Turning 53
It seems like only yesterday that I was bummed-out about turning 50. Birthdays always make me take stock of my life and once again I'm reminded that my life has turned out nothing like I expected. I like being me and I'd trade with no one, but there are some key elements missing in my past and present whose absence I regret. But the bed in which I lie is of my own design and I've been constructing it for many years.
Perhaps the best thing about being a Christian is that while we pay for our mistakes, we pay only in this life.
The course of a life pivots on both split-second decisions and time-worn habits. But my life's destination was determined on a Thursday night back in the fall of 1963, when I walked down an aisle and repeated Peter's good confession to an old preacher named Mr. Grubb. A few minutes later Mr. Grubb's gnarled old hands lowered me into the waters of the Jerome Christian Church baptistry. But I believe another pair of Hands helped lift me up. And through every triumph, every bad decision, every good deed, and every thoughtless act, those Hands have never let go of me.
I'll sing to you Lord, a hymn of love,
For your faithfulness to me.
I'm carried in Everlasting Arms,
You've never let me go, through it all.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Defining Irony
Intensifying a war of words over a U.S. troop buildup in Iraq, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused President Bush Friday of playing politics with soldiers' lives, a charge the White House called "poisonous."
"The president knows that because the troops are in harm's way that we won't cut off the resources," Pelosi, head of the Democratic-led House, told ABC's "Good Morning America. "That's why he's moving so quickly to put them in harm's way."
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/1/19/161824.shtml?s=ic
I'm sorry, but the thought of any Democrat levelling the charge of playing politics with soldiers' lives is a little more than I can stomach.
Soon after Saddam was forced into a hole, the Democrats began playing politics with soldiers' lives, encouraging the enemy by sabotaging our President's efforts to protect us at home, and undermining the war on terror abroad. Radical Islam has found an ally in the Democrat Party - all because of their willingness to play politics with soldiers' lives.
Intensifying a war of words over a U.S. troop buildup in Iraq, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused President Bush Friday of playing politics with soldiers' lives, a charge the White House called "poisonous."
"The president knows that because the troops are in harm's way that we won't cut off the resources," Pelosi, head of the Democratic-led House, told ABC's "Good Morning America. "That's why he's moving so quickly to put them in harm's way."
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/1/19/161824.shtml?s=ic
I'm sorry, but the thought of any Democrat levelling the charge of playing politics with soldiers' lives is a little more than I can stomach.
Soon after Saddam was forced into a hole, the Democrats began playing politics with soldiers' lives, encouraging the enemy by sabotaging our President's efforts to protect us at home, and undermining the war on terror abroad. Radical Islam has found an ally in the Democrat Party - all because of their willingness to play politics with soldiers' lives.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Stumble Stones
Berta Spiegel, whose maiden name was Scheuer, and her husband, Josef Spiegel, ran a sporting goods shop at 6 Buccheimer St. in the Cologne suburb of Muelheim. The couple was "deported," the Nazi euphemism for removal of Jews from Germany, to Theresienstadt concentration camp, located in the present-day Czech Republic. They died there. Berta on Feb. 16, 1942, Josef on Aug. 7, 1942.
They are called stolpersteine -- stumble stones. They are meant to trip memory.
Each is a brass plaque measuring about 4 by 4 inches and hand-engraved by artist Gunter Demnig with the name and a few terse details of someone lost to the Holocaust. Each stumble stone is set permanently into the sidewalk outside the place where the individual lived, laughed, and loved -- usually a house or apartment building and sometimes a shop or office. http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2007/01/13/in_germany_singular_remembrances/
And that's all that's left of a life. A stumble stone. 64 years later, so little has changed.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Senators Plot to Defeat President, Not Terrorism
WASHINGTON (AP) - A group of senators including a Republican war critic announced agreement Wednesday on a resolution opposing President Bush's 21,500 troop build up in Iraq, setting their marker for a major clash between the White House and Congress over the unpopular war.
The picture above speaks volumes. Cassius and Brutus.
From the beginning the Democrats have worked to sabotage our President's efforts to protect us at home and fight terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq - all for the sake of politics. How many American soldiers were killed by terrorists who were encouraged by the efforts of the "loyal opposition" to undermine the war effort?
I was listening to Limbaugh a few days ago and a caller asked him what it would take for the Democrats to quit playing politics and start supporting the war on terror. Limbaugh answered, "About three more attacks."
WASHINGTON (AP) - A group of senators including a Republican war critic announced agreement Wednesday on a resolution opposing President Bush's 21,500 troop build up in Iraq, setting their marker for a major clash between the White House and Congress over the unpopular war.
The picture above speaks volumes. Cassius and Brutus.
From the beginning the Democrats have worked to sabotage our President's efforts to protect us at home and fight terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq - all for the sake of politics. How many American soldiers were killed by terrorists who were encouraged by the efforts of the "loyal opposition" to undermine the war effort?
I was listening to Limbaugh a few days ago and a caller asked him what it would take for the Democrats to quit playing politics and start supporting the war on terror. Limbaugh answered, "About three more attacks."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
MLK Day
I was listening yesterday to the Peter Heck Show - a daily habit of mine - and heard Mr. Heck read a quote one of Martin Luther King's speeches. The words were powerful, Biblical, and inspiring. There was nothing there that a good Christian would not embrace.
Heck always speaks of King as one of his favorite American leaders, but I've noticed that he pretty much sticks with the "words and ideas" in the speeches - and handles the legacy, and those that followed King in a much different way.
Ah. That's the trouble we conservatives have with MLK. That's the problem we have with a man that - perhaps more than any other - helped America to "grow up" and "live up" to its belief that all men are created equal. Not only is the socialism of the Great Society forever linked with the Civil Rights movement - it is accompanied also with the destruction of the African-American family as well, something that MLK never intended. Quotas and Affirmative Action are not mentioned in the his speeches, but they are as much a part of the movement as ending segregation. Busing and MLK's anti-Vietnam rhetoric are also issues that conservatives must deal with.
So every January Blacks and Whites, Conservatives and Liberals, join for a moment to celebrate a man - a metamorphosis in America's character - and an ideal that held promise. But the legacy and so many realities will always remain a place to part ways.
I was listening yesterday to the Peter Heck Show - a daily habit of mine - and heard Mr. Heck read a quote one of Martin Luther King's speeches. The words were powerful, Biblical, and inspiring. There was nothing there that a good Christian would not embrace.
Heck always speaks of King as one of his favorite American leaders, but I've noticed that he pretty much sticks with the "words and ideas" in the speeches - and handles the legacy, and those that followed King in a much different way.
Ah. That's the trouble we conservatives have with MLK. That's the problem we have with a man that - perhaps more than any other - helped America to "grow up" and "live up" to its belief that all men are created equal. Not only is the socialism of the Great Society forever linked with the Civil Rights movement - it is accompanied also with the destruction of the African-American family as well, something that MLK never intended. Quotas and Affirmative Action are not mentioned in the his speeches, but they are as much a part of the movement as ending segregation. Busing and MLK's anti-Vietnam rhetoric are also issues that conservatives must deal with.
So every January Blacks and Whites, Conservatives and Liberals, join for a moment to celebrate a man - a metamorphosis in America's character - and an ideal that held promise. But the legacy and so many realities will always remain a place to part ways.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ellison Watch... part deux
Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) has been named to the House Judiciary Committee. Ellison said in a statement: “I look forward to pursuing a progressive agenda in the committee, including the restoration of American citizen’s civil liberties that have come under increasing attack over the past six years.”
The American citizens Ellison, the nation’s first Muslim congressman, has in mind are likely Muslims who charge that they have been subjected to unjust scrutiny and inconvenience in the aftermath of 9/11. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) shares this view: she has announced her intention to “correct the Patriot Act,” and wants to criminalize scrutiny of Muslims at airports and elsewhere: “Since September 11, many Muslim Americans have been subjected to searches at airports and other locations based upon their religion and national origin. We must make it illegal.” Helping make it illegal with Ellison on the House Judiciary Committee will be John Conyers (D-MI), the new chairman of that committee. “The policies of the Bush administration,” he has declared, “have sent a wave of fear through our immigrant communities and targeted our Arab and Muslim neighbors.”
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=26388
I thought we were targeting them so that they wouldn't target us.
What were the Democrats thinking - putting Ellison on the Judiciary Committee? He could have done much more damage on the Committee for Homeland Security, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, or the House Armed Services Committee.
Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) has been named to the House Judiciary Committee. Ellison said in a statement: “I look forward to pursuing a progressive agenda in the committee, including the restoration of American citizen’s civil liberties that have come under increasing attack over the past six years.”
The American citizens Ellison, the nation’s first Muslim congressman, has in mind are likely Muslims who charge that they have been subjected to unjust scrutiny and inconvenience in the aftermath of 9/11. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) shares this view: she has announced her intention to “correct the Patriot Act,” and wants to criminalize scrutiny of Muslims at airports and elsewhere: “Since September 11, many Muslim Americans have been subjected to searches at airports and other locations based upon their religion and national origin. We must make it illegal.” Helping make it illegal with Ellison on the House Judiciary Committee will be John Conyers (D-MI), the new chairman of that committee. “The policies of the Bush administration,” he has declared, “have sent a wave of fear through our immigrant communities and targeted our Arab and Muslim neighbors.”
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=26388
I thought we were targeting them so that they wouldn't target us.
What were the Democrats thinking - putting Ellison on the Judiciary Committee? He could have done much more damage on the Committee for Homeland Security, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, or the House Armed Services Committee.
And I didn't realize that American Muslims had been subjected to unjust scrutiny and inconvenience. Well that changes everything! And this "wave of fear through our immigrant communities" can't be good.
I think we can all be grateful that the Democrats finally "get it" and intend to protect young males of Middle Eastern descent from the terrible evil that is America.
Friday, January 12, 2007
News From The Democratic Underground
CREATORS) -- The purpose of this old-fashioned newspaper crusade to stop the war is not to make George W. Bush look like the dumbest president ever. People have done dumber things. What were they thinking when they bought into the Bay of Pigs fiasco? How dumb was the Egypt-Suez war? How massively stupid was the entire war in Vietnam? Even at that, the challenge with this misbegotten adventure is that WE simply cannot let it continue.
It is not a matter of whether we will lose or we are losing. We have lost.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/
Congrats to the Dems. They have used the media to perfection, stoked the morale of the enemy - and have not only beaten the Republicans and their President, but they have also defeated the finest military force on the face of the planet. Well done.
It's clear that radical Islam will wait us out in Iraq. And after the bloodbath Iraq will become anther Iran - another threat to Israel, the United States, Europe, mankind...
So hunker down, my friends. The only force capable of turning the Islamic tide that is sweeping across the world has announced its defeat. I shudder to think what it would take to summon its rise again.
It's hard to be a conservative these days. But the future will be hardest upon all those feel-good liberals... when evil responds to weakness the way evil always does.
CREATORS) -- The purpose of this old-fashioned newspaper crusade to stop the war is not to make George W. Bush look like the dumbest president ever. People have done dumber things. What were they thinking when they bought into the Bay of Pigs fiasco? How dumb was the Egypt-Suez war? How massively stupid was the entire war in Vietnam? Even at that, the challenge with this misbegotten adventure is that WE simply cannot let it continue.
It is not a matter of whether we will lose or we are losing. We have lost.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/
Congrats to the Dems. They have used the media to perfection, stoked the morale of the enemy - and have not only beaten the Republicans and their President, but they have also defeated the finest military force on the face of the planet. Well done.
