At Perilous Outpost, U.S., Iraqi Troops Work Toward Trust,” The Wall Street Journal, 1/24/06)

Defense Department Officials Plan For Fewer U.S. Troops As Iraqis Take Control Of Their Own Security. “Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has announced plans to cut the number of U.S. troops in Iraq to about 130,000, down from about 160,000 for last month’s elections. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said he’s optimistic that security in Iraq will continue to improve and more U.S. forces could leave.” (Matt Kelley, “U.S. Tally Of Wounded Drops 26%,” USA Today, 1/16/06)

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Appropriate Quiz of the Day

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 9 out of 10 correct!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Huh?

Comment heard on the radio.

"We want people to stop treating us like criminals."

Said by an illegal alien (or as they would like to be referred to -- undocumented immigrant) being interviewed at one of the many immigration "rallies" held today.
"The American elite is almost beyond redemption. . . . Moral relativism has set in so deeply that the gilded classes have become incapable of discerning right from wrong. Everything can be explained away, especially by journalists. Life is one great moral mush--sophistry washed down with Chardonnay. The ordinary citizens, thank goodness, still adhere to absolutes. . . . It is they who have saved the republic from creeping degradation while their 'betters' were derelict."
Charles Dickens
Dombey and Son (ch. XXIII)

Sunday, April 09, 2006

When I Have Time






When I have free time, which is very rare lately, this is what I like to do. It's therapy for me. To give you perspective, the glass candle holder is 2 3/4" tall (the beading is about 2 1/8"). There are over 3,600 beads encasing the glass. When you put a lit tea light inside, the colors just glow. But alas, with working from home, running my girls around, as well as blogging, I don't have enough time anymore! I do have more of a chance to make jewelry because that doesn't take as long, but it's the candle holders that I really enjoy creating.

To see more go here.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Teddy Roosevelt


"What is true of patriotism and reform is true also of Americanism. There are plenty of scoundrels always ready to try to belittle reform movements or to bolster up existing iniquities in the name of Americanism; but this does not alter the fact that the man who can do most in this country is and must be the man whose Americanism is most sincere and intense. Outrageous though it is to use a noble idea as the cloak for evil, it is still worse to assail the noble idea itself because it can thus be used. The men who do iniquity in the name of patriotism, of reform, of Americanism, are merely one small division of the class that has always existed and will always exist,- the class of hypocrites and demagogues, the class that is always prompt to steal the watchwords of righteousness and use them in the interests of evil-doing."

Theodore Roosevelt
True Americanism
April 1894

Friday, April 07, 2006

Hello? Is There Anyone Listening in DC?

Why is it those who are supposed to represent us in Washington don't hear us? I have, on several occasions, written to my Congressman and Senators in reagrds to different issues and I have to say that it is a very disappointing endeavor. Of my two state Senators...no reply...ever! My Congressman, well okay, I did hear from him...between two and three months after the fact, in a form letter that only minimally addressed the issues I had brought up in my correspondence. It's our votes that allowed them to represent us in Washington, why don't they listen to us?

In several different polls, the majority of Americans see illegal immigration as a problem. And even higher majority believe it is unfair to give citizen rights to illegals who are here and working.
By eight-to-one, Americans think it is unfair to grant rights to illegal immigrants while thousands of people wait each year to come to the United States legally. Fully 86 percent of Republicans think it is unfair, as do 77 percent of Democrats.
Fox/Opinion Dynamics Poll
____________________________________________________

"There's not much sympathy for illegal immigrants. Three fifths of Americans, across geographic lines, don't want it to be easier for them to become citizens. Only in blue states, where Sen. John Kerry won the 2004 Presidential contest, is there slight support for making it easier for illegal workers to become legal," Carroll said.

"If you're not here legally, you shouldn't get government benefits, Americans say overwhelmingly. They'd also deny driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

"Even a punitive measure draws significant support: By a narrow margin Americans would continue the tradition of granting citizenship to children born in the United States to illegal immigrants. In blue states, there's a narrow majority who side with the kids."

American voter responses on other illegal immigration issues are:

* 62 - 32 percent opposed to making it easier for illegal immigrants to become citizens, with immigrant families opposed 56 - 36 percent;
* 54 - 41 percent opposed to making it easier for illegal immigrants to become legal workers, with immigrant families supporting the measure 51 - 44 percent;
* 72 - 25 percent opposed to allowing illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses, with immigrant families opposed 66 - 30 percent;
* 84 - 14 percent in favor of requiring proof of legal residency in order to obtain government benefits, with immigrant families in support 80 - 18 percent;
* 50 - 42 percent opposed to eliminating the automatic U.S. citizenship for illegal immigrants' children born in the U.S., with immigrant families opposed 51 - 41 percent.
Quinnipiac Poll
_____________________________________________________

_ Some 59 percent say they oppose allowing illegal immigrants to apply for legal, temporary-worker status, an NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll found.