It's clear that radical Islam will wait us out in Iraq. And after the bloodbath Iraq will become anther Iran - another threat to Israel, the United States, Europe, mankind...
So hunker down, my friends. The only force capable of turning the Islamic tide that is sweeping across the world has announced its defeat. I shudder to think what it would take to summon its rise again.
It's hard to be a conservative these days. But the future will be hardest upon all those feel-good liberals... when evil responds to weakness the way evil always does.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Ohio State vs. Michigan
Erik Kuselias works for ESPN radio and in November and December he went on and on about how Ohio State and Michigan should be allowed a rematch for the National Championship. His most memorable lines were: "They are obviously the two best teams in college football." And: "Don't you want to see the two best teams in college football play?"
Southern Cal 32
Michigan 18
Florida 41
Ohio St 14
Obviously, Erik Kuselias was wrong. You obviously can't judge teams from different conferences by their conference play.
But the problem today is that it isn't at all obvious that Florida is better than Southern Cal because they haven't played. And until there is a tournament in college football, there will be no champion... but rather just a yearly coronation by the sportswriters.
Erik Kuselias works for ESPN radio and in November and December he went on and on about how Ohio State and Michigan should be allowed a rematch for the National Championship. His most memorable lines were: "They are obviously the two best teams in college football." And: "Don't you want to see the two best teams in college football play?"
Southern Cal 32
Michigan 18
Florida 41
Ohio St 14
Obviously, Erik Kuselias was wrong. You obviously can't judge teams from different conferences by their conference play.
But the problem today is that it isn't at all obvious that Florida is better than Southern Cal because they haven't played. And until there is a tournament in college football, there will be no champion... but rather just a yearly coronation by the sportswriters.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Joltin' Joe Biden (pause to yawn) Announces
On Sunday Sen. Joe Biden [smiling under his hair plugs] told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
“I am running for president,” he told “Meet the Press” anchor Tim Russert. “I’m going to be Joe Biden, and I’m going to try to be the best Biden I can be. If I can, I got a shot. If I can’t, I lose.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11442718/
What? The best Biden? What does that mean? Not that it ultimately matters, but what does it mean?
If a huge ego, a desperate need for attention, and long-windedness were prerequisites for political success, Biden could be King.
The guy hasn't a chance - and I think he knows it. But I believe national politicians are sometimes quite willing to use other people's money to get some attention and feel like a big shot for a while. Go for it, Joe.
On Sunday Sen. Joe Biden [smiling under his hair plugs] told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
“I am running for president,” he told “Meet the Press” anchor Tim Russert. “I’m going to be Joe Biden, and I’m going to try to be the best Biden I can be. If I can, I got a shot. If I can’t, I lose.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11442718/
What? The best Biden? What does that mean? Not that it ultimately matters, but what does it mean?
If a huge ego, a desperate need for attention, and long-windedness were prerequisites for political success, Biden could be King.
The guy hasn't a chance - and I think he knows it. But I believe national politicians are sometimes quite willing to use other people's money to get some attention and feel like a big shot for a while. Go for it, Joe.
A Cat Lover I Can Respect
JANUARY 5--A Tennessee man who kept 114 dead cats and a dead German Shepherd named Snowy in three freezers is suing police for seizing and destroying the frosty animal carcasses, which, he claims, had "emotional value" to him and were destined for a pet cemetery he was building.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0105073cats1.html
If every American enthusiastically shared the ambition to have 114 dead cats in his freezer, we could have this country in ship-shape by Valentine's Day.
JANUARY 5--A Tennessee man who kept 114 dead cats and a dead German Shepherd named Snowy in three freezers is suing police for seizing and destroying the frosty animal carcasses, which, he claims, had "emotional value" to him and were destined for a pet cemetery he was building.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0105073cats1.html
If every American enthusiastically shared the ambition to have 114 dead cats in his freezer, we could have this country in ship-shape by Valentine's Day.
The Seeds of Hatred
This is a ten minute video highlighting what Israel faces on a daily basis, and also focuses on the brainwashing of Palestinian children.
It is incredible that the United Nations continues to side with this culture of death over the civilized, western values of Israel.
Whether it's raping in Africa, corruption in the oil-for-food program, or in this case - lending legitimacy to a horrific use of children that should be universally condemned - the U.N. continues to illustrate its absurdity and worthlessness.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
When Bloggers Taunt
Christmas is a time of "good will towards men." But cat lovers - like other minions of Satan - often prefer to use it in an unholy and cruel way.
Cat lover Christina, of The Right Perspective, and her brutish husband gave me a desk calendar for Christmas which contains daily demonic and frightening pictures of cats of all breeds and levels of feline degradation. Are the images shocking? Oh yes. Yes they are. I just hope I can sleep tonight.
Christmas is a time of "good will towards men." But cat lovers - like other minions of Satan - often prefer to use it in an unholy and cruel way.
Cat lover Christina, of The Right Perspective, and her brutish husband gave me a desk calendar for Christmas which contains daily demonic and frightening pictures of cats of all breeds and levels of feline degradation. Are the images shocking? Oh yes. Yes they are. I just hope I can sleep tonight.
Last March, during what has come to be known as The Great Cat Conflict of 2006, it was I who played the role of peacemaker when I wrote:
Though our emotions and disagreements run deep, perhaps the whole world can pray that the Two-Day Cat Conflict of 2006 has forged a new understanding between peoples and pets of every race, species, and creed... that even with wounds yet healing, we might struggle up from the morass that so recently consumed us... and beat our swords into leashes and our spears into litter boxes... and study blogwar no more.
But, though I once again I find myself the victim of callous Christina and her boorish oaf of a husband, I will not sink to their level and call them snivelling cat trash, though I would be totally justified (and accurate) in doing so. I simply refuse to do it.
So with true Christmas Spirit - and clean hands - I again take the higher road.
God bless us, every one.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Meanwhile in Washington...
The gray van slowly makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue on a cool afternoon in the nation's capitol. Beads of sweat form on the young Saudi's head as be glances at the small nuclear device behind him. With a shout of "Allah Akbar!" he detonates the device.
In less than a second the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and most of Congress die in a fiery explosion.
Who will lead our country back from the brink? Who will step in and thwart the evil that threatens us?
Well... Back in Wheeling, West Virgina Senator Robert C. Byrd has just cut the ribbon, opening the recently built - at taxpayer expense - "Robert C. Byrd Aerobic Gym and Tanning Center."
As President Pro Tempore of the Senate the 89-year-old former Klansman is third in the line of presidential succession.
Upon hearing the news of the attack and his sudden rise to power, Byrd exclaims "I have a little dog, a Maltese dog, Billy Byrd."
The gray van slowly makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue on a cool afternoon in the nation's capitol. Beads of sweat form on the young Saudi's head as be glances at the small nuclear device behind him. With a shout of "Allah Akbar!" he detonates the device.
In less than a second the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and most of Congress die in a fiery explosion.
Who will lead our country back from the brink? Who will step in and thwart the evil that threatens us?
Well... Back in Wheeling, West Virgina Senator Robert C. Byrd has just cut the ribbon, opening the recently built - at taxpayer expense - "Robert C. Byrd Aerobic Gym and Tanning Center."
As President Pro Tempore of the Senate the 89-year-old former Klansman is third in the line of presidential succession.
Upon hearing the news of the attack and his sudden rise to power, Byrd exclaims "I have a little dog, a Maltese dog, Billy Byrd."
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Ellison WatchThe new Muslim Congressman from Minnesota’s 5th District, Keith Ellison, infiltrates Congress this week, and so he will be made privy to all sorts of secrets that jihad-sympathetic contributors to his campaign would love to get their hands on.
Thank you, Minnesota.
Gee, Ellison's history with Louis Farrakhan, or the support he received from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) might have influenced my vote. But the fact that he spoke to the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) shortly before six imams coming from the conference were removed from a U.S. Airways flight headed to Arizona - well that would have cinched it for me.
It will be interesting to note on which committees the fair-minded multicultural Democrat Leadership will place him. How about the U.S House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence? The House Armed Services Committee? The Committee on Homeland Security?
Front Page Mag asks:
When Congressman Ellison places his hand on the Quran, to which people is he swearing an oath to protect? Is it the American public – many of which went blindly into the voting booths to choose him – or is it his friends, our enemies?
Ellison needs to be given a chance to prove himself a patriot. He also needs to be watched.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
People's Cube Breaks Another Big Story
It is an undeniable scientific fact that the pro-embryonic-stem-cell spot that Michael J. Fox did for Missouri Senate candidate Claire McCaskill was effective in the case of at least one person - Claire McCaskill - who has made medical history by winning a seat in the Senate because of it. Now it's time for the Democrats to return the favor and arrange a sweeping victory for the funding of embryonic stem cell research.
It is especially important because now Fox has apparently decided that settling for Parkinson's alone is for wimps, and if he wants to be a truly progressive victim he also needs the brain tumor that embryonic stem cells create.
http://www.thepeoplescube.com/red/viewtopic.php?t=1002
It is an undeniable scientific fact that the pro-embryonic-stem-cell spot that Michael J. Fox did for Missouri Senate candidate Claire McCaskill was effective in the case of at least one person - Claire McCaskill - who has made medical history by winning a seat in the Senate because of it. Now it's time for the Democrats to return the favor and arrange a sweeping victory for the funding of embryonic stem cell research.
It is especially important because now Fox has apparently decided that settling for Parkinson's alone is for wimps, and if he wants to be a truly progressive victim he also needs the brain tumor that embryonic stem cells create.
http://www.thepeoplescube.com/red/viewtopic.php?t=1002
Yet another big story that the mainstream media chooses to ignore.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Take My Imam... Please
LONDON -- Have you heard the joke about how Santa Claus passed out during a visit to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's house in Tehran? He was filling an unwashed presidential sock with presents when he was overcome by the smell.
For millions of Iranians, humor is proving the perfect way to let off steam, and jokes focusing on Mr. Ahmadinejad's purported lack of personal hygiene have begun to proliferate via text messages and e-mails. Most are the work of supporters of Iran's fractured reformist movement, which remains marginalized despite signs of a comeback in a recent vote for district councils.
...members of the president's personal staff say the boss likes a joke as much as anyone else. However, rumor has it that Mr. Ahmadinejad took umbrage recently at a joke claiming that he needed to shower more often. The gag was brought to his attention, not via Iran's formidable secret intelligence services, but in a misdirected text message. In response, he is said to have lodged an official complaint with the judiciary.
According to Rooz Online, a pro-reformist Web site, a senior official with the country's mobile phone network was fired and several others arrested and accused of being foreign spies.
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20070101-112325-5854r.htm
If I was a malcontent in Iran - and I would be a malcontent if in Iran - I wouldn't bet my health or my family's health on the assumption that a tyrannical Muslim leader-zealot would had a sense of humor.
LONDON -- Have you heard the joke about how Santa Claus passed out during a visit to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's house in Tehran? He was filling an unwashed presidential sock with presents when he was overcome by the smell.
For millions of Iranians, humor is proving the perfect way to let off steam, and jokes focusing on Mr. Ahmadinejad's purported lack of personal hygiene have begun to proliferate via text messages and e-mails. Most are the work of supporters of Iran's fractured reformist movement, which remains marginalized despite signs of a comeback in a recent vote for district councils.
...members of the president's personal staff say the boss likes a joke as much as anyone else. However, rumor has it that Mr. Ahmadinejad took umbrage recently at a joke claiming that he needed to shower more often. The gag was brought to his attention, not via Iran's formidable secret intelligence services, but in a misdirected text message. In response, he is said to have lodged an official complaint with the judiciary.
According to Rooz Online, a pro-reformist Web site, a senior official with the country's mobile phone network was fired and several others arrested and accused of being foreign spies.
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20070101-112325-5854r.htm
If I was a malcontent in Iran - and I would be a malcontent if in Iran - I wouldn't bet my health or my family's health on the assumption that a tyrannical Muslim leader-zealot would had a sense of humor.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Holidays' End
Happy New Year. I celebrated by sleeping in this morning until 5 AM. Once again the calendar year changed quite efficiently without my monitoring.
This year the Holidays were pretty lousy for me, and I got a glimpse of my future. Not only did I work the 24th 25th and 26th - which was bad enough - but my mother went into the hospital on Christmas Eve with a mini-stroke. (Her confidence seems a bit shaken, but other than that she is doing fine.) Because of her illness and other ilnesses in the family, there was no family get-together this year... And Christmas just kind of passed by.
There were actually a couple moments there when I was a little depressed and lonely. I clumsily reached out to a couple people - but that only left me feeling a little foolish, depressed, and lonely.
A few years ago I ran into a friend right after Thanksgiving. I knew he had just gotten a divorce, so I asked him what he had done for the holiday. He said he'd washed dishes at a mission in Indianapolis. He said it was one of the best Thanksgivings he'd ever had... and that he'd met a lot of great people who had also volunteered. So... I guess that's what good single people do during the Holidays.
Being single has many blessings. But don't bother trying to explain that to anyone with a spouse and kids - You inevitably come across like someone who is trying to explain to a soccer fan why soccer is boring. I'm sure a happy marriage is wonderful, but I have the freedom to do pretty much anything I want... and that can be kind of nice, too.
The trick is - figuring out what really gives us joy. I think my friend got it right.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year. I celebrated by sleeping in this morning until 5 AM. Once again the calendar year changed quite efficiently without my monitoring.
This year the Holidays were pretty lousy for me, and I got a glimpse of my future. Not only did I work the 24th 25th and 26th - which was bad enough - but my mother went into the hospital on Christmas Eve with a mini-stroke. (Her confidence seems a bit shaken, but other than that she is doing fine.) Because of her illness and other ilnesses in the family, there was no family get-together this year... And Christmas just kind of passed by.
There were actually a couple moments there when I was a little depressed and lonely. I clumsily reached out to a couple people - but that only left me feeling a little foolish, depressed, and lonely.
A few years ago I ran into a friend right after Thanksgiving. I knew he had just gotten a divorce, so I asked him what he had done for the holiday. He said he'd washed dishes at a mission in Indianapolis. He said it was one of the best Thanksgivings he'd ever had... and that he'd met a lot of great people who had also volunteered. So... I guess that's what good single people do during the Holidays.
Being single has many blessings. But don't bother trying to explain that to anyone with a spouse and kids - You inevitably come across like someone who is trying to explain to a soccer fan why soccer is boring. I'm sure a happy marriage is wonderful, but I have the freedom to do pretty much anything I want... and that can be kind of nice, too.
The trick is - figuring out what really gives us joy. I think my friend got it right.
Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Hussein Executed
David Horowitz writes:
As the decent world rejoices let us remember why his rape rooms and acid baths, his plastic shredders and mass graves are now shut down; why his plans to build nuclear and chemical and biological weapons and use them on his enemies are aborted; why his reign is over. For Saddam would be a force for evil in the world today if brave and courageous men and women had not been determined to take him down and had not stayed the course until it was done.
I don't think any man's death is a reason to rejoice, but this execution had to happen. Until his death, this butcher still cast a very long shadow on the people he had terrorized - and the new Iraqi government.
It's obvious that Iraq's road to security and peace will be difficult, but today there is one less impediment.
David Horowitz writes:
As the decent world rejoices let us remember why his rape rooms and acid baths, his plastic shredders and mass graves are now shut down; why his plans to build nuclear and chemical and biological weapons and use them on his enemies are aborted; why his reign is over. For Saddam would be a force for evil in the world today if brave and courageous men and women had not been determined to take him down and had not stayed the course until it was done.
I don't think any man's death is a reason to rejoice, but this execution had to happen. Until his death, this butcher still cast a very long shadow on the people he had terrorized - and the new Iraqi government.
It's obvious that Iraq's road to security and peace will be difficult, but today there is one less impediment.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Deep Thoughts to Ponder Before a Hanging
“One should forgive one’s enemies, but not before they are hanged”
...Heinrich Heine
"When you hit the end of the rope...
your muscles lose control. I'm afraid I'll mess myself."
...Perry Smith, In Cold Blood 1967
"Ordinarily, I'd take you in my court - and try you - and hang you. But if you've got money for whiskey, I guess we can dispense with those proceedings."
...The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean 1972
This time tomorrow reckon where I'll be
Down in some lonesome valley
Hanging from a white oak tree.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley...
Weight - Drop
14 stone (196 lbs.) 8 ft. 0 in.
13 1/2 stone (189 lbs.) 8 ft. 2 in.
13 stone (182 lbs.) 8 ft. 4 in.
12 1/2 stone (175 lbs.) 8 ft. 6 in.
12 stone (168 lbs.) 8 ft. 8 in.
11 1/2 stone (161 lbs.) 8 ft. 10 in.
11 stone (154 lbs.) 9 ft. 0 in.
10 1/2 stone (147 lbs.) 9 ft. 2 in.
10 stone (140 lbs.) 9 ft. 4 in.
9 1/2 stone (133 lbs.) 9 ft. 6 in.
9 stone (126 lbs.) 9 ft. 8 in.
8 1/2 stone (119 lbs.) 9 ft. 10 in.
8 stone (112 lbs.) 10 ft. 0 in.
Why not give everyone a ten foot drop? Turns out that with too much of a drop, if you're too heavy, you decapitate yourself, which is quite messy.
Dang me, dang me
They oughta take a rope and hang me
High from the highest tree
Woman would you weep for me.
...Roger Miller
Saddam Hussein will have an easier death than that of the children he gassed. His death will not involve the tortuous pain he inflicted upon so many of his people. But I suspect this unrepentant monster will receive a justice fitting his crimes... And 77 virgins will not be involved.
“One should forgive one’s enemies, but not before they are hanged”
...Heinrich Heine
"When you hit the end of the rope...
your muscles lose control. I'm afraid I'll mess myself."
...Perry Smith, In Cold Blood 1967
"Ordinarily, I'd take you in my court - and try you - and hang you. But if you've got money for whiskey, I guess we can dispense with those proceedings."
...The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean 1972
This time tomorrow reckon where I'll be
Down in some lonesome valley
Hanging from a white oak tree.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley...
Weight - Drop
14 stone (196 lbs.) 8 ft. 0 in.
13 1/2 stone (189 lbs.) 8 ft. 2 in.
13 stone (182 lbs.) 8 ft. 4 in.
12 1/2 stone (175 lbs.) 8 ft. 6 in.
12 stone (168 lbs.) 8 ft. 8 in.
11 1/2 stone (161 lbs.) 8 ft. 10 in.
11 stone (154 lbs.) 9 ft. 0 in.
10 1/2 stone (147 lbs.) 9 ft. 2 in.
10 stone (140 lbs.) 9 ft. 4 in.
9 1/2 stone (133 lbs.) 9 ft. 6 in.
9 stone (126 lbs.) 9 ft. 8 in.
8 1/2 stone (119 lbs.) 9 ft. 10 in.
8 stone (112 lbs.) 10 ft. 0 in.
Why not give everyone a ten foot drop? Turns out that with too much of a drop, if you're too heavy, you decapitate yourself, which is quite messy.
Dang me, dang me
They oughta take a rope and hang me
High from the highest tree
Woman would you weep for me.
...Roger Miller
Saddam Hussein will have an easier death than that of the children he gassed. His death will not involve the tortuous pain he inflicted upon so many of his people. But I suspect this unrepentant monster will receive a justice fitting his crimes... And 77 virgins will not be involved.
Wisdom Acquired...
If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, "Do you want fries with that?" ...George Carlin
I find it interesting that this is the same kind of statement and point of view that Carlin lampooned back in the 60's and 70's when he was young and cool.
If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, "Do you want fries with that?" ...George Carlin
I find it interesting that this is the same kind of statement and point of view that Carlin lampooned back in the 60's and 70's when he was young and cool.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Gerald Rudolph Ford R.I.P.
I actually saw the "Whip Inflation Now" speech in which President Ford encouraged us to wear "WIN" buttons. And I think the WIN button pretty much sums up the Ford Presidency.
This button sums up the brilliant and sophisticated Ford campaign of 1976.
I actually saw the "Whip Inflation Now" speech in which President Ford encouraged us to wear "WIN" buttons. And I think the WIN button pretty much sums up the Ford Presidency.
This button sums up the brilliant and sophisticated Ford campaign of 1976.
If Ford had beaten Carter - I like to think the Iran Hostage Crisis wouldn't have happened - or it would have been handled better... But I'm not sure. I don't think there was that much difference between Gerry and Jimmy. During our country's post-Vietnam illness (a lingering malady among Democrats today) it would have taken a "Reagan" to march into Tehran and explain a few things. But that train has left the station, and here we are today.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
I Once Had a Doll Named Nancy
When I was very young... while playing doctor, I put merthiolate on a couple of my sister's dolls - and voila' - My mother bought me my very own doll. And I believe there was some talk of me staying away from my sister's stuff. I named the doll Nancy after my sister's friend on whom I had a huge crush.
Eighteen years ago I was involved in a romantic dalliance of seismic proportions - the type of steamy relationship in which you lose weight - because you forget to eat. To describe her face I would say that - if God had made Reba McEntire beautiful, she would have looked like this girl. She was a brown-haired, brown-eyed, coltish-legged, petite little thing that might have tipped the scales at 100 pounds, if soaking wet - but she was stronger than I could ever hope to be and I was helplessly wrapped about her finger.
In the summer of 88' she ate me up and spit me out, and I said never again. She came back in the summer of 95', did the exact same thing, and it was delightfully painful.
When I was very young... while playing doctor, I put merthiolate on a couple of my sister's dolls - and voila' - My mother bought me my very own doll. And I believe there was some talk of me staying away from my sister's stuff. I named the doll Nancy after my sister's friend on whom I had a huge crush.
Eighteen years ago I was involved in a romantic dalliance of seismic proportions - the type of steamy relationship in which you lose weight - because you forget to eat. To describe her face I would say that - if God had made Reba McEntire beautiful, she would have looked like this girl. She was a brown-haired, brown-eyed, coltish-legged, petite little thing that might have tipped the scales at 100 pounds, if soaking wet - but she was stronger than I could ever hope to be and I was helplessly wrapped about her finger.
In the summer of 88' she ate me up and spit me out, and I said never again. She came back in the summer of 95', did the exact same thing, and it was delightfully painful.
Anyway, where am I going with this? Well, as I get older my mind is beginning to play little tricks on me. My memories are being edited by my brain as it fills in holes by incorporating dreams, images on TV, and scenes from movies. Distinct experiences, faces, and times are blending together to make an out-of-sync, out-of-context mish mash of names, faces, and experiences from my past.
Once a memory has been infected by this process, it becomes a reoccurring and haunting misrepresentation of my past.