_ Three-fourths say the United States is not doing enough along its borders to keep illegal immigrants out, a Time Magazine poll found.
Breitbart.com
All of these polls give similar numbers, so why aren't our representatives in Washington voting this way? Why is Tom Tancredo being villified by politicians and the MSM, when he is standing up for the majority of (legal) Americans and why is John McCain being praised by the same for giving our country away to law breakers? I don't understand any of this.

Tags: immigration, illegals

Thursday, April 06, 2006

GOP's Ideas for Immigration

The Republicans have come up with yet another bill for immigration after the Dems "poo-poohed" the last one. I just wish they would enforce the laws already on the books. Illegal: adj.-prohibited by law; unlawful; illicit; also, not aurthorized or sanctioned, as by rules. n.-an alien who has entered a country illegally. Is this so very difficult to understand? Here are the three basic catagories the Republicans have come up with for illegal immigrants to be classified into.
— Those who had been in the country the longest, more than five years, would not be required to return to their home country before gaining legal status. They would be subject to several tests, including the payment of fines and back taxes, and be required to submit to a background check, according to these officials.

— Illegal immigrants in the United States less than five years but more than two would be required to go to a border point of entry, briefly leave and then be readmitted to the United States. As with the longer-term illegal immigrants, other steps would be required for re-entry, after which they could begin seeking citizenship, these officials said.

— Illegal immigrants in the United States less than two years would be required to leave the country and join any other foreign residents seeking legal entry.
Fox News
It's actually rather amusing if you think about it. Illegals aren't going to admit being here less than five years, not if it makes it easier for them to gain citizenship to be here longer. And how will the authorities prove otherwise? It's not as if illegals have green cards, work permits or tax returns to show how long they've been here.

Tags: Congressional Bill, illegals, immigration

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

A Quote

"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society."
Benjamin Franklin

Great wisdom from a great man, too bad this advice has not been followed.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

Joe Friday (showing my age here) only wanted the facts. No embellishments, no story, just the bare facts. We could use that example these days as we see that facts are often the first bits of information to get thrown out in favor of preconceived notions. Thomas Sowell hits squarely on this phenomenon that envelopes politicians, the media and academia alike. Now many of us, in the blogosphere, have discussed this concept many times and in depth, but Thomas Sowell knows how to say it better than i am able!
"People who have made up their minds and don't want to be confused by the facts are a danger to the whole society. Since the votes of such people count just as much as the votes of people who know what they are talking about, politicians have every incentive to pass laws and create policies that pander to ignorant notions, if those notions are widespread.

Even institutions that are set up to pass on facts -- the media, schools, academia -- too often treat facts as expendable and use their strategic positions to filter out facts which go against their own preconceptions."
Having two teenagers, one of whom is close to going to college, I am especially concerned about the teachers and professors, especially on a college level, who seem to "teach" more opinion than fact. I know it happened, to a certain extent, when I was in school but it seems so much more widespread today.
"Those who are in the business of teaching the young, whether in the public schools or on college campuses, too often see this not as a responsibility to pass on what is known but as an opportunity to indoctrinate students with their own beliefs. Many "educators" and the gurus who indoctrinated them actively disparage "mere facts," which they say you can get from an almanac or encyclopedia.

The net result is a student population that does not even know enough to know what needs to be looked up, much less how to analyze facts, so as to test opposing beliefs -- as distinguished from how to gather information to support a preconceived notion that happens to be fashionable in the schools and colleges.

Yet people are considered to be "educated" after they have spent so many years in ivy-covered buildings, absorbing the preconceptions that prevail there."
Thomas Sowell brings up a topic that, if discussed by a white person, would have shouts of 'racism' echoing across the country. For the most part, though, they simply ignore Sowell as an eccentric and once again they ignore the facts that he puts forth.
"Facts that go against preconceived notions are likely to be ignored, even by many scholars. For example, slavery is an issue that is widely discussed as if it were something peculiar to Africans enslaved by Europeans, instead of something suffered and inflicted around the world by people of every race, color, and religion.

Two books about more European slaves brought to North Africa than there were African slaves brought to America have been published in recent years. They are "Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters" by Robert Davis and "White Gold" by Giles Milton. Both books have been largely ignored by the media and academia alike -- and the first went out of print, less than 6 months after being published.