Current events are making this phenomenon unnerving and quite disturbing.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Working on Christmas
When you work in a hospital you often end up working holidays... So here I am at work on Christmas morning. I always volunteer to work Christmas because the females I work with have kids and grand kids. I, of course, have no one. I'm childless, loveless, friendless, and even my parents aren't terribly fond of me. Yes, it's very sad.
Do the females I work with appreciate me for working Christmas? No, they do not. They say, "You're such a loser - you might as well work Christmas, what else have you got to do?"
At that, I simply smile humbly and say Merry Christmas... and slowly walk away...
Though I'm unappreciated and misunderstood, I carry on - knowing that Jesus and the apostles are up in heaven and looking down on me in my selflessness. They no doubt whisper amongst themselves, saying - "That Malott is some guy!
My only complaint is with all these sick people. If they had a little more consideration, they'd be home for Christmas and I wouldn't have to work so hard.
Well, Merry Christmas from Malott's Blog.
When you work in a hospital you often end up working holidays... So here I am at work on Christmas morning. I always volunteer to work Christmas because the females I work with have kids and grand kids. I, of course, have no one. I'm childless, loveless, friendless, and even my parents aren't terribly fond of me. Yes, it's very sad.
Do the females I work with appreciate me for working Christmas? No, they do not. They say, "You're such a loser - you might as well work Christmas, what else have you got to do?"
At that, I simply smile humbly and say Merry Christmas... and slowly walk away...
Though I'm unappreciated and misunderstood, I carry on - knowing that Jesus and the apostles are up in heaven and looking down on me in my selflessness. They no doubt whisper amongst themselves, saying - "That Malott is some guy!
My only complaint is with all these sick people. If they had a little more consideration, they'd be home for Christmas and I wouldn't have to work so hard.
Well, Merry Christmas from Malott's Blog.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Just a Note...
I was recently involved in a blogging argument at "Fundies Say the Darndest Things" where I was ripped for calling Great Britain a very secular country.
An overwhelming number of Britons believe religion does more harm than good while non-believers outnumber believers by nearly two to one, an ICM poll suggested.
But in general, The Guardian survey confirmed the overall decline in religious observance in recent years, particularly in Christian denominations: only 13 percent said they visited a place of worship at least once a week.
Forty-three percent said they never attended.
Although Britain is Protestant, with its monarch Queen Elizabeth II the "defender of the faith", only a small minority (17 percent) described it as a Christian country.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/23/061223185456.vcdgpyo6.html
So there.
I was recently involved in a blogging argument at "Fundies Say the Darndest Things" where I was ripped for calling Great Britain a very secular country.
An overwhelming number of Britons believe religion does more harm than good while non-believers outnumber believers by nearly two to one, an ICM poll suggested.
But in general, The Guardian survey confirmed the overall decline in religious observance in recent years, particularly in Christian denominations: only 13 percent said they visited a place of worship at least once a week.
Forty-three percent said they never attended.
Although Britain is Protestant, with its monarch Queen Elizabeth II the "defender of the faith", only a small minority (17 percent) described it as a Christian country.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/23/061223185456.vcdgpyo6.html
So there.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Rule Britannia!
Mohammed and its alternate spelling Muhammad have overtaken such stalwart monikers as George and Joseph on the list of the most popular name for boys born in England and Wales.
There have been 2,833 babies named Mohammed born so far this year, and 1,422 named Muhammad, for a total of 4,255 – compared to 3,386 Georges and 3,755 Josephs, the Telegraph reports.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/12/21/101221.shtml?s=icp
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
At least... not just yet.
Mohammed and its alternate spelling Muhammad have overtaken such stalwart monikers as George and Joseph on the list of the most popular name for boys born in England and Wales.
There have been 2,833 babies named Mohammed born so far this year, and 1,422 named Muhammad, for a total of 4,255 – compared to 3,386 Georges and 3,755 Josephs, the Telegraph reports.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/12/21/101221.shtml?s=icp
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
At least... not just yet.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Gutsy Prediction for December
And now, a regular feature here on Malott's Blog - The Monthly Gutsy Prediction - where I go way out on a limb and make a truly amazing and courageous prediction, putting my blog's hard earned credibility and spotless reputation on the line - leaving my readers mystified and just a little bit overcome with admiration.
So here we go.
I predict that in the struggle between the Israelis and their Muslim neighbors - the next barbaric and murderous act committed - the next futile and senseless act of cruelty - the next murdering of innocents - will be perpetrated by- wait for it... the Muslims.
Call me crazy, but I live in a universe governed by cause and effect. And in the world of the Middle East, the cause is always a suicide bomber or a rocket launched from Lebanon... And the effect is always Israel retaliating - with amazing restraint.
The "cause and effect" concept affords even the simplest mind an avenue to escape pain. I drink champagne - I get a headache... What to do?
We attack Israel - we get our butts kicked... How can we avoid this painful outcome?
At some point you figure it out, unless you're a hate-filled nut... Or a member in good standing - of the United Nations.
And now, a regular feature here on Malott's Blog - The Monthly Gutsy Prediction - where I go way out on a limb and make a truly amazing and courageous prediction, putting my blog's hard earned credibility and spotless reputation on the line - leaving my readers mystified and just a little bit overcome with admiration.
So here we go.
I predict that in the struggle between the Israelis and their Muslim neighbors - the next barbaric and murderous act committed - the next futile and senseless act of cruelty - the next murdering of innocents - will be perpetrated by- wait for it... the Muslims.
Call me crazy, but I live in a universe governed by cause and effect. And in the world of the Middle East, the cause is always a suicide bomber or a rocket launched from Lebanon... And the effect is always Israel retaliating - with amazing restraint.
The "cause and effect" concept affords even the simplest mind an avenue to escape pain. I drink champagne - I get a headache... What to do?
We attack Israel - we get our butts kicked... How can we avoid this painful outcome?
At some point you figure it out, unless you're a hate-filled nut... Or a member in good standing - of the United Nations.
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Iran Follies
Iranian student activists who staged an angry protest against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week have gone into hiding in fear for their lives after his supporters threatened them with revenge.
One student fled after being photographed holding a banner reading, "Fascist president, the polytechnic is not for you", during Mr Ahmadinejad's visit to Tehran's Amir Kabir university. At least three others have gone underground after being seen burning his picture. Vigilantes from the militant Ansar-e Hezbollah group have been searching for them.
Students now fear an even fiercer crackdown. "We believe [the authorities] will react much worse than before," said Armin Salmasi, 26, a leading activist. "We are already under constant surveillance. The student movement in Iran is going to be driven underground - just like it was before the revolution."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,1974334,00.html
Meanwhile...
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Opponents of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took an early lead in key races in Iran's local elections, according to partial results announced Monday, with moderate conservatives winning control of councils across Iran.
If the final results hold - especially in the bellwether capital, Tehran - it will be an embarrassment to Ahmadinejad...
A political analyst, Mostafa Mirzaeian, said Iran's political lineup was changing in favor of more moderate voices - although he stressed those winning were still within the ruling Islamic establishment.
"Results also show that a new coalition has developed between reformers and moderate conservatives, at the expense of hard-line extremists who support Ahmadinejad," he said.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/18/D8M3D82G0.html
It sounds as if all is not well in the Wonderful World of Islam.
My question is - where is the CIA? Why aren't we helping opponents to this government of nutjobs?
Maybe we already are - but I don't think so. Surely if the CIA was involved the Democrats would leak it - and probably call for hearings denouncing it.
Iranian student activists who staged an angry protest against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week have gone into hiding in fear for their lives after his supporters threatened them with revenge.
One student fled after being photographed holding a banner reading, "Fascist president, the polytechnic is not for you", during Mr Ahmadinejad's visit to Tehran's Amir Kabir university. At least three others have gone underground after being seen burning his picture. Vigilantes from the militant Ansar-e Hezbollah group have been searching for them.
Students now fear an even fiercer crackdown. "We believe [the authorities] will react much worse than before," said Armin Salmasi, 26, a leading activist. "We are already under constant surveillance. The student movement in Iran is going to be driven underground - just like it was before the revolution."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,1974334,00.html
Meanwhile...
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Opponents of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took an early lead in key races in Iran's local elections, according to partial results announced Monday, with moderate conservatives winning control of councils across Iran.
If the final results hold - especially in the bellwether capital, Tehran - it will be an embarrassment to Ahmadinejad...
A political analyst, Mostafa Mirzaeian, said Iran's political lineup was changing in favor of more moderate voices - although he stressed those winning were still within the ruling Islamic establishment.
"Results also show that a new coalition has developed between reformers and moderate conservatives, at the expense of hard-line extremists who support Ahmadinejad," he said.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/18/D8M3D82G0.html
It sounds as if all is not well in the Wonderful World of Islam.
My question is - where is the CIA? Why aren't we helping opponents to this government of nutjobs?
Maybe we already are - but I don't think so. Surely if the CIA was involved the Democrats would leak it - and probably call for hearings denouncing it.
Michael Jackson in South Park
One of the things I'm most thankful for is that I was raised by two relatively normal Christian parents.
Fairly normal.
Well, they had their normal moments.
They're Coming
For the past year, a secret has been slowly spreading among Taliban commanders in Afghanistan: a 12-man team of Westerners was being trained by Al Qaeda in Pakistan for a special mission. Most of the Afghan fighters could rely only on hearsay, but some told of seeing the "English brothers" (as the foreign recruits were nicknamed for their shared language) in person.
U.S. and British security agencies have known this threat would come sooner or later. While saying he could not confirm the English brothers' case specifically, a spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office (unnamed as a matter of standard policy) calls it "common knowledge" that jihadist recruits have been traveling from Britain to Pakistan for indoctrination and training.
And the scariest part is not what M.I.5 knows but what it doesn't know: there's no way the authorities can watch more than a tiny percentage of the 400,000 British residents who visit Pakistan every year.
American intelligence officials tell NEWSWEEK that their people are definitely concerned about terror suspects and operatives shuttling back and forth between Britain and Pakistan. One particular worry is that under current practice, British visitors to the States are not required to apply in advance for temporary visas, which are routinely granted to any British passport holder who is not on a watch list. In other words, the door is wide open for Britain's growing ranks of young jihadists, even those who have attended Al Qaeda training camps, if they are unknown to intelligence agencies.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16240565/site/newsweek/?GT1=8816
Europe with its liberal, multiculturalist-loving governments isn't up to the task of dealing with this sort of threat. But I'm not sure the Democrat Congress we just elected is any more capable of making the tough decisions necessary to protect us here in the States. Maybe if they take a poll...
For the past year, a secret has been slowly spreading among Taliban commanders in Afghanistan: a 12-man team of Westerners was being trained by Al Qaeda in Pakistan for a special mission. Most of the Afghan fighters could rely only on hearsay, but some told of seeing the "English brothers" (as the foreign recruits were nicknamed for their shared language) in person.
U.S. and British security agencies have known this threat would come sooner or later. While saying he could not confirm the English brothers' case specifically, a spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office (unnamed as a matter of standard policy) calls it "common knowledge" that jihadist recruits have been traveling from Britain to Pakistan for indoctrination and training.
And the scariest part is not what M.I.5 knows but what it doesn't know: there's no way the authorities can watch more than a tiny percentage of the 400,000 British residents who visit Pakistan every year.
American intelligence officials tell NEWSWEEK that their people are definitely concerned about terror suspects and operatives shuttling back and forth between Britain and Pakistan. One particular worry is that under current practice, British visitors to the States are not required to apply in advance for temporary visas, which are routinely granted to any British passport holder who is not on a watch list. In other words, the door is wide open for Britain's growing ranks of young jihadists, even those who have attended Al Qaeda training camps, if they are unknown to intelligence agencies.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16240565/site/newsweek/?GT1=8816
Europe with its liberal, multiculturalist-loving governments isn't up to the task of dealing with this sort of threat. But I'm not sure the Democrat Congress we just elected is any more capable of making the tough decisions necessary to protect us here in the States. Maybe if they take a poll...
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Star Parker: A Christian Woman's View on Racism
Paula Zahn and CNN recently aired a program on racism in America - whose message apparently was, "Why yes, there is some." While I'm always appreciative of brilliant deductions, Star Parker's comments on the piece were more interesting than... the piece.
Paula Zahn and CNN recently aired a program on racism in America - whose message apparently was, "Why yes, there is some." While I'm always appreciative of brilliant deductions, Star Parker's comments on the piece were more interesting than... the piece.
She writes:
It ignored the most destructive and widely prevailing racist attitude in our society today, one of which both blacks and whites are guilty. This is the attitude that blacks cannot be held to the same standards as whites.
Recently, Donald Rumsfeld, talking about the need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis, used the analogy of teaching a kid to ride a bike. He said that if you never let go of the bicycle seat, the kid will never learn to ride.
An attitude still prevails in America today that we can't let go of the black bicycle seat, that blacks cannot be left alone to compete head-to-head, to fend for themselves and play by the same rules that every American lives and plays by.
...soon it will be a half-century since the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. A quarter of black America remains in poverty, the state of our inner-city black families is disastrous, and destructive behavior by our inner-city youth is widespread.
These problems will not get solved if the hand of the state remains on the bicycle seat of this community. And the attitude that we can't let go defines today's most virulent strain of racism.
So, in answer to the CNN crew's question, there is indeed racism under the surface in our country today that we're neither really aware of nor willing to admit.
It's a racism of diminished expectations. A racism that says blacks still need special treatment in education and job placement, that we can't give black parents freedom to choose where to send their kids to school, that we can't let low-income black workers build wealth through a personal retirement account, instead of paying Social Security taxes, because they won't know what to do.
This is the racism that will keep this community disproportionately in trouble.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53392
And if you're interested in this amazing woman's life - an incredible story of the Gospel's ability to change people, read here:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/7w4/7w4022.html
It ignored the most destructive and widely prevailing racist attitude in our society today, one of which both blacks and whites are guilty. This is the attitude that blacks cannot be held to the same standards as whites.
Recently, Donald Rumsfeld, talking about the need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis, used the analogy of teaching a kid to ride a bike. He said that if you never let go of the bicycle seat, the kid will never learn to ride.
An attitude still prevails in America today that we can't let go of the black bicycle seat, that blacks cannot be left alone to compete head-to-head, to fend for themselves and play by the same rules that every American lives and plays by.
...soon it will be a half-century since the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. A quarter of black America remains in poverty, the state of our inner-city black families is disastrous, and destructive behavior by our inner-city youth is widespread.
These problems will not get solved if the hand of the state remains on the bicycle seat of this community. And the attitude that we can't let go defines today's most virulent strain of racism.
So, in answer to the CNN crew's question, there is indeed racism under the surface in our country today that we're neither really aware of nor willing to admit.
It's a racism of diminished expectations. A racism that says blacks still need special treatment in education and job placement, that we can't give black parents freedom to choose where to send their kids to school, that we can't let low-income black workers build wealth through a personal retirement account, instead of paying Social Security taxes, because they won't know what to do.
This is the racism that will keep this community disproportionately in trouble.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53392
And if you're interested in this amazing woman's life - an incredible story of the Gospel's ability to change people, read here:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/7w4/7w4022.html
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Skyepuppy's "Stutthof"
Skyepuppy has a great pictorial post from her trip to a concentration/death camp in Poland.
She writes:
"...the only people who deny the Holocaust these days are the ones who want to finish the job."
Can you imagine the faith required to not-believe in things that are seen?
But all humans are religious in one way or another. We all serve a master.
However, I don't understand the Left's metamorphosis from the pro-Jewish, pro-Israel stance of my childhood - to the pro-Palestinian, Muslim-apologist stance of today. Is it because Evangelical Christians now embrace Israel? Is it some self-serving attempt at self-preservation - obeisance to a growing Islamic threat that they fear? Whatever it is, it's been an amazing leap for the Left.
Skyepuppy has a great pictorial post from her trip to a concentration/death camp in Poland.
She writes:
"...the only people who deny the Holocaust these days are the ones who want to finish the job."
Can you imagine the faith required to not-believe in things that are seen?
But all humans are religious in one way or another. We all serve a master.
However, I don't understand the Left's metamorphosis from the pro-Jewish, pro-Israel stance of my childhood - to the pro-Palestinian, Muslim-apologist stance of today. Is it because Evangelical Christians now embrace Israel? Is it some self-serving attempt at self-preservation - obeisance to a growing Islamic threat that they fear? Whatever it is, it's been an amazing leap for the Left.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Fix Bayonets, Mr President
Powerline has some interesting advice for President Bush:
http://powerlineblog.com/archives/016212.php
Powerline has some interesting advice for President Bush:
http://powerlineblog.com/archives/016212.php
Is Jimmy Carter Afraid?
The Associated Press:
BOSTON (AP) — Former President Carter has decided not to visit Brandeis University to talk about his new book "Palestine: Peace not Apartheid" because he does not want to debate Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz as the university had requested.
"I don't want to have a conversation even indirectly with Dershowitz," Carter told The Boston Globe. "There is no need to for me to debate somebody who, in my opinion, knows nothing about the situation in Palestine."
http://www.masslive.com/newsflash/mass/index.ssf?/base/news-26/1166189050314600.xml&storylist=massnews&thispage=1
I think I heard on the Peter Heck Show yesterday that Carter supposedly wrote his latest book to encourage debate over the Israeli-Palestine issue.
So Jimmy, here's your chance.
It's very convenient to duck out of a debate because your opponent is somehow unworthy. Or is Jimmy afraid he'll get his rear end kicked?
The Associated Press:
BOSTON (AP) — Former President Carter has decided not to visit Brandeis University to talk about his new book "Palestine: Peace not Apartheid" because he does not want to debate Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz as the university had requested.
"I don't want to have a conversation even indirectly with Dershowitz," Carter told The Boston Globe. "There is no need to for me to debate somebody who, in my opinion, knows nothing about the situation in Palestine."
http://www.masslive.com/newsflash/mass/index.ssf?/base/news-26/1166189050314600.xml&storylist=massnews&thispage=1
I think I heard on the Peter Heck Show yesterday that Carter supposedly wrote his latest book to encourage debate over the Israeli-Palestine issue.
So Jimmy, here's your chance.
It's very convenient to duck out of a debate because your opponent is somehow unworthy. Or is Jimmy afraid he'll get his rear end kicked?
Holocaust - Shoah
We've heard all week about the Iranian Holocaust Conference. Maybe those attending haven't seen these images.
It seems the more things change - the more they stay the same. The Nazis are back. They look different, and speak in a different language... But they still hate and are telling the same lies. And they are using propaganda in the very same way.
I guarantee you that there are weak-minded, pathetic souls throughout the world - and even in this country - who are beginning to question the holocaust. They are being suckered-in by these history revisionists.
But then... What to do with these images?
holocaust
Perhaps the fine individuals at the Iranian Holocaust Conference haven't heard of the 1.5 million children who were killed.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
It's Not Just Iraq, Kiddies
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Palestinian gunmen forced a Hamas commander to his knees and shot him to death early Wednesday outside the courthouse where he worked as an Islamic judge, escalating factional tensions in the Gaza Strip and prompting the Palestinian prime minister to cut short a trip abroad.
The death came two days after three young sons of a Fatah-allied Palestinian intelligence officer were killed in a drive-by shooting, sparking renewed conflict between the rival Hamas and Fatah factions. The violence has reduced chances for a unity government and pushed the two sides closer to civil war.
Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a power struggle since Hamas ousted Fatah in parliamentary elections. More than 40 Gazans have died in battles between the two groups since Hamas took power in March.
How do these gentlemen manage to whack each other and still find time to kill innocent Israeli women and children? Islam is definitely a full-time job.
I'm having a hard time keeping my factions straight... Fatah fighting Hamas... Sunni fighting Shiite... and I certainly have no idea who to root for.
Now what we have here (below) is a little something called the Shiite Crescent. The Muslims in the green shaded area are Shiites and the rest of the Arab world is Sunni. The two groups hate each other almost as much as they hate Israel and the good old U.S.A.
Almost.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Palestinian gunmen forced a Hamas commander to his knees and shot him to death early Wednesday outside the courthouse where he worked as an Islamic judge, escalating factional tensions in the Gaza Strip and prompting the Palestinian prime minister to cut short a trip abroad.
The death came two days after three young sons of a Fatah-allied Palestinian intelligence officer were killed in a drive-by shooting, sparking renewed conflict between the rival Hamas and Fatah factions. The violence has reduced chances for a unity government and pushed the two sides closer to civil war.
Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a power struggle since Hamas ousted Fatah in parliamentary elections. More than 40 Gazans have died in battles between the two groups since Hamas took power in March.
How do these gentlemen manage to whack each other and still find time to kill innocent Israeli women and children? Islam is definitely a full-time job.
I'm having a hard time keeping my factions straight... Fatah fighting Hamas... Sunni fighting Shiite... and I certainly have no idea who to root for.
Now what we have here (below) is a little something called the Shiite Crescent. The Muslims in the green shaded area are Shiites and the rest of the Arab world is Sunni. The two groups hate each other almost as much as they hate Israel and the good old U.S.A.
Almost.
From CNN: WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has warned Vice President Dick Cheney that Saudi Arabia would back the Sunnis if the United States pulls out of Iraq, according to a senior American official.
The official said the king "read the riot act" to the vice president when the two met last month in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
Get the picture? This entire region could blow (Yes... I know) and if that happens the most devastating aspect will be the increased migration and immigration of refugees throughout the world - carrying this lovely peaceful religion and culture with them.
If for no other reason than preventing the further spreading of all this fun, we need to give the new government in Iraq every chance to survive.
Check out "If Israel Ceased to Exist..." over at Logic Lifeline to get the skinny who's threatening who in Lebanon. Great reading.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Mitt Romney and Illegals
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is weighing a White House bid, signed an agreement Wednesday that allows Massachusetts State Police troopers to detain illegal aliens they encounter over the course of their normal duties.
Under the terms of the agreement, made with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, an initial group of 30 troopers will receive five weeks of specialized training next year, paid by the federal government.
The governor, who has been burnishing his conservative credentials in anticipation of a campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, has advocated building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to check the flow of illegals into the country.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/12/13/122728.shtml?s=ic
Already I like Romney more than George W.
But the Wonkette trashes the would-be candidate:
The Mormon Masshole and his bid for the White House are in serious trouble, due to the fact that Americans are creeped out by Mormons. New polls show 43% of voters will never pick a Mormon for president, because the Church of the Latter Day Saints isn’t crazy in the same exact way as Christianity.
http://www.wonkette.com/politics/2008/mitt-romneys-underwear-coverup-217378.php
The American people may give Romney a chance, just as they did a Catholic (oh my!) back in 1960. And Romney might turn the "illegal thing" into a winning issue. The picture below was taken in the West Wing of the White House circa 1970. Mitt is on your right. The "dish" is his wife.