Apparently scholars, as well as journalists, have made up their minds and don't want to be confused by the facts."
Having only ever learned about how evil our American ancestors were, I am curious to learn more about the actual facts on slavery. I am aware of the enslavement of the American Indians but, to many people, that doesn't really count because, well, we wanted their land. But, that's a whole other post!

My point, check your facts. Don't let people overwhelm you with their opinions. And even though there are so many people who will ignore the facts, put them out there anyway. We need to take back the truth and shout it out until others will finally open their ears and listen!

Tags: truth, facts, academia, opinion

Monday, April 03, 2006

No More DeLay

Tom DeLay has not only stated he will not seek re-election as a congressman for Sugarland, TX, but he will also step down from his congressional seat.
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), a primary architect of the House Republican majority who became one of the most powerful and feared leaders in Washington, told House allies Monday night he will step down from the House rather than face a reelection fight that appears increasingly unwinnable.

The decision came just three days after his former deputy chief of staff, Tony C. Rudy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges, telling federal prosecutors of a criminal enterprise being run out of DeLay's leadership offices. Rudy's plea agreement did not implicate DeLay in any illegal activities, but by placing the influence-buying efforts of disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff directly in DeLay's operation, the former aide may have made an already difficult reelection bid all but out of reach. WaPo
According to Brian Wilson of Fox News, he will step down in late spring or early summer after finishing some of his projects.

And you know the Dems will be all over this "like flies on poop" with their standard lament these days of "Culture of Corruption" so be prepared for the whining to commence.

Tags: politics, DeLay, Congress

Poor, Poor Baby

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney...a warrant for her arrest has been issued by the Capital Police! (9:00pm Eastern) Maybe this one will stick, but somehow I'm doubting it, she seems to be made of Teflon. Not to mention that she'll be throwing that race card out there in court. She's already done in on the news!
WASHINGTON — Capitol Hill police on Monday asked a federal prosecutor to approve an arrest warrant for Rep. Cynthia McKinney for her role in a scuffle with a police officer last week, the prosecutor's office confirmed.

Capitol Police had no immediate comment so it's not yet known whether the intent is to file felony or misdemeanor assault charges against McKinney, a DeKalb County Democrat.
Altanta Journal Constitution

Tags: McKinney, politics, race card

Chuckle Snort!

Hat tip to PalmTree Pundit for pointing me to a good laugh, chuckle & snort here!

Another View on Immigration


Iowa Presidential Watch

Saturday, April 01, 2006

A View on Immigration

The immigration focus lately has been on how those of us who want to enforce the laws and stop the "guest worker" program idea, must be racist. I had thought that legal immigrants probably aren't too happy about all the illegals either. They worked hard to get here, to follow the law and to take the necessary steps to become U.S. citizens and here are these people sneaking over the border and taking the jobs that they need. I just didn't see any news reports about what the legal immigrants must think. Not all that surprising, really. But here is at least a bit of information on what the minorities of Arizona thought.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, minorities and the poor overwhelmingly favor a get tough approach on illegal immigration - as they proved just two years ago by supporting Arizona's Proposition 200 in a landslide.

As the 2004 election approached, the immigration crackdown, which proposed denying state services to anyone who couldn't prove they were in the country legally, was decried by critics as "draconian" and "xenophobic."
Unfortunately, the money was with the advocates of guest worker programs, amnesty and easing immigration laws.
The proposal was trashed by Arizona's business community. All the state's big newspapers came out against it. Governor Janet Napolitano, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl echoed their opposition. The Chamber of Commerce and the labor unions opposed Prop 200 as well.

Proponents of the measure were outspent by almost two to one in the final days of the campaign.
But Prop 200 passed, despite all the money spent by the opposition. The strongest support came from Blacks, Hispanics and the poor.
Exit polls showed that 65 percent of blacks, Native Americans and Asians backed Prop 200. But they were pikers compared to the working poor.

Among those with family incomes of $15,000 or less, 72 percent wanted Arizona to use Prop 200 to crackdown on illegals.

What about Hispanic voters, who pundits repeatedly warn will punish illegal immigration foes in Washington by withdrawing their support?

Almost half of Arizona's Latino voters - 47 percent - cast their ballots for Prop 200. NewsMax
We, who oppose guest worker programs, amnesty and the easing of immigration laws, need to garner the support of these groups because stopping the inflow of illegal immigrants is in all of our best interest.

Tags: immigration