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is weighing a White House bid, signed an agreement Wednesday that allows Massachusetts State Police troopers to detain illegal aliens they encounter over the course of their normal duties.
Under the terms of the agreement, made with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, an initial group of 30 troopers will receive five weeks of specialized training next year, paid by the federal government.
The governor, who has been burnishing his conservative credentials in anticipation of a campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, has advocated building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to check the flow of illegals into the country.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/12/13/122728.shtml?s=ic
Already I like Romney more than George W.
But the Wonkette trashes the would-be candidate:
The Mormon Masshole and his bid for the White House are in serious trouble, due to the fact that Americans are creeped out by Mormons. New polls show 43% of voters will never pick a Mormon for president, because the Church of the Latter Day Saints isn’t crazy in the same exact way as Christianity.
http://www.wonkette.com/politics/2008/mitt-romneys-underwear-coverup-217378.php
The American people may give Romney a chance, just as they did a Catholic (oh my!) back in 1960. And Romney might turn the "illegal thing" into a winning issue. The picture below was taken in the West Wing of the White House circa 1970. Mitt is on your right. The "dish" is his wife.
Mitt Romney was born March 12, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. He is the son of Lenore Romney and former Michigan governor, Housing and Urban Development Secretary and presidential candidate George W. Romney. Romney has three siblings: Lynn, Jane, and G. Scott.
Romney has been married to his wife, Ann Romney, since 1969. They have five sons (Tagg, Matt, Josh, Ben and Craig) and ten grandchildren. Ann Romney was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998.
After attending Stanford University for two quarters, Romney served for 30 months as a Mormon missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France. Upon returning from France he transferred to Brigham Young University, where he was valedictorian, earning his B.A. with Highest Honors in 1971. In 1975, Romney completed the degree of M.B.A., graduating in the top 5 percent of his class from Harvard Business School. He was named a Baker Scholar. In 1975 he also received his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School. He is also an Eagle Scout. (from Wikipedia)
America will trust an Eagle Scout, even if he is a Mormon.
Attractive African-American to Run for President
Gentlemen's Quarterly recently caught up with a very busy Howard Dean and asked about the reaction among Democrats to the meteoric rise in popularity of their newest Presidential Candidate.
Gentlemen's Quarterly recently caught up with a very busy Howard Dean and asked about the reaction among Democrats to the meteoric rise in popularity of their newest Presidential Candidate.
GQ: What is the reaction among Democrats to the meteoric rise in popularity of your newest Presidential Candidate?
Dean: There are high-fives and backslapping like you wouldn't believe. We've got a winner here.
GQ: And it's not all just a bunch of hype?
Dean: No, we've checked this one out and we're convinced that we've got a Negro we can sell. And it's about time. The Republicans have been snatching up all the good ones.
GQ. You've fielded other black candidates. Why is this man special?
GQ. You've fielded other black candidates. Why is this man special?
Dean: Oh, please.... This one's smart! And, he's educated. He's articulate for crying out loud. He's even half white, so his skin color isn't too dark, if you know what I mean. Well just look at him, he stands up straight and has good teeth... If he can dance around the issues, this boy is going to rise to the top in no time.
GQ: We understand he is very liberal. He even supports partial-birth abortion.
Dean: Hey, this guy is teflon-incarnate. He has the ability to talk and say absolutely nothing. Besides, anyone who criticizes him in anyway has got to be a racist - and we all know the power of the race card!
GQ: But he has authored no meaningful legislation in his first two years as Senator. The only accomplishment we've been able to turn up is that he gave one speech at the Democrat National Convention.
Dean: Well now that sounds like something a racist would bring up. Gentleman's Quarterly isn't...
GQ: Oh, no no no... you misunderstood. I would never suggest that any African-American was inexperienced or unaccomplished in any way at any time...
Dean: Well alright then... You may proceed.
GQ: Oh thank you. Thank you very much. No really, thank you... Really.
Uh, this man's father was an upper class Kenyan who divorced his mother when he was two years old. Your candidate was raised by whites and educated in a private school in Hawaii.
Dean: Yeah, ain't it great!
GQ: But will American Blacks support a man who may be black, but has nothing in common with them?
Dean: As always, the Coloreds will vote for whomever we tell them to.
GQ: You mean African-Americans?
Dean: Uh, yeah, you know, the Negroes. Besides, they're not the target audience. We're looking to solidify the "white-liberal guilt-vote", and we've got the guy who is just black enough to get the job done, but not so black as to scare anybody away. Shoot, he sounds white on the radio! He's perfect!
GQ: But what if the Republicans counter with Condoleeza Rice, a sharecropper's grand-daughter, raised in Alabama...
Dean: No, Condi Rice is a right-wing, Uncle Tom, buck-toothed, Oreo-Bitch.
GQ: Oh. Of Course.
http://www.gentlemansquarterly.com
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Kofi
Yesterday I listened to as much of Kofi Annan's farewell address as I could stomach, which wasn't much. He took a few self-righteous moments to scold the Bush Administration.
"Human rights and the rule of law are vital to global security and prosperity," Annan's text said. When the U.S. "appears to abandon its own ideals and objectives, its friends abroad are naturally troubled and confused," he said.
"[President Truman] believed strongly that henceforth security must be collective and indivisible. That was why, for instance, that he insisted when faced with aggression by North Korea against the South in 1950, on bringing the issue to the United Nations," Annan said.
"Against such threats as these, no nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others."
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/11/D8LUN86O0.html
Gee Kofi, some of us think Harry Truman would have done exactly what George Bush and Congress chose to do - bypass the impotent and corrupt U.N. and build its own coalition.
And speaking of corruption.
Srebrenica is rarely mentioned nowadays in Annan’s offices on the 38th floor of the UN secretariat building in New York. He steps down in December after a decade as secretary-general. His retirement will be marked by plaudits. But behind the honorifics and the accolades lies a darker story: of incompetence, mismanagement and worse. Annan was the head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) between March 1993 and December 1996. The Srebrenica massacre of up to 8,000 men and boys and the slaughter of 800,000 people in Rwanda happened on his watch. In Bosnia and Rwanda, UN officials directed peacekeepers to stand back from the killing, their concern apparently to guard the UN’s status as a neutral observer. This was a shock to those who believed the UN was there to help them.
Annan’s term has also been marked by scandal: from the sexual abuse of women and children in the Congo by UN peacekeepers to the greatest financial scam in history, the UN-administered oil-for-food programme. Arguably, a trial of the UN would be more apt than a leaving party.
The charge sheet would include guarding its own interests over those it supposedly protects; endemic opacity and lack of accountability; obstructing investigations, promoting the inept and marginalising the dedicated. Such accusations can be made against many organisations. But the UN is different. It has a moral mission.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2099-2368626_1,00.html
Hearing Kofi pontificate about the shortcomings and excesses of the Bush Administration is very much like listening to Ted Kennedy lecturing conservative Supreme Court nominees on morality. It's like hearing Jimmy Carter criticize a sitting president - offering the same wisdom and expertise that drove this country to perhaps its lowest point in its history... Mmm... That would be the Carter years.
Goodbye, Kofi. Perhaps your greatest accomplishment is that through your corruption and incompetence, the cold light of truth was shined upon the biggest global joke in the history of the planet... Mmm ...That would be the United Nations.
Yesterday I listened to as much of Kofi Annan's farewell address as I could stomach, which wasn't much. He took a few self-righteous moments to scold the Bush Administration.
"Human rights and the rule of law are vital to global security and prosperity," Annan's text said. When the U.S. "appears to abandon its own ideals and objectives, its friends abroad are naturally troubled and confused," he said.
"[President Truman] believed strongly that henceforth security must be collective and indivisible. That was why, for instance, that he insisted when faced with aggression by North Korea against the South in 1950, on bringing the issue to the United Nations," Annan said.
"Against such threats as these, no nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others."
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/11/D8LUN86O0.html
Gee Kofi, some of us think Harry Truman would have done exactly what George Bush and Congress chose to do - bypass the impotent and corrupt U.N. and build its own coalition.
And speaking of corruption.
Srebrenica is rarely mentioned nowadays in Annan’s offices on the 38th floor of the UN secretariat building in New York. He steps down in December after a decade as secretary-general. His retirement will be marked by plaudits. But behind the honorifics and the accolades lies a darker story: of incompetence, mismanagement and worse. Annan was the head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) between March 1993 and December 1996. The Srebrenica massacre of up to 8,000 men and boys and the slaughter of 800,000 people in Rwanda happened on his watch. In Bosnia and Rwanda, UN officials directed peacekeepers to stand back from the killing, their concern apparently to guard the UN’s status as a neutral observer. This was a shock to those who believed the UN was there to help them.
Annan’s term has also been marked by scandal: from the sexual abuse of women and children in the Congo by UN peacekeepers to the greatest financial scam in history, the UN-administered oil-for-food programme. Arguably, a trial of the UN would be more apt than a leaving party.
The charge sheet would include guarding its own interests over those it supposedly protects; endemic opacity and lack of accountability; obstructing investigations, promoting the inept and marginalising the dedicated. Such accusations can be made against many organisations. But the UN is different. It has a moral mission.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2099-2368626_1,00.html
Hearing Kofi pontificate about the shortcomings and excesses of the Bush Administration is very much like listening to Ted Kennedy lecturing conservative Supreme Court nominees on morality. It's like hearing Jimmy Carter criticize a sitting president - offering the same wisdom and expertise that drove this country to perhaps its lowest point in its history... Mmm... That would be the Carter years.
Goodbye, Kofi. Perhaps your greatest accomplishment is that through your corruption and incompetence, the cold light of truth was shined upon the biggest global joke in the history of the planet... Mmm ...That would be the United Nations.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Common Thread
The following is excerpts from a speech by Don Feder:
Consider the inter-connectedness of the following incidents, all of which took place in the past few months:
In Indonesia, three Christian schoolgirls were beheaded.
In Iraq, a Syrian Orthodox priest was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered.
In Somalia, a nun was shot to death as she left the hospital where she worked, tending the sick and dying.
In Lebanon, just days ago, a cabinet minister was assassinated.
In Britain, authorities uncovered a conspiracy in which native-born Brits plotted to blow up several trans-Atlantic flights, killing as many as 3,000.
In Afghanistan, suicide bombers are at work again.
In Iraq, they never stopped. Additionally, the week before last, a group of worshippers were abducted from a mosque, doused with gasoline and burned to death in what’s described as “sectarian violence.”
In France, a high school philosophy teacher is in hiding after very credible death threats following publication of a September 19th commentary in Le Figaro.
Some 139 people died in riots in Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan, and Afghanistan – following the publication of Danish cartoons.
Europe is experiencing the worst wave of anti-Semitic violence since Kristallnacht. The former director of the U.S. Holocaust Museum reports there an average of 12 assaults a day on Jews in Paris.
In Kosovo, 90 percent of Serbs gave been ethnically cleansed from the province since 1999. The rest live in a state of siege.
In Mumbai, India, a series of blasts killed almost 200.
In Gaza, terrorists recently celebrated the latest “ceasefire” by raining more rockets on southern Israel.
And the leader of more than a billion Catholics received death threats and demands that he convert after giving a speech in which he called for a balance of faith and reason, and quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor.
What do the foregoing have in common?
To quote columnist Mark Steyn, in his excellent book America Alone: The End of The World As We Know It, it begins with an “I” and ends with a “slam.”
I am not saying that all Muslims are terrorists. I am saying that almost all terrorists are Muslims – the mother of all no-brainers – and that Islam is a faith that is, shall we say, terrorism-friendly.
****************
But we make a fatal mistake if we think of Islam only in terms of suicide bombings, sniper attacks, death threats, forced conversions, female genital mutilation, honor killings, jihad-this and fatwah-that.
Every bit as important is what’s going on in maternity wards from Brussels to Bombay.
Fertility rates in the Muslim world look like this: Niger (7.46 children per woman), Mali (7.42), Somalia (6.76), Afghanistan (6.69), and Yemen (6.58).
You can talk all you want about population control being the happy result of higher standards of living, careers for women, sex education, contraception and access to abortion. In fact, it’s becoming the assisted suicide of the West. What it really comes boils to is this: Confident societies have babies. People with a sense of mission have children. Nations with a sense of destiny and faith in the future fill maternity wards, and nurseries and cradles.
Those that believe in God as a vague, philosophical concept (if He exists at all), don’t. Instead of the future, they put their trust in 401(k) plans, elaborate state welfare systems, and gated retirement communities.
*****************
In retrospect, it’s easy to see that a number of events in the 1930s were steps leading to the Second World War: Hitler’s rise to power, the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, German and Italian intervention in the Spanish Civil War, the Japanese conquest of Manchuria, and so on. It’s always easier to see the interconnectedness of events and the significance of trends in retrospect – well after the fact. But at least after Pearl Harbor, most Americans understood that they were at war. It’s been five years since this generation’s Pearl Harbor, and most of us still don’t have a clue.
Well, my friends, we truly are all in this together – Jews and Catholics, Lebanese Christians and Hindus, Orthodox Serbs, and Indonesian Christians. Until we begin to understand that, we have no hope of countering the global jihad. When Zionists start caring about the fate of Serbs in Kosovo, when Hindus support Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria (designated the West Bank), when Serbs stand up for Indian Kashmir, then we will begin making progress.
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=25888
Unfortunately we just elected a majority in Congress whose heroes are not young soldiers on a battlefield, but rather those who hold up placards and march in front of the White House. This new Congress sees all war as a replaying of Vietnam - where victory comes only when we withdraw. To them, policy is not the making of tough decisions, but rather a scheme used to acquire power - and is determined by polls.
The Democrats have been wildly successful in their use of propaganda to sabotage our efforts in Iraq and hamstring the efforts of any future President who would be so foolish as to attempt to make war against Radical Islam.
But one day we will have to face this growing menace - when they are stronger - and I predict the Democrats will once again be there - to give away our secrets, encourage our enemies, and protect the rights of those who would destroy us.
The following is excerpts from a speech by Don Feder:
Consider the inter-connectedness of the following incidents, all of which took place in the past few months:
In Indonesia, three Christian schoolgirls were beheaded.
In Iraq, a Syrian Orthodox priest was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered.
In Somalia, a nun was shot to death as she left the hospital where she worked, tending the sick and dying.
In Lebanon, just days ago, a cabinet minister was assassinated.
In Britain, authorities uncovered a conspiracy in which native-born Brits plotted to blow up several trans-Atlantic flights, killing as many as 3,000.
In Afghanistan, suicide bombers are at work again.
In Iraq, they never stopped. Additionally, the week before last, a group of worshippers were abducted from a mosque, doused with gasoline and burned to death in what’s described as “sectarian violence.”
In France, a high school philosophy teacher is in hiding after very credible death threats following publication of a September 19th commentary in Le Figaro.
Some 139 people died in riots in Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan, and Afghanistan – following the publication of Danish cartoons.
Europe is experiencing the worst wave of anti-Semitic violence since Kristallnacht. The former director of the U.S. Holocaust Museum reports there an average of 12 assaults a day on Jews in Paris.
In Kosovo, 90 percent of Serbs gave been ethnically cleansed from the province since 1999. The rest live in a state of siege.
In Mumbai, India, a series of blasts killed almost 200.
In Gaza, terrorists recently celebrated the latest “ceasefire” by raining more rockets on southern Israel.
And the leader of more than a billion Catholics received death threats and demands that he convert after giving a speech in which he called for a balance of faith and reason, and quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor.
What do the foregoing have in common?
To quote columnist Mark Steyn, in his excellent book America Alone: The End of The World As We Know It, it begins with an “I” and ends with a “slam.”
I am not saying that all Muslims are terrorists. I am saying that almost all terrorists are Muslims – the mother of all no-brainers – and that Islam is a faith that is, shall we say, terrorism-friendly.
****************
But we make a fatal mistake if we think of Islam only in terms of suicide bombings, sniper attacks, death threats, forced conversions, female genital mutilation, honor killings, jihad-this and fatwah-that.
Every bit as important is what’s going on in maternity wards from Brussels to Bombay.
Fertility rates in the Muslim world look like this: Niger (7.46 children per woman), Mali (7.42), Somalia (6.76), Afghanistan (6.69), and Yemen (6.58).
You can talk all you want about population control being the happy result of higher standards of living, careers for women, sex education, contraception and access to abortion. In fact, it’s becoming the assisted suicide of the West. What it really comes boils to is this: Confident societies have babies. People with a sense of mission have children. Nations with a sense of destiny and faith in the future fill maternity wards, and nurseries and cradles.
Those that believe in God as a vague, philosophical concept (if He exists at all), don’t. Instead of the future, they put their trust in 401(k) plans, elaborate state welfare systems, and gated retirement communities.
*****************
In retrospect, it’s easy to see that a number of events in the 1930s were steps leading to the Second World War: Hitler’s rise to power, the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, German and Italian intervention in the Spanish Civil War, the Japanese conquest of Manchuria, and so on. It’s always easier to see the interconnectedness of events and the significance of trends in retrospect – well after the fact. But at least after Pearl Harbor, most Americans understood that they were at war. It’s been five years since this generation’s Pearl Harbor, and most of us still don’t have a clue.
Well, my friends, we truly are all in this together – Jews and Catholics, Lebanese Christians and Hindus, Orthodox Serbs, and Indonesian Christians. Until we begin to understand that, we have no hope of countering the global jihad. When Zionists start caring about the fate of Serbs in Kosovo, when Hindus support Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria (designated the West Bank), when Serbs stand up for Indian Kashmir, then we will begin making progress.
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=25888
Unfortunately we just elected a majority in Congress whose heroes are not young soldiers on a battlefield, but rather those who hold up placards and march in front of the White House. This new Congress sees all war as a replaying of Vietnam - where victory comes only when we withdraw. To them, policy is not the making of tough decisions, but rather a scheme used to acquire power - and is determined by polls.
The Democrats have been wildly successful in their use of propaganda to sabotage our efforts in Iraq and hamstring the efforts of any future President who would be so foolish as to attempt to make war against Radical Islam.
But one day we will have to face this growing menace - when they are stronger - and I predict the Democrats will once again be there - to give away our secrets, encourage our enemies, and protect the rights of those who would destroy us.
Friday, December 08, 2006
The Golden Globe Awards
I'm re-submitting this post because I've recently been blogging at a site that I suspect many gays frequent. I would be interested in hearing their comments. They may not accept my invitation and follow me here to comment, but it's worth a try.
Hollywood isn't just about making money. They have several liberal causes that they promote through their products and these promotions are more a kind of subtle societal indoctrination than entertainment. One of these causes is to change the way America perceives homosexuality, and those who are most susceptible to their influences are the young.
While I'm sure for many in Hollywood their motivation is compassion, there is nothing compassionate about facilitating the development of appetites and habits that lead to disease and an early death.
Walter E Williams writes:
According to a study titled, "The Longevity of Homosexuals," in the Omega Journal of Death and Dying in 1994, the median age of death from AIDS is 37 and death from other causes 42. In another study, "Does Homosexual Activity Shorten Life?" in Psychological Reports in 1998, the average life expectancy of homosexuals is 20 to 30 years less than heterosexuals. http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/walterwilliams/2003/12/31/160650.html
Today, confused young men who are looking for identity, love, and acceptance are lured into a destructive life-style... the same young men that would perhaps have grown past this vulnerability 50 years ago.
What I have heard from sources I trust is that human sexuality is not black and white, or positive and negative. It lies on an arc. There is a gray area and that gray area is more expansive and accessible in the young.
I know every human being is different, but I figure there are many men and women walking around out there who are leading healthy heterosexual lives only because of the positive and moral influences that accompanied their adolescence and young adulthood.
So here enters Hollywood. Last evening "Brokeback Mountain," the movie about two Gay cowboys, won four Golden Globe Awards and will probably do as well at the Oscars. While Hollywood supports their friends who have already made a perhaps deadly choice, they influence many who are teetering in an insecure world and struggling with their needs, conscience, and self control.
I'm re-submitting this post because I've recently been blogging at a site that I suspect many gays frequent. I would be interested in hearing their comments. They may not accept my invitation and follow me here to comment, but it's worth a try.
Hollywood isn't just about making money. They have several liberal causes that they promote through their products and these promotions are more a kind of subtle societal indoctrination than entertainment. One of these causes is to change the way America perceives homosexuality, and those who are most susceptible to their influences are the young.
While I'm sure for many in Hollywood their motivation is compassion, there is nothing compassionate about facilitating the development of appetites and habits that lead to disease and an early death.
Walter E Williams writes:
According to a study titled, "The Longevity of Homosexuals," in the Omega Journal of Death and Dying in 1994, the median age of death from AIDS is 37 and death from other causes 42. In another study, "Does Homosexual Activity Shorten Life?" in Psychological Reports in 1998, the average life expectancy of homosexuals is 20 to 30 years less than heterosexuals. http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/walterwilliams/2003/12/31/160650.html
Today, confused young men who are looking for identity, love, and acceptance are lured into a destructive life-style... the same young men that would perhaps have grown past this vulnerability 50 years ago.
What I have heard from sources I trust is that human sexuality is not black and white, or positive and negative. It lies on an arc. There is a gray area and that gray area is more expansive and accessible in the young.
I know every human being is different, but I figure there are many men and women walking around out there who are leading healthy heterosexual lives only because of the positive and moral influences that accompanied their adolescence and young adulthood.
So here enters Hollywood. Last evening "Brokeback Mountain," the movie about two Gay cowboys, won four Golden Globe Awards and will probably do as well at the Oscars. While Hollywood supports their friends who have already made a perhaps deadly choice, they influence many who are teetering in an insecure world and struggling with their needs, conscience, and self control.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Helen
This is the female I used to sleep with. Her name was Helen.
I snapped this photo after one of her baths. Don't get the wrong idea. We slept together, but we bathed separately. That's how Helen wanted it.
She was Laborador Retriever, born on June 1st 1986. On July 19th I carried her into my house in one hand.
Helen developed a cancer on her nose and I had to have her put to sleep, October 7th, 1994.
In her 8 years, 4 months, and 7 days, Helen never bit anyone. She never even growled at anyone, except in play. I miss her.
Malott Nominated
A left-wing site has nominated me for the "Pot, Meet Kettle" Award.
Evidently someone cherry picked a couple paragraphs from a recent post of mine. The comments are pretty amazing.
You can defend my honor here:
http://www.fstdt.com/bottom.asp?view=normal
A left-wing site has nominated me for the "Pot, Meet Kettle" Award.
Evidently someone cherry picked a couple paragraphs from a recent post of mine. The comments are pretty amazing.
You can defend my honor here:
http://www.fstdt.com/bottom.asp?view=normal
Graduation Rates
When you got up this morning you probably wondered, "What are the graduation rates among the Bowl teams?"
Ohio State
White: 85
Black: 32
Florida
White: 91
Black: 74
Michigan
White 91
Black: 50
Southern Cal
White: 61
Black: 46
LSU
White: 73
Black: 37
Louisville
White: 65
Bklack 47
Wisconsin
White: 72
Black: 44
Boise State
White: 76
Black: 50
Auburn
White: 85
Black: 52
Oklahoma
White: 67
Black: 43
Georgia
White: 72
Black: 24
Cal
White: 48
Black: 38
Notre Dame
White: 100
Black: 90
College Football is what it is, but I wish there was another option for kids who have no interest in getting a degree. Same for College Basketball. The "Student Athlete" concept loses much of its charm when it is really just another bunch of professionals getting paid with room and board.
Source: 2006 NCAA Graduation Rates Report
When you got up this morning you probably wondered, "What are the graduation rates among the Bowl teams?"
Ohio State
White: 85
Black: 32
Florida
White: 91
Black: 74
Michigan
White 91
Black: 50
Southern Cal
White: 61
Black: 46
LSU
White: 73
Black: 37
Louisville
White: 65
Bklack 47
Wisconsin
White: 72
Black: 44
Boise State
White: 76
Black: 50
Auburn
White: 85
Black: 52
Oklahoma
White: 67
Black: 43
Georgia
White: 72
Black: 24
Cal
White: 48
Black: 38
Notre Dame
White: 100
Black: 90
College Football is what it is, but I wish there was another option for kids who have no interest in getting a degree. Same for College Basketball. The "Student Athlete" concept loses much of its charm when it is really just another bunch of professionals getting paid with room and board.
Source: 2006 NCAA Graduation Rates Report
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Warren and Obama
I was over at Josh's Blog (nice site) reading about Barrack Obama's invitation to the 2nd Annual Global Summit on Aids at Rick Warren's (of -A Purpose Driven Life- fame) Saddleback Church.
Josh says: I don't get this. Here we have a very influential leader in the church community who is going above and beyond his pastor calling to help those around the world who suffer from a devastating aliment, and he is criticized.
I assumed that Obama wasn't invited for his pro-partial birth abortion stance. And as a reminder to all the "Can't we just all get along" Christians out there - PBA is the procedure in which the abortionist delivers everything but the infant's head - and while the little legs are kicking - the "Doctor" cuts a hole in the baby's head and suctions out its brains.
Obama thinks this should be legal - which makes him a monster. Giving this man any kind of face-time before Evangelical Christians, regardless of the merits of the cause, perpetuates the myth that Obama is something other than evil, and strengthens his run for the 2008 Democrat Nomination - which I figure is the only reason why Obama chose to be there.
This was a bad idea, regardless of the cause, and Rick Warren should be taking some heat.
I was over at Josh's Blog (nice site) reading about Barrack Obama's invitation to the 2nd Annual Global Summit on Aids at Rick Warren's (of -A Purpose Driven Life- fame) Saddleback Church.
Josh says: I don't get this. Here we have a very influential leader in the church community who is going above and beyond his pastor calling to help those around the world who suffer from a devastating aliment, and he is criticized.
I assumed that Obama wasn't invited for his pro-partial birth abortion stance. And as a reminder to all the "Can't we just all get along" Christians out there - PBA is the procedure in which the abortionist delivers everything but the infant's head - and while the little legs are kicking - the "Doctor" cuts a hole in the baby's head and suctions out its brains.
Obama thinks this should be legal - which makes him a monster. Giving this man any kind of face-time before Evangelical Christians, regardless of the merits of the cause, perpetuates the myth that Obama is something other than evil, and strengthens his run for the 2008 Democrat Nomination - which I figure is the only reason why Obama chose to be there.
This was a bad idea, regardless of the cause, and Rick Warren should be taking some heat.
Interrupted Prayers
DEARBORN -- Fitness USA, a gym chain, is investigating an alleged civil rights violation involving a local Muslim woman who says her afternoon prayer was interrupted by a fellow patron, and that her complaint to management about the situation was rejected.
"The manager told me, 'You have to respect her (the patron), but she does not have to respect your God,' " said Wardeh Sultan of Dearborn. "I've had my membership for seven or eight years, and I've never had a problem with praying there.
Born in Jordan, of Palestinian descent, Sultan arrived in Detroit 17 years ago, before moving to Dearborn. She is an American citizen.
Sultan said she came to the United States to secure her freedom and to avoid intolerance.
"We're here in the great United States and for this happening, it truly breaks my heart," she said. "You know, things are starting to change backwards, instead of frontward. We need to keep this United States, our country, up on our shoulders. We don't want it to go down."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/LIFESTYLE04/612050368
Ms. Sultan needs to remember one of the basics that makes this country great... freedom of speech, which includes the freedom to be rude. And, it sounds as if Sultan's tolerance is a one-way street.
Muslims in this country walk around like they own the place... because they're beginning to think they do... and we know they think that they should. There is a "racist-like" element in their attitude towards their fellow Americans. They don't like us. They want us to adapt to them and be subservient to their religious needs and preferences.
Giving in to their nonsense is the first step down a road that we don't want to travel. It's a road known very well in Europe.
We each victory of Jihad in the world, and each concession made in the U.S. - the American Muslims' audacity and brazenness will increase.
So bring out the cartoons, interrupt the prayers, and throw Imam from the plane. We will not be intimidated. Our laws will not be infected with Sharia. We will not be colonized.
DEARBORN -- Fitness USA, a gym chain, is investigating an alleged civil rights violation involving a local Muslim woman who says her afternoon prayer was interrupted by a fellow patron, and that her complaint to management about the situation was rejected.
"The manager told me, 'You have to respect her (the patron), but she does not have to respect your God,' " said Wardeh Sultan of Dearborn. "I've had my membership for seven or eight years, and I've never had a problem with praying there.
Born in Jordan, of Palestinian descent, Sultan arrived in Detroit 17 years ago, before moving to Dearborn. She is an American citizen.
Sultan said she came to the United States to secure her freedom and to avoid intolerance.
"We're here in the great United States and for this happening, it truly breaks my heart," she said. "You know, things are starting to change backwards, instead of frontward. We need to keep this United States, our country, up on our shoulders. We don't want it to go down."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/LIFESTYLE04/612050368
Ms. Sultan needs to remember one of the basics that makes this country great... freedom of speech, which includes the freedom to be rude. And, it sounds as if Sultan's tolerance is a one-way street.
Muslims in this country walk around like they own the place... because they're beginning to think they do... and we know they think that they should. There is a "racist-like" element in their attitude towards their fellow Americans. They don't like us. They want us to adapt to them and be subservient to their religious needs and preferences.
Giving in to their nonsense is the first step down a road that we don't want to travel. It's a road known very well in Europe.
We each victory of Jihad in the world, and each concession made in the U.S. - the American Muslims' audacity and brazenness will increase.
So bring out the cartoons, interrupt the prayers, and throw Imam from the plane. We will not be intimidated. Our laws will not be infected with Sharia. We will not be colonized.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Can You Find the Immigrant in This Picture?
You don't want to get her started.
Not all immigrants are created equal. That is to say, when the "golden door" opens and a new immigrant passes beneath the "lifted lamp," sometimes we get a deal... and sometimes we don't do as well.
I've been working with the lady in the picture - the one that doesn't look like your typical Hoosier - for over ten years now. Everyone is always glad to see her when she arrives at work because she works hard and is in a perpetual good mood. When she's not working with us us, she is at her second job. There are rumors that she actually does take a day off now and then.
She was born in the Philippines - her father participated in the Bataan Death March. She came to this country the old fashioned way...legally. She paid the money... She did the paperwork... And one day she lifted her right hand, said a few words, and became an American.
I've met and worked with many people who were born in the Philippines. When two of them are alone together they usually chatter away in Tagalog, but when an Anglo enters the room they generally switch to English - because anything else would be impolite.
Unlike Muslim immigrants, Filipinos have found no need for a Council for American-Filipino Relations. And, unlike many illegals, they don't demand that their children be taught in their native tongue - oddly these people expect to speak English in the United States. They don't whine, they don't complain - they just work and raise their families.
From my experience with these people I've come to the following conclusion: If one day you miraculously transported half the Philippine population to America, two things would be true.
1) There would be a big jump in unemployment... but just for a couple days. These people would find work.
2) Our culture would not change.
Why do these Filipinos - unlike others - make such great and successful immigrants? Simple. First of all they come from a Christian Country with Christian values - a country whose citizens are not raised to expect the government to take care of them. They have pride in themselves. They don't come here to hide and rip us off. They come to play by the rules and make a better life for themselves - and they're ready to work for it. They don't expect us to change for them - they expect to adapt.
And how does my immigrant friend feel about illegal immigration? How does she feel about the years and money she's spent trying to get her daughter - a registered nurse - legally into this country through legal channels - while freeloaders illegally cross the border with impunity?You don't want to get her started.
Friday, December 01, 2006
In Afghanistan
While Liberal Women's Groups fight for abortion and rally for pacifist, cut and run Dems...
The gunmen came at night to drag Mohammed Halim away from his home, in front of his crying children and his wife begging for mercy.
The 46-year-old schoolteacher tried to reassure his family that he would return safely. But his life was over, he was part-disembowelled and then torn apart with his arms and legs tied to motorbikes, the remains put on display as a warning to others against defying Taliban orders to stop educating girls.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article2023831.ece
I guess the Taliban will have to come out against abortion before NOW or NARAL will find the War on Terror appealing.
But to be fair, if Hillary Clinton is elected President - she could make Women's Rights in Islam an effective call to arms. Well, any pro-choice Liberal probably could, once they extracted the issue from George Bush and his policies. But favoring the death of the dreaded fetus - the cure for sperm poisoning - that disease spread by the hated males... that must come first.
While Liberal Women's Groups fight for abortion and rally for pacifist, cut and run Dems...
The gunmen came at night to drag Mohammed Halim away from his home, in front of his crying children and his wife begging for mercy.
The 46-year-old schoolteacher tried to reassure his family that he would return safely. But his life was over, he was part-disembowelled and then torn apart with his arms and legs tied to motorbikes, the remains put on display as a warning to others against defying Taliban orders to stop educating girls.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article2023831.ece
I guess the Taliban will have to come out against abortion before NOW or NARAL will find the War on Terror appealing.
But to be fair, if Hillary Clinton is elected President - she could make Women's Rights in Islam an effective call to arms. Well, any pro-choice Liberal probably could, once they extracted the issue from George Bush and his policies. But favoring the death of the dreaded fetus - the cure for sperm poisoning - that disease spread by the hated males... that must come first.
Muslims May Boycott U.S. Airways
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Six Muslim clerics who were refused tickets by US Airways booked a flights back home Tuesday on another airline, but it still wasn't clear what led to their removal from their original flight.
"They took us off the plane, humiliated us in a very disrespectful way," Shahin said after the incident on Monday night.
The next morning Shahin called for Muslims and non-Muslims to boycott US Airways unless the company changes its ways.
The next day U.S. Airways responded with a new advertising campaign.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Six Muslim clerics who were refused tickets by US Airways booked a flights back home Tuesday on another airline, but it still wasn't clear what led to their removal from their original flight.
"They took us off the plane, humiliated us in a very disrespectful way," Shahin said after the incident on Monday night.
The next morning Shahin called for Muslims and non-Muslims to boycott US Airways unless the company changes its ways.
The next day U.S. Airways responded with a new advertising campaign.
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